Orville Peck is offering up a candid account of his journey through addiction and sobriety and how he rebuilt his life on his upcoming new album Mule, Sept. 18 via Warner Records.
Along with the album news, he’s releasing a pair of songs from the set: “Prologue (Eulogy Of A Man Turned Mule),” which features Emmylou Harris, Noah Cyrus, and Allison Russell; and the lead single “Too Little, Too Late,” a raucous, dirt-kicking country-pop rocker that feels like pure freedom.
On Mule, Peck turns his gaze inward, reckoning not only with his deeply personal past, but with the divide between the larger-than-life persona of Orville Peck and the man behind the mask. Peck’s fourth project unfolds as a chronological timeline of the year that reshaped his life, tracing the collapse of addiction, the pursuit of sobriety, and the slow, rocky process of rebuilding. Told with unflinching honesty, humor, and compassion, Mule finds Peck confronting love, loss, and identity through songs that move between classic country storytelling, bluegrass and expansive Americana.
“Prologue (Eulogy Of A Man Turned Mule)” is the scene-setting first track on Mule, finding three generations of female country icons harmonizing lyrics written and arranged by Peck. In the video, they don black veils and, in an eerie alternate space, nurse uniforms as they sing his would-be eulogy. It’s a stirring bleak ending that represents a beginning, as it turns out. “Too Little, Too Late” punctuates the redemptive back half of the set, and finds Peck dancing toward the finish line. Produced by Jay Joyce, the song embodies what it feels like to be finally secure with who you are and the feeling of having moved on when your ex comes crawling back.
Hot on the heels of his recent Grand Ole Opry debut, Peck has also announced his new fall “Man Turned Mule Tour.” The North American run will kick off on Oct. 28 in Sacramento and wrap up on Nov. 22. Nashville singer-songwriter Abbie Callahan joins Peck on the North American run, and $1 from every ticket sold on the “Man Turned Mule Tour” will be donated to The Trevor Project, supporting its mission to provide crisis intervention and suicide prevention services for LGBTQ+ young people.
Mule Track List:
1. “Prologue (Eulogy Of A Man Turned Mule)”
2. “Big Ol’ House”
3. “Already Gone”
4. “Rehab Blues”
5. “Ring The Bell”
6. “Blue Skies”
7. “The Fall”
8. “Cowboy Heart”
9. “The Breeze, The Grass, The Mourning Dove and Me”
10. “Run Out Of Road”
11. “Too Little, Too Late”
12. “War Of The Worlds”
13. “Mule”
LOCASH To ‘Let The Country Music Play’ On New EP
/by Lauryn SinkLOCASH will release their new EP Let The Country Music Play on Aug. 7 via their own Galaxy Label Group.
The duo, composed of Preston Brust and Chris Lucas, wrote the 5-track project alongside Ashley Gorley, John Byron, Brinley Addington and more. The duo previewed the project last month with the title track, a collaboration with Parmalee that reimagines Rupert Holmes’ “Escape (The Piña Colada Song).” “Talkin Bout,” written by the duo alongside Nate Kenyon and Blake Bollinger, will impact country radio on Aug. 24.
The project follows the band’s 2025 Bet The Farm which featured their multi-week chart topper “Hometown Home,” Country Aircheck/Mediabase’s No. 4 Overall Song of 2025.
LOCASH is currently amidst their “LET THE COUNTRY MUSIC PLAY TOUR” with upcoming dates in Missouri, Ohio, New York, California and more.
Let The Country Music Play Track List:
1. “Let The Country Music Play” (Rupert Holmes, Matt Thomas, Tommy Cecil, Brinley Addington) *
2. “Talkin Bout” (Nate Kenyon, Chris Lucas, Preston Brust, Blake Bollinger) +
3. “I Aint Goin Nowhere” (Preston Brust, Chris Lucas, John Byron, Maya Kurchner) ^
4. “YES” (Ben Johnson, Ashley Gorley, John Byron, Cole Swindell, Thomas Rhett, Preston Brust, Chris Lucas) •
5. “Love Always Wins” (Preston Brust, Chris Lucas, Nate Kenyon, Blake Bollinger) #
* Produced by Tommy Cecil and Jacob Rice
+ Produced by Sam Bergeson and Blake Bollinger
^ Produced by Ben Johnson and Aaron Zuckerman
• Produced by Ben Johnson
# Produced by Jacob Rice
K-LOVE Names Andrew Lambeth Chief Marketing & Communications Officer
/by Lauryn SinkAndrew Lambeth.
K-LOVE has named Andrew Lambeth the new Chief Marketing and Communications Officer, effective Sept. 1.
In his role, Lambeth will serve on the Ministry Leadership Team and lead the Ministry’s communications, creative and marketing departments.
