KELLY LANG RELEASES NEW MUSIC VIDEO FOR “MIDNIGHT TRAIN TO GEORGIA”

Nationally acclaimed singer/songwriter and producer, Kelly Lang has released her new music video for her current single, Midnight Train To Georgia which will be included in her upcoming project “Old Soul II,” sponsored by Springer Mountain Farms. Originally performed by Gladys Knight & The Pips, Lang shines throughout the song, showcasing soulful vocals and the ability to recreate a timeless classic with ease. Lang’s emotion perfectly captures the lyrics, delivering a sweet yet powerful tune. Kelly’s official music video “Midnight Train to Georgia” was premiered by Foxnews.com and is available to download and stream on all digital platforms now.

Listen/stream/buy HERE.

“Being the biggest Gladys Knight fan, it was so much fun to record and create a video honoring her biggest song, Midnight Train To Georgia,” shares Lang. “My hopes are that a younger generation may hear my version and look into the history of this incredible song and artist. I loved putting a fresh new spin on this classic and bringing the viewer of the video along for a journey from L.A. to Georgia from a train car. I am so thankful for Foxnews.com for sharing our video with their audience allowing them to slip back in time for this oldie but goodie.”

Lang recently received the “Icon Award” at The Alice Awards Gala as part of The Southern Women in Film & Television (SWIFT) Summit. The Alice Awards recognizes women who have all demonstrated perseverance in the pursuit of their dreams despite difficulties, hardships, and life’s circumstances and each have emerged stronger. The SWIFT Summit that spanned the entire weekend included the Alice Awards Ceremony and Gala Dinner, red carpet events, speaking presentations, and more. Lang was honored for her inspiring story and creative participation in the entertainment industry through songwriting, empowering the next generation of talented women!

Lang has released her new autobiography titled “I’m Not Going Anywhere,” highlighting her journey as a 17-year breast cancer survivor, along with her healing experience and the unfolding of her love story with her husband, country music legend T.G. Sheppard. The book is titled after her song, “I’m Not Going Anywhere,” which has been seen and heard across the United States as part of Ascension Hospital’s ‘Your Care Is Our Calling’ national campaign, honoring caregivers and the patients they serve. The autobiography can be purchased on Amazon.com and is now available in hardcover due to popular demand. Fans can receive autographed copies at KellyLang.net.

KIMBERLY DAWN RELEASES HER NEW SINGLE “DEERE JOHN”

A Country Singer Defined By The Roots-Driven Backroads

Singer-songwriter Kimberly Dawn releases her highly anticipated new single, “Deere John.” The single is a reflection about the countryside that made her into the person she is today. ‘Saying goodbye to the only house I ever knew’… The backroads-made singer conveys the message of growing up on her family farm in Canada. Though it was never easy, Kimberly will always call it the place she called home as it gave her something to believe in and symbolizes that wherever you end up in life, your country upbringing will always define you.

Kimberly boldly took control of her musical passions after having her four children when she began learning the guitar and piano. Influenced and motivated to uplift others, Kimberly feels particularly empowered to share her experiences balancing life as a mother, wife, and musician.

“When my parents decided to sell our farm that my family grew up on and the place I called home as a child, I felt inspired to write about how I was raised and what it meant to me,” says Kimberly. The easy-listening song is filled with memories of cruising around on a John Deere tractor. Don Miggs, a multi-instrumentalist who has worked with Mick Fleetwood and Tower of Power, as well as fronting the band Whole Damn Mess and touring with artists such as ZZ Top and Cheap Trick, produced the single “Deere John.”

The Canadian singer, now living in Nashville, draws musical inspiration from first-hand experiences. The natural beauty of life on a farm is what drew Kimberly to be influenced by the likes of Dolly Parton, Stevie Nicks, Reba McEntire, and Shania Twain. “The memories of our farm are what shaped me into the person I am today. We all grew up somewhere and the characteristics are ingrained in me, says Kimberly.”

Kimberly’s glammed-up bohemian style continues to revamp country music. Her musical background is diverse, having worked with the likes of Jeff Cohen (The Band Perry, Sugarland, Josh Groban), David Berg (Reba McEntire, Blake Shelton, Carrie Underwood), Gregory Friia (Consuelo Costin, Eric Paslay, Bonnie Tyler), and Anthony Mazza (Christina Aguilera, Mariah Carey, Ja Rule).

