Longest continuously-running country music column in the USA, ready to read now!
by Preshias Harris
QUOTE OF THE MONTH: “You always have to work to become a better singer, songwriter and performer.” – Luke Bryan
BIBLE VERSE OF THE MONTH: “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” – Colossians 3:16
There is SO much news to catch up on in this month’s column! New singles from Caylee Hammack, Dylan Scott, Megan Moroney, Zach Top and Jeremy Parsons, long-awaited Ryman debut for Terri Clark, the latest music video from Chris Stapleton, albums from Thomas Rhett, Joe Nichols, Wyatt Flores and the Cactus Blossoms, Russell Dickerson drops a new EP, Jake Worthington brings Texas to The Cannery, plus much more including a really cute baby! Scroll down to catch it all…
ADVANCE ALBUM NEWS: Rising country artist Wyatt Flores released his new single, “Don’t Wanna Say Goodnight,” on August 30, alongside an official music video. Listen to the song here and watch the video here. The single is the first unveiled from Flores’ highly anticipated full-length debut album, Welcome To The Plains, which will be released October 18 via Island Records and is now available to pre-save/pre-order here.
The album takes listeners to the corner of the world that this 23-year-old country-folk singer-songwriter knows best – Oklahoma. “Welcome To The Plains is all about my fight to come home,” said Flores. “The struggle of coming from home – the little towns – and going out in the real world. Just being lost in it all.”
A 14-song trek through tales of fiery love, small-town truths and lighthearted mortality, Welcome To The Plains captures the grounded, sincere storytelling forged by Flores in-part during formative years in his hometown, Stillwater, Oklahoma. He was raised on time-tested rock ‘n’ roll, like the Eagles and John Mellencamp. At age 12, his sister passed him a copy of Turnpike Troubadours’ sophomore album, Diamonds & Gasoline, unlocking a love for roots music that later extended to artists like Jason Isbell, 49 Winchester and Sturgill Simpson.
The record will also be available on special limited-edition vinyl, which includes photos from the studio, exclusive original art and much more. More about Flores on Facebook. #WyattFlores
ADVANCE ALBUM NEWS PART 2: Three-time Grammy-nominated, multi-Platinum selling artist Joe Nichols’ 11th career studio album, Honky Tonks and Country Songs, will be released on Friday, October 25. The official pre-save/pre-add for Nichols’ Honky Tonks and Country Songs will be live on Thursday, September 6, across all digital streaming and retailer partners.
Produced by Mickey Jack Cones (Jason Aldean, Thomas Rhett) and Derek George (Randy Houser), the album highlights Nichols’ steadfast commitment to country music that has made him one of Nashville’s most honest and versatile voices, regarded for his warm and distinctly country tone by everyone from Dolly Parton to Post Malone — he’s sung with both.
Among the album’s highlights is “Doin’ Life with You,” the second track from Nichols’ upcoming album which is also set for release next Friday, September 6. Sung through the lens of being a father and a husband, “Doin’ Life with You” is a heartfelt love song for the ages, a vow to one’s partner that you’ll be by their side through thick and thin and wouldn’t want it any other way.
“I’ve been in a lot of honky tonks,” Nichols says. “They’re the only places I could play for a long time, and you learn a lot about being an entertainer there, because people come wanting to hear a good song and have a good time. Country songs speak not just to those people, but to all people.” Music and tour updates here: https://www.joenichols.com.
ALBUM NEWS: The Cactus Blossoms – Minneapolis-based brother duo Jack Torrey and Page Burkum – have shared their new album Every Time I Think About You via their own Walkie Talkie Records.
Every Time I Think About You (listen/stream here) finds The Cactus Blossoms traversing themes that accompany moving on – from loss, the past, and the weight of expectation. This includes their chooglin’ heartbreak anthem “There She Goes” (which premiered on SiriusXM’s Outlaw Country and was named one of Rolling Stone‘s ‘Songs You Need To Know’), the album’s gently devastating title track “Every Time I Think About You” and “Something’s Got A Hold On Me,” a slice of pure Saturday night two-steppin’ joy inspired by Jimmie Rodgers. Most recently, The Cactus Blossoms shared “Statues” from the new album – alongside a stunning visual captured at a “strangely moving Americana paradise” (Atlas Obscura) in rural Wisconsin: Fred Smith’s Concrete Park. You can watch it here.
