Lainey Wilson Archives - Nashville Music Line

Inside Track on Music Row bonus April edition!

But wait, there’s more… country music news you can use

By Preshias Harris

April is showering us with a cloudburst of new music! In fact, it was SO much that it overflowed the April 2025 edition of my column, Inside Track on Music Row. I couldn’t let it get away, so here’s my “Special Added Extra Bonus Supplement” edition. Here you’ll find news about and links to new music from Lainey Wilson, Brandi Carlile & Elton John, Tucker Wetmore, Allison Krauss & Union Station, Jason Isbell, Onoleigh, Junior Sisk, Larkin Poe, Lauren Watkins, Caroline Jones, Bryan Ruby, Maddie Riccardo, Bobby Rush & Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Jason Boland & The Stragglers, Shane Smith & The Saints plus tour updates, Opry news and more. It’s all here so keep scrolling. (If you missed the ‘real’ April 2025 column, you’ll find it directly below this post.)

ALBUM NEWS

JASON BOLAND & THE STRAGGLERS

JASON BOLAND & THE STRAGGLERS: Texas-via-Oklahoma band Jason Boland & The Stragglershave released their new album The Last Kings of Babylon, out now via Thirty Tigers. Listen / play Last Kings of Babylon here. The album marks a full circle moment for the band as they reunite with legendary producer Lloyd Maines, who produced the band’s debut album Pearl Snaps.

The release of The Last Kings of Babylon arrives on the heels of the band’s 25th anniversary. A quarter of a century ago, Boland and his Stragglers cemented themselves in the alt-country and Red Dirt scenes with the release of their 1999 breakthrough Pearl Snaps. Hailed by the New York Times as “one of the country scene’s most multidimensional songwriters,” Boland would go on to sell more than half a million albums and collaborate with Shooter Jennings and Robert Earl Keen over the course of his career.

In 2024 alone, Boland and his band mounted a 30-date anniversary tour, released a live album Live From Cain’s Ballroom, and cemented their status as one of the pillars of the Red Dirt movement with “The Boys of Oklahoma” concerts which have sold over 180,000 tickets. Tour and ticket info at https://thestragglers.com. #JasonBolandTheStragglers

JASON ISBELL

JASON ISBELL has released his first entirely solo acoustic album, Foxes in the Snow, out now via his own Southeastern Records. Listen/play Foxes in the Snow here.

New albums and singles, tour info and more

Inside Track on Music Row: all new for March 2025

by Preshias Harris

SO much happening and SO much to catch up on! Tour updates for Dierks Bentley, Rascal Flatts and Vince Gill… new single releases from Brett Young, Craig Campbell, Runaway June, Annie Bosko, Bowman, Elle Rose and Dani Rose (no relation!)… Ashley Cooke teaming up for a duet with Joe Jonas… info on the 2025 Tin Pan South… and news about Tucker Wetmore, Cole Swindell, Rebecca Lynn Howard, Muscadine Bloodline, Allie Colleen, Lainey Wilson, Ringo Starr and more. Scroll down to read it all!

QUOTE OF THE MONTH: “I started being a songwriter pretending I could do it, and it turned out I could.” – James Taylor

BIBLE VERSE OF THE MONTH: Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.” – Deuteronomy 31:6

ALBUM NEWS

ALLIE COLLEEN

ALLIE COLLEEN, celebrated for her iconic voice and remarkable songwriting talent, kicks off the new year with the release of her five-song EP, Sincerely, Rolling Stone. “In a town filled with extraordinary talent, as a songwriter, I find it rare to work with a true artist who knows exactly who she is and what she wants to say. Allie Colleen is fearless in her artistry and is breaking molds inside of the country genre that will impact not only her career but the careers of artists to come after. She will be an influence beyond her generation giving future artists the courage to express themselves in new and inventive ways sonically, lyrically, and in performance,” expressed co-writer Stephen Hunley.

Allie’s first-ever release of a vinyl music project is available now as a limited edition for pre-sale here and is available for pre-save on all digital platforms here.

Allie Colleen conveys, “I wanted to return to my roots of creating—creating something that reflects how I feel. “I want to thank my songwriters, who sat with me in rooms this past year, letting me cry, be honest, and, most importantly, vent about a life others might give everything to have. Thank you for seeing me and allowing me to show up exactly as I am.” More at Allie Colleen’s website and on social media. #AllieColleen

MUSCADINE BLOODLINE

MUSCADINE BLOODLINE: Independent country duo Muscadine Bloodline confirms their fifth studio album, … And What Was Left Behind, will be released on April 11 on Stancaster Music via Thirty Tigers. Pre-order/Pre-save here. …And What Was Left Behind serves as a companion to the duo’s critically acclaimed The Coastal Plain, which was released last summer. Also unveiled today is the new song, “Chickasaw Church of Christ.” Listen here.

