David Adam Byrnes gotta “Keep Up With A Cowgirl”

Scores SEVEN No. 1 songs on Texas radio charts

David Adam Byrnes came to Nashville from his native Arkansas seeking success as a singer-songwriter.  But it wasn’t until he left Nashville that he found success.

That success came to him in Texas where it felt “just like a glove that fit perfectly,” as he said, in an interview with me during Country Radio Seminar (CRS) in March. He found a true connection with the culture and the music in the Lone Star State – and an audience that embraced his genuine love of traditional country music.

In the interview, Byrnes told me that, as a songwriter in Nashville, he seemed to be on the edge of success when five songs he had penned were on hold or about to be released by recording artists. But all those potential cuts evaporated, forcing him to reevaluate his career path.

You can read my full interview with David Adam Byrnes at Center Stage Mag here. He talks about how that potential career-end became a golden opportunity with a string of No. 1 hits in Texas and a new album, Keep Up With a Cowgirl. #DavidAdamByrnes

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 

It’s “That Summer” for Southbound 75

Seasoned road warriors talk about their new single 

by Preshias Harris

Southbound 75 have been described as “Old Dominion meets Maroon 5” which may be true but does not quite encompass their wildly popular live shows. 

As seasoned road warriors – hence the band’s name – they entertain audiences all across the country. They stood still long enough to talk to me in Nashville during Country Radio Seminar (CRS).

We talked about their just-released single, “That Summer” (Brown Lee Ent/Sony Orchard) — an upbeat song about living in the moment — and about their life on the road.  They even revealed their “gotta-go-to” eatery when they are burning up the miles between gigs!

Read my full interview with Southbound 75 in the Preshias on the Row section of Center Stage Magazine 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 

Nashville Music Guide Spring Edition ready to read now

Includes ‘Inside Track on Music Row and guide to CRS 2023

A quick ‘heads up’ to let you know that the Nashville Music Guide Spring 2023 edition is now available here. You can read the full digital edition as an online ‘page turner’ or find out how to have a physical issue mailed directly to you.

The Spring edition includes NMG’s Artists to Watch in 2023, CMT’s Next Women of Country, the ‘must attend’ music festival list and a full guide to Country Radio Seminar (CRS) plus many other features.

As always, Nashville Music Guide includes the March edition of my column Inside Track on Music Row with photos and news about HARDY, The Cadillac Three, Lee Greenwood, Morgan Wallen, Ashley McBryde, The CMA Triple Play Awards, Jericho Woods, Megan Moroney, Kelsea Ballerini, Craig Campbell, Jake Owen, the NSAI Music Industry Career Camp, Chris Janson, Tin Pan South and more.

Find the digital version of the Nashville Guide Spring 2023 issue 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 

Tin Pan South Fast Access Passes now available!

Songwriter lineup announced for 31st Annual Tin Pan South Festival

By Preshias Harris

If anything defines the heart and soul of Music City, it is the presence of the most talented pool of songwriters found anywhere in the world.  The average listener streaming or downloading songs probably has no idea who actually wrote the songs they love.  Songwriters are, for the most part, anonymous.

But for the past three decades, Nashville has turned the spotlight on those unheralded creators with Tin Pan South. 

Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) has revealed the lineup for the 31st Annual Tin Pan South Songwriters Festival presented by Regions Bank that will take place March 28 – April 1, 2023. Passes for the Festival are available now here.  Fast Access Passes are priced at $175.00 to the general public and $145 for NSAI members.  

With ten venues, one hundred shows and four hundred songwriter performances, this year’s Tin Pan South is shaping up to be one of the best.

Enjoying a previous Tin Pan South, (L to R) Ashley Gorley, Brett Young and Chris DeStafano. Archive photo by Preshias Harris

Read the full story at Center Stage Mag here with details about the scheduled shows and more (including a link to the all-new app for both iOS and Android).  

If people only knew it’s the songwriters – that’s where it all begins. If the fans only knew I’m just like a puppet up here. If it wasn’t for you guys [Craig Wiseman and Deric Ruttan] I wouldn’t be standing up here. — Blake Shelton, at Number One party for “Came Here to Forget, August 30, 2016.

 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

Alannah McCready raises the bar with her new EP, ‘Back To Me’

Reveals her “twin passions”

By Preshias Harris 

Alannah McCready

Alannah McCready is a unique artist in so many ways. She is a dynamic performer in her live shows with skills honed during her years on the road.  She is also a remarkable songwriter and found a new energy in her writing when the Covid pandemic brought personal appearances and touring to a screeching halt.

