INDIE
CONTEMPORARY COUNTRY VOCAL GROUP DAVES HIGHWAY RELEASE
NEW
NASHVILLE RECORDING PROJECT IF YOU ASKED ME
Six-Song
EP Spotlighting Invigorating Melodies, Signature Harmonies & Modern Flare
NASHVILLE,
Tenn.–Contemporary country breakout vocal group, Daves Highway, defined
by its exceptional blood harmonies and introspective lyrics, released its
fifth recording project IF YOU ASKED ME.*Produced by Geoff Sprung (bassist
for award-winning, seven-time ACM and CMA Vocal Group Old Dominion),the
six-song EP is AVAILABLE NOW (preferred music
platform) under the Good Company Entertainment Records imprint with distribution
by CmdShft.
Spotlighting emotionally rich, harmony-laced musical narratives (written
and co-written by the trio alongside Stephen Hunley, Bobby
McLamb,Ryan Rossebo, Bill DiLuigi, Jude Toy,
and Peytan Porter), the tracks are defined by acoustic warmth and
introspective lyrics, and revealing Daves Highway's knack to carry the
listener through love and loss, vulnerability, growth and
resilience.
Invigorating
melodies, signature harmonies and modern production enliven reflections
that trace the journey through breakup and heartache, longing and regret,
faith and courage as portrayed in the lead single "Happy To Be
Sad;" the spirit of bounce back in "Good Luck Girl;" the
longing for true love in "Heaven High," and the nostalgia of a
distant memory in "Astrovan."Offering a unique musical
interpretation of Martina McBride’s iconic hit ballad, "Anyway,"
the trio pours love and intention into every breath, beat and
lyric.
"Recording this project was a labor of love and the release feels
like a long time coming. The storylines chronicle a series of life's ups
and downs, encompassing relationships, personal growth and positive
reflection," the band said.
**** USE the Playlist play control2nd
left from top of the screen to see the playlisted..tracks and
select one to play from the drop down menu *** 👇
(15 Aug 2025) Daves Highway - IF YOU
ASKED ME (EP; GCE Records) 6 songs, 20:33
TRACK LISTING
1. Astrovan (Stephen Hunley, Bobby
McLamb, Erika Daves, Delaney Daves, Zach Daves) 3:04 , released 11
July 2025
2, Happy To Be Sad (Bill DiLuigi, Jude
Toy, Erika Daves, Delaney Daves, Zach Daves) 3:22 , released 25 April
2025
DAVES
HIGHWAY
is an intertwined, free-spirited breath of fresh air, making an
impression one song and three harmonies at a time. The band's name is
derived from their lineage and was established early on when Zach
(guitar), Delaney (bass), and Erika (lead vocals) traveled cross-country
as youngsters. The clan's shared passion for music, "together is
better" philosophy, and unwavering "all or nothing"
gumption form a tightly knit bond of mutual trust and genuine friendship.
With
rich dynamic harmonies, honest lyrics, and a seamless blend of soft rock
and country, the trio brings an authentic new voice in modern country
music. Each member brings something uniquely their own to the mix.
Their
music has earned them comparisons to Little Big Town, The Band Perry, The
Civil Wars, and The Martins. Known for their genuine lyrics, undeniable
chemistry, and blood harmonies, Daves Highway has captivated audiences
since their YouTube breakout in 2009 (amassing more than 20 million views
with the performance of "Jesus Messiah"). The group has
recorded and released four studio albums, appeared on the "Bobby
Bones Show", played the Ryman Auditorium, shared stages with Darius
Rucker, LeAnn Rimes, and Eli Young Band, and in 2023, toured with country
music hitmaker Jake Owen.
ABOUT
THEE SONGS Astrovan (Stephen Hunley, Bobby
McLamb, Erika Daves, Delaney Daves, Zach Daves) If you like: Dixie Chicks/The
Lumineers The echoing a cappella opener showcases precise blood harmonies.
Symbolic of a long-distance relationship that travels "one-Mississippi-two"
between a memory that remains in the forefront as a constant reminder of the
past, "Astrovan" is the vehicle of emotional transport between
landmarks – looking back in the rearview mirror or recalling fond remnants in
the road ahead. "Traveling 21 states…where every mile marker is a
memory–the road fills empty space. …I drive all night make record time, to fill
the space in this heart of mine. If there's an 'over you,' I'm never gonna get
there."
