"Accidentally Drunk," New Single from Traditionalist Bradley Gaskin, Available Now

Bradley Gaskin has some unfinished business. As the flagship artist for upstart independent 30A Life Records, the former major label artist’s soulful vocals and heartfelt lyrics, as featured in his lead single, “Accidentally Drunk,” will convince you his first new music in over a decade is well worth a listen. “Accidentally Drunk” [LISTEN HERE]—off Gaskin’s forthcoming Keith Stegall–produced album, Unfinished Business—is available now on all platforms and officially goes for radio adds Monday, March 31.

The Duck Springs, Ala., native got his first break in 2011 after Gaskin’s wife encouraged him to post a rough demo of “Mr. Bartender,” a song he’d written and recorded. Two weeks later, John Rich called and invited Gaskin to enter a talent contest he was organizing. Gaskin won, and the next thing he knew, he was center stage in the iconic circle at the Grand Ole Opry.

Gaskin’s first deal with a major record label took shape soon after with a self-titled EP and “Mr. Bartender” as the lead single. Unfortunately, Gaskin was deemed a bit too traditional, and his album was shelved in a management shakeup at the label. That disheartening event sent Gaskin back to Duck Springs where he hung drywall, worked at a sawmill and served as a janitor at his daughter’s school.

Now, thanks to 30A Life Records co-founder Jack Cole, a fan and successful businessman turned independent label exec, Gaskin is back in the game. “Accidentally Drunk” is a beautiful, bittersweet ballad about a broken-hearted barstool fool shedding tequila tears—I was tired of waking up to another hangover/Trying to get high, ending up a little lower/Swearing it’s the last time, like every other Friday night—and continually losing his battle with sobriety:

PHOTO: Amick Cutler

Written by Grammy Award–winning songwriter Ashley McBryde (“Never Wanted to Be that Girl,” McBryde/Pearce), artist Dan Smalley (The State of Country Music) and Justin Ebach (“Here Tonight,” Brett Young) “Accidentally Drunk” is performed by top Nashville musicians, with Brent Mason and Joel Key on guitar; Scotty Sanders on steel; bassist Glenn Worf; Mike Rojas on keys; drummer Tommy Harden and Stuart Duncan on fiddle.

“Keith and I were in his studio where I saw Grammy, CMA and ACM Awards,” Gaskin says, “so I asked him point blank, ‘You’ve worked with all these people and wrote all these songs. Why does a guy like you want to work with somebody like me?’ And he told me that the same way he believed in Alan Jackson and Randy Travis, he believed in me,” Gaskin relates, “and that’s when I felt a huge weight leave me.” 

“Singers are a dime a dozen,” Stegall explains, “but exceptional artists aren’t. Make no mistake—Bradley Gaskin is an artist.”

Looking back, Gaskin says, “I’m stronger because of what I went through. Everything I loved, which was music, was killing me. It seemed like nobody wanted my stuff. I couldn’t get one of the biggest labels in the world to put out my record.” When you go through that, he muses, “It makes you tougher. There’s more to my story that we haven’t gotten to tell, and there’s a lot of unfinished business to take care of.”

Gaskin will hold an album release party at AJ’s Good Time Bar in Nashville, Thursday, April 3 at 4 p.m. with the album officially out at Midnight, April 4. For more information, check out his socials: TikTok | Instagram |  Facebook.

Hawaiian Country Act MAOLI Releases New Collaboration With Brett Young "Broke Heart Break"

South Pacific Country music is coming to the mainland. Hawaiian Country artist Maoli (Mah-oh-lee, meaning “native”) has a new single, "Broke Heart Break" [LISTEN below]––a collaboration with multi-platinum singer/songwriter Brett Young––available now on all platforms with ONErpm and Huff Co., who entered into a joint venture last year.

“I want people in the Country community and the world to know how special we are as a people and the connection we have with Country music,” says Maoli. “Country music isn’t just a pair of boots I’m trying on. It’s the boots I wear every day, there’s just a little sand in them.”

Maoli was raised by cowboys and has lived in the Hawaiian countryside his entire life. His lifestyle has guided his music, perhaps best described as island-influenced country. He’s amassed a dedicated fan base throughout the Pacific Rim and Caribbean and is already popular on the West Coast. Now he’s ready to share his brand of Country music with the rest of the mainland.

