For KING & COUNTRY Reveal North American Tour Dates For 2019

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for KING & COUNTRY has announced their burn the ships | world tour: North America. The run will feature a new stage and lighting setup, and will hit major markets including Nashville (Ascend Amphitheater), Chicago (Sears Centre Arena), Atlanta (Fox Theatre), San Diego (Viejas Arena), and Houston (Berry Center) with more to follow.

Joel and Luke Smallbone stated, “For the first time since we started the band, we’re going to be able to share the music and the heart behind it in the most inspirational and theatrical way we’ve been able to date. We cannot wait to embark on this voyage with you!”

for KING & COUNTRY released their third studio album, burn the ships, in 2018 and earned their fourth and fifth No. 1 hits with “joy.” and “God Only Knows.” They have sold out 22 shows on their burn the ships | world tour thus far, including the Sydney Opera House in their homeland of Australia, and are currently nominated for three 2019 Billboard Music Awards.

9.26 CURE Insurance Arena Trenton, NJ
9.27 EMU Convocation Center Ypsilanti, MI
9.28 Sears Centre Arena Chicago, IL
9.29 Ascend Amphitheater Nashville, TN
10.03 L.C. Walker Arena Muskegon, MI
10.04 Bankers Life Fieldhouse Indianapolis, IN
10.05 The Family Arena St. Louis, MO
10.06 Verizon Arena Little Rock, AR
10.10 Fox Theatre Atlanta, GA
10.11 Bay Center Pensacola, FL
10.12 Addition Financial Arena Orlando, FL
10.13 Amalie Arena Tampa, FL
10.18 Maverik Center Salt Lake City, UT
10.19 Tingley Coliseum Albuquerque, NM
10.20 Tucson Arena Tucson, AZ
10.22 Reno Events Center Reno, NV
10.24 Viejas Arena San Diego, CA
10.25 Bren Events Center Irvine, CA
10.26 Memorial Auditorium Sacramento, CA
10.27 The Pavilion at Oregon State Fair Salem, OR
11.01 Taco Bell Arena Boise, ID
11.02 Abbotsford Centre Abbotsford, B.C.
11.03 Angel of the Winds Arena Seattle, WA
11.05 Casper Events Center Casper, WY
11.09 Target Center Minneapolis, MN
11.14 State Farm Hidalgo Arena Hidalgo, TX
11.16 Berry Center Houston, TX
11.17 UNO Lakefront Arena New Orleans, LA
11.22 UMBC Event Center Baltimore, MD
11.24 Bon Secours Wellness Arena Greenville, SC

U.S. Music Groups Demonstrate Impact Of Recording Industry In Each State With “50 States Of Music” Project

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In Tennessee, the music industry contributes $4.92 billion to the state GDP, supporting 61,769 music-related jobs, 5,846 music businesses, and 55,066 songwriters. Meanwhile, Illinois supports 57,523 music-related jobs, along with 4,553 music businesses and 43,285 songwriters.

A new interactive website, titled 50 States Of Music, aggregates datapoints to display each state’s music industry contribution to the U.S. GDP, as well as the number of jobs, music businesses, royalty recipients, and songwriters (ASCAP/BMI) supported in each state. The site also lists music festivals and conferences, as well as schools that offer music instruction.

The project is the brainchild of the American Association of Independent Music (A2IM), ASCAP, BMI, the Recording Industry Association of America, and SoundExchange.

“Music is a uniting force—a beloved cultural asset that speaks to each and every one of us in our lives,” said Mitch Glazier, Chairman and CEO, RIAA. “We know this, but what is less known is the enormous economic value music provides in hometowns throughout the USA—from the local music store and concert venue to the music festival and hard-working songwriters and musicians in each and every state. Music is America, and America is music. This new site finally paints a proper picture of the U.S. music industry as one that is truly local, growing, and more important than ever. We hope that the entire music business, fans, and policymakers find this a useful resource as we continue our work toward a bright future for U.S. music.”

