TAYLA LYNN RELEASES NEW SINGLE “DON’T COME HOME A DRINKIN’ (WITH LOVIN’ ON OUR MIND)”

Heart of Texas Records, in partnership with StarVista Music, proudly announces the release of Tayla Lynn’s first single from her upcoming album, ‘Singin’ Loretta,’ (5/30) — a heartfelt tribute to her iconic grandmother, Loretta Lynn. The single, “Don’t Come Home A-Drinkin’ (With Lovin’ On Your Mind),” was premiered by Whiskey Riff, proving the classic remains as powerful and relevant today as ever. This second full-length solo record features beloved hits like “Rated ‘X’,” “Blue Kentucky Girl,” “One’s On the Way,” and “You’re Lookin’ at Country,” along with a few lesser-known gems such as “Out of My Head and Back in My Bed” and “The Titanic.” Singin’ Loretta will be released on May 30th.

“I remember asking Memaw in what order I should sing her songs in my live show,” shares Tayla. “She said ‘Oh honey, you gotta just kick it off with ‘You Ain’t Woman Enough’ and then roll right into my first number one ‘Don’t Come Home A Drinkin’ and that’ll get ‘em every time.”

As part of its ongoing Opry 100 celebration, the Grand Ole Opry, presented by Humana, is set to launch “Opry 100 Honors” on May 13. The special series of Opry 100 Honors shows, sponsored by Dan Post, will pay tribute to several of the icons who have helped shape the Opry’s first century. The first show will honor Loretta Lynn on May 13, with performances by Opry member Crystal Gayle (Lynn’s sister), granddaughter Emmy Russell, duo Twitty & Lynn (grandchildren of Lynn and Conway Twitty), and Opry members Martina McBride, Carly Pearce, Ashley McBryde, and more.

“As we continue our OPRY 100 celebration, we’re excited to open the door to the Opry’s next century and to laud each of the Opry’s current members. It’s also important to us to honor some of the iconic artists of the past who helped the Opry achieve worldwide acclaim and ensured the show’s longevity. We’re looking forward to this series featuring the music of artists who became household names and whose legacies the Opry will still be celebrating in another 100 years,” said Dan Rogers, Opry executive producer.

Tayla Lynn always knew music would be her path, with no “Plan B” in sight. Performing at a young age with her grandmother, she later collaborated with songwriting legends like James House, Gary Burr, Leslie Satcher, and Jon Randall. After earning a development deal with RCA, she met Caroline Hobby and Jennifer Wayne through mentor Anastasia Brown, forming the trio Stealing Angels.

From 2007 to 2012, they toured the country, performed for troops in Iraq and Kuwait, and worked with Grammy-winning producer Paul Worley. Following her marriage and motherhood, Tayla moved to Seattle, where the music scene reignited her passion. Returning to Tennessee, she resumed performing with her grandmother and launched Twitty and Lynn with Tre Twitty in 2018. Performing over 100 shows annually, they released their debut album Cookin’ Up Lovin’ in April 2024. Tayla also released Tayla Lynn Sings Loretta Lynn in 2022, a tribute to her grandmother, with her follow-up album Still Singing Loretta Lynn set for 2025. Writing with Mark Narmore and Scott Baggett, she continues to blend her own life experiences with the stories of the women who came before her.

More About Tayla Lynn:

Tayla Lynn is a country music artist, comedian, actress, and proud granddaughter of the legendary Loretta Lynn. With a voice rooted in heritage and a spirit all her own, Tayla captivates audiences through raw honesty, soulful performances, and a heartfelt connection to the stage. As one half of the duo Twitty and Lynn with Tre Twitty, she honors her iconic lineage while carving out a bold, authentic path—including co-owning MEPOP Records and their own booking agency. Her albums include Tayla Sings Loretta Lynn (Heart of Texas Records) and the latest Cookin’ Up Lovin’ (MEPOP Records).

Beyond the spotlight, Tayla is a devoted wife and mama, a passionate advocate for sobriety and spiritual healing, and a storyteller with just the right amount of sass—known for tales that’ll make you cry one minute and laugh the next.

JESSICA WILLIS FISHER’S SOPHOMORE ALBUM “BLOOMING” OUT MAY 16

Following a solo-debut centered on the experience of survival and starting over, Blooming heralds a new season of thriving for Jessica Willis Fisher. The record — produced by Ben Fowler and recorded in Nashville — is high-spirited and wide-ranging, folk made fresh through Fisher’s signature fiddle and emotive voice. Eight of the nine songs are self-penned, rich with nature imagery, and rooted in themes of growth and continued healing. Blooming is both a wanderlust-fueled soundtrack to adventure and a heartfelt work of art.

