Release Radar & Most Anticipated Country Albums for 2024
Welcome to 2024, which we hope will be a prosperous year in country music. As we saw in 2023, the amount of releases coming out early in the year is a little light, but that doesn’t mean it won’t include some heavy hitters. Below you can find a list of Saving Country Music’s top recommended albums, along with a more complete list of (most) all the releases, followed by the always-fun “Rumor Mill” where hints and allegations end up.
Hint: Bookmark this page, and come back each Friday to stay up-to-date with releases. This list will be updated regularly under the “confirmed releases” heading as new albums are announced, though older albums won’t be removed from the list so people can look back at what they might have missed.
PLEASE NOTE: No artist or album was overlooked, snubbed, or disregarded here. If you know about an album to be released that you believe is of interest to country and roots music, please feel free to share the information below in the comments section for the benefit of everyone.
Casper McWade – Something for the Pain – January 5th
From Shawneee, Oklahoma, Casper McWade is already familiar to a lot of folks in the Cody Jinks universe. Cody covered Casper’s “Whiskey” on his 2019 album The Wanting, and the two also co-wrote the title track to Casper’s last album, 2020’s Unraveled. Cody and Casper also covered the Alice in Chains track “Don’t Follow” together.
Now McWade hopes to widen the national narrative around himself and his music with the new album Something for the Pain. Produced by Josh Thompson of Cody Jinks’ Tonedeaf Hippies band at the Sonic Ranch outside of El Paso, folks are already excited after hearing early singles “Tonight” and “Songs I Can’t Write.”
Randall King – Into The Neon – January 26th
One of mainstream country’s staunches traditionalists and greatest natural singers is back with a whopping 18-track release that was produced by himself along with Jared Conrad. Five singles have already been revealed from the album, with the full monty arriving on January 26th. As country music swings more traditional, this puts King in the catbird’s seat.
“You grow wiser with age, you grow wiser while you’re working and experiencing life, and I feel like I have a deeper understanding of what my music really is,” King says. “We’re moving into the neon era of country music. The pendulum is swinging, and you’re watching it happen… Now I just hope people get their mind blown.”
Willi Carlisle – Critterland – January 26th
Willi Carlisle has been wowing audiences over the past few years, both with his stunning live performances, as well as with his breakout album Peculiar, Missouri released in 2022. Now he’s looking to pick up where he left off with Critterland produced by Darrell Scott. The name is inspired by Carlisle’s attempt at commune living in Arkansas.
Carlisle is of this generation’s greatest storytellers and folklorists, who can take a character or an idea, and make it unfold like an epic in less than five minutes. As hilarious as he is tear jerking, a performance from Willi results in in the full range of human emotions. Listeners will have ten new opportunities to experience this come January 26th.
Brent Amaker and The Rodeo – Philaphobia – January 26th
Brent Amaker is one of the most unique and dynamic entertainers in country music who’s remained criminally underground in the Seattle syndicate for too long. It hasn’t helped that his last original album with his outfit The Rodeo was 10 years ago, but all that changes when Philahopbia hits the streets on January 26th.
A Southerner by birth that has called Seattle home since 1997, Brent Amaker is part Western cowboy, part David Bowie performance artist, creating a strange but intriguing mix of music that is unlike anything else you can experience. “When we tour Texas, they’re like, ‘What are you?’” Amaker says. “We’re cowboys, living the spirit of the West. We’re not really playing country music, but we’re playing cowboy music.”
Ellis Bullard – Honky Tonk Ain’t Noise Pollution – February 9th
Down in Austin, there is a new hot shit country band everybody in town is raving over, from the hipsters and old fogies two-stepping at The White Horse and Sagebrush, to Joe Rogan himself. His name is Ellis Bullard, and he’s already busting out on the national scene and starting to fill rooms across the country from his version of “piss-hot freightlining country music.”
That isn’t just a description of the music, that was the name of Bullard’s breakout album from 2022. Now Bullard and his band are keeping their foot on the pedal and upping the ante with a new song, and a new album, both of which are called Honky Tonk Ain’t Noise Pollution. The new song is in your ears now, and the album will be out on Feel So Good Records come February 9th, 2024. (read more)
Blackberry Smoke – Be Right Here – February 16th
“We always track live together, but this time we had all our amps and drums and everything in the same room,” says frontman, guitarist, and primary songwriter Charlie Starr. “It’s just as natural and as real as possible. The last album was very raw too, but with this one I remember different times I would say, ‘I think we should redo that,’ and Dave was like, ‘No, leave it that way. That way it’s magical.’”
If there is a theme to the upcoming album, it is to “Be right here” in the moment and live life to the fullest, because you never know when it might end. You can hear this in the debut song from the album, the funky and sludgy “Dig A Hole” co-written by Charlie Starr and keyboardist Brandon Still. “We each have a finite amount of time on this earth, so you probably want to make the most of it. Eventually for all of us, they are going to dig a hole, so make it count.” (read more)
Corb Lund – El Viejo – February 23rd
El Viejo finds Corb Lund drawing on his influences such as Kris Kristofferson, Marty Robbins, and Jerry Reed, and recording the entire album in his living room in Lethbridge, Alberta with his legendary backing band The Hurtin’ Albertans.
“It’s a lot of minor keys and gambling songs, is what it is,” Lund says. “It was just a few of us in my house. No studio. No outside producer. No adults in the room. No stress.” He continues, “There’s not a single electric instrument on the whole thing, just acoustic sounds and singing. In terms of having a vision, this is a record I’ve had in my sights for a while and it came out exactly how I’d hoped. We cut all the songs live in the same room with lots of bleed. A bunch of the songs we captured in one take, first time through.” (read more)
Shane Smith and the Saints – Norther – March 1st
Few if any outfits in country and roots music can make their music rise to the epic and weighty level that Shane Smith and the Saints achieve through launching reverberative moments that you don’t merely enjoy, but experience deeply in a way that rings in your soul well after the final note has tolled.
