Outback Presents Names New Board Of Directors

/by

Outback Presents has expanded its Board of Directors. New appointees include Dimitri Cohen (Principal/CIO, Raven Capital), Constance Schwartz-Morini (Co-Founder/CEO, SMAC Entertainment), Jermaine Preyan (Record Executive and Entrepreneur), Ignacio Meyer (Univision Television Networks Group) and Austin Rosen (CEO, Electric Feel Entertainment).

The announcement follows a record-breaking year for the company, with close to 1,700 shows produced across 283 cities and over 4.5 million tickets sold.

“These appointments represent our commitment to maintaining Outback Presents’ leadership position and ensuring our long-term success in a rapidly evolving industry,” says Leigh Feuerstein, Chairman Of The Board.

“We are incredibly proud to welcome our new Board members, each driven by a shared passion for comedy, music and the transformative power of live entertainment. Their diverse expertise and experience will be invaluable as we continue our mission to deliver exceptional service and produce award-winning entertainment,” share Mike Smardak and Brian Dorfman, Co-Chief Executive Officers of Outback Presents.

Fourth Annual ‘You Got Gold: Celebrating The Songs Of John Prine’ Set For October

/by

The John Prine family has announced the fourth annual “You Got Gold: Celebrating the Songs of John Prine” event will take place in Nashville Oct. 9-12.

The benefit will feature performances at some of the city’s most legendary venues, including the Ryman Auditorium on Oct. 10 (John’s birthday), The Basement East on Oct. 9, The Bluebird Cafe on Oct. 9 and the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s CMA Theater on Oct. 11. The event will showcase performances by an array of surprise artists, paying tribute to John Prine’s extraordinary legacy while highlighting the vibrant community he nurtured over the years, and the week-long celebration will also include various community-focused activities and events, details of which will be announced soon.

Proceeds from the week will benefit The Hello in There Foundation, which was established by John’s family as a way for his fan network, friends and family to celebrate his memory and generous spirit through a philanthropic commitment to community care. The foundation’s mission is to support marginalized communities and individuals who are often overlooked or discriminated against.

Tickets for the Ryman Auditorium, Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s CMA Theater, and Basement East shows will be available for venue pre-sale today (April 10) with general on-sale, including tickets for the Bluebird Cafe show, beginning April 11. Full details and ticket information can be found at yougotgold.johnprine.com/tickets.

“Five years without John has been both incredibly difficult and full of moments of gratitude,” says Fiona Prine. “The love and support from my family and the work we’ve done at the Hello in There Foundation have kept me moving forward. I’m proud to share that we’ve reached $1 million in grants to 71 community groups. As we approach the fourth You Got Gold celebration this October in Nashville, I’m reminded of how John’s legacy continues to inspire generosity, kindness, and love. Thank you for helping us keep his spirit alive.

Since its inception in 2021, The Hello in There Foundation has made a significant impact, having donated over $1 million in grantmaking. Last year’s “You Got Gold” event raised over $300,000 to support the foundation’s mission.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Brothers Osborne ‘RAWK’ Disc Of The Day

/by

Brothers Osborne. Photo: Natalie Osborne

DISClaimer is rocking this week.

Putting on their dancing shoes are Ashland Craft, Don Louis, Ernest with Snoop Dogg, The Bellamy Brothers with The Isaacs and DISCovery Award winner Preston Cooper.

Best of all is the rocker by Brothers Osborne, which rolls along with the Disc of the Day award.

LUKAS NELSON / “Ain’t Done”
Writers: Aaron Raitiere/Lukas Nelson; Producer: Shooter Jennings; Label: 6 Ace Records/Sony Music Nashville
– This has a very cool, rootsy sound, a blend of shambling percussion, sawing fiddle, acoustic piano and steel guitar. Nelson sings strongly, driving the quasi-spiritual message of perseverance, faith and enduring wonder. This artist grows more powerful with each release.

JON PARDI / “She Drives Away”
Writers: Jimi Bell/Jordan Minton/Seth Ennis/Zach Abend; Producer: Jay Joyce; Label: Capitol Records Nashville
– Dad watches his daughter go off on a date and get married, thinking back to when he brought her home as a newborn. Gently touching.

