NSAI To Launch New Program At Nashville State Community College In February

/by

The Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) will launch a six-week course on the business side of songwriting and music industry careers at Nashville State Community College’s White Bridge campus on Feb. 11. Supported by the Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR), the program will also be available online.

“NSAI is excited to partner with Nashville State on this six-week program,” shares Bart Herbison, NSAI Executive Director. “We applaud TBR Chancellor Flora Tydings, Nashville State President Shanna Jackson and their teams for exploring innovative and affordable ways to bring knowledge about songwriting and associated music industry careers to students. Some of the very top industry professionals will be part of this journey only adding to its potential.”

Taking place from 5:30 p.m.–7 p.m. each week, the sessions will consist of: “Professional Songwriting 101 — An Overview,” featuring singer-songwriter and social media personality Kaylee Rose; “Songwriting — The Craft,” featuring Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame member Tom Douglas; “Songwriter and Artist Income Streams,” featuring KP Entertainment Founder/Manager Kerri Edwards; “Publishing and Record Deals,” featuring Big Machine Music President Mike Molinar and Sony Music Nashville Vice President, A&R Margaret Tomlin; “Songwriter Support Jobs;” and “A Day in the Life,” featuring two special guests.

“This innovative partnership, developed through TBR’s Center for Workforce Development, brings together Nashville State and the Nashville Songwriters Association International in a way that exemplifies what makes Tennessee’s workforce development special—the ability to harness our state’s unique cultural strengths and turn them into career opportunities,” says Tydings. “By bringing together industry leaders to teach the next generation, we’re not just offering a course—we’re opening doors to careers in one of Tennessee’s most iconic industries. This is workforce development at its most innovative and exciting!”

The course has a nominal fee of $145 for NSAI members and $245 for non-members (which includes a year-long NSAI membership). Space is limited. For more information regarding registration, click here.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Runaway June Scores Disc Of The Day

/by

Runaway June. Photo: Ford Fairchild

It’s a ballad kind of day in this week’s stack of country tunes.

To one degree or another, Angel White, Ashley McBryde, The Castellows, Karley Scott Collins and Kameron Marlowe are all taking things slow. However, we do have a new Southern rock band in the mix, Hippies & Cowboys.

But the uptempo tune to beat is by that trio of charmers, Runaway June, who run away with the Disc of the Day award with their sprightly delivery of “He Ain’t My Problem.”

I’m also happy to report that we have some solid honky-tonk traditionalists on hand—Cody Jinks, Don Louis and our DISCovery Award winner, Braxton Keith. More power to ‘em.

THE CASTELLOWS / “Alabama Stone”
Writers: Caroline Watkins/Eleanor Balkcom/Josh Dorr/Lily Balkcom/Powell Balkcom; Producer: Brad Cook; Label: Warner Music Nashville/Warner Records
– This stately sounding tune describes the life of a rural Alabama lady whose dreams never came true. She lives and dies in sorrow. The trio’s wistful vocals waft through a languid acoustic soundscape in this haunting outing.

KAMERON MARLOWE / “Burning House”
Writers: Camaron Ochs (Cam)/Jeff Bhasker/Tyler Johnson; Producer: Ben West; Label: Columbia Nashville
– Marlowe’s soulful, piercing, penetrating delivery is placed in a stark, spare arrangement of sighing electronics and plucked guitar strings. The result is utterly riveting. The song was originally by Cam, an artist who has not been given the accolades she deserves.

HIPPIES & COWBOYS / “Fork In The Road”
Writers: Aaron Lee Sparling/Jonathan Danis/Kevin Corbo/Scott Metko/Victor Arruda; Producer: Casey Wasner; Label: Long Run
– This Nashville band revives Southern rock splendidly, thanks to a shrieking, bluesy lead vocal and some Skynyrd-worthy electric guitar. Classic sounding.

ASHLEY McBRYDE / “Ain’t Enough Cowboy Songs”
Writers: Ashley McBryde/Chris Harris/Patrick Savage; Producer: John Osborne; Label: Warner Music Nashville
– This woman could sing the phone book and I’d listen. Her latest single is a nostalgic ballad that yearns for the honesty, authenticity and values of days gone by. As always, she’s a model of steadfast earthiness.

