MaRynn Taylor has had quite the year. She started off opening for country superstar Kelsea Ballerini, this summer she is opening for Jake Scott, and in August she will be releasing her first album, and she isn’t slowing down. Yet despite all the milestones, accolades, and recognition she is receiving, performing and observing at CMA Fest remain as her favorite activities. She enjoys playing for her fans just as much as she enjoys fan-girling over her favorite country artists.  She truly is one of us!

This CMA Fest was truly special for her—among other things, she had a Fan Club Party that sold out in 5 minutes. (So jealous we were not able to snag a ticket!) Before that exclusive Fan Club Party, she performed at the Chevy Vibes stage where she premiered her new single “Dirty Blonde,” which Taylor described as “a bop and a half.”  She is clearly excited for this lively sassy, clever, country-pop song’s release on July 18.

Taylor’s latest single, “Same Girl Same,” which premiered earlier this year, gained traction when Talyor opened with Kelsea Ballerini. This song was inspired by Taylor’s ex showing up to one of her shows with a date immediately after their breakup.  While all of us might not have experienced this exact situation, most of us have likely run into an ex in a less-than-ideal place. Interestingly, this relatable, reflective, country-pop ballad song puts you in the shoes of your ex’s new flame. Rather than criticizing her, Taylor takes a sympathetic and compassionate approach towards her ex’s new paramour, warning her that she could end up in the same place as Taylor, and perhaps sooner rather than later.  Check out “Same Girl Same” HERE.  
​
We will be waiting in anticipation for MaRynn Taylor’s new album, and who knows, maybe next year she will be playing at Nissan Stadium at CMA Fest. One thing is for sure, Taylor is living out her wildest dreams, having her true Hannah Montana moment, and we could not be happier for her.

Busy woman Charly Reynolds had quite the packed CMA Fest schedule, with her four performances and a meet and greet. For one of her performances, she played a special pop-up set on Broadway, a precious moment for her as she connected with fans via a unique and interactive experience.

We caught up with Reynolds on the last day of CMA Fest to talk about her latest album, Off the Record, her tour, and her goals. We learned her favorite songs to perform are “Another Man Will” and “Blame It on My Boots” because they are fun, upbeat, and bring a sassy, Shaina Twain energy.  Off the Record has been out for a year, and she is releasing a live acoustic version at the end of August, which will allow her fans to listen to album’s songs stripped down and will likely have them falling in love with songs all over again.  And the best part is she’s added a track called “Seventeen.”  Listen to it now HERE.  She has just wrapped up tour with Belles, a fellow up-and-coming country female artists, and since it was so successful and both artists had so much fun (not many people get to tour with one of their best friends), they are touring again this fall.

Recently Reynolds checked off a major bucket list item—playing The Ryman. Her most vivid memories regarding The Ryman are the shock of receiving the invitation to perform and the pleasure of her whole family’s coming to see her. Now that she has played The Ryman, her next big hope is to play the Grand Ole Opry (a dream of hers since she can remember), hopefully within the year. Few doubt she will be stepping into the Opry Circle sooner rather than later!

Kaylee Bell is disproving the notion that you can’t have it all. She received the prestigious CMA Global Artist of The Year Award, toured nonstop in Australia and New Zealand, and is now the ‘Most Streamed Female Country Artist’ for Australia. But she had an even more exciting event: the birth of her first child. (Fun fact: the strong, resilient performer was performing on stage six weeks after giving birth.)  
​
We caught up with Bell fresh off her busy tour schedule to discuss her latest release “Red Dirt Romeo,” which she describes as a modern-day Romeo and Juliet love story taking place in a small town. This catchy, pop-country tune is feel-good and truly suitable for almost any occasion. Like most of her work and reflecting a key aspect of the beauty of her songwriting, the song embraces a universal theme that fans of all ages can relate to.  Similarly, “Boots ‘N All,” one of her favorite songs to perform, has a universal light-heartedness. Its interactive component has been extremely well received. She perfected a line dancing routine specifically for this song; even kids cannot get enough of it. It gained so much traction that the Wiggles, having no doubt the song would resonate well with younger fans, did a collaboration with Bell.

One of Bell’s most impressive performances this year was at CMC Rocks where she played for 30,000 people. This festival takes place in Australia, Kaylee’s current home.  She is originally from a small town in New Zealand but playing in front of large crowds is not foreign her, having opened for Ed Sheeran, Brad Paisley, Kane Brown, and The Chicks. There’s little doubt Kaylee won't continue her winning streak, which will include attaining her remaining goals for the year—touring the U.S for the first time, playing the Grand Ole Opry, and releasing her new record. Check out Kaylee Bell’s new song "Ring On It" HERE. 

Only halfway through 2025, Lanie Gardner has earned multiple accolades—featured on songs on both Thomas Rhett’s (“What Could Go Right”) and Warren Zeiders’s (“Love In Letting Go”) albums, her EP Polaroids dropped June 6, and she celebrated with a release party at Chief’s on Broadway.  No better way to start off her third CMA Fest as an official performer!

Catching up with Lanie Gardner was like taking a breath of fresh air.  She was extremely excited, both to have her EP out and to perform for her fans.  And despite features on two major country album releases this year, she could not be humbler.  She shared that she was shocked when she learned she was the chosen female feature on both songs and that she could not have been more grateful for the opportunity.  (I was not shocked at all as it was very clear the songs wouldn’t have been as successful without her!)

We spoke about her latest release, Polaroids.  Each song on this EP was carefully crafted and showcases Gardner’s mature lyrics and soothing yet powerful vocals.  The standout track, “…Takin” The Slow Ride,” will have wishing you were cruising around town without a care in the world.  It’s clearly a favorite of Gardner’s, probably because it so elegantly encourages the listener to see the beauty in slowing down and appreciating the little things in life.  With Lanie’s impending challenges of opening for Gavin Adcock and promoting Faded Polaroids (Releasing September 5), I see the track’s elegant message resonating for her too.  There’s more.  Gardner’s Grand Ole Opry debut is August 6.  Her momentum is clear, and this is only the beginning for Lanie Gardner.  There’s no limit on where she might be at this time next year.  Check out Faded Polaroids HERE. 

Sass and swagger are the two words that best describe Laura Bryna. Her bold and energetic personality matches her music. Unafraid to tackle any musical genre, she relishes working with collaborators that challenge her. Her latest single “Blue Jeans Crazy,” is a feel-good, country rock, soulful, nostalgic tune that motivates you to take a trip to the nearest small town. Bryna says the song was inspired by her small town, a place where no matter what happened (good or bad) everyone rallied around and help each other out.  Check out “Blue Jeans Crazy” HERE.

When we caught up with her just before she took the Spotlight Stage this year it led to a breathtaking experience from start to finish. Her larger-than-life persona made us even more excited than we had been to catch her set. Bryna was extremely excited for everyone to get to know her better because, as she stated, “what you see is what you get with me.” She could have not been more down to earth when speaking about her fans, the “Bryniacs,” and her musical role models – Chris Stapleton, Dolly Parton, Jelly Roll, and Wynonna Judd. The “Bryniacs” have avidly supported her musical experimentation. She shared that she believes it’s good that she’s sassy and edgy, but what makes her stand out is the emotional depth she brings to her songs and performances. Her single “Painkiller,” which strays away from her typical country-rock, brings a raw, emotive, bedroom-pop tune that immediately draws you in.  It explores the idea that a loved one could be your painkiller, and Bryna loved experimenting with it.  She cannot wait for her “Bryniacs” to hear her new music and to see her perform on tour this year!