
Chase Matthew is releasing his third album Chase on Feb. 21 via Warner Music Nashville. A new track from the album, “Drives My Truck,” is out now.
The uptempo jam penned by Matthew with Brock Berryhill and Taylor Phillips is a flirtatious throwback to the truck songs of the ’90s with a little extra horsepower, and speaks to losing control in all the best ways when your girl takes the wheel.
Chase contains 13 tracks including the previously released “Missin’ Me Missin’ You” and “Backroads of My Mind,” and also features a guest appearance by Lauren Alaina on “Half Heart Empty.” Matthews penned nine songs on the new project, which was produced by Austin Shawn with co-production on select tracks by Brock Berryhill, Blake Bollinger, Brian Bunn, Gabe Foust and Will Bundy, plus an additional song produced by Danny Majić.
Matthew will celebrate a massive milestone on the day Chase releases with a sold-out hometown headline debut at the Ryman Auditorium.
Chase Track List:
1. “Drives My Truck” (Chase Matthew, Brock Berryhill, Taylor Phillips)
2. “Missin’ Me Missin’ You” (Chase Matthew, Brock Berryhill, Taylor Phillips, Lydia Vaughan)
3. “Heart Half Empty (feat. Lauren Alaina)” (Chase Matthew, Austin Shawn, Matt McVaney, Bailey Manns, Noah West, Shaylen Carroll)
4. “No Name Roads” (Chase Matthew, Casey Brown, Taylor Phillips, Ashley Gorley, Travis Wood)
5. “I Don’t Wanna Know” (Victor Williams, Fraser Churchill, Danny Majić, Willie Morrison)
6. “Fire In Her Eyes” (Chase Matthew, Gabe Foust, Graham Barham, Beau Bailey, Jacob Hackworth)
7. “Driving Through My Hometown” (Jacob Hackworth, Chris Tompkins, Michael Tyler, Blake Bollinger)
8. “If I Had Wings” (Chase Matthew, Alexander Palmer)
9. “You Turn” (Chase Matthew, Rotundo, Rose Falcon, Brian Bunn)
10. “Waiting On You To Call” (Chase Matthew)
11. “Backroads Of My Mind” (Parker Welling, Casey Brown, Garrett Nichols, Colton Pack, Zach Beeken)
12. “Sunday Clothes” (Chase Matthew, Taylor Phillips, Josh Phillips, Brock Berryhill, Kim Penz, Rotundo)
13. “No Way Around It” (Jacob Hackworth, Will Bundy, Michael Tyler)
SmithField To Showcase Love On Valentine’s Day EP
/by Madison HahnenCountry duo SmithField will release their new EP, Love You To The Moon, on Feb. 14.
Comprised of lifelong friends Jenn Fielder and Trey Smith, the pair’s four track project will feature tracks crafted for their own weddings, along with new renditions of beloved fan favorites. SmithField hopes these songs become a meaningful part of even more fans’ special moments. With this album, they invite listeners to celebrate love through music that is sure to resonate deeply.
“‘If It Ain’t You’ and ‘We’ll Figure It Out’ have been a part of thousands of weddings,” they share. “Whether it be the first dance song, a bride walking down the aisle, or us getting hired to play for the big special day. We are excited to give them actual ‘wedding versions’ of those beloved songs, plus two that were from our own weddings. We hope with this music we get to celebrate together and be a part of even more wedding days in the future with this special project.”
Produced by Smith, Love You To The Moon is a heartfelt celebration of love in all its forms. This EP takes listeners on an intimate journey through the moments and emotions that have shaped the duo’s most personal relationships. From the lyrics in tracks like “Never Gonna Get Married” and to the melodies in “To The Moon,” the EP works to encapsulate the essence of love and connection for a global audience.
It also includes newly crafted wedding versions of fan-favorite songs “If It Ain’t You” and “We’ll Figure It Out.” Over the past two weeks, “If It Ain’t You” has amassed 2.5 million views on Instagram and TikTok, while the original version has racked up over 15 million streams across platforms. “We’ll Figure It Out” has garnered 20 million streams, 100 million views, and 600,000 shares across TikTok and Instagram, alongside more than 10,000 pieces of user-generated content.
Love You To The Moon Track List:
1. “To the Moon”
2. “If It Ain’t You – Wedding Version”
3. “Never Gonna Get Married”
4. “We’ll Figure It Out – Wedding Version”
Zach Top, Red Clay Strays, More To Play Georgia & Auburn Rodeos
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (clockwise): Zach Top, Maggie Antone and The Red Clay Strays
The Red Clay Strays, Zach Top, Cameron Whitcomb, Maggie Antone and Gabriella Rose are set to perform at the 2025 Georgia Rodeo and Auburn Rodeo this spring.
