Mackenzie Carpenter. Photo: Harper Smith
Rising singer-songwriter Mackenzie Carpenter is making a commanding entrance with her full-length debut, Hey Country Queen, released Friday (March 7) via The Valory Music Co. With this 13-track collection, she isn’t just introducing herself—she’s making it clear that Nashville has been missing out.
Carpenter, who co-wrote every song on the album, delivers a confident, dynamic project packed with standout tracks, including the previously-released fan-favorites “Dozen Red Flags,” “Sound of a Heartbreak,” “Only Girl” and “Jesus, I’m Jealous.” While each of these songs showcases the Georgia native’s sharp songwriting and vocal prowess, the full body of work cements her place as a country star on the rise, ready to claim her lane.
She kicks things off with the biting wit of “Dozen Red Flags,” a rollicking anthem that counts off all the ways a man has revealed his true colors—red, to be exact—while cheekily admitting, “man, he was cute and, damn, he was funny.” The track perfectly encapsulates Carpenter’s knack for blending humor and heartache, a skill that has helped her carve out a space in country music.
That songwriting prowess has been on display for years. Carpenter first turned heads by co-writing Lily Rose’s 2021 No. 1 hit “Villain” and has since penned multiple tracks for Megan Moroney, including the top 15 single “I’m Not Pretty” as well as “Indifferent” and “28th of June.” Now, with Hey Country Queen, she steps into the spotlight as an artist in her own right.
Carpenter keeps the energy high with “Boots On,” a playful, sultry invitation to a lover, written alongside the album’s producer Brandon Hood as well as Rhett Akins and Ben Williams. With a wink and a nudge, she delivers a flirty romp that recalls the suggestive charm of Trace Adkins’ 1996 hit “I Left Something Turned On at Home,” balancing sensuality with just the right touch of restraint.
That same mischievous edge takes a darker turn with “Gone Fishing,” a cleverly twisted revenge tale penned with Mia Mantia and SJ McDonald. The song follows a scorned woman who sends her cheating husband to the depths of Nashville’s Percy Priest Lake—and hints that the same fate is coming to his mistress for good measure.
“I was thinking about what my album was missing, and it was my female rage murder song. I needed my ‘Goodbye Earl’ and my ‘Before He Cheats,'” Carpenter quips. “I brought that idea in a couple times to people and nobody was really going for it. Then I took it into my girl’s SJ and Mia and we had so much fun writing it.
“As for the ending, why murder one person and when you could murder two?”
One of the album’s undeniable highlights is its current single, “I Wish You Would” featuring Midland. Carpenter’s smoky, honeyed vocals melt seamlessly into the group’s signature barroom twang, creating a slow-burning waltz that captures the tension between two potential lovers. She says that the tune—written with Jonathan Hutcherson, Jamie Moore and Chris Tompkins—helped her dial in her sound.
“It’s so classic but so unique. It’s given me an exciting thing to look toward and know that I’m really digging in and finding my thing.”
Elsewhere, Carpenter lays bare her vulnerability with “Jesus, I’m Jealous,” a gut-wrenching barroom prayer whispered between sips as she watches her ex dance with someone new. She turns up the volume with “Sound of a Heartbreak,” a full-throttle anthem made for highway speeding and on-stage hair-flipping. On “Guys Like You,” she flips the script with a female-to-female perspective on the pitfalls of comparison, delivering her message with sincerity and strength.
“Sonically this record is very unique, but that’s how I listen to music,” she says of the collection. “When I’m in the car, I’m listening to SZA and then Shania Twain and then Megan [Moroney]. It could be anything from Sabrina Carpenter to Toby Keith. I wanted my record to have different sounds, but obviously like my love is for country music, so that’s the through-line.”
Another standout moment comes with “Red Wine Blue,” co-written with Luke Laird and Anna Vaus. The song’s heartbreak-laden lyrics swirl around Carpenter’s rich, expressive vocals, perfectly capturing the haze of sorrow and Cabernet. The song, Carpenter says, came to her as a gift from a “country queen” in a dream.
“Dolly Parton came to me in a dream and gave me the song idea. She has no clue, but to me, it’s very real,” Carpenter says with a laugh. “After I woke up that morning, I came downstairs and started writing it on my great-grandmother’s old piano. Then I took it into a write with Luke and Anna—it became such a beautiful song.”
She brings the album to a fitting close with “Country Queen,” a feel-good anthem that serves both as an empowering message to listeners and a tribute to the trailblazing women in country music who paved the way.