It’s been five years since devotees of the Austin-based band have experienced this effect in album form, though they’ve had plenty of opportunities to take in these cinematic moments in the live context, not to mention seeing them in person on the hit show Yellowstone. Beau Bedford produced the set, and even though Shane Smith and the Saints have sold out shows at prestigious places such as Red Rocks and the Ryman Auditorium, the hope is the new album will be the impetus to take the band to the next level. (read more)
Jonathan Peyton – Nothing Here’s The Same – March 1st
Jonathan Peyton has earned his place among the newest crop of earnest songwriters after touring with Zach Bryan and others. Originally from Woodstock, Georgia, he’s gained an appreciative following through his recent singles, and from appearing with Zach Bryan and Charles Wesley Godwin performing “Country Roads” at Red Rocks. Now he’s ready to release his first LP in eight years produced by Sadler Vaden of Jason Isbell’s 400 Unit.
“This album is about change,” Peyton says. “Sometimes change is a good thing and sometimes it’s not. It can be necessary and painful. It can be joyful and devastating. Sometimes the change within ourselves causes us to look at the world different. We’ve been working on this one for a while with Sadler Vaden and I can’t wait for you to hear it.“
Sawyer Brown – Desperado Troubadours – March 8th
Desperado Troubadours will be the first album from the band in 20 years on their long-time label home of Curb Records. Their first new single in many years called “Under This Ole Hat” was co-written by Cody Jinks, Tennessee Jet, as well as Mark Miller. Along with Mark Miller being credited as a producer, another big name has come on board, some guy by the name of Blake Shelton. Hopefully the results are more “Austin” and less “Boys ‘Round Here.”
“It’s the ‘90s. It’s new. It’s here. And it’s now!” says the band succinctly about the new song and album. Mark Miller is recognized as one of the most dynamic and animated front men in country music. Formed in Apopka, Florida with keyboard vocalist Gregg “Hobie” Hubbard and drummer Joe “Curly” Smith, the band originally started out as the backing band for country artist Don King before he retired.
Cody Jinks – Change The Game – March 22nd
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)
Sarah Shook and the Disarmers – Revelations – March 29th
Sarah Shook and the Disarmers won Saving Country Music’s 2018 Album of the Year for Years. In the years since though, the lineup of The Disarmers has 100% changed over, Sarah now goes as River, and it’s a new era for the band. What hasn’t changed is River’s ear for melody, and knack for songwriting that transitions between punk and country influences.
“A lot of artists are in this industry for fame, recognition, and money but those things don’t mean anything to me,” says River Shook. “Songwriting is it for me. It’s the only real healthy coping mechanism I’ve ever had. It’s life-saving, and all of my writing is autobiographical. I write everything based on my observations and experiences, but there was something about “Revelations” that felt more personal to me.
The 10 songs were produced by River Shook, and the album is to be released on Abeyance Records and Thirty Tigers.
OTHER ANTICIPATED/CONFIRMED RELEASES
January 5th
(Jan 1st) – Daniel Allen Judy – When The Story Is Never Told
(Jan 1st) – Grant Glad – One Man’s Story
Casper McWade – Something for the Pain
Hannah Kaminer – Heavy On The Vine
Yellow Banks – Corner of First & Lonely
Jon Statham – The Struggle is Beautiful
Annie Bosko – Self-Titled EP
Cash & Carter – No Use Praying EP
January 12th
Holler Choir – Songs Before They Write Themselves
Wilson Fairchild – Statler Made (sons of Don and Harold Reid)
The Steel Crows – Self-Titled (Southern rock)
Watchhouse – Austin City Limits Live at the Moody Theater
Aaron Ball Band – Self-Titled EP
Drayton Farley – Live AF Session EP
January 19th
(Jan. 18th) Town Mountain – Dance Me Down Easy: The Woodstock Sessions EP
Brule County Bad Boys – The Truth
Houston Bernard – Ditch This Town
Duke Oursler – He Shot More Than Birds
Old Heavy Hands – Small Fires
Shawn Hess – Wild Onion
Clay Parker and Jodi James – Your Very Own Dream
Scott Sean White – Even Better on the Bad Days
Joel Thetford – Come Home 2015-2023
Eddie Berman – Signal Fire (folk)
The FBR – Ghost (Americana)
Alice Di Micele – Interpretations Vol. 1 (folk covers)
Dylan LeBlanc – Coyote (Expanded Edition)
(Jan. 22nd) John Louis – For Everyone (Especially You)
January 26th
The Josh Abbott Band – Somewhere Down The Road
Randall King – Into The Neon
Sarah Jarosz – Polaroid Lovers
Willi Carlisle – Critterland
Cary Morin – Innocent Allies
Charles Esten – Ain’t Love Pretty
