Matt Stell Rings In Second No. 1 With Nashville’s Industry Execs

Pictured (L-R, back row): Shannan Hatch, Brendan Rich, Mike Sistad, Will Overton, Michael Martin; (L-R, front row): Lance Miller, Matt Stell, Paul Sikes, Ash Bowers. Photo: Steve Lowry

Friends, family, songwriters, and music industry execs gathered together on Tuesday afternoon (May 24) to celebrate Matt Stell‘s second No. 1 hit “Everywhere But On.” Hosted by ASCAP and SESAC, the event was held at Nashville’s The Local.

Written alongside Lance Miller and Paul Sikes, Stell also produced the track with Ash Bowers.

ASCAP’s Mike Sistad welcomed the group while also noting Sikes and Stell’s recent achievements. Sikes, a Nashville native and MTSU alum, marked his second No. 1 hit with the track. His first, Jimmie Allen‘s “Make Me Want To,” was honored just last week at Allen’s double No. 1 party.

Pictured (L-R): Lance Miller, Matt Stell, and Paul Sikes. Photo: Steve Lowry

Stell, a RECORDS Nashville recording artist, also celebrated his second No. 1 as both an artist and a writer with the tune, following his two-week No. 1 2019 hit, “Prayed For You.”

SESAC’s Shannan Hatch also took the stage to dote over Miller, saying: “I’m so glad to be here today to celebrate songwriters, and especially this one. Lance has been at SESAC longer than I have, but Lance and I have been friends since before that.”

Rather than talking about the stats of the song or Miller’s list of accomplishments as a writer, Hatch reminisced on some of her favorite moments with Miller, including his journey to Nashville to become a singer-songwriter, his time on Nashville Star, and an interesting RCA showcase.

“He was doing this showcase at Exit/In and I was standing at the back of the room. Lance just nailed it and he sounded so amazing, but in between songs Lance got a little nervous and he started talking about things and people,” Hatch recalled cheekily. “He went through the room and I think that he equally offended every person in the room. Our dear friend and songwriter, Kim Williams, laughed for years about it and said, ‘I’ve never seen anybody that could sing their way into a record deal and talk their way right out of it.'”

Michael Martin of Endurance Music Group acknowledged Sikes second No. 1 party in a week as well as the long future of success ahead of him.

“Just like we talked about last week, it’s really fun to get to celebrate with your friends in the circle that you come up in creatively. We were talking about it and this is a good habit. If we could have this all the time then, not to be selfish, but it is fun,” Martin quipped. “Paul is a triple threat: he’s a hit songwriter, an amazing musician and producer, and everyone that works with him loves him. On behalf of the Endurance family, congrats Paul, and to many, many more that’s coming.”

Before presenting Stell with a special engraved bottle liquor, Martin also highlighed Stell’s impressive knack for songwriting, noting that a benefit of COVID was that he could put more attention into his writing.

Will Overton of Warner Chappell echoed the others’ praises as he moved on to shed light on Miller, noting his hard work and determination as one of Nashville’s songwriters.

“I was very lucky to get to work with Lance because I was a new song plugger at Warner Chappell and Lance was one of the first writers that I got to work with,” Overton explained. “He’s got a heart of gold and there isn’t a more kind and patient writer out there than Lance. He’s always hustling and working hard to get his songs in the right places and himself in the right writing rooms. All of that hustle has paid off in the last few years as Lance has continued to see his songs rise to the top of the charts. We’re excited and thankful to be part of your journey, and excited for the many years of success to come.”

Pictured (L-R): Lance Miller, Matt Stell, Paul Sikes, and Ash Bowers. Photo: Steve Lowry

Next it was time to hear from the men behind the song.

Sikes thanked all of the team who worked to get “Everywhere But On” up the charts, as well as Bowers for his production skills and Stell for delivering the song with authenticity.

“I said this last week, but it truly is humbling to be up here. It’s great to get to do this with your friends and get to experience the journey with people that champion you and care about you,” Sikes offered. “It’s not about the pinnacle of this, it’s really truly about the journey and enjoying every day–going to the grind and making it happen. It’s great to celebrate this when it happens, and I just appreciate everyone in this room being a part of that in whatever way.”

