SHABOOZEY ANNOUNCES NEW CONCEPT ALBUM “THE OUTLAW CHERIE LEE & OTHER WESTERN TALES”

/0 Comments/in /by

GRAMMY®-winning, record-breaking singer-songwriter Shaboozey returns with the announcement of his fourth album, The Outlaw Cherie Lee & Other Western Tales. An expansive concept record building upon Shaboozey’s trail-blazing and genre-colliding style, The Outlaw Cherie Lee is out July 31st via Shaboozey’s record imprint American Dogwood, in partnership with his label home EMPIRE. Watch the album trailer HERE.

Continuing Shaboozey’s penchant for working with all-stars from across the musical spectrum — from Jelly Roll to Noah Cyrus to BigXthaPlug to Sierra Ferrell and beyond — The Outlaw Cherie Lee features another slate of high-profile collaborations that continue to push the boundaries of country music. Fans will receive their first preview of Shaboozey’s adventurous new album with “Born To Die,” out 4/24. Shaboozey will celebrate release day with a special performance in the TODAY Plaza in New York City.

“Where I’ve Been, Isn’t Where I’m Going was a journal entry and an opportunity for the world to get to know more about me as a person,” Shaboozey said. “That album changed my life. I never expected people to connect with the album and enjoy it the way they did. But now I want to show the world who I am as an artist and storyteller. The Outlaw Cherie Lee is a project that’s been several years in the making and has gone through many iterations. It’s a western about revenge told continuously through every song, centered on the character Cherie Lee. It explores so many themes, as many timeless westerns have: revenge, redemption, and romance, through the eyes of a protagonist looking to challenge everything she once thought true about her world. I poured all of myself into this and I hope people become as immersed in the world and the journey as I have. This album was a promise to myself and something, no matter what, I had to keep. It pushed my songwriting and storytelling to new heights, and I couldn’t be more proud to say it’s done and almost yours.”

The Outlaw Cherie Lee & Other Western Tales is a cinematic outlaw revenge story with a tragic love at its center. After watching her sheriff father murdered by the Bootcut Boys, Cherie Lee abandons the badge and hunts the gang down one by one. In the middle of her vengeance, she unexpectedly falls for one of the outlaws. He believes loving her can redeem him; she hopes loving him can quiet her darkness. They’re both wrong. In the final act, Cherie chooses blood over love, killing the man who loves her most and fully becoming what she set out to destroy.

In celebration of his forthcoming album The Outlaw Cherie Lee & Other Western Tales, Shaboozey will bring the world of Cherie Lee to life at Stagecoach 2026 with an immersive pop-up saloon experience on the festival grounds. Running April 24–26, Cherie Lee’s invites fans to step inside the story – a fully realized Western saloon environment inspired by the album’s central character and narrative. The activation serves as an extension of the music itself, transporting visitors into the outlaw world at the heart of Shaboozey’s most ambitious project to date. Fans can expect exclusive previews of the album alongside appearances from Shaboozey himself, making Cherie Lee’s a can’t-miss destination on the festival grounds.

The news of Shaboozey’s latest album arrives to more anticipation than ever, following a whirlwind two years kicked off by 2024’s breakthrough record Where I’ve Been, Isn’t Where I’m Going and a slew of smash hits including the GRAMMY®-nominated “Good News” and the history-making, Diamond-certified “A Bar Song (Tipsy).” The latter broke the record for most weeks at #1 on Billboard’s Radio Songs chart In 2025, and made Shaboozey the first artist to ever have a single break the top 10 across all four charts: Country Airplay, Pop Airplay, Adult Pop Airplay, and Rhythmic Airplay. The song was also the second ever single by a Black artist to top both the Billboard Hot 100 and Country Songs Charts.

Shaboozey released the expanded edition of Where I’ve Been, Isn’t Where I’m Going, featuring “Amen” with Jelly Roll, which won the GRAMMY® for Best Country Duo/Group Performance. In fall of 2025, he also contributed “Let ‘Em Know” as the official opening track of Prime Sport’s Thursday Night Football and collaborated with Stephen Wilson Jr. for “Took A Walk,” written for the end credits of the Lionsgate motion picture The Long Walk. Earlier this month, he received two Academy Of Country Music Award nominations, including New Male Artist Of The Year and Music Event Of The Year for “Amen.”

MIRANDA LAMBERT ALIGNS WITH MCA

/0 Comments/in /by

Three-time GRAMMY Award winner Miranda Lambert will release future music with MCA, marking an exciting new chapter in her decorated recording career.

One of the most influential and enduring voices in country music, Lambert’s decision to align her next phase with a Nashville-based label reflects a continued commitment to the creative community and roots that have long shaped her artistry. With MCA, she will be supported by a team focused on global reach and impactful storytelling.

