Outpost Drive – photo by Saskia Jo

Artist Name: Outpost Drive
Hometown: Mobile, Alabama and Hay-On-Wye, England

What project(s) are you currently working on?

Willow: The last two years have been entirely occupied by recording our debut album in the isolation of the English Countryside. For both of us this is the greatest artistic statement we’ve ever created.

Mary Bragg: Tell me why we’re literally demoing and tracklisting our 2nd and 3rd albums before the debut album has even come out haha we’re insane – just so many songs we want out in the world!!! We’re always songwriting and so much happens between a song being written to the actual release so the songs just keep mounting up (thank God and long may that continue!). It’s a good problem to have haha

What inspired you to pursue a career in music and when did you know?

Willow: When I was a kid my parents encouraged me to learn guitar. I started out playing classical and almost gave up as I was obsessed with rock music. Right at the point of losing interest I was luckily given an electric guitar and amp for my 11th birthday…from that moment on I knew exactly what I wanted to do with my life.

Mary Bragg: I don’t remember a time when this wasn’t the only thing I actually cared about and wanted to do in my life. I tried to run away from pursuing a music career for a few years due to low confidence and thinking I needed to pursue something more “realistic” but there is nothing more real than listening to your gut and following the dream… surrendering to that draw no matter what it takes (& damn it takes a lot!). Music is the greatest thing in the world – it’s all I’ve ever wanted & it is a privilege to get to do this. I’ll never stop pinching myself that it’s actually happening

If you weren’t pursuing a career in music, what would you be doing for a living?

Willow: Honestly I have no plan B, so it’s difficult imagining an alternative. Maybe something equally hard like being a painter, writer or running an apple farm.

Mary Bragg: I’m only just barely qualified to be a barista so I really need this music thing to work out or y’all will have to come see me at my coffee cart when I’m 85. Become obsessed with Outpost Drive okay? Okay brainwashing routine complete

What is your favorite downtime activity?

Willow: Can’t beat a classic movie to let the mind unwind. But I’m more of an active rester and like doing adventurous things like hiking in nature, exploring beautiful old buildings and towns, or going to a great restaurant. Anything old and beautiful intrigues me.

Mary Bragg: I love to paint!! It immediately calms me down & it’s a real passion of mine. I also love to read As an anxious girl, I look for things that can distract me from the tornado in my mind. OOH also I love to play Tiny Wings on my phone haha I’ve loved that game since middle school I’m pretty sure – so fun & it’s something non-work related to do on my phone which I need sometimes

Who is your biggest celebrity crush?

Willow: my wife.

Mary Bragg: ^^ trained him right! Willow’s is actually Candice Swanepoel and.. same

Who is your favorite sports team(s)?

Willow: I don’t really watch sports except for sometimes the English football and rugby team when they’re playing the world cup.

Mary Bragg: I’ve never been a big sports girl, but I am an Alabama football fan by birth & I do love a tailgate.

What is the last movie that you watched?

Willow: Prometheus.

Mary Bragg: Meet the Robinson’s (a classic and Willow had never seen it which is a criminal offense as a literal Robinson).

What is the last album you listened to?

Willow: I’ve been obsessed with Djo’s latest album ‘The Crux’, Leif Vollebekk’s ‘Revelation’ and Charlie Crockett’s ‘$10 Cowboy’.

Mary Bragg: Clouds by Joni Mitchell.

If you could only listen to one album for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Willow: Sticky Fingers by The Rolling Stones.

Mary Bragg: Use Your Illusion I & II by Guns N’ Roses 100000000%.

What is the greatest country song of all time?

Mary Bragg: Kiss An Angel Good Mornin’ by Charley Pride.

Willow: Shake The Frost by Tyler Childers.

What has been your favorite city/town that you’ve visited out on the road?

Willow: We’ve been to so many great places so it’s hard to choose, but I’d have to go for York in the UK. It’s a city of medieval beauty up there with the best.

Mary Bragg: Damn it Willow!!!!! Yeah I was gonna say York, but we also spent a week up in Scotland last year and that whole country is a GEM. I love everywhere we went up there!

What is your favorite meal?

Willow: anything my mum cooks.

Mary Bragg: Willow’s mom makes this insane carrot lentil dahl & it’s my faveeeeee – she is a chef extraordinaire.

