The "Miss Me More" singer says she’s loving her time in New York City right now — but there’s a reason she’s not fully settling in. Continue reading…

Better not get into a discussion about gender with Maren Morris. The country star turned pop singer, who’s one of the most outspoken voices on the political left in the country music (adjacent) sphere, recently took to social media to share a conversation she recently had about gender roles with a male acquaintance – and it went pretty much exactly how you’d expect. According to the “My Church” singer, the discussion started out cordial enough as Maren discussed the “concerns” she has about raising her son in the south: “It started pretty civil because it just was me talking about you know, raising a young boy, especially in the south. We live in Nashville. And just some of the, like, feelings and concerns I have, you know, it can start as the smallest thing because it’s like my son just turned six and some of these gender things happen pretty early where it’s like, only girls can like pink. Girls can’t like Spider-Man. And you know, they hear this sh– like at school from another friend, like whatever.” Maren says she tries to disabuse her 6-year-old son of the ideas behind traditional gender roles: “It’s my job as his parent to correct that and be like, ‘Actually, anyone can like the color pink. I like Spider-Man.’ And they snap out of it pretty quick. They’re like, ‘Oh, cool.'” But Maren says that the acquaintance she was talking to was dismissive of her concerns, telling her that young boys need to “toughen up” anyway. And it sounds like that’s when things went sideways in the conversation: “Upon hearing that, of course, my first instinct is to see red, but I can emotionally regulate myself. And I just calmly said, ‘No, he doesn’t need to toughen up actually.’ And listen, my son is, you know, he has to bust his gums or something to cry. And, but he’s also like extremely gentle and he loves, he loves baseball. He loves musicals. He’s obsessed with Hamilton right now. He loves colors, sometimes we paint his nails, he loves to like make jewelry now and friendship bracelets, and it’s like, he’s a person and our job is just to never shame them for expressing those things. That’s the best part about being a kid.” Maren says that she took issue with the way the guy used the word “tough,” and argued that her son doesn’t need to “toughen up.” “I was like, he doesn’t need to be tough, especially not in the way that you’re using that word. And that made him upset. But it’s like, it didn’t matter how many facts I was stating of like, data analysis of, you know, it’s actually way healthier for everyone’s mental health to be able to identify a feeling and name it and be okay with having it. And my son can emotionally regulate himself better than this man could. My son can say, like, I’m frustrated. Or if he’s overwhelmed, he can, like, go take a beat in his room. Like, he does that for himself without me even needing to step in now. He just knows how to do it.” Apparently that led the man to, in Maren’s words, “storm off into the night,” which she says is the opposite of the way she wants to raise her son: “It’s my job to make a safe environment. That means physically and emotionally for my son to grow up and be able to have the vernacular on how to talk about these things too.” But she also says that she has “hope” for the next generation who are breaking gender stereotypes: “This generation I have hope for because they’re being raised by communities like us that are breaking those patterns and hopefully, you know, it leads to a better life for all of them. But sometimes I see on this app, people shaming women for having children in a world as chaotic as this one. And there are like elements of truth to that, but it’s also like we are raising the better humans. If we want the human race to go on, we’re doing that work with our kids right now. But we have to be able to talk to each other about these things in order for that to progress.” Maren says she doesn’t know if the acquaintance “learned anything from the conversation,” but my guess is he probably at least learned not to have a conversation about gender with her in the first place. @marenmorris i’m so proud of the moms and also the women in my life who don’t have kids helping me raise a beautiful one. ♬ original sound – marenmorris The post Maren Morris Goes Off On Gender Roles After Being Told That Young Boys Need To “Toughen Up” first appeared on Whiskey Riff.

