COUNTRY SINGER-SONGWRITER ELLE TOWNLEY SHOWS GRIT & GRACE ON NEW SONG & MUSIC VIDEO FOR “FIGHTER”

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Music video out October 28 on YouTube with network TV airings on The Country Network,
The Heartland Network, & Texas Country Music Network

Texan teen country singer-songwriter Elle Townley continues to turn heads and ears her way every time she releases a new song. Her fourth single “Fighter,” available now on all major digital music platforms (or linktr.ee/elletownleymusic), shows the Austin-based teen country songwriter’s gritty side of her personal character and unique ability to craft a compelling song with lyrical prowess.
“In today’s world, I’ve seen a lot of conflict and bullying, especially online,” said Townley. “I wrote this song because I think it’s really important to stand up for what is right, and the people you care about.”
To celebrate the release, Townley premiered the song’s forthcoming new music video on Fox 7’s “Good Day Austin” [click to watch]. The video is set to officially release on October 28 on her YouTube channel along with network TV airings by The Country Network beginning on October 31, The Heartland Network, and anticipated support from TCMA’s Texas Country Music Television.
“Fighter” follows Townley’s prior release of “One Too Many Heartaches” in March, which was exclusively premiered by Postcards Magazine, and whose music video cracked the The Country Network’s Top 40 video chart at #29 in September. She also was invited to perform the song during a taping of the WoodSongs Old Time Radio Hour, and is scheduled to return to Lexington, Kentucky in January for pilot tapings of the new WoodSongs Kids TV show series.
The 14-year-old Texas teen has been writing and recording with hit-making Nashville songwriter & producer Britton Cameron (Don Williams, Jon Pardi, Dillon Carmichael) since her debut in 2020, and has been under the direction of PCG Artist Development.
About Elle Townley:
Hailing from Georgetown, Texas, Elle Townley first turned heads belting out Disney princess songs as a small child. Over the past few years she has evolved and refined her musical style to incorporate classic country influences with her own modern expressions. She has steadily built a loyal following across central Texas, performing at a variety of venues and events including the Old Settler’s Music Festival and the Alvin Opry House, along with singing the national anthem for the Round Rock Express, the Austin Spurs, and at the Texas State Capitol. In 2020, Elle earned a spot as a top-five finalist in the Houston Rodeo Rockstar competition. Through her work with PCG Artist Development in Nashville and Austin, Elle has increasingly focused on her own songwriting. She has been collaborating with numerous veteran songwriters and producers, including Britton Cameron, Margaret Becker, Drew Womack, and Matt Noveskey. Elle released her debut single “Trouble with Trouble” in 2020, which was recorded at the legendary Orb Recording Studios in Austin, Texas and featured on The Country Network. In 2021 she released the poignant “Fairweather Friend” single. In 2022, her third single “One Too Many Heartaches” was exclusively premiered by Postcards Magazine in her native Texas, and once again demonstrated this young teen’s maturation as a country singer-songwriter. Townley was also nominated for her first major award, a finalist for Young Artist of the Year in the 2022 Texas Country Music Awards.

WALKER HAYES TEAMS UP WITH POP SUPERSTAR CIARA ON “Y’ALL LIFE”

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Duo Performed the Track for the First Time on CMT’s Artist of the Year Celebration

Monument Records’ singer/songwriter and country music sensation Walker Hayes enlists GRAMMY Award-winning singer/songwriter and superstar Ciara for a special version of his current single “Y’all Life.” The irresistible track adds a new layer of excitement as Ciara chimes in with a verse of her own. Stream “Y’all Life (feat. Ciara)” HERE.

“Y’all Life” is a quintessential song about the easy-going, loosened-up way of life in the south. Originally released in August, the track was Hayes’ highest streaming debut to date – no small feat for an artist that has accumulated over a billon career streams and had the No. 1 song on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart for over six months last year.

After kicking off his headlining arena tour this fall, Hayes began playing “Y’all Life” to sold-out crowds across the country. A crowd favorite, he quickly realized how much fun it would be to add a second voice to the track, one who could offer another perspective on growing up in the south. Having met pop superstar Ciara last year while performing on Dick Clark’s New Years Rockin’ Eve, he knew he had to collaborate with her someday.

No stranger to pop and hip hop influences in his music, Hayes has always embraced other genres. It’s a style that Billboard praised as “personal soul-bearing storylines; rolling rhymes; and Macklemore-like cadence.” So it was a no brainer for him to ask the pop sensation if she would jump on the track.