Another unique aspect to Alannah: she is a skilled hockey player.  As she told me recently, “I’m from Minnesota, so we’re in the state of hockey and you basically get hockey skates when you get shoes!”

  • Read my entire interview with Alannah about her new EP at Center Stage Mag here.
Continue reading “Alannah McCready raises the bar with her new EP, ‘Back To Me’”

Andy Pursell serves up “Right Amount of Wrong”

Twangy honky-tonker blends ’90s country with contemporary sound

By Preshias Harris

How about a song with a vibe and storyline that feel like Dukes of Hazzard meets Urban Cowboy? Intrigued?  Well, that’s how Andy Pursell describes his new single.

Pursell, a Florida-based singer-songwriter and indie country recording artist (Southern Dreams Ent.) has announced the scheduled release of his newest tune “Right Amount of Wrong.” Written by Ryan Griffin and Terry Dennis, and produced by Mark Dreyer, the track will be available via all digital retail outlets and streaming platforms Friday, March 17, 2023. (Presale/pre-save event begins March 3, 2023. Presale / Pre-save here. )

Recorded at Studio 23 Lakeside Recording in Nashville, the single features instrumental performances by award-winning, A-list musicians, including four-time ACM “Steel Guitarist of the Year,” Mike Johnson (Jason Aldean/Carrie Underwood/Jon Pardi/George Strait/Willie Nelson/Merle Haggard), Kevin Grant (Willie Nelson/Merle Haggard/Colt Ford/Josh Turner) and Mike Rojas (George Strait/Tim McGraw/Brett Eldredge).

Continue reading “Andy Pursell serves up “Right Amount of Wrong””

‘Inside Track’ Feb ’23 edition online now!

‘Inside Track on Music Row’ posted and ready to read

Check out the current edition of my column, Inside Track on Music Row, now posted here at Nashville Music Guide. A lot of ‘must read’ stuff this month, including…

  • Details on Dierks Bentley‘s new 14-track album, Gravel & Gold, set for release Feb 24…
  • Sunny Sweeney‘s new album, Married Alone, blurring the lines between Texas Country and Nashville Americana…
  • Memory Lane (Sampler) is the title of the new project from Old Dominion that they co-produced with hit songwriter Shane McAnally…
  • CMT has announced the sixteen new artists that will be the Class of 2023 for the 10th Anniversary CMT Women of Country…
  • Alana Springsteen has released a single from her debut album, Twenty Something, a three-part collection documenting the heartache, excitement, and immense transformation of early adulthood…
  • Colton Dixon‘s No. 1 hit “Build A Boat” is back again in a brand-new version: “Build A Boat (feat Gabby Barrett).” Dixon and Barrett are fellow American Idol alums…
  • Indie artist Andy Pursell is gearing up to release his newest tune, “Right Amount of Wrong,” produced by Mark Dreyer, March 17 via all digital and streaming platforms…
  • Mitchell Tenpenny will be touring overseas for the first time in March, playing dates in Europe and Australia…
  • Take listen to Chris Janson‘s new single “All I Need Is You,” a song that unravels what really matters in Life…
  • In May 2023, the Johnny Cash Museum will celebrate its tenth anniversary as a staple of Nashville, country music and Johnny Cash culture…
  • Check out “Drinkaby,” the new single from multi-Platinum Cole Swindell from his upcoming deluxe album Stereotype Broken, due April 28…
  • Find the details about tickets and venues for Tin Pan South; 100 shows and 400+ performances, March 28 through April 1, 2023…

Plus news about Dolly Parton, The Grand Ole Opry, Jelly Role Keith Burns, HARDY, Chris Young, Gabby Barrett, Chris Clark, ERNEST, T.G. Sheppard, Cody Johnson, Elvie Shane, tour news, music video news and so much more. Find it all here at Nashville Music Guide.

Preshias Harris  is a music journalist and 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 and read her regular ‘Preshias On The Row’ news stories at Center Stage Magazine.

Sam Phillips, Sun Records celebrated

Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum celebrates Sam Phillips’ 100th birthday

by Preshias Harris

2023 marks the 100th anniversary of the birth of one of the most influential people in the realms of virtually all popular music – country, blues, R&B, rock n’ roll and pop.  Sam Phillips was born January 5, 1923 in Florence, Alabama, but made his indelible mark on music in Memphis, Tennessee.

It was there, in 1950, that he set up the Memphis Recording Service and then Sun Records that would launch the careers of Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, Jerry Lee Lewis and many more.

