The Best Country Singles of 2025 So Far
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What about the toe tappers, the booty shakers, and the boot scooters? That’s what the best SINGLE distinction is for. They can be great “songs” too. But these are the tracks that get stuck in your head.
The Current Lineup of American Aquarium Completely Disbands
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The American Aquarium lineup that most of its fans across the country and world have been used to seeing take the stage for some 10 years is no longer. This is the news coming from a series of posts on social media Sunday (4-2) ahead of frontman, singer, and songwriter BJ Barham addressing the breakup rumors officially.
Lori McKenna is the First Female ACM Songwriter of the Year Winner in 52 Years, But…
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In the entire 52-year history of the Academy of Country Music Awards, there has never been female winner of the organization’s Songwriter of the Year award, until now. Lori McKenna, who has been on one incredible run with her solo-written song “Humble and Kind,” has broken what appears to be a half century-long barrier.
The 2017 ACM Awards Complete Preview
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All the information on the 52nd Annual ACM Awards in one place, including the presenters, the performers, the collaborations, the nominees, and other things to watch for. Will Chris Stapleton have another big night? What can traditional country fans have to look forward to? And awards that have already been handed out.
John Prine to Release New Book “Beyond Words”
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Not just a regular text-intensive literary work with recollections from the past, Beyond Words includes over 100 photographs from Prine’s own personal collection, sketches of handwritten lyrics showing how some of his most memorable songs evolved, notes on the songs and pictures from John, and lyrics and guitar chords from over 60 John Prine classics.
L.A. Weekly Slams Legacy Americana Artists in “10 Lamest Americana Acts” List
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So apparently Americana and some of its top artists aren’t above criticism by a major media outlet. This is what the independent country and Americana communities had to face down on Friday (3-31) when an author by the name of Jonny Whiteside writing for L.A. Weekly published an article slamming some of Americana’s elite.
Song Review – Thomas Rhett’s “Craving You”
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If for nothing else, give Thomas Rhett credit for this: He’s taken an incredibly average set of marginal skills and talent, and made himself into a bona fide arena-level superstar. That in itself takes a level of cunning that your ordinary citizen doesn’t posses. Music Row in Nashville has an implausible knack for making mediocrity seem exceptional.
Chris Stapleton Will Finally Reveal New Music at the 2017 ACM Awards
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We’ve known for a while that Chris Stapleton’s much-anticipated sophomore album and the follow-up to his landmark debut Traveller will be released on May 5th, but despite the looming deadline, details on the new release have been quite limited. But all of that is about to change.
Izzy Cox Remembered in Style with Words, Grace, and Music in Austin
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Izzy Cox, also known as the “Original Steampunk Crooner” and the “Vodoobilly Jazz Queen” was a local Austin musician via Montreal, New York, and Hollywood, who passed away on March 24th after a battle with Pancreatic Cancer, leaving a void in the underground Austin music scene that will not soon be filled.
New Bobby Bare Album “Things Change” to Feature a Collaboration with Chris Stapleton
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The original country music Outlaw Bobby Bare will release his first record in five years when ‘Things Change’ hits the streets. The 10-track album will feature songs written by Bare, as well as Mary Gauthier (“I Drink”), and legendary songwriter Max T. Barnes who also produced the project.
Justin Townes Earle Waylays Bro-Country & Nashville in Expletive-Fueled Comments
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Not since Jimmy Martin was alive and kicking, or the heyday of Hank Williams III have we seen quotes so unabashed, vulgar-ridden, and pointed about modern country music as the comments that Justin Townes Earle delivered. When the interviewer asked Earle about Bro-Country, that is where things really got heated.
EP Review – Lindi Ortega’s “Til The Goin’ Gets Gone”
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Lindi Ortega is no stranger to the dark regions of the mind, or the mortality that hangs over all of us like an ever-present nightmare, just waiting to swoop down and become our fateful reality. As a student of the folk rituals surrounding Día de Muertos through her half-Mexican heritage, her funeral veil, her ghostly pale skin…
This Feels Big: Carrie Underwood Exits Sony for Universal
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The new deal brings Carrie Underwood full circle. In 1996, when Carrie Underwood was just 14, she had auditioned for Capitol Records. When the company was forging a contract with the fledgling star, the management at the company changed and the deal fell through.