May 2023

Multi-Platinum singer/songwriter Kip Moore’s fifth studio album Damn Love is out now, available to listen here.  Co-produced by Moore, along with Jaren Johnston (The Cadillac Three), the 13 tracks hold on to passion, with the persistent anthem “Heart on Fire”, while “Another Night In Knoxville” captures the magnetic draw of the stage as a sweeping ’70s-rock ballad that soundtracks a long-cherished memory.  Meanwhile, the refreshing “Kinda Bar” conjures magic from a roadside tavern, and a comforting sense of clarity arrives with the gentle instant classics, “Some Things” and “One Heartbeat” (featuring Ashley McBryde). Moore is also sharing the music video for “Sometimes She Stays” as the third instalment in a series of recently released clips, “Damn Love” and “Kinda Bar”. Directed by PJ Brown, the last piece of the story depicts Moore and his love interest revisiting moments in their relationship, set against the backdrop of New York City. Fans can watch the “Sometimes She Stays” video here. “Jaren Johnston and I kicked off this album after writing “Peace & Love”, which helped to create a theme for the rest of the record,” says Moore. “‘Damn Love’ comes from a combination of progression within myself and my career, and being emotionally raw, and the honesty that came along with some self-realisation. This record shares all the highs and lows throughout my life, and I hope those who listen can feel that.” The genre-blending songsmith has a history of entrancing audiences and growing a truly global following, receiving worldwide praise and kicking off his DAMN LOVE WORLD TOUR with multiple sold-out headlining shows in Australia and South Africa. Moore will continue his DAMN LOVE WORLD TOUR with headlining shows in Germany, the Netherlands and the UK (seven headline dates in May), along with a slot at Bonnaroo (Tennessee) this summer. Inviting special guest The Cadillac Three along for his US autumn tour, this headlining run will launch in Michigan on Aug. 24th. For a full list of tour dates, visit kipmoore.net.

Multi-Platinum selling superstar Cole Swindell releases his deluxe album, Stereotype Broken TODAY as well as the highly anticipated focus track and live show favorite, “Sad Ass Country Song.” The tongue-in-cheek heartbreak song follows his most recent digital track release “Broken” and his current rising single “Drinkaby.” Written by Swindell, Josh Miller, Matt Dragstrem and his long-time friend/ guitar player/bandmate Joel Hutsell, “Sad Ass Country Song” has quickly become a fan favorite on the road. Stereotype Broken and “Sad Ass Country Song” are available at all digital retailers.“I have always been a fan of sad country songs, and that’s kind of how this song came to be,” said Swindell. “We were sitting around talking about wanting to write a sad ass country song and I said, ‘Why don’t we just call it ‘Sad Ass Country Song.’“Being able to finish this project with a song written with one of my best friends and bandmate since day one – Joel Hutsell is extra special. Josh Miller and Matt Dragstrem are two of the best in town and I’m so proud to have them on it too. Thanks to Zach Crowell for making sure the production was perfect. This song is high on my list of favorites from Stereotype Broken.”Swindell releases this deluxe album on the heels of winning Country Song of the Year for “She Had Me At Heads Carolina” at the recent iHeart Music Awards and earning a pair of nominations at last month’s CMT Music Awards. Just last week he received FIVE nominations for the upcoming 58th Academy of Country Music Awards for “She Had Me At Heads Carolina” as well as “She Had Me At Carolina [Remix],” which both appear on Stereotype Broken.Swindell is scheduled to perform on the 58th ACM Awards, hosted by country music icons Dolly Parton and Garth Brooks. The ACM Awards will stream live for a global audience across 240+ territories exclusively on Prime Video on Thursday, May 11 at 7 p.m. EDT/6 p.m. CDT/4 p.m. PDT from the Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas. The full rebroadcast will stream the next day for free on Amazon Freevee.Swindell is nominated for the following five ACM Awards:: Single of the Year “She Had Me At Heads Carolina” Song of the Year (Artist, Songwriter) “She Had Me At Heads Carolina” Visual Media of the Year “She Had Me At Heads Carolina” Music Event of the Year “She Had Me At Heads Carolina [Remix]” – with Jo Dee Messina (her first nomination in 22 years)  The Georgia native’s current single, “Drinkaby,” was released to radio in January and is sitting inside the Top 30 on the country singles charts. “Drinkaby,” written by Jon Pardi, Jordan Schmidt, HARDY and Hunter Phelps, follows three Platinum-certified, multi-week No. 1 singles from his fourth album Stereotype: “Never Say Never” featuring Lainey Wilson, “Single Saturday Night” and, most recently, “She Had Me At Heads Carolina,” which remained in the Top 5 for 23 consecutive weeks.The chart-topping country superstar will join Thomas Rhett starting next week on the Home Team Tour in 2023 and will headline his own Twelve Tour beginning in October.For complete information and upcoming tour dates, sign up for the Down Home Crew at www.ColeSwindell.com.For more information and tour dates, please visit www.coleswindell.com and follow @coleswindell on Twitter, @coleswindell on Instagram and on Facebook.

The Grand Ole Opry opened its newest tour exhibition “Famous Friends,” featuring some of the most iconic celebrities, cultural figures and artists from a variety of musical genres who have visited and performed on the iconic Opry Stage. Installed at the Acuff House, the collection displays a variety of costumes, photos and personal items from celebrities including Tony Bennett, Ray Charles, Harlem Globetrotters, Andy Griffith, Leslie Jordan, Steve Martin, Sissy Spacek, Jack White, multiple U.S. Presidents and more.   “The Grand Ole Opry has been a staple of the country music scene for almost a century, and over the years, we’ve had the honor of welcoming some truly special guests to our stage,” said Dan Rogers, VP and Executive Producer of the Grand Ole Opry. “From legendary musicians to renowned actors and even U.S. presidents, the Opry has played host to a diverse range of talents and personalities, each leaving their own unique mark on our history. We’re excited to provide a new opportunity for our guests to experience these unique Opry stories.”  Some of the exhibit’s unique items include:   Copy of Tony Bennett’s 2006 song chart for “Cold, Cold Heart,” signed by Tim McGraw Ray Charles’ stage wear tuxedo worn in the 1990s   Leslie Jordan’s outfit worn during his Opry debut in 2021   One of Steve Martin’s earliest known banjos   Actress and singer Chrissy Metz’s Opry debut dress she wore in 2020 Former President Richard Nixon’s Yo-Yo used on stage during the opening night of the Grand Ole Opry House in 1974   Sissy Spacek’s script for “Coal Miner’s Daughter”   Jack White’s 1968 Fender Stratocaster and custom suit by Manuel Cuevas worn to the 2014 GRAMMY Awards  Admission to the “Famous Friends” exhibit is included with the purchase of an Opry House Daytime Backstage Tour ticket. Other Opry tour options available for purchase include: Women of Country Tour Celebrate the trailblazing women – Dolly, Carrie, Reba, Trisha, Lauren, Jeannie, etc. — who continue to give country music its sparkle. Get an exclusive look at where country’s leading ladies get ready backstage. And stand where they’ve stood to perform the songs that have ripped our hearts apart then put them back together again. Post-Show Backstage Tour After you watch the show, see what it’s like behind the scenes! Get an exclusive look at what happens on the other side of the curtain of the show that made country music famous. Country Duos Make it a double and take advantage of the special Country Duos Ticket! Get a guided backstage tour of the legendary Grand Ole Opry and experience music’s Mother Church with a tour of Ryman Auditorium. For more information on all Opry tours, visit opry.com/tours.

Multi-Platinum selling Country music artist, Parker McCollum, made his Stagecoach debut this weekend, thrilling thousands of fans during a show-stopping performance of some of his biggest hits including the Double-Platinum “Pretty Heart,” Platinum “To Be Loved By You” and his current radio single and Gold certified, “Handle On You,” off his upcoming album, Never Enough (via MCA Nashville) out on May 12th. Also playing at this year’s Stagecoach Music Festival was global superstar, Diplo, who recently released his latest collab album, Diplo Presents Thomas Wesley: Chapter 2 – Swamp Savant. Parker teamed up with the famed DJ/Producer for their track, “Lonely Long,” which is featured on the project. Today, McCollum is announcing two newly added tour stops* for his West Coast fans: October 13, 2023 Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre San Diego, CA October 14, 2023 YouTube Theater Los Angeles, CA *Tickets are available via Ticketmaster.com. For a full list of upcoming tour dates and tickets, please visit parkermccollum.com/tour

