Florida Georgia Line, Thomas Rhett, Maren Morris Break In New FirstBank Amphitheater

/by

Pictured: Florida Georgia Line’s Brian Kelley And Tyler Hubbard. Photo: Spencer Combs

Artists Florida Georgia Line, Thomas Rhett, Maren Morris, and more were the first artists to perform at the brand new FirstBank Amphitheater near Franklin, Tennessee.

The group came together to put on Together: Feeding Nashville, which benefited the nonprofit Feeding Nashville, formed by Florida Georgia Line’s Tyler Hubbard and his wife Hayley alongside Tennessee Titans’ Taylor Lewan and his wife Taylin to raise awareness and funds to combat local food insecurity. Net ticket proceeds as well as other event revenue and donations directly impacted the important cause with a total of over $450,000 raised.

Pictured: Thomas Rhett. Photo: Spencer Combs

The beautiful new Tennessee venue, located inside the 138-acre Graystone Quarry in Thompson’s Station at the southern border of Franklin, was the perfect spot for a benefit show giving back to Tennesseans. Intense traffic, however, put somewhat of a damper on the night, causing many show-goers and performers to arrive late. In a social media post, the venue address this problem saying “the traffic issues experienced are not at all what [they] planned with local authorities and parking experts,” and that they are “working tirelessly” to correct it.

But once inside the quarry, the show, hosted by FGL’s Hubbard and Brian Kelley, was a warm reception. The sets rotated, with FGL playing some of their hits before turning it over to another artist for a few songs, and doing a few collaboration performances with their guests.

Rising country artist Lily Rose was the very first artist to perform on the FirstBank Amphitheater stage. The charming singer-songwriter performed her breakout single, “Villian,” along with her newer releases “Know My Way Around” and “Remind Me Of You.” “This is pretty wild, I’m not gonna lie,” she said of being the first to grace the venue’s stage.

After kicking things off with “I Love My Country” and “This Is How We Roll,” FGL invited an energized Russell Dickerson out. He rocked out on his up-beat “Every Little Thing,” “Home Sweet” and “Blue Tacoma,” and played what he has dubbed his “COVID song,” his most recent No. 1 “Love You Like I Used To.”

FGL returned for another sampling of some of their biggest hits, including “Confession,” “May We All,” and their most recent No. 1 “Long Live.” The duo took a minute to recognize the honor of breaking in a new middle Tennessee venue when they reverently performed one of their best, “Dirt.” “What an honor to break in this amphitheater,” Hubbard said smiling into the crowd.

Pictured: Ryan Hurd and Maren Morris. Photo: Spencer Combs

Thomas Rhett joined Hubbard and Kelley to play an early FGL hit that Rhett co-wrote, “Round Here,” and stayed to play a few of his many hits. He was noticeably thrilled to sing his latest single, “Country Again.” “I’ve rediscovered myself in the last couple years in some ways,” Rhett said, introducing the tune. He also thrilled the crowd with his 2015 hit, “Die A Happy Man.”

Next up, FGL reappeared on stage with CCM legend Chris Tomlin for the three acts to perform their new collaboration, “Thank You Lord,” which is at Christian radio right now. “This is a little party jam for the Lord,” Hubbard said.

Chase Rice then joined FGL for a performance of the No. 1 song at country radio right now, “Drinkin’ Beer. Talkin’ God. Amen.”

Maren Morris sounded fabulous on her recent monster hit, “The Bones,” when she took the stage. “It was kind of tricky to get into this place,” she joked. “But I feel like I’m at Red Rocks in my own backyard.”

Morris brought out her singer-songwriter husband Ryan Hurd for a sweet rendition of their duet, “Chasing After You.” The two’s chemistry on stage was thick, and they sounded great together.

To top off the night, Nelly, Breland, and Blanco Brown surprised the packed house when they joined FGL, Dickerson, Rose and Rice for a larger-than-life performance of “Cruise.”

“We’re still on cloud nine and feeling overwhelmed with all of the love that everyone poured into Together: Feeding Nashville. So many lives will be impacted by the incredible generosity from our community and we are forever grateful,” shared Hayley Hubbard. “We’ll definitely be reliving this special night for a long time and dreaming up the next one!”

Taylin Lewan added, “Words can’t describe the support we have felt from our entire community. Our drive and devotion to serving Feeding Nashville is stronger than ever!”

