Third Day’s Mac Powell Talks Farewell Tour, Upcoming Solo Projects

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On Wednesday (May 30), Christian rock band Third Day will embark on their farewell tour, after 25 years in the business. The band’s impetus came from Georgia high school buddies, vocalist/songwriter Mac Powell and guitarist Mark Lee.The band initially signed with Reunion Records and in 1996 released its self-titled debut album, a blend of southern rock grooves and inspirational lyrics, wielded by Powell’s blowtorch of a voice. The band would later align with Essential Records.

Along the way, the band’s Powell, Lee and drummer David Carr have earned four Grammy Awards, released 13 full-length studio albums (including 2017’s Revival, which was recorded in Muscle Shoals), and given music fans classics including “Come Together,” “Soul On Fire,” and “Call My Name.”

While many bands opt for longer, drawn out farewell treks, Third Day’s 20-date tour will launch tonight with two shows in Seattle, Washington, and wrap June 27 with a show at the iconic Red Rocks Amphitheater in Colorado.

“We just reached a point where we knew it was time,” Powell tells MusicRow. “I think we are ready to call it a day on Third Day, if you will. There was a lot going on in our personal lives as fathers, husbands and as individuals, I think we realized it was time to move on to different seasons in our lives. The hard thing about it is I don’t want to say we are breaking up, because we are not. It’s more just moving on. I don’t know the right terminology for that. I think saying farewell is the best way to say it.”

Joining them will be Matt Maher, with special appearances from Zach Williams, Crowder and We Are Messengers on certain dates.

“It just came down to who are our friends and who do we want to have in front of our fans to say goodbye with,” Powell says. “Matt Maher is at the very top of that list. He’s been on the road with us a few times and we love his writing and music and him as a person. Zach and I did several shows together last year and became fast friends with him. What those guys are doing fits well with Third Day.”

The farewell trek includes three nights at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium, on June 18, 19 and 23.

“It’s going to be a big party in Nashville,” Powell says. “We have so many friends and people behind the scenes that work in management, business management, booking, label, all those people. It will be, in a way, a last chance to see them and say thank you to them. Nashville is always a unique town for us and we have a love for the town.”

So why would one of Christian music’s most successful bands choose to hold a farewell concert in a smaller, if historic, venue like the Ryman Auditorium, rather than some of Nashville’s larger venues?

“My wife asked the same thing,” Powell laughed. “We knew our fans would be great and support us but we had no idea to what extent. We wanted to plan it conservatively when it came to booking the tour with the number of shows and at the venues we were playing. We wanted to try to keep it intimate enough where people didn’t get lost in an arena. That’s why we chose a lot of these places like the Fox Theater in Atlanta. We could have chosen to go to the arena, but we wanted to keep it smaller. That’s why the Ryman fit so well.”

Twenty-five years after Third Day first formed, Powell still sounds amazed at the accolades the band has earned, which includes plenty of RIAA-certified heavy metal (two multi-platinum albums, 5 Platinum albums, and 14 Gold-certified projects), 24 GMA Dove Awards, and 31 No. 1 radio singles.

“When we started, we thought, ‘Man if we can just make a couple of records and tour a few times, that would be amazing.’” he says.

At the time of the interview, Powell said he and his Third Day cohorts were still configuring a set list to honor both the numerous chart-topping singles fans have come to expect, as well as personal favorites.

“I think every night will be different in some way. We have a big list of songs that make sense that are No. 1 radio hits, and then fan favorites that may have never been radio singles, and then songs we want to do as a band and as individuals. It’s going to be a long, great night of music.”

The final tour will also highlight music and stories from Lee’s autobiography Hurt Road, which released last year.

There is plenty of solo music in the works after the farewell tour wraps.

Lee has been in the studio working on new music with Third Day keyboard player Scotty Wilbanks. Meanwhile, Powell has been working simultaneously on two projects, including an upcoming Christmas album, as well as a project for Mac Powell and the Family Reunion. He has also been in the writing room with several collaborators, including Eric Paslay.

“I’ve got enough songs for a couple of records,” Powell says. “That’s part of the fun of this time of music we live in. Music can be released fairly quickly and as an independent I can release it when I want to. But we’re still working on the music.”

Powell says he can’t rule out future collaborations with his Third Day cohorts.

“Something might happen down the road. We are not ending because we hate each other or anything like that. I think it’s good terms we are on with each other. Because of that, there is always the chance of something in the future, and I hope that does happen.”

Spotify Names Blake Shelton’s Ole Red Its ‘2018 CMA Fest Headquarters’ With 50 Performances

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Spotify will make Blake Shelton/Opry Entertainment Group’s Ole Red restaurant and music venue its “2018 CMA Fest Headquarters.” Not only will the streaming service play host to 50 afternoon and late-evening shows for the public, but Spotify has partnered with the CMA to enhance its Music Fest App.

The recently re-launched, enhanced Hot Country Playlist is behind the offering, delivering opportunities for country fans to connect with stars of the genre during the 2018 CMA Fest, June 7-10. Artists include ACM New Group of the Year Midland, singer-songwriter Michael Ray, five-time Grammy nominee Hunter Hayes, Canadian Country Music Awards’ Female Artist of the Year 2011 Tenille Townes, ACM Awards’ New Female Vocalist of the Year Lauren Alaina and many more.

Spotify will also have a presence at CMA’s Music Streaming Lounge on Friday June 8 at Xfinity Fan Fair X at Music City Center. Fans will have the opportunity to discover Spotify’s new features, and make Spotify playlists in-person with country artists performing at the festival.

Throughout the festival, fans will be able to authenticate with Spotify in the Music Fest mobile app, offering the ability to stream music from each of the performing artists, will have access to co-curated playlists and can generate playlists of select CMA Fest artists inside the app.

For schedule updates, visit olered.com/spotifyhotcountry

Spotify’s Hot Country Playlist Lineup At Ole Red

Thursday, June 7

11:00 A.M. Austin Jenckes
12:00 P.M. Muscadine Bloodline
1:00 P.M. Adam Doleac
2:00 P.M. Riley Green
3:00 P.M. Stephen Carey
4:00 P.M. Tyler Dial
5:00 P.M. Abby Anderson
6:00 P.M. Dillon Carmichael
7:00 P.M. Morgan Wallen
8:00 P.M. Levi Hummon
9:00 P.M. Chris Lane
10:30 P.M. Michael Ray
12:00 A.M. Hunter Hayes & Friends

Friday, June 8

11:00 A.M. Noah Schnacky
12:00 P.M. Anna Vaus
1:00 P.M. Mason Ramsey
2:00 P.M. Austin Burke
3:00 P.M. Swon Brothers
4:00 P.M. Brennin
5:00 P.M. Tegan Marie
6:00 P.M. Adam Sanders
7:00 P.M. Filmore
8:00 P.M. Brandon Ray
9:00 P.M. Maggie Rose
10:30 P.M. Jackie Lee
12:00 A.M. Craig Campbell

Saturday, June 9

11:00 A.M. Cam
11:45 A.M. Jimmie Allen
12:30 P.M. Maddie & Tae
1:15 P.M. Lindsay Ell
2:00 P.M. Jillian Jacqueline
2:50 P.M. Rachel Wammack
3:40 P.M. Mitchell Tenpenny
4:30 P.M. Tenille Townes
5:20 P.M. Cale Dodds
6:10 P.M. RaeLynn
7:00 P.M. Kassi Ashton
7:50 P.M. Cassadee Pope
8:40 P.M. Lauren Alaina
9:30 P.M. Midland
12:00 A.M. Late Night Jam with Cole Swindell

Sunday, June 10

11:00 A.M. To Be Announced
12:00 P.M. Rhett Walker
1:00 P.M. To Be Announced
2:00 P.M. Hannah Ellis
3:00 P.M. Kalie Shorr
4:00 P.M. To Be Announced
5:00 P.M. To Be Announced
6:00 P.M. Radio Romance
7:00 P.M. Red Marlow
8:00 P.M. To Be Announced
9:00 P.M. Thompson Square
10:30 P.M. To Be Announced

Florida Georgia Line, Bebe Rexha Hit One Billion Streaming Mark

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Florida Georgia Line and Bebe Rexha‘s smash crossover collaboration, “Meant to Be,” just keeps going and going, and has now topped one billion global streams.

