Maddie & Tae Extend ‘All Song No Static Tour’ Into Spring

Maddie & Tae. Photo: Joseph Llanes

Maddie & Tae will continue their headlining “All Song No Static Tour” into spring 2023 with stops in 12 additional markets, including Omaha, Detroit, Kansas, and more through April 8. Tickets for the new dates are on sale now.

The duo are wrapping a year that included the release of their two-part collection–Through The Madness Vol. 1 and Vol. 2, a CMT Music Award for Group/Duo Video of the Year, ACM and CMA Duo of the Year nominations, and more.

They are also gearing up to ring in the New Year with an appearance on Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2023, performing two songs from Disneyland Resort on Saturday, Dec. 31.

Parmalee Slates ‘Take My Name Tour’ For Early 2023

Parmalee. Photo: Joseph Llanes

Parmalee is kicking off 2023 with their headlining “Take My Name Tour.”

The 11-date run launches in Champagne, Illinois on Feb. 2, and will visit St. Louis, Green Bay, Minneapolis, and more before wrapping April 22 in West Chester, Ohio. Tickets are available for general sale on Friday (Dec. 16).

Following a successful 2022, which included a No. 1 hit with their Platinum-certified single “Take My Name” and scoring their first American Music Award nomination, the band is excited to gear up for another year of touring nationwide.

“We’ve really been looking forward to this headlining tour! Everything we’ve built over the past couple years has been for this tour and for our fans,” the group’s Matt Thomas shares. “‘Take My Name’ has such a huge connection with folks and with all the love everyone has shown the song, we decided to name this tour run after it.”

Parmalee has taken three singles to No. 1, including 2019’s “Just The Way,” which has amassed over 500 million streams and scored an iHeart Award nomination for “Country Song of the Year.” Their new single, “Girl In Mine,” is impacting country radio now.

ACM LEVel Up Program Announces New 2023 Group Of Rising Industry Leaders

The Academy of Country Music’s LEVel Up: Lift Every Voice program has announced its 2023 cohort’s members on Tuesday (Dec. 13). They also celebrated the inaugural 2022 cohort’s completion of the first year of the two-year professional development program.

Pictured (L-R, back row): ACM CEO Damon Whiteside; Jenn Tressler; Nick Coulson; Ellen Ford; Markus Koger; Sabrina Butera; Synnovea Halsel; Chantrel Reynolds; and Jade Sampson, ACM; (L-R, front row): Kaela Allen; Shelby Moran; Mackenzie Cooper; Morgan Kenney; Daniel Killian; Vanna Moua; Kortney Toney; and Tommy Moore, ACM

The ACM LEVel Up Rising Leaders curriculum is designed to empower participants to play a pivotal role in expanding the horizons of the country industry into new audiences.

The first year is spent learning from thought leaders across the industry, as well as collaborating to develop a proposed plan to expand country’s reach into new and underrepresented audience segments. The second sees the class implement their plan, working intentionally to shape the future and move the industry forward.

The 2023 LEVel Up cohort is comprised of established young professionals in the industry from record labels, radio stations, podcasts, management groups, and many other industry roles.  Participants are typically in the mid stages of their career, primed to benefit from the professional growth and eager to serve as ambassadors for inclusivity and equity within the country industry.

ACM LEVel Up, 2023 Cohort:

  • Sabrina Butera, CAA
  • Nick Coulson, SiriusXM/The Highway
  • Ellen Ford, BBR Music Group
  • Aimee Graham, Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
  • Synnovea Halsel, Sony Music Publishing
  • Alex Heimerman, Universal Music Group Nashville
  • Roxy King, UMPG
  • Markus Koger, Smoking Section Podcast
  • Chantrel Reynolds, mTheory
  • Jenn Tressler, Opry Entertainment Group

ACM LEVel Up, 2022 Cohort, who have just completed the first year of the program:

  • Kaela Allen, Singer/Songwriter
  • Mackenzie Cooper, Triple Tigers Records
  • Stephanie Davenport, Warner Music Nashville
  • Morgan Kenney, WME
  • Daniel Killian, FBMM
  • Shelby Moran, AEG Presents
  • Vanna Moua, Rhythm House
  • Kortney Toney, Naxos of America

Forrest Latta, Andrew Davis Promoted At Average Joes Entertainment

Andrew Davis & Forrest Latta. Photo: Julian Mendoza

Average Joes Entertainment has promoted Forrest Latta to President of the label group, while Andrew Davis has been upped to Senior Vice President of Marketing.

