Inside Track on Music Row July 2024

Inside Track on Music Row July 2024… right here and ready to read!

Due to a technical glitch, Nashville Music Guide was unable to publish my column this month. So… here it is in full! Apologies to my readers and to the labels and artists’ representatives who share their news with me so I can bring it to you in this, the longest continuously running country music column in America!

Scroll down for news about George Strait, Morgan Waller, Luke Bryan, Dierks Bentley, Luke Combs, HARDY, Brantley Gilbert, Phil Vassar, Randy Rogers, Wade Bowen, Jelly Roll and many more!

QUOTE OF THE MONTH: “I didn’t know if it would be a successful one, or what the stages would be, but I always saw myself as a lifetime musician and songwriter.” – Bruce Springsteen

BIBLE VERSE OF THE MONTH: I will declare your name to my brothers and sisters; in the assembly, I will sing your praises. – Psalm 22:22

Chris Lane

ACOUSTIC VERSION NEWS:  After putting fans first with the social media-driven Find Another Bar Tour: College Edition, multi-Platinum artist Chris Lane delivers another surprise with the release of From Where I’m Sippin’ (Deluxe) (Red Street Records/Voyager Records). Listen to From Where I’m Sippin’ (Deluxe) here. Watch Chris Lane’s performance video for “Mistake (Acoustic)” here. “I’ve always been a big fan of stripped-down versions of songs, and how the track can take on a new life while also giving me a new connection to it,” shares Lane. “I’m excited to add three acoustic versions to the From Where I’m Sippin’ EP, and hope y’all enjoy them.”  

Lauded by Billboard as “veering slightly from hip-hop infused, polished pop-country to a sound with a ragged rock edge, while still residing squarely in his musical wheelhouse” with his new music, From Where I’m Sippin’ poured five fresh-Country concoctions – four of which were co-written by the top-shelf hitmaker – produced by Derek Wells with additional production from Michael Lotten. Now serving up three brand-new acoustic versions with the 2023 EP release, Lane adds an intimate element to stripped-down renditions of fan-favorites “Mistake,” “Way to Go Girl,” and current chart-rising single “Find Another Bar” – that’s nearing Top 35 at Country radio. Music and tour info at Chris Lane’s website. #ChrisLane 

ALBUM NEWS:  Country superstar Luke Combs’ new full-length album, Fathers & Sons, is out now on Columbia Nashville. Stream/purchase here.  A collection of 12 poignant tracks, Fathers & Sons was recorded entirely live and features Combs most personal songwriting to date, as he reflects on his own experiences being a dad to his two sons and the unique bond between parents and their children. Ahead of the release, Combs unveiled new song, “The Man He Sees In Me,” which The Tennessean says is “redefining his level of superstardom.”  

The album adds to yet another landmark year for Combs, who recently released his new radio single, “Ain’t No Love in Oklahoma,” which will be featured on the soundtrack for the new Twisters movie (out July 19) and is the subject of a new exhibit at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum opening July 11. The exhibit, entitled Luke Combs: The Man I Am, will feature a variety of photographs, childhood memorabilia, instruments, set lists and more from throughout Combs’ life and career. Combs has also partnered with Opry Entertainment Group to open a massive multi-level entertainment complex in downtown Nashville later this summer. Music and tour updates at Luke’s websiteand socials. #LukeCombs

Continue reading “Inside Track on Music Row July 2024”

Nashville Songwriter Awards set for Sept 24

Alan Jackson, Buddy Cannon and ’10 Songs I Wish I’d Written’

By Preshias Harris

Superstar singer-songwriter Alan Jackson and songwriter-producer Buddy Cannon have been revealed as honorees at the upcoming 7th annual Nashville Songwriter Awards. The announcement was made by the Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI), alongside presenting partner City National Bank, who will again bring the music industry and fans together at the Ryman Auditorium on September 24, 2024.

  • Read my full article about the 7th annual Nashville Songwriter Awards at the Preshias On The Row page at Center Stage Magazine here. 
Alan Jackson
Continue reading “Nashville Songwriter Awards set for Sept 24”

New country singles you need to know about!

Your ears are gonna thank you!

