Tauren Wells Proclaims ‘Let The Church Sing’ On New EP

/by

Tauren Wells is gearing up for the release of his upcoming EP, Let The Church Sing, releasing March 21.

Drawing from a rich legacy of worship-centered music, Let The Church Sing calls believers to come together in praise, fostering a renewed sense of community and devotion. In January 2024, Wells and his wife Lorna established Church of Whitestone in Austin. The church welcomed nearly 4,000 people on its opening weekend, setting a record for the largest first-day church launch in U.S. history. The significance of this moment influenced Let The Church Sing, with Wells turning to worship music more than ever before.

“For as long as I’ve been an artist, I’ve always been on staff at a church,” says Wells. “However, I’ve never written from the lens of being involved in a church and planted in the house of the Lord at this level. When we started the church, it was a major spiritual process and excavation into the heart. A lot of songs came from the birth of our church.”

Fusing contemporary Christian, gospel and pop influences, Let The Church Sing presents a powerful collection of anthems, including his latest tracks “Making Room” and “Thank You For The Cross.” Much like constructing a church one brick at a time, the music came together during individual sessions, mirroring the growth of Whitestone’s congregation. Each song is designed to embody the spirit of communal worship, urging every church to raise its voice in celebration of God’s love and transformative grace.

“When people hear this new music, I want them to walk away thinking about how amazing the church is,” he adds. “I hope that we can re-engage with the wonder and beauty of community and faith. I’m still the same child of God, but with a sharpened focus on what He has called me to do in the world.”

Wells is also preparing to debut his first book and broaden his impact through ministry and his podcast, The High Note.

Let The Church Sing Track List:
1. “Let The Church Sing” (Jordan Sapp, Tauren Wells)
2. “Thank You For The Cross” (Colby Wedgeworth, Tauren Wells, Jonathan Smith)
3. “The Room Is Yours” (Tauren Wells, Dafiah Davies, Demitri Wells)
4. “Making Room” (Tauren Wells, Jordan Sapp)
5. “Not Guilty” (Tauren Wells, Lorna Wells, Chuck Butler)

Huskins-Harris Business Management Rebrands As Harris, Huelsman, Barnes & Company

/by

Morgan Barnes, Becky Harris and John Huelsman. Photo: Nicole Smartt

Becky Harris, respected business manager and longtime President of Huskins-Harris Business Management, has announced the rebrand of the company under a new name, Harris, Huelsman, Barnes & Company.

An established Music Row presence for more than 15 years, the firm is now led by Harris and her new Principals, John Huelsman and Morgan Barnes. The company’s evolution comes on the heels of the recent retirement of CPA Donna Huskins, who focused on the organization’s tax business for clients.

“I’m so excited to have John and Morgan as partners,” Harris shares. “John came on board years ago with a background in management, but his business savvy instantly set him apart. Morgan’s financial background equipped him to hit the ground running when he joined the team, and he’s never stopped.”

“We have an incredibly hard-working team and roster. Every day is something new,” Huelsman says. “Learning from Becky over the last decade has been monumental in my growth as a business manager. I’m eager to co-lead this team and help guide our artists to even greater levels of financial success.”

Barnes notes, “Six years ago I would have never envisioned myself as a business manager on Music Row, but I’m more than ready to begin this next chapter with Becky, John, and our team. Becky’s years of experience have not only been paramount in my embrace of the field, but in the growth of our entire team.”

Together, Harris, Huelsman and Barnes bring over 40 years of experience to the table. Current clients include multi-Platinum artist Chris Young, award-winning producer James Stroud, Drew Baldridge, Frankie Ballard, Austin Brown, Scotty Hasting, Angie K, Alexandra Kay, Julian King, Nicotine Dolls, Michael Ray and American Idol winner Noah Thompson.

Email addresses for all staff will now use the suffix @hhbcompany.com. Harris, Huelsman, Barnes and all staff can also be reached at 615-256-1207.

Molly Tuttle, The Infamous Stringdusters, More To Play RockyGrass 2025

/by

Planet Bluegrass’s RockyGrass returns to the ranch in Lyons, Colorado on July 25-27.

Among those set to play are Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway, The Infamous Stringdusters, AJ Lee & Blue Summit, East Nash Grass, Sam Bush Bluegrass Band, The Del McCoury Band, Rhonda Vincent & The Rage and the 2023 RockyGrass Band Contest winners, The Fretliners, among others.

In addition to main stage performances, RockyGrass Festival-goers will have the chance to more closely interact with musical performances and workshops in the site’s beautiful 300-seat Wildflower Pavilion. Limited tickets and camping passes for RockyGrass 2025 are still available, and fans can find more information and purchase tickets here.

For over 30 years, Planet Bluegrass has been creating exceptional experiences that protect the planet through environmental leadership and a strong community. Planet Bluegrass presents Telluride Bluegrass, RockyGrass and Rocky Mountain Folks Festival, each featuring the world’s finest musicians and songwriters, with each embracing a “Leave No Trace” ethic that defines Planet Bluegrass as a leader in Sustainable Festivation.

Kane Brown Notches Second Career Diamond Certification

/by

Kane Brown. Photo: Dennis Leupold

Kane Brown has earned his second career RIAA Diamond Certification for his hit “What Ifs,” featuring Lauren Alaina. The achievement marks 10 million units sold and streamed in the U.S.

The success of “What Ifs” marks another milestone in Brown’s career, reinforcing his position as one of country music’s most innovative artists. This achievement follows his recent performance at F1 Live in London, a special event series leading up to the Formula 1 British Grand Prix. His rendition of “Miles On It” further cements his reputation as an artist with global appeal.

Brown released his new album, The High Road, in January. Featuring 18 deeply personal tracks, the album marks Brown’s most meaningful project to date. Created over the course of two years while touring around the world, the project highlights his career journey and his commitment to personal growth without compromising his musical vision.

Brown is set to bring his energy and talent on the road with his international headlining “The High Road Tour.” Beginning March 13 in San Diego, the tour will take him to Portland, Nashville, Chicago and more, along with several stops throughout Canada and Europe.

ASCAP Posts Record-Breaking $1.835 Billion In Revenue For 2024

/by

ASCAP has released its annual financial review and reports another year of record-breaking revenues and royalty distributions for its members, delivering $1.835 billion in revenue in the 2024 calendar year.

The numbers mark an increase of $98 million, or 5.7% over 2023 with $1.696 billion available for royalty distributions, up by $104 million, or 6.5%. This is the highest amount in revenue and royalty distributions to creators and music publishers historically reported by ASCAP, fueled by revenue growth and the lowest overall cost allocation overhead rate in the US at 10%.

ASCAP delivers 90 cents of every dollar collected back to its members as royalties and does not charge a commission or take a profit. Instead, according to its unique governance and operating principles, it must deduct expenses and then distribute remaining dollars as royalties to its members.

“For songwriters, composers and publishers, ASCAP provides the best return on their performance royalties because they get 90 cents of every dollar we collect. It’s that simple. We are the only U.S. PRO that does not take a profit and the only one that can credibly say we put creators first in everything we do,” said ASCAP CEO Elizabeth Matthews.

The company increased the value and monetization of its members’ music with domestic revenue from US-licensed performances totaling $1.397 billion, an increase of 5.3%, or $71 million, year over year. Revenues from streaming audio, audio-visual and general licensing drove the increase. The strength in domestic revenue led to 5.5% growth in funds available for domestic distributions, which totaled $1.284 billion. Of that total, $53 million was distributed through Songwize, ASCAP’s royalty administration service provided to ASCAP members who directly license their works.

Collections for foreign revenue also increased to a total of $438 million, up by $28 million, or 6.8% with $411 million available for royalty distribution, a 9.8% increase of $37 million.

In the 10th year of its strategic growth plan, ASCAP has generated a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) for total revenue of 7%; and for total distributions, a CAGR of 8%. While every other US PRO is now private equity-owned, ASCAP is the only one that does not owe payouts to private investors or shareholders, making writer and publisher members the sole beneficiaries of ASCAP’s growth.

