Aspiring Country Trio Lockeland Announces Split

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Lockeland. Photo: Dallas Dickerson

Aspiring country trio, Lockeland, has announced they are dissolving after three years together.

The trio, made up of Mark Vikingstad, Michael Boris and Kyndon Oakes, released their debut single “Til’ The Cows Come Home” in March 2019, landing it in the top 40 on MusicRow‘s CountryBreakout Radio Chart. The band has since released “Drive,” “These Hands,” “Keep Us Young,” and most recently “Made For Mornings.”

Lockeland has shared the stage with Big & Rich, Kip Moore, Josh Turner, LANCO, Morgan Evans and Logan Mize.

The band will release a final single, “Blackberry Whiskey,” to all digital platforms on April 30.

“We are so appreciative of the support all of our fans and the music community has offered to us,” says Lockeland. “Our hope is that the music we recorded together will continue to bring joy to those who hear it. At the present time, we do not know where our individual paths may lead, but we are extremely grateful for the journey together. We want our fans to know that we are closing this beautiful chapter in our careers, as friends. As we always have been.”

Country Thunder Music Festivals Debut New Podcast

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Pictured (L-R): Big Kenny (Big & Rich) and Troy Vollhoffer.

Country Thunder Music Festivals has debuted a new podcast called On The Bus At Country Thunder, hosted by Troy Vollhoffer, the festival’s executive producer.

Vollhoffer will discuss the state of the music industry, thoughts and insights from some of its biggest stars, and tell more than a few backstage tales from the six annual Country Thunder events held across North America.

The first episode, which features Big Kenny of Big & Rich, is available now.

“During the festivals, I’ve been hosting artists and friends on my bus for years,” says Vollhoffer. “We sit and share a coffee or a cocktail and chat about just about everything. Folks who have witnessed these interactions have always been blown away by the stories. So, during lockdown, we thought it might be interesting to share some of them. This podcast started at my place, at my bar, but this summer, when shows return, we’ll be back on my bus again!”

Special guests for season 1 include, Terri Clark, Old Dominion’s Trevor Rosen, Marty Stuart, Lindsey Ell, Clay Walker, Williams & Ree, Meghan Patrick and Mitchell Tenpenny.

The festival has a 17-year history which boasts six major, multi-day events in North America. The organization hosts festivals in Arizona, Florida, Iowa, Saskatchewan, Wisconsin and Alberta.

Industry Ink: David Tucker, Rick Lang, ‘THE SONG’

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David Tucker Signs With 117 Entertainment

David Tucker. Photo: Doltyn Snedden

Newcomer country artist David Tucker has signed with 117 Entertainment for publicity and distribution. Tucker recently released his debut single “Lyin’.” The Kentucky native draws on his influences of ’90s country and gospel as well as rap and rock & roll to create a modern country sound used to tell his story of the past few years. Tucker announced plans to releasing new music soon.

“These songs are the stories of my life the past few years. It’s an amazing feeling to finally put them out into the world. I couldn’t be more thankful for the people who helped me bring this vision to life and for all the love and support along the way. I’m fired up for the world to hear this music,” says Tucker.

 

Grammy Nominated Songwriter Rick Lang Signs With Bluegrass Label, Dark Shadow Recording

Rick Lang

Grammy-nominated songwriter Rick Lang has joined forces with Nashville based bluegrass label, Dark Shadow Recording. Lang’s first album under the label, A Tale To Tell, is set to be released in the fall of 2021. The lead single from this project, “Lost Town” is available now and features James Keel on lead vocals. This track shares the true story recollection of the 1930’s flooding of four Massachusetts towns to create to Quabbin Reservoir, which provided drinking water for Boston.

“After reading transcripts of one of the town residents I was moved to write this song and tell the story based on recollections of this life changing event,” shares Lang.

As the story-song album finishes wrapping up production, Lang is set to release several singles in the coming months.

 

Time Life, THE SONG Partner To Release Exclusive Performances

Time Life and the nationally-syndicated television series THE SONG are setting off on a new partnership to release live performances recorded exclusively for the show. The two companies will also work together to develop enhanced content for THE SONG‘s YouTube channel, including unreleased footage.

These performances will be available to stream on all major platforms and will feature artists who appeared on the shows first season, including All-4-One, Big & Rich, Cee Lo Green, Lonestar, and Rick Springfield.

Entercom Rebrands With New Name, Audacy

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Entercom Communications Corp. is changing its brand name to Audacy, effective immediately.

