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May 17, 2026

Country Music News International Newsletter

Here is your Country Music News & Bluegrass Music News of the week from Country Music News International Magazine & Radio!

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Here at Country Music News International we believe in Bluegrass and Country Music. During this difficult time we have to stand together. Almost everyone in the business is being impacted financially. In order to help artists, songwriters, musicians and any related music business like music stores, publicists, record labels, music bars, instrument companies, record studios … keep business moving forward, we are making an unprecedented offer. For more details: https://countrymusicnewsinternational.com/advertise

Andrew Mitch on Country Music News International Radio Show https://fb.watch/H8ZXeg75lh/

May 23. interviewed by Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Radio

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!

Sad Songs as a Love Language: Inside the Fearless, Independent Rise of Andrew Mitch – By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine

In a genre historically built on three chords and the truth, Nashville-based artist Andrew Mitch is proving that sometimes the deepest truths are the hardest ones to sing. Often using the phrase “sad songs are my love language,” Mitch has carved out a distinct definition of country music—one rooted in raw emotion, radical vulnerability, and an unyielding commitment to human connection….

From Small-Town North Carolina to the Heart of Music City: The Unstoppable Rise of Emma Grace Glover + Interview – By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine https://fb.watch/H7WgaVTZ6n/

In the ever-evolving landscape of modern country music, truly authentic voices are a rare and precious commodity. Yet, every so often, a next-generation artist emerges who possesses not only raw vocal power but the profound emotional wisdom required to connect with listeners on a universal scale. Enter Emma Grace Glover…

Addicted to the Ache: Lauren Watkins Turns Relatable Relapses into Country Gold with “Heartbreakaholic” – By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine https://fb.watch/H7Nvw2pg5J/

Lauren Watkins is back, and she is bringing her signature brand of unapologetic honesty with her. Fresh off the heels of renewing her publishing deal with independent powerhouse Big Loud Publishing, the Big Loud Records / Songs & Daughters artist has officially ushered in her next musical chapter with the release of her sharp, witty new single, “Heartbreakaholic”…

Waking Up Old Memories: Lonesome River Band Delivers Timeless Bluegrass Magic on New Single “Back When” – By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine https://fb.watch/H7Mb6kiBRr/

After turning up the heat with the raucous exuberance of their previous hit “Pretty Little Widow,” bluegrass titans Lonesome River Band have returned to calmer, more reflective waters. Their latest original release, “Back When,” is a beautifully laid-back, deeply resonant meditation on the deceptive power of nostalgia and the simple triggers that bring the past roaring back to life…

From Liverpool to Nashville via the Cloud: River East River West Drops the Hilarious Hillbilly Romp “Missed Calls Number 23” – By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine https://fb.watch/H7K0m3zLpO/

Bitter Harvest Recordings has just announced a track that is as technologically fascinating as it is relentlessly fun. River East River West—the innovative, AI-driven studio project conceived by acclaimed Liverpool songwriter John Jenkins—has released its latest single, “Missed Calls Number 23”…

Blue-Collar Grit Meets Five-Part Gold: The Wilder Blue Delivers a Masterclass with New Single “High Livin’” – By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine https://fb.watch/H7GBxZA9Oc/

Texas powerhouse The Wilder Blue has just dropped what is destined to become a definitive modern working man’s anthem. Their brand-new single, “High Livin’,” released today, captures the raw, universal tug-of-war between the grueling reality of the daily grind and the persistent dream of something better…

When Sparks Turn Into Substance: Stella Lefty and Vincent Mason Find “Something To Lose” – By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine https://fb.watch/H7Fo14yTDM/

Two of country music’s most electric breakout forces have officially collided. Interscope/MCA Nashville/Music Soup recording artist Vincent Mason has teamed up with viral powerhouse Stella Lefty for an unforgettable new duet, “Something To Lose”…

Bridging Red Dirt and Bluegrass: Daron Tate Makes a Striking Debut with Robert Earl Keen’s “Feelin’ Good Again” – By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine https://fb.watch/H7EfJ_XLMX/