Every Time I Think About You was recorded at Minneapolis’ legendary Creation Audio – where hometown garage-rock heroes The Trashmen cut “Surfin’ Bird,” and The Replacements made Tim. There, The Cactus Blossoms once again teamed with engineer/mixer Alex Hall (JD McPherson, Nick Lowe) for their most commanding sessions to date, with longtime bandmates Jeremy Hanson (drums), Jacob Hanson (guitar) and Phillip Hicks (bass). Tour info at the Cactus Blossoms website. #CactusBlossoms
ALBUM & SINGLE NEWS: Multi-Platinum artist Thomas Rhett is sharing another new track “After All the Bars Are Closed,” a captivating Country-soul jam from his new album About A Woman via The Valory Music Co. The track captures the romantic atmosphere of extending the night beyond the bar, exploring a deep, budding romance. With an arrangement of clean guitars, finger snaps and a smooth, velvet-like beat, Thomas Rhett delivers the lyrics with a suave vocal that blends quick-hitting confidence with genuine attraction. Listen to “After All The Bars Are Closed” here and pre-order About A Woman here.
Thomas Rhett continues to showcase his power and songwriting prowess and his seventh studio album is no exception––he had a hand in writing 12 of About A Woman’s 14 tracks including today’s newest release. Produced primarily by Dann Huff and Julian Bunetta, the album has already earned praise from critics for its first released tracks “Gone Country” and “Overdrive,” plus Top 20-and-climbing lead single “Beautiful As You.”
“With nearly two-dozen No. 1 Country Airplay hits to his credit, one of country music’s premier architects of both pop-polished up-tempo hits and tender romantic ballads returns with a new summer-ready single. He continues with his thematic terrain, layering starry-eyed, romantic adoration atop a churning, dance-ready groove.” – Billboard of “Beautiful As You”. For more information, visit ThomasRhett.com.
BABY NEWS: Stone Country Records rising star Ben Gallaher and wife Monica are celebrating the birth of their first child, a healthy baby boy, named River Jones Gallaher. River was born midday Tuesday, August 6 at a Nashville-area hospital. The blue-eyed baby boy arrived weighing 8 pounds and .05 ounces and was 21 inches in length with brown hair. “Monica and I are absolutely overjoyed! It has been a euphoric experience, a miracle and the best thing to ever happen to us! What a blessing from God!” says Gallaher. The pair – who are from neighboring hometowns in South Central Pennsylvania – recently celebrated their seventh wedding anniversary on Monday, July 22.
A self-taught musician with a strong reverence for guitar masters, Ben Gallaher’s songs radiate a passion for the lyric-driven country music that influenced him as a young boy listening to his parents’ radio in small town Pennsylvania. The burgeoning star’s vocals exude a smoky texture reflective of the backwoods bars in which the young artist honed his unbridled stagecraft, driving to the Eastern corridor to perform each weekend while pursuing a degree in Entertainment Industry Studies at Nashville’s Belmont University. For more information on Ben Gallaher, visit bengallaher.com, and follow him on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok. #BenGallaher
BLUEBIRD CAFÉ NEWS: Tickets are on sale now for the September 5th world famous Bluebird Café hit songwriters round featuring AWA and CMA of Texas awarded songwriter Bobby Marquez, the legendary Arkansas Country Music and Christian Music Hall of Fame Teddy Bear Song artist Barbara Fairchild, Arkansas Country Music Hall of Fame songwriter Wood Newton with hit songs recorded by The Oak Ridge Boys, Kenny Rogers and David Ball, along with Grammy Award winner Linda Davis and Lang Scott with song credits with the group Lady A.