“Miranda is a generational artist whose influence and artistry continue to shape modern music,” said Mike Harris, MCA President & CEO. “We are honored to work alongside her as she enters this next chapter and we look forward to building something truly special together.”

“Throughout my life and career, I have found that the common thread in every chapter is finding the right people – songwriters, musicians, collaborators and team members – to match the moment,” says Lambert. “I am honored to join a roster and a team with such a rich history of championing artistry. I look forward to sharing this new music with the world under their banner.”

Lambert, known for her honest storytelling, commanding live performances and unwavering authenticity, continues to push the boundaries of country music while maintaining a deep connection with its roots and its fans.

A multi-dimensional superstar, she’s earned seven No. 1 solo albums, 10 No. 1 radio singles, more than 80 prestigious awards and countless RIAA certifications; conquered Las Vegas with her twice-extended Velvet Rodeo residency; blurred genres with wide-ranging collaborations; and was named to the TIME100 list of the world’s most influential people. The most-awarded artist in Academy of Country Music history, she is among the most-nominated at this year’s ceremony, with eight nods recognizing her contributions not only as an artist, yet also as a songwriter and producer.

This next chapter further reinforces MCA’s role in shaping country music’s future, bringing together a defining voice in the genre with a label committed to building lasting careers and supporting artists who continue to move the genre forward.

Lambert continues in her role as Founder of Big Loud Texas, where she remains actively involved in her business partnership and ongoing artist development efforts across the label and its publishing company.

About Miranda Lambert
Critically acclaimed groundbreaker/songwriter/superstar Miranda Lambert has defined her multifaceted career as an artist, entertainer, entrepreneur, advocate and businesswoman with an unflinching quest for excellence, honesty and conviction. GRAMMY-nominated single “A Song To Sing” with Chris Stapleton arrived recently as the biggest streaming debut of her career, with Rolling Stone praising its “dreamy disco groove and lovestruck devotion.” Her 10th solo studio album, the GRAMMY-nominated Postcards from Texas, continued her unbroken streak of 10 consecutive Top 10s on the Top Country Albums chart. The most-awarded artist in Academy of Country Music history, including their top honor for Entertainer of the Year, she has also won three GRAMMYs and 14 Country Music Association Awards. A TIME100 honoree and perennial best-of-the-year list maker at the New York Times, TIME, Rolling Stone, Billboard, Stereogum, People and more, NPR has called her “the most riveting country star of her generation.”

Lambert has taken those standards to become a label co-founder, teaming with longtime collaborator Jon Randall to launch their own imprint, Big Loud Texas, in partnership with Big Loud Records. She is also a New York Times bestselling author and the first female restaurateur on Lower Broadway with her Tex-Mex cantina Casa Rosa, while also expanding her creative reach with her Wanda June Home collection as well as Idyllwind, her western clothing, accessories and footwear brand at Boot Barn. Her passion for rescue animals inspired the creation of her MuttNation Foundation, which has raised over $13 million since inception to promote adoption, support shelters across the country, advance spay & neuter and assist with the transport of animals during times of natural disaster.

RILEY GREEN KICKS OFF COWBOY AS IT GETS TOUR

/0 Comments/in /by

This past weekend, multi-PLATINUM, ACM and CMA Award-winning singer-songwriter Riley Green kicked off his Cowboy As It Gets Tour to sold-out arenas in Southaven, Louisville, and Nashville at the iconic Bridgestone Arena. Wrapping up the weekend of tour dates on a high note, Green’s Bridgestone show featured special performances with Carly Pearce for the hit duet, “If I Don’t Leave I’m Gonna Stay,” Jamey Johnson for a cover of the iconic, “Where The Corn Don’t Grow,” and “In Color.”

In addition to the tour kick off, last week Green hosted the second annual Buford Bonds Foundation of Alabama Riley Green & Friends golf tournament and concert which raised $650,000 for his charitable fund. Established in 2023 in honor of his grandfathers, Buford Bonds Foundation of Alabama supports nonprofit organizations around the country which help those who need it the most. In previous years, the fund has donated proceeds towards Folds of Honor, The Recording Academy’s Fire Relief efforts, and more. Following the golf tournament, Green hosted an acoustic writer’s round style performance at Gadsden, AL’s The AMP, which also featured performances from special guests Jamey Johnson and Drake White, alongside Green himself.

On the heels of a major week including his first AMA nomination for Best Male Country Artist as well as four ACM nominations for Album of The Year and Male Artist of The Year, and more, Green also made his acting debut on CBS’ Marshals and released a brand new, solo-penned track, “My Way.” The new song will be featured in Marshals on April 26 where Green will perform the track as his character, “Garrett.”

