Big Machine Partners With The Music City Grand Prix For Title Sponsorship

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Pictured (L-R): Radio Host Shawn Parr, Lady A’s Charles Kelley, President & CEO of Big Machine Label Group Scott Borchetta, Carly Pearce, Executive Vice President of Big Machine Distillery Mark Borchetta, CEO of Music City Grand Prix Matt Crews, IndyCar/NASCAR Driver Larry Foyt, Big Machine Racing Driver Jade Buford. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Big Machine Label Group

The Music City Grand Prix has announced that one of the leading entertainment and spirits company, Big Machine, will be the title sponsor of the inaugural IndyCar race this summer.

The Nashville-based multimedia conglomerate includes the Big Machine Label Group with award-winning recording artists like Tim McGraw, Florida Georgia Line, Lady A, and Carly Pearce; its rapidly-growing spirits company, Big Machine Distillery; and Big Machine Racing. The company’s presence in and around the Music City Grand Prix will include significant event branding with prominent product visibility with their full line of spirits, including Big Machine Distillery’s new Big Machine Vodka Spiked Cooler juice pouches, promotions and contests, and the integration of BMLG artists as part of the overall festival line-up.

“Having Big Machine on board is a great alignment with our brand,” says CEO of Music City Grand Prix Matt Crews. “Big Machine’s President and CEO Scott Borchetta is a racing enthusiast himself and has been an integral part of Music City Grand Prix as an owner. He will also provide his expertise in music—further proving this festival will be one of speed and sound.”

Pictured (L-R): Pit Crew, President & CEO of Big Machine Label Group Scott Borchetta, CEO of Music City Grand Prix Matt Crews, Executive Vice President of Big Machine Distillery Mark Borchetta, Radio Host Shawn Parr. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Big Machine Label Group

“I’ve worked for decades bringing racing and music together and I can’t think of a better way to welcome the IndyCars back to Nashville than honoring them with our namesake,” says Borchetta. “I truly believe that we’ve created the most exciting new weekend in racing anywhere in the world and Nashville is going to roll out the red carpet. This will be a party you don’t want to miss.”

The three day festival will take place August 6-8, 2021 and will offer something for everyone. The race will be staged on a temporary 2.17-mile circuit in Nashville and around Nissan Stadium. The course will also cross over the Cumberland River via the Korean Veterans Memorial Bridge, making the Music City Grand Prix the only current event in motorsports to cross over a major body of water.

In addition to a weekend of racing, attendees can look forward to live music performances by top artists, best-in-class food experiences, and entertainment that centers on speed in Music City.

“Being title sponsor of this racing and music festival weekend is the perfect way to celebrate major events returning to the world after more than a year of sheltering,” says Big Machine Distillery Executive Vice President Mark Borchetta. “Integrating Big Machine Vodka and our new Spiked Cooler vodka juice pouches into the weekend supports our optimism and excitement about the world returning to a semblance of normalcy.”

Ticket packages for the event are on sale now. Fans can purchase Music City Grand Prix three-day ticket packages and festival add-ons at musiccitygp.com/tickets, Ticketmaster.com or by calling the Tennessee Titans’ ticket office at 615-565-4650.

Blake Shelton, Dan + Shay, Gabby Barrett Among iHeartRadio Music Awards Nominees

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Nominees for the upcoming 8th annual iHeartRadio Music Awards have been announced, with Dan + Shay, Blake Shelton, Thomas Rhett, Luke Combs, Gabby Barrett and more up for awards. The show will air live from The Dolby Theatre in L.A. on May 27 from 8-10 p.m. ET on FOX.

The 2021 iHeartRadio Music Awards will celebrate the most-played artists and songs on iHeartRadio stations and the iHeartRadio app throughout 2020, while also offering a preview of the upcoming hits of 2021. Dan + Shay are up for Best Duo/Group of the Year, along with BTS, Jonas Brothers, Maroon 5, and twenty one pilots. Gabby Barrett’s “I Hope” featuring Charlie Puth is vying for Best Collaboration against “Go Crazy” by Chris Brown & Young Thug, “Holy” by Justin Bieber featuring Chance the Rapper, “Mood”from 24kGoldn featuring iann dior, and “Savage” (Remix) by Megan Thee Stallion featuring Beyoncé.

