Georgia Webster To Explore The ‘Signs’ On May 31

Georgia Webster is set to release her third album, Signs, on May 31. She shared a new track from the project, “This Ain’t A Breakup (feat. Nightly),” today (May 10).

Webster drew inspiration from artists like Olivia Rodrigo, Kelsea Ballerini, Kacey Musgraves and Lennon Stella who all share the female perspective of broken relationships on the new track, where she expresses the “will they, won’t they” feelings she encountered while navigating young love.

Working with producer King Henry, the artist sought to develop a more mature sound on the new collection that captures her cross-genre influences and new direction she is hoping to head as an artist. The eight-song project features previously-released tracks “Attention” and “Delusional.”

“I wrote ‘This Ain’t A Breakup’ about a situationship that ended last year,” notes Webster.”This guy and I had been going on dates and doing all sorts of relationship-type things, but we never put a label on it. When he ended it with me, it felt like I was going through the worst breakup of my life. As I was feeling all the emotions, I thought of the lyric ‘if this ain’t a breakup, then why am I broken?’ and took it to the studio with some of my friends later that week.

“When the song was finished, I couldn’t help but feel as if something was missing—especially since Connor Moye, one of my cowriters on the track, sang on the original demo—so I reached out to Jonny [of Nightly] to hop on it with me,” she continues. “I have been such a fan of his for a while so I am very excited that he agreed to it and cannot wait for everyone to hear how it came out.”

Signs Track Listing:

1. “Attention”
2. “Delusional”
3. “This Ain’t A Breakup”
4. “Jupiter”
5. “Town Talks”
6. “Wedding Song”
7. “Life Before You”
8. “This Ain’t A Breakup (feat. Nightly)”

Blessing Offor & Dolly Parton Team Up For ‘Somebody’s Child’

Dove award-wining artist Blessing Offor has teamed up with music legend Dolly Parton for a new collaboration, “Somebody’s Child.”

The song, co-written by Offor, Josh Ronen and Joy Williams, begins with Offor’s vocals and piano playing before Parton joins in with a vocal choir. The lyric is a reflection on compassion and humanity.

“We’re all ‘somebody’s child,” Offor explains. “It’s such a simple concept, but I hope it’s the beginning of us all realizing that there’s always a point of empathy, there’s always common ground if we want to find it. And there’s no better embodiment of finding common ground, finding relatability, than Dolly Parton. I’m so honored and humbled to have her on this project.”

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“I know it’s too easy to say it was a blessing singing with Blessing,” adds Parton. “But it was. I love the song “Somebody’s Child” and I am very proud to be a part of it.”

Matt Stell Slates Autobiographical Debut Album For June

Matt Stell. Photo: David McClister

Multi-Platinum artist Matt Stell will release his debut album, Born Lonely, on June 7 via RECORDS Nashville.

Matt Stell’s Born Lonely. Art: Chase Miller

Stell’s debut full-length project comes after the artist has garnered over half a billion global career streams and two consecutive No. 1 hits, including the double-Platinum “Prayed For You” and Platinum “Everywhere But On,” both of which he co-wrote.

Born Lonely features 10 songs that Stell co-wrote with the likes of Chris DeStefano, Joe Fox, Jon Nite, Jake Mitchell and more, with DeStefano and Fox taking on production. As far as subject matter, the album finds Stell soul-searching and delving into his past. The singer-songwriter digs deep into a life story of separation and loneliness, and shares his sense of peace through music.

Fans have gotten a taste of the project with Stell’s current radio single “Breakin’ in Boots,” the title track and the reflective “Take the Girl.” To celebrate the announcement of the album, Stell released a break-the-cycle anthem “Built by Broken Hearts” today (May 10).

Next week, Stell will perform at the ACM Country Kickoff at The Star ahead of the 59th ACM Awards in Frisco, Texas on May 15. He will also take his new music on the road this summer with a selection of upcoming shows, including an appearance at CMA Fest 2024 on the Chevy Riverfront Stage.

