The Boot News Roundup: Sturgill Simpson Is on Kesha’s New Album + More

Welcome to The Boot's News Roundup, a morning rundown of the news country music fans need to know. Read on to learn more about the latest goings-on in the country, Americana, bluegrass and folk genres.

Genre-bending artist Sturgill Simpson is set to make an appearance on pop star Kesha’s forthcoming album High Road. According to NPR, Simpson will perform alongside Kesha and Beach Boys legend Brian Wilson on a song called “Resentment,” one of 15 songs on the project. High Road is set for release on Jan. 10.

Nashville will host the first-ever Cash Fest, a music festival centered around the release of a new YouTube documentary film about the legendary Johnny Cash. Per a press release, Cash Fest is scheduled for Nov. 10 at Music City's War Memorial Auditorium, ahead of the Nov. 11 premiere of The Gift: The Journey of Johnny Cash on YouTube Originals. Little Big Town, Midland, Elle King, Cam, Judah & the Lion and more artists are set to perform their favorite Cash tunes at the one-day event. Tickets are on sale now, and proceeds will be donated to MusiCares, an organization that provides assistance to musicians in times of need.

Americana trio the Wood Brothers have announced plans for a brand-new album that they calls their “most experimental work yet.” The 11-song record, titled Kingdom in My Mind, is set for release on Jan. 24 via Honey Jar / Thirty Tigers. "We all have these little kingdoms inside of our minds," explains the band’s Chris Wood in a statement. "And without really planning it out, the songs on this album all ended up exploring that idea in some way or another. They look at the ways we deal with our dreams and our regrets and our fears and our loves.”

Lynyrd Skynyrd have announced plans to release a live album featuring the music from their farewell tour. The 17-track album, titled Lynyrd Skynyrd: Last of the Street Survivors Farewell Tour Live, was recorded at the band’s 2018 performance in their hometown of Jacksonville, Fla., and will include Skynyrd classics such as "What’s Your Name” and “Free Bird.” The album is set for release on Nov. 1, and a concert film recorded at the same show will debut on Nov. 7.

Blackberry Smoke have also announced plans to release a live album. Called Homecoming: Live in Atlanta, the album was recorded last November, during the band’s annual Brothers and Sisters Holiday Homecoming performance at the Atlanta, Ga., venue the Tabernacle. The record is set for release on Nov. 15 and will be paired with a concert film directed by Lagan Sebert and Ted Roach.