“There are some flowers that bloom one time and that’s it, but how about we go with the flowers that come back every year?” says Fisher. “I aspire to be a perennial, if you will. Beautiful things take time to grow, to let things evolve. That’s where I feel all these songs have come from. This is the next chapter of both my story and my artistry. For me, those are linked in every way.”

“It’s not just the music, but everything else that goes along with it, too. The album cover, which of course is the main visual everyone gets to see, was another way to flex my creative muscles. Once we decided on the title, Blooming, I knew I wanted to tie in my long standing obsession with Tennessee wildflowers. Then the purple Echinacea flowers are an ode to the garden of my great grandmother, and the Dogwoods, my favorite, always bloom around my Spring birthday. Everything you see there, has a deeper meaning to me.”

The acoustic nature of Blooming allows Fisher’s pure soprano to shine alongside her thoughtful songwriting and distinctive fiddle playing. With a love for literature and the influence of Celtic music, she has blended elements of folk, Irish, bluegrass and Americana music into these songs while establishing her own creative vision. That open-minded musical approach is especially clear in “Dogwood,” one of the album’s most revealing songs.

“‘Dogwood’ is about embracing the uniqueness of who you are, accepting every part of yourself,” she says. “Even our deepest wounds can have a special kind of beauty. The world is better for having all of us, and our differences.”

A sense of renewal is central to “Healing,” a rousing anthem that would immediately capture the attention of any festival audience. In addition, the joyous “June” sparkles with anticipation of a new season, “One of a Kind” evokes her tender, romantic side, and “Build a House” conveys the importance of companionship, commitment, and being curious to the whole world.

“Overall, this is a pretty positive record. I’m living a life I didn’t think I was going to have, in many ways,” says Fisher, who married her husband, Sean, in 2017. “I have a lot to be grateful for, a lot to celebrate just seeing how far I’ve come in the last few years.”

There are moments where her personal struggles do come to the forefront. Perhaps the most vulnerable song of the album, “Honest” reflects the heartfelt approach Fisher has taken with her audience as well as herself. “‘Honest’ is my way of maintaining my integrity,” she says. “Being honest isn’t easy all the time, and I think we have an idea in our head about what love might be, or what honesty might be, or what courage might be, and then the lived experience of it is so much more nuanced and even conflicted.”

That sense of conflict is particularly evident in “Seeds,” as she sings, “How do I grow when I’m tangled in the weeds? What if it dies? What if it seeds?” Acknowledging the past but with a desire to live in the present, she observes, “There were seeds planted in my life that I do not want to grow. Those toxic things need to be weeded out. It’s an ongoing process.”

At the intersection of old-time and Irish music, Fisher found inspiration to write “Find a Lover,” a catchy song that sounds like it’s been passed down for a few hundred years. “It’s as if Dolly Parton was Snow White in the Appalachian Mountains,” she says.

In a similar vein, she adds her own spirit to “The Fox,” a folk song she loved as a young girl which spotlights her love of traditional music and effervescent approach to the fiddle.

Blooming finds Fisher more confident in her own unique blend of artistry harvesting authentic and poignant material from her own journey of life—wounds, blooms, and all.

About Jessica Willis Fisher
Her debut solo album, 2022’s Brand New Day, served as a reset for her career. The intensely personal songs captured a dramatic moment of change as she explored the emotions of breaking away from her sexually abusive father, which also meant an abrupt departure from the family’s band, the Willis Clan. Today she continues to advocate for survivors, sharing her own story with others who have faced similar situations. For many who have heard her message, she also serves as a beacon for new paths forward.

After publishing Unspeakable: Surviving My Childhood and Finding My Voice, a memoir about those traumatic experiences, Fisher returned to songwriting to express a new era in her life and career. The result is Blooming, with an album title that suggests her story is still being told.

KENNY CHESNEY ENTERS A NEW DIMENSION AS SPHERE RESIDENCY APPROACHES

Kenny Chesney signed on to bring his iconic positive vibe country to Sphere with the idea that he could deepen how No Shoes Nation experienced so many of the songs they knew by heart. As much as his high energy stadium shows have defined summer in the 21st century, the man Variety deemed, “country music’s only true long-term stadium act” wanted to create something that captured the dynamics of those shows, but also offered an intimacy and immersion into the songs.