As of 2022, Kimberly has partnered with MAGIC Tradeshow, which she performed on the opening day of their first-ever Nashville MAGIC show. Kimberly currently has an ongoing brand partnership with a Nashville-based vintage women-owned boot company, Planet Cowboy. On July 1st, Kimberly will be releasing a duet “Do I Love You” with Grammy Award-winning songwriter and artist Paul Anka. Paul has worked with notable acts such as Michael Jackson and Frank Sinatra.

Additionally, she has built a devoted social following that engages with a genuine country music audience on a daily basis. “Deere John” is available on all streaming platforms on Friday, July 29th.

AARON WATSON RETURNS TO TOURING AFTER LONG HIATUS DUE TO VOCAL REST

With Tour Dates Across the Country Throughout 2022 in Support of Unwanted Man Album Release

After a long road to recovery from a granuloma in his throat that left him unable to sing, off the road from touring since Mid-April, and at times speechless as he sought treatment and therapy from specialists, Aaron Watson has finally been relieved of vocal rest and has returned to the road in full force with tour dates covering the country throughout 2022. See below for a full list of updated tour dates.
In over 20 years of his career, Watson has never before been forced to cancel a string of shows, yet he demonstrated grit and grace in the face of adversity, as the ailment hit him amid the release of his latest album, Unwanted Man. Now healthy, Watson is more eager than ever to return to the stage for a sensational summer.
“It was definitely a frustrating and scary time, especially in the beginning not knowing what was going on with my voice, but that something was definitely wrong,” Watson said of the challenging experience.  “I’m so grateful to have had the best care and prayers from the best fans to get me through these past few months.”
While Watson wasn’t able to use his voice, his friends and fans spoke up across social media platforms with an overwhelmingly positive reaction to his current album, Unwanted Man, which takes the listener on a full circle journey from isolation and despair to loving redemption. Watson wrote and/or co-wrote all eleven songs on the albumshowcasing both his trademark love songs in “When I See You” and “Nothing On You” to his popular classic up-tempo romps with “Cheap Seats” and “Heck Of A Song.”
People.com exclusively premiered the highly anticipated album, Unwanted Man, featuring the new single, “Dancing Around the Truth” which is now available on all platforms HERE.
“I’m really excited to be back out on the road, playing music with the band and seeing all the fans. It feels really great to be on stage again and I’m looking forward to all the dates we have coming up performing across the country,” said Waston.
Watson’s independent spirit and strong work ethic are symbolic of the western lifestyle; virtues which have taken him from humble honky-tonk roots to a bona fide fixture in the country music landscape. “I want to make the music that I am proud of and has no chains or restrictions, from my heart to the fans ears,” Watson told Whiskey Riff in a recent podcast interview. Unwanted Man is expected to serve as a beacon of authenticity to country fans far and wide.
Upcoming Tour Dates: 
7/28 – Boot Barn Hall – Colorado Springs, CO
729 – Eddy County Fair – Artesia, NM
7/30 – Starlight Ranch – Amarillo, TX
8/5 – Kokefest, Hutto – TX
8/6 – Potosi Live – Abilene, TX
8/12 – Frio Hill Country Grill – Cypress, TX
8/13 – Luckenbach Texas – Luckenbach, TX
8/19 – 19th Hole Putters & Gutters – Marble Falls, TX
8/20 – Horseshoe Arena – Midland, TX
8/25 – The Plant – Dothan, AL
8/26 – Brooklyn Bowl – Nashville, TN
8/27 – A Night in the Country Carolinas – Mill Spring, NC
8/28 – Elevation 27 – Virginia Beach, VA
9/1 – Deadwood Mountain Grand – Deadwood, SD
9/2 – Mishawaka Amphitheater – Bellvue, CO
9/3 – Copper Mountain Ski Resort – Copper Mountain, CO
9/7 – Tri State Rodeo – Fort Madison, IA
9/10 – Metrapark Arena – Billings, MT
9/11 – Adams Center – Missoula, MT
9/16 – Cooper’s Live – Christoval, TX
9/24 – Pasadena Livestock Show & Rodeo – Pasadena, TX
10/1 – Floore’s (Outdoors) – Helotes, TX
10/8 – Tulsa State Fair – Tulsa, OK
10/22 – Falls Jam – Wichita Falls, TX
10/28 – Granada Theater – Lawrence, KS
10/30 – Burford Theater – Arkansas City, KS
11/5 – Boots 4 Troops – Magnolia, TX
11/10 – Knitting Factory – Spokane, WA
11/11 – Steel Creek – Tacoma, WA
11/17 – The Elm – Bozeman, MT
11/18 – Knitting Factory – Boise, ID
11/19 – The Depot – Salt Lake City, UT

