Red Street Records artist Ryan Larkins has released his debut EP, Meet Ryan Larkins, along with a video for his debut single, “King of Country Music.”
The EP follows the August release of his songs “She’s the Tough One” and “Man That Holds the Beer,” and follows a big week for Larkins as “The Painter,” his most recent cut by Cody Johnson, climbed into the top 30 on the country charts.
The project also includes two previously-released tracks and three brand new to listeners—“Dream Baby,” “Paid For It” and the single, “King of Country Music.” Produced by Red Street CEO Jay DeMarcus alongside Pete Good and Ilya Toshinskiy, the EP features songs penned by Larkins along with Good, William Duval, JR McCoy, Carlo Colassaco, Blake Chaffin, Josh Osborne, Jay Knowles and Adam Wright.
“The talent that Ryan brings to the world of country music is unmatched,” says DeMarcus. “Not only has he honed in an incredible voice as a songwriter, but this debut project sheds light on his undeniable star-powered future. Country music is about to be blown away by Ryan Larkins!!”
Larkins shares, “I’m so thankful for Red Street Records and Jay DeMarcus! The timing of this release couldn’t be more perfect. These songs on my new EP are some of my favorite I’ve ever written, and I believe this next chapter of my career is going to be the best one yet.”
https://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/06181257/RYAN-LARKINS-.jpg13342000Lorie Hollabaughhttps://musicrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.pngLorie Hollabaugh2023-10-13 14:14:132023-10-13 14:14:13Ryan Larkins Releases Debut EP On Red Street Records
Award-winning singer-songwriter Mike Gossin will release his debut solo EP, Coming Home, on Nov. 3.
The project marks a new chapter for the former Gloriana member, who with each track is proving that he is a musical force in the pop-country genre. The EP comes on the heels of the popular single “Let’s Ride,” that reunited Gossin with former Gloriana bandmate Cheyenne Kimball.
Coming Home features eight songs that were all written or co-written by Gossin. He played on all the tracks and personally produced the EP, making this a deeply personal project for him.
“The Coming Home EP is a passion project that’s been several years in the making after reconnecting with our talented engineer from the Gloriana days,” says Gossin. “I drove back and forth from Wilmington to Nashville to work with him and started evolving this new sound that really represents where I am now. I’m really excited to be based back in Nashville where everything began and to be releasing a project of my own this time.”
As a founding member of Gloriana, Gossin has toured internationally with superstars including Taylor Swift, Keith Urban, Alan Jackson and Sheryl Crow. During their time as a group, Gloriana’s hits included “Wild at Heart,” “Kissed You Goodnight” and “Can’t Shake You.” They were nominated for numerous honors, winning AMA, CMT and ACM Awards, and even played at the White House at the request of the President.
Coming Home Track List:
1. Coming Home (written by Mike Gossin)
2. Heaven (Mike Gossin)
3. Kids Again (Mike Gossin, Mark Dobson, Jennifer Denmark)
4. Let’s Ride featuring Cheyenne Kimball (Mike Gossin, Cheyenne Kimball)
5. Marry You (Mike Gossin)
6. Shine (Mike Gossin, Mark Dobson)
7. Ain’t Runnin’ Out of Summer Yet (Mike Gossin, Tom Gossin, Ross Copperman)
8. Marry You (Acoustic)
Produced by Gossin, mixed by Mark Dobson
https://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/06181312/Untitled-4-e1697213035943.jpeg6101080Steven Boerohttps://musicrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.pngSteven Boero2023-10-13 14:04:342023-10-13 14:04:34Mike Gossin To Release Debut Solo Project
Parker McCollum on stage at Stagecoach. Photo: Chris Kleinmeier
Parker McCollum will launch his 41-date “Burn It Down Tour 2024” throughout the United States in January. Joining McCollum on select dates throughout the tour will be special guests Corey Kent, Larry Fleet, George Birge and Catie Offerman.
The tour will kick off on Jan. 18 in Spokane and visit New Orleans, Indianapolis, St. Louis, Savannah, Abilene, Saratoga Springs, Des Moines and more before wrapping up in Corpus Christi at American Bank Center Arena on Aug. 31. Tickets will be available starting with pre-sales beginning Oct. 17 ahead of the general on-sale beginning Friday, Oct. 20.
“2024 is going to be the biggest and best show we have ever put together,” shares McCollum. “I can’t wait for all the fans to come see what we are working up. The ‘Burn It Down Tour’ is going to be absolutely epic.”
The tour will no doubt include songs from McCollum’s latest albumNever Enough, which includes his Platinum hit, “Handle On You,” and his current single, “Burn It Down.” He is currently nominated for New Artist of the Year at the upcoming 57th annual CMA Awards.
https://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/06181301/PM_Stagecoach_2.jpeg13652048Lorie Hollabaughhttps://musicrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.pngLorie Hollabaugh2023-10-13 13:46:092023-10-13 13:46:09Parker McCollum Slates 41-Date ‘Burn It Down Tour’ For 2024
Wynonna Judd Mines Some Gold At Tom Petty Tribute Event
Pictured (L-R): Jeff Tuerff, Bryan Stewart, Wynonna Judd, Cactus Moser, Lindsey Wiler, Benson Curb and Tanner Brandell. Photo: Randy Powers
Wynonna Judd was presented with a Gold plaque for her No. 1 hit, “No One Else on Earth,” during Tuesday night’s (Oct. 10) “Handle With Care: A Tribute To Tom Petty” event at the Brooklyn Bowl in Nashville. The track, written by Jill Colucci, Stewart Harris and Sam Lorber, appeared on her 1992 self-titled, debut solo album and held the top spot on Billboard‘s Hot Country Songs chart for four weeks.
“Handle With Care: A Tribute To Tom Petty” included an all-star lineup of artists to celebrate World Mental Health Day. All proceeds from the event went to Backline, a mental health and wellness resource in the music industry that provides free life-changing programs supporting professionals and their families year-round.
Jump.Global Announces Annual Summit Speakers
The inaugural Jump.Global Annual Summit is set to launch Nov. 12-14 at The LINE Hotel in L.A. as a multi-day educational and community-building event exclusively for those working in the music industry. The panels, workshops and keynotes will focus on the betterment of executives and professionals through topics such as Holistic Stress Management & Burnout Prevention, Artist vs. Executive Needs, What Keeps Music Business Leaders Up At Night? and Resilience in the Music Business—which will be featured as the opening keynote interview led by mental performance and executive coach Michelle Sullivan and clinical and organizational psychologist Dr. Marcus Benayon.