Happy
To Be Sad
(Bill DiLuigi, Jude Toy, Erika Daves, Delaney Daves, Zach Daves) Melancholic
vocals define moments caught between the delusion of happiness, the dawn of the
light, and letting go of the hold. Pointed lyrics "can't be good to want
someone that bad," "...gone for good is as good as it gets" are
the highlight, while the tick-tock clock beat rhythm keeps time to drive the
direction.
If
You Asked Me
(Erika Daves) A bittersweet recollection of a romantic relationship that's come
to conclusion. Vocals whisper for the chance to say words left unsaid in a
conversation with someone loved; the storyline canvasses the confused and
emotional gap between the desperate need to hold on and the healing medicine to
move on. The acoustic forward and nostalgic production make for an honest relay
of emotion. "If you asked me if I miss you, if I want you, if I love you,
if I hate you, just a little, I do"
Good
Luck Girl
(Ryan Rossebo, Erika Daves, Delaney Daves, Zach Daves) If you like: Colbie
Caillat/Megan Moroney/Taylor Swift The feel-good melody supports the bubbly
fair warning to the ex-boyfriend's new girlfriend. The pep talk from
"someone who's been there" red flags trouble on the horizon as
chivalry fades and the tornado forms. The ebb and flow swell of orchestral and
rock instrumentals fuel the "I told you so" notice. "I wish I
had a warning for the storm that was coming, and trust me when I say it's just
a game that he plays."
Heaven
High
(Peytan Porter, Erika Daves, Delaney Daves, Zach Daves) A song of praise for
prayers answered to find deep love. Electric guitar and drums heighten the
intensity of the "hallelujah" acclamation while the screaming rundown
in the bridge takes a verse from the Skynyrd and Zeppelin bible. Commanding
attention from beginning to end, vibrant and powerful vocal energy is as
"deep as it is wide."
Anyway (Martina McBride,
Brett Warren, Brad Warren) If you like: The Band Perry A
unique musical perspective and interpretation of Martina McBride’s iconic hit
ballad (as co-written by the multi angelic
lead vocal, hymnal chorus and breathtaking harmonies as the main event. The
leap-of-faith lyrical message conveys universal encouraging words of hope, love
and perseverance. "God is great, but sometimes life ain't good. And when I
pray, it doesn't always turn out like I think it should, but I do it
anyway."
"What
I Came To Do" tops the Texas Regional Radio Report week ending 7/17/25.
Latest
single “Hold Her Horses” at Texas Radio and played on The Country Mile #381 Show LINK
Jesse
Raub Jr. - What I Came To Do (Jesse Raub Jr. Music)
Release
Date: 4 July 2025; 12 songs, 43:21
Rating
3.8/ 5 STARS
Top
Tracks: Home Is Where The Heart Aches, Had To Be There, Always Friday Night
Track
Listing
"Hold
Her Horses" 3:44 written by Clint Daniels, Lee Starr, Paul Sikes
Ain't
A Cowboy 03:35
The
Answer Is Yes Jesse Raub Jr. feat. Sunny Sweeney 03:12 (Written by Jesse Raub
Jr., Radney Foster, Scott Sean White) * As heard on The Country Mile #361
What
I Came To Do 03:38
Healin'
On The Hurtin' 03:24
I
Woke Up 04:04
If
I've Learned Anything Jesse Raub Jr. feat. Cody Johnson 03:11 114.7K Streams
Home
Is Where The Heart Aches 03:32
Just
Outside Of Town 03:36
One
Wild Reason 04:03
Always
Friday Night 03:49
Had
To Be There 03:33 written by Helene Cronin, Jesse Raub Jr., Scott Sean White,
Terri Jo Box
**** USE the Playlist play control2nd
left from top of the screen to see the playlisted..tracks and select
one to play from the drop down menu *** 👇
Following
up from his last #1 single, “Good Times” (Track 1 from the album
REAL SIMPLE COUNTRY; released May 24, 2024), Jesse Raub Jr. released single,
"I'd Look Good On You". This track begs you to reach
out and touch someone, and says what we are all thinking, but usually don't
have the nerve to say. I want to dance with you. Radio and Digital formats are
arriving just in time for Summer (and the end of Quarantinin' 2020).
