Jenna Paulette. Photo: Wes Walker
Country singer-songwriter and working cowgirl Jenna Paulette had a lot to celebrate last week, as she released her sophomore album Horseback and a brand new clothing line on Friday (Sept. 6). Her team and fellow peers gathered last week at Acme Feed & Seed in Nashville to toast to both of her exceptional projects.
Following up her 2023 debut album The Girl I Was, Paulette’s 13-track Horseback arrives via Leo33 as a reflection of all the experiences and values that have shaped her into the woman she is today.
CowboyGirl collection samples. Photo: Chelsea Rochelle
“The Horseback album is a culmination of perspectives I have of myself—to the things my family instilled in me, the men and women I grew up with and the one’s I am blessed to be surrounded by where we live in a small town in West Texas,” she shares. “A window into the way so many of us feel and the things we value.”
Kicking off with the effervescent “Wild Is Her Favorite Color,” the album finds the songstress tipping her hat to the three kings that have influenced her lifestyle, “King George, King Ranch, King James,” on “3 Kings,” and sharing her gratitude for new love on “Darlin’.” She celebrates the great outdoors on the previously-released “Outside” and shares her down-home gospel on “Run The Damn Ball.”
A co-writer on eight of its 13 songs, Horseback also features songs by Tony Lane, Lori McKenna, Liz Rose, Hillary Lindsey, Ashley Gorley, Casey Beathard and more prolific Music Row hitmakers.
“So much has happened, so much good, since The Girl I Was. All I’ve got to say is the girl I was pretending to be before I got back to me…you ain’t getting that Horseback. The woman I am is here to stay. This album is a picture of who she was always meant to be.”
Jenna Paulette previewed her new CowboyGirl collection for friends and industry members. Photo: Chelsea Rochelle
To coincide with the album’s release, and in a partnership with Ely & Walker apparel company—the home of Ely Cattleman shirts—Paulette has created a functional working female cowboy collection called CowboyGirl. The collection addresses the need for functionality in the saddle, designed to offer all the same benefits that men need working cattle, but with a style that is vintage and feminine.
CowboyGirl highlights two new ideologies: the State Flowers of Texas, where Paulette grew up, and Oklahoma, where her family ranch was. It will be available exclusively at over 200 Boot Barn locations beginning Nov. 1, 2024.
Horseback Track List:
1. Wild Is Her Favorite Color (Lori McKenna, Liz Rose, Hillary Lindsey)
2. 3 Kings (Jenna Paulette, Parker Welling, Casey Brown)
3. The Devil’s An Angel (Jenna Paulette, Parker Welling, Casey Brown)
4. Run The Damn Ball (Rodney Clawson, Casey Beathard, Hunter Phelps)
5. The Dirt (Jenna Paulette, Will Bundy, Hillary Lindsey)
6. Chasin’ Whiskey (Joe Fox, Tony Lane)
7. The Prophet (Granddaddy’s Song) (Ashley McBryde, Matraca Berg, Lori McKenna)
8. Outside (Kelley Lovelace, Ashley Gorley, Dallas Davidson)
9. Prairie Primrose (Jenna Paulette, Will Bundy, Lydia Vaughan)
10. Darlin’ (Jenna Paulette, Jess Cayne, Matthew Morrisey)
11. Horseback (Jenna Paulette, Will Bundy, Lydia Vaughan)
12. Hang Your Hat (Jenna Paulette, Smith Ahnquist, Jim Beavers, Rhett Akins)
13. A Hill To Die On (Jenna Paulette, Smith Ahnquist, Lynn Hutton)
Megan Moroney To Embark On The ‘Am I Okay? Tour’ Next Spring
/by Madison HahnenMegan Moroney has revealed her plans to hit the road for her headlining “Am I Okay? Tour” starting next spring.
The 25-date trek will kickoff on March 20, 2025 in Montreal, QC and will include stops at Radio City Music Hall in New York City, two nights at Nashville’s newest music venue The Pinnacle and more before wrapping up with two nights at the Roadrunner in Boston on August 1 and 2.
“I’m so excited to announce the AM I OKAY? TOUR,” the singer shared to her Instagram. “I get to play some of my bucket list venues & it’s going to be a very blue very magical year on the road. I’m already counting down the days until I get to see your faces & all of your “homemade tshirts & homemade signs” :,) I know I’ve said it a lot but thank you for making all of my dreams come true – just over the mooooooon that I get to do this.”
The name of the tour comes from Moroney’s sophomore album Am I Okay?, which debuted at No. 9 on the Billboard 200 chart. The debut marked the year’s third biggest from a female country artist. The project features fan favorite tracks “No Caller ID,” “Man On The Moon,” “Indifferent” and more. The title track is currently being serviced at country radio after trending on TikTok.