The Georgia Rodeo kicks off on April 11 at the Athens Fairgrounds in Winterville, Georgia, followed by The Auburn Rodeo on April 12 at Sistrunk Farms in Auburn, Alabama. Tickets are on sale now at theauburnrodeo.com and atthegeorgiarodeo.com.
“We are so excited that the Georgia Rodeo is returning to Athens this spring,” says Hannah Smith, Director of Marketing & Communications for Visit Athens. “We saw so much engagement last year from fans from the Athens area and throughout the region and can’t wait to welcome them back. Athens and its storied music heritage are a great fit for such a marquee live music event.”
“We are beyond excited to return to both Auburn and Athens with such a strong lineup,” says Nathan Baugh, CEO of Peachtree Entertainment and Shane Quick, Partner and President of Live Events. “These events are tailored to the fans who make them special year after year, and we’re proud to bring this incredible mix of music and rodeo action to these vibrant communities.”
Dustin Labbe Joins Peachtree Entertainment
/by Madison HahnenDustin Labbe. Photo: Courtesy of Peachtree Entertainment
Dustin Labbe has joined Peachtree Entertainment as Senior Vice President of Talent Booking for the Northeast region.
Labbe brings extensive experience to the company, having spent more than a decade with Live Nation’s Boston office, where he was a key member of the Crossroads Presents team. Throughout his tenure, Labbe managed bookings for House of Blues – Boston and led the clubs division for New England. His achievements include setting single-show attendance records at venues like Brighton Music Hall and Paradise Rock Club, solidifying his reputation as a major influence in the Boston music scene and beyond.
In his new role, Labbe will manage all booking operations for Peachtree Entertainment in the Northeast, leveraging his expertise in artist development, venue partnerships and market strategy to drive regional growth. His proven track record of booking over 1,000 shows and ensuring the operational success of the venues under his leadership will play a crucial role in Peachtree’s impact and expansion in the region.
“We are thrilled to welcome Dustin Labbe to the Peachtree Entertainment family as our new Senior Vice President overseeing the Northeast region,” shares Nathan Baugh, CEO of Peachtree Entertainment. “Dustin’s extensive experience with Live Nation, including managing the House of Blues calendar in Boston, combined with his entrepreneurial spirit, makes him a perfect fit for our team. We can’t wait to see him bring his energy and expertise to Peachtree as we set our sights on an incredible 2025 and beyond.”
Chris Janson Receives Multi-Platinum Recognition During RIAA Event
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): RIAA Chairman & CEO Mitch Glazier, Chris Janson, RIAA Chief Policy Officer Morna Willens and Musicians On Call President & CEO Pete Griffin. Photo: Dan Swartz
Chris Janson received a plaque celebrating the five-times Platinum certification of his hit “Buy Me a Boat” from the RIAA during a special presentation on Monday (Jan. 20) at the RIAA’s headquarters in Washington, DC.
RIAA Chairman & CEO Mitch Glazier and Chief Policy Officer Morna Willens joined Janson at the event celebrating the Presidential Inauguration to benefit Musicians On Call. Janson has become a vocal advocate for protecting creators’ rights and his visit to the nation’s capital not only celebrated the enduring success of his first No. 1, but also offered policymakers a taste of why music and those who make it need protection from unethical uses of AI.
Chris Janson performs at RIAA. Photo: Dan Swartz
Janson performed a high-energy set during the event featuring “Fix a Drink,” “All American Guy,” “Good Vibes,” “All I Need is You” and his upcoming single “Stay Rowdy,” along with some covers and a medley of “Courtesy of the Red White and Blue” and “God Bless the USA.”
“We don’t take these moments for granted … to recognize the incredible hard work and creative talent of an artist like Chris Janson. Congratulations on the now five-times Platinum hit ‘Buy Me a Boat!’” Glazier shared. “RIAA is honored to acknowledge not only this single, but his drive to ensure that all musicians can thrive. From the ELVIS Act in Tennessee to the federal NO FAKES Act, which protect the fundamental uniqueness of a person’s voice and likeness from irresponsible AI, we are proud of Chris’s continued advocacy.”
Last March, Janson gave a fiery speech in support as Tennessee Governor Bill Lee officially signed the ELVIS Act into law. The bipartisan legislation updates the state’s existing right of publicity while establishing protections for every person’s unique voice and likeness against unauthorized artificial intelligence (AI) deepfakes and voice clones. He continues to support beyond his home state as the federal bipartisan, bicameral NO FAKES Act fuels momentum for fundamental human protections in the wake of exploitive and irresponsible AI.
“It was an awesome time in the RIAA house and a complete surprise receiving the five-times Platinum award for ‘Buy Me A Boat,'” says Janson. “I’m totally humbled and grateful. The ELVIS Act and NO FAKES Act are near to my heart and something I take very seriously. I’m proud to stand firmly behind each—helping protect artists and songwriters in a big way.”
