October 23, 2020 • No Comments • Country Music News

Columbia RecordsRapper Nelly is no stranger to going country.  He of course famously teamed up with Florida George Line in 2012 for a remix of the country duo’s “Cruise,” which appears on their Here’s to the Good Times album.

Since then, Nelly and FGL have shared stages and tours together.  Now they’re joining forces once again for the release of the rapper’s new banjo-inflected banger, “Lil Bit.”

Speaking to Billboard, Nelly calls the decision to return to work with the guys of FGL a “no brainer,” adding that this song may not be the last fans see of the two acts together in the near future.

“My relationship with them is super tight,” he says. “We’ve done two tours together, we have a bunch of other tours planned, and things that we want to do…they’re family.”

The country-meets-hip-hop tune is a fun and flirty ode to new romance. The song’s lyrics even appear to name-check modern country-rap star Lil Nas X, nodding to his 2019 megahit “Old Town Road” with a line referencing a “new town road.”

Nelly also recently made another country cameo when he sang a verse on Kane Brown‘s “Cool Again” earlier this year.

“Lil Bit” comes off of Nelly’s upcoming EP, Heartland.

By Carena Liptak
Copyright © 2020, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

October 23, 2020 • No Comments • Country Music News

Foundry RecordsAshley McBryde is the newest guest star to appear alongside ‘90s hitmaking duo Shenandoah in song, with the release of “If Only.”

It’s a slice of down-home, harmony-laden nostalgia that reaches back toward a simpler past, wondering why things can’t always be that easy. In gentle, easy-going harmony, the three singers reminisce about memories filled with sweet tea, family and simple joys, back when the world seemed to spin a little slower.

Ashley says that this duet marked a chance for her to collaborate with two long-held heroes.

“‘Would you like to sing with Shenandoah on their new record?’ It didn’t even take a whole second for me to say yes,” the “One Night Standards” star recalls. “I’m a true fan of the band and Mr. [Marty] Raybon’s bluegrass stuff, too. I jumped at the chance to sing with him. I love this song…the message is so relevant and needed right now.”

Ashley’s one of a slew of guest stars to sign on for Shenandoah’s new duets album, Every Road. The project also boasts appearances from Blake Shelton, Carly Pearce, Luke Bryan, Brad Paisley and many more.

“If Only” follows two previously released cuts on Every Road: A duet with Zac Brown Band called “I’d Take Another One of Those,” and another with Lady A, titled “Every Time I Look at You.”

Every Road is due out in full on November 13.

By Carena Liptak
Copyright © 2020, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

October 23, 2020 • No Comments • Country Music News

River House Artists/Columbia NashvilleJust as Luke Combs‘ debut album, This One’s for You, evolved into This One’s for You Too, today his sophomore effort, What You See Is What You Get, expands to become What You See Ain’t Always What You Get.  

If you suspect Luke had a plan all along — you’re right.

“Yeah, actually, I did…” he tells ABC Audio. “Once it came time for the second album, I kind of had an idea what I wanted to do. And I wanted to keep that kind of juxtaposing theme of the two albums and being similar, but also being different.”

In fact, it’s part of Luke’s vision to raise the quality of deluxe albums overall.

“I’ve always felt like personally that sometimes a deluxe edition of an album is just songs that…weren’t good enough to make the record,” he confesses. “I would get excited about, ‘Oh, I can’t wait to hear this deluxe edition.’ And then the songs wouldn’t be very good, in my opinion.”

So Luke’s made it his business to change that.

“Why can’t we take the deluxe edition and make it better?” he asks. “Why can’t we write new songs, go in, put the work in…and try to make them even better than the last album?”

It’s one leg of the CMA nominee’s journey toward hopefully one day claiming the Entertainer of the Year trophy.

“I always want to be moving forward, whether that’s musically or as a performer or songwriter or a singer. And so I’m always trying to get better…” Luke explains.

“I think that’s what we’ve done…” he adds. “There’s five songs on there: a couple that I’ve teased to folks, a couple that I’ve played live, and then a couple that nobody has ever heard. So I’m real stoked about it.”  

By Stephen Hubbard
Copyright © 2020, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

October 22, 2020 • No Comments • Country Music News

ABC/Image Group LAMaren Morris will be making an appearance at a sprawling upcoming concert for Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden’s campaign.

The event, dubbed “I Will Vote,” features a massive list of performers from all genres. Cher, Bon Jovi, Dave Matthews and The Black Eyed Peas are just a few of the artists set to perform or make an appearance during the show.

Biden himself will take part in the event, alongside his wife, Jill Biden, vice presidential candidate Senator Kamala Harris and her husband, Doug Emhoff.

Additionally, a number of A-List actors are on deck to appear, including Armie Hammer, Helen Mirren, Billy Porter and Amy Schumer.

A number of country stars have been a part of the push to get out the vote this election season. Earlier in the week, Dan + Shay revealed that they’re performing as part of the non-partisan CBS special, Every Vote Counts: A Celebration of Democracy.

Superstars Tim McGraw and Faith Hill have also been vocal proponents of voter participation, and recently voted early as part of a social media challenge from former first lady Michelle Obama.

Biden’s “I Will Vote” campaign concert will bring in performances from a number of different locations, incorporating both live and pre-taped segments. The event will take place this Sunday at 8:00 p.m. ET.  Fans can attend the event with a donation of any size to the Joe Biden Victory Fund.

By Carena Liptak
Copyright © 2020, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

October 22, 2020 • No Comments • Country Music News

BBR Music GroupAs fans and artists alike dream of the day when the COVID-19 pandemic is a thing of the past, Dustin Lynch is doing more than just wishing. He’s planning ahead to next summer, with his just-announced Dustin Lynch Pool Situation: Vegas.

The event is a epic three-day pool party in Sin City, set to take place from June 3-6, 2021, and Dustin’s bringing some musical friends along for the ride. Jordan Davis and Hardy are both scheduled to perform at the summertime bash, which will also feature DJ sets from Brandi Cyrus.

“It’s been a goal of mine for a long time to create a one-of-a-kind weekend experience for fans to be a part of, and the Pool Situation is just that,” the singer says. “Vegas is one of the greatest party cities in the world and I can’t think of a better place to launch this event. Get ready for a weekend of unforgettable music, hangs and partying. Summer 2021 can’t come soon enough!”

Additionally, Dustin’s upping the ante with a number of personally curated specialty parties, which are named after some of his biggest hits. Examples include the “Where It’s At” Welcome Party, the “Cowboys & Angels” Day Party and more.

Ticket packages and accommodation bundles for next year’s Dustin Lynch Pool Situation: Vegas are on sale now.

By Carena Liptak
Copyright © 2020, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.