Amazon Music To Present ‘Kane Brown Live From The El Rey Theatre’ Global Event

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Kane Brown will perform live for the first time ever at the El Rey Theatre in Los Angeles for an Amazon Music livestream on Feb. 4.

“Kane Brown Live from the El Rey Theatre” will begin at 9 p.m. CT and feature a one-of-a-kind, intimate club performance from Brown with his fans. The award-winning entertainer will perform a medley of his hits from his albums Kane Brown, Experiment, Mixtape Vol. 1, and more during the special show.

The show will be available to watch on the Amazon Music channel on Twitch, on Prime Video, and within the Amazon Music mobile app via Twitch. It will also be available for a limited time on Prime Video following the livestream.

Brown is currently on his “Blessed & Free” arena tour, where he is the first country artist to visit every NBA Arena in one tour. His current top 10 and climbing hit, “One Mississippi,” released on the heels of his multi-week No. 1 with Chris Young, “Famous Friends.”

Nashville Symphony To Receive $150,000 American Rescue Plan Grant From NEA

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The Nashville Symphony

The Nashville Symphony will receive an American Rescue Plan grant from the National Endowment for the Arts to help the arts and cultural sector recover from the pandemic.

The Symphony is set to receive a $150,000 grant intended to save jobs and to fund operations, facilities, health and safety supplies, and marketing and promotional efforts to encourage attendance and participation.

“Our nation’s arts sector has been among the hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. The National Endowment for the Arts’ American Rescue Plan funding will help arts organizations, such as the Nashville Symphony, rebuild and reopen,” explains Dr. Maria Rosario Jackson, chair of the NEA. “The arts are crucial in helping America’s communities heal, unite, and inspire, as well as essential to our nation’s economic recovery.”

“The Nashville Symphony will utilize this generous NEA funding to help support the artistic salaries of our resident musicians, which is vital to ensuring that the Symphony is here to help the community heal, to serve future generations, and to preserve the artistic legacy of our 75-year-old institution,” adds Alan D. Valentine, President & CEO of the Nashville Symphony.

In addition to their performance schedules at Schermerhorn Symphony Center, musicians teach at local universities, volunteer for community-based projects, perform with other local ensembles, and participate in recording sessions.

In total, the NEA will award $57,750,000 in grant awards to 567 arts organizations in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Washington, DC.

Chart Action: Ernest Buds At Country Radio

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Ernest‘s new single “Flower Shops,” which features Morgan Wallen, is the most added single at country radio with 110 total stations spinning the record across the Billboard, Mediabase, and MusicRow CountryBreakout radio charts.

The Big Loud Records singer-songwriter surprise dropped the fan-favorite track on New Year’s Eve, quickly catapulting to No. 1 at Apple Music Country, Spotify Country, and iTunes overall upon release. The ode was written by Ernest with Ben Burgess and Mark Holman, and produced by Joey Moi.

“I’m so grateful for the fans and country radio for getting behind this song so early on,” says Ernest. “It isn’t every day that a record gets this kind of response and I couldn’t be happier that ‘Flower Shops’ is getting so much love.”

The hit-maker recently wrapped Season Three of his Just Being Ernest podcast where he hosted chats alongside trailblazers such as Bobby Bones, John Crist, Craig Wiseman, Wallen, Chris Lane and more. He was recently spotlighted as “The Charmer” in MusicRow’s 2021 Publisher print issue for having penned four No. 1 singles for artists Sam Hunt, Chris Lane, Morgan Wallen, and Florida Georgia Line.

For more chart data, view the latest edition of The MusicRow Weekly.

Ben Rector Plots ‘The Joy Of Music: Live Tour’ For May

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Ben Rector. Photo: Ethan Gulley

Ben Rector is returning to the road this spring with his “The Joy Of Music: Live Tour.” Special guests on the dates include JP Saxe, Jake Scott, Jordy Searcy and Stephen Day.

The new tour kicks off on May 5 in Madison, Wisconsin, and wraps with a Nashville date at Ascend Amphitheater June 25. Produced by Live Nation, the trek will feature music from Rector’s upcoming album, The Joy Of Music, as well as fan favorites, including “Brand New,” “Love Like This,” and more.

“I think this album is my best work and I’m so excited to perform it live,” shares Rector.

Fans can sign up for access to presale tickets at BenRectorMusic.com/tour. Presale will begin Feb. 1 and general public on-sale will begin on Friday, Feb. 4.

Rector rang in the new year with an early release of the three tracks, “Dream On,” “Supernatural” featuring Dave Koz, and “Living My Best Life,” to share a taste of what’s to come on his upcoming  album,, set for release March 11. The album will include additional collaborations with Snoop Dogg, Kenny G, Taylor Goldsmith from folk-rock band Dawes, and the YouTube sensation One Voice Children’s Choir.

