Eric Church, Lee Brice Earn Most-Added New Singles On ‘MusicRow’ CountryBreakout Radio Chart

Eric Church, Lee Brice.

Reigning CMA Entertainer of the Year Eric Church has this week’s most-added song on MusicRow‘s CountryBreakout Radio Chart, with “Hell of a View” earning 15 adds and gaining 207 spins. The song is currently at No. 43 on the chart. Church penned the song with Casey Beathard and Monty Criswell.

“We were in North Carolina in the mountains, and when I came back in from a jog Casey immediately started playing the first part of the song he’d been working on with Monty,” Church said via a statement. “He had the line ‘caught your wings on fire when I smoked my Bronco tires out of that town,’ and I just thought that was such a great line. I was smitten with it, so we finished it and then recorded it that night. I knew it was pretty special when it went down, because it felt like a big hit but at the same time it has that timeless quality to it.”

Lee Brice‘s “Memory I Don’t Mess With” earns the two-week most-added distinction, with 25 MusicRow panel station adds and 153 spin gains. The track is currently at No. 54. Brice recently picked up Musical Event of the Year at this week’s CMA Awards, for “I Hope You’re Happy Now,” his collaboration with Carly Pearce. Brice wrote “Memory I Won’t Mess With” alongside Brian Davis and Billy Montana, and the track is featured on Brice’s upcoming album Hey World, out Nov. 20.

For more, read The MusicRow Weekly.

Tim McGraw Goes ‘Beyond The Influence’ On New Apple Music Radio Show

Tim McGraw is hosting a brand new radio show, Beyond The Influence Radio, coming to Apple Music Country. The show will debut tomorrow, (Nov. 12) at 4 p.m. CT and every other Wednesday at 5 p.m. CT.

He’ll chat with a variety of guests on the new bi-weekly show, include Bruce Springsteen, Keith Urban, Lori McKenna, Joe Walsh, Dolly Parton, and more. With each new episode, McGraw aims to deepen the understanding of how people, music, or moments have influenced us on a human level, and explores the idea through his own journey as well as with some of the most influential people in their craft.

“For years, I’ve been the one answering all the questions,” said McGraw. “Every time I’m talking to someone they always ask, ‘What was the influence behind that song?’ or W’hat influenced you to take on that role?’ While I do love that question, it always makes me feel like there’s so much more beyond that. When I decided to do this show for Apple Music Country, I knew that I wanted to take those simple answers and dive deeper, go beyond the influence and see what we can uncover on the other side.”

Eric Church’s “Hell Of A View” Most-Added At Country Radio

Eric Church. Photo: Anthony DAngio

Eric Church‘s new single, “Hell of a View,” is the most-added this week at country radio, with 46 new adds on Mediabase, bringing his total to 61. EMI Records Nashville’s Church is nominated for Entertainer of the Year and Male Vocalist of the Year at Wednesday’s CMA Awards, where he is slated to perform the song live during the ABC telecast.

Church co-wrote the track alongside Casey Beathard and Monty Criswell, and the recording features Church’s longtime backing vocalist Joanna Cotten.

“We were in North Carolina in the mountains, and when I came back in from a jog Casey immediately started playing the first part of the song he’d been working on with Monty,” Church said.. “He had the line ‘caught your wings on fire when I smoked my Bronco tires out of that town,’ and I just thought that was such a great line. I was smitten with it, so we finished it and then recorded it that night. I knew it was pretty special when it went down, because it felt like a big hit but at the same time it has that timeless quality to it.”

Russell Dickerson Celebrates Fourth No. 1 With “Love You Like I Used To”: “We Knew It Was Special”

Triple Tigers artist Russell Dickerson has earned his fourth consecutive No. 1 single with Love You Like I Used To,” which tops both the Mediabase country chart and Billboard‘s Country Airplay chart this week.

“This feels really big for us,” Dickerson tells MusicRow. “I had a couple of friends over for a bonfire and I got a call from the radio team saying that the chart had just closed and it was officially No. 1, and it felt great. This one is special because it’s off the new album. I can’t believe it’s No. 1, it’s insane.”

