DISClaimer Single Reviews: Nicolle Galyon Gives A Lesson In ‘Self Care’

Unlike county music, the Americana field is brimming with female headliners.

This edition of DISClaimer spotlights seven of them–Joy Oladokun, Larkin Poe, Sierra Ferrell, Michelle Branch, Karen Waldrup, Nicolle Galyon and Kelsey Waldon. Waldrup is probably the best singer of the bunch, and Branch has the best production. Galyon has the songwriting chops, and Larkin Poe rocks hardest.

Mind you, there are male contenders, too, notably Nathaniel Rateliff, Devon Gilfillian, Sam Bush, The Milk Carton Kids and the Lone Bellow.

The easiest choice to make is the DISCovery Award. That’s a tossup, shared by Devon Gilfillian and Sierra Ferrell, two Nashville artists who demonstrate how diverse Music City’s sounds are.

Our songwriting community has produced few talents as bright as Nicolle Galyon. In a highly competitive stack of sounds, she wins the Disc of the Day.

THE LONE BELLOW / “Unicorn”
Writers: Zach Williams/Trent Dabbs/Brian Elmquist; Producers: Brian Elmquist/Jacob Sooter; Label: Dualtone
–Enchanting. Lead singer Zach Williams croons an echoey love lyric that swoons with cloud-like beauty. You’ll find this gorgeous gem on the band’s new Love Songs for Losers Collection. And you should. At once.

JORDY & JOY OLADOKUN / “I Get High”
Writers: none listed; Producer: Drew Polovick; Label: 300 Entertainment
–Rising pop artist Jordy teams with Americana star Oladokun as his collaborator on this new version of his elegant, escapist stoner anthem. Multiple sonic layers pile sound on sound as they swirl in tune. Joy Oladokun performed at the White House on Tuesday to celebrate President Biden signing the Respect for Marriage Act (as did Cyndi Lauper and Sam Smith). Oladokun also dropped a new single this week. It’s a dramatic anthem called “Power” from the soundtrack of an Al Sharpton documentary.

SIERRA FERRELL / “Hey Me, Hey Mama”
Writers: Ray Charles/Jack Lamontagne; Producer: none listed; Label: Rounder
–I’m still waiting for her sophomore album to drop. In the meantime, this jaunty, bluesy, acoustic performance will have to do. Sierra has haunted me all year long. She’s playing a hometown show at Brooklyn Bowl on New Year’s Eve. If you’ve never seen her live, I urge you to do so. She’s a superb showoman, just as dynamic on stage as she is on records. Also, Ferrell is on the bill of “Hello From the Hills,” an all-star Kentucky benefit concert at City Winery on Jan. 7.

DEVON GILFILLIAN / “Let the Water Flow”
Writers: Devon Gilfillian/Ran Jackson/Henry Brill; Producer: Jeremy Lutitio; Label: Fantasy
–This Nashvillian first attracted my attention with his audacious re-recording of Marvin Gaye’s masterpiece What’s Going On. He has also emerged as a champion of social justice. “Let the Water Flow” was issued to coincide with our recent mid-term elections. It’s a soulful plea for voting rights and true democracy. The slow, deliberate ballad depicts Georgia folks standing and suffering for hours, just to cast a vote. A gospel organ and choir gradually come into the mix, lending the track extra power.

SAM BUSH / “Radio John”
Writers: Sam Bush/John Pennell; Producer: none listed; Label: Smithsonian Folkways
–This is the title tune of a tribute CD to the late John Hartford. Bush and band kick up serious instrumental dust while the singer-songwriter wails the lyric reflecting Hartford’s biography and music. Joyous, dazzling and pulse-quickening.

KELSEY WALDON / ”Sweet Little Girl”
Writer: Kelsey Waldon; Producer: Shooter Jennings; Label: Oh Boy
The Washington Post has declared that Kelsey Waldon’s current No Regular Dog collection is “this year’s best country album.” Her single from it is a thumping, moody, fiddle-embellished country rocker with loads of echoey atmosphere and a lyric about a lost soul on the Hillbilly Highway. The talented Waldon is booked to play The Station Inn tomorrow night (Dec. 16).

