We have new music for you, as always, to herald the end of the week and beginning of the weekend. You Gotta Hear This!

From just outside of Washington, D.C., singer-songwriter Connor Daly releases a new single today, “Echoes of Midnight.” An Americana “fast waltz” with a melancholy tinge, the track is clean but gritty. Daly thinks it’s the best song in his catalog to crank through a loudspeaker, and we agree. A longtime friend of BGS and Good Country now, Rissi Palmer releases her brand new EP Perspectives today, so we’re celebrating by sharing a new song from that collection, “Good to Me.” Written with Shannon Sanders and Hilton Wright II, the song finds Palmer much more assured in what she wants and needs from a life partner than she was in her 20s. (Stay tuned for an upcoming interview with Palmer about the EP, coming next week right here on BGS.)

Also in a country space, roots music renaissance man Jim Lauderdale announced a new upcoming album today, Country Super Hits Volume 2. He certainly has plenty of “super hits” to celebrate; we’re kicking off the countdown to the new LP by sharing “Everybody’s Got A Problem.” There’s a kernel of truth in that hook somewhere, isn’t there? Relatable, charming, and effortlessly traditional country, it’s another Lauderdale banger. Then, from across the Atlantic, Foy Vance launched a brand new, homemade music video earlier this week for “Hi, I’m The Preacher’s Son.” With sonics gleaned from the intersection of folk and outlaw, the song is well matched by the trippy and fun video that combines animation, stop motion, and many other forms and styles into a unique visual journey. His dad was a preacher and fond of a parable; the track and video suit their inspiration perfectly.

Don’t miss Bryan Sutton unveiling another tune from his upcoming duets album, as well. This time he’s partnered with fellow guitar picker Jake Stargel on an acrobatic and oftentimes jaw-dropping rendition of the popular fiddle tune-guitar instrumental “Crazy Creek.” These are two of the most personality-rich players and stylist on six strings, doing what they do best. Each single from the album, From Roots to Branches, has been stellar – this latest outing continues that trend.

There’s plenty to enjoy below! Scroll to listen, ’cause You Gotta Hear This…

Connor Daly, “Echoes of Midnight”

Artist: Connor Daly
Hometown: Ashburn, Virginia
Song: “Echoes of Midnight”
Release Date: February 6, 2026

In Their Words: “As soon as I started writing the first pieces of ‘Echoes of Midnight,’ I knew exactly what kind of production I wanted for the song. Going into the studio with David Dorn at Farmland Studios in Nashville, it didn’t take long for him to understand the vision. Big drums, wide acoustic guitar arrangements, and energy pushing through every line. It’s one of those songs that was clearly meant to be played live and I knew I needed to hear it fully take shape in the studio. Lyrically, ‘Echoes of Midnight’ captures a very now-or-never feeling of young love that has always stood out in my catalog. If I could choose any of my songs to play through a loudspeaker, this would be it.” – Connor Daly

Track Credits:
David Dorn – Keys
Shaun Richardson – Acoustic guitar
Tim Denbo – Electric bass
Dave Racine – Drums
Justin Ostrander – Electric guitar
Connor Daly Steggerda – Songwriter, vocals

Jim Lauderdale, “Everybody’s Got A Problem”

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Artist: Jim Lauderdale
Hometown: Troutman, North Carolina
Song: “Everybody’s Got A Problem”
Album: Country Super Hits Volume 2
Release Date: February 6, 2026 (single); March 27, 2026 (album)

In Their Words: “This song relates to the common experience of going through difficult times and that very few of us are immune to that; it’s one thing we all have in common.” – Jim Lauderdale

Rissi Palmer, “Good to Me”

Artist: Rissi Palmer
Hometown: Durham, North Carolina
Song: “Good to Me”
Album: Perspectives (EP)
Release Date: February 6, 2026

In Their Words: “I started this song with Hilton Wright II and completed it with Shannon Sanders (producer of the project). I sat on this chorus for three years, in the midst of a divorce, not sure what I wanted to say. On this side of things, I’m a bit more clear about what I want from a partner. The things that 29-year-old Rissi wanted are very different from what 44-year-old Rissi wants. We had a really good time writing this…” – Rissi Palmer

Bryan Sutton, “Crazy Creek” featuring Jake Stargel

Artist: Bryan Sutton
Hometown: Nashville, Tennessee
Song: “Crazy Creek” featuring Jake Stargel
Album: From Roots to Branches
Release Date: February 6, 2026 (single)
Label: Mountain Home Music Company

In Their Words: “Ever since Jake Stargel came on the scene, I’ve been fascinated and inspired. I think his playing is continually creative and powerful. He was the one that actually suggested ‘Crazy Creek’ and part of my goal with this duets project was just to try to capture musical conversations with my friends. We definitely do that here with ‘Crazy Creek.'” – Bryan Sutton

Foy Vance, “Hi, I’m The Preacher’s Son”

Artist: Foy Vance
Hometown: Bangor, Northern Ireland
Song: “Hi, I’m The Preacher’s Son”
Album: The Wake
Release Date: February 4, 2026 (video); March 13, 2026 (album)
Label: Rounder Records

In Their Words: “Being a preacher, my Dad was fond of a fable. Parables and philosophies poured out of him on a good day. I couldn’t fully appreciate them at the time, but I would learn to cling to the little wisdoms he shared. So much of him has influenced what I do. Seeking ways to say something concisely.

“I’m glad of that influence. I am also glad to be free of any certainty that gives someone the desire to be a preacher. Even if I felt certain about whatever God might be, I reckon the desire to become a preacher should never allow you to become one!” – Foy Vance

Photo Credit: Foy Vance by Gregg Houston; Rissi Palmer by Dire Image.