Morgan Wallen shared a behind-the-scenes moment from his controversial piano saga in Denver, and it's a little unclear if he was joking or genuinely mad. Continue reading…

This should be interesting. Love or hate her, there’s simply no denying that Taylor Swift has a special and unique place in country music history. Before she became the pop megastar that she is today, she had a LOT of success in the genre. Simply put, she took the genre by storm as a teenager with the release of her self-titled debut album in 2006. Throughout her limited time in the genre, which mainly spanned four albums and six years in total, she snagged an impressive 12 CMA Awards, six ACM Awards and seven Grammys. Notably, she won Entertainer of the Year not once but twice at both the CMAs and ACMs as well. This doesn’t even mention all the Billboard records she broke along the way — some that were recently broken by none other than Ella Langley. Of course, these wins were propped up by smash hits that still remain key pieces in her discography today, such as “Love Story,” “You Belong With Me,” “Our Song” and “All Too Well,” which would receive even more love after the 10-minute-long “Taylor’s Version” was released back in 2021. Her sudden departure from country music in 2014 with the release of her Grammy-winning 1989 album obviously left a bad taste in many mouths. Though you won’t see me calling myself a Swiftie, a lot of the criticism was ultimately unwarranted. All things considered, she handled the transition gracefully, never bad-mouthing the genre and ultimately returning on multiple occasions. This was highlighted back in 2020 when she performed the severely underrated “betty” from her alt. folk album, folklore, at the 55th ACM Awards. Additionally, she’s collaborated with the likes of Chris Stapleton and Keith Urban upon the “Taylor’s Version” re-release of both Fearless and Red in 2021, teaming up on “vault tracks,” “I Bet You Think About Me” and “That’s When.” Recently, Swift has continued to firmly cement herself in the pop world, scoring massive albums with Midnights, THE TORTURED POETS DEPARTMENT and last year’s The Life of a Showgirl. Despite the mind-boggling success over the past decade, it’s always been speculated whether she’d ever make a full-fledged return to country music. Well, it looks like she’s making a brief return with her upcoming song for Disney’s Toy Story 5. Announced today, Swift will be releasing a new track for the fifth installment in the Toy Story franchise this Friday, June 5th, titled “I Knew It, You Knew It.” View this post on Instagram Though it’s not explicitly confirmed by Swift herself, Disney itself is touting the song as her “return” to country, saying it “marks a return” to her country roots while simultaneously “blending styles that have defined her record-breaking career.” “Inspired by the rootin’ tootin’ cowgirl Jessie’s ongoing journey in ‘Toy Story 5’ that began back in ‘Toy Story 2,’ ‘I Knew It, I Knew You’ also marks a return to Taylor Swift’s country roots, blending styles that have defined her record-breaking career as a songwriter and artist.” It’s a bit interesting that Disney itself is running with the whole “return to country” angle, despite Swift not revealing anything other than the title, release date and her connection to the Toy Story films. With that being said, the use of a cowboy emoji in the caption seems to indicate it’ll be country-inspired at least. Either way, we’ll find out on Friday. The post Taylor Swift Returning To Country Music With New Song, “I Knew It, I Knew You” For ‘Toy Story 5’ first appeared on Whiskey Riff.