“Ciara is not only one of the most talented artists in the business, she’s one of the nicest” says Hayes. “When I got the crazy idea that she may want to write a new verse for ‘Y’all Life’ I definitely said a few prayers that she would say yes. She adds the perfect perspective to the track…and some much-needed swag.”

Written by Hayes, with Pete Good and Josh Jenkins, as well as “Country Grammar” writers Cornell Haynes Jr. (Nelly) and Jason Epperson, and produced by Hayes with Joe Thibodeau and multi-GRAMMY Award winner Shane McAnally, “Y’all Life” officially adds Ciara to the writer credits.

The GRAMMY-Award winning singer/songwriter, originally from Texas, knows the importance of Football and Jesus in the south. On the track she sings “it ain’t nothin better than them Sunday night lights every night,” while adding her impeccable vocals to the chorus that sings “livin’ that y’all life, y’all’ rollin’ in the south where it’s all football and Jesus.”

“I’m a southern girl and have always felt a connection to country music,” says Ciara. “When I met Walker I immediately knew I wanted to work with him. Beyond his incredible song writing, he has an amazing stage presence.”

Hayes was honored by CMT as a “CMT Artist of the Year” alongside Kane Brown, Luke Combs, Cody Johnson and Carly Pearce. The iconic network celebrates five artists who have collectively dominated the past 12 months in country music with an awards show. Ciara and Hayes opened the show with a performance of “Y’all Life (feat. Ciara),” debuting the collaboration to a national audience.

PRISCILLA BLOCK KICKS-OFF THE FALL RUN OF HER WILDLY SUCCESSFUL WELCOME TO THE BLOCK PARTY TOUR

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“You, Me, And Whiskey” with Justin Moore Out Now

On the heels of her first headlining tour in the states and short run overseas, rising Mercury Nashville recording artist, Priscilla Block, kicked off the domestic Fall run of her wildly popular Welcome To The Block Party Tour. Her opening weekend consisted of multiple sold out shows and over 4,000 tickets sold.  The tour continues tonight with another sold out show in Des Moines, IA. Playing three packed shows this past weekend, Block is thrilled to be back on the road meeting the fans that helped change her life.

“I seriously have no words. My fans are unreal! It’s pretty dang cool that we are nearly tripling the venue sizes from our tour this spring. It’s really cool to see this whole thing working and the fans are what keep me going!” says Priscilla.

Priscilla is one of Country music’s most exciting new artists who has been taking the music world by storm since her RIAA Gold-certified “Just About Over You” captured audiences via TikTok. Since then, her undeniable voice and candid lyrics have cultivated a loyal fanbase and her debut album, Welcome to the Block Party (Mercury Nashville), has garnered her an ACM Award Nomination for New Female Artist of the Year, quickly followed by another nomination for Breakthrough Video of the Year at the 2022 CMT Awards.

Fans can hear Block on her recently released duet with Country superstar, Justin Moore. “You, Me, And Whiskey” is out now and available on all streaming platforms and ships to Country radio on Monday, October 24th.

LISTEN:                 “You, Me, And Whiskey”

ARISTA RECORDS/MONUMENT RECORDS RELEASE NEW EP FOR FOX’S COUNTRY MUSIC DRAMA, “MONARCH”

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  • Arista Records/Monument Records and FOX Entertainment released the latest EP for “MONARCH” – a drama about America’s leading family of country music which has reached 18.7 million viewers across platforms in the U.S. and Canada. Listen to the EP HERE.
  • Little Big Town will guest star on the episode, Tuesday, Oct. 18 (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX.
  • The upcoming EP for the hit show includes:
    • A cover of Garth Brooks’ CMA and ACM Award winning hit, “Friends In Low Places,” performed by the “MONARCH” cast and featuring three-time ACM Award winner Trace Adkins (“Old Henry”).
    • A cover of Carrie Underwood and Miranda Lambert’s rambunctious single, “Somethin’ Bad,” performed by the “MONARCH” cast and featuring Anna Friel (“Pushing Daisies”) and Beth Ditto.
    • The songs were produced by three-time GRAMMY Award nominee and series executive music producer Adam Anders and co-produced by Peer Åström.

