Shawn Austin Releases Local Hay / Big Loud Records Debut EP

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Shawn Austin. Photo: Chris Hornbuckle

Rising Canadian country singer-songwriter Shawn Austin has released his Local Hay/Big Loud Records debut EP, Planes Don’t Wait.

Produced by Scott Cooke, the 7-track collection includes fan-favorites “Get You,” the Chris Lane collaboration “Tailgate To Heaven” and the title track “Planes Don’t Wait,” in addition to four new tracks. Composed of entirely outside cuts, the EP features songs penned by some of Music City’s most in-demand writers, including Craig Wiseman, Kelly Archer, Hillary Lindsey, Jordan Schmidt, Mark Holman, Brian Kelley, Ernest Keith Smith, Jessie Jo Dillon, Jon Nite, Cary Barlowe, and more.

With more than 27 million global career streams, the 2021 CCMA Award Rising Star nominee has spent the first half of 2022 on Dallas Smith‘s Canadian “Some Things Never Change Tour,” which wraps this Thursday (June 30) in Toronto.

A Vancouver native, Austin was recently a season two finalist on NBC’s Songland, pitching Florida Georgia Line as a songwriting contestant. This year, he launched a new chapter of his career as he signed with Local Hay/ Big Loud Records, and hit the top 5 at Canadian country radio with “Tailgate To Heaven.”

Planes Don’t Wait Track List:
1. “Somewhere In Austin” – Written by Jordan Dozzi, Jacob Durrett, Craig Wiseman
2. “Tailgate To Heaven” (feat. Chris Lane) – Written by Kelly Archer, Will Bundy, Rodney Clawson*
3. “Over Here” – Written by Hillary Lindsey, Josh Miller, Jordan Schmidt
4. “Planes Don’t Wait” – Written by Mark Holman, Brian Kelley, Jared Mullins, Ernest Keith Smith
5. “Get You” – Written by Matt Dragstrem, Josh Thompson, Laura Veltz
6. “Slip” – Written by Jessie Jo Dillon, Zach Kale, Jon Nite
7. “Talk of the Town” – Written by Cary Barlowe, Matt Dragstrem, Josh Thompson

All songs produced by Scott Cooke
*Additional production by Will Bundy

Tigirlily Signs With Roundhouse Entertainment

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Pictured (L-R): Greg McCarn, Krista Slaubaugh, Kendra Slaubaugh, Darcie Van Etten, and Dan Anderson

Monument Records artist Tigirlily has signed with Roundhouse Entertainment for management.

Composed of Krista and Kendra Slaubaugh, the sister duo officially formed during high school. Growing up, they performed across the midwest, opening for acts such as LeAnn Rimes and Big & Rich. They quickly developed a fan base of their own, selling out amphitheaters across North Dakota.

After their song “Somebody Does” topped the iTunes chart, they signed to Monument Records, were included in a Keds shoes global campaign, and guest-starred on The Young & The Restless. Tigirlily released their self-titled debut EP in July 2021, working with Shane McAnally. They will be on the road throughout summer and fall, including select dates opening for Walker Hayes and Ashley McBryde.

“As soon as we met Krista and Kendra and saw them perform live, it became apparent that they not only had incredible talent, but also an incredible work ethic,” says Greg McCarn, co-founder of Roundhouse Entertainment. “Discovering that they moved to Nashville and paid their dues, their rent, and their way through college by performing on lower Broadway knocking out 4 hour sets, 3-4 nights per week, for 3 years–and continued that even when they got a record deal–was impressive to us and spoke to who they are as people and the way they treat others. We are so excited to be working with them to help build their future.”

Michael Knox Celebrates Four Years Of Knox Country 360

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Shalacy Griffin & Michael Knox

Award-winning country music producer Michael Knox is celebrating the fourth anniversary of his nationally syndicated radio show Knox Country 360. To commemorate the milestone, Knox and co-host Shalacy Griffin will host a special July 4th show featuring their favorite moments from the past four years.

