Officially Declaring March 22nd a Country Music Holiday

Friday, March 22nd is one of those days where not just the top level of album releases includes monster names, but the volume of big album releases overall constitutes such a monster day of new music, it’s worth taking a moment to peruse them all.
That is why by the power vested in Saving Country Music, March 22nd, 2024 is officially being declared a country music Holiday, with all the rights and privleges thereof. Feel free to print this article out as verification to play hookie from work or school, or to get out of other daily chores. However, please understand that these rights and privledges are non-transferrable, and have no cash value.
Cody Jinks – Change The Game

Change The Game was produced by Ryan Hewitt, who is known for working with the Turnpike Troubadours, American Aquarium, and on Cody’s 2016 album I’m Not the Devil. Cody’s long time bass player Joshua Thompson also co-produces. This time Cody chose to forgo The Sonic Ranch recording studio in West Texas where he cut many of his recent albums, and instead recorded at the MOXE outside of Nashville.
“This is the most open and honest record I’ve ever recorded, I laid everything out,” Jinks says about the album. You hear this in his vulnerable and honest new track, “Sober Thing,” shirking the “Outlaw” country stereotype. This joins the certified banger “Mustangs and Outlaws” released in October from the album. (read more)
Sierra Ferrell – Trail of Flowers

The new album from Saving Country Music’s reigning Artist of the Year finds the West Virginia songwriter taking listeners on a fantastic journey through the familiar and surreal. She starts with Appalachian music and instills it with a thrust of mirth and mystery. It’s produced by Eddie Spear and Gary Paczosa with Nikki Lane, Lukas Nelson, Chris Scruggs, and Kristen Rogers appearing as guests.
“With ‘Trail of Flowers,’ I wanted to make a fuller sound with bigger drums, but still stay true to the stripped-down feel of old-time music whenever it felt right,” says Ferrell. “I wanted to create something that makes people feel nostalgic for the past, but excited about the future of music.” (read more)
Taylor Hunnicutt – Alabama Sound

Alabama’s Taylor Hunnicutt has already been making major waves as a touring artist opening for The Red Clay Strays, Silverada, Muscadine Bloodline, and more. You see her name adorn big tour posters and major festival lineups, all before she’s even released her official debut album. Now Alabama Sound is here, and it’s the announcement of a major force in roots music.
“It’s a little country, a little singer/songwriter, and a little Americana,” Hunnicutt says about the album recorded live with her touring band in Alabama. “There’s a whole lot of soul and Southern rock, too. To me, that sound encompasses my home. It’s not one genre—it’s just Alabama … I’m happy with the push-and-pull of some of the songs, because it sounds so real and raw. It sounds like us.”
Ted Russell Kamp – California Son

The singer, songwriter, California country mainstay, and Shooter Jennings’ bass player wasn’t exactly sure if he’d be releasing a new album this year. But when Shooter announced his virtual retirement from the road to focus on producing, the calendar for Ted Russell Kamp opened up, and it’s allowed him to put a renewed focus on his own music.
“I think my arranging and producing is just getting better each year,” Kamp says. “This album is more autobiographical in a more literal way than usual in my previous songs and albums. There are love songs to LA and California, songs about me as a musician and the music and lyrics really capture something about me in a day to day way, as well as a more poetic way like I feel my music more often does. It’s a soulful and beautiful record with some real well-written songs that I’m very proud of.”
Chasen Wayne – Strange Places

Chasen Wayne is currently making waves in the Austin scene, and also works as the booker at Austin’s Sagebrush. He made national news when he was able to land Zach Bryan for a surprise show at Sagebrush back in January as part of the “Nine Ball” video shoot.
“I tried to do something different,” Chasen Wayne says. “I feel I don’t have anything to prove to the country world and I thought about the history of Austin music and how I could make my claim in the scene. I thought about Sahm, I thought about Jazz, and I thought about a feeling that has been too familiar in my life that kept cropping up. I hope you can enjoy it and appreciate it in your own way.”
Waxahatchee – Tigers Blood

Waxahatchee and lead singer/songwriter Katie Crutchfield have always been considered more indie rock than country or even Americana. But their music is always served with distinct roots undertones that are inescapable due to Crutchfield’s Southern roots in Alabama. Whether it was with her previous band P.S. Eliot, her side project Plains with Jess Williamson, or the lead single from Tigers Blood called “Right Back To It,” Waxahatchee finds wide appeal through well-written songs.