Nominees for Country Artist Of The Year include Shelton, Combs, Rhett, Luke Bryan, and Maren Morris. County Song Of The Year contenders are Combs’ “Even Though I’m Leaving,” Barrett’s “I Hope,” Shelton with Gwen Stefani‘s “Nobody But You,” Bryan’s  “One Margarita,” and Morris’ “The Bones.” Best New Country Artist nominees are Barrett, Ashley McBryde, HARDY, Ingrid Andress, and Jameson Rodgers.

Ashley Gorley is up for Songwriter of the Year during the show as well, which can be heard on iHeartMedia radio stations nationwide and on the iHeartRadio app.

In addition to paying tribute to music and artists, the 2021 iHeartRadio Music Awards will again celebrate the fans, giving iHeartRadio listeners the opportunity to decide winners in several new and established categories. Fan voting will determine this year’s Best Fan Army, Best Lyrics, Best Cover Song, Best Music Video, the Social Star Award, Favorite Music Video Choreography Award and the first-ever TikTok Bop of the Year Award. Social voting begins today (April 7), and will close on May 19 at 11:59 p.m. ET for all categories. Fans can vote on Twitter using the appropriate category and nominee hashtags or by visiting iHeartRadio.com/awards.

Premiere Networks And Bobby Bones Add ‘The Biztape’ To Nashville Podcast Network

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Premiere Networks and Bobby Bones, vice president/creative director of iHeartCountry and host of the national country radio program The Bobby Bones Show, announced today (April 6) the addition of The Biztape to Bones’ Nashville Podcast Network. The Biztape joins podcasts including The Bobbycast, Velvet’s Edge with Kelly Henderson, Good Company with Jake Owen and more on the Nashville Podcast Network.

Formerly known as That’s Showbiz Baby, The Biztape is a weekly podcast that provides insight into the business and technical side of both the music and media world with hosts Colin McKay and Joe Wasilewski. In each episode, they also provide their expertise, personal experiences, and conversations with other insiders.

“We searched for a long time to find a podcast that discussed the music business from the business side,” shares McKay and Wasilewski. “We wanted more advice and more depth than just ‘work hard.’ We decided to fill the void by creating The Biztape so we could get as nerdy as we always wanted to with it. Thankfully, with the help of Bobby Bones and the Nashville Podcast Network, we have the opportunity to continue that dream and we can’t wait to start creating with such a passionate and unique brand.”

As a young personality on the rise and with a background in double bass classical performance, McKay has focused his career on audio production and engineering. Today, apart from his time on the podcast, he works as a live entertainment and recording industry professional.

Based in Nashville as a content specialist, Wasilewski got his start as a touring photographer and videographer. In addition to The Biztapes, he also works with music clients of all genres and assists them in creating visual brands. Wasilewski also previously served as the music director for 88.3 WMTS in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.

“I’ve been a fan of Joe and Colin’s work for a long time and it’s been exciting to watch them grow their platform,” says Bones. “They have an interesting perspective from a different side of the business that people don’t usually get to hear from, and I’m pumped to welcome them to our Network.”

Executive produced by Bones, The Biztape debuts tomorrow (April 7) on the Nashville Podcast Network with weekly episodes available Wednesdays on iHeartRadio and everywhere podcasts are heard.

Soundstripe Promotes Jack Whitis To Vice President Of Engineering

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Jack Whitis

Soundstripe has promoted Jack Whitis from Director of Engineering to Vice President of Engineering.

As VP of Engineering, Whitis will continue to oversee the team of software engineers and user interface designers that develop Soundstripe’s digital products, and will focus on technology strategy and growth efforts. He will be based in Soundstripe’s Nashville office.

Whitis began his career in software development almost a decade ago as one of the first graduates of Nashville Software School (NSS). Following NSS, he worked under the tutelage of Chris McIntyre, founder and product designer at Southern Made, a digital solutions lab that specializes in innovative marketing activations and developing web platforms. He later accepted a position as a Senior Software Engineer at free-to-play gaming startup Chalkline Sports, where he developed a white-labeled gaming platform used by TwinSpires and other notable sportsbooks to acquire new customers.