Who is your dream duet partner?

Willow: my wife

Mary Bragg: Willow is kissing the wedding ringggg today okay I’m here for it right back at ya.

Who would you like to go on tour with?

Willow: The Rolling Stones, Zach Bryan, The Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Red Clay Strays.

Mary Bragg: In no particular order: Sierra Ferrell, The Red Clay Strays, Alabama Shakes, Noah Kahan, Tyler Childers, The War & Treaty, Taylor Swift, Leif Vollebekk, Carter Faith, Lizzy McAlpine, Gracie Abrams, Paramore, Phoebe Briders, Florence & The Machine, AURORA, Sam Fender – I could go on for hours – luckily for us, our music is quite genre-bending so I could see our music slotting in well with almost all the artists I love.

What is your ultimate career goal(s)?

Willow: I have three venues that are my metrics for having ‘made it’. Headline shows at The Royal Albert Hall, Madison Square Garden and The Hollywood Bowl.

Mary Bragg: Travel the world playing shows and hearing people singing the lyrics back! Being on stage is the happiest place in the world to me. Ultimately, I leave it all up to God – he always has ways of surprising me with something better than I could ever imagine. Our aspirations are as high as they get, and I know he’s got some big plans for us. I’m excited to keep watching them unfold

How can fans connect with you on Social Media?

Outpost Drive on everything! Come and say hi!

@outpostdrive

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This Date in Country Music History

• 2024 – Jon Pardi released his single “Friday Night Heartbreaker”
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• 2019 – Carly Pearce’s single “Every Little Thing” was certified Platinum
• 2014 – Lee Brice released his album I Don’t Dance
• 2014 – Dustin Lynch released his album Where It’s At
• 2008 – Jessica Simpson released her debut country album Do You Know
• 2006 – The Wreckers topped the charts with their single “Leave the Pieces”
• 2003 – Clay Walker released his album A Few Questions
• 1995 – Bryan White scored a #1 hit with “Someone Else’s Star”
• 1989 – Keith Whitley scored a #1 hit with “I Wonder Do You Think of Me”
• 1978 – Waylon Jennings scored a #1 hit with “I’ve Always Been Crazy” – it stayed at #1 for 3 weeks
• 1957 – Jerry Lee Lewis scored a #1 hit with “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Going On”

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• 2024 – HCM Daily Country Music News – September 9th, 2024
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• 2022 – Today’s New Music – September 9th, 2022
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The 2024 ACM Awards are airing live from Frisco, TX exclusively on Amazon Prime!  You do NOT need a Prime membership to watch!  For those that don’t have access to it or just don’t want to spend the time watching, we’ll be documenting a play-by-play of the show here.  Check back and refresh this page often for the latest action!  The 2-hour show (nearly commercial free) will be hosted by Reba McEntire.

• In the minutes leading up to the show, the red carpet pre-show ended with a recorded performance of Megan Moroney performing “Tennessee Orange” since she’s currently performing in Hollywood, FL opening for Kenny Chesney at Hard Rock Live.
• The show opens with the announcer listing off all the performers and presenters.
• The opening act is Lainey Wilson performing a cover of “God Blessed Texas” by Little Texas! After performing most of the song, she gave her hat away to a fan then jumped back on stage to sing her new single “Hang Tight Honey.”  Post Malone approved of the performance.
• Lainey then introduced the host for the night, Reba McEntire.  She came out to a dance version of her song “Fancy.”
• Reba joked about how she was going to top Dolly Parton bringing her goat out on last year’s show.  She joked that she was going to bring out her donkeys, but they’ve become so famous that she couldn’t book them.
• Reba commented that she won her first ACM Award 40 years ago.  She joked “I know what you’re thinking, how could that be when I’m only 39 years old!”  She then talked about how country is bigger than ever and growing to be inclusive to everyone, which led to her talking about Post Malone being there to perform some of his new country music.  She ran through some of tonight’s performers, including a duet between Avril Lavigne and Nate Smith.
• She wished Happy Trails to Toby Keith, who will be honored with a performance from Jason Aldean
• The ACM Award for Song of the Year, presented by Clay Walker and Randy Travis:
  • “Fast Car” by Luke Combs
  • “Heart Like a Truck” by Lainey Wilson
  • “Next Thing You Know” by Jordan Davis – WINNER
    
