MIDLAND DEBUTS THE LAST RESORT

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Five-Song Collection Available Now: https://Midland.lnk.to/TheLastResortPR

THE LAST RESORT Fall Tour Launches October 7 Following European Run

 MIDLAND’s Mark Wystrach, Cam Duddy, and Jess Carson like their music straight-up. Hardcore country, the kind you find in forgotten bars in Arizona, New Mexico, parts of Texas, Bakersfield, Reno, wherever the neon’s buzzing, but not quite dead. The Grammy®-nominated trio brings a resurgence of their thick harmonies, sad melodies, tart lyrics and steel guitar with THE LAST RESORT available now via Big Machine Records: https://Midland.lnk.to/TheLastResortPR.
When “Drinkin’ Problem” hit, time melted. With an unapologetic profession of bar-fly reality, the steel wells up, Wystrach’s voice lags as he walks listeners through the dissolving world of “living on the rocks.” Reality was not one, but two Grammy® nominations for the unlikely trio who got together at a mutual friend’s Montana wedding. Their vocal chemistry and overlapping musical influences forged an alliance that’s created an oasis of Wurlitzer country for icehouses, taverns, beer joints, out of the way honky-tonks and other hole in the walls. Strung out on Gary Stewart, Midland represented a time in country music marked by the Dukes of Hazard, Clint Eastwood, Smokey & the Bandit, Trans-Ams, 18-wheelers, oil rigs, two lane highways, cheap cigarettes, mezcal worms and falling in love for the night. Not much has changed as the trio has changed 21st Century country for the post-Urban Cowboy set.. It’s not fancy, but it’s got style. Cool, kicked back, chilled out, real without trying, they understand it’s now or never for this kind of country.
So, this is THE LAST RESORT, a place that never forgets. Pour yourself a tall one, crack a longneck and settle in. It’s one of those kinds of nights… or mornings after.

Midland isn’t kidding about the past. They love Johnny Cash and Waylon Jennings, Merle Haggard, Gary Stewart, Willie Nelson, the Hanks – Williams, Thompson and Snow, Buck Owens, George Jones, Emmylou, Dolly, Loretta, Tammy, Porter Wagoner, Conway Twitty, Mickey Gilley, Glen Campbell, Johnny Lee. But it’s not just vintage vinyl and 8-tracks, the threesome puts their music where their hearts are. They’ve taken their songs into the Sonic Ranch in Tornillo, Texas… brought their sweat- slinging live shows to Billy Bob’s, the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo… reanimated North Hollywood’s legendary Palomino Club… put down roots in Dripping Springs and spent time around the Country Music Hall of Fame. Unfiltered, full-tilt, they want their country 120 proof. Whether it’s a cheating song, a heartbreak ballad or a shoot-out-the-lights romper, they savor the notion and the emotions with a gusto unseen for decades and THE LAST RESORT is all about it.

THE LAST RESORT is all about it. Bits of Laurel Canyon, vintage Vegas, cowboy bars, Okie shuffles, Shelter Records, buckle-polishing and boots moving tip-to-tip across a sawdust floor, it’s all here. Put it on, turn down the lights and melt into the music/songs.

THE LAST RESORT TRACK LISTING:
1. “And Then Some” (Jess Carson, Cameron Duddy, Mark Wystrach, Shane McAnally, Josh Osborne)
2. “Sunrise Tells The Story” (Jess Carson, Jessi Alexander, Aaron Raitiere)
3. “Two To Two Step” (Jess Carson, Cameron Duddy, Mark Wystrach, Shane McAnally, Josh Osborne)
4. “Take Her Off Your Hands” (Jess Carson, Cameron Duddy, Mark Wystrach, Shane McAnally, Josh Osborne)
5. “Adios Cowboy” (Jess Carson, Cameron Duddy, Mark Wystrach, Marv Green, JT Harding)

CHARLIE WORSHAM’S NEW EP SUGARCANE OUT NOW

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Special Release Show and Livestream Confirmed July 22 at Ole Red Nashville