“My
hero's have always been outlaws! It's like I am living what they lived, and we
shared that kind of moment.” ~Jesse Raub Jr.
A
ranch hand, a blue collar workingman's storyteller. A star rising! Jesse has
spent his life on the road chasing white lines and neon lights, his playground
is the dancehall, singing till the last call.
Jesse
Raub Jr.
is a native Texan born and raised in Houston. Jesse's wild country
raising set the stage. His songs tell stories as real as the man himself. Jesse
spent the last decade on the road rocking traditional Country sounds Hanked up
with Southern Rock. His unique voice and true country sound continue to captivate
his audiences and his explosive high energy show keeps the crowd coming every
night.
His
first #1 was a co-writer of Cody Johnson’s “Dance Her Home”
“Five
#1's as an artist “She’ll Put The Hurt On You”, “Mistakes” , "Sittin'
Here" featuring my brother Cody Johnson, ”Touch the Water”, followed by my
5th #1 “Good Times”. And the beat goes on! ~ Jesse Raub Jr.
Please
meet Jesse Raub Jr.
Jesse
has finished producing his new album with Radney Foster in Nashville now,
preparing for a July 2025 release.
Here
are some Jesse highlights.
1
Gold Record for "Dance Her Home" as a co-writer.
10
Texas Regional Radio Number 1's, including 9 in a row, after "Dance Her
Home" as a co-writer.
18,000+
Facebook followers
25,000+
Spotify Listeners
Jesse Raub Jr. is a true embodiment of the
spirit of Texas Country, ready to bring the honky-tonks to life with his
electrifying performances. Jesse spent time the last couple of years on the
road rocking sold-out arenas and amphitheaters, with Cody Johnson,
leaving audiences yearning for more.
Jesse
Raub Jr. and the Known Associates, released "What I Came To Do"
to Texas radio in July after the massive success of "Beer's Better on a
Boat".
On the Texas Regional Radio Report published for week
ending 7/17/25 The top spot went to Jesse Raub Jr. with "What I
Came To Do". The song moved 2-1 logging 1728 SPINS (+19) after
26 weeks on the chart.
Click to Enlarge
Watch
Story Behind the Song & LIVE Performance! | PODCAST CLIP HERE
A
workingman's storyteller on the rise, Jesse Raub Jr. infuses traditional Texas
Country sounds with Southern Truth, reminiscent of greats like Waylon and
Kristofferson. He weaves the rocking '90s vibes of Hank and Garth into every
high-energy show, keeping the crowd on their feet and moving.
As
Jesse puts it, "I work for Jesus and play for Freedom."
Texas-born
and Nashville recording artist Jesse Raub Jr. brings an authentic sound to the
Country music scene, blending 90's country with a modern edge.
His
4th studio album WHAT I CAME TO DO, was produced by Radney Foster in
2024 and was released on July 4, 2025.
What
I Came to Do
- the single released to Radio and Digital in January. The first single and
title track, “What I Came To Do,” is a powerful anthem of resilience, love, and
living life with purpose.
His
latest single “Hold Her Horses” just made its debut on the Texas Regional Radio Top 100 at No.88
with 138 Fresh Spins for Week Ending 8/6/2025 - Week 31
Jesse
Raub Jr Bio
Jesse’s
career highlights include over 160,000,000 Spotify spins on songs Jesse wrote.
In
2014, he scored his first #1 on Texas Radio as a co-writer on Johnson’s “Dance
Her Home”.
He
scored his First Gold Record as co-writer on Johnson’s “Dance Her Home”,”
featured on "A Cowboy Like Me", and "The Live Album". His
major label songwriting credits also include “Made A Home” (featured on The
Human Album and This Old House) and “Over Missing You” on Leather Part 2.
Jesse
has been on tour with Cody Johnson and opened more than 24 shows in that
last 24 months. With a rapidly growing fan base and deep roots in the Lone Star
State, Jesse and his band, the Known Associates, have become a fan favorite in
Texas Country, earning 11 Regional Radio Report #1 singles, including 10
consecutive hits, Jesse is not just a rising star in Texas—he is a force to be
reckoned with in the country music world. Jesse has shared the stage with an
incredible list of artists including Lee Ann Womack, Clay Walker, and Mark
Chesnutt. Known for his fun high-energy performances and hanging out with his
fans. Jesse and the band have been kicking ass, taking names, and growing in
popularity.
