Her fans are obviously loving Megan Moroney’s song “6 Months Later” that’s on her new album “Cloud 9”.
Believe it or not, the song came to life on a yacht. She said the plan was to write a bunch of songs on a trip last year. Instead, they only wrote one.
Megan said, “we only wrote ‘6 Months Later’ that trip because it was so good that anything else we tried to start, I was like, ‘It’s not as good.”‘
The tempo was too slow at first though. She went on to say, “when we wrote that, we went on a run, and the tempo was too slow, and I wanted to be able to run to ‘6 Months Later’…so now the tempo you hear on the radio is running approved.” And luckily that one song did her well. Considering how it’s another hit song for her now.
I have found that if you want to hear traditional country music…you should probably not expect to find much of it on mainstream country radio.
The 1970s saw guys like Waylon, Willie and Merle introduced the world to outlaw and blue collar country music, while the Nashville suits wanted to see country pop crossover success. The 1980s had guys like King George Strait and Randy Travis recording traditional country music when the Nashville labels were hoping pop country would put more money into their pockets
In the mid-1980s, Randy Travis faced intense rejection from Nashville record labels, which deemed his neotraditional style too country during the “Urban Cowboy” pop-country era (I absolutely loved that movie though). While working as a cook and singer at the Nashville Palace in the early 80s, he was repeatedly told “no” by label executives before breaking through with his 1986 debut album, “Storms of Life”. And that album is considered to be a album that helped save traditional country music in the 1980s.
It should go without saying that the leader of today’s traditionalist movement is none other than the reigning CMA New Artist of the Year and the first-ever winner of the Grammy’s Best Traditional Country Album of the Year, Zach Top. The man is Alan Jackson approved too.
Now Zack is obviously not the only artist carrying the traditional country sound with him everywhere he goes, because there are a lot of great country artists that doing country right. You have names like Randall King, Drake Milligan, Mae Estes and Jake Worthington to name a few who are all carrying the torch of traditionalism. I mean you won’t find them being played hardly at all on mainstream country radio, which is still straight up bs.
With that being said, Zach has clearly become the leader of the pack over the past couple of years. If we’re being honest, it’s hard to truly dislike him too. He’s guitar skills are flawless, he’s got that real country sound, he’s known for some good jokes and his acceptance speech for his Best New Artist Award at the CMAs with a Coors Banquet in his hand was priceless.
Fresh off his Grammy win on February 1, 2026, Zach sat down with Entertainment Focusto discuss his big night, his upcoming headlining spot at C2C Festival in Europe, the rise of country music overseas and more. Of course while talking about his fan-appointed title as the “savior of country music”, he gave his two cents as to why he thinks his sound has resonated with so many lately.
“I feel like fans of country always find something new that comes along that’s a little different, a little wacky, and they go chase that. The industry goes and chases that for a while until it’s kind of played itself out. Then it always swings back to the traditional, what we’ve always known and loved to be country music. It’s funny.
I think this latest cycle has been a long one, starting back in I think 2010 when ‘Cruise’ came out from Florida Georgia Line. That felt like the big shift toward this hip-hop influence into country. Obviously, Morgan Wallen is at the peak of his powers in that same type of vein as well.”
His comparison with how country always swings back and forth, he noted how many people in the 1980s believed that Randy Travis and George Strait were saving the genre after Kenny Rogers, who dabbled in pop throughout his career, “ruined” the genre.
“It feels like the hunger from fans has turned somewhat toward a return to the roots and traditions of country music. It’s just so funny to watch it ’cause back when George Strait and Randy Travis came around, they had to save country music after Kenny Rogers ruined it.
I feel like these cycles have been going on as long as country music has been around. There’s always been something new and a little different and edgy that goes on for a little bit and then people return to something traditional and familiar feeling.”
He’s absolutely correct in his assessment when addressing that true country music fans will always crave that traditional sound. While flashy, pop-infused artists and songs may attract a few new fans to said artist, country music has and will always be carried by the artists and fans who appreciate the genre’s history and identity. Hopefully Nashville labels and mainstream country radio will get the point someday.
It’s Friday, so if you partake in adult beverages, how are you feeling?
Are you thinking you’re going to want a drink after a week like this…or are you ready to let loose, but haven’t made up your mind about booze yet?
According to a new report, many Gen Z’ers and Millennials don’t necessarily plan on drinking alcohol ahead of time. It looks like 47% said they make the decision mid-evening…depending on where the night takes them. Which makes complete sense.
When they are drinking, Gen Z and Millennials generally have three alcoholic beverages and two non-alcoholic beverages, like soda, iced tea (hopefully they mean sweet tea), or water.
