Ryan Hurd Signs With Sony Music Nashville on the RCA Nashville Roster

Great things are already happening this year for artist on the rise Ryan Hurd. The country newcomer is the newest addition to Sony Music Nashville on the RCA Nashville roster, joining fellow label mates Miranda Lambert, Jake Owen, Old Dominion, Chris Young and Kane Brown.

“I’m convinced Ryan Hurd will be one of our new artist breakouts in 2017,” shares Sony Music Nashville Chairman and CEO, Randy Goodman. “He delivers on every level from his innovative songwriting to his dynamic live show. I’ve long been a fan of Ryan’s songwriting and everyone at Sony Music Nashville, particularly RCA, are happy and honored to have the opportunity to work alongside him.”

Hurd has quickly been making a lasting impression on fans and the industry, and is included on several Ones To Watch lists for 2017, including ours (check it out here). Ryan has co-written and shared four new tracks over the course of four months, “We Do Us,” Love In A Bar,” “City Girl,” and “Hold You Back,” all of which are great additions to the country music format.

The winter season will be jammed pack for Ryan Hurd. You can find him on tour this winter with Maren Morris on the HERO Tour, as well as Thomas Rhett’s Home Team Tour. For a full list of tour dates and more, please visit ryanhurdmusic.com.

Thomas Rhett Perfectly Captures The “American Spirit” with New Music Video

Thomas Rhett welcomed 2017 in NYC’s Time Square on Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest. The new year also brought a brand new music video from the GRAMMY nominee with “American Spirit.”

Shot outside of Nashville, TN and directed by TK McKamy, the video, coupled with Rhett’s lyrics, brilliantly captures the essence of the spirit of America. When the warm summer nights return, this song will make for the perfect addition to your evening.

“‘American Spirit’ is one of my favorite songs to sit down and play on an acoustic guitar,” said Thomas Rhett. “So, I knew I wanted to make a video for it…just to share with our fans. I knew I wanted it to be simple and something that would pull on the heartstrings and I think it’s the perfect blend of that.”

“American Spirit” can be found on the deluxe edition of Thomas Rhett’s sophomore album Tangled Up (Deluxe).

Lee Brice and Wife Sara Share Exciting News of Third Child on the Way

Lee Brice and his wife Sara are ready to Love Like Crazy even more as they just announced that they are expecting their third child together! Their new bundle of joy will arrive this summer and join big brothers Takoda (8) and Ryker (3). 

“Our whole family is thrilled to welcome our third child,” Brice shares with People exclusively. “Takoda and Ryker are so excited and Sara is more beautiful than ever. We can’t wait for our new little one to get here this summer.”

Brice is set to embark on the co-headlining American Made Tour with Justin Moore this winter. The tour kicks off in Indianapolis, IN on January 12. For tickets and more information, please visit leebrice.com.

CMR Ones To Watch: Ten New Artists To Watch 2017

2016 was a year full of incredible talent. From seasoned artists such as Kenny Chesney, Carrie Underwood, Tim McGraw, Luke Bryan, etc…, to the likes of country newcomers Chris Lane, Maren Morris, Tucker Beathard, Kelsea Ballerini, and several more, country music is a genre that is substantially growing and continues to stand the test of time.

New artists play a significant role in the genre as they are in fact the future of country music. The momentum we saw continuously throughout 2016 will no doubt continue on in the new year. With 2017 now on the rise, so are ten new artists that we are certain will make a powerful impact throughout the year ahead.

CountryMusicRocks “Ones To Watch” 2017

Russell Dickerson
Triple Tigers Records flagship artist Russell Dickerson is gearing up for what will no doubt be an epic 2017. With his lead single “Yours” already embraced by fans, the rising artist brings a fresh, solid vibe to the genre. There’s certainly something special about Russell Dickerson, and it is very exciting to have him as part of today’s country music. Russell will be showcasing his new music this winter while out on the road on Thomas Rhett’s Home Team Tour, as well as several solo dates.
Get to know more about Russell Dickerson by visiting his Official Website, and follow him on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Brett Young
Brett YoungArtist on the rise Brett Young wrapped up 2016 with his debut single, “Sleep Without You,” notching the No. 1 spot at country radio. In addition to several career milestones accomplished throughout last year, 2017 is already promising a bright year ahead for the singer/songwriter. The country newcomer is set to release his second single, “In Case You Didn’t Know,” to country radio on January 9, and his debut self-titled album will be available on February 10, 2017. This new year will more than likely be a significant game changer for Brett Young. The BMLG Records artist will highlight new music out on the road this year with several solo dates, the winter leg of Luke Bryan’s Kill The Lights Tour and select dates on Lee Brice and Justin Moore’s American Made Tour.
Keep up with Brett Young and visit his Official Website, Like him on Facebook and Follow him on Twitter and Instagram.