The tour will take Green to major cities and arenas across the country, including Alpharetta, Cleveland, Saratoga Springs, Salt Lake City, and Hartford, among many others. Joining him on select dates is an exciting lineup of special guests, including Justin Moore, Drake White, Mackenzie Carpenter, Adam Hood, Hannah McFarland, and Zach John King, making this one of the most anticipated country tours of the year. With additional tour dates to be announced, Green will also perform at Stagecoach Festival this April.

ABOUT RILEY GREEN:

CMA and ACM Award winner Riley Green has been compelling Country music fans to raise a drink, shed a tear, and, above all, celebrate where they are from since first releasing his self-titled EP in 2018. Songs like the No. 1 2X-PLATINUM hit “There Was This Girl,” the 3X-PLATINUM-certified “I Wish Grandpas Never Died,” and his chart-topping collaboration with Thomas Rhett, “Half Of Me,” have made Green synonymous with what Country music does best: delivering no-gimmick, relatable songs with a timeless feel that make listeners feel something.

An avid sports fan, outdoorsman, and former Jacksonville State University quarterback, Green continues to build on his momentum, earning multiple Academy of Country Music awards and previously being named a MusicRow Breakout Artist of the Year, a CMT “Listen Up Artist,” and one of CRS’s New Faces of Country Music. Luke Combs joined Green on his PLATINUM No. 1 single “Different ’Round Here (feat. Luke Combs),” the title track of his 2019 debut album, which he re-recorded after seeing the powerful connection fans had with the song.

The singer-songwriter’s third studio album, Don’t Mind If I Do, produced by Dann Huff, arrived on his birthday, October 18, via Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment, delivering more of the signature sound fans have come to expect from the Jacksonville, Alabama native who still proudly calls his hometown home. Green later released Don’t Mind If I Do (Deluxe), adding six new tracks to the 18-song collection. On a continued hot streak, Green’s confidence shines throughout the project, with five solo-written tracks including standouts “Jesus Saves,” the 3X-PLATINUM “Worst Way,” and the title track, which reunites him with his “You Look Like You Love Me” duet partner. Green recently announced his 2026 Cowboy As It Gets Tour, set to hit major cities and arenas nationwide. Additionally, Green made his acting debut on CBS’ new TV show, Marshals, a spinoff of the beloved Yellowstone series, where he plays Garrett, a former Navy SEAL.

CMA FEST PRESENTED BY SOFI REVEALS ADDITIONAL PERFORMERS DURING SIGNATURE EVENT IN NASHVILLE, JUNE 4-7

/0 Comments/in /by

CMA Fest presented by SoFi is quickly approaching, preparing to take over downtown Nashville. The Country Music Association has announced even more performers to take the stage during the four-day festival, taking place Thursday, June 4 through Sunday, June 7. These additional performers are joining an already star-studded lineup featuring hundreds of the most exciting names in Country Music.

Inside Nissan Stadium, Platform Stage performances by Emily Ann Roberts, The Jack Wharff Band, Kaitlin Butts, Kat Luna, Laci Kaye Booth, Maggie Antone, Scoot Teasley, Vincent Mason, Willow Avalon and Zach John King will showcase a milestone moment for rising stars. Clay Walker, Jo Dee Messina, Rhett Akins and Sara Evans are set to open the nightly shows at Nissan Stadium, with the fun kicking off Thursday night as Caylee Hammack performs the national anthem.

The excitement keeps building at CMA Fest’s free daytime outdoor stages, with Brandon Lake bringing Cowboy Church to the Chevy Riverfront Stage – a rowdy, hope-filled Sunday morning gathering with some favorite on-fire Country artists, open to anyone who could use a little encouragement and a moment of hope. Even more stars are set to perform across the weekend, with CeCe opening festivities at the Chevy Riverfront Stage on Thursday with the national anthem, while the Dr Pepper Amp Stage will welcome Filmore on Friday as well as Gabriella Rose and Nappy Roots on Sunday. MŌRIAH will join the Chevy Vibes Stage on Thursday, followed by Love and Theft on Sunday. The Wrangler Remix Stage adds even more energy to the weekend, adding Omer Netzer on Saturday and MORGXN on Sunday.

With a variety of ticketing options available, there’s an experience for everyone, from nightly stadium concerts to free daytime performances.

