CMA Foundation Receives Support From Scott & Sandi Borchetta’s Music Has Value Fund

/by

The CMA Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the Country Music Association, has announced a partnership with Scott and Sandi Borchetta‘s Music Has Value fund to receive additional financial support for its Tennessee: State of the Arts initiative.

Music Has Value provides funding to nonprofit organizations that support those who make music, aspire to make music, and access and appreciate music. The fund has pledged $120,000 to provide direct support to music education programs in multiple Tennessee public school districts to be announced throughout this year.

CMA Foundation’s Tennessee: Sate of the Arts initiative is a statewide arts education landscape analysis. The CMA Foundation’s goal with Tennessee: State of the Arts is to develop an understanding of the criteria necessary for establishing high-quality arts education programs and to discover barriers affecting the quality of arts education programming. As of today, 40 district assessments have been completed, offering the CMA Foundation insight into challenges that exist in the classroom, which includes scheduling, equipment needs, limited classroom space, teacher shortages and more.

“We are grateful that Scott and Sandi see the value in State of the Arts and our commitment to solving the challenges that our Tennessee students are faced with regarding accessibility to music and arts education,” says Tiffany Kerns, CMA Foundation Executive Director. “Scott and Sandi know that tackling resource gaps can lead to achievement gains when we can address the challenges through the data collected. Information is power and we are excited to see their funds at work.”

Sandi Borchetta, Co-Founder of Music Has Value adds, “We have been blessed to partner with organizations both large and small over the past eight years. We aim to celebrate organizations and individuals making a difference in music education and music therapy. Supporting the arts here in our home state is a perfect extension for Music Has Value.”

Studies continue to show that music and the arts are a critical component to overall student success and readiness. As the only state in the country offering this type of needs assessment, the CMA Foundation hopes to inform decision making, planning, and development of resources. For any district that hasn’t signed up for a no-cost needs assessment, visit CMAFoundation.org/state-of-the-arts. The deadline for districts to apply is Monday, May 1. The study is free and offered to any public school district in the state that would like to participate.

Industry Ink: Kane Brown, Warner Music Group, MNJR, More

/by

Kane Brown Celebrates Major Milestones Ahead of CMT Awards

Pictured (L-R): Randy Goodman (Chairman and CEO of Sony Music Nashville), Kane Brown, Katelyn Jae Brown and Ken Robold (EVP & COOEVP & COO of Sony Music Nashville). Photo: John Shearer/Getty Images for Kane Brown

Kane Brown played his first ever headlining date at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena with a sold out show on Friday (March 31) before heading to Austin to co-host the 2023 CMT Awards on Sunday (April 2).

Brown debuted a new set list and production as part of his “Drunk or Dreaming Tour,” and brought his wife, Katelyn Brown, out to perform “Thank God.” Earlier in the evening, Kane and Katelyn were surprised with plaques to celebrate their newly Platinum-certified single, and Kane’s newly Gold-certified album, Different Man.

The returning host arrived to this year’s CMT Awards as a three-time nominee while his wife, Katelyn Brown, earned her first CMT nomination. Both took home the biggest award of the night, Video Of The Year, for “Thank God.” Together, they made history as the first married couple to win the award.

 

Warner Music Group Hosts HBCU Summit 

Warner Music Nashville, in collaboration with Warner Chappell and Warner Music Group’s Nashville Center of Excellence, hosted a one-day HBCU summit on Friday (March 31).

Students from Fisk University and Tennessee State University attended to learn about different career paths pertaining to Warner Music Group in Nashville at the WMN office alongside WMN staff.

 

The Mavericks’ Managers Launch MNJR

Pictured (L-R): Norman Jacob, Mike Reynolds

Managers Mike Reynolds and Norman Jacob have launched MNJR, a new full-service artist and label management group in Nashville. The firm opens with a roster including The Mavericks, Raul Malo, 49 Winchester and McKinley James.

Reynolds and Jacob first joined forces in 2019 for The Mavericks’ special 30th anniversary tour and then continued their work through the pandemic-era livestream performances. Their management helped secure the Americana Music Associations’ Trailblazer Lifetime Achievement Award, PBS appearances and a NPR Tiny Desk performance. The management team has also expanded the iconic band’s annual end-of-the-year Ryman Auditorium appearances, and tirelessly worked to continue growing the extensive domestic bookings and return to international routing of The Mavericks.