Each
song is a testament to Jesse's rich heritage and personal experiences,
resonating with audiences across the nation. As he continues to rise, Jesse
remains focused on sharing his unique sound and story with the world.
NASHVILLE,
Tenn. (July 18, 2025) – Multi-Platinum country star Billy Currington
dropped his latest song “King of the World”. Written by Troy
Jones, Currington brings back the fun summer feeling of his biggest
chart-topping hits.
He
sings:
I
got the radio playing and my boat while I float
Take
a toke while I listen to Merle
A
hot sun, cold one, I’ll be son of a gun]
I’m
king of the world
Listen
to “King of the World” HERE
(preferred music platform) or listen below:
With
more new music coming soon, fans can catch Currington on the road all summer on
tour. Stopping in 16–cities across the US, Billy Currington, along with Kip
Moore, is hitting major markets including Los Angeles, Austin, Boston and
more. The tour also features artist Marlon Funaki.
Fri
Sep 5 – Toledo OH – Toledo Zoo Amphitheatre
Sat Sep 6 – Indianapolis IN – Everwise Amphitheater at White River State Park
Thu Sep 12 – Wilmington NC – Live Oak Bank Pavilion
Fri Sep 13 – Raleigh NC – Red Hat Amphitheater#
Fri Sep 19 – Boston MA – MGM Music Hall at Fenway
Sat Sep 20 – Gilford NH – BankNH Pavilion
Billy
Currington has spent nearly two decades topping the country charts, parlaying
his rich, emotion-laden tenor and unerring song sense into some of the format’s
most memorable hits. Across multiple Platinum-certified albums, the Georgia
native has tallied 12 No. 1 singles, including 4X Platinum hit “People Are
Crazy,” 4X Platinum “Good Directions,” 4X Platinum “Must Be Doin’ Somethin’
Right,” plus Double-Platinum “Do I Make You Wanna,” Platinum “We Are Tonight,”
and more.
CYNDI
THOMSON RELEASES BREATHTAKING NEW VIDEO FOR “BLACK CELICA” FEATURING ASHLEY
MONROE - A SUNSET-SOAKED ODE TO FIRST LOVE AND LASTING MEMORIES
Cyndi Thomson
Publicity Photo: Daniel Shippey
NASHVILLE,
Tenn. (July 24, 2025) — With the release of the “Black Celica” music
video (shot and co-directed by Zack Knudsen and Kate Clark) out today,
platinum-selling country artist Cyndi Thomson delivers a poignant,
slow-burning visual that mirrors the heartache and hope woven throughout her
tender collaboration with GRAMMY-nominated singer-songwriter Ashley Monroe.
Watch
the official video for “Black Celica” below:
Shot
entirely outdoors against the golden glow of dusk, the video captures two
parallel storylines: Thomson and Monroe performing side by side in a windswept
field, and a young couple—portrayed by Thomson’s real-life daughter Bella
Goodman—living out a memory of young love and inevitable goodbye. The result is
as intimate as the song itself, a rich blend of nostalgia, vulnerability, and
reverence for what once was.
“Watching
my daughter bring this story to life onscreen added a whole new layer of
meaning,” shares Thomson. “This song is about love that stays with you — even
when it’s long gone — and Bella and our team captured that beautifully.”
Cyndi Thomson & Ashley Monroe
Publicity Photo Credit: Kate Clark
Penned
by Cyndi Thomson, Ashley Monroe, and Mikey Reaves, and produced
by Paul Sikes, “Black Celica” is a standout track on
Thomson’s latest EP, ACRES OF
DIAMONDS,
which released in May.
With a hushed, cinematic melody and lyrical snapshots of
rainy roads, late-night drives, and champagne under the stars, the song
explores the kind of romance that shapes you — and never fully leaves.
The
video offers no dramatic twists — just soft light, honest emotion, and a love
that lingers long after the engine stops
About
Cyndi Thomson:
Hailing
from Georgia, Cyndi Thomson emerged onto the country music scene in the early
2000's, quickly securing a publishing deal with Sony ATV and a record contract
with Capitol Records. She soared to stardom with her debut album, MY WORLD, and
the hit single, "What I Really Meant to Say." However, beneath the
veneer of success, Cyndi struggled with intense anxiety, ultimately choosing to
step away.