  • Four-Night Stadium Passes: Enjoy full access to all nightly concerts at Nissan Stadium, including performances from Country Music’s biggest stars.
  • Single-Night Stadium Tickets: Get access to a superstar-packed night of performances at Nissan Stadium on the date of your choice.
  • Riverside Retreat: Upgrade your experience with VIP access to the Chevy Riverfront Stage, Dr Pepper Amp Stage and Chevy Vibes Stage offering exclusive amenities like shaded areas, mobile charging stations and air-conditioned restrooms. Plus, enjoy early entry to the Chevy Riverfront Stage and discounted beverages.
  • Fan Fair X: Get up close with your favorite artists through exclusive meet-and-greets, shop one-of-a-kind festival merch and enjoy a variety of indoor activities at Music City Center.
  • VIP Packages: Experience CMA Fest like never before with a VIP Package! Enjoy premium seating, backstage access and exclusive hospitality all weekend long through Elevate Experiences, an Official Experiential Hospitality Provider of CMA Fest. 
  • Free Outdoor Stages: Catch hundreds of artists performing throughout downtown Nashville on multiple outdoor stages. These high-energy concerts are free to attend and showcase the best of Country Music, from emerging talent to well-established stars. 

Beyond incredible performances, at its heart, CMA Fest reflects the Country Music community’s shared commitment to giving back. Through the participation of artists and the broader Country Music community, a portion of proceeds from each annual CMA Fest supports the CMA Foundation’s music education initiatives nationwide.

Building on this commitment to support the next generation of artists, SoFi has launched the Amplify Your Ambitions contest. Now through April 30, artists can enter for the opportunity to win a $200,000 grand prize or one of two $50,000 runner-up prizes. Up-and-coming artists are asked to share how these funds would help them achieve their music career ambitions, and SoFi will select three finalists to win. The grand prize winner will be selected by a panel of judges and a public vote, and will be announced on June 4 during an intimate concert in Nashville, where all three finalists will perform.

SoFi is once again proud to serve as the official bank and presenting sponsor of CMA Fest, continuing a partnership designed to inspire people to achieve financial independence through the power of music. Festivalgoers can learn more about SoFi’s premium member benefits at CMA Fest, including cash back rewards, access to the members-only SoFi Studio lounge, and ticket giveaways, by following SoFi on X and Instagram for the latest updates.

CMA Fest will once again be filmed for a national television special to air on ABC and Hulu this summer. The special will be executive produced and written by Robert Deaton and directed by Alan Carter.

About CMA Fest
For more than 50 years, CMA Fest has united the Country Music community, bringing fans, artists and industry professionals together for four unforgettable days in the heart of Nashville. What began in 1972 as Fan Fair® with just 5,000 attendees has evolved into the longest-running Country Music festival in the world, drawing an estimated 95,000 daily attendees. CMA Fest is more than a festival—it’s a celebration of the connection between artists and fans, featuring hundreds of performances and collaborations across multiple stages, once-in-a-lifetime moments, and the vibrant energy of Nashville, all fueling something bigger than the event itself. Through the participation of artists and the broader Country Music community, a portion of proceeds support music education initiatives nationwide through the CMA Foundation. This year marks the 23rd consecutive year that CMA has produced a summer music program to air as a network television special on ABC and Hulu.

About the CMA Foundation
The CMA Foundation transforms lives through the power of music education. Established by the Country Music Association in 2011 and headquartered in Nashville, TN, the nonprofit 501(c)(3) invests in high-quality programs that ensure all students have access to music. In partnership with the music industry and like-minded nonprofits, the CMA Foundation directs research-informed funding where it makes the greatest impact—empowering music teachers through professional development, providing resources for classrooms and programs, and creating life-changing opportunities for students.

About SoFi
SoFi Technologies (NASDAQ: SOFI) is a one-stop shop for digital financial services on a mission to help people achieve financial independence to realize their ambitions. 13.7 million members trust SoFi to borrow, save, spend, invest, and protect their money and buy, sell and hold their crypto – all in one app – and get access to financial planners, exclusive experiences, and a thriving community. Fintechs, financial institutions, and brands use SoFi’s technology platform Galileo to build and manage innovative financial solutions across 128 million global accounts. For more information, visit www.sofi.com or download our iOS and Android apps.

COUNTRY MUSIC MOURNS THE LOSS OF HALL OF FAME SONGWRITER DON SCHLITZ AT 73

/0 Comments/in /by

The heartbeat of Music City grew a little quieter yesterday as the country music community learned of the passing of Don Schlitz. The legendary Hall of Fame songwriter, whose pen gave life to some of the most enduring anthems in the American canon, died Thursday, April 16, at a Nashville hospital following a sudden illness. He was 73 years old.

