George Strait Returns To Atlanta For One Date In 2019

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George Strait will play one night in Atlanta next Spring on March 30 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The legend will be joined by Chris Stapleton, Chris Janson, and Ashley McBryde on the date. Tickets go on sale Friday, Nov. 16 via Ticketmaster.

The performance marks Strait’s only show in Atlanta since his Cowboy Rides Away Tour stop at State Farm Arena in 2014 when he announced he would no longer tour and only perform select engagements. Since that record-breaking tour, Strait has performed limited engagements including 18 “Strait to Vegas” shows, and additional appearances including two nights in Tulsa and one night in Austin as well as a headlining appearance at Bayou Country Superfest in New Orleans.

The Country Music Hall of Famer will wrap up 2018 with a return to T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas Dec. 7 and 8.

Spotify Reaches 87 Million Premium Subscribers

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On Thursday (Nov. 1), Spotify announced it currently has 87 million paid (premium) subscribers, and 191 million active monthly users. That 87 million-strong tier of premium subscribers is up from 83 million in the second quarter of 2018, and up from 62 million one year ago. Revenue for the third quarter was $1.54 billion, a 31 percent increase over last year, while ad-supported revenue rose $162 million, a 28 percent increase.

“Growth continues to be healthy across our family and student plans, and the strong retention characteristics of this base continue to drive churn lower,” the company said. “This quarter we offered to verified student subscribers in the U.S. our first-ever multi-partner bundle consisting of Spotify, Hulu and Showtime for $4.99 per month. In addition, we expanded our 3-for-99 cents intro offer campaign for our student plan globally during August and September to line up with the back-to-school season.”

Spotify also project paid subscribers to be between 93 million and 96 million in the fourth quarter, with between 199-206 million total monthly users.

The streaming service went public in April of this year.

 

TV Gigs: Kelsea Ballerini, Chris Janson, Kane Brown, Carly Pearce

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Kelsea Ballerini Joins Victoria’s Secret Holiday Special

Kelsea Ballerini

Kelsea Ballerini will join a lineup of musical guests taking part in the 2018 Victoria’s Secret Holiday Special, set to air from New York City on Sunday, Dec. 2 on ABC. Ballerini will join Bebe Rexha, The Chainsmokers, Halsey, Rita Ora, Shawn Mendes and The Struts as musical guests.

Joining Victoria’s Secret Angels Adriana Lima, Behati Prinsloo (back after a three-year hiatus), Candice Swanepoel, Elsa Hosk, Jasmine Tookes, Josephine Skriver, Lais Ribeiro, Martha Hunt, Romee Strijd, Sara Sampaio, Stella Maxwell and Taylor Hill will be internationally known sisters Gigi and Bella Hadid, and Kendall Jenner.

“The show is a year-long production, and 2018 promises to be our most ambitious yet,” said Victoria’s Secret executive producer Ed Razek. “We have more musical guests, more fashion and more stories than ever; and, of course, 60 of the world’s top models.”

 

Chris Janson To Perform On Dancing With the Stars

Pictured (L-R): Bobby Bones and Chris Janson.

Chris Janson will be lending his talents to prime-time national television, as he is scheduled to perform the Elvis Presley classic “Can’t Help Falling in Love” on Monday’s episode of ABC’s Dancing With The Stars. Janson was handpicked by contestant (and iHeartMedia radio personality) Bobby Bones to perform during his and Sharna Burgess’ round, and will help round out the show’s “Country Night” – an episode celebrating some of country music’s brightest stars and songs. The episode will air this coming on Monday, Nov. 5 (8:00-10:00 p.m. ET), on ABC, streaming and on demand.

 

Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade To Feature Several Country Artists

This year’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade will include several country artists, including Kane Brown, Tegan Marie, Martina McBride, Carly Pearce and Sugarland. They will appear alongside performances from Bad Bunny, Barenaked Ladies, Bazzi, Ally Brooke, Brynn Cartelli, Jack & Jack, John Legend, Leona Lewis, Ella Mai, Rita Ora, Anika Noni Rose and the cast and Muppets of “Sesame Street,” Diana Ross, Ashley Tisdale, Mackenzie Ziegler and Johnny Orlando.
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade will air Thursday, Nov. 22 starting at 9 a.m. ET on NBC.

DISClaimer: Walker McGuire, Mitchell Tenpenny, William Michael Morgan Are Three Stars On The Rise

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Walker McGuire, MItchell Tenpenny, William Michael Morgan

This week’s country edition of DisClaimer belongs to the up-and-comers.

