Strings, Pearce, King release new music

Friday, August 28, 2026 – Bluegrass/jam master Billy Strings released "So Much for Goodbyes" today via Reprise Records. Produced by Strings and T Bone Burnett, the 16-track project finds Strings channeling a deeply personal period. The record is accompanied by original artwork created by Strings' late mother, Debra Apostol. "I made this record to honor my mother," Strings shares. "To notice and embrace this very significant period of grief in my life and make art from it. To turn my heartbreak into songs while using my guitar as a coping mechanism as I always have. It's always been there for me to lean on through the hard times, and I figure it always will...until it's my time to say goodbye."

Carly Pearce is out with her fifth studio album, "Honest Woman," via BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville. The 16-song record is said to be a very personal collection of songs. Pearce employed Riley Green, Dan Tyminski and Molly Tuttle for collaborations. Green helped out on ""If I Don't Leave I'm Gonna Stay." Pearce co-produced with Ben West.

Little Big Town returns with "It's a Dying Art" on MCA. Karen Fairchild, Kimberly Schlapman, Phillip Sweet and Jimi Westbrook put 12 songs on their 12th studio album, Co-produced by Gena Johnson (Jason Isbell, Dolly Parton, Brandi Carlile) and Fairchild, the record blends intimate has more of a indie folk vibe and features collaborations with Ashley Monroe, Jason Isbell and Kelsea Ballerini.

Sony Music Nashville artist Zach John King made his debut with "I'm What You Get." King co-produced the 20-track album alongside Ryan Wilson. The album dives into everything from King's early life growing up in Fayetteville, Ga., ups and downs in love and life and remembering where he came from. After moving to Nashville in 2021, a series of independent releases led to the 2024 song "Wannabe Cowboy," followed by his 2025 EP, "Slow Down."

Lauren Alaina put out "Stages" on Big Loud. The 17-song collection was co-produced by hitmakers Joey Moi, Ben Johnson, Jacob Durrett, Mikey Reaves and Adam James. Alaina broke the record into three thematic parts.

Independent Texas-based band The Wilder Blue is out with "Cinco." Produced by Lyndon Hughes and The Wilder Blue and recorded at The Sonic Ranch in Tornillo, Texas, the 10-song release of country, Americana, Tex-Mex and more features five-part harmonies. The Wilder Blue is Williams (lead vocals), Paul Eason (lead guitar), Lyndon Hughes (drums), Sean Rodriguez (bass) and Andy Rogers (multi-instrumentalist).

Dustin Lynch is out with a greatest hits package, "Setlist Staples – 10 #1's" on BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville.