Inside Track on Music Row: August 2021 Music News with Preshias Harris

NUMBER ONE NEWS:

After notching his first No. One hit 15 years ago, multi-Platinum entertainer Jason Aldean charted his 25th career No. One single as his latest hit “Blame It On You” took the top spot on both Mediabase/Country Aircheck Singles chart and Billboard’s Country Airplay for July 24. The track secures back-to-back No.

Ones off his sixth consecutive No. One selling album 9 (Macon Music/Broken Bow Records) and makes 34 Top 10 song on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart, more than any other artists, since making his chart debut in 2005.

“25 No. One songs is bigger than I could have dreamed while I was driving that delivery truck back in Macon, GA,” Aldean said. “This one is for the fans, Country Radio and my team for taking this crazy ride with us.” Aldean is gearing up for his upcoming Back In The Saddle Tour 2021 launching Aug. 5th in Virginia Beach, VA with special guests HARDY and Lainey Wilson.

For more tour and ticket information, visit www.JasonAldean.com.  

PUBLISHING NEWS:  

VP/General Manager of Wide Open Music Publishing, Victoria Goodvin, announced songwriter and staff additions, with Joe Haydel and Martin McDaniel joining the roster and Jessie Pitts named Catalog Manager/Creative Assistant.  “We’re adding three rock stars to our already incredible team,” says Goodvin. “Joe and Martin are both extremely hardworking and talented writers, artists, and musicians. Jessie started out as our intern in 2019 and has been an amazing addition to the team, so we’re excited to bring her on full-time,” adds Goodvin. “I love her passion for this industry and that she’s not afraid to go after what she wants.” Wide Open Music Publishing’s songwriter roster includes: Chris Bandi, George Birge, Joe Haydel, Maddie Larkin, John Marlin, Martin McDaniel, and Tim Owens. More info at https://www.wideopenmusic.com.

RADIO NEWS:

Multi-Platinum-selling artist Justin Moore (The Valory Music Co.) continues to climb the country radio charts with his latest single, “We Didn’t Have Much.”  Produced by Jeremy Stover and Scott Borchetta, the reflective track follows his ninth No. 1 hit, “Why We Drink,” and is off Moore’s Straight Outta The Country collection, which dropped April 23. The Stover, Randy Montana (George Strait, Luke Combs, Jon Pardi) and Paul DiGiovanni (Boys Like Girls)-penned track continues Moore’s trend of country traditionalism, vivid storytelling and signature Arkansas-bred twang as it finds Moore reminiscing on the simple and most precious moments in life. Recently honored with a Pandora Billionaire Plaque to commemorate his massive 3 billion streams on the platform, the self-proclaimed hi-tech redneck can also be heard on his weekly Justin Moore Podcast, sponsored by Bobcat. Each episode is fueled with off-the-cuff conversations between Moore and his tour manager JR, alongside standout guests including Oscar award-winning actor Matthew McConaughey; fellow country artists Tracy Lawrence, Jon Pardi, Brantley Gilbert, Carly Pearce, Lainey Wilson; wrestling champion Diamond Dallas Page and ESPN’s Marty Smith.  Tour dates and more at https://www.justinmooremusic.com.   

SINGLE NEWS:

Country-soul newcomer/former “The Voice” Season 6 finalist Audra McLaughlin has released her latest single, “(Can’t Buy) Fun Like This,” available through major music retail and streaming outlets following its exclusive premiere on Taste of Country. The uptempo, free-spirited single cleverly celebrates the simple things in life and suggests that happiness isn’t dictated by the amount on the price tag.  

“Life isn’t about expensive things–it’s about making memories, sharing laughter, and having fun with friends and family, which is priceless!” exclaims McLaughlin. “There will always be those who have and have not…but I’m here to tell you, the best things in life are FREE!”

“(Can’t Buy) Fun Like This” was written by McLaughlin and notable musicians Johnny Garcia and Jimmy Mattingly who lent their talents on guitar and fiddle, respectively, making it the second collaborative single by the trio released this year–the first being “Drinkin’ with Lonely,” which collected over 35,000 streams with little promotion.

Listen to “(Can’t Buy) Fun Like This” and more at https://audramclaughlin.com.  

SPOTLIGHT ARTIST NEWS:

Just a little over a week into his summer concert series, Colorado native Buckstein dropped a new EP, Comfort Zone, on Amazon, Apple Music, Pandora, Spotify and all major online retailers.

This five track project, produced by Mr. E and written by Buckstein, features a sampling of his sound from the emotive ballad “Coat” to pounding, new-grass funneled through the lens of contemporary country on “Down Home XO” and a title track that seduces listeners with his deep drawl on “Comfort Zone.”

“It’s hard to find the words to describe how elated I am to finally get this music out to the public,” says Buckstein. “This is the end of a very long musical journey and, with any luck, the start of another. I’ve added musicians to my show, I’ve brought new music to the light of day and I’ve taken my sound and turned it past 11.  I’m not sure what happens from here, but I feel like whatever it is it will be good and I’m pumped.”

Find full streaming and purchase options at https://linktr.ee/buckstein.   

SONG NEWS:

After earning his 25th career No. One chart-topper, multi-Platinum entertainer Jason Aldean shares the lead single from his forthcoming 10th studio album, a heart-pounding duet with seven-time Grammy award winner Carrie Underwood, “If I Didn’t Love You.” The pair trade vocals for the fiery new track available now at Country radio and all digital retailers here: https://jasonaldean.lnk.to/ifididntloveyou.   

“We were pretty close to finishing up this album, but this song came in and we knew we had to record it,” Aldean said. “I went ahead and put my vocals down while we asked Carrie in the meantime. Luckily she loved the song and it was kind of like a rocket from there. She did her thing like only Carrie can…and I don’t know how, but she made it sound even better than what we expected. It’s a really special song to start this album.”  

