Marshall Tucker Band Celebrates 50 Years With Special Anniversary Tour

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Marshall Tucker Band. Photo: Mariah Gray

The Marshall Tucker Band is celebrating 50 years of making hits in 2022 and will commemorate the milestone with their upcoming “50th Anniversary Tour.” Dave Mason will join the group as support on select dates.

The anniversary tour will include over 30 dates with stops in Clearwater, Atlanta, Detroit, Chicago, New York, Pittsburgh, Washington D.C., Phoenix, and more. The band will play a Nashville show on Feb. 9 at the historic Ryman Auditorium. The tour officially kicks off on Jan. 12 at the Dosey Doe in The Woodlands, Texas.

“Five decades of The Marshall Tucker Band… sometimes it’s still hard to understand,” says lead singer Doug Gray. “We are just regular people. The fans have given us so many special moments over these 50 years. I’m so proud of our band. Our special songs, guided by the lyrics of Toy Caldwell, have given us a deep emotional connection with our fans and friends. We love you all and can’t wait to see you on the road in 2022.”

Nearly 50 years ago, The Marshall Tucker Band was founded in Spartanburg, South Carolina, by original members Caldwell, Tommy Caldwell, Gray, Jerry Eubanks, George McCorkle and Paul Riddle. With hits like “Can’t You See,” “Heard It in a Love Song,” “Fire on the Mountain,” and “24 Hours At a Time,” the 5x Gold and 3x Platinum-selling southern rock group has sold millions of albums worldwide.

Tonight: Nashville Music Equality To Review 2021 & Look Ahead To 2022 In Online Panel

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Nashville Music Equality will host “Cool Stuff Kids – Honoring Those Who Did Incredible Things for the Sake of Diversity” tonight (Dec. 7). The program will review 2021 and recognize the strides that have been made, as well as assess where the organization’s goals for 2022.

Hosted by award-winning producer Frank Liddell and Sr. VP & General Manager of MNRK (Nashville) Gina Miller, the night will feature guest panelists Ayappa Biddanda, Lindsay LaBennett, Shy Carter, and Marcus K. Dowling. The webinar will begin at 6 p.m. CT. To register, click here.

Read more about each panelist below:

Biddanda is the Sr. Director, National Grass Roots, Video, & Tour Promotion at Concord. Since 2004, he has overseen the Radio Department for Vanguard & Sugar Hill Records, prior to joining the Concord Promotion team. He now leads the Roots division for Concord and its family of labels, serving artists in both traditional and innovative spaces.

LaBennett started her career as an Account Executive in the Diversity Affairs department for NASCAR where she led the charge in managing the NASCAR HBCU College Tour, NASCAR Diversity Internship Program, and NASCAR’s Supplier Diversity Initiative. She has also spent time at Wasserman where she manages aspects of client relationships across Nationwide Insurance and their NASCAR, VCU Men’s Basketball, and Ohio State University Football team relationships. At Wasserman, LaBennett has focused on driving multi-cultural efforts, including diversity recruiting and cultural competency as a founding member of Wasserman’s Diversity and Inclusion Council. She was recently appointed to the new role of Sr. Director of Inclusion, Equality, and Diversity where she will act as an advisor to the Executive Leadership Team and have primary responsibility and accountability on Diversity & Inclusion issues.

Artist, songwriter, and producer Carter has credits that span Kane Brown’s “Heaven” to Charlie Puth’s “One Call Away.” He is among the writers behind Billy Currington’s “It Don’t Hurt Like it Used To,” Sugarland’s smash hit “Stuck Like Glue” and Rob Thomas’ single “Someday.” Carter has worked with Jason Derulo, Meghan Trainor, Jamie Foxx, Jennifer Lopez, Nelly, and more. His roots in gospel, jazz, R&B, and soul mixed with his gift for storytelling and love of organic instrumentation led to a natural transition into country music.

Dowling is a veteran, award-winning music journalist. He was recently named the 2021 recipient of the Rolling Stone Chet Flippo Award for Excellence in Country Music Journalism. His contributions have seen him write for CMT, Billboard, Rolling Stone, Vice, The FADER, VIBE, Complex, Bandcamp, No Depression, and more. Dowling has been quoted by the Associated Press, ESPN, the Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, and The Tennessean.

Grammy-Winning Musician, Producer & Songwriter Gary Scruggs Passes At 72

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Gary Scruggs

Gary Scruggs, the Grammy-winning artist, producer, bassist, and songwriter, passed away on Dec. 1. He was 72.

