Category: Music

Dylan Marlowe has already been carving out a name for himself as a solo country artist, making waves on country radio and winning fans over with his traditional storytelling. And while he’s not slowing down as a solo artist, he is stepping into a new chapter in addition to that journey with the just-announced band, 80 Acres.

Earlier today, the five-member band launched an official Instagram account, introducing themselves with a photo of all five members posed in a barn setting. Behind them hung a white sheet with “80 Acres” spray painted across it, thus revealing the name of their new group. Shared in collaboration with Dylan Marlowe’s personal account, the post immediately had fans buzzing and wondering about the new project.

So far, we know that 80 Acres is fronted by Dylan Marlowe and also features Christian Strahley (drums), Ethan Leak (guitar), David Medlin (guitar), and John Frisch (bass). This band has grown out of years on the road with Marlowe, where they would mix punk rock sounds into his country set. Along the way, they developed a strong connection as they bonded over their passion for all types of music and now the’ve decided to fully lean into that sound by forming this group.

The second post to the account is a video that features a compilation of clips that appear to capture the group rehearsing their sound, filming music videos and preparing for upcoming releases. The voiceover also indicates that this is Marlowe’s chance to hone in on his love for music beyond country.

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The narrator notes, “It doesn’t even make sense because all you are is country radio, man, you’re not a rock artist…everybody is confused, no one understands it.”

At the very end, fans get a taste of the hard-hitting sound that is expected to emerge from the group on their debut, self-titled EP dropping on April 8.

They wrote, “Y’all thought we’d leave you hangin? Full project out 4/8 SOUND 🆙”

In the post announcing the project, the group also revealed the five-song track list, written in black spray paint across a large white sheet. Another well-known band in the country world, Treaty Oak Revival, also shared the news as they will be joining 80 Acres on their sole collaboration on the EP, “Mess We Made.”

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Dylan is still actively building his solo career, but with 80 Acres, he is pushing beyond his creative boundaries and adding another layer to his artistry.

80 Acre EP Track List:

1. “Wait At The Gate”
2. “Least You Could Let Me Do”
3. “Roses”
4. “Mess We Made” ft. Treaty Oak Revival
5. “Is You”  

The post Dylan Marlowe Fronts New Rock-Leaning Band, 80 Acres appeared first on Country Now.

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Tanner Usrey has been arrested on felony drug charges, including one associated with fentanyl possession. Continue reading…​Country Music News – Taste of Country

Shenandoah has announced their 40th anniversary tour, set to take place throughout 2026. The country group will celebrate four decades of music with performances across the U.S.

They will kick things off on March 27 in Wickenburg, AZ and continue with shows running all the way through December. 

Known for No. 1 hits such as “Two Dozen Roses,” “Church on Cumberland Road,” and “Somewhere in the Vicinity of the Heart,” Shenandoah has remained a staple of country music with their signature harmonies and storytelling. This tour promises to honor their lasting legacy as a band and bring fans up close to the hits with a career-spanning setlist. 

Marty Raybon, the group’s lead singer, reflects on what this anniversary tour represents for both the band and the loyal listeners who’ve supported them through every up and down and milestone in their journey.

“Just to think 40 years,” Raybon notes. “Days of late have been filled with the memories of what this has truly meant to all of us. We have seen some of the best days in a lifetime and some of the hard things that is called life on life. I don’t know that we would change anything. We are grateful for every opportunity we have been given and a fanbase that continues to grow with us, love us and support us through all of it.”

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Throughout the trek, Shenandoah will share the stage with artists including Jason Aldean, Ella Langley, Kid Rock, Brooks & Dunn, Hank Williams Jr., and Old Dominion.

The announcement follows a strong start to the year, with the band recently appearing at Luke Bryan’s “Crash My Playa” and headlining the San Antonio Rodeo.

More information about the 40th Anniversary Tour including all on-sale dates and support vary by market can be found at shenandoahband.com.

