GARTH NEWS:
Garth Brooks has sold 102,000 tickets for Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge, one of the top two largest crowds of all time for a North American stadium show. The concert will be Saturday, April 30th, 7:00 PM. In the past three weeks, Garth Brooks has sold 570,000 tickets in three cities alone. The next Stadium Tour stop is Camping World Stadium in Orlando. The concert will be Saturday, March 26th, 7:00 PM. Tickets are now on sale. This will be Garth’s first time at Camping World Stadium and his first time in Orlando in over five years. This will be the only stadium tour appearance in the state of Florida. It will be in-the-round seating. There will be an eight ticket limit per purchase. There are only 3 ways to purchase tickets: at ticketmaster.com/garthbrooks or on the Garth Brooks line at Ticketmaster, 1-877-654-2784 or through the Ticketmaster App on your mobile device. Tickets will cost $94.95, all inclusive. More info at https://www.garthbrooks.com.
GRAMMY NEWS:
The 64th Annual Grammy Awards will take place January 31, 2022. Grammy-winning Queen of Bluegrass Rhonda Vincent receives her eighth Grammy nomination for Best Bluegrass Album, Music Is What I See. The album was produced by Rhonda Vincent & Engineered by Grammy-Winning engineer Joey Crawford. Rhonda’s Grammy-winning band “The Rage” shared their world-class musicianship for the project. The songs included were written by writers from the Songwriter’s Hall of Fame, Writers of the Year, Grand Ole Opry stars, and the first-ever bluegrass version of the classic “Unchained Melody.”
“This is the first time I was able to devote two years to a project,” stated Vincent. “It started with riding around Nashville, Tennessee with Grand Ole Opry star Jeannie Seely. Jeannie started singing a song she had just written with Erin Enderlin and Bobby Tomberlin. I instantly loved the song and found the first opportunity to get in the studio to record it, along with Songwriter Hall of Famer Mike Dekle’s ‘Music’s What I See’”.
The Recording Academy will present the 2022 Grammy Awards on CBS-TV, Monday, Jan 31 from 8:00 to 11:30 pm ET. See a full list of all nominees at www.grammy.com.
INDIE NEWS:
Brown County, Ohio native, indie artist Noah Smith, has released the official video from the first single, “Worry Me On Whiskey” from his eight-song album, Ain’t So Bad Round Here. The video was premiered on Aim Country Television and captured by Sandwich Jones at The Bar in Mount Orab, Ohio. The Bar is exactly what it says it is. It is the bar in Noah’s hometown. The project was created with all of his closest creative pals, friends and included fans in the video. Noah wanted the video to feel like those nights we all love together, throwing drinks back and shooting pool, laughing, and dancing with our best friends.
“’Worry Me On Whiskey’ shows a side life we have all walked through at the bar when we are out on the town and throw just a few too many back. It’s that thin line between having the time of our life and the train wreck because someone’s drank just a little too much,” shared Noah Smith.
INDUSTRY NEWS:
Gibson, the iconic American instrument brand, has appointed Anne Rohosy to the newly created role of Chief Human Resources and Transformation Officer, Gibson Brands. As a member of Gibson’s worldwide leadership team, Anne is an expert team builder and will be responsible for expanding Gibson’s organizational development and business transformation worldwide with her expertise in global corporate strategy, change management, and operational execution. Anne joins Gibson with 30 years of experience in multiple Fortune 500 companies and currently sits on two global company advisory boards in the consumer apparel and technology space. View all current career opportunities at Gibson Brands at https://www.gibson.com/en-US/Careers.
LABEL NEWS:
BMLG
Newly minted CMA Awards Female Vocalist of the Year Carly Pearce was once just a girl from Taylor Mill, Kentucky, with a dream. Now, the only woman nominated for Album of the Year with 29, she lands a coveted spot on two annual “Best Of” lists: The New York Times and National Public Radio (NPR). Pearce continues The 29 Tour into the new year before moving on to join Kenny Chesney’s Here and Now 2022 Tour in April. Catch tour dates and more at https://www.carlypearce.com.
“I’ve spent the last couple summers out on big tours,” said Pearce, “where you play for so many people who may not be there to see just you so I often wonder, ‘Did it really connect?’ In cities that can seem more metropolitan than country, to hear those voices coming back to me and faces with their own pain, that’s when you realize these songs matter. It’s no longer just me and my hurt heart or reflection, but it’s a hollow place we all walk through.”
