Saturday, 15 March 2025

Country News snippets February 24 – March 2, 2025

UK News, UK Chart News, Billboard Country Charts, Album & Single Releases, US & Canadian News, Music News, Press Releases, TV, Interviews, Articles & Videos, Fashion, Birthdays























UK News, UK Chart News, Billboard Country Charts, Album & Single Releases, US & Canadian News, Music News, Press Releases, TV, Interviews, Articles & Videos, Birthdays

UK NEWS
On the BBC Radio 2 Playlist 1 March 2025
A List
Elton John & Brandi Carlile - Who Believes in Angels? [A-A-A-A]
Lainey Wilson - Whirlwind [B-A] upgraded to the ‘A’ playlist
B List
Dasha - Not At This Party [B] added to the ‘B’ playlist
 
(27 Feb 2025) Gareth Dunlop will be The British Country Music Festival’s first-ever headliner for the Horseshoe Pavilion Stage at TBCMF 2025!
Born and raised in Belfast, Gareth has made his mark across radio, TV, and film, with songs featured in Nashville, This Is Us, Lucifer, Suits, and more. He’s written for Tim McGraw and Faith Hill, collaborated with John Oates, and been named "One to Watch" by Record of the Day.
His distinctive powerhouse vocals and seamless fusion of Roots, Americana, Country, and Pop have seen him tour with icons like Bonnie Raitt, Foy Vance, Van Morrison, and The Stereophonics.
 

(28 Feb 2025) Emerging country artist Brook Ellingworth has released his debut album Roll The Dice. Featuring 10 tracks, Roll The Diceis a reflection of raw emotions and life experiences, showcasing themes of taking chances and embracing the journey of life. The album is available across all streaming platforms here. To celebrate the release, an album launch party will be held tonight, February 28 at The 5 Spotat9 PM.
Roll The Dice showcases Ellingworth's most iconic tracks, including fan favorites like “Truck Stop” and his latest single, “Roadmap to Your Heart,” which serves as the powerful opener to the album. The title, Roll The Dice, perfectly captures the essence of taking chances, reflecting on life's most unpredictable moments. Explores themes of love and loss, Roll The Dice offers a rich blend of heartfelt ballads, soul-stirring anthems, and upbeat tracks perfect for a night out with friends. Ellingworth teamed up with close friend and producer Jake Burns at Curb Studios in Nashville to craft this compelling and diverse collection.
“I’m beyond excited to finally share my new album,"Ellingworth shares. "This project has been a long time in the making, and it makes me so happy to know that my fans can now listen to and sing along to something I’ve poured my heart and soul into."
 
(28 Feb 2025) C2C London Final Line-Up Revealed! The final artists performing across London’s C2C festival stages have been announced!  The Saloon after shows, taking place at All Bar One (this is free for festival ticket holders, subject to capacity), will also keep the party going each night, alongside the previously announced after shows taking place at Indigo at The O2 - limited tickets available here.
In celebration of The Grand Ole Opry’s 100th anniversary, we are pleased to announce a special screening of ‘Grand Ole Opry at 100: A C2C Celebration’. Keep an eye on C2C socials for further information.
 
(28 Feb 2025) To celebrate the release of her single 'Worst Kind Of Crush' Twinnie excitedly shared the official music video HERE
The stunning visual, which premiered exclusively on Holler Country, perfectly captures the song’s raw emotion and infectious energy.
 
UK CHART NEWS
UK Albums
28 February 2025 – 6 March 2025
Sam Fender secured a record-breaking opening week, with PEOPLE WATCHING netting the North Shields native a hat-trick of chart-topping albums.
Shifting 107,100 chart units in its first seven days, People Watching earns Sam the biggest opening week of his career to date, and of the year so far. His 2019 debut Hypersonic Missiles managed a 40,900 opening week, while 2017’s Seventeen Going Under netted 43,700..
 
UK Singles
28 February 2025 – 6 March 2025
Kendrick Lamar’s Not Like Us continued atop the singles chart, despite its consumption falling 28.66% week-on-week to 37,456 units (777 digital downloads and 36,689 sales-equivalent streams) – the lowest for a chart-topper for 70 weeks.
In his 45th chart frame Shaboozey’s A Bar Song (Tipsy) slipped 49-50
Post Malone “I Had Some Help” (feat. Morgan Wallen) climbed 76-71 in their 40th frame.
Morgan Wallen with his new single “I'm The Problem” fell 80-85 in the singles fourth frame.
 
