Belles Signs With WME

/by

Pictured (L-R): Jay Williams (WME), Belles, and Lance Roberts (WME). Photo: Corbin Schmidt

Country artist Belles has signed with WME for worldwide representation.

Originally from Omaha, Nebraska, Belles moved to Nashville in 2018 and has continued to grow her career through touring and songwriting. She recently released “Son of Jolene” featuring Dolly Parton. Her single “Crazy As Me” earned more than 30 million social media views, over two million Spotify streams, and contributed to more than 100 million total views and streams across platforms. She has amassed more than 1.5 million followers across social media.

Belles will continue her Songs & Stories Tour across the country throughout 2026. She will perform with Diamond Rio and Easton Corbin, select dates with Gene Watson, as well as appearances at CMA Fest and Country Calling Festival. Belles is set to make her Grand Ole Opry debut on July 30.

“Touring has always been the heartbeat of this journey for me, and I’m so grateful to the clubs and fans who took a chance on me along the way,” shares Belles. “Signing with WME feels like an exciting next chapter. From the moment I met Lance [Roberts] and Jay [Williams], I knew it was the right fit, and I can’t wait for what’s ahead.”

“Belles has something special and an artist’s career we had to be part of,” adds WME’s Lance Roberts. “The momentum she’s building right now is incredibly exciting to be a part of. We’re thrilled to welcome her to WME and look forward to helping expand on her already incredible team.”

Belles is signed with East Music Row Records, published by Deluge Music, and managed by Christina Dunkley at Red Light Management.

Industry Ink: Craig Morgan, Christine Manika, Julia Cole, Hendrix Frankenreiter

/by

Craig Morgan Performs At Freedom 250

Craig Morgan. Photo: Freedom 250

Craig Morgan recently performed “Paradise” and “Soldier” at Freedom 250 Memorial Day Observance, held at Arlington National Cemetery on Monday (May 25). Morgan currently serves as a Warrant Officer 2 in the Army Reserve, dedicating two decades of service. He previously served 17 years in the Army and Army Reserve with the 101st and 82nd Airborne Divisions.

“What a privilege and an honor to celebrate our great nation’s 250th anniversary on Memorial Day at Arlington National Cemetery,” shares Morgan. “I am so grateful for the opportunity to join Freedom 250 on this hallowed day as we remember those who paid the ultimate price and sacrifice while protecting our freedom.”

 

Christine Manika Selected For MIW’s Country Radio Mentorship Program

Christine Manika

Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio, Inc. has named Christine Manika, Brand Manager and Midday Host for KIKN-FM and Morning Host for KXRB in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, as the third MIW in Country Radio mentee. The year-long mentorship program connects emerging leaders with top country radio executives through personalized coaching, industry access, and leadership development, including attendance at CRS 2027.

In her roles, Manika oversees programming, promotions, content and on-air talent across multiple stations. She also serves as an emcee and court announcer for the Sioux Falls Skyforce and is a board member for The Teddy Bear Den, supporting low-income pregnant women and new mothers in her community.

 

Julia Cole Performs On ‘The Kelly Clarkson Show’

Youtube video

Julia Cole recently performed her viral hit “Day Late & A Buck Short” on The Kelly Clarkson Show.

The track is featured on her recent album Love You To Death, which she released last week. Cole is currently on her “Love You To Death Tour” through October.

 

Hendrix Frankenreiter Signs With Severance Records/Big Loud Rock

Hendrix Frankenreiter. Photo: Brian Bowen Smith

Singer-songwriter, guitarist, and surfer Hendrix Frankenreiter has signed with Severance Records in partnership with Big Loud Rock. He has also released his label debut single, “Wanna Go.” The son of pro surfer and musician Donovan Frankenreiter, Hendrix grew up surrounded by music, surfing, and travel, eventually carving out his own artistic path. He first introduced his sound with the debut single “Wise Beyond Words,” which generated more than 500,000 global streams and led to the release of his independent Took A Hit EP.

“Hendrix is an undeniable talent who perfectly balances laid-back energy and sharp songwriting in his music,” says Big Loud Co-Founder and President of Big Loud Rock Joey Moi. “‘Wanna Go’ is just the tip of the iceberg, and we’re proud to work with our Severance friends to help launch this next chapter of his career.”

Gary Allan, Scotty McCreery, More To Play Feels Like Home Festival In October

/by

Gary Allan, Scotty McCreery, Mark Chesnutt and more are among the lineup for the third annual Feels Like Home Festival set for Oct. 3 in Brownwood, Texas.

