Industry Ink: Post Malone, Lee Brice, Ryman Auditorium, Tommy Emmanuel, More

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Post Malone & Raising Cane’s Surprises Notes For Notes Artists With $500K Donation & Private Lessons

Post Malone and Raising Cane’s Owner and Founder Todd Graves During $500K Donation Event at Notes for Notes Nashville Studio. Photo: Courtesy of Raising Cane’s

Post Malone and Raising Cane’s Owner & Founder Todd Graves recently surprised young artists with a $500K donation and private music lesson at Notes for Notes Nashville studio. Post Malone selected national nonprofit Notes for Notes for this initiative because it builds, equips and staffs after school recording studios for youth to explore, create and record music for free.

The $500K donation was a result of Raising Cane’s limited-edition Post Malone poster sales last October which featured key moments from Post’s collaboration with the Chicken Finger brand, including Post at the all-pink Midvale, Utah Raising Cane’s Restaurant and Post in front of the Dallas Cowboys Restaurant in Dallas.

 

Lee Brice Performs At Touching Medal of Honor Dedication

Lee Brice performs during the Medal of Honor Dedication/ribbon cutting for SFC Jared Monti

Lee Brice recently performed his heartbreaking song, “I Drive Your Truck,” during a Medal of Honor Dedication/ribbon cutting for SFC Jared Monti, who inspired the track, at the SFC Jared C. Monti Soldier and Squad Research Facility in Natick, Massachusetts. The song was penned by Connie Harrington after hearing an NPR feature on Monti in which his father reminisces about his son and the truck he drove to remember him.

Following Brice’s performance of the song, guests witnessed an impressive Solider and Squad demonstration by the 10th Mountain Division.

 

Ryman Inducted Into Pollstar Live! Hall Of Fame

Pictured (L-R): Bobby Weir; Ryman Auditorium’s Chrissy Hall, Director of Concerts and Morgan Pitt, Sr. Concerts Booking Manager

Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium was recently officially inducted into the Pollstar Live! Hall of Fame during the 36thannual Pollstar Awards in L.A. As the first venue to ever be inducted, the Ryman was honored alongside legendary artist Stevie Nicks and promoters Louis Messina and Barrie Marshall. The Ryman was inducted by Grateful Dead founding member Bobby Weir, who paid tribute to the hallowed venue.

“You don’t just play the Ryman, you step into its story,” says Weir. “And the Ryman keeps thriving because of the folks behind the scenes who care deeply about what it stands for… There’s magic and purpose in that room. I’ve felt it. Pretty much everyone who’s ever played there has. It’s hallowed ground…This beloved gathering place is the heart of American music, and for that, we honor the Ryman.”

 

Tommy Emmanuel Performs At Country Music Hall of Fame And Museum’s Honor Society Event

Pictured (L-R): Museum Board Chair Jody Williams, Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum CEO Kyle Young, Tommy Emmanuel, Hosts Gloria Dumas and Ken Levitan and the Museum’s Vice President of Development Ben Hall. Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum thanked its Honor Society members on April 15 with a special event at the home of museum board member Ken Levitan and Gloria Dumas featuring a guest performance by Grammy-winning artist Tommy Emmanuel. Honor Society members are donors who give $1,000 or more annually to the museum, providing meaningful support for the museum’s award-winning exhibitions, education programs and the preservation of the museum’s collection. Benefits of Honor Society membership include donor recognition, complimentary museum tickets and guided tours for guests, invitations to exclusive events and more.

 

Mark Morton Celebrates Second Solo Album Without The Pain

Pictured (L-R): Joe Harvatt, Travis Denning, Mark Morton, Chris Brooks and Matt James. Photo: Eric Ahlgrim

Mark Morton, guitarist of the multi-Platinum metal band Lamb of God, recently celebrated the release of his second solo album, Without The Pain, with an intimate release party at Vinyl Tap in East Nashville. Morton was joined by album collaborators Travis Denning and Matt James of Blacktop Mojo, as they marked the debut of the Southern rock and blues-infused album.

 

LuckySky Music Celebrates Second No. 1 With ‘Abilene’

Pictured (L-R): Bill DiLuigi (LuckySky Music staff writer), Bill Warner (President / LuckySky Music), Kirsti Manna (VP & Creative Director / LuckySky Music), Greg Sax, Radio Promoter (SAXIS MUSIC GROUP), Tori Martin (LuckySky Music artist/writer), Jason Engelman (CEO /LuckySky Music) and LuckySky staff writer Joseph Wandass IV (J4).

Nashville-based LuckySky Music celebrates their second No. 1 with artist-songwriter Tori Martin in Arlington, Texas. Martin’s “Abilene,” produced by Bill Warner and written by Bill Diluigi, Kirsti Manna, Bill Warner and Martin, has topped the Texas Regional Radio Report (TRRR) Chart.

