Dierks Bentley Details New Album, ‘The Mountain’

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Dierks Bentley’s ninth studio album will be released June 8. The Mountain is inspired by his many trips to Telluride, Colorado, where songs for the project were mostly written and recorded. Among the guests on the album are Brothers Osborne and Brandi Carlile.

Bentley performed at Telluride’s famed bluegrass festival in 2017, and was compelled to return that August with six of his most trusted songwriting collaborators, aka his “Telluwriters.”

In November, Bentley and his production team of Ross Copperman, Jon Randall Stewart and Arturo Buenahora Jr. ventured back to the Rocky Mountain town to record at Studio in the Clouds.

“For me it’s the best of both worlds, and it feels like something new,” says Bentley. “It’s powerful but also happy, with acoustic sensibility mixed in with the big sounds I like to have for the road.”

The Mountain Track Listing:

1. Burning Man (Feat. Brothers Osborne)
2. The Mountain
3. Living
4. Woman, Amen
5. You Can’t Bring Me Down
6. Nothing On But The Stars
7. Goodbye In Telluride
8. My Religion
9. One Way
10. Son Of The Sun
11. Stranger To Myself
12. Travelin’ Light (Feat. Brandi Carlile)
13. How I’m Going Out

Sony Music Nashville Names Paige Altone As Director, Marketing

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Paige Altone

Paige Altone has been promoted to Director, Marketing, Sony Music Nashville. Altone is responsible for the strategy, development and execution of marketing plans for her portion of the label group’s roster.

Sony Nashville EVP, Marketing and New Business John Zarling on the promotion, “Paige’s work ethic mixed with passion for her artists has been essential as Sony Music Nashville has turned the page—pardon the pun—in breaking new acts. From Kane Brown to Luke Combs to Old Dominion to Chris Young and many others, Paige’s roster of artists have excelled with her as their marketing quarterback. I am thrilled to be able to recognize her growth and accomplishments with this promotion.”

Altone says, “Since my first day at Sony Music Nashville, it seems that each day our company and roster have moved forward and upward. I am honored by this promotion, and, I am so appreciative of our leadership and all team members who empower me with their inspiration and camaraderie, and, our artists and music we all have a part in sharing with the world.”

First joining the Sony Music Nashville marketing department as Manager in May of 2016, Altone started her music business career in the promotions department of Atlanta’s WKHX. In 2011, she was hired by Zac Brown’s Southern Ground Artists and worked with the Zac Brown Band, Blackberry Smoke and The Wood Brothers. While still with Southern Ground Artists, she moved to Nashville. In 2014, Altone worked for AEG Presents, handling tour marketing for Kacey Musgraves, Mumford & Sons and Imagine Dragons, among other acts.

RJ Meacham Elevated To VP, Promotion At Curb

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RJ Meacham

RJ Meacham has been named VP, Promotion for Curb Records, following the recent elevation of Ryan Dokke to Sr. VP/GM Promotion and Marketing for Curb/Word Entertainment.

“I can’t think of a promotion executive more ready to assume this role at Curb Records. RJ has proven himself a leader and is more than capable of leading our promotion team’s efforts at radio, while continuing to personally serve our partners in radio. This is beyond a an obvious and deserving elevation.”  Dokke says.

Meacham will oversee the regional promotion staff, formulating plans for the label’s country roster, manage chart strategies and continue working with Curb’s longtime National Director of Promotion, Mike Rogers.

With over three decades of experience, Meacham has held key positions at several major labels (Monument, Asylum, BNA, Columbia, Sony) and has been influential in the set-up and execution of countless hit records, working with Kenny Chesney, Dixie Chicks, LeAnn Rimes, Hank Williams, Jr., Tyler Farr, Kellie Pickler, Craig Morgan, and Maren Morris, among others.

