Welcome back to another edition of Music On Mondays! I hope you had a wonderful Easter and spent some quality time with your loved ones—whether it was enjoying a good meal, hunting for eggs, or just kicking back and relaxing. Now that we’re easing into a brand new week, it’s time to refresh your playlists and discover something new.
Madison Hughes is a rising singer-songwriter who first captured national attention with her soulful, acoustic covers that quickly gained viral momentum. Her debut album, All That I Am is a bold introduction to her original artistry, co-produced by Lera Lynn (True Detective, Roseanne Cash, Misty Boyce) and Todd Lombardo (Kacey Musgraves, Post Malone, Ella Langley).
A former contestant on Season 22 of The Voice, she has been steadily building a reputation as a compelling new voice in Americana and indie-folk. All That I Am reveals an artist more invested in honest growth than in a perfectly polished persona. Across ten tracks, Hughes charts a journey of personal and musical evolution—an open invitation for both longtime fans and new listeners to experience her unfolding creative vision. This debut is not just a beginning—it’s a statement of intent, hinting at a future that’s as promising as it is authentic.
Rebecca Lynn Howard is a two-time GRAMMY winner who has written hits for country royalty and “possesses one of country music’s most powerful voices” (Billboard) — delivers „Holler“ as she readies for the release of I’m Not Who You Think I Am, May 2 via Lee Brice’s imprint, Pump House Records.
Produced by Elisha Hoffman, Howard’s husband, and executive produced by Brice. I’m Not Who You Think I Am seamlessly blends country, roots, and soul, and marks the respected vocalist, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Howard’s first LP since 2008’s No Rules.
“’Holler‘ is such a vibrant song that truly stands out on the album,“ says Howard, whose maternal grandmother, Attie Mae Mann, is featured on the track. The track’s powerful rhythm, paired with Howard’s attitude-soaked delivery and Hoffman’s skilled production, makes this one of the album’s standout tracks, while simultaneously honoring Howard’s familial heritage.
„It opens with my grandmother’s voice singing an old-time gospel tune—a beautiful way to honor her legacy, even though she’s been gone for twenty years. I love that her talent is finally getting a moment in the spotlight. This song tells the story of growing up in the Appalachian Mountains of Kentucky, filled with cherished memories that shaped me into the resilient woman I am today. Family, faith, and fun have always been my anchors, and sharing this piece of my heart with the world brings me so much joy,“ beams Howard.
Country music singer-songwriter Billie Jo Jones is excited to release her fiery new single, “Flame”. The track showcases Jones’ powerful vocal range and signature style, combining classic country grit with modern-day attitude. With a bold spirit and undeniable sass, Jones delivers a performance that leaves no doubt — she’s a force to be reckoned with.
A longtime admirer of iconic songs like “Stand By Your Man” and “Jolene,” Jones makes it clear that if she ever found herself in a similar situation, she wouldn’t just stand by — she’d stand her ground. „Flame“ is a confident anthem of resilience and determination, showcasing Billie Jo Jones‘ strength and willingness to stand up for what’s hers.
“Dolly Parton is a huge influence in my world,” shares Jones. “We share the same producer, and her iconic song, “Jolen,e” is one of my favorites to cover! One day, it occurred to me that I would have handled that same situation much differently if someone had come after my man. So I wrote this song, and it is also a true story. This is how I handled a wannabe home wrecker. Then I wrote a song about it!”
Taylon Hope’s „Cold In Colorado“ takes listeners on an emotional journey through heartbreak. The new single by the rising young country music artist indicates her growing talent.
The song is about a couple losing one another, but still leaving hope that they could be something again one day. The visuals associated with “Cold in Colorado” brought the song to life. Each element enhances the narrative woven throughout the lyrics, from the landscapes of Colorado’s mountains to the intimate moments during tough times. It has been an amazing journey watching this song evolve from a simple idea into what I think is a very special song.
“I wrote alone one day during a special moment, just the piano and me,” says Hope. In this song, I aimed to capture the essence of heartbreak and longing while also painting vivid imagery that resonates with anyone who has experienced similar emotions. Creating this piece has been incredibly fulfilling, allowing me to channel my creativity and empathy into something meaningful. I am a storyteller and am very inspired by 90s country music, and I love to envision and see stories as I write and play music. Often, songs come to me as I play piano; this was a beautiful story that came to me as I wrote. I can’t wait for everyone to hear it and hope it resonates with listeners as much as it does with me.”
Country music’s own Jon Pardi has officially dropped his fifth studio album, Honkytonk Hollywood. At the heart of the album lies the lead single and namesake track, a bold, high-energy anthem that captures the tension and charm of Pardi’s dual musical identity—California-born, Nashville-built. Critics and fans alike are already praising the song as a defining moment in his discography, blending dusty dive-bar nostalgia with a cinematic swagger.
“This one’s for the dreamers and the die-hards,” Pardi shared when announcing the release. “Honkytonk Hollywood is finally out in the world.”
Pardi describes the album as his most personal to date, steeped in both maturity and freedom. “I’ve always leaned into that country-rock sound, but this time, I went deeper,” he said. “There’s a lot of heart in here, and a whole lot of me.”
A key player in bringing this vision to life is acclaimed producer Jay Joyce, marking his first time working with Pardi. Known for his genre-bending productions with artists like Eric Church and Lainey Wilson, Joyce brought a raw, unfiltered energy to the sessions. Rather than relying on the usual Nashville polish, Pardi recorded much of the album in just five days with his touring band, aiming for authenticity over perfection.
“I didn’t want to play by the rules,” Pardi added. “We let it breathe, we let it rock, and it ended up being something real. I’m proud of that.”
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