Adding to a full slate of speakers are Nashville executives Kris Ahrend (CEO, The MLC); Angela Abbott (Sr. Manager, Business Affairs + Music Licensing, Tidal); Kari Barnhart (SVP / Relationship Manager – Music, Arts, & Entertainment Division, Studio Bank); Fadia Kader (EVP & GM, Venice Music); Channing Moreland (Co-Founder, EVA); Monika Tashman (Partner – Entertainment & Music, Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP) and Justin Levenson (Professional Services Product Lead, OpenPlay), as well as Jump.Global’s Founder & CEO, Nick Maiale.
“Our industry already has great conferences that focus primarily on revenue for artists and building their teams and streams. In an effort to shift some focus to the professionals that make the industry’s wheels spin, I created the jump.global annual summit,” says Maiale. “My hope is that the event equips attendees with actionable insights that inspire them to take what they learn back to their workplace and personal lives. Whether coming alone or as a team, this summit is meant to be tangible, tactical, and practical for every human in the music business to foster positive growth.”
Warren Zeiders Celebrates Ryman Debut, One Billion Streams
Pictured (L-R): Isaac Green (SVP A&R Warner Records), Charly Salvatore (Underscore Works Mgmt) Warren Zeiders and Aaron Bay-Schuck (Co-Chairman & CEO, Warner Records). Photo: Austin Screws
Warner Records’ Warren Zeiders made his Ryman Auditorium debut to a sold-out crowd last week, and just before his performance, was presented with a plaque honoring 1 billion career streams. He had promised himself to never enter the venue until he was playing there himself, so the night marked the first time Zeiders had even set foot in the Ryman.
Zeiders is on tour now in support of his current hit single “Pretty Little Poison” from the album of the same name. The track is currently at No. 26 on Billboard‘s Hot Country Songs Chart and No. 25 on Mediabase’s Country Airplay Top 40 Chart.
Scott Brickell, Ron Smith Join Forces For BrickHouse Entertainment
Pictured (L-R): Caleb Gauntt, Jared Johnson, Ron Smith, Scott Brickell, Kim Davis, Chase Swayze
Industry veterans Scott Brickell and Ron Smith have formed a joint partnership within their respective companies. Brickell, CEO and Founder of BrickHouse Entertainment, and Smith, who helms SMP Consulting, will now operate under BrickHouse Entertainment.
Brickell and Smith, along with Chase Swayze, are managing partners of the company, while Kim Davis, who has been with the company for 24 years, has been elevated to COO. With their combined artist roster, BrickHouse Entertainment represents MercyMe, CAIN, Micah Tyler, Caleb & John, Iveth Luna, Micah Christopher, Christian Paul and Bay Turner.
“With our common mission of supporting artists to develop lasting careers in the industry, it made complete sense for us to bring our companies together,” says Brickell and Smith. “We look forward to what will certainly be an exciting new chapter ahead for BrickHouse Entertainment as we continue to support artists and grow our roster.”
Maren Morris and Karina Argow. Photo: Nicki Fletcher
Maren Morris and longtime best friend, educator Karina Argow, have co-authored a children’s picture book, Addie Ant Goes On An Adventure. Published by Chronicle Chroma, the book will hit the shelves next spring.
Cultivated by Morris and Argow’s love of nature and spending time reading to Morris’ son, the book relays their desire to teach younger generations the importance of friendship, diversity and connection. Addie Ant Goes On An Adventure is fully illustrated by Kelly Anne Dalton and follows the ant’s journey into a magical garden, where she meets friends and obstacles along the way.
“Inspiring others through words and lyrics is a lifelong passion of mine,” says Morris. “To be able to give back to young learners in this way, to instill in them at a young age a deep love for the world around them gives me great hope for the future. I’m looking forward to this being the start of many adventures for Addie Ant, who I know will become a beloved children’s character.”
“I could not agree more,” shares Argow. “I’ve dreamed for years about sharing this wonderful world of creatures and their importance to the natural and social environments around them. I hope that the children and adults reading about Addie and her friends can see themselves and remember just how magical we all are and how precious this wonderful world is that we live in!”
“We are excited to publish this delightfully written and beautifully illustrated children’s book,” says Chronicle Chroma Publishing Director, Gloria Fowler. “Morris and Argow have created a charming story about the day in the life of a curious and brave little ant that inhabits a vast and magical garden. Inclusive insect characters such as Lewis Ladybug, Beatrix Butterfly and Cleo Cricket are brought to life through Kelly Anne Dalton’s vivid illustrations.”
Addie Ant Goes On An Adventure will go on sale on April 9, 2024, for $18.99 with 40 illustrated pages on a glossed hardcover. Pre-orders can be made through michelle_triant@chroniclebooks.com.
https://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/06181316/Maren-Morris-and-Karina-Argow.jpeg10801920Daniel Carterhttps://musicrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.pngDaniel Carter2023-10-13 11:05:362023-10-13 11:05:36Maren Morris & Friend Karina Argow Co-Author A Children’s Book
Oh Boy Records is releasing a special new seven-inch box set, John Prine – The Oh Boy Singles, on Nov. 24.
The uniquely designed box set is modeled after Prine’s 1935 Wurlitzer Jukebox, and features the eight singles Prine released throughout his career packaged in their original artwork, as well as working lights that illuminate the jukebox, a booklet with a forward written by Jim Rooney, two “Handsome Johnny” jukebox coins, a vintage Oh Boy Records catalog and more. The limited-edition collectable is now available for pre-order and will also be available at indie record stores nationwide.
“This collection took quite a bit of time and effort to put together, and perhaps some version of it could have come out a year or two earlier, but the guiding principle for us always was: ‘Would John have thought this was cool,” says Oh Boy Records’ Jody Whelan. “So, after many revisions and additions we can finally say, ‘John would have thought this was cool (or at least Pretty Good).’”
One of Prine’s beloved possessions, the jukebox was a gift from his friend and fellow songwriter Steve Goodman as a thank you for co-writing Goodman’s first country hit, “You Never Even Called Me by My Name,” after Prine refused to take credit or accept any royalties for helping to write the song.
The jukebox was donated to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum this past weekend in conjunction with the second annual “You Got Gold: Celebrating the Songs of John Prine” event. The three-day celebration raised over $150,000 for the Hello In There Foundation and featured performances by Amanda Shires, Devon Gilfillian, John Oates, Joy Oladokun, Lukas Nelson, Rita Wilson, Rodney Crowell, Ruston Kelly, Tanya Tucker and more, as well as special appearances by Walton Goggins and Steve Zahn.
https://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/06181320/john-prine-by-Rett-Rogers-scaled.jpeg12801920Lorie Hollabaughhttps://musicrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.pngLorie Hollabaugh2023-10-13 10:39:572023-10-13 10:39:57Special ‘John Prine – The Oh Boy Singles’ Deluxe Box Set Out In November
After hitting No. 1 on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart in August, Jason Aldean‘s “Try That In A Small Town” is back at the top spot six weeks later.
