Rising singer-songwriter Lakelin Lemmings will release her self-titled debut album on July 24 via Quartz Hill Records. She dropped the latest track from the project, “He Ain’t Coming Back,” last week.
Lemmings co-wrote 15 of the 16 tracks on the new album, which was produced by Ash Bowers. The project captures the heart, confidence, vulnerability, and youthful spirit that have earned Lemmings a dedicated fan base and industry-wide attention, including for her debut single “Get Around Boy.”
Born and raised in a musical family, Lemmings began singing at age six and grew up listening to Dolly Parton, Reba McEntire, Loretta Lynn, Lee Ann Womack, Miranda Lambert and Carrie Underwood, alongside a heavy helping of 90’s pop. She signed her first Nashville publishing deal at just 17, and has since amassed more than 300,000 followers across her socials. Releases from her debut EP Get Around Boy, “Keep the Faith,” “Parking Lot” and “19 and Single,” have broadened her reach and set her up to release her upcoming self-titled debut.
Last weekend, Lemmings brought her energy to the KSON NASCAR Country concert in San Diego as part of the historic race at Coronado. While there, she spent time with the active Navy Seals and visited with military families, NASCAR drivers and more.
Lakelin Lemmings Track Listing:
1. “American Dreamin’” (Neal Coty, Lakelin Lemmings, Ash Bowers)
2. “Bad Boy Good” (Lakelin Lemmings, Ash Bowers, Mike Mobley)
3. “Get Around Boy” (Lakelin Lemmings, Mike Mobley, Ash Bowers)
4. “There Goes the Cowboy” (Lakelin Lemmings, Ash Bowers, Neal Coty)
5. “I Ain’t for Everybody” (Lakelin Lemmings, Ash Bowers, Mike Mobley)
6. “He Ain’t Coming Back” (Lakelin Lemmings, Tim Owens, Nathan Woodard, Ash Bowers)
7. “Tell Me More” (Lakelin Lemmings, Keesy Timmer, Ash Bowers)
8. “I Remember Us” (Lakelin Lemmings, Janelle Arthur, Adam Wheeler & Helene Cronin)
9. “19 & Single” (Neal Coty, Ash Bowers, Lakelin Lemmings)
10. “What Are We Doing” (Neal Coty, Lakelin Lemmings, Ash Bowers)
11. “Parking Lot” (Lakelin Lemmings, Ash Bowers, Tiffany Goss)
12. “I’m Over You” (Lakelin Lemmings, Neal Coty, Ash Bowers)
13. “Life of Mine” (Lakelin Lemmings, Jaron Boyer, Matt Gorman, John Stephens, Dan Marshall, Kaylin Roberson)
14. “Break Up Songs” (Lakelin Lemmings, Brent Loper, Nathan Woodard)
15. “I Drive a Truck” (Lakelin Lemmings, Tim Owens, Nathan Woodard, Ash Bowers)
16. “Keep the Faith” (Jaron Boyer, Lori McKenna, Phil Barton)
Music Industry Community Launches Online Platform & iOS App
/by Lauryn SinkChristy DiNapoli, Brian Haunhorst and Ashley Holt. Photo: Courtesy of MIC
Music Industry Community has launched a new online platform and iOS app.
Launched by West Village Entertainment, which is helmed by industry veterans Christy DiNapoli, Brian Haunhorst and Ashley Holt, the platform is designed to work as a centralized location for resources for artists, musicians, producers, creators and industry professionals. Key features include networking, collaboration tools, booking resources, streaming insights, audience tracking and more.
“This isn’t just another social platform,” says the MIC team. “MIC was built specifically for the music community — combining the tools artists and industry professionals need all in one platform. From networking and collaboration to booking, analytics, and all the tools needed to help creatives spend less time juggling various platforms and more time building their careers.”
More information on MIC is available here.
David Nail & Will Hoge Team For New Fall Tour
/by Lorie HollabaughDavid Nail & Will Hoge
David Nail and Will Hoge are joining forces for “An Evening With David Nail and Will Hoge,” a seven-city mini-tour kicking off Sept. 30 in Louisville.
The co-headlining tour will feature stripped-down performances, storytelling, and intimate renditions of fan favorites and brand-new material, highlighting the artistry and songwriting that have defined both Nail and Hoge’s careers. The tour will include stops in Gainesville, Boca Raton, Clearwater, Birmingham and more through Dec. 10. Tickets are on sale now.