The song follows his previous consecutive No. 1 songs, including “Yours,” “Blue Tacoma,” and “Every Little Thing”—all songs that the Triple Tigers team has propelled to No. 1 on the radio charts.

“The missing piece was the Triple Tigers team—their promo team is hands-down the best in the business,” Dickerson says. “This is my fourth No. 1 and Scotty McCreery has had several, so just out of the gate, to earn that many No. 1s with two artists is a testament to them. It feels like God kind of hand-picked the best radio veterans to all come together and take these to No. 1.”

He wrote the song alongside Parker Welling and Casey Brown. Dickerson recalls how his wife, Kailey Dickerson, even gave the singer-songwriter some direction with “Love You Like I Used To.”

“We had written the song once, and she’s brutally honest, and was like, ‘The title of the song is better than the song.’ And she was right. I got back together later that year with Parker and Casey, they had come on the road with us, and we completely re-wrote the song, just took it down to the studs—different groove, tempo, totally different lyric. Then we played it for the team and the label, and it just clicked and it was like, ‘Boom, there it is.’ In the first verse now, it kind of throws you for a loop, it feels like a breakup song. We wrote that twist in verse one, and then you get to the chorus and it’s like ‘Nope! It’s a big ‘ol love song.’ We knew it was special.”

“Love You Like I Used To” is the first track from Dickerson’s upcoming album, Southern Symphony, set for Dec. 4. The song has earned 96 million streams to date.

Dickerson says the COVID-19 touring shutdowns have allowed him ample time to focus on the production for his upcoming album. “We were throwing mixes around every few weeks up until a few months ago. For me, it’s no question it’s a giant step up from album one, from production and writing and a vocal standpoint,” says Dickerson, who produced the project alongside Brown and Dann Huff.

“We had a cool thing going with album one, it was younger sounding with a pop edge. This one has more roots to it, and more organic instruments, but it’s still a polished, big production. We had done a majority of the recording before quarantine hit, and then I had more time to focus on production.”

Dickerson played the guitar solo on his current chart-topper, something he says he normally wouldn’t get to do because he would be on the road. “I had time to add things like that and actually kind of pull my weight as a producer,” he notes. He also gained more confidence in the studio this time around, thanks to Brown and Huff.

“I’ve learned to speak my mind a lot more freely. It’s a hard road to walk as an artist and producer,” says Dickerson, who studied music at Belmont University.  “To go into the studio and really get into the technical jargon and not shy away from my musical knowledge in the studio and just being confident in that. They both really encouraged me to keep doing that in the studio.”

The BIG 98 Adds Brooke Taylor As Midday Host

Brooke Taylor

On-air personality Brooke Taylor has been added as midday host at iHeartCountry Nashville station The BIG 98, broadcasting from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m., effective immediately.

Taylor’s previous career stops include serving as assistant program director and host for the former BIG 95.5, serving as midday host and assistant program director for Fort Wayne, Indiana’s WBTU, and an on-air personality for Radio Disney.

Taylor will continue to host the night show for iHeartMedia Denver’s 106.7 The Bull and broadcast on several iHeartCountry stations across the country.

“When I set out to work in country music, one of the first things I prayed for was to be in Nashville one day, and the fact that this is becoming a reality is honestly a dream come true,” said Taylor. “I can’t wait to join an already incredible team at The BIG 98 and to represent the iHeartCountry brand.”

“Brooke is the perfect addition to the WSIX franchise,” said Rod Phillips, Executive Vice President/Country Programming Strategy for iHeartCountry. “She has always been very active on the iHeartCountry team as well, which made this the perfect next step and location for her and for our country brands.”

WSIX’s Amy Paige Steps Down

Country radio personality Amy Paige has resigned from her position at WSIX. Paige  previously took a leave of absence in August to focus on her family.

“I’ve made a career of doing what I love for 25 years, but it’s time to hang up my headphones,” she announced via Twitter. “My family needs me more than I need a Marconi. No regrets, only gratitude.”

Paige joined WSIX in 2011, and has worked in radio for more than two decades, including roles at SiriusXM’s The Highway and Prime Country. She also previously worked mornings and middays for Washington D.C’s Hot AC WRQX and served as an on-air radio personality for Washington D.C.’s WMZQ and New York’s WYNY.