With no one realizing, the creative team behind so much of Sphere’s patented technology quietly embedded at several of last year’s personal record-setting Sun Goes Down shows to capture the intensity and drama. But they have also spent this time shooting footage that reflects Chesney’s life, experience and musical meaning across one of modern country’s farthest-reaching careers.

“We didn’t know when we signed on what we were signing up for,” Chesney marvels. “I realized every bit of video was going to have to be shot for this wraparound-the-audience screen, but I had no idea how much creating these moments – because it’s so much more than content – would open up my own creative portals.

“We have to go to California to create the final edit, so we can understand the fullness of how people will experience the visuals, how it will marry to the music. But just the songs we saw earlier in the year, putting the show together is going to be a complete rush.”

Given the almost engulfing visual capabilities that deliver over 171 million pixels across a 160,000 square foot screen that wraps up, over and around the audience, the Sphere shows will deliver No Shoes Nation’s soundtrack in a way it’s never been seen or experienced before. With its 16K x 16K resolution wraparound screen, the world’s highest-resolution LED display, there’s an absorption factor at work for fans that will make this the ultimate live experience.

Beyond the all new, full-immersion content, the impossibly dialed-in sound quality, the Sandbar on the floor, DJ Brandi Cyrus ramping No Shoes Nation up before the show and a set list promising some surprises, the East Tennessee songwriter/superstar sought to make this experience something that changed the way people felt his music.

“You can’t know going into something like this what you are going to experience,” Chesney says. “But you open your arms to all of it, fall into the possibilities and learn a lot about not just the technology, but what else the music is made of. Embrace it all, because it’s awesome.”

Whether it’s a longtime favorite or something never played in concert, Chesney Live at Sphere is turning into a wild ride through a whole lotta life and love. Come early, or just drop by the Guitars, Tiki Bars and A Whole Lotta Love fan experience taking over a nearby two-story space at The Venetian Resort Las Vegas and grab a drink at the Spread the Love bar, then get ready for the man who made stadium summers a rite of passage. As Rolling Stone wrote, “No Shoes Nation fandom will descend upon Las Vegas in May… The shows will be a rare chance to see Chesney outside of the massive football stadiums he usually hits on tour.”

Kenny Chesney Live at Sphere in Las Vegas is presented by Blue Chair Bay® Rum.

COUNTRY SINGER-SONGWRITER CAROLINE JONES RELEASES NEW SONG “NO TELLIN’”

Country singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and band member of GRAMMY-Award winning Zac Brown Band, Caroline Jones, released her highly anticipated track, “No Tellin’.” It’s her first release since recently signing with Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment, signifying a new chapter of music.

Co-written and co-produced by Jones, “No Tellin’” is a bluegrassy, boot-stomper song about the moral courage it takes to tell a hard, ugly truth in order to free yourself and others from the pain of keeping a secret. Through the drama and power of live strings alongside empowering lyrics, Jones hopes this song touches the people who need to hear this message most.

This track marks her debut release with Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment. Jones says “I’m thrilled about this next chapter! This partnership feels like a natural, organic step forward in my evolution as an artist. The team is fantastic to work with and create alongside. I’m so proud of the sound that Julian Raymond, Ric Wake and I are crafting.”

“Caroline is such an impressive talent, from her songwriting to her first-rate musicality,” shares Big Machine Label Group Chairman & CEO Scott Borchetta. “She fits perfectly among the groundbreaking, unique artists at Nashville Harbor and we are so proud to have her join the family.”

“Scott and I have been big fans of Caroline for a long time,” adds Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment CEO Jimmy Harnen. “We are thrilled to have the opportunity to welcome her to Nashville Harbor!”

This release is just the beginning as Jones ushers in a renewed energy and fresh sound. Jones’ third, full-length studio album, Homesite, released in October 2023 with star-studded features including Zac Brown Band and Vince Gill. The singer-songwriter’s sophomore album, Antipodes, released in November 2021, debuted at #4 on the iTunes Country Chart and its foot-stomping lead single, “Come In (But Don’t Make Yourself Comfortable),” marked her first Top 30 country radio hit. Caroline’s dedication to her craft has led to previous collaborations and tours alongside the biggest names in the industry, including the late Jimmy Buffett, Kenny Chesney, The Eagles, OneRepublic, Carrie Underwood, Faith Hill and Tim McGraw, Trisha Yearwood, Jake Owen, Vince Gill, and more.