The show offers listeners closer access to Nashville’s hitmakers and songwriters, including Ashley Gorley, David Lee Murphy, Luke Laird, Rhett Atkins, Nicolle Galyon, Rodney Clawson, Liz Rose, Jessi Alexander, Josh Thompson, Dallas Davidson, Jennifer Hanson and more. The show also features Nashville industry insiders such as Ben Vaughn and Rusty Gaston, amongst others.

Based in Nashville, the show is produced by Knox and Donny Walker (former executive at Westwood One, Cumulus Media, BDS, Billboard Magazine). Hosted by Knox and Griffin, currently the Senior Vice President of Operations for Music Knox, LLC, Bill Bruce is also a key behind-the-scenes member known as “The Voice.”

This year, Knox Country 360 was selected by the ACM as a first-time nominee for National Weekly On-Air Personality of the Year with Knox and Griffin.

“I’m very proud of the four-year journey we have had together so far. From the excitement of our very first show back in 2018, to walking the red carpet at the 2022 ACM awards with my co-host Shalacy for our nomination for National Weekly On Air Personality, this has been such an incredible ride,” Knox shares. “Don’t misunderstand what I’m saying, because I know we’re famous because of me.”

“I have been a fan of radio my entire life so to be able to contribute to this industry has been a blessing,” adds Griffin. “I also agree with my co-host that he may be the ‘famous’ one, but everyone knows that we got our ACM nomination because of me. I think we would also agree that the show would not be possible without Donny Walker and Bill Bruce—those guys are rockstars!”

Knox is well established as one of Nashville’s in-demand music producers, playing a role in 28 No. 1 singles, including the recent Jason Aldean No. 1 “Trouble with a Heartbreak.” He has celebrated over 50 million singles and 25 million albums sold during his career.

In addition to his long-running role as Aldean’s primary producer, Knox’s production credits include Thomas Rhett, Kelly Clarkson, Ludacris, Trace Adkins, Luke Bryan, Eric Church, Miranda Lambert, Carrie Underwood, Laine Hardy and Michael Tyler, amongst others. His record label, Music Knox Records/BBR Music Group, is working on material with Tim Montana, and he serves as a music publisher and Senior Vice President for peermusic Nashville.

Music City Grand Prix Announces Brantley Gilbert & Carly Pearce As Grand Ole Prix Headliners

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Pictured (L-R, top row): Brantley Gilbert & Carly Pearce; (L-R, bottom row): Midland & Callista Clark

The Big Machine Music City Grand Prix has announced country music artists Brantley Gilbert, Carly Pearce, Midland and Callista Clark as the headliners for the Grand Ole Prix concert, set for Aug, 7.

The artists, who are all signed with Big Machine Label Group, will perform as part of a live, 90-minute show that will begin at 5:45 p.m. CT on the ZYN Main Stage. The Grand Ole Prix will follow the conclusion of the Big Machine Music City Grand Prix NTT IndyCar Series race and culminates the Aug. 5-7 festivities in the heart of Music City.

Gilbert, who was named ACM New Male Vocalist of the Year in 2012 and Top New Male Artist in 2013, is a multi-Platinum Georgia native. Seven No. 1 hits punctuate his career: “Country Must be Country Wide,” “You Don’t Know Her Like I Do,” CMA Song of the Year nominee “Dirt Road Anthem,” “My Kinda Party,” RIAA 5x Platinum-certified “Bottoms Up,” and “One Hell of an Amen.”

The reigning ACM/CMA Female Artist/Vocalist of the Year, Pearce has enjoyed a recent wave of significant accolades as her “Never Wanted To Be That Girl” duet with Ashley McBryde became her second consecutive ACM Awards Music Event of the Year win. The song also marked Pearce’s third No. 1 hit and they became only the third duet between two solo women to top Country Airplay since the Billboard chart’s 1990 inception. The Grand Ole Opry member will headline her first shows at the Ryman Auditorium on Oct. 26-27 after a summer touring with Kenny Chesney.