12/2 – Warehouse 25 Sixty-Five

COUNTRY TRIO FLAT RIVER BAND LANDS IN TOP 40 BILLBOARD INDICATOR CHART WITH RADIO SINGLE, “SHINING THROUGH MY WINDOW”

Country Trio Flat River Band celebrates their first top 40 single on the Country Music Billboard Indicator Chart with “Shining Through My Window” released in April and supported with an official video featuring The McCrary Sisters. “Shining Through My Window,” which charted in top three of the PlayMPE Christian Top 20 Streaming Chart on April 10 and has charted on the MusicRow Country Breakout Chart at 38, the CDX Mainstream Country Chart at 53 and Mediabase at 60. The music is included in the latest project, a five-song EP, Sights and Sounds.

Flat River Band enlisted trusted professional industry promotion teams Jennifer Blair Promos-Jennifer Blair, Jerry Duncan Promotions-Lisa Smoot, and Anne Christman Promotions-Ann Chrisman and Anne Yarboro to work the song and promote to radio program directors across the country in various markets and coordinate in-person radio visits.

The trio of brothers, Chad, Andy and Dennijo Sitze, have a wealth of musical talent and experience, having played and toured with their family’s band since they were very young. “Shining Through My Window,” penned by Chad Sitze, has a cheerful theme, laden with the band’s stunning harmonies. The video, directed by Mark Nicolosi is available on YouTube at https://youtu.be/bLkXa8oE4pc.

“We are super excited about this song hitting the top 40. We couldn’t have done this without our amazing team, and the support of the music industry and media outlets who have helped share our story,” expressed Flat River Band’s Dennijo Sitze.

As an added bonus, the single boasts a vocal appearance by The McCrary Sisters. “The brothers and I have always loved The McCrary Sisters,” Chad commented. “Their father was a founding member of the Fairfield Four who we used to listen to and learned songs from when we had our family band. It only made sense to reach out to them and pitch the idea about singing with us. Luckily, they also said yes!”

“To be able to do this song and video with Flat River Band was nothing short of awesome! We had a wonderful time sharing the day with them and shooting the video. It was a true blessing!” stated The McCrary Sisters. “We are so happy, honored and proud to be a part of this project and share in this song with our brothers in music.”

“The McCrarys came in the studio and laid down these angelic voices that could only be replicated from Heaven,” shared Dennijo of Flat River Band. 

Growing up, the Flat River Band brothers’ grandpa would always tell them about listening to the Friday night Opry and hearing the Legendary Hank Snow’s son, Jimmie Snow, close out the Grand Ole Opry with his own show called Grand Ole Gospel Time, which he hosted for 25 years. Jimmie also owned a video production company outside of Nashville where they had done several videos during the family band days at his studio. It was an honor to have Brother Jimmie Snow to play the role of himself, “a preacher,” in the video for “Shining Through My Window.”

Gibson Partners with Newport Festivals Foundation To Honor the Iconic Sister Rosetta Tharpe

Celisse To Perform Sister Rosetta Tharpe Tribute on Sunday, July 24 at the 2022 Newport Folk Festival

Above: Celisse. Photo credit: Austin Nelson.

Gibson, the iconic American instrument brand, has partnered with Newport Festivals Foundation through its philanthropic arm Gibson Gives at this summer’s Newport Folk Festival to celebrate the music icon Sister Rosetta Tharpe and the 55th anniversary of her groundbreaking Newport Folk Festival performance on July 16, 1967. This Sunday, July 24 at 12:40 PM on the Newport Folk Festival Foundation Stage a special performance will feature acclaimed singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist Celisse performing classic Sister Rosetta Tharpe songs such as “Didn’t It Rain,” as well as a special performance of SRT’s “Up Above My Head” alongside the youth players from RIOT RI–a local nonprofit that fosters the development of healthy identities in girls, women, trans, and gender-expansive youth and adults, through the power of music. Gibson will donate six of the soon to be released new Epiphone Power Players guitars to the RIOT RI Foundation.

