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Articles by Christian Lamitschka
A Fresh New Look is Tuning Up!
A Fresh New Look is Tuning Up! Country Music News International is Leveling Up Change is in the air, and it sounds a lot like progress. We are thrilled to announce that Country Music News International is officially undergoing a major digital makeover! We’re moving toward a sleeker, more modern design with one goal in mind: making your experience better. We want it to be easier than ever for you to find the stories, artists, and reviews you love.
Country Music News International Newsletter
Here is your Country Music News & Bluegrass Music News of the week from Country Music News International Magazine & Radio! Country Music News International team will be in Nashville for CRS from March 16–20.
Max McNown on Country Music News International Radio Show
Max McNown on Country Music News International Radio Show! Saturday live show will be in German & English with Presenter Frank Hammer and the best in country music! 4 pm – 6 pm (CET) GER, 9 am – 11 am (CST) USA, 3 pm – 5 pm (GMT) UK! For Country Music News International Radio Show follow link: https://stream.laut.fm/countrymusicnewsinternational or https://laut.fm/countrymusicnewsinternational or https://countrymusicnewsinternational.com/ Wandering Into the Light: The Relentless Rise of Max...
John Jenkins Dying By Inches
John Jenkins releases the perceptive new single, Dying By Inches Acclaimed Liverpool-based singer John Jenkins unveils his new single, Dying By Inches, his first solo release for 2026. Based on his observations of political upheaval and the erosion of modern society, Jenkins leans into his past to project his thoughts of the future. Two acoustic guitars play the somber chord progression through the fingerpicked first verse soon to be joined with a subdued keyboard on the stark second verse.
Josh Giles Real Deal
Josh Giles releases the fiery, Real Deal The Real Deal is a two stepping up-tempo country song proclaiming that if you’re looking for love, then you’re looking at the real deal. With a strong train beat on the drums, the song frolics through the telecaster driven arrangement with sparkles of steel guitar and fiddle. Following up on his self-penned, debut release Tequila Tonight, Giles leaned on the writing of Keith Gattis and Jim Dowell to bring the Real Deal to life.
Jason Carter & Michael Cleveland feat John Cowan Let’s Sing Our Song
Bluegrass Royalty Meets the Jerry Reed Groove: Carter & Cleveland Spark Joy with “Let’s Sing Our Song” Just when we thought the 2025 self-titled masterpiece from Jason Carter and Michael Cleveland had given us everything, the duo has unearthed one more gem from their award-winning sessions. Their new single, “Let’s Sing Our Song,” is a high-spirited, Cajun-infused romp that features the unmistakable vocals and bass work of John Cowan (New Grass Revival, The Doobie Brothers).
Russell Dickerson WORTH YOUR WILD
Russell Dickerson Cranks Up the Heat: A Track-by-Track Dive into the ‘WORTH YOUR WILD’ EP Fresh off an electrifying, career-defining set at RODEOHOUSTON before the largest crowd of his life, multi-platinum hitmaker Russell Dickerson is keeping the throttle wide open. His latest project, the WORTH YOUR WILD EP, has officially arrived, and it is exactly what the doctor ordered for the transition into spring.
Darren Nicholson Lonesome Trails and Tall Tales
A Masterclass in the Human Condition: Darren Nicholson’s ‘Lonesome Trails and Tall Tales’ is Bluegrass at its Most Authentic In the world of bluegrass, there are “pickers” and there are “storytellers.” Rarely do you find an artist who inhabits both spaces with equal gravity. With his upcoming album, Lonesome Trails and Tall Tales, veteran mandolinist and songwriter Darren Nicholson proves he isn’t just keeping the tradition alive—he’s personalizing it.
Trey Calloway Truck Around
Ditch the Concrete for the Gravel: Trey Calloway Revs Up the Party with “Truck Around” If you’ve been feeling a bit too claustrophobic in the “concrete jungle” lately, Trey Calloway has the perfect sonic escape. His latest single, “Truck Around,” which just premiered on Everything Nash, is a high-octane, rough-and-rowdy anthem that celebrates the simple, unadulterated magic of a night out where the pavement ends and the fun begins.
