New albums, new singles for the New Year!

Inside Track on Music Row hits the ground running for January 2025

By Preshias Harris

QUOTE OF THE MONTH: “As a songwriter, you have to live to write songs. You can’t just make this stuff up. It just feels inauthentic, and people can see through that; country fans can see through that faster than anybody else if a song feels contrived.” – Dierks Bentley, interviewed by Annie Reuter, American Songwriter, March/April 2023

BIBLE VERSE OF THE MONTH: For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. – Jeremiah 29:11 

It’s a brand new year and there are new albums from Kane Brown, The Coward Brothers, Charles Esten, Joe Nichols and Flatland Cavalry… new singles from Logan Mac, Aaron Halliday, Runaway June and Morgan Wallen… plus news about Dolly Parton, Thomas Rhett, Brooks & Dunn, Bill Anderson, Dustin Lynch, Brian Kelley, The Opry 100 Celebration, Tin Pan South and more. Scroll down and catch up!

ALBUM NEWS

KANE BROWN

KANE BROWN Global superstar, Kane Brown has unveiled the tracklist for his highly anticipated forthcoming record, The High Road out January 24, via Sony Music Nashville (pre-add, pre-save here). The bold body of work features collaborations with Brad Paisley, Khalid, Jelly Roll, Marshmello, and Brown’s wife, Katelyn Brown, who is featured on “Body Talk,” and “Do Us Part.”. Full tracklist at Brown’s website.

Of the record, Kane previously shared, “This album, The High Road, is my favorite album I’ve ever made. I get to explore all sides of my story and styles of my music. Every song is important to me and every collaboration means something personal to me. I’m so incredibly proud of this record.”

The news follows on the heels of Brown’s recent single release, “Body Talk with Katelyn Brown,” (Listen here) which was released last month to widespread critical acclaim. Of the song, Billboard praises, “They return with another pop-heavy groove on this sensuous, dance-worthy track that further evinces that Katelyn’s airy, velvety vocal is a standout, and when paired with Kane’s vocal, brings out the grittier, sultrier notes in his voice.”

Eager to hit the road following his acclaimed In The Air Tour and recent JingleBall performances, Brown is gearing up to deliver electrifying live performances on The High Road Tour which kicks off on March 13, 2025, in San Diego, CA. #KaneBrownMusic

THE COWARD BROTHERS

THE COWARD BROTHERS: The new, self-titled album from The Coward Brothers — better known as T Bone Burnett and Elvis Costello — is now available on LP and CD everywhere. Pick up a copy from your favorite store today and enjoy it one week before the digital release. More information and purchase options here.

In conjunction with the Audible Original releasing, the album features all-new music from The Coward Brothers and boasts an all-star cast which also includes Edward Hibbert (The Prestige, Earthworm Jim), Stephen Root (Barry, Office Space), and Kathreen Khavari (Avengers Assemble, Big Little Lies). The Elvis Costello scripted musical-comedy series will be available exclusively for Audible listeners beginning November 21.

The soundtrack is available on CD, regular black vinyl, limited-edition “Licorice Red” vinyl and Barnes & Noble-only “Pink Bubblegum” vinyl. Notice how those latter variants tying in with satirical song titles on the release. See The Coward Brothers performances (and an interview on The Late Show With Stephen Colbert) at their YouTube channel. #TheCowardBrothers

CHARLES ESTEN

CHARLES ESTENLauded by Grammy.com as delivering an independent debut album, Love Ain’t Pretty, that’s “the purest representation of his artistry possible,” multi-talented entertainer Charles Esten is set to drop a double vinyl for the one-year anniversary of the acclaimed release. Available on January 24, 2025, fans can preorder the Love Ain’t Pretty Deluxe Edition here.

Continue reading “New albums, new singles for the New Year!”

Inside Track on Music Row December 2024

New albums, singles, tour updates and more!

By Preshias Harris

QUOTE OF THE MONTH: “I was a different person before I started to write. When I realized I could be a songwriter and that people would listen – that was when I started feeling good in my life.” – Gwen Stafani

BIBLE VERSE OF THE MONTH: I will extol the Lord at all times; his praise will always be on my lips. I will glory in the Lord; let the afflicted hear and rejoice. – Psalm 34:1-2

December already? It seems like only yesterday it was November! So it’s time for the December 2024 edition of Inside Trak on Music Row, the longest continuously-running monthly country music column in the USA. A lot of new music to check out. Albums from Brooks & Dunn, George Jones, Red Cat Strays and Ringo Starr… Singles from Tanner Adell, Bowman, Ian Flanigan, Thomas Rhett, Lily Rose, Shaboozeyand Swon Brothers… plus tour updates, news about Christmas music, Bluegrass, music videos and a whole lot more. Scroll down and click on ‘Continue Reading’ to catch up on the music news you can use…