“Sister Rosetta Tharpe is one of music’s most important and influential figures as the creator of rock and roll music” says Celisse. “Celebrating the 55th anniversary of her debut at Newport Folk Fest, in collaboration with RIOT RI further affirms one of the most important tenants of Newport’s mission, a commitment to honoring and remembering the true founders and innovators of American music. I am incredibly proud to be one of the many artists that stand on Sister Rosetta Tharpe’s shoulders and hope that in continuing to name and celebrate her incredible contributions to popular music, it may inspire more people to believe that great music can come from anyone.”

The Gibson and Newport Festivals Foundation partnership and Sister Rosetta Tharpe celebration follows the recent announcement of Gibson’s annual Scholarship Program. Gibson announced it will award 15+ music scholarships in 2022 comprised of both cash grants ($75,000), as well as instruments and gear directly to high school seniors as they prepare to navigate their post grad education and careers.

The Gibson Gives Scholarship Program launched with the Sister Rosetta Tharpe Scholarship–the first-ever music scholarship created in honor of the iconic and incomparable Godmother of Rock ‘n’ Roll, Sister Rosetta Tharpe. The Sister Rosetta Tharpe Scholarship, created through support by the Fund for the School District of Philadelphia, has been awarded to Sierra Guilmartin, a senior at Philadelphia High School for Girls who will pursue music at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia in the Fall. 

Sister Rosetta Tharpe’s immense talent and confidence arrived during an era when women, and especially women of color, had no voice. An era where no woman dared play guitar at the front of the stage, let alone front a solo act. No woman except Sister Rosetta Tharpe.

To shine a light on and celebrate the music and cultural influence of the iconic Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Gibson is proud to partner with the Sister Rosetta Tharpe family and Oxford Pennant with a limited-edition Sister Rosetta Tharpe lifestyle apparel and accessories collection, available onsite at the Newport Folk Festival and via, https://www.gibson.com/en-US/Gear/Sister-Rosetta-Tharpe.

The leading global guitar brand, Gibson continues to shape the sounds of generations of musicians across the globe. Gibson supports the global music community through its philanthropic arm, Gibson Gives. The mission of Gibson Gives is to create, develop, and support non-profit organizations worldwide in their efforts to advance musicians, youth-focused education, music, and health and wellness initiatives. 100% of donations to Gibson Gives go towards giving the gift of music.

SCOTTY MCCREERY EARNS FIFTH CONSECUTIVE NO. 1 WITH “DAMN STRAIT” FROM LATEST ALBUM, SAME TRUCK

Song Hits No. 1 on Both Billboard and Mediabase charts including 2 weeks on Top of the Billboard Chart

Second Single from His Fifth Studio Album Has Earned More that 124 Million Streams

This week Triple Tigers recording artist Scotty McCreery earns his fifth consecutive No. 1 with “Damn Strait.” The smash song hit the top spot on the Mediabase chart this week while earning a second straight week atop the Billboard Country Airplay chart. McCreery makes history as the first artist on the roster of Triple Tigers Records to score five consecutive number one hits. The second single off his latest album, Same Truck, has earned more than 124 million streams.

“Damn Strait” also topped the Music Row Country Radio Breakout Chart and has spent four weeks atop the CDX Traction Mainstream Country Chart. The track, which serves as both a classic heartbreak song as well as tribute to the King of Country himself – George Strait, has already become a fan favorite at McCreery’s live shows.

“This song is such a great tribute to one of my musical heroes, George Strait, while also using his song titles in a clever way to tell such a heartbreaking story. I’ve loved it from the moment I first heard it,” said McCreery. “It is one of my favorite songs that I’ve recorded, and the fans love it in concert as well. You can feel the anticipation in the air as they get ready to sing along on the chorus.”

“When we heard Scotty sing this song, we thought we had something really special,” said Kevin Herring, SVP/Promotion, Triple Tigers Records. “After playing it for a handful of radio programmers, we were sure of it.  What a fun ride.”

