Mitchell Tenpenny Looks Forward To The Holidays With ‘Naughty List’

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Mitchell Tenpenny. Photo: Matthew Berinato

Mitchell Tenpenny is helping usher in the holidays this year with a new 11-song Christmas set, Naughty List. The project will be available on Oct. 29 through Riser House/Columbia Nashville, and the title track is out everywhere now.

Produced by Mitchell, Jordan M. Schmidt and Lindsay Rimes, Naughty List contains all seven tracks from Mitchell’s 2020 project, Neon Christmas, as well as four additional tracks, including two originals co-written by Mitchell–“Don’t Hang The Mistletoe” and “I Hope It Snows.”

“I love all Christmas music,” shares Mitchell. “It always brings me back to my childhood and sharing the holidays with my family. ‘Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas’ is probably my favorite of all time. Makes me think of sitting by the fire and watching Christmas movies. But I love I was able to write a few new songs that are included too!”

The Christmas project follows Mitchell’s Midtown Diaries EP, which was released last month. The EP contains his current single, “Truth About You,” which was his largest streaming debut to date, garnering 2.5 million streams in its first three days of release. Tenpenny also headlined his first hometown show at Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium this past weekend (Oct. 10).

Naughty List Track List:
1. Neon Christmas (Mitchell Tenpenny/Lindsay Rimes/Matt Rogers)
2. Snow Angels (Mitchell Tenpenny/Ernest Keith Smith/Rafe Tenpenny)
3. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas (Hugh Martin/Ralph Blane)
4. Naughty List (Mitchell Tenpenny/Andy Albert/Jordan Schmidt)
5. Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow! (Sammy Cahn/Jule Styne)
6. Don’t Hang The Mistletoe (Mitchell Tenpenny/Kyle Clark/Jordan Schmidt)
7. Joy To The World (Public Domain)
8. Jingle Bell Rock (Joe Beal/Jim Boothe)
9. Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town (J. Fred Coots/Haven Gillespie)
10 I Hope It Snows (feat. Meghan Patrick) (Mitchell Tenpenny/Jeff Cibulka/Meghan Patrick)
11. O Holy Night (Public Domain)

Weekly Register: Taylor Swift’s ‘Fearless (Taylor’s Version)’ Re-Claims Top Album

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Taylor Swift. Photo: Beth Garrabrant

This week, Taylor Swift re-claims the top country streaming album as Fearless (Taylor’s Version) adds a staggering 152,000 streams, adding to 8.5 million streams RTD, according to Nielsen. The jump in streams can be accredited to the album’s physical release, including on vinyl.

Morgan Wallen drops to No. 2 with Dangerous: The Double Album earning 40,000 streams this week. Luke Combs takes the third spot with What You See Is What You Get and fourth with This One’s For You receiving 22,000 and 15,000 streams, respectively. Kacey Musgraves rounds out the top five as Star-Crossed adds 15,000 streams this week.

Monument’s Walker Hayes continues his reign at the top of the country streaming songs chart as “Fancy Like” earns another 14 million streams, putting it at No. 6 overall. Since its release, the track has racked in over 180 million streams, according to Nielsen. “If I Didn’t Love You” (Jason Aldean & Carrie Underwood) takes second with 7.3 million streams, “Chasing After You” (Ryan Hurd & Maren Morris) comes in third with 7.2 million streams, and “Buy Dirt” (Jordan Davis & Luke Bryan) gets fourth with 6 million streams. Combs seals the top five this week as “Forever After All” receives 5.7 million streams.

Sam Bergeson Renews Publishing Deal With Combustion Music

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Pictured (L-R): Combustion Music’s Chris Farren, Combustion Music’s Blake Duncan, Sam Bergeson, Combustion Music’s Kelly Lyons, Combustion Music’s Chris Van Belkom

Sam Bergeson has extended his exclusive publishing deal with Combustion Music.