Artist pre-sale will begin on Sept. 12 at 10 a.m. local time, before general sale on Sept. 13 at 10 a.m. local time. VIP upgrades will be available starting Sept. 16 at 10. a.m. local time. For more information, click here.
“Am I Okay? Tour” Dates:
3/20/25- Montreal, QC- MTELUS
3/21/25- Toronto, ON- HISTORY
3/22/25- Toronto, ON- HISTORY
3/26/25- New York City, NY- Radio City Music Hall
4/3/25- Huntsville, AL- The Orion Amphitheater
4/4/25- Athens, GA- Akins Ford Arena
4/9/25- Nashville, TN- The Pinnacle
4/10/25- Nashville, TN- The Pinnacle
4/11/25- Knoxville, TN- Knoxville Civic Coliseum
4/24/25- Fishers, IN- Fishers Event Center
4/25/25- St. Louis, MO- The Factory
4/26/25- Bentonville, AR- The Momentary
5/2/25- Houston, TX- 713 Music Hall
5/15/25- Minneapolis, MN- The Armory
5/16/25- Omaha, NE- The Astro Amphitheater
5/17/25- Oklahoma City, OK- The Criterion
5/22/25- Washington, DC- The Anthem
5/24/25- Uncasville, CT- Mohegan Sun Arena
6/13/25- Richmond, VA- Virginia Credit Union LIVE!
6/14/25- Cleveland, OH- Jacobs Pavilion
6/20/25- Pittsburg, PA- Stage AE Outdoors
7/17/25- Milwaukee, WI- Eagles Ballroom
7/19/25- Buffalo, NY- Outer Harbor Live at Terminal B
8/1/25- Boston, MA- Roadrunner
8/2/25- Boston, MA- Roadrunner
Vincent Mason Makes Grand Ole Opry Debut
/by Lorie HollabaughVincent Mason makes Grand Ole Opry debut. Photo: Ethan Dsa
Vincent Mason made his Grand Ole Opry debut this weekend, stepping into the coveted circle for the first time.
Pictured (L-R): Brad Kause (Interscope); Max Motley (Music Soup), Kyle Marsh & Matt Musacchio (Champ Management/Red Light Management), Vincent Mason, Cindy Mabe (UMG Nashville), Chelsea Blythe (UMG Nashville) and Sean Lewow (Music Soup). Photo: Ethan Dsa
The singer-songwriter performed two of his biggest songs, “Heart Like This” and “Hell Is A Dance Floor,” for the Opry crowd as he marked a major milestone in his budding career.
“Performing on the Opry stage felt like a high I had never felt before,” Mason. “You feel all of the energy and history of country music and it was overwhelming in the best way.”
Mason’s breakout hit single “Hell is a Dance Floor” has already amassed over 45 million streams, and has recently been added to Spotify’s Hot Country playlist. He’ll be busy this season as direct support on Gavin Adcock’s fall leg of his “Actin’ Up Again Tour.” He is also on the lineup for Stagecoach 2025.
Concord Music Publishing Signs Erin Kirby
/by Liza AndersonPictured (L–R, back row): Concord’s Garrett Stephenson, Dennis Entertainment’s Lily Fine, John Dennis, Grace Schoper, Concord’s Lily Bunta, Jen Hubbard, Matt Turner, Courtney Allen and Claire Buchanan; (L–R, front row): Concord’s Brad Kennard, Erin Kirby and Concord’s Melissa Spillman. Photo: Audrey Spillman
Concord Music Publishing has signed country artist Erin Kirby to her first worldwide publishing deal, which includes her full catalog and future works.
The Atlanta native began writing her own songs at the age of 12, drawing inspiration from James Brown, Aretha Franklin, Adele and Luke Combs. Now at 20 years old, she has worked alongside various established producers and writers as well as performed during televised Motocross and Supercross events in addition to NBA, MLB and NFL games.
Her pop-country sound has attracted hundreds of thousands of listeners on both TikTok and Instagram. Since her first country release of 2023, “Boys These Days,” Kirby has dropped multiple singles, including “Raised In A Barn” and “Redneck Rich.” She was also invited to record a feature on “I Can Lie (The Truth Is)” with Kameron Marlowe after a TikTok duet of her adding her harmonies over the song went viral with over one million views. Additionally, Kirby unveiled “Pick My Own Flowers” early this year ahead of latest single “Leaving Eyes,” which she dropped this summer.
