UMG Nashville’s Music Is Universal returns to downtown Nashville’s Skydeck on Broadway June 6-9, 2024. The second annual four-day event is free to the public and features some of country music’s biggest artists and rising stars for live performances, fan club parties and signings, listening events, and more.

UMG Nashville’s inaugural Music Is Universal event in 2023 featured artists including Kassi Ashton, Priscilla Block, Luke Bryan, Jordan Davis, Dalton Dover, Luke Grimes, Caylee Hammack, Sam Williams, Maddie & Tae, and many more, welcoming thousands of fans from all over the world to see over 20 artist performances, meet & greets, DJs, and exclusive listening events, reaching capacity crowds several times across the weekend.

A full schedule of events and additional information to follow in the coming weeks with all updates available at UMGNLive.com.

Universal Music Group Nashville consists of Capitol Records Nashville, Capitol Comedy Nashville, EMI Records Nashville, MCA Nashville, Mercury Nashville, Silver Wings Records, and Sing Me Back Home Productions. Reading like a “who’s who” of Music Row, the combined rosters include Alan Jackson, Anne Wilson, Billy Currington, Brad Paisley, Brothers Osborne, Bryce Leatherwood, Carrie Underwood, Catie Offerman, Caylee Hammack, CB30, Chris Stapleton, Dalton Dover, Darius Rucker, Dierks Bentley, Dillon James, Eric Church, George Strait, Hootie & The Blowfish, Hueston, Jon Langston, Jon Pardi, Jordan Davis, Josh Turner, Kacey Musgraves, Kassi Ashton, Keith Urban, Kylie Morgan, Little Big Town, Louie TheSinger, Luke Bryan, Luke Grimes, Maddie & Tae, Mickey Guyton, Parker McCollum, Priscilla Block, Reba McEntire, Sam Hunt, Sam Williams, The War And Treaty, Timothy Wayne, Travis Denning, Tyler Hubbard, Vince Gill, and comedian Nate Bargatze. For additional information, visit www.umgnashville.com.

Luke Bryan performed a John Mellencamp classic, “Small Town,” on Sunday night’s (April 21st) ’70s-’80s theme night episode of ABC’s American Idol.

Just a small town boy singing some @johnmellencamp on @americanidol! #idol pic.twitter.com/JOtDEFLJXG

— Luke Bryan (@lukebryan) April 22, 2024

Brothers Osborne will be featured in the new Beyoncé documentary, Call Me Country, which is scheduled to premiere on MAX on Friday (April 26th).

Chris Stapleton‘s “Weight Of Your World” from his latest album, Higher, was featured at the end of the CBS show, Fire Country.

Comedian Nate Bargatze will perform a pair of special shows with Jerry Seinfeld, Jim Gaffigan and Sebastian Maniscalco at the Hollywood Bowl in L.A. on May 1st and May 2nd as part of Netflix is a Joke Fest, which showcases hundreds of comics at different venues for the first half of the month.

Eric Church will appear on CBS Mornings on Tuesday (April 23rd) in a sitdown with the network’s Jan Crawford. The segment was filmed at his new Nashville venue, Chiefs, to discuss his residency at the Broadway Bar.

Eric Church will healine the Sugar Bowl Country Kickoff on August 31st at the Caesar’s Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. Jon Pardi, Thomas Rhett and Ashley McBryde will also perform. Church Choir members will be able to participate in a special presale beginning Monday (April 22nd) at 1pm ET/Noon CT. General on-sale begins Thursday (April 25th) at 11am ET/10am CT.

Eric will be performing at the Sugar Bowl Country Kickoff at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans on August 31, 2024. Church Choir members can participate in the artist presale beginning Monday, April 22, at 12pm CT. General on-sale begins Thursday, April 25 at 10am CT. Presale… pic.twitter.com/PWaxW3U8sA

— Eric Church (@ericchurch) April 19, 2024

Anne Wilson proudly unveils her new 16-song album REBEL, available everywhere today. A co-writer on each of the 16 tracks, Wilson boldly stamps her love of Jesus, Country music and family into one cohesive record.

