Ella Langley on Her Sophomore Album ‘Dandelion’

Country singer Ella Langley opens up about her approach to releasing music leading up to her sophomore album ‘Dandelion’. During coverage of the 2026 iHeartRadio Music Awards, held March 26 at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, Langley discussed her strategy of releasing a series of singles to build momentum for her album release.

Sturgill Simpson’s Views on Music Success

Sturgill Simpson, known for his outlaw country tunes, does not believe there is any secret to achieving success in the music industry. He has garnered a loyal following by sticking to his roots and showcasing his versatility by releasing albums under his alter ego, Johnny Blue Skies. His advice for aspiring musicians is simple: hard work is essential.

“Just work hard,” Simpson states as the key to making a mark in the industry.

In a candid interview with Playboy, Simpson criticized entitled and lazy singers. He recounted his early struggles in Nashville, working thankless jobs, and remarked on the disparity between talent and work ethic he observed.

“I met many talented people when I moved to Nashville who were brilliant but lacked work ethic. They thought they didn’t need to earn their success,” said Simpson. “Talent’s not as rare as people think. You have to put in the work.”

Honesty and Authenticity

Simpson’s straightforward approach isn’t surprising. He once expressed his desire for change within the industry, and his honesty has earned him a large fan base. Beyond music, he has also ventured into acting, appearing in HBO’s ‘The Righteous Gemstones’ and performing the cover of ‘All the Gold in California’, showcasing his diverse talents.

Simpson’s authenticity resonates with fans, as evidenced by his performances at events like the Austin City Limits Music Festival.