Little Big Town. Photo: Becky Fluke
After more than two decades together, Little Big Town knows a thing or two about evolution. But on their new album, It’s A Dying Art, the band found itself looking backward in order to move forward.
The album’s title comes from the song of the same name, written by the band’s Karen Fairchild with Ashley Ray, Madi Yanofsky and Jonnie Simpson. What began as a love song about enduring the test of time eventually became a larger statement about the value of things made by hand and the human connection behind them.
“We as a band started talking about everything that’s going on in the world with AI and just the lack of getting back to making art,” Fairchild told MusicRow. “Things that you make with your hands, your voices, the instruments, that’s something that can’t be taken away from us.”
That idea became a guiding principle for the project, which the band created without the usual expectations surrounding radio hits or current trends.
“We always try to make records without boundaries, but we’re also human. Sometimes you can get the voices in your head of ‘you got to have a radio hit’ or whatever the trend is at the moment,” Fairchild says. “This time, we didn’t feel any pressure to do anything other than make what we felt like was relevant, good storytelling.” 
After 25 years as a band, Little Big Town’s anniversary could have easily shaped the album into a retrospective. Instead, the group approached the project as another opportunity to chase inspiration and see where the songs led.
That process led the band into new sonic territory. Jimi Westbrook says the album retains familiar elements of Little Big Town’s sound while presenting them in a different way, particularly through the production and vocal performances.
A major part of that shift came through working with Gena Johnson, who initially engineered the project before becoming more involved in its production. Fairchild had previously worked with her alongside Ashley Monroe and immediately felt she would be a natural fit for the group.
That openness gave Little Big Town room to experiment, with ideas often emerging spontaneously in the studio.
“Her spirit is just beautiful and open and encouraging,” Kimberly Schlapman says. “You don’t ever feel like you are very vulnerable, but you don’t feel inhibited or exposed for that vulnerability.”
The band also leaned into the imperfections and unexpected moments that come with making music organically. That philosophy can be heard in the album’s collaborations, including an appearance from Ashley Monroe and a contribution from Jason Isbell.
Monroe’s vocals were actually part of the song from its earliest stages, and the band decided to leave them intact after hearing how naturally her voice blended with Schlapman’s.
Isbell, meanwhile, was brought into the process through Johnson and quickly made an impression on the band.
“I am such a fan of his writing and his playing,” Westbrook says. “It was an awesome experience being in the studio with him. He’s such a warm guy. He’s just a great hang.”
The album also features Kelsea Ballerini on “Closing Time,” a song she co-wrote with Fairchild alongside Jessie Jo Dillon, Hillary Lindsey and Alysa Vanderheym several years ago. After Fairchild told Ballerini about the project, Ballerini asked to be part of the album, making the collaboration a natural extension of their friendship and songwriting history.
Another important piece of the album is “Hey There Sunshine,” which Little Big Town selected as the opening track. The song addresses mental health, grief and hope, offering a fitting introduction to a project centered on finding light in difficult moments.
Westbrook had actually first heard the song several years earlier and immediately connected with it.
“It’s such a powerful lyric and such hope in it that even in the darkness, hope comes through,” he says.
Little Big Town & Kelsea Ballerini – Courtsey Little Big Town
That balance of honesty and hope continues into songs such as “It’s A Long Way To Your Heart,” which explores the emotional distance that can exist within a long-term relationship, and “We Could Have It All,” a song Fairchild and Monroe wrote on the bus.
“I think it’s just telling the truth,” Fairchild says of “It’s A Long Way To Your Heart.” “It beautifully describes when you’re connected to someone, but you’re disconnected emotionally.”
Even the album artwork reflects the project’s themes. Inspired by New Orleans’ architecture, music and history, the band and its creative team ultimately created a new photograph using an old-fashioned process, including a vintage frame, canvas and a hand-finished backdrop.
For Little Big Town, It’s A Dying Art ultimately represents both where the band has been and where it is going. Westbrook sees the album as a snapshot of the group’s history, while Philip Sweet believes it captures the energy that has kept the band together for more than two decades.
“We are a band that has always had a spark,” Sweet says. “We always had a thing that just drove us always. And that youthful energy is what you hear in this music.”
After 26 years, Little Big Town is still chasing the same thing they always have: great songs, strong harmonies and the magic that happens when four musicians create something together in a room.
Jacob Hackworth Slates Debut EP For October
/by Lauryn SinkJacob Hackworth will release his debut EP, What Took You So Long, on Oct. 23 via MCA/Goat Island Sound.