Riser House/Columbia Nashville
Mitchell Tenpenny has wrapped his headlining To Us It Did Tour playing 12-cities featuring opener Drew Green. The tour featured Mitchell’s first-ever headline concert at the Ryman Auditorium in his hometown of Nashville, Tenn. where he played a sold-out show. The concert, which featured surprise appearances by Chris Young, Seaforth, Meghan Patrick and RaeLynn, raised $32,500 for the 10Penny Fund which was created in honor of Mitchell’s father whom he lost to cancer several years ago. Founded in 2018, the 10Penny Fund provides inspiration and supports programs that help build community, motivate patients, and encourages healing for people facing cancer as well as their loved ones. Mitchell’s final performance of 2021 was at the Capital One Orange Bowl Fan Fest before the 2021 College Football Semifinal on New Year’s Eve at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. Mitchell’s current smash, “Truth About You,” is included on his eight-song EP, Midtown Diaries. See https://www.mitchell10penny.com for 2022 tour updates and more.
MEDIA NEWS:
Craig Campbell’s “Outskirts of Heaven” has been one of his most in-demand songs since it was released in 2016, and the heartfelt tune recently had a resurgence in a very unique way. Several months ago, Craig discovered TikTok sensation Warren Zeiders performing the song in a stairwell – one of Zeiders’ favorite venues to record songs for his 1.5 million followers. The two eventually connected in person, and Zeiders asked Craig to produce and sing on a new version of the song for his Acoustic Covers (Deluxe) album. “Outskirts of Heaven” (feat. Craig Campbell) is available now at all streaming services and https://warrenzeiders.ffm.to/wz and is already a Top 5 iTunes download.
“I was just scrolling through TikTok and heard this guy belting out an incredible version of my song,” said Craig. “I started checking out his music, and everything he sang just blew me away. I don’t care who sings this song, it just needs to be heard!” Campbell wrote “Outskirts of Heaven” with Dave Turnbull, and it continues to receive over 30,000 Spotify streams per day.
MUSIC NEWS:
Country hit-maker Lacy J Dalton celebrated the 40th anniversary of her hit single, “Everybody Makes Mistakes.” Released on December 5th, 1981, the second single from her album Takin’ It Easy reached number 5 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart. The emotional song was co-written by Dalton and Mark Sherrill and has remained a fan favorite over the years. Taking an inward focus, Dalton channeled the heartfelt emotions that we all face throughout life when it comes to all decisions, good or bad. Ultimately, we have to learn from all mistakes to grow and by doing so, we become better people. 2021 also marked the 40th anniversary of Dalton’s album and title track “Takin’ It Easy” which reached number 2 on Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks Chart and received a Million Airplay award from BMI. The easygoing tune came to life by Dalton and Mark while on a boat in the middle of Old Hickory Lake near Nashville. “Takin’ It Easy” became Dalton’s highest-charting single and one of her most well-known songs to date. Tour info and more at https://www.lacyjdalton.org.
OPRY MUSIC NEWS:
Singer/songwriter Lauren Alaina has been invited to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry. The Opry was the first major stage Alaina played just a week after she was named runner-up on Season 10 of American Idol, making her Opry debut on June 10, 2011. Opry member and friend/mentor Trisha Yearwood surprised Alaina on stage with the invitation. Throughout the evening, the Opry played video greetings from artists sharing their 2021 Christmas wishes. When Yearwood appeared to share her wish via video on the Opry House screens during a break in Alaina’s set, she ended with, “Hey… is that Lauren Alaina?” Yearwood then made her way on stage. “Junior (her nickname for Alaina), I have a present for you. I know your Mom is here and I know your Dad is as well. He’s super proud of you right now because I have the honor of asking you on behalf of the Grand Ole Opry if you will please accept our invitation of becoming our newest member.” An emotionally overcome Alaina dropped to her knees and finally uttered a winded, “Yes!” More at https://www.laurenalainaofficial.com.