AEG Presents Promotes Trent Allison

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Trent Allison

AEG Presents has promoted Trent Allison to Senior Director of Sales and Special Events for venues in Georgia and Tennessee. Based out of the company’s Nashville office and reporting to the Regional Vice President, Mike DuCharme, Allison will oversee special events at The Pinnacle, AEG Presents’ new flagship venue in Nashville, while continuing to oversee The Eastern, Terminal West, Variety Playhouse and the Georgia Theater in Georgia.

“I couldn’t be more excited to continue the growth of our special events business in Georgia while growing my role in Nashville’s dynamic special events market at The Pinnacle,” says Allison. “From award shows and livestreams to corporate events and everything in between, a cornerstone of my approach is hosting impactful community events that resonate and create lasting connections.”

Allison formerly served as Director of Sales and played a pivotal role in the launch of four Georgia venues, including Terminal West and The Eastern.

“With over 25 years of sales expertise, including 13 years in sales management, Trent has a proven track record of success,” says DuCharme. “Trent is a seasoned sales leader with a vibrant, results-driven approach to building revenue, forging strategic partnerships and leading high-performing teams. Thrilled to have Trent continue delivering exceptional client experiences through personalized solutions and unparalleled service.”

In Georgia, Margarita Rios, Sales and Operations Manager, will take over the Director of Sales position and Dell Ressl, Special Events Coordinator, will move into the Sales and Operations Manager position. Rios and Ressl will report to Allison.

Lydia Vaughan Continues To Climb The MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart

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Lydia Vaughan

Lydia Vaughan continues her upward trend on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart. The songwriter sits at No. 17 this week with Jordan Davis’ “Bar None” and John Morgan feat. Jason Aldean’s “Friends Like That.”

Riley Green reclaims the No. 1 spot with solo-penned “Worst Way.” Ashley Gorley sits at No. 2 with “Fix What You Didn’t Break,” “I Had Some Help,” “Liar,” “Love Somebody,” “Not At This Party,” “Park” and “She Hates Me.”

Ben Johnson (No. 3), Charlie Handsome (No. 4) and Morgan Wallen (No. 5) round out this week’s top five.

The weekly MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart uses algorithms based upon song activity according to airplay, digital download track sales and streams. This unique and exclusive addition to the MusicRow portfolio is the only songwriter chart of its kind.

Click here to view the full MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart.

Caiden Wallace Signs With Sony Music Publishing & Marv Green’s Out Yonder Music

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Pictured (L-R, back row): Rusty Gaston, Kenley Flynn, Tom Luteran, Cam Caldwell and Chelsea Kent. (L-R, front row): Marv Green, Caiden Wallace and Anna Weisband. Photo: Amy Allmand

Singer-songwriter Caiden Wallace has signed with Sony Music Publishing Nashville, in partnership with songwriter Marv Green.

Through the new co-venture, Green’s Out Yonder Music will work alongside Sony to advance collaboration opportunities and deliver expanded creative support to its roster.

Hailing from Springville, California, Wallace recently made waves with his songs “More Than a Night,” “Manipulate” and “Don’t Call,” which have amassed millions of views across social media. He released his latest single “Girl I Never Had” on April 18, marking his first studio-produced track.

“It’s not every day that you come across someone with as much raw talent and unlimited potential as Caiden,” says Rusty Gaston, CEO of Sony Music Publishing Nashville. “His California roots are infused into every song he writes, and he is creating something special. We’re excited to welcome Caiden to SMP as we work alongside the incredible Marv Green to take Caiden’s career to even greater heights.” 

“I’m so proud of Caiden Wallace and everything that he’s accomplished at the young age of 18,” says Green. “His spirited work ethic and his natural born artistry will translate to a major record deal sooner than later. It’s a privilege to announce him as my first writer at Out Yonder Music, alongside my team at Sony Music Publishing.”

“I feel truly blessed to be working with the amazing team at Sony Music Publishing in these early stages of my career,” adds Wallace. “With people like my uncle Marv Green, Anna Weisband, and Rusty Gaston in my corner, I’m confident I’m on the road that leads to a long and successful career.”

Drew Green Is ‘Comin’ In Country’ On New EP

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RECORDS artist Drew Green has released his new EP, Comin’ In Country, including the focus track “There Ain’t A Bar,” which laments over a heartbreak that seemingly no liquor drink or bar can fix.

Green’s March release, “Hot Chicken,” which was co-written by Green with Seth Alley, Heath Warren and Jake Rose, also appears on the new six-track EP. The title track, released in January, is an infectious anthem filled with catchy anecdotes depicting a wildcard of a woman that has “the boys lined up like shots of Kentucky.”

“We’ve been working on the Comin’ In Country EP all year, and I’m pumped to get it out,” says Green.”These are my favorite songs I’ve written this year, and we’ve already been in the studio recording more… I just hope everyone loves what they hear!”