“I wanted to pay tribute to the country queens that raised me—all the ladies in my life that made me who I am, the country queens on the radio that inspired me to write music and all my best friends that I get to do life with and keep me going.”
Recently named one of MusicRow’s Next Big Thing Artists for 2025 as well as other industry recognitions, Carpenter makes good on that promise with Hey Country Queen. Whether she’s belting out a stadium-sized anthem or laying her heart bare in a ballad, she proves that the magic happens when an artist fully embraces the messiness of emotion—and turns it into country gold.
‘On the Bus with Troy Vollhoffer’ Cranks Up Second Season
/by Lorie HollabaughCountry Thunder has released the second season of the On the Bus with Troy Vollhoffer podcast on all DSPs.
The podcast just premiered a new episode featuring Koe Wetzel, and two new episodes are set to arrive each month. On the Bus with Troy Vollhoffer season 2 launched in February with an interview between Vollhoffer and booking agents Rod Essig, Curt Motley and Nick Meinema.
“It’s great to be releasing this next season of ‘On The Bus’ to the fans and listeners, especially with superstar, Koe Wetzel to help kick it off,” says Vollhoffer. “We’ve got some great conversations lined up and can’t wait to pull back the curtain on today’s greats in the industry.”
During season one, Vollhoffer played host to a string of enlightening conversations with guests including Dierks Bentley, Jon Pardi, Bailey Zimmerman, Ashley McBryde, Nate Smith, Marty Stuart, Parker McCollum, Terri Clark and Big Kenny, among others.
NSAI Unveils Winners Of 25th Annual Song Contest
/by John Nix ArledgePictured (L-R): Josie Bisto, Sharon O’Donnell
The Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) has wrapped up their 25th Annual Song Contest and has revealed that “Love Lies,” submitted by Josie Bisto, has won the Song Category Grand Prize.
Bisto’s Grand Prize includes $5,000, a one-on-one mentor session with Shane McAnally, a one-year single-song publishing contract with Dream 3 Publishing, a Taylor Guitars 50th Anniversary guitar and a $1,500 Guitar Center gift card, courtesy of the Guitar Center Music Foundation, among other prizes.
“Love Lies” will be performed by co-writer Meagan Allen at the 33rd annual Tin Pan South Songwriters Festival on March 27 at 3rd and Lindsley Nashville on the Visit Music City Stage, opening the round presented by 95.5 NASH ICON.
Further prizes include a performance opportunity at The Bluebird Cafe, industry meetings, a Musicnotes sheet music transcription with a $100 gift card, a 12-month SoundCloud Artist Pro subscription, a custom engraved capo package from G7th, a Southwest Airlines roundtrip flight, a two-night stay in Nashville, a $250 gift card and more.
Additionally, “Don’t You Hear Me Say No?” submitted by Sharon O’Donnell was named the Lyric Category Grand Prize winner. O’Donnell claimed $2,500 cash, a mentor session with Jessie Jo Dillon, a Taylor Guitars 50th Anniversary guitar, a meeting with Dream 3 Publishing, a roundtrip Southwest Airlines flight, a two-night Nashville stay, a year-long SoundCloud Artist Pro subscription, a custom engraved capo package from G7th, a $250 gift card, two tickets to a show at The Bluebird Cafe, $1,500 to spend at Guitar Center, a $100 Musicnotes gift card with a plaque of the winning lyrics and more.
Along with the main contest, SoundCloud partnered with NSAI for NSAI Presents: The SoundCloud Standout Award. This award was given to the person with the most hearted song in a playlist of the top ten finalists in the Song Category. Claire Flynt earned the award with her song “Bigger Person”. Flynt will receive a SoundCloud prize pack including a one-on-one meeting with a SoundCloud Representative, a SoundCloud Merch Pack and a one-year SoundCloud Artist Pro Account.
