The MLC Partners With Data Quality Initiative On New Web Series

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The Mechanical Licensing Collective is hosting a new five-part webinar series highlighting its Data Quality Initiative starting on April 27.

Each of the five sessions, hosted by The MLC’s Head of Third-Party Partnerships Dae Bogan, will feature one of The MLC’s DQI partners – Vistex, Blokur, Exactuals, Music Data Services and TuneRegistry – presenting their version of the DQI as made available to their customers to showcase its capabilities for checking musical works data in bulk.

The MLC created the Data Quality Initiative to provide a streamlined way for publishers, administrators, self-administered songwriters, and foreign collective management organizations to compare large schedules of their musical works’ data against The MLC’s data. Through the DQI, The MLC provides participants with reports that highlight the discrepancies between the two sets of data so that they can more easily address those discrepancies and improve the quality of The MLC’s data.

Dates, details, and registrations links for the DQI Partner Showcase Series:

Showcase #1: Featuring Stephen Carlisle, Vistex Music Team Leader – April 27 | 1 p.m. CT/2 p.m. ET
Register Here

Showcase #2: Featuring Phil Barry, Blokur Founder and CEO – May 4 | 1 p.m. CT/2 p.m. ET
Register Here

Showcase #3: Featuring Chris McMurty, Exactuals Head of Music Product –  May 11 | 1 p.m. CT, 2 p.m. ET
Register Here

Showcase #4: Featuring Abby North, Music Data Services CEO – May 18 | 1 p.m. CT/2 p.m. ET
Register Here

Showcase #5: Featuring William Gary, TuneRegistry Manager of Operations – May 25 | 1 p.m. CT/2 p.m. ET
Register Here

Shannan Hatch Exits Fourward Music

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Shannan Hatch

Shannan Hatch has exited her position as President of Fourward Music. She can be reached via email at hatchshannan@gmail.com.

Fourward, the management, production and business development company, formed its music publishing venture, Fourward Music, in the summer of 2019 with offices in both Nashville and Los Angeles.

Prior to her post at Fourward, Hatch served as Vice President of Creative Services for SESAC, where she led the Nashville-based Creative Services team in supporting SESAC-affiliated songwriters and publishers.

Her honors include MusicRow Rising Women on the Row and Nashville Business Journal Women in Music City Award. With two decades of experience as a respected member of the Nashville music industry, she’s a member of the Academy of Country Music and prior board member, as well as a member of Americana Music Association, Country Music Association, The Recording Academy, SOURCE, NSAI, and a board member of AIMP’s Nashville chapter.

Ryan Kinder Makes ‘Room To Dream’ On New Indie Debut

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Ryan Kinder describes the sound of his upcoming debut album Room To Dream as “riff-roaring rock with a sweet side of southern soul,” and fans will get it on July 31.

He has released two new singles from Room To Dream, “Hell Is,” a radio-ready heartbreaker inspired by an argument overheard in a YMCA locker room, and “Blame,” a guitar-laden rocker driven along with stomps, claps, and thick background vocals.

“I had a lot of time to figure out what I wanted to do after a certain time in my life, and all these songs came together with different aspects of who I was when I wrote them,” says Kinder. “It was a beautiful realization that some of the bad things and not-so-fun situations led to the opportunity for me to have the room to dream, and to really be myself.”

Kinder began his journey towards a music career while enrolled in college in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, and commuted to and from Nashville to write songs with his mentor, producer Keith Stegall. A couple of short-lived record deals came and went before Kinder secured the opening slot on a huge tour with some of his heroes,  ZZ Top and John Fogerty. During that tour, Fogerty gave Kinder a piece of advice that’s carried him steadily through to today: “Don’t play to the empty seats.” “It took me a couple of days to figure out what he was talking about,” Kinder admits, “and it was as simple as playing to the people who are there, who care enough to come early and hear the guy that nobody knows about. I think about that every time I go on stage.”

The first two singles from the project, “Hell Is” and “Blame,” are available to stream and download now.
Room To Dream Track List:
1. Something
2. Hell Is
3. Room To Dream
4. Tangled Up
5. Blame
6. Southbound
7. Want
8. Friends
9. Jane
10. Nothing But Time

Brett Young Explores Big Life Changes On New Album Due June 4

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Brett Young has announced that he will release his newest album, Weekends Look A Little Different These Days, on June 4 via BMLG Records. The first single from the new collection, “Not Yet,” follows on the heels of his seventh consecutive No. 1 and is out today.

As Young’s career catapults to new heights while he simultaneously experiences the life-altering changes of early fatherhood and an expanding family, the singer-songwriter has funneled each milestone into creative inspiration. Young co-wrote the entire Dann Huff-produced collection which explores love, family, loss and everything in between. Other writers contributing to the project include Jimmy Robbins, Jon Nite, Justin Ebach, Ross Copperman, and Ashley Gorley.