Official Albums Chart Top 100 (Week Ending 6 March 2025)
28 Feb 2025 – 6 March 2025
1 5 26 Sabrina Carpenter ~ Short n' Sweet ****deluxe edition released
2 NE 1 Manic Street Preachers ~ Critical Thinking
3 NE 1 PartyNextDoor and Drake ~ $ome $exy $ongs 4 U
4 NE 1 The Wombats ~ Oh! The Ocean
5 7 4 Central Cee ~ Can't Rush Greatness
Official Singles Chart Top 100 (Week Ending 6 March 2025)
28 Feb 2025 – 6 March 2025
1 1 26 Kendrick Lamar ~ Not Like Us
50 49 45 Shaboozey ~ A Bar Song (Tipsy) *** (Peak No.3 36 weeks - 25/04/2024 to 26/12/2024 + 9 weeks - 09/01/2025 to 06/03/2025)
71 76 40 Post Malone ft Morgan Wallen ~ I Had Some Help *** (Peak: No.2, 31 weeks - 23/05/2024 to 19/12/2024 + 9 weeks - 09/01/2025 to 06/03/2025)
85 80 4 Morgan Wallen ~ I'm the Problem (Peak No.44 4 weeks - 13/02/2025 to 06/03/2025)

Official UK Country Album Top 20 Chart (Week Ending 6 March 2025)
28 Feb 2025 – 6 March 2025
Ringo Starr with LOOK UP held at No.1 (7 weeks; #1 peak)
Post Malone with F-1 TRILLION rose 5-2 (28 weeks; #1 peak)
Beyoncé with Cowboy Carter slipped 2-3 (48 weeks; #1 peak)
Shaboozey with WHERE I'VE BEEN ISN'T WHERE I'M GOING held at No.4 (39 weeks; #2 peak)
Taylor Swift with FEARLESS (Taylor’s Version) lifted 7-5 (203 weeks; #1 peak)
Bonnie Prince Billy with THE PURPLE BIRD fell 3-6 (4 weeks; #1 peak)

COUNTRY ALBUM RELEASES (Major)
(28 Feb 2025) Charles Wesley Godwin - Lonely Mountain Town (Big Loud Records) 7 songs, 26:29
(28 Feb 2025) James Dupré - Perfect Time (Warner Music Nashville) 4 songs, 15:45
(28 Feb 2025) Kip Moore - Solitary Tracks (SLOWHEARTS PRODUCTION) 23 songs, 1 hr 25 min
(28 Feb 2025) Koe Wetzel - Live from the Damn Near Normal Tour (Columbia Records/ Sony Music Entertainment) 
(28 Feb 2025) Redferrin - Some City, Somewhere (Round Here Records/ Warner Music Nashville LLC) 7 songs, 21:03

BILLBOARD/ MEDIABASE Charts

In Brief: Billboard Country Charts (Chart issue week of March 8, 2025) Starts Sun March 2, Ends Sat March 8, 2025

Billboard Country Charts (Chart issue week of March 8, 2025)
Country Album Chart ** No.1 (76 non-consecutive weeks) ** ONE THING AT A TIME Morgan Wallen
Hot Country Songs ** No.1 (36 non-consecutive weeks) ** “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” Shaboozey
Country Airplay ** No.1 (3 weeks) ** “Liar” Jelly Roll
Country Digital Songs ** No.1 (1 week) ** “Man in the Sky” Tom Macdonald

Billboard 200 News

Tate McRae scored her first No.1 album on the Billboard 200 chart as her third full-length studio set, So Close to What, debuted atop the list dated March 8. It arrived with 177,000 equivalent album units earned in the U.S. in the week ending Feb. 27, according to Luminate — marking the biggest debut week, by units, for a studio album by a woman in five months.
Of So Close to What’s 177,000 first-week equivalent album units, streaming equivalent albums (SEA) units comprised 105,000 (equaling 137.30 million on-demand official streams of the set’s songs; McRae’s biggest streaming week ever, and it debuts at No. 2 on Top Streaming Albums), album sales comprised 71,000 (her best sales week ever, it debuts at No. 1 on Top Album Sales) and track equivalent albums (TEA) units comprised 1,000.

Morgan Wallen’s chart-topping ONE THING AT A TIME was stationary at No.9 (41,000; up 4%)

Billboard Hot 100 News
The song is also making history on radio airplay charts. Kendrick Lamar and SZA’sLuther” lead the Billboard Hot 100 songs chart for a second week. A week earlier, the single – whose title is an ode to late R&B legend Luther Vandross, who is sampled on the track — became Lamar’s sixth No. 1 and SZA’s third.

Shaboozey’sA Bar Song (Tipsy)” jumped 9-5 on the Hot 100, following its record-tying 19 weeks at No.1 beginning last July. It ruled the multi-metric Hot Country Songs chart for a 36th week.     
              
Billboard’s Country Airplay Chart News
AN EVEN BIGGER ‘LIAR’ Jelly Roll’s Liar” (Bailee& Buddy/BMG/Republic/ Stoney Creek) dominated Country Airplay for a third frame, up 3% to a new weekly best 31.4 million in audience. Of his seven consecutive No. 1s, encompassing all his entries dating to his first in 2022, “Liar” marks his third to have led for three or more weeks, following “Need a Favor” (four frames in 2023) and “I Am Not Okay” (three last November). Also notably, “Liar” became only the second song to top both the Country Airplay and Mainstream Rock Airplay charts; it led the latter for one week in December. Jelly Roll boasts both such hits: “Need a Favor” ruled the rankings in 2023.