Full Song Contest Results:
Song Category Grand Prize Winner
Josie Bisto (Nashville, TN) – “Love Lies”, co-written by: Meagan Allen, Corben Champoux
Song Category Runners-Up
Sam Blasko (Nashville, TN) – “Second Wife”, co-written by: Olivia DaPonte, Ryan Kohn
Tim Comeaux (North Easton, MA) – “Dumpster Diving”, co-written by: Andrea Brodeur, Steve Brown
Claire Flynt (Nashville, TN) – “Love To Love Him Someday”, co-written by: Ingrid Enckell and “Bigger Person”, co-written by: Connor Gehlert, Eliza Harrison Smith
Rachel Harvey Hill (Nashville, TN) – “Barkley Lake”
Alex Lomartire (Mt. Juliet, TN) – “It’s Easier Said”, co-written by: Lauren Hedges, Jann Kohm
Elizabeth Makris (Nashville, TN) – “Downward Spiral”, co-written by: Kristian Asbøll, Gustav Fjäll, Martine Lausund
Brad McKinney (Nashville, TN) – “Single Of The Year”, co-written by John Frank, Lauren Spring
Emma Place (Nashville, TN) – “On The Run”, co-written by: Tyler Skye, Eliza Harrison Smith
Song Category Honorable Mentions
Sam Comfort – “Down And Out”
Carin Fradin – “As Old As I Can”
Hayley Payne – “Raisin’ Hell”
Laura Pearson – “Take Me Back”
Kiersten Rae – “Where The Heart Is”
Daniel Segall – “Played By The Rules”
Gabe Walsh – “Goodyears”
Ralston Wells – “Best Thing On Earth”
Kate Zickler – “College Try” and “You Just Won’t Listen”
Lyric Category Grand Prize Winner
Sharon O’Donnell (Cary, NC) – “Don’t You Hear Me Say No?”
Lyric Category Runner Up
James Maltese (Nashville, TN) – “Grass Roots”, co-written by: Lauren Murray, Tracy Richardson
Willie Nelson To Release Rodney Crowell Dedication Album In April
/by Madison HahnenWillie Nelson will release his new album Oh What A Beautiful World on April 25 via Legacy Recordings, a catalog division of Sony Music Entertainment.
Oh What A Beautiful World features Nelson’s takes on 12 songs written or co-written by Rodney Crowell. This album continues Nelson’s tradition of dedicating entire projects to the work of a single songwriter. The careers of these two Texas singer-songwriters have frequently overlapped, starting when Crowell first heard Nelson’s early songs on the radio and saw him perform in Houston in the mid-1960s. Nelson’s first recording of a Crowell song came in 1983, and their latest collaboration appeared 40 years later on The Border.
The project’s title track, “Oh What A Beautiful World,” available now, features a duet between Nelson and Crowell. Originally released as the final track on Crowell’s 2014 album Tarpaper Sky, “Oh What A Beautiful World” captures the bittersweet nature of time passing. In their new rendition, Nelson and Crowell bring a renewed sense of the profound human desire to cherish the beauty in every moment life presents.
The album includes early Crowell songs like “Banks of the Old Bandera,” originally recorded by Jerry Jeff Walker and the Bob Seger hit “Shame On The Moon,” as well as ’90s tracks such as “What Kind of Love” and “Stuff That Works.” The project also features early 2000s songs written for Keith Urban and Tim McGraw, as well as four tracks from Crowell’s beloved 2010s albums and a song released as recently as 2021.
Produced by longtime collaborator Buddy Cannon, Oh What A Beautiful World highlights Nelson alongside a distinguished studio band, including Bobby Terry (acoustic guitar, steel guitar, electric guitar), James Mitchell (electric guitar), Jim “Moose” Brown (B-3 organ, piano, Wurlitzer), Mickey Raphael (harmonica), Fred Eltringham (drums, percussion) and Glenn Worf (bass, upright bass). Background vocals are provided by Wyatt Beard, Cannon and Melonie Cannon.
Oh What A Beautiful World Track List:
1. “What Kind Of Love” (Rodney Crowell, Will Jennings, Roy Orbison)
2. “Banks Of The Old Bandera” (Rodney Crowell)
3. “The Fly Boy & The Kid” (Rodney Crowell)
4. “Forty Miles From Nowhere” (Rodney Crowell)
5. “I Wouldn’t Be Me Without You” (Rodney Crowell)
6. “Making Memories Of Us” (Rodney Crowell)
7. “Oh What A Beautiful World with Rodney Crowell” (Rodney Crowell)
8. “Ope Season On My Heart” (Rodney Crowell, James Slater)
9. “Shame On The Moon” (Rodney Crowell)
10. “She’s Back In Town” (Rodney Crowell)
11. “Still Learning To Fly” (Rodney Crowell)
12. “Stuff That Works” (Rodney Crowell, Guy Clark)
Applications Open For CMA Women’s Leadership Academy
/by LB CantrellCMA Women’s Leadership Academy Class of 2024. Photo: Drew Noble/CMA
Applications are now open for CMA’s Women’s Leadership Academy (WLA), a free professional development program for up to 16 women that involves interactive group coaching for high-performing, high-potential women leaders within the country music business.