Comin’ In Country Track List:
1. Comin’ In Country (Drew Green, Kelly Archer, Mark Trussell)
2. There Ain’t A Bar (Drew Green, Mark Trussell, Reid Isbell)
3. Hot Chicken (Drew Green, Seth Alley, Heath Warren, Jake Rose)
4. Heard About Me (Drew Green, Mark Trussell, Russell Sutton)
5. Undefeated (Drew Green, Russell Sutton, Lindsay Rimes)
6. You And The Sun (Brent Anderson, Chris Dubois, Austin Machado, Davis Fortney, Miachael Stevens)

Shelby Paul Establishes Evolvance PR

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Shelby Paul. Photo: House of Jenks

Entertainment publicist veteran Shelby Paul has launched her own public relations firm, Evolvance PR. The company will specialize in strategic communications, media relations, story development, comprehensive strategy and award submissions.

“I’ve been blessed to work alongside exceptional talent and visionary executives as they’ve pursued and achieved their lifelong dreams,” shares Paul. “Whether it’s building something from the ground up, catching a rocket mid-ascent or revitalizing a strong foundation, I’m passionate about developing stories and amplifying voices. I’m excited to step into this next chapter and support my partners as they grow in this ever-evolving industry.”

Paul launches the firm after her time as Director, Communications at Big Machine Label Group where she lead media strategies for the label’s roster as well as publishing arm Big Machine Music’s songwriters. During her 10 years there, she was essential in the media development of Carly Pearce and Conner Smith, and contributed to the bolstering careers of Thomas Rhett, Lady A, Brantley Gilbert, Rascal Flatts, Brian Kelley and Jennifer Nettles. She also helped develop new talents Tiera Kennedy, Josh Phillips, Danielle Bradbery, Greylan James and Avenue Beat. Paul also launched the publicity campaigns of Laura Veltz and Jessie Jo Dillon, who won ACM Awards Songwriter of the Year in 2024.

Paul’s career has also included roles in sports, TV, film, live events and philanthropy, including time at Academy of Country Music, Detroit Pistons and Allied Global Marketing, among others. In 2023, the Central Michigan University graduate was named to MusicRow Magazine’s “Next Big Thing” 2023 directory, and she has also served as a GRAMMY U mentor.

Paul can be reached at shelby@evolvancepr.com.

Anne Wilson Wraps ‘Rebel’ Era With New ‘Rebel (Revisited)’ Deluxe Edition

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Anne Wilson is marking the one-year anniversary of her Christian country album Rebel with Rebel (Revisited), out now.

First released on April 21, 2024, Rebel marked a turning point in Wilson’s career, meshing faith-filled messages and country soul. With Rebel (Revisited), Wilson offers listeners five new takes of fan-favorite tracks, closing the chapter on the project. The new deluxe version features a reimagined acoustic take of “Rain In The Rearview,” which earned Wilson her first CMT Music Award nomination for Breakthrough Female Video of the Year, as well as acoustic and stripped-down collabs including “Praying Woman” (with Lainey Wilson) (Acoustic),” “Country Gold (with Jordan Davis) (Acoustic)” and her No. 1 hit at Christian radio “Strong (Acoustic).” The album also includes the Church Session version of her latest single, “The Cross (Church Session),” currently in the Top 10 and climbing at Christian radio.

“I am so excited to release this special edition of Rebel on the one year anniversary of this album that means so much to me,” shares Wilson. “Since releasing Rebel, life has been such a whirlwind filled with one incredible moment after another. Seeing these songs go from the writing room to the studio, from the studio to the radio and finally to the stage has brought me so much joy! I hope these songs have encouraged people to remember that sometimes being a rebel ain’t such a bad thing. After all, the one I follow was a rebel like me!”

Wilson will bring her live show to audiences this summer at select Christian and country festivals before joining Morgan Wallen’s “I’m The Problem Tour” for select dates.

Entertainment Attorney Steve Weaver Passes

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Steve Weaver

Entertainment attorney Steve Weaver passed away April 12 following a battle with Posterior Cortical Atrophy, a rare form of Alzheimer’s disease. He was 76.

Weaver had a 40-year career as an entertainment attorney in Memphis and Nashville. In his early years, he was also a musician, songwriter, guitar instructor and entertainment agent. After graduating from law school, Weaver relocated to Atlanta and was employed as an Assistant Professor and Director of the Commercial Music/Recording Program at Georgia State University. He later began his private practice, the Law Office of C. Stephen Weaver, in 1983, with offices in Memphis and Nashville. In 1995 he moved all offices to Nashville’s Music Row. He was a partner in artist management firm Streetlight Management from 2008-2010.

