CCM News: Mac Powell, Ellie Holcomb, Lula Street Records

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Mac Powell Announces Solo Debut, ‘New Creation’

Mac Powell

Mac Powell, former frontman of Third Day, is set to release his debut solo Christian album, New Creation, on Oct. 15 on his new label home Capitol Christian Music Group. Two new songs from the project, “Love Is The Reason” and “The Center Of It All,” are available now.

New Creation features tracks by writers Ethan Hulse, Jonathan Smith, Jeff Pardo, Brenton Brown, Hank Bentley, Matt Maher, Seth Mosely, Benji Cowart, Casey Beathard, and Tommy Iceland. The full-length project was produced by Smith, Bentley, Pardo, Mosely, Colby Wedgeworth, and Ed Cash.

“After the Third Day farewell tour, I took some time to pursue being an independent artist, and I think it was really helpful in getting me to this moment,” shares Powell. “I truly can say that I’m not only excited about announcing my debut solo Christian album, but I am inspired and grateful to be re-connecting with my friends at radio and fans on the road these last few months. I believe this collection of songs have come from God and I can’t wait to hear stories of how they connect with and help people through the days we’re in living in.”

 

 

Ellie Holcomb Offers Up Some ‘Fighting Words’

Ellie Holcomb

Christian singer-songwriter and author Ellie Holcomb will release her first devotional book: Fighting Words – 100 Days of Speaking Truth into the Darkness on Oct. 15. This marks her first book for adults after previously releasing two best-selling children’s books–Don’t Forget to Remember (2020) and Who Sang the First Song (2018).

“Fighting Words is more like an invitation than a book,” explains Holcomb. “It’s an invitation to come as you are and lie down in the green pastures of God’s Word. It’s an invitation to bury some treasure in your heart as we memorize God’s Word together, and my hope is that this book will feel like a companion who will meet you where you are, come alongside you, and help you know that you’re not alone. I think the main content of this book is God’s Word and your heart!”

Named after one of her hit songs, Fighting Words is a journaling devotional book filled with encouraging, honest reflections and questions to help process scripture. The book serves as a place to wrestle, respond to, and take hold of precious truths in God’s Word.

 

 

Wisdom Moon Launches Lula Street Records

Wisdom Moon

Wisdom Moon, founder and CEO of the multi-faceted agency Marketing with Wisdom, has launched Lula Street Records. The boutique label, designed to help mission-driven artists maximize their potential while retaining full ownership and creative control of their work, will be distributed by Integrity Music.

Lula Street Records launches with six flagship artists: acclaimed worship leader, author and speaker Stephen McWhirter; Hispanic-American worship leader Alisha Quinonez; folk-rockers Dawson Hollow; Hawaii-based singer/songwriter Maria Hilman; and singer/songwriters/worship leaders Todd McVicker and Shaylee Simeone.

“Through the years I’ve worked with hundreds of artists and have seen firsthand many who are uniquely talented and just need the right label partnership to propel them to the next level,” shares Moon, whose background includes tenures at Centricity Music and Integrity Music. “I’m excited to launch Lula Street Records because I believe it’s the right time, and I also believe we can offer a much-needed specialized approach to label services for many artists.”

Garth Brooks Cancels Next Five Shows On Stadium Tour Due To Threat Of COVID-19

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Garth Brooks at a press conference on Friday (July 30). Photo: Sherod Robertson

After announcing that he will be reassessing the remainder of his stadium tour due to the most recent onslaught of COVID-19, Garth Brooks has shared the news that he will be cancelling his next five dates as well as refunding the approximately 350,000 tickets sold.

The five concert locations being cancelled are Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati, scheduled for Sept. 18, Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, scheduled for Sept. 25, M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, scheduled for Oct. 2, Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, scheduled for Oct 9, and Nissan Stadium in Nashville which has not yet been rescheduled.

“In July, I sincerely thought the pandemic was falling behind us. Now, watching this new wave, I realize we are still in the fight and I must do my part,” Brooks shares. “I have asked the wonderful cities of Cincinnati and Charlotte to wait too long and I don’t want to now do that same thing to the great folks in Boston and Baltimore. As far as Nashville, we are looking for a makeup date from the July rain out and though this is not COVID related, to make them wait makes me sad, as well. So, it is with a heavy heart we announce the decision to cancel all five shows but with a hopeful heart, we will reschedule and start over when this wave seems to be behind us.

