Chris Stapleton Raises Over $1 Million For His Home State

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Chris Stapleton. Photo: Andy Barron

Last Saturday night (April 23), Chris Stapleton’s “A Concert for Kentucky” stadium show raised over $1 million for the Outlaw State of Kind Hometown Fund.

The sold out event was the first concert ever held at the University of Kentucky’s Kroger Field and featured performances by Stapleton along with Willie Nelson and Family, Sheryl Crow and Madeline Edwards.

“Every night we walk on a stage, we do our best to help people forget their troubles or celebrate or remember or hope or heal. Every night we play, a portion of those profits always goes to charity. As a musician I can’t think of a greater honor than reaching a point where we can play a show for 40,000 people and give all of the profits back to a community that has been so unfailingly loyal and supportive,” Stapleton shares. “It is a tremendously pure and rewarding moment to get to provide the medicine that is music in that space. I’m grateful to everyone who came to the show and to all of the musicians, managers, agents and crew members that made this moment possible.”

The Hometown Fund is administered by the Blue Grass Community Foundation and supports a variety of causes close to the Stapleton’s heart in his home state of Kentucky. Initial Hometown Fund grants include $250,000 to The Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation, as well as additional pledges to the American Red Cross, UK Healthcare Kentucky Children’s Hospital, the Community Foundation of Western Kentucky’s Disaster Relief Fund, and Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. Additional Hometown Fund grants will continue to be made throughout the year.

Stapleton will continue his extensive “All-American Road Show” tour throughout the year with upcoming stops at Los Angeles’ The Forum, Denver’s Ball Arena, Chicago’s Wrigley Field, DC’s Merriweather Post Pavilion and Long Island’s Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater, among others.

Ben Strain Upped To Senior Creative Director At MV2 Entertainment

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Ben Strain

MV2 Entertainment has elevated Ben Strain to Senior Creative Director of the company, whose current roster includes Josh Thompson, Johnny McGurie, Forrest Finn, Andrew Stone, Joe Whelan, and Blake Henderson.

Originally from Tullahoma, Tennessee, Strain is a graduate of Middle Tennessee State University and spent more than a decade in the music publishing business, working for Sony/ATV, Ole Music, and Monument Publishing prior to joining the team at MV2. He also spent several years working for Sony Records.

Strain joined MV2 in the fall of 2018 and has helped grow the independent music publishing company with catalog acquisitions of hit songwriters Josh Thompson, Natalie Hemby, and David Frasier. He’s also been instrumental in placing songs, including for Jordan Davis, Morgan Wallen, Jason Aldean, Kane Brown, Mitchell Tennpenny, Michael Ray, Keith Urban, Blake Shelton, Luke Combs, Thomas Rhett, Cole Swindell, and Jon Pardi, which has led to 17 Mediabase and Billboard No. 1 hits. Strain also played a key role in launching MV2’s independent label, New Lost City Records, in the spring of 2020.

“Ben has proven himself to be a leader and valuable team player that knows how to move things forward with writers, artists and hit songs,” shares MV2 General Manager Tony Harrell. “We are grateful to have Ben leading our creative team as we continue building our great company.”

“I’ve had the honor of working with some of country music’s best and most creative songwriters,” adds Strain. “I’m so grateful to be part of the Nashville music business community, and I look forward to continuing the growth of MV2 with Tony Harrell, Nicole Sherrill and Lindsey Parrish. With the support of James Archer and Blake Gage, I know that this next chapter will be our best yet. I’m excited for the future of MV2 3.0.”

Bobby Bones Slates Two Comedy Dates For Nashville In June

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Bobby Bones is bringing his standup comedy back to Music City in a special two-night stand at the CMA Theater in Nashville with “Bobby Bones: No Bad Words–Comedically Inspirational–Nashville Only– World Tour” on June 17-18.

Rising artists Tiera Kennedy and Lexie Hayden are set to open the shows, and tickets will go on sale this Friday, April 29 at 10 a.m. CT via BobbyBones.com.

The new shows come nearly four years after his sold-out tours, “Bobby Bones Red Hoodie Comedy Tour” and “Funny & Alone Tour.” The multi-faceted entertainer unites his signature clean comedy with some inspirational stories for the limited run.

The radio and TV personality is also a two-time No. 1 New York Times bestselling author of Bare Bones: I’m Not Lonely If You’re Reading This Book and Fail Until You Don’t: Fight Grind Repeat. He is set to release his first children’s book, Stanley The Dog: The First Day of School, on June 14.

Ernest Breaks Into Top 10 On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart

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Ernest. Photo: Delaney Royer

Singer-songwriter Ernest enters the top 10 on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart this week, moving up four spots to No. 8. Ernest is a co-writer on Morgan Wallen’s “Wasted On You,” Jelly Roll’s “Son Of A Sinner,” and his own country tune, “Flower Shops.”