Miller took the opportunity to give credit where it was due, noting Stell’s fiery vocals and Sikes contributing the song’s catchy hook to the writing process. “Nowadays you don’t run into [hooks] but [Paul] came in with a monster, and I appreciate that so much,” he gushed. “I’m thankful for this and it’s more fun playing the Bluebird when you’ve got a hit song to do. I’m proud to be a part of this community. Just like Minnie Pearl, ‘I’m just happy to be here.'”

Bowers addressed the songwriter’s as he talked about how the song is one of the few that he can remember exactly where he was when he heard it for the first time. “I was sitting at NY Pie in West Nashville in the parking lot waiting on my pizza to get ready. I’m checking emails and there was an email in there with ‘Everywhere But On.’ I listened to it and I can’t remember if it was Paul or Matt, but I texted whoever it was back and said, ‘This song is a huge smash.’ And I was right.”

Wrapping things up, it was time for Stell to take to the mic, thanking Wide Open Management, RECORDS Nashville, Sony, Endurance, his family, band, crew, and more.

“This is one of my favorite songs that I’ve ever written and I was so glad to be able to write it with these guys. I can’t thank everyone in here enough for how hard you worked–there’s just not enough names on the plaques, to be honest with you. Everybody in here has had something to do with that, and I really appreciate that,” he shared.

“In this business you hear a lot of no’s before you hear a yes,” Stell summed. “Sometimes the bad stuff feels worse than the good stuff feels good, so if you’re here tonight, let’s really take time to enjoy each other’s company. Maybe we’ll get a hangover during the week or whatever because we deserve it. We worked our asses off. We need to celebrate and make sure our highs are really damn high.”

Eli Young Band To Perform At National Memorial Day Parade

Eli Young Band. Photo: David McClister

Eli Young Band will help the nation celebrate Memorial Day by performing at the 2022 National Memorial Day Parade as the American tradition returns to Washington, D.C. for the first time since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Eli Young Band members Mike Eli, James Young, Jon Jones and Chris Thompson will perform “Love Ain’t” on the broadcast, and those watching at 7th and Constitution Ave. will also hear their latest single “Love Talking” at 12 p.m. CT.

Jimmie Allen is also set to perform on the special, which will be hosted by Anthony Anderson, Joe Buck and Robert Irvine. The broadcast will also include additional performances by the United States Army Band “Pershing’s Own,” Renee Elise GoldsberryJimmy KimmelJoe MantegnaChris PrattGlen PowellGary Sinise and Wilmer Valderama. Veteran of the legendary Tuskegee Airman Lt. Col. James Harvey III will serve as the Grand Marshal of the parade.

The National Memorial Day Parade will be nationally syndicated to over 100 million households on ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX and CW stations, airing throughout the month of June. It will also be broadcast to U.S. troops serving around the world and on Navy ships at sea on American Forces Network.

Priscilla Block To Take Her Block Party Overseas This August

Mercury Nashville recording artist Priscilla Block will bring her “Welcome to the Block Party Tour” worldwide this August, following her first headlining US dates where she sold out 11 of 14 shows during the initial run.

Later this year, Block will make stops in Glasgow, London, Leicestershire, and Dublin. Tickets for the “Welcome to the Block Party World Tour” are available for purchase now.

“I’m beyond blown away at the success of my first headlining tour!” says Block. “I’m still such a new artist and it’s a little scary to go out and play on your own, but the fans have shown up all spring, and I couldn’t be more grateful! I love being able to play my full album and bring all the deep cuts to life on stage. We got sassy with it; we got trashy with it, baby! I absolutely loved being able to elaborate on my own stories and where I’ve come from to my fans.”

She continues, “The US Tour was such a success, we’ve decided to take this thing overseas! I had the opportunity to play C2C this year and it was unreal. I can’t wait to get back to Europe and show everyone what the full Block Party is all about!”

Block’s Gold-certified, debut single “Just About Over You” captured audiences via TikTok last year. Since then, she has cultivated a loyal fanbase and her debut album, Welcome to the Block Party, has garnered her an ACM award nomination for New Female Artist of the Year, as well as Breakthrough Video of the Year at the 2022 CMT Awards.