Meacham joined Curb Records in 2016 and most recently held the position of National Director of Promotion and Chart Strategy for the label, where he has been part of the team behind the chart success of the label’s current roster, including record-breaking artist Lee Brice and the recent breakthrough success of Dylan Scott’s No. 1, RIAA-certified Gold single “My Girl.”

Meacham can be reached at [email protected] or at 615.715.2764

Morgan Wallen Releases Track Listing For ‘If I Know Me’

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Morgan Wallen is sharing new details behind his debut album If I Know Me, arriving Friday, April 27 on Big Loud Records.

Wallen co-penned six tracks on the Joey Moi-produced album, which includes his new single, “Up Down” featuring Florida Georgia Line. The breakthrough smash has amassed over 80.5 million plays to date and continues its ascent up the charts, currently inside the Top 15. The album will be available for pre-order on all digital platforms Friday (April 13), and fans who pre-order will instantly receive “Happy Hour” that day and “Had Me By Halftime” on 4/20.

Wallen will make his late-night debut performing the track on ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live! alongside FGL on April 26.

IF I KNOW ME Track listing:
1. “Up Down” (Feat. Florida Georgia Line) (Brad Clawson, CJ Solar, Michael Hardy)
2. “Happy Hour” (Corey Crowder, Michael Hardy, Craig Wiseman)
3. “Had Me By Halftime” (Michael Hardy, James McNair, Josh Miller, Daniel Ross, Morgan Wallen)
4. “Whiskey Glasses” (Ben Burgess, Kevin Kadish)
5. “Whatcha Know ‘Bout That” (Michael Hardy, Cameron Montgomery, Craig Wiseman, Josh Leo, Jim Photoglo, Wendy Waldman)
6. “Redneck Love Song” (David Garcia, Michael Hardy, Hillary Lindsey, Josh Miller)
7. “Little Rain” (Matt Dragstrem, Chase McGill, Ben Hayslip)
8. “If I Know Me” (Michael Hardy, Ernest Keith Smith, Ryan Vojtesak, Morgan Wallen)
9. “Chasin’ You” (Jamie Moore, Morgan Wallen, Craig Wiseman)
10. “The Way I Talk” (Jessi Alexander, Ben Hayslip, Chase McGill)
11. “If I Ever Get You Back” (Dallas Davidson, Matt Dragstrem, Ben Hayslip)
12. “Gone Girl” (Jessi Alexander, Cameron Montgomery, Deric Ruttan, Morgan Wallen, Michael Hardy)
13. “Not Good At Not“ (Brett Tyler, Morgan Wallen, Craig Wiseman)
14. “Talkin’ Tennessee” (Jeff Hyde, Morgan Wallen, Craig Wiseman)

ACM, Change the Conversation To Present Las Vegas Forum

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The Academy of Country Music and Change the Conversation, a coalition formed in 2014 to fight gender inequality in country music, are joining forces to present Change the Conversation: ACM Edition, a special free and open-to-the-public forum to discuss women in country music. The event will feature singer/songwriter Cam, and Change the Conversation co-founders Leslie Fram, Tracy Gershon and Beverly Keel. The event is scheduled for Saturday, April 14 at the David Copperfield Theater at MGM Grand Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas.

“To be perfectly clear, the future financial stability and cultural relevancy of the music business depends on how we can fully incorporate women into ALL areas of the business – from creators to distributors,” said Cam. “The Academy recognizes their responsibility in the current climate, and is choosing to create space to discuss the solutions. Women’s voices need to be at the center of this discussion, and some of the key points we hope to address are first, identifying inhibitive attitudes, practices and people that prevent gender equality. Second, how to raise awareness about key areas of gender disparity and enforce accountability. And finally, engaging with allies and supporting initiatives that allow our business to flourish independently of gender. I’m so happy to be a part of this conversation and help our community progress.”

“We are grateful that the Academy of Country Music is taking a leadership role in addressing the issue of gender inequality in country music,” says Keel, who is also Chair of MTSU’s Department of Recording Industry. “By holding this event during ACM Awards weekend, they are providing a prominent platform that will offer female artists education and support, while creating a forum for industry leaders to work together to find solutions.”