“The very first time I heard Erin’s voice on a worktape, I was all in. She has the kind of pure vocal and songwriting talent that is true to country music, and we are so excited to partner with her,” says Melissa Spillman, VP of A&R, Concord Music Publishing Nashville. “I am eager for fans to discover the incredible human and artist Erin is, and I look forward to celebrating the many musical successes in her future.”
“I am so grateful for Melissa and the Concord team that believes in my sound and artistry,” Kirby shares. “So excited for this new partnership and the big future ahead!”
Brooks & Dunn Plots ‘Neon Moon Tour’ For Spring
/by Lorie HollabaughBrooks & Dunn will embark on the first leg of their “Neon Moon Tour” this spring. Hitmaker David Lee Murphy will join them on the journey.
Kicking off in Lubbock, Texas on March 13, the Country Music Hall of Famers will visit Austin, Charlotte, Indianapolis, St. Louis, Louisville and more through April 26.
Tickets will be available this Friday (Sept. 13) along with different VIP packages and experiences that include premium tickets, access to the pre-show VIP Lounge, an exclusive poster signed by the duo, a VIP merchandise gift and additional items. For more information, click here.
“Neon Moon Tour” Dates:
March 13 – Lubbock, TX – United Supermarkets Arena
March 14 – Austin, TX – Moody Center
March 15 – Corpus Christi, TX – American Bank Center
March 27 – Raleigh, NC – PNC Arena
March 28 – Charlotte, NC – Spectrum Center
March 29 – Charlottesville, VA – John Paul Jones Arena
April 3 – Indianapolis, IN – Gainbridge Fieldhouse
April 4 – Peoria, IL – Peoria Civic Center Arena
April 5 – Rosemont, IL – Allstate Arena
April 24 – Des Moines, IA – Wells Fargo Arena
April 25 – St. Louis, MO – Enterprise Center
April 26 – Louisville, KY – KFC Yum! Center
Weekly Register: Luke Combs Reclaims Top Five Spot On Country Streaming Songs Chart
/by Liza AndersonLuke Combs‘ “Ain’t No Love In Oklahoma” reenters the top five on the country streaming songs chart this week. Based on audio streams, the track takes the fifth slot with 12.8 million new streams, adding to 187 million ATD, according to Luminate data.
Shaboozey‘s “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” stays at the top with 23 million streams, adding to 682 million ATD, followed by Post Malone and Morgan Wallen‘s “I Had Some Help” at No. 2 with 22 million new streams, adding to 613 million ATD. Zach Bryan‘s “Pink Skies” sits at No. 3 with 14 million streams, adding to 304 million ATD, and Wallen’s “Lies, Lies, Lies” moves up to No. 4 with 13 million new streams, adding to 159 million ATD.
On the country albums chart, Post Malone‘s F-1 Trillion continues at No. 1 with 86K in total consumption (9.5K album only/95 million song streams). Wallen’s One Thing At A Time takes No. 2 again with 55K (1K album only/70 million song streams), while Bryan’s The Great American Bar Scene ascends to No. 3 with 39K (333 album only/50 million song streams). Wallen’s Dangerous: The Double Album rises to No. 4 with 34K (427 album only/44 million song streams), and Bryan’s self-titled project shifts back up to No. 5 with 31K (3.2K album only/36 million song streams).
MV2 Entertainment & New Lost City Records Sign True Youngblood
/by LB CantrellPictured (L-R): Olivia McCormick (MV2 Digital Marketing Manager), Tony Harrell (MV2 General Manager), True Youngblood, Duane Hobson (ASCAP) and Ben Strain (MV2 Sr. Creative Director). Photo: Courtesy of MV2
MV2 Entertainment and New Lost City Records have signed True Youngblood, a 21-year-old Belmont University student from Hiawassee, Georgia.
Youngblood draws his musical influence from country legends like Randy Travis and Don Williams alongside modern acts like Turnpike Troubadours and Chris Stapleton. He will release his debut single “If I Were A Cowboy” this Friday (Sept. 13).
“I’m so excited to have found a team that believes in my artistry as well as me as a person. It is truly something special. I can’t wait to release new music with them and for everyone to hear it,” he shares.
At MV2, the ASCAP-affiliated songwriter joins a roster of writers, including Josh Thompson, Forrest Finn, Grant Vogel, Johnny McGuire and Blake Henderson.
“In a world where art and commerce often clash, True has found a way to harmonize the two. His music is a breath of fresh air,” says Ben Strain, MV2 Senior Creative Director.