CMT ANNOUNCES LINE-UP FOR “NEXT WOMEN OF COUNTRY: CELEBRATING THE SONGS OF LORETTA LYNN” SHOW

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Tuesday, November 8th at City Winery Nashville

Bowen + Young, Brooke Eden, Caylee Hammack, Erin Enderlin, Miko Marks, Sacha,
Stephanie Quayle and Tiera Kennedy to perform CMT’s Leslie Fram and Wendy Moten to co-host; Moten also to perform

 CMT, in partnership with City Winery Nashville, today announced the stacked line-up for its final “Next Women of Country” showcase of the year on Tuesday, November 8th at 7:30pm CT. “CMT Next Women of Country: Celebrating the Songs of Loretta Lynn, presented by CMT Night Out Nashville and Change The Conversation,” will pay tribute to the late icon’s legendary catalog, with Lynn’s songs performed by a very special group of female artists.

CMT’s Leslie Fram and Wendy Moten will co-host the third CMT Night Out Nashville showcase, featuring performances in the round from special guests: Bowen + Young, Brooke Eden, Caylee Hammack, Erin Enderlin, Miko Marks, Sacha, Stephanie Quayle and Tiera Kennedy. Moten will also perform. Tickets are on-sale now at citywinery.com/nashville.

The November showcase follows previously held “Next Women of Country” events which took place in August and September. The August 31st show was co-hosted by Fram and Jessie James Decker, and featured performances from NWOC alum Callista Clark, Camille Parker, Hannah Dasher, Jenna Paulette, Julia Cole, Laci Kaye Booth, Lily Rose, Reyna Roberts, Tenille Arts and Decker. The September 28th performance was co-hosted by Fram and Rissi Palmer, and featured performances from NWOC’s Ashland Craft, Brittney Spencer, Chapel Hart, Harper Grae, Madeline Edwards, Morgan Wade, Renee Blair and Palmer, with surprise guests The War and Treaty.

For updates and to join the conversation, visit NextWomen.CMT.com, follow @CMT on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube and TikTok and use #CMTNextWomen to join the conversation.

About CMT Next Women of Country: 

A staunch advocate for country music’s female artists, CMT first launched its “Next Women of Country” campaign in 2013 as a substantial, meaningful effort to support and expose developing female talent, both signed and unsigned, in a male-dominated format. The initiative has grown significantly since its inception, showcasing emerging female artists across all CMT screens, including CMT, CMT Music, PlutoTV’s “CMT Equal Play” channel, CMT’s Hot 20 Countdown, CMT.com, various CMT Digital series, cross-promotional opportunities for Paramount Global’s MTV Entertainment Group brands with live events, the Times Square NYC Billboard and more. The program also extended to include seven national tours anchored by superstar acts including Jennifer Nettles, Martina McBride, Sara Evans, Tanya Tucker, and Maddie & Tae. As of January 2022, a total of 95 female acts have been named to the prestigious program, including notable alumni of the franchise who have achieved both commercial and critical acclaim: Ashley McBryde, Brandy Clark, Brittney Spencer, Carly Pearce, Gabby Barrett, Ingrid Andress, Kacey Musgraves, Kelsea Ballerini, Lainey Wilson, Lauren Alaina, Lindsay Ell, Maren Morris, Mickey Guyton and Tenille Arts, among many others.

FOURTH ANNUAL DOTTIE WEST BIRTHDAY BASH HOSTED BY JEANNIE SEELY

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Vince Gill and special guest reporter Jenny Tolman

Nashville Insider was at the star-studded fourth annual Dottie West Birthday Bash presented by Gus Arrendale and Springer Mountain Farms. Americana Music Association Duo/Group of the Year award winner, The War And Treaty and Country Music Hall of Fame and Grand Ole Opry member, Don Schlitz joined the stellar line-up at this year’s celebration, including previously announced event host and 55 yr member of the Grand Ole Opry, Jeannie Seely and honoree Charlie McCoy. Additional performers include Country Music Hall of Fame member Brenda Lee, Grand Ole Opry members Rhonda Vincent and Mandy Barnett. Also on the talented lineup are John Schneider, Heidi Newfield, Dallas Wayne, Tim Atwood, Kenna West, Tess Frizzell, Bobby Tomberlin and Vince Gill among several surprise guests.

The highly anticipated annual event was held October 11 at 3rd & Lindsley in Nashville. All funds raised at the event went to the benefit of Music Health Alliance. 

