Colin Stough Readies New EP For July

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Colin Stough’s Lookin’ For Home. Photo: Ryan “Spidey” Smith; EP Artwork: Michael Savoie

American Idol finalist Colin Stough is set to release his new EP, Lookin’ For Home, on July 12. He’s giving fans a taste of the upcoming project with the new track “Sober,” out now.

“Sober” captures the crippling torment of a bleeding heart and the bitter sting of a breakup, and was co-penned by Stough with Mason Thornley and Sam Martinez. Lookin’ For Home features six songs offering a wide lens view of a free spirit on the run, who’s painfully aware of life’s contradictions. Tackling everyday themes like work and weekends, true love and the heartbreak, the project doesn’t shy away from the messy truth.

YouTube video

The 19 Recordings/BMG Nashville artist grapples with the line between right and wrong, tradition and ambition, the push and pull between small-town comfort and the drive to leave his mark on the world on the tracks, all of which he co-wrote. Other writers on the set include Jacob Durrett, Chase Matthew, Lewis Brice, Rivers Rutherford and more.

Stough will appear at the upcoming CMA Fest 2024 on June 8 on the Hard Rock Stage. The Season 21 Idol finalist will also join a program at Fan Fair X inside Music City Center for “Idol Hour” with Chayce Beckham, HunterGirl, Jack Blocker and Will Moseley.

Lookin’ For Home Track List:
1. “Boat Somewhere” (Colin Stough, Dawson Edwards, Jon Stark)^
2. “Makes Two of Us” (Colin Stough, Alex Maxwell, Cole Taylor)^
3. “Amen” (Colin Stough, Jacob Durrett, Jordan Dozzi)*
4. “Sober” (Colin Stough, Mason Thornley, Sam Martinez)+
5. “Outside Lookin’ In” (Colin Stough, Alex Maxwell, Chase Matthew, Trevor Snider)^
6. “Lookin’ For Home” (Colin Stough, Lewis Brice, Rivers Rutherford)^

^ Produced by Alex Maxwell
* Produced by Jacob Durrett
+ Produced by Sam Martinez

Lineup Unveiled For Second Annual UMG Nashville Takeover

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The lineup has been unveiled for the second annual UMG Nashville Takeover at the Skydeck on Broadway, taking place June 6–9.

The free, open-to-the-public and ADA-accessible event will feature perfromances by Anne Wilson, Bryce Leatherwood, Catie Offerman, Caylee Hammack, Dalton Dover, Josh Ross, Josh Turner, Kassi Ashton, Kylie Morgan, Lee Greenwood, Louie TheSinger, Maddie & Tae, Mark Wills, Mickey Guyton, Sam Williams, Terri Clark, The War And Treaty, Travis Denning, Tyler Hubbard, Vincent Mason and more to be announced.

Emerging artists Dillon James, Hueston, Timothy Wayne, Belle Frantz, Owen Riegling and Colt Graves are also set to perform as part of a new artist showcase, presented by Whiskey Jam.

In addition to a new canopy roof and cooling fans that will allow the showcase to proceed rain or shine, the function will include artist photo & signing opportunities, fan club parties, listening events as well as a special performance by Cirque du Soleil. A full schedule, among other information, will be shared soon. For more information, click here.

Muserk Taps Marc Driskill To Lead Music Development In Nashville

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Marc Driskill

Muserk, the modern music copyright and rights management company, has tapped industry veteran Marc Driskill to lead music development in its new Nashville headquarters.

An accountant by trade, Driskill has spent his career working in a hybrid role focused on helping creatives understand the flow of money in the music business—something he will continue to do in his new position. He got his start in business development at ASCAP in 1998. Driskill then moved over to Big Loud, where he served as COO, before returning to ASCAP as VP & General Manager in 2009. In 2012, he became Executive VP & General Manager of Sea Gayle Music, where he stayed for over nine years. Most recently, Driskill worked at FirstBank, where he guided the bank in establishing a greater presence in the music world and facilitated one of the largest music catalog financing facilities in the history of the bank.

“In publishing you really get to roll your sleeves up and work with music you believe in,” he says. “Muserk is a great team that is doing tremendous work to uncover and collect royalties for rightsholders all over the world, and I want to make sure that everyone in Nashville knows that they can trust Muserk to collect every cent.”

