The International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) today announced the first recipient of its IBMA International Band Performance Grant – Curly Strings from Estonia. The band was selected through a competitive process and will be featured as a part this year’s IBMA World of Bluegrass® (September 27-October 1, 2022 in Raleigh, …

Big Loud Records has signed Grand Ole Opry member, Lauren Alaina. “We feel like Lauren is absolutely one of the best vocalists, male or female, in this town,” said Big Loud CEO/Partner Seth England. “Certainly, she’s had success, but we humbly think she has barely scratched the surface of what …

It’s been seven years since singers Eric Gunderson and Stephen Barker Liles, collectively known as country duo Love And Theft, released new music. Previously known for its contemporary-leaning songs, the duo is back with a fresh, harmony-driven approach on Better Off, a six-song EP the two wrote and produced themselves. …

CMT today announced two upcoming showcases in partnership with City Winery Nashville on Wednesday, August 31st and Wednesday, September 28th. An extension of CMT’s prestigious ‘Next Women of Country’ (NWOC) franchise, “CMT Next Women of Country: Celebrating the Classes of 2021 & 2022, presented by CMT Night Out Nashville and …

On the heels of announcing their 10th studio album Mr. Sun this week, Little Big Town has released the latest glimpse into the new record with “Rich Man”. LBT’s Jimi Westbrook, who wrote the track, began toying with the idea of “Rich Man” more than a decade ago, with the …

Country Music Hall of Fame and Songwriters Hall of Fame members Whisperin’ Bill Anderson and Dolly Parton make their music video debut together with video for emotional “Someday It’ll All Make Sense.” Watch above “Working with my ol’ buddy Bill Anderson was the most meaningful fun I’ve had in years,” …

The CMA Foundation has announced the hiring of music educator Franklin Willis as its Community Impact Director effective August 8. In the newly created role, Willis will serve as a key force in furthering the CMA Foundation’s ongoing commitment to fostering high quality and sustainable music education programs across the …

Brian Kelley topped off his fifth consecutive sold-out Surf Post Sessions show with a proud salute to local veteran Michael Monk. Welcoming him and his family to the special locals-only event (7/17), Kelley dedicated his performance of “American Spirit” to Monk, and personally thanked him onstage for his 12 years …

Kris Kristofferson will release Live at Gilley’s – Pasadena, TX: September 15th, 1981 on September 2nd via New West Records. The previously unreleased 15-song set was the final date of Kristofferson’s 1981 tour and was recorded at the legendary Pasadena, TX honky tonk most well known for its role in …

The Americana Music Association today announced its third round of 175+ showcasing acts slated to perform at their annual AMERICANAFEST, which runs from September 13-17 in Nashville. 49 Winchester, Adia Victoria, Angel Olsen, Lori McKenna, Lukas Nelson & POTR, and S.G. Goodman are among the 33 newly-announced acts (a full …