ASHLAND CRAFT / “Lie a Little”
Writers: Bryan Simpson/Kelly Archer/Mark Irwin; Producers: Ashland Craft, Lee Starr, Jess Grommet; Label: Leo33
– Slinky, bluesy, gritty and sassy, this twang fest rolls with a steady groove. She has a soulful nonchalance that seethes with charisma. I bet she’s a blast in performance.

BROTHERS OSBORNE / “Finish This Drink”
Writers: Alysa Vanderheym/TJ Osborne; Producers: John Osborne/TJ Osborne; Label: EMI Music Nashville
– This RAWKS. Lightning-bolt lead guitar and flamethrower fiddle electrify the instrumental passages. TJ’s tongue-in-cheek drawl spits a potent, rollicking, frothing tune of a wayward honky tonker while John’s audio stew heats up to boiling.

SCOOT TEASLEY / “Dirt Road Dropout”
Writers: Brett Truitt/Kelly Archer/Scoot Teasley; Producer: Brett Truitt; Label: Amigo Records
– This newcomer is one of my favorites among the 2024 group of Black country stylists. Teasley’s youthful sound is hale and hearty on this upbeat ode to his rural roots. Well worth your spins.

DYLAN SCOTT / “I Hate Whiskey”
Writers: Geoff Warburton/Jaxson Free/Jon Kraft/Michael Ray/Taylor Phillips; Producer: Jacob Durrett; Label: Curb Records
– The reason he hates hard liquor is that it burns, but it doesn’t burn away her memory. A clever twist on a honky-tonk trope, delivered by a solid country hit maker. I also like the soft, spoken-word interjections in the percussive production. Scott always delivers the goods.

DON LOUIS / “She Ain’t Crazy Yet”
Writers: Autumn Buysse/Danielle Blakey/Don Louis; Producer: Kipp Williams; Label: Empire
– A steady, thumping percussion track underscores a splendid vocal performance that shifts between baritone growls and yearning tenor hooks. Louis has been batting a thousand with every release, and this lively tempo tune sounds like a star maker.

DAN SEALS / “Steal a Little Thunder”
Writers: Brian Whitcomb/James Seals; Producer: Kyle Lehning; Label: Melody Place
– The late Dan Seals left behind some unissued music when he passed away from lymphoma in 2009. The creator of more than a dozen major country hits began his career as “yacht rock” performer England Dan. This tune recalls that pop heritage, which is not surprising since it was co-written by his late brother Jim of the pop duo Seals & Crofts. I’m a fan, no matter what style he’s performing.

KARLEY SCOTT COLLINS / “American Boy”
Writers: Alex Kline/Joybeth Taylor/Karley Scott Collins; Producers: Karley Scott Collins, Nathan Chapman; Label: Sony Music Nashville
– Sultry and sensuous. Collins has such a gripping voice that she doesn’t know how to deliver anything less than a masterful performance. Here’s she’s simmering with desire as she contemplates her bad-boy crush. Everything she has released has been terrific. What does this woman have to do to get your attention?

THE BELLAMY BROTHERS & THE ISAACS / “Normal Ain’t Comin’ Back”
Writer: David Bellamy; Producers: Randy Hiebert, The Bellamy Brothers; Label: Bellamy Brothers Records
– It’s a honky-tonk toe tapper with a jaunty tune and a witty lyric that tackles politics, the pandemic, the economy and more. “Normal ain’t coming back, but Jesus is,” they all sing in a waving prairie of vocal harmony. The Bellamys reality TV series Honky Tonk Ranch is now airing on the American Country Network (on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday evenings). Their Old Hippie Stash brand of medical marijuana includes the blends Reggae Cowboy, Big Love, Afterglow, Rattler, Blue Rodeo and Bird Dog.

TIM O’BRIEN & JAN FABRICUS / “Lonesome Armadillo”
Writers: Jan Fabricius/Tim O’Brien/Tom Paxton; Producer: Tim O’Brien; Label: Howdy Skies Music
– Tim’s yodeled lead vocal is the focus of this folkie, acoustic bopper. The armadillo tries to make it in Music City, but strikes out because he hates hot chicken, can’t buy records at Ernest Tubb’s, doesn’t own a Manuel jacket and rejects the winter climate. The song, as well as most of the duo’s Paper Flowers album, is cowritten with folk legend Tom Paxton, who is now 87. Two-time Grammy winner and West Virginia Music Hall of Fame member O’Brien is also the subject of the recent biographical book, Traveler. He plays the Station Inn next Wednesday (April 16).