Over the past three years, the company has evolved into a multi-platform audio content and entertainment organization with a top radio broadcasting group and a leadership position in the growing audio market in broadcasting, podcasting, digital, network, live experiences, music, sports and news. Audacy is also the No. 1 creator of original, premium audio content.

“We have transformed into a fundamentally different and dramatically enhanced organization and so it is time to embrace a new name and brand identity which better reflects who we have become and our vision for the future,” says Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, Audacy, David Field. “‘Audacy’ captures our dynamic creativity, outstanding content and innovative spirit as we aspire to build the country’s best audio content and entertainment platform.”

As it begins the next chapter in its journey, Audacy has added some content and products. The company has partnered with superstar Demi Lovato, who will host her first-ever podcast with Cadence13, which will be produced by OBB Sound and SB Projects. It will also roll out new shows from Boomer Esiason, Big Tigger and a distribution partnership with The Rich Eisen Show, as well as a revamped Loveline set to debut this summer. Additionally, a number of original podcasts will launch exclusively in a bingeable window on Audacy’s app. The company has also partnered with BetMGM, further cementing Audacy’s dominant position in sports betting and entertainment, and last week announced a partnership with Rush Street Interactive. Audacy also partnered with Irving Azoff’s Global Music Rights, which will enable the company to add significantly enhanced on-demand and other interactive features to its digital platform.

Audacy engages over 170 million consumers each month across its connected platform including the Audacy app and website, over 230 radio stations across 47 markets, chart-topping podcasts, and premium live music experiences. The company’s ticker symbol will change from ETM to AUD effective on Friday, April 9. Along with the name Entercom, the company will also sunset the RADIO.COM brand and align its direct-to-consumer platform under Audacy. Cadence13, Pineapple Street Studios, BetQL and Podcorn remain market-facing brands.

Learn more at audacyinc.com.

Sean McConnell’s Upcoming Album Welcomes Natalie Hemby, Dan Tyminski

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Sean McConnell

Renowned artist and songwriter Sean McConnell has announced the Aug. 6 release of his new album A Horrible Beautiful Dream via Soundly Music. Recorded during the pandemic, the album reflects the chaotic time in which it was made, while still striving for a sense of timelessness.

For the album, McConnell tapped an array of talented contributors including The Wood Brothers, Fancy Hagood, Natalie Hemby, Audra Mae and Dan Tyminski.

“Time seems to breed creativity, especially when there’s very little else going on,” McConnell says of the slowdown brought about by the events of 2020. “This period has forced everybody, internally and externally, globally and socially, to take a good look at our lives and examine it. Everything from our marriages to our workout routines, social injustice to planet politics and religion, spirituality and our internal environment… everything has come to the surface. It’s been the tipping point of so many things right now, so obviously that bleeds over into art and music.”

The prolific songwriter also produced records for four other artists out of his studio while recording his own A Horrible Beautiful Dream.

Among the artists who have recorded McConnell’s songs are Little Big Town (Grammy-nominated “The Daughters”), Brett Young (“Mercy”), Tim McGraw, Brothers Osborne, Christina Aguilera, Michael Franti, and newcomer Ashley Ray (who he also produced).

A Horrible Beautiful Dream Track Listing:
1. I Still Believe In You
2. Price of Love
3. The 13th Apostle (feat. The Wood Brothers)
4. Nothing Anymore
5. The Wonder Years
6. What The Hell Is Wrong With Me (feat. Fancy Hagood)
7. Waiting To Be Moved (feat. Natalie Hemby)
8. I Built You Up
9. Used To Think I Knew
10. Leave The Light On
11. Getting Somewhere
12. As The Curtain Came Down (feat. Audra Mae & Dan Tyminski)
13. Remember You’re Here

Blake Shelton Announces New Album ‘Body Language’

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Blake Shelton is planning the release of his first full-length album since 2017, with Body Language due out May 21 via longtime label home Warner Music Nashville. Among the project’s 12 tracks are the No. 1 duet “Happy Anywhere” (featuring fiancée Gwen Stefani) and current hit “Minimum Wage.”

“We’ve been working on this album on and off for two years now, and I’m very proud of what we have put together,” said Shelton. “We certainly had some unique challenges with the pandemic, but we also had a lot of fun. We explored new sounds while making sure to get in some classic country. I’m also thrilled to have my buddies The Swon Brothers featured on the title track as both co-writers and vocalists. Can’t wait for y’all to hear it!”

