Movin’ on up. Country star Craig Morgan received a promotion to Chief Warrant Officer 2 in the Army Reserve yesterday in a ceremony at the Pentagon officiated by Secretary of War Pete Hegseth. Morgan (whose full name is Craig Morgan Greer) reenlisted in the Army back in 2023 after previously serving for 17 years as a staff sergeant and fire support specialist in the Army and the Army Reserve with the 101st and 82nd Airborne Divisions. And fittingly, the country music artist was sworn back into the Army on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tennessee. On an episode of Fox & Friends, Morgan revealed that there were two big reasons why he chose to re-enlist: “Recruiting was worse than it had ever been in the history of our nation. It was terrible, and I felt like I could bring something to the table to help with that. Secondly, I served 17 years and I never got a letter that said, ‘Thank you for your service.’ I wanted that retirement letter so bad. So this was an opportunity for me to do that.” Well recruitment has definitely improved, with the Army announcing last summer that they had met their yearly recruitment goal a full four months ahead of schedule thanks to a surge men and women stepping up to serve their country. But it seems Morgan is going to have to wait a little longer to get that retirement letter, because he just got a promotion. The “Almost Home” singer was at the Pentagon yesterday, alongside his wife Karen Greer, where he was promoted to Chief Warrant Officer 2 in a ceremony officiated by Department of War secretary Pete Hegseth. And during the ceremony, Hegseth praised the country star for stepping up to serve his country despite having so much success in his music career: “I think you have been one of the incredible highlights of our generation. Of someone who showed the rest of the world that you can be at the highest of heights in your professional career, doing really cool things, where everybody knows your name and sings your songs, and yet you want to serve the country.” Morgan also had high praise for the job Hegseth is doing for our military: “As a soldier we don’t get to select our leaders. We select our job, and sometimes they select that for us as well. But if I had the opportunity to select a leader that I would serve under, it’s you, sir.” Earlier today, @SECWAR promoted country music star and soldier Craig Morgan to the rank of Warrant Officer 2. pic.twitter.com/XDBI4FdiRp — Department of War (@DeptofWar) January 16, 2026 It’s not the first time Morgan has praised Hegseth and the Trump administration for their work. Last year, he said that he had never been more proud to be serving in the military: “Never. I used to tell people, and I still do, ‘I never joined the Army for a president. You join the Army to serve your country.’ Any service member will tell you that. But it is nice to know that you have a President of the United States that truly cares about the men and women who are serving. Our Secretary of Defense truly cares about those men and women. These are people who have our interest first and foremost.” Guess he’s going to have to wait a little longer on that retirement letter. Congratulations, Chief Warrant Officer, and thank you for your service.The post Country Star Craig Morgan Receives A Promotion In The Army Reserve From Secretary Of War Pete Hegseth first appeared on Whiskey Riff.

It’s here. Braxton Keith was a music-making machine in 2025, gifting fans with numerous singles like “Wind Blows,” “Baby You Do,” “Bye In Goodbye,” and his collaboration with fellow Texas honky tonker Randall King for “Cheatin’ On My Honky Tonk.” Keith also gifted fans with two additional songs during the fall, the honky tonk heartbreaker “Prescription” and a stellar cover of George Strait’s “The Chair.” Closing out last year, Braxton Keith sent fans into a frenzy when he began teasing an unreleased Western swing tune. The ditty transports you back in time to a dance hall, where couples spin around the dance floor. The steel guitar’s upbeat tempo has you instantly tapping your foot, wanting to get out on the dance floor to boot scoot. Once Keith began incorporating this new tune while out on the road, country fans believed this ditty was going to be Braxton Keith’s next big hit following his viral sensation “Cozy.” “Just might be his best song this year.” “Classic country is coming back!” “Dam sounds so good, sounds like an old western and swing song from the 50’s, love it.” “Dude, he does not miss!!! And Keith didn’t mess around, making fans wait forever for this gem, sharing at the start of 2026 that he would be dropping it soon. Soon meant today, January 16, as Keith finally gifted fans with “I Ain’t Tryin’.” View this post on Instagram The studio rendition of  “I Ain’t Tryin'” hits just as hard as the song did when Keith was performing it on stage. The narrator of the tune is swooning over a love interest, but makes sure to tell the little lady that he had no intentions of stealing a heart when he walked into the bar. But if the tides were to favor them getting to know each other by two-steppin’ in a honky tonk, later heading back to one of their home, he wouldn’t be opposed to an evening with this beauty. “See, if you get to thinking about staying Ain’t no telling just what we could get into And I ain’t tryin’ to steal your heart, girl And I ain’t tryin’ to make you fall Ain’t lookin’ for no flame to start, girl But tell me what would be so wrong With a bit of two- steppin’ ’round in this honky- tonk crowd I’d be all about it, how ’bout you? I ain’t tryin’ to dance you ‘cross the floor Now right there out the door No, I ain’t tryin’, but I ain’t tryin’ not to Woo- hoo” Sonically, this song captures your attention from the start with the fiddle and steel guitar firing off in the opening lyric. Keith’s silky smooth vocals portray the perfect cowboy Casanova as he delivers the lyrics. Of the new song, Keith keeps his description rather simple” “It’s like a good pair of jeans that come back in style. It’s just good old country music.” Amen to that. Braxton Keith does not miss, and I have a feeling that his fans were right that this will be his next big hit. This western swing sets the tone for 2026 in the best way. Turn it all the way up. The post Braxton Keith Releases Highly-Anticipated Western Swing Tune, “I Ain’t Tryin'” first appeared on Whiskey Riff.