Tony Harrell, MV2 General Manager, adds, “True is a one-of-a-kind artist. His dedication to his craft and his fearless approach to making music should inspire all of us to be better, to push harder and to aim higher. He’s setting a new standard in today’s music industry.”
Jim McCormick Extends Publishing Agreement With Eclipse Music Group
/by Liza AndersonPictured (L–R): Anna Thiel, Penny Gattis, Jim McCormick and Courtney Crist
Grammy-nominated songwriter Jim McCormick has extended his exclusive worldwide publishing agreement with Eclipse Music Group.
McCormick boasts three No. 1 hits with Gabby Barrett’s “The Good Ones,” which won an American Music Award for Favorite Country Song and received a CMA Award nomination for Song of the Year, as well as Jason Aldean’s “Take A Little Ride” and Brantley Gilbert’s “You Don’t Know Her Like I Do.” His credits also include songs recorded by Luke Bryan, Cody Johnson, Jon Pardi, Tim McGraw, Keith Urban, Harry Connick Jr., Randy Travis, Trisha Yearwood, Charley Pride, Ronnie Milsap, Trace Adkins, Smash Mouth, Kelly Clarkson, Jamey Johnson, George Birge, Chase Matthew, Matt Stell and Samantha Fish, among others.
“We are thrilled to continue building upon our success with Jim. It’s been an honor to partner with him over the past few years, and the future looks incredibly bright,” says Penny Gattis, Partner, Eclipse Music Group. “Jim elevates every room he’s in with his carefully-crafted lyrics, experience and insight. He inspires everyone to invest the time needed to perfect a lyric, demo or song until it’s truly great.”
Courtney Crist, VP of Publishing, Eclipse Music Group, adds, “Jim is a true professional. His expertise and mentorship are invaluable. He is a tremendous asset to Eclipse. I’m looking forward to the opportunity to work with someone so collaborative and talented.”
“I’m privileged to have Penny Gattis, Courtney Crist and Anna Thiel in my corner,” shares McCormick. “Their dedication to songwriters and determination to succeed are an inspiration to me every day and allow me to focus on this crazy and wonderous job of writing songs.”
Jenna Paulette Celebrates Launch Of Sophomore Album & CowboyGirl Rangewear Line
/by LB CantrellJenna Paulette. Photo: Wes Walker
Country singer-songwriter and working cowgirl Jenna Paulette had a lot to celebrate last week, as she released her sophomore album Horseback and a brand new clothing line on Friday (Sept. 6). Her team and fellow peers gathered last week at Acme Feed & Seed in Nashville to toast to both of her exceptional projects.
Following up her 2023 debut album The Girl I Was, Paulette’s 13-track Horseback arrives via Leo33 as a reflection of all the experiences and values that have shaped her into the woman she is today.
CowboyGirl collection samples. Photo: Chelsea Rochelle
“The Horseback album is a culmination of perspectives I have of myself—to the things my family instilled in me, the men and women I grew up with and the one’s I am blessed to be surrounded by where we live in a small town in West Texas,” she shares. “A window into the way so many of us feel and the things we value.”
Kicking off with the effervescent “Wild Is Her Favorite Color,” the album finds the songstress tipping her hat to the three kings that have influenced her lifestyle, “King George, King Ranch, King James,” on “3 Kings,” and sharing her gratitude for new love on “Darlin’.” She celebrates the great outdoors on the previously-released “Outside” and shares her down-home gospel on “Run The Damn Ball.”
A co-writer on eight of its 13 songs, Horseback also features songs by Tony Lane, Lori McKenna, Liz Rose, Hillary Lindsey, Ashley Gorley, Casey Beathard and more prolific Music Row hitmakers.
“So much has happened, so much good, since The Girl I Was. All I’ve got to say is the girl I was pretending to be before I got back to me…you ain’t getting that Horseback. The woman I am is here to stay. This album is a picture of who she was always meant to be.”
Jenna Paulette previewed her new CowboyGirl collection for friends and industry members. Photo: Chelsea Rochelle
To coincide with the album’s release, and in a partnership with Ely & Walker apparel company—the home of Ely Cattleman shirts—Paulette has created a functional working female cowboy collection called CowboyGirl. The collection addresses the need for functionality in the saddle, designed to offer all the same benefits that men need working cattle, but with a style that is vintage and feminine.
CowboyGirl highlights two new ideologies: the State Flowers of Texas, where Paulette grew up, and Oklahoma, where her family ranch was. It will be available exclusively at over 200 Boot Barn locations beginning Nov. 1, 2024.