May was another amazing month for country music. In just the past few weeks, there have been so many amazing album and single releases, and it’s impossible for us at Whiskey Riff to cover every single song that deserves to be heard upon its release. But in my opinion, that is a great problem to have, and it speaks to the strength of the country music scene today as opposed to a decade ago or so. So, in an effort to draw attention to some of this music, I’ve compiled a list of 30 new songs released over the last month that we didn’t get to cover in depth at Whiskey Riff, but should all be on your radar as a country music fan. I could probably list close to 100 songs that have been released within the past month that we haven’t covered but are still worth listening to, though for the sake of relative brevity, we’ll keep it at 30. And hopefully, in addition to finding a handful of songs to throw on your playlist or keep in rotation, you’ll find a few new artists to explore their catalog, keep up with, and see live as well, because there are so many underrated and up and coming artists waiting to be discovered on this list and beyond. Check out the under the radar May releases here: “Ain’t Dead Yet” – Joshua Ray Walker – Ain’t Dead Yet “All I See Is Grey” – Redbud “Almost Don’t” – Madison Hughes ft. Reid Haughton “Appalachian Raised” – Cigarettes @ Sunset “Baby Got A Hold On Me” – Rob Baird – Smoke on the Breeze “Back in My Groove” – Tobacco Road “Back To Ohio” – Jonathan & Abigail Peyton “Better” – Bella White “But There Was A Time” – Waylon Wyatt “Call Me Yours” – Nick Taylor “Cowboy Singer” – Jimmy Cantwell “Factory Reset” – Jack Browning “Hard Luck Kid” – Steep Canyon Rangers – Next Act “High Livin'” – The Wilder Blue “High Side” – Red Shahan “Jack” – Silverada “King of Coal Dust County” – Adam Chaffins “Last American Waltz” – Old Crow Medicine Show ft. Molly Tuttle “Last Chance Linda” – Susto Stringband – Susto Stringband (Volume 2) “Long Drives and Lonesome Mornings” – The Deslondes – Don’t Let It Die: Vol. 1 “Lost and Lonesome Ways” – Valley Flower “Mexican Coke” – The Ransom Brothers ft. The Band of Heathens “Ouachita Woods” – Dasher the Band “Pictures of You” – Buffalo Traffic Jam “Rabbit Hole” – Will Slater “Second Hand” – Southall – Kinfolk “These Days” – Kindred Valley – These Days EP “Tony Rice & Beans” – Thomas Csorba – Tender Country “Tryin’ To Breathe” – Hollerhead “Virginia” – Jordan Lee King – King of the Bluegrass Check out our Under The Radar playlist to hear all of these songs in one place. Spotify: Apple Music: The post 30 New Country Songs That Need To Be On Your Radar – June 2026 first appeared on Whiskey Riff.

Is Taylor Swift a country girl again? Continue reading…

Who all are we going to see in Myrtle Beach this week? It’s hard to believe summer’s already here, but with Memorial Day weekend behind us it’s finally time to start gearing up for days on the water, festival season, fun and the sun, and everything else that makes this the best time of year. To kick off summer the right way, we’re headed to beautiful Myrtle Beach, South Carolina later this week for Carolina Country Music Fest, four days of nonstop entertainment from some of the best artists in country music on the shores of one of the most beautiful beaches in the country. This year’s festival runs from June 4-7, and will feature performances from Riley Green, Blake Shelton, Post Malone, Luke Bryan, Justin Moore, Tracy Lawrence, Lauren Alaina, Chris Janson, Stella Lefty, Cole Swindell, Tucker Wetmore, Flatland Cavalry, Rodney Atkins, and many, many more. I grew up going to Myrtle Beach every year (along with pretty much everybody else in the state of West Virginia) and many of my best memories from my childhood were made on the Carolina shore. From strolling the boardwalk listening to music to fishing off the pier, riding the rides at the Myrtle Beach Pavilion, looking for souvenirs at the Gay Dolphin gift shop, and even trying to get into Mother Fletcher’s before I was old enough…there’s never any shortage of things to do in Myrtle Beach. If you’re heading down for Carolina Country Music Fest and have never been to Myrtle Beach before, we figured we’d help you out with some things to check out while you’re in town. There’s plenty for the whole family to do, with 60 miles of stunning coastline and America’s most popular and affordable family beach destination in the country at your fingertips, so here are just a few of my favorites: The Bowery This historic live music venue is a must-visit for country music fans. The “8th Wonder of the World,” the Bowery hosts live music 7 days a week, and from 1973-1980 was home to a house band known as Alabama – yes, that Alabama. The country music supergroup, who at first were known as Wildcountry, got their start playing at the Bowery. They released their debut single in 1977 and changed their name to “The Alabama Band,” later shortened to Alabama, before scoring their first #1 hit with “Tennessee River” in 1980 and leaving their regular gig at the Bowery soon after. The Bowery was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2005 for its place in country music history, and to this day still hosts live music and serves cold drinks yards away from the beautiful Atlantic Ocean. And it’s also conveniently located just steps from the site of Carolina Country Music Fest, and will host the official CCMF afterparty each night, which makes it perfect for fans to check out this historic country music landmark. View this post on Instagram Broadway At the Beach This