Rising newcomer Preston Cooper is set to release his debut album, Toledo Talkin’, on May 30 via The Valory Music Co. In conjunction with the announcement, Cooper has dropped the adrenaline-pumping new anthem, “One For The Road.”
Toledo Talkin’ sticks close to Cooper’s shoot-it-straight style with a high-octane energy that runs throughout the upcoming project, and features recently-released songs “Weak,” “One More Place I’ve Never Been” and “Numbers On A Mailbox.” The album, produced by Brett Warren, was built on chasing dreams, battling doubts, and learning where you stand, and finds Cooper exploring his creative coming of age.
“I love this album because it’s so personal,” Preston explains. “Coming from a small town, I worked a 9-5 at the post office and wasn’t even sure if I would make it to Nashville. This album is about me moving away and taking a chance. I’ve gone from the bar down the street, to the next state, to the country, and hopefully on to the world. My biggest hope is to make authentic, organic country music and inspire other young musicians to do the same.”
Pictured (L-R): Evan Kantor (TNA), Ryan Beuschel (TNA), Preston Cooper, Brian Carothers (TNA) and Chris Ferren (Fusion Music). Photo: Kelly Littlefield
Additionally, Cooper has signed with The Neal Agency for representation.
“Brett Warren called me in the summer of 2024 and was adamant he found someone special I needed to hear,” says General Manager of TNA Ryan Beuschel. “Anytime Brett calls, you listen. His track record speaks for itself. Ernest, Mitchell Tenpenny, among others. He played me the music they recorded with Preston, and I was blown away.”
“Its such an honor to see my name on The Neal Agency’s roster,” Cooper shares. “I came to town hoping to work with good people and that’s exactly what I found at The Neal Agency. Brian [Carothers], Ryan, Austin [Neal] and that entire team are rockstars.”
Cooper is currently on the road with Kameron Marlowe on the “Keepin’ The Lights On Tour,” and will join Riley Green on select dates of his “Damn Country Music Tour” later this year as well.
Toledo Talkin’ Track List:
1. “Weak” (Preston Cooper, Lance Miller, Brad Warren, Brett Warren)
2. “One More Place I’ve Never Been” (Preston Cooper, Brad Warren, Brett Warren)
3. “If This Table Could Talk” (Preston Cooper, Brad Warren, Brett Warren)
4. “Around Around Here” (Brad Warren, Brett Warren, Justin Weaver)
5. “The Takedown” (Preston Cooper, Brett Warren)
6. “One For The Road” (Preston Cooper, Brad Warren, Brett Warren)
7. “Numbers On A Mailbox” (Taylor Phillips, Brad Warren, Brett Warren)
8. “Dark Places” (Preston Cooper, Brad Warren, Brett Warren)
9. “Toledo Talkin’” (Preston Cooper, Lance Miller, Brad Warren, Brett Warren)
10. “2 Lies” (Preston Cooper, Eli Patrick, Brett Warren)
11. “Used To” (Chris Stapleton, Brad Warren, Brett Warren)
12. “Headed Home” (Preston Cooper, Brad Warren, Brett Warren)
BigXThaPlug Ventures Into Country Music With New Bailey Zimmerman Track
/by John Nix ArledgeBailey Zimmerman and BigXthaPlug
Today (April 4), Dallas’ multi-Platinum rap star BigXthaPlug released a new single titled “All The Way” with Bailey Zimmerman via 600 Entertainment/United Masters. Produced by Charley Cooks and Bandplay, the single marks BigXthaPlug’s first venture into the genre ahead of his country project slated for release later this year.
“All The Way” seeks to merge country emotion and Southern hip-hop intensity, opening with an acoustic guitar before building into Zimmerman’s chorus, “If you’re gonna leave me, leave me all the way.” BigXthaPlug follows with a verse reflecting on broken promises and lost love. The production blends country sounds like steel guitar with deep bass, creating a crossover sound that highlights both artists’ strengths.
The track’s accompanying video enhances the song’s emotional depth, showcasing two couples navigating tension and heartbreak. These scenes transition to shots of BigXthaPlug and Zimmerman performing in front of pickup trucks, a nod to their shared Southern roots. The blend of emotional struggle and bold visuals lends itself to the song’s theme of confronting love’s complexities head-on.