Midland has grown from a bar band to an in-demand headliner, selling out tours from coast to coast as well as supporting some of country music’s biggest stars, such as George Strait, Garth Brooks, Tim McGraw and Little Big Town. Lead vocalist Mark Wystrach fronts their rich sound rounded out with lead guitarist/vocalist Jess Carson and bass player/vocalist Cameron Duddy. Following their Gold-certified debut album On the Rocks, Midland’s follow-up record Let it Roll reached the top of the charts.

Clark’s debut Real To Me EP produced the top 20 hit “It’s ‘Cause I Am,” and became country radio’s most successful new artist debut of 2021. Her latest single, “Gave It Back Broken,” is featured on her forthcoming debut album Real To Me: The Way I Feel, arriving Oct. 14.

Garth Brooks To Receive NSAI’s Kris Kristofferson Lifetime Achievement Award

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Garth Brooks. Photo: Joseph Llanes

Garth Brooks will be honored as the next recipient of NSAI’s Kris Kristofferson Lifetime Achievement Award at the 5th annual Nashville Songwriter Awards presented by City National Bank. The awards are scheduled for Sept. 20 at the Ryman Auditorium. Ticket on-sale information will be released at a later date.

The Kris Kristofferson Lifetime Achievement Award is given to an individual whose works have made a significant contribution to the American songbook and has inspired the careers of others. It has only been given to three other individuals since its inception: Loretta Lynn (2019), Bill Anderson (2018) and Willie Nelson (2013). The honorees are chosen personally by Kristofferson, and is the greatest honor within NSAI’s organizational awards.

“It’s pretty damn embarrassing to give a man of Garth’s stature an award with my name on it,” Kristofferson notes. “When Willie got one he said he could take care of that. Congratulations Garth, I am truly humbled and honored that you have accepted this! You belong on Mount Rushmore. See you there.”

“When they name awards after artists, that award takes on an even greater meaning. Kristofferson is known as the songwriter’s songwriter… and he should be,” Brooks explains. “The honor is the name on the award and the names who have received it. My hope is that through time, the Garth Brooks name is worthy of such an honor. This is going to be a cool night.”

The annual Nashville Songwriter Awards is a celebration of songs and songwriters. Many of the recipients determined by a community of peer professional writers honoring their most-admired songs from the past year to determine the Song of the Year and the 10 Songs I Wish I’d Written awards.

The evening is filled with performances of honored guests and songs, and is a celebration of the adoration shared between all for the art of songwriting.

Carnival Music Adds Jaida Dreyer To Writer Roster

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Pictured (L-R): Lauren Kilgore (Partner, Shackelford, Bowen, McKinley & Norton, LLP), Jaida Dreyer, Nicole Wyatt (Creative Director, Carnival Music), Frank Liddell (Owner, Carnival Music)

Singer-songwriter Jaida Dreyer has signed a publishing agreement with Carnival Music.

Over the years, Dreyer has had songs recorded by Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Reba McEntire, Eric Church, Sara Evans, Granger Smith, Brantley Gilbert, Cody Jinks, Kevin Costner & The Modern West, and more. She’s credited for a multi-week No. 1 with Luke Bryan‘s “Home Alone Tonight,” featuring Little Big Town’s Karen Fairchild.

As an artist, the Ontario native has traveled coast-to-coast opening for artists such as Eric Church, Luke Bryan, Dierks Bentley, and Merle Haggard. She is also a frequent guest on The Grand Ole Opry. Her songs have been featured in Paramount’s Yellowstone, A&E’s The Returned, and Netflix’s Longmire, and she has penned nine tunes for the television series Nashville.

Owner of Carnival Music, Frank Liddell, says: “Jaida is a consummate professional. She succeeds in every endeavor she takes on. She’s a proven successful songwriter, and I believe she will continue to deliver her best work for many years to come. We are excited to be a part of her future.”

