Karrie Dawley Joins Anotherland As Head Of Creative

/by

Karrie Dawley

Karrie Dawley has been named Head of Creative at Anotherland.

In her new role, Dawley will lead creative direction for Anotherland’s roster and oversee content across the label and publishing arms. Dawley joins the rising label and publishing company from CCMG, where she spent the past eight years, with the last three years as a Senior Vice President of Publishing, signing writers such as Hank Bentley and Jeff Sojka to the group.

She began her career in radio promotion at Provident Label Group in 2003, followed by a position at Word Records as Creative Director, Publishing. She also did stints at EMI/CMG in A&R working with Mandisa and Kari Jobe and at Essential Records as Creative Director, Publishing, where she signed writers including Ethan Hulse and Red Rocks Worship.

“Karrie is one of the most respected creative leaders in music,” says David Bagheri, CEO of Anotherland. “She brings a rare combination of music instincts, brand thinking, and deep artist empathy. She’s not just here to make things sound good; she wants to make them matter.”

“I’m incredibly excited to be part of the vision of Anotherland—it’s a chance to collaborate, innovate, and help drive meaningful change in the industry,” says Dawley. “I couldn’t be more thrilled to be on this journey!”

River House Artists To Takeover Whiskey Jam June 3

/by

River House Artists will takeover the Whiskey Jam stage on June 3 with performances from Hudson Westbrook, Austin Snell, Matt Lang, Ryan Charles, The Kentucky Gentlemen, Reid Haughton and Hays.

The free show will kick off at 8 p.m. at Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row.

Eli Young Band Returns To Their Roots On Latest Project ‘Strange Hours’

/by

Eli Young Band is heading into a brand new era with their latest album, Strange Hours, due out Aug. 1.

Strange Hours finds the group returning to the bold creative defiance of their independent roots, and to Panhandle House Studio in their hometown of Denton, Texas where their debut album Level was born. The band is reviving the raw, grassroots energy and emotional sting of their early work in a brand new batch of country-rock tracks produced by Jimmy Robbins and Eric Arjes.

Strange Hours features 15 songs all co-written by EYB members, including the title track with its grooving tribute to a black-magic romance, plus the songs off their Nothing On the Wild EP. A batch of all new tunes joins the previously-released “Home In Hometown,” “What Do Lonely People Do,” “I’m Yours Amen” and “Nothing On the Wild.”

“This is a full circle moment for us. Going back home to Denton, Texas to record the album that is our first independent release in years,” shares lead vocalist Mike Eli. “It was just us in the studio with our producers and a couple of old friends making music that we love! These songs are special to us and this record is the start of a whole new chapter for EYB!“

The band has also announced a new headline tour as well, which will kick off June 7 in Cambridge, Idaho and visit 55 cities from coast to coast including six stops in their home state of Texas before wrapping in Baton Rouge on Nov. 21. Tickets for the “Strange Hours Tour” will go on sale May 23. All tour dates can be found here.

Strange Hours Track List:
1. “Nothing On The Wild” (Mike Eli, Matt McVaney, Matt Rogers)
2. “Whiskey Told Ya” (feat. Corey Kent) (Mike Eli, James Young, Jon Jones, Chris Thompson, Jimmy Robbins, Eric Arjes)
3. “All Good With Me” (Eric Arjes, Jeffrey East, Mike Eli)
4. “Strange Hours” (Jeffrey East, Eric Arjes, Mike Eli)
5. “What Do Lonely People Do” (Jeffrey East, Mike Eli)
6. “Almost Always There” (Laura Veltz, Jon Nite, Mike Eli)
7. “Everybody Else” (Josh Osborne, Jimmy Robbins, Mike Eli)
8. “Settle For Your Sometimes” (Josh Thompson, Jimmy Robbins, Mike Eli)
9. “I’m Yours Amen” (Jeffrey East, Mike Eli)
10. “Bad Luck” (Adam Hambrick, Blake Chaffin, Mike Eli)
13. “Home In Hometown” (Ryan Tyndell, Jeff Hyde, Mike Eli)
14. “The Magician” (Eric Arjes, Jake Mitchell, Mike Eli)
15. “Pretty Good Day For The Bar” (Mike Eli, James Young, Jon Jones, Chris Thompson, Jimmy Robbins, Eric Arjes)

Opry To Celebrate 100th Year With Historic Broadcast Live From London’s Royal Albert Hall

/by

The Grand Ole Opry will headline its first-ever live international broadcast from London’s iconic Royal Albert Hall on Sept. 26 as part of its 100th year celebration.