“ASCAP is committed to innovating, growing and evolving in ways that benefit our members, because music creators drive every decision we make. Protecting the livelihoods of songwriters and composers and defending the value of music is a mission we take seriously. For us, this is more than just business – it’s personal, and that’s what sets ASCAP apart from any other PRO,” said ASCAP Chairman of the Board and President Paul Williams.

Third Annual ‘Groceries With Dignity & Comedy Without’ Coming In April

/by

Artist Brad Paisley and his wife, actress/author Kimberly Williams-Paisley, have unveiled the third annual “Groceries with Dignity & Comedy Without” with Brad Paisley & Friends on Sunday, April 13 at Zanies Nashville.

The event will benefit The Store, the Paisley-founded referral based grocery store that empowers low-income families in the Nashville area to shop for basic needs in a way that fosters dignity and hope.

The 2023 and 2024 benefits raised $225,000 for The Store and featured stars such as Nate Bargatze, John Crist, Bonnie Hunt, Kevin Nealon, Dusty Slay, The Groundings and performances by Paisley, who also emceed the events.

Tickets are available tomorrow (Feb. 28) at 10 a.m. CST here.

Tin Pan South Unveils 2025 Schedule & Lineup

/by

Tin Pan South has revealed its schedule and lineup for its 33rd annual event, taking place March 25-29 across 11 Nashville venues.

Founded in 1993 by NSAI, Tin Pan South has built itself as the largest songwriters festival in the world. Every show held is in the writer’s round format and showcases rising songwriters and hit-making stars from every genre.

The opening day (March 25) will host 22 shows and feature Mia Fieldes, Ben Glover, Matthew West, Jacob Hackworth, Jackson Nance, Heath Warren, Bob DiPiero, Tony Mullins, Jeffrey Steele and Craig Wiseman, among many others.

Wednesday (March 26) and Thursday (March 27) will showcase Judah Akers, Brian Macdonald, Ashley Gorley, Ben Johnson, Hunter Phelps, Taylor Phillips, Matt Bloyd, Jamie Floyd, Louis York, Chrissy Metz and more.

To close out the week on Friday (March 28) and Saturday (March 29), attendees can see rounds from Melissa Fuller, Patrick Murphy, Trisha Yearwood, Melissa Etheridge, Shelly Fairchild, Ashley McBryde, Oak Felder, Sebastian Kole, Austin Nivarel, Katie Boeck, Lance Cowan, Fred Koller, Ryan Murphey, Fimone, Nell Maynard, Jessica Rose, Bryan Ruby, Harloe, Meghan Kabir and Asia Whiteacre, among others.

The full schedule of shows can be found here. Tickets for every show will go on sale March 4 at 8 a.m. CST.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Trace Adkins ‘Can Still Deliver The Goods’

/by

Trace Adkins. Photo: Kristin Barlowe

Old-school country is on the menu today at DISClaimer.

Jon Pardi, Bryce Leatherwood and DISCovery Award winner Chase McDaniel set the tone of the listening session.

For the icing on this traditionalist cake, we also have a collection of proven masters of old-school country craft. Joe Nichols, Moe Bandy and Disc of the Day winner Trace Adkins are here to show the kiddies how it’s done.

BRYCE LEATHERWOOD / “Where the Bar Is”
Writers: Chase McGill/Cole Taylor/Michael Carter/Shane Minor; Producer: Will Bundy; Label: UMG Nashville
– He’s such a solid country singer, and this is a true-blue honky-tonk song. I don’t quite understand the decision to record him with a track that rocks this hard.

COLT FORD & MICHAEL RAY / “Hell Out of It”
Writers: Cole Taylor/Lalo Guzman/Michael Tyler/Thomas Archer; Producer: Dylan Maloney; Label: Average Joes Entertainment
– We’re small people in a small town, but we love who we are. Rousing and sincere.

CHASE McDANIEL / “Burned Down Heaven”
Writers: Chase McDaniel/Jon Nite/Lindsay Rimes; Producer: Lindsay Rimes; Label: Big Machine Records
– Excellent. The song of regret and guilt is powerfully written, and his aching, soaring vocal sells it like nobody’s business. Wonderfully listenable.

