Andrew Jannakos Signs With Spirit Music Nashville

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Pictured (L-R, back row): Kara Jackson, Spirit Music Nashville; Matt Cottingham, Ritholz Levy Fields LLP; Frank Rogers, SMN; Mike Fiorentino, SMN; Derek Wells, SMN; Andrew Cohen, Cohencidence Projects; Anthony Stone, Cohencidence Projects; (front row): Andrew Jannakos

Andrew Jannakos has signed a worldwide publishing deal with Spirit Music Nashville.

The Sony Music Nashville artist first made waves with the release of his breakout single “Gone Too Soon” in September. Upon its release, he debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Emerging Artist Chart, and the track debuted at No. 12 on Billboard‘s Hot Country Songs chart and within the Hot 100. “Gone Too Soon” is currently impacting country radio nationwide and has amassed over 50 million on-demand streams to date.

The song was originally teased in July 2020 on Jannakos’ TikTok, when his girlfriend (now wife) posted a clip of him singing to the track while cooking dinner, and by the following morning, the post had racked up 250k likes. In four months time, he amassed 40 million TikTok views and 6 million likes with nearly 1 million followers across TikTok, Instagram and Facebook. Many of Jannakos’ followers know him from his run on season 16 of NBC’s The Voice.

“We are beyond excited to welcome Andrew to the Spirit Music family,” says Chief Executive Officer, Spirit Music Nashville, Frank Rogers. “We were fans from the very first note. He is a world class singer, songwriter and cook….according to him (I’m still waiting for that dinner invite, AJ). We are thrilled to partner with Andrew, his management team and Sony Music to bring his music to the world!”

“AJ has felt like family from the start… and we are thrilled to now make that official!” says Sr. Director A&R, Spirit Music Nashville, Derek Wells. “His voice as an artist and a writer speaks for itself and he’s just such a great human being. He is so representative of what we believe in signing here at Spirit Music Nashville and we’re excited to partner with him and his team for this ride. Fired up about this guy!” 

“You know, it’s pretty amazing that my job is to make music now,” says Jannakos. “I never thought I would have got this opportunity before, but here we are. And I can’t ever express my gratitude and thankfulness for my family over at Spirit Music Group—they have believed in me since the moment they heard my music and to me that’s everything. They have pushed me already to be the best songwriter I can be, and continue to every day. I’m so excited to be a part of the Spirit family and I can’t wait for y’all to hear the music we write!”

UMG Nashville & Interscope Partnering For Kacey Musgraves Album

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Kacey Musgraves. Photo: Catherine Powell

UMG Nashville and Interscope Records have announced a unique partnership under which the two labels will jointly release the forthcoming new album by multi-Grammy Award winning singer-songwriter Kacey Musgraves. Under the new partnership agreement, both labels will collaborate together on marketing, radio promotion and international marketing for Musgraves’ upcoming release, which is set for later this year.

“I have never worked with anyone whose cultural reach is so vast,” says UMG Nashville CEO & Chairman, Mike Dungan. “This artist and her music have thrived in so many diverse environments. Kacey, the music, and the career deserve the broadest base of experience and expertise. We have discussed some type of cross label partnership for her music for a couple of years now and this is the perfect fit. We’re excited to partner with our friends at Interscope on the next chapter of Kacey Musgraves.”

“Kacey’s music has never had boundaries,” adds UMG Nashville President, Cindy Mabe. “Her clever songwriting, adept storytelling, vulnerable and real emotional delivery, and her overall ‘take me or leave me’ spirit have translated through genre, time, space and culture. She simply connects. As we begin to set up her new music, it made sense to once again push the boundaries to reach more fans around the world as we continue to serve the fans who have been here from the beginning.”

“Kacey is one of the most powerful storytellers in music today, a true albums artist who creates potent song collections that are timeless,” says Interscope Geffen A&M Chairman & CEO John Janick. “We are truly delighted to have her as part of our Interscope Records family and look forward to working alongside the UMG Nashville team and her manager Jason Owen to deliver this important project to audiences around the world.”

