Sony Music Nashville Signs Rachel Wammack

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Pictured (L-R): Sony Music Nashville’s Jim Catino, Dennis Reese, Steve Hodges, Margaret Tomlin, Randy Goodman, Rachel Wammack, Maverick Management’s Clarence Spalding, and Sony Music Nashville’s Ken Robold, Taylor Lindsey and John Zarling.

At Tuesday evening’s (Feb. 6) Sony Music Nashville CRS Guitar Pull at the CMA Theater at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, the star-studded evening launched with the signing of RCA Nashville’s newest artist Rachel Wammack to a long-term recording deal with Sony Music Nashville.

Wammack, a native of Muscle Shoals, Alabama, wrote her first song at age 12. By age 17, she was discovered by a Sony Music Nashville, and now at age 23, she has signed a record deal with the major label.

Performers at the Guitar Pull included Brad Paisley, Chris Young, Maren Morris, Cam, Luke Combs, Kane Brown, LANCO, Walker Hayes and Mitchell Tenpenny.

Bobby Karl Works The Room: “Team UMG” Showcase At Country Radio Seminar

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BOBBY KARL WORKS THE ROOM

Chapter 583

This year’s edition of the “Team UMG” showcase at Country Radio Seminar was characterized by lots of new faces and new songs.

The event is already one of the coolest things you will ever experience in Music City. A huge chunk of the Capitol/MCA/Mercury/EMI artist roster is presented to the conventioneers in stripped-down, acoustic settings. Each act gets one song, and each is a surprise appearance.

“This show is one of a kind and cannot be duplicated in any way,” said the always-fabulous host Royce Risser. He can say that again. Tune for tune, it ranks as one of the greatest annual concerts given in Nashville. That the 2018 version was so full of shining newcomer moments was the icing on the cake.

Jordan Davis. Photo: Peyton Hoge

“This is the mecca,” said Jordan Davis as he stood center stage at the hallowed Ryman Auditorium, the venue for Tuesday’s lunch-time gala. “This is the first time I’ve ever been on this stage. This is pretty cool. It’s been the best year of my life.”

He introduced the crowd to a rolling, lyrical, evocative album cut titled “Leaving New Orleans.”

“This is my very first time to play the Ryman,” echoed Brandon Lay. “This is my first CSR week. If I don’t freak out now, I’ll be okay for the rest of my life.” Brandon told the crowd that he’d just learned that he is going to be a father. Then he favored the audience with his youthful “Speakers, Bleachers and Preachers.”

“This is my third time at this show….my first to play it inside,” quipped new Mercury signee Travis Denning. “It’s exciting, this being my first CRS.” His story song about a fake I.D. was “David Ashley Parker From Powder Springs.”

Kassi Ashton. Photo: Peyton Hoge

Maddie and Tae. Photo: Peyton Hoge

The only newcomer who drew a standing ovation was Kassi Ashton, thanks to her sultry, slow, r&b ballad “The Straw.” She told the capacity crowd, “This is my first CRS. This is my first time on the Ryman stage. I’m trying not to pee my pants.”

A number of established acts introduced new tunes at the gig. Maddie & Tae are newly signed to Mercury. They premiered the languid, bluesy “One Heart to Another.”

Eric Paslay has been silent on radio for the past year. Royce introduced him as “The Jolly Red Giant,” and Eric proved that the moniker was apt with a driving, energetic, soaring and joyous new song called “Young Forever.”

Dierks Bentley introduced his new moustache as well as his terrific new, pulse-quickening single “Woman, Amen.” His band offered way-cool counterpoint vocals. The performance drew a big cheer and a standing ovation.

“I like to do things here that you’re never gonna hear anywhere else,” said Chris Stapleton. Country music’s largest selling current artist drew a standing ovation for his penetrating, hair-raising, blues moaner “There Ain’t No Easy Way,” penned by Darrell Scott. Chris and wife Morgane are expecting twins, which Royce promised would be signed to UMG as “The Stapletwins.”

