Two Books. One Scene. A Million Memories. Red Dirt Fans, This One’s for You

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Josh Crutchmer + Cody Canada

Country journalist Josh Crutchmer just dropped two must-read books chronicling the rise of Red Dirt music and the return of Cross Canadian Ragweed. CMNB breaks down why Never Say Never and Red Dirt Unplugged are essential reading for country fans. Continue reading Two Books. One Scene. A Million Memories. Red Dirt Fans, This One’s for You→

Martina McBride Stands Up for Country Artists in Fight Against AI Deepfakes

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Martina McBride Stands Up for Country Artists in Fight Against AI Deepfakes

Country legend Martina McBride isn’t just using her voice to belt powerhouse ballads anymore — she’s using it to protect that very voice from being faked, cloned, or manipulated without her consent. This week, McBride testified before the U.S. Senate in support of the NO FAKES Act, a bipartisan bill aimed at protecting artists and everyday Americans from AI-generated deepfakes. And y’all, this isn’t just about politicians and tech nerds arguing in a room — this is about preserving the heart of country music: authenticity. What Is the NO FAKES Act? In a nutshell, this proposed law would make it illegal to use someone’s voice or likeness without consent, especially through AI voice cloning and deepfake tech. It creates a new federal property right for every individual and helps victims take action if someone uses their image or sound deceptively. Why It Matters to Country Fans Martina put it plainly: “Imagine the harm an AI deepfake could do… using my voice in songs that belittle or justify abuse.” Let that sink in. One of country music’s most respected voices — the woman who gave us “Independence Day” — is worried someone could twist her legacy into something she never stood for. And she’s not alone. Nearly 400 artists and entertainers have backed the NO FAKES Act, demanding guardrails to keep AI from messing with the music, stories, and values we hold dear. Support From Across the Industry The hearing also featured support from leaders at RIAA, YouTube, and even Consumer Reports. The message? Innovation is great, but it shouldn’t come at the cost of trust, truth, or personal rights. “[The bill] targets only malicious applications and sets the stage for legitimate licensing — but only with real and meaningful consent.” — RIAA Chairman Mitch Glazier What’s Next? The NO FAKES Act is headed toward a Senate vote, and lawmakers in the House are already getting in formation behind it. This growing momentum signals that protecting voices — literal and figurative — is finally taking priority in Washington.