The Other Nashville Society Debuts Apple Music Playlists

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The Other Nashville Society (TONS) has become an official Apple Music playlist curator with the launch of its first three playlists: New Releases, Pop, and Artist Takeover.

New Releases will be a regularly updated playlist featuring Nashville’s diverse and thriving non-country music scenes. Pop showcases songs and artists from the city’s fastest growing genre. Artist Takeover features a playlist of songs hand-selected by one of “other Nashville’s” artists. The first to take that playlist over is RECORDS/Columbia Records recording artist, Lennon Stella.

The playlists will be carefully curated by a TONS editorial team that includes A&R execs from Universal Music, Atlantic Records, Prescription Songs, Wide Eyed Entertainment, and Kobalt. Additionally, the organization is accepting submissions from its membership via a private Google Form.

In the coming months, TONS plans to launch more playlists, including Hip Hop and Singer Songwriter.

“We’re stoked to partner with Apple on this venture,” says TONS co-founder Katie Fagan. “Our goal with these playlists is a few things: We want to feature the well-known non-country artists, writers and producers in Nashville who have paved the way, shine a light on the not-as-well-known creators and genres coming from our city, and build a platform for those voices to be heard going forward. The world has started to take note of the diversity Music City has to offer, and with these playlists, we hope to make discovery of all the music Nashville creates a bit easier to find.”

Founded in May of 2017 by Fagan, Ally Venable, Holley Maher, Mark Abramowitz, and Josh Collum, TONS has quickly become the go-to organization for non-country music creators and industry professionals in Nashville. With over 1,400 members, all carefully selected through an application process, the organization counts in its membership every major music company and GRAMMY Award-winning creators alike.

More info at www.TheOtherNashvilleSociety.com.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Parker McCollum, Lauren Weintraub, Jimmie Allen, Brad Paisley, More

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The theme for this edition of DisClaimer is evidently breakups.

The busted hearts belong to Seaforth and Lauren Weintraub, the latter of whom wins the DisCovery Award. On the other hand, Filmore and Hunter Hayes are positively rejoicing in the freedom that they’ve found, post-breakup.

Poor Parker McCollum can’t even get his relationship off the ground, but he sure sounds great trying. Jake Hoot & Kelly Clarkson are just plain pissed-off about the whole thing, and they sound great, too.

But the Disc of the Day prize goes to Jimmie Allen & Brad Paisley, who have nothing whatsoever to do with heartbreak. For that matter, neither does the duo Bexar, who is the runner-up.

BEXAR / “One Day”
Writers: Chris Ryan/Logan Turner/Ross Copperman/Josh Osborne; Publishers: none listed; Producer: Ross Copperman; Label: Warner Music Nashville
– This duo continues to impress. Named for Bexar County, Texas, these two combine hooky melodic sensibilities with acoustic textures and rhythm-happy production. If this doesn’t get your toes tapping and your head singing “Hey” along with the gang, you must be deaf. Absolutely essential. And joyous, too.

JIMMIE ALLEN & BRAD PAISLEY / “Freedom Was a Highway”
Writers: Ash Bowers, Jimmie Allen, Matt Rogers; Publishers: none listed; Producer: Ash Bowers, Jimmie Allen; Label: Stoney Creek Records
– Rocking nostalgia for the days when we were all 17 years old and carefree. Both men sing with passion, and guess-who takes off a stinging guitar solo?

LAUREN WEINTRAUB / “She’s Mine”
Writers: Lauren Weintraub/Daniel Ross; Publishers: none listed; Producer: Daniel Ross; Label: Big Machine Music
– This gifted former Belmont student and NPR/Grammy U/NSAI talent contest standout has amassed more than a million views on TikTok with this debut single. It’s a tuneful swirl of jealousy, heartache and obsession. She can’t stop thinking about the girl who stole him away: “I guess we all got reasons why we can’t sleep at night—and she’s mine.” A star is born.

