Danny Myrick, Deluge Music Launch West Coast-Based Canyon Coast Entertainment

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Danny Myrick

Songwriter and producer Danny Myrick and Deluge Music have teamed up to form L.A.-based company Canyon Coast Entertainment.

Inspired by the West Coast’s history of roots music, Canyon Coast Entertainment aims to find and develop emerging Americana and country artists in the region, as well as provide production, publishing and performance opportunities.

Myrick landed his first No. 1 gospel song at 17 before forming 90’s country rock band Western Flyer and releasing numerous top 40 hits. He has penned songs for Jason Aldean, Maddie & Tae, Craig Morgan, Tim McGraw, and more. In 2020, he released his first solo EP, King Of Jones County, and produced The Voice Season 17 winner Jake Hoot’s No. 1 album, Love Out Of Time. Most recently, Myrick co-wrote and produced Reyna Roberts’ single “Raised Right,” and co-produced Leslie Jordan’s debut album, Company’s Comin’.

“We could not be more excited to launch Canyon Coast under the leadership of Danny Myrick,” says Deluge Music’s Managing Member David Robkin. “In addition to being a fantastic songwriter and producer, Danny’s vision and entrepreneurial spirit has brought us to California to develop and support the amazing talent based in the West. We are confident that this will be an exciting opportunity for Deluge Music and the artists/writers who work in or near the West Coast.”

“From Buck & Merle to The Flying Burrito Brothers, to Ronstadt, the Eagles and Jackson Brown, to Dwight, Blackhawk, Highway 101 and Gary Allan, the untamed wildness of the California ‘country’ sound has always deeply resonated with me in an almost spiritual way,” shares Myrick. “I believe one of the main reasons that sound is essentially nonexistent in current country music is the lack of attention given to the immense and unique talent pool in that region. The recent critical and chart success of artists like Cam, Brett Young, Devin Dawson and Jon Pardi, songwriters Kyle Fishman and Sara Haze, and the freshness of emerging superstar Reyna Roberts, are just a few reminders of what could have been developed out there before even giving a thought to heading to Nashville.”

Canyon Coast Entertainment will host a monthly “Gold Rush Roots Revival” showcase at Hotel Cafe, spotlighting local artists. The series kicks off on Dec. 6 with Adam Chaffin, whose 2020 debut album, Some Things Won’t Last, garnered acclaim from Billboard, American Songwriter, Rolling Stone, and more.

Emily Peacock Rises To Senior Creative Director At Tree Vibez Music

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Emily Peacock

Music publishing company Tree Vibez Music, which was founded by FGL‘s Tyler Hubbard and Brian Kelley, have elevated main staff member Emily Peacock to Senior Creative Director.

First joining TVM in 2018, Peacock plays a pivotal role in leading the company’s songwriters, including Kelley, Hubbard, Jordan Schmidt, Corey Crowder, RaeLynn, Canaan Smith, Blake Redferrin, and Chris Loocke. For the third consecutive year, Peacock is featured in MusicRow’s N.B.T. Industry Directory among rising Nashville music business professionals who are having a major impact on the industry.

The Belmont University graduate first launched her professional career alongside BMI’s Bob DiPiero at Love Monkey Music. For over a decade, she’s worked hand-in-hand with veteran publisher Leslie T. DiPiero at Tom-Leis Music and Advanced Alternative Media (AAM). Peacock is a member of the ACM, CMA, Recording Academy, and AIMP, and participates in NSAI programs such as “R.I.S.E.,” Pitch to Publisher, plus judging their annual song contest. She’s also served in various volunteer and leadership roles with the Musicians On Call organization since 2013.

“Emily’s dedication to our roster and attention to detail is unsurpassed,” shares TVM General Manager Leslie T. DiPiero. “We are grateful for her enviable work ethic and air traffic control skills. Our entire Tree Vibez Music family extends our heartfelt congratulations to Emily Peacock!”