Written by Kelley Lovelace, Neil Thrasher, Tully Kennedy and Kurt Allison, “Try That In A Small Town” will appear on Aldean’s 11th studio album Highway Desperado, due out Nov. 3. The song topped the all-genre Billboard Hot 100 songs chart in July, marking Aldean’s first Hot 100 No. 1.
“Try That In A Small Town” currently sits at No. 2 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart and No. 3 on the Mediabase chart.
https://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/06181322/Try-That-In-A-Small-.jpeg10801920LB Cantrellhttps://musicrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.pngLB Cantrell2023-10-13 10:09:572023-10-13 10:09:57‘Try That In A Small Town’ Tops MusicRow Radio Chart For The Second Time
Pictured: Last year’s Music Row Build Habitat homeowner LaShawnda Bowman at her Habitat for Humanity home dedication ribbon cutting in August. Photo: Courtesy of Music Row Build
The Neal Agency and Red Light Management will serve as Music Row anchor sponsors for Habitat for Humanity’s 2023 Music Row Build this fall. Upcoming build days will take place on Oct. 19-20 at Village by the Creek in North Nashville. Music Row sponsors will experience hope in action as they participate in building future MRB homeowner Michelle Steele’s Habitat home.
“The Neal Agency is proud to partner with Habitat for Humanity Nashville and Red Light Management on the 2023 Music Row Build. As a native Nashvillian, it is integral to myself and the company to give back to the local community and create lasting positive change beyond the entertainment industry. Through this collaboration we are able make a tangible impact in our community by building hope and homes for families such as Michelle’s. The entire TNA team will be out in full force and we are excited to roll up our sleeves and get to work!” says TNA’s Austin Neal.
Jordan James, Eclipse Music Group artist. Photo: Courtesy of Music Row Build
“Red Light Management is proud to be partnering with The Neal Agency on this year’s Music Row Build. Habitat for Humanity is a cause that is near and dear to our hearts and it is our privilege to serve alongside the many wonderful volunteers. We look forward to investing in the future of the Steele family and getting them one step closer to having a place they can call home,” says Red Light’s Tom Lord.
The Morrell Property Collective is funding the Oct. 20 build day and BMI is providing the build volunteers for future Habitat homeowner Michelle Steele, who is the mother of a 3-year-old daughter. She will be first in her immediate family to own a home and desires a permanent address for her daughter to attend school until she graduates.
According to Habitat for Humanity of Greater Nashville, 40% of Metro children in Nashville do not complete the school year in the same school they started. Parents move frequently looking for safe and affordable housing. More than 7o% of Nashvillians are paying more than 30% of their income on housing.
Pictured: Last year’s MRB build volunteers building LaShawnda Brown’s home. Photo: Courtesy of Music Row Build.
The Music Row Build’s mission is for the music community to come together to do more for affordable housing in Nashville through education, advocacy and hope in action. Music veterans Renee Bell and Ree Guyer started Habitat’s Music Row Build in 2003, building nine homes before it ended in 2012. Mark Brown reignited the build in 2020 and Penny Gattis became the chair in 2022.
“It’s great to be back at the Habitat build site this fall with The Neal Agency and Red Light Management. I have seen firsthand how the build site brings people together and the impact it has on those who give and those who receive,” says Gattis. “The Morrell Property Collective is back for the third straight year, and we are always glad to see them!”
To donate to the Music Row Build Fund, click here.
https://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/06181329/HabitatMRBgroup.jpg10241536Steven Boerohttps://musicrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.pngSteven Boero2023-10-13 09:40:042023-10-13 09:40:04The Neal Agency & Red Light Management Anchor Habitat For Humanity’s Fall Music Row Build
Since entering the country music scene with his appearance on season 19 of American Idol, Alex Miller has been building on his success, playing shows and working on his songwriting chops.
A product of Lancaster, Kentucky, Miller spent his upbringing working on his grandfather’s 800 acres, listening and singing classic country songs. He started writing songs from a young age—it was his original song “I’m Over You So Get Over Me” that earned him a trip to Hollywood on American Idol at the age of 17.
“They seemed to like me fairly well and they sent me on to a few rounds,” Miller shares about his audition process at American Idol. “I got to sing with Luke Bryan and do some fun things like that. It was a great experience.
“Being on national television—I never thought I’d ever do anything like that. I’m just a bumpkin from Lancaster,” he says. “I learned so much about how to grow your character and develop yourself as a person.”
Since that priceless experience, Miller has learned a lot about himself as an artist, knowing that sticking to his roots and doing his style of country music is what he wants to do. Thousands of fans have fallen in love with him for those exact reasons. Miller has played around the country at venues such as the Ryman Auditorium and Lucas Oil Stadium, and has opened for artists like Brooks & Dunn, Hank Williams Jr., Jamey Johnson, Josh Turner and more.
The now 20-year-old singer-songwriter is continuing to stick to his traditional sound, but is looking to grow constantly, working with Nashville songwriters such as Jerry Salley, Wood Newton and Kent Blazy. Miller recently released his new EP, simply titled Country, through Billy Jam Records. The project features outside cuts such as “Girl, I Know A Guy” and “When God Made The South,” as well as songs Miller co-wrote like “Every Time I Reach For You,” “Puttin’ Up Hay” and “Gettin’ Lucky In Kentucky.”
“[I’m lucky to get to write with] a lot of the older guys I get to write with,” Miller says. “They’ve had some life experiences and learned what’s going on and how to do it.”
When Miller isn’t writing or in the studio, he is touring the county fair and festival circuit all over the south and midwest, performing a wide range of originals, old-time country songs and even some classic rock. He describes his shows being like George Strait meets KISS.
In the beginning of his young career, Miller has experienced a lot and continues to find his way through the constantly moving music industry. He’s finding his way while keeping true to his roots that his grandfather helped plant while growing as artist and songwriter. He hopes his EP highlights that journey.