The CMA Women’s Leadership Academy is designed to give participants leadership skills while promoting a culture of community among women. Participants are offered educational sessions, bi-monthly group coaching and more.
Eligible women have at least five years of experience in the industry or are at a senior level in their organization; experience or interest in managing people or a team at some point in the duration of career; ability to attend all curriculum sessions in the WLA program; work mainly in country music genre and be a CMA member.
Applications close on March 31. Click here to apply.
Executive Coaches Lisa Gamble of Gamble Coaching & Consulting LLC and Nicole Provonchee of Bright Blue Consulting return as coaches this year. The two share decades of coaching experience as well as a passion for supporting women leaders throughout their journeys. Topics explored during coaching sessions will include personal branding, career mobility, DEI, conflict navigation, self-advocacy and negotiation in addition to self-promotion and influence.
Hank Williams Jr. Adds Dates To 2025 Tour
/by Lorie HollabaughHank Williams Jr.
Hank Williams Jr. has added six new tour dates to his 2025 tour schedule. The trek features special guests Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Old Crow Medicine Show, Joe Nichols and Mark Chesnutt.
Williams Jr. will visit Charleston, Macon, Orange Beach and more on the new dates before wrapping in Tulsa at the BOK Center on Aug. 22. Tickets for the added shows will be available beginning Friday (March 14) at LiveNation.com.
In 2022, Williams Jr. released the genre-crossing album Rich White Honky Blues. Debuting at No. 1 on the Country, Americana/Folk and Blues Albums charts, the project was a collaboration between Williams and producer Dan Auerbach. The 12-song-set was recorded live, reprising classics from Robert Johnson, Lightnin’ Hopkins, R.L. Burnside, Muddy Waters, and more, delivering reinvigorated classic blues sounds infused with Williams’ signature rock and country flavor.
Throughout his career Williams Jr. has sold 70 million albums worldwide, and has notched six Platinum albums, 20 Gold albums and 10 No. 1 hits.
New Hank Williams Jr. Dates:
May 9 – Charleston, SC – Credit One Stadium^
Jun 6 – Brandon, MS – Brandon Amphitheater*
Jun 7 – Orange Beach, AL – The Wharf Amphitheater*
Jul 25 – Macon, GA – Atrium Health Amphitheater+
Aug 16 – Ridgedale, MO – Thunder Ridge Nature Arena# – On Sale April 11
Aug 22 – Tulsa, OK – BOK Center#
+ with Mark Chesnutt
* with Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
^ with Joe Nichols
# with Old Crow Medicine Show
‘Music Night: Live from Nashville!’ Makes History Broadcasting Live To Theaters Nationwide
/by Lorie HollabaughBobby Bones. Photo: Nashville Music Network
Music Night: Live from Nashville! made history last Saturday night (March 8) as the first songwriters round broadcast live directly to more than 400+ movie theaters nationwide from the Analog in Nashville.
Brett James, Bobby Bones, Kelly Archer and Matt Jenkins. Photo: Nashville Music Network
Music lovers across the country experienced an unforgettable night of storytelling and song during the live event, whether it was in the room at the Analog or in a theatre in their city. Audiences were treated to a stripped-down, intimate musical experience featuring Grammy and CMA Award-winning songwriters Brett James, Kelly Archer and Matt Jenkins.
They also got to see behind-the-scenes insights, and hilarious and touching stories of how these songs came to be with live performances of their iconic hits including: “Jesus, Take the Wheel,” “Setting the World on Fire,” “Cop Car,” “Sleep Without You” and more.
Presented by Fathom Entertainment, Music Night: Live from Nashville! took audiences inside the heart of Music City’s legendary songwriter tradition, shining a spotlight on the creative minds behind country’s biggest hits. Hosted by radio and TV personality Bobby Bones, the one-of-a-kind theatrical event offered unfiltered performances and the deeply personal stories behind the songs that have defined a generation.
Kenny Chesney’s Blue Chair Bay Rum Acquired By Next Century Spirits
/by Lorie HollabaughKenny Chesney. Photo: Courtesy of Blue Chair Bay
Kenny Chesney‘s Blue Chair Bay Rum has been acquired by Next Century Spirits, a step towards increasing its presence in the premium rum category.
Blue Chair Bay Rum is the world’s largest independently owned rum, and was created and built by Chesney and has sold millions of cases. Chesney will continue to bring his vision to NCS as one of its largest percentage owners and will play a key role going forward.