PERFORMANCE NEWS:
The Kentucky Headhunters officially made their PERFORMANCE debut on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry in December. The Grammy Award-winning southern rock, blues and country group were overwhelmed with the evening, which marked the band’s first Opry performance in their 30 years as entertainers. “From the time we entered the Grand Ole Opry, everything became very electric and almost surreal,” said group member Richard Young. “I must say the cherry on top was to see how proud our family and friends were of us to accomplish this wonderful milestone in our musical career. We kinda felt like Dorothy when she landed in Oz!” During their set, the Headhunters performed “Dumas Walker,” “Stumblin,'” and their new Christmas tune, “Let’s All Get Together and Fight.” They left the stage to a standing ovation. In October, the Headhunters released their first album of all-new material in half a decade. The twelve-track compilation, That’s A Fact Jack!, is available now via Practice House Records (distributed by BFD). Stream/download now at https://orcd.co/kentuckyheadhuntersthatsafactjack. Tour updates, music and more at http://www.kentuckyheadhunters.com.
POP MUSIC NEWS:
Budding pop/AC recording artist, Valentina (ChericoFamMusic), celebrates the launch of her recording career with the release of her new single, “Lifted Me.” Listen at https://www.valentinacherico.com. Written by her father and sister (Mickey Cherico/Nicole Cherico Becker), the tune is now available via all digital retail and streaming platforms. The inspirational and uplifting song lends itself to grateful reminiscence and faith in a bright and hopeful future. The new single follows suit to reveal the eighteen-year-old as an accomplished stylist, songwriter and performer who is devoted to delivering music with heart and purpose, as introduced by her debut, “There’s No Stopping Me Now” (August 2021). The current release, “Lifted Me,” is no exception; Valentina sings praises of love and light to celebrate the season…and the reason.
“This is my song of inspiration and prayer for anyone who needs their spirits lifted,” Valentina said. “I think the simplistic message is timeless and the Christmas season seems like the most fitting time to share it.” Valentina is currently in the studio recording tracks for her 2022 waterfall series of single releases anticipated to launch in February….
MORE POP NEWS:
Breakout, indie pop recording artist Graciela (Gr8 Entertainment) completes the momentum of a successful year with the release of her final single in her 2021 Waterfall series; “Best of Me” available now via all digital retail outlets and streaming platforms. As a young artist, Graciela emanates light and hope while also implementing her mature yet sensitive reflection in this track. Graciela’s ability to utilize her strong voice, paired with honest lyrics, to not only tell a story but also to inspire and encourage her listeners establishes a fresh, personable connection between herself and her fans alike.
“This tune is about not letting circumstances, or individuals, get the best of you,” said Graciela, “… and having the courage to say so and standing up for who you know yourself to be.” Written by Kelley Edwards, Edward Crocker, and Danni Ri Crocker, “Best of Me” showcases Graciela’s confident and powerful vocals.
Graciela is currently in the studio with Grammy-winning producer, Jimmy Hoyson, recording tracks for her sophomore recording project anticipated in early 2022. Graciela music and more at https://linktr.ee/gracielamusic and https://www.gracielamusic.com.
RADIO NEWS:
Warner Music Nashville’s Tucker Beathard showcases another layer of his lyrical depth with the release of “Prayin’ For You.” Written just a few weeks ago by Beathard, HARDY, Zach Abend and Nick Donley, the new track shares a timely perspective on the impact of current events and showing compassion for others. Released in its stripped-down form as it was initially written and recorded as a demo, fans can listen to Beathard’s new aching guitar-driven song, “Prayin’ For You,” at all digital retailers here: https://tucker-beathard.lnk.to/prayinforyou.
“We wrote this song a couple weeks ago and in these crazy times we’re living in…it’s been weighing heavy on my heart,” Beathard said. “As an artist and a songwriter I feel like it’s important to share my message with anyone who wants to hear it and it felt important to get this song out immediately. I think fans are going to resonate with this one.” Watch the lyric video for “Prayin’ For You” here: https://wmna.sh/prayinforyou_lyrics. Between touring, Beathard, a prolific songwriter, can be found in the studio, writing, recording, and playing his music. More information at https://www.tuckerbeathard.com.