The Kentucky native commemorated the groundbreaking release this morning with a performance of her loud-and-proud title track “REBEL” on The 3rd Hour of TODAY, where she also announced her headlining REBEL Tour with special guest Jordan Rowe, kicking off on September 12th. Tickets for the 28-stop tour will be available for presale at 10am local on Tuesday, April 23rd, and general on-sale will begin on Friday, April 26th at 10am local on www.annewilsonofficial.com.

“I have worked so hard on this record. I poured my heart and soul into every single song,” she says. “I’m so thankful for my co-writers diving deep with me on this project and partnering with me to create these songs. This writing process was the most freeing experience I’ve ever had. I enjoyed every moment so much and will never forget that season of my life. When I think about this new album and this set of songs, all I see is the faithfulness of God. He called this little 15 year old girl from Kentucky out of the tragic loss of her brother and has brought me on the most incredible journey. I would be nowhere without Jesus. My hope is that you all absolutely love these songs and that you feel Jesus in all of them. I pray this record impacts your life for the glory and honor of Jesus. That it brings you JOY and peace. That it inspires you to be a REBEL.”

Charging onto the scene three years ago with her debut single “My Jesus,” Wilson made the powerful declaration to cling firmly to her faith after finding God’s healing following the tragic loss of her brother. Now, as she remains steadfast and unwavering in her commitment to her faith-filled message, Wilson delivers an album in REBEL that “hits the bullseye between contemporary Christian and Country twang” (GRAMMY) in an ode to Wilson’s Lexington, Ky. roots that honors two genres who share a deep rooted history.

REBEL acts as a page turning autobiography into who Wilson is at her core, “a genre-blender in the truest, most artistically satisfying meaning of the word” (Holler). People.com further praises it “as entertaining as it is nourishing,” filled with “lively, often sassy melodies delivered by one of contemporary music’s freshest new voices, regardless of genre.” Wilson combines much-needed encouragement, vulnerability and transparency into a perfect balance that footholds the space between the dead-end road paved in dirt and the church pew of redemption on Sunday morning. Produced by Jeff Pardo and Jonathan Smith, REBEL emerges as a powerful message of faith.

Highlighted on today’s record is “the upbeat banger” (GRAMMY) “Songs About Whiskey,” released with an all-new music video. Wilson unashamedly walks the line of her strong faith and Country roots, resulting in a lyrical redemption that swerves typical vices of whiskey, nicotine and one-night stands to place exclamation on her heavenly fix. Wilson also joined forces with some of Christian and Country music’s biggest names on REBEL, tapping reigning CMA Entertainer of the Year Lainey Wilson for “Praying Woman,” GRAMMY-Award winner Chris Tomlin for “The Cross” and the previously released “breezy ode to the riches found in the simplicity” (Billboard) with Jordan Davis titled “Country Gold.”

Last month, Wilson landed her first CMT Music Award nomination for Breakthrough Female Video of the Year for her Country radio single “Rain In The Rearview.” Meanwhile, her Christian radio single “Strong” has climbed to No. 2 across multiple Christian radio charts. Despite only being three years into her burgeoning career, Wilson has already amassed an impressive list of accolades, including winning a Billboard Music Award, multiple DOVE and K-LOVE Fan Awards, in addition to being a GRAMMY and American Music Award nominee. Recognized as Apple Music’s Country Riser for April, an artist to watch by Spotify, Pandora, the Grand Ole Opry, CMT and more, and over 900M career streams, Wilson’s trajectory knows no bounds.

Wilson’s new album will take her back to her roots as she prepares for her sold-out hometown album release show this Sunday (April 21st) at the Lexington Opera House (available to stream here) followed by a performance on Tuesday (April 23rd) at the Grand Ole Opry. The album events continue as she hosts an in-store signing event on Wednesday (April 24th) at the Walmart in Cool Springs-Franklin, Tennessee.