“Blue Chair Bay Rum has endless potential, and we’re excited to bring it into the NCS family,” says Anthony Moniello, Co-CEO of Next Century Spirits. “Kenny created something special – a great tasting rum with a rich story. At NCS, we’re building a team of fast-moving entrepreneurs and a portfolio of bold, unique brands for the next generation of spirits drinkers. Adding Kenny and Blue Chair Bay to our vision is another incredible step forward.”
“Blue Chair Bay Rum was created to capture my life, as a spirit to share with friends,” adds Chesney. “This rum is the result of a lot of fun, passion, sunshine, good people and No Shoes Nation energy. Next Century Spirits embraces those same qualities. They have a passion for innovation and going to new places. This is going to be cool.”
Chesney is gearing up for his stint as the first country act to headline Vegas’ Sphere starting May 22.
Zachary Knowles Inks With Concord Music Publishing
/by Madison Hahnen(L-R, back row): Claire Buchcanan (Concord), Garrett Stephenson (Concord), Matt Turner (Concord), Jen Hubbard (Concord), Ellie Gray (Concord). (L-R, front row): Brad Kennard (Concord), Zachary Knowles, Melissa Spillman (Concord). Photo: Audrey Spillman
Nashville-based, alternative, pop and country singer-songwriter Zachary Knowles has signed a global publishing deal with Concord Music Publishing.
The 25-year-old Magnolia, Texas native has been creating and sharing music on SoundCloud since his teenage years. Determined to release music professionally during his freshman year of college, he achieved success with a series of well-received singles that eventually led to his debut EP. Drawing influences from artists like John Mayer, Post Malone and Justin Bieber, Knowles made a significant impact in the pop and indie-R&B scenes. In 2019, he toured as an opening act for Alec Benjamin and garnered attention with his early EPs, Feelings and Magnolia.
“Concord feels like family,” shares Knowles. “When I met Melissa [Spillman], it felt like I’d known her for years. The thing that stuck out to me most was her genuine care, and interest in the human behind the art. She quickly became a champion for the vision and goals I have for my career and hit the ground running long before my signing. Shoutout to Lily Bunta too for believing in my journey and working hard to make things happen. I can’t wait to celebrate big things with this team in the near future and couldn’t be happier with who’s next to me.”
In 2021, Knowles released his debut album, Tendency To Be A Loner, and followed it up in July with his latest EP, Look Mom, No Hands. Knowles has amassed over 50 million global streams and nearly half a million monthly listeners on the Spotify. He’s also built a strong presence on TikTok, gaining over 78,000 followers. His music is deeply rooted in the ethos of his small-town upbringing, young love and the lessons learned through growing up.
“When I first met Zachary, I felt an instant creative connection,” says Spillman, VP A&R at Concord Music Publishing in Nashville. “He is a multi-faceted songwriter and artist who can create great music in so many different genres, and I am thrilled to have him join the Concord family. He is one-of-a-kind, and I look forward to celebrating many successes together!”
Mackenzie Carpenter Shimmers Into The Spotlight With Debut Album [Interview]
/by LB CantrellMackenzie Carpenter. Photo: Harper Smith
Rising singer-songwriter Mackenzie Carpenter is making a commanding entrance with her full-length debut, Hey Country Queen, released Friday (March 7) via The Valory Music Co. With this 13-track collection, she isn’t just introducing herself—she’s making it clear that Nashville has been missing out.
Carpenter, who co-wrote every song on the album, delivers a confident, dynamic project packed with standout tracks, including the previously-released fan-favorites “Dozen Red Flags,” “Sound of a Heartbreak,” “Only Girl” and “Jesus, I’m Jealous.” While each of these songs showcases the Georgia native’s sharp songwriting and vocal prowess, the full body of work cements her place as a country star on the rise, ready to claim her lane.
She kicks things off with the biting wit of “Dozen Red Flags,” a rollicking anthem that counts off all the ways a man has revealed his true colors—red, to be exact—while cheekily admitting, “man, he was cute and, damn, he was funny.” The track perfectly encapsulates Carpenter’s knack for blending humor and heartache, a skill that has helped her carve out a space in country music.
That songwriting prowess has been on display for years. Carpenter first turned heads by co-writing Lily Rose’s 2021 No. 1 hit “Villain” and has since penned multiple tracks for Megan Moroney, including the top 15 single “I’m Not Pretty” as well as “Indifferent” and “28th of June.” Now, with Hey Country Queen, she steps into the spotlight as an artist in her own right.
