Colby Acuff Debuts New Collaboration With The Castellows From Upcoming Album

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Colby Acuff with The Castellows. Photo: Aubrey Wise

Colby Acuff has teamed up with The Castellows on a new song, “How Do I Feel Alive,” out now. The track offers the newest glimpse into Acuff’s upcoming album American Son, available Aug. 23 via Sony Music Nashville.

“‘How Do I Feel Alive’ is one of my favorite songs on the entire American Son project. I had the pleasure of writing it with The Castellows and when we got done writing the tune I knew they had to be featured on the record,” says Acuff. “While the song is catchy, it’s about being stuck in a negative mindset and not knowing how to break out of it. It’s a song that asks a simple question, with an answer that can be very complex. I hope people enjoy it and I hope this song can ultimately help people.”

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On American Son, Acuff and producer/engineer Eddie Spear created a robust, acoustic-forward power punch. Throughout the 16 tracks, Acuff dives deep into some dark corners, exploring the state of the union and humanity, mental health and love. He recently released the title track from the project.

Currently on Luke Combs’ 2024 stadium tour, Acuff recently announced a new round of headline dates, including a July 18 marquee show at Mercury Lounge in New York City. He will also join Midland for select dates in the fall.

American Son Track List:
1. “Nightmare”​ (Colby Acuff)
2. “Scared of the Dark” (Colby Acuff)
3. “How Do I Feel Alive​ (feat. The Castellows)” (Colby Acuff / Eleanor Balkcom /Lily Balkcom / Powell Balkcom)
4. “Starving”​ (Colby Acuff)
5. “Better Days” (Colby Acuff / Colton Venner)
6. “Ain’t So Bad” (Colby Acuff / Colton Venner / Vinnie Paolizzi)
7. “Devil That You Know”​ (Colby Acuff / Erland Wanberg / Teddy Morgan)
8. “Plastic Horses”​ (Colby Acuff / Aaron Raitiere)
9. “Bruised”​ (Colby Acuff)
10. “High Noon”​ (Colby Acuff)
11. “Man in the Paper Mask”​ (Colby Acuff)
12. “Suzanne”​ (Leonard Cohen)
13. “Hello Rain”​ (Colby Acuff)
14. “Me”​ (Colby Acuff)
15. “Heavy Hearted Man”​ (Colby Acuff / Stefan Jarocki)
16. “American Son” (Colby Acuff)

Lorrie Morgan Returns With First New Album In Seven Years, ‘Dead Girl Walking’

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Lorrie Morgan is releasing her first new studio album in seven years, Dead Girl Walking, via Cleopatra Records.

The album is available everywhere now, and showcases a rainbow of emotions, from darkest heartache to brightest humor. Writers featured on the project include Larry Gatlin, Ashley Monroe, Jon Randall, Kelly Lang and more.

“This album is very special to me,” shares Morgan. “Sadly, it turned out to be the final producing credit by my longtime friend and collaborator, Richard Landis, who passed just before its completion. Dead Girl Walking ties together a career journey from my career-making album, Something in Red, to the top 10 album, War Paint, both produced by Landis and up to this new album. Richard’s brilliant, creative touch is all over this new album, and I’m eager to share every song. I miss my friend and honor him with this collection.”

Morgan launched her War Paint with Lorrie Morgan podcast in 2023, featuring guests including Gatlin, Jessie Keith Whitley, Morgan Whitley, Pam Tillis, Vince Gill and Nancy Jones. The program has been picked up for broadcast TV and launched on The Heartland Network on July 12.

Dead Girl Walking Track List:
1. “Hands On You” (Ashley Monroe, Jon Randall)
2. “Dead Girl Walking” (Kelly Lang)
3. “Me And Tequila” (Ashlee Hewitt, Matthew Morgan)
4. “I Think It’s Jesus” (Kelly Lang)
5. “Mirror, Mirror” (Kelly Lang, Lorrie Morgan, Mark Oliverius)
6. “Days Like These” (Kris Bradley, Marty Morgan)
7. “What Will I Do?” (Mickey Newbury)
8. “I Think You’re The Greatest” (Marty Morgan, Johnny Garcia, Katrina Burgoyne)
9. “I Almost Called Him Baby By Mistake” (Larry Gatlin)
10. “You Send Me” (Sam Cooke)

Conner Smith Set To Release ‘Smoky Mountains Sessions’ Next Month

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Photo: Courtesy of The Valory Music Co.

