Musical Notes: Country Thunder, Morgan Wallen, Riley Green Intel & More

The largest country music festival brand in the U.S. is in full swing, having kicked off its first stop in Arizona in early April. Tens of thousands of country music fans flocked to Canyon Moon Ranch in Florence, AZ, to catch headliners Riley Green, Keith Urban, HARDY, Bailey Zimmerman, and more. 

Next up, Country Thunder is heading way east and south to Tampa May 2-4, midwest to Wisconsin July 17-20, then way north to Saskatchewan July 10-13 and Alberta August 15-17. Top acts, including Def Leppard, Jason Aldean, Blake Shelton, Jelly Roll, and more, will be featured depending on the location. 

Country Thunder, which has been running strong and picking up locations since it started in 2009, is known for its top-tier headline acts and rowdy (and rustic) campground experience. 

Head over to countrythunder.com now for tickets and information. 

The album inspired by Ian Munsick’s on-stage adoption by the Crow Tribe at his sold-out debut performance at Red Rocks Amphitheatre is out now. “Eagle Feather,” as named for the eagle feather he proudly wears in his hat, is the third in a trilogy of albums pulling inspiration from animals, which all started with his debut album “Coyote Cry.”

“If you’re reading this, chances are you’ve been listening to my music for at least a couple years. Some of you have probably even been spreading the word of the West for a decade. No matter what side of the coin you’re on, Eagle Feather is for you,” Munsick proclaimed. “I can confidently say that this is the best album I’ve made. But it’s not mine anymore…it’s yours.”

The album features “Feather in My Hat” ft. Lainy Wilson; fans can check out the official music video, which is out now. For more on Munsick, his tour dates, and new album, visit IanMunsick.com.

No, that’s not a typo. That country star that has quickly grown to Mega Star status, Morgan Wallen, announced his fourth studio album will include 37 tracks and collabs from stars like Tate McRae, Post Malone, Eric Church, ERNEST, HARDY, and more. 

Wallen has spent weeks teasing songs from the album, titled “I’m The Problem,” on recent appearances from SNL to Theo Von’s podcast.

“A lot of the concepts and things we said were a little more difficult with this album,” Wallen says of the writing and refining process. “We were trying to dig deep on things and trying to find new angles. And I feel like we did that. I feel like there's a lot of stuff that I haven't said in this record, which I'm really proud of.”

Fans still have a couple of weeks to wait—“I’m The Problem” is set for release on May 16. Pre-save the album and see what else Wallen is up to at morganwallen.com. 

Riley Green fans are rejoicing at the news of Riley Green’s announcement that his Damn Near Country Music Tour will be extended with a slew of Midwest U.S. dates added for November of this year. The tour officially kicks off May 1 in Athens, GA, after a string of sold-out shows in Canada. 

The “You Look Like You Love Me” (featuring Ella Langley) and “Worst Way” singer received five ACM nominations this year, in addition to accounting his third studio album, “Don’t Mind If I Do.” Green also appeared on the cover of Hook & Barrel Magazine's Nov-Dec 2024 issue (get your issue for $6.99 here—few issues remain.

Tickets are still available for various tour dates. Visit rileygreenmusic.com for more.

On the heels of his new single, "This Town’s Been Too Good To Us," hitting number four, multi-platinum recording artist Dylan Scott announced his third studio album, “Easy Does It,” will be released on May 30. Scott released a new track, “I Hate Whiskey,” at the end of March to celebrate the announcement. 

“This album is a collection of songs that I love and felt strongly about releasing,” said Scott. “For me, the phrase 'easy does it' represents where I'm at in my life right now. I've spent so much time in the past focusing on what I was going to do next in my career, comparing myself to my peers, and worrying about what others needed from me. But now, having kids and being married has allowed me to see what I have right in front of me and embrace it. Don't get me wrong, I'm still working hard. But I am more comfortable with myself and my career than ever before, which has made life so much easier.”

Get more information and pre-save Scott’s album at dylanscottcountry.com.

Rising country music singer/songwriter Braedon Barnhill has released “I Want It Back.” The single creates an emotional landscape, charged with the complexity involved in the unraveling of a relationship. 

Co-written alongside Kelly Archer and Ben Goldsmith, the lyrics are reminiscent of the heart’s desire to return to a time when everything felt right, knowing it’s not possible. Known for his smooth tenor, this track is one that hits hard while keeping it fresh, musically. Catch more details at braedonbarnhill.com.