Conner Smith – Smoky Mountains
Chatham County Line – Hiyo
Brent Amaker and The Rodeo – Philaphobia
Malcolm MacWatt – Dark Harvest
William Elliot Whitmore – Silently, The Heart Breaks
Sister Sadie – No Fear (bluegrass)
Jim Kweskin – Never Too Late (folk)
Ismay – Desert Pavement (folk)
Wildfire: The Legend of the Cherokee Ghost Horse (film)
(Jan 27th) The Droptines – Self-Titled
(Jan 29th) Matt Mitchell – Obvious Euphoria
(Jan 30th) Daniel Antopolsky – No People Allowed (kids album)
February 2nd
Taylor McCall – Mellow War
Vera Sola – Peacemaker
Daniel Young – Leave It Out To Dry
Rod Picott – Starlight Tour
Luke Callen – Also Going Nowhere
Brit Taylor – Kentucky Bluegrassed (bluegrass)
Wyatt Ellis – Happy Valley (bluegrass)
Nefesh Mountain – The Cabin Sessions EP
Vera Sola – Peacemaker
The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes Soundtrack
The Montvales – Born Strangers (folk)
February 9th
The Steel Wheels – Sideways
Ellis Bullard – Honky Tonk Ain’t Noise Pollution
Bruce Robison – In The Woods
Red Sammy – Holy Fluorescent Light
The Dead South – Chains and Snakes
Western Swing Authority – 12 to 6 Central
Andrew Jobin – The River Above Our House
Sour Bridges – Down and Out
The Castellows – A Little Goes A Long Way EP
(Feb. 10th) Phil Hamilton – Ruidoso Sessions, Vol. 1
February 16th
Blackberry Smoke – Be Right Here
The High Hawks – Mother Nature’s Show
Eric Brace and Thomm Jutz – Simple Motion
Frontier Ruckus – On The Northline
El Drifte – Grabbing At Water
Drake Milligan – Jukebox Songs EP
Joshua Ray Walker – Thanks For Listening (acoustic)
Under The Rocks – Honest Try (bluegrass)
Spencer LaJoye – Shadow Puppets (folk)
February 23rd
Amigo The Devil – Yours Until The War Is Over
Corb Lund – El Viejo
Hurray for the Riff Raff – The Past Is Still Alive
Amelia White – Love I Swore
Desiree Cannon – Radio Heat
Kalsey Kulyk – Outlaw Poetry
Andrew Jobin – The River Above Our House
Stoll Vaughan – Dream In Color
Lance Cowan – So Far So Good
Hullabaloo – Live from Sun Studio (kid’s album)
(Feb 24) Lola Kirke – Country Curious EP
March 1st
(2-27) – Those Poor Bastards – Back to the Primitive
Wyatt Putnam – My Kinda Country
Shane Smith and the Saints – Norther
Jonathan Peyton – Nothing Here’s The Same
Wolf van Elfmand – Don’t Call It Country
Chasen Wayne & the Honky Tonk Machine – No Stranger (To Strange Places)
Addison Johnson – Dangerous Men
The Glass Hours – Self-Titled
Bruce Sudano – Talkin’ Ugly Truth, Tellin’ Pretty Lies
Kitchen Dwellers – Seven Devils (bluegrass)
EZRA – Self-Titled (bluegrass)
Claudia Gibson – The Fields of Chazy
Shannon Vetter- Holding Pattern
Rachel Drew – Old Sky News
Stephie James – As Night Fades (Indie Americana)
Evan Ogden – Austin City Limits EP
Katie and the Honky Tonks – Two-Steppin’ in the Shower
Lori Triplett – When The Morning Comes (singer/songwriter)
March 8th
Sawyer Brown – Desperado Troubadours
Alex Jordan – Queen Kerosene
Joe Pug – Sketch of a Promised Departure
Blaine Bailey – Home
The Whitlams Black Stump – Kookaburra
Luke Grimes – Self-Titled
Charles Wesley Godwin – Live from Echo Mountain (Live Album)
Josh Fortenbery – No Such Thing as Forever (folk/bluegrass)
The Northern Belle – Bats in the Attic (Nordicana)
Lewis ‘Burner’ Pugh – Bullets for Bread
M. Dutton – Self-Titled (folk)
Taj Mahal – Swinging’ Live at The Church in Tulsa
Breezers – Hideaway (folk)
Sons-N-Britches – Cave Spring Sessions EP
March 15th
Adrian Sutherland – Precious Diamonds
Armchair Boogie – Hard Times & Deadlines
Brother Dege – Aurora
Paper Wings – Listen To The World Spin
The Black Crowes – Happiness Bastards
John Smith – The Living Kind
Kacey Musgraves – Deeper Well
Wonder Women of Country – Willis, Carper, Leigh! EP
Andrea Von Kampen – Sister Moon (folk)
The Neon Highway – (film)
(3-19) Jesse Lynn Madera – Speed of Sound (folk)
(3-19) Conrad Fisher – Welcome to the Neighborhood
March 22nd
Cody Jinks – Change The Game
Sierra Ferrell – Trail of Flowers
Taylor Hunnicutt – Alabama Sound
Waxahatchee – Tigers Blood
Sam Morrow – On The Ride Here
Creekbed Carter – Self-Titled
Ted Russell Kamp – California Son
Driftwood – December Last Call
David Beck – Goodbye Country Stars
The Frontmen – Self-Titled
Chasen Wayne – Strange Places
Pat Reedy – Make It Back Home
Aoife O’Donovan – All My Friends
The Lucky Ones – Nickel For The Fiddler (bluegrass)
Christian Parker – Change Is Now: A Tribute to The Byrds
Hellbound Glory – Malt Liquor EP
Dylan Gossett – Songs in the Gravel EP
Ruston Kelly – Weakness, Etc. EP
March 29th
(3-28) Jon Tyler Wiley and His Virginia Choir – Pictures in the Dark
Josh Langston – Tastes Like Sin
Sarah Shook and the Disarmers – Revelations
Kimmi Bitter – Old School
Sentimental Family Band – Sweethearts Only
Aaron Lewis – The Hill