Hoge’s career includes No. 1 hits, Grammy nods and major label deals. He released his 15th studio album, Sweet Misery, last August. Years before Americana music received its own category at the Grammys, Hoge was on the frontlines, helping to pilot and popularize the genre’s blend of American roots music.
Nail has released tracks like “The Crown,” “Fare Thee Well,” and “She Knows” this year, and is set to release his first album in over a decade, Flowers, on Aug. 21. He has also embarked on his intimate “Down To The Studs Tour,” where he performs with just a guitar, stories, and songs, reconnecting with audiences in listening rooms and small theaters across the country.
An Evening With David Nail and Will Hoge Tour Dates:
Sept. 30 – Louisville, KY – Kentucky Center for the Arts’ Bomhard Theater
Dec. 3 – Gainesville, FL – Heartwood Soundstage
Dec. 4 – Boca Raton, FL – The Funky Biscuit
Dec. 5 – Boca Raton, FL – The Funky Biscuit
Dec. 6 – Clearwater, FL – Wiley House Concerts
Dec. 7 – St. Augustine, FL – The Waterworks
Dec. 9 – Athens, GA – Rialto Club at Hotel Indigo
Dec. 10 – Birmingham, AL – Workplay Theatre
Bandit Lites Nashville Elevates Dawn Culbertson
/by Lorie HollabaughDawn Culbertson
Dawn Culbertson has been promoted to General Manager of Bandit Lites Nashville operations.
“Dawn has done an amazing job as the Business Manager of Best Techs, a Bandit company, and this is a next step forward,” says Bandit Lites Owner and Founder Michael Strickland. “When we first began the search, Dawn stepped forward and was an obvious choice. We cannot thank her enough for stepping up and leading. There is no one I trust more and no one more suited for the role. She has been a valuable part of the family for 15 years and we look forward to many more great years!”
“What excites me most is the chance to take on a larger role in helping Bandit Lites succeed,” shares Culbertson. “This company has an incredible team and a strong foundation. I’m looking forward to working with our employees and clients to build on what we’ve already accomplished, continue growing the business and ensure we remain a company people are proud to be part of.”
Jon Bellion Signs With Make Wake Artists
/by Madison HahnenPictured (L-R): Chris Kappy, Jon Bellion, Louis Coppola and Matt Maschi.
Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter and producer Jon Bellion has signed a full-service artist management deal with Make Wake Artists. He will work directly with Make Wake Founder Chris Kappy and longtime collaborators Louis Coppola and Matt Maschi.
As a collaborator, Bellion’s recent work includes the official 2026 FIFA World Cup song “Dai Dai” by Shakira and Burna Boy, which he co-wrote with Ed Sheeran; “Girls” with The Kid LAROI, and “Two Car Garage” with Swae Lee, released through the FANDOM platform. His songwriting and production credits also include Justin Bieber’s “Holy,” “Ghost,” and “Anyone,” Maroon 5’s “Memories,” and Eminem and Rihanna’s Grammy-winning hit “The Monster.”
In 2019, Bellion launched Beautiful Mind Inc., which includes Beautiful Mind Records and Beautiful Mind Publishing. The company has signed artists such as Tori Kelly and Lawrence. His debut album, The Human Condition, reached the top five on the Billboard 200, while his second album, Glory Sound Prep, peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard Top Rock Albums chart and No. 15 on the Billboard 200.
Make Wake partnered with Bellion on his first solo album in six years, FATHER FIGURE. The project was managed by Coppola, with Maschi leading A&R, and became Bellion’s biggest studio release to date. Led by “WHY” (feat. Luke Combs) and collaborations with Pharrell and Jon Batiste, the album delivered Bellion’s strongest results across downloads, streams, fan engagement, merchandise sales and media coverage. The momentum continued with his first live performance in six years, which sold out in less than a week.
“I met JB when Luke recorded “WHY” with him in November of 2024,” says Kappy. “We hit it off and he loved our Fans.F1rst. philosophy. We jumped right in, re-ignited his fan base and put out FATHER FIGURE. We then sold out two nights at Forest Hills (23,000 people) and set into motion JB’s new creative dreams to be a writer, producer, and artist on his terms. JB is a visionary and we are happy to be leading the charge for his art and creative genius. We just now are announcing this because we were busy with everything else.”