Cumulus Media Adds Toni-Marie To Afternoons On Nashville’s WKDF

Toni-Marie

Country radio personality Toni-Marie will helm afternoons on Cumulus Media’s 103.3 Country/WKDF-FM, from 3 p.m.-7 p.m. Toni-Marie rounds out the WKDF weekday programming, which also includes Morning Koffy with Paul Koffy and Jasmine Sadry (5 a.m.-10 a.m.), Tyler Reese (10 a.m.-3 p.m.), Nights With Elaina’s Elaina Smith (7 p.m.-midnight), and Later With Lia’s Lia Knight from 12 a.m.-5 a.m.

Toni-Marie joins Cumulus Nashville from Entercom Country station KWJJ 99.5 The Wolf in Portland, OR, where she was Assistant Program Director and On-Air Host, Middays. Prior to that, she was Music Director and On-Air Host for Buck Owens Production Company Country stations KUZZ and The Bull 97.3/KRJK-FM in Bakersfield, CA. She was also Assistant Program Director and Music Director at KWNR in Las Vegas, NV.

Paul Williams, Program Director, 103.3 Country/WKDF-FM, said: “Toni cut her teeth at Buck Owens’ legendary KUZZ in Bakersfield and sharpened them at the WOLF in Portland. We’re thrilled to have her on our 103.3 Country team here in Tennessee.”

Toni-Marie commented: “I have never been happier inside of a Walmart than the day that Paul Williams called to offer me this position! I’ve had the opportunity to do country radio in some amazing markets, but getting to work with Paul and the team at 103-3 in Nashville is a dream come true!”

Matt Stell Earns Second No. 1 Hit: “What A Great Feeling To Ring The Bell For A Song That Means So Much To Me”

Matt Stell. Photo: Dustin Haney

Matt Stell has notched his second No. 1 single, as “Everywhere But On” tops the both the Billboard Country Airplay chart and the Mediabase Country chart this week. The song follows his breakthrough chart-topper, “Prayed For You,” which reached the pinnacle of the country charts in October 2019.

This second No. 1 hit makes RECORDS/Arista Nashville artist Stell, only the seventh debut artist in the past five years to earn consecutive No. 1 hits with their first and second singles.

“This song is really personal to me, and it’s one of my favorite songs I’ve ever written, so the fact that we’ve been able to get a No. 1 with this is special,” he told MusicRow Magazine of “Everywhere But On.” “The feeling is a little different from my first No. 1, because with the first one, I didn’t know what to expect, but with this one, I had expectations and man, what a great feeling to ring the bell on a song that means so much to me.”

Stell co-wrote the track alongside Lance Miller and Paul Sikes.

“Paul tossed out the title idea, and I knew immediately that it was a song I wanted to be a part of,” Stell recalls of the writing session. “I interjected a lot of my own experiences in it and I got to write it with two great friends.”

One of the lines that stood out for Stell was My mail’s still goin’ to mama’s house/’Cause I’m still long gone tryin’ to figure out/Who I am without you.

“That’s definitely a line that is true,” he says. “ I was on the road so much, that I didn’t have a steady place for me to get mail, so to this day there is stuff that gets sent to my mom’s house that she has to keep for me or send to me. That was one lyric that really struck me as personal.”

Arkansas native Stell is also in his 67th week on Billboard’s Emerging Artists chart, and at 24 weeks as of Oct. 31, Stell holds the record for the most weeks spent in the chart’s Top 5 among all country acts since the Billboard Emerging Artists chart was launched.

Like most artists and songwriters in 2020, Stell says he has been taking advantage of being off the road to further deepen his catalog of songs.

“The co-writing has been the silver lining to all of this. I normally wouldn’t have so much time to write. I’ve done a lot of Zoom writes, but I’ve done a few in-person writes. I think going forward, Zoom writes are something that will stick around, now that everyone has gotten a little used to it. If you have a good idea, and your buddy is in California or New York, you can still co-write. I think that is one positive that is going to stick around.”

