Weekly Register: ‘Cuttin’ Grass 2’ Lands Sturgill Simpson In Top Five Country Albums

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Sturgill Simpson. Photo: Semi Song

Sturgill Simpson is the top debut this week on the country albums chart, with his bluegrass album Cuttin’ Grass 2 taking the No. 5 spot on the chart, and earning 18K in total consumption (7.5K album only/665K song streams) according to Nielsen.

Morgan Wallen‘s Dangerous: The Double Album takes the top position again, after being dethroned by Carrie Underwood‘s My Savior last week. Underwood shifts to the No. 2 position with 35K in total consumption. Luke Combs take the No. 3 and No. 4 spots with What You See Is What You Get and This One’s For You, respectively.

Chris Stapleton tops the country streaming songs chart, with “Starting Over” earning 7.2 million streams.

The top 5 country streaming songs this week include:
Chris Stapleton – “Starting Over” – 7.2M/171M
Luke Combs – “Forever After All” – 6.8M/187M
Gabby Barrett – “The Good Ones” – 6.8M/165M
Morgan Wallen – “Wasted On You” – 6.4M/121M
Thomas Rhett – “What’s Your Country Song” – 5.7M/73M

Industry Ink: Anthem Records, NMPA, Change Agent-cy

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Lindsay Hyslop Promoted To Director Of Marketing At Anthem Records

Lindsay Hyslop

Lindsay Hyslop has been promoted to Director of Marketing for Anthem Records. Reporting to Allison Hamamura (General Manager, West Coast & Head of Anthem Records), Nashville-based Hyslop will continue to oversee all label marketing in addition to working closely with Anthem’s artists and songwriters to build and design opportunities that showcase their creative works around the world. She worked in label and management positions for over 11 years and before joining Anthem managed the marketing, brand partnerships and streaming for RGK Entertainment Group. Prior to that she worked at Universal Music Canada in the digital marketing department.

“Lindsay has proven herself to be a determined, persuasive executive with an abundance of creativity,” says General Manager, West Coast & Head of Anthem Records Allison Hamamura. “She oversees the strategic marketing of Anthem Records’ artists with exceptional aplomb. Her international experience with brand partnerships, digital marketing and ability to pivot has served our roster well to date and will continue to do so as we move forward.”

 

Ashley Jones And Chris Bates Join NMPA Staff

Ashley Jones, Chris Bates

The NMPA has hired two new staffers, Chris Bates and Ashley Jones. Bates joins the company as SVP, Legal & Business Affairs and Jones has joined as Manager, External Affairs. In his role at NMPA, Bates reports to the EVP & GC Danielle Aguirre. He previously worked at the U.S. Department of Justice in both the Civil Division and Antitrust Division as Senior Counsel to the Assistant Attorney General. Prior to that, Bates was Chief Counsel to Senator Orrin Hatch (R-UT) on the Senate Judiciary Committee where he advised on judicial nominations and led the introduction and passage of several landmark pieces of legislation in the fields of data privacy, criminal law and intellectual property, including the Music Modernization Act. Bates earned his JD magna cum laude from Harvard Law School, where he was the managing editor of the Harvard Law Review, and a BA summa cum laude in Political Science from Brigham Young University.

Jones reports to the SVP of External Affairs, Charlotte Sellmyer. Prior to joining NMPA, she worked as a Sales Development Representative at a tech startup serving the insurance and financial services industries. She is a 2019 graduate of the University of California, Berkeley. At the University of California she received a degree in Media Studies, played NCAA Division I Women’s Lacrosse, and was an active member of Pi Beta Phi.

 

The Change Agent-cy Hosts Social Impact Session With ACM, CMT

Pictured (L-R, top row): Lucia Folk, Lisa Chader, TCA; Harper Grae, NWOC; Lyndsay Cruz, ACM Lifting Lives; (L-R, second row): Taylor Wolf, ACM Lifting Lives; Chapel Hart, NWOC; Tenille Arts, NWOC; Brooke Antonakos, Rockbrook Entertainment; (L-R, third row): Fletcher Foster, F2 Entertainment; Colleen Wright, TCA; Leslie Fram, CMT; Hannah Dasher, NWOC; (L-R, fourth row): Ali Marszalkowski, CMT; Rachel Fontenot, UMG; Jeremy Westby, Scott Sexton, 2911 Media

The Change Agent·cy hosted its first social impact session with CMT’s Next Women of Country on April 9, featuring ACM Lifting Lives. Lifting Lives Executive Director Lyndsay Cruz described the organization’s mission of improving lives through the power of music, and offered ways the NWOC artists can support during the session. Throughout the year, TCA and CMT will present industry-oriented meetings designed to educate the 2021 Class of NWOC and help develop their passions for charitable and social change.

