Lady A (Photo: Debby Wong / Shutterstock.com)
Lady A Invited To Join The Grand Ole Opry
BMLG RECORDS trio LADY A are soon to become the newest members of the venerable GRAND OLE OPRY. The surprise invitation was extended YESTERDAY (1/21) by OPRY member DARIUS RUCKER while LADY A was taping their performance for the upcoming two-hour ...
CMA's Sarah Trahern To Receive CRB President's Award During Country Radio Seminar
The COUNTRY RADIO BROADCASTERS (CRB) have named COUNTRY MUSIC ASSOCIATION (CMA) CEO SARAH TRAHERN as the 2020 CRB President's Award recipient. The award will be presented during ...
Country radio listeners might not yet be familiar with Caitlyn Smith’s world-class voice, but they already know her songwriting, as the author of songs cut by Garth Brooks, Jason Aldean, Lady A, Rascal Flatts and many more. “I Can’t,” which Smith originally recorded solo, is poised to be the song that finally breaks her into the Country mainstream, particularly with the addition of Old Dominion on this new version. Matthew Ramsey’s warm vocals augment the track with just the right amount of familiarity for radio listeners, and elevate the song into one that tells both sides of the story. Written by Smith with Ben West and Stephen Wilson Jr., “I Can’t” is about how difficult change can be, particularly moving on from a failed relationship. It begins with lyrics about the changes in the booming city of Nashville over the past several years, as Smith sings, “This ain't a 20 minute town no more / It don't look the same / Red lights, bars, streets, too much concrete / I don't recognize a thing.” It then quickly moves on to the doomed relationship, with a wrenching chorus about “when everything around me keeps changing / But I can't, I can't, I can’t.” Smith says, ”I moved to Nashville 10 years ago, and both the city and I are completely different now. The idea for ‘I Can’t’ came to me when I was driving by downtown to a session, and noticed more new skyscrapers going up and dozens of cranes changing the skyline and couldn’t help but feel like a stranger in my own town. There’s beauty in change, in watching a city progress, but sometimes personal change can feel impossible. It’s comforting to know you’re not alone, so the song has always felt like a duet to me, and adding Old Dominion to the track really makes it magic.” Both versions of “I Can’t” are included on Smith’s album, “Supernova (Deluxe),” released last fall.
Calling all Pardi animals ... Jon Pardi is ready to "Tequila Little Time" on your airwaves with his new single. Written by the rising star, alongside Rhett Akins and Luke Laird, the free-flowing, mariachi-rich and (of course) tequila-filled tune is a party waiting to happen. "I feel like this song goes great on a boat, a lake or a pool," said Pardi. "It’s about picking up a girl that’s down and maybe, maybe we want to do a shot of tequila? There’s no answer, but maybe. She starts feeling better, and it’s fun. It’s just a fun song.” We agree! The third single from his most recent album, "Heartache Medication," is sure to lift any spirit as the cleverly-worded chorus finds Pardi singing, "I want tequila little time with you / A little salt and a lime will do / Hey bar man, will you bring us two?" A perfect mix for any market, there's only one question left: Do you want to "Tequila Little Time" with him too?