ERNEST & SNOOP DOGG / “Gettin’ Gone”
Writers: Ben Hayslip/Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr./Ernest Keith Smith/Mark Holman/Rhett Akins; Producer: Jacob Durrett; Label: DeVille Records/Big Loud Records
– Rockabilly meets hip-hop in this merry, rollicking invitation to get stoned.

PRESTON COOPER / “One for the Road”
Writers: Brad Warren/Brett Warren/Preston Cooper; Producer: Brett Warren; Label: The Valory Music Co.
– Dirty rock guitar work, pile-driving rhythm and a fiery, snarling lead vocal characterize this barn burner. Cooper’s debut album, Toledo Talkin, drops next month.

U.S. Congress Reintroduces ‘NO FAKES Act’ Bill

/by

 

Photo: Dan Swartz

 

U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Chris Coons (D-DE), Thom Tillis (R-NC) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), as well as US Representatives María Elvira Salazar (R-FL-27), Madeleine Dean (D-PA-4), Nathaniel Moran (R-TX-1) and Becca Balint (D-VT-At Large) have reintroduced the NO FAKES Act.

Randy Travis, his wife Mary Travis and Warner Music Group CEO Robert Kyncl traveled to Washington D.C. to promote a consensus bill that supports IP and AI, and also backs the NO FAKES Act mission.

Building on last year’s legislation and cross-sector collaboration, the revised NO FAKES Act uses a balanced strategy to shield Americans from harmful AI deepfakes while minimizing legal disputes and fostering innovation in AI. The Act has earned support from both the creative and tech sectors, including major players like OpenAI, Google, Amazon and IBM. The RIAA, Sony Music, Warner Music Group, Universal Music Group and more have also shown support for the bill. The NO FAKES Act will empower U.S. AI companies to compete globally, while also protecting American people.

The NO FAKES Act will give every American the right to protect their voice and likeness from invasive AI deepfakes and voice clones, reduce litigation by allowing UGC platforms to avoid liability by promptly removing unauthorized deepfakes and expressly protect First Amendment uses such as for news reporting and satire.

“This bill proves that we can prioritize the growth of AI and protecting American creativity at the same time,” shares Mitch Glazier, RIAA Chairman & CEO. “We applaud Senators Blackburn, Coons, Tillis and Klobuchar; Representatives Salazar, Dean, Moran, Balint and bipartisan colleagues for their incredible leadership on driving this legislation that provides balanced and effective protections for all individuals against exploitative uses of their voice and likeness while supporting free speech, reducing litigation and achieving the promise of AI technology.”

“I applaud Senators Blackburn and Coons and Representatives Salazar and Dean for their leadership in introducing the NO FAKES Act,” adds Kynci. “This bill reflects what can happen when tech and creative industries come together – foster cutting edge innovation while protecting human identity and artistry. We look forward to working with key members of the US Senate and House to help pass the NO FAKES Act this year.”

‘Austin City Limits’ Caps 50th Anniversary Celebrations With Special Episode Honoring Garth Brooks

/by

Garth Brooks. Photo: 8 Ten, Inc.

Austin City Limits is capping off its 50th Anniversary celebrations with a special episode, Austin City Limits Hall of Fame Honors Garth Brooks that will premiere May 3 at 7 p.m. CST on PBS.

The revered music institution first premiered on PBS in 1975 and commemorates its legacy as the longest-running music series in television history, offering audiences a front-row experience of live performances for the past fifty years. Brooks brings his stadium-size show to the ACL stage to celebrate the landmark occasion, offering up fan-favorites and the stories behind his hits in a singalong hour. Recorded live at ACL’s studio home ACL Live in Austin, Texas, the special will be available to stream online at pbs.org/austincitylimits.

The special opens with highlights showcasing Brooks’ ACL performances over the decades, alongside commentary from Brooks, his wife, Trisha Yearwood, and longtime ACL executive producer Terry Lickona. Brooks made his series debut in 1990 and returned a decade later to both open and close ACL’s milestone Season 25 with two hour-long episodes. He returned to ACL in 2021 for a pair of intimate, non-broadcast events to close Studio 6A on the University of Texas campus, the fabled soundstage where the program first started recording in 1974. Brooks carved his name into ACL’s history with the final performances in the historic studio that was the show’s home from 1974 to 2010, before a move to downtown Austin. He performed the special benefit shows solo acoustic to a sold-out audience of 200 fans per night.

