DISClaimer Single Reviews: ‘A Lot To Fall In Love With’ This Americana Week

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Tyler Childers, Allison Russell (Photo: Dana Trippe) and The Shindellas (Photo: Ezelle Franklin)

It’s Americana Week here in Music City, so let’s dive right in.

There’s a lot to fall in love with in this stack of sounds. So much so that we have three Disc of the Day winners. The male winner is the exploding Tyler Childers. Allison Russell takes home the female award. The Group du jour is The Shindellas.

Our DISCovery Award goes to Carter Faith. Looking forward to more from her. 

ALLISON RUSSELL / “The Returner”
Writers: Allison Russell/Drew Lindsay/JT Nero; Producers: Allison Russell/Dim Star; Label: Fantasy
– The title tune of this gifted artist’s latest collection is a slow groove that’s equal parts gospel, folk and soul. The lyric of surrender and inspiration glows with mysticism and is drenched in sisterly harmony vocals. This album is essential. Russell’s social activism was saluted with the Seigenthaler Free Speech Award at the Americana Awards on Wednesday eve.

BUDDY & JULIE MILLER / “I’ll Never Live It Down”
Writer: Julie Miller; Producer: Buddy Miller; Label: New West Records
– In The Throes drops tomorrow (Sept. 22) as the latest album from these enduring Americana icons. It features celeb guests such as Emmylou Harris, Regina McCrary, Larry Campbell and Gurf Morlix. On this focus track, Buddy goes solo with spare guitar-percussion backing. The drawling ballad is steeped in sadness and the heartbreak of a broken relationship. He will perform tomorrow at Musicians Corner in Centennial Park on a stellar bill that also includes Rodney Crowell, The Secret Sisters, The Wild Feathers and the North Mississippi Allstars. The sounds commence at 3 p.m. 

BRANDY CLARK / “Come Back to Me”
Writers: Brandy Clark/Shane McAnally/Trevor Rosen; Producer: Brandi Carlile; Label: Warner Records
– The track ripples and rolls with folkie verve. Clark, as always, sings like a beacon of truth. The message is a lovely, releasing farewell with a promise that the one leaving can always return home. This goddess of song showcases at City Winery today (Sept. 21) at the Northern Lights Music show presented by Brandi Carlile & Tracy Gershon.

DALE WATSON / “That’s Where The Money Goes”
Writer: Dale Watson; Producer: none listed; Label: Cleopatra Records
– Of course he should have been a country superstar years ago, but let’s not go into that again. As it is, he’s an Americana founding father. Watson’s new Starvation Box collection features this working-class lament that’s a deep-South blues tune with a Johnny Cash attitude. I remain a devoted fan. 

JOY OLADOKUN / “Taking Things For Granted”
Writer: Olubukola Oladokun; Producer: Joy Oladokun; Label: Amigo/Verve Forecast/Republic Records
– This Nashvillian’s latest, Proof of Life, confirms her as one of our great communicators of hope and insight. This upbeat track explores a child’s loss of innocence and the persistence of the spirit. Oladokun sings with a mixture of resignation, indignation and intellect. A classic, true troubadour. 

CHARLEY CROCKETT / “The Man from Waco”
Writers: Charley Crockett/Bruce Robison/Kullen Fuchs/Taylor Grace; Producer: Bruce Robison; Label: Son of Davy/Thirty Tigers
– This Texas treasure is a prolific record maker and a force of nature as a performer. This is the title tune of his current album, a cowboy saga of murder and its haunting aftermath. Also, check out his music video for the moody “I’m Just a Clown.”

THE GOODWIN BROTHERS / “Everyday Thing”
Writers: Dwight Liles/Tom Paden; Producer: Jonathan Goodwin; Label: Pinecastle Records
– This Lexington, Kentucky band is billed as “bluegrass/Americana,” which is suitable, since the Americana genre has always embraced all kinds of acoustic sounds. The group’s Have You Noticed album is being promoted via a charming video of this lilting ode to simple living and country pleasures. Sweetly inviting.

CARTER FAITH / “Cowboy Forever”
Writers: Carter Faith/Lauren Hungate/Tofer Brown; Producer: Tofer Brown; Label: CF
– She sings in a deceptively delicate soprano. As the heartache song progresses, a tense power emerges, and she breaks into falsetto and back with ease. The minor-key track echoes with a neo-western vibe, and the whole thing is a highly involving audio ride. Faith showcases tonight at 8 p.m. at The Basement East in Nashville. 

