Elvie Shane Plots ‘My Kinda Trouble Tour’ For 2022

Elvie Shane is launching his first-ever headlining run–the “My Kinda Trouble Tour”–on Feb. 17 in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Frank Ray will join him on the dates.

The multi-city tour will visit Chicago, Charlotte, Indianapolis, Cincinnati, Little Rock and more with a stop in Nashville on April 21 at the Basement East. Tickets will go on sale beginning this Friday, Nov. 19, at 10 a.m. local time at elvieshane.com.

“I’ve never been more ready to break the chains!” shares Shane. “Getting to go out on the road for my first headlining tour is something we’ve been plotting for a while, and feels like just the kinda trouble I could get into. I can’t wait to get out there and play this record live.”

The tour announcement follows the recent celebration of Shane’s hit single “My Boy” topping the charts at country radio and being certified Gold by the RIAA. The track is featured on Shane’s just-released debut full length album Backslider.

“My Kinda Trouble Tour” Dates: 
2/17/2022 Chattanooga, TN – The Signal
2/18/2022 Charlotte, NC – Coyote Joe’s
2/19/2022 Greenville, SC – The Blind Horse
3/11/2022 Indianapolis, IN – 8 Seconds Saloon*
3/12/2022 Louisville, KY – Mercury Ballroom
3/24/2022 Cincinnati, OH – Bogarts
3/25/2022 Lexington, KY – Manchester Music Hall
3/26/2022 Warrendale, PA – Jergels
3/31/2022 Chicago, IL – Joe’s Bar
4/1/2022 Springfield, IL – Boondocks
4/14/2022 Little Rock, AR – Little Rock Music Hall
4/15/2022 Birmingham, AL – Zydeco
4/16/2022 Macon, GA – The Crazy Bull
4/21/2022 Nashville, TN – The Basement East
*On sale starts on 11/23

Bobby Tomberlin Extends Songwriting Contract With Curb | Word

Pictured (L-R): Sara Schumacher, Creative Director, Curb | Word Music; Bobby Tomberlin; and Ciara Shortridge, VP Country Publishing/A&R

CMA, ACM and Grammy-nominated songwriter Bobby Tomberlin has extended his contract with Curb | Word Music, marking his 27th year with the company.

Tomberlin has had over 100 of his songs recorded by the likes of Blake Shelton, Dolly Parton, Faith Hill, Kenny Rogers, Josh Turner, Dylan Scott, Rodney Atkins, Joe Nichols and the Oak Ridge Boys. He was also a co-writer on the Willie Nelson and Barbra Streisand single, “I’d Want It To Be You.”

Tomberlin was recently presented with a BMI Five Million Airplay Award for his song “One More Day,” recorded by Diamond Rio, and a One Million Airplay Award for “A Good Day To Run,” recorded by Darryl Worley.

“I’m so thankful to Mike Curb for giving me a chance to make my dreams come true. He has been so loyal, and it’s such a blessing to have a team like Ciara, Colt and Jonathan to work with,” says Tomberlin.

“Bobby Tomberlin is such a rare true talent, a wonderful human, and a pure joy to work with. He has created such a rich and diverse legacy of music in our catalog across these 27 years,” adds Ciara Shortridge, VP Country Publishing/A&R, Curb | Word. “With a deep connection to traditional country, his lyrical prowess brings a distinct timeless quality to every writing room he walks into, and his talents continue to evolve to fit the modern soundscape while staying true to those roots. I am proud to work with him, and can’t wait for what he will surprise us with next!”

Ryan Dokke Exits Play It Again Music

Ryan Dokke

Ryan Dokke has exited his role of CEO at Dallas Davidson‘s Play It Again Music. Dokke joined the publishing company in the summer of 2020 to help expand it to include label and artist management divisions.

“After an awesome year and a half, I am ready to get after a new challenge,” Dokke tells MusicRow. “I have loved working with Dallas Davidson and the entire PIA team, artists, songwriters, and partners! It is all love and respect.”

