Onoleigh Releases Debut EP, ‘First Rodeo’

Onoleigh

After residing in Nashville for more than six years, Onoleigh, who has released multiple hit singles, including “Ghost Stories,” “Beautifully Broken,” and “Make it Hurt,” has finally released her debut album, First Rodeo.

With Onoleigh’s powerhouse vocals and vivid storytelling, Onoleigh takes the listeners from heartbreak to empowerment in this modern country saga.

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Music Spotlight: Kelsey Hart

Kelsey Hart

Kelsey Hart never had the goal of being a country music singer. Right out of high school, the Kentucky native went to barber school and got his license. His friend who lived right down the street had a guitar and often stopped by the shop where the pair would sing together to pass the time. This led to them starting a hometown band.

For a year, Hart was the frontman for their local band, but by age 20, he decided he needed to learn the guitar. The hometown band eventually fizzled out, but by then, Hart knew enough songs on guitar that he could play solo at bars or wherever they would have him.

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Music Spotlight: Tyler Rich Releases Sophomore Album, Hello California

Country singer-songwriter Tyler Rich last week released his sophomore album, Hello California. This 10-track independent project tells the story of a California native who found his voice in Nashville. It’s the first half of a double album, with the second half set to be released later this year.

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Music Spotlight: Country Radio Seminar 2025

CRS New Faces

Country Radio Seminar (CRS) 2025 wrapped up last week after three days of unforgettable musical performances, insightful panels, and dynamic industry sessions.

This year’s event was a resounding success, offering attendees a dynamic lineup of showcases and events, including the Amazon Music Presents: “Country Heat at CRS 2025” showcase, Warner Music Nashville’s Luncheon, Bob Kingsley’s Acoustic Alley, “Team UMG” at the Ryman, BBR Music Group Decades Party, Big Machine Label Group’s Luncheon, and the highly anticipated New Faces of Country Music Show and Dinner.

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Music Spotlight: Garrett Bradford

When I heard the title track of Garrett Bradford’s new album, “Honkiest of Tonkers” (Part 1), I knew he played music I wanted to listen to. It turns out he is a bonafide cowboy who writes and sings songs.

Bradford is a fourth-generation Texan and grew up in the western worlds of ranching and rodeo. His formative years were spent on the ranch, where he developed a profound appreciation for livestock, hunting, and fishing. But as many in country music can attest, Bradford started singing in church.

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Music Spotlight: Noah Thompson

The one word that came to mind when I heard Noah Thompson for the first time was “unexpected.” And I believe that is part of why Thompson won American Idol in 2022. No one, including himself, expected that he could sing so well and then win the competition.

Even though he had a “tumultuous childhood” in rural Western Kentucky, where he was raised, he can always remember music being part of his life. Thompson’s dad was a musician growing up, and he instilled music in him literally from the time he was in his mother’s belly.

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2024 (Mostly) Country Christmas Roundup

Various artists release new Christmas music every year, hoping one might “stick” and be replayed year after year. Many of the songs I have included in this article are from my Music Spotlight artists. Some covers are unique in their own right, but I am particularly drawn to the never-before-heard originals. For those on Spotify, here is my playlist with all the songs mentioned included. The songs are in random order.

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