June is bustin’ out all over with a bumper bundle of new singles.  Lend an ear to these new tracks from Abby Anderson, Billy Ray Cyrus, Dustin Lynch, Midland, Will Moseley, Chris Stapleton & Duo Lipa, Cyndi Thomson and Oliver Wood:

ABBY ANDERSON: Abby Anderson released her latest single, “If You Killed Somebody,” via Walk Off/ Virgin Records, following a packed week of performances including Bridgestone Arena and Stagecoach Festival. Listen to “If You Killed Somebody” here and watch the music video here.  Fueled by clever lyrics and rich melodies, “If You Killed Somebody” showcases a unique side of Abby’s artistry. The song’s playful tone and hypotheticals inspires listeners to imagine the depth of love it creates as the fiery ballad of devotion builds. The track is a dedicated anthem about loyalty in even the most extreme of circumstances. Backed by effortless guitar plucking, Abby’s vocals are at the forefront as she declares to her lover, “If you killed somebody. I’d hide the body.” “If You Killed Somebody” continues what has already been a successful start to the year for Anderson. The single follows on the heels of her first release of 2024, the stormy “Bright Side of Blue.” Additionally, Abby is featured on global-renowned DJ Diplo’s new mixtape, Diplo Presents Thomas Wesley: The Mixtape – listen here.  Find Abby Anderson’s upcoming tour and ticket info here. #AbbyAnderson 

BILLY RAY CYRUS: Multi-hyphenate global entertainer Billy Ray Cyrus has released his newest single, “You Came Along,” available everywhere now. Reflecting his roots and diverse influences, the song is a heartfelt and honest expression of his life and soul, free from rules and limitations. Stream/download “You Came Along” here. Written and produced by Billy Ray Cyrus, Sean Kelly and Burleigh Clyde Johnson, “You Came Along” describes a true representation of Cyrus’ journey, inspired by a “no box” mindset, resonating with his commitment to authenticity and emotional openness in his music. “This song is everything I am as a singer / songwriter / producer / musician,” said Cyrus. “All my roots, all my influences encompassed in this song. Lyrically and musically, I’ve always worn my emotions wide open on my sleeve. No rules. No limits. No preconceived notions. Just music that I enjoy making that is true and honest to my life and my soul. That’s what ‘You Came Along’ is – a guy from Kentucky that loves all styles of music just being real. Like Carl Perkins said to me, and what I try to express to others in my field that ask for advice: ‘Don’t try and think inside the box. Don’t try and think outside the box. Think like there is no box.” More about Billy Ray at his website and on Instagram and X (@billyraycyrus). 

DUSTIN LYNCH:  Providing a timeless soundtrack for an underdog love story, multi-Platinum star Dustin Lynch has released the Mason Dixon-directed music video for current single “Chevrolet” (watch here).   “It’s a storyline that everybody can relate to, especially us kids from small towns,” shares Lynch. “There always seems to be some kind of divide in friend groups as kids grow up, and there’s inevitably an underdog. I’d like to think everyone pulls for the underdog, and this video shows that.” Turning the ignition on a forever-young kind of freedom, the Jelly Roll collaboration – written by Chase McGill, Jessi Alexander, Hunter Phelps, and Mentor Williams – is nearing Top 15 at Country radio via Broken Bow Records. Delivered on Lynch’s statement-making sixth studio album, Killed The Cowboy, the nostalgic track co-produced by Zach Crowell and Ben Phillips is proof of Country music’s unique ability to summon a picture, a mood, and especially a memory via the instantly recognizable throwback melody of the 1973 Dobie Gray hit “Drift Away.” Listen here.  He’ll make another splash with the Dustin Lynch Pool Situation: Nashville 2024 during CMA Fest weekend. Diving headfirst into the rooftop pool of Margaritaville Hotel Nashville for the second year, the wildest of all Country music-themed pool parties returns on June 7. Music and show dates at Lynch’s website. #DustinLynch 

Continue reading “New country singles you need to know about!”

“Inside Track on Music Row” ready to read now

May 2024 edition posted now!

ICYMI: The May ’24 edition of my monthly music column, Inside Track on Music Row, is now posted and ready to read. The longest continuously-running country music column in America is posted at Nashville Music Guide here.