Over
the next several years she discovered a love for jewelry design and launched
her very own collection, HAYBELLE CO. Now, on the brink of a musical comeback,
Cyndi has recently released multiple new heartfelt tracks signifying a
remarkable return to her roots and an exploration of new musical horizons. Her
songs are deeper, her voice is stronger and her storytelling is more compelling
than ever.
MARTY
STUART AND HIS FABULOUS SUPERLATIVES TO RELEASE SPACE JUNK, THEIR FIRST-EVER
FULL-LENGTH 20 ORIGINAL INSTRUMENTALS LP, ON OCTOBER 31st VIA SNAKEFARM RECORDS
AVAILABLE
ON VINYL, CD, AND, DIGITALLY
PREVIOUSLY
ONLY AVAILABLE AS A RECORD STORE DAY EXCLUSIVECONFIRMS “SPACE JUNK BLAST OFF”
SHOW AT THE COUNTRY MUSIC HALL OF FAME AND MUSEUM’S CMA THEATER ON NOVEMBER 1st
Marty Stuart, the five-time GRAMMY® Award winner, Country Music Hall of Famer,
Congress of Country Music Founder and AMA Lifetime Achievement Award recipient,
joined by his longtime band, The Fabulous Superlatives, announces the release
of SPACE JUNK, their first-ever full-length double LP of 20
original instrumentals.
The album will receive a worldwide
release on October 31st via Snakefarm Records. “Instrumentals have
always been a part of the Fabulous Superlatives repertoire, but this is the
first completely instrumental album we’ve done, largely inspired by two of my
favorite bands from sixties, The Ventures and Herb Alpert and the Tijuana
Brass,” Stuart says. “They did some dangerously cool instrumental records.
We’ve done bluegrass, gospel, and country records. Our hearts just led us to
this one. Space Junk turned us back into kids with our first guitars.
We thought the world needed a fresh
instrumental album by a pretty good band, so we composed twenty instrumentals
and took them to the microphones.” The album will be available as a CD, on
vinyl, and digitally, and it was previously only available as a Record Store
Day vinyl exclusive.
Watch the new visualizer for the
album’s eponymous track, “Space Junk” below:
Pre-save Space Junk
digitally here and pre-order it here.
Stuart and his band also confirm the “Space Junk Blast Off” album release show
on November 1st at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s CMA
Theater. Tickets for this date will go on sale on Friday July 25th
at 10am local time. Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives are also on tour
now – current tour dates and tickets are available here.
In a career spanning over 50 years, dozens of albums, and too many shows to
count, Marty Stuart is still restless and pushing himself to new heights. Space
Junk showcases the inimitable interplay and bond between Marty and his
longtime band The Fabulous Superlatives, Kenny Vaughan, Harry Stinson, and
Chris Scruggs. The album’s origins can be traced to Marty’s years composing
music for film and television, including the score for All The Pretty Horses,
which garnered a Golden Globe® Award nomination for “Best Original
Score” and earned him GRAMMY® Awards in the category of “Best
Country Instrumental Performance” for “Foggy Mountain Breakdown” and
“Hummingbyrd.” “Scoring required a
cinematic way of thinking.” reveals Marty. “I had to make music for what the
scene called for, which turned me into more of a visual player in an
understated way. That kind of thinking followed me into the studio during the
making of Space Junk. I knew the music had to be pretty, but it also had
to say something without losing its drive.”
He and The Superlatives ventured to
Hollywood to cut the bulk of what would become Space Junk at the
legendary Capitol Recording Studios. “The creative atmosphere of California
always gives me the feeling that the sky is the limit,” Stuart muses. “Space
Junk is California music. If you want a specific sound, you go to certain
places in the world. For the California sound, it’s Capitol. You’ve got the
blue skies, the legacy, the romance, and a lot of friendly ghosts. The
atmosphere makes you do a little better.”
“California Part 1 (Bobbie Gentry
Please Call)” channels this spirit. Captured live at Capitol, Marty played
Clarence White’s famous Fender Telecaster guitar. “It winks at me, because it’s
purely California,” Marty says of instrument. “I close my eyes and see a
Western sunset. Clarence played really softly and there was a magic bell tone
to what he did. I finally found that tone on the guitar with this song.”
