Keith Urban’s teaming with Country star Miranda Lambert has turned out to be a very smart move. Together they do a pretty solid job of their “We Were Us” (Capitol Nashville) single. It’s coming on the heels of Keith’s latest #1 and has even passed up Miranda’s current single. It has all the making of a huge #1 single to be sure. Hunter Hayes is getting lots of praise for his up-beat and charming “Everybody’s Got Somebody But Me” (Atlantic/WEA). We also need to give a little credit to Jason Mraz who is sharing part of the vocal performance. Randy Houser has a real winner on his hands with “Goodnight Kiss”(Stoney Creek/ Sony). This should make some pretty bold moves in the coming weeks. Florida Georgia Line continue to be the strongest new act in Country music. Their latest entry in “Stay” (Universal Republic) will no doubt keep them well ahead of the pack. Also getting lots of a attention at radio are the Brothers Osborne. Their new single “Let’s Go There” (EMI) is getting a big thumbs up from many of our music and program directors. There’s also a lot of support out there for Little Big Town. This talented outfit brings the song “Sober” (Capitol Nashville) into the radio arena and it’s starting off strong. It’s great to have Sara Evans back on Country radio. “Slow Me Down” (RCA Nashville) Is the one that’s helping to get her back on track. It’s getting some rather impressive play in Los Angeles at KKGO (Go Country) and seems to be coming up every three to four hours, a sign of a hit in the making. Country recording artist Chris Stapleton has got a good thing going and make no mistake about it. “What Are You Listening To” (Mercury) is his new single and many of our stations are loving it. Kellie Pickler is back out there with a new track. The song “Little Bit Gypsy” (Black River) really fits her and we wish the best for this past American Idol star. She really deserves all the radio support she can get, Since this is our issue dedicated to the independent artist and label let’s take a look at a few. Last week Amy Rose ranked #1 “most added” with her new release “Sunshine” (Wild Rose Music) and that a pretty stellar accomplishment. Aaron Lewis is having a very good run with his “Granddaddys Gun” (Blaster) single. Allen Osborne picks up a number of early believers for his “I’ll Be Waiting There For You” (Silver Buckles) track. Lisa Matassa is getting some rave review for her single “I Won’t Ask” (CPR Music Group). We spent some time with her during CRS and she’s an amazing talent. Keep your eyes and ears on this one big time and remember that you heard about her and many of these Indie artists first right here on the pages of New Music Weekly magazine. North 40 is pulling in some rather impressive radio numbers. “Hey Girl Hey” (RhymeTown Entertainment) is the one that is helping to put them on the map. Brad Paisley continues to shine with his “I Can’t Change the World” (Arista Nashville). I’m really loving the latest from the Band Perry. “Don’t Let Me Be Lonely” (Republic Nashville) is a great track that deserves your support. Cassadee Pope keeps her debut fight alive with “Wasting All These Tears” (Republic Nashville). Jake Owen is getting some love out there for the track entitled “Days Of Gold” (RCA Nashville). Luke Bryan is already marching to the top of the charts again with his “That’s My Kind Of Night” (Capitol Nashville). When we say that indie artist Kelly Parkes is coming home, we mean it and in a very big way. She’s back in the Lancaster Pennsylvania area where she performs, opening for Lonestar and Joe Nichols. The event is part of Fallfest 2013 and it will mark this 22nd annual event. Last year’s Fallfest drew over 30,000 plus fans and during her return she will also be heading back to her High School’s Homecoming Football game to perform the National Anthem. Kind of makes me wish I would have practiced my guitar a lot better.