“Everybody loves music and the influence of American music is in evidence almost anywhere we go in the world,” said Richard Burgess, President and CEO, A2IM.  “So much so that it has been an unofficial cultural ambassador for this country since the invention of the phonograph. Despite the ubiquitous of our music, it is not common knowledge how much creators, labels, and other music industry players contribute to the U.S. and our individual State economies. Finally, we have a site that gathers this information together in a fun and easily digestible way.”

“Songwriters are the lifeblood of the music industry; small businesses who operate in every state across the country making great music and driving American culture,” said Elizabeth Matthews, CEO, ASCAP. “ASCAP is happy to be a part of this new site that shines a light on the importance of music throughout the USA—from the smallest town to the biggest city—and notes the iconic contributions of songwriters.”

“The power of music is undeniable, both from a cultural and economic standpoint,” said Mike O’Neill, President & CEO, BMI. “Many talented people across the nation are essential to the American music industry, and of course, it all starts with the songwriters and composers who provide the foundation for our business. Bringing this picture to life is the 50 States of Music site, an incredible new resource that highlights music’s cultural and economic impact across the U.S., state by state. BMI is proud to partner with the RIAA and other music organizations on this important project that showcases all that goes into the success of the American music industry.”

“50 States of Music captures the tremendous positive economic impact of our industry—one that extends far beyond music’s creators and is enjoyed by hundreds of thousands of professionals in communities across the country,” said Michael Huppe, President and CEO, SoundExchange. “We are proud to support these creators by providing them with the accurate and timely revenue needed to advance their work.”

Chris Young Celebrates 11th No. 1 Single With “Hangin’ On”

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Pictured (L-R): ASCAP songwriter Corey Crowder, BMI songwriter Chris Young and SESAC songwriter Josh Hoge celebrate their No. 1 song, “Hangin’ On.” (Photo: Steve Lowry)

When Chris Young and a throng of industry well-wishers gathered to celebrate his 11th No. 1 single, “Hangin’ On,” in the lobby of BMI’s Nashville office on April 29, the location was especially meaningful for the two-time Grammy-nominated singer.

“I don’t think you guys realize this is the first building I wrote a song in,” Young told the crowd, pointing to a hallway just off the building’s main foyer. “Right down that hallway, I came up with something that might have been pretty terrible at the time but it was my first one.”

Young, a BMI writer, co-wrote “Hangin’ On” with Corey Crowder (ASCAP) and Josh Hoge (SESAC); the trio has proved a winning combination, have co-written some of Young’s most memorable hits including “I’m Coming Over” and “Think Of You.”

“Standing on this stage with both of these guys, Corey Crowder and Josh Hoge, until the day we die, I’ll love y’all,” Young said. “You are my brothers as well as my writing partners. Ups, downs, whatever. If you need me, you call me. I’m so honored to have a song with two guys who are as talented as the both of you.”

ASCAP’s Mike Sistad feted Crowder, while BMI’s MaryAnn Keen celebrated Young and SESAC’s Shannan Hatch honored Hoge.

Publishers celebrating the chart-topper included Liz Rose (Liz Rose Music), Josh Van Valkenburg (Sony/ATV Music Publishing) and Kent Earls (Universal Music Publishing Group). Pinnacle Bank’s David Smith stated the company would be making a donation to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital on behalf of the songwriters.

Young also thanked Sony Music and RCA Nashville for their support.

“Thank you so very much for believing in this song and getting it out there. People don’t realize how many hours you spend, with me texting you at 8 p.m. going ‘Hey Dennis [Reese], are we down a spin at After Midnite?’ which I probably shouldn’t be texting you about but I do. I’ve been told, ‘It’s really cool that you understand that and it really sucks that you understand that.’ Thank you for fighting for this song and making it a No. 1.”

“Hangin’ On” marks the second single from Young’s 2017 album Losing Sleep and Young’s fifth consecutive chart-topping song.

“I don’t always bring this up a whole lot, but there have been multiple times in my life where I’ve almost died, and you really have to understand that these moments are special. We do this a lot on Music Row, we come and stand in a room, and talk about a song being No. 1,” he said, growing emotional and pausing to compose himself as the crowd clapped.

