"Nashville Needs A Song" Winners Announced

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Nashville Mayor John Cooper has announced the winners of the Nashville Needs A Song COVID-19 songwriting competition, a joint initiative between the Nashville Songwriters Association (NSAI), the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp., and the Mayor’s office, to uplift Nashvillians during the coronavirus pandemic.

“We Will Survive,” from Ryan Kinder and Justin Morgan, was chosen by NSAI as the “Songwriters Choice.” “Looking Up,” penned by Jesse Labelle, Rob Crosby and Jamie Moore, was selected via Nashville residential voting as the “Fan Favorite.”

“For generations, Nashville songwriters have played a vital role in telling the stories and creating the intricate melodies that encourage us all through difficult times,” said Mayor Cooper. “I’m grateful to all the contestants of the ‘Nashville Needs a Song’ competition. The winning songs remind us that we are ‘Nashville Strong’ and will continue to push forward, in solidarity, through any challenge that comes our way.”

Over 100 songwriters submitted entries, with the top three songs selected by NSAI to participate in Nashville’s “Fan Favorite” competition. While “Looking Up” took first place, “Times Like These” by Conner Sweet, Lance Carpenter, and Liz Hengber won second place, and “We Will Survive” took third.

“I am so proud of the quality of songs submitted for ‘Nashville Needs a Song,’” said Bart Herbison, Executive Director of Nashville Songwriters Association International. “They were inspiring, uplifting, and met the goal of utilizing music to help us navigate the coronavirus pandemic. Thanks to all of the songwriters who joined in this exercise.”

Winning songs may be used by the city and NCVC as part of marketing initiatives. Writers and their publishers will retain all future rights to their songs.

Jordan Lehning Releases Taste Of New Album, ‘Little Idols,’ Due Out In August

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Jordan Lehning has released the contemplative new song “Little Lie” off his upcoming new album Little Idols, due out Aug. 7.

Written in the style of a short film, the new album tells the story of an affair between a married woman and a single man that unfolds over the length of the entire album. Set in the story’s halfway point, “Little Lie” illustrates the moment after the affair begins, when the characters first realize the implication of their actions.

“‘Little Lie’ is a quiet song. It’s about the moment after an affair begins and the diametric emotions of guilt and passion,” said Lehning. “We’re in the character’s apartment for most of the song and they’re laying there quietly in bed. Towards the end her naked back is turned towards him and she’s quietly crying. She knows she’s in love with him. I recorded the guitar and vocal of this song alone and I feel like you can hear that in the recording. It’s such a private and intimate song. Austin Hoke, who plays cello on it, also plays saw. I love the saw – it has an anxious beauty which worked perfectly for the setting.”

Lehning approached his new solo album from a director’s perspective while finding inspiration in the deliberate works of filmmakers like Ingmar Bergman. Released earlier this month, the swirling first track “Oolaloom” acts as the opening credits on the project, with an off-kilter time signature that hints at the impending chaos.

In addition to producing, composing and arranging on a number of records, Lehning has played in several bands and released a pair of his own acclaimed solo albums, Jordan Sings! and Long Live The Dead.

Miranda Lambert Celebrates New RIAA Certifications

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Miranda Lambert is increasing her heavy metal status with two more RIAA certifications. Her hit single “Little Red Wagon” has officially been certified Platinum, while the Top 10 hit “Somethin’ Bad” (with Carrie Underwood) has earned double-Platinum status.

Both tracks originally appeared on Lambert’s album Platinum, which will be available on vinyl beginning tomorrow (June 26). Her current single, “Bluebird,” from her critically-acclaimed album Wildcard, has reached Top 5 at country radio and continues its rise, and has earned more than 102 million on-demand streams.

Sara Evans, Oak Ridge Boys, Mark Wills Set For Grand Ole Opry’s July 4th Celebration

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Sara Evans and Grand Ole Opry members the Oak Ridge Boys and Mark Wills will perform on the Opry’s Fourth of July broadcast this year. The show will mark the 4,931st consecutive Saturday night broadcast of the Opry.