“The joy I have seen in everyone’s faces as live music returns has been more than worth our constant diligence to maintain safety protocols not only for the fans, but for our band, the crew and the hardworking staff in these stadiums. Their dedication to safety for the people who fill those seats has been a miracle to watch and a blessing to receive. I am truly grateful,” he continues. “I’m sincerely hoping we are back on tour before the year’s end. With that said, the most important thing to me is fulfilling my end of the Stadium Tour by making sure every show is doable before putting tickets on sale (that is why we pulled the Seattle on sale) and making sure the environment these people are trading their time and money to put themselves into is not only the best experience ever, but also the safest one we can provide.”

A spokesperson for the tour said the team will continue to monitor the virus’ impact and watch how schools, sports, and other entertainment entities are handling this stage of the pandemic.

No action from ticket holders is required to obtain a refund. Ticketmaster will issue a refund to the original method of payment used at time of purchase.

Little Big Town Christens The Amp At Dant Crossing Stage

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Little Big Town performs at the opening night of The Amp at Dant Crossing on Aug. 6, 2021.

Just a few hours from Music City, a new 2,000-seat outdoor music venue has officially opened in the heart of Kentucky’s bourbon country. The Amp at Dant Crossing venue celebrated its opening with a sold-out Little Big Town show on Aug. 6.

The Amp is the newest addition to Dant Crossing, a 300-plus-acre destination in Gethsemane, Kentucky, that is anchored by Log Still Distillery. The new music venue has announced an extensive opening lineup of artists set to grace the stage throughout the 2021 season.

“Dant Crossing is all about bringing people together, and there’s nothing that can bring people together the way live music can,” says J.W. “Wally” Dant, III, president of Dant Crossing and Log Still Distillery. “Guests who visit The Amp get to listen to good music, sip on good bourbon, and enjoy the beauty of the Kentucky countryside. It’s a pretty special place.”

The Amp at Dant Crossing 2021 Season Lineup:
Little River Band – Aug. 20
Cheap Trick – Aug. 21
Mitchell Tenpenny – Aug. 27
The Steeldrivers – Aug. 28
Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder – Sept. 3
Clay Walker – Sept. 5
Kansas – Sept. 10
Darryl Worley – Sept. 24
Sara Evans – Sept. 25
Summerland Tour (Feat. Everclear, Living Colour, Hoobastank, Wheatus) – Oct. 1
Wynonna with The Big Noise – Oct. 2
Mark Wills – Oct. 8
Better Than Ezra – Oct. 9
Phil Vassar – Oct. 15
Gin Blossoms – Oct. 22

Muscadine Bloodline Announce “Dyin’ For A Livin'” Tour

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Muscadine Bloodline. Photo: Wales Toney

Country duo Muscadine Bloodline announced their new single “Dyin’ For a Livin”’ and the accompanying “Dyin’ For a Livin’ Tour” today.

Tickets for the fall tour dates go on sale this Friday, Aug. 20 and the tour will kick off in Charlottesville, Virginia on Sept. 25. The country duo will visit cities through the end of the year from D.C. to Utah and Mississippi to South Dakota on the trek, which runs through Dec. 18 and wraps with a show at Joe’s On Weed Street in Chicago.

“We are having a blast on the road and are excited to continue playing shows this fall! We are excited to play some bigger venues along with clubs, which are our favorite because most of our music calls for an intimate setting. It’s been so great to share what we’ve been working on with music lovers night after night,” says Muscadine Bloodline.

Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats Look To ‘The Future’ This November

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Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats. Photo: Rett Rogers

Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats are preparing for the release of their third studio album, The Future, set for Nov. 5 via Stax Records. The Future’s lead single, “Survivor,” is available everywhere now.

For the recording, the band escaped to Rateliff’s new Colorado Broken Creek studio to write an album’s worth of songs. The Future looks to shed light on their unique observations while reflecting on our current times. The group is composed of Rateliff (vocals, guitar), Joseph Pope III (bass), Patrick Meese (drums, percussion, keys), Luke Mossman (guitar), Mark Shusterman (organ, keys), Andreas Wild (saxophone), Daniel Hardaway (trumpet) and Jeff Dazey (saxophone).

“I look at the album overall as a big question,” notes Rateliff. “When I was writing the record we were in the middle of a pandemic and our future looked pretty bleak. I just continue to try to write from a place of hope. Then my own neurosis, and maybe being a libra gets in the way, and I can’t make up my mind. There is this constant back and forth battle in me personally and I am sure that comes out in my writing.”