“You don’t know how many of those moments you’re going to get. There’s no guarantees. This one took a long time to get to, to celebrate this…and there’s probably someone out there right now who’s like, ‘I wish I could step into this building and write a song with somebody and have a song go No. 1 on the charts.’ It’s thanks to you guys that the three of us got the chance to do that.”

(Top Row L-R): RCA Nashville’s Dennis Reese, Sony Music Nashville’s Steve Hodges, ASCAP’s Mike Sistad, Sony ATV’s Josh Van Valkenburg, BMI’s MaryAnn Keen, SESAC’s Shannan Hatch, Universal Music Publishing Group’s Kent Earls and Fitzgerald Hartley’s Larry Fitzgerald. (Bottom Row L-R): Fitzgerald Hartley’s Bill Simmons, Liz Rose Music’s Liz Rose, ASCAP songwriter Corey Crowder, BMI songwriter and RCA Nashville recording artist Chris Young and SESAC songwriter Josh Hoge. (Photo: Steve Lowry)

Eric Paslay Joins Big Machine Music

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Pictured (L-R, back row): Big Machine Music’s Michelle Attardi, Flood, Bumstead, McCready & McCarthy’s David Boyer, Milom Horsnell’s Mike Milom, Big Machine Music’s Alex Heddle, WME’s Lane Wilson, Big Machine Music’s Lizzy Gallatin; (L-R, front row): Paslay’s Manager Steve Emley, Eric Paslay, Big Machine Music’s Mike Molinar

Big Machine Music has signed singer-songwriter Eric Paslay to an exclusive songwriting agreement. Paslay has penned five No. 1 songs to date, including “Even If It Breaks Your Heart” (Eli Young Band), “Barefoot Blue Jean Night” (Jake Owen), and “Angel Eyes” (Love & Theft), as well as “Rewind” (Rascal Flatts) and “Friday Night,” the hit lead single from his debut album. The two-time Grammy nominee officially joins BMM’s roster, which includes Brett Young, Luke Combs, Brandy Clark, Jonathan Singleton, Laura Veltz, Josh Thompson, Jessie Jo Dillon, and more.

“I first met Eric more than a dozen years ago and even back then, the depth, warmth and commerciality of his songs made him special,” commented BMM General Manager Mike Molinar. “Now, with five No.1’s and Grammy nominations under his belt, Eric’s hit sense and ability to move people with his music has only grown. We are excited and honored that he has chosen Big Machine Music as his partner for this next chapter of his career.”

“The Big Machine Music team is tireless, hard-working and fierce when it comes to the songs they love,” shared Paslay. “Mike, Alex, Michelle, Lizzy and their whole roster of writers are badasses.  I’m excited to be joining them.”

Paslay is currently working on new music and is making plans to tour Europe this year.

CMA Fest Lineups For Free Daytime Stages Revealed

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CMA Fest has revealed the lineups for three daytime stages that are free to the public during the four-day festival in June. Chevy Breakout Stage at Walk of Fame Park, Maui Jim Broadway Stage at Bridgestone Plaza and Nashville Acoustic Corner Stage will feature over 110 performances Thursday, June 6 through Sunday, June 9,highlighting fan favorites and rising country stars daily.

Located at Walk of Fame Park, the lineup at the Chevy Breakout Stage will highlight rising artists from 11:10 a.m. – 4:55 p.m. on Thursday, and 10:30 a.m. – 4:55 p.m. Friday through Sunday, including Carlton Anderson, Tenille Arts, Kassi Ashton, Drew Baldridge, Chris Bandi, Kelleigh Bannen, Bailey Bryan, Austin Burke, Dillon Carmichael, Adam Craig, Travis Denning, Cale Dodds, Adam Doleac, Clare Dunn, Brooke Eden, Filmore, HARDY, Jillian Jacqueline, James Barker Band, Austin Jenckes, Brett Kissel, Love and Theft, Tegan Marie, Steve Moakler, Muscadine Bloodline, Brandon Ratcliff, Brandon Ray, Teddy Robb, Noah Schnacky, Dylan Schneider, Seaforth, Smithfield, Matt Stell, Sweet Tea Trio, Tenille Townes, Rachel Wammack, Waterloo Revival, The Wild Feathers and Carter Winter.

