Lauren Daigle Celebrates Platinum Album, Double Platinum Single In Nashville

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Pictured (L-R): Jason Ingram, 12Tone co-founder Steve Bartels, Lauren Daigle, Paul Mabury, CEO and Founder of maddjett Leigh Holt, Centricity CEO Caren Seidle

Lauren Daigle, along with members of her management and label teams at maddjett Management, 12Tone Records, and Centricity Music, gathered on Thursday (Jan. 9) to celebrate the crossover contemporary Christian music and pop star’s Platinum success with her project Look Up Child, as well as the double Platinum success of her single “You Say.” A throng of well wishers from Nashville’s music industry turned out at Nashville’s venue The Cordelle for the party.

“I’m so grateful to have gathered with colleagues and friends to celebrate the success of Look Up Child,” said Daigle’s manager, maddjett’s Leigh Holt. “Having everyone together under one roof to honor the art and impact of this historic record made for an incredible night. This album is the result of the hard work and sacrifice of so many talented people. As a community, we are all so proud of this project and the impact it has had around the world.”

Look Up Child debuted at No. 3 on the all-genre Billboard Top 200 Album chart in September 2018. Last year, the album earned Daigle a Grammy for Best Contemporary Christian Music Album, while “You Say” earned a Grammy for Best Contemporary Christian Music Song/Performance. The track also earned Daigle her first No. 1 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart.

The album marks Daigle’s second Platinum album, following her 2015 release How Can It Be. In addition to the double Platinum success of “You Say,” Daigle has earned the Platinum single “Trust In You,” as well as gold singles “First,” “How Can It Be,” and “Rescue.”

Lauren Daigle.

Pictured: Michael Wadina, Leigh Holt, Lauren Daigle, Kimberly Hopkins, Liz Zinke

Lauren Daigle with CCMG staffers.

Pictured: Jason Ingram, Lauren Daigle, Paul Mabury

Country Music Association Announces International Awards Nominees

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The Country Music Association has revealed the nominees for this year’s CMA International Awards, which honors executives and artists who have significantly contributed to the global growth and promotion of country music. These awards are voted on by international CMA members and will be presented starting in March as the CMA hosts international events in Germany, the Netherlands, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand and Japan.

“CMA continues to be inspired by and grateful for the support of our international partners in expanding and evolving the country music genre globally,” says Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer. “We’re thrilled to honor the industry executives, broadcast partners and artists who have impacted the country music community outside of the United States as this year’s CMA International Awards nominees.”

2020 CMA INTERNATIONAL AWARDS – NOMINEES:

JO WALKER MEADOR INTERNATIONAL AWARD
This award recognizes outstanding achievement by an individual in advocating and supporting country music’s marketing development in territories outside the United States. 

  • John Esposito, Warner Music Nashville, United States
  • Christina Sas, UMG International, Germany
  • Brad Turcotte, Universal Music Group Nashville, United States
  • Chris York, SJM Concerts, United Kingdom
WESLEY ROSE INTERNATIONAL MEDIA ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
This award recognizes outstanding achievements in the media as they relate to country music outside of the United States. 
  • Tiffany Astle, penelopePR, Canada
  • Mathias Bridfelt, SVT, Sweden
  • Claire Horton, Claire Horton PR, United Kingdom
  • Baylen Leonard, United Kingdom
INTERNATIONAL ARTIST ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
This award recognizes outstanding achievement by a United States-based artist who has demonstrated the most significant creative growth, development and promotion of the country music industry outside of the United States during the eligibility period. 
  • Dan + Shay
  • Lil Nas X and Billy Ray Cyrus
  • Kip Moore
  • Maren Morris
  • Keith Urban
INTERNATIONAL COUNTRY BROADCASTER AWARD
This award recognizes outstanding achievement by a radio broadcaster or syndicated radio reporter outside the United States who has made important contributions for the development of country music in his/her country.   
  • Ben Earle, The Shires, United Kingdom
  • Paul Ferguson, Cool 100.1 & 99.5 Hits FM, Canada
  • Amanda Kingsland, Rogers Communications, Canada
JEFF WALKER GLOBAL COUNTRY ARTIST AWARD
This award recognizes outstanding achievements by a country music artist signed outside of the United States. The artist must have furthered the popularity of country music as well as brought attention to the country music format in their foreign based territory.
  • Ilse DeLange, the Netherlands
  • James Barker Band, Canada
  • Jill Johnson, Sweden

Josh Osborne Renews Deal With ASCAP

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Josh Osborne has renewed his membership agreement with ASCAP.