Schlitz’s journey from a Duke University dropout working the night shift at a Nashville computer lab to the pinnacle of the Country Music Hall of Fame is the stuff of industry legend. His breakthrough came in 1978 when a young Schlitz pitched a story-song about a chance encounter on a train. That song, “The Gambler,” recorded by Kenny Rogers, became a cross-over phenomenon, reaching the heights of both the country and pop charts and spawning a media franchise.

“Don doesn’t just write songs,” Kenny Rogers once famously remarked. “He writes careers.”

A Legacy Defined by Hits and Heart

While “The Gambler” secured his place in history—earning him a CMA Song of the Year and a Grammy for Country Song of the Year in 1979—it was merely the opening chapter of a prolific career. Schlitz possessed a rare ability to capture the complexities of the human condition with deceptive simplicity.

Throughout the 1980s and 90s, he became the primary architect of the “New Traditionalist” movement. His partnership with Randy Travis resulted in timeless classics like “On The Other Hand” and “Forever and Ever, Amen,” both of which earned CMA Song of the Year honors. His catalog reads like a “Greatest Hits” of the era, including:

  • Keith Whitley: “When You Say Nothing At All”
  • The Judds: “Turn It Loose”
  • Mary Chapin Carpenter: “He Thinks He’ll Keep Her”
  • Garth Brooks: “Learning To Live Again”
  • Alabama: “40 Hour Week (For A Livin’)”
  • Tanya Tucker: “My Arms Stay Open All Night”

Schlitz’s dominance was so absolute that he was named ASCAP Country Songwriter of the Year for four consecutive years, from 1988 through 1991.

Innovation and Inclusion

Beyond the charts, Schlitz revolutionized how fans experience music. Alongside collaborators Fred Knobloch, Paul Overstreet, and Thom Schuyler, he co-created the “in-the-round” performance format. This intimate style of storytelling became a staple of the Bluebird Cafe and venues worldwide, stripping away the production to highlight the raw connection between the writer and the listener.

His peers respected him not just for his talent, but for his character. “His curiosity about and concern for people fueled his empathetic songs,” the Country Music Hall of Fame noted in a statement. Schlitz was known for his quiet philanthropy, often rising in the early morning hours to perform for the homeless at Nashville’s Room in the Inn.

Final Honors

In 2017, Schlitz was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame, and in 2022, he achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first songwriter ever invited to join the Grand Ole Opry as a member.

The Opry announced that Saturday night’s performance will be dedicated entirely to his honor, celebrating a man who turned the “cards” he was dealt into a royal flush for the entire genre.

Don Schlitz is survived by a legacy of music that will undoubtedly be sung as long as there are stories to tell. Services are currently pending. Nashville was indeed richer for his presence, and the world of music is far lesser for his absence.

TENILLE ARTS “IF SOMEBODY TOLD ME YOU WERE DYING” NOW AVAILABLE

/0 Comments/in /by

Tenille Arts’ latest single, the powerful “If Somebody Told Me You Were Dying,” is now available from Dreamcatcher Artists and ONErpm. Written by Tenille with Lydia Sutherland and Joe Tounge, the song puts storytelling front and center as one of her most vulnerable releases to date.

The idea for “If Somebody Told Me You Were Dying” came from a late-night conversation, when Tenille realized she hadn’t seen her ex in two years. It made her reflect on how badly things ended, how much anger she still carried, and how complicated it feels to have so much history with someone, but still feel totally at peace never seeing them again.

“This song digs into the strange, unresolved emotions that followed a breakup with someone who used to be such a huge part of my life who became someone I didn’t want to see again,” confessed Tenille. “That became the heart of the song and the question at the center of it: if somebody told me you were dying, would I even make it to the funeral?”

Sonically, the song feels cinematic, haunting, and a little unexpected from the artist who made music history when her “Somebody Like That” single became the first #1 country song written, produced and performed by all females. When teased online, the response was immediate, with fans connecting not just to breakup pain, but to “no contact” relationships and the grief of losing someone who’s still alive and well.

“If Somebody Told Me You Were Dying” is her second release in recent months, behind “Don’t Ruin Flowers,” as she works toward recording a full album for release in early 2027. She brings forward a double platinum record, two gold records and has amassed nearly one billion global streams. Having recently concluded a world tour supporting Luke Bryan, Walker Hayes and a headline tour promoted by AEG, she’s ready for the next chapter.

