APR 2025
Music, faith and philanthropy: the three commandments of Mitchell Tenpenny Morgan Wade strives for authenticity and storytelling Are singing competitions the stepping stones for a career in music?
on music, sobriety and doing what he loves
C N T E N T S
TEAM MEMBER SPOTLIGHT - 9
ON YOUR RADAR - 10
Artists that you should know. No, really.
MORGAN WADE - 12
A classic country singersongwriter who is as honest as she is inspiring.
STEPPING STONES OF SINGING COMPETITIONS - 18
Do singing competitions like American Idol and The Voice give an artist an advantage?
VENUE HIGHLIGHT - 21
Toronto’s History venue provides fans with a can’t-miss live experience.
CAMERON WHITCOMB - 22
Being sober and grateful keeps him grounded, giving him a sense of responsibility and a deep appreciation for where he is today.
UPCOMING TOURS - 30
Just when you think you’ve heard of them all, there’s more being announced.
MITCHELL TENPENNY - 32
As humble as he is talented, he emphasizes the importance of being a good person.
OFF THE SHELF - 38
Hot off the press, we’ve picked out some albums you should check out next.
APR 2025 ISSUE 014
DESIGN + EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Victoria Goodwin
COVER PHOTO
Jimmy Fontaine
ASSISTANT EDITOR
Avery Heeringa
ASSISTANT DESIGNER
Bethany Bluhm, Sarah Space
WEBSITE melodicmag.com
SOCIAL @melodicmag
CONTRIBUTORS
Aaron Kohn, Abby Anderson, Alexandra Arielle, Clare Gehlich, David McClister, Hanna Ortega, Hannah Croteau, Jimmy Fontaine, Joseph Ine, Justice Petersen, Ezra Kendrick, Justin Mayotte, Reagan Denning, Sarah Peter, Sarah Ritter, Tara Demers, Vera Valentin, Victoria Goodwin, Zach Pigg
THANK YOU
Cameron Whitcomb, Morgan Wade, Mitchell Tenpenny, Matt McAndrew, Atlantic Records, Sony Music, Full Coverage Communications, Red Light Management, Thriller Records, Calling All Crows and all of our amazing journalists, photographers, staff, contributors, interns and readers that helped make this issue come to life.
MAX at New York City’s Bowery Ballroom from February 23 to 25. All proceeds from tour were donated to support LA wildfire relief efforts.
Photo by Sarah Peter
TEAM MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
Reagan Denning
Reagan Denning is a passionate music journalist dedicated to helping artists share their stories. She currently resides in Ohio, but her heart belongs to New York City, which she considers her “favorite place on earth.”
One of Reagan’s highlights as a writer includes covering Ceremony Fest in Nashville, Tennessee, where she got to experience performances from jxdn, Beauty School Dropout, 44Phantom and sace6. She dreams of one day discovering and uplifting new talent in the music industry.
@reaganmckenziee_
When Reagan isn’t writing or attending concerts, she works as a nanny and curates a spectacular vinyl collection -- more than 100, but who’s counting? A dual citizen of Canada and the U.S., Reagan also played collegiate beach volleyball before ultimately choosing to pursue her passion for live music.
Her favorite artists include Shawn Mendes and MGK, with her current playlist featuring Lady Gaga, Tate McRae, Role Model, Dasha, Jensen McRae, LANY and The 1975.
READ what reagan hAs to sAy about tatE McRae’s newest album So Close to WhAt on pAge 41
ARTISTS YOU SHOULD KNOW
Since releasing his debut album Born For This in 2022, rising country artist Chase Matthew has proven he’s born to be a star. Since his inaugural record, Matthew has continued to rise within the country scene, charting with his single “Love You Again” in 2023 and earning himself a passionate fan base along the way. In February of this year, Matthew released his third studio album CHASE, a record that flawlessly channels a signature pop-influenced country sound. As he brings together classic country values with modern production, there’s no doubt Matthew is one of country music’s strongest rising artists. To celebrate the album release, Matthew is currently on his 2025 world tour. Having just recently toured across Europe and the U.K., Matthew is now touring the U.S. He will continue his trek across the States and spend the remainder of 2025 playing throughout the U.S., Canada and Australia.
CHASE MATTHEW
FFO: Jason Aldean, Tucker Wetmore, Conner Smith
LISTEN: “County Line,” “Love You Again,” “YOU TURN”
After her 2017 debut single “Someone Tell The Boys” was featured on Spotify’s “Discover Weekly” playlist, indie rock artist Samia began to earn recognition for her ethereal artistry. Following this single release, Samia released two full-length albums, one EP, a covers album and several more singles. She also performed a Tiny Desk set for NPR and supported Maggie Rogers on her European Feral Joy Tour. Now, the singer-songwriter is ready to release her third LP Bloodless, due April 25. Known for her inspiring compositions and poetic songwriting, Samia is an artist listeners will find difficult to let go of. After the album release, Samia will embark on her Bloodless Tour. Beginning on April 25, Samia will tour throughout the U.K. before making her way across Canada and wrapping up in the U.S. on June 7 in Kansas City, Missouri.
FFO: Clairo, Maggie Rogers, Christian Lee Hutson
LISTEN: “Big Wheel,” “Honey,” “Bovine Extinction”
TROUSDALE
Making a name for themselves through their iconic aesthetics and unique blend of country and pop, Los Angeles-based trio Trousdale are rising to become one of indie music’s most exciting outfits. Gearing up for the release of their new album Growing Pains, out April 11 via Independent Co. and a North American headlining tour to follow, Trousdale have released three singles –- “Growing Pains,” “Want Me Back” and “Over And Over” –- ahead of the full LP. Through their infectious combination of country folk melodies and pop star charm, Trousdale –- composed of Quinn D’Andrea, Georgia Greene and Lauren Jones –- offer an artistry that is as anthemic and optimistic as it is grounding and cathartic. Following the release of Growing Pains, Trousdale will begin their headlining album tour on April 30 in Philadelphia, making their way across the U.S. and Canada before ending their run on June 21 in their home city of L.A.