“It’s hard to describe just how ready I am to finally get to share this new project with everyone,” says Young. “With so many special moments over the last year-and-a-half and creative jolts translating to writing so many different songs, it was important for me to pick the right ones to reflect where I am right now. I’m grateful and can’t wait to share everything we have planned!”

The album is available for pre-order and pre-save now on all digital platforms.

Weekends Look A Little Different These Days Track List:
1. Weekends Look A Little Different These Days (Brett Young, Ben Caver, Zach Crowell)
2. Lady (Brett Young, Ross Copperman, Jon Nite)
3. This (Brett Young, Justin Ebach, Amy Wadge, Geoffrey Warburton)
4. Dear Me (Brett Young, Justin Ebach, Ashley Gorley, Jon Nite, Jimmy Robbins)
5. Leave Me Alone (Brett Young, Jesse Frasure, Steven Lee Olsen)
6. Not Yet (Brett Young, Kelly Archer, Justin Ebach)
7. You Got Away With It (Brett Young, Justin Ebach, Ashley Gorley, Jon Nite, Jimmy Robbins)
8. You Didn’t (Brett Young, Ashley Gorley, Jon Nite, Jimmy Robbins)

Devin Dawson Drops Live Version Of ‘The Pink Slip EP’

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Devin Dawson has released The Pink Slip EP Live, a six-song collection that was recorded during a full-band, no audience set last year in Nashville in attempt to keep music alive during COVID-19.

“In a year where live music was pretty much wiped off the face of the earth, this EP was a muse for my creative heart,” explains Dawson. “We recorded this project in late August 2020, still in the middle of the ‘unknown’ and dreadfully missing the connection of an audience and the one of a kind feeling of playing live. This was the first time my band and I had played these songs since we finished recording them earlier that year and was the first time I had really sang in months. The first time I got to have a taste of the ‘live show feeling’ that I had probably taken for granted. I’m so glad we got to immortalize this moment. It will always remind me how lucky I am to be an artist, to be able to play live, and to be surrounded by the best band and fans in the world.”

The Pink Slip EP was originally released in January and marked the first new music from the Warner Music Nashville/Atlantic Records artist since his debut album, Dark Horse, in 2018.

Dawson most recently topped the charts again as a featured artist alongside Lauren Alaina on Hardy‘s “One Beer,” which received a nomination for Music Event of the Year at the 56th ACM Awards. This follows the massive success of his Grammy-nominated, ACM, and CMA Single of the Year, “God’s Country,” that he co-wrote for country superstar Blake Shelton. The multi-week No. 1 also landed Dawson his first-ever ACM and CMA award nominations for Song of the Year.

The Pink Slip EP Live is available on all digital platforms now.

Timmy Brown Announces Debut Album ‘Good Life’

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Timmy Brown is preparing for the release of his upcoming debut album Good Life on May 14.

Produced by Joshua Gleave, Good Life gives listeners a glimpse into Brown’s life as he experiences personal loss, love, heartbreak, and good times while also revealing his true soul. The project consists of songs written by Brown, Gleave, Chris Young, Eric Paslay, Johnny Bulford, Charlotte Sands, Regan Stewart and more.

“I really want to thank you all for the continued support over the years and for allowing me to find myself as a person and artist. I’m so excited for you to hear this album,” says Brown. “What a life I live… it’s never perfect, but at the end of the day, I have a good life, and I’m forever grateful for my loyal fans and the new ones that are hopping on this ride with us. Anything is possible if you are willing to put in the work.”

Brown has multiple events planned to celebrate the release of this album, including a livestream release show on May 13. Tickets for the event can be purchased here.

In the weeks following, Brown will be playing Whiskey Jam at Winner’s on May 24 as well as a headlining show at 3rd & Lindsley on May 25, both of which are free to attend. Opening for his full band set will be a round featuring Karissa Ella, Alexis Wilkins, Regan Stewart and Angie K.

Good Life is available for pre-order and pre-save now.

Good Life Track List:
1. That’s Where You Come In (Timmy Brown, Ryan Robinette, Davis Branch)
2. Summer Of Us (Joshua Gleave, Chris Young, Eric Paslay)
3. If You Were Here (Timmy Brown, Joshua Gleave)
4. Play It By Beer (Charlotte Sands, Joshua Gleave)
5. Nothing to See Here (Chris Young, Joshua Gleave, Johnny Bulford)
6. You Do (Joshua Gleave, Johnny Bulford, Isaac Harris)
7. That’s How We Drink Here (Timmy Brown, Regan Stewart, Christopher Housman)
8. See Through (Timmy Brown, Joshua Gleave, Blake Densmore)
9. Wish You Knew Me Better (Timmy Brown, Joshua Gleave, Christopher Moreno)
10. Good Life (Timmy Brown, Joshua Gleave)

Exile Announce Online Concert Through Sessions

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Pictured (L-R): Exile’s Steve Goetzman, JP Pennington, Sonny LeMaire, Marlon Hargis and Les Taylor. Photo: Mark Conner

Country rock band Exile has announced it will perform an exclusive online concert through Sessions on May 20 at 7 p.m. CT.