Musgraves’ 2018 album Golden Hour earned her third No. 1 debut on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart and distinguished her as the third artist ever to take home Album of the Year at the Grammy Awards, CMA Awards, and ACM Awards. In support of the album, Musgraves played the biggest venues of her career, including New York City’s Radio City Music Hall and her first headlining arena show at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena. She also became the first-ever female country artist to play Coachella.

Now Open: Submissions For MusicRow’s 2021 Annual Artist Roster Issue

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Submissions for MusicRow‘s upcoming Artist Roster print issue are now being accepted through next Wednesday, April 28, 2021 with the official form below. Previously included companies will be solicited separately.

This issue includes the Artist Roster directory, featuring company listings and rosters for Nashville record labels, managers, publicists, lawyers, talent agents, publicity and artist services companies (business managers, digital music, legal, marketing, radio promotion, and organizations).

Applications are now closed.

For advertising opportunities in the Artist Roster print issue, email Sherod Robertson at srobertson@musicrow.com. Rate card information is available here. For questions regarding directory, please email LB Cantrell at lbcantrell@musicrow.com.

Luke Bryan Wins Top Honor; Carrie Underwood, Alan Jackson Shine At ACM Awards

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Hosts Mickey Guyton, Keith Urban. Photo: Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for ACM

The Academy of Country Music Awards returned to Nashville last night (April 18) with Keith Urban and Mickey Guyton serving as hosts while performances and award presentations commenced at three iconic country music venues—the Grand Ole Opry House, the Ryman Auditorium, and the Bluebird Cafe.

Luke Bryan won the night’s top honor, Entertainer of the Year. Maren Morris, Thomas Rhett, Chris Stapleton, Old Dominion, Dan + Shay, and Carly Pearce and Lee Brice were also among the televised winners.

The show kicked off at the Grand Ole Opry House with Miranda Lambert and Elle King performing their lively new duet, “Drunk (And I Don’t Wanna Go Home),” clothed in leather jackets with colorful fringe.

Urban and Guyton welcomed viewers, and pointed out that healthcare workers from Vanderbilt Health were in attendance, socially distanced in the seats.

Chris Young and Video of the Year winner Kane Brown started things off at the Ryman Auditorium with a performance of their duet, “Famous Friends.” Over at the Bluebird Cafe, Lambert joined Stapleton on his tear-jerking song about his lost dog, “Maggie.”

In his first appearance since his car accident, Blanco Brown was on hand to present the first award of the night. Group of the Year was awarded to Old Dominion, their fourth time winning the honor.

Old Dominion. Photo: Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for ACM

Morris and Ryan Hurd came together for a romantic performance of their duet, “Chasing You,” before Lady A lit up Nashville’s Bridge Building stage with their snazzy “Like A Lady.” New Female Artist of the Year Gabby Barrett performed an intimate version of “The Good Ones” from the Bluebird Cafe.

Darius Rucker presented Song of the Year to “The Bones” songwriters: Morris, Jimmy Robbins and Laura Veltz. “Song of the year is something that I’ve dreamt of for so long,” an emotional Morris said when accepting the award.

Maren Morris. Photo: Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for ACM

Dierks Bentley performed from The Station Inn, honoring late venue owner JT Gray by singing U2’s “Pride (In The Name of Love).” The War and Treaty and Larkin Poe joined Bentley for the bluegrass-tinged anthem.

Carrie Underwood did a breathtaking medley of gospel songs from her new My Savior album, starting with an a cappella rendition of “Amazing Grace,” before being joined by gospel great CeCe Winans and a choir for “Great Is Thy Faithfulness” and “The Old Rugged Cross.” Underwood finished her performance with a stunning finale—”How Great Thou Art.”