Granger Smith's new single from his 10th and latest studio album, "Country Things Vol. 1," is a mid-tempo track that many listeners will without a doubt relate to. Written by Smith, Justin Wilson, Kyle Fishman and Rodney Clawson, the song's message echoes how many of us have felt after a tough breakup: You wish you could hate the person as much as you cared for them. "I'm just tryin' to hate you like I love you / Not want you like I need you / Forget you like I miss you," Smith sings in the chorus. Smith says it's a song he's “really, really excited about, and have been ever since the day I wrote it. I was on the bus in 2019 with some good buddies of mine and I brought up the scenario to them that really intrigued me. I said, 'Hey, what is the opposite of love?' and they all quickly answered, 'Well, hate of course.' Nope. The opposite of love is indifference. Like, complete apathy ... Hate is a close relative of love ... It takes the same passion, the same extreme emotional effort to hate as it does to love. So, what if I wrote this song about the fellow who is hopelessly in love with this girl that he can’t have? And what if he’s trying everything he can do to make that leap of his love and turn it into hate?" In creating the song, Smith says, "The lyrics and the melody came quick, and the production, actually … I struggled with this one. Because maybe I knew how important it was going to be, but I remember scrapping at least three takes of this song, three different drum recordings searching for that perfect vibe I had in my head ... I loved it in the beginning, then I hated it, then I slowly started liking it and then I rediscovered my love for it in the process. And today, I couldn’t be more happy with the way that it turned out – almost like a self-fulling prophecy with this song. I had to hate it first, and now I love 'Hate You Like I Love You.'” Let's give your listeners a chance to love it too, with an add at Country radio. 
Jimmie Allen and Brad Paisley teamed up to deliver a song that encapsulates youth and all the feelings of wonder that come along with it in their latest single. Written by Allen, Ash Bowers and Matt Rogers, the upbeat tune takes the listener back to their teenage days, when the little things seemed like everything. Allen and Paisley's smooth and sweet vocals fill the chorus as they sing, "I wish I could go back to those days / When that town was the whole world / And love was the girl next door / Soundtrack was a song in the dark / I miss those days when our dreams were there for chasin' / But time was better wasted / We were summer young and livin' for a Friday / And freedom was a highway." The song pairs memorable melodies and fun guitar riffs with lyrics like, "When you're 17 and drivin' / You don't think about the road runnin' out," that capture an innocence we all once experienced. "It’s a song you can just play during the summer, the windows down, have a good time," said Allen. "It kind of just takes you back to your favorite place in life ... your safe place in life." Now, who doesn't want that? Relatable and lively, let's help this song make waves on the air, and be the soundtrack blasting in the background as listeners drive down their own "freedom highway."
At a time of unprecedented division in this country comes a song intended to remind us we’re more alike than different. Florida Georgia Line’s Tyler Hubbard wrote “Undivided” while quarantined with COVID-19 last fall, and immediately sent it to pal and label mate Tim McGraw, who says, “From the first time I heard it, I knew it was one I wanted to be singing for a long time. Music gives us hope and brings us together in a way nothing else can. This song's positive message is so important during a time like this. My wish is that y’all can hear the hope in this one!” While some message songs can come across as heavy-handed, this uptempo song’s vibe, and the chemistry between the two superstars, turns “Undivided” into a fun, feel-good duet full of optimism and joy. The two artists take turns with the verses, then join together on the chorus: “I think it's time to come together / You and I can make a change / Maybe we can make a difference / Make the world a better place / Look around and love somebody / We've been hateful long enough / Let the good Lord reunite us / Until this country that we love is undivided.” The lyrics even take a subtly spiritual bent in the bridge, where Hubbard sings, “We’re all the same to God / No matter what we get his love,” and McGraw answers, “I’m tired of looking left or right, so I’m just looking up.” That’s surely a direction we can all get behind.
