Braxton Keith will release his debut album Real Damn Deal May 15 via Warner Records Nashville. He’s leaning into the ’90s country spirit with the release of “Little Bit by Little Bit” from the new project, out now.
The track follows a run of previously-released tracks including “I Ain’t Tryin,’” and barstool anthem “I Own This Bar.” The Texas native co-wrote 10 of the album’s 15 tracks, each delivered with Keith’s crisp, high-and-lonesome vocal twang, as he glides from one dancehall theme to the next. Whether the reckless abandon of young love or the reflective pain of a good thing gone to waste, his passion for pure-country expression is evident on the new collection.
“I shot down the idea of this album title when it was first brought up,” shares Keith. “It felt cocky, and that’s not who I am. But, everyone is in on country music right now, so why not use it as a big flashing reminder that country music is cool? This album is my way of taking country music back to what it was…the real damn deal. We’ve been writing for a long time for this. I wanted it to be a nostalgic, classic sounding record and to showcase a little bit of everything—as country as we could make it in every way, shape and form. I’m really proud of it.”
“Real Damn Deal” sets the tone of the project, opening the set with a shuffling traditional country beat and twinkling keys. The intricate “Mrs. Green” is a gentle roots proposition co-written by Jim Lauderdale with Bob Minner. Keith tips his hat to the lyrical brilliance of Roger Miller on the Hall of Famer’s aching “Am I All Alone,” and the desolate “Hurt By Heart” featuring Mae Estes captures a pair of wounded souls in agony, both feeling the pain in their own way. “That’s How Hearts Get Broken” turns a beer-soaked roadhouse romance into an instant-classic hookup anthem, and in the border-town stillness of “Always Leaving Something,” Keith keeps a stiff upper lip, even as he’s left in the dust. Writers contributing to the album include Brice Long, Chris Stapleton, Trent Tomlinson, Liz Rose and more.
Keith will continue his headlining “This Ain’t My First Tour,” at venues across the country. He recently teamed up with rising Australian artist Tyla Rodrigues for a reimagined take on the country classic “Do I Ever Cross Your Mind,” which they performed together at CMC Rocks during Keith’s first Australian run.
Real Damn Deal Track List:
1. “Real Damn Deal” (Braxton Keith, Brice Long, Paul Sikes)
2. “I Ain’t Tryin’” (Brice Long, Will Jones, Carson Peters)
3. “Mrs. Green” (Jim Lauderdale, Bob Minner)
4. “That’s How Hearts Get Broken” (Liz Rose, Morgane Hayes, Chris Stapleton)
5. “I Dreamed You Dreamed of Me” (Braxton Keith, Dan Isbell, Brice Long)
6. “White Walls” (Braxton Keith, John Pierce)
7. “Always Leaving Something” (Jessie Jo Dillon, James Melton, Clint Daniels)
8. “Hurt By Heart” (with Mae Estes) (Braxton Keith, Trent Tomlinson, Scotty Emerick)
9. “Don’t No More” (Braxton Keith, Liz Rose, John Pierce)
10. “Little Bit by Little Bit” (Braxton Keith, Liz Rose, Phil O’Donnell)
11. “Am I All Alone (Or Is It Only Me)” (Roger Miller)
12. “I Own This Bar” (Braxton Keith, Liz Rose, Phil O’Donnell)
13. “Wind Blows” (Braxton Keith, Tony Lane, Brice Long)
14. “Prescription” (Braxton Keith, Randy Montana, John Pierce)
15. “Baby You Do” (Braxton Keith, Brandon Kinney, Josh Thompson, Wynn Varble)
Sam Barber Offers Up ‘Just A Kid’ From Upcoming New LP ‘Broken View’
/by Lorie HollabaughSam Barber. Photo: Scott Sanford
Sam Barber will release his sophomore album, Broken View, April 3 via Atlantic Outpost. Barber is sharing his new single from the project, “Just A Kid,” today, along with an accompanying film.