Produced by Muscadine Bloodline’s Gary Stanton and Charlie Muncaster with Ryan Youmans (known for his work with Jelly Roll, among others), …And What Was Left Behind continues to weave tales inspired by the people and scenery of their southern, coastal Alabama roots. Listen to the previously released track, “Ain’t For Sale” (feat. Josh Meloy), here.

The new album comes on the heels of a series of breakthroughs for the duo, including their biggest add week at country radio with their debut radio single, “10-90,” several shows as direct support on Post Malone’s “F-1 Trillion Tour” last year and numerous sold-out dates on their current headlining tour. The highly lauded duo are currently on their headlining “The Coastal Plain Tour” and will join fellow Alabamians The Red Clay Strays for select dates and will also join Lainey Wilson as direct support on her “Whirlwind World Tour” to kick off in the fall. Details and tickets at muscadinebloodline.com. #MuscadineBloodline

DUET NEWS

DUET NEWS: Big Loud’s powerhouse country songstress Ashley Cooke is teaming up with global superstar Joe Jonas for an unforgettable heartbreak anthem that cuts deep with “All I Forgot” feat. Joe Jonas, available now here. The emotionally-charged duet blends Cooke’s signature warmth with Jonas’ smooth pop charm for a gut-punching anthem about love, loss and the memories that refuse to fade at the bottom of a bottle. “We’ve had the best time creating this for you and truly cannot wait for you to hear it,” shared Cooke in an Instagram post this morning.

February ‘Inside Track on Music Row’ brings the love!

Inside Track on new albums, singles and tour updates

By Preshias Harris

February is for lovers… music lovers that is! And there’s plenty to love. Touring updates from Morgan Wallen, Lainey Wilson, Kelsea Ballerini, Luke Bryan, Cody Johnson, Oak Ridge Boys, Dylan Scott and more. Read about hot singles from Lee Brice, Kane Brown, Larkin Poe, LOCASH and Walker Montgomery among others. There are new albums from LANCO, Craig Morgan, Tyler Rich, Six Gun Sally, Mary Chapin Carpenter… Keep reading for all that and more!

ALBUM NEWS

MARY CHAPIN CARPENTER

MARY CHAPIN CARPENTER: “A Heart That Never Closes,” the new song from Mary Chapin Carpenter, Julie Fowlis and Karine Polwart, is out now. Listen/share here. The track is the latest unveiled from the trio’s first collaborative album, Looking For The Thread, released January 24 via Thirty Tigers (pre-order/pre-save here). In celebration of the project, the trio will play six shows in the U.K. in March including sold-out dates in Sunderland and Edinburgh. “An Evening with Mary Chapin Carpenter, Julie Fowlis, and Karine Polwart” will feature tracks from the new album, as well as songs from across their respective catalogues, accompanied by their transatlantic band. Full details can be found at www.marychapincarpenter.com.

Conceived in the remote west of Scotland and recorded at the renowned Real World studios, Looking For The Thread is a rich, resonant and unique record, one that supports and illuminates the core characteristics of each artist while bringing forth a powerful collective identity.

Produced by Bonny Light Horseman’s Josh Kaufman, Looking For The Thread is grounded in mutual respect stretching back decades, as Polwart and Fowlis are dedicated fans of Carpenter, while Carpenter, in turn, has long admired the pair. After first setting up a Dropbox to share ideas remotely, the three convened in January 2023 then headed north to a writing retreat at Kinlochmoidart House, where Looking For The Thread was born. #MaryChapinCarpenter

LANCO

LANCO: Good things come to those who wait. After seven years of anticipation, multi-Platinum selling band LANCO released their long-awaited sophomore album, We’re Gonna Make It, on Friday, January 17, 2025, via Riser House Records. The 14-track album features fan favorites such as “Low Class Lovers” and “Sound of a Saturday Night,” along with the recently released “We Grew Up Together,” featuring Grammy-nominated artist Cory Asbury. Get the album here.

Produced by Jay Joyce, Jared Conrad, and LANCO, We’re Gonna Make It follows the band’s award-winning debut album Hallelujah Nights (2018). Over the past seven years, the band has experienced significant personal and professional growth, which is reflected in the introspective and deeply relatable themes found throughout the new album. The number seven, often associated with insight, intuition, and wisdom, feels like a fitting symbol for this milestone in the band’s journey.