About Tenille Arts:

Born and raised in the small prairie town of Weyburn, Saskatchewan, Tenille Arts picked up the guitar and penned her first song at age 13 and has been performing nonstop ever since. She has racked up nearly a billion streams and garnered over 750,000 digital followers in a relatively short period of time. Her critically-acclaimed Love, Heartbreak, & Everything In Between album yielded her first #1 single, “Somebody Like That,” which is certified double platinum. The single made history as the first #1 Country song written, produced and performed by all females and was the first Country song by a Canadian artist to reach #1 in the U.S. since 2007 and first Canadian female to hit #1 since Terri Clark in 2004. Her Girl To Girl album was released in 2021, and her “Back Then, Right Now” single was her first to be released simultaneously in Canada and the U.S. Her 2024 14-song to be honest album leads with the stunning single, “So Do I,” written by Demi Lovato, Sasha Sloan, Laura Veltz and King Henry. In 2022, Tenille was nominated by the ACM Awards for New Female Artist of the Year, the iHeartRadio Music Awards for Best New Country Artist, the CMT Music Awards for Female Video and Breakthrough Video of the Year, and she won the MusicRowAward for “Breakthrough Artist of the Year” and the AIMP 2022 “Rising Artist-Writer of the Year Award.”

In Canada, she won the Canadian Country Music Association’s “Rising Star Award,” she has taken home three SASK Music Awards and 18 trophies from the Saskatchewan Country Music Association including the “Female Artist Achievement Award.”

She has made an unprecedented three appearances performing original songs on the top-rated ABC TV show The Bachelor and has performed on the TODAY Show, Kelly Clarkson Show and more.

THOMAS RHETT EARNS 25TH NO. ONE MILESTONE IN UNDER 15 YEARS

/0 Comments/in /by

Diamond-certified superstar Thomas Rhett celebrates his 25th career No. One as “Ain’t A Bad Life” ft. Jordan Davis tops the Mediabase/Country Aircheck chart this week. Written by Thomas Rhett, Ashley Gorley, Blake Pendergrass, John Byron and Mark Trussell, the track “takes on a bright, acoustic sound, injecting a fresh breath of optimism” (Holler), delivering “charm and catchy melodies” (Country Central). This achievement stands out not only for its sheer volume, but for the remarkable speed and consistency with which he’s dominated the charts in the 14 years since releasing his very first single.

“Hitting 25 No. Ones is something I never could’ve dreamed up,” said Thomas Rhett. “’Ain’t A Bad Life’ is one of those songs that just makes you smile, and getting to share it with my buddy Jordan Davis made it even more special. I’m really grateful to the fans, country radio, and everyone who’s been on this ride with me—this one means a lot.”

Joining “Beautiful As You” and “After All The Bars Are Closed,” the acclaimed single marks the third No. One from Thomas Rhett’s newest album, ABOUT A WOMAN (Deluxe). The “energized and upbeat” (Forbes) 25-track project born of charismatic craftsmanship, feel-good energy and his beloved awestruck romantic authenticity combine in a creative high-water mark. It also features collaborations with Lanie Gardner, Blake Shelton, Teddy Swims and Tucker Wetmore—showcasing why he continues to be one of Nashville’s most versatile hitmakers.

Thomas Rhett recently announced his return to the road this summer, bringing his “bombastic, good-time energy” (Esquire) to venues across the country on the SOUNDTRACK TO LIFE TOUR. The 20+ city run will feature two special stadium dates this July with longtime friend Niall Horan at GEODIS Park and Hersheypark Stadium. In addition to his headlining tour, Thomas Rhett is appearing with Morgan Wallen on his Still The Problem Tour and will make his highly anticipated return to the U.K. this summer for a three-night run at Wembley Stadium with Luke Combs.

Pairing a laid-back perspective with a vocal drenched in casual country soul, Thomas Rhett has spent just over a decade building one of country music’s most consistent hitmaking careers with more than 16 billion streams and armfuls of awards, including eight ACM Awards—among them “Entertainer of the Year”—two CMA Awards, five GRAMMY® nominations and trophies from the CMT Music Awards, Billboard Music Awards and iHeartRadio Music Awards; he has also received five CMA Triple Play Awards for penning three No. One songs within a 12-month period. He’s just teamed up with GRAMMY®-nominated global artist and producer Marshmello on their new single “Where We Go” and recently released a fresh take on “Georgia On My Mind” as part of ESPN’s official campaign for the 2026 Masters Tournament.

Country Recording Artist Sarah Harralson Set To Release New Self-Penned EP, Just The Beginning, With Companion Short Film, Due Out Everywhere On May 15

/0 Comments/in /by

Country recording artist and singer-songwriter Sarah Harralson is set to release her new self-penned EP, Just The Beginning, [pre-save/pre-add] with a companion short film, due out everywhere on Friday, May 15 by ©®Synapse Publishing & Entertainment, LLC. The ambitious project comes 12 years into the young recording artist’s music career as she takes an autobiographical approach on both the music and film project, giving fans a very personal look into her life as a songwriter and traveling troubadour.