The short film for “Just A Kid” was directed by Gus Black and shot on the Oregon Coast, and stars Elle Chapman (The Madison), Tyler Johnson Ellis (American Horror Story), Cailyn Rice (Euphoria) and Kevin Michael Brennan. Barber co-wrote and co-produced his new album with Joe Becker with additional songs co-produced with Aaron Dessner, and the project serves as an introspective reflection on life’s complexities, exploring themes of love, loss and self-discovery. The new 13-song collection also includes the recently released single “Borrowed Time.”
Barber’s 2024 debut album Restless Mind earned Gold certification and features standout singles including the double Platinum “Straight and Narrow” and Platinum-certified “Indigo (Feat. Avery Anna),” the latter of which has amassed over 728 million global streams and earned Barber a top 40 placement on Billboard’s Hot 100.
Barber will return to Stagecoach Festival in April before continuing his extensive “The American Route Tour.”
Broken View Track List:
1. “Borrowed Time”
2. “All For You”
3. “Broken View”
4. “Far Past”
5. “Hate It Here”
6. “Hope It Never Rains”
7. “Hopeless Song”
8. “I Will Follow”
9. “Just A Kid”
10. “Lighthouse”
11. “Run”
12. “Satellite”
13. “The More I Hope”
Opry Nextstage Class Of 2026 Join Lineup For ACM Next Wave: Country’s Beach Bash
/by Lauryn SinkMembers of the Opry Nextstage Class of 2026 have joined the lineup for ACM Next Wave: Country’s Beach Bash. Performers will include Willow Avalon, Graham Barham, Tyler Braden, Alexandra Kay, Vincent Mason, Emily Ann Roberts and Hudson Westbrook.
The event, a reimagined fan-favorite outdoor concert experience, is set for May 16 at Mandalay Bay Beach. Tickets are available now.
Previously announced ACM Awards week events also include ACM Lifting Lives Country on the Green: Riley Green & Friends at Topgolf Las Vegas on May 15.
Final lineups for all events will be announced in the coming weeks.
Ella Langley, Morgan Wallen, Shaboozey Among iHeartRadio Award Winners
/by Madison HahnenElla Langley, Morgan Wallen & Shaboozey.
The 2026 iHeartRadio Music Awards took place last night (March 26) at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
Shaboozey accepted the award for Country Song of the Year with “Good News.” Country Artist of the Year went to Morgan Wallen, while Ella Langley nabbed Best New Artist (Country). Wallen also took home the trophy for Country Album of the Year with I’m The Problem. Amy Allen was also recognized as Songwriter of the Year.
Other award winners throughout the night included Alex Warren (Song of the Year – “Ordinary”), Taylor Swift (Artist of the Year, Album of the Year – The Life of a Showgirl), HUNTR/X, EJAE, AUDREY NUNA, REI AMI (Duo/Group of the Year), ROSÉ & Bruno Mars (Best Collaboration – “APT.”) and Andrew Watt (Producer of the Year).
Big honors of the night also went to Warren for the Breakthrough Award, Miley Cyrus for the INNOVATOR Award, John Mellencamp for the ICON Award, and Ludacris for the Landmark Award.
Performances during the ceremony came from Lainey Wilson, Warren, Mellencamp, Kehlani, Ludacris, RAYE, TLC, Salt-N-Pepa, and En Vogue.
See the complete list of winners here.
Big Machine Records/NHRE Hire Four
/by LB CantrellPictured (L-R, top row): Jay Cruze and Carly Leach; (L-R, bottom row): Christina Hunt and Claudia Deters
Big Machine Records/Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment have added four to the team as the label continues to expand its team following its reacquisition.
Jay Cruze returns to the label in his new role as National Director, Promotion & Marketing; joined by Carly Leach, returning as Coordinator, Promotion & Marketing; and Christina Hunt as Manager, Digital Marketing. New to the team is Claudia Deters, who joins as Label Coordinator/Executive Assistant to President and CEO Jimmy Harnen.
“As the Big Machine Records/Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment team continues to charge forward, I’m very proud to announce these additions and promotions,” says Founder and Chairman Scott Borchetta. “They are Machinists through and through, and their ferocious passion is contagious.”