The 9:00 pm songwriters round on Thursday, September 5, 2024 will be 90 minutes of the stories behind these songs and a stripped-down acoustic performance of the song as it was written by the artist in the center of the intimate room of The Bluebird Café. Tickets for these featured songwriter rounds go quickly and are available at bluebirdcafe.com. Note, there is also a $10 food/beverage minimum per person night of show.
DUET NEWS: Rising Country singer/songwriter Noah Hicks is making a small departure from the beloved dirt-stained, small-town living, back porch drinking songs he’s known for to team up with Shaylen for their longing and introspective new track “Second Time Around (ft. Shaylen),” out now via Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment. In this thought-provoking, stirring duet, an ex-couple recounts the pitfalls of their former relationship that led to its eventual demise and wonder whether they could get it right if given a second chance. Listen here and watch the performance video here. The track was written by Hicks alongside Zach Abend, Jessi Alexander and Jeremy Stover.
“I’ve been excited about ‘Second Time Around’ for a long time! It shows a bit of a different side of me,” shares Hicks. “It’s even more awesome that Shaylen jumped on it with me. She literally has the perfect voice for this song, and she absolutely crushed it. Someone said it sounds even better the second time around…”
“The second I heard this song and Noah’s voice I was all in,” shared Shaylen. “I’m so honored he thought of me for it and couldn’t be more excited to collaborate with such a rockstar!”
Both Noah Hicks and Shaylen are on the lineup for a free multi-artist concert in downtown Nashville on September 13 as a part of Freedom Friday events kicking off the Big Machine Music City Grand Prixweekend (September 13-15). Info and tour dates at noahhicksofficial.com.
EP NEWS: Multi-Platinum artist Russell Dickerson celebrates the release of Bones The EP. The five-track collection showcases the “well-established country hitmaker” (American Songwriter) and pays tribute to the people and relationships that have shaped Dickerson into the country superstar he is today, available to stream here.
Titled after Dickerson’s latest single, “Bones” delves into the hitmaker’s most meaningful relationships. It blends his signature country-pop sound with themes of late-night bonfires, old flames, and the often-overlooked importance of conversations over a cold beer. Through its five tracks, the project explores different facets of love.
The EP release follows Dickerson’s recent achievement of debuting at No. 2 on the UK Radio Country Airplay Charts with “Bones,” following the success of his Good Day To Have A Great Tour throughout the UK. Dickerson will wrap up the summer on Sam Hunt’s Locked Up Tour 2024, tickets are available here.
Russell Dickerson is known for his electrifying performances. After bursting onto the scene, the Tennessee native quickly stood out from the pack as he released four consecutive career-starting singles that reached No. One on the Billboard Country Airplay chart. This year, he released “Good Day To Have A Great Day,” followed by his latest single “Bones,” which was the biggest radio debut of his career. For more information, visit www.russelldickerson.com.
GOSPEL MUSIC NEWS: The highly anticipated project, Loving You, which the Nelons have declared as their best work yet, released August 30. The release of the project was uncertain following the tragic passing of Jason and Kelly Nelon Clark, their daughter Amber, son-in law Nathan Kistler, their assistant Melodi Hodges, and the pilot Larry Haynie and his wife Melissa in Wyoming while en route to perform on the Gaither Family Cruise earlier this summer. However, after much consideration, surviving member Autumn Nelon Streetman, the youngest member of The Nelons’, felt it appropriate to honor the family’s legacy by releasing the project on its original release date. Loving You, features the award winning and Hall of Fame group’s unmatched musical talent and unbounding faith. Listen to Loving You here.
The project carries an added layer of significance with each song on Loving You serving as a tribute to their life mission of spreading the gospel. Tracks such as, “Hands of an Unseen God,” “We’ve Always Had A Song” and “Moses” reflect the group’s unique ability to minister faith in the midst of pain while rejoicing in the power of divine intervention. The ten-track album, an unapologetic celebration of The Nelons musical integrity and unwavering commitment to their faith, brings together a collection of timeless songs that will continue to inspire for generations to come. More about The Nelons at their website and social media. #TheNelons
INDUSTRY NEWS: Music industry stalwarts Scott Brickell, Ron Smith, and Chase Swayze of BrickHouse Entertainment and the new Hit and Run Music label along with Rusty Harmon (former Hootie and the Blowfish manager and founder and President of Vere Music), have partnered with Vere Music on a new artist development, marketing, and distribution venture based in Nashville. The JV will serve independent artists, new and established, across all genres of music. All projects will be distributed through ADA, which is part of the Warner Music Group family of companies.