Prior to working at PIA, Dokke spent time at Curb Records where he rose to Curb|Word Entertainment Senior Vice President and General Manager in 2018. His career also includes a stop at Sony Music Entertainment (Arista Records).

Hit songwriter Davidson launched PIA Music in 2015. The company’s publishing roster includes Davidson, Kyle Fishman, Trea Landon, Justin Wilson, and Tommy Cecil. Play It Again Entertainment is home to artists Walker Montgomery and Dylan Marlowe.

Reach Dokke at [email protected].

Bobby Bones, Rachel Smith To Host ‘New Year’s Eve Live: Nashville’s Big Bash’

Bobby Bones & Rachel Smith

New Year’s Eve Live: Nashville’s Big Bash, CBS’ five-hour special to ring in the New Year, will be hosted by radio and TV personality Bobby Bones and Entertainment Tonight‘s Rachel Smith. The celebration will air live from Music City on Friday, Dec. 31 on CBS and will be available to stream live and on demand on Paramount+.

“I’m so excited to celebrate and host New Year’s Eve this year right down the street from my house, with so many of my friends who have great performances planned,” says Bones. “I can’t wait to show America how special Nashville is.”

“I am over the moon to co-host New Year’s Eve Live from Nashville,” Smith adds. “I get to hang with the hottest acts in country music, some I’m lucky enough to call friends, on New Year’s Eve in my hometown! Sign me up!”

As previously announced, the special will feature nearly 50 performances by country’s hottest stars, including Jason Aldean, Jimmie Allen, Kelsea Ballerini, Gabby Barrett, Dierks Bentley, Brooks & Dunn, Luke Bryan, Elle King, Miranda Lambert, Darius Rucker, Blake Shelton, Cole Swindell and Zac Brown Band. The broadcast will cross multiple time zones, with the traditional countdown at midnight ET, culminating with the renowned Nashville music note drop and fireworks at midnight CT.

Lon Helton & Bill Mayne Recognized With St. Jude Angels Among Us Award

Lon Helton, Bill Mayne

Lon Helton and Bill Mayne are the recipients of this year’s St. Jude Angels Among Us Award.

The award is presented by Randy Owen, Alabama lead-singer and co-founder of Country Cares. Owen kick-started the beloved tradition of giving the award to others who have shown his spirit and exceptional dedication to the lifesaving mission of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Helton, who began his radio career in 1971, has utilized his industry platforms to support St. Jude since the start of the Country Cares for St. Jude Kids program. He was one of the earliest St. Jude supporters during his time as Country Editor for Radio & Records magazine, penning multiple stories imploring country radio to increase its involvement in St. Jude radiothons. As the host of Country Countdown USA, Helton has participated in radio fundraisers and industry events, urging his nationwide audience to get more involved. Since establishing Country Aircheck in 2006, he has sustained his advocacy for patients at St. Jude with regular editorial content spotlighting important medical breakthroughs and radiothon success stories.

Mayne used his clout as head of Warner Bros Nashville to draw support when Country Cares for St. Jude Kids first launched, and to grow interest and participation from labels on Music Row. Mayne secured the first artist to attend the annual St. Jude event in the early 90s, the late Holly Dunn, and later Faith Hill and many other stars, which inspired the tradition and culture of artist participation at this event. Mayne then continued his involvement with St. Jude while serving as Executive Director for Country Radio Broadcasters/Country Radio Seminar from 2009-2019, incorporating St. Jude directly into the annual curriculum and urging involvement in the radiothon program.

This recognition places Helton and Mayne among the ranks of nine past recipients, including namesake Owen, in addition to Florida Georgia Line, Lady A, Jake Owen, Brad Paisley, Darius Rucker, John Rich, former ALSAC Chief Operating Officer David McKee (posthumously) and St. Jude Country Cares Advisory Board member, Sharon Eaves (posthumously). Both Helton and Mayne also received the 20-Year St. Jude Pioneers Award for their long-time support of St. Jude kids.