The songwriter, producer and mixer charted a Top 15 Dance single with Caroline Romano’s “I Still Remember,” featuring R2HAB, which he co-wrote and produced. Bergeson also has upcoming cuts with John Oates, Brad Rempel of High Valley, Filmore, and more.

He has arranged and remixed for Blake Shelton, Jameson Rodgers, Chase Rice and others, and his music has been featured in the movie Blush and the TV show Younger.

“Sam is freakishly talented and winning at whatever opportunities present themselves,” says Combustion Music President Chris Farren. “I am proud to continue being his partner and can’t wait to see what the future brings.”

Combustion Creative Director Blake Duncan comments, “Sam Bergeson is one of the best! As a writer, producer, and person there is no ceiling for him, and the town is just now getting a taste! I’m excited for everyone to see him, and the things that are coming up for him!”

“I’m at home and very happy to be with Combustion,” adds Bergeson.

MTSU Unveils Plans For Commercial Songwriting Program’s New Campus Home [Interview]

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New MTSU Commercial Songwriting Building. Photo: Courtesy of Odie Blackmon

Nestled on the outskirts of Nashville in nearby Murfreesboro, Tennessee, is Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU). With its Recording Industry department, including concentrations in Music Business, Commercial Songwriting, and Audio Production, the University is becoming a force to be reckoned with in the Nashville music business.

Since beginning its Commercial Songwriting program in 2008 under the direction of professional songwriter Odie Blackmon (“I May Hate Myself In The Morning” by Lee Ann Womack, “She’ll Leave You With A Smile” by George Strait, “Nothin’ On But The Radio” by Gary Allan), the concentration has nearly doubled its enrollment, hosting 158 students this semester.

Nancy Jones, widow of country music legend George Jones in the Center for Popular Music visiting with commercial songwriting students in professor Odie Blackmon’s “Life and Music of George Jones” class. Photo: Courtesy of Odie Blackmon

Called a “Grammy Factory” by NBC Nightly News, the program boasts many accomplishments, including award-winning alumni like Luke Laird, who has cuts by the likes of Carrie Underwood, Blake Shelton, Trace Adkins, and Tim McGraw; Laura Rogers, one of the Secret Sisters; Erin Enderlin, who has written songs for Alan Jackson and Lee Ann Womack; country recording artists Chris Young and Mitchell Tenpenny; and many more.

MTSU’s Commercial Songwriting department also features eight adjunct faculty members who have ties to all parts of the industry, including alumni Dez Dickerson, founding member and guitar player of Prince & The Revolutions; Grammy-winning hip hop producer and songwriter Torrance “Street Symphony” Esmond (Yo Gotti, G-Eazy, 2 Chainz); No. 1 pop songwriter Shelly Peiken (“What a Girl Wants” by Christina Aguilera, “I’m a Mess” by Bebe Rexha); and more.

“We serve a lot of different types of songwriters. The classes are intimate, so there’s only around 12 students in a songwriting class. It’s been a joy creating the program,” Blackmon shares with MusicRow. “I’m most proud of the diversity of the faculty in the program, because it mirrors the diversity of our student body.

MTSU students in the Recording Industry program. Photo: Courtesy of Odie Blackmon

“If you look at the different people that are teaching, we have all genres and backgrounds covered. Collaboration of people from different worlds and backgrounds is what makes great music,” he explains. “When you come to MTSU, you’re not in a bubble. We have a diverse faculty and student body, and we’re inclusive in nature. We’re open arms and we welcome all of the different people that come through our doors.”

Though not located directly on Nashville’s historic Music Row, MTSU has deservedly been receiving more and more attention over the last few years. The University has also celebrated many successful alumni within the music business, including Brian Wright, Executive VP, A&R at Universal Music Group Nashville; Kent Earls, publishing veteran and President of Kane Brown’s Verse 2 Music; Mike Molinar, General Manager of Big Machine Music; Daniel Miller, manager at Red Light Management and managing partner at Fusion Music; and award-winning producer Michael Knox (Jason Aldean, Trace Adkins, Montgomery Gentry); to name just a few.