Steve Bogard Inks With Amped Entertainment

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Pictured (L-R): Byron Gallimore, Steve Bogard, Eric Gallimore

Steve Bogard has signed an exclusive co-publishing agreement with Amped Entertainment.

Bogard has written 10 No. 1 songs and 22 ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC award winning songs for artists including George Strait, Rascal Flatts, Reba, Dustin Lynch and many more. He also serves as President of the Nashville Songwriters Association International. Bogard joins Amped Entertainment’s growing roster including KK Johnson of Track45.

“I’ve been a fan of Steve’s for years,” says Amped Entertainment’s Eric Gallimore. “He’s had some great cuts with Tim McGraw and I’m looking forward to working with him on another successful chapter in his career.” 

Bogard says, “I’ve known and admired, Byron, Missi, Eric, and the crew at Amped for a long time and I am so excited to get to work with them moving forward.”

Lathan Warlick Sets New Country Collab Collection, ‘My Way,’ For April 23

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Lathan Warlick. Photo: Dustin Haney

Lathan Warlick is releasing his new EP of country collaborations, My Way, on April 23. The news of the EP comes on the heels of the release of Warlick’s current single “My Way,” with Florida Georgia Line’s Tyler Hubbard.

In December, Warlick quit his job of eight years working at the railroad after spending nearly every weekend in Nashville, writing and recording with some of Music City’s biggest names. My Way includes previously released female-power anthem “Roots,” featuring RaeLynn, and “Over Yonder,” his powerful call for unity with Matt Stell. Also joining Warlick on the EP are Lauren Alaina, Russell Dickerson, High Valley, and Dustin Lynch. 

Warlick’s mission of faith, positivity and defying labels is at the heart of My Way, in keeping with his signature mantra: “do different, be different.” The Jackson, Tennessee native first gained attention through social media by creating videos of himself in his car, adding his own rap verses to popular songs like “Holy” by Justin Bieber, “The Box” by Roddy Ricch, “Memories” by Maroon 5, “Hello” by Adele, and “You Say” by Lauren Daigle. His videos caught the attention of country singer Granger Smith, who asked Warlick to add a rap verse to his song, creating a powerful remix of “That’s Why I Love Dirt Roads.”

“Over Yonder” with Matt Stell, released last fall, blends patriotism with a call for unity and has racked up 2.5 million streams so far, which contributes to the 7.6 million streams across Lathan’s catalog to date.

“Merging hip hop, country and gospel all on one project is definitely something given from The Most High,” says Warlick. “Time to give the world something different since I get to have it ‘My Way.’”

My Way Track Listing:
“My Way” feat. Tyler Hubbard
“Roots” feat. RaeLynn
“In His Hands” feat. Lauren Alaina
“Gotta Be God” feat. Russell Dickerson
“My Dawgs”
“Over Yonder” feat. Matt Stell
“Way Out Here” feat. Dustin Lynch
“Runaway Train” feat. High Valley

Clint Black To Host And Co-Produce New Circle Network Series

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Clint Black. Photo: Abby Collida

Grand Ole Opry member Clint Black is set to host and co-produce a new TV series, Talking in Circles with Clint Black, which will premiere on Circle Network on Saturday, May 22 at 10 p.m. ET following Opry Live.

The weekly series will feature a variety of musicians, songwriters and artists including Darius Rucker, Keb’ Mo, John Rich, Sara Evans, Travis Tritt, Steve Wariner and Trace Adkins. Additional guests will be announced at a later date.

“Talking in Circles will be a candid artist-to-artist conversation with some of the top entertainers in the business about songwriting, recording, and performing on the road.” says Black. “I’m excited to let people ‘overhear’ some of the things we artists have to say when we talk shop.”

“The Circle Network is honored to partner with legendary country artist Clint Black for the upcoming Talking in Circles series. Clint will take us inside the minds of musicians and songwriters who make country music what it is today and give fans an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at conversations between artists,” says Evan Haiman, Circle Network’s SVP of Content.

Talking in Circles is produced by Sound Off Productions alongside award-winning music and broadcast veteran Domenic J. Cotter. The show films at Analog, inside of Nashville’s Hutton Hotel.

Chart Action: Dew Pendleton Dominates MusicRow Chart

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Independent artist, Dew Pendleton earns the highest debut at No. 62 this week on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart with “Might As Well Be Me.” The single, written by himself, is also this week’s most added with 21 new stations and has the highest spin gain with +214 spins.

Encompassing musical influences from every corner, the singer/songwriter coined his label name HippieRedneckGospeLove. Pendleton feels the brand sums up his heart, his soul and his musical sound. “That’s all one word, with gospel and love sharing the L,” Dew says.

To view more chart data, check out the latest edition of The MusicRow Weekly here.