Written by Nicolle Galyon, Corey Crowder and Jesse Frasure, this sweet song serves as a reminder that money and possessions pale in comparison to love. The hooky lyrics find the Country superstar singing to his love, “You could make a six pack on the carpet / Taste like a million dollar bill / You could make a one-bedroom apartment feel like a house up on the hill / You could make my truck out in the driveway / Roll like a cleaned-up Cadillac / Girl lookin’ at you, lookin’ at me that way / Can make a man feel rich on minimum wage.” Although the song weirdly caught some heat from internet trolls early in the year, Shelton stands by the message the song projects. “It’s literally a love song about how, if times are tight and you ain’t got much money — as long as you have love and you’re happy — at the end of the day, that’s all any of us can really hope for," Shelton told 
Warner Music Nashville newcomer Robyn Ottolini is headed full speed to Country radio with her debut single, "F-150." Written by Ottolini alongside Erik Fintelman and Mark Schroor, the song takes listeners through the emotional roller coaster of a breakup with some edge. “My ex drove an F-150 and I f’ing hate that truck,” Ottolini shared of the song's inspiration. “You might think that ‘F-150’ is just a truck song, but this isn’t about any ol’ truck. It’s about trying to move on and get strong, until you see that one thing that brings you back to the pain. Nothing does that more for me than his white Ford F-150." The anthem has already resonated with many, reaching #4 on Spotify’s all-genre U.S. Viral 50 chart and #3 on Rolling Stone’s all-genre Trending 25. We have no doubt the song's popularity will continue to grow as it meets more ears on the airwaves. "This song is a piece of my heart and soul. It’s a true story of personal heartbreak and self-growth," says the Canadian rising star. "I hope people feel safe and heard when they listen, and remember to fall in love with themselves. Your F-150 might be a Ram, a Jeep, or a Sunfire. But whatever it is, I hope this song means something to you.”
The opening notes of steel and acoustic guitars set the scene perfectly for Clay Walker’s new juke joint jam, “Need A Bar Sometimes.” Before his familiar voice is even heard, the listener is musically transported to a honky tonk where, the lyrics suggest, they can “Turn the jukebox up and light one up / And just get lost in the smoke.” The neo-traditional track is the first single release under Walker’s new record deal with Show Dog Nashville, and the first taste of his 12th studio album to come later this year. At just under three minutes, the mid-tempo melody conjures a mood. As Walker explains in the chorus, “We all need a bar sometimes / Lean back with a longneck on a neon night / Somewhere you can sip and unwind / Or hang out with the party crowd till closing time / You might be drowning her leaving / Or just here drinking / But we all need a bar sometimes.” Walker wrote the song with Jaron Boyer, Josh Mirenda and Show Dog label-mate George Birge of Waterloo Revival. And Walker has said of its timely origins, “When the other songwriters and I started writing, we were talking about the Coronavirus and not being able to get out and spend time with our friends. Then, someone said, ‘We all need a bar sometimes,’ and we knew immediately that we had to write that. There have been plenty of times when I’ve partied at a bar, and times that I’ve been brokenhearted too. There’s not a line in this song that I haven’t lived.” That’s likely true of most listeners as well, making this song both timely and relatable.
After a tumultuous year worldwide, Shy Carter is using his debut single to deliver a song that will lift our spirits and bring a renewed sense of hope. "If I was on the street with no love / I know you would put some change in my cup / If I was down on my luck, you would pick me up," Carter sings in the first verse. "If ever I would breathe my last breath / I know you would put your hands on my chest / Sing to me and say 'God bless' / You would lift me up." Written by Carter, Carlo Colasacco, James Slater and Micah Carter, the mid-tempo song intertwines meaningful lyrics with beautiful harmonies and background vocals. What stands at the forefront of the single, however, is Carter's impressive vocal range, particularly showcased in the chorus. With each "good love" Carter sings, we feel the passion behind his voice, and get to really hear him belt out those striking high notes when he sings, "Make me feel like it’s alright / Make me believe in this good life / Yeah you pick me up / Good love." In a 2020 interview with 
Filmore is bringing fun and spunk to Country radio with his latest single, "Nothing's Better," from his 2020 album "State I'm In." The tune focuses on a relationship that has ended, but instead of reaching for the tissues, the narrator does the exact opposite and celebrates his newfound freedom. The chorus cleverly goes, "Nothing's better than us not together / 'Cause the best kind of me is me without you / Pockets heavy with free time and money / This double turned single life is going down smooth / We were falling for love, and yeah we thought it was something / Turns out something was nothing / And nothing's better." Penned by Filmore, John Luke Carter and Michael Whitworth, the song features energetic guitar riffs throughout, and a melody that will have you singing along halfway through your first listen. “This album is a look into my life over the last few years," said Filmore of the 18-track project, released in September. "It's the ups and downs in relationships, experiences from my hometown, life on the road, and living in Nashville." Of the song, he added, "[It's] that move-on moment from anyone toxic in your life. That can be a bad relationship. That could be a friendship gone wrong. That could be a job you hate. But when you finally find peace and you get that out of your life, there is such a sense of freedom, and I hope this song makes you feel that.” We certainly do! Filmore has managed to combine a playful story line with amazing instrumentation and vocals to create all the makings of a hit. And when that happens ... nothing's better. 