Horseback Track List:
1. Wild Is Her Favorite Color (Lori McKenna, Liz Rose, Hillary Lindsey)
2. 3 Kings (Jenna Paulette, Parker Welling, Casey Brown)
3. The Devil’s An Angel (Jenna Paulette, Parker Welling, Casey Brown)
4. Run The Damn Ball (Rodney Clawson, Casey Beathard, Hunter Phelps)
5. The Dirt (Jenna Paulette, Will Bundy, Hillary Lindsey)
6. Chasin’ Whiskey (Joe Fox, Tony Lane)
7. The Prophet (Granddaddy’s Song) (Ashley McBryde, Matraca Berg, Lori McKenna)
8. Outside (Kelley Lovelace, Ashley Gorley, Dallas Davidson)
9. Prairie Primrose (Jenna Paulette, Will Bundy, Lydia Vaughan)
10. Darlin’ (Jenna Paulette, Jess Cayne, Matthew Morrisey)
11. Horseback (Jenna Paulette, Will Bundy, Lydia Vaughan)
12. Hang Your Hat (Jenna Paulette, Smith Ahnquist, Jim Beavers, Rhett Akins)
13. A Hill To Die On (Jenna Paulette, Smith Ahnquist, Lynn Hutton)
Tucker Wetmore To Make ‘Waves On A Sunset’ With Debut EP In October
/by Liza AndersonTucker Wetmore will release his debut EP, Waves On A Sunset, on Oct. 4 via UMG Nashville in partnership with Back Blocks Music. Fans will get a taste of the eight-track project this Friday (Sept. 13) with the unveiling of “Silverado Blue.”
Wetmore has earned over 400 million streams since his back-to-back debut on Billboard‘s Hot 100 chart with “Wine Into Whiskey” and “Wind Up Missin’ You,” both of which are featured on the new collection. “Wind Up Missin’ You” marks his first single at country radio, currently sitting among the top 20. In conjunction with Waves On A Sunset‘s release, Wetmore will kick off his first-ever headlining run of the same name.
“In a lot of ways, this feels like my introduction to the world, so I wanted to share some sides of me y’all haven’t seen yet. I’ll be giving you eight songs with five brand-new ones,” he shares. “The first one, ‘Silverado Blue,’ is dropping on Friday, and the rest are following on Oct. 4. This will also include ‘Wind Up Missin’ You,’ which has changed my life, so I thought it was only fitting to name both my first project and first tour after my favorite line, ‘waves on a sunset.’ These songs have been mine for a while, but I can’t wait to make them ours. Thank you all for everything, love you guys.”
Additionally, Wetmore is set to make his Grand Ole Opry debut tomorrow (Sept. 10).
Waves On A Sunset Track Listing:
1. “Silverado Blue” (Tucker Wetmore, Brett Sheroky, Dan Wilson)
2. “Wine Into Whiskey” (Tucker Wetmore, Jacob Hackworth, Justin Ebach)
3. “You, Honey” (Tucker Wetmore, Josh Thompson, Michael Lotten)
4. “Wind Up Missin’ You” ( Tucker Wetmore, Thomas Archer, Chris LaCorte)
5. “Break First” (Michael Tyler, Matt Roy, Lauren Hungate, Matt Dragstrem)
6. “When I Ain’t Lookin’” (Austin Goodloe, Thomas Archer, Michael Tyler, Tucker Beathard)
7. “What Would You Do?” (Tucker Wetmore, Gabe Foust, Jacob Hackworth, Jaxson Free)
8. “Mister Miss Her” (Blake Pendergrass, Jaxson Free, Chris LaCorte)
‘Toby Keith: American Icon’ Dubbed A Ratings Success For NBC
/by Lorie HollabaughStar-studded finale for Toby Keith: American Icon. Photo: Chris Hollo for Universal Music Group
Toby Keith: American Icon was a primetime ratings success when it aired on NBC a few weeks back.
The two-hour special drew 4.7 million viewers from its telecast on Aug. 28 and an additional airing on Peacock the next day. It was NBC’s most-watched primetime entertainment special in 2024, and places in the top 10 across all of broadcast.
The show was also the top-rated program on Aug. 28 among all broadcast competition in total viewers, and grew 10% from its America’s Got Talent lead-in.
Filmed at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena, the show included performances by Trace Adkins, Luke Bryan, Eric Church, Jordan Davis, Scotty Emerick, Brantley Gilbert, Riley Green, Hardy, Tyler Hubbard, Jamey Johnson, Ella Langley, Ashley McBryde, Jelly Roll, Darius Rucker, Carrie Underwood, Lainey Wilson and more, plus a special performance by Keith’s daughter, Krystal.
The show and special were packaged by UTA, Keith’s longtime agency partner.