JAKE HOOT & KELLY CLARKSON / “I Would’ve Loved You”
Writers: Jake Hoot/Dean Sams/Jamie Floyd; Publishers: none listed; Producer: Danny Myrick; Label: MLH Records
– The Voice winner teams up with his coach Clarkson on a dynamic, romantic power ballad. Both are mighty singers, and they hold nothing back as they tear this one up. Hang on for the “false” ending, after which they unleash two more blasts of fiery vocal emoting.

FILMORE / “Nothing’s Better”
Writers: Tyler Filmore/John Luke Carter/Michael Whitworth; Publishers: none listed; Producer: John-Luke Carter/Zach Abend; Label: Curb
– Here’s a switch. Instead of wallowing in heartache following a breakup, this tune is a celebration of getting rid of her. It’s kinda hip-hoppy and tuneless, but it has enormous goofy charm. I remain a fan.

RODNEY ATKINS / “A Little Good News”
Writers: Charlie Black/Rory Bourke/Tommy Rocco; Publishers: none listed; Producer: Brandon Hood; Label: Curb
– This 1983 Anne Murray oldie sounds relevant all over again in these troubled times, and Atkins’ reading of the song is super effective. The production is restrained, giving the lyric extra room to touch you. Applause for a job well done.

CLARE DUNN / “Real Thing”
Writers: Jenn DeCilveo/Clare Dunn; Publishers: Big Yellow Dog Music, Kobalt Music Publishing; Producer: Clare Dunn; Label: Big Yellow Dog
– She’s such a gripping singer, and perhaps never more so than when she’s dipping into her lowest alto range in the verses of this steamy shout of True Love.

PARKER McCOLLUM / “To Be Loved By You”
Writers: Parker McCollum/Rhett Akins; Publishers: Warner-Tamerlane/Parkermac/Ritten by Rhettro, BMI; Producer: Jon Randall Stewart; Label: MCA Nashville
– I love the heart-in-throat country-boy sincerity in this vocal performance. He’s tormented by his failing attempts to get her to love him. There’s ache in every note while the band kicks up dust all around him. Highly listenable.

HUNTER HAYES / “The One That Got Away”
Writers: Hunter Hayes/Sam Ellis/Sara Haze; Publishers: none listed; Producer: Hunter Hayes/Andrew Wells; Label: LP Entertainment
– This is a pop-oriented, forward-momentum sound, with a vibe like wind rushing through a car’s open window. Hayes sings of freedom and escape as he leaves a bad relationship. It’s attractive, in an ‘80s kinda way, but I don’t think there’s much that is “country” about it.

CATHERINE BRITT / “Me”
Writers: Catherine Britt/Katrina Burgoyne; Publishers: none listed; Producer: Catherine Britt/Michael Muchow; Label: Beverly Hillbilly
– Dull production, dull performance, dull sentiment. Go find a song.

SEAFORTH / “Breakups”
Writers: Tom Jordan/Mitch Thompson/Liz Rose/Cameron Bedell; Publishers: Warner Chappell Music; Producer: Tom Jordan; Label: RCA
– A plaintive sob from a heart crushed by a bad goodbye. The vocals have a sweet/sad quality that evokes a lonely guy, drinking too much, hurting a lot and thinking about her with deep regret. It’s a little word-y, but the feelings are authentic. I’m in.

DANIELLE BRADBERY & KURT / “Yo Nunca He (Never Have I Ever)”
Writers: Danielle Bradbery/Laura Veltz/David Hall Hodges/KURT/Mauricio Rengifo; Publishers: none listed; Producer: Dann Huff/Enrique López Lezama; Label: Big Machine Records
– Although she does not speak fluent Spanish, Bradbery comes from Mexican roots. She taps into that via this duet with romantic, breathy Latin star Kurt. It is sung entirely in Spanish, except for interjections of the English song title. The whole thing goes down smoothly.