Jameson Rodgers Announces ‘In It For The Money’ EP

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Jameson Rodgers. Photo: Matthew Berinato

Jameson Rodgers is gearing up for the release of his new EP, In It For The Money, out April 23 via Columbia Nashville/River House Artists. He’s released a new track from the project, “Good Dogs,” which he co-wrote with Hunter Phelps, Jake Mitchell, and Brent Anderson.

In It for the Money features Rodgers’ Gold-certified, No. 1 debut “Some Girls,” as well as his latest single “Cold Beer Calling My Name,” featuring label mate Luke Combs. Previously unreleased cuts include the hard-hitting title track, “When You Think of Mississippi;” a nostalgic trip down the dirt roads of Rodgers’ life, “Rolling Rock, Rolling Stones;” and “Desert,” a track to soothe the hurting soul.

In 2010, Rodgers moved to Nashville and started laying the groundwork of his career at a myriad of open mic nights in Music City. Soon, his talent as a songwriter began to get noticed, as he co-penned Platinum-selling hits, including Florida Georgia Line’s top 10 single “Talk You Out of It” and Chris Lane’s No. 1 “I Don’t Know About You,” along with “Camouflage Hat” on Jason Aldean’s most recent album 9 and the title track of Luke Bryan’s latest release Born Here Live Here Die Here.

Rodgers will host Jameson Rodgers & Friends at The Listening Room in Nashville on April 23, with sold-out performances at 6:00 p.m. CT and 8:30 p.m. CT. Benefiting Music Venue Alliance-Nashville, special guests include Carly Pearce (6:00 p.m. show only), Jimmie Allen, Jordan Davis, and Tenille Townes. Due to overwhelming demand both performances will now be available via a ticketed livestream. Tickets are available at ListeningRoomCafe.com  and allow viewers access to both performances. One hundred percent of proceeds will go directly to MVAN, a coalition working to ensure no Nashville independent music venue closes its doors permanently due to COVID-19.

In It For The Money Track List:
1. Cold Beer Calling My Name (Jameson Rodgers/Brett Tyler/Hunter Phelps/Alysa Vanderhym)
2. Good Dogs (Jameson Rodgers/Hunter Phelps/Jake Mitchell/Brent Anderson)
3. Some Girls (Michael Hardy/Jake Mitchell/C.J. Solar)
4. In It for the Money (Jameson Rodgers/Jake Mitchell/Hunter Phelps/Brent Anderson)
5. Rolling Rock, Rolling Stones (Jameson Rodgers/Jake Mitchell/Smith Ahnquist/Hunter Phelps)
6. When You Think Of Mississippi (Jameson Rodgers/Smith Ahnquist/Jake Mitchell/Josh Miller)
7. Desert (Jameson Rodgers/Josh Miller/Jake Mitchell/Smith Ahnquist)

Lou Taylor Sells Tri Star’s Nashville Office Building

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11 Music Circle S. building. Photo: Courtesy Tri Star Sports and Entertainment Group

Tri Star Sports & Entertainment Group CEO Lou Taylor has sold the company’s Nashville office building located at 11 Music Circle S. She will be relocating the business management firm to a larger location. Details of the new location have not been released.

According to the Nashville Post, Robins Insurance purchased the building from Taylor.

The 12,000 square feet building was once owned by the late Country Music Hall of Fame member and talent agency owner Hubert Long. It has held Taylor’s Nashville staff since 2013.

Taylor launched Tri Star Sports & Entertainment Group 29 years ago, providing business management services to musicians, athletes, actors/actresses, writers, producers and executives. With offices in Nashville and Los Angeles, the Tri Star staff has surpassed 100 employees, 75 percent of which are female. Some of Tri Star’s clients include Florida Georgia Line, Reba McEntire, Bob DiPiero, Chase Rice, Orville Peck, A Thousand Horses, Steven Tyler, Justin Tranter, Jason Derulo, Meghan Trainor, Mary J. Blige, Travis Scott, Quantico actress Priyanka Chopra Jonas and model Taylor Hill.

Industry Ink: Miranda Lambert, PLA Media, Blake Brown

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Miranda Lambert’s MuttNation Foundation Kicks Off Love Harder Campaign

Emmylou Harris with Miranda Lambert. Photo: Westin Heflin

Miranda Lambert‘s non-profit MuttNation Foundation is kicking off  its “Love Harder” campaign to help shine a light on dogs that are harder to get adopted, including pit mixes, senior dogs, black dogs and dogs with disabilities.

“The truth is these dogs are the easiest to love, maybe because they need us the most,” Lambert says. “But with so many misperceptions, people sometimes shy away from adopting them. I want to people to see the strong bonds and the special love that can be shared with these harder to get adopted dogs. So, I’m asking anyone who has adopted or is fostering a senior dog, a dog with disabilities, a pit mix or a wonderful big black dog, to send us their pictures and stories and help pave the way for others who may be considering giving one of these great pets a second chance and a forever home.”