Carrie Underwood. Photo: Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for ACM

Another country superstar, Eric Church, followed Underwood with “Bunch of Nothing” from his brand new album Heart.

Dan + Shay did an acoustic version of their “Glad You Exist” at the Bluebird. Luke Combs performed “Forever After All” with a socially distanced orchestra. Lambert, the most awarded artist in ACM history, performed “In His Arms” with Jon Randall and Jack Ingram. The tune is on their upcoming album, The Marfa Tapes.

New Male Artist of the Year Jimmie Allen sang his and Brad Paisley‘s duet “Freedom Was A Highway.” Paisley—who was supposed to be out of town—surprised Allen by joining him on stage just in time for his verse at the Bluebird Cafe.

Martina McBride presented the Single of the Year award to a thrilled Carly Pearce and Lee Brice for “I Hope You’re Happy Now,” which also took home Music Event of the Year before the April 18th broadcast. McBride noted that for the first time in ACM history, all nominees for the Single of the Year category were songs performed by a woman.

Lee Brice, Carly Pearce. Photo: Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for ACM

Kenny Chesney performed his heartbreaker, “Knowing You,” from the Grand Ole Opry. Ashley McBryde performed her thrilling “Martha Divine” from the Nashville Bride Building stage.

Alan Jackson took the Ryman stage next, performing a mashup of his “Drive (For Daddy Gene)” and new tune from his upcoming album, called “You’ll Always Be My Baby.” Photos of his family lit up the stage behind him. The latter tune was written for his daughters’ weddings.

Alan Jackson. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for ACM

Blake Shelton performed his breakout hit “Austin,” which is celebrating its 20th birthday. He then launched in to his newest single, “Minimum Wage.”

Dolly Parton introduced the ever-charming Leslie Jordan via video message. Jordan—who introduced himself as “portable wagoner”—presented Duo of the Year to Dan + Shay. The grateful duo accepted their award from the Bluebird Cafe.

Photo: Getty Images / Courtesy of the Academy of Country Music

Next, Pearce and Brice took the stage to perform their Single of the Year and Music Event of the Year winner, “I Hope You’re Happy Now.” Guyton gave a soulful performance of “Hold On,” and co-host Urban performed a rocking song “Tumbleweed” from his newest album, The Speed of Now Part 1.

Ingrid Andress presented Male Artist of the Year to Rhett, marking his third win in the category, and eighth win overall. Rhett also performed his brand new song “Country Again” and followed up with the premiere of “What’s Your Country Song.”

Thomas Rhett. Photo: Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for ACM

East Tennessee natives Kelsea Ballerini and Kenny Chesney shined on “Half of My Hometown.”

Clay Walker presented Album of the Year to Stapleton for Starting Over. Stapleton accepted the award from the Bluebird Cafe. Then, Amy Grant presented Female Artist of the Year to Morris.

Thee-fourths of Little Big Town performed their raucous “Wine, Beer, Whiskey” from the streets of downtown Nashville. Phillip Sweet, who was at home due to a diagnosis with COVID, introduced the band via video.

The final award, Entertainer of the Year, was presented by the hosts to Bryan, his third time winning the award and his tenth ACM win overall. The American Idol judge accepted it via live stream video from Los Angeles. Bryan thanked the Capitol Nashville team, his manager Kerri Edwards, his crew, his family, and country music fans. “Oh my God! Y’all got me. What an honor,” Bryan said. “I miss being on the road. It’s what makes me an entertainer. We’ll be back out there doing what we love soon.”

Brothers Osborne performed their new song “I’m Not For Everyone,” and then closed the show with “Dead Man’s Curve.”

Brothers Osborne. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for ACM)

Winners Revealed For 56th ACM Awards

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The 56th Academy of Country Music Awards returned to Nashville tonight (April 18), featuring performances from three iconic venues—the Grand Ole Opry House, the Ryman Auditorium, and the Bluebird Cafe. Hosted by Keith Urban and Mickey Guyton, the broadcast aired live on CBS Television Network.