The Kentucky Music Hall of Fame band will perform the VIP event at the Kinkead Entertainment Soundstage Studio in Nashville. Fans will have the opportunity to participate in a virtual Zoom hang with the band, buy merchandise and more.

Exile’s career, spans nearly six decades with 11 No. 1 songs, three Gold albums and eight million records sold. Fans can expect to hear hits like “Kiss You All Over,” “Woke Up In Love,” “Give Me One More Chance” and many more.

“Exile joins a growing list of high profile country artists to join our platform,” says Sessions Founder, Tim Westergren. “Word is clearly spreading fast across the community as more and more artists discover the benefits of a fully integrated livestreaming product that offers not just the streaming infrastructure, but also large scale audience acquisition and highly effective monetization.”

Tickets for the virtual concert on sale Friday (April 23).

Willie Nelson Set As Keynote Speaker For Luck Presents Cannabis Convention

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Willie Nelson. Photo: Pamela Springsteen

Luck Presents has announced the lineup for their first annual cannabis convention, Luck Summit: Planting the Seed, which benefits HeadCount’s Cannabis Voter Project. During the summit, which runs virtually April 26-29, Luck and fellow cannabis-advocate partners will showcase the cannabis plant through the lenses of history, science, entertainment, and culture.

Music icon, cannabis advocate, and Founder of Willie’s Reserve, Willie Nelson, has been announced as a keynote speaker for the summit.

“In the first year of the event, it is important to us that we create a bi-partisan, stigma free conversation around cannabis in its many forms,” stated Matt Bizer, co-founder of Luck Presents. “We truly believe that Willie Nelson has been a unifier for so many in his years as both a cannabis activist and humanitarian. With Willie as our landlord we are able to set a stage and a platform for this unique conversation here in Texas and throughout the country.”

Other announced programing includes a keynote with Steven Hawkins (United States Cannabis Council), and conversations with former Congressman Beto O’Rourke, actor/comedian Tommy Chong, Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller, and more. Musical performances during the summit will include Marcus King, Devon Gilfilian, and more. View the full summit schedule here.

Hosted by Nathaniel Rateliff and presented by Rocket Seeds, the multi-day virtual summit seeks to destigmatize, educate, and promote cannabis culture in an informative and entertaining way. Planting the Seed will feature something for everyone on all aspects of the cannabis plant: economics, logistics, agriculture, legalities, legislative approaches, culture, and revenue streams.

CRS Announces ‘Talk Data To Me Too’ As April Edition Of CRS360

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Country Radio Broadcasters will present the next installment of CRS360, Talk Data To Me Too, on Wednesday, April 28 at 1 p.m. CST.

This series aims to examine how data can be leveraged to understand country consumers and their engagement with new music, and is a continuation of the popular session held during CRS 2021: The Virtual Experience. Talk Data To Me Too will feature panelists Kenny Jay (previously with Big Loud), Haley Jones (MRC Data), and Annie Ortmeier (Universal Music Group). Stonedoor Media Lab’s Jeff Green will also return to moderate the April episode of CRS360.

“The response to the Talk Data To Me session at CRS 2021 was overwhelmingly positive,” says CRB Executive Director RJ Curtis. “This shows us programmers can never get enough useful data to help identify actual hit songs and how listeners are engaging with new music. That’s why we’re thrilled to welcome back Jeff Green and his expert panel for the April CRS360 episode, Talk Data To Me Too, offering even more analysis and insight all programmers will find actionable.”

Only a limited number of slots are available for the April edition of the CRS360 webinar series, and registration is open now.

CRS will return in person in 2022 and is set for Feb. 23 – Feb. 25, 2022, at the Omni Nashville Hotel. Registration for next year’s event will open later this year.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Charlie Worsham, Keith Urban, Hailey Whitters

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Charlie Worsham. Photo: Jason Myers

Vets and babies coexist in today’s roundup of new country tunes.

The Oaks, Lisa Brokop and Keith Burns all have sounds that stand alongside Sarah Jane Nelson, Forrest Finn and our DisCovery Award winner, Zach Bryan.

In a hard-charging contest among Hailey Whitters with Jordan Davis, Keith Urban with Breland, Brokop and Filmore, the multi-talented Charlie Worsham wins the Disc of the Day with his “Fist Through This Town.”