  • “The Painter” by Cody Johnson
  • “Tennessee Orange” by Megan Moroney
• Reba introduced Jelly Roll, who came out to perform a new song called “Liar”
• Reba introduced Kelsea Ballerini who performed a song we believe is called “Stick Season” with Noah Kahan
• Bobby Bones appeared to interview Thomas Rhett who showed up with a cowboy hat and a turquoise bolo tie
• The announcer introduced Richard Sherman and Charissa Thompson to present the next award
• The ACM Award for Duo of the Year:
  • Brooks & Dunn
  • Brothers Osborne
  • Dan + Shay – WINNER
  • Maddie & Tae
  • The War and Treaty
• The announcer then introduced Little Big Town, who is celebrating being a band for 25 years.  They introduced the duo that earlier won Top New Group or Duo – Tigirlily Gold!  They performed their new single “I Tried a Ring On”
• Tyler Cameron came out to announce the ACM Award for Group of the Year:
  • Flatland Cavalry
  • Lady A
  • Little Big Town
  • Old Dominion – WINNER
  • Zac Brown Band
• Reba introduced Cody Johnson who performed his new single “Dirt Cheap”
• We then had an awkward transition to Bobby Bones who was backstage to interview Jelly Roll, who hyped up Cody Johnson for Entertainer of the Year
• Dan + Shay joined Reba on stage, where she congratulated them for winning Duo of the Year.  Shay asked her how it feels to be hosting the ACM Awards for the 17th time.  She joked she’ll be legal next time she hosts.  They then introduced the most awarded artist in ACM Awards history, Miranda Lambert who performed her new single “Wranglers”
• The announcer introduced Ashley McBryde and Noah Reid.  They did a skit with a small guitar singing parodies of the 5 Single of the Year nominations.
• They then presented the award for ACM Single of the Year:
  • “Burn It Down” by Parker McCollum
  • “Fast Car” by Luke Combs – WINNER
  • “Last Night” by Morgan Wallen
  • “Next Thing You Know” by Jordan Davis
  • “I Need a Favor” by Jelly Roll
• The announcer introduced The War and Treaty who talked about how Ray Charles performed on the ACM Awards 40 years ago.  They then introduced Kane Brown who came out to sing “Georgia on My Mind”
• Kane then popped in backstage with Bobby Bones for a quick interview
• We come back from a quick commercial to Reba introducing Thomas Rhett who performed his new single “Beautiful As You”
• Jordan Davis and Carin Leon came out to present the ACM Award for Male Artist of the Year:
  • Luke Combs
  • Jelly Roll
  • Cody Johnson
  • Chris Stapleton – WINNER
  • Morgan Wallen
• Reba is back to talk about the ACM Lifting Lives charity
• Reba then introduced Gwen Stefani and Blake Shelton to perform their new duet “Purple Irises”
• We go backstage to Bobby Bones who told a couple of stories – one about Blake and Gwen, and one about Jerry Jones (to kill time while they change out the stage)
• We come back from a commercial with the announcer introducing Blake Shelton, who came out to Toby Keith’s “How Do You Like Me Now?”  Blake then gave a tribute speech about Toby and his legacy and thanked Toby’s family for being there.  He then introduced Jason Aldean who performed a stripped down acoustic version of “Should’ve Been a Cowboy” with a string section
• Reba gave the ACM Award for Female Artist of the Year:
  • Kelsea Ballerini
  • Ashley McBryde
  • Megan Moroney
  • Kacey Musgraves
  • Lainey Wilson – WINNER
• Reba introduced a performance by Chris Stapleton, but the song started with surprise guest Dua Lipa singing.  It was a duet on a song called “Think I’m In Love With You”
• Bobby Bones came out on stage to introduce the ACM Radio Award winners who stood for a round of applause.  He then introduced Scotty McCreery who was out to announce the winner for ACM Award for Music Event of the Year:
  • “Can’t Break Up Now” by Old Dominion & Megan Moroney
  • “Different ‘Round Here” by Riley Green & Luke Combs
  • “I Remember Everything” by Zach Bryan & Kacey Musgraves
  • “Man Made a Bar” by Morgan Wallen & Eric Church
  • “Save Me” by Jelly Roll & Lainey Wilson – WINNER
• We then go backstage with Bobby Bones who interviewed Dua Lipa and Chris Stapleton
• Reba introduced Post Malone who performed a new song called “Never Love You Again.”  It was a true, old-fashioned country song that may have been the performance of the night. Then he performed his new single “I Had Some Help” (minus Morgan Wallen who is on the official track at radio)
• Reba then came out to ask if Post Malone would sing a song with him.  She gave a shout out to the recently deceased Dickey Betts, then they performed a bit of “Ramblin’ Man”
• Reba then introduced Charley Pride’s wife and son to present the next award.  The ACM Award for Album of the Year:
  • Gettin’ Old by Luke Combs
  • Higher by Chris Stapleton – WINNER
  • Leather by Cody Johnson
  • One Thing At a Time by Morgan Wallen
  • Rolling Up the Welcome Mat (for Good) by Kelsea Ballerini
• Reba introduced Parker McCollum who performed “Burn It Down”
• The announcer introduced Breland, who announced the winner of the Breakthrough Artist of the Year and New Male Artist of the Year, Nate Smith, who showed up to perform his new single “Bulletproof” with Avril Lavigne!
• We go backstage again with Bobby Bones who interviewed Post Malone, who stated that his “booty hole was clenched during the whole performance.”
• Alabama came out to present the ACM Award for Entertainer of the Year:
  • Kane Brown
  • Luke Combs
  • Jelly Roll
  • Cody Johnson
  • Chris Stapleton
  • Morgan Wallen
  • Lainey Wilson – WINNER
• The show concludes with Alabama and Lainey Wilson introducing Reba McEntire who performed her new single “I Can’t”
• Reba ended her performance announcing that she’ll be hosting again next year for the 60th ACM Awards.  The show ended 9 minutes later than advertised…easier to do when streaming online instead of having to fit into a network’s window