 Acclaimed singer, songwriter and musician Charlie Worsham’s anticipated new EP, Sugarcane, is out today via Warner Music Nashville. Stream/purchase HERE.
Produced by Grammy Award-winning producer Jay Joyce (Eric Church, Miranda Lambert, Little Big Town), Sugarcane is an emotional homecoming for Worsham. What began as personal reflections from a daily writing exercise, grew into something much more universal—six new songs that celebrate the love, perseverance, struggle and joy experienced through life and the people who are there through it all.
Recent critical acclaim for Sugarcane…
“compelling from the first note”—Billboard
“Sugarcane brilliantly showcases Worsham’s inventiveness as a songwriter, his radiant genius as a guitarist, and his evocative skills as a vocalist”—No Depression
“With each song, the artist introduces another face of both his artistry and personal life. With poignant intentionality, he ruminates on what is gained from times of struggle and all the many ways to perceive the idea of success in one’s life.”—American Songwriter
“Super powerful…Brilliance all around.”—MusicRow
“The most talented musician in the genre…as well as being a gifted vocalist and songwriter, Worsham is also a jaw-dropping musician and he’s widely respected for his incredible talents.”—Entertainment Focus
“a beloved triple threat in Music City and beyond”—Sounds Like Nashville
“one of the most talented people in all of Nashville”—Whiskey Riff
“one of the finest in the business…a simple and elegant collection of songs that absolutely showcases the quality within.”—Rock N’ Load Magazine
In celebration of the new music, Worsham will perform a special EP release show at Ole Red Nashville next Thursday, July 22 at 8:30pm CT, which will also be simultaneously livestreamed across Worsham, Ole Red and WSM Radio’s respective YouTube and Facebook pages.
Sugarcane follows Worsham’s 2017 album, Beginning of Things, and furthers his reputation as an artist with “undeniable musical talent” (NPR Music). Released to overwhelming critical acclaim, Beginning of Things landed on several “Best of 2017” lists including Rolling Stone, Variety, PopMatters, Nashville Scene and Vulture, who praised, “a multifaceted talent—a warm, thinking singer, hook writer, and picker—and one of the most well-regarded underdogs in Nashville.” Moreover, The Wall Street Journal proclaimed, “arguably the most blatantly talented multi-threat younger man in country music…a fiery guitar picker; a rangy, affecting song interpreter as a vocalist; and a witty yet compassionate collaborating songwriter” and American Songwriter declared, “one of country’s most formidable dark horses, a quiet contender worthy of the attention and airplay claimed by his less cerebral contemporaries.”
Since the release of his 2013 debut, Rubberband, Worsham has established himself as one of Nashville’s most beloved and well-respected artists. In addition to his own music, he’s a frequent collaborator including work with Dierks Bentley, Eric Church, Brandy Clark, Luke Combs, Vince Gill, Kacey Musgraves, Marty Stuart, Carrie Underwood and Keith Urban among several others. He also earned a nomination for Specialty Instrument Player of the Year at the 55th ACM Awards and has toured extensively across the world including numerous shows performing as of part of Old Crow Medicine Show as well as dates with Miranda Lambert, Little Big Town, Kenny Rogers, Lee Ann Womack, Tim McGraw and Faith Hill.
SUGARCANE TRACK LIST
1. Sugarcane
2. For The Love
3. Half Drunk
4. Fist Through This Town
5. Believe In Love
6. Hang On To That

The Country Music Community United at ‘Coming Home: Rebuilding The Bilbreys’

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Proceeds From Livestream To Assist Larry’s Country Diner / Huckabee Announcer and Tennessee Radio Hall of Famer
Keith Bilbrey’s Family Rebuild From Devastating House Fire

To make a donation, visit gofundme.com/f/bilbreyrebuild

The country music community came together for a wonderful night of music, stories, laughter, and tears in support of famed host and radio personality, Keith Bilbrey during ‘Coming Home: Rebuilding the Bilbreys’. Bilbrey and his wife, Emy Joe lost their home on June 22 after a devastating house fire. The event was live-streamed on countryroadtv.com from Trinity Broadcasting Network’s Huckabee Theater. All proceeds raised will be used in the rebuilding of their beloved home. ‘Coming Home: Rebuilding the Bilbreys’ was made possible by Country Road TV, Huckabee, Larry’s Country Diner, Gus Arrendale, and Springer Mountain Farms Fresh Chicken. To make a donation, please visit HERE.