Penned by FGL’s Tyler Hubbard and Rexha alongside Josh Miller and David Garcia, “Meant to Be” holds the No. 1 spot on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart for the 26th consecutive week, surpassing FGL’s own “Cruise” for the second-longest reign overall. With this impressive No. 1 streak, the triple Platinum-certified hit continues to make chart history with previous feats including FGL’s first No. 1 Hot County Songs debut, marking the third No. 1 debut for the chart ever, and Rexha becoming the first solo female to debut at the top spot. The video for the song has already earned over 430.9 million YouTube views.

Florida Georgia Line recently revealed via social media that they’re currently approving mixes for their fourth album.

Thomas Tippin, Son Of Aaron Tippin, Signs With BMI

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Pictured (L-R): Josh Tomlinson (Associate Director/Creative, BMI), Thomas Tippin, Aaron Tippin, Troy Tomlinson (President/CEO, Sony ATV Music). Photo: BMI

Thomas Tippin, the youngest son of country music entertainer Aaron Tippin, has signed with BMI (Broadcast Music, Inc.) for exclusive songwriting representation.

“We are thrilled to welcome Thomas Tippin to the BMI family,” says BMI’s Josh Tomlinson. “He’s a talented young writer with a bright future ahead of him. Having known Aaron and Thea for years, it was a full-circle moment for our families for me to sign Thomas as a BMI writer.”

The signing of Thomas marks the third Tippin to ink with BMI. His parents, Aaron and Thea, have been writers with the company since the 1980s.

“Thea and I are so excited for Thomas’ future as a singer/songwriter and we’re happy he chose to affiliate with BMI, our home for the last 30 years,” notes Aaron. “Troy Tomlinson was my publisher back in the early days so to have his son Josh sign Thomas is a really cool thing.”

Thomas adds, “It’s an honor to be signed to BMI where my mom and dad have been for years. I’m really looking forward to working with them.”

FlyteVu Furthers Growth with Two New Hires

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Entertainment marketing agency FlyteVu has announced two new additions to its Nashville office. Olivia Laster has joined as Project Manager and Kathryn Brassfield as Operations Manager.

As Project Manager, Laster will work on a number of the agency’s accounts including Tennessee Tourism, Cracker Barrel and Red Cross. Prior to joining FlyteVu, she was a Promotion Specialist at Sony Music Nashville spearheading brand partnership campaigns, including Sarah Cannon’s Band Against Cancer, Sandals Resorts, and Hard Rock Hotels. She worked on artist projects from Tim McGraw and Faith Hill, Carrie Underwood, Brad Paisley, LANCO, Cam and more.

Brassfield joins FlyteVu after recently graduating from Vanderbilt University Owen Graduate School of Management and holding a position as Marketing Communications and Event Coordinator. She will help manage the FlyteVu Nashville office and assist with finance and office operations.

“Olivia and Kathryn are two of the best young talents in the business, both with tremendous work ethic and positivity. Their individual skillsets will continue to propel our growth and strengthen our culture” said Laura Hutfless, Co-Founder of FlyteVu.

Laster and Brassfield can be reached at [email protected] and [email protected].

CMA Reveals KixStart Artist Scholarship Program

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The Country Music Association aims to help guide new and developing artists, via the newly-announced CMA KixStart Artist Scholarship, a year-long program that will connect selected artists with professionals across various facets of the music industry.

The program, which will begin accepting applications on June 1, will also offer educational support and opportunities for artists to participate in CMA-related events including CMA Fest, C2C: Country to Country Festival in London, and the CMA Songwriters Series. The CMA has also established a scholarship fund to cover expenses related to the CMA KixStart program.

The idea for the KixStart program came in 2017 from two of the country music industry’s top managers, Marion Kraft (Miranda Lambert) and Mary Hilliard Harrington (Dierks Bentley). Kraft is also the CMA Board’s Artist Relations Committee Chair, while Harrington is Vice Chair of the committee.

The CMA KixStart Artist Scholarship is named after former Chairman of the CMA Board and long-serving board member, Kix Brooks of Brooks & Dunn. An artist advocate, Brooks drove the creation of the CMA Board of Directors’ Artist Relations Committee in 2006.