For the new album, Katie Crutchfield collaborated with Wednesday’s MJ Lenderman, Spencer Tweedy, and Megafaun’s Phil and Brad Cook. Even more than the previous Waxahatchee albums, Tigers Blood is one worth considering for Americana fans.
Sam Morrow – On The Ride Here

Sam Morrow is a slippery dude when trying to nail him down in any genre. That’s because of the grease and sweat dripping from his music that’s distinctly rootsy rock and roll if nothing else. This is music from the road, for the road, and of the road. It’s Sam Morrow.
On The Ride Here was produced in Southern California by longtime collaborator and Copaco label chief, Grammy nominated producer Eric Corne. Players on the album include guitarists Eli Wulfmeier and Eamon Ryland, bassists Ted Russell Kamp and Adam Arcos, keyboardist Sasha Smith with drummers Matt Tecu and Butch Norton.
The Frontmen – Self-Titled
If you’re into ’90s country, this supergroup give you the opportunity to experience the music of three legendary ’90s bands all in one. Richie McDonald formerly of Lonestar, Tim Rushlow formerly of Little Texas, and Larry Stewart of Restless Heart comprise The Frontmen. And along with playing many of their most familiar hits from the ’90s, they have a new album of nine original songs, as well as new versions of some of their previous iconic hits.
“It’s super cool to release brand new music as a full album with The Frontmen this month,” says Larry Stewart. “I’m so excited about this music, these songs and how this project represents the three of us so perfectly. Mickey Jack Cones did a magical job capturing Richie, Tim and myself from top to bottom. I can’t wait for the world to hear it and I couldn’t be more proud!”
David Beck – Goodbye Country Stars – David Beck says of the new album, “Tried our hand at making the best Texas singer/songwriter record we possibly could.” Beck is a former member of Sons of Fathers with Paul Cauthen, and he solicited former members of the band and his father Bill Whitbeck to bring Goodbye Country Stars to life.
Charlie Parr – Little Sun – A modern master of the resonator guitar and folk/country/blues moaning took a different approach with this album. “My recordings have always been done live, with few if any overdubs and nearly always the first take—leave all the mistakes, missed lyrics, extraneous noise, and whatever else might happen there for the ages,” Parr says. “Most records have been recorded in roughly the time that it took to play the songs. And that’s been fine, actually. Here’s a new way for me, though: here’s an album that was recorded live but in collaboration with producer Tucker Martine, who’s become a friend and trusted musical ally.”
Christian Parker – Change Is Now: A Tribute to The Byrds – Parker dazzled last year with his remake tribute of Sweetheart of the Rodeo by The Byrds. It worked so well, he decided to make a second album in tribute to the West Coast roots rocking legends.
Hellbound Glory – Malt Liquor EP – A couple of new songs that Leroy Virgil has been featuring live recently, along with three live cuts.
Dylan Gossett – Songs in the Gravel EP – Super fast rising songwriter in the vein of Zach Bryan who has found big traction on social media. He is the first signee to Big Loud Texas with Miranda Lambert and Jon Randall. Expect the songs of this EP for feed into an LP eventually.
Ruston Kelly – Weakness, Etc. EP – Stripped down recordings to coincide with a Ruston Kelly acoustic tour this spring.
The Lucky Ones – Nickel For The Fiddler EP – A bluegrass EP from this Yukon-based band recorded live that will feed into a full LP later this year.
Driftwood – December Last Call – Americana music from Upstate New York.
Creekbed Carter Hogan – Self-Titled – Stripped-down acoustic folky country.
Pat Reedy – Make It Back Home
Aoife O’Donovan – All My Friends
Kenny Chesney – Born – For all those mainstream country fans out there. A Chesney album is usually good for a good album cut or two.
March 21, 2024 @ 11:35 am
I don’t know how anyone can keep up with all of this… It’s a good problem to have.
March 21, 2024 @ 10:06 pm
Hellbound Glory also released Malt Liquor EP on 3/22. Can’t leave this one off the list, Trig’. Hell, you’re the guy who turned me onto Hellbound Glory and all things Leroy Vigil.