Harmon says, “Today’s music industry is ever evolving. Artists have more freedom and access than ever before. But with that freedom there is still a need for marketing, distribution, and execution of a strategy. Hit and Run Music and Vere have combined to provide the elements needed for a successful career. We are excited about this new model and the team we have assembled.” The team can be reached at: Caleb@brickent.com
INDUSTRY NEWS PART 2: Brown Sellers Brown (BSB) today announces it has expanded its publicity team, adding Anthony Priwer as Publicity Manager. Reporting to Vice President of Publicity Natalie Kilgore, Priwer will assist in building and strengthening strategic media and key industry relationships for all artists on BSB’s two label imprints, Quartz Hill Records and Stone Country Records.
Priwer has more than 25 years of professional experience across public relations, TV, radio, live performance and music retail. For the past six years, he worked as an account supervisor in the Nashville office of marketing and PR agency Dalton (previously the Bradford Group), where he led local, national and international PR campaigns. Originally from Australia, Priwer’s previous roles include as supervising producer for “Today Tonight,” the longest running and most successful program in South Australian TV history, and as a senior producer for iconic Sydney radio station 2UE. Priwer’s new role at BSB is effective immediately. He can be reached at anthony@brownsellersbrown.com.
MOVIE MUSIC NEWS: Critically acclaimed husband-and-wife duo The Imaginaries have released their cover and performance video of Frankie Valli’s timeless classic, “My Eyes Adored You,” available everywhere to stream/download here. The duo has an on-camera performance of the track featured in the biopic Reagan, starring Dennis Quaid, which hit theaters exclusively nationwide August 30.
“Being a part of Reagan has been a great experience for us. We really enjoyed being the band for the Inaugural Ball scene and performing Frankie Valli’s hit ‘My Eyes Adored You’ in the film. It’s great to be involved with such a meaningful and positive project,” McClure and Henry shared.
The Imaginaries released their newest single and music video for “Whole Lotta Livin'” on July 26, which features Vince Gill on guitar. Written by Shane Henry and Maggie McClure of The Imaginaries along with Grammy award-winning songwriter Jeff Silbar (Dolly Parton, Fleetwood Mac, Kenny Rogers), “Whole Lotta Livin'” captures the spirit of seizing the moment and embracing new adventures. With its uplifting melody and lyrics about breaking free from routine, this song is a call to live life to the fullest and celebrate every day. The duo is also currently embarking on their Wheels To The Pavement Tour throughout this summer and fall. For more info and to purchase tickets, visit ImaginariesBand.com. #TheImaginaries
MUSIC FOR KIDS NEWS: Multi-platinum, 12-time Grammy Award-winner John Legend has unveiled My Favorite Dream, an album of sing-alongs and lullabies for children and families, out now via Republic Records: Kids & Family. The project was produced by singer-songwriter-multi-instrumentalist Sufjan Stevens and features nine original tracks written by Legend. As part of a collaboration with Fisher-Price, the album also includes three bonus tracks with covers of songs from their beloved toys. My Favorite Dream is available to stream/download here. In conjunction with the album release, Legend shared a sweet video for “Always Come Back” from the album. Watch it here.
“I’m right in the thick of fatherhood,” says Legend, father of daughter Luna (8), son Miles (6) and two toddlers, daughter Esti and son Wren. “My parents loved to sing around the house, making up bedtime songs for us and songs to motivate and inspire us. And Chrissy and I also love singing to our kids. We make up little jingles and ditties for them all the time. In our home, music is very important to the way we interact and communicate with them.”
And that’s what sparked My Favorite Dream. “Once I started thinking about it, I decided I wanted to write a whole new children’s album,” recalls Legend. “I just took it on as a challenge to write some original lullabies and children’s songs that I would want my kids to hear, something we could share with kids and parents all over the world.”