Carpenter keeps the energy high with “Boots On,” a playful, sultry invitation to a lover, written alongside the album’s producer Brandon Hood as well as Rhett Akins and Ben Williams. With a wink and a nudge, she delivers a flirty romp that recalls the suggestive charm of Trace Adkins’ 1996 hit “I Left Something Turned On at Home,” balancing sensuality with just the right touch of restraint.
That same mischievous edge takes a darker turn with “Gone Fishing,” a cleverly twisted revenge tale penned with Mia Mantia and SJ McDonald. The song follows a scorned woman who sends her cheating husband to the depths of Nashville’s Percy Priest Lake—and hints that the same fate is coming to his mistress for good measure.
“I was thinking about what my album was missing, and it was my female rage murder song. I needed my ‘Goodbye Earl’ and my ‘Before He Cheats,'” Carpenter quips. “I brought that idea in a couple times to people and nobody was really going for it. Then I took it into my girl’s SJ and Mia and we had so much fun writing it.
“As for the ending, why murder one person and when you could murder two?”
One of the album’s undeniable highlights is its current single, “I Wish You Would” featuring Midland. Carpenter’s smoky, honeyed vocals melt seamlessly into the group’s signature barroom twang, creating a slow-burning waltz that captures the tension between two potential lovers. She says that the tune—written with Jonathan Hutcherson, Jamie Moore and Chris Tompkins—helped her dial in her sound.
“It’s so classic but so unique. It’s given me an exciting thing to look toward and know that I’m really digging in and finding my thing.”
Elsewhere, Carpenter lays bare her vulnerability with “Jesus, I’m Jealous,” a gut-wrenching barroom prayer whispered between sips as she watches her ex dance with someone new. She turns up the volume with “Sound of a Heartbreak,” a full-throttle anthem made for highway speeding and on-stage hair-flipping. On “Guys Like You,” she flips the script with a female-to-female perspective on the pitfalls of comparison, delivering her message with sincerity and strength.
“Sonically this record is very unique, but that’s how I listen to music,” she says of the collection. “When I’m in the car, I’m listening to SZA and then Shania Twain and then Megan [Moroney]. It could be anything from Sabrina Carpenter to Toby Keith. I wanted my record to have different sounds, but obviously like my love is for country music, so that’s the through-line.”
Another standout moment comes with “Red Wine Blue,” co-written with Luke Laird and Anna Vaus. The song’s heartbreak-laden lyrics swirl around Carpenter’s rich, expressive vocals, perfectly capturing the haze of sorrow and Cabernet. The song, Carpenter says, came to her as a gift from a “country queen” in a dream.
“Dolly Parton came to me in a dream and gave me the song idea. She has no clue, but to me, it’s very real,” Carpenter says with a laugh. “After I woke up that morning, I came downstairs and started writing it on my great-grandmother’s old piano. Then I took it into a write with Luke and Anna—it became such a beautiful song.”
She brings the album to a fitting close with “Country Queen,” a feel-good anthem that serves both as an empowering message to listeners and a tribute to the trailblazing women in country music who paved the way.
“I wanted to pay tribute to the country queens that raised me—all the ladies in my life that made me who I am, the country queens on the radio that inspired me to write music and all my best friends that I get to do life with and keep me going.”
Recently named one of MusicRow’s Next Big Thing Artists for 2025 as well as other industry recognitions, Carpenter makes good on that promise with Hey Country Queen. Whether she’s belting out a stadium-sized anthem or laying her heart bare in a ballad, she proves that the magic happens when an artist fully embraces the messiness of emotion—and turns it into country gold.
Blackberry Smoke & Mike Campbell & The Dirty Knobs Announce Co-Headlining Tour
/by Lorie HollabaughBlackberry Smoke. Photo: Andy Sapp
Blackberry Smoke is joining Mike Campbell & The Dirty Knobs on a special co-headlining tour this summer.
The tour will include stops in Pittsburgh, Raleigh, Charleston, Atlanta and Asheville, among others, including a two-night stand at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium. Blackberry Smoke’s fan club will have early access to tickets with pre-sale beginning today, (March 11), with the public on sale following March 14. Full details and ticket information can be found at blackberrysmoke.com.
Blackberry Smoke is currently on the road with upcoming headline shows in New Orleans, Houston, Austin, Dallas and more, and will also join Lynyrd Skynyrd and The Avett Brothers for select dates later this year.