DON LOUIS / “Neon You”
Writers: Chad Sellers/Dalton Little/Easton Hamlin; Producers: Chad Sellers, Smith Curry; Label: Money Myers Entertainment
– He’s stepping out with his honey on a Friday-night excursion into Strait territory. Which is to say, this man sings a solid country song like nobody’s business. Every single he has released this year has been superb. The album is called Liquor Talkin.’ If you love real country music, play him.

GRAHAM BARHAM / “Something To Chase”
Writers: Beau Bailey/Dallas Wilson/Graham Barham/Sam Martinez; Producer: Sam Martinez; Label: Sony Music Nashville
– Processed vocal. Electronic hip-hop track. Pass.

ANGEL WHITE / “Crossroads”
Writers: Angel White/Dave Thomas Junior/Lauren Whissell; Producer: Dwight A. Baker; Label: Wyatt Road Records
– This Texas rancher mixes country, soul and pop in this pleading power ballad. His life is at a standstill as he begs for some direction. The stomping backbeat gives it an anthem-like quality. The innovative production is as ear-catching as his startling vocal. Highly engaging.

CODY JINKS / “If You’ve Got The Money I’ve Got The Time”
Writers: Jim Beck/Lefty Frizzell; Producer: Drew Harakal, Joshua Thompson; Label: CJ
– This longtime Texas favorite has issued 10 albums and had 3.5 billion (with a “B”) streams of his roadhouse sounds. The honky-tonker is issuing a tribute album to the ultimate honky-tonk superstar, Lefty Frizzell. It kicks off with Cody’s revival of the Hall of Famer’s signature hit of 1950. Performances like this are why this guy has been named MusicRow’s Independent Artist of the Year, twice.

RUNAWAY JUNE / “He Ain’t My Problem”
Writers: Jennifer Wayne/Natalie Stovall/Stevie Woodward; Producer: Kristian Bush; Label: Quartz Hill Records
– Feisty and fun, fun, fun. The saucy kiss-off song is packed with clever asides, cool instrumental licks, sexy lines, punchy-uptempo rhythms and delicious three-part harmony. I love this record, and their songwriting is peerless.

CHASE MATTHEW / “Dancing In The Rain”
Writers: Beau Bailey/Cole Miracle/Gabe Foust/Graham Barham; Producers: Austin Shawn, Gabe Foust; Label: Warner Music Nashville
– Which way is this relationship heading? Whatever happens, he’s hot for her in this jaunty midtempo ditty. Tastefully produced and sung with easy-going sincerity.

KARLEY SCOTT COLLINS / “Quit You”
Writers: Karley Scott Collins/Nathan Chapman; Producers: Karley Scott Collins, Nathan Chapman; Label: Sony Music Nashville
– She sings with gripping intensity. You’ll hear every aching breath and throaty rasp in this acoustic production. The ballad is about being trapped in a troublesome romance with no end in sight. This one’s a keeper.

BRAXTON KEITH / “Chase You Down”
Writers: Braxton Keith/Deric Ruttan; Producers: Alex Torrez, David Dorn; Label: Warner Music Nashville
– This Texan is one terrific country singer. His two-stepper is a honky-tonk delight as he yearns for the gal who left him. His vocal dips, the rolling groove and a crisp production are all utterly irresistible. Also check out his power ballad “Fall This Way” on his new Blue EP, which drops tomorrow. Sign me up for the fan club.

BREAKING: Tommy Moore To Exit ACM

/by

Tommy Moore

Academy of Country Music Chief of Staff/VP, Artist & Industry Relations Tommy Moore plans to leave the organization on Dec. 13 for a new opportunity. He has been with ACM since 2011.

Moore will join Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) as Director of Entertainment Engagement in January. In his new role, he will help raise awareness and support for VUMC’s mission by deepening relationships within the entertainment and sports industries.

“The past 13 years at the Academy and the accomplishments we have achieved as a team are truly invaluable to me, both professionally and personally,” Moore shares. “After careful consideration, I have decided to move on from this chapter. I am thrilled to join the team at VUMC to make a significant impact on so many lives alongside a world-renown institution, through an entertainment lens.”

Amy Grant To Return To The Ryman For ‘Mother’s Day At The Mother Church’ Shows

/by

Amy Grant

Amy Grant is celebrating Mother’s Day in 2025 with two “Mother’s Day at the Mother Church” performances at the Ryman Auditorium on May 9-10.

