QUOTE OF THE MONTH:
“Songs write themselves, we just hold the pen” – Garth Brooks on stage at the 2020 Country Radio Seminar in Nashville, TN.
ACM NEWS:
Reigning ACM New Male Artist of the Year Luke Combs is nominated in three categories at the 55th ACM Awards: Entertainer of the Year, Male Artist of the Year and Album of the Year for his acclaimed global #1 record, What You See Is What You Get.
What You See Is What You Get (River House Artists/Columbia Nashville) debuted at #1 on the all-genre Billboard 200 chart as well as Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart this past November. It also enjoyed the largest streaming week ever for a country album with 74 million on-demand streams. It also achieved the biggest first week of album streams ever for a country artist on Apple Music. Combs will make his headline debut at New York’s Madison Square Garden with two special performances on November 30 and December 1 as part of his newly extended What You See Is What You Get Tour. Tour updates at https://www.lukecombs.com/
ALBUM NEWS:
Looking for a Feeling, the 11th studio album from country icon Pam Tillis, is due out April 24, 2020 on Stellar Cat Records via OneRPM Distribution. From the Muscle Shoals torch of the title track to the languid, healing “My Kinda Medicine,” the wry Beatlesesquery of “Karma” to the enveloping Marty Robbins’ sweep of “Lady Music,” these are all facets of one of contemporary music’s most consistently interesting women.
“Stylistically, there’s so much here that’s always been a part of me,” she says of the dozen tracks. “It’s a story I haven’t told on any of my records so far. I wanted work that’s as close to true and unselfconscious as possible, to provide access to my heart.”
Tillis, a Grammy-nominated and CMA Female Vocalist of the Year, moved to East Nashville in 2016, to reconnect with her roots. Quickly finding her place in the artist community, often embracing young, indie artists who also blurred the lines between labels, Tillis was enriched musically — and circled back to those influences from her own youth. Info at http://pamtillis.com/
ARTIST NEWS:
There’s a new album on the way from Jason Isbell and his band, The 400 Unit. Titled Reunions, the album will be released May 15 (via Southeastern Records/Thirty Tigers). but can be pre-ordered now. Produced by Grammy Award-winning producer Dave Cobb and recorded at Nashville’s historic RCA Studio A, the album features 10 new songs written by Isbell including album track, “Be Afraid,” which debuted mid-February. Reunions is Isbell’s seventh full-length studio album from the Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter and musician. Pre-order info and tour dates at https://www.jasonisbell.com/
BABY NEWS:
County singer Thomas Rhett and wife Lauren Akins welcomed their third daughter last month. Her name is Lennon Love Akins, and she weighed 9lbs 2oz and a head full of dark hair and blue eyes. His father Rhett Akins and his wife Sonya are expecting a boy in March
Shay Mooney (Dan+ Shay) and wife Hannah welcomed their second child, another boy, named Ames Alexander on February 21st in Nashville. He joins big brother, three-year-old Asher James.
BOOK NEWS:
Lauren Akins release her memoir Live in Love: Growing Together Through Life’s Changes (Ballantine Books – on sale May 5, 2020). Lauren is wife of country superstar Thomas Rhett, and volunteer with Love One International. In Live in Love, Akins shares details about her childhood friendship with Thomas Rhett, explaining how they reconnected as young adults. She offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at the challenges of being married to her best friend, who just happens to be a music star, and the struggle to find her own footing in the frenzy of her husband’s fame. Live in Love offers inspiring guidance for anyone looking to keep romance alive, balance children and marriage, express true faith, and live a life of purpose. More info at www.laurenakins.com
CD NEWS:
Roots & American Music Society (RAMS), a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization and record label based in Memphis, Tennessee, has teamed with the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) to orchestrate and create a meaningful recording project titled Love Lives On. The combined creative endeavor aligned TAPS military families, who have endured the loss of a loved one, with some of the music industry’s most gifted and renowned songwriters to pen the family members’ intimate and personal stories in music and song. The unique album features Vince Gill, Billy Ray Cyrus, John Rich, All-4-One, Gatlin Brothers, Lonestar and many others. The star studded event listening party was amazing. Info and pre-order at https://www.lovelivesonmusic.com/ NOTE: I KEPT MY KLEENEX VERY CLOSE, AS I LISTENED AND HUNG ON TO EVERY WORD.