Peacock can be reached at emily@treevibezmusic.com.

In This Issue: Dan + Shay’s Return To The Road, The Transition From Cyberspace To Center Stage, More

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Nashville’s leading music industry publication MusicRow Magazine has released its 2022 Touring & Next Big Thing Print Issue, featuring Warner Music Nashville’s Brett Eldredge on the cover.

Included in this issue is a discussion surrounding the return to the road as Dan + Shay embarked on their relaunched “The (Arena) Tour.” After being forced to postpone their first headlining arena tour after only four shows, members from the award-winning duo’s team—including CAA’s Jeff Krones and Sandbox Entertainment’s Leslie Cohea—explain what the last eighteen months looked like for their camp, including rescheduling, changing production, and keeping up with COVID-19 protocols across the country. The Touring & Next Big Thing issue also tackles some of the challenges involved in the transition from success on TikTok to becoming a viable touring act for the many artists that were discovered on the platform during the pandemic. “For an artist that is used to performing within the confines of a vertical screen, it’s massive,” offers WME Music Agent, Lindsey Dodge. “It’s exciting for them to get to play on a real stage, but it’s a big change.”

Additionally, MusicRow catches up with Executive Vice President of Entertainment and Venues for Bridgestone Arena David Kells, who pulls back the curtain on some of the hardships the Nashville arena faced over the last eighteen months. The 2022 Touring & Next Big Thing Print Issue also features a Q&A with WME’s Nate Towne about his evolution from the company’s mailroom to becoming a Partner. This edition also breaks down the Nashville Number System, chronicles its beginnings from the late 1950s, and explains how it is used in modern day recording and performing.

MusicRow also remembers Randy “Baja” Fletcher, a titan of the touring industry who tragically passed away in August, with a special tribute for his journey through the live entertainment space and his vast contributions to the industry. The touring veteran had stints on the road with several entertainment giants, such as ZZ Top, Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard, George Jones, Randy Travis, Brooks & Dunn, and Keith Urban. “His knack for engaging people of all sorts was a gift we could use more of, and he was truly an ambassador for the country music industry and humanity, in general,” says longtime tour manager for Urban, Chuck Hull, of Baja.

Celebrated in this issue is MusicRow’s eighth annual Next Big Thing class of artists, including Bexar (Warner Music Nashville), Cooper Alan (Cooped Up Records), Callista Clark (Big Machine Records), Hannah Dasher (Independent), Brooke Eden (BBR Music Group/BMG), Willie Jones (Sony Music Nashville), Ian Munsick (Warner Music Nashville), Lily Rose (Big Loud Records/ Back Blocks Music and Republic Records), Brittney Spencer (Independent), Tiera (The Valory Music Co.), and Sam Williams (Mercury Nashville).

Also featured is the N.B.T. Industry Directory Class of 2022, which spotlights rising Nashville music representatives who are having a major impact on the industry. These industry members occupy important roles at their respective companies, and are on a trajectory of excellence to successfully lead the Nashville music industry into the future. Click here to view the 70 N.B.T. members of 2022.

Additionally, the 2022 Touring Directory is included in this issue, featuring contact information for touring transportation, production and insurance companies.

Single copies of MusicRow’s 2022 Touring & Next Big Thing Issue are available for purchase at musicrow.com for $45, and are included with yearly MusicRow memberships.

Keith Urban To Embark On ‘The Speed Of Now World Tour’ In Summer 2022

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Keith Urban

Four-time Grammy award winner Keith Urban will make his return to the road as he sets course on “The Speed Of Now World Tour” North American leg with special guest, three-time Grammy nominee, Ingrid Andress.

Kicking off on June 17 at Tampa’s MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre, Urban will also make a handful of stops in Canada before trekking across the U.S., including his first performances at Los Angeles’ The Forum and the Jacksonville Daily’s Place. Tickets will go on sale in all markets on Friday, Dec. 10 at 10 a.m. local time.