CMA Broadcast Awards Winners Revealed

Luke Combs surprised radio stations and broadcast personalities Tuesday morning (Oct. 27) with calls to announce the winners of this year’s CMA Broadcast Awards. The 54th Annual CMA Awards will air live from Nashville’s Music City Center on Nov. 11 at 7 p.m. CT on ABC.

A full list of winners is below:

CMA BROADCAST PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR WINNERS:
NATIONAL
“Country Countdown USA” (Lon Helton) – Westwood One

MAJOR MARKET
“Chris Carr & Company” (Chris Carr, Kia Becht and McKaila Granning) – KEEY, Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minn.

LARGE MARKET
“The Big Dave Show (“Big Dave” Chandler, Chelsie Shinkle, Jason Statt and Ashley Hempfling) – WUBE, Cincinnati, Ohio

MEDIUM MARKET
“Clay & Company” (Clay Moden, Rob Banks, and Val Townsend) – WYRK, Buffalo-Niagara Falls, N.Y.

SMALL MARKET
“Officer Don & DeAnn” (“Officer Don” Evans and DeAnn Stephens) – WBUL, Lexington-Fayette, Ky.

CMA RADIO STATION OF THE YEAR WINNERS:
MAJOR MARKET
KSCS – Dallas-Ft. Worth, Texas
LARGE MARKET
KNCI – Sacramento, Calif.
MEDIUM MARKET
WUSY – Chattanooga, Tenn.
SMALL MARKET
WKXC – Augusta, Ga.

The categories are established by market size based on population as ranked by Arbitron. Entries for Broadcast Personality of the Year are judged on aircheck, ratings, community involvement and biographical information. Candidates for Radio Station of the Year are judged on aircheck, ratings, community involvement and format leadership.

CMA members who are full-time, on-air personalities and CMA member radio stations in the United States and Canada were eligible. The entries are judged by a panel of distinguished broadcast professionals, representing all market sizes and regions.

CMA Broadcast Awards winners are not eligible to enter in consecutive years; therefore, those who received trophies in 2019 were not eligible in 2020.

Country Radio Broadcasters To Hold Virtual Country Radio Seminar In 2021

Country Radio Broadcasters, Inc., has announced Country Radio Seminar (CRS) 2021: The Virtual Experience, set for Tuesday, Feb. 16-Friday, Feb. 19, adding an extra day of content and a newly-launched Streaming Summit.

Next year’s online-only experience will include educational panels, virtual networking, and workshops. Every registration will include access to the New Faces of Country Music Show, Bob Kingsley’s Acoustic Alley, and the daily label lunchtime performances.

Kurt Johnson, CRB/CRS Board of Directors President, commented, “While we can’t be together at the Omni, we can still celebrate CRS together online. I look forward to seeing you all there…for CRS 2021!”

Luke Bryan has been confirmed for the annual “CRS Artist Interview,” sponsored by BMI.

Also new for 2021 is the Streaming Summit, which will be held Feb. 16 and will feature industry professionals and platform experts providing insights on trends, strategies, and best practices to optimize digital assets and streaming platforms.

“Now, everybody can come to CRS,” commented CRB Executive Director RJ Curtis. “Our expanded, four-day ‘CRS 2021: The Virtual Experience’ will be an uncompromising event, providing attendees with more than 14 educational sessions, four morning networking events, three lunchtime performances, four interactive workshops, all-day networking, Bob Kingsley’s Acoustic Alley, and, for the first time in CRS history, a New Faces of Country Music ticket with every registration.”

Early Bird Registration for CRS 2021: The Virtual Experience will open on Oct. 28 at Noon CT / 1 p.m. ET at $149 per person and will be offered through Nov. 4.  The registration rate will increase to $199 on November 5.  All registrations include access to the 2021 New Faces of Country Music Show.

A CRS360 Webinar Session will be held at 11 a.m. (CT) Wednesday, Oct. 28, offering additional details, answering questions, and revealing more content featured at CRS 2021: The Virtual Experience. Only a limited number of slots are available for CRS360 and are based on a first-come, first-served basis. To register for the October installment of CRS360, sign up here. The Country Radio Broadcasters is taking questions in advance of the session. Inquiries must be received by close of the business day on Oct. 27 and can be submitted to darcie@crb.org.