“Everybody wants to know what’s going on with my music and what’s coming up next,” Miller says. “The EP is a combination of songs from everything that I like. ‘Gettin’ Lucky In Kentucky’ is more of a western swing, George Strait-sounding thing. ‘Girl, I Know A Guy’ is really progressive for me. I wanted to see what I could do as an artist—what worked and what didn’t work—that’s what this record is for me.”
https://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/06181331/Alex-Miller.jpeg8541280Steven Boerohttps://musicrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.pngSteven Boero2023-10-12 16:23:362023-10-12 16:24:02On The Row: Alex Miller’s New EP ‘Country’ Shows Continued Growth After ‘American Idol’
Our veterans today are Sawyer Brown and Miss Reba. Our newcomers are Dillon James and Chris Ryan. The “borrowed” tune is “Thank God I’m a Country Boy.”
As for something blue, that would be “Scared to Go to Church” by our DISCovery Award winner, Chris Ryan, with an assist by Jelly Roll.
The Disc of the Day award goes to Hailey Whitters. Her challengers for the crown were all collabs—Craig Morgan & Luke Combs, Miko Marks & The Fisk Jubilee Singers and Noah Kahan & Kacey Musgraves.
NOAH KAHAN & KACEY MUSGRAVES / “She Calls Me Back” Writer: Noah Kahan; Producers: Noah Kahan/Gabe Simon; Label: Mercury Records/Republic Records
– New Englander Kahan is a huge Americana favorite. His pairing with Nashville’s Musgraves is a hooky pop-rocker with a delicious punch. The wordy song is brought down to earth when Musgraves starts singing lead about midway through, and then the two singers take it home, joyously, together.
DYLAN SCOTT / “I’ll Be a Bartender” Writers: Rocky Block/John Byron/Grady Block/Jordan Dozzi; Producers: Jacob Durrett/Grady Block; Label: Curb
– If you are heartbroken, head on over to Scott’s kitchen counter and he’ll mix you a pick-me-up. It helps that he’s got a crush on ya. The wooshing production of this breezy, midtempo outing adds perfect support to his supple singing.
MORGAN EVANS / “Thank God She’s a Country Girl” Writers: Morgan Evans/Jesse Frasure/John Sommers; Producer: Chris DeStefano; Label: Warner
– It’s a rewrite of the 1975 John Denver smash “Thank God I’m a Country Boy.” Sommers was the song’s first creator. Evans and Frasure flip the gender and perspective. Thanks, I’ll take the original.
CARLY PEARCE / “Heels Over Head” Writers: Shane McAnally/Carly Pearce/Josh Osborne; Producers: Shane McAnally/Carly Pearce/Josh Osborne; Label: Big Machine
– It’s not a single, yet, but this new track is as cleverly written as anything she’s done to date. The fiddle-led track skips along jauntily as she describes the cheap trash he’s fallen for. In the bedroom, the new gal is “heels over head” for him, you see.
HAILEY WHITTERS / “I’m In Love” Writers: Lee Thomas Miller/Nicolle Galyon/Cameron Bedell; Producers: Jake Gear/Hailey Whitters; Label: Big Loud/Pigasus/Songs & Daughters
– Adorable. As cute as a kitten. As fizzy as soda pop. Ya gotta love this little ray of sunshine. Whitters is the reigning ACM New Female Artist of the Year and is vying for a similar CMA award next month. Play this.
SAWYER BROWN / “Get Me to the Stage on Time” Writer: Mark Miller; Producers: Mark Miller/Blake Shelton; Label: SB
– The durable band is celebrating its 40th anniversary with a new documentary film, and this is its title tune. It is upbeat and propulsive like much of their classic work, but is not retro sounding. It’s very engaging and up to date.
FANCY HAGOOD / “Southern Sound” Writers: Fancy Hagood/Jon Green/Tofer Brown; Producer: Tofer Brown/Jon Green; Label: FH
– Hagood hosts “Trailblazers Radio” on Apple Radio. This tune teases his sophomore album. It’s the follow-up to his Southern Curiosity collection, which has accumulated more than 30 million streams. What we have here is a plaintive, aching plea of young lovers. Hagood’s heartbreak tenor vocal is framed by an echoey electronic production that is lustrous.
REBA McENTIRE / “Seven Minutes in Heaven” Writers: Olivia Rudeen/Matt Wynn; Producer: Dave Cobb; Label: MCA
– The Country Music Hall of Famer’s new Not That Fancy collection mainly consists of stripped down versions of some of her biggest hits. It also includes her new single, this tender-hearted ballad about missing a loved one. As always, she delivers the goods as a singer.
DILLON JAMES / “Walking Man” Writers: Dillon James/Paul Sikes/Paul Wrock; Producers: Paul DiGiovanni/Paul Sikes; Label: Buena Vista/UMG/19 Recordings
– This American Idol alumnus rose from homelessness and substance abuse to garner a country recording contract. His disc debut has a deep-twang production and an intense vibe due to its autobiographical nature. To the accompaniment of electric, echo-chamber guitars he sings of going from being a “dead man walking to a walking man living.”
GABBY BARRETT / “Cowboy Back” Writers: Gabby Barrett/Jon Nite/Jesse Frasure; Producers: Gabby Barrett/Ross Copperman; Label: Warner
– Barrett co-penned and co-produced this midtempo ode to hard working men with solid, good-guy values in honor of her hubby, a Texan. The production marries twin fiddles to a rocking rhythm track.
MIKO MARKS & THE FISK JUBILEE SINGERS / “Jubilee” Writer: Lee Bob Wilson; Producer: none listed; Label: MM
– As you might expect, this has a gospel vibe, from the steady, stately piano work to the acclaimed, Grammy honored backing vocalists. Marks takes charge with a confident, assured lead vocal that lifts the song skyward. She and her celebrated choir singers will stage the first live performance of this stirring collaboration tomorrow evening (Oct. 13) at the Grand Ole Opry.
CRAIG MORGAN & LUKE COMBS / “Raise the Bar” Writers: Craig Morgan/Billy Dean; Producers: Craig Morgan/Phil O’Donnell; Label: Broken Bow
– Morgan’s new Enlisted EP features collaborations with Lainey Wilson, Trace Adkins, Jelly Roll, Blake Shelton, Gary LeVox and Combs. The last named is as rousing and raucous as peerless country singer Morgan is on “Raise the Bar.” The two blue-collar buddies invade the wine-and-cheese crowd’s tavern while singing loud and proud about giving the place “some working class.” The snootier set soon sings along. Lots and lots of fun.
CHRIS RYAN & JELLY ROLL / “Scared to Go to Church” Writers: Chris Ryan/Jelly Roll/Logan Turner/Dave Kuncio/Jay Joyce; Producer: Jay Joyce; Label: Warner
– A sinner wails the blues about his lifestyle. Ryan’s searing tenor begins the power-packed lament with an anguished delivery. Jelly Roll takes a verse that is even more intense. When newcomer Ryan returns to the mic, he drives the song home with ferocious emotion. A grand disc debut.
https://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/06181332/HAILEY-WHITTERS-Im-In-Love.jpeg10801920Robert K Oermannhttps://musicrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.pngRobert K Oermann2023-10-12 15:36:412023-10-13 08:28:41DISClaimer Single Reviews: Hailey Whitters’ New Tune Is ‘Fizzy As Soda Pop’
Ryan Larkins Releases Debut EP On Red Street Records
/by Lorie HollabaughRyan Larkins
Red Street Records artist Ryan Larkins has released his debut EP, Meet Ryan Larkins, along with a video for his debut single, “King of Country Music.”
The EP follows the August release of his songs “She’s the Tough One” and “Man That Holds the Beer,” and follows a big week for Larkins as “The Painter,” his most recent cut by Cody Johnson, climbed into the top 30 on the country charts.
The project also includes two previously-released tracks and three brand new to listeners—“Dream Baby,” “Paid For It” and the single, “King of Country Music.” Produced by Red Street CEO Jay DeMarcus alongside Pete Good and Ilya Toshinskiy, the EP features songs penned by Larkins along with Good, William Duval, JR McCoy, Carlo Colassaco, Blake Chaffin, Josh Osborne, Jay Knowles and Adam Wright.
“The talent that Ryan brings to the world of country music is unmatched,” says DeMarcus. “Not only has he honed in an incredible voice as a songwriter, but this debut project sheds light on his undeniable star-powered future. Country music is about to be blown away by Ryan Larkins!!”
Larkins shares, “I’m so thankful for Red Street Records and Jay DeMarcus! The timing of this release couldn’t be more perfect. These songs on my new EP are some of my favorite I’ve ever written, and I believe this next chapter of my career is going to be the best one yet.”
Mike Gossin To Release Debut Solo Project
/by Steven BoeroAward-winning singer-songwriter Mike Gossin will release his debut solo EP, Coming Home, on Nov. 3.
The project marks a new chapter for the former Gloriana member, who with each track is proving that he is a musical force in the pop-country genre. The EP comes on the heels of the popular single “Let’s Ride,” that reunited Gossin with former Gloriana bandmate Cheyenne Kimball.
Coming Home features eight songs that were all written or co-written by Gossin. He played on all the tracks and personally produced the EP, making this a deeply personal project for him.
“The Coming Home EP is a passion project that’s been several years in the making after reconnecting with our talented engineer from the Gloriana days,” says Gossin. “I drove back and forth from Wilmington to Nashville to work with him and started evolving this new sound that really represents where I am now. I’m really excited to be based back in Nashville where everything began and to be releasing a project of my own this time.”
As a founding member of Gloriana, Gossin has toured internationally with superstars including Taylor Swift, Keith Urban, Alan Jackson and Sheryl Crow. During their time as a group, Gloriana’s hits included “Wild at Heart,” “Kissed You Goodnight” and “Can’t Shake You.” They were nominated for numerous honors, winning AMA, CMT and ACM Awards, and even played at the White House at the request of the President.
Coming Home Track List:
1. Coming Home (written by Mike Gossin)
2. Heaven (Mike Gossin)
3. Kids Again (Mike Gossin, Mark Dobson, Jennifer Denmark)
4. Let’s Ride featuring Cheyenne Kimball (Mike Gossin, Cheyenne Kimball)
5. Marry You (Mike Gossin)
6. Shine (Mike Gossin, Mark Dobson)
7. Ain’t Runnin’ Out of Summer Yet (Mike Gossin, Tom Gossin, Ross Copperman)
8. Marry You (Acoustic)
Produced by Gossin, mixed by Mark Dobson
Parker McCollum Slates 41-Date ‘Burn It Down Tour’ For 2024
/by Lorie HollabaughParker McCollum on stage at Stagecoach. Photo: Chris Kleinmeier
Parker McCollum will launch his 41-date “Burn It Down Tour 2024” throughout the United States in January. Joining McCollum on select dates throughout the tour will be special guests Corey Kent, Larry Fleet, George Birge and Catie Offerman.
The tour will kick off on Jan. 18 in Spokane and visit New Orleans, Indianapolis, St. Louis, Savannah, Abilene, Saratoga Springs, Des Moines and more before wrapping up in Corpus Christi at American Bank Center Arena on Aug. 31. Tickets will be available starting with pre-sales beginning Oct. 17 ahead of the general on-sale beginning Friday, Oct. 20.
“2024 is going to be the biggest and best show we have ever put together,” shares McCollum. “I can’t wait for all the fans to come see what we are working up. The ‘Burn It Down Tour’ is going to be absolutely epic.”
The tour will no doubt include songs from McCollum’s latest album Never Enough, which includes his Platinum hit, “Handle On You,” and his current single, “Burn It Down.” He is currently nominated for New Artist of the Year at the upcoming 57th annual CMA Awards.
Industry Ink: Wynonna Judd, Jump.Global, Warren Zeiders, BrickHouse Entertainment
/by Lorie HollabaughWynonna Judd Mines Some Gold At Tom Petty Tribute Event
Pictured (L-R): Jeff Tuerff, Bryan Stewart, Wynonna Judd, Cactus Moser, Lindsey Wiler, Benson Curb and Tanner Brandell. Photo: Randy Powers
Wynonna Judd was presented with a Gold plaque for her No. 1 hit, “No One Else on Earth,” during Tuesday night’s (Oct. 10) “Handle With Care: A Tribute To Tom Petty” event at the Brooklyn Bowl in Nashville. The track, written by Jill Colucci, Stewart Harris and Sam Lorber, appeared on her 1992 self-titled, debut solo album and held the top spot on Billboard‘s Hot Country Songs chart for four weeks.
“Handle With Care: A Tribute To Tom Petty” included an all-star lineup of artists to celebrate World Mental Health Day. All proceeds from the event went to Backline, a mental health and wellness resource in the music industry that provides free life-changing programs supporting professionals and their families year-round.
Jump.Global Announces Annual Summit Speakers
The inaugural Jump.Global Annual Summit is set to launch Nov. 12-14 at The LINE Hotel in L.A. as a multi-day educational and community-building event exclusively for those working in the music industry. The panels, workshops and keynotes will focus on the betterment of executives and professionals through topics such as Holistic Stress Management & Burnout Prevention, Artist vs. Executive Needs, What Keeps Music Business Leaders Up At Night? and Resilience in the Music Business—which will be featured as the opening keynote interview led by mental performance and executive coach Michelle Sullivan and clinical and organizational psychologist Dr. Marcus Benayon.