With her first Country tour as direct support on Scotty McCreery’s Cab In A Solo Tour under her belt, she will grace the stages of both Country and Christian music’s most sought-after festivals this summer before taking her new album on the road for the REBEL Tour. Stay up to date with Wilson at www.annewilsonofficial.com and keep up with her on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.

REBEL Track List:

1. “REBEL” (Anne Wilson, Jeff Pardo, Matthew West)
2. “Rain In The Rearview” (Anne Wilson, Matthew West, Zach Kale, Jaren Johnston)
3. “Strong” (Anne Wilson, Jeff Pardo, Matthew West)
4. “God & Country” (Anne Wilson, Jeff Pardo, Matthew West, Trannie Anderson)
5. “Praying Woman” (with Lainey Wilson) (Anne Wilson, Jeff Pardo, Matthew West, Lainey Wilson, Trannie Anderson)
6. “Songs About Whiskey” (Anne Wilson, Jeff Pardo, Matthew West, Lauren Hungate)
7. “Sinner’s Prayer” (Anne Wilson, Jeff Pardo, Matthew West, Lauren Hungate)
8. “The Cross” (with Chris Tomlin) (Anne Wilson, Jeff Pardo, Matthew West, Jonathan Smith)
9. “My Father’s Daughter” (Anne Wilson, Jeff Pardo, Matthew West, Emily Weisband)
10. “Red Flag” (Anne Wilson, Jonathan Smith, Casey Beathard)
11. “Country Gold” (with Jordan Davis) (Anne Wilson, Jeff Pardo, Matthew West)
12. “Southern Gospel” (Anne Wilson, Jeff Pardo, Matthew West, Lauren Hungate)
13. “Dirt Roads In Heaven” (Anne Wilson, Jeff Pardo, Nicolle Galyon, Matthew West)
14. “3:16” (Anne Wilson, Jeff Pardo, Matthew West)
15. “Milestones” (Anne Wilson, Nicolle Galyon, Lauren Hungate)
16. “Out of the Bluegrass” (Anne Wilson, Nicolle Galyon, Emily Weisband)

REBEL Tour dates with Jordan Rowe:

Sept. 12, 2024 in Tulsa, Okla. at Mabee Center

Sept. 13, 2024 in Fort Worth, Texas at Will Rogers Auditorium

Sept. 14, 2024 *TBA

Sept. 19, 2024 *TBA

Sept. 21, 2024 in North Charleston, S.C. at North Charleston Performing Arts Center