“I couldn’t be more excited to be working alongside Jaida,” Nicole Wyatt, Carnival Music Creative Director, adds. “She has such an infectious spirit, and her successes combined, just makes you want to work harder for her.”

“When I moved to Nashville, the very first meeting I had in town was with Frank Liddell. I’ve always looked at those part of the Carnival family as having one of the best seats in the house, and it feels very full circle to be sitting in one of them now,” Dreyer explains. “I owe a lot to Courtney Gregg for bringing me into the fold.”

Justin Luffman Re-Signs With Warner Music Nashville

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Justin Luffman

Warner Music Nashville VP of Artist Development, Justin Luffman, has re-signed his contract with the company.

Luffman joined WMN in 2010, making him one of the longest tenured employees at the label. Prior to joining WMN, he had career stops at Sony and Curb.

“It’s a privilege and honor to continue my journey with Warner Music Nashville,” Luffman says. “The culture we’ve created at WMN energizes me daily. I am incredibly grateful for the mentorship I’ve received from some of the industry’s best leaders throughout my career, and I am so fortunate to work alongside people who I call family. Above all, I am constantly inspired by all of our artists and their music. I’m very proud of all that we’ve accomplished since I began this chapter here 12 years ago, and I am looking forward to much more to come.”

Shane Tarleton, EVP of Artist Development, adds, “Justin Luffman is one of the most creative minds in our industry. I have been fortunate to work alongside him for over a decade and am thrilled to extend our relationship!”

Combustion Music Celebrates 100 No. 1 Hits

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Pictured (L-R): Director of Operations Kelly Lyons; President/Songwriter/Producer Chris Farren; General Manager Keithan Melton; Vice President Chris “Falcon” Van Belkom; Senior Creative Director, A&R Blake Duncan. Photo: Mick Bodie.

Music Row-based publishing, masters, and writer development firm Combustion Music earned its 100th No. 1 with Jordan Davis’ tune “Buy Dirt” (featuring Luke Bryan) via Combustion writer Matt Jenkins.

Alongside this milestone, Combustion has also revamped with a new logo and website, along with a revived definition of Combustion and its expanding list of accomplishments.

Established in 2001 by owner Chris Farren, Combustion’s “we’re all in this together” mentality is a reflection of Farren’s background as an artist, writer, producer and entrepreneur.

With first signings including seven-time ASCAP Songwriter of the Year Ashley Gorley, and Grammy award-winning group Kings of Leon, Combustion is now home to 5x Grammy award nominee Matthew West, multiple No. 1 award-winning writer and producer AJ Pruis, No. 1 writer Brett Tyler, Thirty Tigers artist Bones Owens, writer and Combustion Masters artist Faren Rachels, writers Jessica Farren and Leanna Crawford, and writer/producers Austin Goodloe, Tom Whall, and Sam Bergeson.

“Our industry is ever changing, and we’ve allowed Combustion a flexibility to adapt and pivot with the industry and, therefore, carefully cultivate opportunities to give our writers the best possible chance for success,” Farren explains. “We’re thrilled for our writers and all they’ve accomplished, but more excited for continued growth and all that’s to come.”

“We’ve taken a very grassroots approach to everything we’ve done, so our success has been hard-earned and authentic,” adds Combustion VP Chris “Falcon” VanBelkom. “Everything we’ve done has been done with a lot of intention and care. We’re not just here to develop hit writers-we’re here to build a stable of writers and opportunities the whole team can be passionate about and proud of.”

Combustion also developed multi-award winning singer-songwriter Jameson Rodgers, leading to his deal with Sony Music Nashville, as well as Bones Owens, leading to his deal with Thirty Tigers, and Leanna Crawford with Provident.

The company has partnered with Broken Bow Records to continue the growth of touring and streaming powerhouse Kolby Cooper, and most recently partnered with Sony Music Nashville for the signing of streaming star Corey Kent.

