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Country Singer-Songwriter John PayCheck Seeks Humility & Hope On New Single “Better Plan,” The Title Track From Forthcoming Third Studio Album Better Plan, Arriving November 27

Country singer-songwriter and recording artist John PayCheck announces his forthcoming third studio album, Better Plan, arriving digitally on November 27 from HorseBite Entertainment. On Friday, August 14 he’ll drop the album’s title track “Better Plan,” a fiddle-driven country rocker which finds PayCheck delivering one of his most personal and relatable songs of his career; a song of self-reflection, resilience and the lifelong pursuit of becoming a better man.

The post Country Singer-Songwriter John PayCheck Seeks Humility & Hope On New Single “Better Plan,” The Title Track From Forthcoming Third Studio Album Better Plan, Arriving November 27 appeared first on JWA Media.

Country Singer-Songwriter John PayCheck Seeks Humility & Hope On New Single “Better Plan,” The Title Track From Forthcoming Third Studio Album Better Plan, Arriving November 27 Read More »

OP-ED: Blue Dot Fever Isn’t a Ticket Sales Problem. It’s a Good Old Fashioned American Greed Problem

We’ve all likely heard that term by now, whether you’re a fan of music or someone who works in the music industry, or owns a venue which regularly hosts musical events.

Blue Dot Fever.

Empty blue dots scattered across ticket maps. That stupid little nickname that has become increasingly annoying for a very real problem that’s somehow morphed itself into everyone’s business and reality in 2026. Regardless of which side of the microphone you’re on, you’re feeling it. Tours canceled. Shows downsized. Promoters losing their asses off. Artists and managers scratching their heads for immediate solutions. Industry executives convening in their panels and board rooms to ask the essential question: What’s happening right now?

The post OP-ED: Blue Dot Fever Isn’t a Ticket Sales Problem. It’s a Good Old Fashioned American Greed Problem appeared first on JWA Media.

OP-ED: Blue Dot Fever Isn’t a Ticket Sales Problem. It’s a Good Old Fashioned American Greed Problem Read More »

Country Traditionalist Dave Wilbert Channels ‘90s Country Love On New Single “Let’s Call It What It Is” From Forthcoming EP The Good News, Due September 18

Country traditionalist, singer, independent recording artist and farmer Dave Wilbert will release his forthcoming new EP, The Good News, a songbook on farming, love and the combination of both is due out on September 18 by Wilbilly Records. Wilbert’s latest single, “Let’s Call It What It Is,” arrives on all DSPs on Friday, July 23, channeling the heartfelt romance and timeless sound of ’90s country. Penned by Patrick Jason Matthews (Randy Travis, Trace Adkins, Travis Tritt) and Roxie Dean (Reba, Lorrie Morgan, Lee Ann Womack) the song immediately grabs its listener with a Yoakam-inspired guitar lick, before unfolding into a heartfelt reminder that genuine love doesn’t need to be complicated—it deserves to be recognized and spoken aloud. Wilbert’s signature 90’s style country crooning encourages listeners to embrace vulnerability and cherish the kind of a rare connection that many spend a lifetime searching for. 

The post Country Traditionalist Dave Wilbert Channels ‘90s Country Love On New Single “Let’s Call It What It Is” From Forthcoming EP The Good News, Due September 18 appeared first on JWA Media.

Country Traditionalist Dave Wilbert Channels ‘90s Country Love On New Single “Let’s Call It What It Is” From Forthcoming EP The Good News, Due September 18 Read More »

Country Singer-Songwriters Whey Jennings & Karen Waldrup Collaborate On Potential Sleeper Duet Hit, Delivering Heartbreak & Harmony In Powerful New Music Video For “Damned If I Stay”

Nashville recording artist and country singer-songwriter Whey Jennings collaborates with rising country recording artist and former The Voice standout Karen Waldrup for the emotionally charged duet “Damned If I Stay.” The track is featured on Jennings’ latest album, Baptized By Fire, available everywhere digitally by Dirt Rock Empire.

The post Country Singer-Songwriters Whey Jennings & Karen Waldrup Collaborate On Potential Sleeper Duet Hit, Delivering Heartbreak & Harmony In Powerful New Music Video For “Damned If I Stay” appeared first on JWA Media.

Country Singer-Songwriters Whey Jennings & Karen Waldrup Collaborate On Potential Sleeper Duet Hit, Delivering Heartbreak & Harmony In Powerful New Music Video For “Damned If I Stay” Read More »

Country Artist Waylon Hanel Salutes The Outlaw Spirit On Waylon Jennings’ Birthday In New Music Video Of The Billy Don Burns Penned Song “When Waylon Came To Nashville”

Rising independent country artist Waylon Hanel salutes the enduring outlaw spirit of Waylon Jennings with the release of his new music video today for “When Waylon Came To Nashville,” on what would have been Jennings 89th birthday. Center Stage Magazine premiered the new video today, honoring Waymore’s enduring influence on country artists from the modern era.