With their vision also focused on new artist development, the duo also signed alt-country’s rising new stars 49 Winchester, who recently released their album, Fortune Favors The Bold. Rudy Newman is also on the MNJR team as Operations Manager.

 

The Dryes Sign With Wasserman Music

Pictured (L-R): Michael Betterton, Derek Drye, Katelyn Drye, Mollie Jones, Nate Ritches

Acclaimed country duo The Dryes, comprised of Katelyn and Derek Drye, have signed with Wasserman Music for exclusive worldwide booking representation.

“We are very excited about working with the Wasserman Music team,” share The Dryes. “Their drive and culture feels like a great fit for us, and we’re excited to expand our footprint on the road. We’re honored to have Mike, Nate, Mollie and their entire team in our corner!”

Wasserman’s Mollie Jones shares, “We are honored to welcome The Dryes to Wasserman Music. We believe that the husband and wife duo has something special to offer the country music space and look forward to offering our resources in bringing their artistic vision to life.”

The Dryes will be hitting the road this year as direct support for Jo Dee Messina on her “Heads Carolina, Tails California Tour” and will be making their debut performance at CMA Fest on June 10 at The Hard Rock Stage.

 

Tejano Country Artist Veronique Medrano Signs to BMI

Pictured: Shannon Sanders (BMI’s Executive Director, Creative, Nashville) and Veronique Medrano

Veronique Medrano, celebrated Tejano country artist, songwriter, and performer, rounded out her week at Country Radio Seminar in Nashville last month with a formal signing to BMI.

”We were thrilled to have Veronique come by BMI’s Nashville office to officially sign and give us a preview of her music, which is a blend of Tejano and country,” says Shannon Sanders, BMI’s Executive Director, Creative, Nashville. “By blending these two genres, she’s introducing her unique sound to new audiences from Texas to Nashville and beyond while staying authentic to her heritage. We’re proud to welcome Veronique to the BMI family and look forward to watching this talented songwriter’s career develop.”

Medrano adds, “Walking through the hallways at BMI Nashville, I see all the incredible artists and couldn’t help but think, ‘Wow, I’m here!’ I am thankful to have a home alongside the family of creators and have people like Shannon and Clay Bradley in my corner. Thank you, BMI. I’m so excited to be here!”

AIMP Honors The Spirit Of Independent Publishing At Annual Nashville Awards

/by

Hardy accepts the Songwriter of the Year honor at the 2023 AIMP Nashville Country Awards. Photo: Hunter Berry

Artists, songwriters and members of the Music City publishing community gathered at the Ryman Auditorium on Wednesday night (April 5) for the eighth annual AIMP Nashville Country Awards.

Staged by the Association for Independent Music Publishers (AIMP), songwriters and publishers are awarded in select categories. Voted on by AIMP Nashville members, winners were chosen for Rising Songwriter of the Year, Rising Artist-Writer of the Year, Artist-Writer of the Year, Song Champion of the Year, Publisher’s Pick of the Year, Song of the Year, Songwriter of the Year and Publisher of the Year. An award was also given to the Most Streamed Song of the Year.

Hitmakers Bob DiPiero and Craig Wiseman were the night’s jovial hosts. DiPiero joked that they were “the best in [their] price range,” and Wiseman shared that the annual AIMP Awards felt like “old school Nashville.”

Writers Chris DuBois and Ashley Gorley and publishers Derek Wells and Kara Jackson accept the Song of the Year award for “You Should Probably Leave” at the 2023 AIMP Nashville Country Awards. Photo: Hunter Berry.

DiPiero and Wiseman let us know that the balcony was filled with MTSU and Belmont students interested in entering the music business. When Ryan Beaver won the night’s first honor for Rising Songwriter of the Year, he spoke to the students after thanking his supporters. “Get your hearts ready,” he shared. “You’re going to need all of it.”