Cruze will oversee day-to-day chart objectives, single strategy and additional national promotion responsibilities for the label’s radio releases, reporting to Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment Senior Vice President Ryan Dokke. He previously served as National Director of Radio Strategy for Blue Highway Records.
Leach, a former Big Machine Label Group intern, will collaborate with Dokke, Cruze and the radio team on weekly tracking reports, creative requests and field support for Senior Directors.
Hunt will support various digital and social initiatives across the label’s roster. She previously served as Label Coordinator & Executive Assistant.
Deters will manage administrative duties, scheduling and coordination for Harnen, while supporting various projects across the label’s roster.
Fender To Celebrate The 75th Anniversary Of The Telecaster With Tele Town Concert At The Ryman
/by Lorie HollabaughBrad Paisley, Zach Top, Steve Wariner and more are set to celebrate the 75th Anniversary of the Telecaster at Tele Town, a one-night concert celebration on May 4 at the Ryman.
The event will bring together artists and fans for an unforgettable evening celebrating the guitar that changed the course of modern music. The lineup will feature artists performing alongside a dedicated house band led by Derek Wells and will also include guitar slingers Brent Mason, Guthrie Trapp, James Burton, Brothers Osborne, Luke McQueary, Ricky Skaggs and Trey Hensley.
“Serving as musical director for Tele Town is a true honor, especially in my home city of Nashville, where I grew up and where the Telecaster’s legacy runs so deep,” says Wells. “Putting this show together has been about more than just great players, it’s about capturing the spirit of an instrument that’s shaped so much of the music we all love. This lineup is full of people who’ve lived with this guitar onstage and in the studio, and I’m certain that when we all are together, you’ll see people playing with love and reverence for what this instrument has meant to us all.”
The evening will be hosted by Nashville guitarist, music insider and historian Zac Childs, who brings deep knowledge of the Telecaster and its history, guiding the audience through performances and collaborations that highlight its pioneering design and role in shaping Music City and the world’s musical identity. Tickets for Tele Town go on sale today (March 27) at AXS Tele Town. All proceeds will be donated to local Nashville charities.
“75 years after its debut, the Telecaster remains proof that simplicity endures, adaptable enough to move across genres, generations, and stages without losing its identity. This celebration is our way of honoring not just an instrument, but a cultural phenomenon that has shaped music for over seven decades,” says Fender Musical Instruments Corporation President of Americas, Justin Norvell. “Tele Town at the Ryman will be the culmination of this celebration – bringing that story to life on one of music’s most hallowed stages in the heart of Music City. From our limited edition collections to the content pieces and community celebrations, we’re ensuring the Telecaster’s legacy reaches both longtime fans and discovers new ones who will carry its voice into the future.”
Julia Cole To Embark On ‘Love You To Death Tour’ This Summer
/by Lorie HollabaughJulia Cole. Photo: Matthew Simmons
Julia Cole will launch her new headlining “Love You To Death Tour” beginning May 28 in St. Louis.
Kicking off May 28, the new tour will visit Louisville, Myrtle Beach, Cleveland, Charlotte, Norfolk, Philadelphia and more through June 21.
The tour announcement comes ahead of the release of her new album, Love You To Death, which drops May 22 and will feature her debut radio single “Day Late & A Buck Short” and the just-released “At My Wedding.”
“With this new album, I’ve never felt more sure of who I am and what I want to say,” shares Cole. “Sisterhood Country has always been about showing up for people, and now I get to bring that energy into every room, every city, every night.”
Cole has toured internationally in more than 10 countries, headlining her own tours as well as opening for Jelly Roll, Jon Pardi, Jordan Davis, Dierks Bentley and more. The Texas native has already amassed over 700 million career streams and 2.7 million followers across platforms.
“Love You To Death Tour” Dates:
May 28 – St. Louis, MO – Old Rock House
May 29 – Louisville, KY – Headliners Music Hall
June 6 – Myrtle Beach, SC – Carolina Country Music Fest
June 11- Columbus, OH – Ace of Cups
June 12 – Cleveland, OH – Beachland Ballroom
June 13 – Indianapolis, IN – Hifi Indy
June 18 – Charlotte, NC – Amos’ Southend
June 19 – Norfolk, VA – The Annex
June 20 – Washington, DC – Union Stage
June 21 – Philadelphia, PA – The Foundry
July 11 – Green Gables, PE, CAN – Cavendish Beach Music Festival
Tucker Wetmore Rises To The Top Of The MusicRow Radio Chart
/by John Nix ArledgeTucker Wetmore. Photo: Chase Foster
Tucker Wetmore rises to the top of the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart this week with his hit, “Brunette.”
The track, off of his debut studio album What Not To, was written by Chris LaCorte, Chase McGill, Josh Miller and Blake Pendergrass.
Wetmore released a new track, “Sunburn,” earlier this month following the recent extension of his “The Brunette World Tour, “ adding 17 new dates to the run.
“Brunette” currently sits at No. 10 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart and No. 9 Mediabase chart.
Click here to view the latest edition of the MusicRow Weekly containing the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart.
Sons Of Habit Sign With Lucille Records/MCA
/by Lauryn SinkPictured (L-R): Stephanie Wright, Matt Musacchio, Mitchell Douglas, Jeffrey Parish, Dalton Daniels, Mike Harris, Noah Patrick, Evan Miller, Hagan Edge, Katie McCartney, Rob Femia and Dave Cobb.
Sons of Habit have signed with Lucille Records/MCA.
The band, consisting of Mitchell Douglas, Hagan Edge, Dalton Daniels, Jeffrey Parish and Noah Patrick, has amassed millions of streams since their 2024 debut. Hailing from Owensboro, Kentucky, Sons of Habit has shared stages with Ole 60 and Shane Smith & the Saints.
The band has released their newest single, “Annabelle,” today.
“‘Annabelle’ really captures what makes Sons of Habit who we are. It’s built around tight harmonies, strong instrumentation, and songwriting that hits on real, emotional experiences,” the band shares.
The band is slated to tour throughout the United States and United Kingdom for the rest of the year, with dates in Kentucky, Minnesota, New York, Florida and more.
Ashley Monroe Unveils Surprise Album ‘Dear Nashville’
/by Lauryn SinkAshley Monroe has unveiled a surprise album, Dear Nashville, out now.
The eight-track concept record explores Monroe’s relationship with Nashville after nearly 25 years building a life and career in Music City. Monroe co-produced the project with Luke Laird, with whom she co-wrote each of the album’s tracks.
“The bottom line of the album,” Monroe says, “is I wish you loved me like I love you.”
“This album started with Ashley bringing the title, “I Hate Nashville,” to the room one day,” shares Laird. “The music is what brings most songwriters to this town – but when it comes to the business, that’s when people can get burned out. So Ashley and I talked that day about our love for country music, the songs and the people – we had such a good day talking about all of our favorite Nashville memories and what led us both here. I love how honest Ashley is in her writing and just how pure her singing is. She really is the triple threat: artist, songwriter, and producer. We had so much fun making this record. No rules… just what felt right.”
“I had a writing session on the books with Luke and I’d woken up that morning with a storm in my heart, like, ‘My gosh, have I done this all for nothing?’” Monroe adds. “When I got to Luke’s house that day, I knew I had to address my hurt feelings and get it out of my system. I told him the idea of ‘I Hate Nashville’ and he loved it. That song put everything into motion. We felt the window of all the muses open, and decided that I’m going to say what I feel and make it a whole project.”
Monroe will support Stephen Wilson Jr.’s “Gary The Torch Tour” through April.