COUNTRY MUSIC HALL OF FAME® AND MUSEUM TO OPEN NEW EXHIBITION, DOLLY PARTON: JOURNEY OF A SEEKER

The Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum will explore the life and career of Country Music Hall of Fame member Dolly Parton in a new exhibition, Dolly Parton: Journey of a Seeker. The exhibit will focus on turning points throughout Parton’s more than 60-year career where she overcame obstacles and ignored naysayers to become one of the most beloved and widely recognized celebrities across the world. The exhibit will be open from May 20 until Sept. 2026.

“Being inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame was one of the greatest moments of my life, and being able to have a personal exhibit for the fans that put me there is a very big deal to me,” said Dolly Parton. “This seeker is very proud and honored, and I hope you enjoy my journey. I will always love you.”

“After accomplishing enough for three lifetimes, Dolly Parton continues to astound and amaze us with her boundless talent, her vivacious wit and her tremendous generosity,” said Kyle Young, chief executive officer of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. “Like all great artists, Parton has demonstrated consistently that she can transform adversity and setbacks into works of stunning beauty and insight into the human condition.”

The exhibit will include clothing, awards, handwritten lyrics, instruments, photographs, exclusive interview footage and more. Examples of items to be displayed include:

  • Parton’s first draft of handwritten lyrics to her classic song and #1 country hit “Jolene.”
  • A custom-built Gibson five-string banjo with a white metallic finish, rhinestone embellishments and butterfly motifs used by Parton at performances in 1992 and on her “Halos & Horns Tour” in 2002.
  • A Sony portable cassette tape recorder Parton used when she wrote the songs “I Will Always Love You,” “Jolene” and “The Seeker.”
  • A cowgirl outfit Parton wore in scenes in the 1980 Hollywood film “9 to 5.”
  • Hand-painted and beaded boots, designed by Bambi Breakstone, which Parton wore at the photoshoot for her 2002 album, Halos & Horns.
  • The Kennedy Center Honors medallion Parton was presented with in 2006 to honor her lifetime of contributions to American culture.
  • A Tony Chase-designed lace dress, embellished with pearl beading, Parton wore when she performed the R&B classic “I’m a Hog for You Baby” as a duet with the Muppets character Miss Piggy on an episode of Parton’s ABC-TV variety series “Dolly!” in 1987.
  • A Lucy Adams-designed dress, with lace sleeves and skirt and a butterfly-shaped rhinestone design, which Parton wore at appearances on “The Porter Wagoner Show” and the cover of the 1974 album Porter ’n’ Dolly.
  • The Gibson L-30 archtop acoustic guitar, built around 1935 — given to Parton as a gift from her brother Floyd Parton — which she played in the 1991 music video for “Silver and Gold,” from her album Eagle When She Flies.
  • The dress, with balloon sleeves, chiffon skirt, bugle beading and rhinestone accents Parton wore at a 1978 photoshoot by celebrity photographer Harry Langdon Jr. The likeness of her on a Dolly Parton-themed pinball machine, made by Bally in 1979, was based on one of Langdon’s photos of her in this dress.
  • A Steve Summers-designed metallic dress, with mesh fabric, spikes and beaded fringe, was worn by Parton in photos promoting her singles “World on Fire” and “We are the Champions/We Will Rock You,” from her 2023 album, Rockstar.
  • The Andreas-designed, rhinestone-covered platform mules Parton wore at the 61st Annual Grammy Awards on Feb. 10, 2019. The ceremony included a tribute to Parton, in which Miley Cyrus, Little Big Town, Maren Morris, Kacey Musgraves and Katy Perry performed a medley of her songs. Parton joined them onstage to sing “Jolene” with Cyrus.
  • Designed for Parton by Lucy Adams, a pantsuit with bell sleeves, bell bottoms and rhinestone-and-bead embellished floral shapes, worn by Parton when she toured with her Traveling Family Band in 1975, and on the cover of Dolly, her 1975 album also known as The Seeker/We Used To.

Dolly Parton was born the fourth of 12 children 15 miles east of Sevierville in a remote cabin in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee with no plumbing, electricity or access roads. Embracing her father’s enterprising work ethic and her mother’s love of traditional Scots-Irish folk music, she pursued her dream of becoming an entertainer despite limited opportunities. By age 10, Parton performed regularly on radio and television shows in Knoxville, Tennessee; recorded teen-pop tunes in Louisiana at age 13; and signed with Mercury Records in Nashville at age 16 — moving there to pursue her career the day after finishing high school.