Songwriters are often told to “write what you know,” and that’s exactly what Russell Dickerson did with “Home Sweet,” which he has described as “the real life story of going from an all inclusive honeymoon to real life being broke, then bringing a new baby into the world.” Written with Casey Brown and Lady A’s Charles Kelley, the uptempo song is the second single from Dickerson’s recently-released sophomore album, “Southern Symphony,” and follows four back-to-back #1 hits. “The week [wife] Kailey and I got home from our honeymoon, my income stopped. I was in between [publishing] deals and we were flat broke,” Dickerson says of the song’s inspiration. “Now we just moved into our new house and have a baby … so yeah, ‘Home Sweet’ is about as spot-on real-life as it gets.” In a December interview with Apple Music Country’s Kelleigh Bannen, Dickerson called it, “One of my favorite songs I've ever written, just because verse one, two, and three are each snapshots of the last seven years of my life with my wife.” His domestic happiness is reflected in the chorus, where Dickerson sings, “There ain’t nothin’ like / Home sweet, you and me / Ain't got much, but we got all we need / Wherever the wind blows, wherever this life goes / Baby, all I know, ain't nothin' like, nothin' like / Home sweet.” The lyric video was shot in the backyard of Dickerson’s custom-built Nashville farmhouse, which is referenced in the song. Check it out 
On the heels of his first #1 as an artist, “One Beer,” HARDY is back with a moving, mid-tempo tribute to a recently deceased friend. Written by HARDY, Hunter Phelps, Ben Johnson and Ashley Gorley, “Give Heaven Some Hell” vividly sets the scene in the first few lines, as the departed’s friends gather for his funeral. The opening lyrics describe a queue of mourners out the church door and the singer mentally telling his late friend, “Can’t believe that you got me in a suit and tie.” The song goes on to celebrate the man’s rowdy life, imagining him looking for a new noise-making, rubber-burning, fast-living “crew” in the afterworld like he had on Earth. But the poignant lyrics also celebrate the friend’s ascension to the promised land, particularly in the chorus where HARDY gruffly sings, “I hope you hit those gold streets on two wheels / I hope your mansion in the sky's got a 10-acre field / With some mud and some hubs you can lock in / Make some thunder, make 'em wonder how you got in / Hide your beer, hide your clear from the man upstairs / Crank it loud, hold it down 'til I get there / And when I do I hope you got some new stories to tell / ’Til then, give heaven some hell.” HARDY says the single is “one of my favorite songs I’ve ever written. I just hope this helps anyone that’s ever suffered a loss of a loved one. Excited for this song to exist in the world.” A powerful, accompanying music video features a cast of HARDY’s real-life songwriting partners on his “A Rock” album, including Jameson Rodgers, Phelps, Jake Mitchell, Johnson, and Smith Ahnquist. Check it out 
Making a huge splash a week before their impact date, Chase Rice and Florida Georgia Line have landed this week's most-added song at Country radio, and after a first listen, it's no wonder why the song has already seen such success. Written by Rice, Cale Dodds, Corey Crowder and Hunter Phelps, the tune breeds a sense of fun from the very first second with the sound of a cold one crackin' open. Rice sings in the first verse, "I ain't ever been the church goin' type / Can't quote much past 3:16 / Even though it's a Friday night / Church found me," before Florida Georgia Line joins in for the chorus, singing, "Sittin' here, drinkin' beer, talkin' God, Amen / Killing time, living life with some down-home friends." During a time where large gatherings have been called off, the song is a great reminder that you can find your own church and sense of community simply by embracing the little things. “We actually wrote this song before the pandemic, which is crazy because it’s almost like God was intervening in the song just to say, ‘Hey y’all, get ready. You’re gonna have a lot of time to sit around a fire, drink some beer and hang out with me,'" said Rice. “It’s a special song in that way because it really is a celebration of what 2020 became for us and a lot of other people -- slowing down to enjoy these moments with our loved ones and having deeper, more meaningful conversations with each other.” The song is the first collaboration between Rice and FGL (who were once roommates) in over 10 years, and it was well worth the wait.
