Industry Ink: Zach Top, The Red Clay Strays, Brothers Osborne, Adult Leisure

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Zach Top Launches Collection With Kimes

Zach Top. Photo: Beau Simmons

Zach Top has partnered with Kimes to launch a new clothing collection. The collection includes long-sleeve button-up shirts, short-sleeve polos, hoodies, sweatshirts and more. The pieces will be available online and through Kimes Ranch retailers.

“Working on this collection has been a really cool experience because I got to be involved in the process from the beginning,” says Top. “I wanted the clothes to feel like things I’d actually wear, and we were able to take some classic Western ideas and put our own spin on them. I’m proud of how it all came together.”

“We wanted this collection to feel natural to Zach,” adds Amanda Kimes, co-founder of Kimes Ranch. “His personal style is such a big part of who he is, so it was important that the collection came from his perspective. Zach was involved throughout the process, and that collaboration is what makes the final product feel genuine.”

 

The Red Clay Strays Release Austin City Limits Performance Video

The Red Clay Strays have shared a new live performance video of their single “Demons In Your Choir.” The video comes from their hour-long Austin City Limits TV episode airing Oct. 24 on PBS stations nationwide.

The track comes from their latest album, Grateful. The band is currently on tour with upcoming dates in Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee and more.

 

Brothers Osborne Appear On The Jennifer Hudson Show

Brothers Osborne joined Jennifer Hudson for a conversation on The Jennifer Hudson Show earlier this week (Oct. 12).

Their conversation covered the upcoming fifth studio album, Watertown, out Oct. 23, Osborne family history and dynamics, including a special video from John and TJ’s mom, Trisha, and a fun “which brother would” game.

 

Adult Leisure Sign With Big Loud Rock

Adult Leisure. Photo: Sam Harbridge

Adult Leisure has signed with Big Loud Rock. Their single “Kiss Me Like You Miss Her” comes in as the No. 1 Most Added Song at Alternative radio this week. The track debuted at No. 40 on both Mediabase’s Alternative chart and Billboard‘s Alternative Airplay chart ahead of its official impact date.

“We’re happy to finally say that we’ve signed with Big Loud Rock,” Adult Leisure shares. “Over the last few months, we’ve had the pleasure of getting to know everyone, talking about what’s next for us, and working out what we are building together. It feels like we’ve found the right people at the right time, and we can’t wait to get started.”

“It’s rare to see a UK alt-indie band connect this quickly over here right out of the gate, but the early radio support behind “Kiss Me Like You Miss Her” just tells you everything,” adds Big Loud Co-Founder and Big Loud Rock President Joey Moi. “We’re excited to officially welcome Adult Leisure to the Big Loud Rock family, and can’t wait to keep this momentum going stateside.”

Brandi Carlile’s Girls Just Wanna Weekend Unveils 2027 Lineup

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Kelly Clarkson and Sierra Ferrell are set to headline Brandi Carlile’s Girls Just Wanna Weekend along with Carlile when it returns for its 8th annual celebration Jan. 14-18 at Mexico’s Barceló Maya Resort.

The event will also feature performances from The Beaches, CMAT, Allison Russell, Brandy Clark, Lucius, Titans of Americana, Arroba Nat, Tish Melton, SistaStrings, Autumn Nicholas, The Carlile Family Band and The Marshgrass Mamas, as well as comedian Kristin Key, with additional special guests and activities yet to be announced.

The all-inclusive experience includes four days of music curated by Carlile, as well as community driven events, artist-curated activities and workshops, “Brandi-oke,” off-site excursions and more. A limited number of packages are still available for the weekend, with additional rooms added at Barceló Maya Palace at girlsjustwannaweekend.com.

Girls Just Wanna Weekend offers a safe and inclusive space for all attendees, with a special emphasis on fostering a welcoming environment for the predominantly LGBTQ+ audience. The Brandi Land campus within the Barceló Maya Resort ensures that everyone can celebrate in comfort and community.

Since its founding by Carlile in 2018, the Weekend has featured a lineup of all female and non-binary artists including Shania Twain, Sam Smith, Janelle Monae, Indigo Girls, Sheryl Crow, Sarah McLachlan, Sara Bareilles, Wynonna, Yola, Patty Griffin, Celisse and many more.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Brandy Clark Is ‘A Song Goddess’

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Brandy Clark. Photo: Pamela Springsteen

Country music sings us into autumn today in DISClaimer.