Jordan Fletcher Shares His Life Through Debut EP, ‘True Stories’

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Jordan Fletcher

Singer-songwriter Jordan Fletcher has released his autobiographical Triple Tigers debut EP, True Stories, available everywhere now.

The four-song collection looks at Fletcher’s life as a songwriter, dad, husband, surfer, and believer. Produced by Dave Cobb, the EP is an honest reflection of Fletcher’s story so far.

“It’s an incredible blessing the way this project came out,” offers Fletcher, who recently made his Grand Ole Opry debut. “We pulled straight from the veins on these songs and working with Cobb has brought out every bit of what they’re supposed to be.” He continues, “All of my songs are autobiographical. If I’m singing it, it will be true about me. If you watched a childhood video of me on VHS, this is what you would see. I’m not making this shit up or shying away from what I believe.”

Jacksonville-born and Nashville-based, Fletcher signed to Triple 8 Management and became a Triple Tigers recording artist in September of 2021. He first came on to the scene with a strong crop of demos, including “Firebird,” “Still Those Kids,” “I Know You Are, But What Am I,” and “Rather Be Broke,” which came out in late 2021 and was quickly added to Sirius XMs Highway Finds.

Desmond Child & Friends To Lead Nashville Songwriting Fantasy Camp This Spring

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The Desmond Child & Friends Songwriting Fantasy Camp has been announced for April 7-10 at Nashville’s Scarritt Bennett Center.

A top songwriter, Child has penned hits for artists like Meatloaf, Kiss, and Bon Jovi and has plenty of stories to share with campers at this unique experience, presented by Rock ‘n’ Roll Fantasy Camp, in collaboration with Sixthman.

Emmylou Harris, John Hiatt, Marti Frederiksen, Felix Cavaliere, Steve Cropper and Damon Johnson among others will join Child to help teach aspiring songwriters of all levels from all over the world about the craft of songwriting.

“I’m so excited to share my passion of songwriting with new and upcoming talent and writers at the first ever Songwriting Fantasy Camp!” exclaims Child.

“When the opportunity came up to collaborate with David [Fishof] and the dynamic team at Rock ’n’ Roll Fantasy Camp along with the iconic Desmond Child and roster of artists for this camp…all the team at Sixthman said was…‘Just tell us where and when!'” says Anthony Diaz, CEO of Sixthman. “This will be a true once in a lifetime experience for campers and we couldn’t be more thrilled to help set the stage for memories that are sure to last a lifetime!”

Songwriting Camp topics of focus include discussions ranging from The Key to Writing Lyrics before Music, Writing Music Before Lyrics, Co-Writing, and Breaking Down The Hits–where a panel of songwriters take campers through the processes, stories behind, and secrets to writing their most popular songs. Campers will participate in discussions on Melody and Harmony, Creative Writing and Literature where they will learn how to unlock their personal stories, poetry and ideas and turn them into verse.

Additional topics include Demo Production, Film & TV Songwriting, the Business of Songwriting, and more. Other camp activities include Q&A sessions and clinics where campers will hear exclusive stories and tips, daily open mic performance opportunities, and the opportunity to write with fellow campers in intensive sessions alongside up-and-coming stars seen on American Idol and The Voice. The last night of camp features a Songwriter Showcase where writers will  perform original music for A&R reps, music industry executives, and more.

For more information and registration, click here.

Sam Hunt Graces The Top Of MusicRow’s CountryBreakout Radio Chart With ’23’

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After 18 weeks climbing the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart, Sam Hunt’s “23” moves to No. 1. The single is the first of new music for Hunt following his chart-topping album, Southside, which features three back-to-back No. 1s: “Breaking Up Was Easy in the 90’s,” “Kinfolks,” and “Hard To Forget.”

“23” was co-written by Hunt, Shane McAnally, Josh Osborne, and Chris LaCorte. LaCorte also produced the track.

Hunt played a stripped down version of “23” at the iconic Ocean Way Studios in Nashville.

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Click here to view the latest edition of The MusicRow Weekly containing the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart.

Jay DeMarcus Announces New Label, Red Street Country, Signs Ryan Griffin As Flagship Artist

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Jay DeMarcus. Photo: Courtey of subject

Jay DeMarcus, a member of the hit country group Rascal Flatts and CEO of the Christian label Red Street Records, announced the launch of a new country division, Red Street Country.

DeMarcus launched Red Street Records in 2018 and has grown the roster to include Christian artists Jason Crabb, Avalon, Cade Thompson, Lauren Camey, and more.

“As Red Street’s Christian division has continued to grow, it felt like the natural next step was for us to move into the country music space,” shares DeMarcus. “I am one of the genre’s biggest fans, and it feels like the right time to really hone in on the next generation of country superstars. The team that has come together is beyond my wildest dreams, I can’t wait to get started.”