“Last year when Mary Hilliard and Marion suggested we do something to better aid those artists that could use a little extra help, or a ‘kick start’ to help them over that tipping point, we all knew it was a good idea,” said Brooks. “I suppose calling it KixStart was a little tip of the hat to me for getting this committee going in the beginning. I’m honored, but I’m not taking any credit for this one!”

Eligible applicants should have recorded music and possess performance experience, but should not have released more than one full-length album. Additionally, they should not have already charted a Top 40 song on Billboard‘s Country Airplay chart, or on the Country Aircheck chart. Eligible applicants should have a working relationship with at least two CMA-member companies (including publishing, management, booking agency, public relations, or label).

“CMA and our entire community have always shown a great commitment to developing and nurturing new artists,” said Karen Fairchild, CMA and CMA Foundation board member and Little Big Town member. “When I look back to the beginning of my own music career, I know for certain a program like this would have helped accelerate my start and given me a wealth of knowledge and understanding of the business side of the industry.”

“CMA has been such a champion of my music and provided me a ton of opportunities to connect with my fans,” said Luke Combs, CMA Awards New Artist of the Year nominee in 2017. “Just three years ago, I played the stage at Walk of Fame Park at CMA Fest for the very first time and this year I get to fulfill every new artist’s dream of going across the river to play Nissan Stadium. Having CMA give me such a massive platform to play in front of a stadium full of passionate music fans is an honor. This new program will be an incredible launching pad for other artists’ dreams to come true.”

CMA KixStart Artist Scholarship submissions will be accepted starting Friday, June 1 at CMAworld.com/KixStart, where artists can review application and eligibility requirements. The deadline for submissions is Saturday, June 30 at 11:59 p.m. CT.

Music Networking Space H.O.M.E. Opens In East Nashville, Announces Staff

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Pictured (L-R): Logan Crowell, Trina Lloyd-Weidner, Anthony Falcone

A 24/7 collaborative music space, H.O.M.E. (Helping Our Music Evolve), has opened in Nashville and announced some staff additions. The member-benefit 501(c)6 non-profit organization located in Center 615 in East Nashville offers music businesses, producers, engineers, artists/bands, musicians, and songwriters a professional co-working environment. HOME HQ also features a cutting-edge production facility capable of live streaming and housing multiple rooms suitable for recording, writing, rehearsal, and/or events.

Artist, songwriter and entrepreneur Logan Crowell created and built the new co-working community, which is also committed to providing educational and networking opportunities for the music community through weekly workshops, mentoring sessions, and social events. Crowell, along with developer Corey Sery, built an online networking portal which makes it easier for members to discover and collaborate with each other, with music business professionals, and with new fans.

“I couldn’t be more excited to open H.O.M.E. and spearhead Nashville’s first and only 24/7 collaborative music space,” says founder Crowell. “Our mission is built on providing a supportive community for artist development and music production in an affordable yet technologically advanced facility.”

In August 2017, Crowell joined forces with HOME Technical Advisor, Anthony Falcone, to build the facility and design the systems it uses. Falcone recently moved to Nashville from Los Angeles where he earned accolades as a producer and mixing engineer. In addition to being spearheaded by Crowell and Falcone, HOME has recently welcomed Trina Lloyd-Weidner to the team as VP of Operations.

Lloyd-Weidner comes to HOME from the Nashville Songwriters Association International where she served as the Director of Regional Chapters, managing over 130 songwriting chapters worldwide, and overseeing the daily duties of the membership team. Prior to that, she worked with BMI and Cromwell Radio Group.

“Trina’s track record of success, along with her insight and familiarity with what we do, will help HOME continue to grow within the music business community and find new ways to engage our members,” said Crowell. “She is a strong relationship builder, has valuable experience in music organizations, event management, and has a clear passion for what HOME stands for.”