Gates for the Chevy Breakout Stage will open to the public at 10:40 a.m. Thursday, June 6 and 9:30 a.m. Friday, June 7 through Sunday, June 9. In addition, Miranda Lambert will lead MuttNation’s Mutt March on Thursday, June 6 from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m..  Starting at Nissan Stadium, the parade of pups will wind its way across the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge and into Walk of Fame Park, where Storme Warren will interview Lambert in a live broadcast from the Chevy Breakout Stage on SiriusXM’s The Highway.

The Maui Jim Broadway Stage at Bridgestone Plaza entertains fans from 10:45 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. daily, with the “BMI Tailgate” performances Thursday, June 6 from 2:45 p.m. – 5:10 p.m., which includes Colin Elmore, House Whiskey, Josh Phillips and Dan Smalley. Additional acts taking the stage include The Adelaides, Jay Allen, Roan Ash, Gabby Barrett, Stephen Carey, Troy Cartwright, Crowder, Kyle Daniel, Jaida Dreyer, Ross Ellis, Everette, Fairground Saints, Ray Fulcher, Noah Guthrie, Adam Hambrick, Levi Hummon, Hunter Brothers, Caleb Lee Hutchinson, Lauren Jenkins, Willie Jones, King Calaway, The Last Bandoleros, Leaving Austin, Baylee Littrell, Hayley Orrantia, Drew Parker, Stephanie Quayle, Faren Rachels, Elvie Shane, Kalie Shorr, The Sisterhood Band, The Swon Brothers and Lainey Wilson. Gates for the Maui Jim Broadway Stage at Bridgestone Plaza will open to the public at 9:45 a.m. each day, Thursday through Sunday.

The Nashville Acoustic Corner Stage, located inside the NCVC Visitor Center at Bridgestone Arena, will take place daily from 11:00 a.m. – 4:40 p.m.. Thursday’s performances are presented by ASCAP and feature Haley Mae Campbell, Seth Cook, Cross Atlantic, Jobe Fortner, Makayla Lynn, Jill Martin, David Ray, Maggie Renfroe, Joe Robinson and Anna Rose. Friday’s performances are presented by SESAC and feature Blanco Brown, Nora Collins, Spencer Crandall, Erin Enderlin, Aaron Goodvin, Kelly McGrath, Tom O’Connor, Jake Rose, Scott Stevens and Jenny Tolman. Saturday and Sunday’s lineups includes Beoga, Jordan Brooker, Brown & Gray, Shy Carter, Robert Counts, Crawford & Power, Hannah Dasher, Larry Fleet, Kylie Frey, Tony Jackson, Angie Keilhauer, Cory Marks, Jaden Michaels, Emily Ann Roberts, Shane Runion, SixForty1, Tiera, Tyler Reese Tritt, Anna Vaus and The Wandering Hearts.

Additional newly-announced performers at CMA Fest include Billy Currington at the Chevy Riverfront Stage on Thursday, Randy Houser at Firestone Country Roads Stage at Ascend Amphitheater Presented by BBR Music Group on Thursday, and Pam Tillis on the Budweiser Forever Country Stage on Sunday.
All outdoor daytime stages including the Budweiser Forever Country Stage, Chevy Breakout Stage at Walk of Fame Park, Chevy Riverfront Stage, Maui Jim Broadway Stage at Bridgestone Plaza and Nashville Acoustic Corner Stage are free and open to the public. Additional stage lineups, Xfinity Fan Fair X activities and more will be announced in the coming weeks. All artist lineups are subject to change.

Jason Aldean Adds Texas Rangers Ballpark Show To Ride All Night Tour

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Jason Aldean has added a stop to his 2019 Ride All Night Tour on Friday, Oct. 11 at Globe Life Park in Arlington, Texas. Aldean will be the final country act to perform at the venue, and will be joined by Kane Brown, Carly Pearce and Dee Jay Silver.