Our three top tunes in this stack of platters belong to three stars on the rise. They are Walker McGuire, Mitchell Tenpenny and William Michael Morgan. They finish in a trio photo finish to share the Disc of the Day award.

MATT ROGERS/Peaches and Pecans
Writers: Matt Rogers/Justin Dukes; Producer: Matt Rogers; Publishers: Richest Place on Earth, No performance rights listed; MR
– An ode to Georgia. “If you ain’t from here, then you don’t understand.” You’re so right. I don’t.

BRETT YOUNG/Ticket To L.A.
Writers: Brett Young/Zach Crowell/Jon Nite; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; BMLG (download)
– The title tune to Brett’s forthcoming album is a zippy, trippy fantasy about an airport pick-up. The irresistible rhythm track disguises the totally unrealistic lyric.

BRANDON RATCLIFF/Rules of Breaking Up
Writers: Brandon Ratcliff/Pete Good/A.J. Babcock/busbee; Producers: Shane McAnally/Pete Good; Monument
-His voice is spindly and thin. Which I guess really doesn’t matter, since there’s no melody in his composition to sing.

JUSTIN MOORE/The Ones That Didn’t Make It Back Home
Writers: Justin Moore/Jeremy Stover/Paul DiGiovanni/Chase McGill; Producers: Scott Borchetta/Jeremy Stover; Valory
– Veterans’ Day is Sunday, Nov. 11. Here’s a super stirring eulogy for the armed forces who won’t be with us.

ERIN ENDERLIN/These Boots
Writers: Erin Enderlin/Scott Stepakoff; Producer: Alex Kline; Publisher: none listed; 117 Entertainment
-She’s a for-real country singer and writer. A good one, too. This is why I love her. You should, too.

WILLIAM MICHAEL MORGAN/Brokenhearted
Writers: Rhett Akins/J.T. Harding/Marv Green; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Warner Bros.
– This is a real cool honky tonker. Two-step across the dancefloor as he sings about the lack of heartache in today’s party-hearty country sound.

PISTOL ANNIES/Got My Name Changed Back
Writers: Miranda Lambert/Ashley Monroe/Angaleena Presley; Producer: Frank Liddell, Glenn Worf, Eric Masse; Publishers: Sony-ATV Tree/Pink Dog/Monroe Suede/Songs of Kobalt/Mountain Girl, BMI/ASCAP; RCA (track)
– Get up off your fanny and dance around the room. The dizzy, lickety-split tempo of this — and its hot picking — are matched by its funny, feisty lyric. Check out its cute video on YouTube.

MITCHELL TENPENNY/Walk Like Him
Writers: Mitchell Tenpenny/Justin Ebach/Steven Dale Jones; Producers: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Riser
– This confirms his rising star. His hushed, soulful voice draws you in magnetically. The song about carrying on his departed father’s legacy is profoundly touching. Listen and believe.

STEPHANIE URBINA JONES/Jolene
Writers: Dolly Parton; Producer: Patterson Barrett; Publisher: Velvet Apple, BMI; Soundly/Casa Del Rio (track)
– Genius. Marrying country songs to Latin rhythms and Mariachi horns is an idea that should have been hatched years ago. She makes this classic sound like a torrid Mexican telenovella. Elsewhere on her Tularosa CD you’ll find equally ear-opening new arrangements of “Walking After Midnight,” “Seven Spanish Angels,” “Cold Cold Heart,” “You Ain’t Woman Enough,” “Tiger By the Tail” and more. Both “Jolene” and “Ring of Fire” have bonus, Spanish-language tracks.

WALKER McGUIRE/Growin’ Up
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Stoney Creek
– Richly rewarding. The layered harmonies, dense production and driving energy punch home the nostalgic, wistful lyric about the passage of time. Nicely done, boys.

Lee Thomas Miller Keeps Riding With Warner/Chappell

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Pictured (L-R): Travis Carter (Warner/Chappell), Scott Safford (Safford-Motley), Ben Vaughn (Warner/Chappell), Lee Thomas Miller, Jessi Vaughn (Warner/Chappell), Phil May (Warner/Chappell)

Warner/Chappell Music has extended its publishing agreement with Lee Thomas Miller.

The Kentucky native’s No. 1 singles include Tim McGraw’s “Southern Girl,” Brad Paisley’s “The World” and “I’m Still a Guy,” Joe Nichols’ “The Impossible,” Terri Clark’s “I Just Wanna Be Mad,” and Trace Adkins’ “You’re Gonna Miss This,” to name a few. He has also co-written nine Top 20 hits, including Brothers Osborne’s “It Ain’t My Fault” and Thomas Rhett’s “Something To Do With My Hands.”