Over the course of his career Shelton has released 11 acclaimed albums, the last four of which have debuted at No. 1 on the country charts. Since 2002, these records have spawned an almost unparalleled 28 chart-topping singles. The superstar has notched more than five billion on-demand streams, and 11 million career album sales in the U.S.

Shelton’s successful career dates back to his No. 1 debut single, “Austin.” April 16, 2021 will mark the 20th anniversary of the day he released the song and he’s commemorating the occasion with a limited edition 7″ vinyl on his website featuring “Austin” on the A-side and “Problems At Home” on the B-side, just like the original single.

Body Language Track Listing
1.    Minimum Wage (Nicolle Galyon, Jesse Frasure, Corey Crowder)
2.    Body Language (feat. The Swon Brothers) (Colton Swon, Zach Swon, Matt McGinn, Ryan Beaver)
3.    Happy Anywhere (feat. Gwen Stefani) (Ross Copperman, Josh Osborne, Matt Jenkins)
4.    Now I Don’t (Jessi Alexander, Alysa Vanderheym, Michael Hardy)
5.    Monday Mornin’ Missin’ You (Jessi Alexander, Deric Ruttan, Josh Thompson)
6.    Corn (Craig Wiseman, Matt Dragstrem, Chris Tompkins, Rodney Clawson)
7.    Makin’ It Up As You Go (Brad Tursi, Shane McAnally, Josh Osborne)
8.    Whatcha Doin’ Tomorrow (Dallas Davidson, Kyle Fishman, Casey Beathard)
9.    The Girl Can’t Help It (Ben Hayslip, Josh Osborne, Mark Holman)
10.  The Flow (Shane McAnally, Ross Copperman, Josh Osborne)
11.  Neon Time (Jaron Boyer, Michael Tyler, Ben West)
12.  Bible Verses (Joe Fox, Andrew Peebles, Brett Sheroky)

Hootie & The Blowfish Plan ‘Group Therapy Tour’ Live Stream Event

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Hootie & the Blowfish, pictured (L-R): Mark Bryan, Dean Felber, Darius Rucker, Jim “Soni” Sonefeld. Photo: Todd and Chris Owyoung

Hootie & the Blowfish are offering fans a new live stream of the tour-closing performance from their 2019 Group Therapy Tour, broadcast exclusively via Sessions Live on Friday, April 23 at 8 p.m. CT.

In never-before-aired footage, the group will perform some of their greatest hits, including “Hold My Hand,” “Only Wanna Be With You,” “Time,” and “Let Her Cry” from their sold-out homecoming stop in Columbia, South Carolina—the band’s first return in almost 20 years to playing the city where it all began for them in 1986 at the University of South Carolina.

Early-bird GA tickets priced at $15 are on sale now at SessionsLive.com/Hootie/tickets. General Admission ticket prices will increase to $20 on April 20 at 8 p.m. CT. VIP ticket packages priced at $250 are also available, which include access to the live stream as well as an autographed tour pass and access to an exclusive virtual afterparty Q&A session with the band.

“We loved every minute of being back on stage together—especially in Columbia,” said lead singer Darius Rucker. “We all miss live music right now, so we’re really excited to be able to offer this show to our fans who can now experience the energy of that night from home.”

“We’re thrilled that Hootie & the Blowfish have chosen to make Sessions the home for this very special performance,” said Sessions co-Founder Tim Westergren. “Live streaming continues to integrate ever more closely with physical performances as globally popular artists discover the value of an infinite virtual stage.”

In addition to the sold-out Group Therapy Tour, the band also released new album Imperfect Circle in late 2019 under a new record deal with Universal Music Group’s Capitol Nashville.

The band’s 1994 debut Cracked Rear View is among the top 10 best-selling studio albums of all time.

Brett Young Continues Chart Streak With Seventh Consecutive No. 1

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Photo Credit: Riker Brothers

Brett Young has racked up his seventh back-to-back chart-topper with his latest single “Lady,” which claims the No. 1 spot at country radio this week, summiting both the Country Aircheck/Mediabase and Billboard Country Airplay Charts.

The feat makes Young one of only four artists in the modern era to have their first seven singles go No. 1 on Country Aircheck/Mediabase. He has performed the hit on TODAY, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, The Kelly Clarkson Show, and multiple all-genre livestreams over the past year and has accumulated more than 179 million global streams of the track so far.

“There aren’t many words to describe how this one feels… I’m still wrapping my head around seven in a row, then for it to be on a song like ‘Lady,’ is so incredibly special,” Young said. “I’m forever grateful to the fans, radio and all of our partners for embracing it like they have, making it a soundtrack to their lives and sharing their own stories back with me. Thank you all and can’t wait to share what’s next!”