Singer-songwriter Conner Smith is set to release his latest project, Smoky Mountains Sessions, on Aug. 2 via The Valory Music Co.

This announcement comes in the midst of a big year for the breakout artist. Smith released his debut album, Smoky Mountains, earlier this year and garnered his first ACM Awards nomination in addition to hitting various stages on multiple headlining runs. The new collection, produced by Dwight A. Baker, was recorded in just four days at Echo Mountain Studio in Asheville, North Carolina and features fresh takes on “Roulette On The Heart (feat. Hailey Whitters)” and two new songs penned solely by Smith.

“Smoky Mountains Sessions came from a desire to get back to the core of songwriting. With these new songs, two of which I wrote by myself, I wanted to create them in a way that felt very raw and honest,” he shares. “Working with Dwight Baker for the first time on this project, we took my band up to Echo Mountain in Asheville and brought these songs to life over the course of four days. This collection is just the beginning of more new music on the way. I can’t wait to share!”

Last week, Smith dropped “Steal My Thunder (feat. Tucker Wetmore),” which he wrote alongside Matt Jenkins, Ben Johnson and Blake Pendergrass. The track is featured on the soundtrack for the new Twisters film, out this Friday (July 19).

“Having the opportunity to be a part of the Twisters movie and album is a very cool honor,” says Smith. “With such a high-caliber group of artists featured on the project and an already iconic movie, being asked to write a song for it was creatively inspiring. Adding Tucker Wetmore to the song took it to a new level and I’m glad he was able to join us in bringing ‘Steal My Thunder’ to life.”

Smoky Mountains Sessions Track Listing:
“A Thousand Miles Away” (Conner Smith)
“Song For Tennessee” (Conner Smith)
“Boys In The Picture” (Conner Smith, Rodney Clawson, Jessie Jo Dillon, Matt Jenkins)
“Roulette On The Heart (feat. Hailey Whitters) (Smoky Mountains Sessions)” (Conner Smith, Jessi Alexander, Chase McGill, Mark Trussell)

CMA Reveals Incoming Women’s Leadership Academy Class

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The Country Music Association has revealed its latest Women’s Leadership Academy class.

Featuring 16 female leaders in country music, this year’s class includes Michelle Attardi (Senior Creative Director, Big Machine Music), Jackie Augustus (Lead of Country & Folk Artists Partnerships, Spotify), Lydia Schultz Cahill (Senior Director Creative Services, SESAC), Elice Cuff (Senior Director of Media Relations, BMI Nashville), Lindsey Feinstein (Account Director, Girlilla Marketing), Katie Germano (Agent, CAA), Beth Hamilton (Agent/Partner, WME), Betsy Lee (Business Manager, FBMM), Kelly Littlefield (Director of HR & Operations, The Neal Agency), Anna Pittman (Vice President of Artist Development, Warner Music Nashville), Jeanette Porcello (Senior Manager of A&R, Downtown Artist and Label Services), Shana Melissa Saunders (Product Manager, Universal Music Group Nashville), Grace Schoper (Manager, Dennis Entertainment), Casey Thomas (Vice President of Marketing & Commercial Partnerships, Monument Records), Jess Tomlins (Project Manager & Day-to-Day Manager, Neon Coast) and Emily Wright (Agent of Music Brand Partnerships, United Talent Agency).

The professional development program, now in its third year, will kick off on Aug. 5. For 12 weeks, the program will include educational sessions, bi-monthly group coaching and more. Designed to advance the professional growth of participants, members will be equipped with integral leadership skills and create a supportive community in the industry.

“We are thrilled to be welcoming this group of women to our WLA class,” shares Tiffany Kerns, CMA Senior Vice President, Industry Relations & Philanthropy. “Now in our third year, I am continuously amazed and inspired by the women that we are able to engage with through this program, and this year is no different. I am also especially excited to welcome new executive coaches this year and have no doubt that these women will walk away empowered and more prepared for the impactful careers that lie ahead of them.”

Participants will begin the program by setting personal goals before joining collaborative group sessions led by Lisa Gamble of Gamble Coaching & Consulting LLC and Nicole Provonchee of Bright Blue Consulting. Gamble and Provonchee empower female leaders in both their personal and professional lives, and have an array of experience in developing, leading and evaluating leadership development initiatives.

The curriculum will address key topics including personal branding, career mobility, DEI, conflict navigation, self-advocacy and negotiation, self-promotion and influence, as well as increasing confidence to maximize leadership impact and career success. Cohort members will also be mentored by established program alumni and industry experts.