CD RELEASES: Grammy-nominated The Secret Sisters’ new album, Saturn Return (New West Records), produced by Brandi Carlile, Tim Hanseroth and Phil Hanseroth, features ten new songs written by real-life sisters Laura and Lydia Rogers and is already receiving widespread critical acclaim. Recorded at Carlile’s home studio in Washington state, the album features Laura and Lydia singing individually for the first time instead of relying solely on their trademark harmonies—something Carlile challenged them to do. Named after the astrological occurrence that takes place approximately every 29 ½ years, the album heralds the arrival of a new era for Laura and Lydia—both of whom experienced extreme change and transformation during the making of the record. Grappling with the grief of losing both grandmothers, while also both becoming first-time mothers, the sisters reflect on their world view, relationships and own mortality through the album’s ten songs. The Secret Sisters begin an extensive world tour March 25. Music and tour info at https://www.secretsistersband.com/
CHART NEWS:
Cody Purvis scored his first Top-50 single on Billboard’s Indicator chart in February with his single, “Drinkin’ Terms” that was nominated for CMT’s “Next Up Now,” featured on SiriusXM’s “On the Horizon,” and Spotify’s “New Boots,” “Wild Country,” “Next from Nashville,” and “Hot Country” playlists, and accumulated a whopping 7.5 million streams prior to being serviced to radio. The single, which appears on Purvis’ latest EP, Boots on the Ground, produced by the Dove award-winning Jeff Silvey (best known for his work with Gospel icon Bill Gaither, and “The Last Ride” movie soundtrack), has been on a steady climb since its release to radio in late October. Now managed by Erv Woolsey Company (George Strait, Lee Ann Womack), Purvis appeared as a contestant last year on USA Network’s “Real Country” featuring Travis Tritt, Shania Twain and Jake Owen. For more information on Cody Purvis, see www.CodyPurvis.com.
CMT NEWS:
The official music video for Brandy Clark’s new song, “Love is a Fire,” is in rotation at CMT. Of the inspiration behind the song, Clark reflects, “The idea [is] that love is a fire, you just never know if it’s going to warm you—or burn you.” “Love is a Fire” is the latest song from Clark’s new album, Your Life is a Record, to be released March 6 on Warner Records. Rolling Stone recently included it as one of their “70 Most Anticipated Albums of 2020.” Produced by award winning producer Jay Joyce, the 11-track album was recorded largely as an intimate acoustic four-piece—featuring Clark, Joyce, Giles Reaves and Jedd Hughes. Created after the dissolution of a long-term relationship, the album features Clark’s most personal songwriting to date along with special guest appearances from Randy Newman and guitarist John Osborne. Clark will tour extensively throughout 2020 including a series of winter tour dates with Tanya Tucker on the CMT Next Women of Nashville Tour. Find the “Love Is Fire” video at YouTube and see tour dates at https://www.brandyclarkmusic.com/
COUNTRY MUSIC HALL OF FAME NEWS:
CMHoF member and Grand Ole Opry member Bobby Bare will release Great American Saturday Night, a concept album written entirely by the late Shel Silverstein and recorded in 1978. Throughout this record, Bare takes the listener on a journey as Silverstein tackles real-life topics in these outrageously entertaining and thought-provoking songs. The album will be available everywhere on April 17. “Living Legend,” is the perfect song as the lead off of Great American Saturday Night. The title says it all especially as the first tongue-in-cheek line of the song says, “it sure is sweet to be a living legend.” Great American Saturday Night end-caps a long list of critically-acclaimed albums between the dynamic duo, Bare and Silverstein. Born in Ohio, Bobby Bare is one of the most iconic country artists of our time with chart-topping songs like “Detroit City,” “500 Miles,” “Marie Laveau” and many more. In 2020 Bobby Bare will turn 85. More at https://www.bobbybare.com/
