Mark Your Calendar—April 2020

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Single Add Dates


April 6
Jason Aldean/Got What I Got/Broken Bow
Shane Owens/Love Me To Death/Amerimonte Records
Andrew Hopson/Stronger Than That/Tower Road Records

April 13
Tucker Beathard/You Would Think/Warner/WAR

April 20
Kelsea Ballerini with Halsey/the other girl/Black River
Mags/Light Of A Clear Blue Morning/Emerald Field Productions

April 27
MacKenzie Porter/These Days/Big Loud Records

Album Releases


April 3
Ashley McBryde/Never Will/Warner Music Nashville
Sam Hunt/SOUTHSIDE/MCA Nashville

April 10
John Anderson/Years/Easy Eye Sound
Maddie & Tae/The Way It Feels/Mercury Nashville

April 17
Bobby Bare/Great American Saturday Night/Sony Legacy/BFD
Colt Ford/Chicken & Biscuits (Second Helping)/Average Joes Entertainment

April 24
Luke Bryan/Born Here, Live Here, Die Here/Capitol Records Nashville
RUMER/Nashville Tears/Cooking Vinyl

Matt Stell Celebrates Platinum Success During RIAA’s First-Ever Virtual Plaque Presentation

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L to R: RIAA VP Artist & Industry Relations In Nashville Jackie Jones, Wide Open Music President Ash Bowers, RIAA Chairman and CEO Mitch Glazier, Sony Music Nashville Chairman and CEO Randy Goodman, RECORDS co-founder and CEO Barry Weiss, Matt Stell

Matt Stell was surprised yesterday (April 1) on a Zoom video call with his team to celebrate his Platinum plaque for his multi-week No. 1 “Prayed For You.”

Ash Bowers (Wide Open Music), Barry Weiss (RECORDS), Randy Goodman (Sony Music Nashville), Mitch Glazier (RIAA), and Jackie Jones (RIAA) surprised Stell with the virtual Platinum song plaque, the first of its kind, celebrating the song, which was the only Billboard chart-topper by a debut artist in 2019. The million-selling hit, written by Stell with Ash Bowers and Allison Veltz Cruz, joins an elite group as one of only 30 RIAA Platinum-certified country songs in the last two years.

Stell’s new single, “Everywhere But On,” which was co-written by Stell along with Paul Sikes and Lance Miller, is currently climbing the country charts. The track is featured on Stell’s Everywhere But On EP, which also includes a collaboration with Jimmie Allen, “Home In A Hometown,” and Stell’s cover of the Ariana Grande hit “God Is a Woman.”

BREAKING: Gov. Lee Requires Tennesseans To Remain At Home

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Tennessee Governor Bill Lee is set to sign Executive Order 23, which requires that Tennesseans stay home unless carrying out essential activities. The executive order remains in effect until April 14, 2020 at 11:59 p.m.

The Tennessee Department of Transportation analyzed traffic pattern data for March 2020, and though there was a steep decline in vehicle movement from March 13-29, data beginning March 30 indicated travel has been increasing again across the state. The Administration also analyzed data from Unacast to understand cell phone mobility and determined movement trends among people. Unacast indicates the movement of Tennesseans is trending toward pre-COVID-19 levels.

“Over the last few weeks, we have seen decreases in movement around the state as Tennesseans socially distance and stay at home,” said Gov. Lee. “However, in recent days we have seen data indicating that movement may be increasing and we must get these numbers trending back down. I have updated my previous executive order to clearly require that Tennesseans stay at home unless they are carrying out essential activities.

“The month of April stands to be an extremely tough time for our state as we face the potential for a surge in COVID-19 cases,” said Lee. “Every Tennessean must take this seriously, remain at home and ensure we save lives.”

As of Thursday afternoon (April 2) The Tennessee Department of Health reported that 2,845 Tennesseans had tested positive for the COVID-19 coronavirus. There have been 32 deaths across the state as a result of complications from coronavirus and 220 of those affected have recovered.