To watch ‘Coming Home: Rebuilding the Bilbreys’ visit countryroadtv.com! This will be available for viewing through July 18 until 6 pm CT.

“This is the most outpouring of love I have ever seen for anybody in my life,” shares Gus Arrendale, President of Springer Mountain Farms. “The country music family all came together for Keith and Emy Joe to prove we are not being broken. I am so glad to be a part of this night and to help them because they deserve it.”

Governor Mike Huckabee and Larry’s Country Diner’s Larry Black hosted the event. Country music artists and industry peers who participated include The Bellamy Brothers, Bill Anderson, Charlie McCoy, Chonda Pierce, Craig Morgan, Darin & Brooke Aldridge, Deborah Allen, Devon O’Day, Doyle Dykes, Exile, Larry, Steve & Rudy: The Gatlin Brothers, Gene Watson, Gus Arrendale, The Isaacs, Jimmy Fortune, Janie Fricke, Jeannie Seely, John Berry, Kelly Lang, Lacy J. Dalton, Lee Greenwood, Lorrie Morgan, The Malpass Brothers, Mark Wills, Marty Stuart, Moe Bandy, Nadine (Larry’s Country Diner), Nan Kelley, The Oak Ridge Boys’ Duane Allen and Richard Sterban, Rhonda Vincent, T. Graham Brown, Teea Goans, and T.G. Sheppard.

“Keith and Emy Joe Bilbrey have lots of friends that we certainly saw here at this wonderful tribute, where so many of the luminaries of the Nashville entertainment scene came in person to show their support,” shares Governor Mike Huckabee. “Many others who couldn’t be here offered contributions in other ways to a couple who lost everything in a horrific house fire. Everyone wants to make sure that Keith and Emy Joe not only know that they are loved, but will rebuild their home and lives with the help of the country music community.”

“You talk about a fun day and a fun night,” shares Larry Black. “What a blessing to be able to give back to somebody we respect. Keith and Emy Joe, Thank you!”

About Keith Bilbrey:
Keith Bilbrey is the announcer for Trinity Broadcast Network’s Huckabee and RFD-TV’s Larry’s Country Diner. He is a member of the Tennessee Radio Hall of Fame and a former radio personality on WSM and world-famous Grand Ole Opry, where he also hosted TNN’s Grand Ole Opry Live. Born in Cookeville, Tennessee, Bilbrey went to work at WHUB at the age of 16 and remained there for 6 years. He then began working at WSM as a substitute disc jockey and worked his way to full time, where he eventually became one of the most recognizable voices in country music broadcasting.

SCOTTY McCREERY READIES FANS FOR NEW ALBUM WITH NEW SONG “WHY YOU GOTTA BE LIKE THAT”

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North Carolina Native’s You Time Tour Continues Through Fall 2021

 In between more than 130 online performances throughout 2020, Scotty McCreery has been writing songs and in the studio working on his highly anticipated fifth studio album coming out later this year. The multi-Platinum selling artist readies his fans for more new music on the way with today’s release of “Why You Gotta Be Like That,” along with a special visualizer video. Listen to the song HERE and watch the visualizer HERE. “Why You Gotta Be Like That” was written by McCreery, James McNair, and Jordan Schmidt.

“My wife Gabi and I had a date night the evening before I wrote ‘Why You Gotta Be Like That’ with James and Jordan. She came downstairs looking gorgeous as usual, and well…the song tells the rest of the story,” said McCreery with a smile. “Writing with James and Jordan is always so much fun, and I think that genuine feeling comes through in the song as well.”