Hackworth wrote the seven-track project alongside Jaxson Free, Josh Phillips, Jessie Jo Dillon, Daniel Ross and more. The EP is a chronological account of the breakup that unknowingly set Hackworth on the path to Nashville. Its title track is currently top 40 at country radio.
“This EP is probably the most full-circle thing I’ve ever done. I definitely didn’t set out to write a project about a breakup—it just kind of came together naturally. There is something poetic about getting to tell that story as my first project as an artist, considering it was the reason for me moving here to chase my dream of being a recording artist. I also love the message underneath it all: sometimes the hardest things in your life happen the way they do for a reason. Zero out of 10 would recommend getting dumped, BUT it put me exactly where I was supposed to be. I’m happier, healthier and living a life I dreamed about for a long time because of it,” shares Hackworth. “We wrote ‘I Wanna Quit’ at a writers camp back in May and knew instantly it was a smash. We cut it almost immediately because we didn’t want to overthink it, it was the perfect addition to this project.”
In celebration of the announcement, he has previewed the project with “I Wanna Quit,” written by Hackworth, Free, Heath Warren and Tyler Dopps.
Hackworth is currently on the road with Tucker Wetmore for their third run together before he joins Zach John King this fall.
What Took You So Long Track List:
1. “What Took You So Long” (Jacob Hackworth, Daniel Ross, Jaxson Free, Steph Jones)
2. “I Wanna Quit” (Jacob Hackworth, Jaxson Free, Heath Warren, Tyler Dopps)
3. “Bad As I Do” (Jacob Hackworth, Daniel Ross, Chris Tompkins, Jessie Jo Dillon)
4. “Last Night I Got Lonely” (Jacob Hackworth, Gabe Foust, Danny Majic)
5. “First Friday Night” (Jacob Hackworth, Jaxson Free, Daniel Ross, Matt Roy)
6. “Help Yourself” (Jacob Hackworth, Gabe Foust, Sean Wave, Travis Smith)
7. “Mess That Marlboro Made” (Jacob Hackworth, Josh Phillips, Jordan Schmidt)
SongwritingWith:Soldiers Shares Veterans’ Voices In New Album
/by Lorie HollabaughSongwritingWith:Soldiers is amplifying the voices of veterans with the release of a new album, The Power of Being Heard, due out Nov. 6 ahead of Veterans Day.
The 15-song project reflects 24 Veteran voices through music written and performed alongside songwriters including Erin Enderlin, Radney Foster, Will Kimbrough, Trent Willmon and many more. The first eight compelling tracks are available now on all streaming platforms.
“Every song on The Power of Being Heard shows that no one has to carry their story alone and that our service members’ and their families’ stories matter,” shares Kristin Starling, President, SongwritingWith:Soldiers. “These are the voices of the veterans, service members and their families who trusted us to help them tell their story. Our hope is to create connections far beyond the retreat.”
SongwritingWith:Soldiers’ mission is to transform lives by using collaborative songwriting to build creativity, connections, and strengths. The organization holds weekend retreats across the U.S. for veterans and their families from all conflicts. Since 2012, SW:S has connected with more than 7,000 veterans and military families, creating a safe and inspiring environment to share their experiences and co-create songs grounded in lived experience alongside professional songwriters.
The Power of Being Heard Track List:
1. “At Ease” – Will Kimbrough
2. “The Man You Used To Know” – Trent Willmon
3. “Footprints in my Mind” – Stevenson Everett
4. “Strumming Hand” – Maia Sharp
5. “The One They Call” – Radney Foster and Kelly Willis
6. “Hey Brother” – Mark Nesler
7. “He Ain’t Through With Me Yet” – JD Martin
8. “Something Ain’t Right” – Gary Burr
9. “Grace” – Dylan Altman
10. “Army of One” – Terry Radigan
11. “Let Go of the Pain” – Danny Myrick
12. “Daddy’s Son” – Jay Clementi ft. Brody Clementi
13. “Parents & Soldiers” – Georgia Middleman
14. “When You Look At Me” – Erin Enderlin
15. “Funeral Detail” – Gary Nicholson
Nashville’s ‘Live On The Green’ Series Marks 2027 Return With Lawnwarming Party
/by Lorie HollabaughLightning 100 and Opry Entertainment Group are bringing back Nashville’s beloved “Live on The Green” concert series, and in celebration of the series return, a “Live on The
The special launch party event will feature performances from alum
“With the help of our friends at Opry Entertainment Group, we’re thrilled to celebrate the return of ‘Live on The Green’ in 2027 with a special Lawnwarming
Opry Entertainment Group’s Vice President of Amphitheaters and Festivals, Shawn Krauel adds, “We’re excited to welcome ‘Live on The Green’
Reserved tickets to the “Live on The Green”
Anna Rae Inks With Joan Of Arc Music For Management
/by Lauryn SinkCindy Mabe and Anna Rae. Photo: Adrienne Kelley
Anna Rae has signed with Joan Of Arc Music for management.
The Charlotte, North Carolina native began her music career starring as Young Elsa in Disney’s Frozen on Broadway at 12 years old. She released her debut single, “Run Cinderella,” today (Aug. 28), which she co-wrote with Stephanie Chapman and Emily Landis. Rae recently made her Bluebird Café debut and hosted a Tin Pan South writer’s round at the Station Inn alongside award-winning songwriters Matraca Berg, Landis and Chapman.
“Anna is one of the purest and most timeless vocalists of her generation,” shares Cindy Mabe, Founder and CEO of Joan of Arc Music. “She’s a storyteller and songwriter with depth beyond her age, and she’s instantly relatable. We are so proud to help grow her career and introduce her to wider audiences.”
“Cindy Mabe and the Joan of Arc Music team are true advocates of country music,” says Rae. “They are entirely dedicated to the heart and stories of artists and believe in building careers with intention and longevity – caring for both the art and the soul behind it. I feel incredibly grateful to be supported in a way that gives me the freedom to evolve and take risks. I couldn’t be more excited about everything we’re building together!”
Las Vegas Songwriters Festival Wraps Second Annual Event
/by Lauryn SinkPictured (L-R): Rob Hatch, Jerrod Niemann, Craig Campbell, Matt Warren, David Lee Murphy and Storme Warren. Photo: Chelsa Christensen
The Las Vegas Songwriters Festival returned to Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas last weekend for the second annual event.
Hosted by chart-topping songwriter Matt Warren, the festival was founded by Entersong’s Rob Hatch and Mike Every in partnership with MGM Resorts.
Kicking off the event Thursday (Aug. 20) at House of Blues Las Vegas, David Lee Murphy, Craig Campbell and Jerrod Niemann took the stage to perform some of their own chart-topping hits, alongside songs they’ve written that have been recorded by the likes of Kenny Chesney, Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan, Garth Brooks, Blake Shelton and more.
Throughout the weekend, fans were treated to performances from Anthony L. Smith, Anthony Smith, Billy Montana, Bob DiPiero, Bobby Pinson, Brian Davis, Brian White, Brice Long, Bridgette Tatum, Brinley Addington, Carolyn Dawn Johnson, Clint Daniels, D. Vincent Williams, Dave Pahanish, Dean Dillon, Dylan Altman, Earl Bud Lee, Elisha Hoffman, Eric Paslay, Jamie Floyd, Jared Mullins, Jim McCormick, Jimmy Yeary, Justin Ebach, Justin Wilson, Marla Cannon-Goodman, Marti Frederiksen, Matt McGinn, Matt Warren, Mitch Oglesby, Paul Jenkins, Phil Barton, Rachel Thibodeau, Ray Fulcher, Rebecca Lynn Howard, Rob Hatch, Steve Bogard, Tyler Reeve and Wynn Varble across four stages.
Details for the 2027 Las Vegas Songwriters Festival will be announced at a later date.
Pictured (L-R): Rebecca Lynn Howard, Storme Warren, Rachel Thibodeau and Carolyn Dawn Johnson. Photo: Courtesy of Las Vegas Songwriters Festival
Pictured (L-R): Justin Wilson, Steve Bogard and Rob Hatch. Photo: Courtesy of Las Vegas Songwriters Festival
Luke Bryan Unveils ‘SIGNS’ Track List
/by Lauryn SinkLuke Bryan has revealed the track list for his upcoming ninth studio album, SIGNS, set for release on Sept. 18 via MCA.
Bryan has previewed the project with his current single, “Country And She Knows It,” as well as “Word On The Street,” “Signs,” “Fish Hunt Golf Drink” and “Made It A Memory.” Bryan co-wrote two songs on the 11-track project alongside Matt Dragstrem, Chase McGill and Josh Thompson. Additional writing credits include Parker Welling, Kyle Sturrock, Jimmy Robbins, Matt Alderman, Payton Smith and more.
Bryan is his currently on the “Word On The Street Tour” through September, including a show at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena. He also has four upcoming Farm Tour 2026 dates, and the finale of the “Double Down Tour” with Jason Aldean, which takes place in Las Vegas at Allegiant Stadium on Dec. 11.