“This EP and short film is a collection of songs that I have written over the past few years about some really deeply personal stuff that I went through in my early childhood,” Harralson said. “It’s different from my past releases because this is more about childhood and family, as opposed to breakups and love songs.”

On her new single “It Can’t Rain All The Time” – described as “…a moving, soul-tinged track…” by Nashville.com – inspiration for the song came from a famous line in the nostalgic 90’s era film, The Crow. Harralson also reflects on the loss of her mother in 2024, highlighted in the song’s official music video on YouTube [@SarahHarralson] that was Produced/Directed by Dante Nazzaro, on behalf of Synapse Spotlight Productions, LLC.

Sarah co-produced Just The Beginning with Dale Penner (Nickelback, Loverboy) at The Owl in Nashville. The EP features the musicianship of renowned session players Cole Edmonson (Tigirlily Gold) on guitar, David Santos on bass, Bryn Scott-Grimes (Goldpine) on harmonica, Merna Lewis on fiddle, Paul Ray on piano, and Sarah’s husband Andrew Kugler on drums. Harralson also performed the organ, acoustic guitar, and harmonies on the EP.

“You also see this in the short film when I go back to Birmingham and Knoxville, where I’m from,” she continued. “I hope people can relate to that. I titled it Just the Beginning, because even though this is a big part of my life, my childhood, it doesn’t necessarily define all of me. There’s so much more to come!”

About Sarah Harralson:

Twelve years into her Nashville music career, Knoxville native, Sarah Harralson, is making waves in the music industry. She released her debut country EP, Watered Down Whiskey, in 2018 with producer Scotty Schultz (Shooter Jennings). She has also worked with guitarist Johnny Garcia (Garth Brooks, Trisha Yearwood) under Busy at Play Publishing for her 2022 album, Whiskey History, and her album, Outside the Lines, was released in August 2023 with Sarah being a producer on many of the songs. “Blue Ribbon” is a song on this album that honors her mother’s fight against colon cancer with proceeds going toward the Colorectal Cancer Alliance. She toured internationally in Eastern Europe in 2023 on behalf of The America for Bulgaria Foundation and was invited to be a member of the Recording Academy in 2021.

Sarah is signed to a publishing and recording contract with ©®Synapse Publishing & Entertainment, LLC and is a part of the upcoming Women Behind the Lyrics documentary. Her latest single, “House Divided” reflects on the separation of her parents and the push and pull between two football teams and parents growing up. Her upcoming autobiographical EP, Just the Beginning, is set to release this May with a corresponding short film. Sarah also volunteers with Musicians On Call to bring music to patients’ bedsides. She is a big believer that music heals, and through being a volunteer with this organization since 2015, she has found her mission as an artist performing for over 19,000 hospital patients, earning her the Michael Solomon Golden Ukelele Award in 2024. She is the podcast host of Takin’ a Walk Nashville, which has reached #2 on the Apple Music podcast chart.

REBA MCENTIRE CELEBRATES 50 YEARS WITH MULTIPLE MUSIC RELEASES

/0 Comments/in /by

Reba McEntire will begin releasing music capsules each month, thematically curated songs from throughout her career paired with brand new recordings that spotlight the road ahead for the iconic entertainer. The first release, ONE NIGHT IN TULSA, centers songs around her home state and will be released this Friday, April 17 via MCA.

On April 9, McEntire previewed the project during a special performance at her restaurant Reba’s Place, where she debuted a new song and title track of the first capsule “One Night In Tulsa.” Written by Neal Coty, Kylie Frey and Thom McHugh, the song marks a return to the ’90s country ballads that cemented McEntire’s place as one of the genre’s most definitive voices of heartbreak.

ONE NIGHT IN TULSA

“One Night In Tulsa”
“Tulsa Time”
“Oklahoma Swing”
“Does The Wind Still Blow In Oklahoma”
“No U In Oklahoma”

Each digital music capsule pairs a newly recorded song with carefully selected tracks that trace the evolution of one of country music’s most enduring and influential voices. In tandem with each music capsule, tailored playlists will launch to further illuminate the defining eras of McEntire’s career. Beginning May 1 with “The Making of Reba,” the first playlist captures a young McEntire finding her voice through classic country heartbreak, laying the foundation for everything to come. The playlists serve as a companion piece, offering fans a deeper, more expansive look at the moments, milestones, and music that shaped her legacy.