Chris Young, MTSU Celebrate Grand Opening of Chris Young Cafe

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Pictured (L-R): Media and Entertainment dean Beverly Keel; Young and his mother, MTSU alumna and founding partner at Nashville’s Huskins-Harris Business Management firm Becky Harris; MTSU President Sidney A. McPhee; University Provost Mark Byrnes; John Merchant, chair of the Recording Industry Department; and Mark Ezell, commissioner, Tennessee Department of Tourist Development. Photo: Andy Heidt

Chris Young celebrated the grand opening of Middle Tennessee State University’s Chris Young Cafe on Wednesday (Jan. 27) in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. The singer donated $50,000 to update the building, turning it in to a state-of-the-art teaching and rehearsal space, and performance venue.

Young, who attended MTSU in 2005, said, “This is my hometown, and this [cafe] means the world to me. Whether they are musicians, comedians, entertainers, people who want to learn how to engineer and produce, videographers, photographers, anything, I hope everyone finds a use for this space. I really hope everyone enjoys it. It’s just been an honor to be a small part of this.”

The former cafeteria, previously known as the Woodmore Building and later the Cyber Cafe, expanded from 3,200 square feet to nearly 4,100 square feet. It features a single large stage backed by a custom LED video wall. Visitors will find two club-type seating areas and a VIP-type zone, near the audio and lighting control boards, that features artwork, framed gold and platinum records and other memorabilia.

The facility will help students learn from nearly every facet of the business of entertainment: music business, audio production, songwriting, venue management, sound reinforcement, and lighting and rigging, along with radio broadcasts, comedy shows and other events produced with help from all of MTSU’s academic colleges.

Chris Young stands next to the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development’s new Tennessee Music Pathways marker. Photo: Andy Heidt

At Wednesday’s ceremony, The Tennessee Department of Tourist Development unveiled a Tennessee Music Pathways marker which celebrates Young’s accomplishments. The marker for the statewide initiative is the second on the MTSU campus.

The Charlie Daniels Journey Home Project also honored Young by announcing a $10,000 donation for the newly named Daniels/Young Veterans Scholarship, honoring both the late music legend and his younger colleague. The scholarship will benefit student veterans in the Department of Recording Industry.

Pictured (L-R): Keith Huber, MTSU; Angela Wheeler, The Charlie Daniels Journey Home Project; Chris Young; David Corlew, The Charlie Daniels Journey Home Project. Photo: Andy Heidt

David Corlew, The Charlie Daniels Journey Home Project co-founder and Daniels’ longtime manager, presented the check during the celebration. “We are honored to continue our ongoing relationship with MTSU and the Charlie and Hazel Daniels Veterans and Military Family Center,” said Corlew. “We have now broadened our reach into the College of Media and Entertainment with this opportunity to work with Dean Beverly Keel and Chris Young on yet another mission to support our vets.”

Keel also presented Becky Harris, Young’s mother, an MTSU alumna, and founding partner at Huskins-Harris Business Management, with a certificate naming her as an honorary recording industry professor.

Outside the Chris Young Cafe is an eye-catching “Famous Friends” mural honoring influential MTSU graduates, former students and faculty. Along with Young, Harris and Keel, the mural features the familiar faces of music industry figures including Daniel Miller, Hillary Scott, Kent Earls, Martha Earls, Luke Laird, Tay Keith and Alicia Warwick (see the full list here).

Photo: J. Intintoli

The hourlong ceremony, which followed university health safety protocols with a limited in-person crowd, aired live on MTSU’s True Blue TV channel and was livestreamed on YouTube and Facebook. Video of the complete celebration is here.

TPAC To Host Free Virtual Celebration Commemorating 40th Anniversary

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Tennessee Performing Arts Center will present a free, virtual 40th Anniversary Celebration on Saturday, Feb. 20 as a thank you for more than four decades of generous community support for its nonprofit mission.

Produced by director Matt Logan and filmed at TPAC, the celebration is hosted by actress Tamiko Robinson Steele and features performances from Nashville Ballet, the Nashville Opera and the Nashville Repertory Theatre, plus special guest appearances by Tony Award-nominee Susan Egan, actress/recording artist Diana DeGarmo, Spotlight Award-winner Hatty King, and more. The virtual benefit also includes a special anniversary message from Florida Georgia Line.

