Ben Goldsmith will share his new album, The Start Of Something Beautiful, on Sept. 13.

The Free Flight Records artist developed the collection with Dan Wilson, Rick Nowels and Alex Hope, among others. Spanning coming-of-age themes of heartbreak, first love and more, The Start Of Something Beautiful credits the 18-year-old as a writer on every track and producer on nearly half of the project. Goldsmith also plays guitar, piano, lap steel, organ, mellotron and bass throughout the album. Two of its 11 songs, “When I Said Goodbye” and “Love Again,” are available now.

“Over the past year, I’ve been traveling to many new places and meeting new people that have challenged me and inspired my art, both in L.A. and my new home in Nashville,” he says. “My primary goal for this album was to write the best songs I possibly could and cover new musical ground. The lyrics explore feelings of growing pains, heartbreak, hope and a desire to prove myself because I took a less traveled path.”

Additionally, Goldsmith will hit the road this summer with Australian trio Sons Of The East in addition to select headlining dates across the country.

The Start Of Something Beautiful Track Listing:
1. “Crazy” (Ben Goldsmith, Peter Fenn)
2. “Love Again” (Ben Goldsmith, Alex Hope)
3. “When I Said Goodbye” (Ben Goldsmith, Alex Hope)
4. “Graduate” (Ben Goldsmith, Kate York, Dave Cohen)
5. “I Miss NYC” (Ben Goldsmith, Tiffany Johnson)
6. “Trying” (Ben Goldsmith, Aiden Halliday)
7. “Wish We Never Met” (Ben Goldsmith, Joseph Patton)
8. “Look On” (Ben Goldsmith, Alex Hope)
9. “Easy” (Ben Goldsmith, Jon Green, Caitlyn Smith)
10. “Treetops” (Ben Goldsmith, Rick Nowels)
11. “The Start Of Something Beautiful” (Ben Goldsmith, Rick Nowels)

Pictured (L-R): Tico Torres, Hugh McDonald, David Bryan, Missy Wolf and Jon Bon Jovi. Photo: Tommy Lemon

Jon Bon Jovi celebrated the opening of his new Nashville bar, located on Broadway, during last week’s CMA Fest. The opening of the bar marks the first time a rock band has opened a bar in music city.

Last Friday (June 7), Jovi and his band, Bon Jovi, took the stage inside the bar for a special performance. The band sang some of their biggest hits along with the crowd. Many country stars and celebrities were also in attendance, including including Jamie O’Neal, Big Kenny, Jelly Roll, Jeremy and Ajay Popoff from the band Lit, Vince Neil and many more.

The bar was developed by Jovi in partnership with BPH Hospitality. The 37,000 square foot building is the second largest on the iconic strip. The space features two entrances, two outdoor rooftop decks with panoramic views and more.

Blanco Brown has released his latest EP, Cedar Walls & Whiskey, the second out of a three-part project.

“Snapshot,” the first single from Cedar Walls & Whiskey, was written by Diane Warren and produced by Brown. The song is a reflection on the special memories we hold of our loved ones and how they bring us back to cherished moments in our lives, providing motivation and hope just when needed. Other tracks on the EP include “You’re Incredible,” a romantic tune about the innate value within us all even when we don’t feel it, “One Day Less,” a love song about not wanting to be on earth without those we love most and “Bad Man,” a take on the slang definition where bad means good.

“Regarding ‘Bad Man’, my brother actually sent me the track and the chorus,” says Brown. “I wanted to make my mentor/friend a part of this record so I sent it to him and he wrote the coolest line ever sang! God’s been blessing me. I’m riding high. He put a lift kit on my life. The pressure was on when I wrote the second verse. ‘Bad Man’ is a bop at an all-time high!” says Blanco.

Brown is celebrating not only his new EP but a second chance at life and a newfound appreciation for everything he does. After the chart-topping viral success of “The Git Up,” which went 11-times Platinum and garnered over one billion streams, everything changed for the artist. A drunk driver hit him head on while riding his motorcycle, breaking multiple bones in his body which required 12 blood transfusions and resuscitation in the ambulance on the way to the hospital. Despite the lengthy and challenging rehabilitation process, Brown made a full recovery, relearning fundamental skills like walking and holding a microphone.

He recently aligned with Mothers Against Drunk Driving in a special initiative to raise awareness of the recent increase in crashes caused by impaired drivers, partnering with the Atlanta and Los Angeles chapters.

“It’s hard for me to understand why with all the education and knowledge we have acquired and the options for ride share companies, how we have numbers on the rise,” says Brown. “I have partnered with MADD to help spread the word and continue educating the public. Nobody cares how much you drink or smoke, just don’t drive for the sake of yourself and others.”

Dr. Richard James Burgess. Photo: Dan Bassini

Dr. Richard James Burgess plans to step down as President & CEO of the American Association of Independent Music (A2IM) in January 2026 after a decade of service. He shared the news during the Annual General Meeting that closed out A2IM Indie Week 2024.

“As A2IM approaches its 20th anniversary in 2025, I am filled with immense pride for our collective achievements and honored to have been the longest-serving head of A2IM to date,” said Burgess. “Leading this exceptional organization has been an extraordinary experience. I am profoundly grateful for the support and dedication of our Board members, the invaluable work of our founding members and prior presidents who set up the organization to succeed, and the unwavering commitment of our many members. Our success is a testament to the hard work and passion of the many team members I’ve had the pleasure to work alongside.

“Thank you for entrusting me with the well-being of your organization for all these years. I am confident that the future holds great promise for our independent community, and I look forward to celebrating our continued growth and accomplishments a decade from now.”

Dr. Burgess has been instrumental in advancing the interests of independent music. Throughout his tenure, he has overseen a period of significant growth and innovation for A2IM. His leadership is considered to be characterized by a deep commitment to championing the rights and interests of independent music creators and fostering an inclusive community while navigating the evolving music landscape.

The organization’s Board of Directors has initiated a search for his successor.