Circle will be celebrating a July 4th America’s Birthday Bash all weekend including Saturday’s Opry Live, as well as Circle Sessions with Craig Morgan at 6:30 p.m. CT immediately prior to the live Opry and Authentic America hosted by Nan and Charlie Kelley at 8 p.m. CT after the Opry. Opry Live on Circle will be hosted by Bobby Bones, and the livestream will be guest hosted by Natalie Stovall, a member of the country trio Runaway June and a host of Circle’s Southern Weekend.

America’s Birthday Bash Fourth of July Circle programming is in association with Wounded Warrior Project, and Shriners Hospitals for Children, Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s will be part of the July 4th broadcast of Opry Live on Circle.

Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival 2020 Canceled

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Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival is the latest music festival to cancel its 2020 run due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Manchester, Tennessee-held festival’s organizers made the announcement on Thursday (June 25). In March, the festival’s dates were initially shifted from its regular June dates to Sept. 24-27, 2020.

“Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival will not take place this September 24-27, 2020 as originally rescheduled,” Bonnaroo organizers said in a statement. “Our annual time together on the Farm is nothing short of magical, but out of an abundance of caution and for the health and safety of all Bonnaroovians, artists, staff, partners and our community, this is a necessary reality. More information on lineup, camping and accommodations will be available at a later date.”

The festival will now be held June 17-20, 2021, and tickets to the 2020 event will be honored for next year, though refunds are also available. The deadline to request a refund is July 31.

The 2020 Bonnaroo performer lineup was to include Lizzo, Brittany Howard, Lana Del Rey, Tool, Tame Impala, and more.

Dixie Chicks Officially Change Name To The Chicks

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The Dixie Chicks have changed their name to The Chicks. The trio updated their official social media accounts, as  well as their official website, with the new moniker on Thursday (June 25), dropping the controversial word “Dixie” from their title.

“We want to meet this moment,” says a brief statement on The Chicks’ website.

In a separate statement, the trio noted, “A sincere and heartfelt thank you goes out to ‘The Chicks’ of NZ for their gracious gesture in allowing us to share their name. We are honored to co-exist together in the world with these exceptionally talented sisters. Chicks Rock! — Emily, Natalie and Martie”

The move follows the recent announcement from country trio Lady A, who revealed on social media that they dropped the word “Antebellum” from their band name, due to the Civil War-era connotations of the name. The change also brought controversy, as a Seattle-based musician had already been using the name Lady A for years. The trio shared on social media recently that they had met with the Seattle-based Lady A and that the issue was in the process of being resolved.

The Chicks will release their first new project in 14 years, Gaslighter, on July 17, and dropped the new song “March March,” today.

The Texas-bred trio had been going by The Dixie Chicks since sisters Martie and Emily formed the group (and soon added Natalie to the outfit) three decades ago. The trio released a handful of projects before releasing their major label debut, Wide Open Spaces, on Monument Records in 1998. The album went on to earn Diamond status from the RIAA, ultimately selling more than 13 million units. The follow up, 1999’s Fly, went on to sell 11 million units, while 2002’s Home has been certified 6x multi-Platinum, and 2006’s Taking The Long Way has been certified 2x multi-Platinum.

Luke Bryan’s Proud To Be Right Here Tour Dates Moved To 2021

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Luke Bryan. Photo: Jim Wright

Luke Bryan is rescheduling his Proud To Be Right Here Tour dates to 2021 out of caution for the safety and health of his fans due to the ongoing pandemic.

Morgan Wallen, Caylee Hammack, and Runaway June will support Bryan on the dates next year, and additional details on the full 2021 schedule and sales will follow at a later time.

Earlier this Spring Bryan launched his Two Lane American Golden Lager with Constellation Brands in states around the South. He was heavily involved in the manufacturing of the new beer line, from tasting to creative development.