Among the news items in this month’s column:

  • Elvie Shane took a test-drive in a hybrid Corvette E-Ray and talked to Rolling Stone magazine about his widely-praised new 13-track album Damascus…
  • Sturgill Simpson’s landmark 2014 album, Metamodern Sounds In Country Music, will be reissued May 10 celebrating its 10th anniversary ahead of his headlining slot at Outside Lands fest Aug 9-11…
  • Johnny Cash‘s album, Songwriter, will be released June 28, consisting of previously-unreleased, newly rediscovered tracks from some 30 years ago…
  • Terri Clark: Take Two is the title of an 8-song project from Country icon Terri Clark, arriving May 31, featuring duets with Lauren Alaina, Lainey Wilson, Ashley McBride and more…
  • ERNEST has released Nashville, Tennessee, a 26-track tribute to his hometown, following his 2021 debut Flower Shops (The Album) building on his billion+ on-demand streams…
  • T. Graham Brown will release a new studio album August 2 titled From Memphis to Muscle Shoals, featuring duets with icons such as Eddie Floyd, Bettye Layette, Little Anthony, Tanya Tucker, Dwight Yoakam and more…
  • Lacy J Dalton has released “What Don’t Kill Ya,” from her album, For the Black Sheep, set to drop June 21. Outlaw country icon Dalton will join the Country Music Cruise Jan 19-25, 2025…
  • Clay Walker is now a Pandora Billionaire: in addition to 11 No. 1 singles, 6 Platinum and Gold albums, Clay received the award marking his music being streamed over 1 billion times on Pandora…
  • “Hometown Home,” the new single from LOCASH on their new label, Galaxy Label Group, will impact Country radio May 13 as they announce a bunch of new tour dates, a mix of festivals and standalone dates…
  • Brantley Gilbert is extending his Off the Rails Tour into the fall, announcing 15+ additional dates where he will be joined by Adam Calhoun and Demun Jones…
  • Moe Bandy is celebrating the 45th anniversary of “Just Good Ol’ Boys,” his hit single with Joe Stampley as he talks about his current album, Thank You Lord, featuring special guests…

Plus many more news items including: Chris Stapleton‘s track on the the new Tom Petty tribute album… “The World’s Most Notorious Rock Band,” Mötley Crüe signs with Big Machine Records… Chart Toppers is an album of No. 1 songs recorded live at The Wildhorse Saloon… shows celebrating the late John Prine set for October… K-Love Fan Awards weekend set for May 24-26… news about Rick Monroe & The Hitmen, Molly Lovette, Chris Lane, Maddie Tree, Ashley Cooke, Colton Dixon, Randall King, Sam Grow and more.

Find the entire May 2024 edition (and previous editions) of my monthly column Inside Track on Music Row at Nashville Music Guide here.

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

Indie Country Showdown Week 3 set for March 7

One more round of top Indie talent before the Grand finale

by Preshias Harris

The competition is heating up! It’s time for Week Three of the Indie Country Showdown. Round Three is set for March 7, 2024 at 7:00 pm at Ray Stevens CabaRay Showroom, Nashville, Tenn.

Presented by O’Reilly’s Amish Furniture and Center Stage Magazine, the Indie Country Showdown is unlike any live performance shows ever presented in this area: Nashville’s finest undiscovered independent artists will perform for industry judges, and three finalists will make it into the Grand Finale on Thursday, March 14th.

Congratulations to Kayla Wass, Week One Winner and CJ Garton, the winner of the Week Two competition.  They will join the winner of Week Three in the Grand Finale.

The artists competing in Week Three are: Allie Lamb, Brooke Spencer, Lexi Lew, Seth Alexander, Andy Pursell, John Haywood and Charlie McNeal.  There will also be guest performances by Abby Leigh Anderson, Boomtown Saints and Keith Burns.

Continue reading “Indie Country Showdown Week 3 set for March 7”

Indie Country Showdown Week 2 set for Feb 22

Kayla Wass Week 1 Showdown winner

By Preshias Harris

Congratulations to Kayla Wass, winner of Week One of the Indie Country Showdown presented by O’Reilly’s Amish Furniture! Kayla will go on to compete against the winners of the Week 2 and 3 rounds in the Grand Finale to be held March 14 at Ray Stevens CabaRay Showroom.

But now, get ready for Week Two, set for Thursday, February 22, 7:00 p.m. at Ray Stevens CabaRay Showroom, located at 5724 River Road Nashville, TN 37209, just 14 minutes (8.5 miles) from downtown Nashville via I-40.  Find tickets for all Indie Country Showdown shows here.