Citi is the official presale credit card of Aldean’s 2019 Ride All Night Tour and as such, Citi cardmembers will have access to purchase presale tickets beginning May 7 at 12 p.m. local time through Citi Entertainment. The general on-sale starts Friday, May 10 via JasonAldean.com and LiveNation.com.

“We’ve shut a few places down in our time, but never a stadium,” laughed Aldean. “But seriously, being the last country concert ever is pretty cool and I know we’ll be sure that it’s an unforgettable night.”

The tour kicks off May 3 with back-to-back dates in Uncasville, CT and makes stops in Albuquerque, Denver, Salt Lake City, Indianapolis, Charlotte, Boston, Chicago and more before wrapping in Arlington.

2019 RIDE ALL NIGHT TOUR Dates: 
5/03    Uncasville, CT – Mohegan Sun Arena
5/04    Uncasville, CT – Mohegan Sun Arena
5/09    Evansville, IN – The Ford Center
5/10    Grand Rapids, MI – Van Andel Arena
5/11    Toledo, OH – Huntington Center
5/16    Syracuse, NY – St. Joseph’s Health Amphitheater at Lakeview
5/17    Columbia, MD – Merriweather Post Pavilion
5/18    Holmdel, NJ – PNC Bank Arts Center
6/28    Milwaukee, WI – Summerfest*
7/19    Gilford, NH – Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion
7/20    Gilford, NH – Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion
7/25    Albuquerque, NM – Isleta Amphitheater
7/26    Denver, CO – Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre
7/27    Salt Lake City, UT – USANA Amphitheatre
8/09    Cleveland, OH – Blossom Music Center
8/10    Canandaigua, NY – CMAC Performing Arts Center
8/22    Cincinnati, OH – Riverbend Music Center
8/23    Indianapolis, IN – Ruoff Home Mortgage Music Center
8/24    St. Louis, MO – Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre
9/05    Saratoga Springs, NY – Saratoga Performing Arts Center
9/06    Wantagh, NY – Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater
9/07    Bristow, VA  – Jiffy Lube Live
9/12    Charlotte, NC – PNC Music Pavilion
9/13    Raleigh, NC – Coastal Credit Union Music Park
9/14    Burgettstown, PA – KeyBank Pavilion
9/19    Scranton, PA – The Pavilion at Montage Mountain
9/20    Boston, MA – Xfinity Center
9/27    Chicago, IL – Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre
9/28    Detroit, MI – DTE Energy Music Theatre*
9/29    Detroit, MI – DTE Energy Music Theatre*
10/11   Arlington, TX – Globe Life Park
*Lineup May Vary

Pandora Partners With Ticketmaster To Promote Live Shows

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Pandora has partnered with Ticketmaster to provide live show information to fans on the listening app. Powered by touring data pulled in real-time from Ticketmaster, this new partnership will allow fans to be notified of upcoming show announcements and on-sale ticket alerts based on their location and listener history.

Additionally, Ticketmaster is now integrated in Pandora AMP’s Promote Show tool, which allows artists to create in-stream audio marketing campaigns around specific tour dates.

Florida Georgia Line To Play Private Ryman Auditorium Show For SiriusXM

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Florida Georgia Line. Photo: Robby Klein

SiriusXM announced that Florida Georgia Line will perform a special invitation-only event for SiriusXM listeners at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, marking the duo’s first concert at the legendary venue. The private show will air live on Wednesday, May 29 at 8 p.m. CT on SiriusXM’s The Highway, channel 56, and on the SiriusXM app.

“The first time BK and I heard ourselves on the radio was on SiriusXM,” shared FGL’s Tyler Hubbard. “So, to come together now for our first full-blown concert at the Ryman is really special.”

Brian Kelley adds, “There is a magical feeling when you walk into the Ryman and this is a place that has always been on our bucket list to play. We are so excited for this show and can’t wait to bring our FGL vibes to the Mother Church!”