Dolly Parton: Journey of a Seeker will explore many times during Parton’s life where her persistence established a pattern to not let critics or business-as-usual policies discourage the pursuit of her dreams. Some of the themes include:

  • At age 13, Parton made her Grand Ole Opry debut, but only after she and her uncle Bill Owens persuaded singer Jimmy C. Newman to give her one of his time slots after an Opry manager refused to schedule her, citing her youth.
  • After establishing herself in Nashville, Parton resisted advice from record executives who warned that her flamboyant fashions would overshadow her talent — determined to present herself as boldly as she dreamed as a young girl with a vivid imagination and a desire to stand apart and experience life beyond the Smoky Mountains.
  • When Parton collaborated with L.A. pop producer Gary Klein for her 1977 album Here You Come Again, many in the Nashville community accused her of abandoning country music in search of pop success. The album became Parton’s first million-selling album, earning her first Grammy Award and led to her film debut as Doralee Rhodes, in Jane Fonda’s upcoming film “9 to 5,” when Fonda heard Parton’s hit “Two Doors Down” from the album.
  • To encourage an interest in reading in children five and under in Servier County and to honor her father, who never learned to read but insisted on his children becoming readers, she founded Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in 1995 — shocking skeptics when 1,700 books reached mailboxes from the first month on. She launched the Dollywood Foundation in 1998, with the Imagination Library as its flagship program, which is now active in all 50 states, as well as in Australia, Canada, Ireland and the United Kingdom.

A singer, songwriter, movie and television actor, author, businesswoman and philanthropist, Parton is a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame, Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and Songwriters Hall of Fame, and has received the National Medal of Arts and the Kennedy Center Honors. 

CHARLY REYNOLDS ANNOUNCES ACOUSTIC VERSION OF HER DEBUT ALBUM OFF THE RECORD

Rising country artist Charly Reynolds is reimagining her debut album Off the Record with a raw, stripped-down acoustic release, “Off the Record (Live Acoustic).” Beginning March 28, 2025, Reynolds unveiled one song every two weeks, culminating in the full album release in the fall of 2025.

The first release, the title track “Off the Record (Live Acoustic),” showcases Reynolds’ untouched vocals and organic instrumentation, featuring only acoustic guitar, cajón, and fiddle. Alongside the song, Reynolds has released a live performance video, capturing the intimate, storytelling essence that has resonated deeply with fans across all social media platforms.

“I wanted to do an acoustic version of the album because it brings it back closer to how a lot of these songs were written, with an acoustic guitar or bare tracks with a little bit of percussion. I love them acoustic just as much and thought it would be fun to share that with my fans!” Reynolds said of her upcoming release.

Produced by Zachary Manno, “Off the Record (Live Acoustic)” offers a fresh perspective on Reynolds’ debut project, allowing the emotion and depth of each song to shine through in its purest form.

Charly Reynolds is a rising star in country music, captivating audiences with her authentic storytelling and vibrant sound. At just 25 years old, the Florida native has quickly established herself as a formidable singer-songwriter, with her debut album Off the Record showcasing a blend of Nashville twang and Texas dance hall charm. Released on September 20, 2024, the album features four compelling singles: “Love You Long,” “Somebody In Love,” “People Think,” and “Visiting Hours,” each offering a glimpse into Charly’s relatable experiences and heartfelt lyrics.

Before her debut album, Charly made waves with her 2023 EP, Perfect Timing. The six-track collection featured standout songs like“She Ain’t Me,” whose music video has surpassed two million views, the introspective “One Day at a Time,” and the poignant ballad “Flowers.” The EP’s launch was celebrated with sold-out shows in both Nashville, TN, and Orlando, FL.

She has shared the stage and lineup with artists such as Cody Johnson, Lainey Wilson, Parker McCollum, Sara Evans, Maddie and Tae, Walker Hayes, JoDee Messina, and more. Charly’s sound is enriched by influences from country legends like Shania Twain, Carrie Underwood, and Martina McBride. Her music resonates deeply with fans, offering a mix of lively anthems and heartfelt tracks that strike an emotional chord. Her rendition of “Neon Moon” made an impactful appearance in the Season 5 finale of FOX’s The Resident, further solidifying her presence in the industry. With plans for another headlining tour and more releases on the horizon, Charly Reynolds is an artist to watch, delivering a fresh sound and a genuine connection to her audience as she continues to carve out her niche in country music.