Whitis received his B.S. degree in Audio Engineering Technology from Belmont University, and his move to Soundstripe in 2019 represented a shift to the familiar domain of music production as well as an engineering management role. He has held multiple roles at the company, working his way up from Senior Software Engineer to Director of Engineering and now to VP of Engineering.

“Jack has been an invaluable asset to the team at Soundstripe for the last two years,” says Co-Founder and CTO of Soundstripe Trevor Hinesley. “As we continue to innovate on behalf of our customers and evolve our technology, Jack’s technical expertise, operational excellence, and uniquely suited domain knowledge will play an even more important part in our strategic growth.”

“Working at Soundstripe has been a great experience, and I’m excited to deepen my involvement by taking on this new role,” says Whitis. “I feel a strong connection to the people I work with and the products we build together. I’m honored to help advance Soundstripe’s technology initiatives through this expanded role.”

Mat Kearney Announces New Album ‘January Flower’ Due Out In May

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Mat Kearney. Photo: Dylan Reyes

Multi-Platinum recording artist Mat Kearney has announced his new LP January Flower which is set for release on May 21, 2021 via Tomorrow Music/Virgin.

Written between an isolated retreat in Joshua Tree and his home studio in Nashville, this album sees Kearney in his rawest form, distilling the songwriting process and rediscovering the joy of making music.

“It was about what kind of music I really wanted to hear right now. It was about digging down and finding the innocence that comes with wanting to make music solely for the love and passion of doing it. I wanted to stay true to that voice,” Kearney says. “I needed to be emotionally brave. And by doing that, I get to lead people into their own vulnerability. That’s one of the gifts I want to bring to my music. Music can give you freedom and life, and I hope to lead people through their own inner world as I delve into my own.”

With the new LP on the verge of release, the Nashville-based, singer-songwriter and producer has been releasing a string of singles that will appear on the album, each with its own music video to accompany it. Racking up over nine million streams to date, fans are showing an appetite for Kearney’s return to his roots.

Last Friday (April 2), Kearney surprised his fans with another single from the album. The fifth track from January Flower, “Anywhere With You”, is now available on all digital platforms.

January Flower is currently available for pre-order and pre-save. You can also check out the videos for “Pontiac”, “Powerless”, “Can’t Look Back”, and “Grand Canyon” now.

YouTube video

FGL’s Brian Kelley Announces Solo EP ‘BK’s Wave Pack’

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Florida Georgia Line’s Brian Kelley has announced his debut solo EP, BK’s Wave Pack, will drop next Tuesday (April 13) via Warner Music Nashville / Nashville South Records.

The self-proclaimed “Beach Cowboy” channels good energy, mixing pop and country on the EP’s four songs. Kelly co-penned the entire project and also co-produced alongside Corey Crowder.

“I’m so excited to ride this wave with y’all. My Wave Pack EP is a snapshot into my world and the life I’m living—whether it’s a little party on the beach, or a little Sunday service in the sand,” shares Kelley. “And you don’t always have to be on the sand or by the water, you can take the vibe with you wherever you go. ‘Beach Cowboy’ is a way of life and state of mind.”

The EP is now available for pre-save. Upon pre-save, fans will have the chance to win a Stetson “Beach Cowboy” hat and a customized video message from Kelley.

Reigning this week atop the Billboard Country Airplay and Country Aircheck/Mediabase Country Airplay charts with their 18th career No. 1 hit, “Long Live,” Kelley and his Florida Georgia Line bandmate Tyler Hubbard are vying for Duo of the Year at the 56th Academy Of Country Music Awards. The show will air on April 18 at 8 p.m. CST.

