Rayne Johnson Debuts With Self-Titled EP Out Today

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Rayne Johnson releases his debut, self-titled EP today via Mountain Road Records/VERGE. The nine-track project features Rayne’s current single, “Real Dang Good” which is currently making its way up the charts.

Between working a full-time job on the railroad and creating music, the Fairfield, Ohio, native has put in overtime to introduce fans to his first full-length project. He amplifies traditional country tales through soulful vocals bolstered by rock energy and a twist of R&B flavor, and his music has already generated over 43 million streams independently.

“I have always been fan of multi-genre music,” said Johnson. “I grew up listening to country radio above all else, but also really loved Boyz II Men. For me, it was all about the storytelling. My personal brand of country is upbeat and combines different sounds that have influenced me over my lifetime.”

The new EP features lead single “Front Seat,” written by Rhode Island singer/songwriter Joe Jordan, which propelled Rayne into the Top 40 on the Billboard Country Airplay and Mediabase Country Aircheck charts earlier this year as an independent artist before he signed with Mountain Road Records/VERGE. Rayne himself contributed to the writing process on “Bring it Back” with frequent collaborator Jordan and Nashville songwriter Walt Aldridge.

Rayne Johnson EP Track List:

  1. Bring It Back (Joe Jordan, Walt Aldridge, Rayne Johnson)
  2. Real Dang Good (Joe Jordan)
  3. Front Seat (Joe Jordan)
  4. Same Boat (Joe Jordan, Kyle Coulahan, Tommy Karlas)
  5. Laid Back (Joe Jordan, Brian Lovely, Jerry Lane)
  6. Last Name (Joe Jordan, Gary Baker, Greg Barnhill)
  7. A Little Goes A Long Way (Sam Sumser, Jimmie Allen, Quinn Lewis, Sean Small)
  8. Love ‘Em While You Can (Joe Jordan)
  9. Lips Like Liquor (Joe Jordan, Brian Lovely)

Granger Smith To Release Second Half Of ‘Country Things’ In November

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Granger Smith announced he will release the second half of his 10th studio album, Country Things Vol. 2 on Nov. 27. The release is part of a two-part project totaling 16 tracks (plus two bonus tracks on the physical album) that give fans a glimpse of Smith and his family’s current country-state-of-mind.

Smith released the first half of the project on Sept. 25. He also revealed the fall launch of his apparel line, Yee Yee Apparel, which included 31 new products including pullovers, custom ball caps, camo neck gaiters, and more.

Country Things Vol 2 track list :
1. Man Made – (Brett Sheroky, Ian Christian)
2. Buy A Boy A Baseball – (Brad Rempel, Justin Ebach, Jon Nite)
3. Anything Like Me – (Granger Smith, Jared Mullins, Daniel Ross, Hunter Phelps)
4. That’s What Love Looks Like – (Granger Smith, Frank Rogers, Monty Criswell)
5. Where I Get It From – (Josh Thompson, Brandon Day, Cary Barlowe)
6. 6 String Stories – (Granger Smith, John Marlin)
7. Workaholic (feat. Earl Dibbles Jr.) – (Granger Smith, Jordan Schmidt, Andy Albert, Laura Veltz)
8. Diesel (feat. Earl Dibbles Dr.) – (Granger Smith, Frank Rogers, Monty Criswell, Derek George, Taylor Phillips)

CMA Sets New Webinar Series

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The CMA is launching a new webinar series beginning today (Oct. 30) offering new educational programming for its members and the music community at large as the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic continue to alter the entertainment industry. The free series is designed to further provide resources and guidance to industry members as many continue to navigate the difficulties surrounding the pandemic.

CMA developed this virtual programming in direct response to feedback received from its members, and topics will range from job placement assistance, health insurance guidance, financial planning, and preparations for reopening live events, to how music can aid recovery efforts on a local level and the scientific progress related to finding a COVID-19 treatment. While each webinar is free, registration is required, and due to high demand, CMA expects each live webinar to reach a maximum capacity.

