Damn. This 2025 FairWell Fest Lineup is Lights Out
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Tip your hat to the folks who curated the roster for the 2025 FareWell Fest in Redmond, Oregon, because it might be the best independent country lineup we’ve seen so far in 2025. Crowned by Tyler Childers and Sturgill Simpson.
This is HUGE. Dave Cobb Announced as Chief Creative Officer at UMG Nashville
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Producer Dave Cobb has been announced as UMG Nashville’s CCO, or Chief Creative Officer. This puts one of the primary actors in the country music turnaround of the last decade in a direct position of power.
Album Review – Miss Tess – “Cher Rêve”
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Inspired by Lafayette and the greater Acadiana region, expect Cajun, expect country, expect some swamp pop and vintage R&B. But most importantly, expect the distinct, the savory, and the unexpected from Miss Tess’s Cher Rêve.
Dwight Yoakam, Turnpike Troubadours to Lead Fire Relief Benefit
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It doesn’t matter who you are or where you’re from, it was harrowing to see so many homes, communities, and lives affected by the historically-devastating wildfires in the Los Angeles region in January.
Don’t You Think This AI Bit’s Done Got Out of Hand?
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Please forgive me if this comes across as a little hyperbolic. But it certainly seems alarming that almost every expert analyzing the impending effects of AI immersion conclusively proclaims that it’s not “if” but “when.”
2025 Cotton Fest Boasts Incredible Lineup
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Cotton Fest boasts being “The biggest BYOB country music festival in west Texas,” and who’s gonna argue or check the math with a lineup like that? Coeds from Tech, roughnecks from The Patch, and everyone in-between will be there.
The Wilder Blue Announce New Album “Still In The Runnin'”
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When singer/songwriter Zane Williams first formed The Wilder Blue in 2020, some questioned when they were labeled a “supergroup.” Few if anyone questions that anymore, especially anyone who’s ever been in the audience of one of their shows.
Iconic Willie Nelson Mural Demolished in Austin
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The iconic Willie Nelson mural in downtown Austin, TX located at 407 E. 7th Street was destroyed on Monday morning, February 3rd, as the 100-year old building it was on the side of underwent demolition.
Charles Wesley Godwin Announces New EP “Lonely Mountain Town”
12 CommentsIt’s a time of high cotton in independent country, and the bumper crop keeps coming in, both in the form of new music for fans, and elevated opportunities for deserving artists. Charles Wesley Godwin is one of those artists.
Dispelling The Myth That Beyoncé’s “Cowboy Carter” is a Country Album
120 CommentsIn the aftermath of Beyoncé winning the Grammy for Best Country Album at the 2025 Grammy Awards, it begs for a deeper look into the album, along with the marketing, conversation, and media coverage surrounding it
On Beyoncé’s Best Country Album Grammy for “Cowboy Carter”
258 CommentsCowboy Carter’s Best Country Album win wasn’t earned, it was compelled. Unequivocally, Beyoncé told us herself about her 2024 album Cowboy Carter, “This ain’t a country album.” But apparently, Grammy voters disagree.
Sierra Ferrell Wins BIG at 2025 Grammy Awards
40 CommentsFrom a homeless and train hopping busker, to one of the fastest-rising stars in independent roots music, to now a three-time Grammy-winning artist, the hopeful and inspiring story of singer and songwriter Sierra Ferrell only continues to get sweeter.
Longtime Eagles / Country Guitarist Steuart Smith Retires Due to Illness
11 CommentsHe was both the touring and studio guitarist for The Eagles for 25 years, but also contributed significantly to numerous country music tours and albums over his tenure, and was one of the most respected musicians in Nashville.