Trent Harmon
Trent HarmonBig Machine Records recording artist Trent Harmon won the hearts (and ears) of millions on the final season of American Idol, and the momentum will continue into 2017 for the rising star. From his debut single, “There’s A Girl,” to his debut self-titled EP, and his forthcoming debut album, the caliber of talent from this young 26 year old is beyond impressive. It is such a blessing to have Trent Harmon as part of the future of the beloved genre. Harmon will be out on the road all throughout the year showcasing his unique artistry and collection of new music.
Stay connected with Trent Harmon by visiting his Official Website, and follow him on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Runaway June

Wheelhouse Records Runaway June introduced themselves throughout 2016, and now with the brand new year here, the trio is ready to make a distinct impact. Comprised of Naomi Cooke, Hannah Mulholland and Jennifer Wayne, the dynamic group of singers/songwriters will bring their strong vocals and impressive harmonies to the forefront throughout the year. Their debut single “Lipstick” has already hit the Top 30 and continues to climb, and serves as a solid introduction to the talented newcomers. The three women make for an incredible addition to the genre and as a major role for Women in Country Music.
Stay connected with Runaway June by visiting their Official Website, and follow them on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Seth Ennis
Georgia native Seth Ennis is a multi-talented singer/songwriter who is making a lasting impression with the release of his debut single, “Woke Up In Nashville.” The newcomer co-wrote his debut single, as well as plays all (yes – plays all!) the instruments on the recorded track. Ennis will be showcasing his artistry out on the road this winter on select dates of Florida Georgia Line’s Dig Your Roots 2017 Tour, as well as several solo dates all throughout the year.
Learn more about Seth Ennis by visiting his Official Website, and follow him on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

Kalie Shorr
Artist on the rise Kalie Shorr is destined for greatness, and 2017 will no doubt be a breakthrough year for her. The young Portland, Maine native has made the move to Music City to further establish herself as both a singer and songwriter. While Shorr made an impressive introduction to the music community with her covers of popular songs via YouTube, the newcomer is quickly making a name for herself with her own tracks such as “Fight Like A Girl,” and “He’s Just Not That Into You.” Kalie Shorr brings a fresh spark to the genre and serves as a fantastic female role model to inspire the younger generation.
Learn more about Kalie Shorr by visiting her Official Website, and follow her on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Luke Combs
Luke CombsA storm is hitting the country music scene by the way of Luke Combs. The country newcomer’s debut single “Hurricane” is already a force to be reckoned with, and the momentum continues into 2017 for Combs. With his solid vocals that highlight both the traditional and modern country vibe, Combs brings a smooth balance to the format that speaks volumes and leaves a prominent mark. Be sure to catch Combs out on the road this year, he is one you will not want to miss.
Keep up with Luke Combs by visiting his Official Website, and follow him on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Morgan Wallen
Morgan WallenIf your an avid watcher of NBC’s “The Voice” that you’ve already heard Morgan Wallen and know that he has a lot to offer to the genre. His unique artistry impressed the judges and America during his time on the popular music competition in 2014, and now he is back to continue moving forward and showcase his talents. Signed with Big Loud Records, home to Chris Lane, the country newcomer has released his debut EP, The Way I Talk, and is highlighting the EP titled single at country radio now. 2017 will find Wallen out on the road with Florida Georgia Line on the winter leg of their Dig Your Roots Tour, as well as several solo dates further introducing himself to country fans.
Learn more about Morgan Wallen by visiting his Official Website, and follow him Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Bailey Bryan
Artist on the rise Bailey Bryan will be “owning” 2017. With her debut single “Own It” already impressing country fans as well as the industry, the singer/songwriter is set to make a lasting impression on today’s country music. Recommended by Lady Antebellum’s Hillary Scott, The GRAMMYs has selected Bryan as part of their Artist of Tomorrow program, a massive achievement for the country newcomer. The young singer/songwriter will no doubt take her skills and strengths to high levels throughout the year and leave a strong mark on the genre as she goes. As the movement continues with Women in Country on the rise, Bailey Bryan is an artist of significance as the movement continues to grow.
Learn more about Bailey Bryan by visiting her Official Website, and by following her on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Ryan Hurd
If you haven’t heard the name Ryan Hurd yet, get ready because you will – a lot- in 2017! Many are already familiar with Ryan’s work as he is a talented songwriter who has written songs recorded by the likes of Dierks Bentley, Jake Owen, Tim McGraw and several others. Additionally Hurd has notched his first #1 as a co-writer on “Lonely Tonight,” recorded by Blake Shelton featuring Ashley Monroe. Now, Hurd is ready to be heard on his own as a solo recording artist with “We Do Us,“ and will further introduce his artistry to fans while on Thomas Rhett’s Home Team Tour.
Get connected with Ryan Hurd by visiting his Official Website, and follow him on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

Sam Hunt Starts New Year with Engagement and New Music

Country superstar Sam Hunt sure knows how to bring in the new year. Surprising fans on New Years Eve, Hunt unveiled brand new single via Soundcloud, “Drinkin’ Too Much.”

Throughout the deeply personal and apologetic track, Hunt calls out his relationship with Hannah Fowler who inspired several tracks from his debut album, Montevallo. In fact, he even calls her out by name at the end of “Drinkin’ Too Much” with his lyrics: “You changed your number and moved and this is the only way I can reach you / Hannah Lee, I’m on my way to you.”

“Drinkin’ Too Much” is available now on iTunes HERE.

Sam Hunt Hannah Fowler
Photo via Sam Hunt Instagram

It is evident that Hunt and Fowler have made their way back to each other. While Sam is a very private person when it comes to his day to day personal life, he began sharing photos of his love interest this past summer and has continued to do so. Now with the new year here, Hunt’s rep has confirmed with People that the two are engaged! Congratulations and Best Wishes go out to the happy couple!