ALBUM NEWS 

BROOKS & DUNN

BROOKS & DUNN: The best-selling duo of all time, Brooks & Dunn, have released their highly anticipated collaboration project Reboot II, via Sony Music Nashville. The album serves as the sequel to their acclaimed 2019 release Reboot, following a similar concept but with a fresh twist. This time, a new generation of today’s top artists—from country to beyond—were given full creative freedom to join forces with the duo. The result is a collection that showcases Brooks & Dunn’s iconic catalog while pushing genre boundaries. Featuring 18 exciting new collaborations with Lainey Wilson, Morgan Wallen, Marcus King Band, Megan Moroney, Warren Zeiders, Jelly Roll, Riley Green, The Cadillac Three, Halestorm, Mitchell Tenpenny, The Earls of Leicester, Jake Worthington, Hailey Whitters, Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, HARDY, ERNEST, A Thousand Horses and Corey Kent. Fans can listen to Reboot II now here.

Reboot II‘s 18 tracks include reinterpreted hits such as “Neon Moon,” “Boot Scootin’ Boogie,” and “Believe,” resulting in a dynamic and eclectic collection that spans genres and generations. To celebrate the release of Reboot II, Brooks & Dunn performed their hit song “Ain’t Nothing ‘Bout You” on Today on November 13, watch here.  

They recently announced 2025 dates for the first leg of their Neon Moon Tour; for a full list of upcoming tour dates and to purchase tickets, visit www.brooks-dunn.com. #Brooks&Dunn

GEORGE JONES

GEORGE JONES: With excitement peaking, George Jones: The Lost Nashville Sessions is available now (play/listen here), offering fans a long-awaited treasure trove of music from the legendary George Jones. This album features sixteen tracks, blending beloved classics with rare gems from Jones’ extensive catalog. Fans will recognize favorites like “The Race Is On,” “The Grand Tour,” “White Lightnin’,” and “Tender Years.” The collection also highlights lesser-known recordings of songs such as “Old Brush Arbors,” “She’s Mine,” “Four-O-Thirty-Three,” and more, providing a fresh glimpse into Jones’ iconic career.

Continue reading “Inside Track on Music Row December 2024”

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 

Inside Track on Music Row, April 2022

No foolin’! The April edition is posted and ready to read now!

It’s full of the latest news from Music Row and beyond… info about emerging artists and songwriters as well as the stars and icons of country music, plus photos and links to songs, music videos and more. My column, Inside Track on Music Row, is the longest continuously-running monthly country music column in the USA and you can find it here at Nashville Music Guide. 

Here are the headlines of just a few of the featured news items…

  • Multi-Platinum hitmakers Eli Young Band have revealed plans for a full-length album of the same name as the current single: Love Talking (The Valory Music Co.) is set for release Friday, June 3…
  • Garth Brooks is adding a brand new opening night in Nashville. The new opening night concert will be Friday, April 15th, 7:00 PM at Nissan Stadium. The second night show will be Saturday, April 16th, 7:00 PM…
  • The Les Paul Foundation, whose mission includes honoring and sharing the life, spirit and legacy of Les Paul has launched “Les Paul Thru the Lens,” an exclusive traveling gallery of photos highlighting the life and career of Les Paul, the inventor, musician and icon…
  • As more dates are added to Riley Green’s We Out Here Tour, including a stop at Nashville’s Ascend Amphitheater on July 3 to kick off one of the largest Independence Day weekends in the country, the Alabama-raised singer/songwriter is set to deliver those same concert vibes to playlists…  
  • Singer songwriter Jenny Tolman has released a new video for the title track of her sophomore album “Married in a Honky Tonk.”  The Tennessean exclusively premiered the video, which was shot at the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar in Jackson, Wyo…
  • COJO Music / Warner Music Nashville Platinum recording artist Cody Johnson landed the first No. 1 of his career in March as “’Til You Can’t” topped the Billboard Country Airplay and Mediabase charts…
  • The Grand Ole Opry is celebrating one of country music’s most influential artists, Merle Haggard, on the anniversary of both his birth and his death, Wednesday, April 6…
  • Dierks Bentley has announced details behind the Live Nation produced summer leg of his Beers On Me Tour. Bentley will host over 31-cities to an “all-night sing-along party”…
  • The best-selling duo of all time, Brooks & Dunn are returning to arenas, with their Reboot 2022 Tour, kicking off in Evansville, IN on 5/5…

And that’s just scratching the surface of this month’s column. Read the full stories teased above as well as many more news items along with the accompanying photos, videos, links and more in Inside Track at Music Row posted now 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 at   www.collegeofsongology.com   Follow her blog at  www.nashvillemusicline.com