As part of a beloved tradition at the AIMP Awards, artists appeared throughout the evening to sing some of the nominated tunes for Song of the Year—except, no artist sang their own song. Tenille Arts enlisted songwriter/producer Alex Kline to help her sing the Maren Morris-recorded “Circles Around This Town.” Jordan Davis took on Sam Hunt‘s romantic “23,” while Ernest grinned his way through Morgan Wallen‘s “You Proof,” which he co-wrote. Corey Kent crushed Jon Pardi‘s “Last Night Lonely,” and caused a stir with his cover of Taylor Swift‘s “All Too Well (Taylor’s Verison).”

A highlight of the night came when Hardy gave a smoldering rendition of the Chris Stapleton-recorded “You Should Probably Leave.” Fittingly so, the tune ended up winning Stapleton, Ashley Gorley and Chris DuBois the Song of the Year honor—and Gorley made mention of Hardy’s performance when they accepted.

Gorley also revealed that he, Stapleton and DuBois wrote “You Should Probably Leave” in 2011. “Don’t give up on songs,” he said.

Round Hill Music’s Bob Squance, Mike Whelan and Lindsay Will pose with their Publisher of the Year plaque at the 2023 AIMP Nashville Country Awards. Photo: Katie Kauss

Round Hill Music was named the 2023 Publisher of the Year. The company’s Sr. VP/GM, Mike Whelan, accepted the honor alongside Sr. Director of A&R Bob Squance and Director of A&R Lindsay Will. “Independent music publishers really are the lifeblood of our town,” Whelan shared. “God bless America and God bless country music!”

Hardy won both the Artist-Writer and Songwriter of the Year honor for the night. “I’m completely blown away,” he said. “This past year has been the best year of my life for a lot of reasons. I love you guys all very dearly.”

Ernest was presented with the Rising Artist-Writer of the Year title. He was taken by surprise that Hardy didn’t win—though he wasn’t nominated. “I didn’t think I’d be winning this as long as Michael Hardy was here,” he joked. “But I guess he already rose.”

The AIMP Publisher Pick of the Year ended in a tie. To present the winners, hosts DiPiero and Wiseman invited more artists to perform the winning songs. Ashley Cooke and Jackson Dean did a beautiful job with winner “Don’t Think Jesus” (written by Mark Holman, Jessi Alexander and Chase McGill and recorded by Wallen), and Pillbox Patti and Meg McRee charmed the audience with “Reverse Cowgirl” (written by Jared Scott, Joe Fox and Zack Dyer and recorded by Jon Pardi). The Most Streamed Song of the Year was “Wasted On You,” written by Wallen, Ernest, Josh Thompson and Charlie Handsome.

Warner Music Nashville Co-Chair & Co-President Cris Lacy was heralded when she won the Song Champion of the Year award. She humbly accepted the plaque, calling out her fellow nominees who she felt deserved it. Lacy comes from independent publishing, having spent time at Tom Collins Publishing, FAME Publishing and Island Bound before her transition to the record label side of the business.

“Anything I’ve ever done in this town has been on the back of a great song or great songwriters,” Lacy shared. “The independent publishing spirit has taught all of us.”

Jody Williams poses with his AIMP Independent Spirit Award plaque at the 2023 AIMP Nashville Country Awards. Photo: Katie Kauss

Speaking of spirit, a highlight of the evening came when Music Row veteran Jody Williams was presented with the 2023 AIMP Nashville Spirit Award. Prior to his acceptance, Liz Rose introduced a video montage of kind words about Williams. Featured in the video were Williams wife and kids, Kerry O’Neil, Pat Higdon, Rusty Gaston, Beth Laird, Nina Fisher and more. They all spoke about Williams’ guidance, accessibility, calm demeanor and his utmost love and respect for songwriters.

When Williams took the podium, he thanked the AIMP board, his team and writers at Jody Williams Songs, his family and the community for their support. He also made sure to recognize young indie publishers that he’s been impressed with since transitioning from BMI back into publishing, naming Courtney Allen, Jacee Badeaux, Jake Gear, Lee Krabel, Sam Sarno, Jefferson Brown, Michelle Attardi, Kayla Adkins, Shaina Botwin, Blake Duncan, JD Groover, Kate Shirley and Alex Tamashunas.