The songs are influenced by the
California sun, palm trees, and the occasional flying saucer flyover. A
dramatic drumroll gives way to ethereal guitar transmissions on “The Ballad of
the Lonely Surfer.” “Waiting on Sundown”
alternates between tender low-string twang and echoes of sustained notes awash
in waves of reverb. “The song is clearly under the spell of my romance with the
Golden State,” Marty confesses. “It’s a reflection of the music, rhinestone
fashion of Lankershim Boulevard, cars, the TV and movie heroes. In reality,
it’s a love affair with the entirety of the landscape of California custom
culture.”
The band also recorded a handful of
tracks in Nashville. Among those, “Graveyard” hinges on a quintessential surf
guitar riff coupled with a dynamic beat and fast tremolo. “We recorded at the
House of Blues studio,” Marty remembers. “Right behind it, there’s a big
graveyard where people like George Jones, Tammy Wynette, Marty Robbins and
Porter Wagoner are buried. The title worked.” Then, there’s “Space Junk” which
includes steel drums, galactic chimes, topped off by a sample of the Sputnik
signal. Kenny elaborates, “Sonically, it’s like you’re sitting in the window
seat of a spacecraft and you’re seeing all of this stuff just drift on by.”
Ultimately, Space Junk is another natural step for Marty and The
Fabulous Superlatives, a worthy addition to their essential catalog.
“I hope Space Junk takes the
listeners for a ride,” Stuart leaves off. “It makes me forget my problems and
remember why I play guitar and get to dress up in cowboy clothes. It reminds me
I’m okay, and I want it to do the same for you. Mainly, I want to inspire some
kid to go to the store, buy an instrument, and make a difference. This concept
was passed down to us from the old heroes. If we can serve the same role,
mission accomplished.”
Space Junk Track
Listing
1.Graveyard
2.All The Pretty Horses
3.Catalina
4.Over The Moon
5.Slipnote Serenade
6.Space Junk
7.El Zorro
8.Coastline
9.The Ballad of the
Lonely Surfer
10.Bat Patrol
11.Till We Meet Again
12.Waiting on Sundown
13.La Tingo Tango
14.Rhapsidio Sangre de
Cristo in E Major
15.Showcake
16.Jody the Fly (Romance
in Laguna)
17.Malibu Dawn
18.The Surfin' Cowboy
19.California Pt. 1
(Bobbie Gentry, Please Call Home)
20.Waltz of the Waves
Tour Dates:
FRIDAY 26 SEPTEMBER London, UK Royal Albert Hall
About Marty Stuart:
In a career spanning over 50 years,
dozens of albums, and too many shows to count, Marty Stuart still charts a
course through new territory at every chance possible. The five-time GRAMMY®
Award winner, Congress of Country Music Founder, Country Music Hall of Famer,
and AMA Lifetime Achievement Award recipient has left an indelible mark on
successive eras of country music and culture.He went from accompanying Lester
Flatt and Johnny Cash to launching a storied solo career highlighted by classic
albums such as the Gold-certified Hillbilly Rock and Platinum-certified This
One’s Gonna Hurt You as well as GRAMMY® Award-winning anthems, including “The
Whiskey Ain’t Workin’” [with Travis Tritt] and “Same Old Train.” Immersing
himself in the world of film and television, he notably scored All The Pretty
Horses, garnering a Golden Globe® Award nomination for “Best Original Score”
and earning GRAMMY® Awards in the category of “Best Country Instrumental
Performance” for “Foggy Mountain Breakdown” and “Hummingbyrd.”
Recently, 2023’s Altitude incited
widespread critical applause. Of the latter, Associated Press applauded how,
“Guitarist Kenny Vaughan, drummer Harry Stinson and bassist Chris Scruggs match
Stuart’s guitar virtuosity, with thrilling results,” and American Songwriter
attested, “Altitude finds Stuart putting his own stamp on a traditional vein of
country.” NPR put it best, “For millions, Marty Stuart is the very image of
country music—splendid jackets, musical mastery and his respect for country’s
traditions and a good jolt of humor.” You’d be hard pressed to find a corner of
country music he hasn’t impacted though. Speaking to his influence, he hosted
the long-running fan favorite television series The Marty Stuart Show and
notably remains a member of the Country Music Foundation and Grand Ole Opry.