The star-studded lineup for the special overseas show will include Opry members Luke Combs, Ashley McBryde, Carly Pearce, Darius Rucker and Marty Stuart. In addition to Opry members, the show will also feature a lineup of special UK guest artists to be announced at a later date. During the show, fans can expect to hear a mix of contemporary and classic country hits, a full range of country styles and exclusive collaborations between Opry members and their guests. BBC Radio 2 presenter Vernon Kay and WSM Radio host Kelly Sutton will be co-hosts for “Grand Ole Opry: Live in London.”

“Being a member of the Grand Ole Opry is a great honor; it’s always felt like the Opry was my home away from home,” says Rucker. “To have the opportunity to bring such a big part of my musical roots to Royal Albert Hall is a full-circle moment for me while I work on a project with so many talented songwriters and producers based in London. I can’t think of a better way to honor the Opry’s global impact on country music as we share its magic with a new generation of fans.”

Tickets to the show will go on sale on May 23 on royalalberthall.com. Fans can also listen to a live broadcast on WSM radio and Opry.com, and UK-based fans can also hear a full broadcast replay on BBC Radio 2 at a later date.

“This milestone year for the Grand Ole Opry has arrived at the perfect time as country music enjoys an unprecedented rise in global popularity, especially here in the United Kingdom,” says Colin Reed, Executive Chairman of Grand Ole Opry parent company Ryman Hospitality Properties. “Our first-ever broadcast outside of the United States will celebrate the influential music that has shaped this genre and pay tribute to the unique Opry show format that has entertained music lovers for 100 years. With the help of some of our most treasured Opry members and some very special guests, we hope to give fans a taste of what goes on every week back in Nashville and inspire them to come visit the epicenter of country music.”

“The magical thing about the Opry is how many lives it’s touched over the past 100 years,” adds Dan Rogers, SVP and Executive Producer of the Grand Ole Opry. “No matter where you live, when you listen to country music all roads eventually lead to the Grand Ole Opry and its members both past and present. This show, like the others we are fortunate to program during this special year, will be a celebration of all that has come before it, a moment to embrace something that’s never happened before and a preview of what lies ahead.”

BMI Christian Awards To Honor GMA’s Jackie Patillo With Spotlight Award

/by

During the upcoming 2025 BMI Christian Awards set for June 17 at the organization’s Nashville headquarters, Gospel Music Association President Jackie Patillo will be honored with BMI’s Spotlight Award.

The Spotlight Award salutes Patillo’s rich history of championing Gospel music creators and unwavering dedication to the genre’s legacy throughout her three-decade career. As a veteran music executive with posts at Star Song, Benson, Integrity and Verity Records, she has helped shape the careers of numerous iconic artists, including Natalie Grant, Stephen Hurd, Lisa McClendon, Donnie McClurkin, Joe Pace, Israel & New Breed, Marvin Sapp, Alvin Slaughter and many more.

As the President of the Gospel Music Association and GMA Foundation, which she has headed since 2010, Patillo has taken her commitment to advocating for all Christian and Gospel music makers to a new level. Under her leadership, the GMA has expanded its reach, unified the genre’s diverse voices, and strengthened its mission to expose, promote, and celebrate Gospel music across all styles and generations. In addition to her day-to-day work, Patillo also serves as the Co-Executive Producer of the GMA Dove Awards, viewed by over 3 million people annually on TBN. She was inducted into the Stellar Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 2019, the SOURCE Hall of Fame in 2023, and was honored on her 10th anniversary with the Jackie Patillo Leadership Dove Award, now presented annually to an outstanding industry leader.

“Through Jackie’s dynamic leadership, innovative vision, and unwavering love for Christian and Gospel music, she’s been able to bring both genres together through a message that unifies all while reaching a new generation of music lovers,” says BMI’s AVP of Creative, Nashville Leslie Roberts. “The work that she’s done over her illustrious career is inspiring, and we’re thrilled to be presenting Jackie with the BMI Spotlight Award. We’re also looking forward to celebrating all our award-winning songwriters and producers, highlighting their achievements through community, worship and music.”