“I’m so proud to know and work with all of you. In my estimation, the future of independent publishing is in great hands with you guys,” he said.

Williams also spoke about the cyclical nature of country music, waxing and waning from a pop-country sound to a more traditional sound. He charged the publishers in the room, and the MTSU and Belmont students in the balcony, to take writers to the Country Music Hall of Fame to study the greats who made traditional-sounding country music.

“I’d like to suggest during this re-defining era we’re in, to spend more time studying the greats from the last traditional era,” he said to whoop and holler. “Guys and girls like Jeffrey Steele, Liz Rose, Craig Wiseman, Bob DiPiero and Tracy Byrd, to name a few. As you know, these writers continue to have hits. It is at least partially due to the time they’ve spent studying the great writers who preceded them.

“Independent publishers are the primary group responsible for mentoring and ushering in the writers and artists who will define the next era of country music,” Williams said in closing. “That’s an honor and a real responsibility.”

ONErpm Signs William Michael Morgan

/by

Pictured (L-R, back row): Hall Booth Smith’s Karl M. Braun, Carter & Company’s Joe Carter, Dreamlined Entertainment’s Keith Stegall, Carter & Company’s Mike Taliaferro. (L-R, front row): ONErpm’s Ryan Cunningham, William Michael Morgan, ONErpm’s Tim Wipperman. Photo: Brooke Christopher

Global music provider ONErpm has signed country music artist William Michael Morgan.

The Mississippi native has been building his fan base by touring and creating music that remains true to his Vicksburg roots. Morgan’s Gold-certified single “I Met a Girl” led the to the chart-topping debut of his first album Vinyl on the Billboard Country Albums chart. Morgan is set to release his EP, produced by Keith Stegall, later this year. He has also scheduled summer tour dates, including stops in Music City and Sevierville, Tennessee as well as Galveston, Texas and Comstock, Nebraska.

“It is an honor to be teaming up with ONErpm,” says Morgan. “Tim Wipperman, Ryan Cunningham and the team there really believe in the kind of music we are making.” He adds that his latest project, “is something I’ve been working toward my whole career. All the ups and downs, the growth and learning—you can hear it all in this new music, the majority of which I have written as a result of my own life lessons.”

“William Michael Morgan has had an amazing career so far,” says Cunningham, ONErpm A&R Director of Country Music. “We believe in him as an artist, and we’re excited to see how high he can climb with this new music.”

Amy Grant & Vince Gill Announce ‘Christmas At The Ryman’ Return

/by

Vince Gill & Amy Grant. Photo: Robby Klein

Amy Grant and Vince Gill’s “Christmas at the Ryman” residency will return again this year to help get fans in the holiday spirit.

The 12-concert run will take place throughout December, and will once again feature matinee performances of the beloved annual tradition. Openers will be announced at a later date. Tickets are on sale now. For more information, click here.

“‘Christmas at the Ryman’ has become one of our favorite holiday traditions,” shares Grant. “This is our 13th year doing these shows and it is always so special to celebrate the season with you all. We can’t wait to create more holiday memories this year.”

A holiday tradition for years, music fans from all over flock to the historic venue to take in the sounds of two of Nashville’s most cherished performers. In the past, the husband-and-wife duo have filled the show with Christmas favorites such as “Let It Snow,” “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” “Tennessee Christmas,” “O Holy Night” and “O Come All Ye Faithful.”

“Christmas at the Ryman” Dates:
Dec. 13 at 7:30 p.m.
Dec. 14 at 7:30 p.m.
Dec. 16 at 3 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.
Dec. 17 at 3 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.
Dec. 19 at 7:30 p.m.
Dec. 20 at 7:30 p.m.
Dec. 22 at 3 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.
Dec. 23 at 3 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Tanya Tucker ‘Exudes Enduring Charisma’

/by

Tanya Tucker. Photo: Derrek Kupish

Superstars and baby acts mix and mingle in today’s DisClaimer.

Clocking in with star power are Darius Rucker, Cole Swindell, Jimmie Allen and Chris Janson. Outshining them all is country queen Tanya Tucker, who has the Disc of the Day.