Among the series speakers will be Shain Shapiro PhD, Founder and CEO of Sound Diplomacy, walking through the Music Cities Resilience Handbook, their CARESForMusic initiative, the role of cities, local government and local policies on enhancing and speeding up recovery, and how music can influence our cities, towns and places and benefit from recovery planning across the country; and Dennis Freeman, Founder & Special Event Producer and Erin Regrutto, Senior Event Manager from Freeman Enterprises walking industry members through the necessary actions to prepare for reopening or modifying your event. and much more.

In addition to the complimentary programming, CMA will host its Annual Meeting of the Members on Thursday, Dec. 10, where CMA senior staff will address key issues the industry continues to face. Music and entertainment industry professionals are encouraged to utilize CMA’s COVID-19 Resources Page, which is regularly updated with new resources and updated information to meet industry needs and help overcome challenges that many continue to face.

See the full programming schedule and registration links below.

CAREER SPA: WHAT’S IN STORE FOR YOUR CAREER? 
Presented by Thomas Darrow, Founder and Principal of Talent Connections, LLC
Friday, Nov. 6 at 11:00 AM/CT
REGISTER HERE

Learn about the valuable tools and techniques available for guiding individuals in finding the appropriate job opportunities based on career tenure, skills and current needs.

WHAT THE HEALTH! 
Presented by Tatum Hauck Allsep, Founder/CEO or Music Health Alliance
Monday, Nov. 9 at 12:00 PM/CT 
REGISTER HERE

Learn about your 2021 health insurance options along with what to watch for before enrolling in a plan.  Get your questions answered so you will be prepared to have the health plan that best suits you. Open Enrollment runs from Nov. 1, 2020 – Dec. 15, 2020 for a Jan. 1, 2021 start date.

PROTECTING YOUR FINANCES DURING COVID 
Presented by Nicole Dunigan and Andy Moats of Pinnacle Bank
Monday, Nov. 16 at 1:00 PM/CT 
REGISTER HERE

As the industry continues to struggle during the pandemic, we feel that it is imperative to present resources to our industry that will help protect and manage finances during this time of uncertainty.

THE MUSIC CITIES RESILIENCE HANDBOOK AND COVID RECOVERY 
Presented by Shain Shapiro PhD, Founder and CEO of Sound Diplomacy
Friday, Nov. 19 at 9:00 AM/CT
REGISTER HERE

Join us as we welcome Sound Diplomacy, global thought leaders in music cities economics and cultural planning, to discuss COVID recovery efforts and what it could mean for you. Shain will walk through the Music Cities Resilience Handbook, their CARESForMusic initiative, the role of cities, local government and local policies on enhancing and speeding up recovery, how music can influence our cities, towns and places and benefit from recovery planning across the country.

REOPENING YOUR EVENT IN THE TIME OF COVID-19 
Presented by Dennis Freeman and Erin Regrutto of Freeman Enterprises
Friday, Dec. 4 at 11:00 AM/CT 
REGISTER HERE

Join Dennis Freeman, Founder & Special Event Producer and Erin Regrutto, Senior Event Manager from Freeman Enterprises as they walk you through the necessary actions to prepare for reopening or modifying your event. Here is your chance to hear from two industry leaders who between them have completed the World Health Organization’s Public Health Preparedness for Mass Gatherings, the Event Safety Alliance’s Event Safety Access Training, FEMA’s National Incident Management Systems, FEMA’s Orientation to FEMA Logistics and contributed to the Event Safety Alliance’s Reopening Guide.

MANAGING YOUR FINANCIAL HEALTH DURING COVID AND THROUGH THE HOLIDAYS 
Presented by Pinnacle Financial Partners
Monday, Dec. 7 at 3:00 PM/CT
REGISTER HERE

Despite the slow reopening of the U.S. economy now underway, surveys show that most people are more concerned about their health and their financial well-being. Together, we will look at options to ease financial anxiety, revisit wealth plans and leave you the resources to Manage Your Financial Health During COVID and Through the Holidays.