That success carried into Live from Forest Hills. The 20-track live album captures Bellion’s sold-out two-night run at Forest Hills Stadium in August 2025, his only live performance of FATHER FIGURE.
The release has driven record audience growth for Bellion, helping push his career streams past 4.7 billion across platforms. He now reaches 4.35 million monthly listeners on Spotify and 1.5 million YouTube subscribers. His direct-to-fan community added 31,000 new fan club members, with new music shared with fans before its public release. His debut show at Red Rocks on June 11 sold out the 10,000-seat venue, and he is set to perform at the Hollywood Bowl on September 24.
“I don’t really need a manager, I need an idea partner,” adds Bellion. “People who can execute my vision outside the machine. Kappy brought me a sound board and a work force that executes for me. He understands my workflow is at my own pace and that pace is uncompromising. He understands that better than anyone I’ve ever met. Within seconds of meeting him I knew this would work out.”
Jake Hess Inks With Prescription Songs In Joint Venture With 7Hills Music & David ‘Messy’ Mescon
/by Madison HahnenJake Hess
Songwriter, artist and musician Jake Hess has signed with Prescription Songs, in a joint venture with 7Hills Music and producer David “Messy” Mescon.
The Georgia native grew up in a Gospel music family, bleeding into his songwriting today. Since moving to Nashville, he has built a strong presence in the country music community and has upcoming cuts with Chase Matthew and Dalton Davis. He regularly writes with Mescon, Matt Mulhare, Phil Morgan, Seth Michael and Will Terry, among others.
“Prescription’s global reach, plus 7Hills’ Georgia roots, made perfect sense for a guy whose musical tapestry has been woven by several influences, but still has a yearning to create something that feels like home,” says Hess. “This team doesn’t just want me in the building, they want me to feel like an important part of a bigger picture. I believe we’re going to accomplish great things together.”
“From the first time I met Jake, I was drawn to both his talented songwriting skills and the kind of person he is,” shares 7Hills Music Founder and Prescription Songs A&R consultant Hannah Montgomery Bay-Schuck. “His unique ability to connect through songwriting, paired with his focused work ethic, makes him someone people naturally want to create with. We’re so excited to welcome him to 7Hills and Prescription Songs and can’t wait to see what we build together.”
“Jake is not only a fantastic artist and songwriter, but an even better human!” adds Prescription Songs Nashville A&R Sophia Battaglia. “I’m such a fan of everything he does and feel so lucky to be a part of his creative journey. I look forward to watching him thrive, and am thrilled to welcome him to RX songs!”
“Jake Hess is one of the most talented, genuine, and capable songwriters of today,” shares Mescon. “He will be a key in crafting the future of country music.”
Hess recently performed at Prescription Songs’ CMA Fest Takeover showcase on June 6 at Tin Roof Broadway.
Academy Of Country Music Unveils Special Award Honorees For 19th ACM Honors
/by Lauryn SinkThe Academy of Country Music has unveiled the special honorees to be celebrated at the 19th annual ACM Honors, set for Aug. 19 at The Pinnacle in Nashville.
Carly Pearce returns to host for the sixth time, alongside new co-host Parker McCollum.
Brett James and The Carter Family will each be honored posthumously with the ACM Poet’s Award. This award recognizes a country music songwriter whose work has had an enduring impact on shaping the country music genre with exceptional lyrical and musical contributions.
Bill Anderson and Mike Curb will each be honored with the ACM Icon Award, inspired by Cliffie Stone, which honors a country music artist, duo/group, or industry leader whose multifaceted contributions across songwriting, recording, production, touring, film, television, literary works and philanthropic efforts have positively impacted the country music genre and community.
Kacey Musgraves will be honored with the ACM Spirit Award. Inspired by 20-time ACM Award recipient Merle Haggard, this award is presented to an honoree that exemplifies Merle’s dedication to country music and passion for storytelling through music and performance.
Scott Zolke will be honored with the ACM Service Award, inspired by Mae Boren Axton. This award recognizes a country music artist, duo/group, or industry leader that has served the Academy of Country Music.