Brothers Osborne. Photo: Peyton Hoge

Vince Gill. Photo: Peyton Hoge

One of the other two standing ovations went to Brothers Osborne, for their thrilling, propulsive run through of “Shoot Me Straight.” Vince Gill received the other one. He revealed to the audience that a gym teacher had tried to molest him when he was a kid and dedicated his song to all people who are standing up against sexual abuse. His choked-with-emotion, heart-in-throat delivery of “Forever Changed” moved us all deeply.

Another show highlight belonged to ACM & CMA New Artist of the Year Jon Pardi. His “She Ain’t In It” was drawling and aching and wonderfully country. Kip Moore opened “Last Shot” a cappella, which was a super effective use of his raspy growl.

Jon Pardi. Photo: Peyton Hoge

Kip Moore. Photo: Peyton Hoge

Luke Bryan offered his earnest new single “Most People Are Good,” as well as his new CD’s thumping title tune “What Makes You Country.” Darius Rucker sang the jaunty “For the First Time.”

Keith Urban closed the show with his sincere “Female” and the rapid-fire “Wasted Time,” with which the crowd sang along.

The place was packed throughout the event. Basking in the UMG greatness were Ben Vaughn, B.J. Hill, Bob Paxman, Bobby Young, Jimmy Knight, Jim Allgren, Eric T. Parker, Erich West, David Frasure, Donna Hughes, Sarah Skates, Natalie Osborne, Tom Baldrica and thousands more lucky CRS registrants.

Country Listeners Bringing AM/FM Loyalty To Smart Speakers According To Edison Research

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Edison Research presented a comprehensive look at the usage by country listeners of smart speakers like Alexa at the Country Radio Seminar which found that country fans are enthusiastic about smart speakers and that 48 percent who owned the speakers had listened to AM/FM radio on their speakers in the week before they were contacted.

The study unveiled, however, that broadcast radio isn’t often country listeners’ first ask of Alexa, and that country stations must do more to encourage listeners to ask for the order. The study also found that despite broadcasters’ growing efforts to develop smart speaker skills and more frequent on-air mentions, only 25 percent of country smart speaker owners were aware of an AM/FM radio station that offers a smart speaker skill.

Music is a main motivator for country listeners on smart speakers, with 96 percent saying listening to music was a reason for wanting the device. And of the 81 percent who said they used the device to play music last week, 72 percent said they used it to play country. Country listeners who own smart speakers also say they listen to more music than overall respondents — 6 hours and 11 minutes a week, roughly an hour more than others.

“Yes, the adoption of these devices into homes is a huge opportunity for radio,” says Edison Research president Larry Rosin, who co-presented the findings with Edison VP Megan Lazovick. “But don’t be complacent, on Smart Speakers you are competing on the ‘Infinite Dial,’ where all audio is available. Listening to your station is highly unlikely to be the first thing a Smart Speaker user will seek out. It is up to you to remind them.”

Funeral Services Announced For Longtime Opry Musician/Vocalist George McCormick

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(George McCormick pictured third from left)

Funeral services for Mr. George Washington McCormick, 84 of Silver Point and formerly of Nashville, will be held Friday, Feb. 9 at 1 p.m. at the Baxter Chapel of Hooper-Huddleston & Horner Funeral Home. Interment will follow in Crest Lawn Cemetery. Rev. Tony Crow will officiate.

George’s family will receive friends Thursday from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. and again Friday from 11 a.m. until service time at the funeral home.

He died Monday February 5, 2018 in Cookeville Regional Medical Center.