FFO: The Chicks, Taylor Swift, Madi Diaz
LISTEN: “Wouldn’t Come Back,” “If I’m Honest,” “Growing Pains”
GEORGE BIRGE
FFO: Conner Smith, Chase Matthew, Mitchell Tenpenny
LISTEN: “Mind On You,” “Cowboy Songs,” “It Won’t Be Long”
Rising country artist George Birge has topped the charts throughout his musical journey and continues to make a name for himself as one of the genre’s most prominent up-andcomers. While going viral with his song “Beer Beer, Truck Truck” in 2021 and “Mind On You” in 2022 gave a kickstart to Birge’s success, his career began long before that as one of the members of the duo Waterloo Revival, alongside childhood friend Cody Cooper. After the band broke up in 2021, Birge embarked on a highly successful solo career, going viral on TikTok that same year and later signing with Records Nashville. Birge has released two full-length albums and one EP, and his most recent release is his single, “It Won’t Be Long,” released in January. Birge is now gearing up to open for Dylan Scott on his spring 2025 Country Till I Die Tour. Known for his relatable lyrics and down-to-earth songwriting, there’s no doubt that Birge is one to watch.
CARLY PEARCE
FFO: Scotty McCreery, Maddie & Tae, Miranda Lambert
LISTEN: “I Hope You’re Happy Now,” “What He Didn’t Do,” “Every Little Thing”
Known for her storytelling and artistry, Carly Pearce embodies country music through and through. As she combines influences from bluegrass and contemporary female country artists, Pearce possesses a fiercely timeless artistry, defining the genre whole-heartedly. Having devoted her entire life to music, Pearce began performing bluegrass at age 11. By 16, she dropped out of high school and moved to Tennessee after landing a job to sing in the “Country Crossroads” show at Dolly Parton’s Dollywood amusement park. At 19, Pearce began releasing music, later earning success with her 2017 single “Every Little Thing.” Now, Pearce is a Grammy Award winner and CMT Award Winner. Pearce released her latest album hummingbird: no rain, no flowers (deluxe edition) on March 14 and is currently on her Hummingbird World Tour. Having begun in October of last year, Pearce will continue to play throughout the U.S. over the next couple of months before ending her run on May 16 in Nashville.
MORGAN WADE
STRIVES FOR AUTHENTICITY AND STORYTELLING
Photos by Alexandra Arielle
David McClister
Article by Justice Petersen
As a result of her authenticity and artistic grit, Morgan Wade is one of this generation’s brightest country stars. A modern-day storyteller, Wade is a classic country singer-songwriter who is as honest as she is inspiring. Praised for her signature raspy vocals and fearless songwriting — which tackles mental health, relationships and her sobriety — Wade has made serious headway in the country music scene. On her fourth studio album Obsessed, released last August, Wade took her vulnerability to new heights.
Alongside the release of Obsessed, Wade spent last summer opening for Alanis Morissette on her Triple Moon Tour alongside Joan Jett and The Blackhearts. Recently, Wade has been enjoying the success of her 2025 Obsessed Tour, which marks her first headlining tour in nearly two years. On this run, Wade has been able to meet new fans who were introduced to her through Morissette’s tour. “It’s been really cool to go back out on this run and hit some of the same places that I did with Joan and Alanis,” Wade tells Melodic Magazine over a phone call in late February. “We were in Denver and like half of the VIP [guests] that I met before the show was like, ‘I saw you with Joan and Alanis and I became a new fan.’ That’s been really cool to be able to see that.”
Long before she played alongside Morissette and Jett, the Virginia native grew up surrounded by music, with her grandparents taking her to local bluegrass shows
throughout her childhood. In college, Wade was inspired to immerse herself in songwriting after ending a relationship and began to assemble what would soon become a discography built on the foundation of honest expression.
To record her debut musical release, Wade recruited four bandmates through Craigslist, naming the group Morgan Wade and The Stepbrothers. They released one album, Puppets With My Heart, in 2018. Three years later, Wade released her debut solo album, Reckless, which topped Rolling Stone’s 2021 “Best Country Albums of the Year” list and climbed to number 14 on the Billboard Top Heatseekers Chart.
Wade kept up her success with her 2023 LP Psychopath, an album that continued to showcase the cathartic and raw songwriting that Wade had become known for. Along the path to today, Wade has been nominated for the Academy of Country Music’s New Female Artist of the Year, the Americana Music Association’s Emerging Act of the Year and Country Music Television’s Breakthrough Female Video of the Year.
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Obsessed, Wade’s fourth full-length record, takes on a more stripped-down, singer-songwriter approach to the singer’s musicality than ever before, as evidenced by Wade writing all but one of the LP’s songs entirely on her own.
Wade will display the edgier aspects of her sound as she tours alongside hard rock bands Bush and Beartooth supporting Shinedown on their Dance, Kid, Dance Tour. Beginning April 25 in Iowa, the tour will make its way throughout the U.S. over the spring and summer before ending on August 30 in Memphis.
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“I didn’t put that record out thinking, ‘Oh my gosh, this is going to be a record with a bunch of radio singles or anything like that,’” she admits. “These are all pretty much deep cuts, so to be able to be out on [that] tour and have everybody singing those words right back to me, it’s a great feeling because it’s showing me how loyal my fan base is. It’s not just the catchy songs that they’re out there watching me for. They’re out there for the deep cuts and for the real shit too.”