Two newcomers are sharing the DisCovery Award. First, lend your ears to Curb’s American Idol alumnus Harper Grace and her superbly produced debut single. And for something completely different, check out the airy, wafting, folkie, Afro-pop delight of Peter One. Both are well worth your attention.

CONNOR SMITH/ “Creek Will Rise”
Writers: Connor Smith/Chris LaCorte/Chase McGill/Parker Welling; Producer: Zach Crowell; Label: The Valory Music Co.
– It’s a frothing rocker with plenty of twang in the production. There’s a certain processed quality about Smith’s vocal compression, but the overall vibe is fun and sexy.

TANYA TUCKER / “Kindness”
Writers: Tim Hanseroth/Phil Hanseroth; Producers: Brandi Carlile/Shooter Jennings; Label: Fantasy
– Pensive and powerful. The living legend exudes enduring charisma in this stunning, stirring performance. An echoey atmosphere surrounds her as she sings of a turbulent life yearning toward peace. It’s an advance track from her forthcoming Sweet Western Sound collection that reunites her with Carlile and Jennings. I love this woman’s style: She rode a magnificent black stallion on the streets of downtown Nashville this week to announce it, as well as her upcoming June 3-4 concerts at the Ryman. Oh, and one more thing: FINALLY she is going into the Country Music Hall of Fame, where she so richly and deservedly belongs. I have been wishing for this day for years.

LOGAN MIZE / “Bloodline”
Writers: Django Walker/Josh Hoge/Randy Montana; Producer: Daniel Agee; Label: Big Yellow Dog
– A small-town meditation about yer roots and branches. As always, Mize sings it with heart.

JIMMIE ALLEN / “Be Alright”
Writers: Jimmie Allen/Jason Evigan/Gian Stone/Castle; Producers: Gian Stone/Jason Evigan/Jimmie Allen; Label: Stoney Creek Records
– I dig this. It has a cool, funky groove that flows through a comforting song that’s like a gentle pat on the back. Allen’s on a roll. Well done, all.

CAYLEE HAMMACK / “History of Repeating”
Writers: Caylee Hammack/Ashley McBryde/Nicolette Hayford; Producers: Caylee Hammack/Dann Huff; Label: Capitol Records Nashville
– I’m always interested in whatever this fiery vocalist is singing. She is always just so compelling. This outing is a mid-tempo croon about a relationship that seems to be stuck in its troubles. Will somebody please make this woman the star she deserves to be?

DARIUS RUCKER / “Fires Don’t Start Themselves”
Writers: Dan Isbell/Ben Hayslip/Jacob Rice; Producer: Dann Huff; Label: Capitol Records Nashville
– It’s a romantic country come-on to get it on. “Gonna love you, baby, all night long,” he sings. “Turn the lights down low.” Fiddles and guitars scream in the background.

CHAPEL HART / “Welcome to Fist City”
Writers: Danica Hart/Devynn Hart/Trea Swindle; Producer: Jeffrey Glixman; Label: CH
– The feisty, fun trio continues its winning ways with this rollicking, lickety-split romp about the floozy Loretta sang about in 1968. Joyously, deliriously playable. Chapel Hart will include this on its new CD, Glory Days, which drops May 19. I, for one, will be buying it.

CHRIS JANSON / “All I Need Is You”
Writers: Ashley Gorley/Brad Clawson/Chris Janson/Mitch Oglesby; Producers: Julian Raymond/Chris Janson/Scott Borchetta; Label: BMLG Records
– The thumping, rolling groove is a delight. Janson delivers the romantic lyric with unforced baritone dips and mellow slides. His best performance in quite some time.

PETER ONE / “Birds Go Die Out of Sight (Don’t Go Home)” featuring Allison Russell
Writers Peter One; Producers: Peter One/Matt Ross-Spang; Label: Verve Forecast
– Country music is quite popular in West Africa. Peter One rose to stardom there 30 years ago. But political pressures led him to migrate from his Ivory Coast homeland to the U.S. He has been working in obscurity in Nashville as a nurse. Until now. Jason Isbell has taken him on tour, he’s been signed by Verve and at age 67 will issue his comeback album on May 5. This supremely pleasurable acoustic track from it features sighing harmonica, gently strummed guitar and an insistent, underlying sense of rhythm that is irresistible. The esteemed Allison Russell lends entrancing backing vocals. Essential listening. Peter One stages his Grand Ole Opry debut next weekend, on April 14. This, my friends, is a story worth sharing.