Young’s Gold-certified Ticket To L.A. debuted atop the Billboard Country Albums chart upon release. His sophomore effort follows his Platinum self-titled debut, which dominated the Top 20 on the country albums chart for 37 weeks and contributed to over 5 billion streams globally.

Frasure, Crowder, Osborne Take Top Three On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart

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Jesse Frasure remains at the top of the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart this week, with co-writer credit on Thomas Rhett’s “What’s Your Country Song,” Michael Ray’s “Whiskey And Rain,” Jordan Davis’ “Almost Maybes,” and Blake Shelton’s “Minimum Wage.”

Corey Crowder moves up one to the No. 2 spot, with Blake Shelton’s “Minimum Wage,” Florida Georgia Line’s “Long Live,” Chris Young and Kane Brown’s “Famous Friends,” and Chase Rice featuring FGL’s “Drinkin’ Beer. Talkin’ God. Amen.” Josh Osborne is at No. 3 with Sam Hunt’s “Breaking Up Was Easy In The 90’s,” Morgan Wallen’s “Sand In My Boots,” Rascal Flatts’ “How They Remember You,” and Carly Pearce’s “Next Girl.”

Tyler Hubbard (No. 4) and Luke Combs (No. 5) round out the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart top five.

The weekly MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart uses algorithms based upon song activity according to airplay, digital download track sales and streams. This unique and exclusive addition to the MusicRow portfolio is the only songwriter chart of its kind.

Click here to view the full MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart.

The Mechanical Licensing Collective Expands Leadership Team By Three

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Kristen Johns, Nathan Osher, Andrew Mitchell

The Mechanical Licensing Collective has added three new members to its leadership team. Kristen Johns has joined the organization as Chief Legal Officer, Nathan Osher has been named Assistant General Counsel—Publisher Relations, and Andrew Mitchell has joined the team as Head of Analytics and Automation. All three joined the MLC earlier this month and will be based in Nashville.

“I am thrilled to welcome Kristen, Nathan and Andrew to The MLC’s growing team,” said Kris Ahrend, The MLC’s CEO. “Each of them possesses many years of experience in their respective areas of expertise, which will enable them to begin contributing immediately to the important work we are doing. All three are fully committed to serving our members and fulfilling our important mission to ensure that our members are paid properly.”

Johns will lead the organization’s strategic legal affairs, manage the statutory blanket licensing process for digital service providers, and oversee compliance with statutory obligations. An experienced intellectual property and technology lawyer, she comes to The MLC from Waller Lansden Dortch & Davis, LLP in Nashville, where she was a partner. During her tenure at Waller, she advised clients on a variety of IP-related issues, including data security, privacy laws, and emerging technologies. She also helped found and lead Tokenize Tennessee, a Nashville-based organization dedicated to the development of blockchain-based businesses in Tennessee. Prior to joining Waller, Johns served as General Counsel for a technology start-up and in-house Counsel for a healthcare IT company. She holds a J.D. from the Saint Louis University School of Law and a B.S. in Engineering Science from Vanderbilt University.

Osher will serve as The MLC’s primary in-house expert on publishing and copyright issues, and will also oversee the management and resolution of claims and litigation-related matters. An entertainment attorney and executive for more than 20 years, Osher has extensive experience in music publishing, and he has counseled clients on a variety of matters related to intellectual property rights, contracts, licensing and litigation. He most recently served as Senior Vice President of Legal & Business Affairs for Warner Chappell Music, Inc., and was previously the General Counsel and Vice President of Business Affairs at Wixen Music Publishing, Inc. Osher holds a J.D. from the University of West Los Angeles and earned a B.A. in Political Science from Loyola Marymount University.

In his new position Mitchell will lead The MLC’s analytics and automation activities, oversee the design and implementation of business intelligence reporting for The MLC’s internal teams, and develop strategies and tools for analyzing the usage reporting data from DSPs. He will also manage The MLC’s manual sound recording and musical works matching processes. Mitchell has more than 15 years of experience in operations, analytics, business intelligence, automation, process improvement, lean six sigma and global business transformation. He comes to The MLC from Warner Music Group, where he was the Vice President of Analytics & Process Automation, and previously spent a decade working in financial planning and analysis for Ingram Content Group. Mitchell graduated from Miami University (Ohio) with a B.S. in Business and holds an M.B.A. from Vanderbilt University’s Owen Graduate School of Management, where he graduated at the top of his class.