MUSIC VIDEO NEWS: The official music video for Chris Stapleton’s song, “Think I’m In Love With You,” is available. Directed by Running Bear, choreographed by JaQuel Knight and produced by Strange Arcade,the video stars actor Andre Royo (The Wire, Empire, etc). Watch/share here. “Think I’m In Love With You” is from Stapleton’s acclaimed album, Higher, which was released last fall to overwhelming acclaim (Mercury Nashville, stream/purchase here). Produced by Dave Cobb, Morgane Stapleton and Chris Stapleton, the album landed on several “Best of” lists including Billboard, Esquire, Vulture and Rolling Stone.
In the midst of yet another triumphant year, Stapleton was also the top winner at the 59th Annual ACM Awards this past spring with four wins—Album of the Year (Higher, as artist and producer), Male Artist of the Year and Artist-Songwriter of the Year—and won two awards at the 66th Annual Grammy Awards: Best Country Solo Performance (“White Horse”) and Best Country Song (“White Horse”). Additionally, Stapleton has recently collaborated with Post Malone (“California Sober”), Dua Lipa (“Think I’m In Love With You (Live from the 59th ACM Awards)”), Slash (“Oh Well”) and George Strait (“Honky Tonk Hall of Fame”), released a version of Tom Petty’s “I Should Have Known It” for the new Tom Petty tribute album and returned to NBC’s “Saturday Night Live” for the third time as musical guest. Find Stapleton’s upcoming tour dates here.
NUMBER ONE NEWS: Tape Room Music songwriters Hunter Phelps and Ben Johnson, along with founder Ashley Gorley, celebrate their co-written song “Bulletproof” (recorded by Nate Smith) reaching No. 1 on the Mediabase Country Airplay chart in August. This is the third No. 1 single Phelps, Johnson and Gorley have earned together – joining “New Truck” performed by Dylan Scott and “TRUCK BED” performed by HARDY.
“Number one songs are always fun to celebrate. This one is extra special, being written entirely within the Tape Room family,” shares Blain Rhodes, president of Tape Room. “Nate [Smith] took this song to another level on his project and continues to crush it on stage every night.”
Tape Room writers have been nominated for Grammys, ACM, CMA and MusicRow Awards, and won ASCAP and NSAI Writer of the Year. You can hit play here and listen to over 725 songs/more than 24 hours-worth-of-music written by Tape Room writers.
Tape Room Music is an independent music publishing company founded by hit songwriter Ashley Gorley. In 2011, Gorley formed the publishing and artist development company, where writers have celebrated over 46 No. 1 songs. In 2022, Tape Room celebrated 8 weeks topping radio charts, with two year-end number-one songs. More at https://www.taperoom.com/.
RED DIRT NEWS: It’s been over a quarter century since Cody Canada kicked off his music career. A road warrior and prolific songwriter, Canada was the frontman of Cross Canadian Ragweed, a wildly influential band that commanded the Red Dirt scene for more than a decade selling millions of albums while also dominating the live music circuit nationwide until their split in 2010. Since 2011, Canada and his band The Departed have carried on in that gritty and lyrically provocative style releasing 6 studio albums, several of those hitting 3 different Billboard charts. After the release of their last full length album Soul Gravy in 2022, Canada noticed the turning tide of the music business, going from a full album market to a singles game, and that is just fine with him.
On August 30th Cody Canada and The Departed dropped their new single “Mexican Sky” across all streaming platforms, an original song that until now has only been recorded live and featured on Ragweed’s 2001 Live At Billy Bob’s album. The song was recorded at their own 36 B studio and is produced by Canada himself along with longtime engineer Brian Kinzie. “Mexican Sky” also features Elysha LeMaster who shares vocals with Canada and also created the single’s artwork. LeMaster is the lead singer of Waves in April, a rock band that formed at Cody and wife Shannon Canada’s School of Rock in New Braunfels, Texas. Music and tour dates here.