The Bluegrass world has a compelling new voice in Daron Tate. While already recognized as an emerging force in the Americana and roots scenes, Tate has made a masterful first impression in bluegrass with his debut single, “Feelin’ Good Again”…

From Pop Royalty to Country Gold: Tebey Delivers a Stunning Reimagining of Justin Bieber’s “Sorry” – By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine https://fb.watch/H7CS5MZmJA/

The Nashville-based, Ontario-born powerhouse Tebey is keeping his unstoppable momentum rolling. Following the deeply personal release of “Always Be The One” and his current heartbreak radio single “That’s Gonna Leave a Memory,” the multi-platinum artist has surprised fans with a brilliant new country reimagining of Justin Bieber’s 2015 global smash hit, “Sorry”…

From Northern Germany to the Round Up Rhön – Country Music Festival: SteamTrain’s Relentless Ascent to Country Rock Royalty – By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine https://www.facebook.com/reel/27148399318105947

In the world of European country rock, momentum is everything. You either have the drive to keep the wheels turning, or you get left at the station. For the five-piece powerhouse known as SteamTrain, the engine isn’t just running—it’s glowing red-hot…

Randy C Moore steps it up with High Cost of Low Livin’ – By Alan Shipston for Country Music News International Magazine https://fb.watch/H6mw78b0xh/

Texas music artist, Randy C Moore, has a new single, High Cost of Low Livin’ out on Highway 59 Records for the summer of 2026. This high-octane song, co-penned by Moore and Mason Cooper, is a hard driving point of view about the downside of living an excessive life. With a rocky dance hall approach, Moore sings about paying the price on judgement day for all the carousing he’s done…

“Go Rest High On That Mountain”: Vince Gill’s Timeless Ballad Joins the National Recording Registry – By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine https://fb.watch/H6lIEX24uA/

In a move that honors the emotional bedrock of American music, Acting Librarian of Congress Robert R. Newlen has officially named 25 recordings as audio treasures to be preserved for all time. Among the prestigious selections for the National Recording Registry class of 2026 is Vince Gill’s masterpiece, “Go Rest High On That Mountain”…

From Bluegrass Roots to Sapphic Spectacle: Zolita Subverts “Bro-Country” in Bold New Single “Hell’s Belles” – By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine https://fb.watch/H6kZckrojd/

Los Angeles-based polymath Zolita is no stranger to the power of a well-told story. As a singer, songwriter, and filmmaker, she has spent the last decade building immersive, cinematic worlds. However, her latest single, “Hell’s Belles,” marks the beginning of perhaps her most ambitious chapter yet—a vibrant, country-inflected pop anthem that manages to be both a playful satire and a deeply personal reclamation…

Sandy Louise Finds Her Second Wind: A Review of the Soul-Stirring Single “Keep on Riding” – By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine https://fb.watch/H6jNaDJlPv/

Newcastle’s own songwriting stalwarts have a way of weaving the coastal breeze and industrial grit of their hometown into something remarkably tender. Sandy Louise is no exception. With the release of her latest single, “Keep on Riding,” Louise proves once again why she is a cornerstone of the Australian independent music scene. This isn’t just another ballad; it’s a masterclass in emotional resilience…

From West Virginia to Music City: The Unstoppable Rise of Dawn Rix + Interview – By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine https://fb.watch/H54KaOpJyj/

In the crowded landscape of modern country music, where many artists strive to find a unique lane, Dawn Renae Rix has managed to build an entire highway of her own. Often referred to by the moniker “Little Miss Dynamite,” the West Virginia native has transformed from a childhood prodigy into one of Nashville’s most versatile and decorated independent forces…

Shania Twain Goes Full Circle: Global Icon Announces Introspective New Album “Little Miss Twain” – By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine https://fb.watch/H52T6rqTJm/