YouTube video

“Every night is the first time we’ve played these songs for that audience, in that moment,” says Urban. “After two years, we’re finally gonna get the chance to play some of the new songs we haven’t done live before. We’ll throw in a bunch of the songs that everyone comes to hear, a couple of which we’ll rework a bit, and it’s really gonna be tough to get us off the stage.”

Urban continues: “I’ve always considered myself a live performer first. It’s what I’ve always done and it’s what my music needs to live and breathe. Our shows are all about living in the moment. They’re a totally interactive and immersive experience where everyone can participate in whatever way they want-sing, dance, do whatever.”

With the announcement of the North American debut of “The Speed Of Now World Tour,” Urban will embark on his first world tour in four years. The North American leg will add fifty shows to the tour’s previously announced dates in Australia, Germany, Netherlands, and the United Kingdom. For more information, click here.

“The Speed Of Now World Tour” Dates:
June 17 Tampa MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre
June 18 West Palm Beach iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre
July 8 Toronto Budweiser Stage
July 9 Toronto Budweiser Stage
July 10 Canandaigua CMAC
July 15 Cleveland Blossom Music Center
July 16 Cincinnati Riverbend Music Center
July 22 Mansfield Xfinity Center
July 23 Bangor Maine Savings Amphitheater
July 24 Gilford Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion
July 29 Holmdel PNC Bank Arts Center
July 30 Bristow Jiffy Lube Live
July 31 Camden BB&T Pavilion
Aug. 4 Jacksonville Daily’s Place
Aug. 5 Jacksonville Daily’s Place
Aug. 6 Orange Beach The Wharf Amphitheater
Aug. 12 Charlotte PNC Music Pavilion
Aug. 13 Raleigh Coastal Credit Union Music Park
Aug. 14 Virginia Beach Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater
Aug. 18 Rogers Walmart AMP
Aug. 19 St. Louis Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre
Aug. 20 Des Moines Iowa State Fair
Aug. 26 Detroit DTE Energy Music Theatre
Aug. 27 Indianapolis Ruoff Music Center
Aug. 28 Milwaukee American Family Insurance Amphitheater
Sept. 1 Lake Tahoe Lake Tahoe Outdoor Arena at Harveys
Sept. 3 Mountain View Shoreline Amphitheatre
Sept. 8 Phoenix Footprint Center
Sept. 9 San Diego North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre
Sept. 10 Los Angeles The Forum
Sept. 15 Salt Lake City USANA Amphitheatre
Sept. 16 Denver Ball Arena
Sept. 17 Wichita INTRUST Bank Arena
Sept. 22 Grand Rapids Van Andel Arena
Sept. 23 Columbus Nationwide Arena
Sept. 24 Chicago Hollywood Casino Amphitheater
Sept. 29 Kansas City T-Mobile Center
Sept. 30 Oklahoma City Paycom Center
Oct. 1 Ft. Worth Dickies Arena
Oct. 6 Lexington Rupp Arena
Oct. 7 Nashville Bridgestone Arena
Oct. 8 Atlanta State Farm Arena
Oct. 13 Savannah Enmarket Arena
Oct. 14 Knoxville Thompson Boling Arena
Oct. 15 Charleston Charleston Coliseum
Oct. 21 Uncasville Mohegan Sun Arena
Oct. 22 Long Island UBS Arena at Belmont Park
Nov. 3 Madison Alliant Energy Center
Nov. 4 Peoria Peoria Civic Center
Nov. 5 St. Paul Xcel Center

Hailey Whitters Announces 2022 ‘Heartland’ Tour

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Hailey Whitters

Hailey Whitters is kicking off her 2022 “Heartland” Tour on Feb. 4.

The rising singer-songwriter will make stops in Chicago, New York, Philadelphia and more, leading into a festival-filled year with performances at the C2C: Country To Country Festival, Stagecoach Festival, Tortuga Music Festival, and others.

