Neon Union Signs With Red Street Records

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Pictured (L-R, front row): Red Street Records Owner/Chairman Dan Crocket, Andrew Millsaps of Neon Union, Leo Brooks of Neon Union, Red Street Records Owner/CEO Jay Demarcus and Red Street Records Senior Director of A&R Kelly King; (L-R, back row): Red Street Records Consultant Kelly Rich, JAB Entertainment’s Aaron Benward, Jimmie Allen, Red Street Records SVP Promotion & Artist Development Alex Valentine, and Red Street Records’ Harrison Sokoloff

Rising country duo Neon Union has signed with Red Street Records.

Comprised of Leo Brooks and Andrew Millsaps, the duo was formed by Jimmie Allen, who produces and manages them alongside Aaron Benward as JAB Entertainment’s inaugural artist.

Brooks grew up in Miami and has collaborated with artists such as Pitbull, Lauryn Hill, Jennifer Lopez, Mary J. Blige, CeeLo Green and John Legend. Meanwhile, Millsaps grew up in North Carolina and has been writing songs since he was 13.

Allen introduced the two and, together as Neon Union, Brooks and Millsaps are bringing a new sound to country, with 808 kick drums married to a traditional country lyric and anthemic pop melodies.

“Ever since I heard Leo and Andrew play separately, I just knew they would make a perfect duo,” Allen shares. “They both have something really special on their own, and when they come together, it’s just magic.”

“I couldn’t be more excited to welcome Neon Union as the newest Red Street Records artist,” adds Jay DeMarcus, CEO of Red Street Records. “They just have that infectious quality that captivates a room, and we knew right away that we wanted to sign them. I can’t wait to watch these guys do big things.”

“It’s pretty surreal to be able to say we have a record deal,” the duo notes. “We are so thankful to Jimmie, Aaron, Jay, Dan [Crocket], and so many others for believing in us. We can’t wait to start sharing our music with the world!”

New music is expected from Neon Union later this year.

Tina Crawford Joins 33 Creative As Manager/Partner

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David Fanning & Tina Crawford

Tina Crawford has joined David Fanning‘s boutique management company, 33 Creative, as Manager/Partner. She will help support the 33 Creative roster, which includes BBR/Stoney Creek act Parmalee and new Warner Music Nashville signee Avery Anna.

Crawford spent eight years as VP at Major Bob before announcing her exit earlier this year. Prior to Major Bob, she spent time at BBR and at WBCT Grand Rapids.

“I’m excited to bring all my past experience in radio/label/publishing into artist management in a unique and elemental type approach,” Crawford tells MusicRow.

Fanning is a songwriter, producer and manager who produced the No. 1 singles “Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not” and “If I Didn’t Have You” for Thompson Square, “Carolina” for Parmalee, and other top 40 singles recorded by various country artists. He co-wrote and co-produced Parmalee’s recent No. 1 hit, “Take My Name,” as well as Anna’s “Narcissist.”

Crawford and Fanning can be reached at [email protected] and [email protected], respectively.

Jake Owen, Keb’ Mo’, Yolanda Adams, More Among PBS’ ‘A Capitol Fourth’ Lineup

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Fireworks over the U.S. Capitol. Photo: Courtesy of PBS

A Capitol Fourth, the live national Independence Day TV tradition on PBS, has announced this year’s star-studded lineup.

Joining host Mickey Guyton, who will also be performing during the celebration, will be Jake Owen, Darren Criss, Yolanda Adams, Andy Grammer, Gloria Gaynor, Keb’ Mo’, Emily Bear, Loren Allred, Rachel Platten, and National Symphony Orchestra under the direction of top pops conductor Jack Everly.

This year’s special will also feature a celebration of West Side Story‘s 65th anniversary headlined by Chita Rivera, and a centennial salute to the Lincoln Memorial featuring a performance of “Battle Hymn of the Republic” by Yolanda Adams.

A Capitol Fourth airs on PBS Monday, July 4 from 7-8:30 p.m. CT, as well as to our troops serving around the world on the American Forces Network. The program can also be heard in stereo over NPR member stations nationwide and will be streaming on YouTube, the PBS website, and will be available as Video on Demand from July 4-18.