CRS Agenda Committee Application Deadline Approaching

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Just a reminder: Country Radio Broadcasters, Inc. is still accepting applications from those wishing to be considered for the 2020-2021 Country Radio Seminar (CRS) Agenda Committee and has extended the deadline for applications through Friday, April 3.

The CRS Agenda Committee is comprised of volunteer professionals from all areas of the country radio and record industries, and the committee is primarily responsible for planning events for the upcoming year’s Country Radio Seminar. Prospective applicants must be available to attend agenda meetings in Nashville on a date to be determined.

A link to the online application for those wanting to apply can be found here: countryradioseminar.com/agenda-committee-application-2021.

Gator Michaels Exits Reviver Entertainment To Launch Consulting Business

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Gator Michaels

Gator Michaels has parted ways with Reviver Entertainment in order to launch Gator Michaels Consulting, a consulting service focused on independent labels and artists.

His first client is indie label 19th and Grand Records; artist Tenille Arts has also exited Reviver Records to work solely with 19th and Grand.

Michaels joined Reviver Entertainment in 2015 and was promoted to President of Reviver Records last year; he continued to serve as VP/GM of Reviver Entertainment Group in conjunction with serving as President of the company’s label arm.

“I am excited to offer my 30 years of experience in the music business, to help developing acts and labels to succeed in this ever changing landscape,” said Michaels. “I am also thrilled to announce that my first client is 19th and Grand Records. This will continue the relationship that I have developed with Tenille Arts over the last two years and I look forward to helping Tenille become the superstar that she is destined to be. Her current single, “Somebody Like That” continues to climb the charts at Country Radio and we are just getting started!”

After a decade-long radio career, Gator Michaels served as the GM for Young-Olsen & Associates and the Vice President of Promotion at Dreamcatcher Entertainment prior to joining Warner Bros. Nashville, where he earned the title of Senior Vice President. In 2010, Michaels went on to lead Davis Music Group as Executive Vice President/General Manager before founding his own promotions company, Instigator Entertainment, in 2011. He then became Vice President of Blaster Records in 2012, before later joining Reviver Entertainment.

Michaels can be reached at 615-400-6957 0r [email protected].

CMA And CMA Foundation Pledge $1 Million To MusiCares COVID-19 Relief Fund

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The CMA and its philanthropic arm, the CMA Foundation, have pledged a million dollars to the COVID-19 Relief Fund established by The Recording Academy and MusiCares. The funds will be used to provide support to those in the music industry whose employment has been impacted by the effects of the virus, and will specifically assist in covering mortgage and rent costs to help keep out-of-work industry professionals in their homes.

“We have heard firsthand the many ways the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted not only our CMA members but the music industry at large,” says Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer. “Our goal is to be a resource and support system for those in the music business who are currently struggling, and we’re incredibly grateful for MusiCares’ commitment to serve music industry professionals, especially right now. Our business does not exist without these hardworking individuals who make up the touring industry as well as our artists, songwriters and musicians, and we hope our pledge can provide a bit of comfort during these troubling times.”

“We’re very grateful to the CMA for the extraordinary donation to the COVID-19 Relief Fund,” says Steve Boom, MusiCares Chair. “The funds will provide much needed assistance to creators and industry professionals most affected by this pandemic. Country Music speaks to the heart and CMA has touched the heart of MusiCares, and the many members of the industry who will benefit from their generosity.”

“Nashville consistently represents the best of human values and strength of character, always showing up in tough times and when there is need,” says Debbie Carroll, MusiCares Vice President, Health and Human Services. “CMA is a shining example of what makes this city great. Our heartfelt gratitude for their incredible gift that will provide much needed assistance to those struggling in the music community.”

To support MusiCares’ efforts, visit grammy.com/MusiCares/CoronavirusReliefFund. For music industry members in need of assistance, visit MusiCares.org.