Eric Church remains at the pinnacle of the chart this week with “Heart On Fire” still burning up the charts. Because he is the only writer on “Heart On Fire,” all of the points earned from the song’s airplay, digital download track sales, and streams go entirely to Church on the Songwriter Chart.

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.

CRB Unveils Members Of 2023 CRS Agenda Committee

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Country Radio Broadcasters, Inc has announced the members of its 2022-2023 CRS Agenda Committee.

Steering this year’s Committee are Joey Tack (WLHK/Indianapolis) as Chairman and Brent Michaels (KUZZ/Bakersfield) as Vice-Chair. Both have served in leadership positions on the 2021-2022 agenda committee but have swapped the roles in which they previously held.

“We’re thrilled with this year’s diverse group of professionals from all corners of the country music industry! I’m confident this superb team will meet the challenge and continue building on the last 53 years of CRS excellence,” Tack offers.

The committee includes Zena Burns (Futuri), Michael Chase (WMN), Emily Cohen Belote (Amazon Music), Beville Dunkerley (SiriusXM/Pandora), Karina Farias-Dey (Edison Research), Tim Foisset (Warner Music Nashville), Alek Halverson (iHeart Media), Shelley Hargis-Gaines (Broken Bow Records), Krista Hayes (Cumulus Nashville), Mason Meyer (Rubber City Radio), Nicole Michalik (Beasley Media), Tommy Moore (ACM), Ashley Morrison (Cox Media Group), Nick Steele (Audacy), Jesse Tack (Hubbard/Cincinnati) and Monta Vaden (Country Aircheck).

The CRS 2022-2023 Agenda Committee consists of volunteer professionals from all sectors of the country radio, streaming, and record industries. The committee is responsible for planning events for the upcoming year’s CRS.

CRS will return in 2023 from March 13-15 at the Omni Nashville Hotel. Registration for next year’s event will open later this year.

BREAKING: Sony Music Nashville Ups Lauren Thomas, Shane Allen Announces Exit

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Lauren Thomas. Photo: Matthew Berinato

Steve Hodges, Executive Vice President of Promotion & Artist Development at Sony Music Nashville, has announced the promotion of Lauren Thomas to Vice President, Promotion & Artist Development, Columbia Nashville.

Thomas will take on the role previously held by Shane Allen, who announced he will be exiting the company after six years at the helm of the Columbia Nashville promotion team. Thomas’ promotion is effective immediately, and Allen will remain at the label group until the end of May.

“When Shane informed me that he wanted to pursue another chapter in his professional career, LT was the obvious first choice candidate,” says Hodges. “There could not be a more qualified and passionate person for this job than her! For the past seven years I’ve watched LT grow into one of the most successful and well-liked professionals I have ever worked with.” He continues, “I am elated that she will be the future leader of the Columbia Nashville Promotion & Artist Development team.”

“I am tremendously honored to be part of the Columbia Nashville team and the long-standing legacy of the imprint,” shares Thomas. “Thank you to Randy Goodman, Steve and Shane for the opportunity I have had to grow and learn under your leadership. In addition, I am so grateful to the entire SMN team for your constant belief and inspiration.”

Thomas first joined Sony Music Nashville in October 2009 as National Promotion Coordinator for Arista Nashville. Within a year, she was promoted to Regional Promotion Manager for the imprint, and, in 2016, named Director of Promotion for Sony Music Nashville. In 2020, Thomas was promoted again to VP, National Promotion.

Reach Thomas at lauren.thomas@sonymusic.com.

Weekly Register: Morgan Wallen Makes Monster Debut

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Morgan Wallen. Photo: David Lehr

Morgan Wallen tops the charts this week with the release of his newest single, “Don’t Think Jesus.” The new track racked up 17 million first week streams, making it the top country streaming song this week and fifth all-genre, according to Luminate data.

Wallen also takes the No. 2 spot on the top country streaming songs chart as “Wasted On You” earns 6.9 million streams. He appears twice on the top country albums chart, coming in at No. 1 with Dangerous: The Double Album gaining 51K in total consumption (1.6K album only/61 million streams) and No. 5 with If I Know Me adding 17K in total consumption.

Elsewhere on the albums chart, Luke Combs maintains his place at No. 2 as What You See Is What You Get earns 19K in total consumption. He moves into No. 3 with This One’s For You gaining 17K in total consumption. Taylor Swift‘s Red (Taylor’s Version) falls one spot to No. 4, adding 17K in total consumption, according to Luminate data.

“AA” (Walker Hayes) drops down one spot to No. 3 on the country songs chart as the single gains 6.4 million streams. “Til You Can’t” (Cody Johnson) also falls one spot to No. 4 as it earns 6.1 million streams. “Doin This” (Combs) seals the top five with 6.1 million streams.

Judah & The Lion, Breland, More To Perform At GEODIS Park Opening Day

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Breland & Judah Akers

Nashville Soccer Club will be throwing a party all day on Sunday (May 1) ahead of the team’s home opener at the brand new GEODIS Park with performances from Breland, Judah & the Lion and more.