ANNUAL MEETING OF THE MEMBERS 
Presented by CMA Board Chairman Kurt Johnson and CMA Chief Executive Officer Sarah Trahern
Thursday, Dec. 10 at 10:30 AM/CT

Join CMA for a re-envisioned Annual Meeting of the Members. While we are not able to meet in person, our virtual meeting will still deliver all pertinent information necessary for our members. CMA senior staff will report on important subject matter and address key issues facing our industry now more than ever.

Sarah Buxton To Release ‘Signs Of Life’ EP Nov. 20

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Sarah Buxton will release her first new project in nearly 10 years, with her EP Signs of Life releasing Nov. 20. The first single, “Some Things Don’t Change,” releases today (Oct. 30).

“I always wanted to make a record that would live in somebody else’s world the way a Joni Mitchell record does in mine,” Buxton says. “I always felt like Joni Mitchell and Stevie Nicks were my older sisters, walking with me, lifting my chin up and saying, ‘You got this.’”

Buxton recorded the project at Daniel Tashian‘s studio, with collaborators including Tashian, Ian Fitchuk, and Buxton’s husband guitarist Tom Bukovac Tashian, who is also Buxton’s bandmate in the group Skyline Motel, alongside Kate York and Fitchuk.

“I feel like a huge theme in my life is learning how to love myself, listen to myself, observe myself, and accept myself,” says Buxton. “I used to have people I would go to for answers, but now, I’m trying to lean a little bit more on my own intuition. It takes courage to grow younger in your heart as you’re getting older, and to not just close off. It takes a lot of shedding, too. There is a lot of grief in these songs. It’s been a time of growing up for me—but it’s also a return to who I was.”

Signs Of Life Tracklisting:
Some Things Don’t Change
Only The Truth
Signs of Life
Like I Need You
By Myself
Little Bit Better

Lauren Daigle, for King & Country, Zach Williams, Kirk Franklin, Tauren Wells Among Early Dove Awards Winners

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The Gospel Music Association announced winners in several categories ahead of tonight’s 51st annual GMA Dove Awards ceremony. Early winners were revealed Thursday evening (Oct. 29) via a pre-telecast awards presentation on the Dove Awards official Facebook page.

Kirk Franklin‘s Long Live Love earned Contemporary Gospel Album of the Year, while Kierra Sheard‘s “Something Has To Break (Live),” featuring Tasha Cobbs Leonard was named Gospel Worship Recorded Song of the Year.

Tauren Wells‘s Citizen of Heaven was named Pop Contemporary Album of the Year, while Lauren Daigle‘s “Rescue” was named Pop Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year. Hillsong Worship‘s Awake took home Worship Album of the Year. Selah took home Inspirational Album of the Year for Firm Foundation, as well as Inspirational Recorded Song of the Year for “Yet Not I But Through Christ In Me.” for King & Country earned Short-form Video of the Year for their “God Only Knows” clip, featuring Dolly Parton.

Production team Ed Cash & Steven V. Taylor were named Producer of the Year. Zach Williams earned Songwriter of the Year-Artist, while Jason Ingram earned Songwriter of the Year, Non-Artist.

Tonight’s ceremony will air beginning at 7 p.m. CT on TBN. For a full list of early Dove Awards winners, visit doveawards.com.

Kip Moore Supports Indie Music Venues In Video For New Song “Don’t Go Changing”

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Pictured (L-R): Chris Cobb (owner of Exit/In & co-founder of MVAN), Kip Moore

Kip Moore is releasing a new extended version of his album Wild World on Feb. 12, 2021, titled Wild World Deluxe. The deluxe version offers up four new tracks, including the song “Don’t Go Changing,” which he penned with Blair Daly and Westin Davis and dropped today (Oct. 30).

Moore also shared the impactful, gritty new music video for the song today which was directed by Alex Ferrari and shot at some well-known independent music venues across Nashville including The 5 Spot, The End, The Basement, Mercy Lounge and Exit/In. The video featured Exit/In owner and Music Venue Alliance Nashville co-founder Chris Cobb discussing the devastating impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on independent music venues.