COLE SWINDELL / “Broken”
Writers: Cole Swindell/Chris LaCorte/Cole Taylor/Hillary Lindsey; Producer: Zach Crowell; Label: Warner Music Nashville
– The marvelously clever “Drinkaby” remains the single. But this multiple country chart-topper is amping up anticipation for his upcoming album with the release of this dandy tempo tune about healing a gal’s broken heart. It works, splendidly.

HARPER GRACE / “Sparkle”
Writers: Harper Grace/Alex Kline/Scott Stepakoff; Producers: Cameron Jaymes/Ben West; Label: Curb Records
– The crashing, choppy production is sensational. It bolsters a personality-packed vocal performance about a down-to-earth country woman. “A little rust on my heart….is just my kinda sparkle.” This is an excellent debut single that deserves massive attention.

JOSH ROSS / “Red Flags”
Writers: Chris Sligh/Josh Ross/Mason Thornley/Matt Geroux; Producer: Matt Geroux; Label: UMG
– Ross is a new country hitmaker in Canada. This hearty performance is a bid for Stateside success. The overall sound is somewhat generic, but he demonstrates serious chops as vocalist as he unspools his tale of a couple who just don’t belong together. Spin worthy.

Chris Tomlin’s ‘Good Friday Nashville’ To Expand With Global Livestream

/by

Chris Tomlin‘s annual Easter season tradition continues as his “Good Friday Nashville” concert returns to Bridgestone Arena this Friday, April 7 for the seventh consecutive year. The event will expand to a global audience through a livestream on both YouTube and Facebook beginning at 7 p.m. CT.

Best-selling author and pastor Max Lucado will be back to deliver an Easter message, and Blessing Offor and Jenn Johnson will perform, with an additional surprise appearance expected. Tickets are still available. For more information, click here.

The annual concert benefits the foster care and adoption crisis through For Others, a nonprofit foundation created by Tomlin and his wife Lauren, which seeks to close the gap between children-in-need and capable care providers by raising awareness, maximizing resources and mobilizing communities.

Since its inception in 2017, “Good Friday Nashville” has continued to be a record-setting night with sold-out concerts, smashing attendance records as the largest ticketed Christian concert in the history of the venue. It is also the longest running annual charity-related concert at Bridgestone Arena. In 2020 and 2021, it became a virtual event due to the pandemic, allowing worldwide distribution through television and radio partners reaching 32 countries around the globe.

During previous “Good Friday Nashville” concerts, Tomlin has surprised attendees by inviting special guests like Rascal Flatts, Lady A, We The Kingdom, Lauren Daigle, Hillsong United and more.

The Other Nashville Society Names Inaugural ‘TONS NEXT’ Class Of Artists

/by

Pictured (L-R): Daniel Nunnelee, Isaia Huron, Brooke Alexx, Brian Brown, Annie DiRusso. Photo: Catherine Powell

The Other Nashville Society (TONS) revealed its inaugural TONS Next class of artists in front of a packed house of members and VIP guests at Analog in Nashville Tuesday night (April 4).

TONS Next artists Annie DiRusso (rock), Brian Brown (hip-hop), Brooke Alexx (pop), Daniel Nunnelee (alternative folk) and Isaia Huron (alternative) were chosen from over 80 artists. The new initiative will be a core focus for TONS going forward, with a new TONS Next class unveiled each year.

“Last year, in our fifth year of existence as an organization, a collective lightbulb went off for us Co-founders. If more non-country artists are developed, nurtured, and broken globally out of Nashville, then all boats rise for this community as a whole,” shares Josh Collum, TONS Co-founder. “So, that’s our aim with TONS Next. We’re placing a bet on these five artists and we’re going to do our part to accelerate their rise.”

“Between the Co-founders, the Leadership Group, and our 1,500+ members, we’re going to be the best advisory board an artist and their team could ever want,” adds Ally Venable, TONS Co-founder. “And we’re actively pulling together partners from across the music and entertainment industries that want to help amplify these artists and their stories.”