The special shows, perfectly timed for Mother’s Day weekend, celebrate Grant’s deep connection to the Ryman, known as the “Mother Church of Country Music.” She has a long and cherished history with the Ryman as Grant and husband Vince Gill have made their annual Christmas at the Ryman residency a beloved Nashville tradition, performing the holiday shows over 100 times at the historic venue. Tickets for both Mother’s Day shows are on sale now at ryman.com.

“Performing at the Ryman is always a homecoming for me,” says Grant. “Its history, intimacy, and magic make it the perfect place to share music and memories, especially for Mother’s Day.”

In 2024, Grant played 33 shows in the spring, and released the Songs From The Loft album, (originally released in 1993), for the first time digitally. This fall, she released an Expanded Anniversary Edition of her classic album, House Of Love with never before heard tracks and remixes, and recently finished a headlining tour featuring many songs from the album. Grant will wrap the year with the annual “Christmas At The Ryman” residency with Gill featuring songs from their recent When I Think Of Christmas album. She is also writing songs for her next album, set for release in 2025.

Boots In The Park Festival To Make Las Vegas Debut

/by

Boots In The Park, the traveling festival produced by Activated Events, will make its Las Vegas debut April 11–12 at The Event Center at Desert Breeze.

The milestone event will feature performances by headliners Old Dominion and Jordan Davis as well as Tyler Hubbard, Nate Smith, Chris Janson, Parmalee, Chase Matthew, Owen Riegling, Presley Tennant, Joe Peters and Luwiss Lux, among others. The festival will also include line dancing, food from local vendors, various beverages and art installations.

“We are incredibly excited to launch one of our premier festival brands, Boots In The Park, in Las Vegas, bringing together the best of country music, incredible local food vendors and unique art installations, for an unforgettable weekend,” shares Steve Thacher, CEO of Activated Events. “With powerhouse headliners like Old Dominion and Jordan Davis, alongside a stellar supporting lineup, we’re delivering a one-of-a-kind festival that captures the vibrant energy of Las Vegas and the heart of country music fans.”

Presale tickets will available starting Thursday, Dec. 12 at 12 p.m. CT. Public sales will follow on Friday, Dec. 13 at the same time. For more information, click here.

Carrie Underwood To Headline ‘Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve’

/by

Ryan Seacrest and Carrie Underwood. Photo: Disney/Gizelle Hernandez

The lineup has been announced for Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2025, presented by ABC and Dick Clark Productions.

Seacrest will mark his 20th year as host, returning alongside co-host Rita Ora to lead the festivities from New York’s Times Square. Carrie Underwood will headline the night of performances, performing before the ball drops at midnight. Country breakout star Megan Moroney and British singer-songwriter Sophie Ellis-Bextor are also set to perform.

Underwood shares, “I have such fun memories of performing on New Year’s Rockin’ Eve in Times Square in both 2007 and 2015, and I’m so excited to perform just before the ball drops again this year. I’m thrilled to celebrate 20 years since winning American Idol by joining Ryan as he hosts his 20th New Year’s Eve in Times Square.”

Previously-announced performers also include rock legend Lenny Kravitz, genre-bending singer-songwriter Teddy Swims, R&B hitmaker Tinashe, chart-topping country superstar Cody Johnson and five-time Grammy nominee Thomas Rhett.

Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2025 will air Tuesday, Dec. 31, live on ABC beginning at 8:00 p.m. EST and stream next day on Hulu.

Flatland Cavalry Slates ‘Flatland Forever Tour’ For 2025

/by

Flatland Cavalry. Photo: Fernando Garcia

Flatland Cavalry will head out on their new “Flatland Forever Tour” next year beginning in February in Atlanta.

Stops on the new trek include Birmingham, Omaha, Ann Arbor, Memphis, Portland, Norfolk and more through May 3. General on-sale for the dates will be available on Friday, Dec. 6 and details can be found at flatlandcavalry.com/tour.

The tour adds to a notable year for the band, who released their new album, Flatland Forever, last month via Interscope Records and recently reached No. 1 on Shazam’s U.S. Top 200 chart after their song “How Long” was featured in the hit show Yellowstone. Receiving over 81,000 Shazams, the song surpassed tracks by Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars, The Weekend & Playboi Carti and more.

Over the past year, Flatland Cavalry also wrote and recorded songs for two major film soundtracks (Twisters and The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes), received their first ACM Awards nomination for Group of the Year and garnered more than 500 million streams across platforms.