PETE’S DUELING PIANO BAR SET TO OPEN IN DOWNTOWN NASHVILLE,DELIVERING NON-STOP FUN AND ENTERTAINMENT

Ribbon Cutting and Grand Opening Celebration Friday, April 4th

Nashville’s nightlife just got a whole lot louder – and a lotmore fun. Pete’s Dueling Piano Bar, the ultimate live music experience, is set to officially open indowntown Nashville, just steps away from Broadway, on Friday, April 4th. Located at 152 2ndAveN. (Lower Level), this exciting new venue will bring an unforgettable blend of live music, high-energy performances, and crowd interaction to Music City.

Get ready for an unforgettable night at Pete’s Dueling Piano Bar, while two talented pianists battle itout on stage, playing crowd favorites from every genre and era. The audience is encouraged torequest songs, join in on the fun, and be a part of the show in an atmosphere that combines livemusic, humor, and non-stop excitement. It’s a one-of-a-kind experience that promises to keep yousinging, dancing, and celebrating all night long.

“We are thrilled to finally bring Pete’s Dueling Piano Bar to Nashville and take part in therevitalization efforts of Second Avenue,” said Austin Walter, partner in Pete’s Dueling Piano Bar.“This city has a rich musical history, and we can’t wait to contribute our energy and passion to thedowntown scene. We’re looking forward to giving both locals and visitors a truly unique place tohave fun, celebrate, and experience live music in a way only Pete’s can offer.”

The highly anticipated grand opening of Pete’s Dueling Piano Bar will take place on Friday, April4th, promising an unforgettable night of live music, celebration, and excitement. Doors will open tothe general public at 7:00 p.m., with a special ribbon-cutting ceremony taking place earlier in theevening at 5:00 p.m.

Guests will enjoy a spacious 10,000 square-foot venue complete with state-of-the-art lighting,sound, and video. With three bars, a VIP section, and a high-energy music-driven party atmosphere,Pete’s will become Nashville’s newest go-to spot for birthday celebrations, bachelorette parties, andunforgettable nights out.

Pete’s is the ultimate spot for unforgettable drinks. Dive into their legendary 52-ounce schooners,perfect for sharing with up to five friends. The “Lucky Duck” schooner is a fan favorite, while their“Tasty Tub Drinks”—craft cocktails served in fun, souvenir bathtubs—are a must-try, each toppedwith a rubber ducky (Nashville’s sporting a cowboy hat!). Don’t miss the bold Bangarang, the zestySpicy Pineapple ‘Rita, or one-of-a-kind shots like “Mexican Candy” and “Wedding Cake” that youcan only find at Pete’s.

ABOUT PETE’S DUELING PIANO BAR
Since its debut in Texas in 1992, Pete’s Dueling Piano Bar has built a loyal following for itsinteractive, high-energy performances and unique party atmosphere. Pete’s Nashville joins agrowing list of locations across the country, including Frisco, Fort Worth, Houston, Austin, andChicago. From birthday celebrations to bachelorette parties, Pete’s offers something for everyonewith entertainment that never stops.

CHRISTIAN HAYES RELEASES “THROUGH IT ALL”

Ever since Capitol Records recording artist Christian Hayes’ love for songwriting was born in a journal his grandpa gifted him at age seven, music has been an avenue for him to navigate complex emotions associated with growing up and the heartaches that come with it. The release of his latest song, “Through It All,” is no exception, as Hayes toggles with learning to move on from a relationship alone.

Hayes says, “I wrote ‘Through It All’ in celebration of all the times I made it through things without the people who promised they’d be there for me. It’s a song about realizing you’re strong enough – and you are enough… It’s something I hope you can find strength in as well.”

Written by Hayes and Jonah Kagen, and produced by Kagen, the emotional ballad conveys the anguish of a relationship ending with a person who was expected to be around to help weather life’s storms.

Prior to “Through It All,” Hayes released his debut EP, Last I Love You, in September 2024. Last I Love You casts a wide net, introducing Hayes’ genre-bending style by fusing Americana and folk, while bouncing between campfire ballads, cinematic soundscapes and raw, rowdy barn-burners. At the center of that sound is Hayes himself: a wise-beyond-his-years musician who knows he can’t move forward without taking a look at his past.

Genuine and articulate, Hayes comes from a long line of storytellers that includes his Grandpa Jack – a poet by profession. Born and raised in the foothills of Appalachia, Hayes began playing guitar at age eight. After high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy Reserve and attended the University of Alabama.

Hayes made his Grand Ole Opry debut on February 1, performing two songs: the unreleased “Home Sweet Home” and viral hit, “LILY.” This Summer, Hayes will make his CMA Fest debut with a performance on the Hard Rock Stage.