Anne Wilson & Cole Swindell Still Do
When Faith Meets the Airwaves: Anne Wilson and Cole Swindell Find Common Ground on “Still Do” In the overlapping circles of Nashville’s CCM and Country scenes, few artists have managed to bridge the gap as seamlessly as Anne Wilson. Since her breakout, she has navigated the tension between heartbreak and hope with a poise that belies her 24 years.
Asher Brinson Midnight Hurricane
A Coastal Storm of Bluegrass Brilliance: Asher Brinson weathers the Storm with Midnight Hurricane In the world of bluegrass, there is a recurring narrative about the “next generation” carrying the torch. But every once in a while, a young artist arrives who isn’t just carrying the torch—they’re relighting the whole bonfire.
Elliott Booe Onion Grass
From Coffee Shop Conversations to FAME Studios: Elliott Booe Finds His Voice in “Onion Grass” There is a specific kind of magic that happens when you stop trying to force a hit and start listening to the world around you. For Americana artist Elliott Booe, that magic manifested in a local coffee shop during the Muscle Shoals Songwriter Festival.
Lexie Stevenson Good Time Gone
From Daytime Drama to Nashville Anthems: Lexie Stevenson Shines with Sassy New Single “Good Time Gone” Success in Nashville is often measured by the ability to pivot, and Lexie Stevenson is proving to be a master of the turn. After her debut single, “Cowboy Pillows,” successfully scaled the Music Row Radio Airplay Chart into the Top 40, Stevenson has returned with a follow-up that trades sentimental softness for high-octane sass.
Victoria Crosby You Need A Cowboy
The Real Deal: Victoria Crosby Finds Her Fun with Grounded New Anthem “You Need A Cowboy” In the sprawling landscapes of Far North Queensland, where the red dust of the outback meets the tropical fringe, authenticity isn’t just a personality trait—it’s a way of life.
The Future of Country Takes Center Stage
The Future of Country Takes Center Stage: Lauren Alaina to Reveal Major ACM Winners at CRS 2026 New Faces Show For over 50 years, the New Faces of Country Music® Show has served as the ultimate litmus test for stardom in the country music industry. As the grand finale of the Country Radio Seminar (CRS) 2026, this year’s event promises to be a historic evening, blending the celebration of emerging talent with the recognition of the industry’s most influential voices.
Hank Alrich Fast Money
Hank Alrich releases the cautionary tale, Fast Money Hank Alrich has released Fast Money, a thought provoking composition that describes the relationship between the mean financial stronghold of paying dues and the strong desire to be free of all monetary obligations. The lead off single comes from his new 12 song album, Broken River, a striking blend of folk, blues, country and jazz that serves as both a storm warning and a meditation on modern America.
Jake Hoot & Jamie Floyd The Blade
A Double-Edged Masterpiece: Jake Hoot and Jamie Floyd Reimagining “The Blade” There are songs that merely pass through the airwaves, and then there are songs that leave a permanent mark on the listener. “The Blade” is undeniably the latter. Originally a cornerstone of modern country songwriting, this haunting track is finding a second life as a powerhouse duet between The Voice Season 17 winner Jake Hoot and three-time GRAMMY® nominated songwriter Jamie Floyd.
The Washboard Union Goes Global
The Washboard Union Goes Global: Canadian Country Powerhouse Announces Expansion into Germany and Spain Following Inaugural UK Tour The border-crossing power of a great harmony is no secret, but The Washboard Union is currently proving it on a massive scale. The award-winning Canadian trio is officially expanding their international footprint, adding newly announced dates in Germany and Spain to their already buzzing 2026 schedule.
CattSue Come Home to Me
The Quiet Strength of Sanctuary: A Review of CattSue’s Debut Single “Come Home to Me” In a music industry that often feels like it’s shouting for attention, there is something profoundly radical about an artist who chooses to whisper. CattSue, an emerging singer-songwriter hailing from the Jacksonville, Florida area, did exactly that with the release of her debut single, “Come Home to Me,” on February 14th.