“We’ve poured our experiences, lessons, and emotions from the past few years into this album,” says lead vocalist Brandon Lancaster. “Life isn’t always sunny … but it’s all worth it for the sense of resilience that comes from making it through those tough times and creating an album that reflects our truth. Fans have been so patient with us while we crafted something that truly captures who we are today—fathers, husbands, sons, friends, and so much more.” Music, tour and ticket info at lancomusic.com. #LANCOmusic

CRAIG MORGAN

CRAIG MORGAN: Some people just know innately who they are and what they stand for. Within a few minutes of any interaction with Craig Morgan, it’s readily apparent God, family and country are his foundation. The Country Music hitmaker will continue to celebrate those pillars on his new EP, American Soundtrack, releasing February 28 on BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville. Pre-add/pre-save Craig Morgan’s American Soundtrack EP here. Morgan co-wrote all but one of the EP’s six tracks, and each song on American Soundtrack is infused with the singer and soldier’s faith and patriotism. The EP was produced by Phil O’Donnell and Craig Morgan.

Nominees and show hosts named for CMA Awards

Lainey Wilson to join Luke Bryan and Peyton Manning

By Preshias Harris

The Country Music Association (CMA) has announced the nominations for the upcoming CMA Awards. The 58^th CMA Awards presented by the Country Music Association will take place Wednesday, November 20 and will be broadcast 8/7CT on ABC-TV from the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville. The show will stream on Hulu the next day.

Luke Bryan and Peyton Manning will reprise their hosting duties for the show, this time joined by co-host Lainey Wilson, as announced in this video directed by George Flanigan.

Read my full story about the upcoming CMA Awards at Center Stage Mag here, where you can also link to a list of the entire roster of nominations, in case you want to follow along as you watch the show.

Those with the most nominations include Morgan Wallen (seven nods; four as collabs with Post Malone), while Cody Johnson and Chris Stapleton are both nominated for five awards. Find the details at Center Stage Mag here where you can also catch up on previous stories posted under the Preshias On The Row header.

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

CMA Fest 2023 in pictures

CMA Fest brought out the stars – and the fans!

by Preshias Harris and photojournalist Tori Perry

*Lainey Wilson rocks the Stadium. Photo: Tori Perry*

The 50th CMA Fest took over Nashville June 8 – 11, 2023 and set attendance records with visitors from all fifty states and more than fifty countries. The stars and the artists-on-the-rise certainly did not let the fans down!

In addition to nightly shows at Nissan Stadium, fans enjoyed shows at the Chevy Riverfront Stage, the Dr. Pepper Amp Stage, Chevy Vibes Stage, Maui Jim Reverb Stage, and the Hard Rock Stage.

Fans also experienced one-of-a-kind programming at Fan Fair X inside Music City Center, along with several brand activations and partners that took over Lower Broadway.

*Jason Aldean thrills the CMA Fest crowd. Photo: Tori Perry*

*Keith Urban brings his high energy to the Nissan stage. Photo: Tori Perry*

Lainey Wilson brings pure-as-honey vocals to Bell Bottom Barn Dance

Lainey Wilson headlines TSC Emerging Artists Program showcase

By Preshias Harris

Lainey Wilson continues to prove that she is among the undisputed leaders of a new generation of country artists with her appearances during the 50^th CMA Fest, June 8 – 11, 2023.

*Lainey Wilson wows the fans at her Bell Bottom Barn Dance. Photo: Roxy Moure*

Lainey is the reigning CMA Female Artist of the Year and the ACM Female Vocalist of the Year and is one of most nominated (and awarded) artists at the recent Award shows for the CMA, the ACM and CMT.

During CMA Fest, Lainey seemed to everywhere from an early Thursday show at Riverfront Stage to a Friday night appearance at Nissan Stadium, sharing the stage with Tanya Tucker and Elle King.

It’s hard to keep up with a ball of energy like Lainey Wilson but I managed to catch her Bell Bottom Barn Dance, a showcase for the Tractor Supply Emerging Artists Program, joining the crowd of fans that filled the Bell Tower Event Space.

The talent search program was created to discover and support emerging country artists who live and love what TSC calls “Life Out Here.” The program partnered with country stars Lainey Wilson, Ashley McBryde, Dustin Lynch, Lauren Alaina, and Kat & Alex, along with Opry Entertainment Group.