March 21, 2024 @ 11:00 pm
Yeah the thing about making lists is invariably someone is going to be left off until I perfect the skill of omniscience. I’m still working on it. Until then, folks will always gravitate to what is missing. In this case, I’m not sure how I would know since there was absolutely no warning until 11:00 PM Central when it populated on streaming sites. I let Leory bum my bass drum every time he’s in town, so you think he could let me know. But then again, maybe he doesn’t even know. That’s or he forgot. Either way, we’ll check it out.
March 22, 2024 @ 7:19 am
You keep saying they may have forgot. Is this really that common with musicians, that they forget an entire album is about to be dropped? Seems kinda unlikely to me.
March 22, 2024 @ 7:45 am
With Leroy, it actually seems more likely than unlikely. Trig, I wasn’t looking to point out what you missed — I’m not a critic when it comes to you and your efforts; I’m a fan. I just wanted to let the readers know the list includes yet another more than worthwhile addition. I apologize for making my post seem like a slight – never my intention.
March 22, 2024 @ 8:31 am
Folks I’m just jawing off here. It is a little frustrating when you put a list together and all people want to talk about is what’s not on it. But that’s the reason for these comments here to crowdsource information.
Pat Reedy actually had posted some stuff about the new album. I knew he had one coming out at some point and I should have been more on top of it. My guess is Leroy wanted it to be a surprise because he didn’t say shit to me or anyone else. Good for him though ,maybe that’s his way of creating buzz for it.
The reason I put this article together is because with the amount of big releases today, I’m not going to be able to review everything in the next few days so I wanted to make sure everyone was at leased informed about what’s coming out. Adding Pat and Hellbound to the mix only makes this effort more important.
Happy listening!
March 22, 2024 @ 9:22 am
Start with the Taylor Hunnicut album for something unexpected. Mostly because it’s a) the best southern rock I’ve heard in ages- super well produced and very varied. b) She’s an amazing singer c) it’s not all just ‘booze and cocaine and woe is me uness i sing about sobriety’ songs like the tired cliche for outlaw country tends to be these days.
Super insanely unbelievably good album by an Ameripolitan Awards Outlaw Female nominee.
I’m listening to the Sam Morrow album now too.
March 21, 2024 @ 11:47 am
Not totally country but Adrianne Lenker of Big Thief is dropping an album with country influenced tracks building off the country influenced big thief album of 2022. Regardless we’re eating good tonight.
March 21, 2024 @ 4:14 pm
Who to listen to first, Sierra or Adrianne? Man, I feel like Buridan’s ass.
March 22, 2024 @ 12:48 am
Started with Sierra (v. good), then put on Adrianne (also good), then put on Waxahatchee, then again, and again, and again, then bought tickets to the show. Waxahatchee FTW.
March 22, 2024 @ 4:19 pm
I still haven’t gotten to that creek, but I’ll be crossing it pronto.
March 21, 2024 @ 4:49 pm
“Free Treasure” made me cry on my way to work this morning
March 21, 2024 @ 9:04 pm
If I could have one collaboration it would be a Lenker and Childers collab. They may be the two most talented out there right now, and actually share a ton in common in background and style.
March 21, 2024 @ 11:58 am
I love when you declare a country music holiday!
March 21, 2024 @ 4:15 pm
I second that emotion!
March 21, 2024 @ 12:12 pm
…and on Bandcamp William Alexander will release his debut. Seems to be a very good musician from Australia
March 21, 2024 @ 12:23 pm
Always appreciate these type of release posts, Trigger. So much material nowadays that it’s easy to miss some.
March 21, 2024 @ 12:36 pm
Looking forward to the new Cody Jinks, Sierra Farrell, and even the new Kenny Chesney album. Also, went to the Will Hoge/Dave Hause show last night and got an early copy of the new Will Hoge album and it is great!
March 21, 2024 @ 12:38 pm
May i hop in here and ask a technical question?
Wanting to grab a few packs of strings for grandson, Zane, for an Eagle Scout Awards ceremony this weekend.
Specifically, for a Fender Player Tele.
D’Addario electric strings NYXL – Yes/No?
March 21, 2024 @ 3:52 pm
Bought 2 packs of the D’Addario NYXL 11/49 Electric.