Despite the initial nerves felt as the Shinedown tour drew closer, Wade’s fears have subsided after forming a new friendship with Shinedown’s Brent Smith and Bush’s Gavin Rossdale. “After hanging out with those guys and getting to know them, they are both just the kindest people I’ve ever met,” Wade says.
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Following Obsessed, Wade’s latest single “East Coast,” released March 14, maintains an acoustic-heavy approach as the song tells an anthemic yet melancholy story about the fall out of a one-sided relationship. Written around the release of Wade’s 2021 album Reckless, “East Coast” was a deep cut that never made it onto the record.
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“Brent really stressed to me that everybody on that whole entire tour is super welcoming and we’re all in it together and he wants everybody to feel at home. Just talking about the different stuff that we can all go do together, that too is just something that I’m really looking forward to,” she says. “Going to Madison Square Garden with these guys, I’m really, really excited to be able to do that and just to be out in front of their fans and make new fans. And we’re obviously going to be playing a heavier rock set, so I’m excited to showcase the rock side of my art.”
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After a fan mentioned their love for the song, Wade decided to dig up the track and give it new life. “It was, lyrically, another song that I was proud of,” she says. “And honestly, if it’s just one person that comes up and says, ‘Man I really love that song, I hope you release that song.’ That’s one person out there that really appreciates something you wrote when you were at a really difficult time. If I can go put that song out and it makes that one fan really happy, then I’m happy to do it.”
Through her gritty vulnerability and the personal issues she tackles in her songs, Wade has cemented herself as one of modern country’s most unique new talents. However, she is no stranger to collaborating outside of the genre. As well as her tour with rock legends Joan Jett and Alanis Morissette, Wade also collaborated with Kesha on Obsessed, featuring the pop artist on the track “Walked on Water.”
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DOECHII IS SOMEBODY THAT I’VE BEEN LISTENING TO A LOT LATELY. SHE’S JUST SO RAW AND REAL WITH IT. I JUST LOVE THAT.
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— and strives for — authenticity. Unafraid to sing about life’s tougher moments in her work, Wade has always written the songs she has needed to hear ever since she began writing as a child.
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While pop, rock and country may appear as three very contrasting musical genres, Wade believes that a song’s lyrics are at the core of what makes “good music.” “I love country music because of the storytelling,” Wade says. “When I was talking to Brent about this tour, he was just talking about my songwriting and how he thought it was very authentic and was very much discussing the words and the lyrics. When I listen to Bush or Shinedown, I’m listening to the words and it’s all very authentic too.”
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When it comes to musical influences, Wade knows no bounds. Although a lover of her signature genre, Wade takes inspiration across the board, favoring artists such as Lana Del Rey, Johnny Cash, Miley Cyrus and more.
“Even now when I sit down and write a song, I don’t know that it’s a song that I’m going to go put on a record,” she says. “Sometimes it does and I get a little nervous because I did say things that are super personal, but I’m putting it out. I think if I sat down and just said, ‘Alright, I got to be authentic with this.’ I don’t think I would be, because I’d be putting too much pressure on myself. So now I just write because I have to write.”
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“I don’t care what genre of music it is, I’m all about the words,” Wade explains. “I’m just such a huge lyrics person. So if I listen to a song and I connect to those words, I don’t care what genre it is. I just want to connect with this. My playlist is all over the place. I am very inspired just by people telling their story.”
When it comes to facing her struggles head-on, Wade admits she will often keep to herself when she’s going through hardship. However, her biggest advice to fans who may relate to the pain explored in her songwriting is to find just one person to share your sorrows with.
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One artist who has been taking over Wade’s playlist lately is somebody who might not be listeners’ first guess.“Doechii is somebody that I’ve been listening to a lot lately. She’s just so raw and real with it. I just love that,” Wade admits. “I think that we can learn so much from other genres to make yourself a better artist.”
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Whether it’s within rap, rock ‘n’ roll or in her own country artistry, Wade is a songwriter who embraces
“I’m pretty introverted,” Wade says. “For me it is hard to go talk to people, but I found that the moment I do find someone that I can talk to about what I’m going through, it’s one hundred percent a different situation. So that’s one of the biggest things, just seeing people coming to my shows and being able to watch the sense of community. Whether it’s mental health or sobriety or physical fitness, any of that, just talking and getting out there and not shutting yourself off. Because music is something that can really bring us together, I[’ve] definitely learned that.”
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Myles Smith on his We Were Never Friends tour on Monday, March 10 in Munich, Germany.
Photo by Vera Valentin
The
Standing out in today’s oversaturated music industry is an ongoing challenge for both independent and major label artists, where musicians are vying for attention and trying to carve out their own place in the industry. While singing competitions like American Idol, The Voice and The X Factor once served as a more secure golden ticket to stardom, they have since evolved into stepping stones into the music industry. In an era dominated by social media, these shows remain valuable, but are no longer the primary path to a music career.
Televised singing competitions have been a staple of entertainment since the 1950s, with shows like Arthur Godfrey’s Talent Scouts introducing audiences to emerging talents. The new millennium ushered in a surge of popularity for TV singing competitions, largely due to their accessibility and the engaging format that allowed viewers to participate through voting directly through texting –something that hadn’t been done before.