ALISON BROWN & STEVE MARTIN / “Foggy Morning Breaking”
Writers: Alison Brown/Steve Martin; Producers: Alison Brown/Garry West; Compass Records
– I can’t remember the last time I heard a country instrumental this enchanting. Brown is a three-finger banjo wonder, capable of dazzling runs and groovy time signatures. Martin keeps pace in clawhammer banjo style while Stuart Duncan (fiddle), Sierra Hull (mandolin), Chris Eldridge (guitar) and Todd Phillips (bass) get their licks in. If you need a feel-good, pick-me-up, look no further. 

TYLER CHILDERS / “In Your Love”
Writers: Tyler Childers/Geno Seale; Producers: Tyler Childers/The Food Stamps; Label: Hickman Holler/RCA Records
– This guy’s new Rustin’ In The Rain album is an all-genre sales sensation and his new arena tour has sold out everywhere, including two nights at Madison Square Garden, Red Rocks and Rupp Arena as well as two nights next April at Bridgestone. The penetrating country singer-songwriter is becoming a total rock star without any radio support. Americana Highways calls him, “one of the most talented and important musical forces in American music.” Amen to that. The brilliantly acted video for this love song has stirred some controversy since it depicts two male coal miners who fall in love until one is felled by black lung. If you are not on this man’s express train to stardom, get on board now. 

NATHANIEL RATELIFF & THE NIGHT SWEATS / “Tight Rope”
Writer: Leon Russell; Producer: none listed; Label: Stax
– These soulful Americana faves take Leon Russell’s 1972 pop hit out for a welcome revival spin. Goody goody. 

THE SHINDELLAS / “Ooh La La”
Writers: Claude Kelly/Chuck Harmony (Louis York); Producers: Claude Kelly/Chuck Harmony (Louis York); Label: Weirdo Workshop/Thirty Tigers
– The “girl group” sound of the ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘80s is not dead. It lives on in the delicious sound of this Nashville trio. They swing lightly to the groove-soaked beats of this sunny love ditty, alternating solo vocal step-outs with creamy harmonies. As fizzy and sweet as a soda-fountain concoction. There’s a video out now, and you’ll find it on the group’s new album, Shindo, which drops Oct. 20. Can’t wait that long? The Shindellas’ Americana showcase is Saturday (Sept. 23) at 7 p.m. at The Basement East. 

JESSI COLTER / “Standing on the Edge of Forever”
Writer: Jessi Colter; Producer: Margo Price; Label: Appalachia Record Co.
– Legendary Colter teams up with Americana darling Margo Price on her new album, dropping Oct. 27. Its title track is out now, and it’s an echoey rocker with beats to spare. Three of its other tunes will be vocal collabs with Price, and that’s something to look forward to, since she is a fine harmony vocalist. 

Warner Music Nashville Signs Matt Schuster [Exclusive]

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Pictured (L-R): Eric Parker (Extended Play); Kristen Williams (WMN, SVP of Radio); Matt Cottingham (Lewis Brisbois); Patrick Sabatini (WMN, SVP of Legal & Business Affairs); Victoria Mason (WMN, SVP of Strategic Marketing & Analytics); Ben Kline (WMN, Co-Chair & Co-President); Matt Schuster; Shane Tarleton (WMN, EVP of Artist Development); Cris Lacy (WMN, Co-Chair & Co-President); Rohan Kohli (WMN, VP of A&R); Tim Foisset (WMN, SVP of Commercial Partnerships). Photo: Alan Poizner

Warner Music Nashville has signed rising singer-songwriter Matt Schuster to its roster.

Having moved to Nashville in late 2022, the Charleston, Illinois native has garnered over 130 million global streams independently over the last two years. Four of his releases have landed in the Top 200 of Spotify’s Country Global chart.

Schuster performed as part of the label’s Warner On Deck last night (Sept. 20), where his signing was announced on stage.

“Matt’s unique sound instantly drew us to him,” said Ben Kline, Warner Music Nashville Co-Chair & Co-President. “Add to that his skill as a songwriter and the fan reaction he invokes, and the result is a very special artist that we are excited to partner with.”

“Matt’s voice has a quality and a range that will stop anyone in their tracks,” continued Cris Lacy, Warner Music Nashville Co-Chair & Co-President. “There’s an instantaneous feeling that you’re hearing something material in a way you’ve never heard it before.”