RYMAN DEBUT NEWS: Country icon Terri Clark took to the Ryman Auditorium’s stage August 29 for her long-awaited headlining debut at the Mother Church. The special night, 37 years in the making, was filled with performances of timeless hits and reimagined duets by the country legend. Up-and-coming country singer-songwriter Jenna LaMaster kicked off the evening, making her Ryman debut to add to the monumental night. Clark then took to the stage, joined by surprise guests Ashley McBryde and Trisha Yearwood for duets to end the night.
“It’s hard to describe the feelings that were flowing through me that night,” shared Clark. “I wish I could go back and tell that naive, wide-eyed 18-year-old girl from Alberta, sitting on a stool at Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge, sometimes playing to an empty bar in broad daylight, leaving with nothing but $15 and a pocket full of faith, hope and dreams, that it was going to take 37 years to get to the Ryman… but that it WAS going to happen and it WAS going to be worth every step to get there.”
Clark received a roaring standing ovation as she rocked the stage with her chart-topping tracks “You’re Easy On The Eyes,” “I Wanna Do It All,” “Girls Lie Too” and more. Play/download Terri Clark’s new album Take Two here. Tour dates and more at Clark’s website. #TerriClark
SINGLE NEWS: It’s rainin’ singles! We’re heading into Fall with a shower of new songs to check out now:
CAYLEE HAMMACK: An artist that “has consistently displayed a depth of creativity and unshackled musical exploration that is rare in Music Row circles,” (Billboard), Capitol Records Nashville’s Caylee Hammackdelivers “Breaking Dishes,” a ballad of a woman burned, available to listen here. Co-written by Hammack, Mikey Reaves and Gordie Sampson, the track sees Hammack as a wrecking ball poised to swing, perfectly illustrating the brewing storm just before ending a relationship, with her fervent scorched-earth vocals coupled with a plucky and poignant melody.
“Breaking Dishes is a sonic ‘eye for an eye.’ Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned, as they say,” explained Hammack. “I don’t make a habit of throwing things, no, but I wanted to make a song for scorned women to vent to. It fell out of the sky and into our laps one day in 2018 in a writer’s room, now 6 years later, it has found its avenue to be shared with the world. Here we are, breaking dishes and breaking up.”
After teasing across her socials, the songstress dropped a visualizer accompanying the new track, with Hammack destroying a perfectly curated dining set in an East Nashville house, available to watch here.
Recently, Hammack tapped Northern Irish singer-songwriter Foy Vance to feature in her latest song “The Hill,” paired with a behind-the-scenes visualizer recording the song together. More about Caylee at her website www.cayleehammack.com. #CayleeHammack
LOCASH: Platinum-selling duo LOCASH are sharing their new song “Buzzin” — a sweet and rowdy tribute to the no-frills fun of the dive-bar life, accompanied by an audio visualizer and available now on all digital platforms. Stream/download “Buzzin” here.
Written by LOCASH’s Preston Brust and Chris Lucas with Shy Carter and Mark Trussell, “Buzzin” arrives as an addictively catchy celebration of living it up at your favorite watering hole. With its bouncy rhythms, bright guitar tones, and breezy banjo lines, the harmony-fueled track is equal parts party anthem and heart-on-sleeve love song, as revealed in its sing-along-ready chorus (e.g., “You in the bed of my truck/Under that moon, fallin’ in love/Chasin’ whiskey with your kisses/’Cause I can’t get enough”). Produced by Jacob Riceand capped off with a blazing guitar solo, “Buzzin” endlessly delivers the same feel-good energy the duo has previously brought to smash hits like the Platinum-certified “I Love This Life” and Gold #1’s “One Big Country Song” and “I Know Somebody.”
Partly set in a classic dive bar decked out in photos of Country’s greatest legends, the audio visualizer for “Buzzin” chronicles a first date that goes off without a hitch, with the two new lovebirds knocking back beers and playing a neck-and-neck game of pool.