Maoli was already a big fan of Brett Young’s music, so it’s only fitting his new release is a collaboration with Young. “I covered the song ‘In Case You Didn’t Know,’ and it was a big hit in the South Pacific,” he explains. After Maoli covered several more of Young’s songs, Young reached out on Instagram. As they talked back and forth, Maoli discovered Young’s fondness for Hawaii. The next time Young visited Maui, the two met for dinner and agreed they should do a song together. “And that’s how the collaboration came about,” Maoli says. 

Young, whose No.1 hits include “In Case You Didn’t Know” and “Mercy,” says, “The day Jesse [Frasure] and I wrote this song, I knew it belonged with a special artist. I had been a HUGE Maoli fan for some time, but it wasn’t until I met him for dinner last year in the islands that I realized he was the perfect fit.” Young continues, “The fact Maoli wanted me to be a part of it with him was an absolute honor, and I think this song is going to be a big ole hit!”

Now, Maoli is introducing “Broke Heart Break” as the lead single off his new album, slated for release next summer. “Broke Heart Break” is a bittersweet country collaboration featuring island vibes and instrumentation: 

About Maoli(Mah-oh-lee) 

Maoli has developed a huge following at live concerts and online, including fans in the Pacific Rim, Caribbean and on the West Coast. Follow along:

·      YouTube Channel Views 239M

·      Spotify Monthly Listeners 857K

·      Pandora Streams 119M

·      Tik Tok Followers 665K and Likes 5.7M

·      Instagram Followers 496K

·      Facebook Followers 435K

For more information on Maoli, visit maolimusic.com

About ONErpm 

ONErpm is a leading next-generation music company and record label operating globally in 43 locations powered by a staff of 600. At its core, ONErpm offers label services to artists seeking to elevate their careers and operates one of the world’s largest music distribution platforms and YouTube Multi-Channel Networks. Offering a full suite of services that includes marketing support, supply chain tools, SAAS, business intelligence, publishing, accounting and global payment solutions, ONErpm provides the infrastructure needed to help creators and content owners succeed. As a trusted partner, ONErpm emphasizes transparency in everything it does, from executing a marketing campaign to making payments.

Cheatham County Newcomer Preston James Releases Music Video for "Fences"

With his long hair, blonde scruff and dark eyes, southern rocker Preston James certainly looks the part. But it’s his soulful vocals and heartfelt lyrics that will convince you he’s come a long way from the clean-cut kid who first plied the boards of Broadway nearly a decade ago. 

Since then, the Cheatham County native—who was offered his first publishing deal at 18—has announced himself to the Row, signing with publishers King Pen Music and Warner Chappell Music and inking a booking deal with The Neal Agency. 

Brian Carothers and Evan Kantor, both agents with The Neal Agency, are firmly in James’s corner. “Preston is sitting on an unbelievable debut EP,” Carothers says. “I’ll never forget the day he played it for everyone here. The excitement in the room was special, and we’re all thrilled to be working with him.” Adds Kantor, “From the moment we all heard the music, we were sold on Preston’s talent. What’s been even more exciting is seeing how incredible his live show is. We are honored to be a part of bringing that to the masses.”

James has steadily been making a name for himself as a singer, songwriter and guitar player at the local honky-tonks, resulting in the opportunity to open for the Brian Setzer Orchestra at the Ryman Auditorium; perform with one of his musical heroes, iconic blues and Americana artist Delbert McClinton; and sit in with the Grammy Award–winning Time Jumpers. He was also invited by John Berry to be a guest on his Songs and Stories television series. 

One listen to his latest single “Fences” [Listen Below], a melodic follow-up to his rowdy debut release, “Deal with the Devil,” proves James, 24, has found his footing as a performer. Clay Bradley, VP of Creative at BMI, the performance rights agency who represents James, is a longtime supporter. “I love Preston James. He is a natural born guitar picker, songwriter and a rising star in the industry who shows a maturity and insight far beyond his years.”