This summer, Block will make her CMA Fest debut and will also appear as a special guest on select dates on Jon Pardi’s “Ain’t Always The Cowboy Tour.”

“Welcome to the Block Party World Tour” Dates:
8.22.22 – Glasgow, UK – King Tut’s
8.24.22 – London, UK – Lexington
8.26.22 – Leicestershire, UK – The Long Road Festival
8.27.22 – Leicestershire, UK – The Long Road Festival
8.29.22 – Dublin, IRE – Workman’s

Dierks Bentley & Elle King To Host ‘CMA Fest’ Concert Special Airing August 3

Dierks Bentley and Elle King. Photo: ABC/Robby Klein

CMA Fest, the three-hour primetime TV special that brings country’s ultimate fan experience to a national television audience, is slated to air Aug. 3 at 7 p.m. CT on ABC. Dierks Bentley and Elle King will host the performance-packed show.

Filmed during Nashville’s four-day CMA Fest from June 9-12, the special will feature performances and surprise collaborations on stage at Nissan Stadium. 2022 marks the 19th consecutive year CMA has produced the summer concert TV special.

“I’m thrilled we get to partner with Dierks and Elle as our hosts this year,” says Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer. “They have such passion for the fans. I know the chemistry and camaraderie they bring to the stage will be felt by the millions of TV viewers around the globe.”

“We are excited to once again collaborate with our longtime partners at CMA for this summer’s must-see music event, CMA Fest,” adds Rob Mills, Executive Vice President, Unscripted and Alternative Entertainment, Walt Disney Television. “With Dierks Bentley and Elle King hosting the evening, music fans everywhere can be sure to expect an unforgettable night featuring the biggest names in country music.”

This marks both Bentley and King’s CMA Fest hosting debut. In addition to hosting, King joins the list of performers for the Nissan Stadium stage on Sunday night (June 12). As previously announced, Bentley will also perform Sunday.

In Pictures: Opry Celebrates Memorial Day Weekend With Special Salute The Troops Performance

Pictured (L-R): Jake Hoot, Riders In The Sky’s Jeff Taylor, Woody Paul, Doug Green, Fred LaBour, Cam, The War And Treaty’s Tanya Blount, Michael Trotter, and Craig Morgan. Photo: Rachael Black

The Grand Ole Opry saluted the U.S. Military on Tuesday night (May 24) with a return of its Salute the Troops Opry performance.

Among the artists who performed were Cam, Opry members Dailey & Vincent, Riley Green, Jake Hoot, Riders In The Sky, Opry member and U.S. Army veteran Craig Morgan, as well as husband and wife duo The War And Treaty, both of whom are U.S. Army veterans.

Opry’s Salute The Troops red carpet. Photo: Rachael Black

The Opry and its presenting sponsor Humana, partnering with DAV, invited men and women of the U.S. military and DAV members, as well as spouses, children, and parents of service members to walk the red carpet into the Opry House for the evening’s special show. Many of the night’s performers greeted the honored guests at the end of the red carpet.

This year’s Opry Salute the Troops was filmed to air as a special Opry Live on Memorial Day weekend (May 28) on the Circle Network, Circle All Access Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. The show will air live on WSM Radio and will also be heard on SiriusXM, Channel 59 Willie’s Roadhouse.

Craig Morgan with Salute the Troops show attendees. Photo: Rachael Black

Puctured (L-R): Retired Army Lt. Gen. Keith Huber, a senior advisor for the veterans and leadership initiatives at MTSU was a guest announcer representing The Daniels Center and Command Sergeant Major Andrew Lombardo. Sgt. Lombardo served with General Huber in Afghanistan, the general’s final Army assignment, and was awarded his second Bronze Star by the general. Photo: Rachael Black

On The Row: Hit Songwriter Greylan James Leans In To Artist Voice

Greylan James. Photo: MusicRow

East Tennessee native Greylan James has been writing songs in Music City since he was 18.

The talented songwriter signed his first publishing deal with Bob DiPiero, where he honed in his craft for writing. “I watched Bob write amazing songs. I got to learn from him for a couple of years,” James said in a recent visit with MusicRow.