The post Country Artist Waylon Hanel Salutes The Outlaw Spirit On Waylon Jennings’ Birthday In New Music Video Of The Billy Don Burns Penned Song “When Waylon Came To Nashville” appeared first on JWA Media.

Country Artist Waylon Hanel Salutes The Outlaw Spirit On Waylon Jennings’ Birthday In New Music Video Of The Billy Don Burns Penned Song “When Waylon Came To Nashville” Read More »

Country Traditionalist Dave Wilbert Captures The Carefree Summer Spirit On Nostalgic Sounding New Single, “All Summer Long”

Country traditionalist, singer and independent recording artist Dave Wilbert is turning up the heat with the release of his new single, “All Summer Long,” a feel-good anthem that celebrates friendship, freedom, and life on the water during the peak of summer. Available now on all major streaming platforms by Wilbilly Records, the song was co-written with Troy Clampitt, recorded at The Freeway Studio with Wilbert co-producing the track with Lonnie Wilson, and Julian King.

The post Country Traditionalist Dave Wilbert Captures The Carefree Summer Spirit On Nostalgic Sounding New Single, “All Summer Long” appeared first on JWA Media.

Country Traditionalist Dave Wilbert Captures The Carefree Summer Spirit On Nostalgic Sounding New Single, “All Summer Long” Read More »

Acclaimed Songwriter Showcase The Hook Launches First Two Episodes Featuring Unfiltered Performances & Conversation With Hit Songwriters & Emerging Talent

The newly launched live-taped songwriting showcase The Hook has unveiled their first two episodes on YouTube, capturing raw storytelling, unscripted musical moments and informed panel lead conversations with hit songwriters and emerging talent. The Hook is filmed live from landmark Austin honky tonk and music venue Sagebrush (5500 S. Congress Ave.), with an additional tape date scheduled for May 31, from 2:45 to 4:45 p.m.

The post Acclaimed Songwriter Showcase The Hook Launches First Two Episodes Featuring Unfiltered Performances & Conversation With Hit Songwriters & Emerging Talent appeared first on JWA Media.

Acclaimed Songwriter Showcase The Hook Launches First Two Episodes Featuring Unfiltered Performances & Conversation With Hit Songwriters & Emerging Talent Read More »

Independent Country Recording Artists John PayCheck & Struggle Jennings Ignite An Outlaw Revival On Surging Collaboration “Sons Of The Spark” — Official Studio Video Premieres May 29

Independent country artist John PayCheck is building early momentum with his new collaboration “Sons Of The Spark” [Stream/Download] featuring Struggle Jennings, out now everywhere digitally by HorseBite Entertainment. Without major label support or major corporate radio backing, the song pulled more than 20,000 streams within the first week of its May 15 release, signifying a major gain in organic traction among outlaw country, Southern rock, and independent music audiences.

The post Independent Country Recording Artists John PayCheck & Struggle Jennings Ignite An Outlaw Revival On Surging Collaboration “Sons Of The Spark” — Official Studio Video Premieres May 29 appeared first on JWA Media.

Independent Country Recording Artists John PayCheck & Struggle Jennings Ignite An Outlaw Revival On Surging Collaboration “Sons Of The Spark” — Official Studio Video Premieres May 29 Read More »

Pay-For-Play Industry Plants In The Music Business & How It’s Tearing Out The Heart & Soul Of Original, Human-Created Artistry

The music business has always had gatekeepers. Radio promoters, label executives, playlist curators, venue buyers, publicists — every era has had people deciding who gets heard and who gets buried. But somewhere along the way, the line between promotion and outright pay-for-play became so blurred that many independent artists no longer feel like they’re competing on talent, originality, or connection. They’re competing against bank accounts.

The post Pay-For-Play Industry Plants In The Music Business & How It’s Tearing Out The Heart & Soul Of Original, Human-Created Artistry appeared first on JWA Media.

Pay-For-Play Industry Plants In The Music Business & How It’s Tearing Out The Heart & Soul Of Original, Human-Created Artistry Read More »

Out Now: Country Recording Artist Sarah Harralson Turns Childhood Experiences Into Powerful Storytelling On New Self-Penned EP & Short Film, Just The Beginning

Country recording artist and singer-songwriter Sarah Harralson will release her deeply personal new self-penned EP, Just The Beginning, available on Friday, May 15 via Synapse Publishing & Entertainment. With writing credits on the entire EP, Harralson also co-wrote two of the tracks with Bill DiLuigi (Bonnie Tyler, Ashley Barron) and Georgia Miles. The project arrives alongside a companion short film premiering on YouTube, offering an intimate look at precious childhood memories, family struggles, and life experiences that shaped both the artist and the music.