Adding to a full slate of speakers are Nashville executives Kris Ahrend (CEO, The MLC); Angela Abbott (Sr. Manager, Business Affairs + Music Licensing, Tidal); Kari Barnhart (SVP / Relationship Manager – Music, Arts, & Entertainment Division, Studio Bank); Fadia Kader (EVP & GM, Venice Music); Channing Moreland (Co-Founder, EVA); Monika Tashman (Partner – Entertainment & Music, Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP) and Justin Levenson (Professional Services Product Lead, OpenPlay), as well as Jump.Global’s Founder & CEO, Nick Maiale.
“Our industry already has great conferences that focus primarily on revenue for artists and building their teams and streams. In an effort to shift some focus to the professionals that make the industry’s wheels spin, I created the jump.global annual summit,” says Maiale. “My hope is that the event equips attendees with actionable insights that inspire them to take what they learn back to their workplace and personal lives. Whether coming alone or as a team, this summit is meant to be tangible, tactical, and practical for every human in the music business to foster positive growth.”
Warren Zeiders Celebrates Ryman Debut, One Billion Streams
Pictured (L-R): Isaac Green (SVP A&R Warner Records), Charly Salvatore (Underscore Works Mgmt) Warren Zeiders and Aaron Bay-Schuck (Co-Chairman & CEO, Warner Records). Photo: Austin Screws
Warner Records’ Warren Zeiders made his Ryman Auditorium debut to a sold-out crowd last week, and just before his performance, was presented with a plaque honoring 1 billion career streams. He had promised himself to never enter the venue until he was playing there himself, so the night marked the first time Zeiders had even set foot in the Ryman.
Zeiders is on tour now in support of his current hit single “Pretty Little Poison” from the album of the same name. The track is currently at No. 26 on Billboard‘s Hot Country Songs Chart and No. 25 on Mediabase’s Country Airplay Top 40 Chart.
Scott Brickell, Ron Smith Join Forces For BrickHouse Entertainment
Pictured (L-R): Caleb Gauntt, Jared Johnson, Ron Smith, Scott Brickell, Kim Davis, Chase Swayze
Industry veterans Scott Brickell and Ron Smith have formed a joint partnership within their respective companies. Brickell, CEO and Founder of BrickHouse Entertainment, and Smith, who helms SMP Consulting, will now operate under BrickHouse Entertainment.
Brickell and Smith, along with Chase Swayze, are managing partners of the company, while Kim Davis, who has been with the company for 24 years, has been elevated to COO. With their combined artist roster, BrickHouse Entertainment represents MercyMe, CAIN, Micah Tyler, Caleb & John, Iveth Luna, Micah Christopher, Christian Paul and Bay Turner.
“With our common mission of supporting artists to develop lasting careers in the industry, it made complete sense for us to bring our companies together,” says Brickell and Smith. “We look forward to what will certainly be an exciting new chapter ahead for BrickHouse Entertainment as we continue to support artists and grow our roster.”
Maren Morris & Friend Karina Argow Co-Author A Children’s Book
/by Daniel CarterMaren Morris and Karina Argow. Photo: Nicki Fletcher
Maren Morris and longtime best friend, educator Karina Argow, have co-authored a children’s picture book, Addie Ant Goes On An Adventure. Published by Chronicle Chroma, the book will hit the shelves next spring.
Cultivated by Morris and Argow’s love of nature and spending time reading to Morris’ son, the book relays their desire to teach younger generations the importance of friendship, diversity and connection. Addie Ant Goes On An Adventure is fully illustrated by Kelly Anne Dalton and follows the ant’s journey into a magical garden, where she meets friends and obstacles along the way.
“Inspiring others through words and lyrics is a lifelong passion of mine,” says Morris. “To be able to give back to young learners in this way, to instill in them at a young age a deep love for the world around them gives me great hope for the future. I’m looking forward to this being the start of many adventures for Addie Ant, who I know will become a beloved children’s character.”
“I could not agree more,” shares Argow. “I’ve dreamed for years about sharing this wonderful world of creatures and their importance to the natural and social environments around them. I hope that the children and adults reading about Addie and her friends can see themselves and remember just how magical we all are and how precious this wonderful world is that we live in!”
“We are excited to publish this delightfully written and beautifully illustrated children’s book,” says Chronicle Chroma Publishing Director, Gloria Fowler. “Morris and Argow have created a charming story about the day in the life of a curious and brave little ant that inhabits a vast and magical garden. Inclusive insect characters such as Lewis Ladybug, Beatrix Butterfly and Cleo Cricket are brought to life through Kelly Anne Dalton’s vivid illustrations.”
Addie Ant Goes On An Adventure will go on sale on April 9, 2024, for $18.99 with 40 illustrated pages on a glossed hardcover. Pre-orders can be made through michelle_triant@chroniclebooks.com.
Special ‘John Prine – The Oh Boy Singles’ Deluxe Box Set Out In November
/by Lorie HollabaughJohn Prine. Photo: Rett Rogers
Oh Boy Records is releasing a special new seven-inch box set, John Prine – The Oh Boy Singles, on Nov. 24.
The uniquely designed box set is modeled after Prine’s 1935 Wurlitzer Jukebox, and features the eight singles Prine released throughout his career packaged in their original artwork, as well as working lights that illuminate the jukebox, a booklet with a forward written by Jim Rooney, two “Handsome Johnny” jukebox coins, a vintage Oh Boy Records catalog and more. The limited-edition collectable is now available for pre-order and will also be available at indie record stores nationwide.
“This collection took quite a bit of time and effort to put together, and perhaps some version of it could have come out a year or two earlier, but the guiding principle for us always was: ‘Would John have thought this was cool,” says Oh Boy Records’ Jody Whelan. “So, after many revisions and additions we can finally say, ‘John would have thought this was cool (or at least Pretty Good).’”
One of Prine’s beloved possessions, the jukebox was a gift from his friend and fellow songwriter Steve Goodman as a thank you for co-writing Goodman’s first country hit, “You Never Even Called Me by My Name,” after Prine refused to take credit or accept any royalties for helping to write the song.
The jukebox was donated to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum this past weekend in conjunction with the second annual “You Got Gold: Celebrating the Songs of John Prine” event. The three-day celebration raised over $150,000 for the Hello In There Foundation and featured performances by Amanda Shires, Devon Gilfillian, John Oates, Joy Oladokun, Lukas Nelson, Rita Wilson, Rodney Crowell, Ruston Kelly, Tanya Tucker and more, as well as special appearances by Walton Goggins and Steve Zahn.
