Parker McCollum is gearing up for baby boy No. 2 -- but what's the name going to be? Continue reading…

The Band of Heathens has been at it for two full decades now, and they have a legendary catalog of music to show for it. Yet the band continues to prove that they have plenty of tricks left up their sleeve. Forming 20 years ago in Austin, TX, the five-piece outfit may be best known for their cover of Levon Helm’s “Hurricane.” But with co-founders and frontmen Ed Jurdi and Gordy Quist at the creative helm, they have amassed a spectacular catalog of originals that proves both their lyrical and sonic prowess. Transcending sound, genre, and scene, their distinct brand of country/folk-leaning rock and roll emphasizes artistry and prioritizes clever lyricism. And their latest single “Take the Cake” is no exception. Co-written by Jurdi and Quist, “Take the Cake” is a fun track that conveys a thoughtful, perspective-filled message, and its words are bolstered by swampy guitar licks and groovy electric piano solos. A versatile sound with an alloy of country, blues, and funk, this feel-good tune is exactly what fans of all types of music need to get their year started. Encouraging listeners to be generous to one another, Quist conveyed the perspective that inspired the lyrics and provided some insightful commentary in an exclusive quote to Whiskey Riff: “‘Take the Cake’ is digging its heels in against our human nature to hoard and protect everything that we’ve got, because generosity always wins and comes back around to make the world a better place.” So, without further ado, give the band’s latest single “Take the Cake” a listen below: “Honey take a break, you can’t take anymore You can take the cake, but who’s keeping score? If you love yourself, give a little ground Give it all away, it’ll come back around” “Take the Cake” marks the third single released off of the band’s forthcoming studio record Country Sides, following the lead single “High on Our Own Supply” as well as “No Direction.” The band’s ninth studio album, in addition to a slew of cover projects and live records that comprise their catalog, Country Sides is comprised of 11 tracks and slated for release in its entirety on February 20th. And if “Take the Cake” and the other singles released thus far are any indication, this album is going to feature some of their best work yet. Go ahead and mark your calendars for February 20, and in the meantime, check out the tracklist and take the other previously released singles for a spin. Country Sides Tracklist: “No Direction” “High on Our Own Supply” “She’s the Night” “Lead Don’t Follow” “Forever’s Not A Long Time” “Finish Something I Started” “Pleasing People” “Good as I Can Be” “Take the Cake” “Just as Much” “Letting Go” While I haven’t had the chance to witness it myself, I can only imagine these guys put on one heck of a live rock and roll show. Luckily, there are already dozens of shows on the books for 2026 as The Band of Heathens embarks on their Country Sides tour. I’m going to catch the show in Charlotte this April, and I recommend you do the same when the band rolls through a city near you. Hearing these new songs live, along with all of the band’s classics, is an opportunity you won’t want to pass up. The Band of Heathens Tour Dates 1/27-1/31 – Mile 0 Fest – Key West, FL* 2/5 – Roadtrip to Raleigh @ the Lincoln Theatre – Raleigh, NC^ 2/10 – 185 King Street – Brevard, NC (Ed Jurdi Solo)+ 3/6 – ACL Live at the Moody theater – Austin, TX= 3/12 – First Financial Music Hall at the Murphy Arts District – El Dorado, AR 3/13 – Duling Hall – Jackson, MS! 3/14 – Dixie Carter Performing Arts Center – Huntingdon, TN 3/15 – Turntable – Indianapolis, IN!% 3/17 – High Noon Saloon – Madison, WI! 3/18 – Garcia’s – Chicago, IL! 3/19 – Fine Line – Minneapolis, MN! 3/20 – Ottawa Memorial Auditorium – Ottawa, KS 3/21 – Cain’s Ballroom – Tulsa, OK# 4/10 – Terminal West – Atlanta, GA 4/11 – Walhalla Performing Arts Center – Walhalla, SC 4/12 – Mountain Stage – Charleston, WV@ 4/14 – Revival Asheville – Asheville, NC 4/15 – Lincoln Theatre – Raleigh, NC 4/16 – Neighborhood Theatre – Charlotte, NC~ 4/17 – The Windjammer – Isle of Palms, SC 4/18 – The Caverns – Pelham, TN$ 4/19 – Standard Deluxe Inc – Waverly, AL* 4/22 – Chickie Wah Wah – New Orleans, LA 4/23 – Manship Theatre – Baton Rouge, AL& 4/24 – The Heights Theater – Houston, TX 4/25 – The Lexus Box Garden at Legacy Hall – Plano, TX> *festival date ^supporting American Aquarium w/ Justin Wells +w/ Zach Smith and Matt Smith =w/ Jamestown Revival and Sela Campbell !w/ The Ransom Brothers %w/ Cory Williams #w/ Lance Roark @w/ Donna the Buffalo, Della Mae, Billy Martin, and More ~w/ The Last Jimenez $w/ The Wilder Blue and Taylor Hunnicutt &w/ Clay Parker and Jodi James >w/ Gabe WoottonThe post The Band Of Heathens Serve Up Perspective In Funky New Single “Take The Cake” first appeared on Whiskey Riff.

Nick Reiner was charged with the murders of his parents, Rob and Michele Reiner. Now, new revelations about his past may become central to the case. Continue reading…

Fans are convinced Megan Moroney’s latest breakup anthem points to Riley Green — but she’s not naming names. Continue reading…

Less noise. More time together. Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani are leaning into what matters most — and making it work, on their terms. Continue reading…