Zac Brown Band To Play Back-To-Back Pinnacle Shows In April
/by Lorie HollabaughZac Brown Band
Zac Brown Band is set to play two back-to-back shows at new Nashville venue The Pinnacle April 1-2.
Tickets for the pair of shows go on sale this Friday, Jan. 24, via thepinnaclenashville.com/ calendar. Members of the Zamily Fan Club can purchase presale tickets from Jan. 22-23 here.
“We are so excited to hit the stage at The Pinnacle and play for our incredible fans,” says Brown. “Nashville is a city that’s always felt like home to us, and we can’t wait to be a part of the incredible energy this new venue is bringing to the city.”
Over the last decade, Zac Brown Band has had six consecutive albums reach the top 10 of the Billboard 200, and five consecutive albums debut at No. 1 on Billboard’s Country Albums chart. To date, the group has won three Grammys, sold more than 30 million singles, nine million albums, amassed over 11.2 billion catalog streams, achieved 16 No. 1 radio singles, and are the second act to top both the country and active rock formats.
Rick Myers Joins O’Neil Hagaman, LLC As Principal
/by LB CantrellRick Myers
Rick Myers has joined O’Neil Hagaman, LLC as a Principal. In his new role, Myers will contribute to key decisions driving the firm’s growth while addressing the business and financial needs of its clients.
With over two decades of experience in financial strategy, business management and music industry leadership, Myers served as SVP, Finance and IT for HYBE’s Big Machine Label Group for the past three years. Other career accomplishments include serving as Managing Director/COO of Courage Music, founding 12 South Financial and serving as VP/Corporate Controller & PMO for Integrity Music. He is a graduate of Belmont University, where he earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting.
“Opportunities to bring someone of Rick’s character and expertise into the firm don’t happen very often,” shares Legina Chaudoin, Partner at O’Neil Hagaman. “We’re pleased to welcome Rick into the O’Neil Hagaman family.”
Gretchen Wilson Is ‘Still Here For The Party’ On New Dates
/by Lorie HollabaughGretchen Wilson. Photo: Grace McKinney
Gretchen Wilson has launched the “Still Here For The Party Tour.”
She will visit Mississippi, Oklahoma, Texas, Illinois, Wisconsin and more on the 20-date trek, her first headline tour in several years. More dates will be added to the tour soon.
“Seeing fans lose their minds at every tour stop and on the two performances at CMA Fest last year really gave me the spark I needed to get back out on the road,” Wilson says. “My band and I have been rehearsing like crazy, and I can’t wait to share this music with old fans and make some new ones. I’m also digging deep in my catalog and playing songs from those early albums that I haven’t played in a while. People ask me about songs like ‘Pocahontas Proud,’ ‘Trucker Man’ and ‘All Jacked Up,’ so were breaking those out, too.”
Wilson spent last year touring with her buddies Big & Rich and their Muzik Mafia family. She also celebrated the 20th anniversary of her multi-week No. 1 “Redneck Woman” and multi-Platinum Here For The Party album.
“Still Here For The Party Tour Dates:
Jan. 18 – Lincoln City, OR
Feb. 15 – Jackson, MS
Apr. 4 – Quapaw, OK
Apr. 12 – Gonzales, TX
May 10 – Natchitoches, LA
June 14 – Martinsville, IN
June 26 – Cadott, WI
June 27 – Melvin, IL
July 11 – Rhinelander, WI
July 12 – Manistee, MI
July 26 – Maquoketa, IA
Aug 2 – Elkhorn, WI
Aug 9 – Detroit Lakes, MN
Aug 15 – Tulsa, OK
Aug 16 – Ft. Worth, TX
Aug 30 – Woodstock, CT
Brittany Moore Receives Todd Givens Memorial Scholarship From NSAI
/by Madison HahnenPictured (L-R): Bart Herbision (NSAI Executive Director), Brittany Moore and Jill Moody (NSAI, Director of Songwriter Relations).
The Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) has revealed that singer-songwriter Brittany Moore is the latest recipient of the annual Todd Givens Memorial Scholarship.
Moore, an Arkansas native, started writing songs at the age of 15 and moved to Nashville in 2018 to further pursue her music career. She became a member of NSAI during her first year in the city, and over the past six years, her songwriting abilities have continued to evolve.
NSAI has supported and celebrated Moore’s raw authenticity, as she boldly tackles often overlooked subjects like diet culture and mental health. Her genuine storytelling strikes a chord with listeners worldwide, earning her multiple viral songs on social media, a feature on the Bobby Bones Show and a fully crowdfunded EP set to release later this year.
“I couldn’t think of a more deserving songwriter for us to recognize with this Todd Givens Scholarship than Brittany,” shares Bart Herbison, Executive Director of NSAI. “Todd was a beloved friend and staff member of NSAI, and an avid supporter of songwriters with the spirit that Brittany embodies. I personally choose the recipient of this honor every year with Todd in mind, and I know that he would have been a huge fan of her talents.”