The Secret Sisters – Mind, Man, Medicine
Scott H. Biram – The One and Only Scott H. Biram
Dawn Landes – The Liberated Woman’s Songbook
Sarah King – When It All Goes Down
Scott Ballew – Rio Bravo
Grackles – Self-Titled
Carley Arrowood – Colors (bluegrass)
Jon Tyler Wiley & His Virginia Choir – Pictures in the Dark (roots rock)
Jeremy Ferrara – Darkness is a Bright Sound (folk)
The Coal Men – Everett
(3-31) – Oliver Anthony – Hymnal of a Troubled Man’s Mind
(4-1) – Vaden Landers – Goin’ HogWild
(4-1) – Pedal Steel Noah – Texas Madness EP
April 5th
The HawtThorns – Zero Gravity
Zach Top – Cold Beer & Country Music
Marcus King – Mood Swings
Old 97’s – Where The Road Goes
John Moreland – Visitor
Joe Stamm Band – Allegheny EP
Phillip Lammonds – Cowboy Things
Larry Campbell + Teresa Williams – All This Time
The Black Keys – Ohio Players
The Pernice Brothers – Who Will You Believe
Kyle Kimbrell – Easy Truths
Slack Key ‘Ohana – Hawaiian Cowboy
Matt Koziol – Last of the Old Dogs
Maggie Rose – No One Gets Out Alive
Chayse Beckham – Bad For Me
The Fargo Railroad Co. – Time and Grace
Cedric Burnside – Hill Country Love (Country Blues)
Caitlin Cannon – Beggar EP
Katelyn Myers – Railbird EP
(4-6) James Dean Kindle – Trail Songs
April 12th
(4-11) – Connie Smith – Love, Prison, Wisdom and Heartaches
Will Hoge – Tenderhearted Boys
Trummors – 5
Ernest – Nashville, Tennessee
Misner & Smith – All Is Song
Moonsville Collective – A Hundred Highways
Caleb Montgomery – Food Stamps Don’t Buy Flowers
JM Stevens – Nowhere to Land
Rick Monroe and the Hitmen – Six Gun Soul
John McEuen – The Newsman: A Man of Record
Call Me Spinster – Potholes
Nicolette & the Nobodies – The Long Way
Riley Green – Way Out Here EP
Ben Fugate & The Burning Trash Band – Self-Titled EP
The Storm Windows – Blue Town EP
Sophie Gault – Baltic Street Hotel (Southern blues rock)
Various Artists – My Black Country – The Songs of Alice Randall
(4-13) Drew Moreland – One More Drink
April 19th
Elvie Shane – Damascus
Luther Black and the Cold Hard Facts – Let The Light Back In
Stephanie Lambring – Hypocrite
Andrea & Mud – Institutionalized
Thomas Csorba – Windchimes
Wyatt Flores – Half Life
Ruark – Waiting on a Breeze
Craig Campbell – Class of ’89 (1989 covers)
T Bone Burnett – The Other Side
Heather Little – By Now
Leaf Rapids – Velvet Paintings
Lance Roark – Live From Tulsa
Griefcat – Late Stage Capitalism (humorous folk)
Ann Savoy – Another Heart (folk, Cajun)
Eliza Hardy Jones – Pickpocket (indie folk)
Tyler Halverson – Western Amerijuana (Part 1) EP
Various Artists – We Still Can’t Say Good Bye’ – A Musicians Tribute to Chet Atkins
Various Artists – Live On Mountain Stage: Outlaws and Outliers
Various Artists – Glen Campbell – Ghost on the Canvas Sessions
April 26th
Lost Dog Street Band – Survived
Cris Jacobs – One Of These Days
The Lostines – Meet The Lostines
Charley Crockett – $10 Cowboy
Iron & Wine – Light Verse
Wesley Dean – Music From Crazy Hearts
Crow and Gazelle (Mike McClure) – As Above Now So Below
Holly Lerski – Sweet Decline (Americana)
Shay Martin Lovette – True As They Come EP
Gileah Taylor – Slow Parade (folk)
(5-1) Brian S. Green – Work Song (folk)
May 3rd
Mac Cornish – Never Made Much of a Lover
Tylor and the Train Robbers – Hum of the Road
Emily Nenni – Drive and Cry
Sarah Gayle Meech – Easin’ On
Taylor Campbell Band – Broad River
Will Kimbrough – Life of Me
Ordinary Elephant – Self-Titled
Sarah McCulloch – Driving Me Home
Jay Gavin – Road Ready
Stephanie Sammons – Time and Evolution
The Hollering Pines – Here’s To Hoping
Guy Clark – Truly Handmade -Volume 1 (demos)
Calder Allen – Dreamers, Drifters, and Hiders
Bowen * Young – Us
Ruth Theodore – I Am I Am (British folk)
Chris Smither – All About the Bones (folk blues)
Phoebe Rees – Bring In the Light: Si Kahn’s Songs of Courage and Resistance (folk)
Ellorie McKnight – Equinox EP (Bandcamp only)
Grayson Jenkins – Live from Elkhorn Creek, Vol. I EP
(5-4) – Ernst Graves – Hallelujah! Raise Your Hands to Heaven
May 10th
Pokey LaFarge – Rhumba Country
Scotty McCreery – Rise & Fall
Kelsey Waldon – There’s Always A Song
Jared Deck – Head Above Water
Wade Bowen – Flyin’
Ed Bruce – After Hours
Chris Kasper – Sunlight in an Empty Room
Béla Fleck and Chick Corea – Remembrance
Mac/Corlevich – Rain or Shine (folk)
Greensky Bluegrass – The Iceland Sessions EP
Clancy Jones – Rise with the Sun EP
Old Beef Stringband – Ride Home EP (old-time/folk)
Julia Pratt – Family Feud EP (folk)
(5-14) Joel Thetford – We’re Cowboys
May 17th
Kaia Kater – Strange Medicine
The Avett Brothers – Self-Titled
Tim Easton – Find Your Way
Ruth Moody – Wanderer
The Mavericks – Moon and Stars
Pete Muller – More Time
Anna Egge – Sharing in the Spirit
Dana Cooper – The Ghost of Tucumcari
Monte Warden – Jackpot!