Luke Combs, Keith Urban Honored With CMA International Artist Achievement Awards

Left: Luke Combs and Sarah Trahern. Photo: Joshua Brasted. Right: Keith Urban and Sarah Trahern. Photo: Acacia Evans

The  Country Music Association awarded Luke Combs and Keith Urban with CMA International Artist Achievement Awards during The 55th Annual CMA Awards. The honor recognizes outstanding achievement by a United States-based artist who has demonstrated significant creative growth, development and promotion of the country music industry outside of the U.S. during the eligibility period.

“Both Keith and Luke have been trailblazers for our genre, consistently growing and enhancing country music globally,” says Sarah Trahern, CMA CEO. “They each place such a distinct priority on country music’s international fanbase and continue to further CMA’s mission to bring country music to audiences all over the world. We could not be prouder to present them both with this award.”

Combs’ sophomore album, What You See Is What You Get, debuted at No. 1 in the U.S. and Canada, as well as on the country charts in the U.K. and Australia. With its release, Combs became the first male country artist to have their first two albums certified Silver in the United Kingdom. What You See Is What You Get has been in the Australian ARIA Top 50 Albums chart for 104 weeks while his debut album, This One’s For You, has been on the chart for 178 weeks. Combs is the second highest streamed country artist in the U.K. for 2021, only behind Dolly Parton, and will headline the Country to Country (C2C) Festival in 2022.

“This award means a lot to me,” says Combs. “I am humbled to have so many supporters outside of my home country who love my music, and I am really looking forward to playing for them soon. Thank you to the CMA for honoring me with this award!”

Urban has been a consistent pioneer for the global spread of country music for over a decade. In 2019, he not only headlined the C2C Festival in the U.K. and Europe, but also embarked on his own shows throughout the year. He has performed on BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing as well as created a BBC Radio 2 series, proving his broadcast abilities.

Urban posted on his social channels saying: “CMA, thank you so much for this incredible honor, International Artist Achievement Award, thank you, thank you, thank you. This goes out to all the fans as well, thank you guys. Can’t wait to hit the road very soon.”

As announced earlier this fall, CMA awarded U.K. concert promoter Chris York the 2021 CMA Jo Walker Meador International Award. Winners for the remaining 2021 CMA International Awards categories will be presented in the coming months.

Lucy Bartozzi Upped At Round Hill Records, Relocates To Company’s Nashville Headquarters

Lucy Bartozzi. Photo: Imani Givertz

Round Hill Records has elevated Lucy Bartozzi to the position of Senior Director, Marketing. She has relocated from Los Angeles to the label’s Nashville to join the company’s new headquarter offices.

In her new role, Bartozzi will be responsible for the global marketing strategy for all Round Hill and label imprint releases, while also leading the execution of all campaigns. She will also oversee budgets and all creative, including advertising, video and album packaging. Bartozzi will continue to oversee the expanding marketing team, including merchandise/D2C, production, content and digital, and will run album campaigns for The Cult, Lit, Jared James Nichols and more.

Bartozzi joined Round Hill Records in 2019 as Project Director. Since then, she has launched marketing campaigns for artists such as Blues Traveler, Tash Neal, Black Pistol Fire and Lettuce as well as acts on the Triple Crown roster. Prior to Round Hill, she held the position of DSP Marketing Director at Mtheory and Project Manager at Red Bull Records. She graduated from the Bandier Program for the Recording and Entertainment Industries at Syracuse University.

“Throughout her tenure at Round Hill, Lucy has proven herself to be invaluable in all facets of marketing for our label imprints and front-line artists. Artist development is at the center of our label philosophy and I am confident that Lucy and the marketing team will continue to spotlight and manifest this,” shares President, Round Hill Records Joe Calitri. “I look forward to continuing to watch her grow in her new leadership role and I am also excited that Lucy will now be based here in Nashville as we open our new label headquarters in the same building as our famous Sienna Studios on Music Row. Bring on 2022!”

“I’m thrilled to join Joe and the Round Hill team in Nashville! It has truly been an honor working with our growing roster alongside the Round Hill team and I look forward to continuing to super-serve our talented artists in this new role in Music City,” adds Bartozzi.

Industry Ink: Sophie Moll, CRS Scholarship, Reel Muzik Werks, Stone Senate

Sophie Moll Joins JRM Publishing, Mailbox Money Music As Creative Manager

Sophie Moll

Sophie Moll has joined JRM Publishing/Mailbox Money Music in the role of Creative Manager. Moll will work under the direction of Sarah and Jimmy Robbins.

Originally from Conyers, Georgia, Moll moved to Nashville in 2014 to attend Belmont University. After graduating in 2018 with a B.B.A. and majoring in music business, she began working at Wrensong Entertainment under Ree Guyer, where she quickly realized she wanted to pursue a career in music publishing.

“Sophie has already proven herself to be an indispensable addition to our team. We are fortunate to have her join JRM Publishing/Mailbox Money Music as we grow our roster and ventures,” shares Sarah Robbins.

 

 

Jess Blais Receives 2022 Steve Ferguson CRS Scholarship For 2022 Conference

Jess Blais

The recipient of the 2022 Steve Ferguson CRS Scholarship has been announced as Jess Blais. She was selected by a board of country radio programmers and other industry professionals and will receive a paid registration for the 2022 Country Radio Seminar, running Feb. 23-25 in Nashville.

Blais serves as the content director for KYSM / Country 103.5 in Mankato, Minnesota. She will be honored during the 2022 CRS conference.

Spearheaded by Nashville’s GrassRoots Promotion, the scholarship was established to honor the legacy of longtime WTHO producer Steve Ferguson, who passed away in 2019.

“Jess Blais brings a passion for country music that truly embodies the spirit of the Scholarship,” says GrassRoots managing partner Nancy Tunick. “Steve Ferguson was such a positive force for the country format and the selection committee saw those same qualities in Jess.”

 

Reel Muzik Werks Signs Songwriter & Author Thornton Cline

Pictured L-R): Thornton Cline and Reel Muzik Werks’ Teri Nelson Carpenter

Reel Muzik Werks, helmed by creator advocate Teri Nelson Carpenter, has signed award-winning songwriter and author Thornton Cline.

Throughout his career, Cline’s music has received awards and nominations from the Recording Academy and the Gospel Music Association in the pop, classical, and kids’ music categories. Cline is also celebrating the recent release of his 34th traditionally-published book, Cheers From Heaven, with Tuscany Bay Books.

“Thornton is a great talent as a songwriter and an author. We are thrilled to welcome him into our Reel Muzik Werks family,” shares Carpenter.

“I am honored to sign with Teri Nelson Carpenter and Reel Muzik Werks,” Thornton adds. “I feel confident that Reel Muzik Werks will do what they say; by collecting royalties due for my songs all over the globe as well as licensing my songs in TV and film. They have offices all over the world and have an excellent track record as compared to other companies. I look forward to great things happening in our four-year business partnership.”

 

Stone Senate Signs With Conway Entertainment For Booking

Stone Senate

Nashville-based Conway Entertainment Group has signed southern rock band Stone Senate for booking service. They join a roster that includes Randy Travis, The SteelDrivers, Jake Hoot, and Monte Montgomery.

With influences like Lynyrd Skynyrd and The Allman Brothers Band, Stone Senate is made of lead vocalist/guitarist Clint Woolsey, guitarists James Edwards and Ted Hennington, bass player/vocalist Paul Zettler, and drummer/vocalist David Zettler. Having been together since 2012, the band has built their audience through relentless touring year round.

Stone Senate is signed to Rollin’ the Dice Records, a label imprint under longtime Nashville manager Erv Woolsey.