Moreover, the Country Music Hall of
Fame inducted him during 2020. He also curated and launched Marty Stuart’s
Congress of Country Music in Philadelphia, MS, preserving and celebrating the
genre and its history. Joined by his longtime band The Fabulous Superlatives,
he cruises into another stratosphere with his first-ever full-length double LP
of 20 original instrumentals entitled, Space Junk. The cover art of Space Junk
is a painting by Stuart’s longtime hero and pal, Herb Alpert, leader of the
Tijuana Bass, a group Stuart considers to be one of the greatest instrumental
bands of all time. The inimitable interplay between Marty, Kenny Vaughan, Harry
Stinson, and Chris Scruggs fuels this cosmic cowboy trip with sun-kissed surf
guitar, breezy California rhythms, soul stirring steel, and fluid fretwork
all-around. Space Junk sounds like country music’s preeminent band crash
landing on a Malibu beach and performing the most epic jam you’ve ever
witnessed by starlight…
FOLLOWING
A STANDOUT OPRY DEBUT, THE RISING BIG LOUD ARTIST CONTINUES HER HOT STREAK
WHILE ON THE ROAD WITH RILEY GREEN
NASHVILLE,
TENN. –Big
Loud songstress Lauren Watkins leans into western nostalgia
with the release of “Marlboro Man.” The
slow-burning track captures the longing for an old-school cowboy – part myth,
part memory – painting a romantic portrait of a love that never stays but
always leaves a mark.
Written
by Watkins, Natalie Hemby and Jeremy Spillman and produced by ACM and CMA
winning producer Will Bundy (“you look like you love me”), “Marlboro Man”
offers the timeless country storytelling that listeners have come to expect
from Watkins, delivered with a modern edge. A cinematic nod to the rugged
westerns and unattainable romance, the track evokes a bygone archetype that
still lingers today.
Lauren
Watkins - Marlboro Man (Lyric Video)
“I'd
had the idea for 'Marlboro Man' in my back pocket for a while,” shares Watkins.
“I'm a pretty nostalgic person by nature – I'm always reminiscing, missing how
things used to be. I brought the idea to Natalie and Jeremy because I knew
they'd go there with me. I've always been drawn to this image of the 'Marlboro
Man' — not necessarily for the cigarettes, but for what he stood for. He was
rugged, masculine, quiet and kind of untouchable. There's something romantic
about it, and I wanted to write a song that felt like that.”
The
new music comes amidst a big summer for the rising artist, with “Marlboro Man”
joining the no-nonsense anthem “I'll Get Through It” and
April's “Lose My Cool” – her first since her 17-track
critically acclaimed debut album The Heartbroken Record. Now
happily married, Watkins is moving on from heartbreak and on to greener
pastures in her new chapter, with Country Now tapping “Lose My
Cool” as “the perfect introduction to Watkins' next project as it perfectly
encapsulates what she is feeling right now,” while Holler praised
it “as bright and breezy as a fresh spring morning.”
Last
month, Watkins fulfilled a lifelong dream by stepping into the coveted Grand
Ole Opry circle for the first time. She'll continue to build momentum on the
road, touring with Riley Green this summer before joining Lainey Wilson and
Kameron Marlowe in the fall. For tour dates and more information, keep up with
Watkins at laurenwatkins.comand on TikTok, Instagram and Facebook.
ABOUT
LAUREN WATKINS
Drenched
in authenticity and rife with barstool charm with an addictive, Tennessee
limestone gravel in her voice, Nashville-born and bred songbird Lauren Watkins
writes, breathes and lives country music.
The 25-year-old originally grew up on
the outskirts of Guitar Town, mesmerized by a jukebox rotation of country
music, from outlaws like Willie Nelson and Sheryl Crow to chart-toppers Eric
Church, Miranda Lambert and Chris Stapleton. Moving back after four years at
Ole Miss, Watkins' unyielding, turn-on-a-dime lyricism quickly caught the
attention of GRAMMY-nominated multi-hyphenate Nicolle Galyon, who signed her to
publishing and recording contracts with Songs & Daughters / Big Loud
Records almost instantly.