American Idol, which premiered in 2002, became a cultural phenomenon and a significant platform for aspiring artists to gain widespread exposure. The show launched the careers of notable musicians such as Grammy-winning pop powerhouse and television personality Kelly Clarkson, Daughtry frontman Chris Daughtry and Adam Lambert, who now serves as the vocalist for highly-renowned rock group Queen. Following the success of Idol, The Voice debuted in 2011, offering a unique format where celebrity coaches such as Blake Shelton,
of Singing Competitions
Christina Aguilera, CeeLo Green and Adam Levine mentored contestants such as rock-turned-country artist Cassadee Pope and country superstar Morgan Wallen. Across the pond, The X Factor which originated in the United Kingdom before making its way to the United States in 2011, created global sensations including One Direction and Leona Lewis.
Before social media’s dominance, televised singing competitions were a golden ticket for unknown talent to get noticed. But as the industry continues to evolve, and platforms such as TikTok and Spotify have allowed artists to reach millions without ever stepping on stage, these shows are no longer the only — or even the primary — pathway to success. Instead, they are now used as a stepping stone for artists who are ready to take the next step on their journey.
Matt McAndrew, the runner-up on Team Adam during season seven of The Voice and now lead vocalist of alternative-rock band Rain City Drive, says his experience on the competition show remains special.“The Voice will always be my first big break,” he says over a Zoom call with Melodic Magazine. “[It] took me from not doing it professionally to doing it professionally, and gave me this big fan base.” The show also led to McAndrew securing a record deal, which fulfilled a promise he made to himself years earlier. His first tattoo, a simple box on his wrist, was inked at 19 with the intention of adding a checkmark if he ever got signed — a dream that The Voice ultimately helped him achieve.
McAndrew’s journey on The Voice was filled with intense moments of growth and paved with challenges. “I think the longest day I had was like a 20-hour day,” he says. More than just a true test of musical talent, the experience became a trail of endurance and the overall ability to handle the rigorous demands of the industry. “It was crazy. It was really cool though, because that was the thing that really helped prepare me for life as a professional musician after that.”
For McAndrew, the opportunity to work with his coach Adam Levine was perfect for what he needed at that time. “I really liked his enthusiasm and his general vibe about everything,” he says. “He was somebody that I really looked up to at the time in terms of what he had achieved, I thought [he] was just really impressive.” After his time on The Voice and work with Levine, he was invited to open for Levine’s band, Maroon 5.
Though he had never toured or been a part of any televised appearance before The Voice, McAndrew had been making music for years. At the time of The Voice his first solo EP was released. “I was like, man, imagine if I could get on the show and promote my first solo EP... and get a hundred people to listen to that.”
Take Idol contestant Benson Boone and The Voice contestant Morgan Wallen as examples of how appearing on these competitions can set the stage for long-term success, even if they don’t win. Boone, the alternative-pop artist behind last year’s top hit “Beautiful Things,” initially auditioned for Idol but voluntarily dropped out of the competition for not wanting the show to be the distinguishing factor of his career. He later found success on TikTok, where his music quickly went viral, leading to chart-topping singles and a loyal fan base.
In contrast, The Voice contestant Morgan Wallen, an American country singer, competed in the sixth season of the show where he was eliminated in the playoffs. However, his elimination was only the beginning. Wallen’s career took off through social media and streaming platforms, proving that success is no longer completely reliant on winning a televised singing competition. Today, he is one of the biggest names in country music.
Due to the rise of social media, the role of shows like The Voice, American Idol and The X Factor have evolved. Rather than being the ultimate launchpad for stardom, these shows now serve as stepping stones for artists who already have a foundation and are ready for the next step. “[With singing competitions] you get a lot of fame, but
not really anything else,” McAndrew explains. “I didn’t have a successful music career at that point. I just had a lot of exposure.” In today’s oversaturated music scene, the kind of exposure televised competitions can give someone is already half the battle. “I think everybody has a different experience, but for me I’ve definitely embraced it. I wouldn’t change it for the world.”
FOCUS ON DELIVERING PERFORMANCES THAT ARE GOING TO BE MEMORABLE AND MEMORABLE FOR THE RIGHT REASONS
Singing competitions can open doors and be used as a stepping stone into the music industry, but they don’t guarantee long-term success. At the end of the day, McAndrew’s word of advice is simple, “Everybody’s going to go home, including the winner… Focus on delivering performances that are going to be memorable and memorable for the right reasons. Perform the songs that you really want to perform. Represent who you are as an artist and as a person.”
HISTORY
TORONTO, CANADA
ARTICLE BY Clare Gehlich
TORONTO’S PREMIER LIVE ENTERTAINMENT DESTINATION
Merging state-of-the-art acoustics with a sleek but stylish design, the bustling East End of Toronto has never been more lively and exciting due to the live music venue, History.
Though relatively new to the city, History has gone on to host everything from soldout concerts to album launch events for major artists. A capacity of 2,500 people may seem mid-sized, but it allows for large-scale performances and up-closeand-personal intimate experiences. With a cutting-edge sound system and modern design, History’s inception was announced back in June 2021 before officially opening in November of that year.
Previously known as the Greenwood Teletheatre and used for off-track betting, the venue was put on the map by Canadian rap icon Drake and American company Live
Nation Entertainment, who collaborated to open History initially.
The venue is located at 1663 Queen Street East and connects the global music scene with the city’s energy. From embracing international superstars like Billie Eilish,The Chainsmokers and Tame Impala to local talents, History is no stranger to welcoming brilliant talent to Canada’s most populous city. The venue is home to big-ticket shows, exclusive events and unforgettable performances, providing fans and concertgoers with a can’t-miss live experience.
Having hosted names like Bleachers, Jack Harlow and The Smashing Pumpkins, History is cementing itself as a premier live entertainment destination. From fans of rock to hip-hop to indie, fans can connect with their favorite artists in a way that larger arenas simply can’t offer.