An Alabama native, Latta graduated from The University of Georgia’s Music Business program. Following graduation in 2011, he joined the team as a Product Manager and eventually rose to Vice President of A&R, overseeing many of the label’s recent successful signings.

Davis joined Average Joes in 2014 as a Digital Marketing Coordinator for the label group. He eventually broadened his scope of promotional duties to the company’s other media verticals, including film and TV, after being elevated to Vice President of Marketing in 2020.

“As Average Joes continues to expand its footprint in film and television, I can’t think of more capable hands to take the reigns of the music side of the company,” shares Average Joes CEO, Shannon Houchins.

Average Joes Entertainment’s roster includes Colt Ford, Montgomery Gentry, Bryan Martin, Josh  Mirenda, Charlie Farley, Sarah Ross, Sam Grow, Austin Tolliver, Lenny Cooper, and Cypress Spring.

Morgan Evans To Co-Headline European ‘Day Drunk Me Tour’ With Mitchell Tenpenny In 2023

Morgan Evans is heading back to Europe next year for his co-headlining “Day Drunk Me Tour” alongside Mitchell Tenpenny.

The five-date run will begin on March 3 in Hamburg, Germany, and wrap on March 8 in Cologne, Germany. Tickets go on sale Friday, Dec. 16.

Following the tour, Evans will head to the C2C Festival, playing three headline shows in Dublin, London and Glasgow.

A few months ago, the singer-songwriter debuted his new single, “Over For You,”on the CMC Rocks Festival stage in Australia. The track is already climbing on the Billboard and Country Aircheck charts.

He’ll wrap 2022’s performances in his home country later this month on Australia’s ABC New Year’s Eve Celebration in Sydney. He returns to the states in late March for Brett Young’s “5 Tour 3 2 1,” playing all 17 dates.

“Day Drunk Me Tour” Dates:
March 3 – Hamburg, Germany – Kent
March 4 – Munich, Germany – Strom
March 5 – Berlin, Germany – Frannz Club
March 7 – Utrect, Netherlands – Cloud Nine
March 8 – Cologne, Germany – Club Volta

Jason B. Jones Upped To VP, Creative At Integrity Music & David C Cook

Jason B. Jones

Award-winning Creative Director Jason B. Jones has been promoted to the newly created role of Vice President, Creative at Integrity Music and David C Cook. In this new position, he will lead a cross-functional team of creatives and marketers to expand the company’s global influence through Integrity Music and David C Cook’s publishing and curriculum arm.

During his time at Integrity Music, Jones has become one of the leading music resources for the global church and has served on the senior leadership team, providing insight and guidance for visual communications and creative services. He joined Integrity Music in 2015 as Senior Director of Visual Communications, where he built an innovative team responsible for growing and supporting a roster of worship and gospel artists. Jones has been credited with a variety of important accomplishments, including a GMA Dove Award and multiple nominations.

Prior to Integrity, Jones spent 17 years working with other labels and artists in similar capacities, including TobyMac, Amy Grant, Chris Tomlin, Matt Redman, Michael W. Smith, and Kari Jobe. Before immersing himself in Christian music, he worked as Creative Director for Tyemill, a Seattle-based tech company, where he focused on user interface design and execution for e-commerce. In 2005, he co-founded Otterball, an internationally award-winning design agency focused on branding and web marketing for recording artists.

“Jason has a unique ability to create at the highest level and translate that creativity into wide-reaching, meaningful impact,” shares Jonathan Brown, President of Integrity Music. “Over the past six years, I’ve personally seen Jason’s care and intentionality in the way he leads others. I have no doubt that in this next season of his career he will continue to foster a culture of imagination and elevate the overall ministry of David C Cook and Integrity Music.”