Duking it out for the Disc of the Day award are stars Lainey Wilson, Miranda Lambert & Ella Langley, and Brandy Clark. I’m going with the underdog, my longtime love, Clark.

In a similarly tight contest, the DISCovery Award is a choice between Max Alan, Ty Myers, and our winner, Wyatt McCubbin. By the way, he and Clark are both performing in Nashville this week.

TY MYERS & WILLIE NELSON / “Write Your Own Songs”
Writer: Willie Nelson; Producers: Brandon Hood, Mickey Raphael; Label: RECORDS Nashville/Columbia/Outlier Recordings
– The Myers album is titled Two Braids and the Truth: My Tribute to Willie, which includes his versions of Nelson’s hits. The man, himself, joins in on this delightful duet. Its a pointed jab at the suits who run the music industry, and it’s as true today as it was during the Red Headed Stranger’s heyday.

BRANDY CLARK / “American Roots”
Writers: Brandy Clark/Griff Clawson/Michael Pollack; Producer: Shooter Jennings; Label: Reprise
– Utterly enchanting. Clark unspools a meditation on legacy and heritage while a lively acoustic band trips merrily along. Soft, heavenly vocal harmonies embellish a hearty performance. A song goddess at work. If you can get in the door, Brandy Clark is booked for 3rd & Lindsley on Sunday (Oct. 18). She’ll be celebrating the release this week of her new album, The Bird.

LAINEY WILSON / “Kinda Love It”
Writers: John Mayer/Jon Decious/Kid Harpoon/Lainey Wilson; Producer: Kid Harpoon; Label: Broken Bow Records
– Wilson rocks out on this lickety split celebration of falling for a charming bad boy. Breezy, sunny, and insanely catchy. Ya gotta love it.

STEVE MARTIN & ALISON BROWN / “Old Town Road”
Writers: Atticus Matthew Ross/Kiowa Roukema/Montero Lamar Hill/Trent Reznor; Producers: Alison Brown, Garry West; Label: Compass Records
– This is a total hoot. The rippling banjos of Brown and Martin lead a stellar band (Stuart Duncan, Ronnie McCoury, Garry West). Martin sings, but the song’s main lead vocalists are Dan Tyminski and Del McCoury, who ham it up delightfully. Goofy new lyrics also enliven this bluegrass reworking of the 2019 mega hit.

PYNK BEARD / “Ice on the Road”
Writers: Coleridge Tillman/Jayme Silverstein/Warren Okay Felder; Producers: Jayme Silverstein, Oak for The Orphanage; Label: Anzie Blue Records
– Pynk Beard’s comment on the ICE raids targeting minorities urges compassion, empathy, community-building, and understanding in the face of violence and unrest. The stirring anthem’s music video contains harrowing footage of masked agents beating and killing our neighbors. The song has become a social-media phenomenon since its release.

DAVID ALLAN COE / “You Never Even Called Me By My Name”
Writer: Steve Goodman; Producers: Noah Gordon, Lex Lipsitz; Label: F3 Entertainment
– The final studio album by the late David Allan Coe is titled A Million Reasons. It drops tomorrow (Oct. 16). Among its highlights is this fine reworking of the artist’s wry, witty 1975 hit. The country-spoof lyrics were co-written by an uncredited John Prine. This late Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame member is celebrated in a superb new movie titled You Got Gold, which documents the all-star Ryman concerts that saluted John Prine following his passing in 2020.

STEPHEN WILSON JR. / “Yellow Brick Home”
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Label: Big Loud Records
– Wilson is capping a breakthrough year with four CMA nominations. In addition to Best New Artist, he earned nods for Male Vocalist plus Song and Video (for “Gary”). His new single describes a tornado while singing beneath loud, crashing electric guitars. Gripping and dramatic, if a little hard to decipher.

MIRANDA LAMBERT & ELLA LANGLEY / “Snakeskin Boots”
Writers: Brendan McLoughlin/Jesse Frasure/Miranda Lambert/Natalie Hemby; Producer: Jesse Frasure, Miranda Lambert; Label: MCA
– This has a cool, retro, neo-western vibe. The ladies are singing about a female outlaw, and an airy twang abounds. Highly recommended.