DUO NEWS:
Fire River Records has announced the newest release from its flagship artist, The Band Steele. The duo (Bo Steele/Ben Rubino) released its sixth studio recording, titled “Copper Coil,” in late February. Co-written by Steele, Rubino and Stacy Stavola, the soulful and captivating track is available via all digital retail and streaming platforms. Produced by Matt McClure (Lee Brice/Lindsay Ell/Dylan Scott) and recorded at The Roost in Nashville, Tennessee, the original tune was inspired by the mystique of “The Man In Black” and an old-time family heritage. The eerie western opener dresses the scene for a darkness that lies within a backwoods forest and blankets a tortured soul who seeks freedom and escape with the aid of a powerful spirit. Prophetic fiddle solos dance with weeping banjo hooks to complement Bo Steele’s raw and mournfully haunting vocals to reveal a painful and desperate emotion. The Band Steele has provided direct support to various multi-platinum selling recording artists, including Maren Morris and Andy Grammer, and a Band Steele original tune, “Good Times,” is featured in the Lionsgate film “Life On The Line” (John Travolta/Sharon Stone). Bo makes a cameo appearance performing the song. More at https://thebandsteele.com/
EP NEWS:
CJ Solar celebrated Valentine’s Day by releasing “Watered Down Whiskey,” the latest single from his upcoming EP. The new song follows the singles “Coming My Way,” “Wild Hair” and MusicRow Top 15 singles “American Girl” and “Airplane” from his Get Away With It EP. Said CJ of the song: “My buddy (co-writer) Charlie Berry and I were sitting around one day talking about past relationships and how when you’re crushed after a break up and everyone new doesn’t quite meet what you had with the ex… and this song just fell out!” CJ Solar was named the 2019 Independent Artist of the Year by MusicRow magazine. He was named by Taste of Country as one of their “5 Country Artists to Watch,” and one of Rolling Stone Country’s “New Artists You Need To Know.” CJ is an accomplished songwriter, with co-write credits on “Up Down,” a No. 1 for Morgan Wallen featuring Florida Georgia Line, and Jan Aldean’s “I Don’t Drink Anymore.” He’s also had cuts by Jerrod Niemann, Justin Moore and others. More about CJ at www.CJSolar.com
GARTH NEWS:
Garth Brooks will receive the coveted ICON Award at the 2020 Billboard Music Awards. The 19-time Billboard Music Award winner, who joins only eight other artists to ever receive the honor, will also take the stage for a highly anticipated performance. A true legend, Brooks is the first and only artist in history to achieve eight diamond-certified albums at over 10 million album sales each. He remains the #1-selling solo artist in U.S. history, certified by the RIAA with more than 156 million album sales.
XTRA NOTE: Check out the music video for Garth Brooks and Blake Shelton’s live performance of “Dive Bar”
The performance is from Albertsons Stadium in Boise, ID, on July 19th, 2019. It was the first time the pair sung the rowdy track together live. Upon its debut it was the most added song at country radio and is taken from Brooks’ forthcoming studio album Fun.