“I am humbled and excited to work alongside this expanded team, and thankful for the opportunity to help innovate and grow our ministries,” Jones adds. “I’m eager to dive into this new role and ready to further cultivate a culture of market-leading creative development.”

River House Artists Adds Trey Lewis To Artist Roster

Lynn Oliver-Cline & Trey Lewis. Photo: Emma Golden

River House Artists has signed country artist Trey Lewis to an exclusive record deal. River House will oversee label responsibilities for Lewis as he works toward a full-length project expected in 2023.

The River House partnership follows the success of seven single releases in 2022, including “My Ex Came Over,” “Single Again” and “How Bout We Don’t.” Partly due to his mega-viral hit “Dicked Down in Dallas,” Lewis has racked up over 300 million global career streams across releases.

The Birmingham, Alabama native has proved he’s more than a TikTok gone viral, notching 40 shows as direct support for Kid Rock. After playing for crowds across the country for the past 10 years, the rising singer-songwriter performed nearly 90 shows this year alone.

The deal fills out Lewis’ artist team as River House joins forces with his publishing partner Sony Music Publishing, booking agency WME, and Big Friendly Productions for management.

“I have been a fan of Trey’s for a long time! We have kept in touch over the years and he was ready to decide on a partner for the next chapter of his career,” shares Lynn Oliver-Cline, founder of River House Artists. “I love working with DIY artists at this level who have already built an amazing internal team and have a very loyal fan base. RHA and his publishers at Sony Music are helping him make the best choices that will help him make the most out of his debut record. I objectively believe it will show everyone he is a true artist, the real deal…and we are having fun!”

“I am excited to join the River House family. Their experience and shared vision has made me glad that I waited for the right deal, not the first deal,” adds Lewis. “I’ve been writing non-stop over the last two years and have so many amazing songs that I can’t wait to share with my fans.”

Ryan Griffin Inks Deal With Red Street Publishing

Pictured (L-R, front row): Dan Crockett (Chairman/Owner), Ryan Griffin, and Jay DeMarcus (Owner/CEO); (L-R, back row): Alex Valentine (General Manager), Landon Dirickson (General Counsel), Kelly King (Senior Director of A&R and Publishing), and Harrison Sokoloff (Director of Publishing and A&R).

Red Street Country’s Ryan Griffin has signed a deal with the company’s publishing arm, Red Street Publishing. Launched in October 2022, Red Street Publishing is led by Kelly King, Senior Director of A&R and Publishing, and Harrison Sokoloff, Director of Publishing and A&R.

A a co-writer on Kelsea Ballerini’s No. 1 hit ‘“Dibs,” Griffin emerged as an artist on the rise in 2022, clinching the No. 1 spot on SiriusXM’s The Highway Hot 30 Weekend Countdown with his song “Salt, Lime, & Tequila.” The singer-songwriter first signed a record deal with Red Street Country in January of 2022, making him the first signing to the country division’s roster.

“Everyone at Red Street Country has really championed me as an artist so signing with Red Street Publishing just seemed like a great next step,” Griffin expresses.”Songwriting has always been a real passion of mine and I’m thrilled to be working with an organization that really values songwriters and their creativity.”

“Ryan Griffin immediately felt like a natural fit since we were already working so closely with him on the label side,” King adds. “We were fans of his writing first for a very long time and I couldn’t be more excited to be partnering with him on the publishing side.”

Griffin recently wrapped up his “Slow Down Sunrise Tour,” and released the holiday favorite “Little Saint Nick,” produced by and featuring country star and Red Street Records Founder Jay DeMarcus.

Jared Conrad Inks With Big Yellow Dog Music

Jared Conrad and the Big Yellow Dog team. Photo: Courtesy of Shore Fire Media

Songwriter and producer Jared Conrad has signed with Big Yellow Dog Music. With this signing, Conrad will have a large focus on writing and producing for sync for the artist development, publishing and record label company.