Early winners announced before the broadcast include Jimmie Allen and Gabby Barrett winning ACM New Male and Female Artist of the Year, Carly Pearce and Lee Brice earning Music Event of the Year for their smash duet “I Hope You’re Happy Now,” and Kane Brown winning Video of the Year for “Worldwide Beautiful.” The ACM Radio Winners were also announced.

The first winner revealed during the broadcast was awarded to Old Dominion for Group of the Year, making this their fourth consecutive win.

Maren Morris won Female Artist of the Year and Song of the Year for “The Bones.” Morris now has six ACM Award career wins, making this her second Female Artist of the Year win and a first category win for Song of the Year, awarding her both artist and songwriter credits. Jimmy Robbins and Laura Veltz each received songwriter credits.

Carly Pearce and Lee Brice won Single of the Year for “I Hope You’re Happy Now,” already winning Music Event of the Year for their collaboration this past week. This marks Pearce’s first time wins in two separate categories, and Brice’s third win for Single of the Year making this his seventh overall ACM Award win. The late producer busbee was awarded posthumously with Single of the Year and Music Event of the Year.

Thomas Rhett won Male Artist of the Year, marking his third win, eighth win overall.

Dan + Shay won Duo of the Year, making this their third consecutive win, fifth win overall.

Chris Stapleton won Album of the Year, with an additional win for producer for Starting Over. Stapleton has had twelve ACM wins overall.

The Academy’s highest honor, Entertainer of the Year, was awarded to Luke Bryan making this his tenth win overall and third for Entertainer of the Year.

Winners for the 56th ACM Awards are highlighted below:

GROUP OF THE YEAR:
Lady A
Little Big Town
Old Dominion
The Cadillac Three
The Highwomen

DUO OF THE YEAR:
Brooks & Dunn
Brothers Osborne
Dan + Shay
Florida Georgia Line
Maddie & Tae

FEMALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR:
Kelsea Ballerini
Miranda Lambert
Ashley McBryde
Maren Morris
Carly Pearce

MALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR:
Dierks Bentley
Eric Church
Luke Combs
Thomas Rhett
Chris Stapleton

ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR:
Luke Bryan
Eric Church
Luke Combs
Thomas Rhett
Chris Stapleton

SINGLE OF THE YEAR [Awarded to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company–Label(s)]:
Bluebird – Miranda Lambert
– Producer: Jay Joyce
– Record Label: Vanner Records/RCA Records Nashville

I Hope – Gabby Barrett
– Producers: Ross Copperman, Zach Kale
– Record Label: Warner Music Nashville

I Hope You’re Happy Now – Carly Pearce & Lee Brice
– Producers: busbee
– Record Label: Big Machine Records / Curb Records

More Hearts Than Mine – Ingrid Andress
– Producers: Ingrid Andress, Sam Ellis
– Record Label: Warner Music Nashville

The Bones – Maren Morris
– Producer: Greg Kurstin
– Record Label: Columbia Nashville

NEW FEMALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR:
Ingrid Andress
Tenille Arts
Gabby Barrett
Mickey Guyton
Caylee Hammack

NEW MALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR:
Jimmie Allen
Travis Denning
HARDY
Cody Johnson
Parker McCollum

SONG OF THE YEAR [Awarded to Songwriter(s)/Publisher(s)/Artist(s)]:
Bluebird – Miranda Lambert
– Songwriter(s): Luke Dick, Miranda Lambert, Natalie Hemby
– Publishers: Emileon Songs; Little Louder Songs; Pink Dog Publishing; Songs of Universal, INC; Sony ATV Tree Publishing; Wrucke for You Publishing

