By Aaron Wagner

Eric Church continues to give us a new song every month or so and while “Hell of a View” is my favorite so far, his new one “Doing Life With Me” is my second favorite. It’s a very stripped down song, with just him and his guitar, with very minimal production.

Halle Kearns has cemented her status for me as the artist who has had the biggest introduction this year. On Friday she released her debut EP Finally, a 5 song collection, which includes the two new songs “Whatever You Do” and “Before He Could.” Stay tuned for a full EP recap later this week.

Also out with a new project this week is the talented Lexie Hayden. She released a 7-song album You Heard Right and in addition to the title track, one of my early favorites is “Don’t Take Your Time.” We’ll also have a full recap later in the week on her new project.

My 3 Favorite Songs from Country Risers:

“The Fall” – Golden West: Of course I’m a sucker for the male-female collab and this rising duo has captured my attention. I love the harmonies between the two and particularly the range of Brittany Knott on the chorus.

“Cheers” – Ernest: This guy had been pounding the pavement as a songwriter cranking out songs and hits for artists like FGL (“I Love My Country”), Morgan Wallen (“More Than My Hometown”), Sam Hunt (“Breaking Up Was Easy in the 90s”), and Chris Lane (“Big, Big Plans”). Now he’s continuing to release music on his own including this new one this week. It’s a song that I think it perfectly describes those bonfire nights with your best buds.

“Nothin’ like This” – Hudson Moore: I’ve been enjoying the music Hudson’s been putting out this year and this one might just be my favorite. I love how it’s equal parts groovy and seductive as he sings about those first moments when you realize a connection is different.