Leo33 artist Ashland Craft is gearing up for the release of her upcoming album, Dive Bar Beauty Queen, on May 30.

In celebration of the announcement, she’s releasing her deeply personal new single, “Momma Don’t Pray Like She Used To,” out today on all streaming platforms.

Written by Craft, Jess Grommet, Willie Morrison and Corey Elizabeth Grogan, “Momma Don’t Pray Like She Used To” reflects a softer, more introspective side of Craft as she confronts change, nostalgia and evolving faith with honesty and grit. The song is just one of 11 tracks on Dive Bar Beauty Queen, which also features previously-released singles “Lie A Little,” “Morning Person,” “Right Damn Now” and more. The album is a bold and unapologetic statement from an artist known for her fearless honesty and Southern grit.

“This new album is the perfect blend of so many of my favorite musical influences,” says Ashland. “It’s honest, it’s rough around the edges, it’s meant to make you move and dance, and it captures exactly where I’m at in life & in music right now. The latest release, ‘Momma Don’t Pray Like She Used To’ is such a special one—it’s personal and reflective, which is  exciting territory for me, and it speaks to the growth and changes that we all face while growing up. ”

Craft is currently co-headlining “The Rollin’ Stoned Tour” with Meghan Patrick across the U.S., and this summer, will also join Luke Bryan on select dates of his “Country Song Came On Tour.”

Dive Bar Beauty Queen Track List:
1. “Dive Bar Beauty Queen” (Ashland Craft)
2. “Hangin’ Up The Honkytonk” (Ashland Craft, Ben Stennis, Erik Dylan)
3. “Lie A Little” (Bryan Simpson, Kelly Archer, Mark Irwin)
4. “Wasn’t The Chevy” (Ashland Craft, Trannie Anderson, Marla Cannon)
5. “Yard Sale” (Ashland Craft, Kasey Tyndall, Lee Starr)
6. “Kick Rocks Cowboy” (Ashland Craft, Jonathan Singleton, Shane Minor)
7. “Happy Drunk” (Ashland Craft, Kasey Tyndall, Tori Allen)
8. “Right Damn Now” (Ashland Craft, Wyatt McCubbin, Erik Dylan)
9. “Doesn’t Have To Be That Way” (Ashland Craft, Lee Starr, Marv Green)
10. “Momma Don’t Pray Like She Used To” (Ashland Craft, Jess Grommet, Willie Morrison, Corey Elizabeth Grogan)
11. “Morning Person” (Ashland Craft, Faren Rachels, Dallas Wilson, Trannie Anderson)

Photo: NSAI/Brittni Talley

The Nashville Songwriters Association International recently held its annual Member Awards with presenting partner Regions Bank recognizing and honoring its members and industry supporters who are invaluable to the organization during Tin Pan South week.

Bart Herbison (NSAI Executive Director) with Terry Seay, recipient of NSAI’s Champion Award, given to honor both Terry and Wanda Seay. Photo: NSAI/Brittni Talley

The morning celebration at 3rd and Lindsley Nashville honored over a dozen individuals including standout NSAI members and industry supporters who have given their time and dedication to the organization and songwriters. With special performances, surprise guests and many heartfelt moments, the awards showcased the supportive community created by NSAI for songwriters.

Delaney Faulds was the first honoree, receiving the Ones To Watch Award for earning the “One To Watch” recognition the most times throughout the 2024 calendar year, then shortly after, Board Member and hit songwriter Jenn Schott stepped on stage to a performance including the No. 1 song “7500 OBO” (recorded by Tim McGraw) co-written by Schott, Nathan Spicer and Matt McGinn.

Jill Moody (NSAI Director of Songwriter Relations) with Preston Berger, a 2025 Friend of NSAI award recipient. Photo: NSAI/Brittni Talley

Several surprise guests took part in the ceremony adding a personal touch to the event for many recipients. To honor the newest Friend of NSAI Award recipients, songwriter Dan Wilson surprised Preston Berger (Senior Creative Manager, Big Machine Music) with a performance, and pro songwriter Brian White was honored with a song by hit songwriter Pete Sallis who joined Brian’s wife, accomplished singer-songwriter Karyn Williams, on stage.

Other performances took place as the morning went on including Brittany Moore (recipient of the Todd Givens Memorial Scholarship), Jamie Floyd (performing the song she co-wrote with Milestone Award recipient Joe Bigalke), Ben Wagner (Milestone Award recipient), Tim Comeaux, Andrea Brodeur and Steve Brown (performing the Member Song of the Year, “Dumpster Diving”), and a moving performance by Georgia Middleman and Gary Burr to honor Terry Seay and Wanda Seay (posthumously), recipients of the NSAI Champion Award.

Terry and Wanda Seay became beloved by songwriters and the music industry through their “Living Room Rounds” that began in 2009 and the creation of Z Music Room, which to this day, celebrates songwriters through private shows and events, continuing to support the close knit community they built and fostered over the years.

Singer-songwriter Rotundo has revealed he’ll release his debut album, We Were Desperados, on May 23. The second single from the project, “Heart Attack,” released today (April 18).

Growing up on his grandparents’ farm in Ohio, Rotundo spent his early years singing and playing piano. After graduating high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving four years on active duty. It was during his final year, while stationed in Georgia, that he rekindled his passion for country music and storytelling. Teaching himself to play guitar, he began writing songs, eventually making the move to Nashville to pursue a career in music.

We Were Desperados is a culmination of Rotundo’s wide musical influences, and features collaborations with artists Michael Ray, Tayler Holder and Jacob Hackworth.

“I’m someone that gets beautifully lost in the art of songwriting,” says Rotundo. “I love writing songs that make you feel something. I grew up on my grandparents’ farm, and at my family’s house in a smalltown suburb. I feel like you can truly hear both of those influences in my music. I relate to the storytelling of country music, and at the same time, very modern and atmospheric production.”

Fans can hear a sample of tunes from the new album when Rotundo plays at the Listening Room on May 17 with Josh Phillips and Michael Ray.

We Were Desperados Track List:
1. “All Over the Place” (Michael Rotundo, Brian Bunn, Rose Falcon)
2. “I’d Love To” (feat. Tayler Holder) (Michael Rotundo, Brian Bunn, Rose Falcon, Jacob Hackworth, Garrett Nichols)
3. “Heart Attack” (Michael Rotundo, Beau Bailey, Brian Bunn, Rose Falcon, Gabe Foust, Dylan Schneider)
4. “Nothing Against You” (Michael Rotundo, Justin F. Johnson, Delaney Ramsdell)
5. “Same Old Number” (feat. Michael Ray) (Michael Rotundo, Brian Bunn, Rose Falcon, Nate Kenyon)
6. “Memory Lane” (Michael Rotundo, Jon Decious, Justin F. Johnson)
7. “Had Me At Goodbye” (Michael Rotundo, Tony Ferrari, Jake Saghi)
8. “Drink Sometime” (feat. Jacob Hackworth) (Presley Free, Jacob Hackworth, Heath Warren)
9. “We Were Desperados” (Michael Rotundo, Rufio Hooks, Garrett Nichols, Lachlan West)