Lauren Watkins-publicity-Image by Luke Rodgers
Honing in on a sound that's both reverent of the
genre's roots and in lockstep with where it's headed next, she introduced her
take on country music with 17-track, full-length debut THE
HEARTBROKEN RECORD, in 2024, the full-circle companion to previous EP
releases INTRODUCING: LAUREN WATKINS and INTRODUCING:
THE HEARTBREAK.
The
Boston Globe praises
the record as “inhabiting the same neighborhood as, say, Kacey Musgraves (a few
albums ago) or Ashley Monroe,” while Billboard calls out the
“effortlessly smoky quality to Watkins' voice, with a style of
direct-yet-poetic songwriting reminiscent of Kacey Musgraves or Miranda
Lambert.” Country Central smirks, “being 'messy' has never
been so cool.” Watkins hit the road hard in 2024, touring fairs, festivals and
even opening stadiums for Morgan Wallen internationally on his One
Night At A Time Tour. This year she's keeping the momentum rolling, sharing
stages with Riley Green, Zach Top and Lainey Wilson while gearing up for a 2025
full of new music, starting with “Lose My Cool” and “I'll Get Through It” out
now.
A
beautiful country-pop ballad about Emma raising her non-speaking autistic
daughter, and her battle with the EHCP system to get her access to the correct
form of education.
(July
18, 2025) Country-pop singer-songwriter Emma King releases the single ‘Better
Than It Was’, a lyrical response to two years of navigating the
labyrinthine structure of the UK’s SEND (Special Educational Needs &
Disabilities) system for her daughter. The single is taken from her upcoming
album Pocketful Of Sun, released on August 22nd 2025.
Emma’s
remarkable journey has taken her from Northern England to Tennessee, touring
Europe and receiving 5-star album reviews along the way. Having lived in
Tennessee for 8 years, Emma became a regular of Nashville’s Bluebird Cafe and
represented the UK at Nashville’s CMA International festival, appearing on
radio stations across the country including the legendary WSM (home of the
Opry). Returning to her hometown of Hull in England and releasing her eponymous
debut album, Emma received unwavering support from the BBC including Radio 2
and live performances on BBC Radio and rave reviews.
"A
sound that sits mid-point between the gospel soul of Aretha Franklin and the
dirty blues of Fleetwood Mac - really something special" The Blues
Magazine
“A
well-rounded and beautifully sung collection of rootsy pop songs” The Crack
“A
stunning debut”
RnR Magazine
The
new album, Pocketful Of Sun, is a musical love letter to the country
sounds Emma was drawn to in her childhood, such as the cheeky mischief of The
Chicks and the country guitar-rock of Sheryl Crow. On it she reflects on her
thoughts on the music industry, her hometown of Hull, friendship, relationships
and, significantly, the joys and challenges of motherhood.
Emma’s
4-year-old daughter Eloise was diagnosed autistic at age 2 and is entirely
non-speaking. The journey to achieve a safe and appropriate education was so
fraught with struggles, inequalities and emotional turmoil, that it is a wonder
that those very few late-night hours to record the album’s vocals ever took
place.
Taking
the shape of an Americana-tinged stadium ballad, ‘Better Than It Was’is
an inspiring piece of music that gives space for Emma’s voice to convey its
delicate power and authenticity. Beginning with the point of view of a child,
the song describes the world’s unfamiliarity and the feeling of sensory
overload (“All the sounds wash over me…all the lights are blinding
beams”).
Speaking
on the process of creating the video and including Eloise, Emma
comments, “I knew I wanted Eloise to be part of the visual imagery of this
song. It was a reminder of how much you have to prepare when you have an
autistic child. We spent a long time scouting out a secluded location that
wouldn’t be overwhelming for Eloise but also had the stark beauty we wanted. I
always want to encourage Eloise to be who she is truly is - that includes her
stimming and tip-toe walking - all of which you can see as the song unravels...
The biggest highlight of making the video was seeing Eloise paddle in the
ocean, something we’ve been working towards for four years, and that made the
filming all the more magical!”
Having
been through authority appeals and court tribunal processes, it has become
Emma’s mission to fundraise and advocate for the autistic community and to be a
voice for those who don’t yet have one. This is a song filled with the
confidence in its subject that can only be born of experience, and it will
carry its message long after its final chords fade out.
To learn more about Emma King visit her
website and follow her on her socials:
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