SIGNS Track List:
1. “Country And She Knows It” (Josh Miller, Parker Welling, Matt Dragstrem)
2. “Word On The Street” (Payton Smith, Josh Thompson, Justin Ebach)
3. “Signs” Jody Stevens, (Patrick Murphy, Jason Duke, Tommy Cecil, Jon Mills)
4. “Fish Hunt Golf Drink” (Luke Bryan, Matt Dragstrem, Chase McGill)
5. “Made It A Memory” (Matt Alderman)
6. “Woods” (Jameson Rodgers, Josh Thompson)
7. “Down Goes The Whiskey” (Jeb Gipson, Whitney Duncan, Jonathan Singleton)
8. “Crooked Rows Of Corn” (Luke Bryan, Josh Thompson, Chase McGill, Matt Dragstrem)
9. “I Like Loving You” (Jimi Bell, Kyle Sturrock, Jimmy Robbins)
10. “Killer” (Davis Corley, Mark Addison Chandler, Nate Kenyon)
11. “Praying By The Rules” (Blake Bollinger, Chris Lucas, Nate Kenyon, Preston Brust)
CMA Unveils Lineup For Music Teachers Of Excellence Ceremony
/by Lorie HollabaughCMA has announced the lineup for its upcoming 10th Annual Music Teachers of Excellence Ceremony set for Oct. 7 at The Pinnacle in Nashville.
Sierra Hull, Marcus King, Carrie Manolakos, David Phelps, Preservation Hall Jazz Band and Tucker Wetmore will perform during the special evening, alongside speakers
As part of the milestone celebration, the CMA Foundation will also present music industry executive and Country Music Hall of Fame member Joe Galante with the inaugural CMA Foundation Music Education Impact Award, recognizing his longstanding leadership and commitment to advancing music education and expanding opportunities for students.
Galante was instrumental in the inception and early development of the CMA Foundation, and became a founding member of its Board of Directors when it was established in 2011. He has served on the Board for 15 years, including five terms as Chairman. Galante was particularly instrumental in the CMA Foundation’s longstanding partnership with Metro Nashville Public Schools, which has resulted in a $12.5 million investment in music education across the district, as well as the creation of the Music Teachers of Excellence program.
Anna Graves Makes Grand Ole Opry Debut As Part Of ‘Opry 100: Summer Of The Century’ Series
/by Lorie HollabaughAnna Graves Photo: Jonathan Taylor Sweet
Americana singer-songwriter Anna Graves marked a major milestone in her career on Tuesday night (Aug. 25) as she joined a lineup of artists for the “Opry 100: Summer of the Century” concert series and made her Grand Ole Opry debut.
Graves celebrated the release of her debut album, America’s Greatest Burnout with her Opry debut performance, which also featured a heartfelt tribute to country legend Dolly Parton. Graves shared a clip from the performance on her Instagram posting, “It was a beautiful and emotional night last night at the @opry, as Dolly’s spirit was felt by all of us. When I stood in that circle for the first time, I got choked up, as it was like every one before me left a piece of them up there.”
In a few weeks, Graves will hit the road on her debut headlining tour, the “America’s Greatest Burnout Tour,” which kicks off Sept. 9 in Decatur, Georgia and will include stops in 17 cities including Boston, Washington, D.C., Chicago, Denver, Salt Lake City, Seattle and more through Oct. 17.
Graves is also gearing up for AMERICANAFEST, where she will be featured as one of the showcasing artists performing throughout venues in Nashville from Sept. 16-19.
America’s Greatest Burnout Track List:
1. “America’s Greatest Burnout”
2. “Damn In Love”
3. “Hollow Bones”
4. “Goldmine”
5. “Ashes & Smoke”
6. “Jaded Songbirds”
7. “Granted”
8. “Two Faced”
9. “Burn On”
10. “Minnesota”
11. “The Long Way”
12. “Honkie Was A Wise Man”
Kenny Chesney Notches A Fourth Week Atop The MusicRow Radio Chart
/by John Nix ArledgeKenny Chesney; Photo: Allister Ann
Kenny Chesney notches a fourth week at No. 1 on the MusicRow Radio Chart with “Carry On.”
The track comes off of Chesney’s 21st studio album Silver Sands Marina and was written by Chase McGill, Matt Jenkins and Jessi Alexander.
Today (Aug. 28), Chesney released his new track “Goldfish” alongside a music video filmed in Maui with his band ahead of his album due next month.
“Carry On” currently sits at No. 9 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart and No. 6 on the Mediabase chart.