Eric Church will be honored with the ACM Lifting Lives Award, honoring the contributions of Gary Haber, known as a business manager and past president of ACM Lifting Lives. This award is presented to a country music artist, duo/group, or industry professional who is devoted to improving lives through the power of music, has a generosity of spirit, and is committed to serving others. It is voted on by the ACM Lifting Lives Board of Directors.
Leslie Fram will be honored with the ACM Lift Every Voice Award. This award is presented to a country music artist, duo/group, industry leader or affiliate/partner who plays a pivotal role in elevating underrepresented voices throughout the country music genre, transcending demographics and geography.
C2C: Country to Country will be honored with the ACM International Award, inspired by Jim Reeves. This award is presented to a country music artist, group or industry leader for outstanding efforts in expanding country music’s influence worldwide. Landman will be honored with the ACM Film Award, inspired by Tex Ritter, which honors a television series, television movie, or feature film released within the past calendar year that prominently showcases Country Music.
These winners join previously announced ACM Artist-Songwriter of the Year winner Ella Langley and ACM Songwriter of the Year winner Jessie Jo Dillon. Additional awards will be announced at a later date.
Tickets go on sale on June 26.
Kirbi Inks With Curb Records (Curb/Word)
/by Lauryn SinkKirbi. Photo: Courtesy of Curb Records (Curb/Word)
Kirbi has inked with Curb Records (Curb/Word).
Originally from Florence, Alabama, Kirbi discovered her love for singing at age 11 and began performing in churches and local events. First garnering attention on Season 28 of NBC’s The Voice, she has collaborated with award-winning producers and songwriters, including Smith Curry, and has written with Tommy Sims.
“Since I was little and figuring out the kind of artist I wanted to be,” she shares. “Curb records has been my dream label. I can not wrap my mind around the fact that I am now an official Curb/Word artist!”
Ablaze Entertainment, Kirbi’s longtime management team, adds “We are thrilled to partner with Curb Records on this next chapter. It was never a question about ‘if’ she was going to get signed, it was simply a matter of when. God created Kirbi to be worldwide and bring his voice to her generation.”
Kirbi is currently in the studio recording new music expected to release later this year.
Lakelin Lemmings’ Self-Titled Debut Set For July
/by Lorie HollabaughRising singer-songwriter Lakelin Lemmings will release her self-titled debut album on July 24 via Quartz Hill Records. She dropped the latest track from the project, “He Ain’t Coming Back,” last week.
Lemmings co-wrote 15 of the 16 tracks on the new album, which was produced by Ash Bowers. The project captures the heart, confidence, vulnerability, and youthful spirit that have earned Lemmings a dedicated fan base and industry-wide attention, including for her debut single “Get Around Boy.”
Born and raised in a musical family, Lemmings began singing at age six and grew up listening to Dolly Parton, Reba McEntire, Loretta Lynn, Lee Ann Womack, Miranda Lambert and Carrie Underwood, alongside a heavy helping of 90’s pop. She signed her first Nashville publishing deal at just 17, and has since amassed more than 300,000 followers across her socials. Releases from her debut EP Get Around Boy, “Keep the Faith,” “Parking Lot” and “19 and Single,” have broadened her reach and set her up to release her upcoming self-titled debut.
Last weekend, Lemmings brought her energy to the KSON NASCAR Country concert in San Diego as part of the historic race at Coronado. While there, she spent time with the active Navy Seals and visited with military families, NASCAR drivers and more.