In receiving the BMI Spotlight Award, Patillo joins an exclusive group of honorees including Dottie Leonard Miller, Randy Edelman and Frank Gari.

BMI’s Christian Songwriter of the Year, Song of the Year, Publisher of the Year and the 25 most-performed Christian songs of the previous year will also be announced during the private event, which will be hosted by BMI’s AVP of Creative, Nashville Leslie Roberts and BMI’s President & CEO Mike O’Neill.

Will Linley Inks With Big Machine Music

/by

Pictured (L-R): Big Machine Music President Mike Molinar, Will Linley and Big Machine Music Sr. Director Timmy Haehl. Photo: Sophie Gurwitz

Island Records singer-songwriter Will Linley has signed a publishing deal with Big Machine Music.

“Will’s music is so joyful and addictive. Only one song into the first time I saw his live show, it was easy to understand why legions of fans from Cape Town to Los Angeles adore him.” says Mike Molinar, President of Big Machine Music. “On behalf of the entire team, we are so excited to officially welcome Will to the BMM family!”

The Cape Town, South Africa native had his breakout moment with “Last Call” going viral in 2022. Since then, he has performed at Calabash Festival, Lollapalooza and headline shows in the U.S. and Europe. Linley will embark on a new European tour on May 26. He also released his new single “Cinematic” last Friday (May 16). Linley’s catalog also includes his South African radio chart-topper “Miss Me (When You’re Gone),” as well as his EPs Kill All My Feelings and Magic.

“It’s been such a dream getting to know Timmy [Haehl] and Mike, as well as the rest of the team at Big Machine Music,” adds Linley. “I feel like it couldn’t be a better fit, and I’m so excited for what’s to come. I feel unbelievably supported and confident in my creative ability because they allow me to take the reins of my own career. They are ‘writer/artist first’ people which I really respect about them. I am so pumped to join the Big Machine family and continue to grow my career with them by my side.”

Whiskey Jam Reveals Thursday Night Ascend Amphitheater Lineup At CMA Fest

/by

CMA and Whiskey Jam have unveiled the lineup of performances for the Thursday night (June 5) Ascend Amphitheater show during CMA Fest.

Whiskey Jam’s Thursday night takeover will feature performances from Graham Barham, Gabby Barrett, Colbie Caillat, Randy Houser, Lakeview, Vincent Mason, Edwin McCain and Ian Munsick. Tickets start at $17 and are on sale now. As previously announced, the weekend continues with “Jake Owen and Friends” on Friday, followed by “Wynonna Judd’s Girls Night Out” on Saturday.

More information and full lineups for each stage are available on the CMA Fest website or CMA Connect app.

Karley Scott Collins Slates Debut Album For September

/by

Karley Scott Collins will release her debut album Flight Risk on Sept. 26 via Sony Music Nashville.

Over the course of the past few years, Collins has been shaping the project to serve as an introduction to her powerful vocals with themes of heartbreak, acceptance, desire and jealousy all weaved together.

“I’ve experienced so much over the past few years, in relationships and just in growing up and coming into my own as an artist,” says Collins. “There was a time where I was running just to feel safe, but now, if I’m running, it’s only from things that I know aren’t meant for me. If I run from something now, I’m doing it because I know who I am and what I want, and I know where the exits are when I need to leave a place – or a person – that isn’t right for me.” 

Co-produced with Nathan Chapman, the 16 track album features instrument playing by Collins herself, including banjo, violin and bass. She also used her creativity to assist in sound engineering in the studio. Collins is also credited as co-writer on all 16 tracks, alongside hitmakers such as Alex Kline, Joybeth Taylor, Scott Stepakoff and many more.

Serving as a preview of the project, Collins new track “Cowboy Sh!t” will be out this Friday (May 23). Collins co-wrote the song with Sam Backoff and KK Johnson.

Collins will showcase the album live this year when she joins Keith Urban’s “High And Alive Tour,” which kicks off tomorrow (May 22). She is also slated to appear at CMA Fest, Watershed and more this summer.