Ella Langley and Jo Dee Messina at CRS
Generations of Grit: Ella Langley and Jo Dee Messina Set for “The Conversation” at CRS 2026 The Country Radio Seminar (CRS) has officially raised the stakes for its 2026 programming, announcing that trailblazing icon Jo Dee Messina and history-making powerhouse Ella Langley will take the stage for this year’s installment of “The Conversation.” Scheduled for Thursday, March 19 at 2:30 p.m. at the Omni Nashville Hotel, this keynote session promises to be one of the most anticipated moments of...
Ryan Dart Wranglers and Rock & Roll
Grit, Fiddles, and Electric Truth: A Review of Ryan Dart’s “Wranglers and Rock & Roll” In an era where “country” can sometimes feel like a boardroom-designed aesthetic, Ryan Dart is a breath of dust-clogged, honest-to-god air. His upcoming single, “Wranglers and Rock & Roll,” set for release on March 20, isn’t just a song about the West—it’s a sonic autobiography written by a man who has actually fallen off the horse.
Eric Paslay to Headline Nashville Ballet
Country Star Eric Paslay to Headline Nashville Ballet’s 37th Annual Ballet Ball Nashville is a city where high art and honky-tonk history frequently collide, but rarely is the fusion as seamless—or as glamorous—as the Nashville Ballet’s Annual Ballet Ball. This year’s gala, scheduled for Saturday, March 7, is set to be a milestone event at the iconic Schermerhorn Symphony Center.
Ten Days in the Dust
Ten Days in the Dust: Discovering the Southern Hemisphere’s Country Music Mecca For many music fans, the “Holy Grail” of country music is Nashville, Tennessee. But if you are looking for an experience that is more raw, remarkably accessible, and set against a backdrop of the rugged Australian Outback, there is only one destination: Tamworth.
The "Great Day" Continues
CRS Honors 2026 to Reveal Country Radio Hall of Fame and ACM Radio Winners Dust Off Your Boots: Round Up Rhön – Country Music Festival Returns for 2026 Tucker Wetmore Extends “The Brunette World Tour”: 17 New Dates Added to Massive Global Run Through the Golden Lens: A Lifetime of Travel Captured in “Golden Memories”
Randy Barnes There Goes Another Piece of My Heart
From the Foundation to the Frontman: Randy Barnes Risks it All on “There Goes Another Piece of My Heart” For decades, Randy Barnes has been the literal heartbeat of bluegrass. As a premier bass player out of Richmond, Kentucky, he has built a reputation on steady timing, a warm tone, and the kind of “road-tested” reliability that every bandleader dreams of. He’s the guy who anchored Rhonda Vincent & The Rage, Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers, and The Larry Stephenson Band.
Jimmie Allen Wild Dreams The Cover Collection
Beyond the Rhinestones: Jimmie Allen Reimagines the Classics on Wild Dreams – The Cover Collection For nearly a decade, Jimmie Allen has been one of country music’s most distinctive architects, building a career on sharp songwriting and a voice that bridges the gap between Nashville twang and polished R&B. But on his latest project, “Wild Dreams – The Cover Collection” (releasing March 20), Allen is doing something he’s never done before: he’s putting his own pen down.
Stars, Legends, and Leaders
Stars, Legends, and Leaders: CRS Honors 2026 to Reveal Country Radio Hall of Fame and ACM Radio Winners The heartbeat of the country music industry is heading to Nashville this month, and the stakes are officially being raised. Country Radio Seminar (CRS) has announced that its premier event, CRS Honors, will serve as the stage for some of the industry’s most anticipated reveals.
Round Up Rhön - Country Music Festival 2026
Dust Off Your Boots: Round Up Rhön – Country Music Festival Returns for 2026 Get your cowboy hats ready and your boots polished—the Rhön is about to transform into Germany’s ultimate country music hotspot. Following a massive debut, the Round Up Rhön – Country Music Festival has officially announced its return for a second round on July 3rd and 4th, 2026.
Michael Schott It’s A Girl
A New Classic: Michael Schott Captures the Magic of First Love in “It’s A Girl” In the ever-evolving landscape of modern country, it is rare to find a track that feels both strikingly fresh and deeply nostalgic.