Billboard’s Country Chart News
No.1 Tom Macdonald “Man in the Sky”: MacDonald posts his second No.1 on Country Digital Song Sales as his solo-penned track starts with 8,000 sold Feb. 21- 27, according to Luminate. “Goodbye Joe” (with Nova Rockafeller) led with 12,000 sold in November. “Man in the Sky” also tops the all-genre Digital Sales tally, becoming MacDonald’s sixth No. 1.

No.9 Cody Johnson & Carrie Underwood I’m Gonna Love You”: The team-up ranks at its No.9 high on Hot Country Songs. The love song attracted 8.1 million streams (up 7%) and sold 1,000 downloads in the tracking week. On Country Airplay, it held at its No. 6 best with 20.4 million in reach, having become Underwood’s 31st top 10 — the most among women dating to her first week in the tier in December 2005 — and Johnson’s fifth. Underwood continues her residency later in March at Resorts World Las Vegas. Johnson will be in Belfast, Northern Ireland, on March 14 as part of the C2C Country to Country festival.

Country Airplay
** No.1 (3 weeks) ** “Liar” Jelly Roll 31.370 million audience (+0.993 million gain) / 8623 radio plays (+267)
Most Increased Audience ** No.5 “Hometown Home” LOCASH (+2.940 million audience gain)
** Airpower ** No.19 “Backseat Driver” Kane Brown
** Hot Shot Debut ** Debut No.60 “If I Die Before You” Chris Lane

Hot County Songs
** No.1 (36 weeks)/ Sales Gainer ** “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” Shaboozey
** Streaming Gainer ** No.11 “Worst Way” Riley Green
** Airplay Gainer ** No.26 “Hometown Home” LOCASH
** Hot Shot Debut ** No.36 “Happen To MeRussell Dickerson
Debut No.39 “1 3,2,1” Tucker Wetmore
Debut No.43 “Nobody Likes Your Girlfriend” Nate Smith + HARDY
Debut No.50 “Better Me For You (Brown Eyes) Max McNown

Country Aircheck MEDIABASE Chart
Congratulations to Jordan Davis, Damon Moberly, Miranda McDonald, David Friedman and the MCA promotion team on taking “I Ain’t Sayin’” to No.1. This is Davis’ eighth trip to the top. Songwriters are Travis Wood, Steve Moakler, Mark Holman and Emily Reid.
Davis’ leap to the top keeps Jelly Roll’s “Liar” at No. 2 for a sixth consecutive week, making it just the sixth song in chart history to spend that many weeks at No. 2, and just the second to spend six consecutive weeks in the position (Jo Dee Messina’s “Lesson In Leavin’” spent six straight weeks at No. 2 in the summer of 1999). 
Jordan Davis with “I Ain’t Sayin’ (MCA) moved 3-1 logging 9,480 radio spins (+1373), 35.729 million audience impressions (+3.323 million) with 32802 Total Points (+5125) from 159 tracking stations (159 ADDS) for the published chart dated March 3, 2024

Dan + Shay’s Gold’s Always Gonna Be Is The Most Added
Kudos to Michael Chase and the Warner/WAR crew on scoring 59 adds for Dan + Shay’s “Always Gonna Be.” This is the duo’s 12th time atop the CA/MB Add Board.

March 3, 2025 The Weeks ADDS
Artist/Title (Label)          TW       Historic
DAN + SHAY/Always Gonna Be (Warner/WAR)            59         61
LEE BRICE/Cry (Curb)   34         37
RILEY GREEN/Worst Way (Nash. Harbor)          21         131
GEORGE BIRGE/It Won't Be Long (Records Nashville)   17         119
SAM BARBER f/AVERY ANNA/Indigo (Lockeland Spr./Atlantic/Magnolia) 8          50
TIGIRLILY GOLD/Forever From Here (Monument)          8          97
LANCO f/C. ASBURY/We Grew Up Together (Riser House)        7          30
RUSSELL DICKERSON/Happen To Me (Triple Tigers)    6          6
THOMAS RHETT/After All The Bars Are Closed (Valory) 6          118
TYLER HUBBARD/Park (EMI Nashville) 6          149
VINCENT MASON/Wish You Well (Music Soup/MCA)     6          64

NEWS
(24 Feb 2025) Big Machine Records announced the signing of Something Out West. The exciting new duo comprised of artists Drew Arthur and Chet Hanks joins an impressive roster of artists which includes Tim McGraw, Carly Pearce, Midland, Rascal Flatts, Jackson Dean and more.
Drew and Chet are building a one of a kind sound and story with Something Out West, powered by their undeniable energy and creative connection,” says Big Machine Label Group Chairman & CEO Scott Borchetta. “We’re thrilled for them to join the Big Machine Records family and for the world to experience this fresh, dynamic duo.”