Scholarship recipients are awarded a complimentary NSAI membership, access to a premium NSAI educational event and personalized support from the NSAI creative team throughout the year to help guide them in achieving their career goals.
Moore will officially be presented with the honor at the annual NSAI Member Awards, scheduled for March 26 at 3rd & Lindsley, as part of NSAI’s Tin Pan South week.
BREAKING: Ashley Gorley To Be Inducted Into Songwriters Hall Of Fame
/by LB CantrellAshley Gorley. Photo: Katie Kauss
The 2025 inductees have been announced for the Songwriters Hall of Fame. They include Nashville hitmaker Ashley Gorley as well as George Clinton, Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins, the Beach Boys’ Mike Love, Tony Macaulay and three members of The Doobie Brothers: Tom Johnston, Michael McDonald and Patrick Simmons.
They will be inducted into the esteemed hall at the Songwriters Hall of Fame Awards Gala, set to take place on June 12 at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York City.
Songwriters with a notable catalog become eligible for induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame 20 years after their first significant commercial release of a song. The nominations were announced on Nov. 12 and voting ran through Dec. 22.
Gorley is the most commercially successful country songwriter of all time. The Kentucky-native has written an unprecedented 80 No. 1 radio singles with artists such as Morgan Wallen, Post Malone, Chris Stapleton, Jelly Roll, Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood, Thomas Rhett, Kelsea Ballerini, Bon Jovi, Weezer and more. He has received a myriad of honors throughout his career, including NSAI’s Songwriter of the Decade for 2010-2019 and the ASCAP Country Songwriter of the Year recognition a record 11 times.
“I’m honestly shocked. I started out in the tape room listening to some of the greatest songwriters turn in demos,” Gorley shares of the honor. “Being welcomed into the Songwriters Hall of Fame and this legendary group of music makers is a dream come true. I’ve always looked up to this organization, and I’m proud to join representing Nashville and the country music community.
“I’ve attended this event as a fan and it always leaves me inspired, so this moment is truly surreal for me and my family,” he adds. “I’m incredibly grateful for the Hall of Fame and all the songwriting heroes who shaped music as we know it today, and I’m looking forward to celebrating everyone in June.”
Chase Matthew Gears Up For Third Album
/by Lorie HollabaughChase Matthew is releasing his third album Chase on Feb. 21 via Warner Music Nashville. A new track from the album, “Drives My Truck,” is out now.
The uptempo jam penned by Matthew with Brock Berryhill and Taylor Phillips is a flirtatious throwback to the truck songs of the ’90s with a little extra horsepower, and speaks to losing control in all the best ways when your girl takes the wheel.
Chase contains 13 tracks including the previously released “Missin’ Me Missin’ You” and “Backroads of My Mind,” and also features a guest appearance by Lauren Alaina on “Half Heart Empty.” Matthews penned nine songs on the new project, which was produced by Austin Shawn with co-production on select tracks by Brock Berryhill, Blake Bollinger, Brian Bunn, Gabe Foust and Will Bundy, plus an additional song produced by Danny Majić.
Matthew will celebrate a massive milestone on the day Chase releases with a sold-out hometown headline debut at the Ryman Auditorium.
2. “Missin’ Me Missin’ You” (Chase Matthew, Brock Berryhill, Taylor Phillips, Lydia Vaughan)
3. “Heart Half Empty (feat. Lauren Alaina)” (Chase Matthew, Austin Shawn, Matt McVaney, Bailey Manns, Noah West, Shaylen Carroll)
4. “No Name Roads” (Chase Matthew, Casey Brown, Taylor Phillips, Ashley Gorley, Travis Wood)
5. “I Don’t Wanna Know” (Victor Williams, Fraser Churchill, Danny Majić, Willie Morrison)
6. “Fire In Her Eyes” (Chase Matthew, Gabe Foust, Graham Barham, Beau Bailey, Jacob Hackworth)
7. “Driving Through My Hometown” (Jacob Hackworth, Chris Tompkins, Michael Tyler, Blake Bollinger)
8. “If I Had Wings” (Chase Matthew, Alexander Palmer)
9. “You Turn” (Chase Matthew, Rotundo, Rose Falcon, Brian Bunn)
10. “Waiting On You To Call” (Chase Matthew)
11. “Backroads Of My Mind” (Parker Welling, Casey Brown, Garrett Nichols, Colton Pack, Zach Beeken)
12. “Sunday Clothes” (Chase Matthew, Taylor Phillips, Josh Phillips, Brock Berryhill, Kim Penz, Rotundo)
13. “No Way Around It” (Jacob Hackworth, Will Bundy, Michael Tyler)