Photos by Jimmy Fontaine
Article by Victoria Goodwin
on music, sobriety and doing what he loves
Whenpeople say, “I got my start on American Idol,” they typically mean that it was their big break. For Canadian country singersongwriter Cameron Whitcomb, it was quite literally the very beginning. Having never recorded music or performed live (beyond karaoke covers), he went from singing on his couch to belting it out in front of a national audience on Season 20 of American Idol, where he made his true debut. But now, nearly three years since his Idol days, with nearly six million monthly listeners on Spotify, more than one million followers on TikTok and a second headlining tour on the horizon, Whitcomb is proving that the real work starts after the cameras stop rolling.
Since his musical debut, the now-22-year-old released his debut EP Quitter in 2024 after being signed to Atlantic Records earlier that year. The project’s title track has since racked up more than 45 million streams on Spotify, earned Whitcomb his first song on Billboard’s Canadian Hot 100 and has since become certified gold by Music Canada. “I think ‘Quitter’ was probably one of the first [songs I wrote] about sobriety [and] when it really started to matter to me,” Whitcomb says over a video call with Melodic Magazine in March. “At the start [of sobriety] I was just like, ‘I have to get sober, this shit’s killing me so I have to get sober.’ But then I kind of fell in love with it, the idea behind it and how I was feeling.”
Whitcomb has been steadily climbing the charts and gaining attention since making it to American Idol’s Top 20 — just this year he’s already been featured on the cover of Apple Music’s Today Country playlist and been named on Spotify and Amazon Music’s 2025 Artist To Watch lists. On top of his 2024 EP, Whitcomb played some monumental shows as he opened for country artist Morgan Wade during her 2024 Obsessed Tour.
Fast forward to his latest release, “Options,” written by Whitcomb alongside Jack Riley, Cal Shapiro (Alex Warren, MisterWives) and Nolan Sipe (Benson Boone, Andy Grammer), released in early March has already accumulated more than 5 millions streams and offers an unfiltered look at the intrusive thoughts and lingering “what ifs” that come with sobriety. The song paints a picture of the mental tug-of-war between his past addictions and present sobriety, making it especially meaningful to the singer.
After Idol, the transition back to normal life wasn’t easy. The excitement of Hollywood was replaced by the quiet of his family’s farm near Port Alberni, Vancouver Island. While only making it to the Top 20, he had gotten a taste of the spotlight and it felt like everything was about to change. “For me, it was like nothing I’d ever experienced before… I was just grateful to be there,” he admits. “It was cool. I had my dad there and it was fun.” But fame doesn’t come overnight and because of his time on Idol, Whitcomb had the epiphany that a career in music was tangible. “I’m grateful for the show for sure, because if it wasn’t for the show I probably wouldn’t realize that there can be more to my life than cutting down trees and digging holes,” he said.
The show gave him a platform, but when he returned home, reality hit: if he wanted to make music his life, he had to build it from the ground up. “I feel like it’s important for me to keep working hard and good things will happen. Hard work brings good luck. So as long as I’m doing this a hundred percent, then it’ll work.”
In 2023, he made one of the biggest decisions of his life: he got sober. Addiction had surrounded him from the early age of 13, beginning with alcohol and escalating to harder substances over the years. Growing up in an environment where alcohol was prevalent, Whitcomb struggled for years before finally getting sober at 20. Witnessing his best friend’s own journey to sobriety was a major turning point for Whitcomb, seeing firsthand how his friend’s life was transformed physically and mentally. This experience had become a theme in his songwriting. “At the start [of my career] I was trying to be honest and writing about things that meant a lot to me and I think that’s kind of where I found my niche. The more honest I was about things, the more people could resonate with what I was trying to say.”
Though a lot of his songs relate to sobriety on a personal level, Whitcomb prefers leaving the interpretation up to the listener. “Medusa,” Whitcomb’s second track to chart on the Billboard Canadian Hot 100, has racked up more than 46 million streams since its release in November and explores a toxic relationship. “And I don’t even want you back, even though you’re all I have, my Medusa,” he sings. On the surface, one may think the song is about a past lover, however, on a deeper level, the song was written about Whitcomb’s relationship with addiction and its threat to captivate and manipulate him. “I like music that you can listen to and kind of take what you need from it,” he says.
Nearing two years into his sobriety, Whitcomb is extremely comfortable in his sobriety and is glad people can find solace with his lyrics and music. “It’s kind of a special thing to be in that position where people can look up to me. I don’t even know if I deserve it, but it’s cool,” Whitcomb says humbly. With a sense of responsibility to remain sober for himself and now for his
THEN I KIND OF FELL IN LOVE WITH
[BEING SOBER]
fans, Whitcomb is now in a place where he realizes there’s too much at risk. “I feel like there’s too much riding on everything now to give up on it. Not that I want to… It’d just be unfair after building all of this.”
“I think [being sober] keeps me responsible and it makes me realize what’s really important,” he says. “I don’t take any of this for granted. This is an opportunity that people would fucking kill for, you know? And the fact that I’m able to do this for a living… It’s such a blessing and such an important and special place for me to be.”
Now, Whitcomb is preparing for his second headlining tour, the Hundred Mile High Tour — which is nearly completely sold out. Other than making stops to different cities and bigger venues, Whitcomb is making sure his team is taken care of and that he’s touring with the right people who matter the most to him. “We got a proper tour manager — absolutely amazing guy. We got a front of house sound guy. My little brother’s coming back, he’ll sell merch again. My dad drives the bus… I’m feeling really good,” he says.
Touring is an extremely important and special opportunity to Whitcomb and he values the opportunity to meet his fans. “I’m really excited to meet people [and] I feel guilty sometimes that I can’t say hi to everyone... I’m there because of them. I wouldn’t get to do this if it wasn’t for other people listening to my music. I’m grateful” he says.