WYATT McCUBBIN / “I Love You”
Writers: Marty Stuart/Wyatt McCubbin; Producer: Dave Cobb; Label: Lucille Records
– McClubbin is booked to play the Exit/In tonight (Oct. 15). Expect the chiming, melodic, echoey twang of this rhythmic, darkly romantic single and more. The newcomer co-wrote it with Country Music Hall of Fame member Marty Stuart, and it is a swirl of audio pleasure that keeps on captivating through an extended instrumental fade. The ethereal female harmony vocalist is McCubbin’s wife, Holly, and she is found through his 650 album, which drops tomorrow (Oct. 16).

CHRIS JANSON & DAVID LEE MURPHY / “Fun”
Writers: Chris Janson/David Lee Murphy/Jesse Murphy/Michael Wayne Wilkes/Mitchell Oglesby; Producer: Michael Wayne Wilkes; Label: Harpeth 60 Records/Warner Records Nashville
– A rollicking country rocker with a bop that don’t stop.

EXILE / “Habanero”
Writers: Clay Mills/Liz Hengber/Sonny LeMaire; Producers: JP Pennington, Sonny LeMaire; Label: StarVista
– Meixcali rhythm accents underlie this playful, melodic romance that lasts though the years. I’ve always loved these guys.

MAX ALAN / “Hundred Thousand Sunsets”
Writers: Delaney Ramsdell/Max Alan Zimmerman; Producers: Brian Stanley, Ryan LeVine; Label: Sony Music Nashville
– Tender, wistful, sweet, sad, and gently lovely, this traces a lifelong love that endures into old age and death. The simple, fiddle-guitar production aches beautifully.

Zach Bryan To Embark On 19-Stadium ‘Young Manhood and Other Donatable Organs Tour’

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Zach Bryan. Photo: Lucas Creighton

Zach Bryan will embark on the”Young Manhood and Other Donatable Organs Tour” across North America and Australia in April.

The 23-date tour will visit 19 stadiums, with support from John Fogerty, Ryan Bingham and The Texas Gentlemen, Vance Joy, Fey Fili, Gabriella Rose and Emma Ogier on select dates.

The trek will launch at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis on April 28 with stops in Chicago, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Buffalo and more before the Australian leg kicks off with two performances at Marvel Stadium in Melbourne, Accor Stadium in Sydney, and Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane.

Tickets go on sale Oct. 23 following various pre-sale opportunities. More ticket information can be found here.

“Young Manhood and Other Donatable Organs Tour” Dates:
Wednesday, April 28, 2027 – Minneapolis, MN – U.S. Bank Stadium *
Saturday, May 1, 2027 – Indianapolis, IN – Lucas Oil Stadium *
Tuesday, May 4, 2027 – Green Bay, WI – Lambeau Field *
Saturday, May 8, 2027 – Chicago, IL – Soldier Field *
Friday, May 14, 2027 – East Rutherford, NJ – MetLife Stadium *
Saturday, May 15, 2027 – East Rutherford, NJ – MetLife Stadium *
Tuesday, May 18, 2027 – Baltimore, MD – M&T Bank Stadium *
Saturday, May 22, 2027 – Nashville, TN – Nissan Stadium *
Tuesday, May 25, 2027 – Philadelphia, PA – Lincoln Financial Field *
Saturday, May 29, 2027 – Atlanta, GA – Mercedes-Benz Stadium *
Wednesday, June 2, 2027 – Buffalo, NY – Highmark Stadium *
Friday, July 16, 2027 – Las Vegas, NV – Allegiant Stadium #
Tuesday, July 20, 2027 – Los Angeles, CA – SoFi Stadium #
Saturday, July 24, 2027 – Seattle, WA – Lumen Field #
Wednesday, July 28, 2027 – Vancouver, BC – BC Place #
Sunday, August 1, 2027 – Edmonton, AB – Commonwealth Stadium #
Friday, August 6, 2027 – Boise, ID – Albertsons Stadium #
Friday, December 3, 2027 – Melbourne, VIC – Marvel Stadium !
Saturday, December 4, 2027 – Melbourne, VIC – Marvel Stadium !
Friday, December 10, 2027 – Sydney, NSW – Accor Stadium !
Saturday, December 11, 2027 – Sydney, NSW – Accor Stadium !
Friday, December 17, 2027 – Brisbane, QLD – Suncorp Stadium !
Saturday, December 18, 2027 – Brisbane, QLD – Suncorp Stadium !
* John Fogerty and Fey Fili
# Ryan Bingham and The Texas Gentlemen and Gabriella Rose
! Vance Joy and Emma Ogier

