As we hit the unofficial kickoff of summer, we are taking a moment to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. But let’s be real — those sacrifices feel incredibly poignant right now as so many of those basic rights and freedoms are actively being challenged, especially here in Tennessee.

That is why it feels like perfect timing that today is also the 83rd birthday of the legendary Jessi Colter. As one of the few, essential female voices of the original 1970s Outlaw movement, she proved that women have to fight for their space in this industry.

In Issue 19 of the Girl Crush Country newsletter, we are channeling that exact outlaw energy for women in country music. From independent artists pushing past Nashville gatekeepers to stars making history at retail, this week is all about the women refusing to play by the old rules.

🎧 This Week’s Feature: Noelle Toland’s Hollywood-to-Nashville Grind

Our featured guest this week knows exactly what it means to take a risk. Rising singer-songwriter and actor Noelle Toland sat down with us for an unfiltered conversation about what it really takes to survive as an independent woman in country music today.

Scroll down to the full issue to find out:

• Why she walked away from a career in Hollywood (including an appearance on Criminal Minds) to move to Nashville during a global pandemic.
• The reality of learning guitar entirely as an adult to take control of her own sound.
• The story behind the hit songwriter co-write that bridges the gap between country pioneer Kitty Wells and… Morgan Wallen?

☕ The Tea: Major Collabs, Charity Closets, & Texas Rivers

We’re breaking down the latest moves making waves in the industry this week. In the full issue below, you’ll get the details on:

• A Historic First: Which country style icon just teamed up with denim giant Lee for their first-ever celebrity collaboration exclusively at Walmart? (Hint: The collection’s name does double duty with her actual middle name).
• Carly’s Closet is Reopening: Get the exact date, location, and details on how you can buy pieces straight from Carly Pearce’s personal wardrobe during CMA Fest to support music education.
• The “Float Forecaster”: How one Texas independent powerhouse is balancing a packed summer tour schedule while serving as the official ambassador for her hometown’s river campaigns.

🔥 The Drops: 19 New Tracks to Fuel Your Summer

Your holiday weekend playlist just got a massive upgrade. We have added the absolute freshest tracks from independent trailblazers and mainstream powerhouses to our rotation. We’re talking new music from Reba, Ingrid Andress, Kat Velasco, Brandi Carlile, and Girl Crush Country fave Erin Kinsey. Check out the full list of 19 essential tracks in the issue below, and head over to Spotify or Pandora to hear them on the playlists.

🏳️‍🌈 Shop with a Purpose: The GCC Pride Collection

While you are checking out the latest issue, don’t forget to visit the Girl Crush Country Store. We’ve just launched our PRIDE COLLECTION. You can rock some serious country sass while doing some actual good—50% of all proceeds from this collection go directly to The Trevor Project.