Entering his dad era. Ever since breaking out in 2023 with his certified platinum debut single, “Coal,” it was clear that Dylan Gossett was one of the future stars of the alt. country scene. Existing in a similar space as Zach Bryan and Sam Barber, the Austin native has worn his influences on his sleeve. Being inspired by a wide range of artists, ranging from Turnpike Troubadours and Flatland Cavalry to The Eagles and Ed Sheeran, they all come through in subtle ways through his mix of country, folk and Americana stylings. After scoring some major buzz in 2024 thanks to the continued success of his debut EP, No Better Time, being featured on the star-studded Twisters Soundtrack and receiving even more praise upon the release of second EP, Songs in the Gravel, Gossett put the country community on notice last year with the release of his long-awaited debut album, Westward, in July, which quickly flew up the rankings of mine and many other alternative country fans’ Top Albums of 2025 lists. It’s safe to say that Gossett is quickly becoming one of the biggest stars in the country-folk scene as we head into 2026, and it’s clear that he’s showing no signs of slowing down. In addition to scoring an opening spot on George Strait’s second night at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock, Texas, along with Zach Top, the “Beneath Oak Trees” singer was also booked to open shows for Mumford & Sons on their Prizefighter Tour with Sierra Ferrell, Marcus King and others. He’s also been keeping teasers for new music coming frequently. After teasing a short snippet of a brand new song, presumably titled “Hang Me Out To Dry,” back in January, he’d follow that up with another outing, teasing a brand new ode to his hometown of Austin, Texas, “When I Close My Eyes.” Yesterday, he returned with yet another teaser that turned a lot of heads. Taking to Instagram Tuesday evening, Gossett would tease a new song, which is presumably titled, “Short Comin’ Days.” While nearly every one of his songs is special in its own right, this one carries a bit of extra weight given the fact that it’s written about his son, whom he and his wife announced via Instagram back in November. As the first song officially teased about his unborn son, it’s nothing short of beautiful. Centering around the fact that they have yet to decide on a name, the Austin native anticipates the love and care for him in the first verse. “You don’t even know my name But I pray for you the same And I’ll see you in the short comin’ days I’ll stand by you when I’m tired And I’ll hold you all the while And I’ll love you like a stranger loves a smile” In the chorus, Gossett admits to being in unfamiliar territory, noting how he’s feeling things he’s never felt before. Finishing the heartfelt teaser, the “Sweet Lady” singer highlights the fact that he’s seeing all the little things that he loves the most in his son already. “It’s a funny thing now, these feelings that I’ve got These feelings that I’ve not felt before It’s the little things I, that I tend to love the most I begin to love the most about you My boy” If there’s one thing that jumps out throughout nearly every song in Gossett’s discography, it’s his ability as a writer to place you as a listener into a specific moment and time. While he’s done this on countless of different songs in the past, this one sticks out for obvious reasons. As one of the best songwriters in the game today, it’ll be a delight to see the songs that are written as Gossett continues his journey into fatherhood. View this post on Instagram As of now, “Short Coming Days” does not have a release date. Dylan Gossett Tour Dates April 24 – Lubbock, Texas – Jones AT&T Stadium * June 6 – Boulder, Colorado – Folsom Field ^ June 8 – Fort Worth, Texas – Dickies Arena ^ June 9 – Rogers, Arkansas – Walmart Arkansas Music Pavilion ^ June 11 – Chicago, Illinois – Wrigley Field ^ June 13 – Toronto, Ontario – Rogers Stadium ^ June 14 – Burgettstown, Pennsylvania – The Pavilion at Star Lake ^ June 16 – Bangor, Maine – Maine Savings Amphitheater ^ June 18 – Syracuse, New York – Empower FCU Amphitheater at Lakeview ^ June 19 – Bristow, Virginia – Jiffy Lube Live ^ June 20 – Hershey, Pennsylvania – Hersheypark Stadium ^ June 22 – Boston, Massachusetts – Fenway Park ^ * – supporting George Strait ^ – supporting Mumford & Sons The post Dylan Gossett Teases Beautiful New Song About Fatherhood Presumably Titled, “Short Comin’ Days” first appeared on Whiskey Riff.

Johnny Blue Skies is doing all he can keep his ticket prices low for the pirates looking to set sail with him and his band – The Dark Clouds – this fall. The artist formerly known as Sturgill Simpson is still riding high off the release of Mutiny After Midnight. His second album underneath the new JBS moniker was a funky, disco country record, and it was originally only available via physical media (vinyl, CDs, cassettes). Johnny Blue Skies even shared that the unique rollout of his latest album led to the biggest “first week” of any project of his career. Which is wild, because it really just came through an organic, grass roots movement. No interviews. No performances. Nothing extra… just a whole lot of memes posted through social media. So the obvious next step is to capitalize on that momentum and take the pirate ship/show on the road. Sturgill Simpson shared on April Fools Day that he and his band would be setting sail for a Mutiny For The Masses Tour. And earlier today, the “Situation” singer shared that he’s aiming for tickets to the new tour to be the exact same price as they were last year, despite rising costs across the board: “Inflation, fuel, and all other related touring costs have increased exponentially in the last year. However, despite some saying otherwise, I’m afraid our ticket prices have not. High end ticket and low end ticket prices are the exact same, and the average ticket price is the exact same. I know because I insisted on it. 1. Tickets are the exact same prices they were last tour 2. The ONLY tickets that have increased are the GA Pit section in front of the stage (up $10 from last tour) 3. There are even more lower price level tickets available this time because we are playing bigger venues. 