Click here to view the latest edition of the MusicRow Weekly containing the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart.
Little Big Town Gets Back To What Matters On ‘It’s A Dying Art’ [Interview]
/by Madison HahnenLittle Big Town. Photo: Becky Fluke
After more than two decades together, Little Big Town knows a thing or two about evolution. But on their new album, It’s A Dying Art, the band found itself looking backward in order to move forward.
The album’s title comes from the song of the same name, written by the band’s Karen Fairchild with Ashley Ray, Madi Yanofsky and Jonnie Simpson. What began as a love song about enduring the test of time eventually became a larger statement about the value of things made by hand and the human connection behind them.
“We as a band started talking about everything that’s going on in the world with AI and just the lack of getting back to making art,” Fairchild told MusicRow. “Things that you make with your hands, your voices, the instruments, that’s something that can’t be taken away from us.”
That idea became a guiding principle for the project, which the band created without the usual expectations surrounding radio hits or current trends.
“We always try to make records without boundaries, but we’re also human. Sometimes you can get the voices in your head of ‘you got to have a radio hit’ or whatever the trend is at the moment,” Fairchild says. “This time, we didn’t feel any pressure to do anything other than make what we felt like was relevant, good storytelling.”
After 25 years as a band, Little Big Town’s anniversary could have easily shaped the album into a retrospective. Instead, the group approached the project as another opportunity to chase inspiration and see where the songs led.
That process led the band into new sonic territory. Jimi Westbrook says the album retains familiar elements of Little Big Town’s sound while presenting them in a different way, particularly through the production and vocal performances.
A major part of that shift came through working with Gena Johnson, who initially engineered the project before becoming more involved in its production. Fairchild had previously worked with her alongside Ashley Monroe and immediately felt she would be a natural fit for the group.
That openness gave Little Big Town room to experiment, with ideas often emerging spontaneously in the studio.
“Her spirit is just beautiful and open and encouraging,” Kimberly Schlapman says. “You don’t ever feel like you are very vulnerable, but you don’t feel inhibited or exposed for that vulnerability.”
The band also leaned into the imperfections and unexpected moments that come with making music organically. That philosophy can be heard in the album’s collaborations, including an appearance from Ashley Monroe and a contribution from Jason Isbell.
Monroe’s vocals were actually part of the song from its earliest stages, and the band decided to leave them intact after hearing how naturally her voice blended with Schlapman’s.
Isbell, meanwhile, was brought into the process through Johnson and quickly made an impression on the band.
“I am such a fan of his writing and his playing,” Westbrook says. “It was an awesome experience being in the studio with him. He’s such a warm guy. He’s just a great hang.”
The album also features Kelsea Ballerini on “Closing Time,” a song she co-wrote with Fairchild alongside Jessie Jo Dillon, Hillary Lindsey and Alysa Vanderheym several years ago. After Fairchild told Ballerini about the project, Ballerini asked to be part of the album, making the collaboration a natural extension of their friendship and songwriting history.
Another important piece of the album is “Hey There Sunshine,” which Little Big Town selected as the opening track. The song addresses mental health, grief and hope, offering a fitting introduction to a project centered on finding light in difficult moments.
Westbrook had actually first heard the song several years earlier and immediately connected with it.
“It’s such a powerful lyric and such hope in it that even in the darkness, hope comes through,” he says.
Little Big Town & Kelsea Ballerini – Courtsey Little Big Town
That balance of honesty and hope continues into songs such as “It’s A Long Way To Your Heart,” which explores the emotional distance that can exist within a long-term relationship, and “We Could Have It All,” a song Fairchild and Monroe wrote on the bus.
“I think it’s just telling the truth,” Fairchild says of “It’s A Long Way To Your Heart.” “It beautifully describes when you’re connected to someone, but you’re disconnected emotionally.”
Even the album artwork reflects the project’s themes. Inspired by New Orleans’ architecture, music and history, the band and its creative team ultimately created a new photograph using an old-fashioned process, including a vintage frame, canvas and a hand-finished backdrop.
For Little Big Town, It’s A Dying Art ultimately represents both where the band has been and where it is going. Westbrook sees the album as a snapshot of the group’s history, while Philip Sweet believes it captures the energy that has kept the band together for more than two decades.
“We are a band that has always had a spark,” Sweet says. “We always had a thing that just drove us always. And that youthful energy is what you hear in this music.”
After 26 years, Little Big Town is still chasing the same thing they always have: great songs, strong harmonies and the magic that happens when four musicians create something together in a room.