NATHANIEL RATELIFF & THE NIGHT SWEATS / “Face Down in the Moment”
Writer: Nathaniel Rateliff; Producers: Brad Cook/RMB/Elijah Thomson; Label: Stax
–I remain a big fan. As always, this act pours soul and passion into its stately performance. A steady, marching tempo is the backdrop for Rateliff’s emoting. The track becomes ever more dense, soaring and audio loaded as it moves toward its finale. This has deservedly become a big Americana hit.

NICOLLE GALYON / “Self Care”
Writers: Nicolle Galyon/Sasha Sloan/Caroline Baker; Producers: King Henry/Jimmy Robbins; Label: Songs & Daughters
–This Nashville tunesmith’s album is a garden of delights. I’m particularly fond of this emphasis track. It is simultaneously tuneful and conversational, poetic and catchy. The lyric is about eschewing botox, hair dye, self-improvement, spiritual expansion and the like in favor of loving who you are, just as you are. “I think I like me,” indeed. An essential for your playlist.

KAREN WALDRUP / “All American Mistake”
Writers: Marcus Hummon/Stephanie Chapman; Producers: Biff Watson/Paul Worley; Label: KW
–Waldrup’s second album, Kendall County Road, is just as potent as her first was. Its emphasis track is the tale of a hopeful survivor. She stumbles in marriage but emerges with a baby she loves. As before, her country vocal is a beacon of truth and believability.

THE MILK CARTON KIDS / “Running on Sweet Smile”
Writers: Joey Ryan/Kenneth Pattengale; Producer: Kenneth Pattengale; Label: Far Cry/Thirty Tigers
–This lilting ditty is a sneak peak at the acoustic duo’s 2023 album. It maintains the team’s sweet, folkie charm, but the sound has moved from that of an old-timey country duo and more toward Simon & Garfunkel territory. Highly recommended.

LARKIN POE / “Southern Comfort”
Writer: Rebecca Lovell; Producers: Larkin Poe/Tyler Bryant; Label: Tricki-Woo
Blood Harmony is the new, sixth album by this Nashville rock duo of sisters. This is its single, an electrified stomper about missing your roots. Compelling listening, as is always the case with these strong attitude women.

MICHELLE BRANCH / “Not My Lover”
Writer: Michelle Branch; Producers: Patrick Carney/Michelle Branch; Label: Audio Eagle/Nonesuch/Warner
–Sensual and kinda dreamy, this pop-rock outing features her breathy soprano vocals contrasted with a danceable, irresistibly rhythmic track. The production and perfect audio mix are stellar. Well worth your spins.

Academy Of Country Music Officially Opens New Nashville Headquarters [See Inside]

Pictured (L-R): Paul Moore, Parliamentarian, ACM Board of Directors; Randy Bernard, Vice President, ACM Board of Directors; Ebie McFarland, Vice-Chair, ACM Board of Directors; Chuck Aly, Chairman, ACM Board of Directors; Parker McCollum, reigning ACM New Male Artist of the Year; Damon Whiteside, CEO, ACM; Lainey Wilson, reigning ACM New Female Artist of the Year and three-time ACM Award winner; Nashville Mayor John Cooper; Deana Ivey, President, Nashville Convention and Visitors Corp; Ben Weprin, CEO and Founder, AJ Capital Partners. Photo: Courtesy of the ACM

The Academy Of Country has cut the ribbon and opened the doors to its new headquarters in Nashville. After nearly 60 years on the West Coast, the Academy now resides in the growing Wedgewood Houston neighborhood of Music City.

Photo: Digital Love courtesy of the ACM

ACM CEO Damon Whitside presided over the grand opening ceremony. Special guests and featured speakers in attendance included reigning ACM New Male and Female Artists of the Year Parker McCollum and Lainey Wilson; Nashville Mayor John Cooper; Deana Ivey of the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp; AJ Capital Partners CEO and Founder Ben Weprin; and ACM officials including Academy Board of Director Officers and members.

“I have to pinch myself right now, because this literally feels like a dream,” Whiteside shared at the ceremony. “It’s been three years in the making, and I just can’t believe, looking out on everybody’s faces, that we’re here. Welcome to the new Academy of Country Music headquarters!”

“I am thrilled to welcome the Academy of Country Music to their new home in Nashville. What better place for the Academy to put down their roots than the capital of Country Music itself,” said Nashville Mayor John Cooper. “I’m grateful to ACM CEO Damon Whiteside and the ACM Board of Directors for their commitment to Nashville and for bringing yet another outstanding cultural institution to our great city.”