The “Queen of Country-Pop” is ready to reclaim her throne with her most vulnerable project to date. Five-time GRAMMY® winner Shania Twain has officially announced her seventh studio album, Little Miss Twain, set for release on July 24th via Republic Nashville. Following the stratospheric success of Queen of Me and her record-breaking residency runs, this new chapter sees the artist looking backward to move forward…

Carrie Brockwell’s “That’s Real” is a Masterclass in Yacht-Country Soul – By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine https://fb.watch/H51WXc6irz/

Following a breakout 2025 that saw her crowned the Josie Awards Country Vocalist of the Year, Carrie Brockwell is ready to cement her status as a powerhouse in the genre. Her debut full-length album, That’s Real, set for release on May 29, 2026, is a sophisticated, eight-track journey that expertly blends the breezy, melodic sensibilities of yacht rock with the grounded storytelling of modern country…

Colton Dawson finds the right tone with Might Be In It – By Alan Shipston for Country Music News International Magazine https://fb.watch/H50Pllr20G/

With its clean telecaster intro, this slow burning country debut by Colton Dawson might just hit a homerun. Well-crafted and built on tradition, Colton delivers a timeless, honky-tonk-driven anthem with Might Be In It, a song about falling hard and being unable to think about anything else…

Nick Chandler and Delivered Strike Bluegrass Gold with Southwestern Anthem “Maria” – By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine https://fb.watch/H4-nD3KOoN/

If you’ve been craving that high-octane, “hard-driving” sound that defined the 1980s bluegrass revival, Nick Chandler and Delivered have just served up exactly what you need. Their latest single, “Maria,” released via Pinecastle Records, is more than just a song—it’s a high-speed chase through the dusty plains of Texas that manages to feel both nostalgically familiar and refreshingly modern…

Danica Hart: A New Chapter of Faith, Fire, and “Amazing Grace” + Interview – Interview by Dan Dever – Article by Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine https://fb.watch/H3O3BJcbdS/

The world of country music has long been defined by voices that can move mountains, and Danica Hart is undoubtedly one of them. A dynamic singer-songwriter with an electric personality to match her powerhouse vocals, Hart is stepping into a bold new era as a solo artist, bringing her signature energy and unshakable spirit to fans worldwide…

Saddle Up for the Future: Leo Brawdy Experiment’s NEON RODEO Blends AI Edge with Country Soul – By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine https://fb.watch/H3Lw4KkFrw/

The music landscape is evolving, and at the forefront of this transformation is The Leo Brawdy Experiment, an exploratory project that boldly redefines the boundaries between human creativity and machine-assisted production. At its core is François Domain, a software architect and novelist who serves as the conceptual force behind the “eFrontman,” Leo Brawdy. Domain’s fascination with emerging technologies meets his passion for storytelling in the project’s debut EP, NEON RODEO, a country-inspired collection packed with swagger, soul, and anthems ready for the line-dancing floor…

Robby Johnson Delivers Pure Country Charm with Long-Awaited Album, ‘Hot Summer Nights’ – By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine https://fb.watch/H3KKjq2QkU/

Nashville singer-songwriter Robby Johnson turns up the temperature on country radio with the release of his new album, Hot Summer Nights. Featuring thirteen tracks recorded over time, this collection is the culmination of a long-held vision, blending Johnson’s signature high-energy performance style, romantic Southern charm, and heartfelt storytelling. The album serves as a liberating and deeply personal statement from an artist who consistently proves his talent for creating memorable, high-octane country music…

Donna Fargo double release of her first novel and Donna Fargo Live – By Alan Shipston for Country Music News International Magazine https://fb.watch/H3KifnfNEE/

Heartaches and Mind Storms is Donna Fargo’s first novel; a work of fiction filled with life lessons and practical advice. “Since Heartaches and Mind Storms is a novel, it’s fiction, but as the writer, I tried to fill the characters’ cups with lots of lessons about hope, love and joy that tests the heart and soul,” shares Donna…