“We are thrilled to welcome Marc to Muserk and our mission here in Nashville,” says Paul Goldman, Muserk Founder & CEO. “Marc brings a vast wealth of experience and expertise to our rights management efforts. His extensive knowledge in the copyright space, coupled with his deep understanding of Nashville’s songwriting culture, will be invaluable for Muserk’s growth on Music Row.”

Mike Walker Signs With Lady Luck Songs

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Pictured (L-R): Cliff Audretch (Lady Luck Songs), Mike Walker, Kim Penz (Lady Luck Songs) and Bob Squance (Lady Luck Songs)

Singer-songwriter Mike Walker has signed an exclusive publishing deal with Lady Luck Songs.

Born in Clarksville, Tennessee and raised on a farm in Hartselle, Alabama, Walker moved to Nashville in 2006 to attend Belmont University. He started writing songs and playing mandolin in the bluegrass band Westbound Rangers in 2007, and signed his first publishing deal with HoriPro Entertainment Group in 2013.

Since then, his songs have been recorded by Morgan Wallen, Luke Bryan, Lee Brice, Randall King, Chase Rice, Ryan Hurd and Rodney Atkins. In addition to Atkins’ Platinum single “Caught Up In The Country,” Walker recently landed a cut on Randall King’s Into The Neon album as well as 12 songs on Max McCown’s debut full-length project, Wandering.

“Everyone at Lady Luck are fans of Mike and his unique ability to craft a song,” says Lady Luck Songs Founder Kim Penz. “He brings a special vibe to the room and we are thrilled to have him as a part of our team.”

“I love what Kim, Bob [Squance], Cliff [Audretch] and the rest of the team are building here at Lady Luck,” adds Walker. “From our first meeting I knew that we’d be a great fit and I’m excited to hit the ground running!”

Ernest Plots ‘The Legalize Country Music Road Show’ Tour For Fall

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Ernest. Photo: Delaney Royer

Ernest has announced he’ll kick off his fall headlining tour, “The Legalize Country Music Road Show,” in Vancouver on Sept. 4.

The tour will visit Los Angeles, Fort Worth, Milwaukee, Knoxville, Des Moines and more through October 17. Tickets for “The Legalize Country Music Road Show” are available starting May 31 here. Ernest fan club presale tickets will begin Wednesday, May 29 and include select VIP packages.

The artist songwriter released his sophomore album, Nashville, Tennessee in April, and has been featured by CBS Mornings, Live With Kelly and Mark, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, The Kelly Clarkson Show, The Los Angeles Times, Billboard and more.

He continues his run as a songwriter of nine No. 1s for artists including Jelly Roll, Sam Hunt, Kane Brown, Morgan Wallen and Chris Lane. He currently has the Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 track with Post Malone feat. Wallen with “I Had Some Help.”

“The Legalize Country Music Road Show” Tour Dates:
Sept. 4 – Vancouver, BC – Commodore Ballroom
Sept. 5 – Kelowna, BC – Community Theater
Sept. 6 – Redmond, Ore. – General Duffy’s
Sept. 12 – Los Angeles, Calif. – El Rey Theater
Sept. 13 – Anaheim Calif. – House of Blues
Sept. 14 – Modesto, Calif. – The Fruityard
Sept. 26 – Fort Worth, Texas – Billy Bob’s
Sept. 27 – Stephenville, Texas – Twisted J’s Live
Sept. 28 – Nacogdoches, Texas – Banita Creek Hall
Oct. 5 – Grand Junction, Colo. – Warehouse 2565
Oct. 10 – Des Moines, Iowa – Wooly’s
Oct. 11 – Milwaukee, Wis. – The Rave
Oct. 12 – Madison, Wis. – The Sylvee
Oct. 17 – Knoxville, Tenn. – The Mill and Mine

Noah Kahan Shows Off His Transcendent Talent At Sold-Out Bridgestone Arena Run

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Noah Kahan. Photo: Kaitlyn Hungerford

Noah Kahan played the second of his two-night, sold-out Bridgestone Arena run last night (May 25) on his “The Stick Season (We’ll All Be Here Forever)” tour. The folk-pop singer had everyone mesmerized by his vocals and entertainment skills from start to finish. 