After hearing from ACM officials and speakers, guests toured the new space in the Nashville Warehouse Co. Building. Throughout the office there are art installments, historical artifacts, and pieces of design that reference the six-decade history of the Academy of Country Music.

Pictured (L-R): Lorie Lytle, Chair, Board of Directors, ACM Lifting Lives, and Lyndsay Cruz, Executive Director, ACM Lifting Lives. Photo: Courtesy of the ACM

The new office features a state-of-the-art content studio for capturing original media with artists, songwriters, producers, and industry professionals. It was named after the late Lisa Lee, a beloved longtime Academy staffer and passionate country music champion who passed away in 2021. There is also a full performance stage and event lounge to host and showcase established and emerging artists from across the musical landscape, paying homage to the Academy’s first unofficial Awards banquet at the Red Barrel club in Southern California in 1964.

It’s clear that the Academy’s intention is to create a space where the Nashville music business and artist community feels welcome to come to. ACM winners McCollum and Wilson talked about the impact the ACMs have had on their careers when they spoke at ribbon cutting.

“This award show captured my attention as a really small kid watching on television. My sister and I would sit on the ground in front of the TV and watch, not that she probably thought that I would ever be up there on that stage or be here today, but it was certainly in my mind,” McCollum said, with the Academy of Country Music’s logo on the wall behind him. “So just to even have that behind me right now, speaking about something like this as an award winner, it’s just crazy. Not something I take for granted, certainly.”

Photo: Digital Love courtesy of the ACM

“What an unforgettable year it was for both me and the Academy. I won my first three ACM Awards this year, performed on the show, and I did it all in a football stadium and streaming live all over the world on Amazon Prime Video,” Wilson said. “I am just so happy to be here to help welcome the Academy as they open this spectacular new headquarters here in Music City. To have the Academy here in Nashville just makes a whole lot of sense.”

The new office also serves as the Nashville headquarters of ACM Lifting Lives, the philanthropic partner of the Academy of Country Music. Their work is celebrated in the space with a prominent wall featuring the ACM Lifting Lives rallying cry, “Let’s Lift Lives,” spelled out in bright neon and set against a custom wallpaper featuring the lyrics to an original song written this summer at ACM Lifting Lives Music Camp.

The new ACM headquarters was designed by Hastings Architects with the goal of embracing the country western and Hollywood vibes from across the Academy’s history and translating it to a look and feel that reflects modern Music City. The Academy’s Design Director Lori Kraft led the creative development of the art installations and nods to organizational heritage throughout the office. The furniture was designed and selected by Ai Corporate Interiors.

Photo: Digital Love courtesy of the ACM

Photo: Digital Love courtesy of the ACM

Photo: Digital Love courtesy of the ACM

Photo: Digital Love courtesy of the ACM

My Music Row Story: Triple 8 Management’s George Couri

George Couri

The “My Music Row Story” weekly column features notable members of the Nashville music industry selected by the MusicRow editorial team. These individuals serve in key roles that help advance and promote the success of our industry. This column spotlights the invaluable people that keep the wheels rolling and the music playing.

As Founder of Triple 8 Management, George Couri leads a team of 31 staffers overseeing artist management, marketing, and radio promotion efforts from offices in Nashville, Austin, and Los Angeles.

Among the Triple 8 Management roster is Scotty McCreery, who recently notched his fifth consecutive No. 1 hit, as well as multi-Platinum group Eli Young Band, breakout star and new Sony Music Nashville signee Corey Kent, Australian-born country phenom Morgan Evans, and road warrior Pat Green, among others.

Triple 8 is also a founding partner in Triple Tigers Records, which celebrated its first eight singles reaching No. 1 and continues to have success outside of country mainstream with a variety of rock, pop, and Christian artists, as well as songwriters.

MusicRow: Where did you grow up? 

Johnstown, Pennsylvania.

George Couri and Scotty McCreery

What was your dream job? How did you get into the music business?

I started by writing film scores for students at USC Film School. Then I realized one day that I would rather help those more talented than me realize their potential. [That led me to] an internship at the Los Angeles offices of Arista Records, assisting the west coast regional Lori Hartigan. I was working country records to radio.

What was next?

