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Katie Nicholas Launches New ‘Chemistry’ EP

UK Songwriter and producer Katie Nicholas has launched her long-awaited Chemistry EP, a 4-track collection of country-pop bops and ballads are songs the artist herself has reworked and produced, celebrating the music that kickstarted her career.

Written between ages 16,17,18 and 19, these are her earliest and most cherished tracks by fans. In a bid to not leave them behind as she charges forward with her prolific catalogue of music, Katie vows that this is “the record my younger self would have dreamt of making”.

Likened to a UK’s very own Kacey Musgraves or Dolly Parton, this Liverpool witty songbird arrived on the British Country Music scene with a bang over a decade ago before a long period of radio-silence. In 2025 she revisits her title-track “Chemistry” alongside an entourage of award-winning AMA instrumentalists. Originally, the song had become a viral hit overnight after producing a DIY valentines music video and posting it on YouTube in 2013.

Celebrating the history which led this prolific songwriter to premiere at the C2C London pop-up, support The Shires and Ward Thomas at Bush Hall, “Chemistry” also landed her a no.1 and no.3 in the UK/IRE Country Hotdisc chart.

The artist’s music was later taken down from digital stores under the guidance of a “mentor” in a bid to “start fresh” and develop as an artist. With a tumultuous journey with labels and the music industry – her story can be found on her prolific 50-song video-series “Songwriter Diaries” on YouTube – after her long silence, Katie has returned and reclaimed this music: this time self-produced and released via her independent record label, “Ladybird Records” – little but bold.

Katie has gone on to showcase and record in Nashville as part of Whispering Bob Harris’s ‘Under The Apple Tree’ event, starred on the SSL Audio advert, and has rerformed at festivals such as Buckle&Boots and BBC Introducing Highest Point.

Despite little musical release online, Katie has gone on to consistently sell out live shows supported by a wonderful and loyal community of fans – most recently selling out her headline show at the Liverpool Philharmonic Music Room.

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Dan Jones Announces Forthcoming Country Album

Fresh off the back of his critically acclaimed debut EP One More Whiskey for the Road, UK country artist Dan Jones returns this September with a brand-new album.

With five tracks already in progress, including the road-weary love song “Saying Goodbyes Until When?”, the Americana party anthem “Let the Good Times Roll”, and the powerful tribute “Diamond in the Rough”, this upcoming album showcases Jones’ gift for vivid storytelling and emotional depth.

Other standout songs include “You Got Nothing on Me”, a swaggering outlaw stomper full of cinematic grit, and “Die Another Day”, a bold and introspective reflection on grief, resilience, and truth.

Building on his recent media attention — including radio airplay across the UK, Europe, and the USA — Jones’ new album promises to expand his reach and reaffirm his status as one of the most compelling voices in British country rock.

Currently in production, the album features five new tracks with more on the way. Each song captures a distinct mood and moment from Jones’ road-worn storytelling arsenal, blending modern country, Southern rock, and Americana grit.

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Pat Green & Friends Raise Ove $1m During Texas Flood Fundraiser

During a powerful evening of music and remembrance at Globe Life Field, Pat Green & Friends Texas Flood Relief Livestream raised over $1 million by the end of the broadcast alone, with donations still accumulating to support those affected by recent flooding in Central Texas.

Working in partnership with the Texas Rangers and REV Entertainment, the event brought together a wide-reaching community of artists with over 300,000 viewers, as Miranda Lambert, Jon Pardi, Dierks Bentley, Parker McCollum, Jamey Johnson, Corey Kent, Casey Donahew, Cross Canadian Ragweed, Josh Abbott, Ryan Bingham, Eli Young Band, Flatland Cavalry, Joe Nichols, Kaitlin Butts, Ty Myers, Kevin Fowler, Aaron Watson, Jon Wolfe and Bob Schneider performed.

“I’ve always believed in the power of the community of musicians and music fans,” shares Green. “They all came together last night, where that belief was confirmed in the most beautiful way.”

All proceeds from the concert and livestream will be distributed to Kerr County Relief, TEXSAR and the Do It For Durrett Foundation via The Pat Green Foundation, directly benefiting the families affected by this heart-wrenching disaster.

As confirmed last week, the July 4 flood of the Guadalupe River in Central Texas claimed the lives of Green’s younger brother John, John’s wife Julia and their two young sons. They were four of the 129 people known to be lost so far. Over 170 men, women and children remain missing.