Upon the song’s release, Rolling Stone named it a “Pick of the Week” calling it “clever songwriting, delivered by one of the genres’ best King George disciples,” while Billboard praises, “Another ace is the clever track ‘Damn Strait,’ a rare outside cut on the project, penned by Trent Tomlinson and Jim Collins, in which McCreery name checks several of King George’s greatest hits.” Taste of Country recently named it “one of the top 10 country songs of 2022 so far.”

“Damn Strait” follows McCreery’s fourth consecutive No. 1 single “You Time,” also from his fifth studio album Same TruckReleased in late 2021, the Garner, North Carolina native shifted his perspective to reflect on the last decade of his career and life with wife Gabi and dog Moose, with Tennessean sharing, “McCreery walks a sonic tightrope that leans into his country influences while not abandoning modern Music Row hitmaking,” while Sounds Like Nashville observes, “with 12 tracks in total, those songs ended up showing more maturity than ever, and exploring everything from the common bonds his fans share to the eternal flame of romance.”

McCreery and his wife Gabi recently announced in People that they are expecting their first child, a boy, to be born in early November.

Same Truck was produced by Frank Rogers, Aaron Eshuis and Derek Wells, the team who produced his previous project, the RIAA Gold-certified Seasons Change which debuted at No.1 on the Billboard Country Albums Chart and contained three consecutive No. 1 hits: the Double RIAA Platinum-certified “Five More Minutes,” Platinum-certified “This is It,” and Gold-certified “In Between.” McCreery co-wrote every song on that album.

MIRANDA LAMBERT RETURNS TO COUNTRY RADIO WITH TIMELY SINGLE “STRANGE”

Single Follows Recent Top 10 “If I Was A Cowboy” off Critically-Acclaimed Album Palomino

Reigning ACM Entertainer of the Year Miranda Lambert follows recent Top 10 single “If I Was A Cowboy,” the 15th of her career, as “Strange” impacts Country radio today, July 18. The anthem of timely encouragement serves as the second single off Lambert’s latest hit album, Palomino, already named one of the best of the year by TIME, Rolling Stone, Billboard, Stereogum and more.

Honored with the “Disc of the Day” award from MusicRowBillboard notes of the single, “[Lambert’s] signature graceful-and-gritty vocals lead a balmy, anything goes vibe,” also calling Lambert’s delivery on her eighth studio album “pitch-perfect as she delivers some of her most on-point lyrics ever, laid over atmospheric melodies.”

Stereogum describes the track as “a bluesy ramble about treating yourself right in an uncertain moment” – a fitting description for a song written by Lambert together with Luke Dick and Natalie Hemby during the height of 2020:

        Have a smoke, buy a round
        Get on a jet liner going anywhere bound
        Pick a string, sing the blues
        Dance a hole in your shoes
        Do anything to keep you sane
        ‘Cause times like these make me feel strange

“‘Strange’ is permission to just let go for a sec,” reflects Lambert. “We were really wanting the chorus to lift – literally and emotionally – and go into a happy place. It’s such a song for the time that we’re in right now, but it doesn’t feel like it won’t matter in 10 years, either.

“We couldn’t land on a bridge,” she adds of the writing process. “So, each one of us went and wrote a bridge on our own and came back and we ended up using lines from each person’s – so we cowrote that without even meaning to. It was pretty cool; everyone’s was different but when we took lines out of mine, Luke’s and Natalie’s it all fit together.”

The new single is the latest offering from the L.A. Times’ “Queen of Country Music,” whose 2022 has already been packed with accolades and achievements. Following her ACM Entertainer of the Year win earlier this year, the Texas native was recently named as the only country artist on  the TIME100 List of the World’s Most Influential People, a distinguished group of individuals honored for their impact, innovation and achievement. The three-time GRAMMY winner also recently wrapped her co-headlining The Bandwagon Tour with Little Big Town, having earned rave reviews throughout its run.

