for King & Country, Tasha Cobbs Leonard, More To Perform On 51st Annual GMA Dove Awards

The Gospel Music Association has revealed the first round of performers for the 51st Annual GMA Dove Awards. Slated to perform are Artist of the Year Nominees Tasha Cobbs Leonard, and for KING & COUNTRY featuring Lecrae, as well as WRLDFMS Tony WilliamsApollo LTDJonathan McReynolds, Leeland featuring MandisaSinach and Maverick City Choir, and We The Kingdom, with additional performers to be announced.

Viewers will be able to watch the global broadcast Friday, Oct. 30 at 7 p.m. CT on TBN.

Due to the ongoing pandemic, this year’s show will not have a live audience but through a variety of pre-recorded performances, producer Paul Wright plans to incorporate a variety of new elements to create more of a cinematic approach than previous shows.

“During this unprecedented time, what the GMA team is pulling together is absolutely incredible,” said seven-time GMA Dove Award winner Natalie Grant. “They’re crafting something brand new that will uplift and inspire you and your family in a fresh way. It’s the Dove Awards like you’ve never experienced them before, and you won’t want to miss it!”

DISClaimer Singles Reviews: Luke Combs, Shenandoah, Michael Ray, Ingrid Andress, And More

Luke Combs. Photo: David Bergman

In today’s column, the country veterans are here to show the youngsters how it’s done.

Travis Tritt, Willie Nelson, John Rich and Shenandoah with Zac Brown Band all have comeback singles. And vets Terry McBride & Patty Loveless have the Disc of the Day.

All of which is not to deny the sterling work turned in by the younger generation, especially Ingrid Andress, Luke Combs and Danielle Bradbery.

The DISCovery Award goes to the female trio Vicki Kristina Barcelona. “I Don’t Wanna Grow Up” is just one of the many delights to hear on the Tom Waits-penned Pawn Shop Radio collection. For starters, also check out “Innocent When You Dream” and “Cold Cold Ground,” then plunge in and thrill to the rest of this amazing debut disc.

MICHAEL RAY/”Whiskey and Rain”
Writers: Josh Thompson/Jesse Frasure; Publisher: none listed; Producer: Ross Copperman; Warner
– Routine. There’s nothing really wrong with it, and it’s perfectly competent work. But I don’t hear anything special about this plodding barroom homage to the Gary Allan sound.

VICKI KRISTINA BARCELONA/”I Don’t Wanna Grow Up”
Writers: Tom Waits/Kathleen Brennan/Jalma; Publisher: none listed; ASCAP; Producer: VKB Band; Storysound (track)
– This is a trio consisting of multi-instrumentalists Rachelle Garniez, Amanda Homi and Terry Radigan. The album is titled Pawn Shop Radio and consists entirely of Tom Waits songs. This single, which has been out awhile, is a Cajun-flavored bopper embellished with accordion, harmonium and triangle, not to mention their saucy, joyous harmony vocals. You have GOT to hear this.

DANIELLE BRADBERY/”Girls in My Hometown”
Writers: Nicole Galyon/Josh Osborne/Emily Weisband; Publisher: none listed; Producer: Dann Huff; BMLG
– Wow. What a beautiful, thoughtful and evocative performance. The lyric vignettes capture a lost-in-the-city gal who’s thinking of the small-town friends back home, musing and meditating about what has become of everyone. This piano-based, harmony-kissed ballad is star-making stuff.

TRAVIS TRITT/”Ghost Town Nation”
Writers: Aaron Raitiere/JB Strauss; Publisher: none listed; Producer: Dave Cobb; Big Noise
– I have missed this man so much. Always one our most charismatic singers and entertainers, his return to disc is cause for celebration. His “outlaw” attitude is fully unfurled on this guitars-blazing, rockin’ rouser.

