Spotify’s COVID-19 Relief Project Adds Music Health Alliance As Partner

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Spotify’s COVID-19 Music Relief Project has added Music Health Alliance as a partner, enabling MHA’s COVID-19 Relief Resources to continue to provide immediate critical assistance to members of the U.S. music community who have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Spotify is matching donations made to select charities, up to a collective total of $10 million, to amplify the efforts of organizations that focus on helping those most in need. Matching contributions can be made to Music Health Alliance at musichealthalliance.com/spotify. In guiding music professionals directly and indirectly impacted by COVID-19, MHA’s relief resources include financial assistance for groceries, medications, health insurance premiums and doctor visits, navigating the loss of health insurance, filing unemployment, and a one-of-its-kind database of sliding-scale and no-cost healthcare, mental health, preventative and dental care resources. Learn more at musichealthalliance.com/covid-19-resources.

Based in Nashville, MHA has provided free healthcare advocacy and support to more than 11,000 music industry members and saved the music community more than $50,000,000 nationwide by providing advocacy and access to lifesaving transplants, medicine, mental health resources, end of life care and many other necessary services. For every $1 donation, MHA is able to provide $30 in life-saving healthcare resources to Heal The Music.

Ashland Craft Signs With Big Loud Records

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Ashland Craft has signed with Big Loud Records.

Craft is set to introduce her edgy country sound with a fresh batch of songs this year, following her Top 10 stint on NBC’s The Voice and opening slots for Luke Combs, Morgan Wallen, and more. Since relocating to Nashville last year, she has won fans with her no B.S. stamp on indie releases like country girl anthem “Good Ol’ Girls,” the ode to loneliness “Your Place or Mine,” and “They Always Do.” Craft first found her honky-tonk spirit and cut her teeth singing covers in South Carolina, and counts Def Leppard, Gretchen Wilson, Chris Stapleton, Bonnie Raitt, and John Mayer among her musical influences. She is signed to Make Wake Artists for management and 50 Egg Music for publishing.

“We couldn’t be more thankful Ashland Craft chose to make Big Loud her label home,” said Seth England, Partner/CEO of Big Loud. “She is a career artist with a huge voice, and has built an amazing team already. The future is very, very bright for Ashland.”

Craft is releasing a brand new song, “Trainwreck,” that is available now digitally and at all streaming platforms. The tell-it-like-it-is ballad produced by Jonathan Singleton was penned by Randy Montana and Channing Wilson, and features backing vocals by Wilson.

“To be able to debut ‘Trainwreck,’ written by two songwriters that I admire – Randy Montana and Channing Wilson – and a song that I’ve wanted to release for a few years now, on the same day that I get to announce my record deal, is honestly surreal,” shares Craft. “Signing a record deal is always something that I dreamed about and I honestly can’t believe the day is finally here. This is the biggest milestone I’ve hit so far in my life, hands down. Everyone that I’m surrounded by – Big Loud Records, Make Wake Artists, and 50 Egg Music – they honestly are my dream team. It just makes me want to work even harder to honor all of the opportunity that I’ve been given.”

Weekly Radio Report (4/24/20)

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Click here or above to access MusicRow’s weekly CountryBreakout Radio Report.

Mayor John Cooper Releases Four-Phase "Roadmap" To Reopen Nashville

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Nashville mayor John Cooper has released a four-phase plan to reopen the city in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Cooper noted that before moving into the first phase of the plan, there must be “positive improvement/stability in the metrics for 14 days,” according to WSMV, though he did not state when the first phase of reopening will begin.

“We’re working toward Phase One reopening now,” Cooper said.

A detailed outline of the plan is available at asafenashville.org. According the reopening plan, live music will not be allowed to be played in bars and clubs until Phase Three, while sports and large event venues would be among the last to reopen, in Phase Four.

Nashville is conducting 5,000 tests per week. Metro Public Health confirmed a total of 2,144 cases of coronavirus in Davidson County. There have been 22 deaths reported in Davidson County.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Luke Combs, Brett Eldredge, Sam Hunt, Morgan Wallen, Parmalee & Blanco Brown, And More

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Luke Combs. Photo: Jim Wright

The mighty Luke Combs strikes again.

He shines a pinpoint spotlight on our current crisis with a terrific tune titled “Six Feet Apart” and nails down another Disc of the Day award.

For more uplift in these troubled times, I recommend a dose of Mags doing Dolly Parton’s “Light of a Clear Blue Morning” and Jake Owen singing “Made for You.” Feeling wistful? Check out Sam Hunt‘s “Young Once” and Brett Eldredge‘s “Gabrielle.”

The DisCovery Award goes to a promising youngster named Rachele Lynae.

BRETT ELDREDGE/Gabrielle
Writers: Eldredge/Daniel Tashian/Ian Fitchuk; Producer: Tashian/Fitchuk, Publisher: none listed; Warner Music Nashville
-Melodic and memorable. It builds from piano based simplicity to a denser, chunkier production, but Brett’s chesty vocal strength remains the focus throughout. Which is as it should be.