The eldest son of bluegrass music legend Earl Scruggs, Gary began playing guitar and bass as a child. He contributed to Flatt and Scruggs’ albums as a teen, and earned a BA in Philosophy from Vanderbilt University.

With his brother Randy he released two albums (1969 and 1970) as The Scruggs Brothers. Gary and Randy then formed the progressive country rock band The Earl Scruggs Revue with their father, and toured extensively. In 1970, Gary convinced his father to go to a Nitty Gritty Dirt Band concert, which eventually led to Gary, Randy and Earle—as well as other iconic traditional country artists—joining the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band to create the first Will the Circle Be Unbroken album. The collaborative album is now in the Grammy Hall of Fame and Library of Congress.

Gary later played guitar and sang backup for Waylon Jennings, as well as produced some of his records. He finally retired from the road in the mid-80s and turned his focus primarily on songwriting. Over the course of his career, Gary wrote or co-wrote hundreds of songs. His song “The Lowlands,” recorded by by Vince Gill, was used for a film score produced by John McEuen.

Gary, alongside other “Earl Scruggs and Friends,” won a Grammy for Best Country Instrumental Performance in 2001 for “Foggy Mountain Breakdown.” In 2005, Gary and Earl co-authored the “Revised and Enhanced” version of his father’s classic book Earl Scruggs And The 5-String Banjo. In 2008 Gary’s song, “Speed of Life” became the title cut of a Nitty Gritty Dirt Band album, and a year later he co-wrote “Daddy Played the Banjo” with Steve Martin for his Grammy-winning Best Bluegrass Album, The Crow. He was also nominated for the Best Bluegrass Album Grammy award in 2008 for The Ultimate Collection/Live at the Ryman.

Through the course of his career, he worked with a wide range of musicians, including Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, Doc Watson, The Byrds, Vince Gill, Rosanne Cash, Charlie Daniels, Steve Martin, Patty Loveless, and many others. 

Gary Scruggs is survived by sons Jesse (Emily) and Jaime (Erika), his niece Lindsey, and grandchildren Alex, Camila, Austin, and Lily. A celebration of life service will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 8 at 2:00 p.m. in the chapel of Spring Hill Funeral Home. Visitation will be Wednesday from 12:00 noon until time of service. Burial will follow in Spring Hill Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Country Music Hall of Fame or the Earl Scruggs Center in Shelby, North Carolina.

Exile Makes A ‘Joyful Noise’ This Holiday Season With New Christmas Album

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Pictured (L-R): Exile’s Marlon Hargis, Steve Goetzman, Les Taylor, Sonny LeMaire and JP Pennington. Photo: Moments By Moser Photography

Exile is celebrating the holiday season with a brand new Christmas album, Joyful Noise, featuring eight new original songs. The project, distributed through Clearwater Records and Vere/ADA, includes songs co-written by band members J.P. Pennington and Sonny LeMaire, Sharon Vaughn, and John Bizzack.

“I am very excited to sign Exile to a New Christmas Album,” says Robert Gomes, Clearwater Records CEO. “I have grown up listening to and loving their music. I now have the honor to work with a legendary group of great artists.”

“Joyful Noise was created out of a turbulent time. These brand-new original Christmas-themed songs, penned throughout 2020, are some of the best we have ever written!” says LeMaire. “I’m so very proud to be able to share these eight songs with our fans and, hopefully, new fans as well. Wishing everyone Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas and Joyful Noise.”

Exile was formed in 1963 and has topped both the pop and country charts during their over 58 year-long career. Their most successful hit, “Kiss You All Over,” spent four weeks at the top of Billboard’s pop chart in 1978. During their run on the country charts, Exile has had ten No. 1 singles, including “I Don’t Want To Be A Memory” and “Give Me One More Chance.” The 5 original Exile members re-formed in 2008 and continue to tour today. Current members of the band include Pennington, Les Taylor, LeMaire, Marlon Hargis and Steve Goetzman.