Written by James, Steve Moakler (“Riser”/Dierks Bentley) and Logan Wall (“Hard Days”/Brantley Gilbert), who also produced James’s forthcoming EP with distribution through CMDSHFT, “Fences” is a classic boy chases girl tale with cinematic lyrics:

James notes this one is extra special because it is autobiographical. “I first met Charity (Bowden), my fiancée, at age 15 and we became fast friends but reaching where we are now has been quite the journey.” It took some convincing and several years to become more than friends, and when the relationship evolved, Charity’s father had reservations about her dating a long-haired country singer. But, James explains, “I eventually realized what really mattered, persevered and overcame every fence in front of me because I knew without a doubt that she was the one.”

The music video for “Fences,” produced and directed by Jim Cook, Cookhouse Media, is being released today. Both “Fences” and “Deal with the Devil” are featured on White Trash from Way Back, James’s five-song EP set to debut Oct. 25. Next up off the EP is “Heartbreak’s on You,” due out Sept. 20. Each cut showcases James’s passion for storytelling as he moves effortlessly from small-town love song to hillbilly headbanger, narrating the vagaries of rural life.

Kelly King, president of King Pen Music, says, “As soon as I met Preston, I knew there was something special about him. His old soul way intrigued me, and his work ethic blew me away right off the bat. Once I saw him play live, I knew he was going to introduce a new edge to country music. I am so excited to see how country music embraces him the way he has embraced it all his life.”

PHOTO: Jim Cook for Cookhouse Media

About The Neal Agency:

In addition to Preston James, TNA’s roster includes Aidan Canfield, Anne Wilson, Ashland Craft, Bailey Zimmerman, Cameron Sacky Band, Chase Rice, Cory Asbury, Ella Langley, Ernest, Hardy, Jake Worthington, John Morgan, Josh Ross, Lauren Watkins, McCoy Moore, Morgan Wallen, Nate Smith, Ole 60, Palmer Anthony, Riley Green, Seaforth, Scott Wolverton, Zach John King, along with the entertainment brand Whiskey Jam. 

Former Parade Magazine Editors Release Season Two LET'S TALK LADIES on Sept. 10

True crime may be all the rage, but real life is where it's at!

LET'S TALK LADIES: Conversations Across Generations 

Podcast Gets Women Talking For A New Season On September 10

Child-free by Choice (cats optional), Marriage: Yes or No?

Is There Shame in Not Saving Enough Money?



Check Out Let’s Talk Ladies Podcast Season 2

Why didn’t we know about this? That question kept coming up over the years for M.B. Roberts and friends. Whether it was losing too much hair, suffering through sleepless nights, or sweating beyond belief, all of it was incredibly troubling. Mostly because they thought they were the only ones it happened to. 

More questions came up, many that had nothing to do with female bodies:

•      Why don’t I know how to ask for a raise even though I’d been working for decades? 

•      Do other women my age ever feel out of place? 

•      Do we really need eye cream, or is it a pink tax scam? 

Enter the podcast, Let’s Talk Ladies, where M.B., and her new Season 2 co-host, Katie Neal, talk to women of all ages about all the things: 

• Marriage: yes or no? 

• Child-free by choice?

• Can sex last? 

• Is it too late to start saving money? (With Today Show money expert Jean Chatzky)

The former Parade Magazine editors and longtime friends, M.B. and Katie, share experiences and ask women from age 20-92 to tell us what they know and ask about things they want to find out. It’s fun – lots of laughs —but they also dig deep. Listen as the Let’s Talk Ladies co-hosts learn over and over again: what they think they know about the younger generation is wrong most of the time. And they’re not afraid to admit it. 

Listen to Season 1 on Spotify or Apple

Season 2 Launch Date: September 10, 2024 

About M.B. Roberts:

M.B. Roberts, an author and journalist, has written about pop culture, lifestyle, sports—and now, tech—for longer than she wants to admit. As former Senior Editor of Parade Magazine, she interviewed dozens of bold-faced names from 4'8" Simone Biles to 7'2" Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (and plenty of medium-sized movers and shakers). She’s written 18 books including Sign of Life, a memoir from Hank Williams Jr.’s daughter, Hilary, and Jug Fishing for Greazy with Brad Paisley. 

Dream job? Listening and talking to women of all ages about inspiring topics. 