Country Bear Jamboree Returns To Disney With Tunes By Mac McAnally, Emily Ann Roberts, More

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Country Bear Musical Jamboree cast members with Mac McAnally, Allison Russell and Emily Ann Roberts

Walt Disney World Resort is bringing back its reimagined Country Bear Musical Jamboree on July 17 with a new twist—Nashville-style Disney tunes inspired by country, Americana, bluegrass, pop-country, rockabilly and more. As a beloved staple of Frontierland in Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World Resort, the Country Bears have been charming audiences with their delightful country tunes for over 50 years.

This summer, the bears are back with new songs for the attraction by Mac McAnally and more. McAnally brings the tune, “The Bare Necessities” from The Jungle Book to life along with Terrence, aka Shaker’s, version of the Frozen song “Fixer-Upper.” McAnally also produced and rearranged the new songs.

“I first saw the Country Bears as a teenage musician and it bolstered my pride in the acoustic musical heritage of the rural south,” says McAnally. “I next saw the show with my own kids and sat amongst multiple generations of families from all over and felt that common bond that lasts a lifetime. It is my great blessing to get to be a part of the continuation of the tradition and I have done my best to honor the spirit of the Bears and the great Disney songbook as well as the heart and soul that runs through the veins of country music. And just maybe it explains why I’ve been singing in a Bear voice for several decades before this opportunity came up.”

Emily Ann Roberts also joins McAnally as Trixie on a rendition of “Try Everything” from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Zootopia. Singer-songwriters Allison Russell and Chris Thile have also collaborated to create a heartwarming rendition of “A Whole New World” from Aladdin for the attraction, voicing Teddi Barra and Wendell, respectively.

Dillon James Releases Debut EP ‘River Black’

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Singer-songwriter Dillon James has released his debut EP, River Black, via UMG Nashville/Buena Vista Recordings/19 Recordings

The five autobiographical songs take listeners through a hard-hitting account of the California-born artist’s journey from reckless to revival. Inspiration for the EP’s title track struck James in the form of a dream, while songs like “Call Me Up” and “My Shadow” incorporate true-to-life detail from his past. The previously-released “Walking Man” rounds out the track list on a fiery-yet-faithful note.

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Born and raised in Bakersfield, James picked up a guitar for the first time at the age of 10. First drawn to classic rock, his tastes diversified to the likes of City And Colour, Glen Campbell, Jeff Buckley, George Strait and Bob Dylan by the time he began writing his own music as a teen. Inspired by the local sounds of Merle Haggard and Buck Owens, James developed the vocals and powerful storytelling that would define his sound.

After winning several singer-songwriter competitions and a brief stint working as an actor in Los Angeles, he entered a turbulent period of substance abuse and homelessness. During this painful time, he realized that if he could heal himself and achieve his lifelong dream of becoming a singer-songwriter, he could become a living testament to others as well, and later moved to Nashville to write and record his music.

“This EP represents how far I’ve come, and my new life after my past,” shares Dillon. “There have been ups and downs, ebbs and flows, and these songs tell those stories. I’m grateful that, through my music, I can share my testimony with anyone who might relate and need to hear that they aren’t alone.”

River Black Track List:
1. “River Black” (Jason Gantt, Dillon James, Dan Alley)*
2. “Had Enough” (Luke Preston, Ben Goldsmith, Tucker Beathard)#
3. “Call Me Up” (Dillon James, Joe Clemmons, Jonathan Smith)^
4. “My Shadow” (Dillon James, Marty James, Matthew Joseph Geroux, Frank Romano)^
5. “Walking Man” (Paul Sikes, Paul Wrock, Dillon James)$

* = produced by Paul DiGiovanni
# = produced by Matt Geroux
^ = produced by Paul Sikes
$ = produced by Paul DiGiovanni and Paul Sikes

Morgan Wallen Adds Neyland Stadium Show To ‘One Night At A Time Tour’

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It’s no secret his blood runs orange, and now Tennessee native and Vols fan Morgan Wallen is set to headline a special show at Knoxville’s Neyland Stadium this fall.

Featuring special guests Hardy and fellow Tennessee native Ernest, the Sept. 22 show bookends his “One Night At A Time Tour“ with a show he’s always wanted to headline.

“I’ve had the honor of playing in a lot of college, MLB and NFL stadiums the past two years, but getting to play to my hometown at Neyland Stadium, nothing tops this for a boy from East Tennessee,” shares Wallen, who reactivated his Instagram to share the news.