The 59th Academy Of Country Music Awards nominees have been announced!

Entertainer

• Kane Brown
• Luke Combs
• Jelly Roll
• Cody Johnson
• Chris Stapleton
• Morgan Wallen
• Lainey Wilson

Female

• Kelsea Ballerini
• Ashley McBryde
• Megan Moroney
• Kacey Musgraves
• Lainey Wilson

Male

• Luke Combs
• Jelly Roll
• Cody Johnson
• Chris Stapleton
• Morgan Wallen

Duo

• Brooks & Dunn
• Brothers Osborne
• Dan + Shay
• Maddie & Tae
• The War And Treaty

Group

• Flatland Cavalry
• Lady A
• Little Big Town
• Old Dominion
• Zac Brown Band

New Female

• Kassi Ashton
• Ashley Cooke
• Hannah Ellis
• Kylie Morgan
• Megan Moroney

New Male

• Ernest
• Kameron Marlowe
• Dylan Scott
• Conner Smith
• Nate Smith

New Duo or Group

• Neon Union
• Restless Road
• Tigirlily Gold

Album

• Gettin’ Old, Luke Combs
• Higher, Chris Stapleton
• Leather, Cody Johnson
• One Thing At A Time, Morgan Wallen
• Rolling Up The Welcome Mat (For Good), Kelsea Ballerini

Single

• “Burn It Down,” Parker McCollum
• “Fast Car,” Luke Combs
• “Last Night,” Morgan Wallen
• “Need A Favor,” Jelly Roll
• “Next Thing You Know,” Jordan Davis

Song

• “Fast Car,” Luke Combs, writer: Tracy Chapman
• “Heart Like A Truck,” Lainey Wilson, writers: Dallas Wilson, Lainey Wilson, Trannie Anderson
• “Next Thing You Know,” Jordan Davis, writers: Chase McGill, Greylan James, Jordan Davis, Josh Osborne
• “Tennessee Orange,” Megan Moroney, writers: Ben Williams, David Fanning, Megan Moroney, Paul Jenkins
• “The Painter,” Cody Johnson, writers: Benjy Davis, Kat Higgins, Ryan Larkins

Visual Media

• “Burn It Down,” Parker McCollum
• “Human,” Cody Johnson
• “In Your Love,” Tyler Childers
• “Next Think You Know,” Jordan Davis
• “Tennessee Orange,” Megan Moroney