While touring and channeling the same infectious energy as Bailey Zimmerman, an artist Whitcomb said he’d love to collaborate with in addition to Post Malone and Jelly Roll, Whitcomb makes sure to include the crowd at any given chance. When sharing the mic with the crowd, he’s sometimes left speechless after fans help sing his songs without missing a beat. “So far nobody’s messed up any words,” he says, “One guy [sang] the whole entire ‘Shoot Me Dead.’ That was crazy.”
Following his Hundred Mile High Tour, Whitcomb will perform at the Georgia Rodeo and Auburn Rodeo, opening for country rockers The Red Clay Strays and bluegrass and country musician Zach Top before heading over to Australia to open for country singer-songwriter, Sam Barber, in late April and early May. Whitcomb is also slated to perform at Nashville’s CMA Fest, the largest and longestrunning country music festival in the world, on Friday, June 6 before heading to Europe for another leg of his Hundred Mile High Tour in August.
Through the milestones presented since Idol — the gold-certified track, touring, a growing fan base and sobriety — Whitcomb remains focused on the bigger picture, trying to better himself and his musicianship day by day. “I still feel like maybe I haven’t wrapped my head fully around it... I try to remain grateful and keep doing what I’m doing and keep trying to learn and to grow as a person and as an artist.”
UPCOMING TOURS
Forget FOMO
These upcoming tours are the ones you need to clear your calendar for.
Honestav
Honestav’s No License Tour — his debut headlining tour — began on March 3 in Nashville. He’ll tour extensively across the U.S., ending on June 29 in Salt Lake City. Many dates are already sold out, so it’s best to grab some tickets for this unforgettable tour while they’re still available.
March 6 - June 29
Nolan Taylor
The Hill Country Devil, Laurie Anne Armour
Following the release of his selftitled debut album, the “emo country” star Nolan Taylor will embark on a headlining tour this spring with The Hill Country Devil and Laurie Anne Armour as support, undoubtedly marketing a significant milestone in the rising star’s career.
Apr 4 - May 17
Mar 14 - Jun 14
Russell Dickerson Jake Scott and Niko Moon
Wrapping up the first round of his RussellMania Tour on April 5, the “Yours” singer will embark on round two this summer with Niko Moon and Jake Scott as support. Known for his sensational live shows, Dickerson’s upcoming amphitheater tour is not one to miss.
Apr 12 - May 10
Knox
The Wldlfe
To highlight the release of his highly-anticipated debut album Going, Going, Gone, out April 4, Knox will embark on his Going, Going, Gone Tour with The Wldfe as support. Having made a strong name for himself in indie music, Knox’s upcoming tour will be a sensational event for his devoted fan base.
Sza + Kendrick Lamar
Following the release of his album GNX, Kendrick Lamar announced his co-headlining tour with SZA — The Grand National Tour. This tour is highly anticipated, especially following Lamar’s iconic Super Bowl halftime show. The tour begins April 19 and will make its way throughout North America, the U.K. and Europe.
Post Malone Jelly Roll,
Sierra Ferrell
Soon to set out on his Big Ass Stadium Tour alongside fellow rapper-turned-country star Jelly Roll, Post Malone’s upcoming tour isn’t one to miss. Starting on April 29 in Salt Lake City and ending on July 1 in San Francisco, Malone will be supported by Sierra Ferrell on select dates.
Jensen McRae
Lauren Juzang, Elli Rowe
Singer and poet Jensen McRae will embark on her The Praying For Your Downfall Tour on May 3 with Lauren Juzang and Elli Rowe. The tour will follow the release of McRae’s highlyanticipated sophomore album, I Don’t Know How But They Found Me!, and tour across the U.S., Europe and the U.K.
Halsey
Del Water Gap, Evanescence, Hope Tala, Magdalena Bay
Following the release of her critically-acclaimed fifth studio album The Great Impersonator, Halsey will embark on her For My Last Trick Tour on May 10. Halsey will be joined by several artists, including Evanescence, Del Water Gap, Hope Tala and Magdalena Bay.
Coheed and Cambria Mastodon, Periphery
Progressive rock and metal titans, Coheed and Cambria and Mastodon, are scheduled to embark on The Infinite Arc Tour making their way across the United States. Starting in May, the tour will be supported by fellow progressive metal band, Periphery.
Sleep Theory Nevertel, Oxymorons
To highlight the release of their upcoming album Afterglow, altmetal group Sleep Theory will soon head out on The Afterglow Tour. Starting on May 20 and ending on June 28 in the bands hometown of Memphis, they tour throughout the U.S. with Nevertel, Oxyymorons and Stray View as support.
MUSIC, FAITH AND PHILANTHROPY: the three commandments of Mitchell Tenpenny
Photos by Zach Pigg
Nashville-native Mitchell Tenpenny has made his mark as a platinum-selling recording artist, multi-talented entertainer and acclaimed songwriter. But at the heart of his success is a deep appreciation for his roots and the people who shaped him into the artist and man he is today.
No stranger to the country music scene, he grew up surrounded by the industry with deep roots in music that stretch back to his childhood. Tenpenny’s grandmother, Donna Hilley, notably served as the CEO of Sony/ATV Music Publishing until her retirement in 2005. “I got to see, in my opinion, the best songwriters in the world — and everyone from Brooks and Dunn to Taylor Swift at the time,” Tenpenny recalls. But more than anything, it was his parent’s unwavering support that gave him the confidence to fully pursue his dreams.