‘Try That In A Small Town’ Tops MusicRow Radio Chart For The Second Time
/by LB CantrellAfter hitting No. 1 on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart in August, Jason Aldean‘s “Try That In A Small Town” is back at the top spot six weeks later.
Written by Kelley Lovelace, Neil Thrasher, Tully Kennedy and Kurt Allison, “Try That In A Small Town” will appear on Aldean’s 11th studio album Highway Desperado, due out Nov. 3. The song topped the all-genre Billboard Hot 100 songs chart in July, marking Aldean’s first Hot 100 No. 1.
“Try That In A Small Town” currently sits at No. 2 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart and No. 3 on the Mediabase chart.
Click here to view the latest edition of The MusicRow Weekly containing the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart.
The Neal Agency & Red Light Management Anchor Habitat For Humanity’s Fall Music Row Build
/by Steven BoeroPictured: Last year’s Music Row Build Habitat homeowner LaShawnda Bowman at her Habitat for Humanity home dedication ribbon cutting in August. Photo: Courtesy of Music Row Build
The Neal Agency and Red Light Management will serve as Music Row anchor sponsors for Habitat for Humanity’s 2023 Music Row Build this fall. Upcoming build days will take place on Oct. 19-20 at Village by the Creek in North Nashville. Music Row sponsors will experience hope in action as they participate in building future MRB homeowner Michelle Steele’s Habitat home.
“The Neal Agency is proud to partner with Habitat for Humanity Nashville and Red Light Management on the 2023 Music Row Build. As a native Nashvillian, it is integral to myself and the company to give back to the local community and create lasting positive change beyond the entertainment industry. Through this collaboration we are able make a tangible impact in our community by building hope and homes for families such as Michelle’s. The entire TNA team will be out in full force and we are excited to roll up our sleeves and get to work!” says TNA’s Austin Neal.
Jordan James, Eclipse Music Group artist. Photo: Courtesy of Music Row Build
“Red Light Management is proud to be partnering with The Neal Agency on this year’s Music Row Build. Habitat for Humanity is a cause that is near and dear to our hearts and it is our privilege to serve alongside the many wonderful volunteers. We look forward to investing in the future of the Steele family and getting them one step closer to having a place they can call home,” says Red Light’s Tom Lord.
The Morrell Property Collective is funding the Oct. 20 build day and BMI is providing the build volunteers for future Habitat homeowner Michelle Steele, who is the mother of a 3-year-old daughter. She will be first in her immediate family to own a home and desires a permanent address for her daughter to attend school until she graduates.
According to Habitat for Humanity of Greater Nashville, 40% of Metro children in Nashville do not complete the school year in the same school they started. Parents move frequently looking for safe and affordable housing. More than 7o% of Nashvillians are paying more than 30% of their income on housing.
Pictured: Last year’s MRB build volunteers building LaShawnda Brown’s home. Photo: Courtesy of Music Row Build.
The Music Row Build’s mission is for the music community to come together to do more for affordable housing in Nashville through education, advocacy and hope in action. Music veterans Renee Bell and Ree Guyer started Habitat’s Music Row Build in 2003, building nine homes before it ended in 2012. Mark Brown reignited the build in 2020 and Penny Gattis became the chair in 2022.
“It’s great to be back at the Habitat build site this fall with The Neal Agency and Red Light Management. I have seen firsthand how the build site brings people together and the impact it has on those who give and those who receive,” says Gattis. “The Morrell Property Collective is back for the third straight year, and we are always glad to see them!”
To donate to the Music Row Build Fund, click here.
On The Row: Alex Miller’s New EP ‘Country’ Shows Continued Growth After ‘American Idol’
/by Steven BoeroAlex Miller. Photo: Stephen Johnson
Since entering the country music scene with his appearance on season 19 of American Idol, Alex Miller has been building on his success, playing shows and working on his songwriting chops.
A product of Lancaster, Kentucky, Miller spent his upbringing working on his grandfather’s 800 acres, listening and singing classic country songs. He started writing songs from a young age—it was his original song “I’m Over You So Get Over Me” that earned him a trip to Hollywood on American Idol at the age of 17.
“They seemed to like me fairly well and they sent me on to a few rounds,” Miller shares about his audition process at American Idol. “I got to sing with Luke Bryan and do some fun things like that. It was a great experience.
“Being on national television—I never thought I’d ever do anything like that. I’m just a bumpkin from Lancaster,” he says. “I learned so much about how to grow your character and develop yourself as a person.”
Since that priceless experience, Miller has learned a lot about himself as an artist, knowing that sticking to his roots and doing his style of country music is what he wants to do. Thousands of fans have fallen in love with him for those exact reasons. Miller has played around the country at venues such as the Ryman Auditorium and Lucas Oil Stadium, and has opened for artists like Brooks & Dunn, Hank Williams Jr., Jamey Johnson, Josh Turner and more.
The now 20-year-old singer-songwriter is continuing to stick to his traditional sound, but is looking to grow constantly, working with Nashville songwriters such as Jerry Salley, Wood Newton and Kent Blazy. Miller recently released his new EP, simply titled Country, through Billy Jam Records. The project features outside cuts such as “Girl, I Know A Guy” and “When God Made The South,” as well as songs Miller co-wrote like “Every Time I Reach For You,” “Puttin’ Up Hay” and “Gettin’ Lucky In Kentucky.”
“[I’m lucky to get to write with] a lot of the older guys I get to write with,” Miller says. “They’ve had some life experiences and learned what’s going on and how to do it.”
When Miller isn’t writing or in the studio, he is touring the county fair and festival circuit all over the south and midwest, performing a wide range of originals, old-time country songs and even some classic rock. He describes his shows being like George Strait meets KISS.
In the beginning of his young career, Miller has experienced a lot and continues to find his way through the constantly moving music industry. He’s finding his way while keeping true to his roots that his grandfather helped plant while growing as artist and songwriter. He hopes his EP highlights that journey.
“Everybody wants to know what’s going on with my music and what’s coming up next,” Miller says. “The EP is a combination of songs from everything that I like. ‘Gettin’ Lucky In Kentucky’ is more of a western swing, George Strait-sounding thing. ‘Girl, I Know A Guy’ is really progressive for me. I wanted to see what I could do as an artist—what worked and what didn’t work—that’s what this record is for me.”
Miller’s Country EP is available now.