4. Playing smaller venues would have absolutely increased ticket prices …A LOT Not sure if the vocal minority complainers are new discovery phase fans or scalper bots sewing discord but these are the facts folks and if I’m lying you can sell my bones to Davey Jones.” View this post on Instagram Great to see Johnny Blue Skies doing all he can to make sure fans don’t spend all of their loot on his concert tickets. Those looking to grab tickets should know that general on-sale begins at 10 a.m. central time on Friday, April 10. Pre-sale actually started earlier today (April 8), and in an attempt to keep scalpers away, Mutiny For The Masses is utilizing the Ticketmaster Face Value Exchange and AXS Resale programs. That’ll allow fans to resell their tickets to other fans at the original price point, if necessary. Take a look below to see if Disco Stu is coming to a town near you: View this post on Instagram Mutiny For The Masses Tour Dates Sep 4 -Austin, TX -Moody Center Sep 6 -Rio Rancho, NM -Rio Rancho Events Center Sep 8 -Glendale, AZ -Desert Diamond Arena Sep 9 -Santa Barbara, CA -Santa Barbara Bowl Sep 11 -Inglewood, CA -Kia Forum Sep 13 – San Diego, CA – Viejas Arena Sep 15 – Berkeley, CA – The Greek Theatre Sep 18 – Seattle, WA – Climate Pledge Arena Sep 19 – Vancouver, BC – Pacific Coliseum Sep 21 – Eugene, OR – Matthew Knight Arena Sep 23 – Denver, CO – Ball Arena Sep 26 – Kansas City, MO – T-Mobile Center Sep 27 – St. Paul, MN – Grand Casino Arena Sep 29 -Chicago, IL – United Center Oct 2 – Nashville, TN – Bridgestone Arena Oct 3 – Indianapolis, IN – Gainbridge Fieldhouse Oct 6 – St. Louis, MO – Enterprise Center Oct 7 – Columbus, OH – Nationwide Arena Oct 9 – Pittsburgh, PA – Petersen Events Center Oct 10 – Detroit, MI – Little Caesars Arena Oct 13 – Boston, MA – TD Garden Oct 15 – Philadelphia, PA – Xfinity Mobile Arena Oct 16 – Brooklyn, NY – Barclays Center Oct 18 – Washington, DC – Capital One Arena Oct 21 – Raleigh, NC – Lenovo Center Oct 23 – Charleston, SC – Credit One Stadium Oct 25 – Atlanta, GA – State Farm Arena Oct 27 – New Orleans, LA – Lakefront Arena Oct 30 – Lexington, KY – Rupp ArenaThe post Sturgill Simpson Says To Hell With Inflation, Promises ‘Mutiny For The Masses Tour’ Ticket Prices Will Be Affordable first appeared on Whiskey Riff.

Jason Aldean believes this classic country group can be likened to The Beatles. The group consisting of Paul McCartney, John Lennon, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr (who is now actually delving into country music) are often considered to be the greatest band of all time. The Beatles’ impact on music is undeniable, and many artists site the British rock band as an influence or an inspiration. Though Jason Aldean likely respects what The Beatles did for music as a whole, there’s another group that he thinks of as his own, personal Beatles. They came along a decade or so after Lennon, McCartney, Starr and Harrison came together, and they share a name with a certain southern state. On a recent episode of the Try That In A Small Town podcast, Aldean shared that Alabama acted as the country version of the Beatles for him: “With Alabama, it’s a different thing with those guys for me. That’s my Beatles. For people who love The Beatles (and say) they kind of changed the way they played music and all those things, that’s what Alabama is for me.” The band, founded by cousins Randy Owen and Teddy Gentry, is one of the most beloved country groups in the history of the genre. They’re unique fusion of southern rock and country helped earn them over 30 No. 1 hits, including “Southern Star,” “Face to Face,” and “Forever’s As Far As I’ll Go.” Aldean went on to say that it’s their sound and storytelling through their lyrics that really brought him to love country music: “(Alabama’s music) had a lot of the things I loved about southern rock and a lot of the storytelling and lyrics and things like that that I loved about country music. So those guys have always been it for me.” View this post on Instagram Not a bad comparison by any means. Most country fans would probably think of The Highwaymen as country’s Beatles before Alabama. But then again, The Beatles weren’t a bunch of well-known stars joining together to form a supergroup. So maybe others can agree – and possibly even relate – that Alabama is a Beatles-level band. And to be clear, Jason Aldean isn’t trying to convince anyone else. He just feels like Alabama is incredibly important to him and his eventual path into country music. The country star got more into detail about why in his podcast that shares the name of that controversial single he released back in 2023. Here’s the full episode of Aldean’s Try That In A Small Town podcast, in case you wanted to watch the whole thing: And while you are still here, it wouldn’t hurt to explore Alabama a bit more, and shine a light on some of the band’s timeless hits. Songs like “I’m Ina Hurry (And Don’t Know Why),” “Dixieland Delight,” and “Song of the South” are the Alabama hits that get the most attention. And there’s a good reason that they do… they’re phenomenal country tracks. But I’d encourage you to check these out if you haven’t already: “She and I” “Mountain Music” “Tennessee River” The post Jason Aldean Views This Band As His Country Music Version Of The Beatles: “Those Guys Have Always Been It For Me” first appeared on Whiskey Riff.