Throughout his career he was a member of the American Bar Association, Tennessee Bar Association, Nashville Bar Association, Country Music Association, Academy of Country Music, Gospel Music Association, Copyright Society of the South and Nashville Songwriter’s Association International.

Weaver is survived by his wife, Connie James Weaver; son, Lorne Mills of Phoenix; step-daughter, Katie Moore of Los Angeles; brother, Barton Weaver (Ella) of Bossier City, Louisiana; sister, Karen Singleton (Don) of Memphis; nephews and nieces Hayden Weaver, Kirk Weaver, Lindsey Shelton, and Becky Aston; sister-in-law, Sharon James Grubbs (Don); and his beloved dogs, Bubba and Leon.

Memorials in Weaver’s honor can be made to Alive Hospice of Nashville or Proverbs 12:10 Animal Rescue. A private memorial will be scheduled at a later time.

Tanner Usrey Slates Upcoming LP ‘These Days,’ For July

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Tanner Usrey. Photo: Working Holiday

Rising country artist Tanner Usrey will release his new album, These Days, July 11 via Atlantic Records. He just released a new song, “Don’t Let Go (Hold Me Close),” in advance of the new project.

These Days was produced by Dave Cobb and recorded between Nashville’s historic RCA Studio A and Cobb’s studio in Savannah, and features Usrey’s most personal work to date. Across the 10 tracks, Usrey showcases his country-rock sound while delving into vulnerable topics like mental health struggles, relationships highs and lows, and his own self-reflections. The title track debuted alongside a video for the song earlier this year.

YouTube video

“Ever since I started recording music, I’ve wanted to make a record with Dave Cobb,” says Usrey. “He’s done some of my favorite albums by huge influences of mine like Whiskey Myers, Chris Stapleton, and of course Jason Isbell. Getting to see how Dave’s mind works and building this album with him was such a great experience, to say the least. I think this album captures the sound that I’ve been going for since I started, and really pushes my voice in a way that I haven’t before, which makes the band and I that much more excited to play it live.”

In celebration of the new music, Usrey will embark on his extensive “Bad Love Tour” this summer, which includes newly confirmed stops at New York’s Bowery Ballroom, Lexington’s The Burl, Athens’ 40 Watt Club, Charleston’s The Windjammer, Chicago’s Joe’s on Weed St., Minneapolis’ Varsity Theater, Milwaukee’s Vivarium and Pittsburgh’s Spirit Hall, among many others. He’ll also join Dylan Gossett and Cody Jinks for several dates this year.

Usrey has already amassed over 310 million streams to date, performed countless shows across the country, and had his songs featured in hit shows like Yellowstone and Landman.

These Days Track List:
1. “Do It All Myself”
2. “If You Call Me Again”
3. “Better Weather”
4. “4th of July”
5. “Smoke in the Air”
6. “Bad Love”
7. “Don’t Let Go (Hold Me Close)”
8. “These Days”
9. “With You”
10. “Gasoline and Adderall”

Tyler Childers & Chris Stapleton To Headline Healing Appalachia Festival

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Tyler Childers and Chris Stapleton will headline this year’s Healing Appalachia Festival, the largest recovery-based music festival, taking place Sept. 19-20 in Ashland, Kentucky.

“Moving the festival to Eastern Kentucky and to the heart of The Country Music Highway, we could not be more excited or humbled to have two of the Commonwealth’s greatest songwriters and voices for their people – Chris Stapleton and Tyler Childers,” shares Dave Lavender, Board President for Hope in the Hills. “Not only have they both urgently and boldly shared their journeys and songs of home with the world, but both are first in line to roll up their sleeves and help folks in need. We can’t wait to leave the porch light on for them here in the hills of home at Healing Appalachia.”

Childers and his team at WhizzbangBAM! founded the event as the flagship production of Hope In The Hills. The non-profit based in West Virginia is dedicated to fighting the opioid crisis and supporting recovery. For the past five years, the festival has been held in West Virginia, but is now taking place in Childers’ home state for the first time.

“We are thrilled to host Healing Appalachia in Kentucky for 2025,” says Andrew Steele, Executive Director of Boyd County Tourism. “We are beyond excited to show off the Country Music Highway with a few of our very own! The mission behind this festival is so important to our region, and we can’t wait to help the event grow.”

“Moving Healing Appalachia to Kentucky is special for a lot of reasons. It exemplifies the growth of something that started as an idea on how we could create change in a world that we were watching destroy our friends and families first hand,” adds Ian Thornton, Founder of WhizzbangBAM! “Watching it start at home in WV with 1500 people, to becoming the movement that it is today and being able to start traveling through Appalachia, it’s an honor to have Tyler and Chris headline this inaugural trip across the Big Sandy as a couple of local boys who did it right.”

Tickets to Healing Appalachia Festival are on sale now. More performers will be revealed at a later date.