About Katie Neal:

Katie Neal is a former magazine editor (Parade, Spry Living) who was lucky enough to interview two of her idols—Jimmy Carter and Taylor Swift—before pivoting to a career in marketing. Now she helps create video, live webcasts, blogs, social media and more for brands big and small. An early podcast adopter, Katie is thrilled to finally have a mic of her own to go back on the record with women about work, sex, grief, love and everything in between. katienealwrites.com

Revered Rose Garden Marines To Hold Reunion In Nashville June 23 - 27

A special bond formed more than 50 years ago is a key reason for the biannual reunions over the last two decades of U.S. Marines who were stationed at a remote air base in Thailand during the Vietnam War. These heroic men—whose efforts contributed to ending the war—conducted covert operations under the code name “Rose Garden,” leading to their base being dubbed the “MCAS (Marine Corps Air Station) Rose Garden.” 

The term “rose garden” is an ironic reference to the world-famous Lynn Anderson song, “I Beg Your Pardon (I Never Promised You a Rose Garden),” which led to one of the most iconic recruitment campaigns in the Marine Corp’s history, forever linking country music superstar Anderson with the Marines. 

From the late ‘60s to early ‘70s, Anderson became the first country music female regularly singing on nationally syndicated TV (PBS’s The Lawrence Welk Show) and the first to perform on The Tonight Show. She was honored with every coveted music accolade available, including an American Music Award, two Academy of Country Music awards and one Country Music Association award, all as a female vocalist, as well as a Grammy. In 1974, Anderson became the unofficial ambassador for the U.S. Marine Corps when ‘We Don’t Promise You a Rose Garden’ was launched as the Corps’ official recruitment slogan. A special bond all these years later has remained between Anderson (who died of a heart attack in 2015 at age 67), her family and these Marines. 

The Rose Garden Marines, with Anderson in attendance, held their first reunion in 2004 and have been doing so every other year since (though 2020 was canceled due to the pandemic). While in Nashville, Lisa Sutton—Anderson’s daughter, with former 27-time BMI songwriting award-winner Glenn Sutton (who produced Anderson’s signature tune and was a fixture on Music Row until his death in 2007)—will serve as their host. 

More than 60 Marines who are planning to attend the Nashville reunion with their families will have the opportunity to visit The Lynn Anderson Rose Garden at Woodlawn Memorial Park Cemetery, created in 2018 and consisting of over 100 “Lynn Anderson” hybrid tea roses. They will also visit the Country Music Hall of Fame, enjoy time at Teddy's Tavern on 5th Ave., attend a “Nashville and the Civil War” presentation at the Devil Dog Den and will gather for the Rose Garden Marines Banquet (to be held at The Inn at Opryland Hotel).  Other events are taking a ride on the Music City Rollin’ Jamboree comedy bus tour + the Nashville Jubilee show at Troubadour Nashville.  On June 25th they will attend the live broadcast of the Grand Ole Opry, with a special tribute to Lynn Anderson.

“It has been fascinating listening and learning from these men,” says Sutton, who traveled to Thailand with several Rose Garden marines to visit the MCAS Rose Garden in 2019. “Traveling with them and representing Mom to them, has been an honor.”

Sutton adds that “There’s speculation on exactly when and how the base came to be called the Rose Garden, but my favorite story tells how a higher up landed in a chopper at the makeshift air base. As he came off the bird into the sweltering heat of the jungle and growled, ‘Where in the hell am I?’ A sharp-tongued private, never missing a beat, shouted, ‘Welcome to the Rose Garden, Sir!’ He’d apparently seen the recruitment campaigns when he enlisted and seized the opportunity to punctuate the irony​.”



One of the Marines attending the reunion includes a NASA astronaut and two current Tennessee residents (David Morgan of Kingston and Ron Howington of Culleoka).  71-year-old Harold (“Harry”) Delamater, a former Beacon, New York, police officer, will be made available to the media for questions. Delamater has volunteered his time as the treasurer of the Rose Garden Marine reunions since their inception in 2004.