The internship at Arista Records really solidified my path. Next I took a job in a Los Angeles management company that eventually moved to Austin, Texas. From there, I started a management company that later joined forces with a concert promoter, and that ultimately spun off to become Triple 8 Management. It is named after its founding date: August 8, 2008. Triple 8 Management was born out of wanting to serve artists better than the typical management company.

Most of the Triple 8 Management team gathered for their holiday party. Photo: Ashtin Paige

Now, Triple 8 is a 31-member team with team members in Nashville, Austin, and Los Angeles with a roster that includes Scotty McCreery, Eli Young Band, Corey Kent, Morgan Evans and more. What’s a day in the life usually like?

As you can imagine, it varies every day, however it essentially involves talking with our artists about how we grow their careers, and, in turn, talking with the team—internal and external—to make sure we are supporting the team as well. No team members are on their own to manage artists, and it takes conscious effort every day to continue to make sure that remains the case.

[I am also a] co-founder of Triple Tigers Records. We support the record label team as they continue to expand and thrive.

What is a lesson you learned early in your career?

I learned early on that artists do in fact want someone to tell them the truth. Additionally, that I want to work with artists that are willing to hear it.

George Couri, Corey Kent, Nate Towne (WME), Chris Fox (Triple 8)

When do you feel most fulfilled in your role?

I am fulfilled being in service to other people. When that service results in bringing artists and team members closer to their own dreams, I am most fulfilled.

Who are some of your mentors?

My mentors early on were the late Frank Callari, TK Kimbrell, Joey Lee, Rob Light, and most definitely Chuck Flood. They’re all friends, and I definitely listened and learned from them all.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever gotten?

To remember that none of us have as much time here on earth as we think we have. Do not waste time. Handle your business and actions such that later on, you will not have regrets on how you did anything.

What is something a lot of people probably don’t know about you?

I can speak a bit of Portuguese.

George Couri with Eli Young Band and agent Brian Hill

What is one of your favorite experiences in the industry that you will share for the rest of your life?

There was a Triple 8 holiday party at our house a couple months after first signing Scotty McCreery to management. Just as the party was starting, David Crow, Scotty’s attorney, called to say Scotty was free and clear entirely of any previous recording agreements. We celebrated the freedom that comes with re-imagining what is next all night, toasting to the future we would go create!

What remains so memorable is that Scotty was absolutely on fire that entire night—he was happy, celebrating, and truly the most rowdy life of the party. It was infectious and unforgettable and absolutely set the tone for the road ahead. I still laugh when I think about things that happened that night, and it just makes his successes today even sweeter knowing they were fueled from a sense of creative freedom that remains absolutely contagious.

What are you most proud of in your career?

When the general industry consensus has been that a certain artist is not going to have success—or that a particular thing cannot be done— and then actually sometimes managing to do it. It is far more satisfying being a part of delivering that redemption or rediscovery for someone than the money that follows it ever will be. Overcoming difficult odds, not being afraid to bet on the underdog, and continuously fighting for that fuels me every day.

‘Yellowstone’ Star Luke Grimes Signs Record Deal With UMG Nashville

Pictured (L-R): UMGN EVP & COO Mike Harris, UMGN President Cindy Mabe, Luke Grimes, UMGN EVP A&R Brian Wright, and UMGN SVP Business & Legal Affairs Rob Femia. Photo: Chris Hollo

Universal Music Group Nashville has announced the signing of actor and musician Luke Grimes, in association with Range Music.

Grimes, who is widely known for his role as Kayce Dutton in the hit show Yellowstone, will release his first song “No Horse To Ride” on Friday (Dec. 16). The tune was co-written by Grimes, Jonathan Singleton, and Tony Lane.

An Ohio native, Grimes grew up on the music of titans Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard, and Willie Nelson. As the son of a Pentecostal pastor, he began to play music in church, learning to play the drums at church camp and then picking up guitar and piano. He even became a drummer for a band in Los Angeles before his acting career took off.

“As an actor, Luke Grimes has effortlessly brought the cowboy lifestyle to the forefront of American culture,” says UMGN President Cindy Mabe. “As a country music artist, Luke has tapped into that same honesty and authenticity to capture a raw grit and pure depth of artistry that will expand the sound and reach of country music. We are so excited and proud to welcome Luke Grimes to Universal Music Group Nashville.”