One Night Standards – Ashley McBryde
– Songwriter(s): Ashley McBryde, Nicolette Hayford, Shane McAnally
– Publishers: Canned Biscuit Songs; Smackworks Music; Smack Blue, LLC; Smackstreet Music; Tempo Investments; Warner Geo Met Ric Music; Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp

Some People Do – Old Dominion
– Songwriter(s): Jesse Frasure, Matt Ramsey, Thomas Rhett, Shane McAnally
– Publishers: Carrot Seed Songs; EMI Blackwood Music INC; Smackville Music; Songs of ROC Nation; Telemitry Rhythm House Music; Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp; Smack Hits; Tempo Investments; Warner Gro Met Ric Music

Starting Over – Chris Stapleton
– Songwriter(s): Chris Stapleton, Mike Henderson
– Publishers: I Wrote These Songs; Straight Six Music; WC Music Corp

The Bones – Maren Morris
– Songwriter(s): Jimmy Robbins, Maren Morris, Laura Veltz
– Publishers: Big Machine Music, LLC; Extraordinary Alien Publishing; International Dog Music; Oh Denise Publishing; Round Hill Songs; Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp.

ALBUM OF THE YEAR [Awarded to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company–Label(s)]:
Born Here Live Here Die Here – Luke Bryan
– Producers: Jeff Stevens, Jody Stevens
– Record Label: Capitol Records Nashville

Mixtape Vol. 1 – Kane Brown
– Producers: Andrew Goldstein, Charlie Handsome, Dann Huff, Lindsay Rimes
– Record Label: RCA Nashville

Never Will – Ashley McBryde
– Producer: Jay Joyce
– Record Label: Warner Music Nashville

Skeletons – Brothers Osborne
– Producer: Jay Joyce
– Record Label: EMI Records Nashville

Starting Over – Chris Stapleton
– Producers: Chris Stapleton, Dave Cobb
– Record Label: Mercury Nashville

VIDEO OF THE YEAR [Awarded to Producer(s)/Director(s)/Artist(s)]:
Better Than We Found It – Maren Morris
– Director: Gabrielle Woodland
– Producers: Sarah Kunin, Jennifer Pepke

Bluebird – Miranda Lambert
– Director: Trey Fanjoy
– Producer: Heather Levenstone

Gone – Dierks Bentley
– Directors: Wes Edwards, Ed Pryor, Travis Nicholson, Running Bear and Sam Siske, with animation by Skylar Wilson
– Producer: David Garcia

Hallelujah – Carrie Underwood and John Legend
– Director: Randee St. Nicholas
– Producer: Greg Wells

Worldwide Beautiful – Kane Brown
– Director: Alex Alvga
– Producer: Christen Pinkston

MUSIC EVENT OF THE YEAR (Tie Within Category Increased Nominees) [Awarded to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company–Label(s)]:
Be A Light – Thomas Rhett featuring Reba McEntire, Hillary Scott, Chris Tomlin, Keith Urban
– Producer: Dann Huff
– Record Label: The Valory Music Co.

Does To Me – Luke Combs featuring Eric Church
– Producer: Scott Moffatt
– Record Label: River House Artists/Columbia Nashville

I Hope You’re Happy Now – Carly Pearce & Lee Brice
– Producer: busbee
– Record Label: Big Machine Records / Curb Records

Nobody But You – Blake Shelton featuring Gwen Stefani
– Producer: Scott Hendricks
– Record Label: Warner Music Nashville

One Beer – HARDY featuring Lauren Alaina & Devin Dawson
– Producers: Derek Wells, Joey Moi
– Record Label: Big Loud Records

One Too Many – Keith Urban, P!nk
– Producers: Cutfather, Dan McCarroll, Keith Urban, PhD
– Record Label: Capitol Records Nashville

Sam Hunt Lands At No. 1 On The MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart

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Occupying the top spot this week on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Chart is Sam Hunt’s “Breaking Up Was Easy In The 90’s.” The track was written by Hunt, Zach Crowell, Chris LaCorte, Josh Osborne, and Ernest K Smith. It appears on Hunt’s Platinum album, SOUTHSIDE, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard country albums chart. 