Porter Howell of Little Texas To Release Debut Singer/Songwriter Album THIS TOWN WAS Nov. 11

“An ode to the ever-changing ways of Nashville … [Howell’s] weathered voice [is] a perfect foil for the song’s nostalgic lyrics.' -Billboard

'Sung in a yearning voice of nostalgia and regret, this is essential listening.' —MusicRow

Porter Howell, frontman, lead guitarist, principal songwriter and a founding member of multi-Grammy-nominated ’90s country vocal band, Little Texas, is announcing the release of his debut side project as a singer-songwriter, This Town Was, available Nov. 11. Pre-order is available now via ONErpm HERE. Howell will perform at an album release party at 6pm CT Tuesday, Nov. 15 at The Local in Nashville.

After 30 years in the business, it took a pandemic and the ensuing forced downtime from touring to compel Howell to compile this 10-track album of mostly self-penned songs. The title track and accompanying music video were released in April and garnered favorable reviews from Billboard and MusicRow.

“This album was recorded in my basement studio as honestly as possible,” Howell says. “No production tricks necessary—guitars, steel guitar, bass, drums and keys were all tracked with players in the room, the old school way.”

So maybe it’s no surprise that one of the more (humorously) self-reflective album tracks is fittingly titled “Old School”: So, say that I’m old school/Nothin’ but an old fool/That I’m behind the times, afraid to change/Cause in all honesty/I came about it honestly/A pretty cool old fool made me this way.” 

In contrast, an ode to that “old fool,” the mesmeric “I Thought About You Today,” will bring more than a tear to your eye as Howell sings about his father: “I thought about you today/It’s funny how that happens/Think of some old thing we’d say/And I swear I hear you laughing/And I fight back a tear cause life without you here/Is still a little strange.” “I only wish I’d finished this project before he passed away, as I believe it would have been his favorite,” Howell says wistfully, noting that the album reflects his dad’s influence on his musical tastes. 

Similarly nostalgic, anyone who knows Nashville’s history will be drawn to the authenticity of Howell’s heartfelt lyrics on the title track as he soulfully sings about how the town he grew up in professionally has changed so much. “This Town was/Two one-way streets where dreams could find a way to fly…If you look real close, you can almost see a vague outline…It’s where lonely voices dared to bare their hearts and souls/And if you listen close enough, you’ll hear the ghosts ….”

Other songs on the album metaphorically reflect the unpredictability of life (“Church of the Uncertain” and “Lucky to Be Alive”) and love (“Kinda Gone by Then,” “The Way You Were Back Then,” “Who Might Disagree”).

“It’s almost strange to feel this vulnerable by putting something out in the world that is so personal. I just hope everyone enjoys listening to it as much as I enjoyed making it.”

Photo and cover art by ESQ Artist Management

This Town Was Album Players

Mike Borque (pedal steel guitar), Becca Bradley (cello), Karli Chayne (background vocals), Mike Clairborne (bass guitar), Rachel Crick (fiddle), Porter Howell (acoustic guitar, lead guitar, baritone guitar, 6-string banjo, 12-string guitar, resonator guitar, slide guitar), Reed Pittman (keys), John Riffe (drums, percussions, background vocals), Paul Jefferson (background vocals)

About Porter Howell

Porter Howell has helped distinguish country music through his lyrics and trademark guitar work for more than 30 years. As a founding member, lead guitarist and songwriter of the multi-platinum, Grammy-nominated vocal band Little Texas, he developed a signature slide guitar style that defined the sound of a band that carved its niche by writing and performing its own music. For the past 17 years, Howell has been both guitarist and lead vocalist, splitting his time between the road and the writing room. Recognized among Nashville’s elite songwriters, Howell co-wrote several of the band’s biggest hits, including “Kick a Little,” First Time for Everything,” “My Love,” "What Might Have Been" and “God Blessed Texas.” As a result, he received the CMA Triple Play Award, which honors country music’s greatest storytellers, for penning three No. 1 singles in a 12-month period.