MOE BANDY / “Pure Love”
Writer: Eddie Rabbitt; Producer: Jimmy Capps; Label: StarVista
– This 1970s & 1980s hit maker has an upcoming album titled Songs I Missed. This advance single is his version of Ronnie Milsap’s 1974 chart topper. Bandy’s slightly pitch-y rendition won’t erase the memory of the original, but it is straightforward, well meaning and totally country.

RYAN HURD / “Die For It”
Writers: Mark Holman/Randy Montana/Ryan Hurd; Producer: Aaron Eshuis; Label: Big Machine Records
– The story of a marriage. Things might get rocky, but love lasts always. The jangly guitars and an octave-leap backing vocal are ear catching. But the steady-state, minimal melody goes nowhere in its endless loop.

TRACE ADKINS / “What Color’s Your Wild”
Writers: Casey Beathard/Monty Criswell; Producer: Bart Butler; Label: Verge
– The big man can still deliver the goods. And how. This stomper is loaded with charisma, and the color-coded lyric about pursuing passion is terrific. I hung on every note. Essential audio.

SAM WILLIAMS / “Countrystar”
Writers: Marisa Maino/Nick Bailey/Ryder Johnson/Sam Williams; Producer: Nick Bailey; Label: UMG Nashville
– His soft, feathery singing style doesn’t really go with the thumpy, hip-hop backing track. However, it is strikingly different.

JON PARDI / “Love the Lights Out”
Writers: Jimi Bell/Jon Pardi/Matt Dragstrem; Producer: Jay Joyce; Label: Capitol Records Nashville
– Let’s rock out, baby, and have a really, really big night of love making. Pardi’s vocal is, as usual, country with a capital “C.” Righteously ringing guitars do the rest of the work. Recommended.

NATE SMITH & HARDY / “Nobody Likes Your Girlfriend”
Writers: Ben Johnson/Hunter Phelps/Jessie Jo Dillon/Michael Hardy; Producer: Lindsay Rimes; Label: RCA Records Nashville
– Ya gotta love a title like that. Here’s the gist of the song: “From buddy to buddy, I’m telling you something you might not want to hear. That gal you’re dating is no good for you.” The lyric is rapid-fire but crystal clear as they vocalize above a choppy, grinding track. Snappy and clever.

JOE NICHOLS & ANNIE BOSKO / “Better Than You”
Writers: Derek George/John Pierce; Producers: Derek George/Mickey Jack Cones; Label: Quartz Hill Records
– I love a good country love duet, and this one is a dandy. Joe is, of course, a masterful country singer, but Annie keeps up with him. She also harmonizes splendidly. A delightful performance.

LANCE COWAN / “Love Anyway”
Writer: Lance Cowan; Producers: Jason Stelluto/Scott Paschall; Label: Lantzapalooza Müzik
– Music Row publicist Lance Cowan is also a terrific singer-songwriter. His second album, Against the Grain, drops next month. Its advance single addresses the political divisiveness that’s so pervasive today. “If there’s ever hope for change, love anyway,” he sings in his tender tenor while acoustic piano and guitar notes ripple around him. Innocent, touching and gently folkie. Cowan gigs at The Listening Room with Mark Irwin and Irene Kelley next Wednesday (March 5).

LOUIE THE SINGER / “Good Girl”
Writers: Joe Ginsberg/Luis Palacios II/Nate Kenyon; Producer: CANDY; Label: UMG Nashville
– This Mexican-American sings in this slow-burn ditty that he’s a bad boy. What’s more, he’s fine if she can’t accept that and doesn’t fall for him. So, “If you don’t want a bad boy, I’m good, girl.” His Texas drawl is backed by a twanging track that plods along.

Koe Wetzel’s ‘Live From The Damn Near Normal Tour’ Album Arrives For ‘Koe Wetzel Day’

/by

Koe Wetzel. Photo: Trevor Lamb for Motion Theory Media

Koe Wetzel is dropping his brand new album, Live from the Damn Near Normal Tour, tomorrow (Feb. 28) just in time for the annual “Koe Wetzel Day” celebration.