An incoming gem from the Alabama native. These days, songwriting is all the rage. Of course, there are far too many artists to name, but commonly, names such as Zach Bryan, Jason Isbell, Tyler Childers, Sturgill Simpson and Evan Felker (of Turnpike Troubadours) often populate many best-of lists in the independent/alternative scene. With that being said, Drayton Farley is a name that’s continually overlooked and underappreciated. Debuting in 2018 with his single, “Trouble in the Pines,” the Alabama native would follow it up in 2020 with his first full-length project, Hargrove & Sweet Southern Sadness. Shortly after, he’d catch fire with the release of one of his career staples, the biting critique of the state of our nation, “American Dream,” which currently has over 19 million streams on Spotify alone. Since then, he’s quickly become one of premier songwriters in the genre, delivering heartbreakers year-in and year-out with the likes of “Pitchin’ Fits,” “Carving of a Dove,” “Dreamer” and countless more over the years. Despite consistent releases over the past three years, it’s been quite some time since we’ve seen a full-length project from Farley, with the latest being Twenty on High in March 2023. With that being said, however, that’s all changing VERY soon. Announced this morning, Farley will be releasing his third album, A Heavy Duty Heart, on Friday, March 27 View this post on Instagram In the Instagram caption, the “Blue Collar” singer would note how much the collection of songs means to him while also touching on the complicated relationship he’s had throughout the years with a few of them. “These songs mean a lot to me, top to bottom they’re all true to life and from the heart. A few of them really tested me, a few of them feel like they just ran my way, and one of them I spent over a decade running away from. In the end, I couldn’t love them more and I hope you’ll love them too.” He’d also touch on the brutal, straightforward nature of his songwriting when it comes to his songwriting on A Heavy Duty Heart. “I feel like if you’re going to write about yourself and your life, then just write about the way it is. That honesty is going to translate. People are going to know when you’re bullshitting them or not.” A Heavy Duty Heart will contain 10 tracks, including pre-released songs such as “It’s Called Doubt” (which was recently featured on Landman), “Turn Around” and today’s new release, the incredibly heartfelt “I’ll Hold You.” Recorded live to tape in Nashville with his backing band, the record will be produced by Sadler Vaden, a member of Jason Isbell’s 400 Unit band and who has worked with Farley in the past on Twenty on High, as well as the likes of Morgan Wade, Jonathan Peyton, Reid Haughton and more. Judging by his nearly flawless track record and the quality of the first three pre-released tracks on the album, A Heavy Duty Heart is looking to be yet another gem from Farley. If you’re a fan of introspective songwriting and Americana-esque stylings of the likes of Jason Isbell, Colby Acuff and more, you will not want to miss this album on March 27th. A Heavy Duty Heart Tracklist “Love We Mean” “What You Gonna Do” “It’s Called Doubt” “I’ll Hold You” “I Need Your Love” “Dream Come True” “The Luckier Ones” “Feel Like Getting High” “The Way It Goes” “Turn Around” “I’ll Hold You” The post Drayton Farley Announces New Album, ‘A Heavy Duty Heart,’ Drops New Single, “I’ll Hold You” first appeared on Whiskey Riff.

A small yet mighty lineup. The 2026 festival season is about to be in full swing, and the announcements are coming at a rapid pace. It feels like every day, a new festival is emerging, or a returning festival is somehow topping the previous year’s stacked lineup. It’s becoming harder and harder to decide what festivals to attend, and not to make the decision even harder, but the Wildlands Music Festival in Big Sky, Montana just announced their small but mighty lineup, and it’s one that you should explore. Now in its sixth year, Wildlands has curated very intentional lineups that have highlighted a few major country acts. While this festival lineup might not be as extensive as some others, it showcases some of the best talent country music has to offer while supporting a good cause. Presented by Outlaw Partners at the Big Sky Events Arena, Wildlands brings together artists, fans, and conservation enthusiasts each year to enjoy music while supporting a cause that helps protect the scenic spaces across the Greater Yellowstone. Last year, the festival raised $1.3 million for charity, and it’s expected to raise a significant amount in 2026. This year’s event will support PERC, the Property and Environment Research Center, while putting stellar acts on stage. The festival just announced its lineup, which consists of Riley Green, Carrie Underwood, LeAnn Rimes and Kaitlin Butts. Sheesh. That’s two days of great music. If you’re thinking about taking a trip to Montana this year, I highly recommend considering late July so you can hit the Wildlands Music Festival. Held over July 31st and August 1st, there is no better time to visit Big Sky Country. Good music and a good cause, nothing better. Tickets go on sale January 22 at 10 AM at wildlandsmusic.com. View this post on Instagram Before you go, fire up a few songs from each of the performers on the bill. “Jesus Saves” “Just A Dream” “Blue” “You Ain’t Gotta Die (To Be Dead To Me)” The post Carrie Underwood, Riley Green & More To Take The Stage At Montana’s Wildlands Music Festival first appeared on Whiskey Riff.