“Josh is one of country music’s most talented and successful hitmakers, and he has earned a reputation as one of the most in-demand collaborators on Music Row,” said ASCAP Chief Executive Officer Elizabeth Matthews. “He is truly a songwriter’s songwriter, and we are excited to be by his side as he continues to shape the genre with his insightful yet universal writing style.”

Osborne earned his first No. 1 song in 2012 with “Come Over,” recorded by Kenny Chesney, and since then has been nominated for numerous awards by the Academy of Country Music, Billboard Music Awards, Country Music Association, NARAS and more. In 2014, Kacey Musgraves’ single “Merry Go Round,” co-written by Osborne, earned a Grammy for Best Country Song. The RIAA certified double platinum No. 1 hit “Take Your Time,” recorded by Sam Hunt, earned Osborne a Song of the Year nomination at the 2015 CMA Awards, and that year he also won his first ASCAP Country Song of the Year Award for Sam Hunt’s “Leave The Night On.” He also co-penned Hunt’s record-breaking, multi-platinum 2018 ASCAP Song of the Year smash, “Body Like a Back Road.”

“I am so thankful for the success that I have had as an ASCAP writer, and I am so excited to get to continue to be a part of the ASCAP family,” said Osborne.

Kelsey Wise Joins Given Music Publishing

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Kelsey Wise.

Kelsey Wise has been announced as Given Music Publishing’s new Creative Director. Wise has previously worked for Sony/ATV Music and Big Deal Music Group. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from Belmont University with a degree in Music Business.

“Kelsey’s passion and drive for championing songwriters is beyond impressive, as are her incredible creative instincts,” says Given Founding Partner Cindy Owen. “She brings a number of invaluable skills to our company and is a tremendous asset as we continue to build our team at Given.”

“I am incredibly excited to be starting this next chapter with Given Music Publishing and couldn’t be more grateful for Cindy’s confidence in me,” Wise said. “There are so many cool things coming down the pike for our writers and the company in general, and I am just thrilled for the opportunity to work with such talented writers and staff.”

Wise can be reached at kelsey@givenmusicpublishing.com.

Jill Andrews Announces New Project, ‘Thirties’

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Acclaimed singer, songwriter and musician Jill Andrews will release her anticipated new album, Thirties, Mar. 27 via Vulture Vulture/Tone Tree Music. In advance of the release, Andrews’ new song, “Back Together,” is debuting today (Jan. 10).

Thirties is Andrews’ first solo release in nearly five years and the first project she has co-produced with Lucas Morton. Andrews will also release a companion book titled, Thirties: The Album in Portrait and Prose, the same day as the album. The book provides an in-depth look at the album through essays and photographs and features a foreword written by Grammy award-winning artist Joy Williams.

In addition to Andrews and Morton, the album features several renowned musicians and songwriters including Ian Fitchuk, Natalie Hemby and Daniel Tashian.

Andrews will embark on a nationwide tour this spring to support the album, including a stop at Nashville’s Mercy Lounge.

Thirties Track List:
1. “Sorry Now”
2. “Sold My Heart”
3. “Forces”
4. “The Party”
5. “Gimme The Beat Back”
6. “Call It Even”
7. “Back Together”
8. “My Own Way”
9. “River Swimming”
10. “The Kids Are Growing Up”
11. “Falling For”
12. “Wherever I End Up”
13. “The Way To Go”

Jim Lauderdale Announces ‘When Carolina Comes Home Again’ Album

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Grammy Award-winning American music icon Jim Lauderdale announced today (Jan. 10) that he will release his 33rd album, When Carolina Comes Home Again, March 6 on Yep Roc Records. The leading single, “As A Sign,” is now available at all digital platforms.

Recorded at Echo Mountain Recording in Asheville, North Carolina, the 13-track album pays homage to his native state and features instrumental accompaniment from various members of North Carolina-based acts, including Balsam Range, Cane Mill Road, Hank Pattie & the Current, John Stickley, Songs From The Road Band, Steep Canyon Rangers, and Town Mountain; as well as Matt Pruett (banjo); Pattie Hopkins Kinlaw (fiddle); Aaron Ramsey (mandolin); Nick Dauphinais and Presley Barker on guitars.

“North Carolina has such a long and important heritage in bluegrass music,” Lauderdale says. “Since it’s where I’m originally from and where I started playing bluegrass, it seemed right to go back to my roots in bluegrass there and collaborate with musicians in that area. There’s just something in the atmosphere there. Hearing bluegrass in different areas and settings in North Carolina, the music is just there in the air. The first bluegrass festival I ever went to was Union Grove when I was 14, and it blew my mind. The music got into my bones, and I just had to get a banjo.”

Lauderdale also announced that he will continue his From Another World tour with a string of U.S. dates across the West Coast in May, before embarking on a tour in support of When Carolina Comes Home Again.