TERRY McBRIDE & PATTY LOVELESS/”Rebels and Angels”
Writers: Terry McBride/Chris Stapleton; Publisher: none listed; Producer: Luke Laird; Creative Nation
– Country, country, country. Drenched in steel and twin fiddles, this is a hillbilly jewel. Their brilliant voices sound splendid together as they weave the tale of parents seeing the kids become the same people they were. My heart warmed in my chest with every note of this mini masterpiece. Duet of the Year.

LUKE COMBS/”Better Together”
Writers: Luke Combs/Dan Isbell/Randy Montana; Publishers: Big Music Machine/50 Egg/Straight Dime/Sony-ATV/Warner-Tamerlane/Sullivan S Guns, BMI; Producer: Scott Moffatt; River House/Columbia (track)
– Who’s gonna fill their shoes? Somebody already has, and his name is Luke Combs. This supremely romantic piano ballad is mixed with his heart-in-throat vocal delivery right up front. Say, Amen, everybody.

SHENANDOAH & ZAC BROWN BAND/”I’d Take Another One of Those”
Writers: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Producer: none listed; Foundry
– Very groovy. Both lead singers deliver with oversized hearts. The warm, nostalgic lyric simply glows with simple beauty and truth. The rippling production, full group harmonies and lilting atmosphere are all hallmarks here. Lovely listening.

JOHN RICH/”Earth to God”
Writers: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Producer: none listed; Studio2Bee
– The soaring production and echo-chamber vocal underscore this as Rich’s troubled-times Big Statement song. Oomphy.

SHANE OWENS/”Everybody Dies But Not Everybody Lives”
Writers: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Amerimonte
– The song fits this solidly country vocalist like a glove. Fiddle and steel are played pristinely as he phrases the simple-and-true message to perfection. A breath of fresh air.

INGRID ANDRESS/”Lady Like”
Writers: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Producer: none listed; Warner
– Kinda feisty. Kinda outspoken. Kinda rocking. And way, way cool. I really like the dynamics in this that range from intimate lyric delivery to full-throated roar with the throttle wide open in the production. By all means, play the fire outta this.

WILLIE NELSON/”Vote ‘Em Out”
Writers: Willie Nelson/Buddy Cannon; Publisher: none listed; Producer: Buddy Cannon; Legacy
– This catchy toe-tapper has a simple message, Get Out and Vote. Willie’s wry delivery, slippery guitar pickin’ and jaunty attitude will make you smile. Cannon’s production gives the whole thing panache.

Academy of Country Music Reveals Ballot, Voting Timeline For 56th ACM Awards

The Academy of Country Music announced today the submissions and ballot timeline for professional membership voting for the 56th Academy of Country Music Awards™ and the ACM Membership application and renewal process is now open.

The submissions eligibility period for the 56th Academy of Country Music Awards is Jan. 1, 2020 through Dec. 31, 2020. Key dates for Academy professional members for the 2020 ACM Awards cycle are as follows:

New Membership/Membership Renewals Opens: October 1, 2020
DEADLINE for New Membership/Renewals Closing: December 1, 2020
Submissions Period Opens: Dec. 1, 2020
Submissions Period Closes: Jan. 8, 2021
First Round Voting: Jan. 19, 2021 – Jan. 26, 2021
Second Round Voting: Feb. 10, 2021 – Feb. 17, 2021
Final Round Voting: March 17, 2021 – March 24, 2021

New membership applications and existing membership renewals open today, Thursday, Oct. 1, 2020 at 9 p.m. PT / 11 a.m. CT with a deadline to apply by Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2020 at 5 p.m. PT / 7:00 PM CT for members to be eligible to vote during the 2021 Awards cycle.

The 56th Academy of Country Music Awards™ will broadcast LIVE on Sunday, April 18, 2021 at 8 p.m. ET/delayed PT on CBS.

Blake Shelton, Thomas Rhett, Kane Brown Among Country Nominees At E! People’s Choice Awards

The nominees for this year’s E! People’s Choice Awards were announced Thursday (Oct. 1), with Blake Shelton, Thomas Rhett, and Kane Brown leading the country nominees.