Dear Nashville Tracklist:
1. “I Hate Nashville” (Luke Laird, Ashley Monroe)
2. “Gettin’ Out Of Hand” (Luke Laird, Ashley Monroe)
3. “What Are We?” (Luke Laird, Ashley Monroe)
4. “Steal” (Luke Laird, Ashley Monroe)
5. “Haunted” (Luke Laird, Ashley Monroe)
6. “Dreaming” (Luke Laird, Ashley Monroe)
7. “Having It Bad” (Luke Laird, Ashley Monroe)
8. “Quittin’” (Luke Laird, Ashley Monroe)
Braxton Keith’s Debut ‘Real Damn Deal’ Due In May
/by Lorie HollabaughBraxton Keith will release his debut album Real Damn Deal May 15 via Warner Records Nashville. He’s leaning into the ’90s country spirit with the release of “Little Bit by Little Bit” from the new project, out now.
The track follows a run of previously-released tracks including “I Ain’t Tryin,’” and barstool anthem “I Own This Bar.” The Texas native co-wrote 10 of the album’s 15 tracks, each delivered with Keith’s crisp, high-and-lonesome vocal twang, as he glides from one dancehall theme to the next. Whether the reckless abandon of young love or the reflective pain of a good thing gone to waste, his passion for pure-country expression is evident on the new collection.
“I shot down the idea of this album title when it was first brought up,” shares Keith. “It felt cocky, and that’s not who I am. But, everyone is in on country music right now, so why not use it as a big flashing reminder that country music is cool? This album is my way of taking country music back to what it was…the real damn deal. We’ve been writing for a long time for this. I wanted it to be a nostalgic, classic sounding record and to showcase a little bit of everything—as country as we could make it in every way, shape and form. I’m really proud of it.”
“Real Damn Deal” sets the tone of the project, opening the set with a shuffling traditional country beat and twinkling keys. The intricate “Mrs. Green” is a gentle roots proposition co-written by Jim Lauderdale with Bob Minner. Keith tips his hat to the lyrical brilliance of Roger Miller on the Hall of Famer’s aching “Am I All Alone,” and the desolate “Hurt By Heart” featuring Mae Estes captures a pair of wounded souls in agony, both feeling the pain in their own way. “That’s How Hearts Get Broken” turns a beer-soaked roadhouse romance into an instant-classic hookup anthem, and in the border-town stillness of “Always Leaving Something,” Keith keeps a stiff upper lip, even as he’s left in the dust. Writers contributing to the album include Brice Long, Chris Stapleton, Trent Tomlinson, Liz Rose and more.
Keith will continue his headlining “This Ain’t My First Tour,” at venues across the country. He recently teamed up with rising Australian artist Tyla Rodrigues for a reimagined take on the country classic “Do I Ever Cross Your Mind,” which they performed together at CMC Rocks during Keith’s first Australian run.
Real Damn Deal Track List:
1. “Real Damn Deal” (Braxton Keith, Brice Long, Paul Sikes)
2. “I Ain’t Tryin’” (Brice Long, Will Jones, Carson Peters)
3. “Mrs. Green” (Jim Lauderdale, Bob Minner)
4. “That’s How Hearts Get Broken” (Liz Rose, Morgane Hayes, Chris Stapleton)
5. “I Dreamed You Dreamed of Me” (Braxton Keith, Dan Isbell, Brice Long)
6. “White Walls” (Braxton Keith, John Pierce)
7. “Always Leaving Something” (Jessie Jo Dillon, James Melton, Clint Daniels)
8. “Hurt By Heart” (with Mae Estes) (Braxton Keith, Trent Tomlinson, Scotty Emerick)
9. “Don’t No More” (Braxton Keith, Liz Rose, John Pierce)
10. “Little Bit by Little Bit” (Braxton Keith, Liz Rose, Phil O’Donnell)
11. “Am I All Alone (Or Is It Only Me)” (Roger Miller)
12. “I Own This Bar” (Braxton Keith, Liz Rose, Phil O’Donnell)
13. “Wind Blows” (Braxton Keith, Tony Lane, Brice Long)
14. “Prescription” (Braxton Keith, Randy Montana, John Pierce)
15. “Baby You Do” (Braxton Keith, Brandon Kinney, Josh Thompson, Wynn Varble)