Pictured (L-R): Nelly, Blanco Brown, Lily Rose, Siriusxm’s Storme Warren, Florida Georgia Line’s Brian Kelley, Feeding Nashville’s Taylin Lewan and Hayley Hubbard, Florida Georgia Line’s Tyler Hubbard, Chase Rice, Russell Dickerson, Breland. Photo: Kaiser Cunningham

Presented by Barstool Sports’ Bussin’ With The Boys, Together: Feeding Nashville was produced by Live Nation and Executive Producer Ali Harnell, President and Chief Strategy Officer at Live Nation Women. Find additional information and donate to Feeding Nashville at feedingnashville.com.

Nashville Venues Enforce New COVID Requirements Amidst Growing Case Numbers

/by

Photo: Courtesy City Winery

Following the rapid spike in COVID-19 cases across the United States and beyond over the last couple of weeks, the CDC has recently revised their guidelines for vaccinated individuals. Included in this new guidance is the return of mask-wearing under certain conditions and restricting international travel.

However, with the rampant Delta variant currently circulating in the United States, some states and businesses are bringing back the conversation of vaccination and/or testing requirements for their staff and patrons, such as New York City which will require vaccines for entry into certain establishments beginning in the next few weeks. Since the CDC’s announcement, companies like Walmart, Disney, Apple and Google, among others, have enforced a similar requirement, while President Joe Biden also announced new vaccination rules for federal employees.

As Tennessee continues to see COVID-19 case counts rise each day, some of Music City’s businesses and venues have announced that they will be requiring proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test to enter their establishments. Among those who have made the leap are City Winery, which has multiple locations across the northeast, and The 5 Spot in East Nashville.

“At this stage in the pandemic, with the Delta variant on the rise, the remarkable roll-out of vaccines, and the overwhelming numbers of our customers now fully inoculated against COVID-19, we can create an environment that is as safe as possible moving forward. Our recent July survey indicated that more than 75% of our patrons are already vaccinated,” says City Winery’s Founder Michael Dorf in a letter to its patrons. “Given this, our decision to move forward with creating an environment where we request that all patrons are vaccinated, and wear masks when moving indoors, will allow even more psychological comfort that our facility is as safe a place to be as possible. Of course, we respect that if a person does not want to get vaccinated for any reason, be it religious, health or other, they can get tested showing a negative result within 72 hours to gain admission. All guests are welcome on our outdoor patios, however masks will be required when entering the building.”

The 5 Spot took to social media to share their new rules saying, “After due consideration we’ve decided to require proof of vaccination as a condition of entry into our venue beginning Saturday, Aug 7. In times such as these we must behave as reasonably and responsibly as possible.” The post continues, “Before you come party with us, please make sure you have your vaccination card (or a photo of it) at the ready. We will be verifying vaccination status before admission to The 5 Spot is granted.”

These decisions, coupled with artists like Garth Brooks announcing he will be reassessing the state of COVID before continuing his nationwide stadium tour, begs the question of what will happen to the just-reopened touring industry as we move into the changing of seasons and cases continue to rise.

For more information on the CDC guidelines and the Delta variant, click here.

UMPG Nashville Signs Adam James To Worldwide Publishing Agreement [Exclusive]

/by

Adam James. Photo: Jonathan Sherwood

Universal Music Publishing Nashville has signed songwriter Adam James to an exclusive worldwide publishing agreement.

James has co-written songs recorded by Dierks Bentley, Zac Brown Band, The Cadillac Three, Charlie Worsham and Filmore. He co-wrote Kenny Chesney’s current single, “Knowing You,” which is climbing the country charts.

Ron Stuve, VP A&R, UMPG Nashville, says of James: “Adam is a dual threat – strong lyrically and melodically. He has a deep appreciation and reverence for the past, but he is completely focused on the future. Terry Wakefield and I, along with the entire UMPG team, are thrilled to represent him and his songs.”

James adds, “UMPG is one of the best buildings left on Music Row, filled with some of the best publishers to ever do it. I’m so excited to join forces with these folks and get to work!”

Sony Group Corporation Q1 Results: New Acquisitions, Streaming Revenue Show Increases

/by

Sony Group Corporation announced its consolidated financial results for the first quarter ending June 30, 2021. In all of Sony’s business endeavors, Q1 consolidated sales increased 15% compared to the same quarter of the previous fiscal year.

For Sony’s music segment, specifically, Q1 sales increased a significant 44% year-over-year as sales increased in all categories driven primarily by growth in streaming. For the rest of the fiscal year, both sales and operating income are expected to increase.

Streaming revenue, which is Sony’s largest growth driver, grew considerably due to strong paid streaming and a recovery in advertising-supported streaming negatively impacted by COVID-19. During the quarter, streaming revenue increased significantly, 53% year-on-year in recorded music and 70% year-on-year in music publishing. In this quarter, Sony had an average of 36 songs in Spotify’s global top 100 songs ranking, and debut songs from new artists are increasing in ranking.