See how he likes those
March 21, 2024 @ 7:51 pm
As a long time Tele player, I use GHS Boomer 9.5’s… 10’s are too thick for bending, and 9’s have too much bend. I also will employ Elixir Electric Guitar Strings 10-46 when I can’t find the GHS 9.5 gauge.
D’Addario makes good guitar strings. I would recommend the NYXL 1046 gauge. I think Zane might find the 11s okay for rhythm guitar – or if he is a hard hitter on the strings – but most Tele players (that I know) use 10s. It is a matter of personal preference and style of playing. Cheers & Twangs!
March 21, 2024 @ 10:33 pm
TwangBob, Thanks so much for your input.
Will run back to the store tomorrow to pick up a pack of D’Addario 10s.
And, to see if they carry GHS Boomer 9.5’s. Get him a couple packs of those.
Thanks for your help!
March 22, 2024 @ 5:52 pm
Ernie Ball, Regular Slinky 1046.
Yes/No?
No GHS BOOMER 9.5’s in town.
Needed something to take to him this Sunday.
Next week, will order GHS BOOMER 9.5’s for him.
In the meantime listened to a Peavey Analog Amp. that i Really liked, this evening
March 22, 2024 @ 7:47 pm
Di,
Once again, this is not a message board, this is the comments section on a country music website. I can think of many other places to post this information and ask these questions.
March 22, 2024 @ 8:40 pm
10-4
March 21, 2024 @ 3:13 pm
I have really high hopes for Sierra Ferrells album based on what’s been released for singles.
March 21, 2024 @ 3:43 pm
I just once again feel overwhelmed. Flooded with so many releases, I find myself just having to become more selective in my choices of what to listen to. I usually give priority to those that I have tickets for upcoming shows, and records I already love, as well as my favorite locals. I’ll be weaving in Cody, Sierra, and Taylor tomorrow, all with an eye on the next 2 weeks releases as well. There’s just not enough hours in the day to absorb all this sometimes.
March 21, 2024 @ 4:44 pm
New Charlie Parr drops tomorrow too!! The singles released so far have been excellent.
March 21, 2024 @ 5:24 pm
Saw the afore mentioned Ms. Ferrell at the Ryman last night. Huge voice – like an instrument of its’ own. Great, tight band. I highly recommend seeing her.
March 21, 2024 @ 5:38 pm
New Charlie Parr and Pat Reedy tomorrow as well!
March 21, 2024 @ 6:55 pm
I did not know there was a new Pat Reedy tomorrow!
March 21, 2024 @ 7:24 pm
It is already on Spotify
March 21, 2024 @ 7:26 pm
Yeah I thought I was tight with Pat and I keep up with his socials. I wonder if he knows he just released a new album.
March 21, 2024 @ 6:04 pm
Holy cow. Jackpot, especially for us fans of Texas, California, and Americana . Lots of investigating and fun ahead, if I can only make a choice on where to begin. Buridan’s ass, exactly, Euro South!
March 21, 2024 @ 6:12 pm
How about these new ERNEST singles tho. Country aye eff.
March 22, 2024 @ 2:43 am
the Jellyroll duet is good but i find it pretty similar to the hold my beer project
March 22, 2024 @ 8:41 am
What’s that?
March 22, 2024 @ 4:15 pm
A couple of Wade Bowen – Randy Rogers collab albums.
March 21, 2024 @ 6:57 pm
Driftwood is excellent live. Really looking forward to hearing their new album.
March 21, 2024 @ 7:07 pm
The 22nd of March just happens to be the wedding anniversary of me and my wife!
We’re 27 years happily married.
I will pay double attention to the above releases.
Bound to find something that plays well to my tastes. 🙂
March 21, 2024 @ 7:21 pm
Also coming out on 3/22 are Aoife O’Donovan, Sarah Shook, the Secret Sisters and Dawn Landes!
March 21, 2024 @ 10:35 pm
Sarah shook is next week. Song’s released so far are pretty darn good
March 22, 2024 @ 6:09 am
Agreed, last album didn’t do it for me. But this year’s stuff has me hopeful.
March 22, 2024 @ 8:34 am
Those are 3/29 releases, not 3/22 releases.