Joyful Noise Track List:
1.  Kid At Heart – J.P. Pennington / John Bizzack
2.  Mistletoe Boogie – J.P. Pennington / Sonny LeMaire / Sharon Vaughn
3.  Santa’s Gonna Bring It To You – J.P. Pennington / Sonny LeMaire / Sharon Vaughn
4.  My Christmas Souvenirs – J.P. Pennington / Sonny LeMaire / Sharon Vaughn
5.  Big Rig Santa – J.P. Pennington / Sonny LeMaire / Sharon Vaughn
6.  I Would Give You Peace – J.P. Pennington / Sonny LeMaire / Sharon Vaughn
7.  Ho Ho Home For Christmas – J.P. Pennington / Sonny LeMaire / Sharon Vaughn
8.  Joyful Noise – J.P. Pennington / Sonny LeMaire / Sharon Vaughn

Rumble On The Row Matches Announced For March Event

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The Rumble on the Row fight card has been set for the 18th annual “Ringside: A Fight for Kids” boxing gala. The annual charity event will take place March 3, 2022 at The Factory’s Liberty Hall in Franklin, Tennessee.

Presented by the Charley Foundation, the gala will feature five bouts of Nashville music industry professionals squaring off in the ring to benefit charities addressing the critical needs of children.

This year’s Rumble on the Row matchups include:

  • Addison Nunes (Manager/Analytics, Warner Music Group) vs. Jen Hubbard (Creative Director, Concord Music Publishing)
  • Aaron Spalding (Talent Buyer, Live Nation) vs. Brad Hersch (Creative Director, Homestead/Red Light Management)
  • Jackie Stevens (Director of Promotion, Midwest, EMI Records Nashville/Universal Music Group) vs. Angela Stefano Zimmer (Writer/Editor in Museum Services, Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum)
  • Cole Phillips (Producer/Songwriter) vs. Ben Haley (Head of Production, WORKS Entertainment)
  • Makahla Ross (Wardrobe Stylist/Choreographer/Dancer) vs. Sarah Beth Gerlecz (Counsel – Nashville, EMPIRE Distribution, Records and Publishing)

The evening features gourmet dining, live music, a silent auction, and the Rumble on the Row matches. Funds raised will provide assistance to disabled and underprivileged children served by medical, recreational and care groups.

“This is the first time in the history of Ringside that there are more female bouts than male bouts which is incredible,” said Carolyn Miller, The Charley Foundation’s founder and chairman, and the event’s producer. “All these industry pros are committed to getting into the best shape of their lives and battling in the ring to fight for a most worthy cause.”

For table reservations and standing-room tickets, visit ringsideafightforkids.com.

Country Music Hall Of Fame And Museum To Unveil New Florida Georgia Line Exhibit

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The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum will explore Florida Georgia Line‘s music and career with a new exhibit, Florida Georgia Line: Mix It Up Strong, opening Friday, Jan. 21, 2022 and running through Jan. 1, 2023. The exhibit will trace FGL’s  Tyler Hubbard and Brian Kelley‘s collaboration and friendship, from their meeting in college to their becoming a multiple-award-winning country duo.

Florida Georgia Line burst onto the country music charts in 2012 with their first single, “Cruise,” a song that would become a record-breaking No. 1 country hit. “Cruise” earned Diamond certification from the RIAA, becoming the first country single to attain sales and streams equivalent to 10 million units. They went on to earn a second Diamond-certified single with “Meant to Be,” a 2017 collaboration with pop singer Bebe Rexha.

“Florida Georgia Line expanded the country music audience and created some of the most popular recordings in the genre’s history by embracing hip-hop and rock influences,” says museum CEO Kyle Young. “In less than a decade, Brian Kelley and Tyler Hubbard have had twenty-five singles reach gold, platinum or multi-platinum status, with two of those singles–‘Cruise’ and ‘Meant to Be’–reaching the elite plateau of Diamond sales certification. Very few artists in any genre accomplish that feat even once. The museum looks forward to exploring the duo’s distinctive music and career in this special exhibit.”

Hubbard (a Georgia native) and Kelley (from Florida) met on campus at Belmont University in Nashville, and began a friendship with their shared an interest in music. In 2011, Big Loud began handling their artist development, publishing, management and record production. Producer Joey Moi, a partner at the company, helped to develop the FGL sound, incorporating elements similar to the popular recordings he produced for rock band Nickelback.

The following year, the duo signed a record deal with Republic Nashville/Big Machine Records and released the album Here’s To The Good Times. Since then, the duo has received multiple honors from ACM, AMA, Billboard, CMA, MusicRow and CMT Music Awards, among many other career achievements.

The duo’s success extends to songwriting and music business ventures, as well. Hubbard and Kelley wrote many of FGL’s best-known songs and have also penned hits for other artists, including Jason Aldean’s “Burnin’ It Down” and Cole Swindell’s “Hope You Get Lonely Tonight.” They also launched their own label (Round Here Records) and song publishing firm (Tree Vibez Music), signing Corey Crowder, RaeLynn and Canaan Smith, among others.