BK’s Wave Pack Track List:
1. Beach Cowboy (Brian Kelley, Blake Redferrin, Jake Rose) *
2. Made By The Water (Brian Kelley, Corey Crowder, Randy Montana)
3. Party On The Beach (Brian Kelley, Corey Crowder, Blake Redferrin, Canaan Smith)
4. Sunday Service In The Sand (Brian Kelley, Blake Redferrin, Canaan Smith, Jake Rose)

All Songs Produced by Corey Crowder, Brian Kelley
* Co-Produced by Jake Rose

Judah & The Lion Announces New ‘Spirit’ EP, Featuring Remixes

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Judah & the Lion

Judah & the Lion is releasing a new EP, Spirit, due out this Friday, April 9, via Cletus the Van/Virgin.

Spirit features a brand-new acoustic version of their rising 2020 single “Spirit” plus remixes from Lamorn, an up-and-coming producer signed to deadmau5’s mau5trap label, in addition to indie-pop duo TwiceYoung, and Nashville experimental pop artist Friend Group.

The remix EP comes as the single lands a major synch placement in the trailer for Disney+’s The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers – a follow up to the ’90s cult classic Mighty Ducks series. Just the latest in a series of synchs for the uplifting track, “Spirit” also appeared in promos for College Football Playoff National Championship on ESPN earlier this year. The song is also set to make waves at AAA Radio as it impacts this week, picking up early support from the band’s hometown station Lightning 100.

“Spirit” was originally released in November of 2020 and showcases the trio – Judah Akers, Brian Macdonald, and Nate Zuercher – going back to their roots and showcasing the acoustic and folk elements of what makes their genre-blending so unique. As with many of their songs, it also seeks to deliver a message of hope and positivity in the face of a time that’s been tough for so many.

“We feel like this song has a message that’s relative to the times we’re living in and wanted to make an EP with each song expressing a different vibe with the same meaning,” Akers explains. “It was super fun collaborating with these different artists and feel like it came out super uniquely special in the end.”

Nate Smith Signs With CAA

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Nate Smith

Newcomer country artist Nate Smith has signed a worldwide deal with CAA.

A singer-songwriter from Paradise, California, Smith’s love of music developed early. He spent years playing in garage bands developing his craft and counts Elvis, Garth Brooks, Bob Seger, Tom Petty, and Fleetwood Mac among his influences. He credits his time as a worship leader as his biggest musical inspiration, though, and at 23, made his way to Nashville, signing a development deal with Word Records and a publishing deal with Centricity. After briefly moving back to California, a devastating fire struck Paradise and destroyed everything he owned, causing him to move in with his father. During this time he discovered country music, and lived out of his car for more than a month, writing and playing dive bars as he drove across the country, eventually finding his way back to Nashville.

 In June 2019 Smith released “Wildfire,” which embodies love and hope in the midst of tribulation and has garnered more than 15 million streams. The single went viral on TikTok, and his breakout singles “Under My Skin,” “Under My Skin Stripped,” and “Sleeve,” have amassed more than 28.5 million streams, earning him more than 1.4 million monthly listeners and 12.6k followers on Spotify.

Smith recently signed a publishing deal with Sony Music Publishing, and is managed by Simon Tikhman and Kevin “Chief” Zaruk of The Core Entertainment.

Taylor Swift Fans Crack The Code To Unveil Track List On ‘Fearless (Taylor’s Version)’

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Taylor Swift. Photo: Beth Garrabrant

Taylor Swift has revealed the much-anticipated track list for her re-imagined version of her 2008 album Fearless via a series of cryptic messages and teaser clues on Twitter for fans.

From the clues in the Tweet, fans cracked the codes and guessed the songs that would appear on Fearless (Taylor’s Version), determining at least one track, “That’s When,” would be a duet with Keith Urban, who also offers harmonies on “We Were Happy.”

“I’m really honored that Keith Urban is a part of this project, duetting on That’s When and singing harmonies on We Were Happy,” Swift said in a Tweet. “I was his opening act during the Fearless album era and his music has inspired me endlessly.”

Swift announced the completion of the project back in February, instantly releasing one of the new remakes, “Love Story (Taylor’s Version),” but made fans wait a bit for the finished album. The re-recording features 27 songs, including six never-before-released tracks from the vaults that she had penned around the time of the 2008 Fearless sessions, and a bonus track remix of “Love Story.” In March she released another song from the new album, “You All Over Me,” featuring Maren Morris on backing vocals. Colbie Caillat also appears on a track on the new album as well.