shopping center and entertainment complex, located just a 10 minute drive from the festival, is the perfect place for the whole family to hang out. Of course there’s plenty of shopping for the adults, with speciality shops featuring everything from clothes and shoes to beef jerky and hot sauce, and even Ole Smoky Distillery, but there’s also a ton for the younger members of the family too, from Build-a-Bear to the Slime Kitchen. You’ll also find plenty of activities, things like Ripley’s Aquarium, the Hollywood Wax Museum Entertainment Center, Myrtle Waves Water Park, and Pavilion Park featuring rides from the former Myrtle Beach Pavilion. If you’re looking for dining, you have a ton of options like Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville, Hard Rock Café, and dozens of other local restaurants and food options. (The Fudgery has some of the best cookies and cream fudge I’ve ever had in my life). Whatever you’re looking for, chances are you’ll find it at Broadway at the Beach. View this post on Instagram Mini Golf If you’ve been to Myrtle Beach, you already know that it’s title of Mini Golf Capital of the World is one that’s well-earned. With over 30 courses, there are plenty of options to choose from, whether you want to putt through worlds of pirate ships, volcanoes, Mayan temples, or dinosaurs. Hawaiian Rumble Mini Golf is rated the #1 mini golf course in the WORLD, and even plays host to the US Pro Mini Golf Association’s annual mini golf world championship. Of course you don’t have to be a professional to have fun at any of the many courses throughout Myrtle Beach (I’m terrible at it and still have a blast), so find your favorite course, grab a club, and give it your best shot. View this post on Instagram SkyWheel Myrtle Beach If you’re looking for the best views of Myrtle Beach, you’ll get them with a ride on the Myrtle Beach SkyWheel. Located right on the boardwalk and just a short walk from Carolina Country Music Fest, the iconic 200-foot observation wheel gives you the perfect leisurely ride high above the city to take in the breathtaking views of the Atlantic coast. The SkyWheel can fit up to 6 people comfortably, or 7 if there are small children in the group, so it’s the perfect way for your whole group to get the best view of Myrtle Beach from high above the skyline. View this post on Instagram Unique Dining Experiences Myrtle Beach is home to over 2,000 restaurants over 60 miles of beach, which means there are a ton of great local spots no matter what you’re craving. There’s the iconic Peaches Corner, a mom-and-pop diner that’s been around since 1937 and is still serving up their famous footlong hot dogs, corn dogs, burgers, and legendary ice cream and milkshakes. Or you could also grab a meal at Pier 14 Restaurant and Lounge, located over the water on the Pier 14 just blocks away from the festival. (My favorite part of eating here is always walking out and watching the fishermen reeling them in on the pier). Whether it’s seafood, steak, Italian, pizza, or some good old southern comfort food, there’s something for everybody on nearly every corner. Make sure you get out and explore the culinary scene while you’re in town, and if you need more recommendations check out VisitMyrtleBeach.com to see everything the incredible city has to offer. Be honest … half the CCMF planning is figuring out where you’re eating. We pulled together a few spots near the festival grounds to keep you fueled all weekend. What’s your go-to place during CCMF? pic.twitter.com/S1VlbbLiL4 — Visit Myrtle Beach (@MyMyrtleBeach) May 27, 2026 Whether you want to get out on the water, hit the golf course (or the mini golf course), take the family to the amusement park, visit Ripley’s Believe It or Not, or just relax on the beach, there’s plenty for everybody to do in Myrtle Beach – so make sure you get out and explore and try something new while you’re in town for Carolina Country Music Fest. The festival kicks off June 4 and runs through June 7, and will feature multiple stages as well as plenty more to make your trip to the beach an unforgettable one. General admission tickets start at just $79 per day for four days of non-stop music (but keep reading and we can help you save a little money). Festival goers will get to enjoy entry to the festival’s air-conditioned dive bars featuring live music throughout the day, curated shopping villages, interactive fan activities and Music City-inspired favorites such as karaoke, dueling pianos and line dancing lessons—delivering an authentic Nashville-style celebration to the Carolina coast. But if you’re looking to elevate your experience Carolina Country Music Festival also offers Super VIP tickets that gives fans the most exclusive access, including a private festival entrance, front row viewing at the main stage, an elevated viewing platform with a full-service bar, an air-conditioned catering tent with seating, curated food offerings with complimentary hors d’oeuvres and evening buffets Friday through Sunday, private restrooms and an open bar within the Super VIP section. Tickets for the festival are on sale NOW at CarolinaCountryMusicFest.com, and all levels are nearly sold out so if you’re looking for summer plans you should probably go ahead and lock in now – and if you use code WHISKEYRIFF at checkout you’ll even get 10% off. Get your tickets now, and we’ll see you at the beach. View this post on Instagram We’ll see y’all there.The post 5 Things To Do While You’re In Myrtle Beach For Carolina Country Music Fest first appeared on Whiskey Riff.