“All The Way” marks a pivotal moment in BigXThaPlug’s career and serves as a testament to his southern roots by highlighting the importance of these two genre’s unified culture and shared narrative. In his upcoming country project, BigXThaPlug fully leans into this idea, featuring performances and collaborations by some of country music’s most influential names.
This single comes in the middle of a standout year for the artist. BigXThaPlug has accrued several accolades recently such as his Best New Artist nomination at the 2025 iHeart Radio Music Awards, winning XXL’s Best New Artist of the Year and his album Take Care securing No. 12 on Rolling Stone’s Top 20 Hip-Hop Albums of 2024.
‘Opry 100 Honors’ Series Kicks Off May 13 With Loretta Lynn Tribute Show
/by Lorie HollabaughThe Grand Ole Opry is launching a series of “Opry 100 Honors” shows on May 13 as part of its ongoing Opry 100 celebration.
The shows will celebrate several icons who have played a key role in shaping the Opry’s first century. The series will kick off with a tribute to Loretta Lynn on May 13, followed by performances honoring Johnny Cash & June Carter Cash on June 18 and Charlie Daniels on July 8. More shows will be announced shortly.
The Loretta Lynn tribute show will include performances by Opry member Crystal Gayle (Lynn’s sister), granddaughter Emmy Russell, duo Twitty & Lynn (grandchildren of Lynn and Conway Twitty) and Opry members Martina McBride, Carly Pearce, Ashley McBryde and more.
The Johnny Cash & June Carter Cash show will feature performances by John Carter Cash and Ana Cristina Cash, The Tennessee Four (including Johnny Cash’s grandson Thomas Gabriel on vocals), Opry members The Gatlin Brothers, Lainey Wilson and more.
“As we continue our Opry 100 celebration, we’re excited to open the door to the Opry’s next century and to laud each of the Opry’s current members,” says Dan Rogers, Opry executive producer. “It’s also important to us to honor some of the iconic artists of the past who helped the Opry achieve worldwide acclaim and ensured the show’s longevity. We’re looking forward to this series featuring the music of artists who became household names and whose legacies the Opry will still be celebrating in another 100 years.”
Hailey Whitters Gives A Wink To Her Heritage On New Album ‘Corn Queen’
/by Lorie HollabaughHailey Whitters is gearing up for the summer release of her new project, Corn Queen, on June 6 via Pigasus Records/Big Loud Records/Songs & Daughters.
“Fans started calling me the ‘Corn Queen’ because I’m from Iowa,” Whitters explains. “At first, it seemed kind of silly, but the more I thought about it, the more I loved the duality of it. Corn is this simple, humble crop, and ‘queen’ implies royalty passed down through blood. I come from a long line of blue-collar farmers and construction workers. I’ve been out here for over a decade brushing my teeth in truck stop bathrooms, sleeping on hotel floors, driving myself from gig to gig. It’s not glamorous, but I’m proud of it. I like the idea of a queen with a little grit and elbow grease.”
To accompany the album announcement, Whitters has released the neon-tinged “High On A Heartbreak,” which finds her dreamily intoxicated on the melancholia of a breakup.
“I wrote this song with David Garcia, Hillary Lindsey and Jessie Jo Dillon. I wanted to write the antithesis of a heartbreak song, one about a heartbreak feeling good vs. feeling bad – almost like a guilty pleasure. This song feels like something you’d put on to get ready for a fun night on the town after a breakup. It feels like owning the heartbreak rather than feeling sorry for yourself.”
“High On A Heartbreak” follows the recent release of “High On The Hog,” a rollicking mission statement for the 16-song album that serves as a reminder that all that glitters ain’t gold. She also previously released “Casseroles,” and “Prodigal Daughter” featuring Molly Tuttle from the new collection, which also includes collaborations with Charles Wesley Godwin and The Wilder Blue as well. Recorded with longtime collaborator (and now-husband) Jake Gear, the album is a rousing reflection on Whitters’ midwestern roots and the joys and struggles of small-town living. Other writers contributing to the project include Paul Sikes, Luke Dick, Josh Osborne, Bryan Simpson and more.