Sony also completed the acquisition of the DIY artist service business AWAL in May 2021 to strategically complement The Orchard in the growing indie market. In June, Sony also acquired Somethin’ Else, a major British podcast production company, and Alamo Records, a music label focused on hip hop in the U.S. The company also formed an alliance with the rapidly growing online game platform Roblox in July to provide our artists the opportunity to connect with the Roblox community through virtual events and other means.

To read the full report, click here.

Tim McGraw And Faith Hill Tapped To Star In Upcoming ‘Yellowstone’ Prequel

/by

Pictured (L-R): Sam Elliott (Courtesy of Deadline/REX/Shutterstock); Faith Hill; Tim McGraw

Tim McGraw and Faith Hill are set to star in the Paramount + prequel to the Emmy-nominated series Yellowstone, in a new series called 1883. 101 Studios and Bosque Ranch Productions will serve as production partners on the new drama.

Created by Taylor Sheridan, 1883 follows the Dutton family as they embark on a journey west through the Great Plains toward the last bastion of untamed America. The episodes offer a stark retelling of Western expansion, and a study of one family fleeing poverty to seek a better future in America’s promised land of Montana.

Academy Award-nominated actor Sam Elliott will star alongside McGraw and Hill in the prequel as Shea Brennan, a tough-as-nails cowboy with immense sadness in his past who has the task of guiding a group from Texas to Montana including James and Margaret Dutton, portrayed by McGraw and Hill.

“This is truly a dream job,” says McGraw. “Taylor has found a way of storytelling that brilliantly creates these epic dramas and family sagas with so much depth and creativity.  The Duttons are tremendous characters and it’s so thrilling to be able to bring them to life. As a kid growing up riding horses, you think about dream jobs like this and I am just so excited to work with this amazing cast and crew.”

“This is the opportunity of a lifetime,” says Hill. “The Duttons are a formidable family and it is an absolute dream to bring such a strong female character like Margaret Dutton to life. I am humbled and honored to work with Taylor and his entire team.”

“Yellowstone is a massive hit show with tens of millions of fans – with 1883, we are taking those fans back to the origin story, and in the process, turning the Yellowstone world into a global hit franchise to fuel the growth of Paramount+,” says Chris McCarthy, President/CEO, MTV Entertainment Group. “We are thrilled to have Sam, Tim and Faith as the stars of Taylor Sheridan’s new series exclusively for Paramount+ around the world.”

The Mechanical Licensing Collective Releases Updated Educator Toolkit

/by

The Mechanical Licensing Collective has released the second version of its Educator Toolkit. This free resource is designed to help college educators teach their students about the landscape of digital audio mechanical rights in the U.S. and The MLC’s role in it following passage of the Music Modernization Act of 2018.

Created by Serona Elton, The MLC’s head of educational partnerships and a long-time university professor, the Toolkit provides instructors with a range of materials they can seamlessly incorporate into their existing syllabi or employ in the creation of new course modules.

“As an educator myself, I understand the importance of having up-to-date teaching materials, particularly with a subject matter that is as inherently complex and rapidly evolving as mechanical licensing,” notes Elton. “The updates we’ve made to the Toolkit–based in part on feedback we received from the educators who are already using it–reflect The MLC’s commitment to continuing to provide instructors with the comprehensive and current resources they need to navigate this complex subject matter and best prepare tomorrow’s music industry professionals.”

Like the original version, this new version of the Toolkit contains an easy-to-understand introductory video, a white-label customizable PowerPoint presentation, suggested classroom activities and exam questions, and a list of informational videos and articles on copyright law and the history of mechanical licensing. In addition, the updated version contains several new enhancements, including:

  • Activities that provide students with hands-on practice using The MLC’s Public Search feature and other assets on The MLC’s website;
  • Revamped video content that incorporates answers to the common questions pertaining to mechanical licensing that have arisen during The MLC’s Q&A webinars over the past several months; and
  • A section of “learning outcomes” that are tied directly to the Toolkit’s video and presentation materials.

“The MLC’s Educator Toolkit provides an excellent starting point for teaching about the new world of music licensing brought about by the enactment of the Music Modernization Act and creation of The MLC, and its accessible learning exercises help make sense of those new developments in a straightforward way,” says Sean M. O’Connor of George Mason University’s Antonin Scalia Law School. “I was able to easily customize and augment the Toolkit, which saved me time, and the results were appreciated by a class of law students with music backgrounds.”

For more information about the Educator Toolkit, click here.