ICYMI: Charles Wesley Godwin ‪joined host Raina Douris for a World Cafe Session and interview in Philadelphia.

GOSSIP
(26 Feb 2025) Jelly Roll attended an interview with Eric Church at the 2025 Country Radio Seminar.
During the conversation, Jelly Roll mentioned that he was under the influence of marijuana. Jelly Roll and Church participated in an hour-long mutual interview called "The Conversation" during CRS, where they informally discussed a variety of topics. Church is an artist whom Jelly Roll considers a mentor, providing the audience with the opportunity to hear personal stories from their experiences together, both onstage and off.

(1 March 2025) Ingrid Andress made a notable return to the stage on Friday night (Feb. 28) for her first public performance since her controversial drunken rendition of the national anthem during the 2024 MLB Home Run Derby in July 2024. Demonstrating resilience, Andress chose to revisit "The Star-Spangled Banner" before a Colorado Avalanche hockey game, addressing the moment that had previously resulted in widespread public scrutiny.

BLUEGRASS
With the release of new single
“Granite Mills,” Alison Krauss & Union Station share the second preview of their first album in 14 years. Out March 28th on Down The Road Records, the forthcoming Arcadia LP is a set of ten songs that transcend time, reveal beautiful and tragic truths, and reaffirm why the group remains one of the most influential, widely celebrated acts of the past four decades.
“Granite Mills” is a traditional song that tells a dire and fatal tale, showcasing the gripping vocal talents of brand new band member Russell Moore.  
Beginning this spring, Alison Krauss (fiddle, lead vocal), Jerry Douglas (Dobro, lap steel, vocals), Ron Block (banjo, guitar, vocals), Barry Bales (bass, vocals) and Russell Moore (co-lead vocals, guitar, mandolin) will perform the music of Arcadia live at 75 tour dates across North America. From April through September, stops include iconic venues like Red Rocks Amphitheatre, LA’s Greek Theatre, NYC’s Beacon Theatre and dozens more, with special guest Willie Watson.

AMERICANA NEWS
(25 Feb 2025) Chuck ProphetWAKE THE DEAD (Yep Roc Records | 605 plays) lifted 2-1Mumford & Sons with “Rushmere” (Glassnote Records | 582 plays) moved 2-1 on the albums and singles Americana Radio Charts (week of February 25, 2025). Visit americanamusic.org to see the full charts and details for the current week's Albums and Singles. 

(25 Feb 2025) Ready to join the party? AMERICANAFEST returns to Nashville from September 9 - 13 for Music City's largest festival of the year and the biggest week of music discovery. See what types of passes and which experience you'd like HERE.

Multiple GRAMMY Award-winning singer/songwriter/guitarist Molly Tuttle’s breakout album, When You’re Ready, is now available in limited edition pink/yellow swirl and will be released April 4, 2025. PRE-ORDER
When You’re Ready introduced Tuttle to a broad audience when it was released in 2019. Produced by Ryan Hewitt (The Avett Brothers, The Lumineers) the album showcases showcases her crystalline vocals, insightful songwriting and her boundless musical range.

(28 Feb 2025) JD Clayton "Slow & Steady" Video

Waxahatchee "Much Ado About Nothing"(On The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon) Video

MUSIC NEWS
(24 Feb 2025) Acclaimed British duo 
When Rivers Meet return with their brand new single ‘Addicted To You’ (tagged Rock). Watch the lyric video HERE and stream the song HERE.

It’s the first taste of their soon-to-be-announced fourth album and is a gloriously catchy and instantly memorable rock classic, riding in on an insistent guitar riff with Grace and Aaron Bond’s double vocals laying a tantalising trail until the euphoric chorus kicks in. 
“’Addicted To You’ reflects the powerful pull of a relationship where passion and connection create an undeniable bond,” explains Aaron. 
“The lyrics explore the consuming nature of love,” continues Grace, “where every interaction feels intense and all-encompassing.”

Their unique sound defies genres, fusing the raw power of blues-rock, the storytelling soul of Americana, and the heartfelt intimacy of folk. Their music is gritty, soulful, and electrifying, with Grace’s powerhouse vocals and Aaron’s dynamic musicianship creating something truly unforgettable.
Grace and Aaron will be taking to the road with their band, bringing their explosive live show to four very special and intimate headline shows in May as follows:
May 23 – Glasgow, Oran Mor
May 24 – Nottingham, Rescue Rooms
May 26 – Southampton, The Brook
May 29 – Norwich, The Waterfront
They will also be supporting the legendary Blue Oyster Cult at the London Palladium on May 25th.
For more information and tickets visit www.whenriversmeet.co.uk
(27 Feb 2025) Non-profit performing rights organization ASCAP collected a record $1.835 billion in total revenues in 2024, an increase of 5.7% from 2023's $1.737b. Total royalty distributions to its songwriters, composers and publishers increased 6.5%, to $1.696b. This marks the eighth consecutive year exceeding $1b in distributions. "Protecting the livelihoods of songwriters and composers and defending the value of music is a mission we take seriously," says Chairman/Pres. Paul Williams. "For us, this is more than just business – it’s personal, and that’s what sets ASCAP apart from any other PRO.