“Luke is a special spirit who puts honesty above all else in his art,” says Range Music Managing Partner Matt Graham. “We at Range are excited to partner with Brian [Wright], Cindy and the rest of the UMG team to help him fulfill his dreams of sharing his songs with country music fans.”

Inspired by artists such as Colter Wall, Ruston Kelly, Paul Cauthen, and the late Townes Van Zandt, Grimes is finding his own artist voice and style. In addition to writing at his home in Montana, he has spent many months living in Nashville and writing with Music Row hitmakers such as Lane, Singleton, Randy Montana, Brent Cobb, Jamey Johnson, the Love Junkies (Lori McKenna, Liz Rose, Hillary Lindsey), Josh Osborne, Jon Randall, and Jessi Alexander.

Grimes is working with Grammy Award-winning producer and songwriter Dave Cobb on his debut album for Range Music/Mercury Nashville.

Keith Urban Strikes A Deal With Litmus Music, Sells Master Recordings

Keith Urban

Four-time Grammy winner Keith Urban has sold his master recordings to Litmus Music, a new firm backed by Carlyle Global Credit.

The deal includes 10 or Urban’s studio albums as well as a greatest hits compilation album. The partnership also includes a collaboration agreement on future recordings.

Urban’s last full-length album, The Speed of Now Part 1, included “God Whispered Your Name” and his duet with P!nk, “One Too Many.” Throughout his career, Urban has notched 21 No. 1 hits on Billboard’s Country Airplay chart, as well as many hit albums.

“I have the deepest respect for Keith, his incredible talent and his passion for making great music. He’s a musically insatiable musician, record maker, performer and songwriter,” says Litmus Music Co-Founder and Chief Creative Officer, Dan McCarroll, of the deal.

“It is an honor to partner with Keith and represent songs that reflect his integrity, character and musicianship,” adds Litmus’ Co-Founder/CEO Hank Forsyth. “Dan and I and the entire Litmus team are so grateful Keith has trusted us to care for what he has given so much to create.”

Urban is currently working with Dann Huff on new album slated for release in 2023. Since 2020’s release of The Speed of Now Part 1, Urban has released several hit singles, including “Wild Hearts,” “Brown Eyes Baby,” and most recently, “Street Called Main.”

“What makes this such a great fit for me is the genuine passion and respect Dan, Hank and the team at Litmus have for this music,” Urban shares. “In working with them, I feel that same collaborative spirit that’s always inspired me as an artist.”

Urban joins country juggernauts Kenny Chesney, Blake Shelton, Jason Aldean, and Brad Paisley as country artists who have sold a portion of their master recordings.

Bailey Zimmerman Enters Top 10 On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart

Bailey Zimmerman. Photo: Chris Ashlee

Bailey Zimmerman jumps into the top 10 on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart this week. Rising from No. 13 to No. 10, the young entertainer has three of his own songs currently on the charts, including “Never Leave,” “Where It Ends” and his debut, No. 1 single “Fall In Love.”

Higher up on the Top Songwriter Chart, Zach Bryan remains in the No. 1 spot for his twelfth week in a row. He has six of his own songs currently on the chart, including “Something In The Orange,” “Oklahoma Smokeshow,” “Sun To Me,” “Fifth Of May,” “The Good I’ll Do” and “Burn, Burn, Burn.” Because he is the sole writer on each of the tracks, he receives all of the points earned from airplay, digital download track sales and streams on the Songwriter Chart.

Filling out the remainder of the top 5 are Ashley Gorley (No. 2), Morgan Wallen (No. 3), Ernest Keith Smith (No. 4) and Luke Combs (No. 5).

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.

Luke Bryan Earns 30th Career No. 1 With ‘Country On’ [Interview]

Luke Bryan. Photo: Robby Klein

Five-time Entertainer of the Year Luke Bryan has scored his 30th No. 1 hit at country radio with “Country On” hitting the top of the Mediabase charts. The tune was written by Mark Nesler, David Frasier, Mitch Oglesby, and Styles Haury; produced by Jeff Stevens; co-produced by Jody Stevens; and features Sarah Buxton on background vocals.