Martha Spencer – Out In La La Land
Steele Creek – Towards The Light
Chris Castle – Long Way to the Bottom
Floramay Holliday – Song to Myself
Alessandro “Asso” Stefana – Self-Titled
The Texas Trio (Kyle Park, Jason Roberts, John Michael Whitby) – Self-Titled
Moss Henry – Just Passing Through
Judy Paster – Road To The Sun
Rising Appalachia – Folk and Anchor
Terre Roche – Inner Adult (folk)
Little Feat – Sam’s Places (blues)
Remy Sher – Feet on the Ground EP
May 24th
Kim Richey – Every New Beginning (Americana)
Lynne Hanson – Just A Poet
Bronywn Keith-Hynes – I Built A World (bluegrass)
Jayce Turley – Broke Down
Marley Hale – By My Own Ways EP
May 31st
Red Shahan – Loose Funky Texas Junky
Jesse Dayton – The Hard Way Blues
Laurie Lewis – TREES
Prinz Grizzly – Dear Leftovers
The Flying Raye – Never Too Old To Die Young
Judd Warrick – Brokenland
ellescriv – Wandering The Pine
Atomic Junkshot – Peacedale
The Flying Raye – Never Too Old To Die Young
Cosmic Guilt – Palace of Depression
Swamp Dogg – Blackgrass: From West Virginia to 125th St (bluegrass)
Marc Douglas Berardo – The Beauty of This Now (singer-songwriter)
Richard Thompson – Ship To Shore (folk)
June 7th
Tony Trischka – Earl Jam: A Tribute To Earl Scruggs
Ben Vallee – Introducing…
Evan Boyer – The Devil In Me
Kayla Ray – The World’s Weight
Zoe FitzGerald Carter – Before The Machine
Parker Smith – Short Street
Evan Horner – Fighting For
Alisa Amador – Multitudes (folk/Americana)
Robert Earl Keen – Western Chill (digital release)
Will Stewart and the Gold Band – Live In Norway (alt-country)
Left Lane Cruiser – Bayport BBQ Blues (blues)
(6-8) Ashley E. Norton – Call of the Void
June 14th
(6-13) The Whiskey Charmers – Streetlights
Carly Pearce – Hummingbird
Jenny Don’t and the Spurs – Broken Hearted Blue
The Lost Weekend Band – One Hell of a Time
Madeline Hawthorne – Tales from Late Nights and Long Drives
Surrender Hill – River of Tears
David Serby – Low Hanging Stars
Grace Pettis – Down to the Letter
Lonesome River Band – The Winning Hand (bluegrass)
Gangstagrass – The Blackest Thing on the Menu (bluegrass/hip-hop)
Oliver Wood – Fat Cat Silhouette (Americana)
Jake Neuman & The Jaybirds – Little Bitty Town EP
June 21st
Cory Cross – There’s More
George Ducas – Long Way From Home
Jim Lauderdale – My Favorite Place
Matt Hillyer – Bright Skyline
Cody Dickinson – Homemade
Leslie Mendelson – After the Party (singer/songwriter)
Mike Jacoby Electric Trio – Rocket Fuel Logic (alt-country)
Jack McKeon – Talking To Strangers (bluegrass)
Various Artists – Petty Country: A Country Music Celebration Of Tom Petty
July 17th
Lasers Lasers Birmingham – Mystery Highway
THE RUMOR MILL
American Aquarium on November 15th, “Studio album #10 is in the books.”
Joshua Ray Walker will have an acoustic album called Thank You For Listening with renditions of older songs, as well as potentially some newer songs, including the title track.
Brennen Leigh, Kelly Willis, and Melissa Carper have been touring around together intermittently, and reportedly have also now taken this collaboration into the studio for an album that will hopefully come out in 2024.
Tylor and the Train Robbers have released a new songs called “I Ain’t The Only One,” part of a new album coming in the “spring of 2024.”
Benjamin Tod and the Lost Dog Street Band are not done yet after inferring they might be in 2023. Expect a new album from the band in 2024. (read more)
The Pistol Annies have been writing together, and with others like Lukas Nelson, likely for a new album.
Ray Wylie Hubbard: “Warning: the new record is not the pretty girl singing Jolene at the national finals rodeo in Las Vegas..its the Huntsville prison rodeo when the death row clown gets gored distracting the bull away from the arsonist who got thrown.”
Midland has released a new song called “Old-Fashioned Feeling” produced by Dave Cobb. Don’t be surprised if an album announcement comes soon.
Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood are also working on a duets project together.
William Michael Morgan has singed with ONErpm, and is working with Keith Stegall on a new EP (read more)
A release of Luke Bell music is in the works that will include music released previously but out-of-print, as well as new stuff never heard before.
Courtney Patton was in the studio recording new album in December.
Sierra Ferrell has released a new song “The Fox Hunt,” and expect a new album from her in 2024.
Mike and the Moonpies have been in the studio working on a new album to go along with their recent live album Live from the Devil’s Backbone.