(28 Feb 2025) Neil Young is scheduled to headline London's BST Hyde Park festival this summer. The Canadian singer-songwriter has been announced as the latest headliner for this year's edition of the summer music festival, which will take place over several weekends in June and July at Hyde Park in London. Neil Young is set to perform on 11 July, presenting some of his greatest hits with his band Chrome Hearts. The 79-year-old artist will also be accompanied by support acts including Yusuf/Cat Stevens and Van Morrison, with additional acts to be announced at a later date.

AWARDS
 (27 Feb 2025) Not A Sprint: Ashley Cooke, Jordan Davis, Jackson Dean, Ernest, Hardy and Carly Pearce will vie for Artist Writer of the Year at the Association for Independent Music Publishers2025 AIMP Nashville Awards April 8 at Marathon Music Works. Songwriter of the year nominees are Rocky Block, Jessie Jo Dillon, Ashley Gorley, Hunter Phelps, Taylor Phillips and Jonathan Singleton. Rising Artist Writer nominees are George Birge, Laci Kaye Booth, Dylan Marlowe, Vincent Mason, Zach Top and Tucker Wetmore. See the full list of nominees in all eight categories here.

TOUR / LIVE EVENTS
(25 Feb 2025) Country music icon Travis Tritt is set to hit the road in 2025, bringing his electrifying performances to cities across the United States. At the time of the announcement, the tour kicks off April 4 at Sweetland Amphitheatre in LaGrange, GA, and includes stops in major markets like Pompano Beach, FL; Bristol, VA; Sioux Falls, SD; and Lake Charles, LA, before concluding at the Ameristar Casino - Star Pavilion on October 18.
Fans can expect to hear their favorite Tritt’s classic hits, including favorites like “Help Me Hold On,” “Anymore,” “Here’s A Quarter,” and his signature anthem, “It’s a Great Day to Be Alive.” With a career spanning over three decades, Tritt continues to captivate audiences with his timeless sound and powerhouse vocals.

(25 Feb 2025) Festive All: Bob DiPiero (Reba McEntire, Tim McGraw, Brooks & Dunn), Dean Dillon (George Strait, Kenny Chesney, Chris Stapleton), Liz Rose (Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood) and Victoria Shaw (Garth Brooks, Ricky Martin), are among the songwriters performing at the inaugural Las Vegas Songwriters Festival Aug. 21-24 at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino; tickets here Friday (2/28). 
Hosted at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino by Matt Warren (who has written songs for Darius Rucker, Gary Allan and many more) and founded by Entersong's Rob Hatch and Mike Every, in collaboration with MGM Resorts, the weekend will feature more than 300 No. 1 hits represented by 100 live performances, as 50 award-winning songwriters perform in various venues throughout the resort.

The Sac Song & Wine Series returns for its third year to Miner’s Leap Winery in Clarksburg, CA, kicking off May 16 with songwriters Tyler Reeve and Cole Taylor, with monthly shows to follow every Friday night through October. Other songwriters scheduled for the season are James Otto, Lee Thomas Miller, Wendell Mobley, Jerry Flowers, Jordan Walker and Charles Esten. Schedule and tickets here.

LAS VEGAS, Nev. – This summer Las Vegas welcomes the largest gathering of hit songwriters in the city’s history as it launches the first Las Vegas Songwriters Festival. Presented by MGM Resorts International and Entersong Entertainment, the groundbreaking event will take place August 21-24, 2025, offering fans an intimate, immersive experience with some of the biggest names in song craft – from country music and beyond.

(27 Feb 2025) Festive All: Bob DiPiero, Melissa Etheridge, Ashley Gorley, Chrissy Metz, Ashley McBryde, Craig Wiseman, Jeffrey Steele and Trisha Yearwood are among the performers set for Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI)'s 33nd annual Tin Pan South Songwriters Festival March 25-29 in venues across Nashville. Tickets go on sale March 4 here

Carrie Underwood has been added as a headliner for the Voices of America Country Music Fest Aug. 7-10 at Voice of America MetroPark in West Chester, OH, joining the previously announced Darius RuckerHardy and Bailey Zimmerman. Other performers include Shaboozey, Carly Pearce, Parmalee, Nate Smith, Mitchell Tenpenny and Billy Currington. Tickets here.

Celebrate some powerhouse country ladies at the Opry with trailblazers Terri Clark and Lorrie Morgan returning to the circle this month. Plus, Maddie & Tae, Lauren Alaina, Hailey Whitters, Opry NextStage duo Tigirlily Gold, and more of your favorite women in country are on their way to the Opry. - EVENTS

(28 Feb 2025) Tour Support: Verge Records’ Trace Adkins will embark on his 13-date What Color’s Your Wild Tour March 29 in Du Quoin, IL, after he completes his current run on Blake Shelton’s Friends & Heroes Tour. Tickets here.