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Matt Stell’s Born Lonely Track List:
1. “Built by Broken Hearts” (Matt Stell, Seth Alley, James McNair)*
2. “Breakin’ in Boots” (Matt Stell, Nate Cyphert, Joe Fox, Ben Stennis)*
3. “Born Lonely” (Matt Stell, Jake Mitchell, Benjy Davis)*
4. “Girl Gets Gone” (Matt Stell, Joe Fox, Jordan Minton, Travis Wood)*
5. “Into the Sunrise” (Matt Stell, Chris DeStefano, Kyle Sturrock)+
6. “Smooth” (Matt Stell, Chris DeStefano)*
7. “The Hard Stuff” (Matt Stell, Ray Fulcher, Jared Mullins)*
8. “What We Do Best” (Matt Stell, Andrew DeRoberts, Jon Nite, Kyle Sturrock)*
9. “Take the Girl” (Matt Stell, Chris DeStefano, Joe Fox, Nate Cyphert)+
10. “One Cold Beer at a Time” (Matt Stell, Jaron Boyer, John Marlin)*

* Produced by Joe Fox
+ Produced by Chris DeStefano

Tigirlily Gold To Unapologetically Share Themselves With Debut Album

Breakout duo Tigirlily Gold are set to release their debut album Blonde on July 26 via Monument Records.

Following their two CMT Award nominations and their nod for Best New Duo/Group at next week’s ACM awards, sisters Kendra and Krista Slaubaugh are ready to show their authentic selves with the project.

Blonde is all about being undeniably and unapologetically yourself,” says Krista. “We want everyone to feel confident and vulnerable enough at the same time to say what they need to say.”

The 10-track record was produced by Shane McAnally, Pete Good and Alex Kline. Writing credits include the sisters, Scott Stepakoff, Jessie Jo Dillon and more. Listeners have already had a taste of the project with the duo’s current radio single “I Tried A Ring On” and viral hit “Shoot Tequila.” The pair also released another leadoff track, “Leroy,” today (May 10).

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The North Dakota natives filled the project with personal tracks and female empowerment anthems, with hints from their musical influences including The Chicks, Sugarland, Rascal Flatts, Faith Hill, Shania Twain and Dolly Parton. They also have included a cover of Leona Lewis’ “Bleeding Love” on the album.

“I hope listeners feel like they could hang out with us on a Friday night or have a heart-to-heart on a Sunday morning, that every emotion you feel is valid, that some nights you want to go shoot tequila and some nights you want to cry over a boy who shattered you,” says Kendra. “At the end of the day, no one has it all together, and we’re all figuring out how to navigate love, loss, friends, memories, self-love, confidence.”

Blonde Track Listing:
1. “Blonde”(Kendra Jo Slaubaugh, Krista Jade Slaubaugh, Alex Kline, Scott Stepakoff)
2. “Leroy (Nora Collins, Jessie Jo Dillon, Forest Glen Whitehead)
3. “Hometown Song” (Kendra Jo Slaubaugh, Krista Jade Slaubaugh, Alex Kline, Scott Stepakoff)
4. “Move On” (Kendra Jo Slaubaugh, Krista Jade Slaubaugh, Alex Kline, Scott Stepakoff)
5. “End Up Us” (Kendra Jo Slaubaugh, Krista Jade Slaubaugh, Todd Clark, Jason Cole Saenz)
6. “I Tried A Ring On” (Kendra Jo Slaubaugh, Krista Jade Slaubaugh, Pete Good, Josh Jenkins)
7. “Stupid Prizes” (Kendra Jo Slaubaugh, Krista Jade Slaubaugh, Pete Good, Josh Jenkins)
8. “Shoot Tequila” (Kendra Jo Slaubaugh, Krista Jade Slaubaugh, Kevin Griffin, David Mescon)
9. “Only Once” (Kendra Jo Slaubaugh, Krista Jade Slaubaugh, Alex Kline, Jason Cole Saenz)
10. “Bleeding Love” (Ryan Tedder, Jesse McCartney)

‘Growin’ Up Country Vol. Two’ Set For June

Growin’ Up Country Vol. Two, a collection of children’s songs featuring John Osborne of Brothers Osborne, Runaway June, Andrew Jannakos and more is set for release June 28.