Competing in the Week Two show on Feb 22: Doug Miolen, Kendra Neece, Mia Brown, Ethan Vincil, Jon Statham, CJ Garton and Chad Wilson. There will be guest star performances by Rick Monroe & the Hitmen, Keith Burns and Abby Leigh Anderson.

Standard tickets with reserved seating are $25.00.  VIP tickets at $65.00 are also available with reserved seating closer to the stage. VIP tickets also include Meet & Greet with the performers plus a surprise goodie bag of items from the Showdown artists. Tickets and details here.

Continue reading “Indie Country Showdown Week 2 set for Feb 22”

Tin Pan South is back with new features for ’24

98 shows at 10 venues, April 2-6, 2024

By Preshias Harris

Once again, Nashville will be where you’ll find songwriters and the people who love them, as they descend on venues across Music City in April for the 32nd Tin Pan South Songwriters Festival presented by Regions – and a new venue has been added to the program.

The Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) has announced details about the Festival that will take place April 2 through April 6, 2024.  As in previous years, it features a five-day festival of highly-anticipated songwriter performances, along with some additional events that are new to Tin Pan South this year. Scroll down for venues and new ticketing info.

New programs for 2024

For the first time, festival programming will include two midday events diving deeper into the world of songwriting. Hosted by Analog at the Hutton Hotel, at 12:00 noon on Wednesday, April 3, 2024 there will be a Legislative Panel featuring Danielle Aguirre (EVP & General Counsel, National Music Publishers Association), Mitch Glazier (Chairman & CEO, Recording Industry Association of America) and Bart Herbison (Executive Director, Nashville Songwriters Association International). Later the same day, there will be a Songwriter Conversation featuring Siedah Garrett (“Man In The Mirror”, “Love You I Do”) at 2:00pm with an option to also purchase a lunch add-on for the afternoon. 

Hit songwriter Jackie DeShannon

Additionally, Tin Pan South has partnered with the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum to present a Poets and Prophets program featuring singer-songwriter (and an inductee in both the Songwriters Hall of Fame and Kentucky Music Hall of Fame) Jackie DeShannon on Saturday, April 6 at 2:30pm.  Festival ticket-purchasers can purchase discounted museum admission and reserve tickets to the program here. This ticket includes museum admission with an entry time of 12:45pm, followed by the program.

Venues and ticketing

For the evening performances that attendees have come to know and love, this year promises to bring incredible talent to the stages of several returning venues and a new addition to the festival family, Anzie Blue. Returning venues include: 3rd and Lindsley Nashville, Analog at the Hutton Hotel, The Bluebird Cafe, The Lounge at City Winery Nashville, Commodore Grille, Cross-Eyed Critters Watering Hole, Hard Rock Cafe, The Listening Room Café and The Station Inn.

Continue reading “Tin Pan South is back with new features for ’24”

Indie Country Showdown debuts at Ray Stevens CabaRay Feb 15

Showcasing up-and-coming country talent + special guest stars

By Preshias Harris

An exciting new talent contest, The Indie Country Showdown (presented by O’Reilly’s Amish Furniture and Center Stage Magazine) is happening in Nashville, and you can be in the audience to see the rise of the next generation of country stars. There will also be guest stars performing on stage at every show (see below). 

You will see and hear some of the most talented indie country artists compete in three rounds to earn a spot as one of the three finalists facing off in the grand finale! All three rounds and the Finale will be held at Ray Stevens CabaRay Showroom. Tickets for all shows are now available here. Here are the show dates for the Indie Country Showdown:

  • Week One: Thursday, February 15, 7:00 p.m.
  • Week Two: Thursday, February 22, 7:00 p.m.
  • Week Three: Thursday, March 7, 7:00 p.m.
  • Grand Finale: Thursday, March 14, 7:00 p.m.

Standard tickets with reserved seating are $25.00.  VIP tickets at $65.00 are also available with reserved seating closer to the stage. VIP tickets also include Meet & Greet with the performers plus a surprise goodie bag of items from the Showdown artists.

Week One Contestants and Guest Performances

The contestants for Week One on Feb 15 are: Eric Burgett, Corey Davis, Jay Jones, Brooklyn Summer, Kayla Wass and Charlotte Morris.  The star guest performers are Keith Burns (founding member of Trick Pony), Donovan Chapman, Bryan Martin and Abby Leigh Anderson from The Bobby Bones Show who will debut her brand new single during the show. Get tickets here.