“Why You Gotta Be Like That” follows McCreery’s current single “You Time,” the first from his upcoming new album which he plans to put out in the Fall. Written by McCreery, Rogers and Eshuis, “You Time” is rising steadily, currently in the Top 15 on the Mediabase/Country Aircheck Country Singles Chart.

McCreery met one of his bucket list goals recently when he performed in Anchorage, Alaska in June as the headliner of the Backyard Country BBQ. With that concert, he has now visited and performed in all 50 states. The Alaska show was part of his previously announced “You Time Tour” which kicked off that month and will continue into the Fall. He will also support Old Dominion on select Live from the Ballpark Tour dates (denoted below).

Scotty McCreery You Time Tour dates are as follows (headlining unless otherwise noted):
7/22     Monte Vista, CO @Ski Hi Stampede
7/30     Ventura, CA @Ventura County Fairgrounds
7/31     Monterey, CA @Monterey Fairgrounds
8/01     San Diego, CA @Boots in the Park – Waterfront Park
^Support to Old Dominion and Dustin Lynch; Opening Act: Ryan Griffin and more
8/05     Richmond, UT @Cherry Peak Resort
8/06     Grand Junction, CO @Warehouse 2565
8/07     Laughlin, NV @ Edgewater Casino Resort
8/19     Berrien Springs, MI @Berrien County Youth Fairgrounds
8/21     Big Flats, NY @Budweiser Summer Stage @Tag’s
8/22     Webster, MA @Indian Ranch
8/27     Wilmington, NC @ Greenfield Lake Amphitheatre                  
8/28     Doswell, VA @ After Hours at the Meadow Event Park
8/29     Glenmoore, PA @ Citadel Country Spirit USA Music Festival
^Support to Chris Young and Josh Turner; Opening Act: Lindsay Ell
9/05     Panama City Beach, FL @Pepsi Gulf Coat Jam
^Direct support to Brooks & Dunn; Opening Acts: Tracy Lawrence, Corey Smith, Elvie Shane and more
9/09     Hampton Beach, NH @ Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom
9/10     Cohasset, MA @ South Shore Music Circus
9/11     Hyannis, MA @ Cape Cod Melody Tent
9/17     Rosemont, IL @ Joe’s Live
9/18     Milwaukee, WI @ Summerfest Briggs & Stratton Big Backyard Stage
9/24     Idaho Falls, ID x Old Dominion Live from the Ballpark Tour
^Direct support for Old Dominion
9/25     Mona, UT @Young Living Lavender Farm
9/20     Colorado Springs, CO x Old Dominion @Weidner Field
^Direct support for Old Dominion
10/1     Wichita, KS x Old Dominion Live from the Ballpark Tour
^Direct support for Old Dominion
10/2     Omaha, NE x Old Dominion Live from the Ballpark Tour
^Direct support for Old Dominion
10/8     Des Moines, IA x Old Dominion Live from the Ballpark Tour
^Direct support for Old Dominion

More 2021 tour dates to be added.

BILL ANDERSON CELEBRATES 60th ANNIVERSARY AS GRAND OLE OPRY MEMBER

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Governor Bill Lee Declares July 17 as “Bill Anderson Day” in the State of Tennessee

Mayor John Cooper Declares July 17 as “Bill Anderson” Day in the City of Nashville

(l-r): Scott Bailey, President, Opry Entertainment; Bill Anderson; Gina Keltner, Talent Director, Grand Ole Opry; Dan Rogers, Vice President/Executive Producer, Grand Ole Opry © Grand Ole Opry / Photos By: Chris Hollo

The Grand Ole Opry® presented by Humana® honored Country Music Hall of Famer Bill Anderson on his 60th anniversary as an Opry member Saturday evening. Anderson made his Opry debut just a few weeks before his 21st birthday and became an official Opry member less than three years later on July 15, 1961 at 23-years-old, the youngest member at the time. Sara Evans and Opry members Mark Wills and Vince Gill joined other artists on stage congratulating Anderson on his milestone 60th Anniversary. The performances aired as part of Opry Live on the Circle Network.