“My dad would take me to shows back in the day. They never turned me away from [the opportunity to chase the dream of being a musician]. I just wanted to say thanks to dad… thanks for trusting me with this name and giving me the opportunity to do what I love to do,” he says. “I just want to say thank you for believing in your son.”
After signing a publishing deal with Sony/ATV in 2014 and releasing his debut album Black Crow the following year, Tenpenny’s career rapidly gained momentum. By 2016, his songwriting breakthrough came with his credits on Granger Smith’s hit, “If the Boot Fits.” From there, he continued to build a name for himself as a singer,
eventually earning recognition for hits like “Drunk Me” and “Truth About You.”
With over 2.3 billion global streams and a growing fan base, Tenpenny’s story is one of continuous growth – both personal and professional. With his third album, appropriately titled The 3rd, Tenpenny delivers his most personal work yet through a heartfelt tribute to his late father.
Released last September, The 3rd not only refers to his own name — James Mitchell Tenpenny III — but also honors both his father and grandfather. “As it is my third record… and as you do this longer and longer, you just realize how grateful you are for how you were raised,” Tenpenny says. The singer’s goal with the LP was to bring an authentic feel that placed the listener in the room with him. “I want people to believe what they’re hearing and put themselves in that scenario and feel like they’re not alone,” he says.
Beyond the deep ties to his family’s legacy apparent throughout his music, his commitment to honoring them extends beyond sound waves. After losing his father, James Mitchell Tenpenny Jr., to a rare form of cancer in 2014 and witnessing both his mother and aunt’s battles with cancer, he felt compelled to try and make a difference.
Founded in 2018, The 10Penny Fund aims to offer support to cancer patients and their families. “It started [with] losing my dad to cancer and my aunt going through it,” Tenpenny explains. “My mom is in remission right now, thank the Lord.” Often
Article by Victoria Goodwin
overlooked in cancer treatment is the effects it has on one’s mental health, which became a key focus of the fund. “I wanted to do something that I saw wasn’t being focused on a lot when it comes to cancer treatments and that’s the mental health side of it,” he explains. “When your stress levels are low, when you prepare yourself for battle, when you have someone to talk to, you feel like you’re not alone... it tremendously increases your chance of success.”
Pointing out the need for therapy and emotional support during cancer treatment, Tenpenny says that these resources were
largely missing when his dad was battling the disease. “We’ve got great doctors, great drugs, great treatments now, but on the other side, that mental side, if you can battle from both sides, your chance of success tremendously increases,” he says. “Sometimes [patients] get past the taboo part, but it’s just unaffordable.” It’s this lack of mental health resources in the cancer world that The 10Penny Fund seeks to address, providing much-needed support for individuals facing the emotional challenges of cancer.
Since its inception, The 10Penny Fund has raised nearly one million
dollars through live events like the Music Row Cornhole Tournament, online auctions, donations and sponsorships. “People surprise you... when you think the world’s all bad and it’s not all the time,” he says. “I’ve been so overwhelmed by people’s hearts.” With the fund hitting a monumental milestone, Tenpenny remains inspired by the community’s spirit and resilience.
I’VE
BEEN SO OVERWHELMED BY PEOPLE’S HEARTS
Tenpenny knew giving back was always the plan, even before his first single hit the radio. “[My manager and I] talked about it before the first single ever even went to radio, like, ‘What are we going to do when we get this opportunity?’” he says. “I’m proud to be surrounded by people that are like-minded in that way.”
Throughout his musical career and the philanthropy of The 10Penny Fund, Tenpenny’s faith has remained a guiding force, shaping how he navigates the ups and downs of life, music and giving back. While he doesn’t consider himself super religious, he describes his faith as something deeply personal and a source of strength, consistency and peace of mind.
“I definitely challenge a lot of what I was raised [to believe] these days. But with that, I’ve grown a stronger relationship with the one thing I believe in, which is God,” he says. “You have to have one thing that lets you just let loose. And that’s what God is for me. He’s a great friend. He’s someone I yell at. He’s someone I scream at. He’s someone I thank all the time.”
His belief system has helped him stay grounded in an unpredictable industry, allowing him to remain steady for those around him. When Tenpenny’s wife and fellow country singer Meghan Patrick moved from Canada to Nashville, she was intrigued with the Nashville “thing” everyone around her seemed to have done. “It was a great day in my life when my wife asked me, ‘Hey, I want to be baptized. I want to learn more about this,’” he says. Seeing faith impact not only his own life but those around him has reinforced its importance in his journey.
As Tenpenny continues to build his career, whether through his music, The 10Penny Fund or his personal relationships, he keeps the pursuit of being a good person above all else. “What’s going to get you anywhere is being a good person and [being] somebody people want to surround themselves around and trust,” he says. “Obviously a work ethic has to be there and you’ve got to build a great team… But the basis starts with being a good person. Be a good human being — someone [that others] want to be around.”
THANK YOU FOR BELIEVING IN YOUR SON
Grab your record player
CHASE
Chase Matthew
Review by: Victoria Goodwin
Chase Matthew is quickly proving himself as one of country music’s most compelling rising stars. A true Nashville native, he’s built his career from the ground up, earning a fiercely loyal fan base with his deep twang and a “country-or-nothing” mentality. His third studio album CHASE, blends classic country themes with modern production showcasing the definition of what country is. Each track is infused with reflections of his past and travels the roads moving forward. While the album doesn’t reinvent country, Matthew showcases traditional country roots with modern appeal.