The Florida Georgia Line: Mix It Up Strong exhibit will include instruments, awards, stage and screen costumes and personal artifacts. Some highlights include:

  • A serape Kelley wore in Florida Georgia Line’s 2016 music video for “H.O.L.Y.”
  • The Selmer Bundy II saxophone Hubbard played as a child
  • Hubbard’s Alvarez AD-60SC guitar, which he customized and played early in the duo’s career
  • A diamond certification award from the Record Industry Association of America (RIAA) for “Cruise”
  • A note from Hubbard’s high school classmates and teachers wishing him luck with his music career in Nashville
  • A ball cap Kelley wore when playing on his high school baseball team, the Seabreeze Fighting Sandcrabs
  • Kelley’s Takamine GB7C Garth Brooks Signature acoustic guitar, which Kelley used when writing “Cruise” and other hits
  • Racing suits and helmets Hubbard and Kelley wore in the 2016 music video for “May We All” (feat. Tim McGraw)
  • Ensembles worn by the duo on the cover of their 2019 album Can’t Say I Ain’t Country
  • Hubbard’s first guitar, a Sigma DM-3 acoustic guitar, which he acquired in fourth grade

“I still remember being at the Country Q studio with BK recording ‘Cruise,’ and having this feeling like we had created something special,” shares Hubbard. “And I’ll never forget when BK said, ‘We’re gonna sell a million copies of this song.’ I thought he was shooting for the stars then! Neither of us had any idea what would happen next. To be chosen for an exhibit is the ultimate honor as an artist, and we can’t thank the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum enough. I can’t wait for opening day, when we can stand back and take in this blessing with everyone that’s supported us along the way.”

“When Tyler and I decided to go all-in and see where FGL would take us, we lived by two mottos,” adds Kelley. “The first being, ‘Anywhere that would let us play our songs–didn’t matter if it was a bar, coffee shop, club or if the crowd was 10 people or 50 people–we would go just to be able to perform.’ And, the second, ‘Shake a million hands, to make a million fans.’ Fast-forward to today, and all that has happened over the past 11 years. It’s truly mind-blowing. We are both dreamers and always striving to go big. To have the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum now feature our wild ride is surreal and humbling. I couldn’t be more excited about this exhibit and to be able to relive each step of our journey. Here’s to the good times!”

In support of the exhibition’s opening, Hubbard and Kelley will participate in a conversation and performance in the museum’s CMA Theater on Sunday, Feb. 6, 2022, at 2 p.m., discussing their career and sharing personal stories and memories associated with the artifacts included in Florida Georgia Line: Mix It Up Strong. Tickets will be available at CountryMusicHallofFame.org on Friday, Dec. 10.

Cole Taylor Signs With Red Creative Group, Sony Music Publishing & Anthem Entertainment

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Pictured (L-R, back row): Sony Music Publishing CEO Rusty Gaston, RED Creative Group Owner Jeremy Stover, Safford Motley Managing Partner Scott Safford, and RED Creative Group VP of Publishing Taylor Lamb; (L-R, middle row): Anthem Entertainment Group President of Music Publishing Tim Wipperman and Sony Music Publishing VP of Creative Anna Weisband; (front row): Cole Taylor

Cole Taylor has signed a joint publishing deal with RED Creative Group, Sony Music Publishing Nashville, and Anthem Entertainment.

The Cuthbert, Georgia, native has written No. 1 hits for Florida Georgia Line, (“Sippin’ On Fire”) and Luke Bryan and Karen Fairchild (“Home Alone Tonight”), and has also penned songs for Jason Aldean, Kenny Chesney, Cole Swindell, Jake Owen, Dylan Scott, Chase Rice, Chris Lane, Travis Denning, Jon Langston, Ryan Hurd, and many more.

“I have been a huge fan of Cole and his work for years now,” says RED Creative Group Owner Jeremy Stover. “I am thrilled to be able to work with him in an official capacity here at RED and can’t wait to see him continue to succeed and grow in his writing career.”

“Cole Taylor is a true country music craftsman and a rare talent,” adds Sony Music Publishing CEO Rusty Gaston. “We are so excited to welcome him into the SMP family and partner with RED Creative/Anthem to champion his work.”

