Music Notes: Chase Rice’s “Haw River”, George Strait “Cowboys And Dreamers, LOCASH & More

Country Music & Entertainment News From Hook & Barrel Magazine

Chase Rice Unveils Haunting Murder Ballad “Haw River” Off Forthcoming Indie Album Go Down Singin’

Celebrated by Billboard for “having storytelling details tumble from his lips, his portraits created quickly and efficiently,” Diamond-certified songwriter Chase Rice unveils his latest gripping narrative via the recent release of “Haw River,” offering fans a further glimpse into his highly anticipated independent album, Go Down Singin’, arriving Sept. 20. Pre-order/pre-save the album here and listen to “Haw River” here. 

Inspired by a chance encounter during a writing retreat in Wilmington, North Carolina. with Blake Pendergrass—who also served as Rice’s writing partner on the recently released autobiographical title track—the haunting and evocative song showcases his ability to weave gripping narratives with a raw emotional core.

As Rice recalls of the chilling murder ballad’s origin, “We met a girl who said, ‘I’m Kayla from Haw River,’ and my ears just went up. Blake said, ‘We should make that a murder ballad…’ and we were off. Between the series 1923 about those priests beating up and raping Native American girls and our imaginations, it got pretty dark.”

“Haw River” tells the story of a preacher who exploits his power, only to face retribution at the hands of one of his victims, highlighting Rice’s continued evolution as a storyteller and his deep connection to the themes that resonate with him. The song joins a collection of ballads that explore themes of growth, loss, and redemption on Go Down Singin’, marking a significant moment in his musical journey as he bets on himself with the independent release. 

“Go Down Singin’ is about where I am right now,” Rice shares of the Oscar Charles-produced project. “It’s about taking everything I’ve been through, all the mistakes and the lessons learned, and turning them into something meaningful. This album is the most honest I’ve ever been, and I can’t wait for people to hear it.”

For more information, visit ChaseRice.com. “Fireside” and “Go Down Singin’” are also available now.

George Strait’s “Cowboys And Dreamers”

Indie record stores nationwide are celebrating George Strait’s forthcoming 31st studio record, “Cowboys And Dreamers”, with 87 locations across the country hosting listening events on Wednesday, September 4—two days prior to the album’s release on Friday, Sept. 6. See below or visit recordstoreday.com for the full store, city, and state details.

Produced by Chuck Ainlay, who has been mixing Strait records since 1985, Tony Brown (Strait’s 1993’s “Easy Come, Easy Go”; 2008’s “Troubadour”) and “Strait”, the album’s title comes from a song penned by Jessie Jo Dillon, Keith Gattis, and Bubba Strait. “I thought I should name the whole album “Cowboys And Dreamers” as I feel like the last of a dying breed, trying to find where I fit,” Strait offers of the song that opens with ‘Some days I feel like the last of a dying breed, Trying to find where I fit; Somewhere between high on top of the world, And fighting with calling it quits.’ While Keith Gattis reaffirming “I Wish I Could Say” offers, ‘Wish I could tell you how the world ain’t ended, And how it’s all going to be ok.’

The follow-up to “Honky Tonk Time Machine”, Strait’s 27th No. 1 Billboard Country album, “Cowboys And Dreamers” features 13 new songs, including three already released tracks—“Three Drinks Behind,” “MIA Down in MIA” and “The Little Things”—as well as “Honky Tonk Hall Of Fame” featuring Chris Stapleton and Strait’s rendition of Waylon Jennings’ “Waymore’s Blues.” All making appearances in his live set, Strait has one final show in 2024, supersizing his long-standing “Strait to Vegas” show at Las Vegas’ Allegiant Stadium to mark the 37th installment of the engagement with Chris Stapleton and special guests Little Big Town.

Randy Houser & Justin Moore Join Forces For “Country Round Here Tonight”

The duo performed the collaborative track on “Fox & Friends” ahead of the Country Round Here Tonight Tour kickoff on September 5.

As fans might already know, Houser’s Current Single “Country Back” continues climbing the country radio charts. Check it out below:

Embarking on their co-headlining Country Round Here Tonight Tour presented by Live Nation next Friday, Sept. 5, multi-Platinum hitmakers Randy Houser and Justin Moore release a collaborative version of “Country Round Here Tonight,” debuting the track on Fox & Friends’ All-American Summer Concert Series on August 30. Listen to the song HERE.

Filled with the soulful sounds of steel guitars and fiddles, “Country Round Here Tonight,” written by Houser alongside Brice Long and Jeff Hyde, echoes the spirit of classic 90s country, evoking a deep sense of nostalgia.

Today’s release also follows the pair’s new track “The Worst,” found on Moore’s forthcoming album “This Is My Dirt”, available Oct. 11. Fans can expect to hear both tracks on the upcoming co-headlining trek.

