Month: January 2022

Maddie & Tae's Through the Madness Vol. 1 EP arrives this week, and the album rollout is going a little differently than either band mate planned.

That's because Taylor Kerr welcomed her first child, Leighton Grace, in mid-January, much earlier than her spring 2022 due date. Leighton's birth came after Taylor was hospitalized and on bed rest for over a month, but despite arriving early, Maddie Font says that little Leighton is doing great.

“Everyone is doing great and back on track in healing and growing,” Maddie says. “Tae got to hold her for the first time this week, which was amazing…So everything is looking up. But it was a rough month and a half, not gonna lie.”

Still, it's tough for Maddie & Tae to be apart during this important career moment: They've always done everything musical together, and Tae is “like my sister…basically my blood,” Maddie continues.

“The first meeting I did this year without her, I sobbed,” she admits. “…I really, really miss my best friend.”

If there was ever any chance of the band mates pursuing solo careers, this experience has reminded them that Maddie & Tae are better as a duo, Maddie goes on to say.

“Honestly, I would never do a solo thing because this by yourself is not as fun,” she says. “I mean, it's fun, but with your best friend? Oh my gosh, it just makes it so much more fun. And I feel like I am a better artist and songwriter with Tae.”

Through the Madness Vol. 1 is out now. It includes the duo's latest single, “Woman You Got.”

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After Brothers Osborne's TJ Osborne came out as gay in early 2021 — becoming the first country artist signed to a major label to do so — the support he received help propel the duo towards releasing their song, “Younger Me.”

A reflection on the challenges of becoming comfortable with yourself, the song touched on TJ's experience with navigating his sexuality. But the song was just as important to his brother and band mate John, the pair tell ABC's Nightline in a new interview.

John, who has publicly discussed his battles with depression and anxiety, shared that for him, the song speaks to a bout of mental health challenges in late 2019 that nearly cost him his life.

“What were the lows like for me? I mean, in full disclosure, the lows were suicide,” John explains. “I went through a very serious bout of it at the end of 2019 which actually hospitalized me.”

One of the things that helped him surmount that difficult time, he says, was sharing his experiences, both in his songs and with the Brothers Osborne's fan base.

“One of the biggest things that I have done for myself over the past year and a half is talk about it,” he reflects.

While there might be different meanings behind “Younger Me,” the two brothers feel an equally deep, personal connection to the song.

“Every line and syllable of that song applies to my story just as much as TJ's,” John says.

If you are struggling with thoughts of suicide, or worried about a friend or loved one, help is available. Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 [TALK] for free confidential emotional support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Even if it feels like it, you are not alone.

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Brantley Gilbert is premiering his music video for his new single, “How to Talk to Girls,” today at 5 p.m. CT.

Rodney Atkins and his wife, singer-songwriter Rose Falcon, are releasing their first collaborative EP tomorrow. It's called Rod + Rose.

On social media, Jason Aldean has shared some of the behind-the-scenes moments from the making of his new video for “Trouble with a Heartbreak.” The clip features commentary from director Shaun Silva.

Tracy Lawrence just premiered his new music video for “Don't Drink Whiskey” on CMT.

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Gabby Barrett is among a list of elite female musical artists getting honored at the Billboard 2022 Women in Music Awards show.

During the ceremony, she will receive the Rising Star Award, an honor that’s previously been given to the likes of Halsey, Kelsea Ballerini and Ariana Grande.

Gabby is the only mainstream country artist confirmed to be honored at this year’s all-genre awards show, although Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee Bonnie Raitt, a rock, blues and Americana legend with country leanings, is receiving the much-coveted Icon Award.

Other honorees includes Doja Cat, Saweetie, Karol G and Summer Walker. Ciara will host the event, which is taking place March 2 at the YouTube Theater at Hollywood Park in Los Angeles. This year will be unlike any Women in Music Awards ceremony in the past, as tickets will go on sale to the general public for the very first time.

Gabby’s career has seen a meteoric, genre-spanning rise since the release of her chart-topping debut single, “I Hope,” and hit first album, Goldmine. She’s since earned another number one with “The Good Ones,” and has been teasing new music for the year ahead.

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Lee Brice is in the mood for good-timing romance in the music video for his latest single, “Soul.” Set at a wedding, the video follows the bride and groom — plus a handful of other couples, all at different stages in their relationship — through a romantic and irrepressible dance party.

Just like lines from the song such as “Kiss you from your head to your toeses,” the video brings a dash of unapologetic cheesiness into the mix, but at the root of the song is something much deeper.

“The idea that our souls truly connect to each other in unexplainable ways has always been at the core of what I do as a musician, a writer, a producer, a singer…” Lee explains. “And I think it's a good reminder to keep with me every day. I hope everybody loves this song as much as I do.”

“Soul” is currently climbing the charts at country radio. It follows Lee's latest chart-topper, “Memory I Don't Mess With.”

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