Spring-into-Summer Music Roundup

Catch up with what’s happening on Music Row – and beyond

By Preshias Harris

Getting set for Summer ’23 with new and recent releases, upcoming tours, artist and songwriter news and – of course – CMA Fest. Scroll down to catch up with a ‘digest’ of Inside Track on Music Row… Jon Pardi, Luke Combs, Chapel Hart, Dustin Lynch. Lainey Wilson, Tracy Lawrence, Moe Bandy, David Adam Byrnes, Buddy Jewell and much more. Send me music stuff, I love to get it! preshiaswriter@hotmail.com #PreshiasHarris

QUOTE OF THE MONTH: “I think music in itself is healing. It’s an explosive expression of humanity. It’s something we are all touched by. No matter what culture we’re from, everyone loves music.” – Billy Joel

ALBUM NEWS: John Mellencamp’s new album Orpheus Descending was released June 2 via Republic Records. In anticipation of the release, Mellencamp shared the album track “Hey God.” Listen/share here, and pre-order the album here. This is his twenty-fifth album, produced by Mellencamp and recorded as his own Belmont Mall Studio. One of his most personal records to date, standout tracks “Hey God” and “The Eyes of Portland” focus on social issues Mellencamp continues to passionately advocate for. Mellencamp is currently in the midst of his massive Live and In Person 2023North American tour, with dates running through June 27 including stops in New York City, Nashville, Philadelphia, Boston and more. He’s currently performing songs from the new LP during his live set. Mellencamp is a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, a Grammy winner, a recipient of the John Steinbeck Award, ASCAP Foundation’s Champion Award, The Woody Guthrie Award and Americana Music Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award and more recently, the Founders Award, the top honor assigned by the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers and a member of the Songwriters Hall of Fame. #JohnMellencamp

ANNIVERSARY NEWS: Award-winning country music legend, Moe Bandy is celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Top 10 duet with Becky Hobbs, “Let’s Get Over Them Together.” Written by Charlie Craig and Keith Stegall, “Let’s Get Over Them Together” became Bandy’s 16th Top 10 hit and continues to be a fan favorite. Bandy was recently inducted into the Class of 2023 of The Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame along with The Texas Ranger Division of the Department of Public Safety, San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, Cleo Hearn, and Boots O’Neal. Bandy, was a proud competitor in bull riding prior to pursuing country music full-time. Bandy recently released his new album, Thank You Lord. Delivering a heartfelt project, Bandy recorded twelve heartfelt tracks and features special guests The Isaacs on “Family Bible” and The Oak Ridge Boys with Nora Lee Allen on “The Lord Is My Shepherd.” The title track, written by Mo Pitney, Bobby Tomberlin and Cheryl Riddle offers a true reflection of where Bandy is in his life today, of which he is thankful for another mile, another day, and a life many could have only dreamed of. Stream or purchase Thank You Lord here.

CELEBRATION NEWS: Buddy Jewell is celebrating the 20th anniversary of his hit song “Sweet Southern Comfort” teaming up with several of his country music buddies to create what could be the vocal collaboration of the year in a newly-recorded version. Strategically picked, each artist represents a different decade in country music. The Bellamy Brothers from the 70’s, Shenandoah and Marty Raybon from the 80’s, Clint Black from the 90’s and Buddy Jewell from the 2000’s. Asking Clint Black to participate in the new recording was a no-brainer for Jewell. At the urging of his wife Tené, Jewell entered Nashville Star, a talent contest set to be televised on the USA Network. Eventually he was voted the winner of the inaugural season – two million votes ahead of the second-placed contestant, a young Miranda Lambert. It was Black who produced Jewell’s first album that quickly earned Gold certification and included the original version of “Sweet Southern Comfort.” The Bellamy Brothers said, “Such a joy singing on the 20th anniversary version of Buddy Jewell’s big hit (‘Sweet Southern Comfort’) and to be joined by Clint Black and Marty Raybon well, what more could you ask for!” Details here.

Elvie Shane wraps his first headlining tour

Set to play Grand Ole Opry and Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

By Preshias Harris

A few days ahead of appearances at the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Grand Ole Opry, Wheelhouse Records singer/songwriter Elvie Shane wrapped his first-ever headlining run on April 21 with a sold-out show at Nashville’s Basement East.

*Elvie Shane plays to a sold-out crowd at The Basement East in Nashville. Photo credit: Garrett Rizan*

Shane brought his My Kinda Trouble Tour with Frank Ray to a close, playing songs from his critically acclaimed debut album Backslider as well as surprising the capacity crowd with guest appearances by Lainey Wilson who joined Shane for a rendition of her ACM Song of the Year winning “Things A Man Outta Know” and Tenille Townes as she and Shane sang their duet “Nothin’ Lasts Forever.”