In addition to celebrating Dottie’s 90th birthday and honoring her, the event also honors a musician or artist who (like her) has made an indelible impact on country music. This year the Country Music Hall of Fame and Grand Ole Opry Member as well as an acclaimed Grammy-winning session musician, harmonica player, and multi-instrumentalist, Charlie McCoy will be honored.

Previous honorees were Musicians Hall of Fame and North Carolina Hall of Fame member Jimmy Capps (2017), Country Music Hall of Fame inductees Dottie West, Ricky Skaggs and Johnny Gimble (2018), and Grand Ole Opry, Country Music Hall of Fame and Songwriters Hall of Fame member Bill Anderson (2019).

ALEX MILLER DELIVERS GRITTY, GUITAR-DRIVEN ROCKER, “WHEN GOD MADE THE SOUTH,” NOW AVAILABLE

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Taste Of Country Premieres

American Idol alum Alex Miller’s fans have been eagerly awaiting new music, and tomorrow he delivers with “When God Made The South.” An anthemic, guitar-driven ode to the glories of Southern living, the track is a great send off to summer. “WGMTS” is as gritty as a gravel road, as raw as moonshine and as slick as goose … well, you know. It’s a bit outside of what most might consider Miller’s “traditional Country” lane, but the move was intentional and offers a glimpse at another side of this talented Kentucky-born vocalist. The track is available for pre-save now.

“I really took the Idol judges’ advice to heart,” Alex admits. “I get that I have to challenge myself and keep growing to keep going in this business. This song was perfect for me. It screams ‘hit’ and the minute I heard it I knew we had to cut it. The lyrics are straight on Country. If you just read them, you’d never know this single was so edgy, but Jerry’s production takes things in a whole different direction – and I think it is just awesome.”

There’s no doubt He had a real good day
There were Blackberry’s blooming in the red dirt clay
And the smell of Jasmine floating through the Pines
I bet He knew right then we’d love our chicken fried
And sweet tea to wash it down
When God Made The South (Jerry Salley/C. Aaron Wilburn/Lee Black)

Early reviewers are sold on the track:

“I really struggle to think of a young artist as self-assured of his style and brand as Alex Miller. This single gives a nod to modern Country radio without sacrificing identity.”
– Billy Dukes, Taste of Country

“A trailer load of grits ain’t got nothin’ on Alex’s latest.”
– Duncan Warwick, Country Music People

“Alex shows off his jammin’ side with utmost perfection!”
– Preshias Harris, Nashville Music Line

“Best of all possible worlds – the past, present and future of Country – all wrapped up
in one song.” – Char Richards, The Life Box Media Channel

Produced by award-winning songwriter and industry veteran Jerry Salley for Billy Jam Records, “When God Made The South” is the first release from Miller’s second and upcoming album for the label. His debut CD, MILLER TIME, delivered three well-received singles: “I’m Over You, So Get Over Me,” “Don’t Let The Barn Door Hit Ya” and “Through With You” (which took Alex to the Top 35 of the Billboard Indicator Chart, and reached #2 on THE COUNTRY NETWORK with its companion music video).

“We’ve been on a real journey together for the last 18 months,” says Salley of his relationship with Alex. “We’ve learned so much about each other on a musical – and personal level. What stands out the most to me is that he loves all kinds of music. As Country as Alex is, he can perform any type of music that moves him. He is not one dimensional. It is a blast to hear this kid stretch a bit outside of his natural zone and try something new. He is so young and can go so far, it should be fun for him.”

Miller’s had a blast to date; he loves the road and the energy of the crowds and this year he has shared the stage with Brooks & Dunn (Iowa State Fair), Jamey Johnson (Wisconsin State Fair), Generation Radio (Ohio State Fair), Niko Moon (Kentucky State Fair) and King Calaway (Oklahoma State Fair). Additionally, he’s headlined at the New York State Fair, opened shows for Diamond Rio and Sawyer Brown, and debuted at the popular Wild Rose Casinos in Iowa.

CHASE MITCHELL RELEASES DEBUT SINGLE “BACK ROAD”

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First Single to Be Released From Upcoming Debut Album ‘Chase Your Purpose’

Listen Here

Chase Mitchell has released “Back Road,” the first single from his debut album, Chase Your Purpose. “Back Road” is now available on all streaming services here. The single, co-written and co-produced with Danny Rader, is a fond tribute to a first love from a small-town perspective.