Pop singer Ryan Beatty opened up the night with fan favorites such as “Bruises Off The Peach,” “Ribbons,” “White Teeth,” “Bright Red” and “Cinnamon Bread.” He also paid homage to Music City greats by covering Dolly Parton’s “Do I Ever Cross Your Mind” and Brooks & Dunn’s “Neon Moon.” Beatty closed his set with his original song “Little Faith” in an acoustic-style jam session.

Before Kahan even took the stage, the anticipation in the crowd was buzzing. As the lights went out and Kahan’s band started playing, the entire arena sprang to their feet. Kahan took the stage in an all white outfit and started the night off with “Dial Drunk,” immediately sending the energy in the room to full throttle.  

After turning the house lights up so Kahan could take in the crowd, he took a moment to express his gratitude before going into “New Perspective.” 

Noah Kahan. Photo: Kaitlyn Hungerford

Kahan is no stranger to Nashville crowds, as he’s played headlining shows at Cannery Ballroom, Brooklyn Bowl,  the Ryman Auditorium and Ascend Amphitheater on past tours. When sharing about his musical journey, the singer noted that his first show was at The Basement. 

After the moment of reflection, Kahan went into “Everywhere, Everything,” before lighting up the stage with a high energy performance of “False Confidence,” a song he wrote at 17 after just moving to Nashville. He kept the vibes going with “Forever,” relishing in the crowd singing every word.

The stage was then transformed to look like his mom’s living room. After taking a polaroid with a fan and reading a few signs, Kahan sat center stage with his band and led a family-style acoustic sing-along to “Come Over” and “Godlight.” The two performances highlighted Kahan’s vocal ability, with long runs and emotional convictions. 

Getting the crowd back on their feet, Kahan lit up the arena with “Paul Revere,” complete with mesmerizing visuals to reflect the lyrics behind him on stage. He then showed off more of his brilliant songwriting with “All My Love” and “Your Needs, My Needs.” Both songs keeping the crowd buzzing. 

Just as the arena was ready for more, Kahan treated them to the unreleased tune “Spoiled.” Before kicking off the next song, Kahan shared some words of encouragement for those who moved to Music City to chase a dream by taking a risk and betting on themselves.

“I moved here in 2017,” he said. “I spent a long time by myself and did a lot of things by myself. At first, I felt kind of pathetic. Then I realized you can do whatever you want by yourself. Once you realize that, the whole world opens up for you.” The singer said he wrote the next track, “You’re Gonna Go Far,” for anyone who can relate to that.

Erupting from joy after hearing the hit song, the crowd was ready to see what was next, which was “Homesick.” After Kahan jumped and buzzed around the main stage, he ran to the center of the arena floor to his B-Stage. Kahan wanted to have a B-Stage on this tour to be as close to the fans as he possibly could be. With a single spotlight shining down on Kahan and his guitar, he captivated the crowd with “Growing Sideways” and “Maine.”

Noah Kahan. Photo: Kaitlyn Hungerford

Bringing the party back to the main stage, Kahan immediately went into “She Calls Me Back.” Buzzing off the energy from the audience, Kahan went into “Call Your Mom” and “Orange Juice.”

As the night was winding down, Kahan gave another shoutout to his band, and said he wished that he could play for the rest of the night. He then closed out the set with “Northern Attitude,” a song he wrote with inspiration from his hometown of Strafford, Vermont. Kahan ran off stage as snow-colored confetti started falling.

Fans knew better than to think the night was actually over, as they cheered and shined their lights, waiting with anticipation for the singer to come back. Their wish was granted when Kahan came back with a Predators jersey on. He kicked off his encore set with “The View Between Villages,” another song paying homage to his hometown. 

Kelsea Ballerini and Noah Kahan. Photo: Kaitlyn Hungerford

As Kahan, his band and the fans were electrified from the night, everyone was ready for one more big performance. Before going into the final song, Kahan brought out Kelsea Ballerini as a surprise guest. The two are no strangers to performing with each other, as they played together at the ACM Awards two weeks ago. To close out the night, the duo played Kahan’s breakout song “Stick Season,” leaving the audience absolutely enamored.