He brings more than a decade of experience in the Christian music and media industry. Most recently, he served as co-general manager and senior vice president of Marketing at Centricity, overseeing marketing, digital, radio promotion and product operations. During his tenure, Centricity celebrated numerous Billboard No.1 hits and Gold and Platinum certifications with artists including Lauren Daigle, Katy Nichole, Jordan Feliz and many others. He also helped guide new artist launches and flagship projects that garnered recognition across the industry’s top honors with GRAMMY, K-LOVE Fan Awards and GMA Dove Awards.
“I’ve spent my entire career inside Christian music because I believe these songs and artists do something special. They encounter people with the truth of the Gospel in the way and at the time that people need it the most,” shares Lambeth. “At Centricity, I got to help launch artists and build stories around that belief, and I’m so grateful for a decade alongside the talented people there. K-LOVE is where many of these songs and stories meet the most people, and I’m honored to join K-LOVE’s excellent team in working to inspire people to move closer to Jesus.”
“Andrew is an industry leader who brings a brilliant strategic focus to this Ministry,” says Tom Stultz, K-LOVE Chief Executive Officer. “We believe he will help us continue to expand and grow the K-LOVE audience and impact for the cause of Christ. His inside knowledge of the Christian music industry along with his many established contacts position him to make meaningful contributions to this Ministry quickly and in ways that are sustainable for year to come. His passion for helping others draw closer to Jesus makes him an excellent fit for K-LOVE.”
Rhiannon Giddens Signs With WME
/by Madison HahnenRhiannon Giddens. Photo: Karen Cox
Rhiannon Giddens has inked with WME for global representation in music.
Giddens is a Pulitzer Prize and Grammy-winning artist, composer, banjo player, fiddler and cultural advocate. A founding member of the Carolina Chocolate Drops, she is widely recognized as one of the leading voices in American roots music. During her career, she has earned two Grammy Awards, the Pulitzer Prize for Music for Omar, a MacArthur “Genius” Fellowship and more. Her work spans music, film, opera, literature and education while highlighting the African American roots of American music.
Giddens will release her seventh solo album, Hope Is the Thing with Feathers, on Sept. 18 via Nonesuch Records. Recorded live with longtime collaborators and co-produced by Dirk Powell, the album celebrates community, collaboration, and the shared traditions of American music.
Beyond recording and touring, Giddens recently served as music supervisor, consultant and contributed original music to Sinners. She also wrote new music for Ken Burns’ upcoming PBS documentary The American Revolution, released the book Go Back and Fetch It: Recovering Early Black Music in the Americas with Kristina R. Gaddy, and stars in the upcoming film An Ode to Mary Jo alongside Ed Helms, Jason Isbell, Steve Earle, Regina Taylor and John Sayles.
She recently sold-out Carnegie Hall and played two sold-out shows at The Metropolitan Museum of Art. She is also launching American Tunes: Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing, a five-date concert series with Mavis Staples, Mary Chapin Carpenter and Hurray for the Riff Raff, with stops in Seattle, Bend, Bentonville, Asheville and The Caverns in Tennessee.
Giddens also recently launched the Biscuits & Banjos Foundation, which expands the mission of her festival through music education, instrument access, and programs celebrating the African diaspora’s influence on American culture.
Morgan Wallen Makes Billboard Country Airplay History With ‘Don’t We’
/by Madison HahnenMorgan Wallen. Photo: Spidey Smith
Morgan Wallen recently scored his 21st Billboard Country Airplay No. 1 with “Don’t We.” The tune is the seventh No. 1 from Wallen’s I’m The Problem record.
With this feat, I’m The Problem has become the first project to have that many Country Airplay No. 1s via only an original version, according to Billboard. Luke Combs’ What You See Is What You Get also earned seven from 2019-21, combining its original and deluxe editions.
“Don’t We” joins other I’m The Problem No. 1s “20 Cigarettes,” “I Got Better,” “Just In Case,” “I’m The Problem,” “Love Somebody” and “Lies Lies Lies.”
Wallen recently released his new track “Been By Now.” He will wrap up his “Still The Problem Tour” this weekend in Philadelphia with two shows at Lincoln Financial Field.
Tyler Hubbard Enters Top 20 On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart
/by Madison HahnenTyler Hubbard. Photo: Hannah Gray Hall
Tyler Hubbard has moved into the top 20 on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart. His own “Land,” John Morgan’s “Kid Myself” and George Birge feat. Luke Bryan’s “Ride, Ride, Ride” all push the singer-songwriter to No. 20 this week.
Ella Langley remains in the No. 1 spot for the 14th consecutive week with “Be Her,” “Bottom Of Your Boots,” “Choosin’ Texas,” “Dandelion,” “I Can’t Love You Anymore” and “Loving Life Again.” Austin Goodloe stays at No. 2 with “Dandelion,” “Empty Words,” “I Can’t Love You Anymore,” “No Need For Leavin’” and “Rocky Mountain Low.”