Joy Rides At Upcoming Tennessee Motorcycles And Music Revival May 19 - 22

MOTOR OVER MAY 19–22 FOR THE FIFTH ANNUAL

 TENNESSEE MOTORCYCLES AND MUSIC REVIVAL

AT LORETTA LYNN’S HURRICANE MILLS RANCH 

Rock Legend Billy F Gibbons to Headline, with 20+ Acts and Surprise Special Guests

4-day & single-day GA passes + VIP experiences available for purchase HERE

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Ready to ride? Whether you prefer camping or glamping, by tent or RV, we’ve got just the ticket. Join us May 19-22 for the fifth Tennessee Motorcycles and Music Revival (TMMR) at Loretta Lynn’s historic Ranch at Hurricane Mills, with ZZ Top icon Billy F Gibbons returning as headliner.

Held annually on Lynn’s 3,500-acre compound just an hour west of Nashville, TMMR—winner of Cycle Source Magazine’s Readers Choice Event in 2021—has something for every moto and music enthusiast. Hipsters to retirees will enjoy Harley-Davidson® demo rides, motorcycle races, off-road rides, vendors and the twist that makes it “Nashville”— plenty of daily, live music on three stages: The Roadhouse, The Speed Shack and The Waterin’ Hole. 

Be ready to party and sing along with a host of veteran acts, including Ben and Noel Haggard, the uber talented sons of the legendary Merle Haggard; southern rock royalty The Outlaws; and rebel rocker Tim Montana, along with artists such as Bones Owens, Red Clay Strays, War Hippies, Tayla Lynn with her dad Ernie Lynn (Loretta’s son and granddaughter) and many more (click HERE for a full list of performers).

As the largest “moto & music” event statewide, the Harley-Davidson® sponsored four-day bash is a motorcycle lover’s dream, with thrilling stunt shows, bike shows, field games, motorcycle racing and off-road trail riding. The BC Moto Invitational, a custom motorcycle showcase, features select craftsmen displaying some of the country’s best custom motorcycles (get the full event schedule HERE).

For music lovers, it’s a rare experience with a true backstage vibe—staying on the Queen of Country’s Ranch and enjoying renowned headliners on center stage, with singer-songwriters and emerging artists performing creekside and late into the night by bonfire.

“I am just so happy I get to see all my friends back at the ranch!” shares Lynn, who has hosted the AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship at her ranch for 40 years. “Y’all come join us!”

Guests can also tour the museums and shops in the ranch’s Western Town. The ranch is located at 8000 Highway 13 South in Hurricane Mills, TN 37078. See the TMMR website for more information, motorcyclesandmusic.com.

TMMR is proud to have the support of the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development. 

About TMMR:

The Tennessee Motorcycles and Music Revival is a unique, four-day event held in central Tennessee that’s all about motorcycles, music, comradery and the outdoors. It is held at the majestic 3,500 acre Loretta Lynn’s Ranch & Campground just an hour west of Nashville. TMMR is presented by Harley-Davidson® and produced in partnership by the Loretta Lynn family and R&R Promotions, a specialty agency with decades of motorcycle event promotions and deep ties in the national motorcycle family.

Porter Howell of Little Texas Releases "This Town Was"

Billboard.com calls title track “an ode to the ever-changing ways of Nashville” and Howell’s voice “a perfect foil” for the song’s nostalgic lyrics 

"This Town Was" official video directed by Michelle Goble and track available everywhere HERE

When the pandemic brought gigging to a halt, Little Texas founding member Porter Howell finally had a chance to reflect on 30 years in the business. And once he started writing down those thoughts, he realized he had a lot to say, and those words eventually turned into songs.

“I probably wrote 40 songs by myself in 2020 alone,” Howell acknowledges. “Initially I was saving them for other people,” he explains, either with a co-writer in mind to help finish them or for a particular artist to record. But with some encouragement from his longtime partner and family, Howell slowly started making demos, “and I came to realize there was a personal angle to this particular group of songs.” 

That particular group of songs became This Town Was, Howell’s first side project as a singer/songwriter. In a review for Billboard.com, Jessica Nicholson tabbed the title track “an ode to the ever-changing ways of Nashville” and Howell’s voice “a perfect foil” for the song’s nostalgic lyrics. The video and single have just been released ahead of the 10-track album. Anyone who knows Nashville’s history will be drawn to the authenticity of the heartfelt lyrics as Howell soulfully sings about how the town he grew up in professionally has changed so much. 