In addition to his artistry, Schuster is already making his mark in the publishing world, locking in a cut on Bailey Zimmerman’s Religiously. The Album. with “Chase Her.”

As for his deal with WMN, Schuster says the label team made the perfect partner.

“They were obsessed with my music and how I make my music. I know with every artist, [Warner] is so intentional with them and respect how they work. It’s a true partnership where I feel like my opinion is very valued,” Schuster tells MusicRow.

To celebrate, he will release his major label debut track “Tell Me Tennessee” tomorrow (Sept. 22).

“I’m really excited for the new music, especially ‘Tell Me Tennessee.’ I feel like it will take us a lot of places and boost a lot of stuff. It all starts with music,” he says.

Schuster will join Ashley Cooke’s “Shot In The Dark Tour,” Dylan Scott’s “This Town’s Been Too Good To Us Tour” and Kameron Marlowe’s “I Can Lie Tour” this year. He is managed by Eric Parker and Extended Play Group, and signed to Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG) and WME.

SESAC Honors Nashville Songwriters At Annual Music Awards

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Pictured (L-R): Scott Jungmichel (SESAC), Lydia Schultz Cahill (SESAC), Jon Nite, Shannan Hatch (SESAC), Sam Kling (SESAC) attend the 2023 SESAC Los Angeles Music Awards. Photo: Rodin Eckenroth/Getty Images for SESAC

SESAC celebrated songwriters and music publishers behind the most-performed songs of 2022 across a variety of genres at The Highlight Room in Hollywood on Tuesday night (Sept. 19).

Pictured(L-R): Juli Newton Griffith, SESAC’s Shannan Hatch, Matt McGinn and Jon Nite. Photo: Charley Gallay/Getty Images for SESAC

Top music industry executives, artists, songwriters and publishers attended the event.

“We are honored to celebrate our songwriters and publishers across multiple genres,” shared Sam Kling, Chief Creative Officer, SESAC Performing Rights. “SESAC is proud of its affiliates who continue to write chart-topping hits and we enjoy every opportunity we get to celebrate their achievements.”

Opening the show was Kling and SESAC President & COO, Scott Jungmichel, as well as VP of Creative Services Mario Prins and AVP of Creative Ops & Admin, Diana Akin Scarfo. Artist and SESAC songwriter Tamara Jade,  from season 19 of The Voice, served as the MC for the evening.

Christian Stalnecker. Photo: Rodin Eckenroth/Getty Images for SESAC

Nashville songwriters were honored with several SESAC Performance Awards throughout the event. Jon Nite took home a medal for “Pick Me Up” (recorded by Gabby Barrett), Matt McGinn nabbed one for “Like I Love Country Music” (recorded by Kane Brown), Josh Hoge and Christian Stalnecker received honors for “Thank God” (recorded by Kane & Katelyn Brown), Alysa Vanderheym was recognized for “Heartfirst” (recorded by Kelsea Ballerini) and Megan Moroney won a medal for “Tennessee Orange.” Additionally, Prescription Songs’ Malibu Babie was recognized for “Super Freaky Girl” (recorded by Nicki Minaj) and “Her” (recorded by Megan Thee Stallion).

McGinn, Nite and Stalnecker were in attendance to receive their awards, along with SESAC’s Jungmichel, Shannan Hatch and Lydia Schultz.

Jack Harlow was this year’s top honoree for the third consecutive year, taking home both Songwriter of the Year and Song of the Year with his smash hit “First Class.” Sony Music Publishing was named Publisher of the Year for the second year in a row, taking home a total of twelve awards including “First Class,” “We Go Up” recorded by Minaj and Fivio Foreign, “Count Me Out” recorded by Kendrick Lamar and “Mercury” recorded by Steve Lacy, among many others.

Click here to see a full list of winners.

The Oak Ridge Boys Announce Farewell Tour

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Pictured (L-R): Richard Sterban, Duane Allen, William Lee Golden and Joe Bonsall. Photo: Brandon Wood / Indie Bling Studios

The Oak Ridge Boys are celebrating their 50th anniversary as a group this October. To commemorate the occasion, the Country Music Hall of Famers will hit the road on their “American Made: Farewell Tour.”

The tour will celebrate the momentous accomplishments of the Grammy-winning group’s Duane Allen, Joe Bonsall, William Lee Golden and Richard Sterban.

“We are doing a farewell tour because we owe it to our fans to say goodbye,” shares Golden. “They have always been there for us through the good times and the bad. I will always be thankful to every person who came out to a show, bought a t-shirt, played our music, and overall, loved us enough to spend their hard-earned money whenever they could. This tour is for you!”

“I want to thank God for 50 years of singing with three of my best friends and for the fans who have been there for us,” shares Sterban. “This is a celebration and we hope to see you there.”

The group originally formed as the Oak Ridge Quartet on the ’40s, becoming popular in southern gospel during the ’50s. They changed their name to The Oak Ridge Boys in the early ’60s, with Golden joining in ’65 and Allen in ’66. They remained a gospel group until the mid-1970s, when they changed their image and concentrated on country music. Sterban joined the hit-making line-up in ’72 and Bonsall in ’73.

“I was 25 years old in 1973 when I joined The Oak Ridge Boys,” shares Bonsall. “I am 75 years old in 2023 and I am STILL an Oak Ridge Boy. It has been and still IS an amazing ride.”

Throughout their career, The Oak Ridge Boys have sold over 41 million units worldwide. In addition to their awards and accolades in country music, the Oaks have garnered five Grammy Awards, nine GMA Dove Awards and two American Music Awards. In addition to the Country Music Hall of Fame, they are members of the Grand Ole Opry, the Gospel Music Hall of Fame and the Vocal Group Hall of Fame.

The Oaks have achieved 17 No. 1 hits, including “Leaving Louisiana In The Broad Daylight,” “Bobbie Sue,” “Trying To Love Two Women,” “(I’m Settin’) Fancy Free,” “American Made” and the unforgettable “Elvira.”

“For all of my career I have always been a planner, sometimes planning two or three years in advance, what we will do, where we will go, and when we record,” says Allen. “As we celebrate 50 years of being together, just as you see us, we will, also, begin our ‘American Made: Farewell Tour.’ I don’t know how long the tour will last, but we hope to return to as many parts of the country as we can. Thank you so much for these 50 years. For me, it’s 57 1/2 years. I have given you the best part of my life and you have rewarded me with a wonderful career. Thank you, our dear fans. Thanks to God for His divine guidance. Thank you to our wonderful organization. Thank you to all the supporting companies who represent us. And thank you to our families.”

The Oak Ridge Boys Upcoming Tour Dates:
SEP 20 – The Mansion Theatre for the Performing Arts / Branson, Mo.
SEP 21 – The Mansion Theatre for the Performing Arts / Branson, Mo.
SEP 22 – Capital Region MU Health Care Amphitheater / Jefferson City, Mo.
SEP 23 – Dixie Carter Performing Arts Center / Huntington, Tenn.
SEP 28 – Norsk Hostfest Great Hall of the Vikings / Minot, N.D.
SEP 29 – Chester Fritz Auditorium / Grand Forks, N.D.
SEP 30 – Swiftel Center / Brookings, S.D.
OCT 01 – Deadwood Mountain Grand / Deadwood, S.D.
OCT 04 – The Mansion Theatre for the Performing Arts / Branson, Mo.
OCT 05 – The Mansion Theatre for the Performing Arts / Branson, Mo.
OCT 06 – Ameristar Casino Hotel Kansas City / Kansas City, Mo.
OCT 07 – Richard Drake’s Party Barn / Powderly, Texas
OCT 11 – The Mansion Theatre for the Performing Arts / Branson, Mo.
OCT 12 – The Mansion Theatre for the Performing Arts / Branson, Mo.
OCT 13 – Arlington Music Hall / Arlington, Texas
OCT 14 – Arlington Music Hall / Arlington, Texas
OCT 18 – The Mansion Theatre for the Performing Arts / Branson, Mo.
OCT 19 – The Mansion Theatre for the Performing Arts / Branson, Mo.
OCT 21 – Rome City Auditorium / Rome, Ga.
OCT 26 – The Mansion Theatre for the Performing Arts / Branson, Mo.
OCT 27 – The Mansion Theatre for the Performing Arts / Branson, Mo.
OCT 28 – Neewollah Celebration – Jim Halsey Auditorium / Independence, Kan.
NOV 01 – The Mansion Theatre for the Performing Arts / Branson, Mo.
NOV 02 – The Mansion Theatre for the Performing Arts / Branson, Mo.
NOV 03 – Brown County Music Center / Nashville, Ind.
NOV 04 – Crossroads Arena / Corinth, Miss.
NOV 08 – The Mansion Theatre for the Performing Arts / Branson, Mo.
NOV 09 – The Mansion Theatre for the Performing Arts / Branson, Mo.
NOV 11 – Grand Ole Opry / Nashville, Tenn.
NOV 15 – The Mansion Theatre for the Performing Arts / Branson, Mo.
NOV 16 – The Mansion Theatre for the Performing Arts / Branson, Mo.
NOV 21 – Vern Riffe Center for the Arts / Portsmouth, Ohio
NOV 24 – Honeywell Center / Wabash, Ind.
NOV 25 – Paramount Theatre / Anderson, Ind.
NOV 30 – Weldon Mills Theatre / Roanoke Rapids, N.C.
DEC 01 – Renfro Valley Barn Dance / Mount Vernon, Ky.
DEC 02 – Anderson Music Hall / Hiawassee, Ga.
DEC 07 – Firekeepers Casino / Battle Creek, Mich.
DEC 08 – Island Resort & Casino / Harris, Mich.
DEC 09 – Island Resort & Casino / Harris, Mich.
DEC 12 – Ryman Auditorium / Nashville, Tenn.
DEC 14 – Luther F. Carson Four Rivers Center / Paducah, Ky.
DEC 15 – Effingham Performance Center / Effingham, Ill.
DEC 16 – Crystal Grand Music Theatre / Wisconsin Dells, Wisc.
DEC 17 – Egyptian Theatre / Dekalb, Ill.