The music video for “Breaking Up Was Easy In The 90’s” has garnered over 3.8 million views on YouTube.

It was reported last May that Hunt’s Southside Summer Tour 2020 was canceled due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Travis Denning was slated to open the shows alongside Kip Moore and Ernest. No announcement has been made regarding the rescheduling of this tour for 2021.

Click here or above to view the latest edition of The MusicRow Weekly.

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Thomas Rhett To Launch The Center Point Road Tour In August

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Thomas Rhett announced he’ll kick off his headlining Center Point Road Tour later this year on August 13 with back-to-back nights in Orange Beach, Alabama. Special guests Cole Swindell and Gabby Barrett will join him when he returns to the road this summer.

Previously purchased tickets will be honored accordingly for the rescheduled dates, while tickets for newly-announced dates go on sale to the public Friday, April 23.

“I can’t even put into words what getting back out on the road means to me, my band and crew,” Rhett shared. “We’ve dreamt about this moment for a long time and I feel more rejuvenated and excited than ever to get back out there as safely as possible to connect in-person over live music again, especially with so much new material to share. There’s no feeling in the world like it—see y’all out there!”

Rhett is gearing up for the release of his upcoming fifth studio double album Country Again: Side A out April 30 via The Valory Music Co. The lead single from the project, “What’s Your Country Song,” became his 17th career No. 1, and his 11th consecutive chart-topper—the longest active streak in the format.

2021 The Center Point Road Tour Dates:
8/13/2021- Orange Beach, AL – The Wharf Amphitheater^
8/14/2021- Orange Beach, AL – The Wharf Amphitheater^
8/20/2021- Bangor, ME – Darling’s Waterfront Pavilion
8/21/2021- Hartford, CT – Xfinity Theatre
8/22/2021 – Canandaigua, NY – CMAC
8/26/2021- Wantagh, NY – Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater
8/27/2021- Philadelphia, PA – BB&T Pavilion
8/28/2021- Bristow, VA – Jiffy Lube Live
8/29/2021- Cuyahoga Falls, OH – Blossom Music Center*
9/3/2021-  West Palm Beach, FL – iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre
9/4/2021-  Tampa, FL – MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre
9/16/2021- Syracuse, NY – St. Joseph’s Health Amphitheater at Lakeview*+
9/17/2021- Holmdel, NJ – PNC Bank Arts Center* +
9/18/2021- Boston, MA – Xfinity Center+
9/23/2021 – Cincinnati, OH – Riverbend Music Center*
9/24/2021- Indianapolis, IN – Ruoff Music Center*
9/25/2021- Chicago, IL – Hollywood Casino Amphitheater
10/1/2021- Birmingham, AL – Oak Mountain Amphitheatre*
10/2/2021- St. Louis, MO – Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre*
10/3/2021- Rogers, AR – Walmart AMP
10/7/2021 – Columbia, MD – Merriweather Post Pavilion
10/8/2021- Charlotte, NC – PNC Music Pavilion*
10/9/2021- Raleigh, NC – Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek*

* Indicates rescheduled tour date    
^ Indicates Openers Rhett Akins and Gabby Barrett
+ Indicates Openers Cole Swindell and Conner Smith

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Tim McGraw, Brian Kelley, Lanco, Kat & Alex

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Tim McGraw. Photo: Robby Klein

Country’s big boys are strutting their stuff in today’s edition of DisClaimer.

And at what better time, with the ACM Awards set to air on Sunday night? So Luke Bryan, Lanco, Brian Kelley of FGL, Thomas Rhett and Jameson Rodgers are on tap with new songs. They are all bested by a superstar veteran, Tim McGraw, who nails down the Disc of the Day award.

