March 19, 2021 • No Comments • Country Music News

ABC/Image Group LAGarth Brooks recently let fans in on the news that he’s planning the next installment of his Anthology muti-media series for release later this year.

Anthology Part II will follow Part I and Part III, which document Garth’s early years in country music and his presence live on tour, respectively. Now, the singer says, the next chapter will delve into one of the eras that he’s best known for: The late ‘90s.

“Anthology 2 I can already tell you has been my favorite so far,” Garth reveals.

The newest installment will chronicle studio albums like his ‘97 release, Sevens, 2001’s Scarecrow, and Double Live: Garth’s first-ever live album, which came out in ‘98 and was RIAA-certified 21x Platinum, becoming the best-selling live album of all time.

The singer adds that he’s enjoying compiling this project “simply because it’s the back half of the ‘90s, and you’re in these records — Sevens is one that I love,” he recounts. “You’re in Scarecrow, which was really deep and dark…which I love — that cloud. But one of the main factors in there is Double Live.”

Garth also revealed this week that he’s been writing with Ashley McBryde, and that he’s planning to resurrect his cult favorite Chris Gaines character, re-releasing the 1999 The Life of Chris Gaines on multiple platforms, including digital and vinyl.

By Carena Liptak
Copyright © 2021, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

March 19, 2021 • No Comments • Country Music News

Connor DwyerDustin Lynch puts a new spin on his heady, nostalgic “Thinking ‘Bout You” as he sends the song to radio, this time as a duet with newcomer MacKenzie Porter.

Fans first got to know “Thinking ‘Bout You” as an album cut on Dustin’s fourth project, Tullahoma, which he released in January of 2020. At the time, the song was a duet with Lauren Alaina. Now, Dustin reimagines the song with a new duet partner, whom he chose after hearing her voice without knowing who she was.

“My team and I reached out to our country music community for submissions from up-and-coming female artists. Not wanting to be swayed by any other factors, we got a folder of numbered MP3s and just listened,” the singer explains.

“It all pointed to MacKenzie,” he remembers of that experience. “I fell in love with her tone — it was effortless and honest. Her voice is something that can’t be taught; it’s clear she was born with that talent. She was brilliant at bringing her uniqueness to this song, but also keeping it familiar for fans of the original.”

To go along with their nostalgic new single, Dustin and MacKenzie also shared a cinematic music video that adds a visual element to the story line of  “Thinking ‘Bout You.”

By Carena Liptak
Copyright © 2021, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

March 19, 2021 • No Comments • Country Music News

Bad Realm Records/Atlantic RecordsBreland offered up a new rendition of his “Cross Country” track this week, recasting it as a duet with Mickey Guyton.

The two artists trade verses on the remix of the song, offering reflective and autobiographical lyrics about growing up and finding their places in the world. In his part of the song, Breland recounts growing up in New Jersey and never quite fitting in. For her part, Mickey recounts growing up in Texas and learning to play guitar.

“‘Cause I know it’s ok / To be in my own lane / When I’m doing what they said can’t be done,” the two harmonize in the chorus. “I’m goin’ cross country / I won’t stop running / ‘Til I find where I belong…”

Breland first caught fans’ ears with his 2020 collaborations with Sam Hunt and Keith Urban. It’s an exciting week for the up-and-comer: In addition to releasing his new collaboration with Mickey, he’s also announced plans to perform the national anthem at the big NASCAR race this Sunday, taking place at the Atlanta Motor Speedway.

By Carena Liptak
Copyright © 2021, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.