The 13-track live album captures the raw, raucous energy of Wetzel’s 2024 “Damn Near Normal Tour,” featuring live recordings from Colonial Life Arena in South Carolina, the Moody Center in Austin and Dickies Arena in Fort Worth. Available digitally and for preorder as a 2LP Opaque White Vinyl, the album includes a set list stacked with songs such as the Platinum, five-week No. 1 “High Road,” Platinum “Sweet Dreams” and Gold “Damn Near Normal” from his album 9 Lives, plus catalog fan-favorites such as “Austin,” “Love” and the iconic “February 28, 2016.”

To mark the occasion of the unofficial holiday made famous by that song, Wetzel’s own Riot Room will host a massive Koe Wetzel Day block party this Friday (Feb. 28) complete with a Raising Cane’s food truck, drink specials and much more. The origins of Koe Wetzel Day date back to the aforementioned February 28, 2016, when a legendary night out turned into an infamous moment in Koe Wetzel lore that now serves as an annual rallying point. As an added celebration of the day, Wetzel is giving back to the fans with 28% off his entire online store for the full 24 hours, including vinyl and a fresh merch drop.

Wetzel has upcoming performances at SXSW on March 13 and Stagecoach on April 26 before hitting the road with Hardy and Morgan Wallen this summer.

Live from the Damn Near Normal Tour Track List:
1. “Twister” – Live from Dickies Arena, Fort Worth, TX
2. “9 Lives (Black Cat)” – Live from Dickies Arena, Fort Worth, TX
3. “April Showers” – Live from Dickies Arena, Fort Worth, TX
4. “Sundy or Mundy” – Live from Colonial Life Arena, Columbia, SC
5. “Austin” – Live from Moody Center, Austin, TX
6. “Good Times” – Live from Moody Center, Austin, TX
7. “Love” – Live from Colonial Life Arena, Columbia, SC
8. “Sweet Dreams” – Live from Colonial Life Arena, Columbia, SC
9. “Casamigos” – Live from Colonial Life Arena, Columbia, SC
10. “February 28, 2016” – Live from Dickies Arena, Fort Worth, TX
11. “Drunk Driving” – Live from Colonial Life Arena, Columbia, SC
12. “Damn Near Normal” – Live from Dickies Arena, Fort Worth, TX
13. “High Road” – Live from Dickies Arena, Fort Worth, TX

LeAnn Phelan To Host Creative Therapy Workshop In March

/by

Longtime industry executive LeAnn Phelan is launching her 35th LP Creative Therapy Workshop on March 10-13 for songwriters from around the globe.

Her latest offering is open for anyone wanting to expand their knowledge of the industry and get back to the basics of what songwriters do so well—focus on the song. The Workshop is not genre specific and is open to songwriters globally. The one-hour Zoom workshops will take place at 5 p.m. CT and replays will be available. More information can be found here.

Highlights of this year’s workshop include “4 Steps Closer to a Publishing Deal;” “Essential tools for Creative Wellness on the Songwriter’s Journey;” “Finding Your Voice;” a Q&A and input from special guests Allen Shamblin and Shane McAnally.

Phelan curates the live experience by getting to know each songwriter and meeting their needs based on their interests. Her experience in the industry ranges from touring background singer to publisher to artist management. Participants also learn from publishers, managers, attorneys, hit songwriters, newly-signed songwriters, agents, A&R and more.

“SMACK was one of the first companies to see the value in Creative Wellness Coaching for songwriters and I’m so excited to have songwriter/producer Shane McAnally as a Special Guest Mentor on the upcoming series,” says Phelan. “Shane has written, and/or produced over 50 No. 1 songs, garnered three Grammy Awards, been nominated for more CMA Awards than any other songwriter in history, and been named ACM’s Songwriter of the Year twice. And you can’t be a mentor on Music Row without quoting Allen Shamblin. His very presence is encouraging. I’m excited to learn from Shane and Allen and I know this will be a great way to celebrate 5 years of encouraging songwriters to keep going!”

Phelan will follow with the Spring LP Creative Workshop for those that want to dive in deeper. A full scholarship to the the seven-week course will be given away during the March workshops. The seven-week course begins March 31.