Starting at noon, fans can head to the North Plaza for family-friendly activities and a special performance by Party Down, as well as pop-up acoustic performances outside Gates C and F by artists Hew G. and Zoe Babyar, respectively.

Fans with tickets in the GEODIS WeHo Club will also have access to a private performance by Nashville-bred, Mercury recording artist, and five-piece country band Boy Named Banjo starting at 1:30 p.m. Moving into the season, live pre-game performances will continue to take place before every weekend home match.

When the teams leave the field after warm-ups, Platinum-selling entertainer and Amazon Music’s inaugural Breakthrough Artist Breland will give a pre-match concert welcoming the sold-out crowd to GEODIS Park for the first time ever. Grammy award-winning musician turned ESPN personality Jason Fitz will perform the National Anthem by violin.

Rock guitarist, singer and songwriter Tommy Shaw of Styx will be the first to perform the pre-match Guitar Riff at GEODIS Park, and will mark Shaw’s second riff performance after he took on the endeavor virtually in October of 2020.

After the game, Nashville-based band Judah & the Lion will end the home opener. The band, along with The Backline Supporters, teamed up to create the official club anthem titled “Never Give Up On You” back in 2020. Judah & the Lion will perform the anthem live for the very first time at GEODIS Park with a 20-minute post-match concert.

Flatland Cavalry Celebrates Their Roots On New Acoustic Album

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Flatland Cavalry. Photo: Fernando Garcia

Flatland Cavalry is going unplugged and releasing a new acoustic album, Far Out West Sessions, on May 6. In advance of the release, “Tilt Your Chair Back” is available everywhere now.

The project features stripped-down versions of seven songs from their acclaimed record, Welcome to Countryland, and comes in conjunction with the band’s ongoing video series of the same name.

Produced by Fernando Garcia and recorded by Garcia and John Park at locations across the Trans-Pecos region of Texas, Far Out West Sessions finds the band returning to their home state to perform the songs in their purest form. Across the past few weeks, the band has unveiled three additional installments of the video series: “It’s Good To Be Back (‘Round Here Again),” “Dancin’ Around A Fire” and “Daydreamer.”

“Up until the pandemic pulled us off the road, we as a band had spent the last five years relentlessly touring and being away from home; seeing the entire country firsthand through the windshield of a white van,” shares lead singer Cleto Cordero. “All of those experiences led to what would form the collection of songs that made Welcome To Countryland. What better way to honor our time at home than to return to square one and share these songs and stories, broken down and unplugged, in the simple and stunning country land from where I belong? After the long and loud journey that has been our touring career, performing to seas of thousands of loud and rowdy crowds, what a breath of fresh and dusty Far West Texas air to break things down to their simplest elements and play a song or two for the crickets and the creosote–for the spirits of my ancestors!”

Based in both Texas and Nashville, Flatland Cavalry includes Cordero (vocals, acoustic guitar), Jason Albers (drums, background vocals), Jonathan Saenz (bass, background vocals), Reid Dillon (electric guitar, harmonica, second fiddle), Wesley Hall (fiddle) and Adam Gallegos (piano, keys, mandolin, banjo, electric guitar).

Welcome to Countryland follows the band’s self-released 2016 debut, Humble Folks, which reached No. 2 on iTunes’ Country Albums chart, as well as their acclaimed 2019 release, Homeland Insecurity.

Far Out West Sessions Track List:
1. Dancin’ Around A Fire
2. Daydreamer
3. It’s Good To Be Back (‘Round Here Again)
4. Tilt Your Chair Back
5. Gettin’ By
6. Country Is…
7. Life Without You

YouTube To Exclusively Livestream Upcoming Stagecoach Festival

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Following two weekends of livestreaming Coachella, YouTube has announced that it will bring Stagecoach to fans all around the world via the Official Stagecoach YouTube Channel.

Billed as country music’s biggest festival, Stagecoach will be exclusively livestreamed with performances from Thomas Rhett, Carrie Underwood, Luke Combs, Maren Morris, Brandi Carlile, Brothers Osborne, Breland, Orville Peck and more.

The festivities will kick off at 5:30 p.m. CT on Friday, April 29 and continue throughout the weekend. Each day will be hosted by one of country music’s biggest stars, each of whom will not only perform but will also interview other artists on the bill. YouTube Premium members will have special access to four YouTube Premium pre-parties throughout the weekend which will automatically redirect into those artist’s live Stagecoach sets.

On Friday, April 29, host and performer Breland will welcome fans to the debut livestream which will feature performances by Brandi Carlile, Midland and headliner Thomas Rhett. On Saturday, April 30, host Reyna Roberts will rile up fans of Hardy, Margo Price, Brothers Osborne, and Carrie Underwood ahead of their highly anticipated sets across Stagecoach’s stages. Finally, on Sunday, May 1, Hailey Whitters will close out the weekend with Lainey Wilson, Yola, The Black Crowes, Luke Combs, and Cody Johnson.

For more details on what to expect from the Stagecoach livestream, click here.