Members of Whitters’ The Heartlanders fan club will receive an early access presale today (Nov. 30) ahead of general on-sale which begins Friday, Dec. 3.

“I’ve been dreaming about one day playing my own headlining tour since the early days of cover bar gigs and graveyard shifts in a 15-passenger van,” explains Whitters. “I’m so excited to get to now play my own headlining set for fans and give back all that they’ve given me while chasing this dream. They’re the reason I get to do this and I hope to create an experience and a night they won’t ever forget. I’m playing some of my favorite cities and looking forward to seeing a lot of familiar faces.”

Whitters recently received her first Grammy nomination for Song of the Year for “A Beautiful Noise.” She is currently in the midst of Midland’s “The Last Resort Tour,” which will make a stop at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium on Dec. 1-2.

Hailey Whitters Upcoming Tour Dates:
12/1 – Nashville, TN – Ryman Auditorium *
12/2 – Nashville, TN – Ryman Auditorium *
12/3 – Charlotte, NC – The Fillmore *
12/4 – Asheville, NC – Thomas Wolfe Auditorium *
12/9 – Knoxville, TN – The Tennessee Theatre *
12/10 – Chattanooga, TN – Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Auditorium *
12/11 – Atlanta, GA – Coca Cola Roxy *
12/16 – Shreveport, LA – Shreveport Municipal Memorial Auditorium *
12/17 – Houston, TX – The Terminal *
12/18 – Grand Prairie, TX – The Theatre at Grand Prairie *
12/22 – Austin, TX – ACL Live at the Moody Theater *
12/23 – Austin, TX – ACL Live at the Moody Theater *
2/4 – Des Moines, IA – Wooly’s
2/5 – Kansas City, MO – recordBar
2/10 – Chicago, IL – Joe’s on Weed Street
2/11 – Omaha, NE – Barnato Lounge
2/12 – Minneapolis, MN – 7th Street Entry
2/17 – Columbus, OH – A&R Music Bar
2/18 – Detroit, MI – El Club
2/19 – Pittsburgh, PA – Thunderbird Café & Music Hall
2/22 – New York, NY – The Mercury Lounge
2/24 – Boston, MA – Brighton Music Hall
2/25 – Philadelphia, PA – The Foundry at The Fillmore
3/11 – Glasgow, United Kingdom – The SSE Hydro – C2C: Country To Country Festival
3/12 – Dublin, Ireland – 3Arena – C2C: Country To Country Festival
3/13 – London, United Kingdom – The O2 – C2C: Country To Country Festival
3/25 – Decatur, GA – Eddie’s Attic
3/26 – Birmingham, AL – Zydeco
4/10 – Fort Lauderdale, FL – Tortuga Music Festival
4/14 – Houston, TX – White Oak Music Hall-Upstairs
4/15 – New Braunfels, TX – Whitewater Amphitheatre #
4/16 – New Braunfels, TX – Whitewater Amphitheatre #
4/22 – Portland, OR – Mississippi Studios
4/23 – Seattle, WA – Tractor Tavern
4/26 – Felton, CA – Felton Music Hall
4/29 – San Francisco, CA – The Independent
5/1 – Indio, CA – Stagecoach Festival
5/6 – Swisher, IA – DanceMor Ballroom
8/4 – Oro-Medonte, CA – Boots And Hearts Country Music Festival
* – with Midland
# – with Jon Pardi and Lainey Wilson

Kiss Breast Cancer Goodbye Benefit Raises $167,000 For Susan G. Komen

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Pictured (L-R): Joshua Daniel, Tara Joseph, Katie Larson, Sydni Joseph, Tim Newman

Following the success of Nashville’s inaugural Kiss Breast Cancer Goodbye Benefit Concert on Oct. 24 at the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Joseph Family Foundation recently presented a $167,000 donation to Susan G. Komen.