Shelton competes with artists including Bad Bunny, DaBaby, Justin Bieber and Drake for the all-genre The Male Artist of 2020 title, as well as The Country Artist of 2020 category.

In addition to nominations for The Country Artist of 2020, both Thomas Rhett and Kane Brown are included in The Soundtrack Song of 2020 for their work on “On Me” alongside Ava Max for the Scoob! soundtrack.

Dan+Shay are one of eight nominees, alongside BTS, BLACKPINK, Chloe X Halle and more, for the all-genre The Group of 2020 honor, though curiously they are not included in The Country Artist of the Year category.

Overall, Justin Bieber and Megan Thee Stallion are up for the most honors, with six nominations each. Ariana Grande and Lady Gaga follow with five nominations each.

Voting begins today in 44 categories spanning music, film, television and more. The E! People’s Choice Awards will air Sunday, Nov. 15, at 9 p.m. ET/PT, from Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, Calif. As previously announced, Jennifer Lopez will be honored with the People’s Icon of 2020 award.

The Male Artist of 2020
Bad Bunny
Blake Shelton
DaBaby
Drake
J Balvin
Justin Bieber
Lil Baby
The Weeknd

The Female Artist of 2020
Ariana Grande
Billie Eilish
Cardi B
Dua Lipa
Lady Gaga
Megan Thee Stallion
Miley Cyrus
Taylor Swift

The Group of 2020
5 Seconds of Summer
BLACKPINK
BTS
Chloe X Halle
CNCO
Dan + Shay
Jonas Brothers
twenty one pilots

The Song of 2020
“Break My Heart,” Dua Lipa
“Dynamite,” BTS
“Intentions,” Justin Bieber
“Rain On Me,” Lady Gaga & Ariana Grande
“Rockstar,” DaBaby feat. Roddy Ricch
“Savage,” Megan Thee Stallion
“Stuck with U,” Ariana Grande & Justin Bieber
“WAP,” Cardi B feat. Megan Thee Stallion

The Album of 2020
After Hours, The Weeknd
Changes, Justin Bieber
Chromatica, Lady Gaga
Folklore, Taylor Swift
Future Nostalgia, Dua Lipa
High Off Life, Future
Map of the Soul: 7, BTS
YHLQMDLG, Bad Bunny

The Country Artist of 2020
Blake Shelton
Kane Brown
Keith Urban
Kelsea Ballerini
Luke Bryan
Luke Combs
Miranda Lambert
Thomas Rhett

The Latin Artist of 2020
Bad Bunny
Becky G
Daddy Yankee
J Balvin
Karol G
Maluma
Nicky Jam
Ozuna

The New Artist of 2020
Ava Max
BENEE
Conan Gray
Doja Cat
Jack Harlow
Roddy Ricch
Saweetie
Trevor Daniel

The Music Video of 2020
“Blinding Lights,” The Weeknd
“Dynamite,” BTS
“Holy,” Justin Bieber, Chance the Rapper
“Ice Cream,” BLACKPINK with Selena Gomez
“Life Is Good,” Future feat. Drake
“Rain On Me,” Lady Gaga & Ariana Grande
“UN DIA (ONE DAY),” J. Balvin, Dua Lipa, Bad Bunny feat. Tainy
“WAP,” Cardi B feat. Megan Thee Stallion

The Collaboration Song of 2020
“Be Kind,” Marshmello and Halsey
“Holy,” Justin Bieber and Chance the Rapper
“Life Is Good,” Future feat. Drake
“Rain On Me,” Lady Gaga & Ariana Grande
“Rockstar,” DaBaby feat. Roddy Ricch
“Savage” (Remix), Megan Thee Stallion feat. Beyoncé
“WAP,” Cardi B feat. Megan Thee Stallion
“Whats Poppin” (Remix), Jack Harlow feat. DaBaby, Tory Lanez, & Lil Wayne