With the growing exposure and student body, the Commercial Songwriting program will soon be moving into a new home on the campus.

The new Songwriting Center will include classrooms and a lounge area, both of which will be functional by January of 2022, as well as a state of the art beat lab, writers’ rooms, offices, a vending area, and an atrium fit for live performances for up to 300 people.

Rendering of new MTSU Commercial Songwriting Building. Photo: Courtesy of Odie Blackmon

“[This new building] shows a commitment to the songwriting concentration, which is newer compared to the music business or audio,” Blackmon states. “It gives students confidence too. We’re going to have Gold and Platinum award plaques from different alumni line the walls so that when students walk down a hallway, they see people that have come before them that have actually done it. They’ll know they’re at the right place and that they can do this if they work hard.

“[Our students] deserve it and they’re going to get it at the cost of a state school education and not $60,000 a year,” he says.

Rendering of MTSU’s new Commercial Songwriting building floor plan. Photo: Courtesy of Odie Blackmon

The project, which is expected to be completed in its entirety in January of 2023, has already received over $300,000 in funding, but still needs some help for the new equipment.

Post-COVID, Blackmon expresses plans for live performance fundraisers with students from the program. “Several years ago, Eric Paslay, who’s an alumni, did a show where students opened up and got the experiential learning of opening a show. Eric closed the show and we sold tickets and also got donations, so I plan on doing more of those.”

With much in store over the coming months, MTSU’s Commercial Songwriting program has the promise of a bright, hopeful future ahead for the department and its many students. To contribute to the fundraising efforts for the program’s new home, you can go to the MTSU development webpage or click here to make a tax deductible donation to the Songwriting Center.

For more information on MTSU’s Recording Industry program and the Commercial Songwriting department, click here.

For King & Country Unveils ‘What Are We Waiting For?’ Album & Tour

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Four-time Grammy winning duo and Curb | Word Entertainment recording artist For King & Country will release their new album, What Are We Waiting For?, on Friday, March 11.

Their first project in three years, the album features 13 original tracks from Joel and Luke Smallbone. The brothers have taken pen to paper to confront relevant issues throughout the songs.

The platinum-selling duo have also revealed “What Are We Waiting For? – The Tour,” which will launch in spring of 2022. The 33-date trek will take the brothers to arenas across the United States, kicking off on March 31 in Southaven, Mississippi, and traveling through Chicago, Phoenix, Las Vegas, and more before wrapping up at Franklin’s First Bank Amphitheater on March 22. Dante Bowe of Maverick City will join For King & Country as support along the way.

Ticket pre-sale starts on Oct. 12 at 10 a.m. local time, before the general on-sale starts on Friday, Oct. 15 at 10 a.m. local time.

“So many of you have encouraged us and spurred us on in this journey since we began the writing process at the top of the year,” the Smallbone’s share. “We’ve made records before in busses and in dressing rooms, but what’s been particularly beautiful about this one is that we were able to be home with our families. So looking forward to offering these songs to you and coming to see you across the United States next spring on tour!”