Influence Media & Warner Chappell Partner With Jesse Frasure On New Deal [Exclusive]

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Pictured (L-R): Stevie Frasure, Lylette Pizarro, Ben Vaughn, Jesse Frasure, Spencer Nohe, Lynn Hazan and Phil May attend Frasure’s “Return to Calm Springs Listening Experience” in partnership with Rhythm House, Influence Media Partners and Warner Chappell at Soho House Nashville. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Influence Media Partners

Influence Media Partners and Warner Chappell Music Nashville have partnered with CMA Award-winning and Grammy-nominated songwriter, producer and DJ Jesse Frasure.

The companies are investing in Frasure’s full publishing catalog, encompassing more than 160 songs, with chart-topping hits such as “Dirt on My Boots” by Jon Pardi, “One Mississippi” by Kane Brown and “What’s Your Country Song” by Thomas Rhett, along with Frasure’s future works.

The deal was led by Frasure’s longtime collaborator, Warner Chappell Music Nashville President & CEO, Ben Vaughn, alongside Influence Media Founder & Co-Managing Partner, Lylette Pizarro.

“I’ve always been interested in surrounding myself with innovative thinkers in this business that have a fresh approach to the music industry. We knew from the moment we met Lylette, Lynn [Hazan], Rene [McLean] and the Influence team that this would be a perfect fit,” shares Frasure. “Finding partners that were not just interested in my catalog, but a continued creative relationship was huge for us. I believe Influence will be integral in championing songwriters like myself in and out of Nashville for years to come. I’m very grateful to Ben Vaughn and Spencer Nohe at Warner Chappell, Derek Crownover, Stevie Frasure and Vanna Moua for connecting the dots and making this partnership happen.”

Vaughn shares, “Jesse is a mega-talent and trendsetter in the Nashville songwriting community, and we’ve been lucky to work alongside him for several years now. He’s multi-talented as a writer, publisher and producer who’s always ahead of the curve and looking for the next great musical moment. His undeniable talent and relentless work ethic have landed him some of the biggest collaborations in country music, and with the support of Influence Media and our entire Warner Chappell Music Nashville team, the best is yet to come.”

Frasure, a multiple CMA Award and two-time BMI Songwriter of the Year winner, has written with and for artists such as Kacey Musgraves, Faith Hill, Tim McGraw, Kelsea Ballerini and more. Along with writing for Jay-Z’s Roc Nation, Frasure has co-written 22 No. 1 songs and produced an additional eight No. 1 songs for artists across genres. He recently nabbed the Song of the Year trophy for Cole Swindell’s “She Had Me at Heads Carolina” at the 2023 ACM Awards.

Last week, Frasure released his latest album, Return to Calm Springs, the sequel to his first debut instrumental EP Calm Springs, which he released under his artist name Telemitry in 2020. Frasure celebrated his album release and new partnership on Monday (Sept. 18) with a private listening event hosted by Influence Media, Warner Chapell Music and Rhythm House at Soho House Nashville.