He signed to UMPG Nashville in 2018, and has since secured cuts with Kenny Chesney, Chris Young, Blake Shelton, Cole Swindell and Chris Janson.

Greylan James with MusicRow staffers. Photo: MusicRow

“I fell in love with songwriting and really wanted to be good at it. I wanted to be able to tell my own stories. For the past few years, that’s what I’ve been doing. In the back of mind I was always thinking, ‘I want to sing these songs one day instead of hearing other guys sing them.'”

Now, with some songwriting success behind him, James is stepping behind the microphone by releasing new music. In addition to UMPG, he has aligned with Morris Higham for management and WME for booking.

James’ first artist release was the moody “Anything Cold,” which he co-wrote with Abram Dean, Jason Massey and Josh Dorr. James, along with Massey, shared in the recording and production duties as well as playing every instrument on the track.

His second release is “Make the Best Memories,” a country diddy co-written with Ben Hayslip and Chase McGill about growing up in a small town. Like “Anything Cold,” James and Massey recorded and produced the track together. James, a very talented musician, played every instrument.

“As soon as I wrote [‘Make the Best Memories’], the song got put on hold by a couple of artists,” James said. “This is one of the first songs I’ve written that I wanted to keep for myself.”

A standout of James’ artist catalog is an unreleased track called “Walls.” The musician’s guitar skills shine in an acoustic performance of the song that talks about growing up through the perspective of walls.

This past year James celebrated his first hit as a songwriter with Chesney’s “Happy Does.”

“That song changed my life,” he said. “I got to see my name on the MusicRow Songwriter Chart! That was really cool. I took a screen shot and sent it to my mom and said, ‘See, I’m doing okay!'”

The tune was a full circle moment for James, who has followed the Knoxville, Tennessee native’s career his whole life.

“I grew up loving Kenny Chesney,” he said. “They say don’t meet your heroes, but he’s been really good to me.”

Jeannie Seely, Kelly Lang, Mandy Barnett Among Honorees At SWIFT Alice Awards Gala

Pictured (L-R): Kelly Lang, Jeannie Seely and Mandy Barnett. Photo: Moments By Moser Photography

The Nashville Women in Film & Television SWIFT ALICE Awards Ceremony and Gala Dinner was held on Saturday, May 21 at the Carlocker Motorcars Bentley showroom in Brentwood, Tennessee.

Among those honored at the local event were Jeannie Seely, who was honored with the Legacy Award, and Kelly Lang, who received the Icon Award. Other recipients included Beverly Keel (Cornerstone Award), Gisela Moore (Leadership Award), Candace Saunders (Encore Award), Mandy Barnett (Woman of Excellence Award) and Lyn Plantinga (Luminous Woman Award).

“It truly was an honor to receive the Legacy Award from this prestigious group of accomplished ladies. Having served on the Board of SAG/AFTRA for some 30 years, I am very familiar with the challenges women have faced pursuing their chosen careers. I appreciate the legacy handed down by the generation before me, and I am proud of the progress we have made during our era,” expresses Seely. “Hopefully, I am earning this award by mentoring those who will be carrying the torch into the future. Thank you to WIFT for a wonderful evening, including the opportunity to meet so many inspiring women.”

“To be recognized by your peers for what you do is much appreciated and never taken for granted,” shares Lang. ”To be chosen for the Icon Award is very humbling since there are so many other talented women who could have been selected. I am deeply touched to be acknowledged in such a special way.”

The Alice Awards, named after Alice Guy-Blache, the world’s first female director, recognize women who have demonstrated perseverance in the pursuit of their dreams despite difficulties, hardships, and life’s circumstances.

Brooke Eden Partners With RIAA On New Music Matters Initiative

Brooke Eden. Photo: Ford Fairchild

Brooke Eden has partnered with the RIAA on a new Music Matters initiative, designed to demonstrate how music can enable our authentic voice, give us purpose, connect us, and give us courage to navigate life’s challenges.

As part of the multi-event-driven initiative, Eden will appear in schools, medical centers and recording studios throughout the year. Music Matters is a cause that’s deeply personal for Eden, who just last year used the support of her friends and her music to embrace her own LGBTQ+ community.

