Music Notes: Strait & Stapleton, McCreery & Crabb, Mackenzie Carpenter & Midland

Miranda Lambert expands her celebrated Postcards from Texas musical chapter with an official music video for upcoming single “Run,” impacting at Country radio this coming Monday, Feb. 24. Embracing the sense of freedom and the three-time Grammy Award-winner’s fiercely independent spirit on display in the song’s lyrics, the video directed by Kate Rentz is out now. Check out the “Run” video here.

Scotty McCreery kicked off 2025 with a moment of reflection, featuring Christian artist Jason Crabb in an updated release of his country/gospel blending “Red Letter Blueprint.”

“Jason’s voice is just out of this world powerful,” McCreery shares. “When he sings, you can feel the emotion in every note and the belief in every word. I’m a fan, and it’s an honor to have him sing this song with me.”

The duo performed the song live at the Grand Ole Opry earlier this month, McCreery’s first performance on stage of the Opry 100 year-long celebration. He also was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry in his milestone 2024 year. 

“I’m so excited to be joining my friend Scotty on such an incredible song as ‘Red Letter Blueprint,’” said Crabb. “His talent is beyond compare, and he’s one of the greatest guys I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with. It’s was an honor to be singing alongside him, on the Grand Ole Opry stage!”

The King of Country Music—George Strait—is back at it for an extended tour with Chris Stapleton, featuring special guest Parker McCollum.

Hot off the road from their 2024 tour, featuring a stop at Texas A&M’s Kyle Field where the pair set a record for the largest ticketed concert in U.S. history (with 110,905 fans), the pair has added five more shows to their route. 

“I keep trying to slow down a bit but you keep calling me back. Please don’t ever stop. I still love it just as much as I always have,” shares Strait. “Thank you for an amazing year last year and I can’t wait to see you for a few more again this year. Chris will be back and glad to have Little Big Town with us in LA. For the other cities, we’ve added Parker M. to the show which will be outstanding. Can’t wait to see you!!” 

For more information and tickets, check out George Strait’s website.

Riley Green’s official music video for “Worst Way” is out now and whoa is it steamy!

The sultry track, written solely by Green, sets the tone for two lovers with an undeniable chemistry. “Worst Way” is featured on his latest album, Don’t Mind If I Do.

The video release is in celebration of the track reaching Platinum status, coming as Green is gearing up to hit the road in his “Damn Near Country Music Tour.” 

Catch up with Riley Green, watch the video, and get information on his upcoming tour by clicking here.

Rising Country music singer-songwriter Mackenzie Carpenter has teamed up with Grammy-nominated Midland for the recently released duet, “I Wish You Would (ft. Midland).”

"‘I Wish You Would (ft. Midland)’ is a fun, flirty tune about wanting someone to be more forward, quit guessing and make the first move. It’s about craving a spark with someone and longing for more than a few glances with that person you've noticed from across the bar,” shares Carpenter. “Midland has always been a dream collaboration, and they bring a smooth classic vibe to the song.”

The song tells the story of two bar-goers (huh, shocker) being drawn together by chemistry, set to the tone of twangy guitars. 

“I loved ‘I Wish You Would’ from the jump when Mackenzie and Jamie Moore sent it our way. When I went to lay my part, I was thrown back in time to the era of Conway and Loretta Lynn and Kenny and Dolly iconic duets,” adds Midland’s Mark Wystrach. “The melodies are hypnotic, and the soaring hook is pure Country gold. The structure of the song is non-symmetrical, so it keeps revealing new sonic surprises leaving you wanting to hear it again and again.”

Give it a listen here and learn more about Mackenzie Carpenter on her website mackenziecarpentermusic.com.

On the coattails of two #1 hits in 2024, George Birge released his latest single, “It Won’t Be Long,” to Country radio airwaves. 

“So buy the drink, steal the kiss, make the trip, take the risk, love hard as you can and just hold on / Cause life might be a lot of things / But it won’t be long.”

Full of poignant lyrics and wisdom, the single highlights Birges’ “smoldering” vocals, expertly mixed with inspiriting steel guitar and orchestral undertones. Written by Birge with Joe Fox, Chase McGill and Trannie Anderson, “It Won’t Be Long” is sure to touch country music listeners. Here’s “It Won’t Be Long” official video. 

For more, check out George Birge’s website.

Charles Wesley Godwin released “It’s the Little Things,” teasing his upcoming EP set for release on February 28, 2025. The single represents a centerpiece to that 7-song EP, titled “Lonely Mountain Town EP.”

It’s been 17 months since his debut album, “Family Ties,” and Godwin’s career has been on an upward trend, full of various TV, interview, and festival appearances. He wrote close to 30 songs over 2024, thus creating “Lonely Mountain Town,” a quieter more contemplative follow-up to “Family Ties.” 

“These are character songs,” Godwin explains. “Most of them aren't about my life. They're just little pieces that I've taken from traveling.”

For more on Godwin, check out his website.

10 years after coming together, Country-Rock standouts Southall celebrated their first RIAA GOLD-certified hit over the weekend (2/15), receiving their flowers after performing at the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo. The self-proclaimed Red Dirt rockers were surprised with a plaque to celebrate their cult-favorite, “Why,” from their second LP Borrowed Time. 

"Having a gold single wasn’t something I ever thought we would get the chance to experience," shares frontman Read Southall. "Playing music night after night is its own reward. Folks singing along and enjoying the music is all we can truly ask for. When a case of The Mondays strikes and you’re looking for inspiration/drive, it sure is reassuring to look up at the wall and see our past work being celebrated. Thank you to everyone who’s ever listened to or supported our band. We’re truly grateful."

Keep up with Southhall by visiting officialsouthall.com.

For more Hook & Barrel coverage on Southall, check out a previous feature in H&B's Jamming Out.