Sept. 25, 2024 in Nashville, Tenn. at Ryman Auditorium

Sept. 26, 2024 in Charlotte, N.C. at Ovens Auditorium

Sept. 27, 2024 in Birmingham, Ala. at BJCC Concert Hall

Oct. 3, 2024 in Melbourne, Fla. at King Center for the Performing Arts

Oct. 4, 2024 in Jacksonville, Fla. at Florida Theatre

Oct. 5, 2024 in Tampa, Fla. at Straz Center

Oct. 10, 2024 in Newark, N.J. at Calvary Temple International

Oct. 11, 2024 in Reading, Pa. at Santander Performing Arts Center

Oct. 12, 2024 in Washington, D.C. at Warner Theatre

Oct. 17, 2024 in Minneapolis, Minn. at State Theatre

Oct. 18, 2024 in Chicago, Ill. at Willow Creek – South Barrington – Lakeside

Oct. 19, 2024 in Indianapolis, Ind. at Reardon Auditorium

Nov. 1, 2024 in Phoenix, Ariz. at Orpheum Theatre

Nov. 2, 2024 in San Diego, Calif. at Faith Chapel

Nov. 3, 2024 *TBA

Nov. 8, 2024 in Boise, Idaho at Morrison Center

Nov. 9, 2024 in Sacramento, Calif. at SAFE Credit Union Performing Arts Center

Nov. 10, 2024 in Bakersfield, Calif. at The Historic Bakersfield Fox Theater

Nov. 12, 2024 in Salt Lake City, Utah at Kingsbury Hall

Nov. 13, 2024 in Denver, Colo. at Paramount Theater

Nov. 15, 2024 in Tacoma, Wash. at Pantages Theatre

Nov. 16, 2024 in Spokane, Wash. at Fox Theater

Nov. 17, 2024 in Salem, Ore. at Elsinore Theatre

Governor Bill Lee & Brad Paisley; John Snorten photo

Luke Grimes has released the new track “All Apologies.”  The cover of the iconic Nirvana song was recorded at one of Grimes’ fall tour stops in Boston at The Roadrunner.

Grimes released his debut full-length album Luke Grimes earlier this year. Produced by Dave Cobb, Grimes wrote/co-wrote 10 of the album’s 13 songs. Grimes is returning for a second year to perform at this year’s Stagecoach Festival on April 27th and will be playing at various festivals throughout the summer.

About Luke Grimes
Luke Grimes is a natural-born creative: an actor, musician, singer, and songwriter who releases his self-titled debut album on March 8. Luke Grimes, produced by Dave Cobb (Chris Stapleton) arrives on the heels of Grimes’ gritty, acclaimed 2023 EP, Pain Pills or Pews, and features 13 tracks. Ten songs were co-written by Grimes, including “No Horse to Ride,” which debuted at No. 7 on the Country Songs sales chart in 2022 and accumulated 43.3M release-to-date global on-demand streams. Spotify highlighted the song on the cover of its Country Hits 2023 playlist, with the song in the No. 1 position. Grimes’ recording of “Hold On,” a highlight of Pain Pills or Pews that also appears on Luke Grimes, has amassed 27.4M global streams, adding to Grimes’ nearly 105M total global streams to date of all his music.

Known for his role as Kayce Dutton on the hit TV drama Yellowstone, Grimes grew up in Ohio playing music in the church and listening to the Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard, Willie Nelson, and Waylon Jennings records his father played him. Later, he moved to L.A. and joined an Americana band as its drummer before relocating to Montana, where Yellowstone films. Now writing in Nashville with hit songwriters like Rodney Clawson, Nicolle Galyon, the Love Junkies, Aaron Raitiere, and Brent Cobb, Grimes is sharing his personal story — of the loss of his father and meeting his wife — with country fans.

In 2023 he played upwards of 20 festivals, including Stagecoach, Pilgrimage Music and Cultural Festival, and Under the Big Sky Festival, and headlined his own sold-out tour. Grimes will make a return to Stagecoach in April 2024 with his highly anticipated full-length album under his belt.

We have compiled an array of content — a variety of liners and soundbites – from ANNE WILSON to equip you with everything you might need to put together your own radio special; roll-out tracks leading up to –and following — the release of her new REBEL album to use in news feeds, specials and much more. Check out all of details below (including audio liners and soundbites, as well as transcriptions) to create your own content surrounding Anne’s new release.

One of Nashville’s most inspiring young trailblazers, Anne Wilson is a true “rebel” in modern music. The Lexington, Kentucky native, known for her transcendent vocal and down-to-earth storytelling, is set to release her new album, REBEL, a collection of songs fusing the heart of Contemporary Christian Music with the sound of Country, and allowing the emerging powerhouse to innovate as her career builds momentum.

Co-produced by Jeff Pardo and Jonathan Smith, the project kicks off with two singles bridging Wilson’s sonic influences. The hurricane force encouragement of “Rain In The Rearview” stands as Wilson’s debut Country single, while the soaring ballad “Strong” will simultaneously aim to continue the success she has earned in Contemporary Christian.

CLICK HERE to download the audio toolkit.