Though the 40th Anniversary Celebration is free to view, TPAC supporters can pre-purchase at-home gourmet dinner and appetizer packages from Juniper Green with proceeds going to TPAC’s Forward! Recovery Fund, created during the extended shutdown to help TPAC recover from this unprecedented period and continue to offer the best performing arts, education and community engagement programs to Middle Tennessee in the years ahead.

“The role of a performing arts center in its community has changed dramatically over the last 40 years. In that time, TPAC has grown from a touring roadhouse to a cultural catalyst, from a conventional campus to a leader in arts education for students and teachers across the state,” said Jennifer Turner, TPAC President and CEO. “As we celebrate 40 years of rich arts experiences with our invaluable resident companies and special guests, we also prepare to chart a new course for the years ahead; one guided by renewed commitments to purposeful programming, support for local arts organizations, robust community engagement, expansive arts education opportunities and using the arts’ unique power to bring people together in a more fair and equitable society.”

Over 40 years, TPAC has welcomed more than 14 million audience members and served more than 1.8 million children and adults with performances at TPAC, teacher resources, professional development opportunities, classroom residencies and enrichment programs.

Lindsay Ell To Play #LiveRedesigned Concert Benefit For Crew Nation, Other Charities

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Lindsay Ell. Photo: Jeremy Cowart

Lindsay Ell will perform songs from her sophomore album heart theory for the first time ever in a #LiveRedesigned concert experience on Friday, Feb. 12. The live stream show will be a benefit, with all net proceeds going to Crew Nation and other organizations soon to be announced.

Ell will deliver the performance via a live, elevated streaming experience architected by Fireplay and supported by VYE and PRG, and the concert will feature special guests performing with Ell which will be announced at a later date. The production quality of the show will rival the incredible arena shows Fireplay is famed for creating, with a few never-before seen tricks, featuring Ell backed by a full band in a cinematic concert performance that audience members can enjoy and interact with using Virtual Crowd technology from the comfort of their own homes. Tickets will be based on a pay-what-you-can model and are on sale now and available here. The stream will remain live for 48 hours after the premiere event.

“To say that I’m excited to finally be able to play heart theory live for fans around the world is an understatement,” said Ell. “I am so grateful to Fireplay, PRG, and VYE for bringing this to life. More importantly, I’m humbled to be able to put my band and this incredible crew back to work and to raise money for some organizations who continue to work tirelessly to support the behind-the-scenes workers who have been so gravely affected by the pandemic. I hope this is a night of celebration and healing for so many. Cannot wait for music fans from around the world to join the show!”

SOLID Announces New Board For 2021

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Pictured (L-R, top row): Avery King, Victoria Chaitoff, Luke Pierce, Sean Fallon, Rachel Guttmann, Ryan Cunningham; (L-R, middle row): Ritz McCain, Skyler Clark-Hamel, Nina Schollnick, Chris Fairbank, Darcie Van Etten, Brianna Holko; (L-R, bottom row): Paul Ermlich, Jenn DiChiara, Jenna Smith, Mollie Jones, Tatiana Angulo, Brian O’Neil

The Society of Leaders in Development (SOLID) has elected a new Board for the organization’s 24th year. The 2021 Executive Board includes President Avery King (Elicity Public Relations), Vice President Victoria Chaitoff (Warner Music Nashville), Treasurer Luke Pierce (WORKS Entertainment), and Secretary Sean Fallon (Indian Moon).

SOLID Committee Chairs for 2021:
Communications Chair: Jenna Smith (SESAC)
Communications Co-Chair: Jenn DiChiara (Reliant Talent Agency)
Education Chair: Nina Schollnick (CSM Management)
Education Co-Chair: Tatiana Angulo (ISA + JUDE)
Social Chair: Rachel Guttmann (Taylor Guttmann, PLLC)
Social Co-Chair: Mollie Jones (Paradigm)
Community Outreach Chair: Ritz McCain (Spotify)
Community Outreach Co-Chair: Paul Ermlich (G7 Entertainment Marketing)
Ambassadorship Chair: Skyler Clark-Hamel (SkyHi Entertainment)
Ambassadorship Co-Chair: Chris Fairbank (Triple 8 Management)
Music Market Chair: Darcie Van Etten (Country Radio Seminar)
Music Market Co-Chair: Ryan Cunningham (NSAI)
Music Market Co-Chair: Brianna Holko (Mojo Music & Media)

The SOLID Alumni Board also announced the re-election of its incumbent president, Brian O’Neil (Constellation Management). Board members include Johnny Cloherty (Songfluencer), Claire Rex (Triple 8 Management), Amy Kadish (Wiatr & Associates), and Erin Pettit (FBMM).