Luke Bryan celebrates his 30th No. 1 with his band and road crew ahead of final 2022 engagement at the Resorts World Theatre on Dec. 10. Photo: Eder Acevedo

Since scoring his first chart-topper with 2009’s “Do I,” Bryan has been at the chart pinnacle for a total of 56 weeks in his career. He’s had hits in three different decades, covering everything from from party anthems such as “That’s My Kind of Night” and “One Margarita,” to romantic tunes like “I Don’t Want This Night To End” and “Strip It Down,” to deeper life songs such as “Drink A Beer” and “Most People Are Good.”

According to Bryan, the secret to his longevity is both being able to write songs and find outside songs. 12 of his 30 No. 1 hits were co-written by Bryan.

“I looked at all my heroes—guys like George Strait and Brooks & Dunn—all of my heroes wrote songs and they found songs, too,” Bryan tells MusicRow.

Luke Bryan. Photo: Ethan Helms

He also points out that it’s been crucial for him to pay attention to the next generation of hit-makers.

“Somewhere in Nashville, there’s young songwriters writing right now with a fresh approach and a new way to say stuff. For me, it’s always fun to really open up to the whole town to try to find new songs,” he says.

As a songwriter, Bryan has had a hand in writing enduring hits such as “What Makes You Country,” “I See You,” “Kiss Tomorrow Goodbye,” “Do I,” and “Huntin’, Fishin’ and Lovin’ Every Day.”

“When I write with younger people and step outside of my comfort zone, there’s always something cool that comes up,” Bryan shares. “The main thing is staying who you are, but also trying to grow as a writer, as a singer, and as a musician.”

When it comes to finding great outside songs, Bryan is surrounded by a team of experts. He looks to his team to help him pick the next singles, but he also makes sure he pays attention to how new tunes are reacting live, as well as some his key A&R people: his kids.

“My children are at the top of the list,” Bryan says with a laugh when asked about his single-picking strategy. “They’re not jaded. They’re just listening. I play demos whenever we get in my pickup truck, and whatever demos the boys keep wanting to hear, there’s something special about those.”

It’s fitting that Bryan’s 30th No. 1 hit, “Country On,” evokes the spirit of his lasting career. He sings, “Hey Nashville, keep bending them strings. Diggin’ for gold, chasin’ them dreams. Keep on with your songs ’til the whole worlds singin’ along.”

“What I love about that song is it’s got a lot of the same feelings of an Alabama song, like ‘Forty Hour Week (For a Livin’)’ or ‘Roll On (Eighteen Wheeler).’ That song just speaks to the hardworking Americans out there. In my opinion, a lot of the people that I reference in that song make the world go around.

“I’ve never really done a song that had patriotic aspects to it,” he shares. “When we say, ‘Hey, hey, USA. We ain’t seen our better days,’ that’s a come-together moment. I couldn’t have hand-picked a better 30th.”

Ultimately, Bryan feels grateful to be able to do what he loves most at a high level. “I just wanted to have fun doing what I love,” he says. “That’s what I’ve done and I couldn’t be happier about that.”

CRS Unveils Its New Faces Of 2023 Lineup

Country Radio Broadcasters (CRB) has unveiled the artists to be featured at the CRS 2023 New Faces of Country Music Show. The sold out show, taking place March 15 at Omni Nashville Hotel, will include performances by Priscilla Block, Jackson Dean, Frank Ray, Jelly Roll and Nate Smith.

“The radio and streaming partner constituencies of CRS have spoken and, word is, the future of country music is bright,” says CRB New Faces Committee Chairman Chuck Aly. “This year’s New Faces class comprises artists with admirable creative depth and burgeoning commercial impact. Translation: Don’t miss it!”

Formed in 1970, the annual New Faces of Country Music Show showcases five emerging artists who have achieved significant success at country radio during the qualification period. A complete list of past New Faces performers can be found here.

CRS 2023 will feature educational panels, virtual networking, and workshops designed to provide instant, actionable takeaways. Country Radio Seminar will take place Monday, March 13 – Wednesday, March 15 at the Omni Nashville Hotel. Registration for CRS 2023 is open now.

Cassadee Pope Moves Away From Country Genre, Exits Fusion Music

Cassadee Pope. Photo: John Shearer

Singer-songwriter Cassadee Pope is shifting from the country music genre back into the pop-rock scene.

The genre change will be a homecoming for Pope, who got her start in the pop-punk band Hey Monday. The group had success with singles “Homecoming” and “How You Love Me Now” before Pope ventured out on her own in 2012.