GOSPEL MUSIC NEWS:
Gaither Music Group released an album and DVD of worship songs and hymns by seven-time GRAMMY winner Randy Travis. The “Worship & Faith” DVD was filmed in 2003 in Orlando, Fla. at Calvary Assembly of God and Gaither Music Group compiled a companion CD collection with many of Randy’s favorite gospel songs titled Precious Memories. Throughout the night, the band and Travis performed songs including “How Great Thou Art” and “Precious Memories” as well as “Sweet By and By” among many other favorites. The package can be ordered here. In 2002, Travis released “Three Wooden Crosses,” which became his sixteenth number one single and won Song of the Year at the 2003 CMA Awards and Country Song of the Year at the 2004 Dove Awards. A “Worship & Faith” TV special will be airing on multiple channels including RFD-TV, TBN, Christian TV Network, Total Living Network, TCT TV Network and The Walk as well as Vision TV, Hope TV, The Miracle Channel and CTS in Canada. Check it out at http://store.gaither.com/DVDTRAVIS.item
INDIE NEWS:
Award-winning singer/songwriter Matt Rogers has released his latest single, “Tailgate Town.” The song captures Rogers’ love and nostalgia for his hometown Eatonton, Georgia, as he chases his dreams in Nashville, Tennessee. He details the intricacies of the people and relationships he misses. “Every soul ‘round here somehow connected. Degrees of separation can’t be found,” sings Rogers. He takes pride in where he is from, and will never forget the place and people that raised him. “They’re the folks that made me who I am.” Tailgate Town was penned by Rogers, Holly Ashby, and Steve Mitchell and can be found on iTunes, Amazon, Spotify, and all other digital sites. Rogers, a Music City SongStar Winner, NSAI Top-40 songwriter and Georgia Country Awards Overall Artist of the Year, also kicked off his Tailgate Town Tour. Music and tour dates at https://www.mattrogerscountry.com/
INDUSTRY NEWS:
Country powerhouses Doug Stone and Terry McBride have signed with APA Nashville, it was announced today by Partner and Co-Head of Worldwide Concerts, Steve Lassiter. From opening for Loretta Lynn at seven years-old to millions of albums sold and landing No. 1 hits including “Better Off In A Pinebox,” “Why Didn’t I Think of That,” and “In a Different Light,” country singer Doug Stone helped define the genre as we know it. Still hitting the road and performing to dedicated fans across the nation, Stone is at the top of his game with his new album, Mama’s Songbook, coming out later this year. Entertainer, songwriter and musician, as well as one of Nashville’s most established performers, Terry McBride led the super-group of A-List musicians, McBride & The Ride, with hits like “Sacred Ground” and “Going Out Of My Mind.” He later hit the road with Brooks & Dunn, penning 13 of their singles including the No. 1 smash hit, “Play Something Country.” The writer of countless hit songs, McBride has had cuts with top hit-makers such as Garth Brooks, Jon Pardi and Easton Corbin, to name a few. His new album, Rebels & Angels, produced by Grammy winning songwriter and producer, Luke Laird. “We’re thrilled to be signing these two amazing legends of country music,” commented Lassiter in making the announcement. “Each played a major role in the fantastic resurgence of the genre in the nineties and we look forward to their continuing to make waves today.” Additionally, both Stone and McBride have added 117 Publicity to their individual teams. Each has a slew of new projects on the horizon and busy touring schedules, keep up with them at www.DougStone.com and www.TerryMcBrideMusic.com.
INT’L MUSIC NEWS:
Chart-topping artist Brett Young will trade vocals with Norway’s Astrid S on her brand-new track “I Do,” just released via Virgin EMI Records / Universal Music Norway. Astrid’s first release of 2020 sees the rising star venture into new territory with a Pop duet featuring the US Country star. Of the collaboration Astrid says, “I’ve grown up with Country music – it’s a genre I admire very much and it’s been a big influence and inspiration throughout the years in my songwriting. I’m so happy Brett wanted to do this song with me.” Young adds, “When I first heard ‘I Do,’ I instantly connected to the lyrics and storytelling, so jumping onboard and digging into something a little bit different was a no-brainer for me.” Young topped the Billboard Country Album charts with his latest release Ticket to L.A. via BMLG Records. Tour news and music at https://www.brettyoungmusic.com/
KENTUCKY MUSIC NEWS:
KY-born Walker Montgomery has released a new single “Like My Daddy Done It” (Play It Again Music). It’s not a coincidence that the young artist chose this song. John Michael Montgomery is his father, but Walker is the first to point out that the single actually doesn’t mention anything about playing music, it just talks about all the great things that dads do. And, even though Walker’s dad happens to be a country music star, to Walker, he’s just dad. Montgomery’s new single might just be destined to become a country classic, in the vein of some of his daddy’s 90’s hits that are still beloved to this day. The cranked-up, country-as-cornbread tune revels in the fact that no matter how hard we think we try to resist, we usually end up becoming just like our parents — hopefully in the best of ways. Walker’s uncle is Eddie Montgomery and his cousin is Dillon Carmichael. Tour updates and music at https://www.walkermontgomery.com/
LABEL NEWS:
(Foundry Records)
Foundry Records has added Rick Baumgartner as National Director of Promotion. Baumgartner has worked at several labels, including Warner Brothers, Decca, Atlantic, Broken Bow and Black River Entertainment. Foundry Records was formed in 2019 by Cole Johnstone, Mark Bright and April Rider, with the first artists announced on label being legendary Grammy winning group, Shenandoah and newcomer Austin Merrill. Foundry Records is a full-service independent record label with a strategic alliance with ADA Worldwide that is dedicated to long-term artist development and will include a diverse roster of artists. For more information, visit www.foundry-records.com
MEDIA NEWS:
I am SO proud of my European colleague, Christian Lamitschka, the publisher of Country Music News International (CMNI). I write album reviews and cover No. 1 parties for that publication, as well as submitting other news items from Music City. Now, Country Music News International Magazine with its weekly Newsletter and Radio Shows in English and German, joins Copenhagen FM Radio Station, Rødovrekanalen 105.9FM. Country Music News International will be part of the show “Roots & Country Klub” that airs twice a month on Wednesdays on the station and via the station’s website. Country Music News International was started 2011 with the goal of bringing country music news to the entire world. The magazine quickly found readers from all over the world. Since its launch, CMNI has reached over 1.6 million readers in the U.S, almost half-a-million in Germany and hundreds of thousands in the U.K., Russia, France, and beyond. Follow the CMNI blog at http://countrymusicnewsinternational.blogspot.com
MUSIC NEWS:
Caylee Hammack is sharing more of her own personal story, releasing “Small Town Hypocrite” (Capitol Records Nashville). A hauntingly stripped-down melody, Hammack’s raw vocals veer from fiery and demanding to quiet and vulnerable. Hammack co-wrote (Jared Scott) and co-produced (Mikey Reaves) the song. Led by strikingly-personal lyrics, that also hold the unique power to resonate with many, “Small Town Hypocrite” is a career song in the making. Hammack recounts how she left the guy she put her life on hold for, packed her things and drove to Nashville, even living in her car to finally follow her dreams. “This song is one of the most personal and difficult songs I’ve ever written,” divulged Hammack. “But, I like to think that is why it strikes a chord with people, a lot of us have been in a situation where we’ve taken stock of our lives and thought ‘what in the hell am I doing?’” More at http://www.cayleehammack.com/
MUSIC ROW NEWS:
Acceleration Music Group, was formed by Mike Meade and Amy Aylward after the closing of Buddy Lee Attractions in 2018. AMG is merging its operations with a new agency called Fusion Entertainment Co. in Nashville. Music Row vets Chuck Rhodes and Wayne Halper are teaming with former AMG agents Mike Meade and Amy Aylward to launch Fusion. They’re joined by Bob Frank of BFE/Audium Nashville, Ted Ellis and Tom Cross of Creator Ventors, and Chuck McDowell III of Wesley Financial Group to operate as a booking agency offering management and label services to select clients. Rhodes will serve as Executive Vice President/General Manager and oversee day-to-day operations along with Vice Presidents/Agents Meade and Aylward. Halper, who brings his extensive record label and legal experience to the organization, will handle legal affairs and business development. “We had an incredible year with AMG in 2019 and are looking forward to the future with this new venture, Fusion Entertainment Company,” says Meade. “Mike and I would like to thank Darryl Worley, Ty Herndon and Michelle Wright who initially showed faith and encouraged us to start AMG,” added Aylward.