The Soundtrack Song of 2020
“About Love,” Marina, To All The Boys: P.S. I Still Love You
“Alexander Hamilton,” Leslie Odom Jr., Hamilton
“Boss Bitch,” Doja Cat, Birds of Prey: And the Fantabulous Emancipation of HarleyQuinn
“Loyal Brave True,” Christina Aguilera, Mulan
“On Me,” Thomas Rhett, Kane Brown, feat. Ava Max, Scoob!
“Only the Young,” Taylor Swift, Miss Americana
“Rare,” Selena Gomez, Normal People
“The Other Side,” SZA feat. Justin Timberlake, Trollz

The Social Celebrity of 2020
Ariana Grande
Britney Spears
Justin Bieber
Kim Kardashian West
Kylie Jenner
Lady Gaga
LeBron James
Selena Gomez

The Style Star of 2020
Janelle Monáe
Kendall Jenner
Kim Kardashian West
Lady Gaga
Lil Nas X
Rihanna
Timothee Chalamet
Zendaya

 

Corey Crowder Extends Deal With Tree Vibez Music

Corey Crowder. Photo: Nicola Harger Milkglass

Songwriter-producer Corey Crowder has extended his deal with Tree Vibez Music, the publishing company led by Florida Georgia Line’s Brian Kelley and Tyler Hubbard. Crowder first joined Tree Vibez in 2017.

“My team at Tree Vibez Music has become family to me,” shares Crowder. “The culture that Tyler and BK have created at TVM has inspired three of my best years yet, and I’m excited for what’s next as we continue working together.”

“We are all so excited to continue working with Corey Crowder,” says TVM General Manager Leslie T. DiPiero. “He is a writer’s writer, a singer’s singer, and a producer’s producer. Most importantly, he is a friend’s best friend.”

Georgia native Crowder relocated to Nashville in 2010. Since then, he’s earned No. 1 hits as a songwriter and co-producer on FGL’s “I Love My Country,” and earned songwriter credits on Chris Young’s 2x multi-Platinum, three-week No. 1 “I’m Comin’ Over,” and the Grammy-nominated, Platinum-selling “Think of You,” featuring Cassadee Pope, and the Gold-certified “Hangin’ On.” He’s also had credits on Canadian hits including Jess Moskaluke’s “Country Girls,” MacKenzie Porter’s “About You,” and Aaron Pritchett’s “Better When I Do.”

As a producer, he’s scored a No. 1 hit with LOCASH’s “One Big Country Song,” and Chris Young’s Gold-certified “Sober Saturday Night” (featuring Vince Gill), in addition to albums such as the Platinum-selling I’m Comin’ Over and Losing Sleep for Chris Young.

He has producer credits on FGL’s latest track, “Long Live,” their 6-Pack EP and on “Yummy (Country Remix)” by Justin Bieber, as well as Young’s “Raised on Country” and Gold-certified “Drowning,” as well as production credits for Chris Tomlin, Pope, RaeLynn and more. His music has also been heard on TV shows such as One Tree Hill, Gainesville, Nashville and more.

“Corey and I actually were in youth group together when we were kids, so we go way back in sharing music,” Hubbard said in a statement. “Getting to collaborate with him on songs and vibe in the studio is unlike anything else. BK and I have found a creative groove with Corey and it’s pure magic.”

“Corey is a special part of our TVM family,” Kelley added. “He’s got a spark and passion for this industry that’s electric – just makes you want to be around him. We’re so blessed to be able to keep on making hits together.”

Since launching in 2015, the Tree Vibez roster has grown to include Brian Kelley, Tyler Hubbard, Jordan Schmidt, Corey Crowder, RaeLynn, Canaan Smith, and Blake Redferrin. The company has earned 13 No. 1 hits, 50 singles and more than 300 releases. Tree Vibez has publishing support from Warner Chappell Music, while Schmidt’s catalog is administered by Sony/ATV.