In celebration of the Grammy-nominated and ACM Poet Award honoree, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee issued an official proclamation that July 17 is “Bill Anderson Day.” Nashville Mayor John Cooper also proclaimed July 17 as “Bill Anderson Day” in Music City. Backstage after the Opry performance, the country legend celebrated with friends, family members, and fellow artists in the Opry House’s backstage Studio A. Longtime friend and Opry member Vince Gill presented the State of Tennessee proclamation to Anderson on behalf of Governor Lee, while 54-year Opry member Jeannie Seely was on hand to present Anderson with a framed proclamation from the City of Nashville on behalf of Mayor Cooper.

“First of all, it’s really hard to imagine I’ve been at the Grand Ole Opry for 60 years,” shared Anderson. “It seems like yesterday they asked me if I wanted to be a part of this great family, and of course I couldn’t wait to tell them yes and be a part of this wonderful family. Because that’s what it is, a wonderful, wonderful family. I feel so blessed to have been a part of it for 60 years. I tell people all the time that the Grand Ole Opry is like Yankee Stadium to a baseball player, or Broadway to an actor, or Hollywood to someone in film. It’s the highest rung on the ladder. It’s as high as you can go in country music and I’m just thankful that I’ve gotten to be here for 60 years.”

Anderson’s music career started in 1958 when Ray Price recorded his song, “City Lights” and it stayed at the top of Billboard magazine’s country charts for 13 weeks. Soon after this success, he signed with Decca Records and began to have hits of his own such as “Po’ Folks,” “Mama Sang a Song,” “Still” and “Bright Lights and Country Music.” By now he had affectionately been nicknamed “Whisperin’ Bill” because of his soft-spoken delivery and recitations. Through the years Anderson has written hit songs for numerous artists, including Lefty Frizzell’s “Saginaw, Michigan,” Conway Twitty’s “I May Never Get to Heaven” and many more including Kenny Chesney’s “A Lot of Things Different,” George Strait’s “Give It Away” and Brad Paisley and Alison Krauss’ “Whiskey Lullaby,” with the last two hits winning CMA Song of the Year honors.

On October 30, 2021, the Opry, the world’s longest-running radio show, will mark a historic, record-breaking milestone with its 5,000th Saturday night broadcast.

ABOUT BILL ANDERSON:
Country Music Hall of Famer and Grand Ole Opry titan Bill Anderson is the rare songwriter whose first major label cut went to No. 1 on the charts, was named Song of The Year and sparked a writing career that is currently in its seventh decade. The song, “City Lights,” was written when Anderson was a 19-year old Georgia disc jockey and became a career-defining hit for Ray Price in 1958.  The song opened doors for him in Nashville, leading him to signing with BMI and Tree Publishing. Anderson was far from a one-hit wonder. He followed “City Lights” with country standards like “Tips Of My Fingers,” the GRAMMY-nominated “Once A Day,” “Saginaw, Michigan,” “That’s What It’s Like To Be Lonesome,” “I Missed Me,” “Cold Hard Facts Of Life,” which earned him another GRAMMY nomination, “Mama Sang A Song,” the crossover smash, “Still,” and countless others. He was voted country Songwriter of the Year six times during his first decade in Music City. His success continued into the 1970’s with award-winning hits like “Slippin’ Away,” “The Lord Knows I’m Drinking,” “I May Never Get To Heaven,” and the disco-flavored, “I Can’t Wait Any Longer.” The 1980’s saw Anderson’s chart-topping career take a hiatus as he became a TV network game show host, spokesman for a national restaurant chain and a nonstop touring Grand Ole Opry performer. In the 1990’s he came roaring back with a vengeance, however, as he seriously turned to co-writing for the first time. Inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2001, his collaborations with the newer generation of Nashville tunesmiths resulted in hits like “Wish You Were Here,” the GRAMMY-nominated “Two Teardrops,” “A Lot Of Things Different,” for Kenny Chesney, “Which Bridge To Cross (Which Bridge To Burn),” for Vince Gill and two CMA Song Of The Year trophies for “Whiskey Lullaby,” with Brad Paisley and Alison Krauss and George Strait’s “Give It Away,” in 2005 and 2007 respectfully.  He continues to write today with songs like Brad Paisley’s “Dying To See Her.” For more information, visit BillAnderson.com.