“What Are We Waiting For? – The Tour” Dates:
3/31/22 – Southaven, MS – Landers Center
4/1/22 – Chicago, IL – NOW Arena
4/2/22 – Ypsilanti, MI – EMU Convocation Center
4/3/22 – Pittsburgh, PA – Petersen Events Center
4/7/22 – Salisbury, MD – Wicomico Youth & Civic Center
4/8/22 – Asheville, NC – Harrah’s Cherokee Center
4/9/22 – Charlottesville, VA – John Paul Jones Arena
4/14/22 – Jackson, MS – Mississippi Coliseum
4/15/22 – Knoxville, TN – Knoxville Civic Coliseum
4/16/22 – Charlotte, NC – Bojangles Coliseum
4/21/22 – Champaign, IL – State Farm Center
4/22/22 – Springfield, MO – JQH Arena at Missouri State
4/23/22 – Highland Heights, KY – BB&T Arena at Northern Kentucky
4/24/22 – Reading, PA – Santander Arena
4/26/22 – Portland, ME – Cross Insurance Arena
4/28/22 – Springfield, MA – MassMutual Center
4/29/22 – Binghamton, NY – Visions Veterans Memorial Arena
4/30/22 – Fairfax, VA – EagleBank Arena
5/1/22 – Salem, VA – Salem Civic Center
5/5/22 – Phoenix, AZ – Grand Canyon University Arena
5/6/22 – Fresno, CA – Save Mart Center
5/7/22 – Anaheim, CA – Honda Center
5/8/22 – Sacramento, CA – Golden 1 Center
5/12/22 – Portland, OR – Veterans Memorial Coliseum
5/13/22 – Spokane, WA – Spokane Arena
5/14/22 – Everett, WA – Angels of the Winds Arena
5/15/22 – Boise, ID – Extramile Arena
5/17/22 – Las Vegas, NV – Orleans Arena
5/19/22 – Albuquerque, NM – Tingley Coliseum
5/20/22 – Amarillo, TX – Amarillo Civic Center
5/21/22 – Rogers, AR – Walmart Arkansas Music Pavilion
5/22/22 – Franklin, TN – FirstBank Amphitheatre

Ashley Gorley Returns To No. 1 On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart

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Ashley Gorley. Photo: Josh Ulmer

After a one-week hiatus from the top, Ashley Gorley is back to No. 1 on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart.

Gorley is a co-writer on “Country Again” (Thomas Rhett), “You Should Probably Leave” (Chris Stapleton), “Sand In My Boots” (Morgan Wallen), “Give Heaven Some Hell” (Hardy), “Steal My Love” (Dan + Shay), “Beers On Me” (Dierks Bentley, Hardy & Breland), and “What He Didn’t Do” (Carly Pearce).

Jonathan Singleton only moves down one spot, with songwriter credit on Lainey Wilson’s “Things A Man Oughta Know,” Zac Brown Band’s “Same Boat,” and Luke Combs’ “Cold as You” and “South On Ya.”

The weekly MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart uses algorithms based upon song activity according to airplay, digital download track sales and streams. This unique and exclusive addition to the MusicRow portfolio is the only songwriter chart of its kind.

Click here to view the full MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart.

George Strait, Willie Nelson To Share Stage For Grand Opening Of Austin’s Moody Center

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George Strait. Photo: David McClister

George Strait is set to headline the grand opening of the new Moody Center in Austin on April 29, 2022. “Strait from Moody Center,” presented by Bud Light, will include performances by Willie Nelson & Family and the Randy Rogers Band during the epic celebration.

“I’m so glad I’ll get to ‘sing one with Willie’ and I can’t think of a better place to do it than Austin, Texas,” shares Strait. “Willie is an incredible musician and an even better person, so I know this will be a great night together along with our friends from Randy Rogers Band.”

The special grand opening set will see Strait and Nelson share a stage for only the second time in their storied careers. In addition to being a part of the new 15,000-seat music venue debut, the crowd will also be tipping their hat to Nelson, who celebrates his 89th birthday on the night of the show.

“While planning our grand opening celebration, we knew we had an obligation to pay homage to Lone Star State. George, Willie and Randy are all Texas natives who have built legendary careers while having an unbelievable impact on the country music industry,” comments Jeff Nickler, general manager of Moody Center. “It doesn’t get any bigger than this.”

Exclusive VIP Packages and tickets go on sale Friday, Oct. 22 at 10 a.m. CT. American Express card members can purchase tickets beginning Wednesday, Oct. 13 at 10 a.m. CT through Thursday, Oct. 21 at 10 p.m. CT.

For the health and safety of everyone attending, the show will abide by local laws, guidance from public health authorities, and venue COVID-19 policies. For the most current COVID-19 information relating to the Moody Center Grand Opening Celebration, click here.