Music Event

• “Can’t Break Up Now,” Old Dominion, Megan Moroney
• “Different ‘Round Here,” Riley Green f/ Luke Combs
• “I Remember Everything,” Zach Bryan f/Kacey Musgraves
• “Man Made A Bar,” Morgan Wallen f/Eric Church
• “Save Me,” Jelly Roll w/Lainey Wilson

Songwriter

• Jessie Jo Dillon
• Ashley Gorley
• Hillary Lindsey
• Chase McGill
• Josh Thompson

Artist-Songwriter

• Zach Bryan
• Ernest
• Hardy
• Chris Stapleton
• Morgan Wallen

Bass Player

• Tony Lucido
• Steve Mackey
• Lex Price
• Jimmie Lee Sloas
• Craig Young

Drummer

• Fred Eltringham
• Evan Hutchings
• Greg Morrow
• Jerry Roe
• Nir Z

Acoustic Guitar

• Todd Lombardo
• Danny Rader
• Bryan Sutton
• Ilya Toshinskiy
• Charlie Worsham

Piano/Keyboards

• Jim “Moose” Brown
• David Dorn
• Charlie Judge
• Billy Justineau
• Alex Wright

Specialty Instrument

• Dan Dugmore
• Paul Franklin
• Josh Matheny
• Justin Schipper
• Bryan Sutton

Electric Guitar

• Tom Bukovac
• Kris Donegan
• Jedd Hughes
• Rob McNelley
• Sol Philcox-Littlefield

Audio Engineer

• Drew Bollman
• Jeff Braun
• Jim Cooley
• Jason Hall
• Buckley Miller
• F. Reid Shippen

Producer

• Charlie Handsome
• Dann Huff
• Joey Moi
• Jon Randall
• Derek Wells

Casino – Theater

• Choctaw Grand Theater – Durant, OK
• Deadwood Mountain Grand – Deadwood, SD
• Foxwoods Resort Casino – Mashantucket, CT
• Lucas Oil Live at WinStar World Casino and Resort – Thackerville, OK
• Resorts World Theatre At Resorts World Las Vegas

Casino – Arena

• Golden Nugget – Lake Charles, LA
• Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena – Atlantic City, NJ
• Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre – St. Louis
• Mohegan Sun Arena – Uncasville, CT
• Mystic Lake Casino Showroom – Prior Lake, MN

Festival

• Carolina Country Music Fest –Myrtle Beach, SC
• CMC Rocks – Ipswich, Queensland
• Crash My Playa – Riviera Cancun, Mexico
• Tortuga Music Festival – Fort Lauderdale, FL
• Windy City Smokeout – Chicago

Fair/Rodeo

• Auburn Rodeo – Opelika, AL
• Cheyenne Frontier Days – Cheyenne, WY
• Iowa State Fair – Des Moines
• Minnesota State Fair – Falcon Heights
• San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo

Club

• 8 Seconds Saloon – Indianapolis
• Billy Bob’s Texas – Fort Worth
• Georgia Theatre – Athens
• Joe’s Live – Rosemont, IL
• Mission Ballroom – Denver

Theater

• Beacon Theatre – New York
• The Franklin Theatre – Franklin, TN
• Moody Theater – Austin
• Ryman Auditorium – Nashville
• Tabernacle – Atlanta

Outdoor

• Ascend Amphitheater – Nashville
• Red Rocks Amphitheatre – Morrison, CO
• St. Augustine (FL) Amphitheatre
• Santa Barbara (CA) Bowl
• The Wharf Amphitheater – Orange Beach, AL

Arena

• Bridgestone Arena – Nashville
• Dickies Arena – Fort Worth
• Hertz Arena – Estero, FL
• KFC Yum! Center – Louisville
• T-Mobile Center – Kansas City

Don Romeo Talent Buyer

• Gil Cunningham
• Andrew Fortin
• Nicole More
• Stacy Vee
• Ed Warm

Promoter

• Jered Johnson
• Patrick McDill
• Brian O’Connell
• Aaron Spalding
• Adam Weiser

The 59th ACM Awards takes place May 16 at The Ford Center at the Star in Frisco, TX, and streams exclusively on Amazon Prime Video.