Music Notes: Rhett, Stapleton, McCreery, HunterGirl & More
Country Music & Entertainment News From Hook & Barrel Magazine
Scotty McCreery’s Latest Album & Single “Rise and Fall”
“Rise and Fall,” Scotty McCreery’s fifth studio album, including the leading single “Lonely,” is out now.
“I love a good heartbreak, honky-tonk country song, and ‘Lonely’ is definitely that,” said McCreery. “Brent, Derek, Frank, Bobby, Jeremy, Monty, and I had such a good time writing this song on my back porch in the mountains of North Carolina. This song is so much fun to perform live and have the audience sing along with us. I’ve had a lot of requests from fans who’ve heard this song on the road to put it out on streaming. Here you go!”
“Lonely” follows a guy looking to forget why he came to a local hole-in-the-wall in the first place, with friends joining him in the effort to “drown out the pain.”
“Rise and Fall” features 13 tracks covering topics from heartbreak, rowdy nights, and faith, of which 12 are co-written by McCreery, the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry.
“I know every artist says it, but this is truly my favorite album I’ve made so far,” shares McCreery. Listen up here.
Thomas Rhett Announces Seventh Studio Album, “About a Woman”
Thomas Rhett announced that his seventh studio album, “About a Woman,” will be released on August 23 - and fans can pre-order it now.
Rhett, one of modern country music’s dynamic superstars, has been on the scene for just over 10 years, collecting 22 number-one hits and numerous awards along the way.
“From top to bottom, I wanted to exude joy and fun with this project—and really just make people move,” Thomas Rhett says, describing a set that takes timeless romantic nostalgia to Country’s progressive cutting edge. “I went into making this record with a fearless attitude, put my blinders on and my head down to try and make really fun music."
The 14-track album proves to be diverse yet connected, and a somewhat ode to the woman in his life.
“I feel like if you were to ask me what this record is about, the answer would be it’s about one woman, my wife, and it gave me an opportunity to say ‘I love you’ in a lot of different ways,” he adds.
HunterGirl - American Idol Breakout - Released Label Debut EP
Emerging artist HunterGirl, already named one of country music’s most exciting newbies, released her label-debut EP, “Tennessee Girl.”
“I have been dreaming of getting a record deal since I was singing songs in my Nanna’s living room as a child. I remember watching artists I looked up to chase after their dreams and praying one day I would have that chance. The songs on this record are pieces of my heart and my story. So much has gone into creating this debut project, and it reflects not only me as an artist but me as a person,” says HunterGirl.
With her breakout thanks to American Idol, the Tennessee native also was named one of CMT’s 2024 Next Women of Country. More info here.
Chris Stapleton Debuts Petty Cover “I Should Have Known It”
Joining a collaboration of country artists, Chris Stapleton made his mark on the “Petty Country: A Country Music Celebration of Tom Petty,” with his debut of “I Should Have Known It.”
The country tribute album features some of the late artist's close friends and collaborators, exploring his extensive catalog of tunes. Though Petty is known and remembered for his classic rocker grit and California anthems, he’s also credited as contemporary country music’s biggest rock influence.
Stapleton’s single joins artists like Dolly Parton, having recently released “Southern Accents,” and Dierks Bently with his release of “American Girl.” The album includes all of country music’s greatest, from George Strait to Luke Combs and Jamey Johnson. More here.
New from Chris Lane - "From Where I’m Sippin" EP
Chris Lane may have been touring college towns across the nation on his recent “Find Another Bar: College Edition” tour, but he’s been busy on the road and his new EP is out now.
“I’ve always been a big fan of stripped-down versions of songs, and how the track can take on a new life while also giving me a new connection to it,” shares Lane. “I’m excited to add three acoustic versions to the From Where I’m Sippin’ EP, and hope y’all enjoy them.”
The “surprise” EP release is a shift from Lane’s “hip-hop infused, polished pop-country sound,” introducing a “ragged rock edge,” according to Billboard. Listen up to the 8-track EP now and catch Lane on the road throughout the summer at various music festivals. More here.
Brantley Gilbert Released “Over When We’re Sober,” Extends “Off the Rails” Tour
Multi-Platinum country rocker Brantley Gilbert has announced an extension of his “Off the Rails” tour, adding more than 15 dates with special guests Adam Calhoun and Demun Jones. Plus, he’s got a fresh single, featuring Ashely Cooke, “Over When We’re Sober.”
“From the moment we started writing, I knew this song was something special,” reflects Gilbert. “We knew we wanted another voice on it, and my producer Brock Berryhill suggested Ashley. I love her voice, and I knew she would take it to the next level. I’m grateful to have someone as talented and dedicated as her join me on this song.”
In addition, Gilbert is celebrating two new RIAA Certifications from his album “Halfway to Heaven.” “My Kind of Crazy” reached Platinum certification and “Fall Into Me” is now Gold-certified.
“God, Family, Country” Memoir of Craig Morgan & Tour Tickets Available Now
In the midst of his busy global concert schedule, Craig Morgan announced the release of his memoir, “God, Family, Country.” The inspiring memoir is co-authored by #1 New York Times bestseller, Jim DeFelice (American Sniper), and details Morgan’s road to success—from Tennessee to the military to more than 25 Billboard-charting hits. Fans can enjoy never-told stories from his time in service and more in this intimate peak into his life.
Plus, Morgan is jet-setting all over the world as part of his “Redneck Yacht Club” and 2024 Tour, including a stop in South Africa. More info here.
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