Kahan’s tour will continue through July with stops in St. Louis, Los Angeles and more before wrapping up at Fenway Park in Boston. All of Kahan’s tour stops will feature The Busyhead Project Action Village, a place that will amplify local mental health organizations and feature a community wall that allows fans to share positive messages. To read more about the initiative, click here. 

Lauren Watkins To Deliver Full-Length Debut Album In June

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Photo: Brayln Kelly Smith. Album Art: Courtesy of Big Loud Records/Songs & Daughters

Lauren Watkins will deliver her full-length debut album, The Heartbroken Record, on June 21 via Big Loud Records/Songs & Daughters.

Today (May 24), she shared the track “Settling Things,” which depicts gentle scenes of small-town life, along with its accompanying video filmed at Patsy Cline’s “Dream Home.”

The Nashville native co-wrote the entire 17-song collection, which includes collaborations with Sheryl Crow and Ashley Monroe, as well as previously-released tunes featuring Jake Worthington and Carter Faith.

“I didn’t want to just put an album out—I wanted it to be purposeful,” Watkins reflects. “It’s the past several years of my life, and that was just so much heartbreak and dramatic girl-feelings, but I think in a really deep and relatable way…and it just needs to get off my chest.

“There were a lot of years where I was running away from doing this; but I ended up asking myself, ‘What’s the point of living through something if I don’t share it with people? If I don’t share the things I’ve learned with the gifts I’ve been given?’ At the end of the day, all I want is for people to hear this record and feel seen,” she adds. “I think that’s all any of us ever really need.”

Watkins worked alongside Diamond-certified producer Joey Moi to capture a special sonic blend that melts her organically smooth, hazy twang and delicate-but-daring undertone with a rich 2000s thump. With each track, she seeks to highlight the messy magic of love and loss through unexpected twists in perspective.

“It’s exactly the space in country I thought was missing and wanted to fill,” the songstress continues. “It’s sweet and warm, but also gritty and tough at the same time, and that’s my favorite thing. I love it.”

The Heartbroken Record Track Listing:
1. “Leavers Leave” (Lauren Watkins, Lance Miller, Brad Warren, Brett Warren)
2. “Mama, I Made It” (Lauren Watkins, Rocky Block, Lauren Hungate)
3. “Heartbroken Record” (Lauren Watkins, Will Bundy, Caroline Watkins)
4. “Sad Songs And You” (Lauren Watkins, Lauren Hungate)
5. “Set My Heart On Fire” (feat. Sheryl Crow) (Lauren Watkins, Emily Landis, Summer Overstreet, Lydia Vaughan)
6. “Stuck In My Ways” (Lauren Watkins, Will Bundy, David Garcia, Emily Landis)
7. “Gatlinburg” (Lauren Watkins, Jessie Jo Dillon, Carter Faith, Lauren Hungate, Ashley Monroe, Caroline Watkins)
8. “Anybody But You” (Lauren Watkins, Rodney Clawson, Mark Holman, Ernest Keith Smith)
9. “Settling Things” (Lauren Watkins, Lauren Hungate, Luke Laird)
10. “One Trick Pony” (Lauren Watkins, Will Bundy, Lydia Vaughan, Caroline Watkins)
11. “Fly On The Wall” (feat. Jake Worthington) (Lauren Watkins, Andy Sheridan, Brad Warren, Brett Warren)
12. “Shirley Temple” (Lauren Watkins, Nicolle Galyon, Meg McRee)
13. “Pretend You’re Coming Home (feat. Ashley Monroe)” (Lauren Watkins, Ashley Monroe, Mark Trussell)
14. “Jealous Of Jane” (Lauren Watkins, Brad Warren, Brett Warren, Caroline Watkins)
15. “Cowboys On Music Row (feat. Carter Faith)” (Lauren Watkins, Jessie Jo Dillon, Carter Faith, Lauren Hungate, Ashley Monroe, Caroline Watkins)
16. “Burn The Bridge” (Lauren Watkins, Will Bundy, Emily Landis, Mark Trussell)
17. “Too Much To Dream” (Lauren Watkins, Forrest Finn, Nicolle Galyon)

Recording Academy Nashville Chapter Holds Block Party [See Photos]

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Carly Pearce performs at the Recording Academy Nashville Chapter Block Party. Photo: Jason Kempin for Getty Images, Courtesy of the Recording Academy

The voting and professional members of the Recording Academy’s Nashville Chapter enjoyed the organization’s annual Block Party earlier this week.