Shenandoah 40th Anniversary Tour Dates:

MARCH

 Mar 27 – Wickenburg, AZ – Flying E Ranch

 Mar 28 – Edna, TX – Red White & Bulls

APRIL

 Apr 3 – West Chester, OH – Lori’s Roadhouse

 Apr 11 – Moncton, NB – Casino New Brunswick

 Apr 12 – Moncton, NB – Casino New Brunswick

 Apr 17 – Orange Grove, TX – The Post OG

 Apr 18 – Georgetown, TX – Two Step Inn

 Apr 24 – Lancaster, PA – American Music Theatre

MAY

 May 1 – Belleville, TX – Rock the Country

 May 15 – Rama, ON – Casino Rama Resort

 May 22 – Monticello, MS – Atwood Music Festival

 May 23 – Fort Worth, TX – Billy Bob’s Texas

 May 29 – Bloomingdale, GA – Rock the Country

JUNE

 June 6 – Gail, TX – Coyote Store

 June 13 – West Palm Beach, FL – Alan Jackson’s 5 O’Clock Somewhere Fest

 June 19 – Hiawassee, GA – Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds

 June 20 – Patterson, GA – Mossy Pond Lodge

 June 26 – Gas City, IN – Performing Arts Center

 June 27 – Blacksburg, SC – Festival

JULY

 July 3 – Charles Town, WV – Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races

 July 11 – Fortuna, CA – Fortuna Rodeo

 July 16 – Florence, AL – St. Jude Trail Ride

 July 17 – Mount Vernon, KY – Renfro Valley Entertainment Center

 July 22 – Paso Robles, CA – California Mid-State Fair

 July 23 – Yerington, NV – Night in the Country

 July 24 – Corona, CA – Dos Lagos

 July 25 – Fort McDowell, AZ – We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort

AUGUST

 Aug 1 – Gethsemane, KY – The Amp

 Aug 5 – Wausau, WI – Wisconsin Valley Fair

 Aug 8 – Detroit Lakes, MN – WE Fest

 Aug 9 – Hastings, MI – Rock the Country

 Aug 14 – North Lawrence, OH – Neon Nights

 Aug 18 – Lewisburg, WV – West Virginia State Fair

 Aug 21 – Fairbury, IL – Fairbury Fair

 Aug 22 – Chippewa Falls, WI – Northern Wisconsin State Fairgrounds

 Aug 24 – Cente Hall, PA – Grange Fair

 Aug 28 – Ocala, FL – Rock the Country

SEPTEMBER

 Sept 11 – Hamburg, NY – Rock the Country

 Sept 17 – Philadelphia, MS – Ellis Theater

 Sept 19 – Morehead, KY – Poppy Mountain Bluegrass Festival

OCTOBER

 Oct 3 – Marshall, TX – Bear Creek Smokehouse

 Oct 9 – Nashville, TN – TBD

 Oct 16 – Rockdale, TX – Rockdale Fair

 Oct 17 – Angleton, TX – Brazoria County Fair

NOVEMBER

 Nov 14 – Lufkin, TX – Temple Theater

 Nov 21 – Kingman, KS – Kingman Historic Theatre

DECEMBER

 Dec 4 – Tulsa, OK – Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa

 Dec 5 – Thackerville, OK – WinStar World Casino & Resort

The post Shenandoah To Embark On 40th Anniversary Tour appeared first on Country Now.

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Country music and beer are certainly no strangers to one another. Continue reading…​The Boot – Country Music News, Music Videos and Songs

Country music and beer are certainly no strangers to one another. Continue reading…​Country Music News – Taste of Country

ERNEST is gearing up to take fans on a tropical escape with his brand-new full-length album, Deep Blue. Over the past few weeks, he’s been steadily dropping details about the project, from new songs to the release date and the full track list, giving fans a taste of what’s to come. Now, there’s exactly one month left until listeners can dive into the album themselves.