He was born June 16, 1933 in Smith Co. to the late Jesse Joseph and Della Lee Burton McCormick. A gifted musician and vocalist, George moved to Nashville at age 14 to play music and work at WLAC radio. He began his Grand Ole Opry career in 1951 to sing and play with Martha Carson. In his 47 years at the Opry, he played guitar and bass fiddle and sang harmony, tenor, baritone and lead with Opry artists including Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper, The Louvin Brothers, Jim Reeves, Porter Waggoner, Dolly Parton and Grandpa Jones. He retired from the Opry in 1998 was a member of the AFL-CIO Musicians Union.

Described as one of a kind and a character, George enjoyed telling stories, laughing and joking with his family and many friends. He attended Smith Springs Baptist Church and Nolensville Baptist Church while in Nashville and was currently attending Silver Point Baptist Church.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brothers, David McCormick, Joe McCormick and Billy McCormick; sister, Betty McCormick; and by step-daughter, Anita Zemuncek and granddaughter Andrea Gregg.

He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Betty Norrod McCormick, daughters, Teresa McCormick of Cookeville, Trilene McCormick of Nashville, Mindi McCormick, both of Nashville and Anita (Marvin) Stewart of Columbia, TN; step-daughter Helen Smith; brother, Charles (Shirley) McCormick of Nashville; grandchildren, Nicholas Mathis, Roxanne Mathis, Kelsie Rowland, Sidney Roberts, Lauren Hali McCormick, Joey Stewart, Hunter Stewart and Candace Scarbro; and great grandchildren, Bella Masters, Ja’Marian Norwood, Blaine and Riley Scarbro, Shilah and Penelope Roberts and Everett and Corbin Rowland.

Family and friends will serve as pallbearers.

Hooper-Huddleston & Horner Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements (931) 526-6111.

In Pictures: Tyler Farr Hits Platinum, Hitmakers & Rum Chasers, BMI’s “Know Them Now”

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Tyler Farr Celebrates Platinum

Members of the Columbia Nashville promotion team and staffers from Sony Music Nashville. Photo: Rachael Knaak

Tyler Farr celebrated his birthday (Feb. 5) with a Platinum record. Farr was asked to come by Sony Music Nashville yesterday where he was surprised with the news that his hit song “Whiskey In My Water” is now RIAA Platinum-certified.

 

Hitmakers & Rum Chasers Raise Funds For Hurricane Relief

Kent Blazy, Chef Mathayam Vachara, Corri English, Chuck Wicks and Ty Bentli backstage at Nashville’s City Winery during the “Hitmakers & Rum Chasers” hurricane relief concert Tuesday night to benefit children in the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) affected by Hurricanes Irma and Marie. Photo: Angela Howell

Hit country songwriters, artists and radio personalities converged to lend their talents for a “Hitmakers & Rum Chasers” hurricane relief concert Tuesday night at Nashville’s City Winery. The event benefited children in the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) affected by Hurricanes Irma and Marie. Presented by The Charley Foundation, the Nashville-based 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that provides support to charitable agencies addressing the critical needs of children, the evening featured music by songwriters Marc Beeson, Kent Blazy, St. John songwriter Erin Hart, Love & Theft, Danny Myrick, Jerrod Niemann and Bridgette Tatum.

 

BMI Launches “Know Them Now” Songwriter Series

Pictured (L-R): Daniel Ross, Mike Walker, BMI’s MaryAnn Keen, Driver Williams and Chase McGill gather backstage before the inaugural “Know Them Now” songwriter round.

Last Thursday, BMI kicked off its newest songwriter series with a packed crowd at the Listening Room Cafe. Designed to showcase tomorrow’s top hits today, the first installation of “Know Them Now” featured performances from rising hitmakers Chase McGill, Daniel Ross, Mike Walker and Driver Williams. An intimately engaged audience was treated to radio hits like William’s “Smoke A Little Smoke” (Eric Church), heartbreakers like McGill’s “When Someone Stops Loving You” (Little Big Town), recent cuts like Walker’s “American Nights” (Lee Brice) and a special appearance from American Idol winner, Trent Harmon alongside Ross. The crowd’s cries for more were met with an additional round of songs from the writers for a total of five songs each. Set to continue this spring, “Know Them Now” will return to the Listening Room on April 12 with more details to come soon.