The post Out Now: Country Recording Artist Sarah Harralson Turns Childhood Experiences Into Powerful Storytelling On New Self-Penned EP & Short Film, Just The Beginning appeared first on JWA Media.

Out Now: Country Recording Artist Sarah Harralson Turns Childhood Experiences Into Powerful Storytelling On New Self-Penned EP & Short Film, Just The Beginning Read More »

Country Singer-Songwriters John PayCheck & Struggle Jennings Join Forces To Reignite The Outlaw Spirit On New Single Collaboration “Sons Of The Spark,” Arriving May 15

Country singer-songwriters and recording artists John PayCheck and Struggle Jennings join forces on “Sons Of The Spark,” [Pre-Save/Pre-Add] a defiant, tradition-steeped anthem set for release on May 15 by HorseBite Entertainment. Carrying the weight of two of country music’s most recognizable legacies, they deliver a song rooted in outlaw attitude, channeling the grit, rebellion and authenticity that defined the genre’s most enduring voices, staking a bold claim for its future.

The post Country Singer-Songwriters John PayCheck & Struggle Jennings Join Forces To Reignite The Outlaw Spirit On New Single Collaboration “Sons Of The Spark,” Arriving May 15 appeared first on JWA Media.

Country Singer-Songwriters John PayCheck & Struggle Jennings Join Forces To Reignite The Outlaw Spirit On New Single Collaboration “Sons Of The Spark,” Arriving May 15 Read More »

The Hook Songwriter Showcase Unveils New Weekly Live-Taped Events For Sundays In May At Landmark Austin Honky Tonk, Sagebrush

New shows announced for May 03, May 10, May 24, & May 31 Songwriters encouraged to sign up for a chance to perform by arriving early and bringing their guitar More information online at savingcountrymusic.com/thehook AUSTIN, Texas. (April 21, 2026) – The Hook, a newly created live-taped songwriter showcase, podcast and internet show, has unveiled […]

The post The Hook Songwriter Showcase Unveils New Weekly Live-Taped Events For Sundays In May At Landmark Austin Honky Tonk, Sagebrush appeared first on JWA Media.

The Hook Songwriter Showcase Unveils New Weekly Live-Taped Events For Sundays In May At Landmark Austin Honky Tonk, Sagebrush Read More »

Traditional Country Singer- Songwriter Waylon Hanel Partners With Unplugged Marketing For Strategic Digital & Social Media Expansion Ahead Of 2026 Releases

Traditional country singer-songwriter and independent recording artist Waylon Hanel has officially partnered with boutique agency Unplugged Marketing to lead his digital and social media strategy as he prepares to roll out new music in summer 2026.

The post Traditional Country Singer- Songwriter Waylon Hanel Partners With Unplugged Marketing For Strategic Digital & Social Media Expansion Ahead Of 2026 Releases appeared first on JWA Media.

Traditional Country Singer- Songwriter Waylon Hanel Partners With Unplugged Marketing For Strategic Digital & Social Media Expansion Ahead Of 2026 Releases Read More »

Nashville Music Producer & Why Not Me? Podcast Host Tony Mantor Brings Together Global Thought Leaders & Lawmakers For Special May Series Recognizing Mental Health Awareness Month

Veteran Nashville music producer Tony Mantor, host and producer of the popular mental health and autism podcast Why Not Me?, will launch a special recurring Monday-Wednesday-Friday series in May, in recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month. Embracing mental health worldwide, the special podcast series will feature enlightened conversations with mental health thought leaders, current and former lawmakers, non-profit leaders, policymakers, researchers, and individuals with lived experiences. 

The post Nashville Music Producer & Why Not Me? Podcast Host Tony Mantor Brings Together Global Thought Leaders & Lawmakers For Special May Series Recognizing Mental Health Awareness Month appeared first on JWA Media.

Nashville Music Producer & Why Not Me? Podcast Host Tony Mantor Brings Together Global Thought Leaders & Lawmakers For Special May Series Recognizing Mental Health Awareness Month Read More »

Country Artist John PayCheck & The Cavalry Band Add New Dates To Better Plan Tour, Now Crossing 26 States & 43 Cities Throughout 2026

Country singer-songwriter and independent recording artist John PayCheck and his cavalry band announces their 2026 Better Plan Tour, currently slated to pass through 15 states and 23 cities throughout the United States, with additional dates to be announced soon. They’ll kick it all off on March 13, bringing a tried and true honky-tonk country roadshow to fans at The Southgate House Revival in Newport, Kentucky.

The post Country Artist John PayCheck & The Cavalry Band Add New Dates To Better Plan Tour, Now Crossing 26 States & 43 Cities Throughout 2026 appeared first on JWA Media.

Country Artist John PayCheck & The Cavalry Band Add New Dates To Better Plan Tour, Now Crossing 26 States & 43 Cities Throughout 2026 Read More »