Dylan Marlowe Announces ‘Dirt Road When I Die Tour’ For 2024

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Country artist Dylan Marlowe has announced his 2024 headlining “Dirt Road When I Die Tour.”

The trek will kick off in Mobile, Alabama on Feb. 1. Marlowe has only declared dates for the first two weekends of the tour so far, with plans to surprise fans with the additional stops later on. The tour is named after his debut EP, Dirt Road When I Die, which released over the summer. The collection features “You Were Right (Nat’s Song),” a song he released as a surprise for his now-wife on their wedding day in May, as well as his single “Record High.”

Marlowe is currently on the road serving as support for Hardy‘s “The Mockingbird & The Crow Tour” alongside Lainey Wilson. He will open for the country rocker tonight at the Nashville Municipal Auditorium as part of their three-night run in Music City, which began yesterday (Oct. 26). Marlowe also recently toured with Jordan Davis and Scotty McCreery, and will open a show for Morgan Wallen this fall.

Additionally, he just released his new single “Boys Back Home,” featuring his friend and former tour-mate Dylan Scott.

“I wrote ‘Boys Back Home’ with Joe Fox and Seth Ennis because I got homesick when I moved to Nashville and missed all of my friends back home,” says Marlowe. “Dylan Scott took me on my first tour and I ended up showing him the song on the road. He loved it and I ended up asking him to sing on it with me. A year and a half in the making and I’m excited for the fans to finally have it!”

Kimberly Perry Releases New Extended EP ‘Superbloom’

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Kimberly Perry has released a new EP, Superbloom, an extension of her EP Bloom, which was released in June.

Bloom and Superbloom both pay homage to Perry’s younger years, while celebrating the confidence and wisdom she’s gained as she enters a new era as a solo artist and a first-time mom. Along with the EP, Perry has released a string of videos for “God’s Hometown,” “Black Corvette” and “Monsters (Whit’s Lullaby).”

“A Superbloom in nature is gorgeous, sudden, and rare. This year, releasing my first solo music and becoming a mama, my life has blossomed in so many colorful ways,” explains Perry. “Extending Bloom with these four new songs to create Superbloom feels like I’m telling my full story and covering all the seasons that have unfolded in my life over the past couple of years. With this body of work complete, I can’t wait to get on the road and bring these songs to life night after night.”

Earlier this month, Perry gave fans a sneak peek at the new EP with empowering track “Fool’s Gold.” Inspired by Perry’s years trying to make a name for herself in Hollywood, the track is a reminder that we often need to come back home to remember who we truly are.

Perry signed with Records Nashville/Columbia Records and with Warner Chappell Music and Songs & Daughters Publishing earlier this year.

Superbloom Track List:
1. Fool’s Gold
2. Black Corvette
3. God’s Hometown
4. Monsters (Whit’s Lullaby)
5. If I Die Young Pt. 2
6. Burn The House Down
7. Cry At Your Funeral
8. Ghosts
9. Smoke ‘Em Too

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Sam Hunt Is ‘As Warm As A Hot Toddy’ On New Single

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There is fascinating diversity in this latest roundup of country music releases.

Riding atop the stack is Sam Hunt, who wins the Disc of the Day award. His strongest challengers are Dion & Carlene Carter, Catie Offerman, newcomer Bryce Leatherwood and the awesome Tony Jackson, all of whom have completely un-alike approaches to the genre. 

This week’s DISCovery Award goes to Camille Parker, from whom I expect big things to come. 

CATIE OFFERMAN / “OK Cowboy”
Writers: Catie Offerman/Matt Dragstrem/Adam Jones/Joe Clemmons; Producer: Dann Huff; Label: MCA Nashville
– She sings so splendidly well that it really doesn’t matter how unrealistic the lyric is. The underlying emotional message is kinda feisty and relatable. It’s a late-night, boot scootin’ thang. 

SAM HUNT / “Came The Closest”
Writers: Sam Hunt/Josh Osborne/Shane McAnally; Producers: Sam Hunt/Zach Crowell; Label: MCA Nashville
– The guy tried to play it straight for her sake. He cut his hair, shaved, acted nice around her parents, took a 9-to-5 job, quit drinking whiskey and tried settling down. But he’s a rambling man at heart, so they never married and he moved on. The airy production is terrific, and Hunt’s vocal is as warm as a hot toddy. Absolutely, yes. 

DYLAN MARLOWE & DYLAN SCOTT / “Boys Back Home”
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Label: Sony Music Nashville
– Missing the old buddies, so raise a glass in their honor. Rousing, if extremely repetitive and rather inconsequential. 

REYNA ROBERTS / “Miranda”
Writers: Reyna Roberts/David Mescon/Kendall Brower; Producers: Reyna Roberts/David Mescon; Label: ReynaRed Records/Empire
– All attitude. No melody. 

BILLY GILMAN / “Delta Queen”
Writers: Billy Gilman/Dan Murph/Philip Douglas; Producer: none listed; Label: Pinecastle Records
– It’s a guitar-and-fiddle acoustic track about a mysterious murder aboard a paddle wheeler. The drama is undercut by his somewhat bland vocal delivery.

DOLLY PARTON & MILEY CYRUS / “Wrecking Ball”
Writers: Henry Russell Walter/Kim Kiyani/Lukasz Gottwald/Maureen Anne McDonald/Sacha Skarbek/Stephen Mocccio; Producer: Dolly Parton/Kent Wells; Label: Butterfly Records
– Parton’s Rockstar collection, due next month, will contain this duet with her rocking goddaughter. Cyrus’ low harmony work and step-out vocals are outstanding, and I’ve always loved her song. When it first hit in 2013, it sold nine million units. It’s well worth a revival. Solid work. 

BRYCE LEATHERWOOD / “The Finger”
Writers: Randy Montana/Jeremy Spillman/Brett Sheroky; Producer: Will Bundy; Label: Republic Records/UMG Nashville
– The winner of NBC’s The Voice steps into country music with a clever, twanging lament. “My ex moved on with her next…..she got the ring and I got the finger.” The track is loud and rocking, but his singing is firmly in control. Worth your spins. 

JESSI COLTER / “Angel in the Fire”
Writer: Jessi Colter; Producer: Margo Price; Label: Appalachia Record Co.
– Colter’s comeback album drops tomorrow (Oct. 27). This touching ballad is one of the tunes that made Price want to produce it. It’s written for Lisa Kristofferson with compassion and understanding. Sweet and gentle, with a lovely acoustic guitar solo as the icing on the cake. 

CAMILLE PARKER / “After the Whiskey”
Writers: Camille Parker/Jessica Cayne/Karen Kosowski; Producer: Reid Sorel; Label: CP
– “Is a party still a party if it’s happening every night?” She’s a “barstool baby” who questions the grip that alcohol and questionable romantic choices have on her. The echoey, swirly track perfectly captures the mood of impending doom. It’s the title tune of her debut EP and is a fine showcase for a promising new talent.

SUZY BOGGUSS / “It All Falls Down to the River”
Writers: Suzy Bogguss/Doug Crider; Producers: Suzy Bogguss/Doug Crider; Label: Loyal Duchess Records
– Bogguss lends a behind-the-beat alto vocal to this swampy, minor-key outing. The lyric describes the blood on American racial history, and The McCrary Sisters add haunting harmonies. Captivating. The album it is drawn from, Prayin’ For Sunshine (due Nov. 3), is her first fully self-composed and self-produced collection. 

TONY JACKSON / “Do You Remember Country Music”
Writers: Bobby Tomberlin/Mo Pitney/Aaron Bowlin; Producers: Chuck Rhodes/Buddy Hyatt/John Sebastian/Jim Della Croce; Label: BFD/Audium Nashville
– What a vocal. Jackson stakes a claim as a true inheritor of the Lefty/Hank/George honky-tonk tradition with this masterpiece of a vocal. He bends the notes of this barroom ballad like a master. Steel, bounced twin-fiddle bows and hillbilly harmonies abound. At the finale, Randy Travis sings, “Amen.” I rest my case. In the name of all that is holy, play this.

DION & CARLENE CARTER / “An American Hero”
Writers: Dion DiMucci/Mike Aquilina; Producers: Dion DiMucci/Wayne Hood; Label: KTBA Records
– The ageless Rock & Roll Hall of Famer sounds as strong and soulful as ever on this country ode celebrating everyday people who respond to tragedies, fight for the nation, farm the fields, work the factories, teach our children, tend to the sick and stand for good. Carter, of course, is her everlasting vibrant vocal self. They harmonize beautifully together as fully equal partners on this inspiring duet. Highly recommended.

CHARLEY CROCKETT / “Killers of the Flower Moon”
Writers: Charley Crockett/T-Bone Burnett; Producer: Charley Crockett; Label: CC
– The song was inspired by the true tale told in David Grann’s 2017 book and Martin Scorsese’s new film of the same title. The Osage Native-American people grew wealthy in Oklahoma because of the oil on their lands. In the early 1920s, White businessmen murdered dozens of tribal leaders and stole their land, which led to an FBI investigation. To the accompaniment of a thumping, jittery track, Crockett revives country music’s folk-ballad tradition and relays the story using real names and places in the song’s lyric. Gripping stuff. The Texas music great is currently on the road opening for Chris Stapleton.

Deborah Allen Releasing Expanded RCA Albums Via Legacy Recordings Deal

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Deborah Allen. Photo: Cyndi Hornsby

Deborah Allen has signed with Legacy Recordings, the catalog division of Sony Music Entertainment, and will release expanded editions of her RCA Records albums, Let Me Be The First and Telepathy. 

Let Me Be The First was the first all-digital produced album in Nashville, while Telepathy‘s title track was written and produced by Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee Prince (under the pseudonym Joey Coco).

Remastered by Sean Brennan at Battery Studios, the digital reissue campaign also features bonus tracks appended to each album and a special Telepathy EP containing a single version, club mix and instrumental version, as well as Allen’s holiday classic, “Rockin’ Little Christmas.”

Each release contains bonus tracks that were originally issued as B-sides, single-only releases or on soundtracks. Additionally, one of the two videos recorded for the song “Telepathy” officially arrives at digital video providers today, with the “Rockin’ Little Christmas” video expected to be released closer to the holiday season.

“These albums are a representation of the work that has given me the great fortune to share a very inspired and enriching time in my life and career that provides some missing pieces of my musical history with a wonderful trip down memory lane that my fans have been asking about for quite some time,” shares Allen. “I’m so happy and grateful that Legacy Recordings saw the value of this body of work that is very special to me.”

Allen is celebrating her 40th anniversary of her signature song “Baby I Lied.” She performed and received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Josie Music Awards at the Grand Ole Opry House on Sunday night, Oct. 22. She will also receive the prestigious Hot Buttered Soul Award in Memphis on Nov. 16.

Let Me Be The First (Expanded Edition)
1. I Can’t Stand It
2. Your Love
3. Please Don’t Fall In Love
4. Prove You Right
5. If I Didn’t Love You
6. Let Me Be The First
7. You Do It
8. Heartache And A Half
9. It’s A Good Thing
10. It Makes Me Cry
11. Time Is Taking You Away From Me (RCA Victor single PB-13600)
12. I Hurt For You [New Mix] (RCA Victor single PB-13776)
13. Halfway Right (from The River Rat Original Motion Picture Soundtrack Album RCA Victor LP CBL1-5310)

Telepathy (Expanded Edition)
1. Telepathy
2. You Can’t Say No
3. You’re The Kind Of Trouble
4. One Step Closer
5. Don’t You Think I Don’t Love You
6. What’s Right Tonight
7. Take A Picture
8. You Can Tell Me Anything
9. Somebody For Everybody
10. You Better Come Back To Me (RCA Victor single PB-13600)

Telepathy – EP
1. Telepathy [Single Version]
2. Telepathy [Club Mix]
3. Telepathy [Instrumental]
4. Rockin’ Little Christmas (RCA Victor single PB-13904)

Industry Ink: ACM, Song Suffragettes, Perkins Publicity, More

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ACM’s Damon Whiteside Leads ‘Future Of Country’ Panel At Club CMO Fall Summit

Pictured (L-R): ACM CEO Damon Whiteside, Capitol Nashville’s Mickey Guyton, mtheory CEO Cameo Carlson. Photo: Courtesy of Brand Innovators and Lucy Brumberger

Academy of Country Music CEO Damon Whiteside hosted a panel about the future of country at the Club CMO Fall Summit at Conrad Nashville on Oct. 24, joined by mtheory CEO Cameo Carlson and Capitol Nashville’s Mickey Guyton. Club CMO is a community for senior marketing executives with a membership of more than 900 Chief Marketing Executives representing both B2B and B2C brands.

Whiteside highlighted the record-breaking success country has seen this year and brought out Carlson for a look at trends across the industry and impactful efforts to make the business more inclusive and diverse, including the ACM’s successful LEVel Up and OnRamp professional development programs. Guyton then took the stage for a live performance before joining the panel for a discussion about her experience in the industry, career highlights and what she’s looking forward to in the year ahead.

 

Song Suffragettes Perform At London’s Bush Hall

Pictured (L-R): Song Suffragettes’ Founder Todd Cassetty, performers Catherine McGrath, Brooke Eden, Harper Grace, Simeon Hammond Dallas, AEG Presents UK’s Rachel Lloyd. Photo: Phoebe Seston

All-female singer-songwriter collective Song Suffragettes celebrated their return to Britain’s Country Music Week with a show on Saturday night (Oct. 21) at London’s Bush Hall. The sold-out show included performances from BMG Nashville’s Brooke Eden and Curb Records’ Harper Grace along with respected U.K. artists Catherine McGrath and Simeon Hammond Dallas.

Produced by AEG Presents UK and presented by C2C (Country to Country), the Song Suffragettes show was their 15th performance in the U.K. to date.

 

Carissa Bauman Joins Perkins Publicity As Director

Carissa Bauman

Carissa Bauman has joined Perkins Publicity as Director of Publicity. In this newly appointed role, Bauman will lead the strategic development of publicity campaigns, media relations and promotional opportunities for the firm’s clients. Proir to joining Perkins, Bauman spent the last 10 years in management working with artist Dylan Jakobsen.

“We are excited to welcome Carissa Bauman to our team as the new Publicity Director,” shares Trevor Perkins, CEO of Perkins Publicity. “Her impressive track record and passion for the industry align perfectly with our commitment to providing top-tier publicity services to our clients. With Carissa leading our publicity efforts, we are confident that we will continue to deliver exceptional results and expand our presence.”

 

Johnny Gates Extends Publishing Deal With Deluge Music

Johnny Gates

Singer-songwriter Johnny Gates has extended his exclusive worldwide publishing agreement with Deluge Music. Gates signed his original deal with Deluge in May 2020, releasing his LP East Music Row in 2021.

He recently released his indie-rock EP Nervous Wreck under the alt-name Johnny Was Here. In addition to his writing and performing, Gates hosts a monthly residence at Soho House Nashville, where he provides live show opportunities for up-and-coming artists. His solo-penned song “Loretta Lynn” will be released this week by Average Joe’s artist Sam Grow.

 

Jake Bush Inks With Four17 For Management

Jake Bush. Photo: Gabriel Muniz Photography

Jake Bush has signed an exclusive management deal with Four17. The U.S. Army Veteran has seen six of his songs rise to number one on the Texas Radio Chart since 2020. The Pasadena, Texas native’s upcoming single “My Country,” featuring Glen Templeton and Jesse Raub Jr., will be released to all streaming platforms on Nov. 10.

In addition to his new management deal, he has released a new cover of the Keith Whitley song, “Kentucky Bluebird,” featuring Lorrie Morgan. An acoustic version will be released to all streaming platforms on Nov. 3.

“I have been following Jake and his music for quite some time now and am excited to add him to the Four17 roster,” says Four17’s Brandyn Steen.

 

Hunter Metts Signs Label Deal With Position Music

Pictured (L-R): J Scavo (GM, Recorded Music), Joe Brooks (Position Music), James Robinson (Manager, Shelter Music Group), Hunter Metts, Jackson Stubner, Manager, Shelter Music Group), Tyler Bacon (President & CEO), Mark Chipello (Partner, Head of A&R). Photo: Delia Bush

Hunter Metts has signed a label deal with Position Music. Metts has previously released tracks such as ”The River,” “Open” and “Paper Moon,” and will release his next single “Thread” in early December. He will be releasing more tracks eventually leading up to his first full-length LP in 2024.

“In Hunter, we have a true artist in every sense of the word; a writer, producer, and performer of the highest caliber. I’m honored to be able to play a part in the next chapter of his career. When I first heard Hunter’s voice, I was instantly captivated and put the work in motion to sign him as I knew he would be a great fit for Position Music,” says Position Music’s Joe Brooks.

Taylor Swift, Morgan Wallen, Zach Bryan Lead 2023 Billboard Music Awards Finalists

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The finalists for the 2023 Billboard Music Awards (BBMAs) were revealed today (Oct. 26).

Determined by year-end performance metrics on the Billboard charts dated Nov. 19, 2022 through Oct. 21, 2023, the top finalists include Taylor Swift, Morgan Wallen, SZA, The Weeknd, Drake and Zach Bryan.

Swift, the most decorated female BBMAs artist of all time with 29 wins, leads as a finalist in 20 categories. Her chart-topping hit “Anti-Hero” is up for five awards, including Top Hot 100 Song. With 29 previous wins, Swift could surpass Drake for most wins of all-time if she wins at least five this year.

Wallen is the leading male finalist this year up for 16 awards with 17 entries, including Top Artist, Top Male Artist, Top Billboard 200 Artist and Top Hot 100 Artist. His album One Thing At A Time is up for two awards, while his song “Last Night” is up for three awards, including Top Hot 100 Song.

Bryan, a first-time finalist, bows with recognition as a finalist up for 13 awards with 14 entries, including Top New Artist, Top Male Artist, Top Hot 100 Songwriter and Top Streaming Songs Artist. His song “Something In The Orange” is a finalist for three awards, including Top Streaming Song, Top Country Song and twice in the Top Rock Song category.

For the night’s top honor, Top Artist, Wallen and Swift are joined by Luke Combs, Drake and SZA. In the Top New Artist category, Bryan is joined by Bailey Zimmerman and Jelly Roll, alongside Ice Spice and Peso Pluma.

For Top Country Artist, Wallen, Bryan, Swift, Combs and Zimmerman are nominated. Combs, Wallen and Bryan make up the Top Country Male Artist category; while Swift, Lainey Wilson and Megan Moroney are in the Top Country Female Artist. Old Dominion, Parmalee and Zac Brown Band are finalists for Top Country Duo/Group.

Wallen and Combs are joined by George Strait in the Top Country Touring Artist. Combs earned two nods in the Top Country Album category, alongside Wallen, Bryan and Swift. Notably, Bryan, Jelly Roll, Hardy and Noah Kahan are nominated alongside Steve Lacy for Top Rock Album. Jelly Roll, Bryan and Kacey Musgraves are also included in the Top Rock Song category.

In the new Top Hot 100 Songwriter category, Nashville’s Ashley Gorley is present alongside Bryan, Swift, Jack Antonoff and SZA. In the new Top Hot 100 Producer category, Joey Moi represents Music City along with Bryan, Swift, Antonoff and Metro Boomin.

First-time country finalists include Zimmerman, who is up for Top New Artist, Top Country Artist and Top Country Song, and Oliver Anthony, who is up for Top Selling Song and Top Song Sales Artist.

The 2023 Billboard Music Awards will take place on Sunday, Nov. 19 on BBMAs.watch. Performances and awards will roll out across BBMAs and Billboard social channels as well.

For a full list of this year’s finalists, visit billboard.com.

Select BBMA Finalists:

Top Artist
Drake
Luke Combs
Morgan Wallen
SZA
Taylor Swift

Top New Artist
Bailey Zimmerman
Ice Spice
Jelly Roll
Peso Pluma
Zach Bryan

Top Male Artist
Drake
Luke Combs
Morgan Wallen
The Weeknd
Zach Bryan

Top Female Artist
Beyoncé
Miley Cyrus
Olivia Rodrigo
SZA
Taylor Swift

Top Country Artist
Bailey Zimmerman
Luke Combs
Morgan Wallen
Taylor Swift
Zach Bryan

Top Country Male Artist
Luke Combs
Morgan Wallen
Zach Bryan

Top Country Female Artist
Lainey Wilson
Megan Moroney
Taylor Swift

Top Country Duo/Group
Old Dominion
Parmalee
Zac Brown Band

Top Country Touring Artist
George Strait
Luke Combs
Morgan Wallen

Top Country Album
Luke Combs – Gettin’ Old
Luke Combs – Growin’ Up
Morgan Wallen – One Thing At A Time
Taylor Swift – Speak Now (Taylor’s Version)
Zach Bryan – American Heartbreak

Top Country Song
Bailey Zimmerman – “Rock and A Hard Place”
Luke Combs – “Fast Car”
Morgan Wallen – “Last Night”
Morgan Wallen – “You Proof”
Zach Bryan – “Something In The Orange”

Top Rock Artist
Jelly Roll
Noah Kahan
Stephen Sanchez
Steve Lacy
Zach Bryan

Top Rock Album
Hardy – The Mockingbird & The Crow
Jelly Roll – Whitsitt Chapel
Noah Kahan – Stick Season
Steve Lacy – Gemini Rights
Zach Bryan – American Heartbreak

Top Christian Artist
Brandon Lake
Elevation Worship
For King & Country
Lauren Daigle
Phil Wickham

Top Gospel Artist
CeCe Winans
Elevation Worship
Kanye West
Kirk Franklin
Maverick City Music

Sophia Scott Makes Grand Ole Opry Debut & Releases Debut Album

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Sophia Scott during her Grand Ole Opry debut. Photo: Chris Hollo/Grand Ole Opry

Friday (Oct. 20) was a milestone day for country singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Sophia Scott as she made her Grand Ole Opry debut and released her debut album, Barstool Confessions, via Empire Nashville.

Scott was first introduced to the Opry by her grandmother who traveled from Colorado with her parents to be in the audience for this special moment.

Stepping into the circle for the first time in snow-white, floor-length dress accentuated with feathers, she performed her single, “Lipstick on You,” a clever ballad that puts a twist on the classic breakup using makeup as a metaphor for dashed hopes. Scott followed with the emotional track, “Watering Roses,” which was was featured on CMT for the premiere of its official music video yesterday (Oct. 25). Both songs are included on the new project.

WSM Radio’s Charlie Mattos greeted her for a brief on-stage interview. Full of joyful tears, the artist was speechless, and then shared, “It’s really surreal. I’ve been waiting on this for a really really long time.”

Artist Action: Tyler Hubbard, Brian Kelley, Riley Green, Tyler Braden

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Tyler Hubbard Goes Gold & Sells Out Tour In Canada

Tyler Hubbard receives Gold certification plaque from the Universal Music Canada team. Photo: Evan Mattingly

Tyler Hubbard‘s debut self-titled album was recently Gold-certified in Canada. The album includes his hit single, “Dancin’ In The Country,” which reached No.1 at Canadian country radio earlier this year and stayed atop the charts for four weeks, and “5 Foot 9,” which also hit No.1 at Canadian country radio.

The multi-Platinum artist also sold out his first solo Canadian headline tour. On Tuesday (Oct. 24), Hubbard performed the final show of the Canadian dates, where he celebrated his radio hits reaching No. 1 and Gold-certified album in Toronto with plaque presentation from the team at Universal Music Canada.

Hubbard will hit the road again in 2024 to support Kane Brown‘s “In The Air Tour” across the U.S. and Canada, including a stop in Toronto on April 5.

 

Brian Kelley Visits Franklin High School With CMA Foundation & Music Has Value

Pictured (L-R): Brian Kelley, Franklin High School’s Briana Vogt, Dr. Michael Holland, Big Machine Label Group & Music Has Value’s Scott Borchetta, Sandi Borchetta, CMA Foundation’s Tiffany Kerns and Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation’s Todd Shipley. Photo: Drew Noble/CMA

Brian Kelley visited music students and teachers at Franklin High School in Franklin, Tennessee on Wednesday, Oct. 18 with the CMA Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the Country Music Association, and Scott and Sandi Borchetta’s Music Has Value to support furthering music and arts education across the country.

During the visit, Kelley emphasized the impact and power of music through music education with a Q&A session discussing his songwriting process, his journey in the music industry as well as advice around starting a career in country music. The artist was also treated to four performances by Franklin High School students, including: Skylar DeCuir, who performed an excerpt from “Deleclusiastics For Solo Snare;” Ty Henry, Ethan Hill and Clara Zaccari, who performed an original song written by Hill; singer-songwriter Madison Johnson, who sang her original song “Summer Nights” and Lukas Varden, who performed an excerpt from “Messager’s Solo de Concours.”

The organizations gifted the high school new instruments as part of a $120,000 pledge to benefit music education programs in Tennessee public school districts.

“My high school music teacher greatly impacted my life, and to be able to visit these talented students at Franklin High School and see them perform was truly an honor,” shares Kelley. “I will forever believe music is healing and brings people together. Seeing the CMA Foundation and Music Has Value give the gift of music to these young musicians and support them in further chasing their dreams was an unforgettable experience.”

 

Riley Green Celebrates Album Release & Certifications

Pictured (L-R): Dan Huff, Big Machine Label Group’s Scott Borchetta, Mike Rittberg, Riley Green, Big Machine Label Group’s Allison Jones and BMLG Records’ Jimmy Harnen.

Riley Green recently released his latest project, Ain’t My Last Rodeo, on Friday, Oct. 13. The day before (Oct. 12), he celebrated with a special release show at the Walk of Fame Park.

Backstage, he and his team also celebrated his recent certifications, including Gold-certified deep cut “When She Comes Home Tonight.”

 

Tyler Braden’s Third Annual Engine Co. 18 Golf Outing Raises Over $35K

Tyler Braden joins the Brentwood Fire Department’s Aaron Wallenburg, Derek Hershner, Matthew Gehne and Terry Call at the Engine Co. 18 Golf Outing. Photo: Marisa Taylor

Firefighter-turned-country artist Tyler Braden hosted his third annual Engine Co. 18 Golf Outing on Monday (Oct. 23) at The Governors Club in Brentwood, Tennessee.

This year’s event raised over $35,000 for the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation and Hungry Heroes, marking the outing’s highest fundraising total yet.

The sold-out function drew 36 teams across the industry and 144 golfers. Following the tournament, Braden hosted a writers’ round featuring Matt Koziol, Halle Kearns, Derek Austin, Brian Davis and Willie Tate.

“I am so proud to be able to give back to my brothers and sisters in the first responder community,” Braden shared. “I know first-hand the incredible sacrifices they make in their work, and it means a lot to me that the Nashville music industry is showing up for them. A huge thanks to our sponsors and everyone who participated. This event has grown so much over the past three years… just wait ’til 2024!”

Curb | Word Music Publishing Signs Rotundo

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Pictured (L-R): Curb’s Calista Miller, Rotundo, Curb’s Sarah Schumacher, Curb’s Colt Murski

Curb | Word Music Publishing has signed singer-songwriter Rotundo to its publishing roster.

An Ohio native, Rotundo grew up singing and playing piano as a hobby. After graduation from high school, he joined the U.S. Army where he served for four years on active duty. Still enthralled with music, Rotundo taught himself guitar and moved to Nashville in 2019.

He soon joined the duo After Midtown, during which time he opened for artists like Florida Georgia Line, Hardy, Billy Currington, Kip Moore, Mitchell Tenpenny and more. Now, Rotundo has focused his creative output to pursue his country singer-songwriter solo career.

He will release his debut heartbreak single, “Break Even,” on Friday (Oct. 27). The tune was co-written by Curb | Word Music Publishing’s Brian Bunn and Rose Falcon.

“I’m someone that gets beautifully lost in the art of songwriting. I love writing songs that make you feel something,” shares Rotundo. “I grew up on my grandparents’ farm and at my family’s house in a smalltown suburb. I feel like you can truly hear both of those influences in my music. I relate to the storytelling of country music, and at the same time, very modern and atmospheric production.”

“We are thrilled to welcome Rotundo, who brings with him a relentlessly positive collaborative energy and work ethic, to the Curb | Word family,” shares Senior Creative Director, Country Publishing, Sarah Schumacher. “We look forward to supporting him in achieving his songwriting goals as he launches his exciting solo artist career.”

Milestone Publicity Promotes Three Staffers

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Lily Collins, Taran Smith, Campbell Jenkins

Milestone Publicity has promoted several staff members at the company. Taran Smith and Lily Collins have both been promoted to Account Executives, and Campbell Jenkins has been promoted to Associate Publicist.

Collins, a University of Texas graduate, joined Milestone in August of 2022 and has recently been instrumental in national and tour campaigns for Lonestar, Gin Blossoms, Sugar Ray, Uncle Kracker, The Dryes, Amanda Stewart and others.

A graduate of Belmont University with a BBA in Music Business, Smith joined Milestone in April of 2022, and has worked with Leftover Salmon, Shaylen, Michael Cleveland, Robbie Fulks, Theo Kandel, Gaby Moreno and many others.

“Both Lily and Taran have been essential parts of our team,” says Founder/CEO Mike Gowen. “Their daily contributions further underscore why the industry trusts us with artists and projects; dedication to clients coupled with an undeniable work ethic to pull in media coverage and opportunities for all of their clients at Milestone.”

After earning her Bachelor’s degree at Belmont University, Jenkins worked with a PR agency in Los Angeles, before making her way back to Nashville and joining Milestone Publicity, where she has assisted other publicists on several of Milestone’s client campaigns.

“Campbell is a great addition to the Milestone team because of her exceptional communication skills, attention to detail, and initiative,” says VP of Publicity Jessica Bonner. “She is further solidifying our strong foundation of publicists at the company, and we look forward to watching her grow.”