ABOUT THE GRAND OLE OPRY:
The Grand Ole Opry® is presented by Humana®. Opry performances are held every Friday and Saturday of the year, with Tuesday Night Opry shows running February 16 – December 13. To plan an Opry visit, call (800) SEE-OPRY or visit opry.com. The Opry presents the best in country music live every week from Nashville, Tenn. Celebrating nine decades of entertainment, the Opry can be heard at opry.com and wsmonline.com, Opry and WSM mobile apps, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, and its flagship home, 650 AM-WSM. The Grand Ole Opry is owned by Ryman Hospitality Properties (NYSE: RHP).  For more information, visit opry.com.

BELLAMY BROTHERS RELEASE “I CAN HELP” FEAT. DENNIS QUAID AVAILABLE NOW

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LEAD SINGLE FROM COVERS FROM THE BROTHERS SLATED FOR RELEASE THIS FALL

Iconic international duo the Bellamy Brothers invited global superstar Dennis Quaid in the studio to record a rousing rendition of Billy Swan’s smash-hit “I Can Help.” The track is the lead single off the Bellamys’ forthcoming album, Covers From The Brothers, slated for release this fall. To stream or download “I Can Help,” click HERE.

People exclusively debuted the video for “I Can Help,” described by Quaid as “the kind of moment dreams are made of.” Filmed at a recording studio outside Nashville by Derrek Kupish of dkupish productions, the video showcases the camaraderie shared between the three entertainers. Quaid, who worked on the film “Great Balls of Fire!” with Swan, even received the Rockabilly Hall of Famer’s blessing before the session.

“It couldn’t have been more fun recording ‘I Can Help’ with David and Howard Bellamy. I felt like I was a kid skipping school and jamming with a band,” shared Quaid.

Taste of Country exclusively premiered the audio for the collaboration noting, “The trio trade lead vocals and harmonies throughout the rollicking track, which retains much of the original flavor of Swan’s recording from 1974 (Sterling Whitaker).” Produced by David and Howard Bellamy, the session will be featured in an upcoming episode of the Bellamys’ hit reality series “Honky Tonk Ranch,” which airs on the Grand Ole Opry’s Circle Network. Quaid will also join the Bellamy Brothers at the Opry this Saturday, July 10 to celebrate the release.

After recording over 50 original albums, Covers From The Brothers will mark the Bellamy Brothers’ first, covers-only album. Fans can look forward to hearing the duo cover artists ranging from Charlie Rich to Stevie Wonder. The Bellamy Brothers are also back on the road performing to fans across the country and gearing up for their 2022 European tour. Full list of dates below. For tickets and more information, click HERE.

When the stay-at-home orders took effect in March of 2020, the Bellamy Brothers were on Blake Shelton’s Friends And Heroes Tour. They returned to their Florida homestead where “Honky Tonk Ranch” is filmed and stayed busy through a partnership with the Florida-based medical marijuana company Trulieve as well as the release of their Bucket List EP. “I Can Help” follows the release of their “No Country Music For Old Men” collaboration with John Anderson, which has amassed nearly 2.5 million views and received praise from Rolling Stone Country, The Boot and Country Rebel.

To keep up with this on-the-move-duo, follow the Bellamy Brothers on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and visit BellamyBrothers.com.

HANNAH BELL RELEASES NEW HEARTBREAKER “COLLECTING DUST”

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Up-and-coming singer/songwriter Hannah Bell describes heartbreak with a depth and maturity that exceeds her age in her new single available now, “Collecting Dust.” This heartbreaker, written solely by Bell, touches on the relatable feeling of being stuck after a breakup and the reminders of the relationship that seem to be everywhere. Bell’s clear tone, talent for storytelling and beautiful melody will strike a chord with anyone who has struggled to break free from heartbreak – and wondered if they were the only one. Stream the song now here.