Eric Church, Megan Moroney & Florida Georgia Line To Headline Tortuga Music Festival

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Rock The Ocean’s Tortuga Music Festival is returning in 2027 with three days of music, sunshine and oceanfront fun on the shores of Fort Lauderdale April 2–4.

The 14th annual celebration will bring together some of the biggest names in country music and beyond, with Eric Church, Megan Moroney and Florida Georgia Line, in the duo’s first headlining festival performance since announcing their return to touring in 2027.

Beyond the main stage where fans can also catch Stella Lefty, Stephen Wilson Jr. and Tucker Wetmore, the Sunset Stage will feature the Goo Goo Dolls, Train and NE-YO headlining a genre-spanning mix of rock, pop and R&B. The 2027 lineup also includes Benny G, Blake Proehl, Carter Faith, Chase Matthew, Cody Lohden, Drake Milligan, Dylan Marlowe, Dylan Scott, Franklin Jonas, Grace Potter, Highway Home, Jacob Hackworth, Michael Franti & Spearhead, Redferrin, Sons of Habit, The Droptines, Tyler Braden, Vincent Mason, Zach John King and many more.

Tickets go on sale Oct. 23 at TortugaMusicFestival.com.

Tortuga Music Festival continues to prioritize sustainability and ocean conservation throughout every aspect of the festival experience. Each year, Tortuga raises funds and provides fans with opportunities to learn about critical environmental issues impacting the oceans through Rock The Ocean’s Conservation Village. To date, Tortuga fans have helped raise more than $7 million for ocean conservation, research and education.

Veteran Entertainment Reporter Jimmy Carter Passes

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Jimmy Carter

Beloved veteran Nashville-based entertainment reporter Jimmy Carter passed away on Oct. 13. He was 73.

Carter worked in journalism and broadcasting for over 50 years, providing an inside look and red carpet coverage and interviews at awards shows, film premieres and other Music Row events. Over 20 of those years were spent working as WSMV-TV Channel 4’s entertainment reporter, as well as in Nashville radio for decades, often as a frequent reporter on WSM’s Coffee, Country & Cody. He also served as a correspondent for years for the nationally syndicated country radio and TV shows Crook & Chase, and interviewed an array of artists and celebrities throughout his career including Dolly Parton, Alan Jackson, Garth Brooks and countless more.

The Montgomery, Alabama native attended Auburn University, where he helped launch campus station WEGL-FM before working in radio, TV and production roles. His expansive resume included early work as a street reporter covering civil rights, hurricanes and controversial politics in his home state of Alabama; as a UPI award-winning TV news producer at NBC’s Birmingham station; and as producer of The Scene at Six on WSM-TV. As Executive Producer at CBS’s Houston station, his work included coverage of everything from NASA to major airline crashes and Texas politics.

Carter received a regional Emmy for his public service TV work and multiple Emmy nominations for his news, children’s, sports and public affairs specials. He was the recipient of an IRIS award for his special on the Iroquois Steeplechase, and his affiliation with Barbara Mandrell productions as a writer/producer resulted in two of the highest-rated specials in The Nashville Network’s history.

His work covering Hollywood for the Crook and Chase shows took him all over the world, from James Bond premieres in London to the Academy Awards in Hollywood, where he interviewed major film stars of the last 40 years including Clint Eastwood, Sean Connery, Jack Lemmon, Robert Redford, Kevin Costner and Sylvester Stallone, among others. Carter also shared Nashville news and entertainment stories on his YouTube channel in recent years, which had nearly 22,000 subscribers.

A visitation for Carter will be held Nov. 5 at St. Henry Catholic Church (6401 Harding Pike, Nashville, TN 37205) at 9 a.m., followed a funeral service at 11 a.m.