“Personally and professionally, my life looks entirely different right now than it did last year, and my business has been closed for eight months, a business that is typically very busy….we did 20 shows a month this time last year and this year, no shows.” Cobb said in the video’s introduction. “We had reserves but they’re gone, and we did get a PPP loan through the CARES Act, but it’s gone, so at this point, it’s survival mode. We’ve laid off about 50 event staff—security guards, your bartenders, your kitchen people…all that staff that has supported us all these years, where are they gonna go?”

 

YouTube video

“I think about living in a garage apartment that was 150 square feet when I was 28, 29 years old,” Moore said during a recent roundtable discussion with media. “You know, having $315 in my bank account. And I think about what a scary place that is, mentally, when you’re watching all your friends build a 401(k), and they’re doing all the things that society tells you that you’re supposed to do…for me, those venues were a place of refuge, or a place where my dreams were safe, because I was surrounded by other dreamers. So, those venues are everything to me.”

The clip was created as a thought-provoking call to action to fans to help support and donate to Music Venue Alliance Nashville (MVAN), an organization whose key goal is currently to help independent music venues working to survive during the pandemic, as well as retaining and nurturing the eco-system of Nashville’s beloved music scene. For more information and to donate visit mvan.org and to join the conversation #Keep615Live.

Wild World Deluxe Official Track List:
1.  “Janie Blu”  (Dan Couch, Kip Moore)
2.  “Southpaw”  (Westin Davis, Kip Moore)
3  “Fire And Flame”  (Cary Barlowe, Brett James, Kip Moore, Will Weatherly)
4. “Wild World” (Josh Miller, Kip Moore)
5. “Red White Blue Jean American Dream” (Jimi Bell, Barton Davies, Luke Dick, Philip Lammonds)
6. “She’s Mine”  (Dan Couch, Kip Moore, Scott Stepakoff)
7. “Hey Old Lover” (Dan Couch, Kip Moore)
8. “Grow On You” (Blair Daly, Westin Davis, Kip Moore)
9. “More Than Enough” (David Garcia, Josh Miller, Kip Moore)
10. “Sweet Virginia” (Kip Moore, Manny Medina, Erich Wigdahl)
11. “South” (Adam Browder, Dan Couch, Manny Medina, Kip Moore, Dave Nassie, Erich Wigdahl)
12. “Crazy For You Tonight” (Blair Daly, Westin Davis, Kip Moore)
13. “Payin’ Hard” (Blair Daly, Westin Davis, Kip Moore, Dave Nassie)
14. “Don’t Go Changing” (Blair Daly, Westin Davis, Kip Moore )
15. Midnight Slow Dance (Dan Couch, Mike Elizondo, Kip Moore)
16. “How High” (Bobby Terry, Luke Dick, Westin Davis, Kip Moore)
17. “Man’s Gotta Do” (Dan Couch, Westin Davis, Kip Moore)

Mary Steenburgen Signs Global Publishing Deal With Universal Music Publishing Nashville

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Mary Steenburgen

Songwriter and Academy Award-winning actress Mary Steenburgen has signed an exclusive, worldwide publishing agreement with Universal Music Publishing Nashville.

Steenburgen’s songwriting garnered critical acclaim for her Academy Award-nominated, Critic’s Choice and Hollywood Critic’s Choice Award-winner for Best Original Song, “Glasgow,” from the movie Wild Rose. She has also written the music for the upcoming animated film, The Underneath, based on the book by the same name with Lizzy McAvoy, Anders Osborne, Caitlyn Smith and Troy Verges.

“Mary is one of the most inspirational humans I’ve ever known,” said Missy Roberts, Senior Director A&R, UMPG Nashville. “She pours everything into her art and the people around her. To be reunited and bring her back home to UMPG is an honor.”

Steenburgen added, “I am so thrilled to work with Troy Tomlinson, Missy Roberts and the extraordinary team at UMPG. Even during this strangest of times, they know how to make this songwriter feel like she’s come home.”