When Carolina Comes Home Again tracklist:
1. When Carolina Comes Home Again – John Oates & Jim Lauderdale
2. As A Sign – Robert Hunter & Jim Lauderdale
3. Misery’s Embrace – Charles R. Humphrey III & Jim Lauderdale
4. The Last To Know – Charles R. Humphrey III & Jim Lauderdale
5. It Takes One To Wonder – Graham Sharp & Jim Lauderdale
6. Cackalacky – Si Kahn & Jim Lauderdale
7. You’ll Have To Earn It – Charles R. Humphrey III & Jim Lauderdale
8. You’ve Got This – Jim Lauderdale
9. Mountaineer – Jim Lauderdale
10. I’m Here To Remind You – Sara Douga & Jim Lauderdale
11. Moonrider – Jim Lauderdale
12. Spin A Yarn – Jim Lauderdale
13. Better Than You Found It – Logan Ledger & Jim Lauderdale

When Carolina Comes Home Again is now available for pre-order.

 

Devon Gilfillian Releases New Album ‘Black Hole Rainbow’

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Devon Gilfillian‘s debut album Black Hole Rainbow is out today on Capitol Records. The leadoff track, “Unchained” has been released as well, and Gilfillian also shared the official video for the new song today.

The inspiring new clip features Devon’s younger brother, Ryan Gilfillian, who at age 17 was in a serious car accident that left him paralyzed from the waist down. The video follows him as he goes about a typical day and captures Ryan’s will to live and love fully, despite any setbacks, and was directed by Clara Aranovich and shot in the brothers’ hometown of Morton, PA.

“This song is about becoming the best version of yourself no matter what obstacles get in your way,” said Gilfillian. “My brother is a prime example of that. He doesn’t let anything hold him back from being his fullest self.”

Gilfillian is currently on tour with Grace Potter. His North American run includes shows at The Fillmore in Philadelphia (January 24), New York City’s Beacon Theatre (February 1) and a date at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville (February 19).

Brantley Gilbert, Lindsay Ell Celebrate Chart-Topper “What Happens In A Small Town”

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Pictured (L-R, back row): Greg Beeckman (Revelry Music Group), AJ Burton (Revelry Music Group), Kevin Lane (Kobalt), George Briner (The Valory Music Co.), Leslie Roberts (BMI), Scott Borchetta (BMLG), Ryan Beuschel (Warner Chappell) and Will Overton (Warner Chappell); (L-R, front row): Josh Dunne, Lindsay Ell, Brantley Gilbert, Brock Berryhill, Rhett Akins, Allison Jones (BMLG). Photo: Steve Lowry

Music City recently celebrated its first No. 1 party of the new decade, honoring The Valory Music Co. artist Brantley Gilbert and Stoney Creek Records artist Lindsay Ell’s “What Happens In A Small Town.” The track marks Gilbert’s fifth No. 1 as an artist and his seventh as a songwriter.

Ell earned her very first No. 1 hit with the churning ballad, which laments the difficulty in ever truly leaving a relationship behind when you live in a tight-knit community.

Members of Nashville’s music industry gathered at Music City Indoor Karting on Jan. 8, for a party hosted by BMI.

Gilbert penned the track with Rhett Akins, Josh Dunne and Brock Berryhill. Dunne celebrated his very first No. 1 with the hit, while “What Happens In A Small Town” is Akins’s 31st chart-topper, and Berryhill’s second.

Pictured (L-R): Basak Kizilisik (Morris Higham Management), Buffy Cooper (Morris Higham Management), Aaron Keiser (Morris Higham Management), Brantley Gilbert, Clint Higham (Morris Higham Management). Photo: Steve Lowry

BMI’s Leslie Roberts hosted the event, which saw BMLG powerhouses Scott Borchetta, George Briner, Jake Basden, and Allison Jones, Revelry Music Group’s Greg Beeckman and AJ Burton, Kobalt’s Kevin Lane, Warner Chappell’s Ryan Beuschel and Will Overton, Morris Higham’s Clint Higham, Basak Kizilisik, Buffy Cooper, and Aaron Keiser among the attendees.

Brantley thanked his co-writers and his label team at Big Machine Label Group, as well as his new management home at Morris Higham; “What Happens In A Small Town” marks his first No. 1 since joining the management company. Gilbert also thanked Ell for joining him on the song. “When you look for a duet partner, you want somebody that is not only going to pull their weight but exceed expectations. You did that and more. I’m honored to share this stage and this song with you,” he said.