Filing Away the Past: Chris Jones & the Night Drivers Deliver an Uplifting Bluegrass Drive with “Under Over” – By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine https://fb.watch/H3JKqmxl8u/

Mountain Home Music Company’s acclaimed group, Chris Jones & The Night Drivers, is back in the studio and back in the bluegrass saddle with their latest single, “Under Over.” Following the classic country flavor of their previous release, “How Small of Me,” this new track delivers a punchy, up-tempo bluegrass narrative centered on the liberating theme of acceptance and learning to move on from negative forces—whether it be a difficult relationship or a deep-seated addiction…

Lingering Echoes of Lost Love: Amanda Cook Delivers the Emotional, Bluegrass-Infused New Single “Out of My Bones” – By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine https://fb.watch/H3IPsVWWio/

Following the success of her recent track “Love Through Time,” celebrated bluegrass vocalist Amanda Cook returns with a new single, “Out of My Bones.” This deeply emotional song explores the raw, universal heartache of a love that refuses to fully let go, capturing the delicate tension between longing for the past and the slow, difficult road to acceptance. With its heartfelt storytelling and an inviting, bluegrass-inspired rhythm, the track is a tender and stirring journey that reaffirms Cook’s position as a premier voice in contemporary acoustic music…

Doubling Down: Magnolia Rising Proves the House Always Wins on New Single “Bet On Me” – By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine https://fb.watch/H3HQD0ugPw/

The country music landscape is often crowded with songs about heartbreak and pickup trucks, but every so often, an act emerges that prioritizes emotional grit over tropes. Enter Magnolia Rising. Fresh off a successful UK tour and the breakout momentum of “Hit the Ground,” the duo—comprising Devynn Hart and Trea Swindle—is set to release their latest soul-stirring anthem, “Bet On Me,” on May 29th…

From Hope Hull to the National Stage: The “Old Soul” Journey of Charity Bowden + Interview – By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine https://fb.watch/H2sCmHNjKG/

In the heart of Alabama, nestled within the small community of Hope Hull, a voice has been resonating that feels both strikingly fresh and comfortingly familiar. Charity Bowden, often described by peers and fans alike as an “old soul,” has spent years carving out a space in the country music landscape. While her roots are firmly planted in the red clay of her hometown, her musical reach is quickly expanding far beyond state lines…

Rusty Pickups release their debut album, I Don’t Think About You At All (..some days) – By Alan Shipston for Country Music News International Magazine https://fb.watch/H2rrqq-3ry/

Rusty Pickups built their signature sound on Michael ‘Cookie’ Cook and Ayden Robert’s big-bodied acoustic and upright bass, Lee Fielding’s clawhammer banjo, the wandering accordion of Waylon Katz and the fiery fiddle of Amily Le Brocque, the ‘Bluegrass Barbie’…

From NASA’s Launchpad to Nationwide Stages: Anne Wilson Extends “The STARS Tour” with 25 New Fall Dates – By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine https://fb.watch/H2qeO5zlam/

The trajectory of Anne Wilson’s career is currently mirroring the celestial themes of her latest work—ascending rapidly and reaching heights few artists achieve by the age of 24. Today, the PLATINUM-certified and GRAMMY-nominated artist announced a massive extension of her nationwide trek, The STARS Tour, adding 25 new dates this fall to meet the overwhelming demand from fans across the United States…

The Body Remembers What the Mind Tries to Forget: Andrew Mitch Delivers a Heart-Wrenching Masterclass in Grief with “muscle memory” – By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine https://fb.watch/H2pmOdJYpM/

In the landscape of modern country-pop, few artists navigate the delicate architecture of the human heart as fearlessly as Andrew Mitch. The Nashville-based singer-songwriter, who famously traded a promising career in biochemistry for the raw honesty of the recording studio, is set to release his most poignant work to date. Arriving on May 22, 2026, his new single “muscle memory” is a cinematic country-folk ballad that explores the involuntary reflexes of loss…