RareSpark Media Group Adds Jason Afable To Roster

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Top Row (L-R): RareSpark CEO Suzanne Strickland, Vice President / General Manager Scot Sherrod, and Creative Director Carly Strickland. Bottom Row: Jason Afable

RareSpark Media Group, Inc. has signed a worldwide publishing agreement with songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist Jason Afable. Since moving to Nashville from the Los Angeles area in 2013, Afable has quickly established himself as a versatile talent in the Nashville creative community. He has landed cuts with a number of independent artists and also produced rising country artist Kalie Shorr’s 2016 single, “Fight Like A Girl,” which was tapped as a “Highway Find” by Sirius XM’s The Highway and named one of the “Top 10 Country Songs of 2016” by Taste of Country.

“Not only is Jason one of the good ones as a human being, but he’s also incredibly talented as a writer and producer,” says RareSpark CEO Suzanne Strickland. “We couldn’t be more excited to have him in the RareSpark family.”

Adds RareSpark Vice President / General Manager Scot Sherrod, “Jason is a quadruple-threat – he’s a great writer, producer, multi-instrumentalist, and awesome vocalist. He has such amazing, positive energy and has his finger not only on the pulse of what’s happening now, but what’s about to happen. We’re so honored that he believes in us and are thrilled to have him on our team.”

“I couldn’t be happier to be joining forces with RareSpark for my first publishing deal,” says Afable. “It’s a small team that’s focused and motivated, and it feels like the perfect fit for me at the start of my career. I feel like I’m on the same wavelength with Scot, Suzanne, and everyone on the team, and I look forward to doing big things together!”

Chris Janson, Maddie Poppe To Appear On Bobby Bones Live From Ryman Broadcast

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iHeartMedia’s Bobby Bones and the cast of The Bobby Bones Show will do a live broadcast from the middle of CMA Music Fest on June 8 during the inaugural The Bobby Bones Show, Live From the Ryman. For the first time ever for one day only, Bones is inviting fans to join in for a live broadcast of the show at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium during CMA Fest, which will feature Chris Janson, Kassi Ashton, American Idol 2018 winner Maddie Poppe and American Idol runner-up Caleb Lee Hutchinson.

There will be a special pop-up shop onsite where fans will be able to pre-order Bones’ new book, FAIL UNTIL YOU DON’T: FIGHT. GRIND. REPEAT via Parnassus Books as well as other exclusive items. The live broadcast begins at 7 a.m. Friday, June 8, with doors opening at 6 a.m. Seating is limited and available on a first come, first served basis.

Fans will also have a chance to catch Bones in cities across the country in support of the upcoming new book, set to hit shelves June 19.  Launching June 15 in Charleston, South Carolina, Bones will visit Washington D.C.; Boston; Tampa, Florida; Ft. Pierce, Florida; Austin, Texas and Wichita, Kansas, for special pre-order, signing and live-stream events, including a stop at the iHeart Theater in New York, NY, and starting this Friday, (June 1) fans can sign up to attend the event at BobbyBones.com/NYC.

SOURCE Hall of Fame 2018 Inductees Honored at May Luncheon

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Front Row (L-R): Tammy Genovese, JoAnn Berry and Holly Gleason. Back Row: (L-R): Barbara Baker, Cathy Gurley, Anita Hogin and Ronna Rubin.  Photo: Ed Rode

SOURCE held its monthly luncheon at ASCAP on May 24 celebrating seven women who will be inducted into the SOURCE Hall Of Fame on Sept. 25 at the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville’s Municipal Auditorium. The 2018 inductees are Barbara Baker, JoAnn Berry, Tammy Genovese, Holly Gleason, Cathy Gurley, Anita Hogin, and Ronna Rubin.

The 2018 inductees met members and shared stories in a filled-to-capacity room during the luncheon, and the panel of inductees was moderated by longtime SOURCE and Leadership Music member Judi Turner.

This year marks the 16th anniversary of the SOURCE Hall of Fame Awards. SOURCE Hall of Fame inductees are nominated and inducted based upon peer recommendations, biographies, accomplishments, reputation, the number of years each individual has worked within the entertainment industry, and level of community involvement.

Founded in 1991 by Shelia Shipley Biddy, Judy Harris and Pat Rolfe, SOURCE is the longest-running organization for females in the music industry in Nashville, and is dedicated to fostering relationships and opportunities for its members through continuous education, networking, and community service initiatives.