Following a breakout 2025 festival that sold out while welcoming attendees from more than a dozen states and 300+ communities across Texas, organizers are now gearing up to bring the festival back bigger, better, and more comfortable than ever this fall. Jack Ingram and Caroline Hale are also among the first round of artists announced on the 2026 bill, and tickets are on sale now at feelslikehomefest.com. Fans can once again expect interactive attractions such as mechanical bull riding and axe throwing, alongside immersive brand activations and other on-site experiences that make the festival feel bigger than just a concert.

“The return of Feels Like Home Festival is exciting news not just for our local music fans, but for the entire Brownwood community,” says Brownwood Mayor Stephen Haynes. “Events like this play an important role in strengthening our local economy by drawing visitors, supporting area businesses, and creating new opportunities to highlight everything Brownwood and the surrounding region have to offer. Just as importantly, it adds to the cultural vibrancy of our city and reinforces the sense of pride we have in calling this special place home.”

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Steve Earle ‘Has Never Sounded Better’

/by

Steve Earle. Photo: Danny Clinch

There’s a lovely display of the various sounds of country music in today’s DISClaimer.

For ballad lovers, Little Big Town and Zach John King have the goods. In the mood for a country rocker? Brad Paisley and the Charles Wesley Godwin/Luke Combs collab have just the ticket. R&B is represented by Devon Gilfillian. For innovative production touches and world-class singing, check out Kameron Marlowe. Lyric craftsmanship is the hallmark of Megan Moroney.

We have two fine newcomers on hand, Jacob Hackworth and the Discovery Award winning Kenny Whitmire.

Adding to the sonic diversity, the Disc of the Day has some Latin rhythm. It belongs to Steve Earle.

KENNY WHITMIRE / “One Foot in the Grave”
Writers: Kenny Whitmire/Max Martin/Thomas Mirels; Producer: Lee Starr; Label: MCA
– Hillbilly ecstasy. Everyone is twangin,’ and the song is a honky-tonk delight. The gist of it is, forget about the hearse and the flowers when he dies. Just bury him under a roadhouse stage. This guy has my complete attention. Send more.

SCOTTY McCREERY & JOSH TURNER / “Your Man”
Writers: Chris DuBois/Chris Stapleton/Jace Everett; Producer: Frank Rogers; Label: Triple Tigers
– This is a “full circle” moment for Scotty, because 15 years ago, he aced his American Idol audition by singing this 2005 Josh hit. The song’s originator takes over vocally toward the end of this remake. 

ZACH JOHN KING / “Beneath the Pines”
Writers: Michael Lawson/Rodney Clawson/Zach John King; Producers: Ryan Wilson, Zach John King; Label: Sony Music Nashville
– This is a lovely, romantic waltz, sung with great heart. Forget about the hereafter, he’s found heaven right here on earth, holding his lover out in nature shaded by tree limbs.

MEGAN MORONEY / “Traitor (Roles Reversed)”
Writers: David “Messy” Mescon/Emily Weisband/Hillary Lindsey/Megan Moroney; Producers: Kristian Bush, Megan Moroney; Label: Columbia Nashville/Columbia Records
– I love the way this woman uses such conversational language in her lyrics. This throbbing, stately melody takes a cheating plot in a totally fresh direction. Have I mentioned that I adore this artist?

BRAD PAISLEY / “This Town Ain’t Small Enough”
Writers: Brad Paisley/Chris DuBois; Producers: Brad Paisley, Luke Wooten; Label: MCA
– It’s a snappy country rocker driven by Brad’s “chicken pickin’” stuttering guitar tickling. Imagine all the ills of big-city life, and you’ll know why he yearns for a slower pace and some wide open space. An audio carnival ride.

KAMERON MARLOWE / “Running”
Writers: Austin Goodloe/Gideon Klein/Kameron Marlowe/Philip Morgan; Producer: Austin Goodloe; Label: Columbia Nashville
– Heartache on the hoof. The track is dreamy and meditative. His vocal is a tender, expressive lament for lost love. Beautifully produced and performed. Applause, applause.

DONNA FARGO / “Small Town Hillbilly Good-Time Saturday Night”
Writers: Robert Thames/Steve Popovich/Yvonne Silver; Producers: none listed; Label: Primadonna Records
– The legendary Fargo kicks up her heels on this country party tune. She still sings with plenty of moxie and spunk.

LITTLE BIG TOWN / “Hey There Sunshine”
Writers: Gordie Sampson/Hillary Lindsey/Jon Nite; Producers: Gena Johnson, Karen Fairchild; Label: Capitol Records Nashville
– Layered with gorgeous strings, the deliciously melodic ballad is about surviving the blues and finding the strength to carry on. It’s pretty much a Karen solo performance with the other three providing soft background vocal harmonies.

STEVE EARLE / “City of Immigrants (with Forro in the Dark)”
Writer: Steve Earle; Producer: none listed; Label: New West Records
– Earle’s coolest single in years is a bopping, merry, rhythm-happy, Brazil-flavored salute to the multi-ethnic stew that is New York City. A listening pleasure from opening notes to closing cheers. The new Grand Ole Opry star has never sounded better. Also check out the vivid, celebration-of-diversity music video, directed by Steve Buscemi.