In anticipation for the upcoming release, we have collected all the information you need to know before Deep Blue arrives. Keep reading to learn about everything from the stories behind the songs, the island that shaped the project, outside cuts drawn from Music Row legends and more.

Deep Blue Arrives In One Month

For starters, the project is set to drop on May 1 via Big Loud Records, and this will serve as his third studio album.

The Project Offers A Journey of Nostalgia and Island Sounds

Thematically, fans can expect Deep Blue to offer a mix of breezy, laid-back energy and nostalgia as ERNEST taps into the sounds of his debut project, Locals Only (2019 via Big Loud Records). For this collection, he chose to go back in time and revisit the sounds that shaped hi early project, which in turn led him to reflect on seven years of growth and evolution as an artist.

At the same time, it’s exepcted to captures the sounds, stories, and spirit of the of the U.S. Virgin Islands, a place that has made ERNEST the artist and the person he is today. Combining his past with the current phase of his life results in a journey of vibrant tropical songs that are both familiar and entirely new.

“I want to say thank you to the fans that have been here since the Local Only Days.” ERNEST shares. “If you are new here, thank you for joining the ride. Most importantly, I want to thank the ocean and the islands. I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for them. I found myself in that Caribbean water and will always call it home away from home.”

Deep Blue Features 13 Tracks, including Four Outside Cuts

Fans will get to dive into these themes across the 13 tracks. The GRAMMY-nominated hitmaker has already shared early previews into to the project through singles such as “Lorelei,” and “Boat Named After You.”

For the first time on any of his projects, ERNEST also included four outside cuts. To find these tracks, he drew from a treasure trove of backlog cuts from Music Row legends such as Toby Keith, Nathan Chapman, David Lee Murphy, Tony Lane, Scotty Emerick, 2026 Country Music Hall of Fame inductee Paul Overstreet, among others.

Along with the songs listeners have already heard, ERNEST has unveiled two more tracks, giving his fans the chance to explore the album a bit more through the title track as well as an official studio version of Apple Music Lost & Found Session submission “End Of The Night.” 

ERNEST clearly took a hands-on approach with this project, serving as co-writer on the majority of the collection as well as a producer on each of the 13 tracks alongside Jacob Durrett.

Deep Blue Tracklist:

1.   Lorelei(Ernest Keith Smith, Rhett Akins, Ben Hayslip, Mark Holman)

2.   Edge Of The U.S.A. (Ernest Keith Smith, Jacob Durrett, Chris Lane)

3.   What’s A Little Rain (Ernest Keith Smith, Rodney Clawson, David Garcia)

4.   Lucky (Ernest Keith Smith, Cody Lohden)

5.   Quit While We’re Behind (Ernest Keith Smith, Scotty Emerick, Trent Tomlinson)

6.   Somewhere In The Caribbean (Scotty Emerick, Paul Overstreet)

7.   End Of The Night (Toby Keith, David Lee Murphy, Bobby Pinson)

8.   Waste A Day (Ernest Keith Smith, Rodney Clawson, David Garcia)

9.   Deep Blue (Ernest Keith Smith, Grady Block, Rocky Block, Hank Compton, Jamie McLaughlin)

10. If I’m Not Careful (Ernest Keith Smith, Ronnie Bowman, Clint Daniels, Chandler Paul Walters)

11. Same Moon (Ernest Keith Smith, Rhett Akins, Ben Hayslip, Mark Holman)

12. Boat Named After You (Nathan Chapman, Tony Lane)

13. Time Is A Thief feat. Lukas Nelson (Matt McKinney, Rivers Rutherford, Jimmy Yeary)

Deep Blue will be released on exclusive deep blue–colored vinyl. A limited run of signed copies will also be available for fans to purchase.

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Along with awaiting the new project release, ERNEST is busy on the road with his nationwide Live From The South Tour. The headline trek is next set to stop at New York’s iconic Irving Plaza, followed by Houston, Fort Worth, Knoxville, and more, before wrapping this April. 