Johnny Chiang To Join Pandora

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Johnny Chiang

Pandora has announced the hiring of Johnny Chiang as Senior Director of Country Programming.

Reporting to Vice President of Programming Kevin Stapleford, Chiang will oversee programming for country music at Pandora. He will start July 25.

Chiang joins Pandora from Red Street Records. Prior to that, he spent 18 years at KKBQ in Houston, Texas, where he was named Most Influential Country Program Director in America by Billboard (2016), Radio Ink’s Best Program Directors in Country Radio 13 times, and Radio Ink’s Best Program Directors in America 10 times. During his tenure at KKQB, the station was named CMA’s Major Market Station of the Year three times (2014, 2016, 2018), ACM’s Major Market Station of the Year (2017), and won the Marconi four times (2013, 2014, 2016, 2018).

“Words cannot adequately describe just how thrilled I am to be joining the incredible country team that Kevin Stapleford is assembling at Pandora,” shares Chiang. “I want to thank Kevin and Steve Blatter for believing in me and what my experiences and skill sets can bring to the team.”

Amy Grant To Release 25th Anniversary Expanded Edition Of ‘Behind The Eyes’

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Amy Grant is celebrating her 1997 album, Behind The Eyes, exactly 25 years to the day of its original release with a special project: Behind The Eyes (25th Anniversary Expanded Edition).

The reinvigorated project is due out on Sept. 9 and the first single from it, a reimagined version of “Turn This World Around (2022 Version)” by Keith Thomas, is out now.

Featuring twelve remastered tracks from the original album, plus 18 bonus tracks, b-sides, demos and two brand new reimagined tracks by producer Keith Thomas, the album will be available digitally as well as a triple-vinyl package with narratives from Grant, Thomas, and Wayne Kirkpatrick.

Behind The Eyes was Grant’s twelfth studio album and debuted at No. 2 on Billboard’s Christian albums chart. It yielded two top 10 hits with “Takes A Little Time” and “Like I Love You.”

“Snapshots of life…that’s what these songs are,” Grant recalls. “Rediscovering so many unreleased tracks was like finding an old roll of undeveloped film 25 years after taking the pictures!”

In support of the album’s anniversary, Grant will launch a 25-city tour throughout September and October, and each night will include several songs from the project. Dates for the new tour will be announced soon.

Behind the Eyes 25th Anniversary Expanded Edition Digital Track List:
Nobody Home
I Will Be Your Friend
Like I Love You
Takes A Little Time
Cry A River
Turn This World Around
Curious Thing
Every Road
Leave It All Behind
Missing You
The Feeling I Had
Somewhere Down The Road
Turn This World Around (2022 Version)
I Will Be Your Friend (2022 Version)
Carry You (1997 version)
Walk On Water
I Feel Fine
5 Different Kisses
What Kind Of Love
Come Be With Me
What Is The Chance Of That
I Wanna Love You
Takes A Little Time (Wayne Kirkpatrick)
I’ve Got You
Watching The Waves (demo)
Say
How Do You Manage That?
Come into My World (Studio Version)
Crowded In Here (demo)
Come Be With Me (Feat. Keb’ Mo’)

Tenille Townes Shows Her Light & Dark Sides At Nashville’s Exit/In

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Tenille Townes. Photo: Robert Chavers

Tenille Townes showcased her duality at Nashville’s Exit/In as she celebrated the release of her new Masquerades EP earlier this week. Originally slated to take place on May 3, the show was rescheduled after a member of Townes’ band contracted COVID-19.

Proceeds from the show benefitted local Nashville shelter Room In The Inn, which strives to emphasize human development and recovery through education, self-help and work.

Tenille Townes. Photo: Robert Chavers

After an opening set from one of Warner Music Nashville’s newest artists, Avery Anna, Townes took the stage decked out in an all white outfit, jumping straight into to the electric “White Horse” before energizing the crowd with “Same Road Home,” a tune from her new EP.

“Oh my goodness. It is so good to be here with you guys. I’m so grateful to each and every single one of you who came,” she gushed over the packed room. “This is our first time playing Exit/In, but I’ve been to so many shows here so it’s an honor to get to play here.”