The project follows last year’s Growin’ Up Country Vol. One, and aims to bring more fun and family-friendly tunes.

“I’m so excited to share that Growin’ Up Country is back with more music for the whole family,” says artist and Executive Producer Jaden Michaels. “This project is so close to my heart. Many of the artists and writers on this project are parents, including myself. I’m passionate about creating music that will empower children with songs that parents will actually enjoy listening to as well.”

Additionally, Michaels and Lucie Silvas chatted with fellow Growin’ Up Country contributor Kelleigh Bannen on Apple Music’s The Kelleigh Bannen Show for a special Mother’s Day episode, discussing details about the new collection.

Growin Up Country Vol. Two Track Listing:
1. Hey Y’all Hey – Twinnie
2. Put A Smile On – Runaway June
3. Workin’ On A Beautiful Song – Lucie Silvas & John Osborne
4. Dream Up – Jaden Michaels
5. Big Feelings – High Valley
6. Raised That Way – Kasey Tyndall
7. Let’s Go, Let’s Go – Lenny Pey
8. These Are the Days – Andrew Jannakos
9. Alive – Kelleigh Bannen
10. Like A Butterfly – Sarahbeth Taite

Morgan Wallen & Post Malone Satisfy Fans’ Hunger With ‘I Had Some Help’ Release

Post Malone & Morgan Wallen. Photo: Courtesy of Mercury Records/Republic/Big Loud Records

Morgan Wallen and Post Malone dropped their long-awaited collaboration, “I Had Some Help,” today (May 10) via Mercury Records/Republic in partnership with Big Loud Records.

Now impacting country, pop and hot adult contemporary radio, the genre-fusing single feeds the fans who have been hungry for it ever since they got their first taste on Instagram back in March.

The two superstars wrote the new tune alongside Louis Bell, Ryan Vojtesak, Ashley Gorley, Ernest Keith Smith, Chandler Paul Walters and Hoskins. Produced by Bell and Charlie Handsome (Vojtesak) along with co-producer Hoskins, the track will be featured on the Diamond-certified star’s first-ever, full-length country album this year.

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The release follows he and Wallen’s appearances at the famous country music festival Stagecoach in Indio, California. Post made his Stagecoach debut with a set of country covers and welcomed special guests Brad Paisley, Sara Evans and Dwight Yoakam during his performance on Saturday, April 27. He then joined the ACM Awards nominee on stage to premiere “I Had Some Help” live for the sold-out crowd.

Tyler Hubbard’s ‘Back Then Right Now’ Tops The MusicRow Radio Chart

Tyler Hubbard’s reminiscent track “Back Then Right Now” reaches the No. 1 spot the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart this week, rising from No. 2 to No. 1.

The track appears on Hubbard’s recent album Strong and was written by Hubbard, Jessie Jo Dillon, David Garcia and Geoff Warburton.

Hubbard is currently on the road accompanying Kane Brown on Brown’s “In The Air” tour. Hubbard will soon begin his  “Strong World Tour” kicking off in Indianapolis, Indiana on Sept. 6.

“Back Then Right Now” currently sits at No. 2 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart and No. 2 on the Mediabase chart.

Click here to view the latest edition of the MusicRow Weekly containing the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart.

Thomas Rhett Releases New Track From Upcoming New LP Due In August

Thomas Rhett. Photo: Josh Aikin

Thomas Rhett is scratching his head at his luck as he releases his new single, “Beautiful As You,” from his upcoming seventh studio album set for release Aug. 23 via The Valory Music Co.

A high-energy celebration of hitting the romantic jackpot, the track is a tribute to those lucky enough to be reminded every day that they are loved by someone way out of their league, and Rhett is set to debut it on the upcoming 59th Academy of Country Music Awards. Produced by Julian Bunetta, “Beautiful As You” is the follow up to Rhett’s 22 No. 1 singles, which has the hit-maker feeling re-invigorated and ready to push the creative envelope.