Trisha Yearwood’s ‘She’s In Love With The Boy’ Achieves Another Milestone

/by

Trisha Yearwood at the Grand Ole Opry on Tuesday, Aug. 3, 2021.

Trisha Yearwood was surprised on the stage of The Grand Ole Opry last night (Aug. 3) with the news that her debut hit, “She’s In Love With the Boy,” is the most listened to country song by a female artist in the history of MRC Data, which monitors radio activity that powers Billboard’s Country Airplay Chart.

A perennial hit that’s often found on country radio’s gold playlists, the song has been heard so many times that it’s surpassed all others by women during that period. The latest achievement is not the first time Trisha’s recording of the song has made history–when it reached the top of the charts in 1991, she made history as the first time a female artist’s debut single had gone all the way to No. 1.

Trisha Yearwood celebrates “She’s In Love With The Boy’s” newest milestone at the Grand Ole Opry on Tuesday, Aug. 3, 2021.

“When people come to a show, I see these girls singing ‘She’s In Love With the Boy’ and they’re like 15. I’m thinking, ‘How do you know this song?!’ But now learning that it’s been heard that many times–it’s just such an honor!” said Yearwood backstage at the Opry.

Trisha’s new version of “She’s In Love With the Boy” can be found on her new Every Girl Deluxe album, which is available everywhere on Friday, Aug. 13.

Yearwood was on hand last night to help induct the Opry’s newest member, Carly Pearce. The pair gave a special performance of the 1997 hit single “How Do I Live” before the induction ceremony.

Opry NextStage Names Lainey Wilson As Featured Artist For August 2021

/by

Lainey Wilson. Photo: Alex Berger

Opry NextStage has named BBR Music Group/Broken Bow Records’ Lainey Wilson as the featured artist for August.

Developed by Opry Entertainment Group and the Grand Ole Opry, Opry NextStage invests in the discovery and development of new artists and highlights one up-and-coming artist per month. Initially launched in 2019, the inaugural class included Riley Green, Tegan Marie, Tenille Townes, and Travis Denning. Wilson joins 2021 artists Hailey Whitters and Parker McCollum.

“The Grand Ole Opry has always held a special place in my heart since I was a nine-year-old starry-eyed little girl,” Wilson shares. “I’m truly honored to be named the latest Opry NextStage artist and am so grateful for their unbelievable support of the next generation of country music.”

Wilson has been named as an Artist to Watch by Spotify, MusicRow, and Pandora; has been included in CMT’s “Next Women of Country” and “Listen Up” programs; and was chosen as an iHeartCountry On The Verge artist, a Billboard chartbreaker, and an Apple Music “Up Next” spotlight artist. Throughout her career, she has performed for sold-out crowds throughout the US, UK, and Germany with notable names like Jason Aldean, Justin Moore, Tyler Farr, Ashley McBryde, Randy Houser, Josh Turner and more.

The Louisiana native’s debut album, Sayin’ What I’m Thinkin,’ was released in February 2021 and received critical praise. Her current radio single, “Things A Man Oughta Know,” has garnered more than 130 million on-demand streams, claimed the No. 1 spot on Sirius XM’s The Highway Hot 30 Weekend Countdown, and is continuing to climb through the Top 10 on country radio. Additionally, Wilson is set to take the Grand Ole Opry stage on Tuesday, Aug. 10.

She is nominated for MusicRow’s Discovery Artist of the Year. This year’s winners will be announced on all MusicRow platforms on Aug. 19.

YouTube video

Opportunities for Opry NextStage artists include feature performances on the Grand Ole Opry and Circle’s Opry Live broadcast and livestream; a performance at a special Opry NextStage concert in 2021; content produced by Opry Entertainment’s award-winning content team that utilizes all Opry Entertainment venues including Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium and Ole Red locations nationwide; exclusive content to be distributed via Circle broadcast, streaming, and video-on demand channels; customized marketing and promotion activations utilizing Opry web and social assets; and other opportunities such as outdoor advertising, 650 WSM-AM radio specials, and more.

Luke Bryan Returns For Season 5 Of ‘American Idol’

/by

Pictured (L-R): Lionel Richie, Katy Perry, Ryan Seacrest, and Luke Bryan. Photo: ABC/Eric McCandless

Judges Luke Bryan, Katy Perry, and Lionel Richie, alongside veteran host Ryan Seacrest, are returning for American Idol‘s fifth season on ABC and 20th overall as the show returns next spring. Season five auditions will kick off this Friday, Aug. 6 with the return of Idol Across America, the live virtual nationwide search for the next superstar.