Tucker Wetmore 17 New Dates
Tucker Wetmore Extends “The Brunette World Tour”: 17 New Dates Added to Massive Global Run Country music’s fastest-rising star, Tucker Wetmore, isn’t slowing down. Following a string of sold-out shows and record-breaking milestones, Wetmore has officially extended The Brunette World Tour, presented by NÜTRL Vodka Seltzer, adding 17 new high-profile dates across North America.
Country Music News International Newsletter
Here is your Country Music News & Bluegrass Music News of the week from Country Music News International Magazine & Radio! The Country Music News International team will be in Nashville for CRS from March 16–20. To schedule an interview, please contact us at Info@CountryMusicNewsInternational.com You can publish the Newsletter to your websites or forward to your friends.
Makenzie Phipps on Country Music News International Radio Show!
Makenzie Phipps on Country Music News International Radio Show! Saturday live show will be in German & English with Presenter Frank Hammer and the best in country music! 4 pm – 6 pm (CET) GER, 9 am – 11 am (CST) USA, 3 pm – 5 pm (GMT) UK! For Country Music News International Radio Show follow link: https://stream.laut.fm/countrymusicnewsinternational or https://laut.fm/countrymusicnewsinternational or https://countrymusicnewsinternational.com/ The Voice of Modern Tradition: How Makenzie...
Tiona Campbell Makin’ Cowboys Cry
Tiona Campbell is Makin’ Cowboys Cry with her new release Tiona Campbell has released her new single, Makin’ Cowboys Cry, a song seen through the eyes of this Texas country singer/ songwriter. Produced by Shane Mathews, he also contributed the drums, guitar and pedal steel, while Sarah Humphrey is on fiddle and Hillary Stanton sings background vocals. Electric guitars swirl through the intro as fiddle double stops play the hook that set ups the first verse.
Dale Watson If You Really Love Me (Outlive Me)
The Weight of Love and Longevity: Dale Watson Bares His Soul in “If You Really Love Me (Outlive Me)” While much of country music is preoccupied with the thrill of the chase or the sting of a breakup, Dale Watson is looking further down the road—at the quiet, heavy reality of what it means to grow old together. The “Ameripolitan” pioneer has just released his new single, “If You Really Love Me (Outlive Me),” and it’s a masterclass in songwriting that finds the profound within the personal.
Kylie Morgan 1-800-Dump Him
Dialing Up the Truth: Kylie Morgan Delivers a Bold Wake-Up Call in “1-800-Dump Him” If you’ve ever stayed a little too long in a relationship that felt like a slow-motion car crash, Kylie Morgan is about to become your new favorite person.
William Lee Golden Golden Memories
Through the Golden Lens: A Lifetime of Travel Captured in “Golden Memories” For over six decades, William Lee Golden has been the visual and vocal anchor of American country and gospel music. With his flowing white beard and baritone resonance, he is an indelible fixture of the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Gospel Music Hall of Fame, and the Grand Ole Opry.
Stephen Styles Whiskey And Vinyl
Stephen Styles Bares His Soul in the Raw, Reflective New Single “Whiskey And Vinyl” While many country artists are content to stay within the lanes of high-octane stadium anthems, California country-rocker Stephen Styles is proving he has the emotional range to do much more.
Linc Phelps Country Singer
The Song as a Sanctuary: Linc Phelps’ “Country Singer” is a Masterclass in Musical Empathy If you take the stories out of country music, what exactly is left? Is it just a melody stripped of its memory? A chorus devoid of a confession? For decades, the genre has served as the bedrock of “real life”—a place where the truth isn’t just told, but felt.
Angel White LONESTAR GIRL
The Spirit of the West Reborn: Angel White Delivers a Blues-Soaked Masterpiece with “LONESTAR GIRL” There is a specific kind of magic that happens when a musician stops trying to fit into a genre and starts trying to honor a lineage.
Tucker Wetmore Red Rocks Debut
Tucker Wetmore Claims His Throne: Country Breakout Announces Career-Defining Red Rocks Debut The meteoric rise of country music’s newest powerhouse shows no signs of slowing down. Adding a massive exclamation point to his breakout year, Tucker Wetmore has officially announced his first-ever headline show at the legendary Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Morrison, Colorado. Set for October 27, 2026, the performance serves as a landmark stop for The Brunette World Tour, presented by NÜTRL Vodka Seltzer.