“I’m extremely proud of how both our 2020 board and the members of our newly elected 2021 board worked tirelessly during our industry’s most unprecedented year,” said 2021 President Avery King. “Throughout the past year, SOLID was able to launch a major new philanthropic initiative, SOLID Shares, and create a diversity and inclusion task force that not only impacts our membership, but also the Nashville community as a whole. This board has big shoes to fill, but I truly believe that this group of dedicated and innovative individuals are up to the challenge of creating an incredible experience, whether virtual or in-person, for all of our membership.”

SOLID began 24 years ago with a vision to develop a community for music industry professionals to network and brainstorm together, while also providing educational opportunities for entry to mid-level professionals. SOLID hosts several education panels, networking events, and philanthropic opportunities throughout the year. In 2020, SOLID mentored over 100 college students, launched new philanthropic initiative SOLID Shares, and created a diversity and inclusion task force comprising board members, current members and alumni.

Billy Bob’s Texas Celebrating 40th Anniversary, Scotty McCreery’s Show Aids ACM’s Lifting Lives

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Billy Bob’s Texas is holding a year-long celebration of its 40th Anniversary this year and will be bringing in the some country music entertainers for the party. As part of its special 40th Anniversary weekend celebration, Larry, Steve & Rudy: The Gatlin Brothers will hit the stage April 1, and Country Music Hall of Fame member Hank Williams, Jr. will entertain April 2-3.

Scotty McCreery recently played a limited capacity show at Billy Bob’s Texas in Fort Worth on Jan. 23, with $1 out of every ticket sold going to ACM Lifting Lives. The show earned $2,100 for ACM Lifting Lives.

Billy Bob’s Texas General Manager Marty Travis, Scotty McCreery, Billy Bob’s Texas Creative Director Terran Flusche

“We were thrilled at the opportunity to work with Scotty McCreery and partner with such an incredible and important organization again,” says Billy Bob’s Texas General Manager, Marty Travis.

“I love having an opportunity to help a great cause like ACM Lifting Lives, and doing it while performing at a legendary venue like Billy Bob’s Texas is an added bonus,” said McCreery.

“We are immensely grateful to both Scotty McCreery and Billy Bob’s Texas for their generous contributions to ACM Lifting Lives,” said Lyndsay Cruz, ACM Lifting Lives Executive Director. “Billy Bob’s has been a great partner in the past, and it was an honor to have their continued support during Saturday’s show. We look forward to using the donation to continue to support those in need in the country music community.”

30A Songwriters Festival Virtual Lineup To Include Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit, Brandi Carlile, More

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The 2021 Virtual 30A Songwriters Festival has announced the lineup of artists slated to perform January 29th-31st which will include the Indigo Girls, Ani DiFranco, Graham Nash, Patty Griffin, Rodney Crowell, Susanna Hoffs, Jason Isbell & the 400 Unit, Brandi Carlile, Shawn Mullins, Rosanne Cash and John Leventhal, and many more.

Each episode runs approximately one hour, with footage from the past decade of festivals edited together with recent recordings of favorite artists performing online. Highlights include Rosanne Cash and husband John Leventhal performing a beautiful acoustic rendition of “Seven Year Ache,” rock legend Graham Nash contributing a version of “Just A Song Before I Go” on acoustic guitar from his home, Brandi Carlile and the twins performing live from the Moore Theater in Seattle, and Kristian Bush and his band introducing a song from their studio. 30A mainstay Shawn Mullins is presented live from an Annual 30A Songwriters Festival preview party at the WaterColor Lake House, and additional performers include The War & Treaty, Chely Wright, John Paul White from The Civil Wars, Kyshona Armstrong, Jeffrey Steele, Robyn Hitchcock, Steve Earle, Mindy Smith, Dan Navarro, Birds of Chicago and many more.