Gracing the recent July 11 cover of People magazine, Lambert also shared the news of her new home goods collection, Wanda June Home, available exclusively at Walmart.com. The line joins her other ventures expanding beyond the traditional lanes of a music career, including her Idyllwind boot and clothing brand available at Boot Barn stores nationwide, her MuttNation pet supplies available at Tractor Supply Co. in support of her MuttNation Foundation – which has raised over $6 million to date in support of animal shelters and rescue pets – and her Casa Rosa restaurant in downtown Nashville, the first female artist-led bar on Broadway.

KANE BROWN ANNOUNCES NEW ALBUM, DIFFERENT MAN, SET FOR RELEASE SEPTEMBER 9th

Brown And CMT Exclusively Revealed The Fan-Selected Album Cover In Times Square Monday Morning (7/18)
Brown To Release New Track, “Grand,” on Friday (7/22)

Global entertainer Kane Brown today announced his highly-anticipated third studio album, Different Man, is set to be released September 9th. The 5X AMA award-winning artist and Time100 honoree confirmed the news this morning, partnering with CMT to become the first artist ever to reveal his official album cover on Paramount’s Times Square Billboard. The fan-selected album cover for Different Man was one of two options Brown released to his fans earlier last week on his Instagram, asking for them to pick their favorite option.

The album will feature a total of seventeen songs, including his current Top-5-and climbing hit single “Like I Love Country Music,” his co-produced track, “Whiskey Sour,” his #1 hit, “One Mississippi,” “Leave You Alone,” and the new single, “Grand,” set to be released Friday, July 22nd. Additionally, the album will include twelve additional yet to be revealed songs. The May/June American Songwriter Cover artist recently spoke with the magazine about his upcoming project, as well as his rise to fame, family, and going back to his roots with this new chapter of music. Fans can pre-save the album, Different Man, starting Friday (7/22). To pre-save Brown’s new song, “Grand,” visit here.

Of the new project and Brown’s career to date, American Songwriter notes: “It’s this multifaceted foundation that has led him to be such a versatile artist, one capable of crooning like Garth Brooks and nimbly maneuvering on a track like a more conventional pop star…however, at the core of who he is and the driving force behind his inspiration and passion is his family, including his fans. For Brown, it’s a combination of a feeling he gives off to others and who he is at his core. Add those to the joy his music engenders to a diverse group of listeners, and you’ve got something.”

Brown’s third full-length studio album, Different Man, is the follow up to his #1 Billboard 200 Platinum-selling release, Experiment(2018), his 2X Platinum, 13-week-chart-topping self-titled debut album, Kane Brown (2016), and his ACM Award Album of the Year nominated EP, Mixtape Vol.1. Named “the future of country music” (Billboard), Brown became the first artist ever to lead all five of Billboard’s main country charts simultaneously with the release of his debut effort, which garnered 7X Platinum-certified hits “Heaven” and “What Ifs”-the fourth and seventh most-streamed country songs of all time (U.S. Nielsen Country On-Demand Streams chart). With the release of Experiment, Brown became the only male country artist in more than 24 years to have his sophomore album debut at the top the Billboard 200. The Platinum certified album yielded three consecutive No. 1 Multi-Platinum certified hits “Lose It,” “Good As You” and “Homesick.” Brown’s multi-song EP project Mixtape Vol. 1- earned Brown an ACM Award nomination for Album of the Year (2021) and an ACM win-his first- for “Video of the Year.”

The CMA, ACM, Billboard, AMA and People’s Choice Award nominee has earned seven #1 singles at Country radio and most recently topped the charts with #1 hit, “One Mississippi.” Also known for his collaborations, Brown has worked with artists including Grammy and Academy Award winning singer-songwriter H.E.R. (“Blessed & Free,”) DJ Marshmello (2X Platinum “One Thing Right”), Khalid and Swae Lee (Platinum “Be Like That”), “blackbear (“Memory”), Nelly (Platinum “Cool Again”), John Legend (“Last Time I Say Sorry”), Camila Cabello (“Never Be The Same” remix), Brooks & Dunn (“Believe” the super duo’s Reboot album), Becky G. (“Lost In The Middle Of Nowhere”) and Chris Young (“Famous Friends”), the later of which became Billboard’s 2021 year-end No. 1 Country Airplay Song and earned both Brown and Young a CMT Award for “Collaborative Video of the Year.”