A collection of demos from country songwriter Ed Bruce is being finalized for proper release.
Josh Morningstar has a self-titled album on the way.
Canadian Gothic country artist Lindi Ortega said that she would be recording a new album in 2023.
The Mavericks have been finishing up a new album at Blackbird Studios, with new singles expected soon, and a release in late spring of 2024.
The elusive Lucky Tubb might have new music after a long hiatus between new releases.
Brad Paisley will have a new album called Son of the Mountains. The first four tracks have been released as an EP. No definitive date for the full album just yet.
January 2, 2024 @ 8:48 am
Wade Bowen released three new songs in 2023 and word is he has been in studio working on a new album.
Reckless Kelly played a few new songs at Braun Brothers Reunion in 2023 and indicated a new album should be out in 2024.
Cody Canada played a few new songs at Braun Brothers Reunion in 2023 and indicated a new album should be out in 2024.
Jason Scott and the High Heat played a few new songs at Braun Brothers Reunion in 2023 and indicated a new album should be out in 2024.
American Aquarium crowd-funded their upcoming album and have said it should be out this summer.
Will Hoge has a new album, “Tenderhearted Boys” coming out April 12th.
Brad Paisley’s “Son of the Mountains” should be out within the first quarter of 2024.
January 2, 2024 @ 8:49 am
Bruce Robison is releasing a new one soon.
January 2, 2024 @ 8:55 am
I want to add this to the Rumor Mill, Mike and the Moonpies released a single and cover song on Thanksgiving and have a couple new tunes they been working in the live shows. I’m looking out for new album.
January 2, 2024 @ 8:51 pm
Their new songs sound great live! I can’t wait to get a studio recording of “Stay”. They recorded it at Capricorn Studios after the Macon show in December!!
March 19, 2024 @ 5:31 pm
Mike and the Moonpies now go under the name Silverada
January 2, 2024 @ 9:48 am
“Brennen Leigh, Kelly Willis, and Melissa Carper have been touring around together intermittently, and reportedly have also now taken this collaboration into the studio for an album that will hopefully come out in 2024.”
Ooh I’m looking forward to this! Maybe a modern day Trio type album?
January 2, 2024 @ 9:53 am
There were some pictures on Facebook back around November I think, of George Strait and crew recording new music.
January 2, 2024 @ 10:21 am
Came to say the same thing! Would love a Strait and maybe another Alan Jackson LP this year.
January 3, 2024 @ 12:23 pm
Yes, waiting for another great Strait, Strait, Dillon album (75% of the album credits?)
Alan Jackson would be a surprise for sure.
January 2, 2024 @ 10:02 am
Pony Bradshaw has been in the studio
January 2, 2024 @ 10:09 am
I remember Brent Amaker & the Rodeo from when the last album was reviewed here. That was a really fun album. I’ll have to go back and revisit that in anticipation for the new record. I’ll definitely check out Sarah Shook and keep my fingers crossed for a new Sierra Ferrell album too.
January 2, 2024 @ 10:47 am
Shawn Hess has a new album out January 19th titled Wild Onion. Based on the first 2 songs released it’s easily the album I’m looking forward to the most at the moment.
Also, The Deslondes posted some photos in the studio a few weeks back, hopefully a new album from those guys this year as well.
January 2, 2024 @ 10:52 am
An expanded version of Cody Johnson’s Leather is on deck for 2024. He stated in an interview that one of the songs was a duet with Carrie Underwood. Her schedule didn’t permit promoting it, so he held it until she’s ready.
January 2, 2024 @ 10:56 am
Thank you sir!
January 2, 2024 @ 11:03 am
Any noise anybody is hearing from 49 Winchester?
January 2, 2024 @ 1:13 pm
They were in the studio last week and haven been playing an unreleased song for the past 6 months at their live shows
January 3, 2024 @ 12:25 pm
Here’s hoping
January 2, 2024 @ 11:57 am
“Sarah now goes as River, and it’s a new era for the band”.
So it’s River Shook and the Disarmers now?
Do these people ever think about how silly this stuff sounds to most people?
January 2, 2024 @ 2:31 pm
The band is still going by Sarah Shook and the Disarmers.
January 2, 2024 @ 12:00 pm
Every year I check this list for Hank III and Lucky Tubb. Finally got one of them. Cheers Trigger!
January 2, 2024 @ 12:15 pm
Trigger, what (who?) is Cash & Carter? If it’s Rosanne and Carlene, I’m intrigued.
Looking forward to Willi Carlisle and cannot wait to hear the new Red Clay Strays. Hopefully we’ll hear something from Billy Strings this year as well.
January 2, 2024 @ 2:33 pm
Not related to the actual Cash’s or Carter’s. It is an Americana duo from the UK. Only skimmed the music so far, but it was intriguing enough to include it here.
January 2, 2024 @ 1:19 pm
Wyatt Flores is dropping two EPs in the first half of ’24.
Kash Culpepper recently signed to a label and will have some new music out soon.
I think Jake Kohn will be dropping something as well, but not sure on the timing/ if it’ll be an album.
The Droptines are releasing their debut album at the end of the month.
49 Winchester posted from the studio last week…
January 2, 2024 @ 1:22 pm
Casey Donahew has also been playing a couple of new songs live and indicated a new album should be forthcoming.