“I’m so excited to start the next chapter of my career with this team,” Taylor shares.  “Jeremy and Taylor [Lamb] at RED are some of the best in the business and having Rusty, Anna [Weisband] and the Sony Publishing team on our side is more than I could ask for as I start my 9th year in Nashville.”

Rodney Crowell & Friends Release ‘Songs From Quarantine Vol. 2’ Benefit Album

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Grammy-winning artist Rodney Crowell has once again partnered with Music Health Alliance with the special, limited edition release of Songs From Quarantine Vol. 2. Proceeds will benefit Music Health Alliance and its continued work to provide free healthcare advocacy and support to the music community nationwide.

This collection features fan-favorite songs in their raw form, performed by the artists who wrote and/or recorded them. Crowell enlisted a number of his all-star friends on the 14-tracks, including William Bell, Beth Nielsen Chapman, Cory Chisel, Guy Clark, Sheryl Crow, Willie Nelson & John Daly, Mary Gauthier, Vince Gill, Shelby Lynne, Allison Moorer, Ringo Starr, Molly Tuttle, and John Paul White. He is also joined by Wendy Moten, John Oates and Chely Wright for the project’s bookend track, “Heavenly Day.” The digital compilation will be available for only two weeks exclusively on Bandcamp.

“Songs From Quarantine Volume 1 was a sweet success and we have equally high hopes for Volume 2. Once again all proceeds go to the not-for-profit Music Health Alliance, whose ever-ready staff continues to serve our nationwide music community’s health related needs,” says Crowell.

Rodney Crowell and Friends’ Songs From Quarantine Vol. 2 Track List:
1. Guy Clark – “Step Inside This House”
2. Sheryl Crow – “Home”
3. Willie Nelson & John Daly – “Whiskey and Water”
4. Ringo Starr – “See You Later Alligator”
5. Shelby Lynne – “Is There Any Love Left”
6. Allison Moorer – “St. Jude Lives in the Garden Now”
7. Cory Chisel – “Wicked Game”
8. William Bell – “Check Out My Karma”
9. John Paul White – “Until I Get My Feet Back On The Ground”
10. Mary Gauthier – “About Time”
11. Beth Nielsen Chapman – “That’s When I Find You”
12. Vince Gill – “Old Texas Moon”
13. Molly Tuttle – “Tsunami”
14. Rodney Crowell w/Wendy Moten, John Oates and Chely Wright – “Heavenly Day”

Weekly Register: Dan + Shay Ring In The Holiday With Top Overall Song Debut

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Dan + Shay. Courtesy of Amazon Music

Dan + Shay earn the top overall debut this week with the release of “Pick Out A Christmas Tree” via Warner/Parlophone. The Amazon Music exclusive track received 6.2 million streams and comes in at No. 85.

Taylor Swift continues to dominate the top country songs chart this week as “All Too Well (Taylor’s Version)” gains 16 million streams, contributing to 82 million total streams. Swift also takes the fifth spot with “Enchanted” earning 4.9 million streams. Walker Hayes‘ “Fancy Like” remains in second, adding 8.4 million streams. Jordan Davis and Luke Bryan‘s “Buy Dirt” earns the third spot at 5 million streams, and Jason Aldean & Carrie Underwood‘s “If I Didn’t Love You” rises to fourth with 4.9 million streams.

Swift also continues her reign at the top of the country streaming albums chart with Red (Taylor’s Version) racking up 102K in total consumption (46K album only/70 million song streams). Swift also claims the fifth spot as Fearless (Taylor’s Version) earns 22K. Morgan Wallen‘s Dangerous: The Double Album remains in second adding 45K, while Luke Combs‘ What You See Is What You Get rises to third and receives 22K. Underwood’s My Gift jumps into the fourth spot, earning 22K.

Industry Ink: Tracy Lawrence, Midland, Jon Pardi, Sawyer

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Tracy Lawrence Raises $175,000 At 16th Annual Mission:Possible Turkey Fry & Benefit Concert

Tracy Lawrence. Photo: Nicole Murphy

Tracy Lawrence recently held his 16th Annual Mission:Possible Turkey Fry and Benefit Concert, raising a record $175,000 for Nashville Rescue Mission. Cumulatively, with last year’s turkey fry and this year’s annual golf tournament, $325,000 has been raised in a single calendar year.

Altogether, 500 turkeys were fried, providing approximately 5,000 meals to those in need. During the Turkey Fry, Lawrence was presented with the honorary title of Tennessee Colonel in recognition of his years of philanthropic service to Nashville and greater Tennessee.