He’s earned three Grammy nods for Country Song of the Year, for Joe Nichols’ “The Impossible,” Trace Adkins’ “You’re Gonna Miss This,” and Jamey Johnson’s “In Color.” In 2009 Miller received two ACM nominations in the same category, Song of the Year, which he then won for “In Color.” The song also earned Miller Song of the Year at the CMAs. Other distinguished wins include the ASCAP and NSAI’s Song of the Year awards for “You’re Gonna Miss This,” and the Teen Choice Award for Favorite Country Song for the Brad Paisley and Demi Lovato duet, “Without a Fight.” Additionally, he has won 12 BMI awards, as well as the inaugural BMI Champion’s Award in 2015.

“Not only is Lee a great friend and partner to our Warner/Chappell family, he has been, and continues to be, a friend and partner to every person who makes a living in music in Nashville,” said Ben Vaughn, President of Warner/Chappell Nashville. “No one will ever know the amount of time he has spent on conference calls, in meetings, testifying, and working tirelessly to make a better future for everyone. All this while being an amazing father and writing fantastic songs that hit the mark, time after time.”

Miller previously served as president of the Nashville Songwriter’s Association International (NSAI) and has frequently traveled to Washington to lobby Congress on behalf of composers and songwriters’ rights. His perseverance paid off with the passing of the Music Modernization Act on Oct. 11 in Washington, D.C, where he was present for the signing of the bill.

Garth Brooks, Jason Aldean, Miranda Lambert, Luke Combs Added To CMA Awards Lineup

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Garth Brooks, Jason Aldean with Miranda Lambert, Luke Combs, Midland and Brett Young have been added to the lineup of stars performing on the upcoming 52nd Annual CMA Awards, hosted for the 11th consecutive year by Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood. Country Music’s Biggest Night will air live from Bridgestone Arena on Wednesday, Nov. 14 at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.

Previously announced performers for the CMA Awards include Kelsea Ballerini, Dierks Bentley with Brothers Osborne, Luke Bryan, Kenny Chesney, Dan + Shay, Florida Georgia Line with Bebe Rexha, Kacey Musgraves, Old Dominion, Pistol Annies, Thomas Rhett, Carrie Underwood, and Keith Urban. Additional performers and presenters will be announced in the coming weeks.

 

Mark Your Calendar—November 2018

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Single Add Dates

November 5
Florida Georgia Line/Talk You Out Of It/Big Machine Label Group
Old Dominion/Make It Sweet/RCA Nashville
Jägertown/Blame It On The Wine/G&N Entertainment
Josh Gracin/Good For You/1608

November 12
Richard Schroder/Almost An Angel/Amplifier Records

November 19
Shari Rowe/Home For Christmas (Underneath The Desert Sky)/Maven/KORE/TM

Album Releases

November 2
Pistol Annies/Interstate Gospel/RCA
The Mavericks/Hey! Merry Christmas!/Mono Mundo
Carter Winter/Temptation/Average Joes

November 9
Kane Brown/Experiment/RCA Nashville

November 16
Roy Orbison/Unchained Melodies: Roy Orbison with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra/Legacy Recordings-Roy’s Boys LLC
NEEDTOBREATHE/Acoustic Live Vol. 1/Atlantic Records
Casting Crowns/Only Jesus

November 20
Garth Brooks/The Anthology Part III, LIVE [five-CD anthology containing 52 live recordings]/Pearl Records

November 30
Dolly Parton/The Dumplin’ Original Motion Picture Soundtrack

Industry Events

November 7

  • 8th Annual Nashville Association of Talent Directors (NATD) Honors Gala set at the Hermitage Hotel in Nashville
  • NEXT Awards at Rocketown

November 11
SESAC Country Awards [invitation only]

November 12
ASCAP Country Music Awards [invitation only]

November 13
BMI Country Awards [invitation only]

November 14
52nd Annual CMA Awards, live from Bridgestone Arena on ABC at 7 p.m. CT

Phyllis Stark Joins All Access/Nashville In Newly-Created Sr. Editor Post

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Phyllis Stark

Phyllis Stark has been named to the newly-created role of Sr. Editor, All Access/Nashville. Stark replaces R.J. Curtis in the position as he segues to Country Radio Broadcasters as Executive Director. She begins in her new role Nov. 5.

