Canadian-born, New Zealand-based country singer Tami Neilson will release her new album, Neon Cowgirl on July 11 through Outside Music, marking another chapter in her transatlantic musical journey that’s seen her earn Willie Nelson’s approval and grace the Grand Ole Opry stage.
The album emerged from a five-month North American road trip with her family in a 36-foot RV, a journey that took an unexpected turn when Neilson was hospitalized with sepsis just two months before departure. What began as a career-focused tour transformed into something more reflective. “Our trip changed from one of me going full throttle to make a good dent in my career to one of recovery and slow healing,” Neilson explains.
The resulting collection draws from locations spanning Graceland to Montana’s buffalo ranges, creating what Neilson describes as “crossbreeds of Presley and Patsy, Orbison and kd lang.” The album features notable collaborations, including Neil Finn on the title track and The Secret Sisters on “Keep On.” Previously released singles showcase additional partnerships: “Borrow My Boots” features Ashley McBryde, Shelly Fairchild, and Grace Bowers, while “You’re Gonna Fall” includes JD McPherson.
The video for “Borrow My Boots” features behind-the-scenes footage from Neilson’s Opry debut, capturing the joyful, collaborative energy of the single.
Watch below:
Neilson’s Nashville connection runs deep, dating back to teenage visits to the Ryman Auditorium. Her romanticized relationship with the city centres on the iconic neon cowgirl sign that towers over Broadway. “The Neon Cowgirl, towering over Broadway like the patron saint of heartbreak in downtown Nashville as she smiles coyly over her shoulder in red cowboy boots, watched me grow up,” she reflects.
The New Zealand resident has built considerable momentum in North America through strategic showcases and high-profile collaborations. Her duet with Willie Nelson, “Beyond the Stars,” earned awards recognition and led to her participation in his 90th birthday celebration at the Hollywood Bowl. Her 2024 Grand Ole Opry debut fulfilled a decades-long aspiration.
This summer, Neilson will join the tenth anniversary Outlaw Music Festival tour alongside Nelson and Bob Dylan, following European dates in June that include stops in Paris, Belgium, and the Netherlands. She’ll also perform at Willie Nelson’s Fourth of July Picnic in Austin before the tour continues through major American venues.
TOUR DATES
THURS 19 JUN – Paris, France @ New Morning
FRI 20 JUN – Sint-Niklaas, Belgium @ De Casino
FRI 20 JUN – SAT 21 JUN – Grollo, Netherlands @ Holland International Blues Festival 2025
WED 25 JUN – Franklin, TN @ FirstBank Amphitheater*
THU 26 JUN – Nashville, TN @ Grand Ole Opry
FRI 27 JUN – Memphis, TN @ Radians Amphitheater @ Memphis Botanic Garden*
SAT 28 JUN – Maryland Heights, MO @ Hollywood Casino Amphitheater*
SUN 29 JUN – Ridgedale, MO @ Thunder Ridge Nature Arena*
TUE 1 JUL – Oklahoma City, OK @ Lucky Star Amphitheater*
FRI 4 JUL – Austin, TX @ Willie Nelson’s 4th of July Picnic
SAT 5 JUL – Dallas, TX @ Dos Equis Pavilion*
SUN 6 JUL – Houston, TX @ Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion*
*Outlaw Music Festival Tour 2025
PHOTO BY ALEXA KING STONE
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