Pictured (L-R): Basak Kizilisik, Alana Springsteen and Clint Higham. Photo: David Bradley, Osprey Media

Rising country newcomer Alana Springsteen has signed a management deal with Morris Higham in partnership with Scooter Braun’s SB Projects.

The 20-year-old Virginia Beach native has amassed more than 21 million on-demand streams in just over a year, and is set to release a duet with collaborator Roman Alexander on March 19. They penned “Trying Not To” along with the track’s producers Jerry Flowers and Jared Keim.

With a knack for storytelling, Springsteen has also been collaborating with Parker Welling, Gordie Sampson, Jon Randall and Casey Brown. She was named a Pandora 2021 Artist to Watch.

“Alana’s star quality, individualism, and devotion to her artistry make her a talent that stands out effortlessly,” said Morris Higham President Clint Higham. “She brings a fresh perspective with honest storytelling, powerful vocals, and an undeniable presence. We are honored and excited to have the opportunity to help Alana launch this new chapter.”

“I couldn’t imagine a better fit than Basak Kizilisik, Clint Higham, and the incredible people at Morris Higham and SB Projects for my management team,” said Springsteen. “I’m so thankful for their passion, their belief in me and my music, and so excited to walk into this year with such a powerhouse group of individuals behind me. Truly feels like the dream team!”

Lonestar has tapped award-winning singer-songwriter Drew Womack to join the band as lead vocalist. The Brownwood, Texas native joins Dean Sams, Michael Britt and Keech Rainwater in the band’s new incarnation following the recent departure of Richie McDonald.

Womack is a CMA and ACM-winning singer as well as songwriter of hits including Kenny Chesney’s No. 1 “She’s Got It All.” With his previous band, Sons of the Desert, Womack enjoyed top 10 hits at country radio and collaborated with Lee Ann Womack (no relation) on her crossover hit “I Hope You Dance.”

Lonestar says, “We are thrilled to have Drew joining us. We have been friends and have admired his work and outstanding voice for many years. It will be an exciting new chapter in our storied career and know he will be welcomed by the industry and fans alike.”

Womack adds, “I can’t adequately express just how excited I am to join these guys and create and make music with Dean, Keech, and Michael. I’ve known and respected them since [Sons Of The Desert] played the same circuits and it’ll be an honor to be on stage with them.”

Celebrating 25 years together, Lonestar has amassed RIAA-certified sales in excess of 10 million albums and achieved 10 No. 1 country hits including “No News,” “Come Crying To Me,” “I’m Already There,” “What About Now,” and their crossover smash “Amazed,” which was also No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Playing an average of 80 dates annually, Lonestar is planning to hit the road later this year.

Lonestar will continue to be managed by Corey Wagner at Shelter Music Group and booked by Nick Meinema.

Ten music groups partnered on an interactive website which illustrates the significant financial and cultural contribution of the U.S. music industry in each state.

First launched in 2019, the newly updated version of 50 States of Music features data from Economists, Inc. which details the economic impact of the U.S. music industry state by state, totaling nearly 2.5 million jobs for American workers and contributing $170 billion in GDP annually. Across the country there are 236,269 music establishments and 1.45 million songwriters.

For the state of Tennessee, the site shows $5.8 billion music industry contribution to GDP; 61,617 jobs supported; 4,502 music establishments; 12,263 royalty recipients and 68,113 songwriters.

By clicking on state-specific pages, users will also find lists of notable artists and musicians, festivals, music schools and major music conferences.

The organizations who contributed to the site are American Association of Independent Music (A2IM), American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP), Broadcast Music, Inc. (BMI), Global Music Rights (GMR), National Independent Venues Association (NIVA), National Music Publishers Association (NMPA), the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA), SESAC, and SoundExchange.

In a joint statement they said: “It is widely known that music contributes to our lives in meaningful ways. It comforts us in times of sorrow and punctuates moments of joy. What is less known, however, is the tremendous value music provides to towns and cities across America in the form of jobs, community, culture, and revenue. We hope that policymakers, fans and artists everywhere will continue to use this site as a resource to better understand and appreciate the full breadth of music’s impact on every community.”