The event featured appearances from Dolly Parton, Dennis Quaid, Artimus Pyle, LOCASH, Captain Sandy Yawn, Collin Raye, and many others. Breast cancer survivors and the powerful songwriters behind the song, “Pink,” took the stage to educate and honor those affected by the disease, and VIP ticket holders enjoyed a silent auction and cocktail reception before the benefit concert began.

Parton was greeted by a standing ovation as she closed out the show with a once-in-a-lifetime performance featuring never before heard personal stories, jokes, and behind the scenes insight into the legend’s songwriting process.

Development Director of Tennessee for Susan G. Komen, Joshua Daniel, says: “$167,000 is so much money. You would be shocked as to how many lives $20,000 can save… Just imagine what an impact this is going to make.”

Kiss Breast Cancer Goodbye 2022 will be held on Oct. 23, 2022 at the Country Music Hall of Fame’s CMA Theater.

Dallas Smith Pulls Off Three-Peat As 2021 CCMA Entertainer Of The Year

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Dallas Smith. Photo: Courtesy of CCMA

Dallas Smith was the big winner at the 2021 CCMA Awards, receiving the Entertainer of the Year award for the third consecutive year, as well as wins in the Single of the Year and Male Artist of the Year categories.

Tenille Townes. Photo: Courtesy of CCMA

Hosted by Canada’s Drag Race Season One winner Priyanka and 2021 CCMA Award winner Lindsay Ell, the evening included virtual appearances by Walker Hayes, Thomas Rhett and Chris Stapleton.

Tenille Townes, Brett Kissel, and The Reklaws all celebrated two wins at this year’s event. Townes held onto the title of Female Artist of the Year for the third consecutive year, and saw her album, The Lemonade Stand named Ford F150 Album of the Year.  Kissel was named Amazon Music and Alexa’s Fans’ Choice for his third consecutive year, adding to his earlier win in the PRS Guitars Video of the Year category.

Robyn Ottolini. Photo: Courtesy of CCMA

The Reklaws won Group or Duo of the Year and also took home a win for their collaboration track with Dean Brody for Top Selling Canadian Single of the Year. Up-and-comer Robyn Ottolini celebrated her first-ever CCMA Awards performance and took home a win for Rising Star during the evening’s festivities.

Official 2021 CCMA Awards Presented by TD Winners:

Entertainer of the Year – Dallas Smith
Ford F150 Album of the Year – Tenille Townes — The Lemonade Stand
Amazon Music and Alexa Fans’ Choice – Brett Kissel
Female Artist of the Year – Tenille Townes
Group or Duo of the Year – The Reklaws
Male Artist of the Year – Dallas Smith
Single of the Year – “Like A Man” — Dallas Smith
Rising Star – Robyn Ottolini

Maverick City Music Signs With WME [Exclusive]

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Maverick City Music. Photo: Courtesy of TRIBL Records

WME has signed Christian worship group Maverick City Music. Founded in 2018 by Tony Brown and Jonathan Jay, Maverick City formed as a result of the founders hosting seventeen songwriting camps, which brought together more than one hundred Christian artists and songwriters creating hundreds of songs.

Since its inception, Maverick City Music has garnered Grammy and Dove Award nominations and multiple Billboard No. 1 albums and singles. Their 2021 collaborative EP with Upperroom, Move Your Heart, debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Gospel Album Chart and had the largest single day streaming for a Christian group at both Apple and Spotify. The collective, which includes artists such as Naomi Raine, Chandler Moore, Brandon Lake, Dante Bowe and more, released their most recent album, Old Church Basement, in collaboration with Elevation Worship in April.

This year, the group embarked on their first ever headlining tour in sold out arenas across the country, including State Farm Arena in Atlanta. With more than 250 million streams and over eight million monthly streaming listeners, the group’s 2021 arena tour was completely sold out.