‘CMT Giants’ Special Honoring Kenny Rogers To Benefit MusiCares

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Kenny Rogers. Photo: Piper Ferguson

CMT is holding “CMT GIANTS Kenny Rogers: A Benefit For MusiCares,” an uplifting celebration to honor the life and music of the late Kenny Rogers. The special will premiere Wednesday, April 8 at 8 p.m. ET on CMT.

The tribute will feature special virtual performances and interviews from Rogers’ friends including Dolly Parton, Gavin DeGraw, Jason Isbell & Amanda Shires, Jennifer Nettles, Lady Antebellum, Lionel Richie, Michael McDonald, Randy Houser, Rascal Flatts, Vince Gill and more, all filmed directly from their homes and blended alongside rare archival photos, interviews and performances, with clips and commentary from Rogers himself.

“Kenny Rogers transcended genres and generations with his musical versatility, legendary collaborations and timeless appeal, and we’re honored to pay tribute to his legacy,” shared Margaret Comeaux, Executive Producer and Vice President of Production, Music & Events, CMT. “Particularly in these turbulent times, we’ll stop and take a moment to allow the memory of our dear friend Kenny to bring us together and inspire us to lend support to those in the music community who are most in need.”

Throughout the special, fans will have the opportunity to honor Rogers’ life and donate directly to MusiCares® COVID-19 Relief Fund, which was established to provide critical funds to the thousands of music creators and industry professionals who have the greatest need due to the Coronavirus pandemic. Half of all funds raised will go directly to the Nashville country community.

“The resilience and strength of the country music community is heartwarming,” said Debbie Carroll, Vice President, Health and Human Services MusiCares. “Our deepest gratitude to the Rogers Family and CMT for designating MusiCares as the beneficiary of this broadcast. Their support will help the thousands of music professionals in need of assistance with rent, utilities, food and other basic necessities. I’m proud to call Nashville home and I’m so fortunate to be a member of this community.”

Viewers can visit musicares.org/kennyrogers and text KENNYCARES to 41444 during the broadcast to contribute, and members of the music industry needing assistance can visit musicares.org.
Rogers has a celebrated history with CMT and was honored in 2015 as “Artist of a Lifetime” during the CMT Artists of the Year ceremony. In 2005, he collaborated with close friend Lionel Richie for an episode of CMT Crossroads and also appeared alongside Dolly Parton at CMT 100 Greatest Duets to sing “Islands in the Stream,” which earned the No. 1 spot on CMT’s prestigious list.

“CMT GIANTS Kenny Rogers: A Benefit For MusiCares,” will encore on both MTV Live at 8 p.m. ET on April 10 and again on CMT at 12 p.m. ET on April 11.

Lady Antebellum Reschedules Ocean 2020 Tour Dates

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Lady Antebellum is postponing the May and June concerts of their Ocean 2020 Tour. The tour is now set to begin July 2 at Toyota Amphitheatre in Sacramento, California. Jake Owen and Maddie & Tae will continue to open the newly-rescheduled shows.

Tickets previously purchased will be honored for the rescheduled dates listed below.