NUMBER ONE NEWS:
Justin Moore remembered “The Ones That Didn’t Make It Back Home” (Valory Music Group) at a No. 1 party in Nashville last month. Justin was joined by his co-writers Jeremy Stover, Chase McGill and Paul DiGiovanni. Stover produced the song with Big Machine Records chief, Scott Borchetta. The song is Justin’s eighth No. 1 single. For the other writers, it was Jeremy’s seventh No. 1, Chase’s fourth and Paul’s second chart-topper. It was also Jeremy’s thirteenth No. 1 as a producer. Paul is also lead guitarist with the rock band, Boys Like Girls. Justin and his co-writers expressed the importance of their families in their lives. Justin noted that his children are unimpressed by his fame. “Now they just get annoyed by the fact that I’ll be coaching their basketball game and after the game I’ve got to sign a bunch of autographs,” he said. “It’s just embarrassing to them now, what I do and who I am, I guess. They’re like, ‘Dad can we please go to Chick-Fill-A!’” With the look of a proud father, he added, “My oldest daughter this week was saved and accepted Jesus as her Savior. That’s probably the proudest moment I’ve experienced as a dad. She was like, ‘Dad please don’t make a big deal out of this.’ Sorry, I have to make a big deal out of this!” I just adore him and he made the big guy upstairs smile! More on Justin at https://www.justinmooremusic.com/
ORPY NEWS:
Breakthrough singer/songwriter and Records artist Chris Bandi made his Grand Ole Opry debut on Tuesday, February 25 taking his first steps inside the circle, witnessed by an audience full of fans, friends, and family. After an introduction by host, Bill Cody, Bandi delivered an energetic set, including unreleased songs “What If We Don’t,” and “They Make Whiskey,” closing out with his redemptive hit single, “Man Enough Now.” The coming-of-age tempo track, written by Bandi along with Jason Massey and Jason Duke, has racked up over 75 million streams and counting and is impacting country radio now. “Feeling a lot of emotions, this is one of the greatest days of my life,“ says Bandi. “It was magical. Everyone told me how amazing the crowd is, and I don’t think you can really put it into words until you walk out into the circle.” Bandi is currently out with country breakout Matt Stell through March with a new EP expected this year. Music is out via RECORDS, a joint venture label between Barry Weiss and Sony Music Entertainment. The official music video for “Man Enough Now” has racked up 6.6 million views and counting! Check https://www.chrisbandi.com/ for tickets and information and follow him on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.
OUTLAW MUSIC NEWS:
Country Rewind Records released Outlaw Billy Don Burns, The Country Blues with distribution by Select-O-Hits. The new recordings will also be available for streaming and download on all digital music platforms. “It is a great album, Billy Don sounds great, as he always does. The songs are fantastic. He sings about the truth and hard times, but he tells a tale of warning and a tale of heart with this album,” exclaims Shooter Jennings. “Long live Billy Don Burns and his very important place in the history of Country and Western Music.” The album was produced by Executive Producers, Charlie Ammerman and Thomas Gramuglia and co-produced by Billy Don Burns / Jeff Williams / Mike Randolph at “The Den” Nashville Music Group. Additional production and engineering and mixing by Aaron Dethrage at EastSide Manor Studios East Nashville. Mastered by John Forbes and Aaron Dethrage. These recordings are a follow up to Country Rewind Records previous releases of such greats as Conway Twitty, Waylon Jennings, Connie Smith, Jeannie C. Riley, Rex Allen Sr., Carl Smith, Rex Allen Jr. and more. Details at www.countryrewindrecords.com
PUBLISHING NEWS: Endurance Music Group has announced the addition of the Wide Open Music roster of songwriters to its family of music creators. The acquisition of Wide Open Music brings hit songwriter-artists Jimmie Allen and Matt Stell, songwriter/producer and Wide Open co-founder Ash Bowers, and songwriters Seth Alley and Paul Sikes under the Endurance umbrella, and includes a catalog with cuts by Keith Urban, Brett Young, Dustin Lynch and more. Endurance President Michael Martin commented, “We are thrilled to welcome Wide Open Music into the Endurance family. Mark Ahlberg and Amplified Administration have helped lay the foundation for a successful relationship with Ash and his team, and we can’t wait to see where this new partnership takes us.” More details at https://endurancemg.com/