This is a male-dominated stack of sounds, but there are three female voices worth your attention this week. One of them is the enduringly great Miranda Lambert, singing with Jack Ingram and Jon Randall and recorded in the great outdoors. Secondly, don’t miss the fiery Maggie Rose performance.

Third is our DisCovery Award winning duo Kat & Alex. Kat Luna sings lead on “Heartbreak Tour.” Partner Alex Garrido shines just a brightly on “You and the Radio.” Here’s a sweet touch: The eliminated American Idol alumni were married in January.

JAMESON RODGERS / “Good Dogs”
Writers: Jameson Rodgers/Hunter Phelps/Jake Mitchell/Brent Anderson; Producer: Chris Farren/Jake Mitchell; Label: River House Artists/Columbia Nashville
— For doggie lovers everywhere. It’s a raspy-voiced, slow meditation on life and mortality that concludes “good dogs don’t live long enough.”

THOMAS RHETT / “Country Again”
Writers: Thomas Rhett/Zach Crowell/Ashley Gorley; Producer: Dann Huff/Jesse Frasure; Label: Valory Music Co.
— He went Hollywood, but now he’s back to drinking beer, hunting, fishing, wearing boots, going to church, loving his honey, sitting at a campfire and hanging out in Tennessee. Ho hum.

KARISSA ELLA / “Maybe It Was Memphis”
Writers: Michael James Anderson; Producer: Zach Farnum & Karissa Ella; Label: Orchard/117 Entertainment
— The acoustic production is admirable. But her vocal performance is sharp and pitch-y. It doesn’t help that she’s asking for comparison to a Pam Tillis oldie that was a dang-near perfect record the first time around.

KAT & ALEX / “Heartbreak Tour”
Writers: Alex Georgia/Kat Georgia; Producer: Brad Hill; Label: Sony Music Nashville
— They are billed as “Country-Latin disrupters,” whatever that means. All I know is that the sound is very cool. Their harmonies are stellar. The production is echoey-groovy. The chorus is one massive hook. Turn it up. I’m in. Also check out their super rhythmic and equally hooky “You and the Radio.”

MANNY BLU / “Train”
Writers: Jessi Alexander/Ryan Beaver/JT Harding; Producer: Aaron Eshuis; Label: MB
— It’s a frothing rocker with loads of energy and sizzle. He’s asking for her love to “hit me like a train.” The rhythm section and electric guitar kick serious butt behind his youthful wail.

TIM McGRAW / “God Moves the Pen”
Writers: James Slater/Tony Lane; Producer: Byron Gallimore/Tim McGraw; Label: Big Machine Records
— Awesome. This man is a superstar for a reason. Is there anyone else in country music who chooses superb songs this consistently? This brisk tempo outing is a string of terrific lines about love and the act of writing. What a wonderfully satisfying country artist.

JACK INGRAM, MIRANDA LAMBERT, JON RANDALL / “Am I Right or Amarillo”
Writers: Jack Ingram/Miranda Lambert/Jon Randall; Producer: Jack Ingram/Miranda Lambert/Jon Randall; Label: Vanner Records/RCA Records Label Nashville
— Acoustic bliss with outdoor trio harmonies. It’s a honky-tonk cheatin’ song dressed up like a folk tune. Lovely listening. The Marfa Tapes album by these three stellar tunesmiths drops on May 7.

LANCO / “First Beer”
Writers: Brandon Lancaster/Tripp Howell/Jaren Johnson; Producer: Dann Huff; Label: Arista Nashville
— I fell in love with this right away. The nostalgic lyric is extremely well written, and the echoey, upbeat audio setting is perfect for the wistful mood. This act never disappoints.

BRIAN KELLEY / “Beach Cowboy”
Writers: Blake Redferrin/Brian Kelley/Jake Rose; Producer: Brian Kelley/Corey Crowder/Jake Rose; Label: Nashville South Records Inc/Warner Music Nashville
— Mellow, like summer in the Southern sun. The repetitive song is slim pickin’s, but this outing is all about the groove. Get baked and lay back stoned.