“This song came from driving around Nashville and realizing it just doesn’t look—or feel—the same…it’s a different vibe” now that the city has become a major tourist attraction, Howell notes. “It’s like that sleepy fishing village that becomes everybody’s favorite vacation spot” and tends to lose its character in the process.

“This Town was/Two one-way streets where dreams could find a way to fly…If you look real close, you can almost see a vague outline…It’s where lonely voices dared to bare their hearts and souls/And if you listen close enough, you’ll hear the ghosts…

To the newbies, Howell advises, “I’m sure there’s a fire that still burns/In every hopeful waiting their turn/I can only hope they care to learn,” while cautioning the developers who “build and build until it’s hard to find/Where this town was.”

Howell has helped distinguish country music through his lyrics and trademark guitar work for more than three decades. As lead guitarist and songwriter of the multi-platinum, Grammy-nominated vocal band Little Texas, he developed a signature slide guitar style that defined the sound of a band that carved its niche by writing and performing its own music. For the past 15 years, Howell has added lead vocalist to his band duties.

Currently, Howell splits his time between the road and the writing room. Recognized among Nashville’s elite songwriters, he co-wrote several of Little Texas’ biggest hits, including “Kick a Little,” First Time for Everything,” “My Love,” “What Might Have Been” and “God Blessed Texas.” As a result, Howell received the CMA Triple Play Award, which honors country music’s greatest storytellers, for penning three No. 1 singles in a 12-month period. For more information, visit www.porterhowell.com and www.littletexasonline.com.

About Porter Howell

Porter Howell has helped distinguish country music through his lyrics and trademark guitar work for more than 30 years. As a founding member, lead guitarist and songwriter of the multi-platinum, Grammy-nominated vocal band Little Texas, he developed a signature slide guitar style that defined the sound of a band that carved its niche by writing and performing its own music. For the past 15 years, Howell has been both guitarist and lead vocalist, splitting his time between the road and the writing room. Recognized among Nashville’s elite songwriters, Howell co-wrote several of the band’s biggest hits, including “Kick a Little,” First Time for Everything,” “My Love,” "What Might Have Been" and “God Blessed Texas.” As a result, he received the CMA Triple Play Award, which honors country music’s greatest storytellers, for penning three No. 1 singles in a 12-month period.

Rockland Road Releases "Mountains Up Ahead" Co-written by GRAMMY® Winner Marcus Hummon

Vocal group Rockland Road came across a song a few years ago that they instantly felt passionate about, though they could hardly have imagined how meaningful it would be coming out of a worldwide pandemic. “Mountains Up Ahead” not only speaks to the peaks and valleys we’ve all experienced in the last two years, but also carries a message of resiliency. The new single and video will be available today, Friday, Feb. 25, through all streaming platforms and digital retailers HERE. Watch the video below.

Co-written by Grammy Award–winning singer/songwriter Marcus Hummon (“One of These Days”/Tim McGraw, “Bless the Broken Road”/Rascal Flatts), “Mountains Up Ahead” doesn’t pull any punches—people everywhere have found themselves “too afraid to whisper” and “too angry to shout." But as the chorus explains, there is a path to putting our troubles behind us:

Keep the mountains up ahead

Keep close to the river

Turn where the river bends

Leave all your valleys in the rearview mirror

The dust will rise and they will disappear

March Martin’s soulful lead vocal is perfectly accompanied by the texture-rich harmonies provided by his dad, Paul, a Grammy Award-winning artist who has played with Marty Stuart and the Oak Ridge Boys and is the former lead singer of country/pop supergroup Exile; his mom, Jamie Allen Martin, daughter of Oak Ridge Boys’ lead singer Duane Allen and his wife, Opry singer Norah Lee; and siblings Kell, Texas and Tallant—all six are talented vocalists who play an incredible 23 different instruments.

“We immediately felt connected to this song and knew we had to record it, but had no idea just how relevant the message would become once the world seemed to change overnight,” Jamie says. “Now that it appears things are opening up again, we are thrilled to release this song and get back to playing live music!”

Rockland Road has performed everywhere from the Country Music Hall of Fame and Grand Ole Opry to the U.S. Library of Congress and the White House. The group already has several dates scheduled for this spring before hitting the summer fair festival trail.

For more information on Rockland Road, visit the band’s website and follow them on social media: