J.T. Harding: ‘This Is The Book I Wish I Had When I Tried To Get Into The Music Business’ [Interview]

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J.T. Harding. Photo: Fred Hayes

Hit country songwriter J.T. Harding has celebrated his fair share of successes, with seven No. 1s under his belt, including “Somewhere In My Car” (Keith Urban), “Somewhere With You” (Kenny Chesney), “Sangria” (Blake Shelton), “Alone With You” (Jake Owen), “Beers and Sunshine” (Darius Rucker), “Smile” (Uncle Kracker), and “Different For Girls” (Dierks Bentley).

With quite the wild story to tell and plenty of experience as a songwriter in the country music industry, the accomplished tunesmith has put it all to paper in his new book, Party Like A Rockstar: The Crazy, Coincidental, Hard-Luck, and Harmonious Life of a Songwriter. The engaging page-turner is available everywhere books are sold today (Feb. 22).

Described as a memoir, a self-help book, and a how-to guide for aspiring songwriters, Party Like A Rockstar chronicles Harding’s life from being adopted at a young age, growing up in southern Detroit in a family of sports fanatics, and discovering his love for music.

“Like most kids, I was jumping around to the radio and putting KISS makeup on while listening to my KISS and Journey records,” Harding shares with MusicRow. “One day, like an alien landing, MTV came blasting into my living room and I felt like Dorothy going from black and white Kansas to technicolor Oz. I could not believe MTV. I wanted to crawl inside the TV and get into that world.”

J.T. and his band. Photo: Courtesy of J.T. Harding

Soon after in middle school, Harding put a band together with some of his friends. Together they entered into Battle of the Bands competitions, but Harding had a hunch that the only way to truly succeed was for them to write their own songs.

“I’ve always tried to write my own songs. I didn’t want to end up playing cover songs in a Holiday Inn with the smell of stale beer and full ashtrays. Which is funny because that’s where I met Uncle Kracker, at a Holiday Inn lobby,” he quips. “Regardless, I just knew that I wanted to [write songs]. I looked on the back of all my CDs, and they all said Sunset Boulevard. That’s where all the record companies were, so I went out to LA and lived in the most unglamorous corner of Sunset Boulevard for years. It was awful, but I made it through.”

Throughout its pages, Party Like A Rockstar shares some of the many playful stories of Harding’s life, including how he cleverly distributed his first demo. “I was living in LA and I didn’t know where to take my demo. I couldn’t get meetings with anybody, so I borrowed a FedEx jacket from someone I knew. Like Obi-Wan Kenobi just walking into the Death Star, I walked past every security gate, every A&R guy, and I put my demo in every single mailbox.”

The book also shares the stories behind Harding’s many country hits, including how he and his co-writers came up with titles, lyrics, and the thoughts that went into them. Party Like A Rockstar also takes readers through Harding’s worldwide travels with modern day rockstars like Linkin Park, and how he made his way to Music City to write for some of today’s biggest country acts.

“This is the book I wish I had when I tried to get into the music business because I didn’t know how to. I just wanted to write songs and be on the radio, but all I had were interviews with rockstars, which is like deciphering hieroglyphics in a dark room,” Harding jokes. “There’s not a magic button to songwriting. I’d have more hits if there was a magic button, but I poured my heart into this book in a very simple way. This is how I feel you can make songs stand out.

“I hope people will be inspired that [even though] you do get turned down over and over again, along the way you’ll find people that encourage you. You have to write a lot of bad songs before you get to some of those good ones, so just keep writing.”

Within the book, Harding also shares some of his hard-learned lessons and advice for budding songwriters.

“If you’re looking to do country music, to be a songwriter in the country genre, or to be discovered in the country world, I truly believe you have to get to Nashville. It’s a full contact sport here,” Harding sums. “Even though we have the internet and there’s people getting discovered on TikTok, I can’t think of any country star or hit country songwriter that isn’t [in Nashville] pretty much all the time.

“The second piece of advice is something that I did and something everyone here does,” he continues. “We first come to town and we all think, ‘If I can just write a song with someone that’s already having hits, then I’ll be good to go.’ I wanted to write with Hillary Lindsey, who wrote ‘Jesus, Take The Wheel’ and Craig Wiseman, who had 20 No. 1 hits [at the time], but that’s not how it happens. You meet your own tribe—people that are at your same level—and you rise together.”

Harding adds, “There’s so much value in the way that a new writer sees the world and the music that they’re influenced by. Find your tribe and come up together. Make a noise so loud that I’m begging to write with you.”

J.T. Harding dons a special version of his book, Party Like A ROWstar, with MusicRow‘s Lydia Farthing.

Aiming to serve up plenty of entertainment and laughs along the way, Harding also hopes that people find relatability and inspiration through Party Like A Rockstar, and that readers walk away with the confidence that they can find their way through the music industry, too.

“People should buy this book because I truly think it’s better than a backstage pass,” he explains simply. “More so than ever, people are interested in how songs get written. Songland was gigantic on NBC, and now everyone’s talking about the Beatles documentary on Disney+. They see these guys sitting around writing songs. That’s how it happens, and now you could have it in your hands!”

To celebrate the release of Party Like A Rockstar, Harding will host a book release show at The Listening Room at 1 p.m. on Feb. 26. With every ticket, attendees will receive a copy of the book.

Party Like A Rockstar: The Crazy, Coincidental, Hard-Luck, and Harmonious Life of a Songwriter is available everywhere now.

Tune In To Learn The 2022 CountryBreakout Award Winners Tomorrow

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In place of the annual Country Radio Meet & Greet and CountryBreakout Awards, MusicRow will announce the winners of the 20th annual CountryBreakout Awards virtually starting at 9:00 a.m. TOMORROW (Feb. 23).

Now in its 20th year, the MusicRow CountryBreakout Awards celebrate those who have dominated country radio’s secondary market. Winners in eight categories are determined by spins on the secondary market stations that report to the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart panel each week.

Winners will be revealed on all MusicRow online platforms, including Facebook, Instagram and Twitter on Feb. 23.

MusicRow CountryBreakout Awards Schedule of Announcements:
9:00 a.m.: Reporter of the Year
9:30 a.m.: Songwriter of the Year
10:00 a.m.: Label of the Year
10:30 a.m.: Independent Artist of the Year
11:00 a.m.: Breakout Artist of the Year
11:30 a.m.: Group/Duo of the Year
12:00 p.m.: Female Artist of the Year
12:30 p.m.: Male Artist of the Year

Each winner will be featured in MusicRow‘s Country Radio & Streaming issue, out Wednesday (Feb. 23).

Kerry Wolfe Named Director Of Promotion At Stone Country Records

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Kerry Wolfe

Veteran radio executive Kerry Wolfe has joined Stone Country Records as Director of Promotion for the label, effective March 1. He will report directly to Stone Country Records VP of Promotion & Marketing Matt Galvin.

Over the course of his four decade career, Wolfe has spent over 30 years with iHeartMedia (Milwaukee), rising to Senior VP of Programming where he oversaw stations across multiple formats. He led iHeartMedia’s six-station cluster to consistent ratings success, most recently commanding a combined 33% share of audience in the 2020 Nielsen ratings.

Wolfe’s leadership efforts have resulted in his stations receiving five CMA Awards, an ACM Award, and multiple Country Aircheck Large Market Station of the Year awards. Wolfe has been named one of Radio Ink’s Top 25 Country Program Directors, as well as a Country Aircheck Large Market Programmer of the Year multiple times.

“What’s unique about Kerry joining the Stone Country Records team is that both Matt Galvin and I previously worked as midwest reps for other labels,” shares SVP of Promotion & Marketing April Rider. “Like many other reps, Matt and I just adored Kerry as a PD and so appreciated his passion for our artists and their music. The fact that Kerry was always accessible to us even when we weren’t VPs really meant the most to us! We are thrilled to work with him as he starts this new chapter of his career on our side of the fence.”

“I can’t wait to get going! I look forward to working with all of our great radio partners and the incredible artists on the label,” adds Wolfe. “This is going to be fun!”

Wolfe can be reached at Kerry@stonecountryrecords.com.

Triple Tigers Regional Promotion Managers Add Some Stripes

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Pictured (L-R): Annie Brooks, Parker Fowler, Julianna Vaughn

Triple Tigers Records regional promotion managers Annie Brooks, Parker Fowler, and Julianna Vaughn have all been promoted to Directors at the indie label.

The trio of executives have been with Triple Tigers since the label’s creation in 2016 and have led the company’s radio-driven success, including eight No. 1 singles.

Brooks represents Triple Tigers in the west from her base in Portland, Oregon. Prior to joining the label, she was the Marketing and Promotion Director for KWJJ. She is a graduate of Washington State University with a degree in Applied Intercultural Communication.

Fowler covers the southeast region from the Nashville hub. He has a degree from Auburn University in Radio, TV and Film. Before joining Triple Tigers, he started his career as an intern at Sony Nashville where he was promoted to RCA Promotion Specialist.

Vaughn is also based in Nashville, where she covers the southwest region. A graduate of Middle Tennessee State University with a degree in the Recording Industry and Music Business, she got her start as the Promotions Coordinator at MCA Nashville.

“These three individuals are radio promo warriors,” says SVP Promotion Kevin Herring, “They, along with the rest of our promotion staff, are dedicated to super serving all of country radio–in large markets and small, for big companies and mom & pops. Our focus on a smaller roster with compelling music will continue to drive our success.”

The Triple Tigers roster includes Scotty McCreery, Russell Dickerson, Jordan Fletcher, and Cam, who joined the label in a partnership with RCA Records New York.

Get Engaged Digital Marketing Agency Opens Nashville Office [Exclusive]

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Pictured (L-R, top row): Nashville office employees Mac Hereford, Kyle Jonas, and Solomon Puryear; (L-R, bottom row): Nashville office employee Bailey Dombroski, Get Engaged Co-Founder Cameron Fordham, and Nashville office employee Marco Sawaf

Digital marketing agency Get Engaged has opened a Nashville office in the Gulch-based Terrazzo building, expanding from its Los Angeles hub and Atlanta home office.

Employees for the new Nashville office include Mac Hereford, Kyle Jonas, Solomon Puryear, Bailey Dombroski, and Marco Sawaf.

The expansion continues to build on current client relations at UMG Nashville, Sony Nashville, and other labels in Music City. The firm also works closely with brands like Raising Cane’s, T-Mobile, NASCAR, MLS, JC Penney, Crocs, Kendra Scott, Vita Coco, Logan’s Roadhouse, Netflix and others. They are currently planning to integrate innovative brand campaigns for artists and companies in the Nashville community.

“We’ve been fortunate to work with many Nashville-based clients over the past few years, and are excited to finally expand into the Nashville community,” says Cameron Fordham, co-founder of Get Engaged. “We love working with the talent and fans this city has to offer and can’t wait to continue doing so. We have a team who can offer a unique perspective, and we are ready to implement and showcase the range of possibilities.”

Named one of the Top 20 Entrepreneurs in 2020 by Yahoo, the firm works with a range of talent, including Kane Brown, Lee Brice, Parker McCollum, Jennifer Lopez, The Weeknd, Halle Berry, Swedish House Mafia, David Solomon (Goldman Sachs CEO), Doja Cat, and more.

Focused on brand and music influencer marketing, the agency also serves to assist with social media, content creation, digital consulting, brand partnerships, affiliate marketing and more. Over the past year, Get Engaged has grown over 300% and now has more than 75 employees.

For more information contact office@getengagedmedia.com or click here.

Gorley, Hardy & Church Take Top 3 On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart

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Ashley Gorley

For the fourth consecutive week, Ashley Gorley takes the top spot on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart.

Gorley is a co-writer on “New Truck” (Dylan Scott), “You Should Probably Leave” (Chris Stapleton), “Sand In My Boots” (Morgan Wallen), “Beers On Me” (Dierks Bently, Hardy & Breland), “Slow Down Summer” (Thomas Rhett), “Give Heaven Some Hell” (Hardy), “Steal My Love” (Dan + Shay), and “Take My Name” (Parmalee).

Michael Hardy remains at No. 2 this week, with the charting songs “New Truck” (Dylan Scott), “Sand In My Boots” (Morgan Wallen), “Beers On Me” (Dierks Bently, Hardy & Breland), “Come Back As A Country Boy” (Blake Shelton), and his own “Give Heaven Some Hell.”

Eric Church moves up one to No. 3 on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart. His only charting song, “Heart On Fire,” is a solo write, which allows for all the available points for that song to go solely to him.

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.

National Museum Of African American Music Looks Back On First Year Of Operation

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The National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM) recently celebrated its first year of accomplishments, partnerships and milestones. NMAAM opened its doors on MLK Day, Jan. 18, 2021, in Nashville.

In the museum’s year-in-review highlight video, President and CEO of NMAAM, Henry Beecher Hicks, III spoke to the organization that has welcomed over 100,000 visitors, including many world-renowned recording artists such as Earth Wind & Fire, H.E.R., Bobby Brown, Garth Brooks and more, since it opened. In 2021, the museum also served over 43,000 students across the country through online programming.

NMAAM also hosted its inaugural Black Music Month celebration on June 19, or Juneteenth weekend in 2021. Members and guests experienced a museum dedication, Black Music Summit and seventh annual Celebration of Legends event honoring Quincy Jones, Chaka Khan, Lionel Richie, Smokey Robinson and The Fisk Jubilee Singers.

YouTube video

Throughout the video, Hicks shed light on the Nissan-sponsored NMAAM free days, which opens the doors free of charge to guests every Wednesday in February for Black History Month. He also addressed future programming for Historically Black College and University students, such as Fine Tuning: Masterclass Series for Aspiring Artists and a Black Music Business Certification Program.

NMAAM serves as the premier global destination for music lovers of all generations to learn, inspire and educate people on the many contributions Black artists have made to American culture and music.

Ingrid Andress, Breland, Chris Janson Join CRS 2022 Warner Music Nashville Luncheon

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Ingrid Andress, Breland, and Chris Janson have been added to the 4th annual Warner Music Nashville Luncheon taking place on Feb. 23 during CRS 2022. The Warner Music Nashville Luncheon will take place at noon in Omni Nashville Hotel’s Broadway Ballroom.

The three round out this year’s star-studded lineup which also includes headliner Zac Brown Band and previously announced performers Jessie James Decker, Morgan Evans, Cody Johnson, Randall King, Drew Parker, and Michael Ray.

Registration for CRS 2022 is open now. Single-day passes will also be available, and include access to panels, speakers, luncheons, and networking destinations on the day of pass purchase. Day passes will only be available for purchase on-site.

Everyone attending CRS 2022 will be required to provide documentation of full COVID-19 vaccinations or a negative COVID test result, obtained within 48-hours of arrival at the event. Rapid antigen and PCR tests will be available upon arrival and conducted on-site at no cost to attendees.

Elizabeth Lombardi Joins Milom Horsnell Crow Kelley Beckett Shehan PLC

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Elizabeth Lombardi

Elizabeth Lombardi has joined Milom Horsnell Crow Kelley Beckett Shehan PLC as an Associate Attorney in the firm’s Entertainment and Intellectual Property Law practice.

Prior to joining MHCKBS, Lombardi served as Payment Compliance Counsel at Parallon – HCA Healthcare. She also served as an Associate in Business and Legal Affairs at BMG/BBR Music Group and had internships with SESAC, the Nashville Predators, CMT, Warner Music Nashville, Big Machine Label Group, Black River Entertainment, and more.

The Chicago native is a double Belmont University alum, earning her J.D. from Belmont’s College of Law and graduating magna cum laude with her B.B.A. from the Mike Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business. Lombardi was recently selected to be a member of the Troubadour Advisory Council for the Country Music Hall of Fame.

“We are delighted that Elizabeth has agreed to join our team,” says Mike Milom. “She excelled at Belmont and has a compelling record of achievement since then, having gained substantial experience in entertainment law and engaged the complexities of the music industry. She shares our culture of excellence and client focused service. We’re confident that our clients will love working with her and quickly come to rely on her counsel.”

Lombardi can be reached at elombardi@milomlaw.com or (615) 255-6161.

Industry Ink: Kenny Chesney, Sara Evans, Clayton Anderson, Benson

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Kenny Chesney’s “Knowing You” Receives Gold Treatment

Kenny Chesney. Photo: Allister Ann

Kenny Chesney is celebrating the Gold certification of “Knowing You,” signaling over 500,000 units sold. The newly-certified track is the country entertainer’s record-maintaining 34th No. 1, and joins Songs for the Saints and his Blue Chair Records/Warner Nashville debut album, Here And Now, for RIAA certification.

“I will always believe in the power of a genuinely great song,” Chesney says. “Beyond trends or moments, there are real emotions, deep life truths that the best songs carry. When I heard ‘Knowing You,’ I knew it wasn’t what anybody else was probably looking for–but it was a song that had to be heard. So, we went with it; we believed in it, and Kat Higgins and Adam James got their first No. 1s.

“To me, those are the things Nashville was built on. I am proud to carry on those kinds of traditions, to set sparks for young writers and to hear that actual people responded to the song the same way I did. When you hear a song like this is Gold, you know that greatness still touches people in the heart.”

Higgins, James and Brett James each earned a nomination for “Knowing You” in the Song of the Year category at the upcoming 57th Academy of Country Music Awards, airing live from Las Vegas’ Allegiant Stadium exclusively on Prime Video.

Chesney’s “Here And Now 2022 Tour” will kick off April 23 in Tampa’s Raymond James Stadium. His newest radio single, “Everyone She Knows,” is currently impacting at country radio.

