The new release from singer-songwriter Chandler Stephens will be available on all streaming platforms this Friday. “Would’ve Gone Home” tells the all too relatable story of two people who are close friends, but they both know there is something more, so who’s going to make the first move.  Co-written with Nicole Miller and produced by Dan Frizzell (Lee Brice), this is the third release from Chandler’s upcoming six song EP.  

Chandler adding, “I love making music people can relate to that reminds them of something they’ve experienced and “Would’ve Gone Home” is definitely one of those songs. It’s about an experience I think a lot of people have gone through- I know you want to be with me and I want to be with you so lets not waste anymore time.” 

Coming from a large family of 16 that included 14 siblings from a variety of ethnicities gave singer- songwriter Chandler Stephens a unique perspective on life and instilled in her the importance of love, family, and unity. “I grew up understanding and knowing we are all human beings deserving of love, kindness, and equality. It is definitely something I draw from for my songwriting and a firm platform for my life.”  Since moving from Florida to Nashville to pursue her dream, Chandler has achieved over 6 million streams collectively and is currently releasing songs from her upcoming  six song EP. Her distinctively soothing yet poignantly powerful vocals and her real life truthful and vulnerable lyrics shine on such tracks as “Bet on You,” released last fall and the latest release, “Would’ve Gone Home.”

Follow Chandler on her website https://www.chandlerstephens.com/. 

South Florida native, Stella Nicole has emerged into the country music scene with the release of her single “Somebody New.” The song takes you on a rollercoaster of emotions exploring themes of love, heartbreak, and being unapologetically oneself. A blend of country, pop, and trap beats, Stella’s sound transcends any one genre. 
 
For Stella, music has always had a place in her heart. Able to relate to the lyrics of Taylor Swift, Thomas Rhett, and John Mayer, Stella has wanted to provide that same feeling for others. Saying, “I hope to inspire people and make them feel validated through my music. We sometimes feel alone in this big world and I hope that my songs bridge that gap. I take my own love stories, empowering moments, and I try to talk about it in a way that hasn’t been done before.” 
 
Well-known for live acoustic performances, Stella has performed numerous shows and open mics at local South Florida venues including Dada in Delray Beach and Swampgrass Willy's in Palm Beach Gardens. 
 
You can hear “Somebody New” on all digital platforms and on her website here. ​

Alyssa Trahan released the mid-tempo track “We Used To Be Happy” today. Her clever writing manages to be both reminiscent and regretful at the same time. The track shares a sense of deep longing for what could have been. Kicking off the first verse, written by Trahan and co-producer Jonathan Guzman along with Adam Drexler and David Cole, with vivid visuals, she traces the story of romantic fallout when the magic disappears.

“This is my favorite song I’ve ever released. Working with Jonathan on the production really made it sparkle and it has some of my favorite lyrics in it. This is a little sneak peek into my upcoming album and I couldn’t be more excited!” said Trahan.

“We Used To Be Happy” is the latest single off Trahan’s forthcoming album Baby Blues & Stilettos due out this spring. Amidst the pandemic, she was busy self-producing her debut album, showcasing her talents as a producer and multi-instrumentalist. Listeners can expect to be uplifted after listening through this feel good album. 

In a male-dominated business, Alyssa Trahan is giving the guys a run for their money. A jill-of-all-trades, singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and audio engineer, Trahan began making waves in Nashville as soon as she moved from her hometown of East Rochester, N.Y. in 2016. By producing her own music, she is able to blur genre lines with her modern pop production mixed with traditional country instrumentation winning fans over from all genres. With clever songwriting along with her catchy melodies and sweet vocals, Trahan’s music has taken off with her fans on social media. For more information, follow her at alyssatrahan.com.

Model, writer, journalist, musician, and singer to name a few, Lauren Napier has garnered many roles to provide for her ever-changing address. Moving to Tennessee, Lauren was surrounded by country music and southern twang. However, it was the discrimination against Black and biracial artists which initially deterred her from entering the industry. 
 
Understanding that she didn’t have to fit into the classic country mindset and could forge her own path, she returned to country music. A fan of Bob Dylan and the Ramones, Lauren has been described as a Punk Rock Doll. On January 15th Lauren released her album “Mourning Moon.” Lauren describes the album as “the melancholy spaghetti western soundtrack I had always wanted.” Each song in the album has its own narrative. “Sound of Fire” tells of the Berlin riots, “St. Charles Romance” about her favorite bridge in Prague, and “Dirty Deeds” inspired by a photo of two migrant boots hanging off a bed frame. While performing, Lauren is most moved by the audience’s reactions, a thank you for helping them to feel the same emotions she had when writing the song. 
 
With plans to record at Church Hill Studios in Oregon, Lauren can’t wait for “the cat, the fellow, and I  to get back on the road and tour” when possible. You can listen to “Mourning Moon” on Spotify and find Lauren on her website here. 

Author: Nicole Marchesi 

​On Saturday January 23rd, CMT revealed the 10 country artists to watch in its much-anticipated 2021 Next Women of Country campaign, which recognizes and supports country music’s most promising and powerful female artists. The 10 artists joining this year’s prestigious Next Women of Country roster are: Ashland Craft, Priscilla Block, Brittney Spencer, Reyna Roberts, Hannah Dasher, MacKenzie Porter, Harper Grae, Tenille Arts, Sacha, and Chapel Hart.

Tomorrow, Caylee Hammack, Rissi Palmer and Lauren Alaina will host a one-hour digital special, “CMT Presents: Next Women of Country Class of 2021,” on CMT Facebook and YouTube channels featuring full performances from each of the new inductees, with a special appearance from CMT Equal Play ambassador Jennifer Nettles, who also headlined the 2016 CMT Next Women of Country Tour.
 
“We’re thrilled to welcome the newest class of CMT’s Next Women of Country,” said Leslie Fram. “These artists represent the best of fresh new talent and the diversity of styles that country music has to offer. We look forward to providing this group more exposure than ever before, particularly within the ViacomCBS family on Pluto TV, as well as providing them with essential resources to help them build their musical careers.” 
 
New this year, the women will be featured in music video rotation in the newly permanent ‘CMT Equal Play’ channel on Pluto TV, which offers country music 24/7 with an equal male/female playlist. In addition, CMT will offer its new NWOC inductees’ access to independent media training, photography consultations and artist advocacy opportunities designed to assist them in supporting charitable causes and social issues. These resources will be provided by Nashville-based communications firm, The Change Agency. 
 
For updates and to join the conversation, visit CMT.com, follow @CMT on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube and use #CMTNextWomen to join the conversation.