“If I Didn’t Love You” was produced by Michael Knox and written by his bandmates Kurt Allison and Tully Kennedy alongside John Morgan and Lydia Vaughan.

Watch the music video  

More about Aldean at www.JasonAldean.com and Carrie at www.CarrieUnderwoodOfficial.com.

SONGWRITER NEWS:  

Ray Fulcher is a hit songwriter (whose ‘magic pen’ cowrote many of  Luke Combs’ chart blasters) can end up in unassuming circumstances that are often the birthplace of priceless memories, and sometimes a simple act of kindness can be life-changing. The music video for Fulcher’s “Girl in It” takes a deeper look into some everyday occurrences.

Directed by Dylan Rucker, the music video for “Girl in It” adds to the lyrical story, whirling through the phases of love and loss.

“Being on set for the ‘Girl in It’ video, it was awesome seeing the vision come to life,” said Fulcher. “We had the script for the video, and I imagined it in my head, but getting there and seeing what the team came up with was beyond my wildest dreams.” In a serendipitous twist of fate, another story was hidden on set that day, one even Ray was surprised to discover. The gentleman acting alongside Fulcher in the video is also a songwriter, not only that, a Hall of Famer. When Fulcher said to Jerry Foster, “I’ve got some learning to do from you, sir.” Foster kindly shook his hand and replied, “Ah, man. You’re fine like you are.”

Music and tour dates at https://www.rayfulchermusic.com.

STREAMING MUSIC NEWS:

Rising singer / songwriter, Allie Colleen, has released a moving and emotional single, “Only Oklahoma,” the fifth single off her high demand debut album, Stones. The close to her heart lyrics were co-written by Matt McKinney and Allie Colleen. The new music was produced by Joe Costa and Ben Watts, engineered by Matt “Buster” Allen, mixed by Ben Watts and mastered by Alex Dobbert. Studio musicians included Grady Saxman – Drums, Mike Brignardello – Bass, Sol Philcox-Littlefield – Electric Guitar, Johnny Garcia – Acoustic Guitar, Gabe Allen – Keys, Bruce Gillespie ‐ Background Vocals. “Only Oklahoma” is available for streaming and download at http://smarturl.it/onlyoklahoma

 “At some point in life, everyone makes a decision that changes life’s course. For me, I knew early on that choice was – as soon as I could, I was going to Nashville and chasing this dream. Most of my friends were choosing local colleges or settling down,” expressed Allie Colleen. “Every artist has their home song, that song that carries them back to somewhere familiar when life seems crazy. ‘Only Oklahoma’ my home song.”  

Music and more at https://www.alliecolleenmusic.com.  

VIDEO NEWS:

Shane Michael Taylor, a songwriter and inspirational quadriplegic with severe cerebral palsy, shines a spotlight on an often overlooked abuse in the healthcare industry with his latest music video “I’m Giving In” that premiered on The Country Network.  Stream it on CMT at  www.cmt.com/cmt-music-videos

Shane teamed up with Anthony Druyan and Gene Rabbai to write the inspiring single and paired with Matt Dame to provide the recording vocals. The release is a reflection of the struggles and hardships he dealt with through living with spastic cerebral palsy, but the music video for “I’m Giving In” portrays a different message that is a driving force behind Shane’s platform as a speaker. As a quadriplegic, he has had to rely on caregivers for daily survival tasks and with that he has endured draining situations that have taken tolls on his mental health. Shane is using this music video to portray the abuse that is unfortunately prevalent in the caregiving industry prompting him to reimagine “care” and client-caregiver relationships.

Follow Shane at https://www.facebook.com/ShaneMichaelTaylor  and his website http://shanemt.com.  

VOLUNTEER JAM NEWS:

The 2021 Volunteer Jam: A Musical Salute to Charlie Daniels has added country legend Travis Tritt to its previously-announced star studded lineup.

The big salute to the life and career of the late Country Music Hall of Fame member will take place Wednesday, August 18, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. CT at Bridgestone Arena. Tickets are on sale now at ticketmaster.com and the Bridgestone Arena box office.

“I’m so thrilled to be a part of this year’s Volunteer Jam,” says Tritt. “For many years, Charlie Daniels was kind enough to personally invite and include me in the Volunteer Jam, and it was always a highlight. I’m sure that this year will also be very special as we pay tribute to the music and the legacy of Charlie Daniels and the CDB. I can’t wait!”

The night will also include performances by a host of major acts. Daniels’ longtime band The Charlie Daniels Band will also perform to honor its legendary frontman. The 2021 Volunteer Jam: A Musical Salute to Charlie Daniels is produced by Outback Presents in association with David Corlew and Associates and Conway Entertainment Group. 

WWWEBSITES TO CHECKOUT:    www.cdxcd.com /  www.countryrewindrecords.com  /  www.christmas4kids.org / www.billboard.com /      

WHO’S LOOKING  *  WHO’S CUTTING:

Megan Patrick, Chasity Bailey, Dillon Carmichael, Jess Taylor, Eddie Montgomery and Luke Bryan.

# # #  

Check out my music blog, Nashville Music Line. The music blog features news, information, helpful ideas and inspiration for singers and songwriters.  If you are an aspiring artist or songwriter just starting out on your career path, or if you are already on your way, I hope you’ll find it both useful and enjoyable. I intend to start adding ‘Music bits and extras’ to it on a regular basis. Let me know if there are any topics you would like me to address there. Please bookmark the URL and visit frequently. I’d love to read your comments. You can find it at www.nashvillemusicline.com.   

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