For the second year in a row, Idol Across America offers hopefuls the opportunity to showcase their talents face-to-face with an Idol producer from anywhere in America across any official audition date. Last season’s first-ever Idol Across America virtual auditions successfully kicked off many hopefuls American Idol journeys, including ABC’s season-four winner Chayce Beckham.

“Luke, Katy, Lionel and Ryan are music and industry icons that have become synonymous with Idol on ABC,” says Rob Mills, executive vice president, Unscripted and Alternative Entertainment, Walt Disney Television. “Their star power is unmatched, and their support is a gift to our contestants that have deeply benefited from their wisdom over the past four seasons—and they’re ready to do it again. As we begin a momentous season, I think it’s safe to say this dream team has officially cemented their legacy on ‘Idol.’”

“We are thrilled that Katy, Lionel, Luke and Ryan will be back to help discover our next American Idol,” shares executive producer Eli Holzman, CEO of Industrial Media. “This dream team has selected and guided some of the most talented ‘Idol’ contestants in the history of the series, and we can’t wait to see who they’ll find next.”

Last season, ABC’s American Idol ranked as the No. 1 series in its two-hour time period for the second year in a row among Adults 18-49. In addition, American Idol finished among the Top 5 unscripted series last season with Total Viewers.

Contestants must be at least 15 years old to audition and may do so on any Idol Across America date regardless of your location. For information on how to sign up for Idol Across America, click here.

Idol Across America Auditions (subject to change):
Aug. 6 – Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina
Aug. 8 – Connecticut, New Jersey, New York
Aug. 11 – Kansas, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas
Aug. 13 – Florida, Michigan, Virginia, West Virginia
Aug. 16 – Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi
Aug. 18 – Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee
Aug. 21 – Alaska, California, Hawaii, Nevada
Aug. 23 – Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, Wyoming
Aug. 25 – Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Wisconsin
Aug. 27 – Open Call: Nationwide
Aug. 31 – Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Utah
Sept. 2 – Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont
Sept. 8 – Delaware, Maryland, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Washington D.C.
Sept. 10 – Open Call: The South
Sept. 13 – Open Call: East Coast
Sept. 16 – Open Call: West Coast
Sept. 21 – Open Call: Nationwide

Carly Pearce Officially Becomes A Grand Ole Opry Member

/by

Carly Pearce. Photo: Chris Hollo

Carly Pearce was officially inducted as the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry family last night (Aug. 3) by Opry member Trisha Yearwood. The show will air on Circle Television on Saturday, Aug. 14.

Pearce was introduced on stage by Opry member Jeannie Seely who shared, “Carly has all the obvious wonderful traits, but she has that one extra thing, determination. She has the sincerest dedication and strongest work ethic of anyone I’ve ever known in my life. And she never strayed from her path of wanting to be a member of the Opry.”

During the special evening Pearce performed her hit “I Hope You’re Happy Now,” and during a press conference earlier in the evening, Big Machine Label Group President/CEO Scott Borchetta and RIAA Vice President, Artist & Industry Relations Jackie Jones surprised Pearce with a plaque commemorating the 2X Platinum certification for the hit. As she sang the chart-topper solo for the Opry crowd, duet partner Lee Brice was also presented the honor at the Ryman Auditorium.

Pictured (L-R): Big Machine Label Group President/CEO, Scott Borchetta; Carly Pearce; RIAA Vice President, Artist & Industry Relations, Jackie Jones. Photo: Chris Hollo

Pearce also performed a duet with Yearwood on “How Do I Live,” before Yearwood officially inducted her, saying “This is a very special place, and when you are invited it’s an invitation to the family. So, with much pride and joy, Carly you are now an official member of the Grand Ole Opry.”

The newest member of the Opry also performed a new song to commemorate her special moment, “Dear Miss Loretta,” an acknowledgement she wrote to one of her profound influences she debuted on the Opry stage. Expressing a true understanding for Loretta Lynn’s pain and life in the song, she enlisted fellow Kentuckian Patty Loveless for a doleful pairing that spans three generations and will be featured on her upcoming album 29: Written in Stone. The evening culminated with Pearce, Yearwood and Seely blending three generations of traditional country harmonies on the Kitty Wells classic “Making Believe.”

Pictured (L-R): Trisha Yearwood, Jeannie Seely, Carly Pearce. Photo: Chris Hollo

“What makes this family something special to be a part of is you can have hit records and sell out shows, but all of that can fade and this is something I will have forever,” said Pearce. “It’s a stage to sing on, a circle to stand in and a forever family. This is super special to me. All I ever wanted to do was sing country music. This isn’t another accolade or feather in my cap but a promise that I will do my due diligence to make sure the circle is never broken.”