About Christian Hayes:

Raised in the Appalachian foothills of northern Georgia, Christian Hayes grew up surrounded by southern storytelling. His grandfather —a poet by profession —encouraged him to begin writing in a journal at 7 years old, sparking a habit that would eventually take Hayes to Nashville. A veteran of the US Navy Reserve, Hayes began applying the discipline of his military training to his work as a songwriter, amassing more than 900 original songs by his mid-twenties. Five of those songs appear on Last I Love You, his debut for Capitol Records available now. Produced by Lukas Bracewell and steeped in Hayes’ unique version of American roots music, Last I Love You features the viral hit “LILY” (which racked up more than 3 million streams before the EP’s official release), the anthemic “Black Gold,” and a mix of effortless melodies, cinematic folk and rowdy, barn-burning Americana. Earlier this year Hayes made his debuts on both the Grand Ole Opry and Bluebird stages.

ERIC CHURCH TO CELEBRATE NEW ALBUM WITH “EVANGELINE VS. THE MACHINE”, LIVE MAY 23 & 24 AT THE PINNACLE IN NASHVILLE

Widely renowned for his singular concerts, with Forbes remarking that he “frequently looks to shake up just how fans experience live music,” Eric Church once again offers a unique live experience with an exclusive pair of shows set for May 23 and 24 at Nashville’s newest live music venue, The Pinnacle, in celebration of the release of his highly anticipated May 2 album, Evangeline vs. The Machine.

The one-off shows will see Church perform the new album in sequence for the first time, while also treating fans to a number of compelling performances of his most iconic hits. A self-proclaimed “album artist,” Church has always championed the power of cohesive storytelling, and Evangeline vs. The Machine is no exception. “An album is a snapshot in time that lasts for all time,” Church shares of the creative approach behind the highly-anticipated new project. “I believe in that time-tested tradition of making records that live and breathe as one piece of art – I think it’s important.”

“I’ve always let creativity be the muse. It’s been a compass for me,” he adds. “The people that I look up to in my career and the kind of musicians I gravitate to never did what I thought they were going to do next – and I love them for it. I never want our fans to get an album and go, ‘Oh, that’s like Chief or that’s like this.’ Painstakingly, I lose sleep at night to try to make sure that whatever we do creatively, they go, ‘Wow, that’s not what I thought.’ I think that’s my job as an artist.”

Lead single “Hands Of Time” is already impressing, having set a new personal record en route to becoming most added at Country radio this week with 135 first-week stations and earning immediate praise from fans and critics alike. Stereogum lauded the “juicy, fired-up Southern rocker about living in a world that increasingly makes no sense to you;” Rolling Stone celebrated the “nostalgic jukebox, full of allusions to songs and artists that were essential to Church’s career: Bob Seger and ‘Hollywood Nights,’ Tom Petty and ‘Even the Losers,’ AC/DC’s ‘Back in Black,’ and Willie and Waylon’s ‘Luckenbach, Texas,’ among them;” and Billboard honored the way “the song builds into a punchy, rock-fueled anthem as Church sings of turning to simple pleasures – particularly music – to fend off the impact of the passing decades.”

Among the other songs featured on the forthcoming Jay Joyce-produced album is “Darkest Hour,” released ahead of the project to support relief efforts following the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene in September 2024, with all of Church’s publishing royalties donated to provide ongoing funds in support of a more resilient future for his home state of North Carolina. “That song had the chance to change things—it already has,” Church reflects. “The greatest concert I’ve ever played was the Concert for Carolina – that’s the greatest thing I’ve been involved with. This song played a big part of that night and is a rallying cry for the people there that still need a lot of help. As a person who writes and performs a song, seeing it truly impact people’s lives is the greatest thing you can hope to accomplish.”

Also included is “Johnny,” a soul-stirring reinterpretation inspired by “The Devil Went Down to Georgia” and the Covenant School tragedy, which Church has previewed in limited settings at both his Chief’s To Beat The Devil residency and the recent Country Radio Seminar, leaving audiences in awe. “About a year ago, we had a shooting here in Nashville at the Covenant School,” he explained when introducing the song during CRS. “Where my kids go to school, my two boys, is about a mile from that school. I will tell you something, the hardest thing I’ve ever done in my life – parent or otherwise – is dropping them off at that school the day after the shooting and watching them walk inside. I sat in the parking lot for a long time, and as fate would have it, as I was pulling out, Charlie Daniels was playing, ‘The Devil Went Down to Georgia.’ I remember thinking, man, we could use Johnny right now, because the Devil’s not in Georgia, he’s everywhere. I went home and wrote ‘Johnny’.”