In addition to the deal with Frasure, Influence Media has invested in several other country hitmakers, including Platinum-certified superstar Blake Shelton, ACM-winning singer-songwriter Nicolle Galyon, Grammy-winner Chris Tompkins and more.

“Jesse Frasure is the ultimate multi-hyphenate—songwriter, producer, artist, DJ, tastemaker and influencer—truly a rare, gifted breed,” says Pizarro. “His work is rooted in country but has a proven track record of reaching far wider audiences. We’re proud to have the opportunity to partner with Jesse & Stevie, their wonderful team at Rhythm House, and Ben & his amazing team at Warner Chappell Nashville—not only to become a co-custodian of his catalog but to support him as he redefines the future.”

Zach Bryan Leads Another Week On The MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart

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Zach Bryan leads another week on MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart, propelled by the success of his self-titled album.

Of the 16 songs from the album, Bryan wrote 11 of tracks by himself, and co-wrote the remaining five.

Ashley Gorley holds the No. 2 spot with Tracy Chapman in No. 3 for the second week. Jordan Schmidt has moved up to the No. 4 this week and Ryan Vojtesak rejoins the top five in the No. 5 spot.

The weekly MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart uses algorithms based upon song activity according to airplay, digital download 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.

 

NOW OPEN: Applications For MusicRow’s 2024 N.B.T. Music Industry Directory

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Applications are now open for MusicRow’s N.B.T. (Next Big Thing) Music Industry Directory. The final list will be featured in MusicRow‘s Touring/Next Big Thing print issue, which releases on Nov. 28.

MusicRow‘s N.B.T. Music Industry Directory showcases Nashville music business professionals who are rising through the ranks. This class of industry members occupy mid-level roles at their respective companies, and are on a trajectory of excellence to become future leaders in the Nashville music industry. Applicants should ideally have a minimum of 5 or more years experience in the music industry.

The Touring/Next Big Thing print edition also includes the annual Next Big Thing artists listing, with editorial features focused on the touring segment of our industry.

To apply for inclusion in this year’s edition of the N.B.T. Music Industry Directory, please click here to access the application form.

Please note that not all submissions are guaranteed to be listed in the directory. If you are submitting multiple candidates, you will need to click on SUBMIT at the bottom of the form before entering another candidate. Head shots can be sent to art@musicrow.com.

New submissions for the directory close on Wednesday, Sept. 27. For questions, email lbcantrell@musicrow.com.

To reserve ad space in the 2023/2024 Touring/Next Big Thing issue, contact srobertson@musicrow.com. Rate card information is available here.

Maren Morris ‘Freely Moving Forward’ Beyond Country Music

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Maren Morris. Photo: Morgan Foitle

Maren Morris is entering her next era of music in a new phase, “honoring where [she’s] been and what [she’s] achieved in country music, but also freely moving forward.”

The Grammy winner expressed her feelings about the next step of her journey with the release of a two-track EP, The Bridge. The project’s new tracks include “The Tree,” produced by Greg Kurstin, and “Get the Hell Out of Here,” produced by Jack Antonoff with Morris and Jimmy Robbins. Morris co-wrote both songs with Robbins and Laura Veltz.

The new music is released via Columbia Records out of New York, migrating Morris from Sony Music Nashville to the mainstream imprint.

About The Bridge, Morris shares, “These two songs are incredibly key to my next step because they express a very righteously angry and liberating phase of my life these last couple of years but also how my navigation is finally pointing towards the future, whatever that may be or sound like. Honoring where I’ve been and what I’ve achieved in country music, but also freely moving forward.

“‘The Tree’ is about a toxic ‘family tree’ burning itself to the ground. Halfway through, I realize it’s burning itself down without any of my help. This song evokes the pain of exhausting all your love and time for this person or ‘entity’ but realizing it’s just a draining, transactional relationship that isn’t nourishing in any healthy way. By the end of the song, I give myself permission to face the sun, plant new seeds where it’s safer to grow and realize that sometimes there IS greener grass elsewhere.”

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She adds, “‘Get the Hell Out of Here’ is the part two to the tree burning. Being quite literally burned out, this is a story of me feeling pulled in every direction, needing everyone else’s understanding and acceptance but my own and how self-destructive that ultimately became. I relinquish control of trying to change everyone’s mind or bad behavior and focus on my own power going forward. Doing the right thing can feel lonely at times, but there are more friends than foes, so I finally quit making myself one of them.’”