Fisk Jubilee Singers To Celebrate 150 Years With Ryman Benefit

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The Fisk Jubilee Singers photographed in Jubilee Hall at Fisk University on Oct. 29, 2020. Photo: Bill Steber and Pat Casey Daley.

The Fisk Jubilee Singers are celebrating the 150th anniversary of the ensemble with a special benefit concert at the Ryman Auditorium on Nov. 11.

The show will feature performances of their traditional repertoire of spirituals with a lineup of talent, including Jason Eskridge, Ruby Amanfu, Natalie Hemby, Brassville, Rissi Palmer, Kyla Jade, Tommy Sims, Starlito, Curt Chambers and Dr. Bobby Jones. Marcia Dyson, founder of Women’s Global Institute, will serve as Mistress of Ceremonies while Shannon Sanders, the Grammy, Emmy and Dove award-winning producer, will serve as co-musical director for the concert with Musical Director and Fisk Jubilee Singer Alumnus Dr. Paul T. Kwami. Tickets are available for purchase now.

“This has been an extraordinary year, and we are so excited about the future of the Fisk Jubilee Singers,” says Dr. Jens Frederiksen, Executive Vice President, Fisk University. “The voices of the Fisk Jubilee Singers have inspired generations across the country and the world, and today’s ensemble continues to exemplify everything that makes Fisk University such a special place.”

Earlier this year, the Fisk Jubilee Singers received their first Grammy for Best Roots Gospel Album, making Fisk University the first Historically Black College & University to receive that honor.  They were also honored with the Rhapsody and Rhythm Award from the National Museum of African American Music, and a Dove Award nomination.

“Celebrating the 150th Anniversary of the Fisk Jubilee Singers is an incredible milestone,” adds Butch Spyridon, President and CEO, Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp. “We are honored to support this event and the singers who first started exporting music from Music City all those years ago.”

The Fisk Jubilee Singers were organized as a choral ensemble in 1871, playing an important role in introducing and sustaining the tradition of the Negro spiritual. The ensemble traveled throughout the world in the 1800s, singing songs that were sacred to them and raising money to support Nashville’s Fisk University. The ensemble is comprised of Fisk University students, who are selected annually through an audition process.

ACM Launches Webinars, Industry-Focused Events As New Membership Benefit

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Pictured (L-R): Brandon Gill, Manager, Creative Nation; Julie Behr Sturdivant, Sr. VP, Marbaloo Marketing; Steve Moakler, Artist & Songwriter; Beth Laird, Co-Owner, Creative Nation; Haley Montgomery, Manager Awards & Membership; ACM.

The Academy of Country Music has unveiled the upcoming calendar event list for industry leaders. ACM Membership now offers webinars and in-person events, as well as case studies, with a mission to provide key learnings, professional development, and enrichment within the country music industry.

Upcoming exclusive ACM Membership events include Your Real Social Network: A Conversation with Diversify the Stage About Equity and Relationships in the Music Business. The event will feature a conversation among leaders in the music and touring industry on the short and long-term importance of building a diverse network in the music industry. The panel will highlight the power of intention, interconnection, and the importance of relationships to career building. This event will take place via Zoom on Wednesday, Oct. 27.

Another upcoming event is Presented by ACM Lifting Lives: A Community Wellness Event for the Music Industry. ACM Lifting Lives will put the spotlight on taking time for a break and focusing on mental health. This event will be held in November with more details to come in the following weeks.

“The Academy is honored to have the opportunity to partner with artists, industry members and respected organizations across the country music landscape to continue expanding benefits while creating deeper value for our members through these new initiatives,” says VP of Artist and Industry Relations, Governance and Board Administration at the Academy of Country Music, Tommy Moore. “It truly takes a community to make these events happen and is a testament to the hard work of the entire team. We are excited to continue to develop these events and offerings, in efforts to elevate and better serve our membership.”