JENNA PAULETTE / “High Noon”
Writers: Jenna Paulette/Jordan Minton/Jordan Reynolds/Mark Trussell; Producer: Will Bundy; Label: Leo33
– She’s madly in love on this languidly paced two stepper. The endearing Paulette has both boots planted firmly in country, now and always.

CHARLES WESLEY GODWIN & LUKE COMBS / “Better That Way”
Writers: Al Torrence/Charles Wesley Godwin/Scooter Carusoe; Producer: Al Torrence; Label: Big Loud Records
– Uplifting, hearty and honest, this breezy country rocker is an insanely catchy ear worm. Both men sing from the chest as the track churns along. Highly recommended.

DEVON GILFILLIAN / “Moonflower”
Writers: Devon Gilfillian/Melissa Fuller/Ran Jackson/Tim Rahman; Producer: Devon Gilfillian; Label: Fantasy
– Unlike the others gathered for this edition of DISClaimer, Gilfillian is not a country artist. Rather, he is Nashville’s finest neo-soul music maker. On this gently persuasive, synth-y outing, he performs in his seductive, falsetto range to paint a pastel-toned romance that recalls the era of “Quiet Storm” records. I remain a huge fan

JACOB HACKWORTH / “What Took You So Long”
Writers: Daniel Ross/Jacob Hackworth/Jaxson Free/Steph Jones; Producer: Daniel Ross; Label: MCA
– Sweetly aching. They were in love for such a long time, so why did she wait so long to dump him? He has a really attractive tenor voice that he deploys here to tug at the heartstrings. A super promising debut.

McCoy Moore Makes Grand Ole Opry Debut

/by

McCoy Moore. Photo: Ryan Young

McCoy Moore made his Grand Ole Opry debut Tuesday evening (May 26).

“Moments like these are what make it all worthwhile. I never thought in a million years I’d be doing this,” shared Moore from stage. “I’m super thankful every time I get to share my heart on stage, but this is the one stage I wanted to play since I first picked up a guitar.”

During the debut, Moore performed “Sunshine State,” the title track of his debut album, and a solo rendition of “Bible and a Bar.” The performance earned a standing ovation from the crowd.

“Thank you to the Opry. My goal was always to play here but my goal now is to play here again, and I’ll do it any time you want me!”

Moore released his debut album, Sunshine State, last Friday (May 22). He is currently on the road supporting HARDY throughout the year and will support Ashley Cooke on select dates this fall. Moore will also make festival appearances at CMA Fest, Summerfest, Cavendish Beach Music Festival and more throughout the summer.

(Pictured L-R): The Neal Agency’s Evan Kantor; TRACK mgmt.’s Drew Magid and Troy “Tracker” Johnson; McCoy Moore; Sony Music Nashville’s Taylor Lindsey and Ken Robold; The Neal Agency’s Ryan Beuschel and Worktape Music’s Travis Gordon. Photo: Ryan Young

McCoy Moore. Photo: Ryan Young

Ascend Federal Credit Union Amphitheater To Host First-Ever Community Day In June

/by

Ascend Federal Credit Union Amphitheater is hosting its inaugural Community Day, a free celebration of Nashville’s first responders, on June 13.

The amphitheater is inviting the public to attend the free event from 12:30-5 p.m. The festivities will include a variety of family-friendly interactive experiences, and guests will have the opportunity to explore Metro Nashville Police Department emergency and safety vehicles up close, including a helicopter, marine unit boat, horse-mounted police and K-9 units, as well as fire trucks and ambulances from the Nashville Fire Department.

In addition, the amphitheater will feature multiple experiences on the lawn, including yoga and fitness workshops, a kid zone with activities for children of all ages, as well as several community partner activations and free giveaways. Official venue merchandise and food and beverages will also be available for purchase on-site.

Free live music and community performances will also take place throughout the day on the Ascend Federal Credit Union Amphitheater stage, featuring School of Rock Nashville, the Titans Blue Crew Drumline and recording artist Clayton Q.  

Chris Young To Release Deluxe Edition Of ‘I Didn’t Come Here To Leave’

/by

Chris Young. Photo: Courtesy Black River Entertainment

Chris Young is releasing an expanded edition of his latest album, I Didn’t Come Here To Leave (Deluxe), on June 12 via Black River Entertainment.

Young recently released the first track from the deluxe version of the album, “One Of Us,” a duet with rising star Shaylen, which juxtaposes two different sides of heartbreak. The expanded collection was co-produced by Young and Andy Sheridan, and also features songs like “Wedding Band,” a one-that-got-away story from a unique perspective, and “If You’re Lucky,” a playful yet haunting duet with Breland about the allure of an irresistible but unpredictable woman.