Flatland Cavalry Confirmed Tour Dates:
December 9—Nashville, TN—Grand Ole Opry
December 31—Fort Worth, TX—Dickies Arena
February 7—Atlanta, GA—Coca-Cola Roxy
February 8—Birmingham, AL—Alabama Theatre
February 13—Cedar Rapids, IA—Paramount Theatre
February 14—Waukee, IA—Vibrant Music Hall
February 15—Omaha, NE—Steelhouse Omaha
February 21—San Angelo, TX—Murphey Performance Hall
February 22—El Paso, TX—Abraham Chavez Theatre
February 27—Ann Arbor, MI—Michigan Theater
February 28—Madison, WI—The Sylvee
April 3—Memphis, TN—Minglewood Hall
April 4—Nacogdoches, TX—Stephen F. Austin University
April 5—Georgetown, TX—Two Step Inn 2025
April 10—Charlottesville, VA—Ting Pavilion
April 11—Norfolk, VA—The NorVa
April 12—Anderson, SC—Wendell’s Dippin Branch
April 27—Indio, CA—Stagecoach Festival
April 30—Eugene, OR—McDonald Theatre
May 1—Tacoma, WA—Temple Theatre
May 2—Portland, OR—Crystal Ballroom
May 3—Bend, OR—Midtown Ballroom
June 19—Lewisburg, WV—Wild Trails Festival 2025
June 26—Mack, CO—Country Jam 2025

BOLD: on-sale this Friday, Dec. 6 at 10:00 a.m. local time

CMHOFM Celebrates Rosanne Cash Exhibit Opening

/by

Pictured (L–R): John Leventhal, Danny Kahn, Jody Williams, Kyle Young, Rosanne Cash, Emmylou Harris, Vince Gill, Mick Buck, Michael Gray and RJ Smith. Photo: Brett Carlsen/Getty Images for the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum celebrated the opening of its “Rosanne Cash: Time Is a Mirror” exhibit last night (Dec. 4), which explores Cash’s over-40-year journey as an artist and songwriter.

On display through March 2026 and included with museum admission, “Rosanne Cash: Time Is a Mirror” features stage wear, song manuscripts, instruments, photographs and more, along with an official playlist. From the 1970s to now, Cash has sought to carve in her own path in American music, drawing on rockabilly rhythms, the truth-telling of folk-rock songwriters, west coast country-rock energy and the deep roots of country music.

“Rosanne Cash: Time Is a Mirror” exhibit. Photo: Brett Carlsen/Getty Images for the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

The quadruple-Grammy winner’s hits include “Seven Year Ache,” “Blue Moon with Heartache,” “I Don’t Know Why You Don’t Want Me,” “I Don’t Want to Spoil the Party,” “It Hasn’t Happened Yet,” “Tennessee Flat Top Box, “No Memories Hangin’ Round” and “Never Be You,” among others. In 2021, Cash became the first female composer to receive the MacDowell Medal, which has been awarded to an artist who has made an outstanding contribution to American culture since 1960.

To support the exhibit opening, she will participate in a conversation and performance in the museum’s Ford Theater this Sunday (Dec. 8). The sold-out program will be filmed and available to stream on the museum’s website at a later date as part of the “Live at the Hall” digital series. For more information, click here.

K-LOVE Dedicates New Ministry Center In Franklin [See Photos]

/by

Ribbon cutting of new K-LOVE facility in Franklin, Tennessee

Educational Media Foundation, the parent organization of Christian radio networks K-LOVE and Air1, dedicated the permanent home for its new Ministry Center in Franklin, Tennessee on Tuesday (Dec. 3) at a special ribbon cutting ceremony.

The largest Christian radio network with more than 1,100 signals across the country, K-LOVE  relocated to Williamson County from Rocklin, California. The dedication event featured Christian artists Steven Curtis Chapman and Jon Reddick and Pastor/Author Jud Wilhite, along with approximately 500 local leaders, team members and other guests.

The new 166,000 square foot facility features 10 studios for live broadcasts of K-LOVE radio, Air1 radio and AccessMore podcasts. There is also dedicated space for the operation of K-LOVE Books, K-LOVE Live Events and K-LOVE on Demand, the ministry’s video streaming platform. The building also houses several capture spaces to create media content. The auditorium, the K-LOVE Center, is a state-of-the-art live event space where tour rehearsals, concerts and events can be held in support of the industry and other community needs.

“Tennessee has welcomed us with open arms, and we extend our gratitude to the local community for their hospitality,” says Tom Stultz, Interim CEO. “We are grateful to those who have supported this journey and look forward to utilizing this space to continue sharing the Gospel with our audiences across the globe.”