In addition to his forthcoming album, Brown will be kicking off his international Drunk or Dreaming Tour, which will include his first touring dates to Australia and New Zealand as well as his long-awaited return to Canada and Europe. The tour will kick off September 17th in Melbourne, Australia before continuing throughout Australia, New Zealand, Canada, UK and Europe.

CHASE RICE TEASES NEW MUSIC: “KEY WEST & COLORADO” SET FOR RELEASE FRIDAY, JULY 29

Cross-Country Ode to Letting Go Follows Recent Release “If I Were Rock & Roll” in Previewing Rice’s Forthcoming Album

With sold-out crowds already singing along to the unreleased song making an appearance in Chase Rice’s live set list and preview clips garnering over 1.5 million views on social media, the multi-Platinum singer-songwriter shared directly with fans that the eagerly-awaited full version of “Key West & Colorado” will be available on Friday, July 29. The reflective song is the latest preview of the forthcoming album Rice recently recorded in his rural Tennessee home-turned-studio. Pre-order / pre-save “Key West & Colorado” HERE.

The song was one of the first recorded for the project during that marathon at-home session, with Rice describing it as “the heart of the record.” Written by Rice together with childhood friend/longtime collaborator Brian Kelley plus Corey Crowder, Blake Pendergrass, John Byron and Hunter Phelps on a writing retreat in Grayton Beach, Florida, the midtempo song chronicles the literal journey of coming to terms with a relationship’s end:

        Somewhere between Key West & Colorado
        I found God in a gold Silverado
        Had to get a little lost to get a little found
        Learned you can’t find love if you can’t slow down
        Somewhere between that sand and the snow
        Salt in the air and salt on the road
        Finally let myself let her go
        Somewhere between Key West & Colorado

The song also represents a sonic shift for Rice, who teamed with producer Oscar Charles to fill his living room with a vintage stand-up piano, guitars, drums and percussion, bass and keyboards while leaving out some of his usual recording tools. For the first time in his career, Rice recorded for the new project with no click track, no pre-programmed music beds – and in many cases, one-take vocals.

“I had started writing songs at home with just me and a guitar whenever the inspiration hit me; instead of heading downtown and trying to crank something out during a scheduled writing session,” explains Rice of the transformation in his creative process. “I realized that bringing the writing room into my real life – my farm, duck camp, a vacation with my friends – whatever that might look like, was making for some really great songs. So, when we started talking about getting into the studio – what that should look and feel like – I realized we already had the answer. It should feel like home.

“It was an incredible experience,” he continues. “We camped out there for weeks, usually going for 12-plus hours a day without even realizing the time was flying by because everyone was in such a creative groove. It’s definitely the most excited I’ve ever been about making music, so I can’t wait to share this new sound with the fans.”

GENE WATSON ANNOUNCES NEW ALBUM OUTSIDE THE BOX

Featuring Collaborations with Willie Nelson and Rhonda Vincent

Iconic vocalist Gene Watson ventures Outside the Box with new album set for release September 16. The project features Watson’s first-ever collaboration with country legend and fellow Texan, Willie Nelson on “Wonderful Future.” The album also features a duet with Grand Ole Opry peer Rhonda Vincent on “I’ve Got One of Those Too.” The album will be available for pre-order on August 16.

Outside the Box showcases Watson’s masterful vocals that have been his signature for more than six decades. The12-track collection fuses newly recorded songs from Watson as well as re-imagined hits across multiple genres, from Merle Haggard to Etta James. The album was produced by Dirk Johnson and executive produced by Watson.

“We titled the album before we ever recorded the first song,” shared Watson. “I just wanted to do something that was different, not only for me, but for the fans too. Of course it’s still pure country music but the very first song I recorded was one by Etta James that I’ve always thought was one of the greatest songs out there. I really searched for songs I know my fans will appreciate and from that came this album, “Outside the Box.”

Celebrating 60 years in the music business hasn’t slowed down Watson. The ‘singer’s singer’ has added more dates to his 60th Anniversary Tour. See full list of tour dates below and to purchase tickets, click HERE.

Watson’s single “If It’s That Easy” was released to radio in 1962 via Sun Valley Records. Since then, he has charted 75 titles including 23 Top 10 hits, six No. 1 country singles and five No. 1 gospel records. The Texas native continues to perform to sold-out crowds, singing in the same key as he did more than five decades ago.