The release of I Didn’t Come Here To Leave (Deluxe) drops as the title track goes to country radio. The single is already generating a buzz ahead of the June 15 add date, and has been streamed more than 24 million times.

Young is also gearing up for the grand opening of his Midtown Nashville sports bar, aptly named “Famous Friends” after his chart-topping hit.

Landon Wilks Inks With The Neal Agency

/by

Pictured (L-R): LJ Stoll (Real Big Music Group), David Kaufman (New 11), Dillon Druz (New 11), Landon Wilks, Evan Kantor (TNA); Juliette Edwards (TNA) and Ryan Beuschel (TNA). Photo: Michael Stern

Landon Wilks has inked with The Neal Agency.

Wilks has spent time on the road with Waylon Wyatt. The Mississippi native will release his debut EP Young and Restless tonight, following his recent single “Leave Me Be.”

“Joining the Neal Agency is something I’m really excited about. From their globally recognized artists, to the new up-and-comers, the attention to detail at every level is unmatched,” says Wilks. “That kind of care across the board doesn’t happen everywhere, and it says a lot about who they are. I know they’re going to be a huge factor in my career, especially when it comes to touring.”

“Landon brings a rare level of vulnerability and honesty to his songwriting. From the first listen, it’s clear he’s an artist carving out a lane entirely his own,” shares TNA Agent Juliette Edwards.

“We are so excited to work with Landon. He has a uniquely raw sound, and the grit in his voice lets you know exactly who he is the moment he starts singing,” TNA Agent Evan Kantor adds. “We’re looking forward to helping him share his authentic storytelling with the masses throughout his touring career.”

Little Big Town Unveils ‘It’s A Dying Art’ Due In August

/by

Little Big Town will release their 12th studio album, It’s A Dying Art, on Aug. 28 via MCA.

Produced by Gena Johnson and the band’s Karen Fairchild, the record features collaborations with Ashley Monroe, Jason Isbell and Kelsea Ballerini. The 13 tracks were written by the band members, Fairchild, Kimberly Schlapman, Phillip Sweet and Jimi Westbrook, alongside Tofer Brown, Liz Rose, Alysa Vanderheym, Clint Daniels and more.

Earlier this month, the group debuted the first offering from the upcoming album, “Hey There Sunshine” at the 61st ACM Awards. Alongside the album announcement, the band has released “Over and Over,” written by Fairchild, Ashley Ray, Jonnie Simpson and Madi Yanofsky.

It’s A Dying Art Track List:
1. “Intro” (Karen Fairchild, Shelby Lynne, Ashley Monroe)
2. “Sucker For A Sad Song (with Ashley Monroe)” (Karen Fairchild, Shelby Lynne, Ashley Monroe)
3. “The Door (with Jason Isbell)” (Clint Daniels, Ken Hart, Waylon Payne)
4. “Dying Art” (Karen Fairchild, Ashley Ray, Jonnie Simpson, Madi Yanofsky)
5. “Hey There Sunshine” (Hillary Lindsay, Jon Nite, Gordie Sampson)
6. “Over And Over” (Karen Fairchild, Ashley Ray, Jonnie Simpson, Madi Yanofsky)
7. “The Idea” (Tofer Brown, Lauren Hungate, Liz Rose)
8. “We Could Have It All” (Karen Fairchild, Jimi Westbrook, Ashley Monroe)
9. “Crickets” (Philip Sweet, Jimi Westbrook, Brent Cobb, Adam Hood)
10. “Closing Time (with Kelsea Ballerini)” (Karen Fairchild, Kelsea Ballerini, Jessie Jo Dillon, Hillary Lindsey, Alysa Vanderheym)
11. “Long Way To Your Heart” (Karen Fairchild, Hillary Lindsey, Lori McKenna, Liz Rose)
12. “It’s Coming Around” (Karen Fairchild, Madi Diaz, Sean McConnell)
13. “Jet Plane” (Jimi Westbrook, Joe Ginsberg, Ashley Ray)

Spotify House Unveils Fresh Finds Rooftop Lineup

/by

Joining previously-announced main stage artists, Spotify has revealed their line up of emerging country artists set to take over the Fresh Finds Rooftop during CMA Fest 2026.

June 4 will feature Austin Michael, Belle Frantz, Schmitty, Lily Meola, Tyce Delk and Max Alan. On June 5, Gareth, Brooke Lee, Logan Crosby, Mack Geiger, Hudson Macready and MŌRIAH will take the stage. Landon Wilks, Noah James, Abbie Callahan, Blake Proehl, KC Bruner and Will Terry will close out the event on June 6.

The shows will take place each night from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Spotify House is free and open to the public.