Lakelin Lemmings Track Listing:
1. “American Dreamin’” (Neal Coty, Lakelin Lemmings, Ash Bowers)
2. “Bad Boy Good” (Lakelin Lemmings, Ash Bowers, Mike Mobley)
3. “Get Around Boy” (Lakelin Lemmings, Mike Mobley, Ash Bowers)
4. “There Goes the Cowboy” (Lakelin Lemmings, Ash Bowers, Neal Coty)
5. “I Ain’t for Everybody” (Lakelin Lemmings, Ash Bowers, Mike Mobley)
6. “He Ain’t Coming Back” (Lakelin Lemmings, Tim Owens, Nathan Woodard, Ash Bowers)
7. “Tell Me More” (Lakelin Lemmings, Keesy Timmer, Ash Bowers)
8. “I Remember Us” (Lakelin Lemmings, Janelle Arthur, Adam Wheeler & Helene Cronin)
9. “19 & Single” (Neal Coty, Ash Bowers, Lakelin Lemmings)
10. “What Are We Doing” (Neal Coty, Lakelin Lemmings, Ash Bowers)
11. “Parking Lot” (Lakelin Lemmings, Ash Bowers, Tiffany Goss)
12. “I’m Over You” (Lakelin Lemmings, Neal Coty, Ash Bowers)
13. “Life of Mine” (Lakelin Lemmings, Jaron Boyer, Matt Gorman, John Stephens, Dan Marshall, Kaylin Roberson)
14. “Break Up Songs” (Lakelin Lemmings, Brent Loper, Nathan Woodard)
15. “I Drive a Truck” (Lakelin Lemmings, Tim Owens, Nathan Woodard, Ash Bowers)
16. “Keep the Faith” (Jaron Boyer, Lori McKenna, Phil Barton)
Kenny Chesney Slates New LP ‘Silver Sands Marina’ For Fall
/by Lorie HollabaughKenny Chesney is gearing up for the release of his 21st album, Silver Sands Marina, on Sept. 25 via HEY NOW Records. He’s offering fans a second taste of the upcoming new project with the title track, available today (June 24).
Chesney produced the new album with Buddy Cannon, and the debut single from the collection, “Carry On” became the first independent single and only the third ever to lock out the country radio reporting panel in its first week. The album epitomizes everything the superstar embodies: positive vibes, good humor, long drives, moments and memories that last a lifetime, tossing away what pulls you down, and a sense of how sweet life truly is.
Songwriters contributing to the new project include Matraca Berg, Shane McAnally, Brett James, Jessie Jo Dillon, Tenille Townes and Adam Wright, and special guests Colbie Caillat, Lily Meola and Megan Moroney appear as well.
“I love everything about music, but especially how it makes you feel,” Chesney explains. “It can crack open a tough moment, lift you up, blow you up and make you laugh harder than anything. When I started thinking about all the things music can be, a few songs came in – and Silver Sands Marina, as it now exists, took shape. Some great players, guests who really fit the songs, but especially some places I’ve never gone.”
Chesney returns to TalkShopLive on July 15 to dig into the recording process for the new album, what he hopes people take from it, and what he’s learned about music’s power to bring people together and transform even the toughest moments.
Nick Boyd Inks With Ern’s Cadillac Music & Jordan Schmidt Via Big Loud Publishing
/by Lauryn SinkPictured (L-R): Kimberly Gleason, Mike Giangreco, Jude Warren, Jordan Marcus, Nick Boyd, ERNEST, Jordan Schmidt and Dane Schmidt. Photo: Jessie Addleman
Nick Boyd has signed a publishing deal with ERN’s Cadillac Music and Jordan Schmidt via Big Loud Publishing.
Hailing from Rock Island, Illinois, Boyd grew up inspired by the sounds of the Eagles, Michael Jackson, Justin Timberlake, Garth Brooks and more. He attended Belmont University, where he won the Curb College Country Music Showcase and earned a spot in Belmont’s School of Music’s Commercial Showcase. Signing a publishing deal with Liz Rose Music in 2019, Boyd has earned cuts including “Drinks Can Drink” and “TV On” by Cody Lohden, ATLUS’s “Spare Key,” “California Fit In Tennessee” by Tayler Holder and Brody Clementi’s “Act Like You Don’t.”
“The day I stepped foot in the building, I felt right at home,” Boyd shares. “I couldn’t be more excited to work with ERNEST, Jordan Schmidt and the rest of the Cadillac Music/Big Loud Publishing team. In a town with a million great songs, champions like them make the difference.”
“I started hearing Nick’s songs about a year or so ago,” says ERN’s Cadillac Music Founder and CEO ERNEST. “He has been writing great ones with my guy Cody Lohden and just became a name we’d see time and time again right by an outstanding song. When Jordan Schmidt called me and asked if he wanted to do this together, it made perfect sense to me. Jordan, a longtime friend and collaborator in town, has over a decade of hits as a writer and producer. So, combining his experience with a topliner / spark plug like Nick seemed like a no brainer. I love getting to know talent in this town. There is no shortage of it and Nick Boyd is no exception.”.
“Nick is a beast of a writer and a beauty of a human,” shares Schmidt. “I can’t wait for Nashville to see what we see in him!”