The band’s self-titled debut album is now certified Gold in the U.S. and has sold over a million records worldwide. Their sophomore album, Tearing at the Seams, debuted in March 2018 to widespread critical acclaim and included three singles which hit No. 1 at Triple A radio.

Last year, Rateliff released his first solo album in seven years, And It’s Still Alright, which peaked at No. 3 on iTunes’ Top Albums chart, debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Americana/Folk chart, landed at No. 2 on their Current Rock chart, and resided at No. 1 on the Americana Albums Chart for eight consecutive weeks.

The Future Track List: 
1. The Future
2. Survivor
3. Face Down In The Moment
4. Something Ain’t Right
5. Love Me Till I’m Gone
6. Baby I Got Your Number
7. What If I
8. I’m On Your Side
9. So Put Out
10. Oh, I
11. Love Don’t

Tune In to Learn The 2021 MusicRow Awards Winners Tomorrow

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MusicRow will reveal the industry-voted winners of the 33rd annual MusicRow Awards in a series of videos on all MusicRow online platforms, including Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, starting at 9:00 a.m. TOMORROW (Aug. 19).

MusicRow Awards Schedule of Announcements:
9:00 a.m.: Top 10 Album All-Star Musicians Awards
9:30 a.m.: Producer of the Year
10:00 a.m.: Label Group of the Year
10:30 a.m.: Agency of the Year
11:00 a.m.: Breakthrough Songwriter of the Year
11:30 a.m.: Breakthrough Artist-Writer of the Year
12:00 p.m.: Male Songwriter of the Year
12:30 p.m.: Female Songwriter of the Year
1:00 p.m.: Song of the Year
1:30 p.m.: Discovery Artist of the Year
2:00 p.m.: Breakthrough Artist of the Year
2:30 p.m.: Artist of the Year

Presenting Sponsor of the 2021 MusicRow Awards is City National Bank.

Click here to read about the nominees up for each category. The nominees are also profiled in the recently released MusicRow Awards print issue.

The Top 10 Album All-Star Musicians Awards will also be announced on Aug. 19, recognizing the industry’s most in-demand studio players for Bass, Drums, Engineer, Fiddle, Guitar, Keyboards, Steel, and Vocals.

Nominees Announced For 2021 CMA International Awards

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The nominees for the 2021 CMA International Awards, which honor artists and industry executives who have supported and impacted the growth and promotion of country music in the international marketplace, have been announced. These awards are recognized in multiple categories and voted on by international members.

In addition to the five existing CMA International Award categories, CMA has also added the Rob Potts International Live Music Advancement Award this year. Named after the late Australian promoter, this award recognizes outstanding achievements by an individual who has made important contributions to the live music industry by extending performance opportunities and building live audiences for country music outside of the United States. Promoters, booking agents, talent buyers, festival and venue bookers, and other live music industry professionals are eligible to receive this award.

“We are delighted to honor those in the industry who have been instrumental in carrying country music forward into territories outside of the United States as this year’s CMA International Awards nominees,” says Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer. “And we are especially thrilled to be adding a new award to the slate this year recognizing those specifically in the live music industry cultivating and growing country music’s reach. A true pioneer in the genre, few people exemplified this more than Rob Potts. He was a driving force in our efforts to expand country music internationally, and I am excited we are able to honor those following in Rob’s footsteps.”

2021 CMA International Awards Nominees:

Rob Potts International Live Music Advancement Award
Recognizes outstanding achievements by an individual who has made important contributions to the live music industry by extending performance opportunities and building live audiences for country music outside of the United States.

Michael Chugg (Australia – Chugg Entertainment and Chugg Music)
Sina Hall (Germany – Semmel Concerts Entertainment GmbH)
Nigel Hassler (U.K. – CAA)
Sigve Prestnes (Norway – Stageway Talent)
Troy Vollhoffer (Canada – Premier Global Production, Country Thunder Music Festivals and Big Valley Jamboree)

 

Jo Walker Meador International Award
Recognizes outstanding achievement by an individual in advocating and supporting country music’s marketing development in territories outside the United States.

Ilse DeLange (The Netherlands – Artist, founder of Spark Records, Firefly Publishing and Tuckerville Festival)
Tracy Martin (Canada – The Core Entertainment)
Natalie Waller (Australia – ABC Music and Events)
Chris York (U.K.– SJM Concerts, Country to Country Festival U.K.)