FORREST FINN / “How Do You Break a Heart”
Writers: Thomas Archer/Lalo Guzman/Nick Boyd; Producer: Forrest Finn; Label: New Lost City
— Breathy, R&B flavored vocal, plus finger snaps, electronic track and sing-songy melody. Attractive, if not exactly your daddy’s country music.

CRAIG CAMPBELL / “Good Things Come to Those Who Drink”
Writers: Craig Campbell/Mark Holman/James McNair; Producer: none listed; Label: Grindstone
— The track is too loud and busy. But the rollicking song and his good-time performance are both right on the money. Raise a glass and shake your booty.

SARAH JANE NELSON / “Smile Pretty”
Writers: Sarah Jane Nelson; Producer: Jamie Tate/Sarah Jane Nelson; Label: none listed
—Dark and moody, this ballad about a rape rings with resonance and authenticity. Her alto delivery and the beautifully mixed production both bolster the lyric perfectly. Sarah Jane and her song will be featured on Saturday (April 24) at a benefit for Nashville’s Sexual Assault Center. The gig is 4-6 p.m. at the fabulous Dee’s Country Cocktail Lounge, and she’ll be joined by Mary Gauthier (who has a new book), Alice Wallace, Jaimee Harris, Kenny Foster, The HawThorns and Caitlin Cannon.

CHARLIE WORSHAM / “Fist Through This Town”
Writers: Charlie Worsham/Jeremy Spillman/Travis Meadows; Producer: Jay Joyce; Label: Warner Music Nashville
— Super powerful. The track throbs with visceral strength. His searing guitar solo lifts off the top of your head. His singing gains in intensity and passion as the production builds to a crescendo. Most important, the hard-times lyric and its blue-collar attitude grab you by your coat lapels and command you to pay heed. Brilliance all around.

RHONDA TOWNS / “Walking in Your Wonderful Light”
Writers: Teddy Hayes; Producer: Billy Sherrill/Rhonda Towns; Label: none listed
— Rhonda was in the vanguard of the swell of Black country artists who have appeared during the past couple of years. Her comeback single is a light, airy, pop-inspirational ditty with a gentle innocence and sweet affection.

KEITH URBAN, BRELAND & NILE RODGERS / “Out The Cage”
Writers: Sean Small/Daniel Breland/Keith Urban/Sam Sumser; Producer: Keith Urban/Sam Sumser/Sean Small; Label: Capitol Records Nashville
— Zippy and zesty track overlaid with scampering vocals, empowering rapid-fire lyrics and fleet-fingered guitar work. Inventive and imaginative. Energetic, to say the least.

HAILEY WHITTERS & JORDAN DAVIS / “The Ride”
Writers: Ben West/Hailey Whitters/Hillary Lindsey; Producer: Jake Gear/Ben West/Hailey Whitters; Label: Pigasus/Big Loud/Songs & Daughters
— This terrific talent has an updated album, The Dream: Living the Dream Deluxe. It features collaborations with Little Big Town, Brent Cobb, Trisha Yearwood and Lori McKenna, as well as this rolling, utterly enchanting outing with Mr. Davis. Hooky as well as meaningful. You need this woman’s music in your life.

THE OAK RIDGE BOYS / “Life Is Beautiful”
Writers: Colin Linden/Kevin Moore; Producer: Dave Cobb; Label: Lightning Rod
— Lovely and uplifting. The magical, echoey audio atmosphere makes the spare, piano-and-rhythm-section arrangement seem like a wonderland. The message could not be more healing.

ZACH BRYAN / “Heading South”
Writers: Zach Bryan; Producer: Leo Alba; Label: Warner Records
— His urgent, online, acoustic, lo-fi, guitar-vocal performance of this poetic story song evidently made this active-duty Navy ordnanceman such a viral sensation that he’s earned a deal with Warner and a guest appearance on the Opry. A preview of stardom?

FILMORE / “Used to Be”
Writers: Filmore/Geoff Warburton/Brandon Day/Andy Albert; Producer: Zach Abend; Label: Curb Records
— This guy is so cool. His sound is utterly different and ultra modern, while his songwriting is thoroughly country. I’ve loved everything he’s done to date, and this rhythmic new heartbreak track only deepens my affection for his music. Get on board.

LISA BROKOP / “Is It Me and You”
Writers: Harley Hatcher; Producer: Harley Hatcher; Label: Amersong
— The ‘90s Canadian country thrush returns with a propulsive, dancefloor rocker that features a newly assertive vocal style. Her throaty delivery here has loads of moxie and emotional maturity. Arguably the most potent single of her career to date.

KEITH BURNS / “Tryin’ Times”
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Label: KB
— This vet of Trick Pony and Burns & Poe goes solo with this gentle meditation on faith, turbulence, hope and perseverance. Easy does it.