In her new position Stark will oversee all aspects of one of the fastest-growing divisions of the company, including the editorial, promotional and sales/marketing efforts with the help of Associate Editor Monta Vaden and Editorial Assistant Athena Puharic.

“When R.J. resigned for this outstanding post at CRB, we had a terrific response to this opportunity.  As we moved forward, it became clear that Phyllis was sticking her hand up the highest for this post,” said All Access Pres./Publisher Joel Denver said.  I am absolutely thrilled to welcome her aboard.  As only the third person ever to run our Nashville office, I feel especially confident that Phyllis — with her deep passion for all things Country, and her years of experience and wonderful relationships with radio, the labels and their artists — will continue the pace of success set by R.J. Curtis and Jim Asker before him.”

“I’m thrilled to be joining the dynamic team at All Access and am so looking forward to communicating with radio and label execs again on a daily basis, as I have done throughout my career,” said Stark. “While R.J. Curtis leaves tremendously big shoes to fill, I’m eager to step into them, and am particularly excited to be leading what is now a dynamic, all-female team in the Nashville office, already staffed by two talented ladies, Monta and Athena. Thanks to Joel Denver for his faith in me, and for the warm welcome!”

Stark has held previous posts at Rare Country/Cox Media Group, The E.W. Scripps Co./Journal Broadcast Group, Billboard/Nashville, CMA’s Close Up magazine, and independent label Robbins Nashville. She has also been a Music Blogger and Feature Writer for MSN.com, as well as Exec. Editor/Country Music, Radio-Info.com.

Given Music Publishing Signs Kyle Coulahan

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Pictured (L-R): Jim Kacmarcik and Cindy Owen, Given Music Partners; Coulahan; Jenny Hall, Given Creative Director and Michael Hollandsworth, Given’s VP/GM.

Songwriter Kyle Coulahan has signed with Given Music Publishing.

“Kyle brings an unbridled passion and enthusiasm for songwriting that is only rivaled by his talent,” Given VP/GM Michael Hollandsworth said. “That coupled with his innate ability to maneuver himself into meaningful co-writing relationships bode well for a very bright future as a songwriter. We are extremely excited to have Kyle on the Given team and look forward to the unique sound he brings to our catalog.”

“I am so thankful to be a part of this great team here at Given Music,” Coulahan said. “I’ve been dreaming about being a Nashville songwriter since I was a kid. Michael Hollandsworth, Jenny Hall, Cindy Owen and Jim Kacmarcik are giving me a shot at doing what I love and I am blessed to have this opportunity.”

Coulahan grew up in the coastal town of Perdido Keys, Florida, and from a very young age had an interest in music, thanks to his Dad’s love of music and the gift of an old Alvarez guitar. As a teen, Coulahan would split his time between football practice and playing guitar in his church’s worship band. He was offered a full football scholarship to Auburn University and when he wasn’t playing football, he would make trips to Nashville to learn more about the music business and songwriting. He even befriended producer Chips Moman who introduced Coulahan to other writers. Following graduation, the aspiring songwriter packed his bags and made the permanent move to Nashville.

ASCAP Opens Registration For 2019 EXPO In Los Angeles

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ASCAP has opened the registration process for its 14th ASCAP I Create Music EXPO, slated for May 2 – 4, 2019 in Los Angeles.

“Every year, EXPO brings together a community of music creators from all over the world for three days of learning, networking and the chance to share their passions with each other,” said ASCAP Executive Vice President/ Chief Marketing Officer Lauren Iossa. “We look forward to seeing every single one of our attendees and know that they will leave EXPO inspired and ready to reach for the next stage of their careers.”

The EXPO agenda includes creative and business-focused panels, workshops, master classes, keynotes, state-of-the-art technology demonstrations, performance opportunities and the chance for one-on-one networking with hit-making songwriters and producers.

Last year’s EXPO attracted songwriters from 23 countries and has drawn attendees from as far away as India and Australia. Successful songwriters that have participated early in their careers include Vincent Berry (“Sandcastles,” Beyoncé), Aloe Blacc (“I Need a Dollar,” “Wake Me Up,” Avicii), LELAND (“Youth,” Troye Sivan) and Meghan Trainor (“All About That Bass”). Previous keynote speakers include Justin Timberlake, Tom Petty, Stevie Wonder, John Mayer, Katy Perry, Quincy Jones, Ludacris, Carly Simon, Jackson Browne and many more.

Music creators of all styles and experience levels can visit ascap.com to register for the conference at the Loews Hollywood Hotel.