Past events include, A Case Study in Success as an Independent Artist: featuring Steve Moakler, which was hosted both in-person and livestreamed on Tuesday, Sept. 21. The panel discussed Moakler’s journey the success he’s found by super-serving a passionate group of fans versus appealing to the masses. Panelists included Brandon Gill, Manager, Creative Nation; Julie Behr Sturdivant, Sr. VP, Marbaloo Marketing; Beth Laird, Co-Owner, Creative Nation; and Haley Montgomery, Manager Awards & Membership, ACM.

Pictured: Lainey Wilson, Austin Jenckes, and Randall Foster.

Another previous event was NashFilm & ACM Presents: From Country Hits to Sync Success with Lainey Wilson, which was held on Saturday, Oct. 2. The event featured a conversation with hit songwriters and new and emerging country artists about diversifying songwriting strategies, what it means to write a country hit, and how to shift gears and write a song that works for placement in film, television, and gaming. Panelists included Wilson and Austin Jenckes, as well as songwriters Micah Wilshire & Jennifer Hanson, and moderator Randall Foster of Symphonic Distribution

New ACM membership applications and existing membership renewals are open now through Friday, Oct. 15, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. CT in order to vote during the 2021 Awards cycle, as well as gain access to this fall’s exclusive events and educational panels. To apply online for Academy of Country Music membership, click here.

Barry Waldrep Honors Tony Rice With Tribute Featuring Vince Gill, Emmylou Harris, More

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Bluegrass instrumentalist and producer Barry Waldrep is releasing a special tribute to bluegrass guitarist Tony Rice. The 21-song project, Barry Waldrep and Friends Celebrate Tony Rice, will be available everywhere on Dec. 24 and features an all-star lineup of bluegrass, Americana, and country royalty.

Among some of the guests on the upcoming project are Rodney Crowell, Jim Lauderdale, Warren Haynes, and Oteil Burbridge, alongside Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees Spooner Oldham and Patrick Simmons and country’s Vince Gill and Emmylou Harris.

“Music knows no boundaries and Tony created so many great examples of that. When you cross the line of other genres, that’s when you expand the audience and turn people on to other styles that they would not normally be interested in,” says Waldrep. “The intent of this album and the artists involved is to show what a powerhouse master Tony Rice was at bringing musicians and fans together from different genres. All of these artists knew the music of Tony Rice very well – artists from classic and southern rock royalty to heavy metal, Americana, country and roots gospel. Also included are some of the greatest musicians and harmony singers in the business that were influenced by Tony as well.”

Rice was one of the most influential and beloved musicians in all of bluegrass and Americana music. After he passed away in late 2020, his songs and stylings continue to live on in the musicians he inspired.

Barry Waldrep and Friends Celebrate Tony Rice Track List:
Why You Been Gone So Long – Featuring Jimmy Hall
Song For The Life – Featuring Rodney Crowell
10 Degrees and Getting Colder – Featuring Darrell Scott
Blue Railroad Train – Featuring Marty Raybon
Walk On Boy – Featuring Mike Farris
Early Morning Rain – Featuring Kim Richey
Wayfaring Stranger – Featuring Warren Haynes
I’ll Stay Around – Featuring Vince Gill
Song For A Winter Night – Featuring Radney Foster
EMD – Featuring Barry Waldrep, Tammy Rogers, John Jorgenson and John Cowan
You Were There For Me – Featuring Teresa Williams and Larry Cambell
Church Street Blues – Featuring Jim Lauderdale
This Old House – Featuring John Berry
9 Pound Hammer – Featuring Pat Simmons
Four Strong Winds – Featuring John Paul White
More Pretty Girls Than One – Featuring Jacob Bunton
Summer Wages – Featuring Barry Waldrep, Tammy Rogers, Spooner Oldham
It’s Cold On The Shoulder – Featuring John Jorgenson
Bury Me Beneath The Willow – Featuring Rory Feek
Where The Soul Never Dies – Featuring Donna Hall and Kelli Johnson
Me And My Guitar – Featuring John Cowan