Swift announced she would re-record her first six albums in 2019 following the acquisition of her original masters.

Fearless (Taylor’s Version) Track List:
1. Fearless (Taylor’s Version)
2. Fifteen (Taylor’s Version)
3. Love Story (Taylor’s Version)
4. Hey Stephen (Taylor’s Version)
5. White Horse (Taylor’s Version)
6. You Belong with Me (Taylor’s Version)
7. Breathe (Taylor’s Version) (Featuring Colbie Caillat)
8. Tell Me Why (Taylor’s Version)
9. You’re Not Sorry (Taylor’s Version)
10. The Way I Loved You (Taylor’s Version)
11. Forever & Always (Taylor’s Version)
12. The Best Day (Taylor’s Version)
13. Change (Taylor’s Version)
14. Jump Then Fall (Taylor’s Version)
15. Untouchable (Taylor’s Version)
16. Forever & Always (Piano Version) (Taylor’s Version)
17. Come in with the Rain (Taylor’s Version)
18. Superstar (Taylor’s Version)
19. The Other Side of the Door (Taylor’s Version)
20. Today Was a Fairytale (Taylor’s Version)
21. You All Over Me (from the Vault) (Featuring Maren Morris)
22. Mr. Perfectly Fine (from the Vault)
23. We Were Happy (from the Vault)
24. That’s When (from the Vault) (Featuring Keith Urban)
25. Don’t You (from the Vault)
26. Bye Bye Baby (from the Vault)
27. Bonus Track: Love Story (Taylor’s Version) – Elvira Remix

 

National Museum Of African American Music And CMA Foundation Announce Partnership

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Pictured (clockwise): Breland, Willie Jones, Tiera, Reyna Roberts

The National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM) and the CMA Foundation have announced a partnership that will bring the museum’s collaborative project, Music Legends & Heroes, to select high schools within Metro Nashville Public Schools. As part of the program, country artists Breland, Willie Jones, Reyna Roberts and Tiera will mentor students, sharing their stories and answering questions about the music industry.

The Music Legends & Heroes program will focus on engaging the students in learning the impact of African Americans on music and songwriting; encourage leadership, teamwork and mentorship; and will allow students to take a leadership role in organizing and implementing a live virtual performance element at their school. The CMA Foundation and NMAAM will share a commitment to providing resources and experiences for students through music.

Music Legends & Heroes will conclude in June with a songwriting contest for participants to write a song with their class based on Black history and Black musicians, artists or activists. The program is expected to reach more than 200 students across Nashville.

“NMAAM and the CMA Foundation have long shared the same mission of supporting Nashville schools through extensive music education and programs, so this partnership was a natural fit,” says NMAAM Director of Education and Public Programs, Tamar Smithers. “Through our Museum Without Walls program, NMAAM has already reached more than 132,000 individuals through our programming, and we hope this is just the beginning of our work with the CMA Foundation to share our message across the city.”

“We are thrilled to partner with the National Museum of African American Music, which has already become an important fixture in the downtown Nashville landscape,” says CMA Chief Executive Officer, Sarah Trahern. “NMAAM’s mission to educate the world, preserve the legacy and celebrate the role African Americans play in creating the American soundtrack goes beyond any single genre. We are delighted to work alongside Henry Hicks and his team on the Music Legends & Heroes program, which will provide students the opportunity to learn about all genres of music.”

“We are honored to have this opportunity to partner with the National Museum of African American Music in bringing a special program like this to our schools, with the goal being to expand accessibility to music,” says CMA Foundation Executive Director, Tiffany Kerns. “We have seen time and time again that music unlocks the creative capacity of our students. Having African American artists shaping country music share insights about the business and the art of songwriting allows students to imagine what is possible. We appreciate programs like Music Legends & Heroes for valuing the importance of representation. All too often, youth do not see themselves in country music, and removing barriers of entry has always been and will remain a core focus of the CMA Foundation.”