SoundHouse Acquires Assets Of InPop Records

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Soundhouse LLC, with offices in Nashville, Boston and New York has recently purchased the assets of InPop Records, an independent contemporary Christian record label based in Nashville, Tennessee. INPOP is Sound House’s third acquisition in the contemporary Christian genre.

Soundhouse LLC, founded by CEO Michael Rosenblatt in 2016, is focused on the acquisition of streaming revenue from artists/producers/labels using win/win deal structures. InPop is the 15th acquisition for SoundHouse and brings its catalogue to over 3500 recordings. SoundHouse’s financial partners are Spark Capital, Columbia Capital and Pinnacle Bank.

“We are delighted to continue to inject growth capital into all genres of the music business,” said Rosenblatt. “We look forward to working with others in the contemporary Christian community.”

InPop was originally launched in 1999 by Australians Peter Furler, Dale Bray and Wes Campbell. InPop was later purchased in 2008 by Ron Starr and managed by Mark Lusk.

Capitol Christian Music Group Elevates Monica Coates, EJ Gaines To Co-Executive Directors Of Motown Gospel

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Capitol Christian Music Group has promoted Monica Coates and EJ Gaines each to the position of Co-Executive Director of Motown Gospel, it was announced today by CCMG Chairman & CEO Peter York. Coates has also been promoted to Vice President of A&R/Creative of Motown Gospel, with expanded responsibilities including overseeing the growth and development of the company’s Gospel publishing assets, and Gaines has been elevated to Vice President of Marketing at CCMG, bringing his expertise to a broader artist roster. Coates reports to CCMG’s Chief Creative Officer Brad O’Donnell and Gaines to CCMG’s Chief Marketing Officer Hudson Plachy, and both executives continue to be based at the company’s headquarters in Nashville.

The promotions of Coates and Gaines align with a succession plan York had developed last year with CCMG’s prior Chairman & CEO William Ray “Bill” Hearn. Hearn passed away in December after a long and courageous battle with cancer. CCMG President of Motown Gospel Ken Pennell has also announced he will retire from the company, effective April 1 after 20 years at the company developing countless Gospel stars including Smokie Norful, Kierra Sheard and Tasha Cobbs Leonard.

“Monica and EJ have both contributed so much to the success of Motown Gospel, and these promotions reflect both the outstanding jobs they do and the expansion of their responsibilities within CCMG,” said CCMG Chairman & CEO Peter York. “Ken and I have worked closely together for two decades and I can’t thank him enough for his friendship and contributions to Gospel Music and our company. He will truly be missed, and everyone at CCMG wishes him nothing but the best in his retirement.”

Prior to assuming their new roles, Coates and Gaines were Motown Gospel’s Vice President of A&R and Vice President of Marketing respectively, with the two working closely together to build upon the company’s artist signing and development strategies. Both executives joined the company in 2016, with Coates directing A&R, Creative and Promotion functions, and Gaines overseeing Commercial Partnerships, Publicity and Events, Digital Marketing and Content Creation/Monetization, Sync and Business Affairs.

Coates is a 25-year veteran of the Gospel Music industry, with experience in artist management, promotion, publicity and A&R. Prior to joining Motown, she was Director of Operations at Kirk Franklin’s Fo Yo Soul Recordings (affiliated with RCA Records), where she oversaw management of the label and campaigns for artists including Franklin, The Walls Group, and Tasha Page-Lockhart. She began her career at Fred Hammond’s production house, Face To Face, where she also served as his personal manager. She also spent five years at Verity Records (now RCA Inspiration) as Senior Director of A&R working with best-selling artists Donnie McClurkin and Hezekiah Walker among many others. Coates’ first book, The Beginner’s Guide To The Gospel Music Industry, was published in 2009.