LOCASH are continuing their Hometown Home Tour and also taking the stage at many of the country’s biggest stadiums as support for Kane Brown’s In The Air Tour. #LOCASH
MEGAN MORONY: Singer/songwriter Megan Moroney’s triumphant new single “Am I Okay?” storms its way onto Country radio, reigning as the most-added song across the U.S. this week. Now in rotation on 62 stations, including SiriusXM, the wildly uplifting anthem serves as the title track to the Sony Music Nashville/Columbia Records singer/songwriter’s recently released and widely acclaimed sophomore album. Go here to listen to “Am I Okay?” now.
Written by Moroney, Luke Laird and Jessie Jo Dillon and produced by Kristian Bush, “Am I Okay?” kicks off her new LP with a feel-good tale of finding a guy who treats her right after so much heartbreak, amping up its giddy energy with euphoric gang vocals and soaring guitar work. Since the release of Am I Okay? – an instant smash success that debuted at No. 9 on the Billboard 200 and marked the year’s third-biggest debut from a female Country artist — the sublimely catchy track has garnered plenty of praise in the album’s countless glowing reviews.
“Am I Okay?” is the latest in a string of radio singles that also includes Moroney’s 2X Platinum No. 1 breakout hit “Tennessee Orange” and “I’m Not Pretty” (the chart-climbing opening track to her blockbuster debut album Lucky).
Moroney is now gearing up to head overseas for the Georgia Girl Tour, a 15-date headlining run of the UK and Europe. Check out additional tour info here. #MeganMoroney
JEREMY PARSONS: Singer-songwriter Jeremy Parsons has released a new single, “The Garden.” The San Antonio-born Americana Alt. Country singer-songwriter has carved a unique path in the music industry. Parsons’ musical odyssey traces back to his formative years in high school, where he first unearthed his profound passion for strumming the guitar and penning heartfelt compositions. Drawing inspiration from the rich tapestry of Texas music, Parsons diligently honed his craft, captivating US and European audiences with his authentic performances and magnetic stage presence. His unique fusion of Americana, Country, and Electronica has garnered widespread acclaim, resonating profoundly with fans and critics alike.
Released August 30th, his new single “The Garden” is a heartfelt exploration of growth, resilience, and the deep psychological connections we form through our nurturing activities. Listen to “The Garden” here. The Garden by Jeremy Parsons (hypeddit.com) With a narrative inspired by his childhood memories of gardening with his father, Dr. Jerry Parsons, a renowned horticulturist in Texas, Parsons channels a blend of nostalgia and introspection into this evocative track. Watch the lyric video here. More about Jeremy Parsons at his website. #JeremyParsonsMusic
DYLAN SCOTT: Curb Records recording artist Dylan Scott is roping in his latest release with “You’d Think I Was A Cowboy,” out now. Listen here. Written by Scott alongside Will Weatherly, Jaxson Free and Michael Whitworth, the song dives into the untamed feelings of love that makes him feel wild and free. CMT premiered the music video this morning, airing across all CMT platforms and Paramount Times Square billboard. “I had a blast recording this song. The music video is special to me too because it stars my wife,” said Scott. “She’s been my rock throughout my career, so bringing her into the process is always great. I’m the furthest thing from a cowboy, but I had fun channeling that energy for the video and am so thankful CMT was able to premiere it for y’all.”
“You’d Think I Was A Cowboy” follows Scott’s previous standalone track, “I Owe You One.” The track sparked the name of Scott’s current headlining I Owe You One Tour, wrapping on Oct. 11 in Hiawassee, Ga.. The tour has seen several sold-out shows and broken attendance records. Overall this year, Scott has seen 12+ sold-out headlining shows in markets such as Pittsburgh, Penn., Springfield, Ill., Columbia, S.C. and more. Music, tour/ticket info and more at dylanscottcountry.com. #DylanScott
ZACH TOP: Zach Top has released his highly-anticipated new single, “Beer for Breakfast,” via Leo33. Listen/share here. Of the song, Top shares, “Don’t go looking for some deep message in this song. This is a fun loving, country ass way of lettin’ people know, if they didn’t already, I like beer!! People have been lovin’ this thing on the live shows and I hope they love the single just as much and that it puts them in the mood to pop the top on a cold one and forget about their troubles for a little while!”