Around 55% of younger adults say they enjoy wine. Gen Z’ers also lean toward cocktails and mocktails…while Millennials prefer beer.
Of course, the alcohol doesn’t make the night memorable, unless you’re having something really special. According to the report, the best parts about a night out are…”good company,” “shared laughter,” and “genuine connection.”I’d also like to add “mozzarella sticks”, please.
The man officially petitioned for February 28th to become a holiday in his hometown of Pittsburg, Texas, last week, and as he should. Now Koe Wetzel is officially rolling out his plans to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the now-infamous day.
Yes…2026 marks ten years since February 28th happened to Koe and it’s a day worth remembering and it may not a national holiday yet…but it is in my mind.
Now if you’re unfamiliar with the iconic, certified-gold song, “February 28, 2016”, which is also the day the story became a reality. The story needs to be told every year and it’s actually a great story too. The song was written after Koe was arrested for public intoxication in Stephenville, Texas, where he wound up spending a few nights in jail. The masterpiece (the song) was included on his 2016 album “Noise Complaint”. This song is a staple at Koe’s shows and one that fans still scream along with every word to at his concerts.
Here we are in 2026, given that it’s the 10th anniversary of that day and on a Saturday too…Koe is definitely going to celebrate its 10th anniversary. He’s actually going to be performing two exclusive shows at his chain of bars in Texas.
The shows will be at his Riot Room bars on Thursday and Saturday night. One is going down on Thursday, February 26th, in Houston and show number two will be on the 10th anniversary itself on Saturday, February 28th, in Fort Worth, Texas. Please drink responsibly y’all.
If you didn’t know, Scottie Scheffler is the #1 ranked golfer on the planet as of now. And apparently, he’s also a huge country music fan.
It’s not hard to imagine, since he was raised in Dallas, and played his college golf at the University of Texas. But it’s pretty cool to see all the country music he listens to.
Scottie is an official ambassador of Turtlebox, which is a speaker company…and they released his playlist on Spotify called the “Scheffler Shuffle”. Out of the 54 songs, more than 30 are country or southern rock.
We’re talking King George Strait, Flatland Cavalry, Parker McCollum, Cody Johnson and Brooks & Dunn, to name a few.
So, here’s a golfing tip. If you want to swing like the best in the world…start by listening to some George Strait and then go from there.
Welcome to the Friday #3 in February…as it’s February 20, 2026…and we do in fact have some new country music here again y’all.
Now be sure to do your part in visiting your neighbor liquor store to pair your favorite alcohol with your new favorite country music, because it’s how country music is supposed be enjoyed. Don’t let anyone judge you for it neither.
Here’s what we’ve found…
1.Megan Moroney released her third studio album “Cloud 9”.
I’m so happy we got the chance to talk with this man.
Ward Davis recently released his fourth studio album, “Here I Am”. The project has eleven songs on it and it’s worth the 40 minutes of your time to listen to.
We talked about music, how spite fuels our careers and who’s the biggest bitch in country music.
I never really thought about this until I saw Whiskey Riff’s story about it.
The Turnpike Troubadours are the probably the biggest they’ve ever been from the Red Dirt country music arena. From landing massive opening spots on Cross Canadian Ragweed’s highly successful “Boys From Oklahoma” concert series, they also scored huge appearances at a couple of Zach Bryan’s concerts last summer. The guys were a part of his two sold-out shows at BST Hyde Park in London and the Golden Gate Park show in San Francisco.
Of course the Turnpike Troubadours don’t really need anyone’s help selling out shows…as they do pretty damn well on their own. Their music is solid country gold and their fan base is loyal as they come and rightfully so.
The fine people at Whiskey Riff decided to do a little deep dive to see how many of their songs start off with the word “well…and well…there’s quite a bit.
Back in May of 2025 TikTok user, NattyByNature, brought this to the attention of every Turnpike Troubadours fan by posting a compilation of different songs…all containing Felker’s iconic opening line…”well”…and there was a lot to say the least.