SINGLE NEWS:
Chris Stapleton’s recording of the single “Tennessee Whiskey” has received the RIAA Diamond Award for sales exceeding 10 million units sold. Originally recorded by David Allen Coe in 1981 and later by George Jones in 1983, Stapleton made “Tennessee Whiskey” all his own with his bluesy, honky-tonk treatment. He was presented with the Award by UMG Nashville’s President, Cindy Mabe, and Executive VP/A&R, Brian Wright at a sold-out show at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena. “Tennessee Whiskey” is only the fourth single in country music history to receive a Diamond Award, a career landmark not even achieved by such superstars as Garth Brooks, Shania Twain and George Strait. However, those artists have received Diamond Awards for album sales. The other country single to reach Diamond status: “Cruise” by Florida Georgia Line (including the remix by Nelly), FGL’s “Meant To Be” colab with Bebe Rexha and “Old Town Road” by Lil Nash X (with Billy Ray Cyrus)… and it looks like Sam Hunt’s “Body Like a Backroad” will soon qualify for a Diamond Award, too. More Stapleton news at https://www.chrisstapleton.com.
SONGWRITER NEWS:
Brett Young has earned RIAA Platinum certification for “Lady,” the chart-topping smash inspired by his expanding family. The song marked Young’s 7th consecutive No. 1 hit to earn Platinum or Multi-Platinum certification. Written with Ross Copperman and Jon Nite, Young celebrated the milestone at BMLG Records’ Nashville office alongside Jimmy Harnen, President/CEO BMLG Records. Young stretched his creative inspirations alongside collaborators Ashley Gorley, Jon Nite and Jimmy Robbins to capture the heart wrenching jolt of his latest single, “You Didn’t.” The track is available at Country Radio now. Young returned to “CMT Crossroads” stage for the first-ever Christmas-themed episode in December. The 60-minute special featured Young alongside an all-star lineup of friends and collaborators Boyz II Men, Chris Tomlin, Colbie Caillat, Dann Huff, Darius Rucker, Gavin DeGraw and Maddie & Tae performing renditions of classic Christmas hits from his inaugural holiday album, Brett Young & Friends Sing the Christmas Classics. Music, tour updates and more at https://www.brettyoungmusic.com.
STADIUM NEWS:
Newly minted CMA Entertainer of the Year Luke Combs will embark on his first-ever headline stadium tour next year with performances at Denver’s Empower Field at Mile High on May 21, Seattle’s Lumen Field on June 4 and Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium on July 30. Special guests featured on the tour include Cody Johnson, Zach Bryan and Morgan Wade. Tickets for the newly confirmed shows are available now. The announcement added to a monumental week for the 6x CMA, 3x ACM and 3x Billboard Music Award-winner, who won Entertainer of the Year at the 55th Annual CMA Awards, surprise-released his new song, “Doin’ This,” and debuted it live during the CMA Awards. “This song means a lot to me personally,” said Combs. Not to recite the lyrics, but for me, it’s truly about playing country music for a crowd, whether that’s 70 people or 70,000 people, and playing country music with my buddies in the band. Listen at https://lc.lnk.to/dointhis and watch/share.
TIN PAN SOUTH NEWS:
The Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI), in partnership with Regions Bank, has announced dates for the 30th annual Tin Pan South Songwriters Festival. The festival is scheduled to take place in Nashville, Tuesday, March 29th through Saturday, April 2, 2022 in Music City’s most popular venues spread throughout town. Each venue will host two shows per night showcasing hundreds of songwriters from Nashville and beyond. Tin Pan South is one of Nashville’s most revered and highly anticipated events of the year and the 2022 festival will be no exception. It will feature performances from a diverse array of exceptional musical talent spanning multiple genres, and the entire week will be filled with a variety of unforgettable events and networking opportunities for established songwriters and rising artists alike. The stellar 2022 Tin Pan South line-up will be revealed and passes will go on sale on March 1st at 10 AM CST. Additional details will be made available in January. See updates at https://www.nashvillesongwriters.com. The official 2022 Tin Pan South poster was created by Charlie Hartrich, a freshman at Watkins College of Art at Belmont University. For updates, follow @TINPANSOUTH on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter and www.tinpansouth.com.