“It is a rare privilege to stand alongside someone with such an earnest heart for service, and so I consider it an honor to present Tracy with the prestigious title of Tennessee Colonel,” said Senator Blackburn. “Last year alone, his work with the Nashville Rescue Mission fed thousands of people and raised more than $100,000 in donations for the homeless and hungry. This is what love looks like and I thank Tracy from the bottom of my heart for giving that love so freely to the people of Nashville.”

Lawrence and a few friends also took the stage at SkyDeck at Assembly Hall for the benefit concert later with David Tolliver opening the show. Lawrence was joined on-stage by country music artists Dustin Lynch, Michael Ray and Lainey Wilson who took turns playing acoustic versions of some of their hit songs.

 

Midland Returns To Ryman Auditorium, Receives RIAA 3x Platinum Certification

Midland. Photo: Catherine Powell

Country trio Midland returned to Nashville last week (Dec. 1-2) with back-to-back sold-out shows at the historic Ryman Auditorium on their “The Last Resort Tour.”

Before the second night, they celebrated the RIAA certification of their chart-topping debut “Drinkin’ Problem” going three-times Platinum. Midland co-wrote the song alongside Shane McAnally and Josh Osborne, which previously earned a Grammy nomination.

Sharing crowd favorites such as “Mr. Lonely,” “Cheatin’ Songs,” “Burn Out”, and their newest single “Sunrise Tells The Story,” Midland brought in special guest John Osborne of Brothers Osborne on Wednesday night for a surprise performance of the unreleased “Paycheck to Paycheck” from their forthcoming album.

 

Jon Pardi’s ‘Write You A Song’ Earns Gold Certification

Pictured (L-R): Co-producer Bart Butler, Engineer Ryan Gore, Jon Pardi, Red Light Management’s Melanie Wetherbee, and UMG Nashville’s Brian Wright

Jon Pardi‘s debut album, Write You A Song, has been certified Gold by the RIAA.

Featuring early hits such as “Missin’ You Crazy,” “Up All Night,” “What I Can’t Put Down,” and “When I’ve Been Drinkin’,” the 2014 project was co-produced by Bart Butler and engineered by Ryan Gore. The album, which put Pardi on the country music map, was followed by his 2016 breakout project California Sunrise, which spawned three No. 1s at country radio.

As a singer, songwriter, and producer of his 2020 Heartache Medication, Pardi debuted on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart and was named on Rolling Stone’s “Best Albums of the Year.”

 

Indie Pop Duo Sawyer Sign Publishing Deal With Sheltered Music, Cameron Jaymes

Pictured (L-R): Lance Freed (President, Sheltered), Darrell Franklin (SVP, Sheltered), Emma Harvey (Sawyer), Kel Taylor (Sawyer), Maddy Sundquist (MADKAT MGMT) and Cameron Jaymes (Producer)

Nashville-based pop duo Sawyer, comprised of Emma Harvery and Kel Taylor, have signed a publishing deal with Sheltered Music Publishing and producer Cameron Jaymes. The partnership with Jaymes is focused on the development of artists with an emphasis on production and songwriting. Jaymes is known for producing acts like Rachel Platten, Daya, Spencer Southerland, and Nightly.

Sawyer’s catalog has garnered over 10.4 million streams. The duo, currently on tour, has grown their fanbase with recent singles like “Taste” and “The Way My Friends Feel About You.” While on the road, they’ve supported contemporary acts like The Aces, Nightly and Joan.

“Emma and Kel are two of the most unique creatives and they’re wonderful humans,” shares Jaymes. “They’re incredibly gifted songwriters and on a completely different wavelength as performers. I believe great artists first and foremost have an undeniable, unshakable sense of self, and Sawyer has that in spades.”

Sheltered Music’s SVP, Darrell Franklin comments: “There are very few times in my career that I have been taken back by someone’s performance in the way that these girls are capable of delivering. I’m excited to see the world react to what we all agree is so unique and compelling. They are first class songwriters and extraordinary performers.”

“This feels like a dream!” says Harvey. “I’ve never felt more empowered and believed in than by this team. Here’s to perpetually writing my new favorite songs we’ve ever written!”

Taylor adds: “Lots of love, respect and lightning bolt inspiration we feel with our team of Cameron, Darrell, Lance [Freed] and Jenny at Sheltered Music Publishing. I remember leaving our first write with Cam and thinking ‘If we’re not careful, we might win a Grammy with him.’ That kind of belief in self continues to grow as we work with him. It’s a dream come true.”