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“This is an anthem for everybody who feels like they out-kicked their coverage,” Rhett says with a laugh. “There was one day a couple years back when I was looking at my wife, and I was like, ‘Why in the world did you choose me?’ I get to be with someone who could easily be on the cover of a magazine, and I get to see her in all her forms—a partner, a mother, a friend, even a philanthropist. I just feel like I’ve got a first row seat at almost-perfection, if you will. And like the song says, ‘Seriously, what is somebody as amazing as you doing with somebody like me?’

“Lauren and I are just in a different phase of life than we have been for awhile,” he continues. “Now it’s a little easier to go on date nights, do stuff with friends, stay up a little bit later—I don’t know, maybe even sleep in a little bit! So much of my music is a reflection of the stage of life we are in—we’re in a very joyful season—and this song is just the tip of the iceberg to the rest of this next album.”

Cameron Jaymes Signs With Kobalt

Pictured (L–R): Morgan Brasfield, Cameron Jaymes, Kevin Lane and Stephanie Cox

Cameron Jaymes has signed an exclusive worldwide agreement with Kobalt.

Jaymes began his career as an EMI recording artist. He later shifted to writing and production, working under his longtime friend and mentor Busbee.

He has written and produced songs across genres for Alana Springsteen, Rachel Platten, Danny Lux, Daya, Jordyn Shellhart, Nightly, Emily Reid, Sarah Reeves, For All Seasons, Robyn Ottolini, Tritonal and more. Jaymes’ work has also been featured on television shows and networks such as Gilmore Girls, Jane The Virgin, 13 Reasons Why, Good Morning America, Today, ABC, ABC Family, E! Network, Bravo and MTV as well as in Marie Claire, Seventeen Magazine and Teen People.

“Cameron is a one of a kind creative. He approaches every aspect of his career with the utmost care for not only the product, but also for the people he works with,” says Kevin Lane, Kobalt Senior Director, Creative. “His passion is infectious, and [he] has aspirations to create music that will inspire people for generations to come. It’s an honor to welcome him into the Kobalt family.”

“I’ve known Kevin from afar for the last several years and have always held great respect for how he goes about his business. When we first sat down to talk about my career, and Kobalt’s trajectory, I felt an immense sense of ease and excitement,” shares Jaymes. “Spending time with Stephanie [Cox] and Morgan [Brasfield] cemented my belief that they were the perfect creative home for me. I’m grateful and excited about being a part of what they are building, and them being a part of what I’m building.”

Banjo Great Jim Mills Passes

Jim Mills

Award-winning bluegrass musician Jim Mills unexpectedly passed away on Friday (May 3) at age 57. His cause of death has not been shared.

Throughout his career, Mills’ talented banjo playing earned him gigs with Ricky Skaggs, Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver, Barry Poss with Sugarhill Records, Bass Mountain Boys, Vince Gill, Dolly Parton and more. He was a longtime member of Skaggs’ Kentucky Thunder band and released solo material as well.

James Robert “Jim” Mills was born and raised the youngest of three boys in Raleigh, North Carolina. He started teaching himself to play banjo at 12 years old. After high school, Mills began pursuing a career in bluegrass full-time with the group Summer Wages. This led to a long career in various bands.

Mills shared his talent from the stage at the Grand Ole Opry and Carnegie Hall. He won the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) Banjo Player of the Year award six times as well as the IBMA Instrumental Album of the Year for his Bound To Ride album and six Grammy Awards.

Nicknamed “Smilin’ Jim” in the bluegrass community, Mills was known for his friendliness. He was also known for his knowledge of the history of banjos—even writing a book on Gibson pre-war banjos in 2009.

After retiring from the road in 2010, Mills acted as a dealer of rare banjos and guitars and held seminars on the subject.

Mills was preceded in death by his brothers Michael and Alan, father John and mother Shirley. He is survived by his wife Kimberly Mills, his step-mother Mary “Annie” Roberts, mother-in-law Linda Gregory Mills, father-in-law George Neil Mixon, brother-in-law Robert Mixon (Kate) and nieces Hannah and Emma Mixon.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.