Corn Queen Track List:
1. “High On The Hog” (Hailey Whitters)
2. “Prodigal Daughter” (feat. Molly Tuttle) (Hailey Whitters, Paul Sikes, Bryan Simpson)
3. “Shotgun Wedding Baby” (Hailey Whitters, Brad Warren, Brett Warren, Caroline Watkins)
4. “Helluva Heart” (Hailey Whitters, Trannie Anderson, Paul Sikes)
5. “High On A Heartbreak” (Hailey Whitters, Jessie Jo Dillon, David Garcia, Hillary Lindsey)
6. “It’ll Do” (Hailey Whitters, Chris LaCorte, Hillary Lindsey, Jon Nite)
7. “Hearsay” (Hailey Whitters, Trannie Anderson, Paul Sikes)
8. “Anything Like Me” (Hailey Whitters, Trannie Anderson, Paul Sikes)
9. “I Don’t Want You” (feat. Charles Wesley Godwin) (Hailey Whitters, Jon Nite, Gordie Sampson)
10. “The Nail” (Hailey Whitters, Bryan Simpson, Ryan Tyndell)
11. “Casseroles” (Tom Douglas, Hillary Lindsey, James Slater)
12. “Wagon” (Trannie Anderson, Ben Hayslip, Seth Mosley)
13. “Wholesome” (Hailey Whitters, Luke Dick)
14. “White Limousine” (Hailey Whitters, Jessie Jo Dillon, Jesse Frasure)
15. “Corn Queen” (Hailey Whitters, Bobby Pinson)
16. “DanceMor” (feat. The Wilder Blue) (Hailey Whitters, Nicolle Galyon, Shane McAnally, Josh Osborne)
Preston Cooper Preps Debut Album, Signs With The Neal Agency
/by Lorie HollabaughRising newcomer Preston Cooper is set to release his debut album, Toledo Talkin’, on May 30 via The Valory Music Co. In conjunction with the announcement, Cooper has dropped the adrenaline-pumping new anthem, “One For The Road.”
Toledo Talkin’ sticks close to Cooper’s shoot-it-straight style with a high-octane energy that runs throughout the upcoming project, and features recently-released songs “Weak,” “One More Place I’ve Never Been” and “Numbers On A Mailbox.” The album, produced by Brett Warren, was built on chasing dreams, battling doubts, and learning where you stand, and finds Cooper exploring his creative coming of age.
“I love this album because it’s so personal,” Preston explains. “Coming from a small town, I worked a 9-5 at the post office and wasn’t even sure if I would make it to Nashville. This album is about me moving away and taking a chance. I’ve gone from the bar down the street, to the next state, to the country, and hopefully on to the world. My biggest hope is to make authentic, organic country music and inspire other young musicians to do the same.”
Pictured (L-R): Evan Kantor (TNA), Ryan Beuschel (TNA), Preston Cooper, Brian Carothers (TNA) and Chris Ferren (Fusion Music). Photo: Kelly Littlefield
Additionally, Cooper has signed with The Neal Agency for representation.
“Brett Warren called me in the summer of 2024 and was adamant he found someone special I needed to hear,” says General Manager of TNA Ryan Beuschel. “Anytime Brett calls, you listen. His track record speaks for itself. Ernest, Mitchell Tenpenny, among others. He played me the music they recorded with Preston, and I was blown away.”
“Its such an honor to see my name on The Neal Agency’s roster,” Cooper shares. “I came to town hoping to work with good people and that’s exactly what I found at The Neal Agency. Brian [Carothers], Ryan, Austin [Neal] and that entire team are rockstars.”
Cooper is currently on the road with Kameron Marlowe on the “Keepin’ The Lights On Tour,” and will join Riley Green on select dates of his “Damn Country Music Tour” later this year as well.