Mitchell elaborates on the track, “My hope for the single is that it inspires others to find love and close relationships again, new or old. At the end of the day, we as humans all long for that special type of connection in life, and by all means, if you’re going to fall in love, whether for your first time or your 100th time, do it on a BACK ROAD.”

Mitchell’s debut album, Chase Your Purpose, is forthcoming. Mitchell has been in the studio for 16 months piecing the project together with Danny Rader.

Chase Mitchell has been writing and playing music all his life, having signed his first record deal at nine years old. Over the years, he has opened for a wide array of artists, including Taylor Swift, Jason Aldean, OutKast, Destiny’s Child, and more.

In the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, Mitchell took a leap of faith and decided to devote his time to collaborating in Nashville. Writing and recording with some of Nashville’s top musicians & writers (Joe West, Mark Hill, Nir Z, Danny Rader), Mitchell hunkered down and did what he does best: create music straight from the heart.

Now, Mitchell is ready to share all of that music with the world. Chase Your Purpose, is the end product of Mitchell’s intense collaboration with three-time ACM Musician of The Year, Danny Rader. Rader is one of country music’s most recorded guitar players.

BREAKOUT SINGER / SONGWRITER AVERY ANNA RELEASES DEBUT EP, MOOD SWINGS

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Take a journey through the personal journal of Warner Music Nashville’s Avery Anna on her debut EP, Mood Swings, out now (LISTEN HERE). The breakout singer / songwriter has earned nearly 150 million global streams since rising to fame on TikTok last year, with viral hits such as “Narcissist” propelling her to new heights (LISTEN HERE). Mood Swings further introduces the fan-favorite artist, who is known already for marrying her introspective pen with piano-driven country melodies and a youthful energy. David Fanning serves as producer on the project, which credits Avery as a writer on each of its seven tracks.

“Mood Swings is seven songs that describe the spectrum of my emotions over the past couple of years,” Avery said. “I can’t believe I went from singing in the bathtub to releasing my first EP. Thank you all for the love and support, and I hope you love these songs too.”

“Narcissist” has already sold more than 500,000 track equivalents and netted the “Highway Find” artist a No. 1 on SiriusXM The Highway’s Hot 30 Countdown. Avery, with 100,000+ subscribers, has also been named a YouTube “Artist on the Rise.” With a robust 1.5 million followers and 27 million likes on TikTok, the emerging star is reaching country fans across the globe.

Mood Swings is the result of a whirlwind couple of years. As schools turned to virtual learning during the pandemic, Avery started filming videos of herself singing in her mom’s bathroom – where, she says, the acoustics were best. Two years later, the Arizona native is a newly minted high school graduate who just last week made her Grand Ole Opry Debut (9/30). She will hit the road this month for Spencer Crandall’s The Western Tour. Visit HERE for more information.

JD REYNOLDS RELEASES NEW SINGLE “8 SECONDS” PREMIERED BY COWGIRL MAGAZINE

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Country singer/songwriter JD Reynolds pays homage to professional bull riders around the world with the release of her latest song “8 Seconds,” available now!

With lyrics like ”luck of draw wasn’t on his side tonight, it’s gonna be one hell of a fight alright” paint the portrait of the true cowboy life that many love, but really don’t understand other than through television or movies. The traveling, weeks away from home, danger and injuries are only a small price to pay in order to feel the true rush of a roaring audience and an 8-second ride. “8 Seconds” was premiered by Cowgirl Magazine and is available to download and stream on all digital services now.

Visit HERE to view Reynolds’ premiere with Cowgirl Magazine.

Listen/Stream/Buy: HERE.

“’8 Seconds’ is about the emotional roller coaster of the lives of professional bull riders and the people who love them,” shares Reynolds. “From family traditions, lifelong dreams, hours of practice, and injuries to climbing into the chute at an event, releasing the gate, and riding for their lives, it’s not just the athlete holding on for dear life, but every person who loves them is holding on tight with them. Every single long second, until they are safely back behind the gates, their loved ones ride with them. It is the ultimate ride-or-die sport.”

While performing at the Monster Energy Tour K Ranch Invitational, Reynolds met with professional bull riders, protection athletes, and even the bulls themselves. During the sold-out event, Reynolds took the opportunity to also record her upcoming music video which will star Aaron Kleier, the #1 Australian Professional Bull Rider. Other bull riders to be featured are Lachlan Richardson, Cody Heffernan, and more. The music video for “8 Seconds” will be released on November 17!