Obsession The Driver Era
Review by: Abby Anderson
As addictively riotous as their live shows, The Driver Era’s newest project, Obsession, establishes the band as a mesmerizing poprock force. The sibling duo, made of Ross and Rocky Lynch, drive the
listener into a sultry and hypnotic disco-infused world with the mysterious “You Keep Me Up at Night” before moving through sleek sonics that mature the sound of their previous records. “Don’t Walk Away” grooves into rock territory while “Same Old Story” shines with synthy-rock production that reflects the fleetingness of new love. “The Weekend” returns to the vibe of their 2021 LP Girlfriend, with a summery, sunset feel and an eclectic piano solo bridge. “Nothing Left to Lose” is a jazzy electro-piano driver, perfect for a midnight search for a twist of fate, while “Don’t Take the Night” is a deliciously bassheavy glitter bomb -- intoxicating and obsession-worthy. “I Can’t Believe She Got Away” sonically channels vintage Hollywood neon, exploring a noxious obsession with a lover who’s faded away faster than a dream. Album closer “Better” pulses with an addictive vintagesynth rhythm as The Driver Era leaves their obsessions behind, knowing they’ve just become yours.
The Father of Make Believe Coheed and Cambrian
Review by: Joseph Ine
Coheed and Cambria are back in action with their new album, The Father of Make Believe, the third act of the Vaxis series within The Amory Wars saga. There are multiple layers of listeners within the Coheed fandom — the chapter of the fan base that is purely in it for the love of the music and that uniquely Coheed sound and then the sect of loredriven, adventure-immersed fans who analyze every word, plot twist
and song within the storyline. For the music fans, The Father of Make Believe takes you on a journey through a gamut of influences from their previous albums. As for the story-driven fan base, this album marks the third part of what will ultimately be a five-part Vaxis series. Within the album are numerous callbacks to Coheed’s 2012 album, The Afterman The Father of Make Believe features the presence of Sirius Amory (the protagonist of The Afterman albums) himself, though the full narrative remains unrevealed, as this part of the story has yet to be released in comic form.
MAYHEM
Lady Gaga Review by: Hannah Croteau
Five years after the release of her album Chromatica, Lady Gaga has returned with her highly anticipated new LP, MAYHEM. Existing somewhere in between The Fame and Born This Way listening to MAYHEM is like running a five mile sprint with a nice cool down at the end. Gaga returning to her dark sound is the best move she’s made in her career. MAYHEM is a phenomenal record that showcases every ability she has in her music. Kicking it off with “Disease,” the first single she released for MAYHEM last October, starts the album off perfectly and tells you right away the direction it’s going. With track two being her second single from the album, “Abracadabra,” the album immediately takes you on the best pop music high of your life.
The Driver Era at Yuengling Center in Tampa, FL on their Obsession Tour in early March.
Photo by Hanna Ortega
For Melancholy Brunettes (& sad women)
Japanese Breakfast
Review by: Ezra Kendrick
To be a creative writer entails a slight romanticisation of life. But what happens when this romanticisation turns to an all out fantasy of one’s own life? That is the blueprint of Japanese Breakfast’s album For Melancholy Brunettes (& sad women) - an album that balances gothic whimsy sounds with fragile and dark storylines. Dealing with themes of abuse, maladaptive daydreaming and isolation, the indie-pop band uses influences from Baroque-pop, Fiona Apple and alternative folk to convey the fall from fantasy to reality as the track list progresses.
So Close To What Tate McRae
Review by: Reagan Denning
After massive success with 2023’s THINK LATER, Tate McRae is cementing her spot as a pop sensation with her third studio album, So Close To What. Album by album, McRae’s sound gets
sharper and bolder, proving to be a captivating voice in pop music. In honor of the new album, McRae is hitting the road for the Miss Possessive World Tour, which is completely sold out and just so happens to be her first arena tour. McRae continues to unveil her alter ego, Tatiana, who was first introduced on THINK LATER. Tatiana is a confident, bold, chaotic and sometimes exaggerated version of herself, helping to write tracks like “Sports Car,” which was co-written with musical legends Ryan Tedder and Julia Michaels. The song makes references to the famous “Whisper Song” by the Ying Yang Twins. The fan favorite single certainly has someone in the drivers seat and that person is Mcrae.
I Said I Love You First Selena Gomez
Review by: Abby Anderson
Four years after Selena Gomez’s Grammy-nominated EP Revelación (and five years since her last fulllength project Rare), the pop star has returned to music — and entirely on her own terms. On I Said I Love You First, released March 21 via SMG Music LLC & Friends Keep Secrets under an exclusive license to Interscope Records, Gomez finds a partner who brings out the best in her, her fiancee Benny Blanco. Gomez’s musical ventures have always leaned towards cranking out clubby-pop smash-hit radio singles, usually with a bit of cheek and a universally relatable hook. But this time around, I Said I Love You First is all about Gomez getting to tell her story and how it inevitably
led to her finding her forever in her collaborator, Blanco. The album seems to run a chronological storyline, interspersing spoken interludes and thematic choices combing through Gomez’s past, present and future.
Second Wind
Daniel Seavey
Review by: Clare Gehlich
When you lose something you love so much, it’s incredibly hard to come back from it. From the “has beens” to the “what ifs,” you’re often left wondering what you could’ve done differently to go back in time and salvage what you loved. Or, in Daniel Seavey’s case, you build something new. After being forced to dismantle the beloved boy band Why Don’t We in 2020 due to a lawsuit from their former management, the 25-year-old singer and multi-instrumentalist aims to move forward as a solo artist with his debut solo album, Second Wind. Just a little over a week after the band lost the rights to the group name in February 2025, Seavey opens up to his fans about his personal struggles and his hopes for what the future holds in this heart-filled debut.
Benson Boone at Austin, TX’s second annual Sips and Sounds Festival on Saturday, March 8.
Photo by Tara Demers
