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ABC Country Music News

Nashville notes: Conner Smith's new track + Hannah Dasher's "Ugly Houses"

Conner Smith has dropped a new chest-thumping anthem, "How It Looks From Here." The track is written by Conner, Rhett AkinsJosh Jenkins and Daniel Ross

Hannah Dasher's autobiographical "Ugly Houses" is out now and serves as the latest preview of her upcoming album, The Other Damn Half, due out August 4.

New country duo Neon Union has released a spirited new song, "Redneck Rich." The track will be featured on their forthcoming EP, Double Wide Castle Sessions, arriving July 21.

Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


Dierks Bentley + Lainey Wilson join for sultry Hot Country Knights duet, "Herassmeant"

Courtesy of Capitol Records Nashville

Dierks Bentley's parody band Hot Country Knights have returned with two new songs: "MidKnight Rodeo" and "Herassmeant."

Featuring Lainey Wilson's alter ego Darla McFarland, "Herassmeant" is a tongue-in-cheek play on "harassment" and Lainey's behind.

"Yeah, seems like everybody is talking about harassment these days and the Knights do not tolerate that stuff," lead singer Doug Douglason (Dierks Bentley) says. "You gotta treat your lady right, tell her how you feel about her, respect her, love on her."

"My old flame Darla McFarland, who most people will remember from Teazers down in Murfreesboro, was itching to sing on this one," adds Dough. "She knew she was the inspiration, so how could we say no? Darla is the best damn country singer of the last three decades, in my opinion. Everybody better get down to Tower Records before the CDs are sold out."

"Nothin’ hits better in country music than authenticity," shares Darla. "Seeing how I was the inspiration behind this song, I thought I'd help Doug make a good song great."

This is the first set of new music Hot Country Knights have released after their 2020 debut album, The K Is Silent.

Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


Enjoy summer with your family at Opryland's SoundWaves

Raymond Boyd/Getty Images

Headed to Nashville with your family this summer? Then be sure to pop by Gaylord Opryland's SoundWaves.

With its various play structures, lazy and rapid rivers, waterslides and on-site dining options, the upscale indoor and outdoor resort water attraction makes the perfect spot for a family outing.

The Soundwave Experience Package is available now at SoundWavesGO.com/packages

Non-Tennessee resident seasonal discounts ranging from 15 to 20 percent off are offered on select dates, with Tennessee resident rates ranging from 25 to 40 percent off on select dates, as well. 

Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


Jake Owen's "On The Boat Again" samples a beloved Willie Nelson classic

Courtesy of Big Loud Records

Jake Owen has dropped four new songs: "Hot Truck Beer," "Solo, Solo," "Nothing" and "On The Boat Again."

Serving as Jake's new single on country radio, "On The Boat Again" samples the chorus of Willie Nelson's timeless hit, "On the Road Again."

"On the boat again/ I just can't wait to get on the boat again/ The life I love is drinking cold beer with my friends/ Yeah, I can't wait to get on the boat again," Jake sings on the song, which was penned by Devin DawsonKyle FishmanRocky Block and Blake Pendergrass, with Willie featured as a co-writer, as well.

On Monday, May 29, Jake will spend Memorial Day on ABC's Good Morning America to perform "On The Boat Again."

All four tracks preview Jake's forthcoming seventh studio album, Loose Cannon, arriving June 23. Presave the album now.

Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


"Goodbye's Kickin' In" for Brothers Osborne

EMI Records Nashville

Brothers Osborne have released a brand new song, "Goodbye's Kickin' In."

The groovy, soulful number was penned by the duo's John and TJ Osborne alongside Lee Miller and Mike Elizondo

"Like that first cigarette/ Like that second shot of whiskey/ Then chase it with regret/ Yeah, the goodbye's kickin' in/ Went from feelin' right/ Just the right amount of tipsy/ To the wishing you were with me/ Yeah, the goodbye's kickin' in," TJ sings in the blues-tinged chorus over smooth bass lines.

"Goodbye's Kickin' In" will be featured on Brothers Osborne's forthcoming new album. The as-yet-untitled project will also include the previously released "Might As Well Be Me," "Rollercoaster (Forever And A Day)" and "Nobody's Nobody," which serves as the pair's new single on country radio.

Of the record, the reigning ACM Duo of the Year share, "As musicians, we're constantly evolving and pushing ourselves to new heights. With our fourth album, we've teamed up with a new producer, Mike Elizondo, and embraced his approach to our sound and story. Our expectations were already high and he absolutely shattered them."

"It's exciting to see where this journey will take us and we can't wait to share this sound with everyone," they add. "Life and art are about growth and taking risks, and we're ready to take on the challenge."

Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


Scotty McCreery to join the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame

Jason Kempin/Getty Images

Country music's own Scotty McCreery has been announced as a 2023 North Carolina Music Hall of Fame inductee. 

This year's class also includes Betty DavisGeorge Beverly SheaLoudon Wainwright IIIFetchin Bones and Bill Curtis

Of his honor, Scotty says, "I am honored to be announced today as a 2023 inductee into the North Carolina Music Hall Of Fame!!! Congrats to my fellow inductees and their families!"

Scotty joins the ranks of other country artists and North Carolina natives who have been inducted, including Eric ChurchRandy TravisCharlie DanielsKellie Pickler and Ronnie Milsap.
 
Tickets to the October 19 induction ceremony, which includes performances from Scotty and other inductees, are available now at Eventbrite.

Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


Morgan Wallen + Lil Durk reunite on "Stand By Me"

ABC

Morgan Wallen has joined rapper Lil Durk on his song "Stand By Me."

Featured on Lil Durk's new album, Almost Healed, the spirited country-trap tune opens with Morgan's signature vocal delivery, before Lil Durk arrives in the first verse. 

"If tomorrow I lost it all/ And everything that I have was gone/ When there's nobody else to call/ Would you stand by me? Would you stand by me?" Morgan sings over steady synth-pop beats.

This marks the second time the singers have collaborated on a song, with the first being 2021's "Broadway Girls."

Morgan's hit single "Last Night" is currently sitting at the top of the country charts.

Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


Did Jelly Roll just say he’s more excited about his ABC documentary than his album?

ABC/Stewart Cook

Jelly Roll's got two big projects rolling out soon: His debut country album, Whitsitt Chapel, and his ABC News Studio-produced documentary, Jelly Roll: Save Me.

The documentary will offer fans an inside look at Jelly Roll's life from his early years battling addiction and mental health struggles, to spending time behind bars to rising up to music stardom.

"They left no stone unturned. They spent a lot of time with me," Jelly Roll tells ABC Audio of his documentary. "The best part is I have no clue what's going on because it's an ABC News project. It's not like a collaborative documentary. I'm used to being a part of things, where it's like, 'Hey, let me see something and give some opinions.' Like, nope. We just trust them to tell the story as we presented it," he explains. "I'll be watching it for the first time with everybody."

With the countless hours the production crew spent with Jelly Roll, he realizes he's in for a surprise, too, because he doesn't "remember what all they caught."

"That's another thing. You spend that many hours together," recalls Jelly Roll. "I [had] just seen the two-minute teaser and ... it was like, 'Oh my God, I'm so glad they were there for that.' I totally forgot they were there for that moment. They were there for so many big moments [and] so many career firsts for me."

With the album and documentary releasing soon, Jelly Roll reveals which project he's most excited for. "Man, the documentary. This is big. You know, this don't get no bigger." 

Jelly Roll: Save Me premieres on Hulu May 30, and Whitsitt Chapel arrives June 2. 

Jelly Roll's currently in the top 15 of the country charts with his single, "NEED A FAVOR."

Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


Nashville notes: Darius Rucker's vinyl + Craig Morgan's tour

Darius Rucker is celebrating the 10th anniversary of True Believers by releasing the album on vinyl for the first time. Visit Darius' merch store to preorder an exclusive signed copy.

Tickets for Grand Ole Opry member Craig Morgan's upcoming God Family Country Tour 2023 are available now. Get yours at craigmorgan.com.

Hannah Ellis is dropping a fun new song, "Wine Country," on June 9. Hear a teaser on Hannah's Twitter.

Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


Georgette Jones launches new Apple Sin Whiskey

Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images

Country singer/songwriter Georgette Jones, daughter of country legends Tammy Wynette and George Jones, has launched the Georgette Jones Apple Sin Whiskey.

The apple cinnamon-flavored whiskey is created by Kentucky Master Distiller and bottled at 72 proof. Praised as a "deliciously smooth drink," the liquor can also be used as a baste for meats, apple pie filling or served as a pour-over on ice cream.

Grab a bottle of Georgette Jones Apple Sin Whiskey at your local liquor store or visit caskcartel.com.

Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


The military "hits close to home" for Jordan Davis

Nathan Congleton/NBC

Jordan Davis has a great deal of gratitude for the men and women who serve our country. After all, he's witnessed the selfless sacrifices made by some of his family members.