After going through all six of their albums, here are some of Turnpike songs that start with “well”…
“Every Girl”
Album: Diamonds & Gasoline
Lyric: “Well, she was born in the mornin’, late October, San Antone”
“Down on Washington”
Album: Diamonds & Gasoline
Lyric: “Well, you’re standing there. You said life ain’t fair”
“Kansas City Southern”
Album: Diamonds & Gasoline
Lyric: “Well, I was working on the KCS Rail Line. Katie was the girl down the street”
“Whole Damn Town”
Album: Diamonds & Gasoline
Lyric: “Well, I can go downtown and drink till dawn”
“The Funeral”
Album: Diamonds & Gasoline
Lyric: “Well, now stage right enter Jimmy, just a counterfeit James Dean”
“Long Hot Summer Day”
Album: Diamonds & Gasoline
Lyric: “Well, I’m gonna pick up some of these empties, Lord, as soon as I find where they lay”
“Gin, Smoke Lies”
Album: Goodbye Normal Street
Lyric: “Well, in the early autumn wind, a lonely dove is flyin’”
“Before The Devil Knows We’re Dead”
Album: Goodbye Normal Street
Lyric: “Well, he was pushing 80, but he acted 22”
“Southern Son”
Album: Goodbye Normal Street
Lyric: “Well, I guess I was born with a gun in my hand”
“Blue Star”
Album: Goodbye Normal Street
Lyric: “Well, you have been a fighting man. You’ve seen your share of war”
We’re only listing 10 of the songs, because there actually 29 songs start out with the word “well”. And Whiskey Riff did a damn fine job in line all of them. Their math also figured out that Turnpike has an impressive 42.6% of their 68 officially released songs have the word “well”…and I’m okay with that to be honest. You can checkout all of the 29 song titles here…as well.
During a recent stop on the Australian leg of her “Whirlwind World Tour”, Lainey Wilson did what she’s known for her shows. She paused her show to create an unforgettable moment for a very special fan.
It’s the part of her show, where Lainey crowns one lucky audience member as her “Cowgirl of the Night”. At her Brisbane concert, that honor went to a very brave young girl named Tessa.
Tessa was diagnosed with Stage 4 neuroblastoma in 2023. After years of treatment, the family found out that she relapsed and not only did the cancer return, but it was spreading fast.
After finding out that Tessa is a big Lainey fan, social media personality Samuel Weidenhofer gave the young fan tickets to see her. Tessa met Lainey backstage, where she gave the her a matching Charlie 1 Horse cowboy hat, but Lainey’s sweet gesture didn’t end there. She also crowned Tessa as the “Cowgirl of the Night”.
When Lainey brought Tessa onstage she pointed how Tessa did her own make up for her special occasion. Lainey told the audience, “she did her own makeup tonight too. We were hanging out backstage…and I was like ‘who did your makeup? like I need to call them’…she was like…I did.”
Lainey also said, “if anybody’s got a heart like a truck, it’s you”, to Tessa. She was the perfect “Cowgirl of the Night” too. God bless you girl.
The premiere date of the new Kayce Dutton-focused series, “Marshals”, airing on CBS starting March 1, 2026.
The show is a continuation of Kayce’s story beyond “Yellowstone”, and the new show starring Luke Grimes should provide fans with everything they want and more in terms of having him back on your tv screen for an action-packed show.
The show’s first season will consist of 13 episodes, which seemingly finds Kayce Dutton getting back to his violent ways because of a devastating loss that he suffered. If you haven’t seen any of the trailers… all signs are pointing towards Kayce joining the U.S. Marshals because he lost his wife, Monica (played by KelseyAsbille).
Fans have already pointed out Riley Green in the trailer for season one that’s been released in the comments section of YouTube. You can see Kayce, along with several other people in the trailer, hanging out around a campfire while a man with a very familiar mustache plays guitar. He obviously has a hat on, so you never actually see his full face, but fans are damn sure it’s Riley.
There’s been no official announcement that Riley is actually in this new show, but Riley has talked a lot about reading scripts and wanting to get into acting.
He said while back that…
“We’ve actually kinda gone down that road a little bit. I’ve read for a couple of shows here lately. Not that I have a lot of time for it, but I think it is something that I would enjoy, and also something I think could help my music career.”
He also talked about Lainey Wilson’s “Yellowstone” appearance as a prime example of how it helped the genre of country music and as well as her own career too.
“Doing ‘Yellowstone’ was a great launching pad for Lainey… and the country and western thing is becoming so popular through those shows that it’s really just such a great tie-in. I’m just glad that it’s helping out country music.”
After seeing Arielle Kebbel, who plays Belle Skinner on the show, did an interview with CBS Mornings, it looks like Riley Green might not be the only country music star we will see on our TV screens during “Marshals” Season 1.
When she was asked to confirm if Riley would be on the show, she cheekily responded by saying…
“Riley Smeen? I’ve heard of him!”
While she does not confirm or deny that he will appear on the season, she teases that he is among more country stars who might appear on the show. The first episode of the show will air on Sunday, March 1, on CBS. So, we will all see what country artists do in fact show up on the new Taylor Sheridan’s “Marshals”.