The Grand Ole Opry and Opry NextStage announced today that Jelly Roll, genre-bending singer/songwriter and three-time CMT Music Awards-winner, will host “Opry NextStage Live” at Lava Cantina on May 10 at 2:30 p.m. CT in The Colony, Texas. The special Opry event will precede the 58th Academy of Country Music Awards on May 11, which takes place in neighboring Frisco, Texas, and will introduce the Opry NextStage Class of 2023. Artists featured on the lineup include Ashley Cooke, Jackson Dean, ERNEST, Chapel Hart, Corey Kent, Kameron Marlowe, Megan Moroney and Ian Munsick.  A limited number of general admission tickets are still available HERE. A portion of proceeds will benefit ACM Lifting Lives. “Opry NextStage Live” will also stream on the Opry’s television home, Circle Network, via Circle All Access Facebook and YouTube in addition to the Opry’s own Facebook and YouTube channels. “When the Opry asked me to make my debut, it was a dream come true,” said Jelly Roll. “The Opry is more than just a stage – it’s a community that supports up-and-coming artists. They understand the importance of nurturing new talent and giving them a platform to shine. I’ve seen firsthand how the Opry has helped grow the careers of so many artists, and it’s an honor to be a part of that tradition.”  “At the Opry, we take pride in providing a platform to fresh voices who are pushing the boundaries of country music, and Jelly Roll is a prime example of this ethos,” said Jordan Pettit. “Every time he plays the Opry stage, he showcases the broad range and exciting potential of country music. That’s why we’re thrilled to have him as the official host to introduce our new NextStage class, which features incredibly talented artists who are each bringing their own bold, unique style and voice to the genre.”  Since 2019, the NextStage program has showcased artists including Riley Green, Parker McCollum, Tenille Townes and Lainey Wilson, who all went on to earn ACM New Male and Female Artist of the Year trophies the year following their NextStage inclusion. This year, Wilson received the most nods for a female artist with six nominations including Female Artist of the Year. Other NextStage alumni include Priscilla Block, BRELAND, Callista Clark, Travis Denning, Tegan Marie, Niko Moon, Restless Road, Jameson Rodgers, Elvie Shane, Nate Smith, Morgan Wade, Hailey Whitters and Yola.

Capitol Records Multi-Platinum singer/songwriter/producer Jon Pardi was surprised last night during his performance in Indo, CA at country music’s premier festival Stagecoach, when his friend and Emmy-winning famed restaurateur, author Guy Fieri directed him and the attention of his thousands of cheering fans to a video where Opry member and Country Music Hall of Famer Alan Jackson appeared officially inviting the California native to become the newest member of the Opry. Click HERE to watch Alan’s invitation. “That mic stand represents the future of country music as well as its incredible history,” Dan Rogers, Opry executive producer, told the crowd after he sat the Opry mic stand down in front of a surprised Pardi. “This night will go down in history, too, both because Jon is the first artist invited to join the Opry on this stage and because he’s the first native Californian to get that call. What a great night!” “I moved to Nashville chasing a dream at 22 years old and now I’m here. I love you guys and I love country music. Thank you, everybody. This is an amazing night. I’ll never forget it,” said an emotional Pardi from stage before later in the night noting “I always wondered how this might happen if it was going to. I never imagined anything this great. That was incredible.” “There is no better representation of Northern California than you, man,” said Fieri backstage after the moment.Rogers added backstage, “For nearly a decade now, Jon Pardi has been adding something great to the show every single time he plays the Opry. For me personally, I’ll never forget the big sounds he brought to the Opry stage during the pandemic and the way he connected with audiences around the world via our livestream even when he was playing to an empty Opry House. I have no doubt there are good times ahead for all of us with Jon as a future Opry member.”Coming just a week after receiving his third consecutive ACM Album of the Year nomination (for being both artist and producer for Mr. Saturday Night), the invitation to become an Opry member was made even more special because it happened in his native home state of  California in front of his home state fans. Pardi will become the first native Californian to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry. An official induction date will be announced soon. Since first hitting the country landscape, Jon Pardi has long since separated himself from the pack, carving a lane that was all his own by producing, writing, and singing songs he created from the melodies up, and earning praise for it. “Jon Pardi cut a path through modern country’s embrace of pop, hip-hop and EDM” (The New York Times) with “an emboldened work… a distilling of his sound into a more potent form that draws both vitality and assurance from his anything-but-sterile relationship to his tradition’s modern era” (NPR). With his “state-of-the-art blend of traditional instrumentation and progressive grooves that point to country’s future” (Rolling Stone), Pardi is “a leader among a growing number of artists bringing back fiddle, steel and twang” (People). “Even when he’s singing sad songs, he wants people to have a good time” (Associated Press).Named a “hero in the making” (Variety), Pardi has earned five No. 1s on country radio and is noted for his “long-lasting mark on the genre” (MusicRow) and his impressive ability to carve out his own path creating “the kind of country music multiple generations came to know, and love can still wok on a mass scale” (Variety). Filled with fiddle, twang and steel guitar, Pardi continues to “apply new ideas to country’s old sounds” (Los Angeles Times) and “bring authenticity back into Country music” (People).Among the artists scheduled to appear on the Opry in the coming weeks include Lauren Alaina, Bill Anderson, Deana Carter, Steven Curtis Chapman, The Isaacs, Chris Janson, Jamey Johnson, Ashley McBryde, Lorrie Morgan, The Oak Ridge Boys, Michael Ray, Ricky Skaggs, Jeannie Seely, Josh Turner, Rhonda Vincent, Carrie Underwood, The War and Treaty, and Lainey Wilson, among many others.