RADIO NEWS:
New artist Bailey Hefley celebrated the DSP launch of her new single “+1” on Friday, February 21, with the support of an early add at Radio Disney on Thursday, February 27, and a new lyric video. “When I heard that Radio Disney added ‘+1’ to their rotation, I called my mom immediately and then allowed myself about 5 minutes to ‘happy dance’ around my kitchen before getting back to work,” said Bailey. What makes Bailey’s journey so remarkable is shortly before her singing debut, she began having debilitating seizures. Bailey’s seizure medication helped quell the episodes but left her in a state of perpetual lethargy. When Bailey outgrew the seizures at age 13, she remembers, “feeling awake and alive” for the first time. “I’d spent years observing, taking everything in, and longing for the day I would feel like myself again.” Bailey has a full album Forever 20 Something set to release later this year, a collection of songs co-written by Bailey, and rooted deeply in personal experience. More on social media and https://www.marushkamedia.com/bailey-hefley
RED DIRT MUSIC NEWS:
Oklahoma Red Dirt artist, Jake Flint, roars back with hard-driving self-titled album Jake Flint and its debut single “What’s Your Name,” that captures the fire, grit and edge of Flint’s songwriting artistry. Tulsa-based singer-songwriter Jake Flint has been steadily paying his dues for the past few years on the live performance circuit in the Red Dirt music scene of Oklahoma and Texas with his easygoing style, quick wit and exceptional performance talents which have gained him a growing legion of supporters at radio and with its listeners. His previous singles “Cowtown” and “Long Road Back Home” (included on ‘Jake Flint’), his 2017 album, I’m Not Okay, and the follow-up Live and Not OK at Cain’s Ballroom set the stage for this next phase of his recording career, and influential radio programmers are paying attention. Jake Flint is available for streaming or purchase at all major digital retailers via links at his website www.jakeflintmusic.com
SINGLE NEWS:
Eric Ethridge’s smooth vocals perfectly enhance the messaging of a love lost in his latest single release, “Dream Girl.” The tune is the first release from the Anthem Entertainment artist’s upcoming album, due out in September 2020. The song was written by Dan + Shay’s Dan Smyer and Shay Mooney, Jenn Schott and Will Weatherly, and produced by GRAMMY® Award-nominated producer and writer Brian Howes (Hinder, Chris Daughtry, Nickelback). With over 30 million global streams and 75,000 social followers, Ethridge has built a career rooted in a loyal fanbase. The Canadian Country Music Association Discovery Artist program winner will hit the road next month with Gord Bamford as part of his #Redneck Tour. More at https://ericethridge.com/
SONGWRITER NEWS:
Warner Music Nashville’s Tucker Beathard revealed a new song, ”You Would Think,” as the next track from the upcoming second chapter of his debut double album. Written by Beathard, Donovan Woods and Casey Beathard, he shared more details with American Songwriter as the “moving song… deals with some potent emotions.” Beathard also co-produced and played lead guitar and drums on the song. The new track follows the release of “Find Me Here” and “Better Than Me” both taken from Beathard’s upcoming second installment. For more information, and for a full list of tour dates visit https://www.tuckerbeathard.com/
TOURIST NEWS:
Icon Entertainment’s Johnny Cash Museum and Patsy Cline Museum captured two of the top three spots on USA Today’s highly competitive 10Best Music Museums in North America list. Claiming the number one spot, the Patsy Cline Museum showcases the world’s largest collection of artifacts from Patsy Cline’s personal and professional life. The Johnny Cash Museum, claiming the number three spot, features the largest archive of Johnny Cash artifacts and memorabilia in the world. The Musician’s Hall of Fame and Museum, also in Nashville, ranked fourth. The top 10 winners in the category Best Music Museum are as follows:
1.Patsy Cline Museum – Nashville
2.Stax Museum of American Soul Music – Memphis
3.Johnny Cash Museum – Nashville
4.Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum – Nashville
5.Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum – Owensboro, Ky.