January 2, 2024 @ 1:46 pm
The one and the only Caitlin Cannon is recording her latest opus, tentatively titled The World’s Greatest Alchemist, with Misa Arriaga producing. Last I heard, she was starting her own label? Sure, why would anyone give one of our most unique and talented songwriters a record deal?? We’ve all heard the first track Trig had in his playlist called Amarillo and Little Rock, but I have heard 8 or 9 other tunes, albeit in their stripped-down live but still full band versions, and all I can say is it’s going to be amazing. There’s a song called “I Wouldn’t Say I Love You” that is one of the most beautiful songs I’ve ever heard. How do you follow up a debut album that got a 9.5 on here? It’s almost impossible, but at least now I can breathe easier. I can’t wait, Cait!
January 2, 2024 @ 3:07 pm
Karen Jonas just finished cutting a record of 12 songs
January 2, 2024 @ 3:14 pm
I probably shouldn’t be so pumped about a new Sawyer Brown album, but here I am. I can vividly remember being 4 years old, seeing them in concert in Dollywood with my parents and thinking that live music was the greatest thing ever. Is it nostalgia? Probably, but I’m looking forward to it.
January 2, 2024 @ 3:15 pm
Many of the closest people in my life know I have severe OCD. I’m pretty sure Trig knows by now, and Trig, if you wanna merge my 2 posts that would be cool because seeing 2 of mine in a row gives me anxiety…lol
There’s 2 other ladies that have releases coming out that I’d like to share, one of whom is the serious side of my favorite duo, Side Pony, Alice Wallace. This woman literally has one of the greatest voices I have ever heard, not to mention an incredible yodeler. Her album is called “Here I Am”, and it’s coming out in May. The other is a local gal named Lydia Cash, who’s been paying her dues around town recently, and she has an EP coming out Feb. 2 called “Indigo”. All these women are talented, always friendly to me, and most of all, tolerate me being a fanboy at my age. I don’t let the old man in, but they do.
January 2, 2024 @ 5:21 pm
I’m hoping for a new Carly Pearce record this year. “We Don’t Fight Anymore”, “Heels Over Head”, and “Country Music Made Me Do It” are all very good. If the album is anything like these three songs, it looks to be very promising.
January 2, 2024 @ 5:36 pm
I know it’s ridiculous to ask, and I know it will never happen, but I’m already jonesing for more TurnpikeTroubadours. That last album was so good. Maybe not quite on a par with their best, but still a grade A album in my book. I have no doubt I will have to wait a while for that one, but it can’t come soon enough in my opinion!
The new rumored Red Clay Strays and Mavericks albums will tide me over just fine though!
January 2, 2024 @ 8:26 pm
David Quinn has two outstanding albums behind him (“Letting Go” and “Country Fresh”) and has something cooking for 2024. Thanks again to you, Trig, for bringing him to our attention. Hoping 2024 is the year he gets to the next, deserved level of renown.
January 3, 2024 @ 5:24 am
Corb and Willi Carslile! Anyone that gets a chance to see Corb with a band and Willi doing anything – even sitting on the couch – need to do it. Frick yea
January 3, 2024 @ 5:34 am
So happy to hear Josh Morningstar has new music coming out. Dude can write.
January 3, 2024 @ 7:12 am
Bookmarked and will probably come back to comment throughout the year.
Now down to business. Another year and no mention of a Whitey Morgan album on the horizon. Is he just going to perform as a legacy act at select gigs moving forward?
January 3, 2024 @ 7:25 am
Some good stuff coming up. Looking forward to the new albums from Jinks and Casper coming up, and super excited for the new Ellis Bullard right around the corner.
Whitey Morgan just posted that he and the 78s will be recording a live album at the home base in Bandit Town. No release date given.
Brit Taylor also starting to promote new music she says will be coming out “soon”.
January 4, 2024 @ 6:37 am
Almost forgot. Hannah Juanita says she has her new album recorded. She’s currently trying to raise some money for the mixing and mastering for the release.
https://www.gofundme.com/f/hannah-juanita-finish-her-record?utm_campaign=p_lico+share-sheet&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=customer
January 14, 2024 @ 6:51 am
The Black Crows just announced they will be releasing their first new album since 2009 titled Happiness Bastard on March 15th. The first single, Wanting and Waiting was released Friday. I’m liking the new song, and very excited for a new album from this legendary band.
January 3, 2024 @ 7:47 am
Saw and spoke with Rob Leines in Greenville, SC recently at Doc’s Tavern. I asked him about the new album and he said he’s shooting for releasing sometime around April, 2024.
January 3, 2024 @ 5:06 pm
Hope this is true. Been a couple years. Been itching for some new Rob Leines.
January 3, 2024 @ 8:03 am
Another year and no Whitey Morgan album…
January 3, 2024 @ 5:04 pm
Sounds like a live album coming up according to his social media.
January 4, 2024 @ 7:38 am
I’m not big on live albums, so not much to look forward to for myself.
January 4, 2024 @ 9:46 am
Me either. It appears to be all they are offering up right now though. Hopefully some album news from Whitey and the 78s later in the year.
January 3, 2024 @ 8:13 am
Josh Meloy is done writing for his next album and says new music is coming “very soon”, I’d expect and album from him in 2024
January 3, 2024 @ 9:13 am
Justin Wells has a record recorded. Leroy also posted on Instagram yesterday that there will be big Hellbound Glory news this week.
January 3, 2024 @ 9:21 am
Thanks, Trigger. My wife and I attended show 2 of Turnpike at Billy Bob’s last week. A three-day stay at Billy Bob’s to finish a tour makes me think: was Turnpike recording a live album?
January 3, 2024 @ 9:28 am
Interesting thought. I did think it was a little strange they were downgrading to Billy Bob’s after playing an arena in that market. You might be on to something there.
January 3, 2024 @ 9:58 am
Add whatever Zach Bryan is doing to the list.