“We are very excited about our future with Stone Senate. The music speaks for itself, and the men are the best kind of people anyone could hope to work with,” shares Cody Payne of Conway Entertainment. “I had been hearing about the group for the last couple years and jumped on the opportunity to work with a band that already has such a great reputation thus far in their career.”

“I’ve known and respected Tony Conway for many years and had the opportunity to work with him on multiple occasions. I’m grateful to have him and his team at Conway Ent on board to help us grow Stone Senate’s touring!” adds Erv Woolsey, CEO and founder of Rollin’ the Dice Records.

Stone Senate and Conway Entertainment will wrap the year on Dec. 4 at The Basement in Nashville. Tickets for the show are on sale now.

MLC Seeks Music Publisher Representative For Operations Advisory Committee

The Mechanical Licensing Collective is seeking suggestions for a music publisher representative to fill an open seat on its Operations Advisory Committee.

As described in the Music Modernization Act (MMA), the Operations Advisory Committee “makes recommendations to the Board concerning the operations of the Collective, including the efficient investment in and deployment of information technology and data resources.”

Under the MMA, certain governance positions at The MLC are reserved for publisher representatives. These positions include ten members of The MLC’s Board of Directors, six members of the Operations Advisory Committee, five members of the Dispute Resolution Committee, and five members of the Unclaimed Royalties Oversight Committee.

MLC committees meet regularly. All meetings allow for virtual participation so travel is not generally required.

Suggestions should be made no later than Monday, Dec. 13. To suggest a candidate, click here.

‘Whiskey Myers Is A Comin’ Tour’ Set for Early 2022, New Album In The Works

Whiskey Myers. Photo: Khris Poage

Whiskey Myers has announced plans for their “Whiskey Myers Is A Comin’ Tour.” Along the way, Drake White and Read Southall Band will support the group on select dates.

Spanning across 21 cities, the run will start on Feb. 16 at The Filmore in Silver Spring, Maryland, criss-crossing the country before wrapping up in Shreveport, Louisiana, on April 21. Tickets to all dates will go on sale to the general public beginning this Friday, Nov. 19 via WhiskeyMyers.com.

Their 2019 Whiskey Myers debut album earned the band the top spot on both the country and Americana album charts and 41,000 first-week album sales. Now, two years since their self-titled, self-produced album, the band also teases their newest project slated for release in early 2022.

The group recently announced that their Firewater Music Festival will return for its second year, taking place Sept. 29 – Oct. 1 just outside Kansas City. For more information, click here.

“Whiskey Myers Is A Comin’ Tour” Dates:
Feb. 16 – The Filmore | Silver Spring, Md. *
Feb. 17 – Theatre at Westbury | Westbury, N.Y. *
Feb. 18 – Main Street Armory | Rochester, N.Y. *
Feb. 19 – The Wellmont Theater | Montclair, N.J. *
Feb. 20 – Santander Performing Arts Center | Reading, Penn. *
March 9 – Five Flags Cneter | Dubuque, Iowa *
March 10 – The Armory | Minneapolis, Minn. *
March 11 – DeltaPlex Arena | Grand Rapids, Mich. *
March 12 – Eagles Ballroom Club | Milwaukee, Wisc. *
March 24 – Buddy Holly Center | Lubbock, Texas *
March 25 – Abraham Chavex Theatre | El Paso, Texas *
March 26 – Wagner Noel Performing Arts Center | Midland, Texas *
March 31 – Hobart Arena | Troy, Ohio +
April 1 – The Riviera Theatre | Chicago, Ill.
April 2 – The Sylvee | Madison, Wisc. +
April 3 – The Louisville Palace Theater | Louisville, Ky .+
April 5 – Peoria Civic Center | Peoria, Ill. +
April 7 – Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Auditorium | Chattanooga, Tenn.
April 8 – Appalachian Wireless Arena | Pikeville, Ky. +
April 9 – Township Auditorium | Columbia, S.C. +
April 21 – Shreveport Municipal Auditorium | Shreveport, La.
* support: Drake White
+ support: Read Southall Band
support for remaining dates TBA