Prior to accepting his Motown Gospel role, EJ Gaines was an entertainment attorney and artist manager, helping guide the careers of numerous artists, including Mary Mary, Natalie Grant, Donald Lawrence, William McDowell, and Jonathan McReynolds. He began his career at Jive Records and Verity Records, before becoming an executive assistant to artist Donnie McClurkin. Gaines graduated from St. John’s University School of Law and served as an associate at Carter, Ledyard & Milburn LLP, later launching the entertainment division at Waterford Law Group, PLLC in 2013.

Motown Gospel is the label home to artists Tasha Cobbs Leonard, Tye Tribbett, Brian Courtney Wilson and many others.

MusicRow Pics: 2018 CountryBreakout Awards

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MusicRow Magazine celebrated its 16th annual CountryBreakout Awards on Monday (Feb. 5) at The Listening Room Cafe in Nashville. Blake Shelton, Florida Georgia Line, Kelsea Ballerini, Luke Combs, Shane Owens, songwriter Ashley Gorley, and MusicRow reporter Alex Hardy were all honored during the event.

Additionally, the packed house of industry members and radio executives enjoyed performances from Reviver Records artist Michael Tyler, and Red Star Label Group’s Denny Strickland.

For more, read Bobby Karl’s recap of the event.

MusicRow Publisher/Owner Sherod Robertson, Kelsea Ballerini and MusicRow Chart Director Alex Kobrick. Photo: Bev Moser/Moments By Moser Photography

Photo: Bev Moser/Moments By Moser Photography

Pictured (L-R): Tim McFadden, Tony Jackson and MusicRow Publisher/Owner Sherod Robertson. Photo: Bev Moser/Moments By Moser Photography

Pictured (L-R): Jordon Williams and Quinn Williams of Spencer’s Own, MusicRow Chart Director Alex Kobrick, Nic Williams, Nate Williams and Morgan Williams of Spencer’s Own. Photo: ElectricHouse

Photo: Haley Crow/MusicRow

Photo: Haley Crow/MusicRow

Pictured (L-R): Uncle Si & The Sicotics’ Marsha Robertson, Uncle Si Robertson and Bridgette Tatum. Photo: Haley Crow/MusicRow

Pictured (L-R): Dylan Jackobsen and MusicRow Chart Director Alex Kobrick.

Photo: Bev Moser/Moments By Moser Photography

Pictured (L-R): Dallas Remmington and Jessica Rose. Photo: Haley Crow/MusicRow

Pictured (L-R): Cody McCarver and Smith & Wesley’s Scott Smith and Todd Smith. Photo: Haley Crow/MusicRow

MusicRow Publisher/Owner Sherod Robertson, Capitol Records’ Bobby Young and MusicRow Chart Director Alex Kobrick. Photo: Bev Moser/Moments By Moser Photography

MusicRow Publisher/Owner Sherod Robertson, Scott Hendricks and MusicRow Chart Director Alex Kobrick. Photo: Bev Moser/Moments By Moser Photography

MusicRow Publisher/Owner Sherod Robertson, Florida Georgia Line’s Tyler Hubbard and Brian Kelley, and MusicRow Chart Director Alex Kobrick. Photo: Bev Moser/Moments By Moser Photography

Pictured (L-R): Florida Georgia Line’s Brian Kelley and Tyler Hubbard. Photo: Haley Crow/MusicRow

Pictured (L-R): MusicRow Publisher/Owner Sherod Robertson, Ashley Gorley and MusicRow Chart Director Alex Kobrick. Photo: Bev Moser/Moments By Moser Photography

Pictured (L-R): MusicRow Publisher/Owner Sherod Robertson, Luke Combs and MusicRow Chart Director Alex Kobrick. Photo: Bev Moser/Moments By Moser Photography