“When you’re in that ’94 jeep and you see that empty seat, 
Is it collecting dust without me?”

“The stage of heartbreak that hits me the most is how hard it is to get over someone when everything around me reminds me of them. With “Collecting Dust,” I sat down on my bedroom floor and created the most honest song from this rollercoaster of emotion,” says Hannah Bell.  

She may be young, but Bell is already making a place for herself in the country music scene, releasing more than six songs before the age of 20. Before starting her Junior year at Belmont University, and keeping up the momentum following her previous singles “The Butterfly Song” and “Get Rid Of It,” Bell is looking forward to meeting and playing for fans this summer. With her organic talent and storytelling ability, Hannah Bell is making her mark as a name to get used to.

About Hannah Bell
In the four short years Hannah Bell has been in Nashville, she has made quite an impact. Since moving to Nashville, she has groomed her writing abilities and invested in her music, with more than six released songs under her belt before her twentieth birthday. She continues to grow and improve with each one. Hannah quickly made connections, with her initial introduction into the music industry was from Renee Martin (Faith Hill), who has been with her every step of the way. From writing to booking and everything in between. Now attending Belmont University to study Music Business and Audio Production, Hannah knew music was her calling. Growing up in Arlington, TX, Hannah struggled with being shy. As she began writing music in middle school, she was able to find her voice and now enjoys meeting new people and getting to know them. Find more information on Hannah at hannahbellmusic.com.

SARA EVANS’ DAUGHTER OLIVIA EVANS MAKES POP DEBUT

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“Of Course I Do” – first single from forthcoming EP – available now at https://smarturl.it/ofcourseido.com

Olivia Evans, daughter of country star Sara Evans, will celebrate her independence on July 9 with the release of her debut single “Of Course I Do.” Stream and download the single now at https://smarturl.it/ofcourseido.com.

Olivia, 18, co-wrote “Of Course I Do” with her producer Nash Overstreet and her mother’s frequent co-writer Shane Stevens following her first bitter heartbreak. The infectious summer bop is inspired by teenage rebellion and late ’80s pop.

My mama says you ain’t that cute | She don’t like you | So of course I do

“I just wanted to write a teenage pop anthem,” Olivia explained. “You know, what every girl does at least once in her life, when you date the wrong person. The song is just so fun, and you can dance to it, but at the same time with super cool lyrics.”

The music video for “Of Course I Do” premiered via People earlier today and is directed by Olivia’s former Mountain Brook High School classmate and current Savannah College of Art and Design student Jake Gilbert. Filmed in Nashville, Olivia channels both the naivete and rebellious vibes of Olivia Newton John’s character Sandy Olsson in Grease.

“Of Course I Do” is the first song from Olivia’s forthcoming five-song EP. She co-wrote every track – all fueled by the break-up.

“I kind of pulled a Taylor Swift,” Olivia said. “I’m not saying this lightly. I genuinely was like, ‘Okay, you broke my heart. I’m going to get famous. I’m going to write songs about you.'”

While “Of Course I Do” marks Olivia’s first release as a solo artist, it is far from her first time behind a microphone. Olivia and her siblings grew up watching their mom on stage. In 2019, she and her brother Avery joined Sara to form the Barker Family Band, named after the country singer’s husband, Jay Barker. The band released music and played a limited run of shows, which gave Olivia her first turn in the spotlight. The experiment was so successful that Sara added Olivia to her band as a background singer. The experience nourished Olivia’s desire to be a vocalist – a dream sparked by her mother and pop/R&B icon Beyoncé.

“Beyoncé completely changed my world because I realized that that was more where my soul lies,” Olivia said. “Pop and R & B is my natural wheelhouse.”

She explained her mother has “known for years” she wants to be a pop singer and is supportive. However, Olivia doesn’t want to limit herself to just one genre.

“I hope in my career that I’ll have the space to do whatever, whenever I want,” she said. “If I want to make a country record in 10 years, I want to be able to do that. I’m just not locking myself into any sort of creative box.”