Brothers Osborne‘s John Osborne is featured in Apple Music’s Nashville Guitar Greats series, available now.

Thank you @TyBentli for letting me be a part of the Nashville Guitar Greats series. I got to geek out on all things guitar, and spoke about some of my all time favorites shredders. Check it out on @AppleMusic https://t.co/WzrPzF5sJV pic.twitter.com/ccLU5XGClP

— Brothers Osborne (@brothersosborne) April 18, 2024

Tyler Hubbard appeared on the Kelly Clarkson Show on Thursday (April 18th) and talked about his new album, Strong, his three children, getting caught parking in a church parking lot and more. He also performed the song, “Take Me Back” from the new project. Check out the interview HERE and the performance HERE.

Egg nog pong champ Henry Golding is in the house today on Kelly! PLUS a performance from @tylerhubbard and highlighting a Best in Class teacher! pic.twitter.com/7st45OK54b

— The Kelly Clarkson Show (@KellyClarksonTV) April 18, 2024

Jordan Davis will be featured on CMT Hot 20 Countdown this weekend. Watch it Saturday and Sunday mornings beginning at 9am ET/8am CT.

It’s a Damn Good Time to be @JordanCWDavis 😏 Find out what we mean this weekend on an all-new #cmtHot20! Plus, @natesmithsongs talks becoming a Billionaire (in a different sort of way) & we give you the Cowboy Carter, aka @Beyonce, content you NEED, Sat & Sun at 9a/8c on @CMT! pic.twitter.com/1omfk6sBi8

— CMT Hot 20 Countdown (@cmtHot20) April 18, 2024

Vince Gill will be featured in the new Chet Atkins‘ documentary, “Chet We Still Can’t Say Goodbye,” which will premiere on CMT on Friday (April 19th) at 10pm ET/9pm CT.

Catch Vince Gill in the 'Chet We Still Can’t Say Goodbye' documentary premiering on @CMT, on April 19th at 9PM CST. pic.twitter.com/CSf1BfdApd

— Vince Gill (@VGcom) April 18, 2024

Mickey Guyton will take part in honoring the music of the late Patsy Cline on Monday (April 22nd) at Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium. WALKIN’ AFTER MIDNIGHT: AN ALL-STAR TRIBUTE TO PATSY CLINE will also feature appearances from Wynonna, Ashley McBryde, Crystal Gayle, Beverly D’Angelo, Hailey Whitters, Kristin Chenoweth, Mandy Barnett, Natalie Grant, Rita Wilson, Pam Tillis and Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo, among others.

Chris Stapleton appeared on ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live! on Wednesday night (April 17th). He chatted with Jimmy, performed “It Takes A Woman” on the outdoor stage — the first performance on that stage in four years — and he participated in a skit called “Wing It & Sing It,” in which Jimmy and his staff wrote a song and putting the lyrics (which Chris had never seen) on cue cards and having him sing it on the fly. There’s also a special appearance from actor/drummer John Stamos!

During the interview portion, Chris talked about playing “It Takes a Woman” live for the first time on the show at Jimmy’s request, the birthday present he got from his wife, having his own whiskey brand now “Traveller Whiskey,” being Valedictorian and getting voted most stylish in high school in Kentucky, and what he’s planning to do with his beard in the future.

Chris is currently making his way up the country charts with his latest single, “Think I’m In Love With You.”

Anne Wilson is set to release her new album, REBEL, on Friday (April 19th). She co-wrote all 16 tracks on the album, including her current country radio single, “Rain In The Rearview,” and the title track. Anne describes herself as a REBEL because she doesn’t fit in any singular box, and she embraces the differences that make her unique. She also considers herself a REBEL because she’s not afraid to sing (or talk) about her faith.