Pictured (L-R): MusicRow Chart Director Alex Kobrick, Ann Chrisman Promotions’ Ann Chrisman and Anne Sarosdy, Shane Owens, Grassroots Promotions’ RJ Jordan and Nancy Tunick, MusicRow Publisher/Owner Sherod Robertson. Photo: Bev Moser/Moments By Moser

Pictured (L-R): MusicRow Chart Director Alex Kobrick, Alex Hardy and MusicRow Publisher/Owner Sherod Robertson. Photo: Bev Moser/Moments By Moser

Exclusive: Kix Brooks Bonus Q&A Discusses Brooks & Dunn Breakup And Pranks

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Kix Brooks talked with MusicRow in the latest CountryBreakout Awards print magazine about the art of a radio interview, and having been on the other side of the microphone interviewing guests on his American Country Countdown radio show for 10 years. In this bonus web feature, Brooks touches on the confusion of the Brooks & Dunn retirement, then their return five years later for a residency in Las Vegas’ prestigious Caesars Palace. Brooks also recalls a few memorable pranks from on the road and if any are in store for Las Vegas.

To read the full interview with Brooks, pick up a copy of the MusicRow CountryBreakout Awards print magazine, or subscribe to receive your copy.

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There were rumors the reason Brooks & Dunn retired in 2010 was because you and Ronnie disliked each other. But you appeared on his solo album and you still vacation together. Could you explain the decision to part, then reunite in Las Vegas after five years?

The rumor Ronnie and I didn’t like each other is definitely not true. Basically we were offered a record deal without ever even having met. Our first four singles went No. 1. It happened so fast, we wanted to take advantage of it, but at the same time we didn’t have a chance to come up with any personal dynamic. I was 36, Ronnie was going on 40 years old when we met. I can’t think of another case in music—I mean I don’t know any other acts where that kind of thing has happened to them. It’s fun to talk to Florida Georgia Line, because they have had that same meteoric rise getting started, but they were two buddies that wanted to do it. Ronnie and I thought the idea was absurd from the beginning. But, like songwriters do, when Tim DuBois said, ‘Do me a favor and see if you can write a song together,’ we did. The next thing we were off to the races. We kept working it to keep this thing going. As a duo there was always a certain amount of compromise that came with making records, etc. Ronnie evolved as a dynamic singer. For me, did I really want to be a side guy playing guitar? I had always had bands growing up. Obviously from a success standpoint it was extremely rewarding, but at some point it comes with so many compromises you step back to question, what am I really doing here?

The break offered a time to professionally get away from each other to re-evolve where we were as artists, people and musicians. We both went out and performed and got our thing back as individuals. I don’t think we had much intention of doing Brooks & Dunn again, because we had gone as far and high as we expected to go. After some time apart when Caesars came to us asking if we would like to do the residency, and especially with our dear friend and big sister Reba, we were like, “You know what? It would be fun to sing these songs again.” We enjoy about an hour in the dressing room each night, kinda talking over stuff and Ronnie and I are going duck hunting right after the first of the year. It’s not like we don’t want to hang out with each other. It took five years off for us to find the fun spot, musically and professionally again.

You put out a solo album in 2012 [New To This Town] with Arista Nashville. Looking back, was it freeing to creatively explore or did you hear Ronnie’s voice in your head with advice he might have offered?

I just got back to doing what I did. I wrote with a lot of my old buddies. It’s fun to be uninhibited, uncompromised. I wrote a bunch of stuff and went in and produced and recorded it myself. Of course you’ve always got a record company involved but I had one that did like it and believed in it. I’m sure Ronnie felt the same way trying to make Brooks & Dunn music, something that says what two guys together would say with fun and games. It wasn’t that Brooks & Dunn never did personal love songs, but that’s the challenge for duos, whether it’s two guys or two girls or whatever.