BMG Appoints New Creative Directors For Nashville

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Pictured (L-R): Courtney Allen, Rakiyah Marshall

BMG has appointed Courtney Allen and Rakiyah Marshall to Creative Director, based in Nashville. In their new roles, the two will be responsible for working with the diverse and accomplished existing songwriter roster and singing and developing more talent. Allen and Marshall will report to Kos Weaver, EVP BMG Nashville.

Marshall began her career in New York as part of Republic Records’ radio promotion team working with their artist roster including Taylor Swift, Ariana Grande, Post Malone, James Bay, The Weeknd, Florida Georgia Line and more. Previously she served as Creative Director at Cornman Music, working alongside artists/writers such as Brett James, Kip Moore, Caitlyn Smith, Steven Lee Olsen, Josh Miller and was instrumental in procuring the sessions that produced the new Bebe Rexha and Florida Georgia Line single “Meant to Be.”

Allen joins BMG from Starstruck Entertainment, management firm of Kelly Clarkson and Blake Shelton, among others, where she was the creative director of publishing, working with developing artists on the management roster. Previously, she was a membership representative at NSAI mentoring and developing unsigned songwriters.

“Courtney and Rakiyah are a perfect fit for how we champion songwriters, they have bright minds and creative hearts with the just right instincts to make things happen on behalf of the creators that trust us with their careers and music,” says Weaver.

WME Signs Chase Fouraker

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Pictured (L-R): Austin Mullins (WME), Blaire Hanks, co-manager Andrew Perlowich, Jay Williams (WME), Chase Fouraker, Elise Anderson (Nashville Music Media) and co-manager Ricky Young (Photo by Lyndsey McFarlane).

Nashville newcomer Chase Fouraker has signed with William Morris Endeavor for exclusive booking representation. The Florida native released his debut single “Delirious” in March. His followup single “Where We Left Off” will release May 4.

“I’ve been so humbled by this experience so far, and I can’t think of a better agency to represent me than WME,” said Fouraker.

New Music Modernization Act Unanimously Approved By House Judiciary Committee

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Photo courtesy NSAI. [Click photo to enlarge]

The United States House Judiciary Committee voted unanimously, 32-0, on Wednesday (April 11) to approve the new Music Modernization Act (H.R. 5447), legislation that would reform music licensing laws for the 21st century – including the CLASSICS Act.

“As this historic legislation begins to advance through Congress, we move one step closer to the finish line,” says RIAA Chairman/CEO Cary Sherman. “A unanimous vote should send unmistakable signal to lawmakers in both chambers: this package of reforms enjoys deep, bipartisan support. And for good reason – this bill is the result of thoughtful, extensive examination of the patchwork of antiquated music licensing laws that poorly serve creators. This includes the unintended and unfair quirk in the law that denies legacy artists the federal right to be compensated by digital radio services. We are grateful for the stewardship of Chairman Goodlatte and Ranking Member Nadler, as well as Representatives Issa, Johnson, Collins, Jeffries, Smith, and Deutch, who all have been tireless advocates for this important legislation. We now look to the House floor, and urge all Members of Congress to advance this bill to help make these critical reforms a reality.”

“The House Judiciary Committee’s approval of the Music Modernization Act (MMA) is a critical step towards finally fixing the system to pay songwriters what they deserve,” said NMPA’s David Israelite. “We greatly appreciate the committee’s attention to helping music creators, specifically Chairman Goodlatte, Ranking Member Nadler, Congressman Hakeem Jeffries, and a special thanks to Congressman Doug Collins for being the driving force behind the MMA. There is unprecedented consensus and momentum behind this bill, and we look forward to seeing it soon pass the full House.”

