The New Walker Hayes Song “Back By Then” (A Rant)
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You’d think after Walker Hayes cratered the entire Monument Records label, and his stupid “Applebee’s Song” was the precursor to the chain shutting down locations, Hayes would finally get the hint and move on.
Veteran John PayCheck Calls Out Country’s Patriotic Pandering in New Song
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After the terrorist attacks on 9/11, John PayCheck resigned his position as the tour manager for his famous father, and joined the the U.S Army. He would end up spending more than 20 years in the military.
After 70 Years, The Gatlin Brothers Announce Farewell Celebration Tour
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With Larry Gatlin pushing 80, and having performed with his brothers literally since childhood, it’s not hard to understand why they might be looking into the future, and wanting to conclude things on their terms.
Talent From Far and Wide Featured on the Latest Episode of The Hook
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We can either sit back and complain about all the ills that are plaguing the music industry from top to bottom, or we can get to work trying to do something about it. The Hook chooses the latter, trying to elevate the conversation.
The Biggest Takeaways from Earl Scruggs Fest 2026
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From the festival’s inception, the clear goal is to honor the great Earl Scruggs legacy by bringing in artists of all backgrounds, motivated by a love of the banjo and the music in its various forms, with the intention of inspiring future generations.
Ella Langley Poised to Have a Massive CMA Awards
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Just give them all to Ella Langley now, because you know she’s going to win them. Single of the Year, Song of the Year, Music Video of the Year, Female Vocalist of the Year, they’re all shoo-ins for Ella.
Album Review – Jason James – “Cut The Chain”
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For those of you that love to put on an old George Jones record and pretend like the last 50 years of country music never happened, the music of Jason James will be as welcomed as that first bit of crisp autumn air.
The Great Purge of the American Blue Collar Musician
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It’s nationwide, and affecting all genres. We’re losing large swaths of the population of blue collar, club-level working musicians who can sustain themselves without any other means of employment, and at an alarming pace.
Ameripolitan Awards Officially Announce Return for 2027
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The Ameripolitan Awards & Weekender will be returning in 2027 after two years away, and is partnering with another event to make it “bigger and badder than ever.” The date and location has just been announced.
Release Radar, Most Anticipated New Albums for Final Portion of 2026
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We’re heading into the home stretch of 2026, and we very well could still see some of the best albums released in country and roots music coming out in the impending months. This list is intended to keep you informed.
Album Review – Pony Bradshaw’s “Ode To Humidity”
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Bradshaw takes that same blisteringly ambitious and expansive approach to writing songs, and also brings it to producing and arranging them. certain songs and moments absolutely overwhelm you on this album.
Béla Fleck, Earls of Leicester Crown First Day of Earl Scruggs Fest 2026
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The Earls of Leicester, a bluegrass super-group featuring dobro legend Jerry Douglas and other fantastic players put on a show that absolutely packed a punch. They were followed by the renowned master of the banjo, Béla Fleck.
Don’t Be Surprised if Taylor Swift’s Next Album is a Return to “Country”
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There are multiple reasons we can surmise that Taylor Swift might be choosin’ country moving forward. Of course, just like the rest of Taylor Swift’s “country” catalog, it’s fair to question just how “country” it will all be.