January 3, 2024 @ 12:30 pm
He has 60ish arena/stadium shows in 2024. Will see….
January 3, 2024 @ 11:29 am
Justin Wells just finished album #3 so it will be released sometime this year
January 3, 2024 @ 12:23 pm
Thought maybe Charley Crockett may have something. He just released a pretty good song with Willie nelson. For him, it’s been a while
January 3, 2024 @ 12:32 pm
Ya, no kidding. Maybe the pace is taking a toll?
January 4, 2024 @ 3:48 am
Been on a Josh Turner kick as of late. Are there any rumblings of new music on the way? His last album of original material was way back in 2017 and it wasn’t great but seemed to be a mess politically with his label. Since then it’s been a gospel album, covers album, and Christmas. Hope he’s recording original material again soon.
January 4, 2024 @ 5:05 am
The Red Clay Strays played three or four new songs in a show we saw last year, and they were all great. Looking forward to that new album.
January 4, 2024 @ 7:15 am
Alex Teller will be releasing his debut full length, One Reason for Leavin’, sometime this year.
Rachel Brooke’s live sets are almost entirely new songs so hopefully she’ll get in the studio soon and get them recorded.
January 4, 2024 @ 9:11 am
99% sure Aaron Watson will release a new album this year. I don’t think Cover Girl got enough praise. Stoked for new music from George Strait!!
January 4, 2024 @ 2:11 pm
The Red Clay Strays are releasing an album produced by Dave Cobb? Heck yes, sign me up! Definitely my most anticipated.
Looks like an underwhelming year compared to last year. However, that means I’ll have more time to listen to artists I haven’t had time to check out.
January 5, 2024 @ 7:24 am
The Shootouts record album #4 in Nashville starting January 22nd. Recording takes place at Sound Emporium and East Iris studios and will be produced by Dan Knobler, known for his work with Bahamas, Lake Street Dive, Rodney Crowell, Brennen Leigh, Allison Russell and more.
This will be the follow-up to “Stampede,” (co-produced by Ray Benson) that featured Buddy Miller, Marty Stuart, Raul Malo and Jim Lauderdale and was in the Americana Music Association Top 10 albums for over 14 weeks.
January 6, 2024 @ 10:54 am
The American Aquarium will be called “The Fear of Standing Still”
January 6, 2024 @ 1:08 pm
Ben “Black Helicopter” Jarrell says he’s got an album in the can that’s coming out sometime this year, and he’s in the studio producing one for Nick Sizemore. We’ll be looking forward to both!!!
Local gal Michelle Billingsley is dropping the vinyl version (peach-colored vinyl !!! How cool is that?) of her critically acclaimed sophomore album Both Sides Of Lonely with a record store release party at Rattleback Records here in Chicago and a full band in-store performance on Jan.19 Just for the record (no pun intended), we don’t have a lot of record stores left around here that I’m aware of (yes, I know Rolling Stone is still there…lol), and I think this is just a great idea for a fun night of throwback promotion. I personally don’t remember this sort of thing being done in the area recently, but it reminds me of the old days, and I hope it catches on.
January 11, 2024 @ 6:44 am
I forgot to mention Trig’s old pals Midland have released a single recently and wouldn’t be surprised if they release a new album this year.
January 13, 2024 @ 8:54 am
The Old 97s just announced that they will be releasing a new album, American Primitive, in March.
January 17, 2024 @ 2:25 pm
Thanks a lot, Trigger! Appreciate the shout out, an honor. Lotta heavy hitters on that!
January 19, 2024 @ 5:34 am
per their website, The Western Swing Authority’s new album is releasing now on Feb. 9th.
January 19, 2024 @ 8:23 am
Yes, just got an email yesterday.
March 1, 2024 @ 9:26 am
Man, that new instrumental album by EZRA is awesome. Suits my musical tastes perfectly. but I have no idea how to classify it. No matter which genre I would choose to put it in my collection, it doesn’t seem to fit or do it justice.
March 3, 2024 @ 8:40 am
Check out Ethan Sherman’s new album, Passages, out March 8th. Similar to EZRA and probably better in my opinion; slightly more bluegrassy.
April 18, 2024 @ 7:23 pm
Just saw that Cory Waller and The Wicked Things released a debut album on January 12th. First time hearing of them as I see they are opening a show for Ellis Bullard in a couple days.
May 16, 2024 @ 11:12 am
Karen Jonas’ new album “The Rise and Fall of American Kitsch” is due out August 9th. The first single “Rich Man’s Valley” has been released. There is a campaign for it on Kickstarter https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/karenjonas/karen-jonas-the-rise-and-fall-of-american-kitsch
September 18, 2024 @ 1:55 pm
So, in 2024 the King of Country Music and Honky Tonk: George Strait, recorded two studio Albums: One in February 2024 appropriately titled “COUNTRY VALENTINE” but was totally ignored by Trigger and if that is not bad enough, Trigger had the nerve to criticize the second album “Cowboys and Dreamers.” It is official Trigger is biased to the King of Country Music: George Strait. Ironically, Mr Strait’s music and message are what Trigger and the crowd Trigger caters to need the most in their young lives. Trigger, learn to appreciate Mr. Strait’s music more. You will gain a priceless free education for life. For example, Honk Tonk live is not just about drinking and partying. In a nutshell, it is a way of life that Mr. Strait eloquent portrays in his songs; some humorous and others not. That is why George Strait’s fans are very passionate about him and the music. There is something for everyone. Most importantly Mr. Strait is not a racist. Could that be the reason that people like Trigger and the music industry are boycotting him and his fans?