Joybeth Taylor (No. 3), Chase McGill (No. 4) and Taylor Swift (No. 5) round out this week’s top five.
The weekly MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart uses algorithms based upon song activity according to airplay, digital download track sales and streams. This unique and exclusive addition to the MusicRow portfolio is the only songwriter chart of its kind.
Click here to view the full MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart.
Ella Langley’s ‘Choosin’ Texas’ Notches 15th Week Atop Billboard Hot 100
/by Lauryn SinkElla Langley. Photo: Caylee Robillard
Ella Langley’s “Choosin’ Texas” has notched a 15th week atop the Billboard Hot 100.
The single has surpassed “We Belong Together” by Mariah Carey, from 2005, and “I Will Always Love You” by Whitney Houston, in 1992-93, for the most weeks at No. 1 ever among non-holiday titles by women with no co-billed acts. Each track earned 14 weeks atop the chart. “Choosin’ Texas” now only follows Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” which earned 22 weeks at No. 1, for the longest Hot 100 command among songs by only women.
Featured on her sophomore album Dandelion, “Choosin’ Texas” was co-penned by Langley, Luke Dick, Miranda Lambert and Joybeth Taylor, with production from Langley, Lambert and Ben West.
Langley is currently amidst her her sold-out “The Dandelion Tour” through October with upcoming stops in New Hampshire, New York, Texas and more.
Switchfoot Makes Grand Ole Opry Debut
/by Madison HahnenSwitchfoot. Photo: Grand Ole Opry, photos by Chris Hollo
Switchfoot made their Grand Ole Opry debut last Thursday (July 23).
Their three-song set earned a standing ovation and included a duet with Lainey Wilson on their new song, “Beautiful Life.” They also performed their hit “Dare You To Move” and “Only Hope,” which was famously covered by Mandy Moore in the 2002 film A Walk To Remember. After the show, Switchfoot headed to Studio A inside Opry House for a special performance and Q&A with 100 fans.
“We have many ties to Nashville, we have made many records out here,” shared lead vocalist Jon Foreman from the stage. “To be the kid who is couch surfing around Nashville and writing songs trying to figure out why they’re on the planet, and to be playing one of those songs years and years later, is a dream come true. Thank you so much for having us.”
The band recently released their new album Forever Now, which was produced by Mike Elizondo at his studio in Nashville. “Absolution” off the project is currently in the top 30 on alternative radio. Switchfoot will embark on their “Forever Now Tour” this fall, with stops in Nashville, Los Angeles, Chicago, Washington D.C. and more. Before the tour, they will make festival appearances at The Festival at Sandpoint, Afterburn Music Festival, Rock The Pines and more.
Switchfoot & Lainey Wilson. Photo: Grand Ole Opry, photos by Chris Hollo
Lainey Wilson & Switchfoot. Photo: Grand Ole Opry, photos by Chris Hollo
The Wilder Blue Readies Fifth Album ‘Cinco’ For August Release
/by Lorie HollabaughTexas-based indie band The Wilder Blue is gearing up for the release of their new album, Cinco, on Aug. 28. Ahead of the album release, the band has unveiled a new track from the project, “Chasin’ The Sun.”
Cinco is the band’s fifth album and showcases their adventurous musicianship, relatable storytelling, and signature five-part harmonies. The new ten-track project finds them exploring new creative territory, incorporating outside musicians and songwriters for the first time, while embracing a renewed sense of freedom and exploration. Earlier this summer, they unveiled the album track “Texas Women” featuring Tracy Byrd.
“We set out to make an album that pairs well with campfire coffee kettles, dusty neon band signs, and sun-bleached dashboard Polaroids,” says lead singer Zane Williams. “We figured it out together, as friends, the five of us. It was exhausting and exhilarating. Our memories, now your music. We hope you enjoy Cinco.”
Known for their engaging five-part harmonies and songwriting, the group has released four studio albums to date, including 2025’s Still In The Runnin’, which was self-released, self-produced and fan-funded, and debuted to critical attention. They also teamed with Luke Combs for a cover of The Eagles’ “Seven Bridges Road,” which has garnered over eight million streams across platforms.
Cinco Track List:
1. “Sinners and Strays”
2. “Last Chance for Dancin’”
3. “When He’s Out of Sight”
4. “Leavin’ Town”
5. “The Hunt”
6. “Wild Western Windblown Band”
7. “Texas Women” (feat. Tracy Byrd)
8. “Chasin’ The Sun”
9. “Good Woman”
10. “Only the Years”
Landon Smith Slates ‘Don’t Mind Me,’ Due In September
/by Lorie HollabaughSinger-songwriter and guitarist Landon Smith will release his debut album, Don’t Mind Me, on Sept. 25 via Lucille Records/MCA. Along with the announcement, he also dropped his latest track from the project, “Seamstress.”