Ronnie and I are both at a point in our career where you have to be careful with how much you expect for radio to play. And it’s not just us, that’s the case with Reba, George Strait, Alan Jackson, etc. We’ve had our run at radio and there are a lot of great new artists who are getting their shot now. That’s the way of the world and at some point you have to find joy in the success you’ve had and find a new place as a performer and artist you have to accept time marches on. Just like we did, new artists are going to take a shot and there’s gotta be room for them. 

How has the Together In Vegas show evolved and what have you learned with the Las Vegas residency?

The set list has changed a little bit. We’ve thrown in a couple Christmas songs over the holiday, which we’ve never done before. But the staples are gonna be there—they want “My Maria,” “Fancy,” “Night The Lights Went Out In Georgia” and “Boot Scootin’ Boogie.” For us, the trick is to keep it fresh and at the same time we tend to go off on so many tangents we have to learn where to reel it in.

Now we’re not sweatin’, we know the songs are there so we’re having a lot of fun with each other.

We get out there and get lost if people are having fun. It’s become so comfortable and Reba is a great responder. Ronnie and I are loose enough that we’re liable to say anything. Just the way Reba gets mad on stage is really funny. I can understand why her TV show did so well for so many years. She’s just got great looks. She has an ability to get out on stage with us and make people laugh.

Brooks & Dunn were known for epic road pranks. Have you pulled any pranks in Las Vegas? Do any stand out over the years?

Knowing we’re going to be in Las Vegas all the time, we prefer not to live in fear. No pranks have gone on in Vegas.

But Ronnie and I honestly never started anything on the road all those years. We’re just really big finishers. Once we sorta got a reputation, we would always tell opening acts, “Don’t start it and there won’t be any, let’s just have a fun tour. But if you start doing stuff, really bad things could happen to you.” We’ve put a hardcore military stink bomb in Reba’s road case. And with Jo Dee Messina, CMT filmed it after she put a bunch of balloons filled with glitter on Ronnie’s bus. I rented this hot air balloon because I knew she was deathly afraid of heights. We grabbed Jo Dee after sound check one day and she saw that balloon inflated and just lost her mind. We’re 30 feet in the air and she was still trying to get out. After Faith Hill put salt water in Wade Hayes’ drinking water and he got so sick when she was opening for Ronnie and I, I bought this eel without a head at a truck stop. We thawed it out and put that in her bed, down where her feet would go when we were in Canada. She never actually commented on it, but when we went back through customs, the agent started putting on gloves saying there was apparently some jewelry missing and I would have to be examined to make sure it wasn’t hidden anywhere [laughs].

Donovan Woods Finds Inspiration From Poets, Novelists On New Album ‘Both Ways’

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Donovan Woods‘ new album ‘Both Ways’ (Meant Well), featuring 12 new tracks produced by James Bunton, is set for release April 20. The project, his fifth, which was recorded in Toronto, is the followup to Hard Settle, Ain’t Troubled, and features the new single “Burn That Bridge.”

Woods cites the work of poet Bronwyn Wallace and novelists Richard Ford and Alice Munro as major creative inspirations for his approach to Both Ways. “The writing I have always liked, is about things that are indicative of a world but not the entire world,” said Woods. “I’m inspired by writing that leads you into the room and then leaves you to fill in the details.”

Splitting his time between homes in Nashville and Toronto, Woods has already amassed over 45 million streams of his solo material, with more than a million monthly listeners on Spotify alone. In addition, he has garnered the respect of major songwriters and artists on both sides of the border, writing songs for (and with) Tim McGraw, Charles Kelly (Lady Antebellum), Billy Currington and Charlie Worsham, among others.

Both Ways tracklist:
1. Good Lover
2. Another Way
3. Burn That Bridge
4. Truck Full of Money
5. Our Friend Bobby
6. I Ain’t Ever Loved No One
7. I Live a Little Lie
8. Easy Street
9. I Don’t Belong To You
10. Read About Memory
11. Great Escape
12. Next Year