RACHELE LYNAE/Got It Bad
Writers: Rachele Lynae/Hannah Bethel/Jamie Good; Producer: David Dorn/Rachele Lynae; Publisher: none listed; RL (track)
– Breezy pop-country with some cool dynamics in a production that shifts from stripped down “open” verses to swirly, rushing, lush choruses. Highly listenable. This troubadour has it going on in both songwriting talent and vocal finesse

LUKE COMBS/Six Feet Apart
Writers: Luke Combs/Brent Cobb/Rob Snyder; Producers: none listed; River House Artists/Columbia Nashville
– This was on his live-feed stream last week. It is Luke’s contribution to the growing list of quarantine songs. It captures the uncertainty and discomfort of this era, but points to a future when we will hug, share concerts, go to ballgames and visit together again. “There’ll be light after dark/Someday when we aren’t/Six feet apart.” Catch Luke and Craig Morgan as the Opry’s unplugged stars this week. By the way, if you haven’t been tuning in to the Opry shows of the past six weeks, you have been missing some extraordinary music. The first was Brad/Vince/Marty, then Vince/Amy/Jenny/Corinna, Terri Clark/Lauren Alaina/Ashley McBryde, Trace/T. Graham/Jason Crabb and last week Ricky with Dailey & Vincent. Bobby Bones has been hosting. Great stuff.

MAGS/Light of a Clear Blue Morning
Writer: Dolly Parton; Producer: none listed; Publisher: Velvet Apple, BMI; Emerald Field
– All artists should cover a Dolly song, and this is one of the living legend’s best. The Irish lass kicks up the tempo and rocks the inspirational song of freedom with fantastic energy. That’s Mags’ own fiddle in the background. Great job.

SAM HUNT/Young Once
Writers: Josh Osborne/Matt Jenkins/Miller Zachary Crowell/Sam Lowry Hunt; Producer: Zach Crowell; Publishers: Warner Chappell/Sony-ATV/Universal, no performance rights listed; MCA Nashville
– I was beginning to think of this guy as a one-trick pony, but this time he has ditched the white “rapping” and “hey girl” whispering to sing and deliver a lyric that brims with youthful optimism.

BAILEY CALLAHAN/Roll
Writers: Bailey Callahan/Nick DeLeo/Nick Halsted; Producer: Robbie Artress; Publisher: none listed; Pink Mustang
-Very cool. It has a dark, minor-key, rebel edge that is kinda gritty and smoldering. Searing electric-guitar lines shoot in and out of the mix, underscoring her get-out-of-my-way performance.

MORGAN WALLEN/More Than My Hometown
Writers: Morgan Wallen/Michael Hardy/Ernest Keith Smith/Ryan Vojtesak; Producer:Joey Moi; Publisher: none listed; Big Loud
– Wallen’s “Chasin’ You” is still storming the charts, but he’s giving us another tease from his upcoming album with this rollicking and warm love song. It’s not his strongest effort, but I remain a fan.

PARMALEE & BLANCO BROWN/Just The Way
Writers: Kevin Bard/Matt Thomas/Nolan Sipe; Producer: David Fanning; Publisher: none listed; Stoney Creek
– It goes without saying that it is extremely well sung. I just wish the material was stronger. A positive, uptempo country love song, doubtless written with the mentality of country radio at the forefront.

JAKE OWEN/Made For You
Writers: Benjy Lashar Davis/Joey Hyde/Neil Medley; Producer: Joey Moi; Publisher: Sony-ATV/Kobalt, no performance rights listed; Big Loud
– Very pretty. A sweetly romantic expression from a guy who still has plenty to give us. Jake is better known for party fare, but this demonstrates his equally strong balladeer side. I don’t watch the show, but the song evidently got a boost via his performance of it on The Bachelorette.

SHANE OWENS/Love Me To Death
Writer: Galen Griffin; Producer: Nick “Ace” Lutz; Publisher: none listed; Amerimonte
– One of our finest current hard-country singers takes on a sexy lyric cooked in an audio stew of twang, fiddle and backbeat. Kinda classic sounding.

NSAI, SONA Offer COVID-19 Relief To Songwriting Community Through Sony/ATV Donation

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The Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) and Songwriters of North America (SONA) announced plans to provide additional support to the songwriting community with funds from a generous financial donation from Sony/ATV Music Publishing.

“Thank you. Our joint statement can’t really start or end any other way,” said the organizations’ Executive Directors Bart Herbison (NSAI) and Michelle Lewis (SONA). “Sony/ATV Chairman and CEO Jon Platt reached out to us and has been in dialogue with our groups over the past two weeks understanding the need for assistance to working songwriters, many whose livelihoods have been devastated due to effects of the coronavirus.”

Both organizations have made the decision to use much of the money to directly assist songwriters through grant-like distributions. Details of how each organization will accept applications and respectively distribute funds will be forthcoming soon and available at each organization’s website. NSAI and SONA intend to reach out to other companies within and outside of the music industry, artists and individuals to also make contributions.