Grand Ole Opry To Open Acuff House For Limited-Time Exhibit

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Roy Acuff and Les Leverett backstage in Acuff’s dressing room.
May 7, 1988. Photo: Donnie Beauchamp

For the first time, the Grand Ole Opry is opening the doors to the Acuff House, the home built for Roy Acuff in the shadow of the Grand Ole Opry House, to showcase the limited-time exhibit Family Reunion: The Opry Family Photo Album.

The exhibit will showcase behind-the-scenes moments at the Grand Ole Opry via the work of 32-year Opry staff photographer Les Leverett, who captured onstage and offstage moments for stars including Acuff, Garth Brooks, Johnny Cash, Patsy Cline, Loretta Lynn, Dolly Parton, Minnie Pearl, and more.

The Acuff House will also share the story of Roy Acuff, through artifacts and videos highlighting his 50-plus years as the consummate showman on the Opry stage. Acuff lived in the home built for him by the Opry from 1983 until his death in 1992.

The exhibit opens April 30 and runs through Oct. 31.

Leverett’s work has also been featured on hundreds of album covers. Among his many honors are a Grammy Award for best album cover photography for Porter Wagoner’s 1966 album Confessions of a Broken Man and Billboard’s Best Country Cover for Dolly Parton’s 1973 album Bubbling Over. He received the Distinguished Achievement Award from the International Bluegrass Music Association in 2001 and from the California Bluegrass Association in 2006. In January 2015, Leverett was formally recognized and honored by the Tennessee Senate in a joint resolution for his significant and iconic work that documents the history and traditions of country music. In 2009, Leverett came out of retirement to serve as the official photographer for the weekly television program, The Marty Stuart Show.

Opry stars (L-R). Minnie Pearl, Wilma Lee Cooper, Jan Howard, Skeeter Davis, June Carter and Kitty Wells. Photo: Les Leverett, Oct. 7, 1961

The Grand Ole Opry Archives acquired thousands of slides, prints, negatives, and color transparencies from the Les Leverett collection in February 2017. The collection contains thousands of images that have never before been printed or published as well as Leverett’s handwritten notes pertaining to dates, locations, and subjects depicted; press clippings; and a homemade, typewritten index that contains additional details.

“We are delighted to be able to showcase even a small portion of the incredible work Les Leverett produced during his 32 years with the Grand Ole Opry,” said Colin Reed, Ryman Hospitality Properties Chairman and CEO. “These photographs are of paramount importance to country music history and to our company’s heritage. We take very seriously our job as caretakers of this collection and look forward to some of the collection’s truly incredible photographs being seen by fans around the world.”

Acuff House tours can be purchased as part of tour packages also including Grand Ole Opry House backstage tours. Packages will be available seven days a week based upon Opry House availability. Additional package information is available at opry.com and by calling 1-800-SEE-OPRY.

George Jones, Tammy Wynette performing at the Ryman Auditorium. Photo: Les Leverett

 

New Carrie Underwood Single ‘Cry Pretty’ Out Today

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Carrie Underwood released her debut single for Capitol Nashville, “Cry Pretty,” today. The song, which she co-produced with David Garcia, is the first track from her new Capitol Nashville project, which is due out later this year.

She penned the song with “Love Junkies” Hillary Lindsey, Liz Rose, and Lori McKenna, and will debut the new song on the upcoming ACM Awards on CBS on Sunday night (April 15) in Las Vegas.

She described the song to fans on her website:

“The first single is a song I love so much and can’t wait to share with you. It’s called “Cry Pretty” and I wrote it with three incredible women: Hillary Lindsey, Liz Rose, and Lori McKenna, who also write under the name Love Junkies. I joined one of their writing sessions last year to see if we could come up with some magic…and we did! The title refers to when emotions take over and you just can’t hold them back. It really speaks to a lot of things that have happened in the past year and I hope when you hear it, you can relate those feelings to those times in your life. It’s emotional. It’s real. And it ROCKS! I’m so excited I’ll be performing it live on the ACM Awards this weekend, so I hope you’ll all tune in to see it!”