Joining the Nashville, TN native on tour are breakout artist-writers Rhys Rutherford, Chandler Walters, and Cody Lohden, all of which are signed to ERNEST’s record label, DeVille Records, and his publishing company, Cadillac Music Publishing. 

The post Everything We Know About ERNEST’s Third Studio Album, ‘Deep Blue’ appeared first on Country Now.

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Ashley Monroe is turning heads with her surprise album Dear Nashville and its brutally honest track “I Hate Nashville,” which serves as a letter to the city she calls home, detailing the complicated love/hate relationship she has with the place that has both lifted her dreams and, at times, broken them.

She first teased the concept album with an open letter shared on Instagram, reflecting on her 23+ year journey in Music City. In it, she revisited the highs and lows of her career, from being signed and later dropped by multiple labels to earning two No. 1 songs and three GRAMMY nominations.

In the deeply personal message, Monroe opened up about feeling “underestimated” and “let down,” while pinpointing a moment that shifted her perspective: “Last fall after attending an industry event, it hit me so hard it took my breath away…’They’re never gonna see me…’ In that moment, I finally let myself feel how sad that makes me.”

Her vulnerability quickly struck a chord across the industry, with fellow artists flooding the comments section in support.

“I’ve looked up to you for so long.Your voice. Your songwriting…. Your daringness to say things that some people wouldn’t. 🔥 so ready for this song and next chapter! Continue to prove them wrong,” Priscilla Block wrote.

“This is the most honest thing I’ve read in the longest time. I feel this on the deepest level. I can’t wait to hear,” Lauren Alaina shared.

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Artists including Martina McBride, Sara Evans, LeAnn Rimes, and Ashley McBryde were also among those who filled the comments with messages of encouragement. 

Days later, Monroe unveiled the project, co-produced with Luke Laird, who also co-wrote each of the album’s eight tracks alongside her.

Monroe says “I Hate Nashville” served as the starting point for the project. The track offers a raw look at the frustrations that come with chasing a career in country music, highlighting how exhausting and discouraging the journey can be at times. At the same time, she acknowledges her deep love for the genre and everything it’s given her, ultimately admitting she “would do it all again.”

Monroe’s pure country vocals shine throughout the record, with “I Hate Nashville” standing out as a prime example of story-driven country music and a reminder of what she brings to the genre.

“I had a writing session on the books with Luke and I’d woken up that morning with a storm in my heart, like, ‘My gosh, have I done this all for nothing?’” Monroe explains. “When I got to Luke’s house that day, I knew I had to address my hurt feelings and get it out of my system. I told him the idea of ‘I Hate Nashville’ and he loved it. That song put everything into motion. We felt the window of all the muses open, and decided that I’m going to say what I feel and make it a whole project.”

“This album started with Ashley bringing the title, “I Hate Nashville,” to the room one day,” Luke Laird added. “The music is what brings most songwriters to this town – but when it comes to the business, that’s when people can get burned out.  So Ashley and I talked that day about our love for country music, the songs and the people – we had such a good day talking about all of our favorite Nashville memories and what led us both here. I love how honest Ashley is in her writing and just how pure her singing is. She really is the triple threat: artist, songwriter, and producer. We had so much fun making this record. No rules… just what felt right.”

At its heart, Dear Nashville goes beyond Monroe’s career in the city and leans into a broader, more intimate theme of unrequited love. As she shares, “The bottom line of the album is, I wish you loved me like I love you.”

Dear Nashville Track List:

1) I Hate Nashville (Luke Laird/Ashley Monroe)

2) Gettin’ Out Of Hand (Luke Laird/Ashley Monroe)

3) What Are We? (Luke Laird/Ashley Monroe)

4) Steal (Luke Laird/Ashley Monroe)

5) Haunted (Luke Laird/Ashley Monroe)

6) Dreaming (Luke Laird/Ashley Monroe)

7) Having It Bad (Luke Laird/Ashley Monroe)

8) Quittin’ (Luke Laird/Ashley Monroe)

The post Ashley Monroe Gets Brutally Honest About Career Struggles in New Song ‘I Hate Nashville’ appeared first on Country Now.