Continue reading “Indie Country Showdown debuts at Ray Stevens CabaRay Feb 15”

February ‘Inside Track on Music Row’ posted now!

40+ items of music news you can use

The February 2024 edition of my column Inside Track on Music Row is ready to read right now here at NashvilleMusicGuide.com! It’s the longest continuously-running country music column in the USA, thanks to readers like you!

Among the 40+ music news stories you can read in this month’s column:

  • Chris Young is readying his upcoming album for release March 22 and you can pre-save now from a link in the story…
  • Tracy Lawrence, David Adam Byrnes and Rodney Carrington are encouraging you to let loose and take chances with their new single, “Kick A Little,” from their upcoming Little Texas tribute album…
  • John Michael Montgomery is giving fans advance notice of his upcoming retirement from touring after 30+ years on the road, 16 million albums and seven No. 1 hits…
  • BRELAND will return to the Ryman Auditorium for a third time with his BRELAND & Friends 2024 concert in March 2024. Tickets are available now…
  • Brooks & Dunn, the best-selling duo of all time, have announce the dates for their upcoming REBOOT 2024 Tour and we have a link to the tour and ticket info…
  • Moe Bandy is celebrating the 45th anniversary of his hit single “It’s A Cheating Situation,” a duet with Janie Fricke, released in January 1979…
  • John Berry has re-released three of his most popular albums in partnership with StarVista Music, saying,  “This will give some of my favorite songs a breath of new life”…
  • Springer Mountain Farms “Bluegrass Nights at the Ryman” is returning to Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium for its 30th year and tickets are available now…
  • Cody Johnson is now out on the road on The Leather Tour with a string of dates through September while his current single “The Painter” has scored more than 95 million global streams…
  • Plus much more, including news about new singles from Spencer Crandall, Lacy J. Dalton, Waylon Hanel, Jessie G, Walker Montgomery, Mitchell Tenpenny, HARDY, and more…

Find the February 2024 Inside Track on Music Row column at Nashville Music Guide here.

 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 here    Follow her blog at  www.nashvillemusicline.com @PreshiasHarris #PreshiasHarris 

Nashville Songwriter Awards honor year’s best songs and writers

Bobby Braddock receives Kris Kristofferson Lifetime Achievement Award

By Preshias Harris

The 6th Annual Nashville Songwriter Awards took over the hallowed stage of the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, September 26, 2023.  The glittering event honors and recognizes the extraordinary men and women who are the driving force behind the songs usually associated with the artists who perform them.  The Awards show was produced by Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) and presented by City National Bank. 

Front row L-R: David Israelite (2023 NSAI Advocacy Award recipient), Sonya Isaacs, Steve Bogard (NSAI, Board President), Bobby Braddock (2023 NSAI Kris Kristofferson Lifetime Achievement Award recipient), Nicolle Galyon, Emily Shackelton, Ashley Gorley (2023 NSAI ‘Songwriter of the Year’ recipient), Megan Moroney, Trannie Anderson (NSAI 2023 ‘Song of the Year’ recipient), Ben Burgess, Jennifer Turnbow (NSAI, Chief Operating Officer).
 
Back row L-R: Jimmy Yeary, Bart Herbison (NSAI, Executive Director), Ben Johnson, Dallas Wilson (NSAI 2023 ‘Song of the Year’ recipient), Ben Williams, Mark Holman, Hunter Phelps, David Fanning, Paul Jenkins. Photo credit: Jason Davis
Songwriter of the Year Ashley Gorley. Photo: Tori Perry Photography

Kentucky’s own Ashley Gorley seems to be setting an unmatchable level of achievement, receiving the Songwriter of the Year Award for a record seventh time.  As of this writing, Ashley has notched up a record-breaking sixty-four Number One hits, a score that has probably increased by the time you read this.

Morgan Wallen was honored with the Songwriter-Artist of the Year and the NSAI Advocacy Award went to David Israelite, President and CEO of the National Music Publishers’ Association.  Tim McGraw was NSAI President’s Keystone Award recipient.      

The Song of the Year Award went to Trannie Anderson, Dallas Wilson and Lainey Wilson for “Heart Like A Truck” recorded by Wilson.  

Continue reading “Nashville Songwriter Awards honor year’s best songs and writers”