Toledo Talkin’ Track List:
1. “Weak” (Preston Cooper, Lance Miller, Brad Warren, Brett Warren)
2. “One More Place I’ve Never Been” (Preston Cooper, Brad Warren, Brett Warren)
3. “If This Table Could Talk” (Preston Cooper, Brad Warren, Brett Warren)
4. “Around Around Here” (Brad Warren, Brett Warren, Justin Weaver)
5. “The Takedown” (Preston Cooper, Brett Warren)
6. “One For The Road” (Preston Cooper, Brad Warren, Brett Warren)
7. “Numbers On A Mailbox” (Taylor Phillips, Brad Warren, Brett Warren)
8. “Dark Places” (Preston Cooper, Brad Warren, Brett Warren)
9. “Toledo Talkin’” (Preston Cooper, Lance Miller, Brad Warren, Brett Warren)
10. “2 Lies” (Preston Cooper, Eli Patrick, Brett Warren)
11. “Used To” (Chris Stapleton, Brad Warren, Brett Warren)
12. “Headed Home” (Preston Cooper, Brad Warren, Brett Warren)
Ernest Teams With Big Loud To Fire Up DeVille Records
/by Lorie HollabaughErnest. Photo: Delaney Royer
Ernest has launched his own label, DeVille Records, in conjunction with Big Loud Records.
The new joint venture is focused on artist development, personal song craft, creative swagger and a collaborative spirit, and is designed to build careers for the long haul—just like Ernest’s prized Cadillac DeVille. Chandler Walters, Rhys Rutherford and Cody Lohden are the first signings to the new label’s roster.
“We’re going to build this thing wide and on concrete,” says Ernest. “Artist development. Write the songs and do it the old-school way. Make the videos, see the vision, help the vision come to life.”
“We have been in business with Ernest for almost a decade. What started with Ern as a young prolific songwriter-artist in Big Loud’s publishing hallways, has evolved into so much more over the years,” Big Loud CEO/Partner Seth England shares. “Our partnerships in Ern’s Cadillac Music have gone so well, and his desire to create DeVille Records alongside of it made sense. Ernest himself grew in an independent and cultural environment much like the one he desires to create. He and I have talked about this day for years, and all of the unique ways we could help break the next wave of prolific artists. Kudos to Rhys, Cody and Chandler for buying into this vision and supporting this unique rollout style with our upcoming DeVille project.”
Chandler Walters, a native of Marietta, Georgia, is a seasoned steel-guitar player touring with Post Malone and Ernest, and a multi-Platinum, all-genre No. 1 songwriter with Post Malone’s five-times Platinum “I Had Some Help (feat. Morgan Wallen)”.
Cody Lohden is a singer-songwriter and former firefighter/paramedic who was drawn to the simplicity of country craftsmen like Keith Whitley and Don Williams and the greasy grit of rockers like Bob Seger, and has spent the last few years on a unique story of self-styled success.
The son of Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame member Rivers Rutherford, Nashville native Rhys Rutherford has a commanding baritone vocal, and the emerging songwriter’s first batch of tunes were just beginning to land when Ernest encouraged him to pursue a career as an artist.
The first project to be released on DeVille, Cadillac Sessions, is a mixtape-style compilation featuring two new originals and one cover from Ernest, Walters, Rutherford and Lohden, plus additional superstar guests. Honky tonk, Western swing, ’90s country, and more collide with vivid imagery and modern hooks on the new project, which will be released May 9.
Kacey Musgraves’ ‘Deeper Well’ Receives RIAA Gold Certification
/by Madison HahnenKacey Musgraves‘ latest studio album Deeper Well has been certified Gold by the RIAA, just over a year after its release.
Upon release, the project became Musgraves’ biggest sales debut week, claiming the N0. 2 spot on the US Albums Chart. The album was also her fifth consecutive project to debut at No. 1 on the Country Albums chart. It also saw success oversees, amassing five UK Specialist N0. 1 awards and was No. 3 on the official albums chart. Deeper Well was also represented with nominations at the CMA and Grammy awards, with track “The Architect” winning Best Country Song at the 2025 Grammy awards.
To celebrate one year of the album, Musgraves, in collaboration with Blood Records, has released a limited edition liquid vinyl variant of the deluxe record, Deeper Into The Well, available here.