She continued, “We’re going to play the new songs from Masquerades, which I’m so happy is out there, and we’re actually going to play a couple of songs that we haven’t ever played before. I just hope that all of these songs are a way for me to show you both sides of who I am. That’s the goal here tonight.”

The Sony Music Nashville recording artist ripped into a string of tunes, including “Light In Your Eyes” off of the new EP, a magnetic cover of Sheryl Crow‘s “If It Makes You Happy,” and a chilling rendition of her breakout hit “Jersey On The Wall – I’m Just Asking” which she explained has taken on a whole new life since she wrote it.

Tenille Townes & Breland. Photo: Robert Chavers

Townes also gave impressive performances of her ode to waiting for love on “When’s It Gonna Happen” and yearning “Where You Are,” while also welcoming surprise guest Breland to the stage for their new collaboration “Shared Walls.”

“I wrote this with a couple friends of mine in our respective apartments through a screen. We were talking about apartment living, our neighbors, and how much closer we felt to our neighbors down the hallway and also across the entire world over the past few years,” she explained. “We’ve all been through so much so we wrote a song about it.”

Though a big smile rarely left the singer-songwriter’s face, she also gave the audience a healthy helping of emotions with songs like “When You Need It,” which originally features pop singer Wrabel lending his vocals; as well as an acoustic, solo version of “When I Meet My Maker;” and a version of “Villain In Me” that had the crowd’s skin crawling with anticipation as she left the stage.

Returning in a moody, all-black ensemble the Canadian entertainer made her way through the rest of the stacked set list, including the haunting “The Sound of Being Alone,” to which she controlled the room’s attention with ease; the ever-bluesy “I Kept the Roses;” and the nostalgic, dream-inspiring “Girl Who Didn’t Care.”

Tenille Townes. Photo: Robert Chavers

“I have had the best time with you guys tonight. Nashville, thank you for these moments. I promise I’m just going to hold onto this Exit/In night forever,” Townes beamed as she fought back tears. “Thank you for showing up and singing these songs. It’s such a dream to be able to do this and to be a part of an amazing community like Nashville.

“We’re going to leave you with one more song about how everyone has a story,” she said. “Thanks for looking out for one another. Be kind to each other. I love you guys so much. Thank you so much for spending the night with us.”

Townes closed out the night with her debut single “Somebody’s Daughter,” which earned a roar of applause from the Nashville crowd.

This weekend, she will open up for Brooks & Dunn on their “Reboot 2022 Tour,” making stops in Charleston West Virginia; Toledo, Ohio; and Detroit, Michigan.

Industry Ink: BMI, SOLID, Jeff Carson, Southern Signal

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Ernest, Jake Worthington Kick Off BMI ‘Rooftop On The Row’ Concert Series

Pictured (L-R): BMI’s Clay Bradley, Mason Hunter, ERNEST, Big Loud’s Seth England, and BMI’s Josh Tomlinson. Photo: Nathan Zucker

BMI kicked off its Music Row summer concert series, “Rooftop on the Row Presented by George Dickel” on Tuesday night (June 21).

Due to the heat advisory, the event was moved to the 6th floor parking garage which is historically the site of the company’s annual BMI Country Awards dinner. Big Loud recording artists Ernest and Jake Worthington serenaded a packed house.

 

SOLID Donates Over $14,000 To CMA Foundation

Pictured (L-R): Parker Stacey, Ryan Cunningham, and Leah Hudson Binkerd

Local industry non-profit SOLID’s annual Backstage Auction was led by Ryan Cunningham, Leah Hudson Binkerd and Parker Stacey, and hosted at CMA’s Fan Fair X inside Music City Center during CMA Fest.

The auction offered country fans exclusive experiences, signed merchandise, one-of-a-kind signed memorabilia, and more. As a token of appreciation for the CMAs, SOLID has donated over $14,000 to the CMA Foundation.

“I couldn’t be more proud of all the work that our members put into this auction. Ryan, Leah and Parker have truly raised the bar for years to come with how well they executed this event this year,” shares SOLID’s President, Avery King. “We were able to make this happen with the support of our alumni, industry partners and everyone at the CMA. Being able to give back to the CMA Foundation is just one of many ways we want to express our gratitude for all they do to support us.”