The new release adds to a breakthrough year for Top, who recently won Discovery Artist of the Year at the 2024 MusicRow Awards and follows the release of his widely praised debut album, Cold Beer & Country Music, earlier this spring. Produced by Carson Chamberlain (Billy Currington, Easton Corbin), the record garnered over 3.5 million streams in just its first week and received widespread acclaim, with Whiskey Riff declaring, “crack open a cold beer and enjoy the glorious sound of real…country…music.” Known for his captivating live performances, Top will continue to tour through this fall including two Colorado shows with Dierks Bentley, an extensive run of dates with Lainey Wilson on her Country’s Cool Again Tour and select headline shows. Full details can be found at www.zachtop.com/tour. #ZachTopMusic
SONGWRITERS IN THE ROUND NEWS: Experience Nashville how it used to be: Join Turk McNamara of Turk’s Lounge/McNamara’s Irish Pub & Restaurant and Guinness Stout as they continue the tradition of their authentic “in the round” songwriter series, Music Row Comes To McNamara’s. The unique monthly show will take place on Tuesday, September 3rd at 6:30 PM in Turk’s Lounge (the second floor of McNamara’s Irish Pub & Restaurant, 2740 Lebanon Road, Nashville, 37214). During the night, you will hear all of the amazing stories behind the songs.
This month Music Row Comes To McNamara’s welcomes special guest, powerhouse vocalist, and prolific songwriter Emily West. West’s music creatively blurs the lines between genres, resonating with audiences worldwide. Her flawless, soulful vocals, authentic storytelling through heartfelt lyrics, and her captivating stage presence have earned her national and international acclaim. She uses the power of her music to connect with her audience, leaving them spellbound.
Also appearing in the monthly round are regulars, multi-award-winning hit songwriter, Dylan Altman (“Barefoot Blue Jean Night”/Jake Owen, “Take A Little Ride”/Jason Aldean, etc), Joe Spivey of the Grammy Award-winning group, The Time Jumpers and renowned A-list session musician and accomplished songwriter, artist and musician, Turk McNamara. More info here
To learn more about McNamara’s and upcoming events, visit the Website, Facebook, and Instagram.
TEXAS COUNTRY NEWS: Captivating a sold-out Music City crowd at Cannery Hall August 22, the pride and joy of La Porte, Texas and reigning Texas Country Music Association Male Artist of the Year Jake Worthington brought TONK to Tennessee at his first-ever Nashville headliner.
The twanging hour-long set highlighted Worthington’s signature “pure Texas drawl” (Billboard), including cuts from his noteworthy self-titled debut album like “Next New Thing,” “Single At The Same Time,” “Honky Tonk Crowd,” and waltzing “State You Left Me In,” alongside a crop of unreleased gems that had the crowd hanging on his every note.
Worthington’s third song of the night was a solo take on unreleased Miranda Lambert collaboration, “Hello Shitty Day,” slated to drop Sept. 27. Listen/pre-save here. A loping jaunt about a truly rotten day, the curse-laden true country cut made an impression, with audience members yelling back the song’s title as Worthington sang near the end of its over four-minute runtime.
Another powerful testament to Worthington’s artist-to-artist cred, the set featured Jake’s rendition of his Hixtape: Vol. 3: Difftape track featuring Reba McEntire, “Is It Cold In Here.” Worthington continued down the road, headlining in Texas and Okla. before supporting Cody Jinks and Kameron Marlowe respectively on select dates through the end of 2024. Tour updates and music at Worthington’s website and socials. #JakeWorthington
Send me music stuff, I love to get it! / preshiaswriter@hotmail.com TN/USA. Google: “Preshias” #PreshiasHarris #nashvillemusicline
Preshias Harris is an advocate for songwriters and a music career development consultant with the emphasis on new and aspiring artists and songwriters. Her book, ‘The College of Songology 101: The Singer/Songwriter’s Need to Know Reference Handbook’ is available at www.collegeofsongology.com Follow her blog at www.nashvillemusicline.com @PreshiasHarris #PreshiasHarris