Morgan Wallen’s ‘I’m The Problem’ Remains At No. 1 On MusicRow Chart
/by John Nix ArledgeMorgan Wallen keeps the No. 1 position this week on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart with his track “I’m The Problem.”
The song is the title track for Wallen’s upcoming fourth studio album I’m The Problem, and was written by Wallen, Grady Block, Jamie McLaughlin, Ernest K. Smith and Charlie Handsome.
Wallen is set to kick off his “I’m The Problem Tour” on May 18 at the Sand In My Boots Festival in Gulf Shores Alabama. Throughout the summer the artist has stops in cities such as Houston, Texas; Madison, Wisconsin; Miami Gardens, Florida; Glendale, Arizona; Seattle, Washington; Santa Clara, California and more.
“I’m The Problem” currently sits at No. 5 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart and No. 3 on the Mediabase chart.
Click here to view the latest edition of the MusicRow Weekly containing the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart.
Alison Krauss & Union Station, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band Among Lineup For 2025 Earl Scruggs Music Festival
/by Lorie HollabaughThe fourth annual Earl Scruggs Music Festival has revealed the lineup for this year’s event at Tryon International Equestrian Center in Mill Spring, North Carolina, on Aug. 29-31.
Alison Krauss & Union Station featuring Jerry Douglas will serve as headliners, joined by Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Del McCoury Band, Sam Bush, Watchhouse, The Wood Brothers, The War And Treaty, The Earls of Leicester, Sierra Hull and more.
Taking place every year over Labor Day Weekend since 2022, the three-day event celebrates Scruggs, a North Carolina banjo legend, whose groundbreaking three-finger picking technique established the standard for bluegrass and deeply influenced the sound of American roots music, impacting generations of country, folk and even rock musicians.
For the first time this year, attendees can can stay on-site with lodging options at Tryon International Equestrian Center. The brand-new Overmountain Lodge is now open for reservations, just steps from the festival grounds. Additionally, guests can book cabins, or use tent and RV camping.
Advance-price tickets are currently on sale, with both three-day and one-day general admission tickets and upgrade packages available. More details are available here.
WCM & Warrior Poet Music Sign Global Publishing Deal With Chandler Brown
/by LB CantrellWarner Chappell’s Spencer Nohe, Chandler Brown and Warrior Poet Music’s Devin Dawson. Photo: Gina Di Maio
Warner Chappell Music Nashville and Warrior Poet Music have partnered to sign rising singer-songwriter Chandler Brown to a global publishing deal.
Integrating country and alternative styles, he is known for his unique sound that he calls “yallternative.” Brown released his debut single “Raise My Voice” today (April 4), produced by hit WCM songwriter Devin Dawson and Jacob Durrett.
“It’s rare to come across such a unique and talented artist as Chandler Brown,” shares Spencer Nohe, Vice President, A&R, WCM Nashville. “I’m so grateful to Devin for bringing him to us to partner with and for being an instrumental part of his songwriting and artist development. I’m incredibly inspired by every song he writes and cannot wait to release the music he’s been making.”
Dawson, Founder, Warrior Poet Music, shares, “Chandler is a force to be reckoned with. It’s been such a pleasure to get to know him and help develop his talent over the last few years. His depth of influences and creativity, paired with his work ethic and clarity of vision, is a deadly combination. On top of all that, the kid can SING! He is a steadfast husband, father, and friend and has become like a brother to me. I feel so lucky to be a small part of his realm. I’m ecstatic to start releasing his music and get to introduce the world to his. Thank you to Spencer Nohe and Ben Vaughn at Warner Chappell for believing in Chandler and me. I couldn’t think of a better flagship writer/artist signing for me and Warrior Poet Music.”
“Signing a publishing deal with Devin and WCM is something I could have only dreamed about a few years ago,” Brown adds. “Devin and I first crossed paths at a pivotal point in my life, and it was clear from the very first song we wrote together that we’re cut from the same cloth because of our musical backgrounds. He’s helped me tell my story in a way I never knew was possible, and I’m excited to keep chipping away at it with a dream team behind me.”