Payton Sullivan Inks With Sony Music Publishing Nashville

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Pictured (Back Row, L-R): Kenley Flynn (SMP), Tom Luteran (SMP), Dale Bobo (SMP) and Synnovea Halsel (SMP). (Front Row, L-R): Payton Sullivan and Rusty Gaston (SMP). Photo: Savannah Spencer

Payton Sullivan has signed with Sony Music Publishing Nashville.

Born in Florida and raised near Nashville, Sullivan has shared stages with Eli Young Band, Midland, Chase Matthew and Redferrin. Her recent releases include “F150” and the Kristian Bush-produced “Blondie,” which secured a spot on Spotify’s All New Country playlist. She is currently on the road with Sugarland as direct support on the “2026 Ride or Die Tour.”

“With southern roots running as deep as her island breezes, Payton brings a high-octane energy to the genre that is entirely her own,” says Sony Music Publishing Nashville Vice President, Creative A&R Tom Luteran and Manager, Creative A&R, Synnovea Halsel. “Her electrifying debut release captures that signature larger-than-life spirit. We are excited to have her on the Sony Music Publishing team.”

“Any team that’ll wear bikini top T-shirts for you is a ride-or-die team! I’ve been writing songs since I was five, and dreaming of this life in my bedroom, so joining Rusty [Gaston], Tom, and everyone at Sony Music Publishing means the world,” adds Sullivan. “None of this would be possible without the songs, and I can’t wait to write the next chapter with them.”

Tracy Lawrence’s Mission:Possible Turkey Fry Returns For 21st Year

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Tracy Lawrence. Photo: Blake Harbison

Tracy Lawrence will host his 21st annual Mission:Possible Turkey Fry on Nov. 24 at the Nashville Fairgrounds.

This year’s event aims to feed 32,000 people in need with 2,000 cooked turkeys and distribution of an additional 2,000 frozen turkeys through the Nashville Rescue Mission, 11 surrounding county school systems and community organizations who provide for those in need.

“I truly believe that if we all give back a little, we can make the world a better place,” says Lawrence. “It’s not always about money. Sometimes, it’s about leading by example. If what we’ve done with Mission:Possible inspires someone to do something similar in their own town, then we’ve made a difference. Iron sharpens iron, and every little thing matters. You can make a difference, even if you think it’s small. Thank you all for your years of support. Let’s continue to make a difference.”

Last year, after a refrigerated truck broke down and spoiled 650 turkeys, individuals and organizations from throughout the local community stepped in to replace them, resulting in over 2,400 additional turkeys donated, bringing the new total to 5,350 cooked and frozen distributed turkeys. The added donations brought the total to 50,000+ meals provided for those in need. Artists and celebrities who came out to support the turkey fry with appearances and donations included Jamey Johnson, Tucker Wetmore, Charles Esten, Dustin Lynch, Meghan Patrick, John Crist, Rodney Atkins, Clint Black, Rhett Akins, Frank Ray and more.

Since its inception, Lawrence’s Mission:Possible has fried over 15,000 turkeys, provided more than 135,000 meals to the homeless across Middle Tennessee, donated over $1.3M to Nashville Rescue Mission, and raised over $2.5M to further its goals, advocate for those in need, and expand its ability to support aligned causes.

BREAKING: Mike Sistad, Evyn Mustoe Johnston Exit ASCAP

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Mike Sistad & Evyn Mustoe Johnston

Mike Sistad and Evyn Mustoe Johnston have unexpectedly exited ASCAP after 25 and 14 years with the organization, respectively. Sistad most recently served as Vice President, Nashville Membership, while Johnston was Assistant Vice President.

Sistad joined ASCAP’s Nashville Membership team in 2001 and has helped drive major market share growth at the PRO. He was elevated to VP in 2019, managing ASCAP’s relationships with some of its most successful members, including 12x ASCAP Country Music Songwriter of the Year Ashley Gorley; recording artists Alan Jackson, Garth Brooks, Carly Pearce, Brothers Osborne, Kelsea Ballerini, Jordan Davis, Old Dominion, Brandy Clark and Chris Stapleton; and hit songwriters Craig Wiseman, Josh Osborne and Hillary Lindsey. He has also been instrumental in developing ASCAP’s next generation of country songwriter-artists, including Nate Smith, Hailey Whitters and George Birge. Before ASCAP, Sistad played in Phil Vassar’s band and spent nine years as an A&R rep at Arista Records Nashville.