Music Matters with RIAA will officially launch on June 23 as Eden joins representative David Cicilline, Chair of the Congressional LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus.

“It’s important to the RIAA to support artists using their voice and their music where it matters most,” says Jackie Jones, RIAA VP of Artist and Industry Relations. “By creating this program, our hope is to provide a platform that allows artists to speak to policymakers directly about the importance of music and create tangible moments that show how music makes a difference in our lives.”

“This effort is an opportunity to help others find confidence and their better selves,” Eden adds. “I’ve been going through so much healing myself, learning and unlearning, how to be a better human and I hope that comes out in the music and my writing, which is truly my therapy.”

Eden has used her personal journey to self-acceptance to create music with the same message. Since making her debut, Eden has shared stages with Garth Brooks, Tim McGraw, Dan + Shay, Florida Georgia Line, Kane Brown and Keith Urban. She recently made her ACM Awards performance debut, joining Parmalee and Blanco Brown for their Platinum No. 1 hit “Just the Way.”

New music from Eden is slated to arrive later this year.

Tanya Tucker Signs With Scott Adkins For Management

Scott Adkins and Tanya Tucker. Photo: Derrek Kupish

Tanya Tucker has tapped her longtime publicist Scott Adkins, of newly-formed Adkins Entertainment, to represent her as manager in all facets of her career. She also recently retained Kurt Vitolo of K V Financial Group for business management.

Tucker will continue to be represented by Adkins Publicity, and Jonathan Levine, Lenore Kinder and Kiely Mosiman at Wasserman Music for agency representation. Derrek Kupish, Tanya’s longtime photographer, cinematographer and social media manager, has been named Creative Director to execute Tucker’s vision, brand and image.

“I wake up with a new To Do List every day! Scott and I have accomplished a lot together and we’ve got a lot more to do!” Tucker shares.

“Tanya is a globally revered treasure. When Tanya speaks or sings, within a millisecond, you know it’s her,” Adkins adds. “Her stylistic voice and fierce, badass personality are synonymous with her legacy as a media mogul, who continues to reign as a bonafide superstar entertainer. Tanya may be celebrating 50 years since releasing her mega hit ‘Delta Dawn,’ but she’s only scratched the surface of her indelible career!”

Tucker will continue her “Hard Luck Tour” on June 4 in Cherokee, North Carolina. The trek will run through December.

Lauren Daigle, Kirk Franklin, Walker Hayes, More Set To Perform On K-LOVE Fan Awards

Lauren Daigle, Kirk Franklin, Walker Hayes, For King & Countryand many more are part of the just-announced lineup of performers for the upcoming K-LOVE Fan Awards, set to take place this Sunday (May 29).

This year’s ninth annual celebration will feature several collaborative performances, including Blanca with Dante Bowe, CeCe Winans with Lauren Daigle, Jonathan Traylor with Jordan Feliz, Kirk Franklin with Maverick City Music, and Riley Clemmons with country star Walker Hayes. Other performances include Anne Wilson, Cain, Chris Tomlin, Elevation Worship, Katy Nichole, Matthew West, Phil Wickham, Tauren Wells, and TobyMac.

Presenters at the ceremony will include Danny Gokey, Jimmie Allen, Mac Powell, Matt Maher, Mike Weaver, Sadie Robertson Huff, The Skit Guys, and Rebecca St. James with her mom Helen Smallbone.

Nominees for the 2022 K-LOVE Fan Awards were announced last week, with Anne Wilson, Casting Crowns, For King & Country, Katy Nichole, Maverick City Music, TobyMac, and Zach Williams leading with the most nominations. Fans can vote for their favorites here.

The biggest fan weekend in Christian music will take place May 27-29 in Nashville, with a kick-off concert Friday at 7 p.m., followed by an emerging artist’s showcase and songwriter’s showcase on Saturday, and the annual Sunday morning worship service, all at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel.

The Opry will welcome the Fan Awards on May 29, hosted by ASCAP Christian Songwriter of the Year Matthew West and ten-time Grammy-nominee Tauren Wells, airing on TBN June 3.