 

Yolanda Adams Joins Recording Academy’s National Advocacy Committee

Yolanda Adams is joining nationally-recognized songwriter Sue Ennis as Co-Chair of the Recording Academy’s National Advocacy Committee.

The committee serves as the voice for all music creators alongside the Academy’s Advocacy team in Washington, D.C., and is comprised of leading performers, producers, songwriters, and studio engineers, who work to determine specific policy positions of the Recording Academy and advance the interests of all music creators.

Adams brings a strong advocacy background to the committee. She recently testified at a congressional hearing on intellectual property, sharing her perspective on the monetary and moral implications of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act’s Fair Use doctrine. Adams also participated in the Academy’s 7th annual District Advocate Day on Aug. 12, advocating alongside nearly 2,000 music professionals for critical support for the music community as it continues dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We’re honored to have Yolanda lead the Recording Academy’s Advocacy Committee alongside hit songwriter Sue Ennis to help push forward vital legislation as our industry navigates the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond,” said Harvey Mason jr., Chair and Interim President/CEO of the Recording Academy. “We’ve seen first-hand how music has the power to influence meaningful change, and we’re confident the Advocacy Committee’s wide breadth of backgrounds and perspectives provide a unique opportunity to build on the Academy’s successful efforts this summer in the fight for creators’ rights.”

Other Advocacy Committee members include Grammy-winning composer, producer, and singer Claudia Brant; Grammy-nominated artist Terry Jones; Grammy-winning engineer Emily Lazar; and Grammy-nominated artist, songwriter, and producer Rico Love. Chair and Interim President/CEO of the Recording Academy Harvey Mason jr. and Chief Advocacy Officer Daryl P. Friedman serve as ex-officio members.

 

IBMA Announces Industry Awards During World Of Bluegrass Week

The International Bluegrass Music Association has announced the recipients of the 2020 Industry Awards. The trophies were announced yesterday (Sept. 30) as part of this week’s IBMA Virtual World of Bluegrass.

This year’s awards, hosted by Bela Fleck and Abigail Washburn and sponsored by Homespun Music Instruction, recognize outstanding work in categories including Broadcaster of the Year, Event of the Year, Graphic Designer of the Year, Liner Notes of the Year, Writer of the Year, Sound Engineer of the Year, and Songwriter of the Year.

The 2020 Industry Awards Recipients:
Broadcaster of the Year –Michael Kear
Event of the Year – Augusta Heritage Center Bluegrass Week, Elkins, WV
Graphic Designer of the Year – Michael Armistead
Liner Notes of the Year – Katy Daley, Live at the Cellar Door – The Seldom Scene
Writer of the Year – Derek Halsey
Sound Engineer of the Year – Stephen Mougin
Songwriter of the Year – Milan Miller

Additionally, the show featured a segment honoring the recipients of the 2020 Distinguished Achievement Awards: festival pioneers Norman & Judy Adams, “Musicians Against Childhood Cancer” (MACC) founders Darrel & Phyllis Adkins, fiddle virtuoso/educator Darol Anger, San Diego’s KSON “Bluegrass Special” host Wayne Rice, and bluegrass innovator Jack Tottle.

HARDY, Osborne, Mitchell Take Top Three On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart


HARDY remains at No. 1 this week on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart, with co-writer credit on Morgan Wallen’s “More Than My Hometown,” Cole Swindell’s “Single Saturday Night,” Jameson Rodgers’ “Some Girls,” and Robert Counts’ “What Do I Know,” as well as his own “One Beer” and “Give Heaven Some Hell.”

Josh Osborne moves up to No. 2 with “7 Summers” (Morgan Wallen), “Beers And Sunshine” (Darius Rucker), “Happy Anywhere” (Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani) and “How They Remember You” (Rascal Flatts). Jake Mitchell takes No. 2 with “One Beer” (HARDY Feat. Lauren Alaina and Devin Dawson), “Some Girls” (Jameson Rodgers), and “What Do I Know” (Robert Counts).