"You know, both my grandparents were in the service; my cousin was also a Marine, so the military hits close to home," shares Jordan. "I mean I can't say enough about ‘em. We live in the best country in the world, and it's because of those guys and because of the people that came before 'em. So, I can’t thank 'em enough."

"I wish we had Memorial Day every day," he adds. "But it is great to have one day to thank the men and the women that gave it all."

Jordan's "Next Thing You Know" is currently number seven and fast ascending the country charts. The track is off his latest album, Bluebird Days, which arrived in February. 

This summer, Jordan will join Dierks Bentley on the road for Dierks' Gravel & Gold Tour, before kicking off his headlining Damn Good Time Tour on August 31. For the full tour schedule, jordandavisofficial.com.

Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


Dierks Bentley shares Memorial Day reflection: "We would not exist without those courageous men and women"

ABC

Dierks Bentley may not be on the front line serving the country, but his life as a touring artist and time away from family has given him a deeper gratitude for the sacrifices U.S. servicemen and women make daily.

"On the most basic level, I think, for me on the road, I just think about being gone two, three days at a time, maybe a couple of weeks at a time. That seems like a long time when you have kids and family, but these soldiers, they're gone for months and years at a time – they're doing 12 to 15 to 18 months — and they have family back home," shares Dierks, whose father was a World War II veteran.

"That, in itself, is such a huge sacrifice, and that’s just the beginning of it. That's just scratching the surface of what these guys [and gals] are doing every day – preparing for battle, actually being in battle, being wounded in battle, sometimes dying in battle," he adds. "So, this country obviously, we would not exist without those courageous men and women, and our future depends upon them."

Dierks kicks off his Gravel & Gold Tour June 1 in Toronto, Ontario. For a full list of dates and to get tickets, visit dierks.com.

Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


Ashley McBryde embraces her rock side on new Halestorm collab

Todd Owyoung/NBC

Ashley McBryde has joined rock group Halestorm for a duet of their song "Terrible Things."

The soaring ballad finds lead singer Lzzy Hale and Ashley trading verses before joining in the powerful chorus.

"I've loved Halestorm for longer than I can remember," says Ashley. "I thought my team was messing with me when they said Lzzy asked if I wanted to sing on 'Terrible Things' with them. But it turns out they were being serious, so of course I said yes. I am so happy to be on this track with Lzzy. She's a phenomenal human being and someone I continue to look up to."

"'Terrible Things' is a song about hope and forgiveness of one's self, and this world we live in. To elevate the heart of this track we asked the baddest woman in Nashville, Ashley McBryde, to lend her incredible voice," adds Lzzy. "I'm so in awe of her power and am so grateful to have her join us!"

Halestorm's "Terrible Things" was originally featured in their 2022 album, Back from the Dead.

Ashley is currently ascending up the country charts with her latest single, "Light On In The Kitchen."

Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


Jackson Dean, Josh Ross cover Johnny Cash + Bob Dylan's "Girl from the North Country"

Chad Wadsworth/CBS

Jackson Dean and up-and-comer Josh Ross have teamed up to cover Johnny Cash and Bob Dylan's timeless duet, "Girl from the North Country."

Released via Spotify Singles, Jackson and Josh trade verses and harmonize on the reimagined track as they bring the romantic story to life.

"It's a damn good tune," shares Jackson. "I hope we did it justice for Dylan and Cash. This song has been a long time favorite of mine and it was a cool shot to interpret it with Josh."

"I'm excited for this song to be out," adds Josh. "When Jackson brought the song 'Girl from the North Country' to me, I immediately felt connected to it and hadn’t heard it in so long. I’m a huge Johnny Cash fan and always think of my roots in the North. I love that I got the chance to lean into a different vibe than what I normally record through this song."

Check out Jackson and Josh's cover of "Girl from the North Country" on Spotify.

Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


Michael Ray's inviting you to his EP release party

Cindy Ord/Getty Images

Michael Ray fans: If you're going to be in Nashville for this year's CMA Fest, you're in luck.

Michael's throwing a party to celebrate his Dive Bars & Broken Hearts EP with you, the fans. 

"I’m so excited to share that we’re throwing a #DiveBarsAndBrokenHearts EP release party June 8 at The 5 Spot in Nashville, and TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW!" Michael announced on Twitter.

The event will take place at the East Nashville music venue from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. and feature a full band performance, meet-and-greet opportunity with Michael and more.  

Dive Bars and Broken Hearts arrives June 23 and will include "Get Her Back" and "Working On It."

While you wait, grab your ticket to Michael's EP release party now.

Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


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