“Proud To Be Right Here” 2021 dates:
May 30-Youngstown, OH-Stambaugh Stadium
June 4- Orange Beach, AL-The Wharf Amphitheater
June 10-Cincinnati, OH-Riverbend Music Center
June 16-Hartford, CT-Xfinity Theatre
June 17-Darien Center, NY-Darien Lake Amphitheater
June 24-St. Louis, MO-Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre
June 25-Milwaukee, WI-Summerfest at American Family Insurance Amp.
July 17-Bristow, VA-Jiffy Lube Live
July 23-Charlotte, NC-PNC Music Pavilion
July 24-Raleigh, NC-Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek
July 30-Nashville, TN-Bridgestone Arena
August 5-Bangor, ME-Darling’s Waterfront Pavilion
August 6-Gilford, NH-Bank of NH Pavilion
August 12-Columbia, MD-Merriweather Post Pavilion
August 27-Los Angeles, CA-Staples Center
August 28-San Bernardino, CA-Glen Helen Amphitheater
September 4-Brandon, MS-Brandon Amphitheater
September 23-San Diego, CA-North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre
September 30-Bend, OR-Les Schwab Amphitheater
October 1-Bend, OR-Les Schwab Amphitheater
October 2-Portland, OR-Sunlight Supply Amphitheater
October 7-Fresno, CA-Save Mart Center
October 8-Sacramento, CA-Toyota Amphitheatre
October 9-Mountain View, CA-Shoreline Amphitheatre

Concord Music Publishing Inks Deal With Hillary Lindsey

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Photo: Emma McIntyre/ACMA2018/Getty Images for ACM.

Hit songwriter Hillary Lindsey has signed an exclusive, global co-publishing agreement with Nashville-based Concord Music Publishing. Concord has also acquired an interest in Lindsey’s back catalog, which includes 11 No. 1 singles with Carrie Underwood, as well as chart-topping hits for Kelsea Ballerini, Luke Bryan, Florida Georgia Line, country trio Lady A, Tim McGraw, Taylor Swift, Keith Urban and others.

Concord and Lindsey have also established an exclusive creative venture to jointly sign and develop a new generation of songwriting talent. The venture benefits from Lindsey’s superstar songwriter talent and collaborative relationships matched with Concord’s broad resources, creative services and first-class administration.

“I am SO excited to be partnering with Concord and am SO grateful for the opportunity to become a part of the family!” Lindsey says. “I know how important it is to surround yourself with great collaborators and I have found that with the team at Concord. I’m looking forward to the next chapter in this musical journey.”

“Hillary is a trailblazer for songwriters in country music,” says Jake Wisely, Chief Publishing Executive at Concord. “Her added success in pop, rock, film, TV and business is an inspiration to songwriters everywhere. Concord is proud to be Hillary’s creative and business partner.”

Brad Kennard, Concord’s Sr. VP of A&R, will oversee day-to-day creative with his Nashville-based team, as well as colleagues in Los Angeles, New York, Miami, London and Berlin.
“Hillary is a world-class talent who sets the bar for songwriters everywhere,” says Kennard. “She is universally respected and admired…quite simply one of the best anywhere. To top it off, she is also one of the best humans on the planet. We are beyond thrilled to welcome her to the Concord family!”

Lindsey has co-written more than 20 No. 1 country music hits including Carrie Underwood’s “Jesus, Take the Wheel,” Little Big Town’s “Girl Crush,” and Keith Urban’s “Blue Ain’t Your Color.” All three of these songs were recognized as NSAI’s coveted Songs I Wish I’d Written. Lindsey is also a nominee for Songwriter of the Year at the upcoming 55th ACM Awards in September.

Lindsey wrote for Lady Gaga’s album Joanne, including the single “Million Reasons,” and penned songs for A Star Is Born, including “I’ll Never Love Again” which earned a Grammy for Best Song Written for Visual Media.

The trifecta of agreements was negotiated on behalf of Concord by EVP of Legal and Business Affairs, Duff Berschback, who recently joined Concord from Sony/ATV Nashville. Lindsey was represented by Derek Crownover at Loeb & Loeb in Nashville.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Eric Church, Josh Turner, Pryor & Lee, And More

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Eric Church

Country music reasserts its potency in this week’s column.