“The contribution will also help fund the ongoing operations of NSAI and SONA,” the joint statement continued. “We worked together to ensure self-employed individuals in the music industry were eligible for loans, grants and unemployment—and will continue working to bring all possible resources to the songwriters we serve along with our ongoing advocacy efforts.”

Zac Brown’s Southern Ground Nashville Studios Listed For $10 Million

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Southern Ground Nashville. Photo: loopnet.com

Zac Brown‘s Southern Ground Nashville studios, located at 114-116 17th Ave. S. in Nashville, have been listed for sale for $10 million, with Exit Real Estate handling the sale.

The studios were built in 1903, then serving as the sanctuary for Addison Ave. Cumberland Presbyterian Church. In 1968, Monument Records founder Fred Foster purchased the building and converted it into Monument Studio. Kris Kristofferson’s first three albums were recorded in the studio.

According to Southern Ground Nashville’s official site, the studio was purchased by Chip Young in 1975 and renamed Young’un Sound. Later, Al Jolson, Jr., son of performer Al Jolson, bought the studio, renaming it Masterlink Studio and using it as a facility specializing in audio for video remixing. Neil Young’s 2005 Prairie Wind album was recorded in the studio. In 2010, Jolson shut down the studio and it sat vacant for two years, before Zac Brown purchased the building in 2012, upgrading it into a modern-day recording facility. Currently, the three-story, 9,100 square foot space includes multiple recording spaces, a conference space, kitchen, recessed lighting, hardwood floors and more.

Southern Ground Nashville. Photo: loopnet.com

Southern Ground Nashville. Photo: loopnet.com

Country Radio Broadcasters Announces 2020-2021 Agenda Committee

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The Country Radio Broadcasters have announced the professionals who will serve on the 2020-2021 CRS Agenda Committee under Chairman Brent Michaels (KUZZ/Bakersfield) and Vice-Chair Joey Tack (KNCI/Sacramento).

The new agenda committee members are Carletta Blake (WGAR/Cleveland), Raffaella Braun (Triple Tigers), George Briner (Valory), Zena Burns (Futuri Media), Stephanie Callihan, Justin Cole (WUSY/ Chattanooga), Maynard Cohen (iHeart), Jen Danielson (Pandora), Tim Gerst (Thinkswell), Shelley Hargis-Gaines (Broken Bow), Jeff James (CXO5 Partners), Rob Keegan (WXTU/Philadelphia), Ali Matkosky (Big Loud), Billy McKim (Associate Professor, Texas A&M University), Paul Miraldi (iHeart), Annie Ortmeier (UMG Nashville), Maurisa Pasick (Riser House), MoJoe Roberts, Dana Swearingen (KFRG/Riverside), Michelle Tigard-Kammerer (BMLG Records), Monta Vaden (Country Aircheck), and Ryan Wild (WLHK/Indianapolis).

“As we prepare for a very important Country Radio Seminar in 2021 with all the recent changes in our industry, I think this team of professionals from many facets of Country music will help create an agenda of content that will be much needed as we head into the next 12 months,” said 2020-2021 Agenda Chairman Michaels. “I’d like to thank everyone who applied as we heard from so many qualified people, which gave us a very deep pool to select from.”

The CRS 2021 Agenda Committee is made up of volunteer industry members from all sectors of the country radio, streaming, and record industries. The committee is responsible for planning sessions, panels, and events for the upcoming year’s Country Radio Seminar. Country Radio Seminar 2021 will be held Feb. 17-19, 2021, at the Omni Nashville Hotel.

Jason Isbell Gives A Nod To Independent Record Stores With Early Album Release

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Jason Isbell has opened sales of his new album Reunions a week early as a thank you to indie record stores and their customers for their years of support and to help them as they struggle during this challenging time of COVID-19. The album is only available through independent records stores like Schoolkids Records, and pre-orders are being taken now.

The 10-song album is scheduled for release May 15, and David Crosby and Rival Sons singer Jay Buchanan contribute to the new collection. Fans are able to purchase a special “Dreamsicle”-colored LP in celebration of a song on the album, as well as a standard LP and CD, and purchases will include a print of Isbell’s 1959 Gibson Les Paul “Red Eye.” The Record Store Day website offers options to search nearby indie record stores and preorder the album.

Isbell reflects on the upcoming project in a new profile in GQ magazine out today.

Gospel Music Association Offers Growth Through New Virtual Academy Program

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The Gospel Music Association has launched a virtual program for songwriters, artists, and worship leaders. The GMA Academy program offers the tools creatives at all levels need to advance in their careers, and includes access to their educational audio library (with more than 75 hours of educational content), three song evaluations per year, virtual sessions with industry experts, a mentoring session with an industry professional, and group coaching with the GMA staff, among other benefits.

More information on the virtual academy can be found at gospelmusic.org..