From Castlewood to the Coast: 49 Winchester Hits a Creative High with “Oh Savannah” – By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine https://fb.watch/H2oF1dLFXL/

The ascent of 49 Winchester has been one of the most rewarding narratives in modern alt-country. From their humble beginnings in Castlewood, Virginia, to their current status as a powerhouse on the international circuit, the band has consistently balanced grit with grace. Now, with the release of their latest track, “Oh Savannah,” they offer a breathtaking preview of their highly anticipated album, Change of Plans, set to arrive on May 15 via Lucille Records / MCA…

The Perfect Sunday Drive: Anthony Howell Masters Every Note on New Instrumental “Highway 19” – By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine https://fb.watch/H2nuWR8AWp/

There is a specific kind of magic found in the simplicity of an open road and a clear horizon. Capturing that feeling in music, however, is far from simple. In his latest instrumental release, “Highway 19,” Anthony Howell manages to bottle the essence of a leisurely Sunday afternoon and pour it directly into the ears of his listeners…

From MTV Laughs to Nashville Lines: The Evolution of Chanel West Coast + Interview – Interview by Dan Dever – By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine https://fb.watch/H18_GyOZPw/

Chelsea Chanel Dudley—known to the world as Chanel West Coast—has spent nearly two decades defying the boxes the industry tries to put her in. While many first met her as the witty, infectious-laughing co-host on MTV’s most iconic reality blocks, the 2026 landscape sees her leaning into a surprising and soulful new chapter: Country Music…

A Nostalgic Waltz: David Connor’s “Tears On The Window Pane” Captures the Ache of Home – By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine https://fb.watch/H17h2HWc5O/

Irish Country music is welcoming a new, evocative classic with David Connor’s latest single, “Tears On The Window Pane.” This graceful foxtrot, penned by the legendary Irish songwriter Johnny McCauley, serves as a reflective and deeply moving addition to Connor’s growing catalogue, perfectly capturing the poignant emotions tied to leaving home and the bittersweet memories of happier times. The single showcases Connor’s ability to deliver a mature, heartfelt performance that resonates with a universal sense of nostalgia and longing…

Drew Baldridge Reimagines Defiance: ‘Rebel’ is an Anthem for Character Over Chaos – By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine https://fb.watch/H16DMJ6VEz/

Country star Drew Baldridge is once again proving why he is one of the genre’s most watched and genuine voices with his powerful new single, “Rebel.” This track is more than just a song—it’s a declaration. Baldridge boldly redefines the idea of rebellion, trading in the predictable path of chaos and defiance for a celebration of integrity, faith, and family as the most radical acts of all…

Lorraine Jordan & Carolina Road release their new single, Molly Rose – By Alan Shipston for Country Music News International Magazine https://fb.watch/H15GrwlDuC/

Bluegrass fans have waited for Molly Rose for some time as this lively track features bassist, Kevin Lamm on his first ever lead vocal for a Carolina Road release. “I’ve always loved the energy this song brings to our shows and fans request this song often,” says Lorraine Jordan…

From the Front Seat to the Shore: Colton James Crafts the Ultimate Escape in “Take Me There” – By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine https://fb.watch/H143m_FiCa/

In an era where the “hustle culture” of the modern world often feels like a deafening roar, country singer-songwriter Colton James has arrived with a much-needed volume knob for the soul. His latest single, “Take Me There,” available today on all streaming platforms, isn’t just a song; it’s a three-minute vacation packaged in a melody…

Steph Upper Lip release their debut album, Pelham Blue – By Alan Shipston for Country Music News International Magazine https://fb.watch/H12sx-MtpN/

Steph Upper Lip, a Swedish country rock project, will release their debut album, Pelham Blue on June 12, 2006. Founded by Black Paisley frontman Stefan Blomqvist, this long-time passion project took shape when Stefan connected with Nashville-based producer John Kennedy (LeAnn Rimes, Billy Ray Cyrus and Faith Hill)…

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