After releasing his self-titled debut EP in May, Chris Bandi is already making his mark on the world of Country music with his latest single, "Would Have Loved Her." The song starts with an introduction about a woman the narrator met, and how he "thinks I met the one / But I don't wanna jump the gun." By the time the first chorus rolls around, you'll be reaching for the Kleenex, and trust us, you'll want to keep them around for the remainder of the song. The chorus goes, "She's from a small town just like you / She's got a smile that could light up the room / She's pretty as a hallelujah / But don't let it fool ya," before switching into a funkier, catchy rhythm with the lyrics, "'Cause she'll dance when she drinks / And she'll say what she thinks / She makes me a better man like you did / I miss you and wish you could just meet each other / 'Cause I bet you would have loved her." Beautiful! The second verse brings with it wedding bells, as the couple ties the knot and Bandi sings, "I bet you would have loved our wedding band / I bet you would've slid in and stole a dance." As the bridge approaches, the music strips down and we hone in on Bandi's soft voice as he sings, "Hey pops, you know I hate to cry / But I just let 'em rain that night / That I held your grand baby in my hands for the very first time." Remember those aforementioned Kleenex? We told you! The chills-inducing last chorus goes, "'Cause she's got brown eyes just like you / Her momma's glow that could light up the room" and "She makes me a better man like you did / I miss you and wish you could just meet each other / Dad, I know you would've loved her." Written by Bandi and Zach Kale, the song was inspired by the singer's late grandfather, who Bandi thinks "would have loved his girlfriend were he still here to meet her." With the music video already over two million views, there's no doubt this song will resonate with anyone who has lost someone they love and wishes they were still here to experience life's milestones with them. Let's give this heartwarming song some love on Country radio, and give Bandi one more milestone to celebrate. 
Thomas Rhett is off to a fast start with his new single, "What's Your Country Song." Earning 141 Mediabase adds in its first week at Country radio and debuting at #25 on the chart, it's clear that if you're not already on it, you're behind! Through the nostalgic tune, Rhett calls out well-known Country hits like Merle Haggard's "Mama Tried," Alan Jackson's "Chattahoochee," Alabama's "Dixieland Delight," and his own father, Rhett Akins' "That Ain't My Truck," among many more as he asks listeners, "What's Your Country Song?" The chorus sings, "Everybody got a small town anthem / Everybody got a story to tell / Everybody got a hallelujah / Everybody been through a little hell / When you're rolling down a two-lane highway / And you turn your radio on / Tell me which one hits you, baby / Yeah, what's your Country song?" Written by Rhett alongside Ashley Gorley, Jesse Frasure, Parker Welling and Akins, the song is an instant mood booster that will have fans turning up the dial as they reminisce on the greatness of Country music, past and present. The song comes to life in the freshly released music video highlighting the greatest moments of Country living that will speak to listeners far and wide. We couldn't ask for more from the reigning ACM Entertainer Of The Year, and we're excited to see this one fly up the charts. Be sure you don't miss it!
Love Out Of Time EP