She competed on season three of The Voice, becoming its first female winner. As a member of Voice coach Blake Shelton‘s team, the Florida native sang many country songs throughout the competition. Pope released her debut country album Frame by Frame in 2013 via Republic Nashville, and had a hit with “Wasting All These Tears.”

Pope went on to release another country album and tour with artists such as Maren Morris and Tim McGraw, among other accomplishments. She had another hit alongside Chris Young for their 2015 duet “Think Of You.”

For her 2021 album Thrive, Pope combined her pop-punk roots and country sensibilities. According to an interview with People, Pope’s collaboration with Levi Hummon for his new song “RSVP” serves as a “bridge for [her] between what [she] did before and where [she’s] headed with [her] next solo project.”

The genre-shift also means that Pope is no longer on the roster of Nashville-based management firm Fusion Music, who represents Martina McBride, Riley Green, Lily Rose, and more.

Capitol Records Nashville’s Bobby Young Announces Retirement

Bobby Young

Capitol Records Nashville VP of Promotion, Bobby Young, has announced his retirement. His last day will be Dec. 16.

Young joined Capitol Records Nashville in 2011 as southeast regional before being elevated to VP in 2016. During his tenure, he and the Capitol team successfully landed 76 No. 1s, which spent 101 weeks in the top spot, as well as garnered 98 top 10 songs. Young helped bolster the careers of artists such as Dierks Bentley, Luke Bryan, Jon Pardi, Darius Rucker, Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban, Little Big Town, and many more.

The industry veteran also lead the Capitol promotion team to accolades including Country Aircheck’s Platinum Label of the Year and continued the streak of 13 years as Country Aircheck’s Label of the Year. The company has also been named Billboard’s Top Country Airplay Label since the trade’s inception of the honor in 2017, recently earning the sixth straight in 2022.

Capitol Records Nashville has also been named MusicRow‘s CountryBreakout Label of the Year 18 times—17 of which were consecutive.

Young’s career spans four decades and includes time at Republic Nashville, Big Machine Records, Jeff McClusky & Associates and Mercury Records Nashville, as well as his own indie promotion companies: Bobby Young Promotions; The Promotion Group; Young, Massey, and Hunter; and Young-Olsen and Associates.

Over the years, he has promoted some of country music’s most prominent talent, including Lynn Anderson, Garth Brooks, Johnny Cash, Kenny Chesney, Billy Ray Cyrus, John Fogerty, Mickey Gilley, Sammy Kershaw, Toby Keith, Kris Kristofferson, Kathy Mattea, Tim McGraw, John Mellencamp, Ronnie Milsap, Brad Paisley, Johnny Paycheck, Lionel Richie, Kenny Rogers, George Strait, Taylor Swift, Randy Travis, Shania Twain, Conway Twitty, Hank Williams Jr., Brooks & Dunn, The Judds, The Kentucky Headhunters, The Marshall Tucker Band, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, The Statler Brothers, and more.

“I’ve been fortunate to have worked for and alongside so many of Nashville’s music industry legends,” Young recalls. “I’d like to thank legends Mike Dungan and Royce Risser for believing in me and for trusting me the last seven years to lead this kick ass promotion team. Working alongside Royce, David Friedman, Donna Hughes, Nick Kaper, Louie Newman, and Chris Schuler has been a perfect storm and the pinnacle of my career, and I’m so proud to have represented the biggest names in the format during my stint at Capitol.” He continues, “I’d like to thank everyone at UMG and especially the Capitol promotion team—Megan Youngblood, Mara Sidweber, Ashley Knight, Annie Sandor, Katie Bright, and Megan Kleinschmidt, all rockstars! I’d also like to extend my appreciation to my many friends over the years in country radio.”

“We are going to miss Bobby around here,” adds EVP Promotion Royce Risser. “I have had the honor of working with him since the UMG/EMI merger and during that time, learned his long and storied history in radio promotion. The artists and executives he has worked for and alongside are legendary and his impact on their careers is simply not calculable. He is absolutely loved by his coworkers and to me, that is the greatest testament to his character. We are excited for him and his family to enjoy some much deserved rest and relaxation. But we will truly miss his presence around UMG. Hopefully, he will come visit us or take us to lunch at Brown’s Diner.”