ON THE COVER
Paige King Johnson’s New Single “I Thank God” Premiered By Whiskey Riff Available Now
A Timeless Anthem of Awakening and Cultural Reverence
Country Newcomer Makenzie Phipps’ Music Video For “You Bring The Beer (I’ll Bring The Noise)” Premieres
Since being named runner-up on season 20 of ABC’s American Idol, HunterGirl’s authenticity, unwavering tenacity and heart of gold have positioned her as Country’s next star, earning praise she’d only dreamed of. More important, HunterGirl wins hearts. Skyrocketing to No. 1 on iTunes All-Genre and Country charts with her earnest and deeply personal original track “Red Bird,” she’s performed on Live with Kelly & Ryan, appeared on Good Morning America, and was named a 2023 Artist to Watch by Music Mayhem. Signed to 19 Records/BBR/Wheelhouse Records, HunterGirl, who is working her first-label project, just released her latest single “Ain’t About You,” written before she auditioned for Idol. “I wrote that song two weeks before my American Idol audition and two weeks before my life changed forever,” HunterGirl said. Obviously, I have a ton of breakup songs, but the ‘life songs’ for me, I reach down pretty deep for that,” HunterGirl offered. “I call them my ‘heart songs’. ‘Ain’t About You’ is a heart song. Those are the songs I think about when I’m reaching down real deep.” A few weeks after being crowned runner-up, show offers were coming in to UTA faster than she could put a band together. “That was a huge year of my life. I learned so much about myself as an artist and as a person. I vividly remember the flight home from New York after doing the talk shows after the finale, and I hadn’t been in Tennessee for four months. It was the moment where everything stopped for a second and you think, ‘Wow, this has all just happened.’” Still dressed from doing morning media, she was walking through Nashville’s airport when someone wished her a happy birthday. She had forgotten it was the next day. “People coming up to me, cheering me on. People hugging me. Telling me they were proud of me – people I had never met before,” she enthused. “And that’s when I realized how much had changed.”People are drawn to her heart out, head up, boots on approach to everything she does. She’s a gutsy songwriter who works with veterans’ organizations where she uses music therapy to transform worrier’s stories into songs.
... INSIDE COUNTRY
Country Moves Into The New World
Indie artist Oliver Anthony is taking Country by storm with his single “Rich Men North Of Richmond”. The world is paying quite a bit of attention to this newcomer which we expect radio to jump on board with. Jason Aldean sort of fell into one of his biggest songs to date. “Try That In A Small […]
... INSIDE AC
AC Radio Carves Out Its Own Slice Of The Markets
Billie Eilish is back at the format and is being welcomed with open arms. Her new “What Was I Made For?” (Darkroom/Interscope) reminds us about what a great recording artist talent she is. From the looks of things Billie should have no trouble in regaining the popularity that she already has and adding more fans […]
... INSIDE TOP40
Top40 Radio Getting Stale?
Doja Cat is putting her very best foot forward as we wind down to the fourth quarter. Many of our programmers are singing the praises of her new “Paint The Town Red” (Kemosabe/RCA) and for good reason, it’s just that good. You may want to pay special attention to this standout track. The very big […]
... INSIDE COLLEGE
AP Tobler Releases Dark, Rhythmic Grunge Single “Death Waltz”
Today alternative grunge artist and multi-instrumentalist AP Tobler releases their single “Death Waltz,” combining their punk and grunge influences from Nirvana and Destroy Boys with the storytelling inspirations of Mitski to create a unique genre mashup. Their music catalyzes AP’s mission to bring queer and transgender representation to alternative music and create a space for […]
Cody Howell releases rowdy debut before Dolly Parton feature