“For me, I think it started when I sent a song to Christian radio that was very like faith-based, but it got a lot of push back because it sounded too country, and so it kind of lit a fire in me to go, ‘Well, I’m not going to fit in anymore. I wanna be who I am authentically,’ and I want that to be my message,” says Anne. “So, that’s where it really came in, but on the other end, just being a person of faith in the world that we live in today, it feels like you’re an outsider if you have faith, especially for my generation. You know, my generation struggles a lot with feeling like we have permission to talk about our faith. We can come out and say it without being judged, you know? So, I think for me, I’m gonna be a REBEL. I’m gonna stand up for what I believe in. I’m gonna love my country. I’m gonna love God. I’m gonna stand up for the things that I believe in. I’m not gonna follow the world or the ways of the world, but I’m gonna follow Jesus and my faith, and that’s what makes me a REBEL.”

She’s set to perform the album’s title track, “REBEL,” live from the heart of Times Square during the 3rd Hour of NBC’S TODAY Show.

REBEL Track List:

1. “REBEL” (Anne Wilson, Jeff Pardo, Matthew West)
2. “Rain In The Rearview” (Anne Wilson, Matthew West, Zach Kale, Jaren Johnston)
3. “Strong” (Anne Wilson, Jeff Pardo, Matthew West)
4. “God & Country” (Anne Wilson, Jeff Pardo, Matthew West, Trannie Anderson)
5. “Praying Woman” (with Lainey Wilson) (Anne Wilson, Jeff Pardo, Matthew West, Lainey Wilson, Trannie Anderson)
6. “Songs About Whiskey” (Anne Wilson, Jeff Pardo, Matthew West, Lauren Hungate)
7. “Sinner’s Prayer” (Anne Wilson, Jeff Pardo, Matthew West, Lauren Hungate)
8. “The Cross” (with Chris Tomlin) (Anne Wilson, Jeff Pardo, Matthew West, Jonathan Smith)
9. “My Father’s Daughter” (Anne Wilson, Jeff Pardo, Matthew West, Emily Weisband)
10. “Red Flag” (Anne Wilson, Jonathan Smith, Casey Beathard)
11. “Country Gold” (with Jordan Davis) (Anne Wilson, Jeff Pardo, Matthew West)
12. “Southern Gospel” (Anne Wilson, Jeff Pardo, Matthew West, Lauren Hungate)
13. “Dirt Roads In Heaven” (Anne Wilson, Jeff Pardo, Nicolle Galyon, Matthew West)
14. “3:16” (Anne Wilson, Jeff Pardo, Matthew West)
15. “Milestones” (Anne Wilson, Nicolle Galyon, Lauren Hungate)
16. “Out of the Bluegrass” (Anne Wilson, Nicolle Galyon, Emily Weisband)

Sam Hunt‘s latest smash, “Outskirts,” is making its way to the top of the country charts, and it’s just recently vaulted up the charts in the last two months after he released it last July. Sam says he can’t explain why, but he sure is grateful.

“I wrote that song on the same writing retreat – which is a two-three day getaway north of Nashville with co-writers – I wrote ‘Kinfolks’ on that same trip. So, it’s been a while since that song was written, and I sat on it for a long time and finally finished it up last year and put it out, and it has been a slow burn,” he says. “We played it live all last summer, and it felt like it got a good reception at the live show, but it really caught steam, I’d say, in the last month and a half or so, for whatever reason, and has been rolling ever since, and now it’s sitting right up at the top of the charts, which I’m grateful for. And I can’t explain why it caught steam in the last six or eight weeks, but I’m glad that it has.”

Written by Sam with Zach Crowell, Josh Osborne and Jerry Flowers, the Georgia-native pines over a could-have-been life with a could-have-been wife as the loneliness is amplified by sorrowful guitar.

Sam just wrapped up the latest leg of his Outskirts trek, and he’s set to launch his summer amphitheater Locked Up Tour kicking off June 28th in Bend, Oregon. The 20-city Locked Up Tour continues through September with dates across the U.S. and Canada, and features support artists Russell Dickerson, George Birge (U.S.), and Dalton Dover (Canada).