As an actress, Steenburgen’s work includes the 1981 film Ragtime, as well as the 1988 TV film The Attic: The Hiding of Anne Frank. She as also appeared in Parenthood, Back to the Future Part III, What’s Eating Gilbert Grape, Elf, The Proposal, The Help, and more.

Weekly Radio Report (10/30/20)

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

BREAKING: Damon Moberly Rises To Sr. VP, Promotion For Mercury Nashville

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Damon Moberly

Universal Music Group Nashville has promoted Damon Moberly to Senior Vice President of Promotion for Mercury Nashville. Moberly has devoted over two decades to the company, most recently serving as Vice President and head of the Mercury Nashville radio promo team.

“I am so excited to announce Damon Moberly’s promotion to SVP of Promotion/ Mercury Nashville,” says Executive Vice President of Promotion at UMG Nashville, Royce Risser. “This move is honestly overdue. His leadership ability and relationship skills are second to none. He has zero quit when it comes to working hit singles and demands the same of his team. He has been an integral part of Mercury now for 22 years and we are thrilled to have him with us for many more. Congrats Damon!”

“Mercury Records Nashville has been my only label home for the past 22 years,” says Moberly. “From the early days of Shania Twain to Chris Stapleton lighting the room on fire at the CMA Awards, I have had the privilege of working alongside the most talented professionals and creators in the business. I am proud to continue this journey with the exceptional Mercury roster and my Universal Music Group family.”

Mercury Nashville is home to Lauren Alaina, Priscilla Block, Billy Currington, Travis Denning, Chris Stapleton, Shania Twain and Maddie & Tae.

Collin Raye Enlists Miranda Lambert, Dan Auerbach For His First Americana Album

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Collin Raye will release his first album of all-new material in over a decade, SCARS, on Nov. 20, via BFD/Audium Nashville. The upcoming project marks Raye’s first foray into Americana, with 14 tracks produced by David Ferguson (Johnny Cash, John Prine, Charley Pride), and Raye writing or co-writing 12 of the tunes.

Raye will welcome Miranda Lambert, Vince Gill, and Dan Auerbach for the album. Lambert appears on the title track, while Gill offers vocals on “Rodeo Girl,” and Auerbach contributes electric guitar work throughout the album.

“I wrote or co-wrote every song on the record, except for songs written or co-written by my brother Scotty, including a couple we wrote together,” Raye says. “Being that we started our musical journey together as teenagers, then in our 20s we began to go separate paths, this album is truly a ‘full circle’ moment in my life. The timing for this is just right.

“I sincerely hope that the people who have embraced my music the last 29 years will embrace SCARS and find enjoyment and emotional inspiration from this album,” Raye continues. “Having Miranda and Vince sing with me on this record gives it an extra special element of ‘coolness.’ I’m excited for the release!”

SCARS Track Listing:
1. Ghost Story (Scotty Wray)
2. Scars (w/ Miranda Lambert) (Scotty Wray, Tony Ramey)
3. Bad Storm Coming Tonight (Pat McLaughlin, Joe Allen, Collin Raye)
4. Dancing Alone in the Street (Collin Raye)
5. Never Going Back There Again (Collin Raye, Britanny Raye, Michael Curtis, Troy Powers)
6. Loved By An Angel (Pat McLaughlin, David Ferguson, Collin Raye)
7. Rodeo Girl (w/ Vince Gill) (Pat McLaughlin, David Ferguson, Collin Raye)
8. Chasing Renee (Collin Raye, Jacob Wray)
9. I’ve Got A Lot to Drink About (Collin Raye, Shaunna Larkin)
10. Ever Making Up Time (Collin Raye, Gene Lasage)
11. Let It Go Away (Joe Allen, Collin Raye, David Ferguson)
12. Rock ’n’ Roll Bone (Collin Raye)
13. Young As We’re Ever Gonna Be (Scotty Wray, Collin Raye)
14. Mama Sure Could Sing (Scotty Wray, Collin Raye)

Produced by David Ferguson
Mixed by David Ferguson and Sean Sullivan
Mastered by Richard Dodd
Recorded at The Butcher Shoppe Studio in Nashville, Tennessee