Pictured (L-R, back row): Chris Palmer (The Valory Music Co.), George Briner (The Valory Music Co.), Scott Borchetta (BMLG), Jake Basden (BMLG), Allison Jones (BMLG), Ashley Sidoti (The Valory Music Co.); (L-R, front row): Brooke Nixon (The Valory Music Co.), Josh Dunne, Lindsay Ell, Brantley Gilbert, Brock Berryhill, Rhett Akins. Athena Puharic (The Valory Music Co.). Photo: Steve Lowry

Ell, meanwhile, offered thanks to Brantley and his co-writers, as well as to Borchetta, for bringing her on as part of the project.

“The fact that you were the person to bring up my name and mention it to Brantley in that conference room, I’m truly humbled and honored,” she told Borchetta. “When you have a full roster of artists and pretty much anybody at your fingertips and you guys wanted me to be a part of this song, thank you from the bottom of my heart for changing my life.”

She also thanked The BBR Music Group CEO Jon Loba. “A huge thank you to Jon Loba. You have stood by me in this town ever since I got here. I have been in Nashville for 10 years and there are not a lot of labels that would stand by an artist and keep saying, ‘We just have to find the right 3 minutes,’ and you have told me that sentence so many times.”

Both Gilbert and Ell recently released new songs to country radio, including Gilbert’s “Fire’t Up” and Ell’s “I Don’t Love You.”

Pictured (L-R): George Briner (The Valory Music Co.), Brantley Gilbert, Lindsay Ell, Scott Borchetta (BMLG). Photo: Steve Lowry

Pictured (L-R): Josh Dunne, Lindsay Ell, Brantley Gilbert,Brock Berryhill, Rhett Akins. Photo: Steve Lowry

Awarded Songwriter Jessi Alexander Announces Album, ‘Decatur County Red’

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Jessi Alexander, a Grammy-nominated, CMA and ACM Award-winning songwriter, will release her first new album since 2014 with the release of Decatur County Red, out March 27.

Inspired by a cabin in Decatur County left to her by her grandmother, Alexander dedicates the album to “the folks that love sad songs, beer joints, pedal steel, and country music.” Decatur County Red was produced by Alexander, Jon Randall and Leslie Richter, and includes co-writers Randall, Brothers Osborne, Josh Thompson, Glen Worff and more. One track, “Country Music Made Me Do It,” features Randy Houser.

“Mama Drank,” co-written by Alexander and Randall, is out today (Jan. 10) and is a testament to her own experience as a mom-of-three.

After writing more than 70 hits, including “The Climb” (Miley Cyrus), “The Way I Talk” (Morgan Wallen), “Mine Would Be You,” “Drink On It,” and “Turnin’ Me On” (Blake Shelton), and  “I Drive Your Truck” (Lee Brice), Alexander’s release of new original material is the first since her 2014 Down Home.

Decatur County Red Track List:
1. Decatur County Red
2. Mama Drank
3. Damn Country Music
4. I Should Probably Go Now
5. My Problem Is You
6. Country Music Made Me Do It feat. Randy Houser
7. Lonely Out Of Me
8. How I’m Going Out

The Lone Bellow Salute Gusto-Seekers On New Single ‘Good Times’

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The Lone Bellow—Zach Williams, Kanene Donehey Pipkin, and Brian Elmquist—have released a new song, “Good Times,” from their soon-to-be-released album Half Moon Light on Dualtone Records. Out Feb. 7 and produced by The National’s Aaron Dessner, the album is the band’s fourth studio LP and first since 2017.

“Over the years I’ve had the great joy of staying up late and hearing epic stories told by adventurous souls,” said Williams. “Some stories were told on old boats way out in the middle of the ocean, some in Irish Pubs in Manhattan, some in backyards down south, and some on hospital beds. ‘Good Times’ is a salute to the good ones who grab life by the horns and let no good time slip away.”

Half Moon Light was produced at Dessner’s studio in upstate New York and features guitarist Josh Kaufman and drummer J.T. Baites. The band celebrated the album announcement back in October by sharing their first single, “Count On Me,” a song that reminds with soul-shouting intensity that it’s safe and important to lean on one another for survival.

In support of the new record, The Lone Bellow will launch a worldwide tour that begins Jan. 22 in London for two nights at the St. Pancras Old Church. North American dates begin Feb. 12 in L.A. for two nights at The Troubadour and continue through Apr. 24 with their first-ever headlining show at the Ryman in Nashville. The band will then head to Europe and return to America for summer festival appearances.

Half Moon Light Track Listing:
Intro
I Can Feel You Dancing
Good Times
Wonder
Count On Me
Wash It Clean
Enemies
Interlude
Just Enough To Get By
Martingales
Illegal Immigrant
Friends
Dust Settles
August
Finale