Hosted at 6th & Peabody, the 23rd edition of the Block Party featured great food, drinks and fun performances by Tasha Cobbs Leonard, Hannah Dasher, Rissi Palmer, Carly Pearce, Brittney Spencer and Cory Wong. DJ Smoke kept the music playing between live performances.

Attendees dined on a fully-stocked taco bar and Daddy’s Dogs hot dogs. The warm weather made for the perfect kickoff to summer.

Brittney Spencer performs at the Recording Academy Nashville Chapter Block Party. Photo: Jason Kempin for Getty Images, Courtesy of the Recording Academy

Rissi Palmer and Miko Marks perform at the Recording Academy Nashville Chapter Block Party. Photo: Jason Kempin for Getty Images, Courtesy of the Recording Academy

Hannah Dasher performs at the Recording Academy Nashville Chapter Block Party. Photo: Jason Kempin for Getty Images, Courtesy of the Recording Academy

Tasha Cobbs Leonard performs at the Recording Academy Nashville Chapter Block Party. Photo: Jason Kempin for Getty Images, Courtesy of the Recording Academy

Cory Wong performs at the Recording Academy Nashville Chapter Block Party. Photo: Jason Kempin for Getty Images, Courtesy of the Recording Academy

Ryan And Rory Sign With BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville

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Pictured (L–R): Jordan Keller (KTAG Law), Dustin Kovacic (KTAG Law), John Hamlin (Switched On Management), Jon Loba (BMG), Ryan Follesé, Rory John Zak, Darin Murphy (CAA), Chris Burrus (CAA), Peter Strickland (BMG) and Ford Pickert (Switched On Management); Not Pictured: JoJamie Hahr (BMG) and Katie Kerkhover (BMG).

Country duo Ryan and Rory has signed with BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville.

Comprised of Ryan Follesé and Rory John Zak, the pair released the track “Pour Decisions” today (May 24). The tune will be featured on their self-titled debut EP, out July 26.

A Nashville native, Follesé is a chart-topping singer-songwriter and American Music Award (AMA) winner. Zak hails from Raleigh, North Carolina, and is a multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter who has played over 300 shows per year since he was 17. Follesé, son of established songwriters Adrienne and Keith Follesé,  co-wrote all six tracks on the duo’s upcoming debut, including five with his family, while Zak added instrumentals and harmonies to the project.

“Filling a much-needed space in the format, country duo Ryan and Rory are introducing themselves with a fresh sound on ‘Pour Decisions,'” shares JoJamie Hahr, EVP Recorded Music, BMG Nashville. “Ryan Follesé’s award-winning success and masterful songwriting paired with Rory John Zak’s multi-instrumental abilities and relentless passion for delivering captivating performances provides a firm foundation as we lean towards their debut, self-titled EP in July.”

Kayley Green Inks With Sony Music Nashville

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Pictured (L-R): Sony Music Nashville’s Ken Robold, Jen Way, Jason McColl; Kayley Green; SMN’s Taylor Lindsey and Randy Goodman. Photo: Adam Davis

Kayley Green has signed with Sony Music Nashville. She is releasing her debut single with the label, “Live Fast Die Pretty,” today (May 24).

Hailing from Florence, South Carolina, Green started singing in church and eventually moved to Nashville and started gigging on lower Broadway. She caught the eyes and ears of superstar Keith Urban, who heard Green singing one night on Broadway and invited her to join him at his next Bridgestone Arena show. Green soon became the topic of conversation among the Sony Music Nashville A&R team in the audience, as Urban gave her the stage to cover “Independence Day” and trade lines with him on “We Were Us.”

She signed with Sony and began working with producer/songwriter Ross Copperman while still holding down a weekend headline slot at Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row.

“I’ve never doubted that I was born to sing, but a record deal was something I was afraid to even dream about,” says Green. “It felt unbelievably far out of reach in the bars I played in for so long, so to say that signing with Sony Music Nashville is an actual dream come true is quite the understatement. I am so grateful to be supported by such an incredible team!”

Green is represented by WME.