DISClaimer Single Reviews: Hailey Whitters’ New Tune Is ‘Fizzy As Soda Pop’
/by Robert K OermannSomething old, something new, something borrowed, something blue.
Our veterans today are Sawyer Brown and Miss Reba. Our newcomers are Dillon James and Chris Ryan. The “borrowed” tune is “Thank God I’m a Country Boy.”
As for something blue, that would be “Scared to Go to Church” by our DISCovery Award winner, Chris Ryan, with an assist by Jelly Roll.
The Disc of the Day award goes to Hailey Whitters. Her challengers for the crown were all collabs—Craig Morgan & Luke Combs, Miko Marks & The Fisk Jubilee Singers and Noah Kahan & Kacey Musgraves.
NOAH KAHAN & KACEY MUSGRAVES / “She Calls Me Back”
Writer: Noah Kahan; Producers: Noah Kahan/Gabe Simon; Label: Mercury Records/Republic Records
– New Englander Kahan is a huge Americana favorite. His pairing with Nashville’s Musgraves is a hooky pop-rocker with a delicious punch. The wordy song is brought down to earth when Musgraves starts singing lead about midway through, and then the two singers take it home, joyously, together.
DYLAN SCOTT / “I’ll Be a Bartender”
Writers: Rocky Block/John Byron/Grady Block/Jordan Dozzi; Producers: Jacob Durrett/Grady Block; Label: Curb
– If you are heartbroken, head on over to Scott’s kitchen counter and he’ll mix you a pick-me-up. It helps that he’s got a crush on ya. The wooshing production of this breezy, midtempo outing adds perfect support to his supple singing.
MORGAN EVANS / “Thank God She’s a Country Girl”
Writers: Morgan Evans/Jesse Frasure/John Sommers; Producer: Chris DeStefano; Label: Warner
– It’s a rewrite of the 1975 John Denver smash “Thank God I’m a Country Boy.” Sommers was the song’s first creator. Evans and Frasure flip the gender and perspective. Thanks, I’ll take the original.
CARLY PEARCE / “Heels Over Head”
Writers: Shane McAnally/Carly Pearce/Josh Osborne; Producers: Shane McAnally/Carly Pearce/Josh Osborne; Label: Big Machine
– It’s not a single, yet, but this new track is as cleverly written as anything she’s done to date. The fiddle-led track skips along jauntily as she describes the cheap trash he’s fallen for. In the bedroom, the new gal is “heels over head” for him, you see.
HAILEY WHITTERS / “I’m In Love”
Writers: Lee Thomas Miller/Nicolle Galyon/Cameron Bedell; Producers: Jake Gear/Hailey Whitters; Label: Big Loud/Pigasus/Songs & Daughters
– Adorable. As cute as a kitten. As fizzy as soda pop. Ya gotta love this little ray of sunshine. Whitters is the reigning ACM New Female Artist of the Year and is vying for a similar CMA award next month. Play this.
SAWYER BROWN / “Get Me to the Stage on Time”
Writer: Mark Miller; Producers: Mark Miller/Blake Shelton; Label: SB
– The durable band is celebrating its 40th anniversary with a new documentary film, and this is its title tune. It is upbeat and propulsive like much of their classic work, but is not retro sounding. It’s very engaging and up to date.
FANCY HAGOOD / “Southern Sound”
Writers: Fancy Hagood/Jon Green/Tofer Brown; Producer: Tofer Brown/Jon Green; Label: FH
– Hagood hosts “Trailblazers Radio” on Apple Radio. This tune teases his sophomore album. It’s the follow-up to his Southern Curiosity collection, which has accumulated more than 30 million streams. What we have here is a plaintive, aching plea of young lovers. Hagood’s heartbreak tenor vocal is framed by an echoey electronic production that is lustrous.
REBA McENTIRE / “Seven Minutes in Heaven”
Writers: Olivia Rudeen/Matt Wynn; Producer: Dave Cobb; Label: MCA
– The Country Music Hall of Famer’s new Not That Fancy collection mainly consists of stripped down versions of some of her biggest hits. It also includes her new single, this tender-hearted ballad about missing a loved one. As always, she delivers the goods as a singer.
DILLON JAMES / “Walking Man”
Writers: Dillon James/Paul Sikes/Paul Wrock; Producers: Paul DiGiovanni/Paul Sikes; Label: Buena Vista/UMG/19 Recordings
– This American Idol alumnus rose from homelessness and substance abuse to garner a country recording contract. His disc debut has a deep-twang production and an intense vibe due to its autobiographical nature. To the accompaniment of electric, echo-chamber guitars he sings of going from being a “dead man walking to a walking man living.”
GABBY BARRETT / “Cowboy Back”
Writers: Gabby Barrett/Jon Nite/Jesse Frasure; Producers: Gabby Barrett/Ross Copperman; Label: Warner
– Barrett co-penned and co-produced this midtempo ode to hard working men with solid, good-guy values in honor of her hubby, a Texan. The production marries twin fiddles to a rocking rhythm track.
MIKO MARKS & THE FISK JUBILEE SINGERS / “Jubilee”
Writer: Lee Bob Wilson; Producer: none listed; Label: MM
– As you might expect, this has a gospel vibe, from the steady, stately piano work to the acclaimed, Grammy honored backing vocalists. Marks takes charge with a confident, assured lead vocal that lifts the song skyward. She and her celebrated choir singers will stage the first live performance of this stirring collaboration tomorrow evening (Oct. 13) at the Grand Ole Opry.
CRAIG MORGAN & LUKE COMBS / “Raise the Bar”
Writers: Craig Morgan/Billy Dean; Producers: Craig Morgan/Phil O’Donnell; Label: Broken Bow
– Morgan’s new Enlisted EP features collaborations with Lainey Wilson, Trace Adkins, Jelly Roll, Blake Shelton, Gary LeVox and Combs. The last named is as rousing and raucous as peerless country singer Morgan is on “Raise the Bar.” The two blue-collar buddies invade the wine-and-cheese crowd’s tavern while singing loud and proud about giving the place “some working class.” The snootier set soon sings along. Lots and lots of fun.
CHRIS RYAN & JELLY ROLL / “Scared to Go to Church”
Writers: Chris Ryan/Jelly Roll/Logan Turner/Dave Kuncio/Jay Joyce; Producer: Jay Joyce; Label: Warner
– A sinner wails the blues about his lifestyle. Ryan’s searing tenor begins the power-packed lament with an anguished delivery. Jelly Roll takes a verse that is even more intense. When newcomer Ryan returns to the mic, he drives the song home with ferocious emotion. A grand disc debut.