An Idaho native, Conrad graduated from Belmont University’s Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business in 2015. Through his time at Belmont, he created a strong network in Music City and worked with nearly every major label and publisher, as well as independent clients. Conrad has produced and written songs for Pentatonix, Meghan Trainor, Terri Clark, Ian Munsick, Cody Johnson, Randall King and others.

“Jared knows how to create a track that immediately pulls you in as a listener,” says Alex Stefano, VP of Sync at Big Yellow Dog. “He has already blown away our sync team by the quality of songs he has turned in within his first month at BYD. We can’t wait for more and are excited to see where these songs land in the near future, both in cuts and in the sync space.”

“I am beyond excited and honored to be a part of the Big Yellow Dog team,” Conrad adds. “They are an immense force in the sync, country, and pop markets & are able to offer their writers and artists so many opportunities to succeed and grow. A massive thanks to Carla [Wallace], Alex, Jacee [Badeaux], and the rest of the group for being such hands-on champions of me and my music, and for already doing so much to make this a wonderful partnership!”

Conrad is managed by producer manager Brandon Perdue.

Big Yellow Dog’s sync team has had significant placements over the past few years, including advertising for Apple, Deezer, Facebook, numerous placements in Grey’s Anatomy, promos for HBO Max and more.

Chase Rice Slates ‘Way Down Yonder Tour’ For 2023

Chase Rice. Photo: Kaiser Cunningham

Chase Rice is embarking on his “Way Down Yonder Tour” in March, which will visit 23 markets across the country through April 29.

Joining as special guests across various dates will be Avery Anna, Tyler Braden, Ashland CraftDalton DoverKameron Marlowe, Read Southall Band and Conner Smith.

Kicking off March 3 in Laughlin, Nevada, the tour will make stops in Tucson, Lexington, Buffalo, St. Petersburg, Atlanta and more, with a Nashville show on April 11 at the Ryman Auditorium. Tickets go on sale this Thursday (Dec. 15), with pre-sales beginning today (Dec. 13).

The tour earns its name from Rice’s latest single from his forthcoming album. Rice wrote the track with Hunter Phelps, John Byron, Blake Pendergrass and Corey Crowder during a writing retreat in Florida that also produced recent release “Key West & Colorado.”

“Way Down Yonder Tour” Dates:
March 3 – Laughlin, Nev. – Harrah’s Laughlin
March 4 – Tucson, Ariz. – Cologuard Classic
March 9 – Indianapolis, Ind. – Egyptian Room at Old National Centre – Conner Smith
March 10 – Detroit, Mich. – The Fillmore Detroit – Conner Smith
March 11 – Grand Rapids, Mich. – The Intersection – Conner Smith
March 23 – Wichita, Kan. – The Cotillion – Tyler Braden
March 24 – Sioux Falls, S.D. – The Alliance Center – Tyler Braden
March 25 – Omaha, Neb. – The Admiral – Tyler Braden
March 31 – Lexington, Ky. – Manchester Music Hall – Ashland Craft
April 1 – Columbus, Ohio – The Bluestone – Ashland Craft
April 2 – Buffalo, N.Y. – Town Ballroom – Ashland Craft
April 6 – Binghamton, N.Y. – Touch of Texas – Dalton Dover
April 7 – Bensalem, PA – Parx Casino – Dalton Dover
April 8 – Norfolk, VA – The NorVa – Dalton Dover
April 11 – Nashville, Tenn. – Ryman Auditorium – Avery Anna
April 13 – Albany, N.Y. – Empire Live – Dalton Dover, Avery Anna
April 14 – Boston, Mass. – House of Blues – Dalton Dover, Avery Anna
April 15 – Sayreville, N.J. – Starland Ballroom – Dalton Dover, Avery Anna
April 21 – Atlanta, Ga. – Coca Cola Roxy – Kameron Marlowe, Avery Anna
April 22 – Wilmington, N.C. – Live Oak Bank Pavilion – Kameron Marlowe, Avery Anna
April 27 – Athens, Ga. – Georgia Theatre – Avery Anna
April 28 – St. Petersburg, Fla. – Jannus Live – Read Southall Band
April 29 – Daytona Beach, Fla. – Daytona Beach Bandshell – Read Southall Band