 

Wesley Rose International Media Achievement Award
Recognizes outstanding achievements in the media as they relate to country music outside of the United States.

Mathias Bridfelt (Sweden – SVT)
Saniel Marriner (Australia – CMT Australia)
Ricky Marshall (U.K.– BBC Radio 2)
Charlotte Thompson (Canada – Red Umbrella P.R.)

 

International Artist Achievement Award
Recognizes outstanding achievement by a United States-based artist who has demonstrated the most significant creative growth, development and promotion of the country music industry outside of the United States during the eligibility period.

Brothers Osborne
Luke Combs
Dan + Shay
Maren Morris
Yola

 

International Country Broadcaster Award
Recognizes outstanding achievement by a radio broadcaster or syndicated radio reporter outside the United States who has made important contributions for the development of country music in their country.

Dayna Bourgoin (Canada – Pure Country Radio/Bell Media)
Rita Jernquist (Sweden – Sveriges Radio P4)
Baylen Leonard (U.K. – Absolute Radio Country/Bauer Radio Limited)
Justin Thomson (Australia – KIX Country/Grant Broadcasters)

 

Jeff Walker Global Country Artist Award
Recognizes outstanding achievements by a country music artist signed outside of the United States. The artist must have furthered the popularity of country music as well as brought attention to the format in their foreign based territory.

Jill Johnson (Sweden)
Brett Kissel (Canada)
The Shires (U.K.)
The Wolfe Brothers (Australia)

Industry Ink: Carly Pearce, Plowboy Records, Tennessee Bluegrass Band

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Carly Pearce’s Hometown Of Taylor, Kentucky To Honor The Rising Vocalist

Carly Pearce. Photo: Allister Ann

Newest Grand Ole Opry member Carly Pearce will return to her hometown of Taylor, Kentucky, on Sept. 2 to be honored for her many career accolades earned over the past few years.

Along with Mayor Dan Bell and city commission, Pearce will be welcomed with a special ceremony and signage honoring the local dreamer turned rising country star. Later in the evening Pearce will head to the Ovation Music Pavilion in Newport as support for Lady A’s What A Song Can Do Tour.

The CMA and double ACM Awards winner most recently celebrated 2X Platinum certification of “I Hope You’re Happy Now,” her No. 1 duet with Lee Brice. Her upcoming 15-song project, 29: Written In Stone, is due Sept. 17 on Big Machine Records.

 

Jim Reilley Joins Plowboy Records As Operations Director

Jim Reilley

Plowboy Records has added industry and creative veteran Jim Reilley as Operations Director. Reilley brings a wealth of knowledge and talent to the imprint and will fill the role left by the passing of the label’s beloved Ben Ewing.

As an artist, Reilley co-founded the revered group The New Dylans in 1986, and as a songwriter—with a stint at Curb Music Publishing—he secured cuts by Vince Gill, Sam Bush, Hal Ketchum, Tim O’Brien, Jack Ingram, and others. He also played bass on numerous recording projects for various artists, most notably Sheryl Crow while helming production on over 40 projects, including several Kerrville and Merlefest award winners. Currently, Reilley is a member of the experimental jazz outfit The Birdwatcher Experiment with Jerry Oliver and a rotating cast that includes Shannon Pollard and Cheetah Chrome of The Dead Boys.

“Jim has had a long and successful career in this business, and he brings a lifetime of experience from the creative side as well,” notes Plowboy Records’ President and co-founder Pollard. “He knows what it takes to put together deals and how to manage a variety of projects. He speaks the language of a musician, but he also speaks ‘industry’ and that is so important to our future.”

“If Shannon and I can realize our vision for Plowboy and become a label in the mold of a classic ‘60s Electra/Asylum, Rounder, Blue Note, Sub Pop, Creation, Dischord or Stax/Volt, especially in this current economic climate, I will consider that an enormous success,” says Reilley. “I’m still excited by and in love with music and am honored Shannon has given me this opportunity.”

 

Tennessee Bluegrass Band Signs With Billy Blue Records

Pictured (L-R) Aynsley Porchak (fiddle), Lincoln Hensley (banjo), Tim Laughlin (mandolin and vocals), Jerry Salley (Creative and A&R Director, Billy Blue Records), Gracie Meador (bass and vocals), and John Meador (guitar and vocals).