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MTS Records Artists Pam Ross and Tim Tye Earn 2025 HIMA Nominations

MTS Records has announced that two of its standout artists—Pam Ross and Tim Tye of Midnight Sky—have been nominated for the prestigious 2025 Hollywood Independent Music Awards (HIMA), set to take place on July 30th, 2025, at the Avalon Hollywood.

North Carolina-based Americana rocker Pam Ross has earned a nomination in the “Singer-Songwriter” category, a recognition of her emotive, genre-blending style that fuses country, rock, and roots influences into a sound she calls “PamMusic.”

Known for her deeply personal lyrics and compelling stage presence, Ross continues to turn heads in the independent music scene. Her latest singles, including “Have a Good Time” and “Tonight,” have garnered critical praise and growing radio support. Pam is nominated for her track, “Two Shots of Tequila.”

Meanwhile, Tim Tye, the visionary behind Dayton, OH-based Americana-country project Midnight Sky, has been nominated in the “Lyrics/Lyricist” category for his powerful composition, “A Few Good Years,” a Top 50 Billboard charting hit. The track exemplifies Tye’s reflective, storytelling-driven songwriting style—blending poetic insight with heartfelt gratitude for life’s most meaningful moments.

The Hollywood Independent Music Awards is a global platform that recognises exceptional talent in the independent music community. With nominations spanning a broad range of genres and categories, HIMA celebrates the work of artists who define creativity on their own terms. The 2025 HIMA ceremony promises to be a star-studded celebration of musical independence, taking place at the historic Avalon in the heart of Hollywood.

“We’re absolutely thrilled to see Pam and Tim nominated for such important categories,” said a spokesperson for MTS Records. “These nominations affirm what we’ve always believed—that both artists are extraordinary storytellers with a unique voice and a fearless commitment to authenticity.”

Founded by Michael Stover, MTS Records is an award-winning label focused on developing and promoting independent artists across genres. With a roster that spans country, pop, rock, Americana, gospel, and beyond, MTS has built a reputation for championing authenticity and fostering long-term artist growth.

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2025 Harley-Davidson Homecoming Festival Revs up Milwaukee

The four-day 2025 Harley-Davidson Homecoming Festival immersed the Milwaukee region in music and moto-culture July 10-13, drawing thousands of enthusiasts to Veterans Park, the Harley-Davidson Museum, Harley-Davidson Headquarters and Davidson Park, and to local Harley-Davidson dealerships.

Chris Stapleton played to a sold-out crowd on the main stage following performances by additional acts including Turnpike Troubadours, Sierra Ferrell, 49 Winchester, The Droptines, ÖOF TATATÁ, and other artists to close out the event. The Monster Energy Freestyle Motocross Shows featuring pro riders Axell Hodges and Takayuki Higashino thrilled onlookers on Friday and Saturday.

On Thursday night the Harley-Davidson Museum hosted the Official Harley-Davidson Homecoming Festival Kickoff Party and Military Appreciation Day, featuring a free concert performance by Buckcherry on the Harley-Davidson Museum Rockford Fosgate stage. More than 15,000 motorcycles and more than 32,000 attendees visited the Harley-Davidson Museum during the run of the Harley-Davidson Homecoming Festival to experience the Ives Brothers Wall of Death Stunt Show, the V-Twin Visionary Custom Motorcycle Showcase and many more activities.

Guests enjoyed a self-guided tour of engine assembly and machining at Harley-Davidson Powertrain Operations in the Milwaukee suburb of Menomonee Falls. A wide selection of 2025 Harley-Davidson motorcycles were available for free test rides.

A guided Juneau Avenue Historical Tour through and around the current company Headquarters that once served as the original manufacturing factory was enjoyed by guests. Juneau Avenue was also the starting point for the Women’s Ride on Saturday morning in memory of “the first lady of motorcycling” Nancy Davidson and supporting the Cancer Research Institute™. Davidson Park, the outdoor community hub created by the Harley-Davidson Foundation, hosted a relaxing oasis for riders with free music, an antique motorcycle show, and lawn games.

Six Milwaukee-area authorized Harley-Davidson dealerships hosted events and entertainment during the run of the Harley-Davidson Homecoming Festival. Those dealerships include House of Harley-Davidson (Greenfield), Milwaukee Harley-Davidson (Milwaukee), Suburban Motors Harley-Davidson (Thiensville), Uke’s Harley-Davidson (Kenosha), West Bend Harley-Davidson (West Bend), and Wisconsin Harley-Davidson (Oconomowoc).