Maverick City is represented by Undivided Entertainment, Rush Hicks and Vaughn Alvarez.

Lauren Daigle Launches KultureCity Sensory Room At Bridgestone Arena

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Lauren Daigle cuts the ribbon at the Lauren Daigle Sensory Room.

Lauren Daigle has partnered with KultureCity, Bridgestone Arena, and the Nashville Predators to make Bridgestone and all its programs and events sensory inclusive with the new Lauren Daigle Sensory Room.

Sponsored by The Price Fund, the new room provides a dedicated space designed by medical professionals for those who may need a quieter and more secure environment. The sensory room is outfitted with bean bag, visual light panels, activity panels, bubble walls, and a custom tactile artwork created by an autistic artist.

“To open this room is such an honor–and an incredible milestone to help better serve the millions of people with invisible needs,” says Daigle.

Sensory sensitivities or challenges with sensory regulation are often experienced by individuals with autism, dementia, PTSD and other similar conditions. One of the major barriers for these individuals is sensitivity to over stimulation and noise, which is an enormous part of the environment in large venues.

Prior to attending an event, families and individuals can download the free KultureCity App to view what sensory features are available and where they can access them. Also, on the app is the Social Story which will provide a preview of what to expect while enjoying an event.

“At Bridgestone Arena we strive to create an environment where everyone can enjoy seeing the best performers and athletes in the world,” shares Bridgestone’s David Kells. “Singing a song with 13,000 of your closest friends or cheering on the Preds to victory is an experience no one should miss. With that in mind we are so proud to expand our partnership with KultureCity by opening a special place for those with sensory sensitivities. Thank you to Lauren Daigle and KultureCity for bringing this amazing new space to life.”

Bridgestone Arena has been KultureCity sensory inclusive certified since September 2018. Every year, staff are trained on how to recognize guests and fans with sensory needs and how to handle a sensory overload situation. Sensory bags, equipped with noise canceling headphones, fidget tools, verbal cue cards, and weighted lap pads have been available to all guests at Guest Services who may feel overwhelmed by the environment.

“It’s heartwarming to see that my new home, Nashville, is adopting sensory inclusion,” adds Uma Srivastava, executive director of KultureCity. “We enjoy attending Predators games and others events at Bridgestone and to know that all guests and fans can enjoy and have a wonderful experience thanks to the addition of a sensory room is wonderful.”

Sony Music Nashville Elevates Alli Champagne To Sr. Dir., Legal & Business Affairs

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Alli Champagne

Sony Music Nashville has announced the promotion of Alli Champagne to Sr. Dir., Legal & Business Affairs. Reporting directly to Angie Magill, Sr. VP, Legal & Business Affairs, Champagne will continue to handle contract negotiations for the label’s artist roster, serve as counsel to all label departments, and as Sony Music Nashville’s Radio Compliance Officer.

Champagne joined Sony Music Nashville in 2014 as Manager, Legal & Business Affairs and was promoted to Director for the department in 2018. Prior to joining the Sony team, Champagne was a member of Viacom/CMT’s Legal & Business Affairs department. She also spent time practicing entertainment law and litigating copyright infringement cases for law firms in Nashville.

Champagne is a graduate of Belmont University where she obtained a BBA degree in Music Business. She graduated from Pepperdine University School of Law where she received Certification in Entertainment, Intellectual Property, & Technology Law, and served as Editor for the Journal of Business, Entrepreneurship and the Law.

Magill says, “Because of her knowledge, positive attitude and terrific work ethic, Alli is an invaluable member of the Sony Music Nashville Team. I’m proud and happy to announce this well-deserved promotion.”

“I am honored by Angie’s confidence in me, and I look forward to her continued mentorship,” adds Champagne. “I am proud to take on this new role and grow further alongside the incredible Sony Music Nashville team, its groundbreaking artists, and unmatched executive leadership.”

Champagne can be contacted at alli.champagne@sonymusic.com.