“You can’t tell the story of Austin City Limits without Garth Brooks,” says Lickona. “Garth gets it. He gets what makes Austin City Limits special, and why it’s an honor for an artist to step onto that stage and deliver the best performance of their life. And it’s an honor for us to share that stage with artists like Garth, who have so much to offer.”

“Always try to associate your name with a name greater than your own,” shares Brooks. “Being associated with ACL has been one of the greatest assets of my career.  I can’t thank Terry and the gang enough for all the years and all the love.”

Darius Rucker’s Riverfront Revival 2025 Lineup Announced

/by

Darius Rucker. Photo: Todd Owyoung

Darius Rucker’s Riverfront Revival has released its 2025 lineup. The two-day festival is set for Oct. 10-11 at North Charleston’s Riverfront Park.

Rucker and Riley Green will headline the festival with performances by Bill Murray & His Blood Brothers, The Red Clay Strays, Whiskey Myers, Flatland Cavalry, Lukas Nelson, Dylan Marlowe, Kashus Culpepper, Brittney Spencer, Clay Street Unit, Neon Union, Austin Williams, Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country, Warrick McZeke, Faith Schueler, Whiskey Run and Elizabeth Covington.

“My love for Charleston has influenced so much of my career,” says Rucker. “Riverfront Revival, which made my longtime dream of bringing a music festival to this community a reality, is a celebration of the Lowcountry that gets better every year.”

A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Arts in Healing program at the Medical University of South Carolina and Just Be You, a local nonprofit dedicated to empowering teens with confidence, self-love and self-compassion.

General admission tickets and VIP passes will go on sale to the public on Friday, April 11 at 10 a.m. ET via RiverfrontRevival.com.

Megan Wise Named Vice President Of New Business At Anotherland Agency

/by

Megan Wise. Photo: David Bradley

Megan Wise has been appointed Vice President of New Business at Anotherland Agency, a startup with a unique music label and full-service marketing agency model that helps brands of all sizes with high-performing activations and building digital audiences.

With more than 15 years of experience Wise joins Anotherland after leading Partnerships at the Country Music Association. Prior to that, she launched her career at Creative Artists Agency where she got her start in the mail room and worked her way up to agent, eventually managing major sponsorships across entertainment. In her new role, Wise will handle Anotherland’s expansion into brand collaborations, overseeing the agency’s sales and partnership initiatives.

“Simply put, Megan is a powerhouse. She’s got the instincts, the relationships, and the tenacity to take Anotherland to another level,” says CEO David Bagheri. “Her track record says everything, and we couldn’t be more excited to welcome her to the team.”

“The way Anotherland approaches brand collaborations, it’s refreshing, and I’m all in,” says Wise. “From my early years at CAA to shaping partnerships at CMA, I’ve always believed and prioritized helping over just transacting. You always win in the end that way. The opportunities ahead for Anotherland—and our partners—are endless, and I can’t wait to get moving.”

Wise can be reached at megan@anotherland.com.

Dylan Gossett Heads West On ‘The American Trail Tour’ In July

/by

Dylan Gossett is hitting the road this summer on “The American Trail Tour,” beginning July 9 in Wichita, Kansas.

The Midwestern/Western trek will make stops in Kansas, Illinois, Iowa, Colorado, Wyoming and Montana through July 19. Gossett will also be performing at various festivals throughout the summer including Windy City Smokeout, Under The Big Sky and Stagecoach, making his debut at the latter on April 26. Tickets for “The American Trail Tour” go on sale to the public April 11.

The Platinum-selling artist is currently on his “The Back 40 Tour” across the U.S. and Canada and recently dropped his first release of 2025 “Like I Do,” with more to come later this year. Gossett has emerged as one of the bright new stars in country music, and in less than two years, has notched over 800 million streams.

The 26-year old’s breakout single “Coal” went Platinum in the U.S., in addition to going Silver in the U.K., Platinum in Australia, double Platinum in Canada, and double Platinum in Ireland. The song marked his first entry on the Spotify U.S. Top 200 Chart, Billboard Hot 100 Chart and U.K. Official Singles Chart Top 100. The track also broke into the Top 25 of the Billboard Country Digital Songs Chart and Top 5 of the Spotify Viral 50 U.S. and Global Charts.