 

Sara Evans Partners With BOXT For Tap In For A Cause Campaign

BOXT, a growing female-founded and run luxury boxed wine company, has teamed up with multi-Platinum singer-songwriter Sara Evans for its new campaign, Tap In For A Cause. Together, Evans and BOXT will raise awareness and funds to support various charities, starting with causes that create safe places and healing from abusive or violent relationships.

“When I first discovered BOXT and saw the unique and fabulous packaging, I was immediately intrigued. I’m normally a cabernet sauvignon fan and once I tasted Profile FourFive, I fell in love. Making quality wine accessible with a taste first approach and a monthly subscription just makes so much sense,” Evans shares. “As a business owner myself, I try to champion women owned businesses whenever I can, and love that BOXT is female led. I’m thrilled that BOXT is partnering with me to donate a percentage of our sales to Thistle Farms, a non-profit that helps women survivors of trafficking, addiction and prostitution.”

“We’re reimagining the way we all enjoy a glass of wine at home, but we are so much more than that. We have the opportunity and the responsibility to show up and not only put incredible wine in our BOXT, but to do it in a way that creates sustainability both socially and environmentally,” says BOXT Founder Sarah Puil.

BOXT wine will be featured in Evans’ weekly Closet Chaos Instagram Live series as the Official House Wine of Closet Chaos. Each Monday night at 7 p.m. CT, Evans and her daughter Olivia go live from their closet, bringing on a special guest. Previous guests include Martina McBride, Carly Pearce and Brad Paisley. Closet Chaos‘ new season will start on Monday, Feb. 28 with UMG Recording Artist Kylie Morgan.

To sign up for a BOXT subscription, visit drinkboxt.com and use code SARAEVANS at checkout. Fans that subscribe using Evans’ code will also receive a $20 discount on their first membership order.

 

Clayton Anderson Lands Second Sync Placement For 2022

Visionary Media Group (VMG) recording artist Clayton Anderson has landed his second sync placement on national television. “Get After It” aired this week, kicking off the Ford Truck Month campaign. Anderson’s third release since signing with VMG last year, “Get After It” was co-written with Nash Overstreet, Shane Stevens, and produced by Overstreet.

“‘Get After It’ is an all-American anthem from a working-class frontman who’s built his career the old-school way: by focusing on his music, rolling up his sleeves, and hitting the highway,” says Anastasia Brown, Chief Content Strategist, VMG. “Sync placements are a powerful tool for breaking new artists and songs. With a team dedicated to placing music in sync, this is an area of strength for Visionary Media Group and our artists.”

Ron Zamber, Founding Partner of VMG, adds: “Clayton is an incredible example of the entrepreneurial artist partner for VMG. He’s driven, creative and has a can do attitude in every way. We look forward to seeing his star continue to rise.”

“‘Get After It’ is a song celebrating hard work, and the thrill of getting the job done,” Anderson shares. “It’s also a personal tribute to the long stretch of blacktop that brought me to this point in my career. All this right before CRS, too!”

On Jan. 1, Anderson’s “Nothin’ But Net” was chosen by ESPN for use during the network’s award-winning coverage of college basketball season, running through April. Prior to that, his “Run Wild” was used by the Indianapolis Colts through the 2021 season, marking a special placement for him as an Indy native.

 

Kristin Scott Benson, Wayne Benson Form New Duo Under Mountain Home Music Company

Five-time IBMA Banjo Player of the Year and member of the Grammy-nominated Mountain Home artist The Grascals, Kristin Scott Benson, has formed a new duo with her husband and award-winning mandolinist Wayne Benson. The new act, named Benson, has signed with Mountain Home Music Company

Married since 2000, the two have only rarely collaborated in the studio and never as jointly featured artists. Due to changes in the business of making records, paired with a global pandemic that shut down the touring schedules, the two embraced a new opportunity as a duo.

“The paradigm for recorded music has changed so much during our careers,” Kristin explains. “Success for bluegrass artists used to depend on a heavy touring schedule and selling physical product at those shows. Radio airplay was quite limited. It’s a totally different world these days, and the current landscape allows us the opportunity to share music through streaming, Sirius/XM, and many radio outlets that also include an online component. Certainly since COVID, we’ve all figured out alternative ways to connect with listeners.”

Benson’s first single, “Conway,” is available everywhere now.

“I wrote this tune in Conway, South Carolina at a bluegrass festival we were playing,” Wayne shares. “It was one of those songs that I wasn’t sure about, but demoed it anyway. The folks at Mountain Home really liked it, so we recorded it and they decided to make it the first single!”