TOUR NEWS:
Wheelhouse Records singer/songwriter Elvie Shane will launch his first-ever headlining run, with his My Kinda Trouble Tour set to kick off on 2/17/2022 in Chattanooga, TN. The multi-city stint will see Shane play major cities including Chicago, IL, Nashville, TN and more, and will mark some of Shane’s first live performances of his debut record Backslider. Joining him on tour will be Country newcomer, Frank Ray. Tickets for the tour are on sale now at https://www.elvieshane.com. Shane’s tour announcement follows the recent celebration of his hit single “My Boy” topping the charts at country radio and being certified Gold by the RIAA. “My Boy” is taken from Backslider. Shane co-wrote the set that embodies the crunchy hooks of classic rock, the nostalgia of country music as well as the emotional electricity of Gospel and R&B. “I’ve never been more ready to break the chains!” shared Shane.
“Getting to go out on the road for my first headlining tour is something we’ve been plotting for a while and feels like just the kinda trouble I could get into. I can’t wait to get out there and play this record live.”
TV NEWS:
Production is now complete on season III of The Song recorded live at TGL Farms. The star power, production and unique programming of the first two seasons of the nationally-syndicated television show, launched in January 2020, made it must-see tv for music fans coast to coast. The fast-paced show featuring intimate performances from some of music’s greatest stars and the iconic songs that launched and propelled their careers will premiere nationwide on January 8, 2022. The Song’s new season features rockers Collective Soul, Melissa Etheridge, Styx, and Rob Thomas, pop songstresses Amy Grant and Sarah McLachlan, soul singer Brian McKnight, pop singer-songwriter icon Kenny Loggins and country star Gary Allan – all performing the songs that made them famous in the show that reaches over 80 million households on 150 stations. “We’ve been amazed week after week how viewers are connecting with these artists and their songs in this unique presentation,” said the show’s creator and Executive Producer Marc Oswald. Station finder, episode details and video at https://www.thesong.tv.
VET MUSIC NEWS:
Nashville-based nonprofit CreatiVets and Big Machine Label Group’s campaign to release a new veteran-written track on the 20th of every month — paying tribute to the 20 veterans and active-duty members that commit suicide every single day — capped off 2021 with the release of “I’m With You” — available now across all major streaming platforms. Listen at https://creativets.lnk.to/IWYPR.
Written by Purple Heart veteran Adam Mitchell and his mentor Greg Pihs alongside songwriters Brian Davis and Joel Shewmake, the tune is the product of CreatiVets’ lauded songwriting program, which pairs combat veterans with songwriters in Nashville to help them learn to use music as a form of therapy – and for Mitchell, finding the program was fate. Since sustaining several injuries to the head and neck while serving overseas in 2005, he has struggled with communication, memory and balance and continues to navigate the difficulties around post-traumatic stress. “I found CreatiVets on accident, while looking for a veteran-based music learning program,” Mitchell shares. “I’ve always loved playing along to other people’s songs, but I never thought of writing my own, for fear of being vulnerable.” More about CreatiVets at https://creativets.org.
VIDEO NEWS:
Jacob Bryant has released a passionate ode to his wife with the music video to his latest single, “Heartbeat.” The Boot and Taste of Country exclusively premiered the video.
“Heartbeat” is featured on Bryant’s forthcoming Bar Stool Preacher album, which is slated for release on Jan. 14 from Thirty Tigers and American Roots Records. Stream and download “Heartbeat” at https://orcd.co/heartbeat-jb, and pre-order Bar Stool Preacher at https://orcd.co/barstoolpreacher. American Songwriter premiered the first listen to “Heartbeat,” written by Bryant (Luke Combs), Wyatt McCubbin (Tracy Lawrence) and Carson Chamberlain (Alan Jackson). “Heartbeat” follows Bryant’s latest single, “Devil & an Old Six String.” After losing his mother in 2010, the budding singer-songwriter battled depression and anxiety, self-medicated with alcohol and cocaine and ultimately suffered a heart attack at the age of just 19, but he transformed the pain into passion. “Music is healing. As simple as that sounds, the process of creating my art about the life experiences I have had is my therapy,” Bryant explained.
WHO’S LOOKING * WHO’S CUTTING:
Cassadee Pope, Chris Young, Dustin Lynch, Danielle Bradbury, Gyth Rigdon, Eddie Montgomery and Justin Moore.
Have a HAPPY NEW YEAR!
** Preshias Harris is a music journalist and music career development consultant with the emphasis on new and aspiring artists and songwriters. Her book, ‘The College of Songology: The Singer/Songwriter’s Need to Know Reference Handbook’ is available at www.collegeofsongology.com. Follow her blog at www.nashvillemusicline.com.
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