6.B.B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive Center – Indianola, Miss.
7.Motown Museum – Detroit
8.GRAMMY Museum Mississippi – Cleveland, Miss.
9.Delta Blues Museum – Clarksdale, Miss.
10.Songbirds Guitar Museum – Chattanooga, Tenn.
Full music museum info at www.10best.com/awards/travel/best-music-museum/.
VIDEO NEWS:
Nineties country legends Shenandoah and Aaron Tippin recently took breaks from their busy touring schedules to appear in Adam Sanders’ newly-released music video, “Ruled the World.” The tune also features singer-songwriters Ray Fulcher, Cash Campbell, Hunter Phelps, Josh Mirenda, Mitch Rossell and Drew Parker. Filmed just north of Nashville in Greenbrier, Tennessee, the video centers around a political debate. The eight featured artists take turns crooning what they’d do if they “ruled the world.” Shenandoah’s Marty Raybon and Mike McGuire star as rednecks “Buck & Earl” who are thoroughly entertained by their promises to make every country boy’s (and girl’s) dream a reality. In the video, Tippin makes an unforgettable appearance as the debate’s chief security officer as he drags an unruly Sanders from the gymnasium. Fellow ’90s star Tracy Lawrence also makes a surprise appearance as the janitor, cleaning up after the outlandish party, err debate. See the video at http://www.adamsandersmusic.com/#home-section
VOICE NEWS:
Grammy winning singer/songwriter, John Berry, recently lent his iconic voice to the new single “Give Me Back the 90’s,” recorded and released by married duo Joe & Martina. The lyrics reminisce about life before the digital age along with the strategic name placement of 90’s Country artists including guest artist, John Berry. The new single is now available on all digital music platforms. “I was honored to be asked to sing on a song with my friends, Joe & Martina,” said Berry. “I knew lyrically it was a song paying homage to the 90’s country music they grew up on and I thought that was really awesome idea for a song, but as I listened to the track up to the point they were wanting me to sing I was absolutely taken back that they had included ME as a 90’s artist that had influenced them to pursue their dreams in country music!” Music and more at https://www.joeandmartina.com/
WESTERN MUSIC NEWS:
Sons of the Pioneers, The Lost Masters is targeted for release on March 15 by Country Rewind Records Western Heritage Collection to be distributed by Select-O-Hits. The new music will also be available for streaming and download on all digital music. “On this fine CD the songs written and performed by the Sons of the Pioneers will be sung a thousand years from now; perhaps on other planets,” shared Roy “Dusty” Rogers Jr. “What a great heritage to have left the world.” Sons of the Pioneers, The Lost Masters was produced by Rex Allen Jr. for Boxer Productions at Jim Farrell Studios, Towanda, KS and Executive Producer Thomas Gramuglia, with mastering by Jim Farrell and John Forbes. These recordings are a follow up to Country Rewind Records previous releases of such greats as Conway Twitty, Waylon Jennings, Connie Smith, Jeannie C. Riley Rex Allen Sr., Carl Smith, Rex Allen Jr. and more which have all received great reviews by music critics worldwide. More about Country Rewind Records at http://www.countryrewindrecords.com/home.html
WWWEBSITES TO CHECK OUT:
www.furchguitars.com / www.ascap.com / www.sesac.com / www.globalsongwriters.com / www.bmi.com
WHO’S LOOKING * WHO’S CUTTING
Brooke Eden, Elvis Shane Payton, Mo Pitney, Brad Paisley, and Lainey Wilson.
By: Preshias Harris
Send me music stuff, I love to get it! / Preshiaswriter@hotmail.com TN/USA. Google “Preshias”
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