Some of its finest exponents are here—Josh Turner & Chris Janson, Craig Morgan, Buddy Jewell, C.J. Solar and Rascal Flatts all have outstanding new sounds. Towering above them all is Eric Church. In fact, any time The Chief releases a new single, the rest of the field might as well pack it in. He wins his one billionth Disc of the Day award.

Two newcomer duos are vying for the DisCovery Award. Black River’s Pryor & Lee edge out the youthful Render Sisters to take the honor.

RYAN GRIFFIN/One Prayer Left
Writers: Camero Bedell/Jason Massey/Ryan Griffin/Thomas Finchum; Producer: Jason Massey; Publisher: none listed; Altadena/Warner
– It’s a sweet sentiment, and it’s plaintively well sung. Nothing about the faux r&b track sounds country.

RASCAL FLATTS/How They Remember You
Writers: Josh Osborne/Allen Shamblin/Marc Beeson; Producer: Dann Huff; Publisher: none listed; Big Machine
– I like the drumming pattern that shuffles the tune’s tempo. The reflective lyric is way cool, and the harmony vocals are arguably the finest they’ve ever recorded. Well worth your attention.

DANIELLE BRADBERY/Never Have I Ever
Writers: Danielle Bradbery/Laura Veltz/David Hodges; Producer: Dann Huff; Publisher: none listed; BMLG
– This former winner on The Voice displays her impressive range on this ballad. She begins in a warm, enveloping alto, but by the finale she is up in the soprano stratosphere. If only the song were stronger, this single would be undeniable.

ERIC CHURCH/Stick That In Your Country Song
Writers: Davis Naish/Jeffrey Steele; Producer: Jay Joyce; Publisher: Hillbilly Science & Research/Do Write/Jeffrey Steele, BMI; EMI
– Eric brings country music back to what it does best, describing the reality of its listeners. It’s gritty, snarling and a little uncomfortable. But, man, is it ever powerful. The Chief tells it like it is. (I particularly liked the verse about our heroic school teachers.)

C.J. SOLAR/Watered Down Whiskey
Writers: Charlie Berry/C.J. Solar/Jeff Middleton; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Sea Gayle
– The production sounds bigger and beefier this time around, and he’s singing with renewed vigor. As we’ve come to expect from him, it’s also quite well written.

JOSH TURNER & CHRIS JANSON/Country State of Mind
Writers: Hank Williams, Jr./Roger Wade; Producer: Kenny Greenberg; Publisher: none listed; MCA Nashville
– The title tune of Josh’s upcoming CD is a very cool reworking of Hank Jr.’s 1986 hit. Sung as a duet with Chris Janson, he revives the song’s steamy, bluesy, summer vibe. The whole project is a salute to country influences with Josh singing favorites as collaborations with the likes of Kris Kristofferson, John Anderson and Randy Travis. He also shares the golden tunes with such contemporaries as Allison Moorer, Runaway June and Maddie & Tae, as well as Janson. Above it all, Josh Turner reasserts himself as one of our finest current country singers.

PRYOR & LEE/Y’allsome
Writers: Rhett Akins/Marv Green/JT Harding; Producer: Doug Johnson/Chip Matthews; Publisher: none listed; Black River
– This frothing rocker drops tomorrow, so get ready. It’s a shout-out to country’s party-hearty fans who know how to get down. Pryor Baird and Kaleb Lee were both solo finalists on The Voice. Together, they sure can kick up some dust. This one’s a slam-bang jam.

THE RENDER SISTERS/Lost Boy
Writers: Mary-Keaton Render/Stella Render/Britton Cameron; Producer: Britton Cameron; Publisher: none listed; Render Sisters/Distro Kid
– These Arkansas siblings are still in their teens. Mary-Keaton Render is 16 and Stella Render is 14. Their talent is way beyond their years. The extremely well crafted lyric sounds exactly like the emotions of high school, and their Everly-Sisters vocal harmony blend is awesome. The duo’s striking abilities have attracted the attention of Pam Tillis, who co-directed the song’s video. Can’t wait to hear more.