Since his 2015 arrival in Music City, Brown has relentlessly honed his craft as a songwriter and artist. Since 2022, he has played over 600 shows in Nashville’s historic honky tonk district on Lower Broadway.
Industry Ink: Live Nation Women, BMI, Haley Moriva, More
/by Lorie HollabaughLive Nation Women Support She Is The Music, Billboard Women In Music Events
Pictured (L-R): Ali Harnell – President of Live Nation Women, Fabi Kulick – Head of Latin Tour Marketing for Live Nation Concerts, Deirdre McCready – EVP of Sales & Special Events at Live Nation Special Events, Julie Matway, COO of County Nation at Live Nation Concerts
Live Nation Women recently sponsored the inaugural She Is The Music Women Sharing the Spotlight event, which recognized trailblazers in the industry along with Alicia Keys honoring Gracie Abrams and her women-led team. LNW also celebrated strong Live Nation representation at the 2025 Billboard Women in Music Awards honoring influential women in music, spanning artists and industry leaders.
BMI Affiliates Mix It Up At ‘Next Big Wave’ Event
Pictured (L-R): BMI’s MaryAnn Keen, Kaylee Rose, Alli Leighann, Laura Pearson, Carter Windham, Abby Christo, BMI’s Jackson Kiger connect at BMI’s Next Big Wave Mixer in Nashville. Photo: Aubrey Wise for BMI
BMI welcomed more than 80 affiliates to its Nashville office on Tuesday (Aprril 1) for its “Next Big Wave” mixer, which provided an exclusive networking opportunity for songwriters seeking a first-time publishing deal. The event was hosted by BMI’s Leslie Roberts, and featured speaker Warner Chappell writer Heath Warren, who co-wrote Bailey Zimmerman’s No. 1 “Rock And A Hard Place.”
BMI’s Nashville Creative team was on site to offer guidance and connect with emerging songwriters, who enjoyed food and beverages during the evening. Past notable participants include Hardy, Jon Langston, Michael Ray, Mikey Reaves, Rocky Block and many more.
Haley Moriva Launches True North Publicity
Haley Moriva. Photo: Derrek Kupish
Haley Moriva has launched a new full-service public relations firm, True North Publicity. Moriva has nearly a decade of experience leading strategic media and branding campaigns working in media relations, event publicity, artist development, and strategic brand storytelling, and most recently served as Publicity Manager and Management Assistant at Adkins Entertainment. Prior to her tenure at Adkins Entertainment, Moriva served as Vice President of Creative and Live Events at Red River Records, where she led branding and marketing efforts that landed corporate partnerships with Wrangler, Boot Barn, and Texas Roadhouse.
“Launching True North Publicity is the culmination of years of experience and a deep passion for amplifying clients’ voices in competitive industries,” says Moriva. “Our mission is to guide clients toward their goals with innovative strategies, powerful storytelling, and a relentless commitment to results.”
Reach Moriva at haley@truenorthpublicity.com.
Tyler Nance Signs With Redline Entertainment
Tyler Nance with Larry Blackford and Wes Mayers of Redline Entertainment
Tyler Nance has signed a management deal with Redline Entertainment, a management and artist development company based in Nashville. The Missouri native’s debut EP Wasted Chances has amassed over four million streams, and the 21-year-old has already found himself playlisted on Spotify’s Fresh Finds Country, All New Country and Next From Nashville. He’s currently on tour with Kidd G. Nance is managed by Larry Blackford and Wes Mayers at Redline Entertainment.
Lorie Liebig Launches Barnburner
Lorie Liebig
Music journalist Lorie Liebig has launched Barnburner, a new online editorial website focused on music, politics, and culture through a wide-lens perspective. Barnburner‘s founder and Editor-In-Chief Liebig has spent over 15 years in the music industry and previously worked as Managing Editor of Wide Open Country and The Boot, with her byline also appearing in Rolling Stone, NPR Music, No Depression, American Songwriter, Nashville Scen, and Grammy.com, among others. Her efforts to support equality and inclusivity within country music have been cited in multiple online articles and published books, and led to the creation of her 2019 fan-voted SXSW panel.
Liebig can be reached at lorie@barnburnermag.com.