Industry Ink: Michael Ray, Joe Nichols, Nashville Meets London, 7eventh Time Down

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Michael Ray’s Multi-Week No. 1, ‘Whiskey And Rain,’ Goes Platinum

Pictured (L-R): Buffy Cooper (Morris Higham Management), Shane Tarleton (Warner Music Nashville EVP Artist Development), Michael Ray, Ben Kline (Warner Music Nashville Co-President), Jackie Jones (RIAA VP Artist and Industry Relations) and Justin Luffman (Warner Music Nashville VP Artist Development). Photo: Warner Music Nashville

Michael Ray’s “Whiskey And Rain” has reached another milestone, earning RIAA Platinum certification after notching the Florida-native’s fourth chart topper and his first multi-week No. 1. The track was written by Josh Thompson and Jesse Frasure.

“When I first heard ‘Whiskey And Rain,’ I connected with the idea of letting yourself really live in a moment where it can wash over you,” shares Ray. “To say I’m proud of this song would be an understatement. I’m very grateful that it’s found a home in the hearts of fans. I couldn’t do this without them or the team I have behind me.”

“Holy Water,” the second single from Ray’s Higher Education EP, continues to climb the charts at country radio. The song was penned by Ashley Gorley, Hunter Phelps, Ben Johnson and Michael Hardy.

He is set to perform a slew of festival and headlining dates this summer before re-joining Lee Brice on the “Label Me Proud Tour.” For a full list of upcoming dates, click here.

 

Joe Nichols Plans Big Screen Debut With Murder At Yellowstone City

Joe Nichols as Colin Hodge in Murder At Yellowstone City. Photo: Courtesy of Murder At Yellowstone City

Quartz Hill Records’ Joe Nichols is set to make his big screen debut in the new western film, Murder At Yellowstone City, available now in select theaters, on Amazon Prime, Apple TV and more.

In Murder At Yellowstone City, a former slave who arrives in Yellowstone City, Montana looks for a place to call home. On that same day, a local prospector discovers gold–and is murdered. Written by Eric Belgau, the film was directed by Richard Gray and stars Gabriel Byrne, Thomas Jane, Isaiah Mustafa, Richard Dreyfuss, Nat Wolff, Anna Camp, Aimee Garcia, Emma Kenney and Zach McGowan.

Nichols plays Colin Hodge, the son of a dirt farmer and the grandson of a defender of the Alamo. Since surviving a mine collapse he’s fallen on hard times–living in a tent on the edge of town and drowning his memories and nerves in alcohol. His constant singing, beautiful in its sadness, is a fixture in town.

“I am so excited for everyone to see the film,” says Nichols. “It was a lot of fun to make. I loved old westerns as a kid and had a great time on set.”

The film premieres on the heels of Nichols recently released Good Day For Living. His first new full-length project in four years, the 13-song collection reunites the multi-Platinum entertainer with producers Mickey Jack Cones and Derek George, who helmed his 2013 album Crickets containing back-to-back No. 1 Gold-certified hits “Sunny and 75” and “Yeah.”

 

Nashville Meets London Adds Sarah Darling, Ruthie Collins, More To 2022 Festival Lineup

Nashville Meets London (NML) has announced the next round of performers added to the 2022 Music Festival lineup, including Sarah Darling, Candi Carpenter, Ruthie Collins, and Arbor North.

The NML Music Festival will be held on Aug. 24 and 25 at the Trinity Buoy Wharf in East London. The festival will feature performances by 12 artists, with six sets scheduled between 4-11 p.m. on both days. The newly added talent joins previously announced artists Priscilla Block, Shy Carter, Manny Blu, and Kyle Daniel. More talent will be announced in the coming days.

NML organizers have also announced the addition of live performances by Daniel and Vicki Manser to the NML Country Music River Cruise, which will be held on Aug. 19. Tickets for the NML River Cruise and the NML Music Festival are limited and available for purchase here.