Lambert visited Emmylou Harris and her senior dog with special needs, Jeter in a ‘video visit’ to promote the campaign. More ‘video visits’ will follow each month, and a radio and television PSA campaign will launch later in the year.

Fans can upload a photo along with a brief message about why they adopted their “easy to love, harder to get adopted dog” and what makes her or him so special – and fans will have a chance to win a one-of-a-kind Epiphone guitar signed by Miranda.

 

PLA Media Promotes Anna Proctor To Publicity Coordinator 

Anna Proctor

PLA Media announced it is promoting Anna Proctor to Publicity Coordinator.

Proctor, a graduate of the University of Northern Florida, interned with PLA in May of 2020 before starting her role as the Publicity and Social Media Assistant in August.

“We are delighted to promote Anna to Publicity Coordinator. Over the last year, she has grown as a writer and become an integral part of our team,” says President and CEO Pam Lewis.

Proctor served on the public relations team working directly with notable accounts such as the DEA Educational Foundation (DEAEF), Tony Stampley, Platinum Planet Records, The Farmer and the Belle Saving Santaland Soundtrack, Dead Horse Branding and Shane Michael Taylor. She will continue working closely with the team on client strategy and brand development.

 

Blake Brown Signs Management Deal With Rock Ridge Music And Is Set To Record An Album 

Blake Brown. Photo: Glenn Ross

Americana artist Blake Brown has signed a management deal with Rock Ridge Music and is recording a new album.

“Working with Rock Ridge Music has been amazing,” says Brown of the partnership. “Truly, for me they’ve been a lifeline. Their hard work, attention to detail, and overall best interest in my career allows me to focus on what’s important to any musician, making music.”

Brown, a West-Texas native, was based in Colorado before moving to Nashville, starting the band, The American Dust Choir and releasing a record in March of 2018. Now, with producer and Wilco drummer, Ken Croomer, Brown is hard at work recording at Coomer’s Cartoon Moon Recording Studio in East Nashville.

“Working with Ken has been so great,” says Brown. “He’s pushing me into new territory while never abandoning the heart and soul of the songs. It’s been such an awesome experience in both personal and artistic growth.”

The Ryman Auditorium Debuts New Outdoor Stage On PNC Plaza

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Pictured (L-R): Gary Levy, Ryman Auditorium General Manager; Scott Bailey, Opry Entertainment Group President; Colin Reed, Ryman Hospitality Properties Chairman and CEO; Dr. Paul Kwami, Musical Director for Fisk Jubilee Singers; Mike Johnson, PNC Regional President for Tennessee; Chelsea Peterson PNC VP, Director of Client and Community Relations for Tennessee; and Pete Weien, Opry Entertainment Group SVP and Chief Operating Officer. Photo: Steve Lowry

Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium debuted a new permanent outdoor stage on the venue’s PNC Plaza yesterday (April 8).

The permanent stage is 10 feet deep and 19 feet long, and features several amenities that were not previously available on the PNC Plaza, including the capability to accommodate a five-person band. Positioned on the Fourth Avenue North side of the property, the new stage is part of a multi-year agreement with PNC Bank, which includes the stage naming rights and makes PNC the official banking sponsor of the Ryman. As with prior expansion projects on the property, the outdoor stage addition leaves the original 1892 auditorium untouched.

The new Grammy-winners, the Fisk Jubilee Singers, delivered the inaugural performance on the PNC Plaza at Ryman Auditorium’s outdoor stage. The Jubilee Singers were one of the first musical concerts to take place inside the Ryman Auditorium. Generations later, they returned to commemorate Fisk University’s 150th Anniversary in 2016.

Pictured: Dr. Paul Kwami and the Grammy-winning Fisk Jubilee Singers take the stage at PNC Plaza at Ryman Auditorium. Photo: Steve Lowry

“Today’s unveiling provides another opportunity for folks to experience the Ryman in a different way as they once again return to Nashville,” said Ryman Hospitality Properties Chairman and CEO, Colin Reed. “Downtown businesses, restaurants and live music venues across Nashville have struggled over the last year, but events like today signal that we are moving in the right direction toward reopening and and welcoming back visitors.”

“The effects of the pandemic have been far reaching across the region, and our arts and culture community has certainly faced their own significant challenges as a result,” said Mike Johnson, PNC regional president for Tennessee. “Arts and music are vitally important to the economic future of Greater Nashville. In fact, research from Americans for the Arts found that, in years prior to the pandemic, event-related spending by local audiences totals as much as $250 million. The goal for PNC Plaza at the Ryman is to connect communities, neighborhoods and generations to create a stronger, more vibrant region.”

Photo: Steve Lowry