About Reba McEntire:
Multi-media entertainment mogul Reba McEntire has become a household name through a successful career that includes music, television, film, theater, retail and hospitality. The Country Music Hall of Fame and Hollywood Bowl member has more than 50 award wins under her belt, earning honors from the ACM Awards, American Music Awards, People’s Choice Awards, CMA Awards, GRAMMY® Awards and GMA Dove Awards. Reba was also a 2018 Kennedy Center Honors recipient, in addition to multiple philanthropic and leadership honors. Reba has celebrated unprecedented success, including 35 career No.1 singles and more than 58 million albums sold worldwide. Reba earned her 60th Top 10 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart, extending her record for the most Top 10 hits among female artists. Reba’s Top 10 success spans five straight decades, landing her in the singular group with only George Jones, Willie Nelson, and Dolly Parton who have the same achievement. Most recently, her latest single, “Trailblazer,” featuring Lainey Wilson and Miranda Lambert, garnered an impressive 2.6 million on-demand streams in its first week, marking a new personal best for Reba in the streaming era. The Oklahoma native and Golden Globe® nominated actress has multiple movie credits to her name, a critically-acclaimed lead role on Broadway in Irving Berlin’s Annie Get Your Gun, and starred in the 6-season television sitcom Reba. Reba has also proven to be a savvy entrepreneur, with longstanding brand partnerships including her Dillard’s clothing line and western footwear collection REBA by Justin™. She has even added restaurateur to the list with Reba’s Place, a restaurant, bar, retail and entertainment venue in Atoka, Oklahoma. Her book Not That Fancy landed on the New York Times bestseller list.

CINDY MABE LAUNCHES JOAN OF ARC MUSIC

/0 Comments/in /by

In the high-stakes landscape of modern music, where data points often outshine melodies and coastal conglomerates are rushing to “strip mine” the sounds of the South, Cindy Mabe is drawing a line in the Tennessee limestone. The former chair and CEO of Universal Music Group Nashville—and the first woman to ever lead a Nashville major label group—has officially launched Joan of Arc (JOA) Music, a full-service powerhouse designed to be less of a corporate entity and more of a resistance movement.

Named after the 15th-century French heroine who stood her ground against impossible odds, JOA Music isn’t just a label; it’s a “warrior” brand for creators. Comprising artist development, management, publishing, and label services, the company arrives at what Mabe describes as a perilous “crossroads” for the genre.

A Mission Beyond the Charts

For Mabe, who exited UMG Nashville in early 2025 after a storied career working with icons like Chris Stapleton, George Strait, and Carrie Underwood, the motivation for JOA was deeply personal. In a pair of searing mission statements titled “The Origin Story” and “The Difference,” Mabe offers a blistering critique of the industry’s current trajectory.

She likens the influx of New York and Los Angeles labels into Nashville to the historical exploitation of Appalachia. “With the rush for coastal legitimizing,” Mabe writes, “it often feels like the coal mines of Appalachia being strip mined of coal all over again.” She warns that “pop labels chase what’s popular, then move on when it cools,” threatening to leave country music as a “dead language” once the current trend cycle ends.

The Four Pillars of the Arc

JOA Music is built on a sophisticated four-division architecture designed to protect the past while monetizing the future:

  • Joan of Arc Entertainment: The central hub for label services, management, and publishing.
  • Joan of Arc Studio Works: A content engine focused on TV/film production and short-form monetization.
  • Joan of Arc Ventures: A wing dedicated to strategic equity-backed partnerships.
  • Joan of Arc Music Preservation Foundation: A philanthropic arm tasked with protecting the genre’s cultural history.

To power this ambitious engine, Mabe has assembled a “dream team” of trusted collaborators. The roster includes UMG veterans Lori Christian (Label Services & Management), Dawn Gates (Business Development), and Leigh Morrison (Artist Relations). Diversifying the leadership, singer-songwriter Harper Grae heads TV/Film scouting, while Allison Winkler leads the Preservation Foundation.

Strategic Alliances

While JOA functions as an independent disruptor, it is bolstered by heavy-hitting partnerships. A distribution deal with Warner Music Nashville (WMN) ensures global reach, a move Mabe says “amplifies our mission” through a shared vision with WMN chair/president Cris Lacy. Further grounding the company in the community are alliances with the CMA Foundation, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, and the wellness organization Porter’s Call.

Finding “The Magic”

The catalyst for JOA Music came during a moment of profound grief. While attending her uncle’s funeral and hearing the music of Alan Jackson woven through the service, Mabe realized that country music’s ability to “comfort and inspire” was being sacrificed on the altar of technology and “celebrity-named bars on Lower Broadway.”

“My heart hurts for how little so many coming to the industry care about the sheer magic in music,” she writes. Through Joan of Arc Music, Mabe is betting that by protecting the “God, life, and emotion” within the songs, she can ensure that Nashville remains more than just a meme—it remains a home.