The first artist signed to Red Street Country is singer-songwriter Ryan Griffin. With millions of streams already under his belt, Griffin has opened for Kelsea Ballerini, Lady A and Old Dominion.

DeMarcus also announced the team members that will be heading up Red Street Country. As CEO and Co-Owner, DeMarcus will lead the new artistry-driven division with Chairman and Co-Owner Dan Crockett.

Joining DeMarcus and Crockett at Red Street Country is Mark Lusk as President, General Manager; Alex Valentine as Sr. VP of Radio Promotions and Artist Development; Johnny Chiang as VP of Radio Promotions and Artist Development; and Kelly King as Sr. Director of A&R.

Additionally, Sally Allgeier has been tapped as Director Field Promotion; Mary Thorsby as Executive Assistant & Project Manager; Taylor Day as Marketing & Distribution Manager; and Cambria Mackey as Social Media & Artist Development Manager.

Don Koch will continue to serve as VP of A&R and Publishing, Red Street Christian.

On Red Street Country’s external consulting team is Kelly Rich; Ronn Tabb; Jennie Smythe and Conley Sweeney of Girlilla Marketing; John Zarling and Jackie Campbell of 615 Leverage + Strategy; and Kristie Sloan and Courtney Johanson of The GreenRoom PR.

Tom Douglas Gives Fans A Letter Of Hope Through Paramount+ Film ‘Love, Tom’

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Legendary songwriter Tom Douglas has unveiled his upcoming film, Love, Tom, along with companion album Inspired by the Motion Picture Love, Tom via Monument Records. The motion picture will be released through Paramount+, and both the film and album will be available starting Feb. 24.

Executive produced by Tom Douglas, Tommy Douglas, Austin Fish, Jason Owen, and Michael Lennox, Love, Tom is produced in association with Owen’s Sandbox Productions in partnership with Sony Music Entertainment’s Premium Content Division.

Over the course of a single night in Nashville, the award-winning songwriter narrates a letter of hope to a desperate world. The idea was born years ago when Douglas received a letter from a struggling songwriter asking him what he did when he wanted to give up.

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Honest and personal, Douglas peels back the curtain of the creative process, revealing his own past hardships and the struggle of the creative endeavor, while singing his own versions of the beloved songs he wrote at some of Nashville’s most historic and notable locations. Directed by Oscar nominated and BAFTA-winning filmmaker Michael Lennox, the film was written by Tommy Douglas and Tom Douglas.

In conjunction with Love, Tom, Douglas will be releasing a 10-track companion album, which features many of his beloved co-writers and friends, including Miranda Lambert, Tim McGraw, Lady A, Chris Janson, and Collin Raye. The first release from the album, “Van Gogh,” was penned by Douglas with Allen Shamblin, and is available now.

Inspired by the Motion Picture Love, Tom Track List:
Van Gogh
Grown Men Don’t Cry (feat. Tim McGraw)
I Run To You (feat. Lady A)
Little Rock (feat. Collin Raye)
Recovering
House That Built Me (feat. Miranda Lambert)
Drunk Girl (feat. Chris Janson)
My Little Girl (feat. Tim McGraw)
My Father’s Reputation
To The Moon and Back

Lady A, Carly Pearce, More To Perform At BMLG Luncheon For CRS 2022

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One of Country Radio Seminar’s (CRS) staple events, the Big Machine Label Group luncheon, has announced its artist lineup.

Taking place Friday, Feb. 25, this year’s lineup will feature performances by Lady A, Carly Pearce, Riley Green, Callista Clark, Laci Kaye Booth, Jackson Dean, and Tiera Kennedy. The luncheon will be held in the Broadway Ballroom (CRS Performance Hall) at Omni Nashville, beginning at noon.

“So many times, our lifeblood of new artists make an indelible mark on the BMLG CRS stage, and I expect this year to be no different… and one of the best,” says Big Machine Label Group President and CEO Scott Borchetta. “Anchored by the iconic Lady A, Carly Pearce will be the lead example of artist development at its finest. The reigning CMA Female Vocalist of the Year will show the way for newcomers Callista Clark, Tiera Kennedy, and Laci Kaye Booth, while Riley Green and Jackson Dean will throw down their unique country brands that will scorch the stage. You don’t want to miss it…”

CRS will be held Wednesday, Feb. 23 through Feb. 25. Registration for CRS 2022 is open now with single-day passes available to purchase on-site. Day passes include access to panels, speakers, luncheons and networking destinations on the day of pass purchase, with the exception of Friday’s New Faces of Country Music show. They will only be available for purchase on-site.

As previously announced, 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 and conducted on-site at no cost to attendees.