“I am proud of our Nashville team and my 25+ years with ASCAP,” Sistad says. “My heart is, and always will be, with the songwriters and musicians that give this town its voice. Thank you to Connie Bradley for bringing me to ASCAP and all my friends in our Nashville Music community. I look forward to my next chapter and will see you soon.”

Johnston joined the ASCAP Nashville team in 2012, focusing on developing both new and established talent across genres. She managed key festival partnerships, coordinating events and performance opportunities for ASCAP members at 30A Songwriters Festival, Americana Music Festival, Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival and more. She also played an essential role in curating creator-first programming, including showcases, song camps and mixers.

“I have deep respect, love, and am extremely grateful for every experience and memory that came with my nearly 15 years at ASCAP,” Johnston shares. “Nashville is home, music is a huge part of who I am, and I’m excited to see how I can continue to be an advocate for songwriters, publishers, and all creators in this town I love so much.”

Sistad can be reached at mike.sistad@gmail.com. Johnston can be reached at evynmustoe@gmail.com.

Riley Biederer Signs With Reservoir

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Photo: Courtesy of Reservoir

Riley Biederer has signed with Reservoir through its joint venture with independent music publisher superreal, which has represented Biederer since 2024.

Based in Los Angeles and Nashville, Biederer first caught the attention of Elton John as a teenager and signed to his management company Rocket Music. She later was a top 20 contestant on The Voice and toured with Nick Carter. Her breakout collab, “Heartbreak Back” with DJ Frank Walker, peaked at No. 20 on Billboard’s Dance Club Songs chart.

Outside of her own artist project, Biederer has collaborated with other artists, such as Avery Anna, Carter Faith, Dustin Lynch, Priscilla Block, Ava Hall, Ethan Burdick, Elizabeth Nichols, Ingrid Andress, Adrien Nunez, Macy Todd, Summer Overstreet and Tigirlily Gold, as well as songwriters, including Emily Weisband, Tofer Brown, Alysa Vanderheym, Jon Decious, Jon Nite and Geoff Warburton. She was selected this year as a 2026 AIMP Songwriter Series winner. Biederer’s recent songwriting credits include “Tumbleweeds and Chewing Gum” by Lily Meola and Willie Nelson, “Roses & Wildfire” by Lanie Gardner, “It Takes Two” and “Break My Heart Again” by Danielle Bradbery, “Family Reunion” by Paige Fish, and Priscilla Block’s recent single “Maybe Next Time, Honey!,” among others.

“I’m so excited to be entering this next chapter with my superreal crew by adding Reservoir to the family,” says Biederer. “For as long as I can remember, I’ve loved music like nothing else, and I feel incredibly grateful to have a group of people alongside me and championing my craft who feel the same joy and passion for songs that I do. I truly feel like I’ve lucked out with such a dream team, and I can’t wait to see what we do together.”

“Riley is a versatile songwriter and artist, with a strong creative voice and an impressive network of collaborators across genres,” shares John Ozier, Reservoir Executive Vice President of Creative. “She is a great asset to the growing country music community in Los Angeles, while her adaptability gives her the opportunity to work well beyond the country space. With Reservoir’s global team and reach across Nashville, Los Angeles, New York, and beyond, we’re excited to connect Riley to new creative opportunities and collaborators across our network. We’re thrilled to be working alongside superreal to support Riley as she continues to build on all that she’s already accomplished.”

“When we signed Riley to superreal, we were immediately struck by her lyricism and ability to tell memorable stories through song,” adds Josh Toll, Vice President, Head of A&R at superreal. “We’ve always been intentional about keeping the superreal roster selective and going all-in on writers who have something truly special, and Riley immediately felt like someone worth making that kind of bet on. As Riley continues to grow, particularly within Nashville and country music, we wanted to build an environment where that evolution could continue while bringing in another exceptional team. Reservoir is the right partner for that next chapter, and we’re excited to be working with them.”