Produced by Dave Cobb, Don’t Mind Me showcases Smith’s knack for pairing deeply personal storytelling with timeless, roots-driven production. Building on the emotional depth of previously released tracks “Lavender” and “The Rag Doll,” the 12-track collection explores themes of love, loss, and self-discovery. New track “Seamstress” emerges as a slow-burning anthem of longing, built around ringing guitars and Smith’s unmistakable vocal.
“‘The Seamstress’ is the song I get asked about most after my shows, even though I originally wrote it just for myself,” says Smith. “More than a love song, it’s a thank-you letter to the person who knows you better than you know yourself and always knows how to put you back together. I’m also excited to announce that my debut album, Don’t Mind Me, arrives September 25. The record became a collection of vulnerable moments throughout the past few years of my life, shaped by my love of telling stories through melodies, poetry, and metaphors. I’m so proud of this body of work, and I hope these songs take on new meaning for everyone who listens.”
This fall, Smith will hit the road supporting 49 Winchester beginning Oct. 6 in Lincoln, Nebraska.
Don’t Mind Me Track List:
1. “Prologue: The Parthenon” (Landon Smith)
2. “Lavender” (Landon Smith, Jacob Fuls, Josh Fuls, Kingston Lord)
3. “Runaway” (Landon Smith, Dave Cobb)
4. “The Seamstress” (Landon Smith)
5. “Don’t Mind Me” (Landon Smith)
6. “Voice Memo 12-11-2025, 3:11 AM” (Landon Smith)
7. “Supertramp” (Landon Smith, Jacob Fuls, Josh Fuls, Kingston Lord)
8. “The Ragdoll” (Landon Smith, Kamryn Heatly)
9. “Broken Under The Rug” (Landon Smith, Ethan Barrette)
10. “So Long” (Landon Smith, Jacob Fuls, Josh Fuls)
11. “Old World” (Landon Smith, Lenny Key, Aaron Armstrong)
12. “Daylight Falls” (Landon Smith, Dave Cobb, Aaron Raitiere)
Orville Peck Reckons With The Past, Looks To The Future On New LP ‘Mule,’ Due In September
/by Lorie HollabaughOrville Peck is offering up a candid account of his journey through addiction and sobriety and how he rebuilt his life on his upcoming new album Mule, Sept. 18 via Warner Records.
Along with the album news, he’s releasing a pair of songs from the set: “Prologue (Eulogy Of A Man Turned Mule),” which features Emmylou Harris, Noah Cyrus, and Allison Russell; and the lead single “Too Little, Too Late,” a raucous, dirt-kicking country-pop rocker that feels like pure freedom.
On Mule, Peck turns his gaze inward, reckoning not only with his deeply personal past, but with the divide between the larger-than-life persona of Orville Peck and the man behind the mask. Peck’s fourth project unfolds as a chronological timeline of the year that reshaped his life, tracing the collapse of addiction, the pursuit of sobriety, and the slow, rocky process of rebuilding. Told with unflinching honesty, humor, and compassion, Mule finds Peck confronting love, loss, and identity through songs that move between classic country storytelling, bluegrass and expansive Americana.
“Prologue (Eulogy Of A Man Turned Mule)” is the scene-setting first track on Mule, finding three generations of female country icons harmonizing lyrics written and arranged by Peck. In the video, they don black veils and, in an eerie alternate space, nurse uniforms as they sing his would-be eulogy. It’s a stirring bleak ending that represents a beginning, as it turns out. “Too Little, Too Late” punctuates the redemptive back half of the set, and finds Peck dancing toward the finish line. Produced by Jay Joyce, the song embodies what it feels like to be finally secure with who you are and the feeling of having moved on when your ex comes crawling back.
Hot on the heels of his recent Grand Ole Opry debut, Peck has also announced his new fall “Man Turned Mule Tour.” The North American run will kick off on Oct. 28 in Sacramento and wrap up on Nov. 22. Nashville singer-songwriter Abbie Callahan joins Peck on the North American run, and $1 from every ticket sold on the “Man Turned Mule Tour” will be donated to The Trevor Project, supporting its mission to provide crisis intervention and suicide prevention services for LGBTQ+ young people.
Mule Track List:
1. “Prologue (Eulogy Of A Man Turned Mule)”
2. “Big Ol’ House”
3. “Already Gone”
4. “Rehab Blues”
5. “Ring The Bell”
6. “Blue Skies”
7. “The Fall”
8. “Cowboy Heart”
9. “The Breeze, The Grass, The Mourning Dove and Me”
10. “Run Out Of Road”
11. “Too Little, Too Late”
12. “War Of The Worlds”
13. “Mule”