TONS artist members have achieved plenty of past success. Gayle, Joy Oladokun, Jake Wesley Rogers and Charlotte Sands are all members of the burgeoning organization that uplifts the vibrant and relevant underground of non-country genres in Nashville.

Heartland To Return With New Album

/by

Heartland. Photo: Justin Mayotte

Heartland is returning to the country scene featuring a new lead vocalist, Lance Horton.

Best known for its No. 1, Platinum smash country hit, “I Loved Her First,” the ACM-nominated band comprised of original members Craig Anderson, Todd Anderson and Mike Myerson—alongside Horton—is currently in the studio working on new music.

“Todd, Mike, and myself are so excited to relaunch the project we’ve been a part of our entire adult lives and are super stoked to have Lance, who we’ve worked with for a number of years now, joining us for this next chapter,” says Anderson. “We have a great team working with us and are very much looking forward to showing everyone what’s coming up soon. It’s been an awesome ride from the time Todd and I started this and we can’t wait to get back out there and see our friends all over the country again.”

Heartland’s new album, set for release later this year, will be produced by Jimmy Ritchie and available via Yellowhammer Music Group. The project will mark Heartland’s first new music in over a decade.

Shane McAnally, Brandy Clark-Penned Musical ‘Shucked’ Opens On Broadway

/by

Mike Bosner & Jason Owen. Photo: Emilio Madrid

Shucked, the new musical comedy that captures the heart of the flyover states, opened Tuesday night (April 4). The musical is produced by Sandbox Entertainment’s Jason Owen and Broadway producer Mike Bosner.

This tale from the heart of the heartlands features music and lyrics by Grammy award-winning songwriters Brandy Clark and Shane McAnally. On stage at New York City’s Nederlander Theater, Shucked is helmed by Tony winners, with a book written by Robert Horn and direction by Jack O’Brien.

“The truth about this kind of entertainment is it should make people feel good,” says Owen. “You can make people think or look at their values with a smile on their face just as easily as you can by being serious. But where the world is right now, people need to come together, to laugh and honestly recognize that Iowa, Nebraska, Ohio or even Arkansas where I’m from is as much a part of America as Wall Street or Hollywood—and Shucked is about bringing all these people together.”

Shane McAnally & Brandy Clark on stage with the cast of Shucked during opening night bows. Photo: Emilio Madrid

Nashville and New York’s stars were celebrating the opening together, including Kasey Musgraves, Kelsea Ballerini, Chase Stokes, Little Big Town, Kristin Chenoweth and Susan Sarandon.

The recently released track “Independently Owned,” sung by Alex Newell who plays Lulu, received the night’s first standing ovation and is already turning into a breakout hit.

The talents of John Behlmann, Kevin Cahoon, Andrew Durand, Gary Henson, Caroline Innerbichler and Ashley D. Kelley round out the main cast of Shucked. Joining them onstage are Jimmy Brewer, Audrey Cardwell, Dwayne Clark, Rheaume Crenshaw, Jaygee Macapugay, Scott Stangland, Yasmeen Sulieman, Quinn Vanantwerp, Miki Abraham, Ken Clark, Traci Elaine Lee and Alan Wiggs.

Shucked has already amassed rave reviews, with Variety declaring, “with its exuberance, heart and non-stop yucks, Shucked is the surprise delight of the season.” Time Out New York gave it four out of five stars, citing, “nods to Michael Bennett and Tommy Tune, and roll out the barrels later for the Seven Brides for Seven Brothers’ showstopper ‘The Best Man Wins.’” The New York Post crowned it, “The best and funniest new musical on Broadway!,” while Broadway News wrote, “The riotous new work, with a book by [Tony winner] Robert Horn, nabs acoustic inspiration from country music and tonal humor from shows like The Book of Mormon and Tootsie.” Entertainment Weekly shared, “Years after Hamilton reimagined the Founding Fathers as nonwhite actors fluent in hip-hop, Shucked tells a different kind of American fairy tale…its refreshing embrace of diversity and unapologetically corny sincerity can definitely put a smile on your face.”