(2 March 2025) Get a front row seat to the show with “CARRIE UNDERWOOD: REFLECTION!” The concert special is available for streaming internationally in select countries now, and more on March 15 on Disney+ !

TV
ICYMI: Max McNown sang "Better Me For You (Brown Eyes)" on The Kelly Clarkson Show

PRESS RELEASES
(24 Feb 2025) NASHVILLE, Tenn.– Country singer-songwriter Robby Johnson performed an exclusive acoustic set at CRS 2025 (Country Radio Seminar) on February 21, at 11:45 am on the second level of the Omni Hotel Nashville. The performance featured his new single "TGIF," along with; "Road I'm On," "If I Ever Was a Cowboy," a medley with country classics and Robby's Johnny Cash-inspired, "Quiet Night In Austin," that audiences love. Johnson was presented by radio veteran and owner, Dennis Banka of WUCZ 104.1 The Ranch, who said he was waiting to see Robby perform at The Opry.
With an unwavering drive and passion for storytelling, he's already hard at work on his next project, ensuring that fans won't have to wait long for more fresh, exciting tracks. A full-length album is scheduled for release in June of this year.

(24 Feb 2025) Having kicked off 2025 with a sold-out performance at the San Antonio Rodeo last week in front of 16,000 fans, multi-Platinum band Whiskey Myers add 23 shows this summer with the newly announced What We Were Born To Do Tour.
The tour starts on June 6 and visits cities across the U.S. throughout the summer with special guests Bayker Blankenship, Kashus Culpepper, Josh Meloy, Pony Bradshaw, Alex Lambert and The Droptines joining across various dates. Tickets go on sale to the general public this Friday, Feb. 28 at 10am local time via WhiskeyMyers.com.
The news of the summer tour joins the recent announcement that Whiskey Myers will co-headline 14 dates of the Live in 25 Tour with Tedeschi Trucks Band later this summer, in addition to headlining their own personally curated festivals this year.

In addition to the excitement of upcoming live dates, Whiskey Myers also thrilled fans with the recent confirmation that a seventh studio is indeed in the works. With the band having encamped at three-time GRAMMY Award-winning producer Jay Joyce’s East Nashville studio earlier this year, new music is expected soon.

(25 Feb 2025) In celebration of World Spay Day today, Feb. 25, country music icon Miranda Lambert’s MuttNation Foundation has announced the It Takes Balls campaign will focus specifically on Central, South and West Texas this year. In 2024, It Takes Balls provided grants to East Texas, North Texas and the Texas Panhandle. The initiative, which kicked off in 2023, raises awareness for the importance of spay & neuter and offers grants to qualifying low-cost programs.

(25 Feb 2025) Club Country hitmaker 
Graham Barham earned the largest streaming debut of his career last week with the release of his latest song, “OIL MONEY,” the title track of his new EP. Now Graham Barham prepares to play the UK Country To Country Festival over the weekend of 14-16th March 2025. Listen HERE.
“This is so crazy. Obviously, a lot of people have had a lot of opinions about what I’m doing, but I just wanted everyone to know how much fun I’m having,” shared Barham. “I’m absolutely taken aback and so thankful. People can absolutely have their opinions, but it just shows to never let someone hating on what you’re doing hold you back.”
OIL MONEY topped iTunes and Apple Music Albums charts, with streaming totals surpassing Barham’s previous viral hit “WHISKEY WHISKEY.” Holler praised the track, lauding “Barham layers his vocals across the infectious hook, sending an extra jolt of energy coursing through each line.”
iamsydneythomas  Sydney Thomas: Had so much fun filming this project with Graham Barham for his new song #OilMoney 

iamsydneythomas  Sydney Thomas: Had so much fun filming this project with Graham Barham for his new song #OilMoney 
Fashion Note: Wearing a HOUSE OF CB BRIANNA MINI DRESS. Brianna' is their beautifully feminine mini dress in a delicate floral lace. This enchanting design features a high neck and a peek-a-boo keyhole front. 'Brianna' has a bodycon silhouette for a snatching fit 

(26 Feb 2025) Rising country artist and The Voice finalist Ian Flanigan is set to release his highly anticipated sophomore album, THE MAN MY MAMA RAISED, on March 7, 2025, via Reviver Records. To celebrate, Flanigan will embark on the Southbound Writers Round Tour, a limited-run, intimate tour alongside fellow The Voice standout Jim Ranger and singer-songwriter Randall Fowler. 
This unique tour will bring the trio’s raw storytelling and dynamic performances to select venues along the East Coast and South, creating an up-close and personal experience for fans. The Southbound Writers Round Tour will kick off March 6 at Daryl’s House Club in New York and run through March 18, ending at Nashville’s iconic Bluebird Café.