Youtube video

Since impacting country music in 2016 with her debut single “My Church,” Morris has released three critically acclaimed albums, 2016’s Hero, 2019’s Girl and 2022’s Humble Quest. In addition to a Grammy win and 17 nominations, Morris has won five ACM Awards, five CMA Awards and three Billboard Music Awards, with several additional wins and nominations. She’s broken streaming records and celebrated hits such as “80’s Mercedes”, “I Could Use a Love Song,” “Rich,” “Girl,” “The Bones,” “Circles Around This Town” and more, as well as her six-time Platinum collaboration with Zedd, “The Middle.”

Morris is about to wrap her arena tour with The Chicks in Canada, following a run of European dates and a sold-out headline show at London’s O2 Forum Kentish Town earlier this summer.

Bailey Zimmerman Brings ‘Religiously’ Back To Top On MusicRow Chart

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Bailey Zimmerman. Photo: Isaac Mason

Six weeks after topping the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart with “Religiously,” Bailey Zimmerman brings the song back to the top this week.

Appearing on Zimmerman’s full-length debut LP, Religiously. The Album., Zimmerman co-wrote the tune with Austin Shawn, Alex Palmer, Frank Romano and Marty James.

In his short career, Zimmerman has already surpassed 2.6 billion global streams to date. HIs career-launching EP, Leave The Light On, made history upon release as last year’s most-streamed all-genre debut.

“Religiously” currently sits at No. 7 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart and No. 2 on the Mediabase chart.

Click here to view the latest edition of The MusicRow Weekly containing the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart.

UMG Nashville Launches Capitol Comedy Nashville, Signs Comedian Nate Bargatze

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Pictured (L-R): Cindy Mabe, Nate Bargatze, Rob Femia and Chelsea Blythe. Photo: Chris Hollo

Universal Music Group Nashville has launched a new label, Capitol Comedy Nashville, with flagship comedian Nate Bargatze. The new comedy-centered imprint for the label group will bring Bargatze’s Hello, World! audio album to the masses on Sept. 15.

“Country music and comedy have always had a throughline connecting lifestyle and culture, sharing stories and character habits through humor,” says UMG Nashville Chair & CEO Cindy Mabe. “We’ve been forever linked going back to the early days of the Grand Ole Opry and classic country shows like Hee Haw where comedians shared billings with musical acts and helped us laugh at ourselves. As we are looking for further ways to reach audiences through storytelling, I feel there is no better time to re-link our comedy history together with the start of our new label, Capitol Comedy Nashville.

“It is a great honor to announce Nate Bargatze as our first comedian signed to Capitol Comedy Nashville,” Mabe continues. “Nate is an amazing storyteller who uses his own hysterical anecdotes from his life to connect with audiences everywhere. Through his unassuming, self-deprecating humor, Nate has built an incredible fanbase with his stand-up comedy and he most recently broke attendance records in Nashville at the Bridgestone Arena. We are so excited to welcome Nate to our label, and we can’t wait to grow the next era of storytelling through comedy.”

“I have wanted to expand not only my comedy but also build a world with the many talented comedians I know,” shares Bargatze. “This partnership is one of the first steps and I’m very thankful to have a guide and platform with Universal Music Group Nashville.”

Bargatze is a Grammy-nominated stand-up comedian with over twenty years of stand-up comedy success including Netflix specials The Tennessee Kid, Greatest Average American and The Stand-ups. His latest special Hello, World, broke the record as Amazon’s most-streamed original comedy special and earned critical praise from The New York Times, The Daily Beast, Decider, Deadline, Vulture and more. Bargatze also recently set a new attendance record at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville with nearly 20,000 tickets sold.

Hello, World! Track List:
1. Scheels
2. Old Hickory
3. Turtles Cold Blooded
4. Left & Right Part Of Brain
5. Being The First Born
6. No Happy Meal
7. Waitress Quitting
8. Nates Christian Parents
9. S*CKS
10. Middle Brother
11. Buying Ice
12. Being 40
13. Dr. Visits
14. Having Only Child
15. Eagles
16. Walking Dog
17. Nate Stays Up Late
18. Golfing With Wife
19. Nate Doesn’t Listen
20. Front Door Refinished