K-LOVE Ministry Center

K-LOVE Ministry Center

K-LOVE Ministry Center

K-LOVE Ministry Center

Industry Ink: Jenn Essiembre, Miranda Lambert, David Olney, More

/by

Jenn Essiembre Joins Big Loud Rock As SVP/A&R

Jenn Essiembre. Photo: Willow Rothbart

Jenn Essiembre has been named SVP of A&R at Big Loud Rock in Los Angeles. In her new role, Essiembre will spearhead the label’s A&R strategy and execution, reporting directly to Big Loud Partner Joey Moi and Lloyd Norman, GM of Big Loud Rock. Before joining Big Loud Rock, Essiembre served as Vice President of 300 Publishing, a division of 300 Entertainment. Her foundation in the industry was built at ole Music Publishing, where she achieved placements with global artists such as Sam Smith, Justin Timberlake and Maluma.

 

Miranda Lambert’s Muttnation Honors Lucky Break Rescue With Inaugural Idyllwind Award

Miranda Lambert with Lucky Break Rescue founder Cait Luca. Photo: Cooper Norland

Miranda Lambert has announced the inaugural Idyllwind Award, administered by her MuttNation Foundation, will go to Lucky Break Rescue in Arizona with a $25,000 donation. Named after Lambert’s first horse, Idyllwind Ellund, the Idyllwind Award will annually recognize an outstanding U.S. equine rescue or sanctuary that rehabilitates and/or rehomes horses that have been neglected, abused or abandoned, while also educating the public about the difficult conditions these horses face. Lambert spoke about the Idyllwind Award at the recent taping of the Boot Barn: Voiceless fashion show, premiering on Roku December 15 and airing on Hulu in early 2025. Boot Barn is the exclusive retailer of Lambert’s Idyllwind clothing and boot line.

“We’re so excited to be adding this new award to our MuttNation programs,” says Lambert. “The strong bond that horses form with people is one of the most magical – and caring for horses that have been mistreated takes a very special kind of person. Cait Luca, who started Lucky Break Rescue, is one of the most special I’ve ever known. Her rescue is the perfect choice for this first Idyllwind Award.”

 

CMHOFM Honors David Olney With Songwriter Round Tribute

Pictured (L-R): Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum Public Programs Manager Aimee Graham, Jim Lauderdale, Steve Earle, Mary Gauthier and Jaimee Harris at the museum.

The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum hosted a songwriter round honoring singer-songwriter David Olney last weekend. The program included tribute performances by Steve Earle, Mary Gauthier, Jaimee Harris and Jim Lauderdale. Olney, who died in 2020, released more than two dozen albums during his five-decade career as both a solo artist and a member of the Nashville Jug Band and the X-Rays. His songs have been recorded by Kieran Kane, Del McCoury, Linda Ronstadt, Townes Van Zandt and Emmylou Harris.

The program was filmed and will premiere at a later date as part of the museum’s Live at the Hall digital programs series, available to stream on the museum’s website.

 

Blessing Offor Debuts On ‘Today With Hoda & Jenna’

Blessing Offor

Blessing Offor made his debut on Today With Hoda & Jenna last week, performing his latest single, “All Over The World.”

On Friday (Dec. 6), Blessing will release a new EP, Covers, featuring his unique take on Frank Ocean’s “Godspeed,” Taylor Swift’s “Holy Ground,” John Mayer’s “Gravity” and Bob Dylan’s “Make You Feel My Love” featuring Bob Lanzetti of Snarky Puppy. Previously only available via Amazon Music, Offor’s version of “Godspeed” marks one of his top-streamed songs across platforms. This will also mark the first time “Holy Ground,” and “Gravity” have been available outside of Apple Music.

 

Bayker Blankenship Performs On’ CBS Saturday Morning’

Bayker Blankenship performs on CBS Saturday Morning

Rising star Bayker Blankenship made his network TV debut this past Saturday on CBS Saturday Morning. A Livingston, Tennessee native with over 770,000 followers on TikTok, Blankenship performed his songs “Tennessee Sunset,” “Maxed Out” and the unreleased “300 Miles” (which drops Dec. 11) for CBS Saturday Morning’s Saturday Sessions. In addition, Blankenship recently announced his upcoming “The Maxed Out Tour,” which kicks off in Athens, Georgia on Jan. 15.