Jake Brown To Release ‘Songs Of Nashville: The Real Stories Behind Country Music’s Greatest Hits’

/by

Author and music biographer Jake Brown is releasing a new book, Songs Of Nashville: The Real Stories Behind Country Music’s Greatest Hits, June 24 from Diversion Books/Simon & Schuster.

Created in honor of and dedicated to Nashville’s unsung heroes, the songwriters who have penned No. 1s for country artists, the 300-page hard copy highlights intimate, candid, first-hand conversations about the creation of some of the genre’s hits. Marking his 60th publication, Brown offers an in-depth exploration of the ideas that shaped iconic songs and the creative process behind some of the most beloved recordings in both classic and contemporary country music over the past 50 years.

The book features more than 45 songwriters and exclusive interviews and personal perspectives with Jelly Roll, Liz Rose, Lori McKenna, Drew Parker, Josh Thompson, Clint Black, Vince Gill, Hillary Lindsay, Natalie Hemby, Shane McAnally and many more.

“This is a love letter to Nashville’s unsung heroes,” says Brown. “It’s a celebration of, and my dedication to, the brilliant minds behind generations of country hit songs and the songwriters who created them.

“At the heart of any songwriter’s dream is to have their music heard,” he continues. “And Songs Of Nashville recognizes and explores how each one wrote and played their way to making their dreams come true.”

Industry Ink: Tigirlily Gold, Jennie Smythe, Jessica Rouse, More

/by

Tigirlily Gold Visits With Sony Music Nashville Promotion Team

Pictured (L-R, back row): SMN’s Dan Nelson, Nicole Walden, Mallory Michaels, Dennis Reese, Round House Entertainment’s Greg McCarn, SMN’s Ali O’Connell and Round House’s Dan Anderson; (L-R, front row): SMN’s Jansen Morgan, Tigirlily Gold’s Kendra Olsen, Tigirlily’s Krista Slaubaugh and SMN’s Larry Santiago

Tigirlily Gold recently stopped by Sony to hang with their new Sony Music Nashville promo squad following their addition to the roster.

 

Jennie Smythe Shares ‘Becoming Girlilla’ With Belmont Students

Belmont University students with Jennie Smythe (Founder & CEO, Girlilla Marketing) and Brittany Schaffer (Dean, Belmont’s Curb College)

Girlilla Marketing Founder & CEO Jennie Smythe recently joined Belmont University Dean of the Curb College of Music Business and Entertainment Brittany Schaffer to speak to an invite-only group of female students. During the conversation, Jennie shared her journey as a digital marketing trailblazer and stories from her upcoming memoir, Becoming Girlilla.

 

Jessica Rouse Named Head Of Events & Strategic Partnerships At Southern String Hat Co.

Jessica Rouse. Photo: David Bradley

Jessica Rouse has joined Southern String Hat Co. as its new Head of Events and Strategic Partnerships. In this role, Rouse will spearhead the company’s event strategy, activations, and collaborations, as well as build strategic partnerships to expand the brand’s reach and influence. Rouse brings over a decade of experience from Warner Music Nashville, where she most recently led artist and corporate event initiatives, following a career that began in radio in 2010 at WQDR in Raleigh, North Carolina.

 

Gord Bamford Signs With Just For You Music

Gord Bamford

Canadian country artist and songwriter Gord Bamford is the first signing to Just For You Music, the newly-launched independent music publishing company founded by Chris Giansante. Bamford, a 26-time CCMA Award winner and two-time CMA Global Country Artist Award recipient, has built a solid legacy as a hit songwriter and performer, with over 100 million radio streams, 28 top 10 singles, and multiple Platinum and Gold-certified albums.

“Gord has been one of Canada’s most beloved and influential country artists over the last 25 years,” says Giansante. “His success as an artist and songwriter is only superseded by what he’s given back to the community around him. I’m looking forward to working with Gord on the next chapter of an already storied career. The best is yet to come.”

 

Cooper Ramsey Visits With Music Health Alliance

Pictured (L-R): Tatum Hauck Allsep, Shelia Shipley Biddy, Nikki Black, Suzanne Berg, Dr. Zacquia McKinley, Erin Lancaster, Sophie Badgett, Britton Barnette, Leah May and Cooper Ramsey

16-year-old rising star Cooper Ramsey took time for a break in between Whiskey Jam and performing at Bridgestone arena in Nashville this week to visit with new friends at the Music Health Alliance.