THE FIRST HALF OF the 33rd ANNUAL TIN PAN SOUTH SONGWRITERS FESTIVAL FILLED WITH CELEBRATION, SPECIAL GUESTS AND NEARLY 100 HOURS OF SONGS AND STORIES!

On Tuesday, March 25, the Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) celebrated the start of the 33rd annual Tin Pan South Songwriters Festival! They began taking over Music City alongside presenting partner Regions Bank to honor the art of songwriting, filling 11 venues throughout town with dozens of chart-topping songwriters who have penned the songs that soundtrack each and every moment of our lives.

While the first shows began Tuesday evening at 6:00pm, the celebration started early for festival performers, partners, and the industry over at NSAI Headquarters, The Music Mill. Presenting partner Regions Bank joined forces with NSAI to transform The Music Mill parking lot into a Tailgate party featuring BBQ from Peg Leg Porker, beverages and games from Jack Daniel’s, hydration from StageWater and live entertainment from several standout NSAI Members! Throughout the two hours, songwriters Mark Taylor, Axel Rasmussen, Brittany Moore, Jesse Felder, Grayson May, and Emily Ortega performed while festival performers, partner attendees and industry members united sharing their plans for the week.

The first three nights of the festival were filled with nearly 100 hours of stories and songs with every stage welcoming the songwriters as they shared their talents with attentive audiences. Thanks to Southwest Airlines®, three lucky winners were recipients of a Southwest Surprise and Delight, taking home a $150 gift certificate courtesy of Tin Pan South’s official airline partner.

From a taste of Texas at the Saxon Pub Exchange Show (The Bluebird Cafe) to the reunion of The Hitmen of Music Row, featuring Bob DiPiero, Tony Mullins, Jeffrey Steele, and Craig Wiseman (3rd and Lindsley Nashville | Visit Music City Stage) the entertainment has been non-stop.

Beyond the scheduled performers over the past three days, in true Tin Pan fashion, numerous surprise guests have appeared! On Wednesday night at the Jack Daniel’s Stage at The Listening Room Cafe, the round featuring Breland, David Fanning, and Travis Heidelman featured guest after guest, with Jeff Trott, Jon Decious, Abbey Anderson, and Rob Ragosta all hopping on to share a song each, and over at the Lounge at City Winery on Thursday, the audience was surprised with a special performance from songwriter-artist Morgan Evans on the Tennessee Association of Broadcasters Stage!

Tonight (Friday, March 28) the festival continues strong with a pop-centric round featuring Oak Felder, Sebastian Kole, Austin Nivarel (AB Hillsboro Village | Nashville Scene Stage), an alternative country show at the Tennessee Association of Broadcasters Stage at The Lounge At City Winery with Katie Boeck, Lance Cowan, Fred Koller, and Ryan Murphey, or a chance for NASHVILLE, the show, fans to relive moments at the Visit Music City Stage at 3rd and Lindsley where Charles Esten and songwriters from the show NASHVILLE will perform, with proceeds from that show benefitting this year’s official festival charity ALIVE (ALIVE Hospice).

About Tin Pan South
Tin Pan South Songwriters Festival, established in 1993 by NSAI, is the largest songwriter’s festival in the world. It offers audiences a platform to discover rising songwriters and watch songwriting legends in their element. Every genre is well represented; some of the artists who have graced the stage in the past include Art Garfunkel, Carole King, Donna Summer, Josh Osborne, Lamont Dozier, Lori McKenna, RaeLynn, and Thomas Rhett. More information can be found here.

About Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI)
Established in 1967, NSAI is the world’s largest not-for-profit songwriters trade association supporting 90+ chapters throughout the U.S. and beyond and a membership of nearly 5,000 professional and developing songwriters of all genres.

With the 57-year-strong mission to advocate, educate, elevate and celebrate the songwriter, NSAI has successfully led numerous legislative endeavors to protect the rights and profession of songwriting nationwide and acts as a unifying force within the music community at large. Nashville, Tennessee is home to its headquarters and NSAI shines the spotlight on the art of songwriting year-round as the proud owner of the legendary Bluebird Cafe, and through numerous songwriter-focused events including the Tin Pan South Songwriters Festival, The Nashville Songwriter Awards and various educational events throughout the year.