The King James Boys Power of Prayer
A Direct Line to Peace: The King James Boys Strip it Down on “Power of Prayer” In an era where production often leans on high-octane arrangements to grab attention, The King James Boys are proving that the most profound impact often comes from the quietest moments. Their latest single, “Power of Prayer,” isn’t just a song; it’s a masterclass in musical restraint and spiritual sincerity.
Belles & Dolly Parton Son of Jolene
The Legacy Lives On: Belles and Dolly Parton Build a Generational Bridge in “Son of Jolene” In the hallowed halls of country music history, few names carry the weight of Jolene. Since 1973, she has been the auburn-haired specter of heartbreak, a woman whose “beauty is beyond compare” and whose shadow has loomed over the genre for half a century.
Andy Leftwich Aced
Mastery in Motion: Andy Leftwich and “The Aces” Raise the Bar for Modern Acoustic Music with Aced In the world of contemporary bluegrass and acoustic music, there are players who perform, and then there are architects who build. Andy Leftwich has long established himself as the latter. Following the critical success of 2022’s The American Fiddler, Leftwich returns to the spotlight with his latest collection for Mountain Home Music Company, titled Aced (set for release on April 17).
Amanda Shaw Buy Myself
Louisiana’s Fiddle Sweetheart Claims Her Crown: Amanda Shaw Radiates Independence in the Spunky New Single “Buy Myself” For decades, Amanda Shaw has been the face of Louisiana’s vibrant musical heritage. A prodigy who grew up in the spotlight, she didn’t just play the fiddle; she commanded it, bridging the gap between traditional Cajun sounds and mainstream appeal. Now, the Louisiana Music Hall of Famer is stepping into a bold new era.
Ray Jones Simple Times
Ray Jones is searching for Simple Times Ray Jones adds his voice to legions before him who question the actions of our ancestors with his new song, Simple Times. A reflective folk style protest song that contrasts the innocence of the past with the consequences of modern power, politics and division told through the eyes of a traveler moving through familiar land.
Clark Hill Helluva Heartbeat
Pulse-Pounding and Pure Grit: Clark Hill Sets 2026 Ablaze with “Helluva Heartbeat” There’s a specific kind of momentum in country music that you can’t manufacture with a marketing budget—it’s the kind earned through 500 shows, 14 countries, and a work ethic that treats every stage like the Grand Ole Opry.
Tryg Strand Love & War
Between the Blue Line and the Blues: Tryg Strand Finds His Voice in “Love & War” There is a specific kind of resonance that only comes from a life lived in two different worlds. For Tryg Strand, those worlds are the high-stakes adrenaline of professional hockey and the vulnerable, smoke-filled rooms of the singer-songwriter circuit. His latest single, “Love & War,” serves as the definitive bridge between the two, offering a sound that is as physically commanding as it is emotionally transparent.
Trent Richardson World Comes Alive
From the Mines to the Main Stage: Trent Richardson Finds His Light in ‘World Comes Alive’ If you were looking for the antithesis of a manufactured pop star, you’d find him in Trent Richardson. The Yeppoon-based country artist, who captured hearts during his run to the Top 6 of Australian Idol in 2024, has officially traded the dark depths of the coal mines for the glow of the recording studio.
Gareth Leach & The Narratives Of Hope Blues, Grass & Gospel
From Honky-Tonk to Holy Ground: Gareth Leach & the Narratives of Hope Deliver a Raw Masterclass on ‘Blues, Grass & Gospel’ Fresh off the momentum of a 2023 ARIA-charting album and a 2024 Golden Guitar nomination, Gareth Leach & the Narratives of Hope are stepping back into the spotlight with their latest offering, Blues, Grass & Gospel.
Country Music News International Newsletter
Here is your Country Music News & Bluegrass Music News of the week from Country Music News International Magazine & Radio! You can publish the Newsletter to your websites or forward to your friends. Please don’t let it be an Oneway! If you enjoy keeping up to date with country music, please consider supporting Country Music News International with a small donation.
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