The Festival is offering special bundles this year, one of which includes tickets and a special coffee table photography book with photos shot at festivals over the years. Tickets for the three-part 2021 Virtual 30A Songwriters Festival are $45 in advance and $50 beginning on Friday, January 29th.

Lalo Guzman Signs With SMACKSongs

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Lalo Guzman with SMACKSongs team

Lalo Guzman has signed a worldwide publishing deal with SMACKSongs.

A native of the San Francisco Bay Area in California, Guzman moved to Nashville in 2013 and has been writing and producing for acts like Waterloo Revival and Spencer Crandall.

“We are beyond excited to bring Lalo’s passion, talent, and positive energy into the building at SMACK,” said Lee Krabel, SMACK’s Senior Creative Director. “We have long been fans of his since Sam Sarno introduced us to his music a couple years ago. We are looking forward to getting to work and can’t wait to see where his career goes!”

“I’m honored to be a part of such an awesome team here at SMACK,” said Guzman. “I’m so thankful for the opportunity to be here and be surrounded by such positive and encouraging people. I can’t wait to build with this team and am excited to see what we can accomplish.”

YouTube’s Head Of Culture And Trends Announced As Speaker For CRS 2021

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CRS 2021: The Virtual Experience Streaming Summit will feature an interview with YouTube’s Head of Culture & Trends Kevin Allocca on Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2021. He spent over a decade tracking popular video phenomena and managing trending content initiatives. His TED Talk on “Why Videos Go Viral” has been watched over 2 million times. Allocca will sit down for a fireside chat with Billboard’s Executive Editor, West Coast and Nashville, Melinda Newman.

CRS 2021: The Virtual Experience will be held Tuesday, Feb. 16, through Friday, Feb. 19.

The agenda for the newly-added Streaming Summit is as follows:

10:00 a.m. CT     Streaming Terms 101 featuring Victoria Mason (Warner Music Group) and Addison Nunes (Warner Music Group)

10:30 a.m. CT     DSP 101: Amazon Music featuring Katie Schlosser Vitolins (Amazon Music)

11:00 a.m. CT     DSP 101: Pandora Next Big Sound / AMP featuring Jay Troop (Pandora)

11:30 a.m. CT     DSP 101: Spotify for Artists featuring Charleton Lamb (Spotify) and Josephine Ruiz-Healy (Spotify) [sponsored by BMLG]

12:00 p.m. CT    DSP 101: YouTube for Artists featuring Margaret Hart (YouTube) [sponsored by BMLG]

1:00 p.m. CT      TikTok Ya Don’t Stop: Examining the Impact of TikTok on Country Music featuring panelists Corey Sheridan (TikTok), Andrew Jannakos (Sony RCA Nashville Artist), and Charly Salvatore (Dennis Entertainment/indent Records), and moderated by Tony Grotticelli (UMG Nashville) [sponsored by BMLG]

2:00 p.m. CT       Talk Data To Me featuring Jeff Green (Stone Door Media Lab) as moderator, Matthew Yazge (Nielsen/MRC), Haley Jones (Nielsen/MRC), and Matt Bailey (Integr8 Research) [sponsored by Westwood One]

3:00 p.m. CT       A Fireside Chat with YouTube’s Kevin Allocca [sponsored by CMA]

4:00 p.m. CT       Amazon Music Presents: Country Heat at CRS (lineup TBA)

CRS 2021 Streaming Summit Committee Chair Annie Ortmeier (UMG Nashville) comments, “The Streaming Agenda team of Ali Matkosky, Jen Danielson, and I are beyond honored to have this incredible lineup in the first year showcasing the dedication of our partners to country music. We feel this day could stand up against any country music digital first conference.”

Details and registration at CountryRadioSeminar.com.