Houser also recently released “Rub A Little Dirt On It” featuring Riley Green, with Whiskey Riff sharing, “The father-and-son style song talks about learning to take the punches as they come and, when life doesn’t go your way, ‘Put A Little Dirt On It’ and try again. It’s the perfect message: sometimes it gets worse before it gets better,” and praising, “their thick southern drawls pair flawlessly…during the chorus, they each swap off, taking the lead while the other supports through harmonies, making it the perfect duet.”

Houser’s latest single “Country Back,” a full-throttle proclamation of all things country, is currently climbing the charts on Country radio, as over 100 stations are now playing the song. Listen to “Country Back” here.

Following the Country Round Here Tonight Tour, Houser is also set to join HARDY for three dates on the QUIT!! Tour, performing in his home state on Sept. 12 at Mississippi State University, followed by two dates at Red Rocks Amphitheater on Oct. 20 and Oct. 21.

For tickets and more information, visit RandyHouser.com or follow along on Instagram and X @RandyHouser and Facebook.com/RandyHouser.

Evan Ogden Drops Second Single “Can’t Change A Cowgirl” From Upcoming EP

Singer-songwriter Evan Ogden is set to release his second single, “Can’t Change a Cowgirl,” on August 30, 2024. This track, featuring a dynamic and rhythmic sound, showcases Evan’s signature storytelling and celebrates the unyielding spirit of a cowgirl.

Give “Can’t Change a Cowgirl” a listen below.

“Can’t Change a Cowgirl” delves into the unwavering determination and strength of a cowgirl. With lines inspired by Evan’s wife, a cowgirl in her own right, the song paints a vivid picture of a woman who embodies both toughness and grace. Evan’s lyrical prowess shines through, capturing the essence of resilience and the steadfast nature of the cowgirl spirit.

Departing from his previous single’s nostalgic 80s country vibe, “Can’t Change a Cowgirl” introduces a more rhythmic sound that will resonate deeply with fans. The track’s intricate melodies and compelling beats provide a fresh, yet familiar listening experience that highlights Evan’s versatility as an artist.

“Can’t Change a Cowgirl” is a tribute to the resilience and grace of the cowgirl lifestyle. Lyrics such as “Stubborn as hell, most of the time right; soft as a candle but burning bright” and “A heart too big, she don’t boast at all; rides high in the saddle with a pride too small” reflect the duality of strength and gentleness that defines the cowgirl ethos.

For more, visit evanogdenmusic.com.

LOCASH Celebrate Dive-Bar Romance On Anthemic New Song “Buzzin”

Platinum-selling duo LOCASH share their new song “Buzzin”—a sweet and rowdy tribute to the no-frills fun of the dive-bar life, accompanied by an audio visualizer and available now on all digital platforms. Go here to stream/download “Buzzin” now.

Written by LOCASH’s Preston Brust and Chris Lucas with Shy Carter and Mark Trussell, “Buzzin” arrives as an addictively catchy celebration of living it up at your favorite watering hole. With its bouncy rhythms, bright guitar tones, and breezy banjo lines, the harmony-fueled track is equal parts party anthem and heart-on-sleeve love song, as revealed in its sing-along-ready chorus (e.g., “You in the bed of my truck/Under that moon, fallin’ in love/Chasin’ whiskey with your kisses/’Cause I can’t get enough”). Produced by Jacob Rice and capped off with a blazing guitar solo, “Buzzin” endlessly delivers the same feel-good energy the duo has previously brought to smash hits like the Platinum-certified “I Love This Life” and Gold’s number one hits “One Big Country Song” and “I Know Somebody.” 

Partly set in a classic dive bar decked out in photos of Country’s greatest legends, the audio visualizer for “Buzzin” chronicles a first date that goes off without a hitch, with the two new lovebirds knocking back beers and playing a neck-and-neck game of pool. Meanwhile, Brust and Lucas hold it down at the back of a pickup truck with their guitars, narrating the budding romance against the dreamy backdrop of the twilight sky.

With major anticipation mounting for LOCASH’s next project, “Buzzin” arrives on the heels of “Hometown Home (Wedding Cake Mix)” — a July release that offered up a heart-meltingly tender twist on their latest chart-climbing Country radio single, complete with a wedding-style string quartet. A soulful and soaring track that premiered in May, the original version of “Hometown Home” marked the debut release from the duo’s newly formed Galaxy Label Group and quickly became one of the most-added singles on Country radio.

Tomorrow night in Mount Pleasant, Iowa, LOCASH continues the Hometown Home Tour— a summer-long headline run bringing their high-spirited live show to venues across the U.S. As part of their nonstop summer schedule, the duo are also taking the stage at many of the country’s biggest stadiums as support for Kane Brown’s In The Air Tour, including upcoming stops at Denver’s Coors Field (9/6) and Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas (9/14). Go here for more info.