Sean McConnell Announces 23-City Headlining Tour In Markets Including NYC, Boston, Philadelphia & Nashville

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McConnell Rounds Out 2021 with The Wood Brothers in November

Sean McConnell will kick off a 23-city headlining fall tour on August 5th in Nashville, delivering performances from his “fabulous” (BBC2 Radio) forthcoming album, A Horrible Beautiful Dream, due out August 6th via Soundly Music.

The GRAMMY-nominated singer, songwriter, and producer’s tour will hit clubs and theaters in markets including New York, Nashville, Boston, Atlanta, Dallas, and Philadelphia. Taylor McCall (whose upcoming debut album, Black Powder Soul, was produced by McConnell) will serve as opener for seven Texas dates, October 21-29.

Following McConnell’s headlining tour, the revered songsmith will round out 2021 by joining The Wood Brothers — featured on A Horrible Beautiful Dream’s first single “The 13th Apostle” — on the GRAMMY-nominated band’s tour for eight dates in November (denoted by an asterisk in full date and market list below).

“I can’t believe I’m staring at all these tour dates, where I will be in actual venues in front of actual human beings,” says McConnell. “My heart is full. I’m also thrilled to have my young compadre Taylor McCall out supporting some of the dates, as well as getting back out on the road with the sweetest and most talented musicians on the planet, The Wood Brothers.”

“A jack-of-all-trades is too cheap a title for the sought-after songsmith… the 13-track collection is an edification incited by the often crippling stillness of an era of unknowns,” notes American Songwriter, while Medium raves, “Without a doubt, A Horrible Beautiful Dream is one of the best yet-to-be-released albums of the year.”

The “lyrically brilliant” (Americana UK) record — which features guests including Natalie Hemby, Fancy Hagood, Dan Tyminski, Audra Mae and more — was produced by McConnell, who penned 11 of the of the album’s 13 tracks on his own (and co-wrote the two others).

Tickets for all dates are on sale now at www.seanmcconnell.com.

Kane Brown x blackbear Release “Memory” Today

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Country superstar Kane Brown and multi-Platinum singer-songwriter-producer blackbear released “Memory” today,
their first collaboration as artists and songwriters.
Listen HERE. 
Produced by Andrew Goldstein and blackbear and written by Brown, Matthew Musto (blackbear), Andrew Goldstein, Joe Kirkland and Ernest Smith, “Memory” will officially impact Top 40 radio on Monday, July 12 via RCA Nashville in partnership with RCA Records. The song follows Brown’s 2X Platinum hits “Be Like That” ft. Swae Lee and Khalid and “One Thing Right” with famed DJ Marshmello, which have amassed over 567 million and 1.01 billion on-demand streams worldwide, respectively.
Recently, Brown graced the cover of Billboard’s Country Power Player issue while his collaboration with Chris Young, “Famous Friends” hit No. 1 at country radio this week.  This weekend, Brown is set to present at 2021 ESPYS, Saturday, July 10 at 8:00 PM EST on ABC and will take part in the MLB All-Star Celebrity Softball Game on Sunday, July 11, which will air Monday, July 12 at 10:00 PM EST on ESPN.
Renowned NFT artist Captvart (Cameron Burns), created an original piece for the cover art of “Memory,” using his background in photography and computer-generated astronaut imagery. Additionally known for his work in the music community, Brown is the first country artist collaboration for Captvart.
Directed by ACM and CMT Music Award winner Alex Alvga, the “Memory” music video made its broadcast premiere on MTV Live, MTVU, CMT and on the ViacomCBS Times Square billboard in New York. Watch it HERE.
Brown recently announced his Blessed & Free Tour, marking the first time a country artist will bring a headlining tour to all 29 NBA Arenas, including New York City’s Madison Square Garden, Brooklyn’s Barclays Center and Los Angeles’ STAPLES Center which he sold-out in January 2020, one of only 11 country artists to accomplish this. For tickets and more information please visit www.kanebrownmusic.com.