(26 Feb 2025) Only eight months into his recording career, Southern crooner Kashus Culpepper is racking up early acclaim from industry and legendary artists alike. Today he adds to his growing catalog with “Talk With Me,” out now.
“'Talk With Me' is one of those songs that could exist at any point in time,” shares Culpepper. “I'm proud of it and being able to lean on the greats from the past to draw inspiration from.”
Fusing his inextricable influences of country, soul and gospel, a line can be drawn directly from Culpepper's early musical influences – finding his voice in church as young as five years old – to the soulful DNA of “Talk With Me,” featuring trio backing vocals reminiscent of a choir. The song co-written by Culpepper, Rhys Rutherford and Rivers Rutherford, and produced by frequent collaborator Brian Elmquist (The Lone Bellow) was recorded at Ivy Manor during a pilgrimage with Culpepper's full band to Muscle Shoals.
The ”up and coming stellar vocalist” was Bob Harris Country’s C2C Preview Session guest on the Feb 20, 2025 Show.

(27 Feb 2025) Country rock superstar HARDY launches his label CROW RECORDS, a partnership with Big Loud Rock, today with the debut release from new artist Sikarus. Watch the visualizer for “Nonchalant” here and stream here.
“The second I heard Sikarus' music I thought to myself, 'What a cool sound, I want to do anything I can to be able to work with him,'” says HARDY. “I've known Jordan for many years and I'm so excited to finally be able to say that we are officially working together. I love rock 'n' roll, I love exploring new things and I couldn't be happier for Sikarus to be the first artist signed to CROW RECORDS.”

(28 Feb 2025) Multi-platinum singer/songwriter Kip Moore released his anticipated sixth studio album Solitary Tracks, available everywhere through Virgin Music Group. His biggest and most ambitious record to date, Solitary Tracks features 23 songs split over four sides, a resonant opus from beginning to end, and a testament to Moore’s wanderlust drive to pave his own path and explore new horizons. Stream or purchase Solitary Tracks HERE.

Moore also shared the official video for the album’s title track “Solitary Tracks”. A stirring vignette that follows an aspiring singer as she discovers her voice and emerges into the spotlight, “Solitary Tracks” embodies the song’s exploration of a born-outsider’s drive that rises into a cathartic roots-rock anthem.

(28 Feb 2025)
Charles Wesley Godwin's stunning seven-song EP LONELY MOUNTAIN TOWN is out  via Big Loud Records. In the 17 months since the release of his breakout album Family Ties, Charles Wesley Godwin's career has been on a decidedly upward trajectory.

Appearances on Colbert, Kimmel, CBS Saturday Sessions, and even ESPN's Sports center. Festival debuts at Bonnaroo and Stagecoach. Opening stadium shows for Luke Combs while the crowds at his own sold-out headline shows swell into the thousands. Instead of dwelling on any chatter that accompanied such a revered release, he did what he always has done: Godwin simply kept on writing. The result of such dutiful persistence was one of Godwin's most prolific years yet: the musician estimates he wrote nearly 30 songs in 2024, and, in the process, most excitingly arrived at Lonely Mountain Town.

Earlier this week, Godwin announced a trio of shows in May around his already announced appearance at the Highways Festival in London, UK on May 17. Godwin will play Glasgow, UK at SWG3 on May 15, Manchester, UK at Academy 2 on May 18, and Dublin, IE at Academy Main Room on May 19. Godwin will return to the UK this Summer for the Long Road Festival in Leicestershire, UK on August 23. Artist pre-sale for the Glasgow, Manchester and Dublin shows is March 5 at 10 a.m. local time, and general on sale is March 7 at 10 a.m. local time. 

May 15 - Glasgow, UK - SWG3 Galvanizers
May 17 - London, UK - Highways Festival
May 18 - Manchester, UK - Academy 2
May 19 - Dublin, IE - Academy Main Room
Aug 23 - Leicestershire, UK - Long Road Festival

(28 Feb 2025) Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame member and country music hitmaker Clay Walker released his highly-anticipated new single today titled “Cowboys In Heaven.” This heartfelt track beautifully captures the essence of country music, evoking both nostalgia and reflection. Listen here: orcd.co/cw-cbih
"I only write songs that I feel like I've lived or have some kind of experience with. ‘Cowboys In Heaven’ was written by a bunch of guys who really love cowboy, western lifestyle. I had my good friend, Charlie Rizzo, in mind when we were writing it. Charlie was a champion bareback rider and a true cowboy. The day we finished the song was the day he passed away. So it has a really sentimental place in my heart.” said Walker.

(28 Feb 2025) Rising country star Kassi Ashton teams up with Parker McCollum for a soulful track lamenting a night of mistakes in ‘Sounds Like Something I’d Say’. The new song is featured on Kassi’s forthcoming deluxe album Made From The Dirt: The Blooms, out April 25 via MCA Nashville/Snakefarm in the UK. Listen to ‘Sounds Like Something I’d Say’ HERE
Kassi will be coming to play C2C Festival in Berlin, Glasgow and London.