LUKE BRYAN / “Waves”
Writers: Zach Crowell/Ryan Hurd/Chase McGill; Producer: Jeff Stevens/Jody Stevens; Label: Capitol Records Nashville
— Highly evocative. It will bring back memories of every beach-spent summer of your youth while the swirling rhythm and anthemic production dazzle your brain today. Bryan’s vocal is one of the most passionate of his career.

CARL RAY / “I Can See Clearly Now”
Writers: Johnny Nash; Producer: none listed; Label: CRW
— Black country singer Carl Ray (Williams) was mentored by the late Johnny Nash, who gave him his start. Ray takes Nash’s million-selling 1972 reggae-tinged pop chart topper, adds his own lyric contributions and reinterprets the tempo to become a country rocker. Intriguing. And the message of hope is timeless.

MAGGIE ROSE / “What Are We Fighting For”
Writers: Alex Haddad/Larry Florman/Maggie Rose; Producer: Ben Tanner; Label: Starstruck
— I remain a massive fan of this blue-eyed soul stylist. This torrid, slow-burn performance is equal parts gospel emotion and blues ambiance. The woman should be some kinda superstar.

Taylor Swift Makes Top 10 On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart

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Taylor Swift appears at No. 9 on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart, as “Love Story” and “You All Over Me” from her re-recorded version of her 2008 Fearless appear on the country sales and airplay charts.

Jesse Frasure maintains the No. 1 position this week with credits on Blake Shelton’s “Minimum Wage,” Thomas Rhett’s “What’s Your Country Song,” Jordan Davis’ “Almost Maybes,” and Michael Ray’s “Whiskey And Rain.”

Corey Crowder remains at No. 2 this week on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart, and Josh Osborne stays at No. 3.

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.

BMI Elevates Leslie Roberts, Josh Tomlinson

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Leslie Roberts, Josh Tomlinson

BMI announced today (April 12) the promotion of Leslie Roberts to Assistant Vice President, Creative, Nashville.

Roberts, who has been at BMI for 11 years, provides guidance for BMI songwriters both creatively and administratively, and helps coordinate showcases, seminars, and other events in BMI’s stacked calendar. This year, she has been integral in re-signing BMI affiliates such as Parker Welling and Thomas Rhett. She is responsible for planning and hosting the BMI Christian Awards and co-hosting the BMI Country Awards and is involved with college programs and outreach such as Catalog Cast, which has expanded to three additional universities this year. Roberts also oversees record company rosters and represents BMI within the AIMP and the Gospel Music Association.

Roberts will continue to work closely with Vice President, Creative, Nashville, Clay Bradley, and will be responsible for ongoing outreach, support, and career guidance for BMI affiliates and the songwriting community in Nashville. Additionally, she will provide further direction for the office’s team of Creative representatives.

BMI also announced the promotion of Josh Tomlinson to Director, Creative, Nashville.

Tomlinson joined BMI in 2016 after graduating from Belmont University, and since joining the company, has expanded his role from working in the country genre to include the full scope of Nashville’s multi-genre music community. He has also taken over the management of BMI’s ongoing participation in local showcase, 8 Off 8th, and is instrumental in the execution of BMI’s Rooftop on the Row series. Tomlinson also serves as the Nashville liaison for BMI’s Partnership and Events team.

Bradley says, “Leslie’s contributions to our Creative department and her commitment to songwriters is invaluable. She is a highly respected member of our community and has built incredible relationships within the industry. For years, songwriters from all genres coming out of Nashville have benefitted from her experience and expertise, so this promotion is truly well deserved. I’m also excited to recognize Josh’s dedication and passion for our writers. He’s always looking for new ways to support the local creative community and I know he’ll continue that with even more drive and enthusiasm in his new role. I appreciate everything that Leslie and Josh do every day for our affiliates.”