OCEAN 2020 TOUR DATES:
7/02/20 – Sacramento, CA – Toyota Amphitheatre *
7/03/20 – Mountain View, CA – Shoreline Amphitheatre *
7/05/20 – San Diego, CA – North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre *
7/07/20 – Irvine, CA – FivePoint Amphitheatre *
7/09/20 – Denver, CO – Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre
7/10/20 – Omaha, NE – CHI Health Center Omaha
7/11/20 – Prior Lake, MN – Lake Front Music Festival
7/16/20 – Bethel, NY – Bethel Woods Center for the Arts
7/17/20 – Pittsburgh, PA – S&T Bank Music Park
7/18/20 – Indianapolis, IN – Ruoff Music Center
7/23/20 – Birmingham, AL – Oak Mountain Amphitheatre
7/24/20 – Charlotte, NC – PNC Music Pavilion
7/25/20 – Raleigh, NC – Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek
7/26/20 – Atlanta, GA – Ameris Bank Amphitheatre *
7/31/20 – Jacksonville, FL – Daily’s Place Amphitheater
8/01/20 – Tampa, FL – MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre
8/02/20 – West Palm Beach, FL – iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre
8/06/20 – Virginia Beach, VA – Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater at Virginia Beach
8/07/20 – Wantagh, NY – Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater
8/08/20 – Bristow, VA – Jiffy Lube Live
8/15/20 – St. Louis, MO – Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre
8/16/20 – Chicago, IL – Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre
8/17/20 – Cincinnati, OH – Riverbend Music Center *
8/21/20 – Toronto, ON – Budweiser Stage
8/22/20 – Detroit, MI – DTE Energy Music Theatre
8/27/20 – Rogers, AR – Walmart AMP
8/28/20 – Dallas, TX – Dos Equis Pavilion
8/29/20 – Houston, TX – Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion presented by Huntsman
9/03/20 – Cleveland, OH – Blossom Music Center **
9/04/20 – Philadelphia, PA – BB&T Pavilion
9/05/20 – Saratoga Springs, NY – Saratoga Performing Arts Center
9/06/20 – Syracuse, NY – St. Joseph’s Health Amphitheater at Lakeview
9/10/20 – Knoxville, TN – Thompson-Bowling Arena
9/11/20 – Southaven, MS – Landers Center
9/12/20 – Nashville, TN – Bridgestone Arena
9/18/20 – Bangor, ME – Darling’s Waterfront Pavilion **
9/19/20 – Mansfield, MA – Xfinity Center **
9/20/20 – Gilford, NH – Bank of NH Pavilion **
9/26/20 – Holmdel, NJ – PNC Bank Arts Center *
9/27/20 – Hartford, CT – Xfinity Theatre *
10/01/20 – Phoenix, AZ – AK Chin Pavilion *
10/02/20 – Albuquerque, NM – Isleta Amphitheater *
*Rescheduled Date
**Lineup May Vary

Spotify And Warner Music Group Renew Global Licensing Agreement

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Spotify and Warner Music Group have renewed a global licensing agreement that covers both current markets and additional markets where Spotify services are offered.

While financial terms of the agreement were not made public, Warner Music Group and Spotify did release a joint statement:

“Warner Music Group and Spotify are pleased to announce a renewed global licensing partnership. This expanded deal covers countries where Spotify is available today, as well as additional markets. The two companies look forward to collaborating on impactful global initiatives for Warner artists and songwriters, and working together to grow the music industry over the long term.”

Today’s announcement will result in many songs now being available for the first time to Spotify users in countries such as India.

Key West Songwriters Festival Postponed

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The 25th annual Key West Songwriters Festival, originally slated for May 6-10, has been postponed until further notice.

“After 24 years you’d think you’ve seen it all, but that’s not always the case,” says Charlie Bauer, Key West Songwriters Festival founder. “We are focused on playing our part in getting through these difficult times and when the time comes that we can safely hold the event, we look forward to the 25th installment of the Key West Songwriters Festival. Bringing the music, fans, industry and business back to Key West will be a major factor in the road to recovery. Our festival has not only become a benchmark for songwriters but also an important part of the local economy.”

The cancellations also include the Luke Combs concert originally scheduled for May 8 at Key West’s Truman Waterfront Park Amphitheater.

Festival Director Kyle Carter says, “We will get new dates for the Festival announced soon but unfortunately, we have to cancel the Luke Combs concert altogether. Attendees can get a full refund or have the option to donate a portion of their ticket to the Festival. Like everyone else, we’re concerned with being a part of the solution to recovery. We are also committed to the survival of our small business and to the people that make it happen. For 24 years our team has produced mostly free, community-focused events and we intend to keep that going. Our employees, strategic partners and volunteers who work all year round deserve it and we aim to preserve it.”

The Key West Songwriters Festival was launched in 1997; since then, BMI and the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association have brought Nashville’s top songwriters and artists to Key West for days of music and camaraderie. Notable Key West Songwriter Festival alumni include Kacey Musgraves, Brad Paisley, Florida Georgia Line, Luke Combs, Maren Morris and Cole Swindell.