The weekly MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart uses algorithms based upon song activity according to airplay, digital downloaded track sales and streams. This unique and exclusive addition to the MusicRow portfolio is the only songwriter chart of its kind.

Click here to view the full MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart.

Parker McCollum To Release ‘Hollywood Gold’ EP In October

MCA Nashville artist Parker McCollum is set to release his new EP, Hollywood Gold, on Oct. 16. The singer-songwriter penned five of the EP’s six tracks.

“To say I’m excited for my fans to listen to this new project, Hollywood Gold, is an understatement,” shares Parker. “I’m always striving to become a better songwriter and I feel like my songwriting on this EP is some of my best to date.”

The EP takes its title from the name of a horse McCollum’s grandfather owned decades ago. The Jon Randall Stewart-produced project includes his current Top 15 track “Pretty Heart,” as well as “Young Man’s Blues.” Hollywood Gold is the latest in a string of albums and EPs, following 2013’s EP A Red Town View, 2015’s The Limestone Kid (which included the regional Texas radio hit “Meet You in the Middle”), as well as 2017’s full-length album Probably Wrong, and a set of two EPs released the same year.

Hollywood Gold Track Listing:

  1. “Young Man’s Blues” (Parker McCollum/Randy Montana)
  2. “Like A Cowboy” (Chris Stapleton/Al Anderson)
  3. “Pretty Heart” (Parker McCollum/Randy Montana)
  4. “Hallie Ray Light” (Parker McCollum)
  5. “Hold Me Back” (Parker McCollum/Tony Lane)
  6. “Love You Like That” (Parker McCollum/Billy Montana/Jon Randall Stewart)

Chris Carmack, Erin Slaver Partner As Alt-Pop Duo Life On Eris


Singer-songwriter and former Nashville star Chris Carmack has teamed with Erin Slaver to form the alt-pop duo, Life On Eris. The married couple will release their first EP, Stonewall, on Oct. 23. The first single from the project, “Damaged Good,” is out now at all streaming platforms and digital retailers.

They drew inspiration from the complications and complexities of marriage for the new album, whose title is a nod to both the combination of their first names and to the dwarf planet Eris – named for the Greek goddess of strife and discord. Challenging genre norms, the two boldly fuse influences from Pop, Americana, Classical, and even Hip-Hop, to tell stories of romance, regret, and reconciliation. Writing all five songs together, Carmack and Slaver self-produced the EP, and played nearly every instrument including guitar, keyboard, and violin – with the exception of Shawn Pelton on drums.

“We are a husband-and-wife duo, and we bring all of the drama into our songwriting,” Carmack said. “‘Damaged Good’ is a song that we wrote to explore what we, as human beings, bring to a relationship – which is our past.”

The accomplished musicians met while filming on the hit TV drama, Nashville, and wed in 2018. Carmack’s had an instrument in-hand since he was a child, starting with the sax and then picking up the guitar. He began writing songs and performing in high school, later studying at NYU’s esteemed Tisch Adler Conservatory. He shopped his own material around L.A. while pursuing acting projects and landed notable roles in Grey’s Anatomy, Nashville, and The O.C. With Nashville, he joined fellow castmates on sold-out stages worldwide during multi-year tours across the U.S., UK, and Ireland, plus was a part of Nashville compilation albums spanning all six seasons. In 2015, he released his solo EP, Pieces of You. Slaver was enrolled in classical violin training at the age of three, and eventually attended a music conservatory to further hone her craft. She’s co-written and performed on several studio albums with JD & The Straight Shot, and has opened for acts like Eagles, The Doobie Brothers, Chicago, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Don Henley, and Jewel.

Life On Eris’ STONEWALL EP Track Listing:
1. “Damaged Good”
2. “Stonewall”
3. “Skipping Church”
4 .“‘Script on a Bottle”
5. “Superhero”