Tickets for the stadium show go on sale at 11 a.m ET on Wednesday (July 17) at MorganWallen.com. Fans can also purchase VIP Packages, which may include premium tickets, guided backstage tour, group photo on the stage, invitation to the VIP Lounge, VIP-exclusive gift item and more.

Before his Neyland show, Wallen will kick off his first-ever European tour on Aug. 28 in Stockholm, Sweden. The seven-show run will include additional stops in Copenhagen, Amsterdam, Glasgow and more before concluding with two back-to-back nights in Dublin.

Lisa Smoot Joins Big Loud Records’ Promotion Staff

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Lisa Smoot. Photo: Brayln Kelly Smith

Big Loud Records has added Lisa Smoot to its award-winning promotion staff. Effective immediately, she joins as Director, Secondary Promotion.

“This is a long overdue move as Lisa has been a day one Big Loud partner,” shares newly-promoted EVP, Promotion Stacy Blythe. “Her passion and positive attitude are contagious, and we are thrilled to have her on our team!”

Smoot joins Big Loud after nearly 20 years with Jerry Duncan Promotions, where she rose from Promotions Coordinator to Vice President of the company. In 2023, she was honored with the CRS / Country Aircheck Award for Independent Promotion Executive of the Year.

“No words can describe my excitement about officially joining the Big Loud family,” says Smoot. “I remember when Seth [England] and Craig [Wiseman] brought Tyler Hubbard and Brian Kelley to our office at Jerry Duncan Promotions 12 years ago and listening to ‘Cruise’ to consider for promotion in secondary markets. Big Loud has always thought outside the box and is constantly reinventing how things are done. I am honored, humbled, and privileged to be offered this opportunity to work under the guidance of Seth, Stacy, [Big Loud VP of Promotion] Tyler [Waugh], and the entire promotion team as I dive head-first into a new journey where every day is a chance to redefine success.”

Reach Smoot at lisa@bigloud.com.

Mitchell Tenpenny To Drop ‘The 3rd’ Studio Album In September

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Mitchell Tenpenny plans to drop his third studio album, The 3rd, on Sept. 20 via Riser House/Sony Music Nashville.

The 20-track project, which will be available on vinyl and CD, aims to be Tenpenny’s most authentic and adventurous album yet. The recently-released title track is named after the Platinum artist, whose full name is James Mitchell Tenpenny III. Written by Tenpenny, Andy Albert, Devin Dawson and Paul DiGiovanni, the tune seeks to be a testament to his personal growth and artistic evolution.

Tenpenny’s goal was to craft a collection that resonates with his own experiences and showcases his maturity as a man, singer-songwriter and storyteller.

“I want this record to be all over the place,” says Tenpenny. “I want somebody to be able to find their song in the record, something that helps them or just something stylistically different from everything else. It just encapsulates everything I’ve done and all the genres I’ve loved.”

The 3rd Track Listing:
1. “The 3rd” (Mitchell Tenpenny, Andy Albert, Devin Dawson, Paul DiGiovanni)
2. “Good Thing Going” (Mitchell Tenpenny, Matt Alderman, Josh Melton, Dallas Wilson)
3. “Bigger Mistakes” (Mitchell Tenpenny, Chris DeStefano, Josh Kear, Michael Whitworth)
4. “Woke Up in a Dream” (Mitchell Tenpenny, Thomas Archer, Kyle Fishman, Michael Tyler)
5. “Iris” (John Rzeznick)
6. “I Won’t” (Mitchell Tenpenny, Kyle Fishman, Rafe Tenpenny)
7. “Guess We’ll Never Know (feat. Colbie Caillat)” (Mitchell Tenpenny, Jaten Dimsdale, Christian Griswold, Jimmy Robbins, Dallas Wilson)
8. “Not Today” (Mitchell Tenpenny, Chris DeStefano, Claire Douglas, Michael Whitworth)
9. “Smoke” (Mitchell Tenpenny, Rodney Clawson, Ashley Gorley, Jordan Schmidt)
10. “Set It in Stone” (Mitchell Tenpenny, Andy Albert, Chris DeStafano)
11. “Make It Rain” (Mitchell Tenpenny, Devin Dawson, Zach Kale)
12. “Started Stoppin'” (Mitchell Tenpenny, Ashley Gorley, Chase McGill, Jordan Schmidt)
13. “Well Whiskey” (Mitchell Tenpenny, Jordan Schmidt, Michael Whitworth)
14. “Same Moon” (Mitchell Tenpenny, Paul DiGiovanni, Derrick Southerland, Dallas Wilson)
15. “Breaking My Heart” (Mitchell Tenpenny, Ashley Gorley, Chase McGill, Jordan Schmidt)
16. “Long Way to Go” (Mitchell Tenpenny, Thomas Archer, Kyle Fishman)
17. “Head Start on a Heartbreak” (Mitchell Tenpenny, Trannie Anderson, Dallas Wilson)
18. “Fall Back in It” (Mitchell Tenpenny, Jared Mullins, Ben Stennis, Michael Whitworth)
19. “Demon or Ghost (feat. Underoath)” (Mitchell Tenpenny, Spencer Chamberlain, Aaron Gillespie, Jordan Schmidt)
20. “Tennessee in Me” (Mitchell Tenpenny, Matt Jenkins, Dallas Wilson)