An instant classic from the Texas giants. Undeniably one of the most talented bands in the entire genre, Flatland Cavalry has proven time and again that they’re one of the most exciting groups flying out of the Texas scene today. After scoring major career milestones in 2024, which include receiving their first certified gold record for “A Life Where We Work Out” featuring Kaitlin Butts and their first-ever ACM nomination for Group of the Year, the West Texas powerhouses celebrated their 10-year anniversary together as a band at the end of the year with the release of Flatland Forever, an eventual 40-track collection of their biggest hits, worktapes, commentaries and unreleased tracks such as “Three Car Garage” and “Lubbock.” In 2025, they were admittedly a bit quiet release-wise, waiting until September to release the Billy Bob Thornton co-written track for Landman, “Midland After Midnight,” before dropping their first original track of the year in October with the release of “Gone,” a reflection about their last decade on the road. With the new year kicking into full gear, it’s clear that Flatland is getting ready for an incredibly busy year. On January 5th, the Lubbock, Texas-founded band shared a snippet of an unreleased tune on their social media pages, with the impression that new music is on the way. “Never coming back…” The caption read as a video of frontman Cleto Cordero walking through leaf-covered grass holding his guitar. The melody accompanying the footage captures the signature sound of Flatland and got fans riled up, suggesting something is cooking on the horizon. After multiple teaser videos, Flatland would officially announce on Monday that the brand new single, “Never Comin’ Back,” was coming out on Friday, January 16th. View this post on Instagram Well, today’s the day, and it’s safe to say that Flatland is OFFICIALLY back like they never left. One of the defining characteristics of the band, at least to me, is just how consistent their sound has been over the past decade. And while some folks might find that to be a negative and ultimately want a bit more experimentation from album to album, I’ve always believed it’s been so good there was no need for change. Here, however, on “Never Comin’ Back,” there are some minor changes in the production that work incredibly well and contrast a bit compared to their early work. While you still get the Flatland staples like stellar fiddle work and frontman Cleto Cordero’s always-warm, smooth vocals, there are some minor sonic changes, such as more prominent percussion throughout and the incredibly fun echoes/background vocals present in the second verse. Undoubtedly, the highlight of “Never Comin’ Back” is the songwriting, especially in the chorus. Written by Cordero, along with Nashville staples Aaron Raitiere (“you look like you love me, “4X4XU”) and Luke Laird (“Drink In My Hand, “Head Over Boots”), the track is nothing short of a heartbreaker. While many breakup songs typically focus on the aftermath of the split, what makes “Never Comin’ Back” stand out so much is Cordero and Co.’s focus on the longing that comes later down the line. At first, it’s a shock to your system, and while the hurt’s there, the reality of the finality isn’t. In the incredibly melodic post-chorus, Cordero characterizes this feeling perfectly when he sings: “I guess this is where the plans we made turn into the past It ain’t so much the fact that you’re leaving It’s the waitin’ on you Knowing that you’re never comin’ back” It’s clear that the brightness of the aforementioned production and the heartbreaking nature of the lyrics were an intentional choice for the band. In a statement, Cordero would note the juxtaposition, comparing it to dancing in the living room after your lover leaves for good. “This song stands out as an up-tempo song with an infectious, bright-sounding chorus. This juxtaposition makes for an interesting and soul-stirring experience. It feels confounding, like dancing in your living room right after your lover just walked out the door seemingly for good.” All in all, it looks like Flatland has a big hit on their hands with “Never Comin’ Back.” And it looks as if they feel the same, given that they’re sending it to country radio as their FIRST-EVER single on February 2nd. Before you go, watch the music video for “Never Comin’ Back,” directed by Christ Beyrooty. Flatland Cavalry Tour Dates November 22 – St. Petersburg, Florida – St. Pete Country Fest February 6 – Auckland, New Zealand – Spark Arena February 8 – Christchurch, New Zealand – Wolfbrook Arena February 11-12 – Boondall, Australia – Brisbane Entertainment Centre February 14 – Newcastle, Australia – Howin’ 2026 February 16 – Sydney, Australia – Qudos Bank Arena February 19-20 – Melbourne, Australia – Rod Laver Arena February 22 – Adelaide, Australia – Adelaide Entertainment Centre ArenaThe post Flatland Cavalry Releases Brand New Heartbreaker “Never Comin’ Back” first appeared on Whiskey Riff.