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A widely-circulating social media post claims to have proof that Jason Aldean has renounced his longtime public support for Pres. Donald Trump. But is it true? Continue reading…​The Boot – Country Music News, Music Videos and Songs

A widely-circulating social media post claims to have proof that Jason Aldean has renounced his longtime public support for Pres. Donald Trump. But is it true? Continue reading…​Country Music News – Taste of Country

A ruptured eardrum forced Cody Johnson off the road late last year, putting his fast-moving career on pause for surgery and recovery. That time off could have easily slowed down his momentum, but instead he’s coming back stronger and more driven than ever with the promise: “I’m here to stay.”

“I was out for three months after the surgery, and I had this mentality of when I come back, I’m taking no prisoners. When I come back, I’m putting my head down and I’m going to freaking work,” Johnson admitted during an appearance on Dale Brisby’s Rodeo Time podcast.

Because he fully leaned into that mindset, the country star says he has “so many songs” set to drop outside of his next album, which is already finished and waiting in the wings.

“I’ve already got the whole gun is loaded. The ammunition’s there. We’re just fixing to start sending it,” he teased.

In the midst of his recovery, Johnson scored a milestone that has helped add even more fuel to his fire. During the 2026 CMA Awards, he took home his first-ever Male Vocalist of the Year award, which put an end to Chris Stapleton’s four-year winning streak. The Texas native honestly shared that after devoting basically his whole life up to this point to music, it felt pretty surreal to be recognized in such an esteemed category

“To get Male Vocalist of the Year, especially when you’re in a category with Luke Combs and Chris Stapleton, that’s a big deal. So I was pretty taken back. I was pretty proud of that one,” he said, recalling his reaction.

Now that he officially has that honor under his belt, he’s ready to start working toward the next accomplishment, which in this case would be the Entertainer of the Year award at both the major country music award shows. But even if (and when) he does reach that point, he will continue to strive for something bigger and to become a better artist than he was the year before.

“I’m still chasing the gold buckle. Cowboys, you chase the gold buckle. And for me, that gold buckle is Entertainer of the Year. I mean, ACMs, CMAs, and that’s what I’m after. And when I get it, I’m probably going to go chase it again.”

Each night when he’s on stage, Johnson strives to instill that motivation into every person in that audience through his music and especially with songs like the empowering hit, “’Til You Can’t.”

“I sing the song, ‘if you got a chance to take it, dream won’t chase you back’ and all that. But me making it in the industry is a one in 10 million chance, man. You have to be prepared to lay it all on the line. So I went with no backup plan and in my mind, I was like, ‘I’m either going to die doing this or it’s going to work.’”

His tireless dedication has already proved to be successful in so many ways and because of that, he has been able to provide a comfortable life for him and his family. This is an accomplishment he is clearly very proud of, but it also hasn’t slowed down his drive in the slightest.

“I have that level of comfort, if it’s all over, it’s okay for my family,” he admitted. “Now I’m like, we’re just doing it for sport. Now we’re just doing it for the absolute love of the game. I just want to try to be something in country music that is remembered forever because that’s my sport.”

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All the new music that the “I’m Gonna Love You” singer is preparing to be released throughout the next few months will power all the massive shows he has on the books this year. In addition to his 2026 headline trek, Johnson is preparing to make his headline debut at Stagecoach on April 24.

“That’s a huge deal,” he said of the chance to perform at such a large-scale country music festival. “I just feel like now is the time in my career to make the push to set the bar higher and to say, I’m not going away. I’m here to stay.”

The post Cody Johnson Says ‘I’m Here To Stay’ After Injury Comeback, Teases Flood of New Music appeared first on Country Now.

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