Industry Ink: Luke Combs, Chris LeDoux, ACM Lifting Lives, The Archives Nashville

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CMHOFM & Luke Combs Host Writers Round In Support Of New Exhibit

Pictured (L–R): Drew Parker, Ray Fulcher, Luke Combs, James McNair and Rob Williford. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum and Luke Combs hosted a sold-out writers round in support of the new exhibit, “Luke Combs: The Man I Am,” yesterday (July 11).

During the event, Combs was joined by Drew Parker, Ray Fulcher, James McNair and Rob Williford. The four performed songs they have written together and shared the stories behind them. The round was filmed and will premiere as part of the museum’s “Live At The Hall” digital series this fall.

 

Chris LeDoux’s ‘This Cowboy’s Hat’ Goes Platinum

Pictured (L-R): Jackie Jones, Ned LeDoux, Jeff Carter, Lane Turner and Lori Christian. Photo: Courtesy of UMG Nashville

Friends and family of late cowboy and singer-songwriter Chris LeDoux gathered to celebrate the Platinum certification of his song “This Cowboy’s Hat” as well as the debut of its official music video at Friends In Low Places Bar & Honky Tonk in downtown Nashville.

Joined by RIAA’s Jackie Jones and UMG Nashville’s Lori Christian, Ned LeDoux accepted the plaque commemorating the achievement on his father’s behalf. The venue’s staff donned “Just LeDoux It” shirts as the crowd celebrated LeDoux’s life and legacy and watched the music video on a big screen together.

 

ACM Lifting Lives, SENSE Theatre & More Partner For Autism Research Program

SENSE Theatre ACM Lifting Lives 2024 Summer Camp participants performing Hats. Photo: Courtesy of ACM Lifting Lives

ACM Lifting Lives recently hosted its annual SENSE Theatre ACM Lifting Lives 2024 Summer Camp in partnership with SENSE Theatre, Vanderbilt Kennedy Center and Vanderbilt University Department of Theatre. The two-week program is designed to improve the social and emotional functions of those on the spectrum through theatrical intervention.

13 youth participants with autism spectrum disorder gathered in Nashille to join counselors as they rehearsed for the program’s finale—two public performances of Hats—which took place June 28–29 at Vanderbilt University’s Langford Auditorium. Participants were also treated to a surprise, acoustic performance from The Band Loula.

 

The Archives Nashville’s Inaugural Artist Tag Sale Raises $31K For CMA Foundation

Pictured (L–R): CMA’s Victoria Rutledge, Lindsey Morrison, The Archives Nashville’s Alexandra Karalash, Tiffany Gifford, CMA’s Tiffany Kerns and Michelle Kirk. Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Association

The Archives Nashville’s inaugural Artist Tag Sale raised $31,102.21 for the CMA Foundation during this year’s CMA Fest. The sale featured wardrobe items from country stars, including Lauren Alaina, Jason Aldean, Brothers Osborne, Luke Combs, Jordan Davis, Tyler Hubbard, Tiera Kennedy, Miranda Lambert, Ashley McBryde, Parker McCollum, Jelly Roll and Bailey Zimmerman.

“We were excited to bring this unique shopping experience to CMA Fest and support the CMA Foundation’s incredible work,” shares Tiffany Gifford, Founder of The Archives Nashville. “Fans got the chance to own a piece of their favorite artists’ wardrobe while contributing to a cause that nurtures the next generation of musicians and educators, and we are already brainstorming ways to turn this into an even bigger event next year.”