“Since being played first on SiriusXM’s The Highway, Tyler and Brian have been unstoppable, and for them to play the Mother Church of Country Music will be a cherished memory for their many fans,” said Scott Greenstein, President and Chief Content Officer, SiriusXM. “It will be a special moment for Florida Georgia Line at the Ryman and we are excited to present this one-of-a-kind performance to our listeners nationwide.”

SiriusXM’s The Highway first played FGL’s “Cruise” in May 2012, before the duo was signed to a label deal. “Cruise” is the first country song to be certified Diamond by the RIAA, and is also the best-selling digital country single of all time, according to SoundScan.

In Pictures: Stagecoach Performances From Lil Nas X, Billy Ray Cyrus, The Wild Feathers, Michael Ray, Scotty McCreery

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Viral Smash “Old Town Road” Gets Its Live Debut

Pictured: Diplo, Lil Nas X, and Billy Ray Cyrus perform onstage during the 2019 Stagecoach Festival. Photo: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for Stagecoach

Lil Nas X and Billy Ray Cyrus joined Diplo for the live debut of an “Old Town Road” remix during the DJ’s set at the Palomino tent at Stagecoach Music Festival on Sunday. “Old Town Road” continues to dominate airplay and streaming charts as the song remains at No. 1 for the fourth week on the Billboard Hot 100. “Old Town Road” also tops the Digital Song Sales chart for a third week.

 

The Grand Ole Opry Offers Opry Circle Throwdowns

Pictured: Sally Williams, Senior Vice President of Programming & Artist Relations for Opry Entertainment, and General Manager of the Grand Ole Opry, welcomes The Wild Feathers to the Opry Gallery at Stagecoach for a Special Opry Throwdown Pop-up Performance. Photo: Courtesy of Opry Entertainment Group

Opry Circle Throwdowns at Stagecoach included acoustic sets by Carlton Anderson, Opry NextStage Artist Travis Denning, Scotty McCreery, Michael Ray and The Wild Feathers, among others.

Michael Ray. Photo: Courtesy of Opry Entertainment Group

 

Scotty McCreery At The Budweiser Country Club At Stagecoach

Budweiser continued its long-standing support of country music with Budweiser Country Club at Stagecoach Festival 2019, which included an appearance by Scotty McCreery.

Scotty McCreery. Photo: Rick Williams for Budweiser

NSAI, SunTrust Bank Celebrate Nashville’s Chart-Topping Songwriters

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On Monday (April 29), Analog at Hutton Hotel was filled with writers and industry members as they joined NSAI and SunTrust Bank to celebrate all Nashville-associated songwriters who earned a chart-topping hit on Billboard Airplay, Digital, Hot and/or Mediabase charts between November 2018-February 2019.

Songwriters in attendance were presented their awards by NSAI President, Steve Bogard, and NSAI Executive Director, Bart Herbison, as well as Ashleigh Overly of SunTrust Bank, the official sponsor of the party.

Songs and Writers Recognized
“She Got The Best of Me” – Luke Combs, Rob Snyder, Channing Wilson
“Hangin’ On” – Corey Crowder, Josh Hoge, Chris Young
“Best Shot” – Jimmie Allen, Josh London, J.P. Williams
“Lose It” – Kane Brown, Chase McGill, Will Weatherly
“Drunk Me” – Jordan Schmidt, Mitchell Tenpenny, Justin Wilson
“Speechless” – Shay Mooney, Jordan Reynolds, Dan Smyers, Laura Veltz
“Known” – Ethan Hulse, Jordan Sapp, Tauren Wells
“Good Girl” – Andy Albert, Justin Ebach, Dustin Lynch
“Burning Man” – Luke Dick, Bobby Pinson
“Girl Like You” – Jaron Boyer, Josh Mirenda, Michael Tyler
“Only Jesus” – Mark Hall, Bernie Herms, Matthew West
“This Is It” – Aaron Eshuis, Scotty McCreery, Frank Rogers
“What Makes You Country” – Luke Bryan, Dallas Davison, Ashley Gorley