March 22, 2024 @ 11:08 am
Also I think Sarah King is releasing an album in a week or so. I’ve heard snippets of the new stuff and it sounds amazing. She’s right at the line between country and rock in a really interesting way. Since there are two different Sarah Kings on Spotify she’s of course this one: https://sarahkingsings.com/home
March 22, 2024 @ 12:40 am
New Waxahatchee album is very very good. Going to win a lot of awards, and end up on a lot of end of year lists.
March 22, 2024 @ 12:49 am
An expensive day as so much great new music. So far, despite my reservations about the sound mix, my favourite album of the year is Shane Smith’s Norther.
March 22, 2024 @ 4:52 am
That one has been on repeat for me until today. Along with Blackberry Smoke.
March 22, 2024 @ 11:09 am
if you like those two you might like the new Taylor Hunnicut album.
March 22, 2024 @ 4:50 am
Sam Morrow, y’all! I saw him open for Whitey Morgan and have been listening ever since. Completely blown away. And I got a chance to meet him between the shows and he was a super nice guy. Please give his new album a spin — it’s fantastic. Certainly not old school country but he has a fresh and impressive sound.
March 22, 2024 @ 11:09 am
+1 on the Sam Morrow
March 23, 2024 @ 8:05 am
This Sam Morrow album is fantastic. Funky psychedelic rock of sorts. Not sure what bucket to put it in, just know I won’t be missing a shoe when nearby.
March 23, 2024 @ 8:07 am
Haha, show*. Not shoe. Maybe I will be missing a shoe, who knows.
March 22, 2024 @ 6:19 am
The big story this week is the supergroup The Frontmen. Looking forward to this for a LONG time!
March 22, 2024 @ 6:28 am
Got up this morning and threw on the new Cody Jinks, and followed with Sierra Ferrel. Two albums i have been excited for, but also a little worried about after single releases. I’m still processing, and will need more listens, but so far I liked both albums. This is probably the most uptempo album from Cody in awhile. Not sure on a few songs, but the move to another studio/producer has this album at least soundly sonically better than his last few. As for Sierra, I’m glad the loud strange production of Fox Hunt didn’t run throughout the album. It’s also good to see she has kept here quirkiness and unique sound.
Going to listen to Hunnycutt and Morrow later. Taylor has a cool gravely voice and I’m interested in what her new album sounds like. Sam Morrow is way underrated. Puts out some of the funnest funky fried southern rock out there. Probably hit a few of the others too. Thanks.
March 22, 2024 @ 1:37 pm
The production was actually my biggest disappointment with the Cody Jinks album. Felt like his vocals got buried in more than one place.
March 22, 2024 @ 1:53 pm
Really? I’ve thought his last couple albums had a weird uncompressed sound to them. It was really noticeable when a song from those albums were put in a playlist with other artists. Think this album is a huge improvement. Maybe it’s just me.
March 22, 2024 @ 6:40 am
Not a country album but I’ll give Adrianne Lenker’s new album. I’m late to the Big Thief bandwagon but enjoy them and, like so many of these side projects within bands, I may like the Lenker album more than the main project.
March 22, 2024 @ 6:50 am
Appreciate everyone expanding the list of new releases in the comment section. Just when I think I have a pretty good awareness on everyone out there (naive thinking), I find out about 5 more artists I’ve never heard of.
March 22, 2024 @ 8:23 am
Pat Reedy for the win, always liked his message and commitment to the craft. Thank you for the heads-up Trigger.
March 22, 2024 @ 8:38 am
Listening to the new Chesney album. Not bad for mainstream country.
March 22, 2024 @ 12:03 pm
When I went to college in Potsdam NY (WAAAAAAY upstate) Christian Parker owned a record store and coffee house in town and we became friends. I used to see him & his trio perform like once a week it seems and he was fabulous. That was more than 25 years ago – so many incredible memories of a completely different time in my life that I’ve lost touch with. It’s great to see him mentioned here – hope his album gets a review!
March 22, 2024 @ 6:12 pm
The Waxahatchee record f-cking RIPS! I gotta hear some of these others.
March 23, 2024 @ 11:37 am
Cody Jinks is THE BEST !…………Just an Awesome all-around Release !!!!!!!
May 25, 2024 @ 9:21 pm
Coming in late but “Right Back to It” has made 96.1 The Hound out of Lexington, KY, and obviously already had the Colbert premiere. (I don’t watch the rotting corpse of late-night TV so I obviously heard it on radio first.)