Flight Risk Track List:
1. “Denim” (Karley Scott Collins, Sara Bares, Stephan Lee Benson, Alex Kline)
2. “Easy to Leave” (Karley Scott Collins, Nathan Chapman, Aaron Zuckerman)
3. “Quit You” (Karley Scott Collins, Nathan Chapman)
4. “Cowboy Sh!t” (Karley Scott Collins, Sam Backoff, KK Johnson)
5. “Music to Cry To” (Karley Scott Collins, Alex Kline, Joybeth Taylor)
6. “Left Me Alone” (Karley Scott Collins, AJ Pruis, Joybeth Taylor)
7. “Shoot Out All the Lights” (Karley Scott Collins, Greg Kurstin)
8. “Bad Bad” (Karley Scott Collins, Emily Falvey, Emma Kleinberg, Dan Pellarin)
9. “Runner” (Karley Scott Collins, Sam Backoff, Zane Callister, Ashley Ray)
10. “Girlfriend” (Karley Scott Collins, Alex Kline, Summer Overstreet)
11. “I Used to Love Him” (Karley Scott Collins, Alex Kline, Scott Stepakoff)
12. “American Boy” (Karley Scott Collins, Alex Kline, Joybeth Taylor)
13. “Heavy Metal” (Karley Scott Collins, Sam Backoff, KK Johnson)
14. “Daddy’s Habits” (Karley Scott Collins, Alex Kline, Lydia Sutherland)
15. “Only Child” (Karley Scott Collins, Marti Lynn Dodson, Alex Kline)
16. “Madman” (Karley Scott Collins, Kathleen Higgins)

Graham Barham To Headline Nashville Underplay Tonight

/by

Nashville Underplay returns tonight (May 21) for a night of southern soul set in the heart of Music City at 6th & Peabody.

Hosted by Markus Koger of the Smoking Section Podcast, the evening will be headlined by breakout country artist Graham Barham, with openers Dalton Dover, Landon Parker, and Mike Parker, kicking off the fun.

Free tickets to the show are available here.

Scott & Sandi Borchetta Donate $5 Million To Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital NICU

/by

Scott and Sandi Borchetta.

Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt’s Level IV-designated Neonatal Intensive Care Unit has received a $5 million donation from Sandi and Scott Borchetta. This NICU is considered among the best in the nation, serving between 1500 and 1600 infants each year. With a recent four-floor expansion atop the existing Monroe Carell facility, the hospital now has 131 NICU beds. A portion of those beds will be housed on the hospital’s new 14th floor, which will be named the Scott & Sandi Borchetta Floor.

“Sandi and Scott’s generous gift allows us to expand our premier neonatal intensive care unit’s services to provide even more specialized care for our most vulnerable patients. Their gift supports crucial programming, neonatal equipment, space and staffing. We are grateful for their longstanding commitment to Monroe Carell,” says Jeff Balser, MD, PhD, President and CEO of Vanderbilt University Medical Center and Dean of the School of Medicine.

The Borchettas’ latest gift builds on their ongoing support of the hospital’s NICU services. In March 2020, the hospital opened the Big Machine Neighborhood, a 23-bed NICU wing on the 11th floor of the hospital, made possible by the Borchettas and Big Machine Label Group. The Scott & Sandi Borchetta Floor will include specialized NICU care and a new model of care to create a Severe Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia (BPD)/Complex Airway Center of Excellence.

“Children should never be sick, let alone not being ensured a safe entry into life in their golden hour” shares Borchetta, Founder, Chair & CEO of Big Machine Label Group. “Sandi and I have taken great joy in the extraordinary success stories of the Big Machine Neighborhood, and we know the great team at Monroe Carell will put every dollar toward saving more lives.”

The multidisciplinary pediatric team in the Center of Excellence includes neonatology, critical care, pulmonology, otolaryngology, nursing, respiratory therapy, social work and case management.

“I am so very grateful to Sandi and Scott for this amazing gift and sustained belief in our neonatal programs,” adds Meg Rush, MD, MMHC, President of Monroe Carell. “They have embraced our mission and vision for this program is such a special way. Because of their generosity, we will be able to continue to develop specialized care models, support people, and continue to lead advancements in neonatal medicine for years to come. On behalf of our teams and more importantly our small patients and their families, I offer heartfelt thanks to our partners Sandi and Scott!”