CRAIG MORGAN/The Mask
Writers: Craig Morgan/Mike Rogers; Producer: Craig Morgan; Publisher: none listed; Broken Bow
– Morgan’s new song is a salute to our front-line first responders, doctors, nurses and other heroes who face this pandemic with such courage and heart. In the lyric, the “mask” is more than a physical object, it’s the brave, smiling face that they put on to hide the fear and heartbreak. It goes without saying that this mighty man sings the fire out of the song.

BUDDY JEWELL/I’m A Ramblin’ Man
Writer: Ray Pennington; Producer: Mitchell Brown; Publisher: none listed; Diamond Dust
– Buddy’s rootsy new CD is Bluebonnet Highway. It is a nice audio salad, combining his earlier hits with nods to oldies like “The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down,” “You’re the Best Break This Old Heart Ever Had” and “Georgia on a Fast Train,” plus nifty new tunes like “Willie Gave Up Weed,” “Hillbilly Water” and “Teardrop in the Gulf of Mexico.” The set kicks off with this lively remake of Waylon’s chart-topping 1974 hit featuring a smoothly upped tempo and a focus on hot bluegrassy picking as well as this fellow’s always robust singing.

CMA Summer Stay-Cay Special Announces All-Star Lineup

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CMA Summer Stay-Cay presented by Budweiser Nitro Gold, the multi-hour live stream variety event set for July 1 at at 5 p.m. CT on CMA’s YouTube channel and Facebook page, has revealed its lineup of more than 50 acts.

Hosted by Jimmie Allen and Lindsay Ell, fans can expect unique performances, Q&As, games and much more during the streaming show which features Lauren Alaina, Jason Aldean, Allen, Ingrid Andress, Kassi Ashton, Gabby Barrett, Bobby Bones, BRELAND, Lee Brice, Brothers Osborne, Blanco Brown, Kristian Bush, Eric Church, Luke Combs, Jordan Davis, Devin Dawson, Travis Denning, Russell Dickerson, Brett Eldredge, Ell, Morgan Evans, Everette, Tyler Farr, Brantley Gilbert, Gone West’s Colbie Caillat and Nelly Joy, Caylee Hammack, HARDY, Jillian Jacqueline, Chris Janson, Angie K, King Calaway, Lady A, LANCO, Chris Lane, Tracy Lawrence, Brandon Lay, LOCASH, Dustin Lynch, Maddie & Tae, Ashley McBryde, Scotty McCreery, Midland, Justin Moore, Craig Morgan, Kylie Morgan, Jon Pardi, Carly Pearce, Cassadee Pope, Rascal Flatts, Michael Ray, Jameson Rodgers, Darius Rucker, The Reklaws, The Shires, Granger Smith, Cole Swindell, Mitchell Tenpenny, Tenille Townes, Hailey Whitters, Lainey Wilson, Rita Wilson, Charlie Worsham and Brett Young.

The special promises plenty of fun surprises and can’t miss moments including a CMA Fest Flashback with Eric Church remembering his epic mega-medley performance during CMA Fest 2019, with the never-before-seen full 27-minute acoustic performance available on CMA’s YouTube channel during the live stream, King Calaway hosting a special edition of “Nashville’s House Band Series” with special guest Darius Rucker, a “’90s Country Cover Challenge” with Russell Dickerson & Friends featuring Dustin Lynch and Carly Pearce, and much more.

Fans can join early for The Bud Nitro Room pre-show hosted by WUSY’s StyckMan & Justin Cole, kicking off at 4:30 p.m. CT and featuring special performances and Q&As with artists.

The event kicks off two of the hottest nights of country this summer and is followed by CMA Best of Fest, a three-hour retrospective hosted by Luke Bryan, which airs Monday, July 13 at 7 p.m. CT on ABC.