(2 March 2025) Nashville native Cody Pennington will release his new single, ‘Whiskey’s Better produced by Ryan Hadlock (Zach Bryan, The Lumineers, Vance Joy) on 28 March 2025 - available to pre-save / pre-order now. With its rich storytelling, gritty vocals, and a melody that lingers like the burn of a smooth bourbon, ‘Whiskey’s Better’ is a track that echoes both heartbreak and resilience.
"’Whiskey's Better’ is a turning point for me. It's such a fun song, but it also represents a level in my career that has taken over 10 years to reach,” shares Pennington. “Working with Ryan has been a dream of mine since I was in the Air Force. Being able to finally fulfil that dream was a full-circle moment that makes all of my past work make sense. Something is working for me, and it's great to have evidence of that. It's certainly great for it to happen in the year that I do my first EU and AU tours and a huge UK tour. It all feels very ‘right place, right time-y’ to me."

(2 March 2025)
Blake Shelton and his Friends & Heroes Tour launched to roaring crowds this past weekend, delivering a powerhouse celebration of country music, friendship and unforgettable performances. The sold-out run kicked off Thursday night at Rupp Arena in Lexington, KY, before rolling into Knoxville, TN and Greensboro, NC, where fans were treated to a one-of-a-kind experience blending classic hits, new favorites and legendary collaborations.
From the moment Shelton hit the stage, the energy was electric. “Blake Shelton Pours Out The Love To Country Heroes,” raved the Lexington Herald-Leader, while the Knoxville News described it as an “epic country party.” Fans sang along, raised their glasses and reveled in a night that honored country music’s past and present.
Opening act Emily Ann Roberts set the tone with a high-energy 25-minute set before Shelton stormed the stage with his latest No. 1 hit, “Pour Me A Drink.” Welcoming the crowd with his signature humor, he joked, “My doctor’s got me on medication, and now I only care about three things: drinking, having fun and country music!”

WATCH
(24 Feb 2025) NASHVILLE, TENN. – Today, the Indiana-born, Nashville-based rising star Stephen Wilson Jr. releases the official music video for Cuckoo” from his critically-acclaimed debut double album søn of dad (Big Loud Records). Directed by Tim Cofield, the clip paints a psychedelic picture of life in an Indiana holler featuring a frenetic dive bar performance from Joey Breaux, a Midwestern Gothic family scene and HARDY + Wilson Jr. playing catch with a ball of fire.
Wilson Jr. is currently in the midst of the entirely sold-out 2025 U.S. run of his søn of dad tour with stops in Detroit, Toronto and more. Earlier this month, it was announced that he will join HARDY on his JIM BOB WORLD TOUR on select dates from May through September, including the final show at Madison Square Garden.

(24 Feb 2025) ACM New Male Artist of the Year Nate Smith and country rock superstar HARDY release their highly anticipated new single and music video for 'Nobody Likes Your Girlfriend'. The track was written by Jessie Jo Dillon, Michael Hardy, Ben Johnson and Hunter Phelps while the video was directed by Spidey Smith and features actor and comedian Kevin James and digital creators Sophia La Corte and Amanda Mertz. Watch the video here.

“I’ve been a fan of HARDY for a long time,” says Smith. “I still remember the first time I heard Rednecker—his authenticity was undeniable. Not only is he one of the most sought-after songwriters in country music, but he’s also a massive star in his own right. Having him joinme on this song is truly humbling. From the start, we both knew this song had to be done this way—it speaks to so many people in a way that feels real. And on top of that, it’s easily one of the catchiest songs I’ve ever been a part of. I can’t wait to hear crowds singing it at the top of their lungs everywhere I go this year.

(25 Feb 2025) Kane Brown performed "3" as part of the Vevo Extended Play series; watch here

Watch this year’s CRS research presentation, “The Country Fan: Reviewing, Retaining and Recruiting Your Listener,” here; download slides here.

(26 Feb 2025) Craig Campbell released his impactful "Missing You" single to DSPs and radio stations across the country on Friday 14 Feb, 2025, and today, the emotion-charged music video for the song was released on his YouTube channel. While most artist managers work behind the scenes, Craig insisted the leader behind his small but mighty team, Maddy Grossl, be front and center in the clip with her fiance Austin Fowler. View the video


BABY NEWS
Crib Note: Elle King and partner Daniel Tooker recently welcomed their second child together, son Royal Tooker. He joins three-year-old big brother Lucky Levi.

BIRTHDAYS
In the week ahead
March 3: Royal Wade Kimes (1951), the late Doc Watson (March 3, 1923; died May 29, 2012 aged 89))
March 4 Jason Sellars (1971)
March 5: Amanda Shires (1982)
March 6: Skip Ewing (1964), Kimmie Rhodes (1954), Connie Britton (TV series Nashville, 1967)
March 9: Mickey Gilley (1936) 

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