Tennessee Bluegrass Band has signed with Nashville’s Billy Blue Records. Recently formed, the band is comprised of Aynsley Porchak, Lincoln Hensley, John Meador, Tim Laughlin, and Gracie Meador.

“They captured my attention with the very first note from John Meador’s mouth,” says Jerry Salley, Creative and A&R Director, Billy Blue Records. “Tennessee Bluegrass Band had its choice of record labels. They chose Billy Blue, and our team is honored to work with them. We’re excited about their future, and together, we look forward to releasing a stellar debut album very soon!”

“This is a group that I’m very pleased to be a part of,” Porchak says. “With the combination of powerful vocals and exciting instrumental arrangements, the band is formed with powerhouse musicians who have undeniable artistic chemistry. It’s an honor and a privilege to make music with these people, and we’re excited to share our spin on traditional bluegrass, something we like to call, ‘the future of the past!’”

The group is making plans for a debut album for release in early 2022.

Hannah Dasher Announces Plans To Crash The Party With Upcoming Tailgate Tour

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Hannah Dasher. Photo: Kylie Rebecca

Sony Music Nashville’s Hannah Dasher will be crashing your favorite pre-show parking lot tailgates for concerts by Eric Church and Brothers Osborne with the You’re Gonna Love Me Tailgate Tour.

The Fender Next Artist and 2021 CMT Next Women of Country member will be performing a free southern-rock and soul-infused set during parking lot tailgates. Among the upcoming stops are Metro Credit Union Amphitheater in Charlotte, N.C., Rupp Arena in Lexington, and Nationwide Arena in Ohio.

This past July, Dasher made her major label debut with The Half Record, a collection of songs that showcase her unfiltered lyrical honesty and the heavy-hooked songs that have earned her the nickname “Hannah Damn Dasher.”

Dasher will also be performing solo shows in Atlanta, Nashville, and the Southeast throughout the fall.

The Grand Ole Opry Sets The Stage To Celebrate 5,000 Broadcasts

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The Grand Ole Opry, the world’s longest-running radio show, will mark its historic 5,000th Saturday night broadcast on Oct. 30, 2021. To commemorate the impressive milestone, the Grand Ole Opry will host a month of celebrations, a limited-time exhibit, and a star-studded night of performances on the iconic Opry stage.

WSM began to air the show that would become the Grand Ole Opry in 1925 as a radio show before expanding to television and eventually digital streaming platforms. It has continued to produce original shows for 5,000 Saturday nights through the Great Depression, World War II, two Nashville floods and, most recently, the global COVID-19 pandemic. In March 2020, when music venues shuttered around the world, the Opry continued airing under strict health and safety protocols through its weekly 650 AM WSM and SiriusXM radio broadcasts. Simultaneously, Opry Live was launched on Circle, bringing comfort to millions of fans around the world and quickly becoming the television network’s landmark series.

“For 5,000 Saturday nights, the Opry has stood as a beacon not just for generations of listeners seeking top-notch entertainment, but for artists with big dreams and even bigger talent,” shares Scott Bailey, President of Opry Entertainment Group. “This stage has witnessed some of the most iconic moments in country music – debuts, duets, and everything in between – and it deserves celebrating. We’re excited for country music fans around the world to be able to join us for this historic occasion.”

The Grand Ole Opry will host a special evening of music on Oct. 30 with performances from Bill Anderson, Terri Clark, Vince Gill, Chris Janson, Jeannie Seely, Connie Smith, The Gatlin Brothers and Chris Young, with more artists to be announced. The ticketed show will be available to stream live on Circle.

Opry Memories: Celebrating 5,000 Saturday Night Broadcasts Exhibit

Today (Aug. 17), the Opry also opened a limited-time exhibit at the Acuff House, Opry Memories: Celebrating 5,000 Saturday Night Broadcasts. The exhibit takes guests on a journey through the inception of WSM-AM radio and the first Grand Ole Opry broadcasts while also covering special moments from milestone broadcast eras of 1,000 broadcasts to present day. The exhibit will feature artifacts and photos from current Grand Ole Opry members including Luke Combs, Dolly Parton, Carly Pearce, Trisha Yearwood, and many others, as well as items from some of the Opry’s earliest stars including Roy Acuff, DeFord Bailey, Minnie Pearl, and more.

To purchase tickets for the 5,000th celebration show on Oct. 30 or to the Grand Ole Opry tour featuring Opry Memories, click here.