Leading up to the festivities, NML Presents! monthly residency shows will take place on June 29 with Jeff Cohen and July 27 with Alannah McCready.

7eventh Time Down’s ‘God Is On The Move’ Receives Gold Treatment

Pictured (L-R): Tyson Paoletti, Senior Director of Marketing, BEC Recordings; Derek Bruner, First Company Management; 7eventh Time Down’s Cliff Williams, Austin Miller and Mikey Howard; Brandon Ebel, President, BEC Recordings and Tooth & Nail Records; Brian Ortize, A&R, BEC Recordings; Lauren Sieh, Director of Promotions, BEC Recordings; and Jennifer Mouttet, Jen Mouttet Promotions.

BEC Recordings’ band 7eventh Time Down is celebrating the Gold certification of their 2016 multi-week No. 1 “God Is On The Move.” With sales exceeding 500,000 units, the career-defining hit remains one of the most popular songs in the band’s discography.

Penned by 7eventh Time Down members Cliff Williams and Mikey Howard, along with Ian Eskelin and Tony Wood, the track celebrates the Lord’s work through the lives of His people.

“After more than 25 years in the music industry, I know how rare it is to encounter a song that touches so many lives in such impactful ways,” says Brandon Ebel, President, BEC Recordings and Tooth & Nail Records. “’God Is On The Move’ is one of those songs—an inspiration to thousands of people, including me and my family. Congratulations to 7eventh Time Down for this well-deserved RIAA Gold single. It is an honor for us to be part of your musical journey.”

“We write songs and send them out into the ocean like rescue boats for the lost and hurting, and even the saved who need a boost of encouragement or a reminder that they are not alone,” shares Howard. “It’s not that we write a song and hope it goes Gold—although we are deeply appreciative of the honor—we simply hope that when the boat comes back, it’s full of people who needed help.” He adds, “I thank God for the team behind ‘God Is On The Move. I’m grateful to have played a small part in the success of this song, and we give God all the glory.”

7eventh Time Down is comprised of lead vocalist Howard, drummer Austin Miller and bassist Williams. The group has appeared on the Grand Ole Opry and shared the stage with such artists as Newsboys, For King & Country and Matthew West, among others.

Kelsea Ballerini, Hillary Scott, More Join Forces With Porter’s Call For An ‘Evening Of Stories’

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Porter’s Call, a non-profit dedicated to providing counsel, support, and encouragement for touring and recording artists and their families, has announced its 13th annual “Evening Of Stories.” All proceeds from the event will support the work of Porter’s Call.

Taking place Aug. 30 at 7:30 p.m. CT at the Fisher Center for the Performing Arts at Belmont University, the evening will feature storytellers and musical guests, including British sailing legend and author Tracy Edwards and MBE and People’s Choice Award winner and author Carlos Whittaker. Musical guests will be Kelsea Ballerini, Hillary Scott of Lady A, Cody Fry, and Anne Wilson.

“Every day, our team has the privilege of offering a safe and confidential space for artists to be off-stage and deal with the issues they face,” shares Porter’s Call founder Al Andrews. “Thanks to the sponsors and others who support and attend our annual event and believe in the art, wellness, and health of artists, we pride ourselves on creating a hope-filled event that is not just talent-packed but heart-changing. By being a part of ‘Evening of Stories,’ you can become a part of the larger story with us. We hope to see you there to share in an amazing evening at a world-class venue.”

Individual tickets for this year’s event will be available in early August. Sponsorships for “Evening Of Stories” are available for individuals, businesses, foundations, churches, or any group that wants to support the mission of Porter’s Call. They include priority seating for the show, a VIP reception, and recognition within marketing materials. Sponsor packages can be purchased through Ashley Holland at [email protected] or by calling 615-414-6291.

Porter’s Call has been bringing well-being and relief to recording artists and their families for more than 20 years. To date, the Porter’s Call team has spent more than 60,000 hours working for and with their clients, saving them millions of dollars on counseling fees.