(L to R) Jay McDowell, Jerry Phillips talk at the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum. Photo: Preshias Harris

In February, The Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum honored the legendary Sam Phillips at a special event marking what would have been his 100th birthday.  In attendance was Sam’s son Jerry Phillips who took the podium for an informal Q&A, led by the Museum’s multimedia archivist Jay McDowell.

Read my full story and interview at Center Stage Mag here.

Continue reading “Sam Phillips, Sun Records celebrated”

Colton James new EP, America, puts “Ring On Her Finger”

Launches Land4Heroes, a lodge for Veterans

By Preshias Harris

Colton James is one busy guy.  But he’s not complaining. As the saying goes, ‘Do what you love and you’ll never work a day in your life.’ Colton is passionate about his music, about helping veterans and about his lovely wife Cassie.

Colton James talks about his new 7-song EP titled America and plans for Land4Heroes

Colton and I caught up in January to talk about what’s new and exciting in his life, including his new EP, titled America, released January 20, 2023. The seven-track project includes “Ring On Her Finger” that will certainly be played at a LOT of weddings in the months and years ahead. The song has a special poignance for Colton who co-wrote it with Kim Tribble.

“’Ring On Her Finger’ was the very last song that me and Kim wrote together,” Colton recalled, “And it was the last time I saw him alive.  I told that story at his Celebration of Life and Kim’s wife Patti wanted me to play it. I think about him every day.  Not only were we writing buddies, we fished together, we hunted together, we hung out together. He was like family.”  See the official music video for “Ring On Her Finger” here.

Another track on the EP has a unique backstory: “I Miss America” co-written with Rick Dawson, the owner of Rich Strike, the 80-1 outsider that came from behind to win the 148th running of the Kentucky Derby. 

Continue reading “Colton James new EP, America, puts “Ring On Her Finger””

January ‘Inside Track on Music Row’ posted now

Tour info, new releases, artist news and more

by Preshias Harris

New year… new music column! The January 2023 edition of my Inside Track on Music Row column is a mix of the good news from 2022 so we can reflect on happy times and also look ahead to some wonderful things coming up as we move into 2023.

You can read the entire column, along with photos, graphics and video links, at Nashville Music Guide here. The new year marks another milestone for Inside Track on Music Row... still the longest continuously-running country music column in the USA. My eternal thanks to you, the reader, for your support… and the artists, songwriters and publicists who alert me to music news that I can share with you!

Here is a taste of just some of the news items you can find in the January column…

  • ERNEST celebrated his fifth, sixth and seventh Number One as a songwriter in 2022 while his debut single (feat. Morgan Wallen) reached Platinum certification. Now his ‘Deluxe” album is due February 10…
  • Cole Swindell racked up two Platinum multi-week Number Ones and received a Pandora Billionaire plaque for surpassing 3 billion lifetime spins. He’ll be joining Thomas Rhett for his Home Team Tour 23…
  • The Cadillac Three have announced their upcoming Bandana Tour as they take their country-fuzz spirit on the road with Koe Wetzel joining TC3 on select dates…
  • Miranda Lambert was surprised with $5,000.00 from Tractor Supply Company, in honor of her MuttNation project, to donate to area animal shelters to help senior pets and pets with special needs…
  • Springer Mountain Farms Bluegrass Nights at the Ryman returns to Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium starting on Thursday, June 22 and continuing each Thursday night through July 27…
  • Eddie Montgomery has released the deluxe edition of his debut solo album Ain’t No Closing Me Down via Average Joes Entertainment saluting his lost Montgomery Gentry bandmate, Troy Gentry, who was tragically killed in a helicopter crash in 2017…
  • George Jones will be remembered and celebrated – by fans and fellow artists – at a concert, titled Still Playin’ Possum, set to take place April 25 at the Von Braun Center in Huntsville, AL, one day before the tenth anniversary of Jones’ passing…
  • Willie Nelson and Family, the first authorized work exploring the life and career of the Country outlaw icon, will debut at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival, taking place January 19–29, 2023, in Park City, Salt Lake City…
  • Plus so much more about The Oak Ridge Boys, Randy Rogers Band, The lineup for New Faces of Country Music at the 2023 Country Radio Seminar, Craig Campbell, Dustin Lynch, Craig Morgan, upcoming music festivals, Opry news and more.

Read the entire Inside Track on Music Row column at Nashville Music Guide here! 

Preshias Harris  is a music journalist and 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 and read her regular ‘Preshias On The Row’ news stories at Center Stage Magazine.