“Having partners like SOLID come back to CMA Fest after two years speaks to their commitment to help further our mission of amplifying and supporting music education,” adds Tiffany Kerns, Executive Director, CMA Foundation. “The passion and value each of our partners bring to our festival footprint is what makes CMA Fest one-of-a-kind. We are lucky to work alongside organizations like SOLID to equip and inspire the next generation through music education.”

 

Jeff Carson Memorial Benefit Raises Over $82,000 For Law Enforcement Assistance Partnership

Pictured (L-R): Josh Bleidt, Event Producer and Jeff Carson manager; Barrett Hobbs, Nashville Palace owner; Diane Wilhoit, President of LEAP; Kim Carson, widow of Jeff Carson; Dayton Carson (Jeff’s son); and Justin Ward, CEO of Encore Music Group. Photo: Jeremy Westby

Nearly two months after Jeff Carson’s death, fellow country music artists and friends gathered to pay tribute to the fallen officer and country music singer.

Michael Ray, Tracy Lawrence, John Berry, Lee Greenwood, Ricochet, Wade Hayes, Ty Herndon, Rhett Akins, Craig Campbell, Halfway to Hazard, and War Hippies all participated in the May 10 benefit that took place at the 700-seat capacity Nashville Palace. Throughout the evening, over $82,000 was raised to support fellow officers through the Law Enforcement Assistance Partnership (LEAP).

“This is exactly what Jeff would have wanted to happen. He was always so giving of his time and wanted to help others. He loved country music and he loved being an officer. He felt he could touch people with both professions,” says Kim Carson. “I couldn’t be more proud of everyone involved in this event and I am so thankful for all of Jeff’s friends who came out to help honor his legacy.”

 

Southern Signal Signs Brady Riley

Brady Riley. Photo: Marisa Taylor

Southern Signal has signed pop-country artist Brady Riley.

A Winnie, Texas native, Riley has been performing since the age of four and began pursuing music at the age of 19. From playing acoustic writer’s rounds to performing with national touring acts such as Cassadee Pope, he has been honing his unique style and creative talents.

Riley released his debut song with the company, “Welcome to Chambers County,” today (June 24) on all music platforms. The track expresses memories of Riley’s hometown and the small-town politics of Southeast, Texas. Following his first released song, “Oil and Water,” Riley has been working on his 77665 EP, which will be released later this year.

“We are excited for the opportunity to continue advancing Brady’s career,” the team at Southern Signal share. “Brady immediately impressed us with not only his incredible talent but his hard work and dedication to his music. As a songwriter, as a singer and as a constant performer, we are confident Brady will soon make a difference in the country music culture.”

Riley will be performing at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday (June 25) on the RNBW stage at the Downtown Nashville Pride Festival.

Otter Creek Entertainment Launches With Brett Young, Maddie & Tae, Roman Alexander

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Otter Creek Entertainment Team

Haley McLemore, Van Haze and JT Pratt have launched a new management and strategic partnerships company, Otter Creek Entertainment.

With over 20 years of collective management experience, the trio will continue to oversee the careers of their award-winning roster, including Brett Young, Maddie & Tae, and newcomer Roman Alexander.

The three have decades of experience in the industry. Previously at Red Light since 2014, McLemore also spent time with 377 Management, Mercury and CMA.

Haze has been with Red Light since 2015 following stints as MCA VP/National Promotion and stops at Capitol, Universal South and WMSI/Jackson, Mississippi.

Pratt joins Otter following more than four years at Red Light and a year with L3 Entertainment.

“We are so fortunate to work with some of the most talented artists in music today,” McLemore and Haze note. “Helping them reach their personal and professional goals is the most rewarding part of our jobs and we look forward to continuing their many successes in the future.”

Chart Action: The Kind Of Love Radio Gives Luke Combs

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Luke Combs‘ latest single, “The Kind Of Love We Make,” rakes in first-week support across the Billboard, Mediabase and MusicRow CountryBreakout radio charts this week.

On Billboard, Combs earned 105 new station adds, +2,063 spins and debuted at No. 18. He sits at No. 28 on Mediabase with +1,988 spins from 135 stations. On MusicRow, he adds +354 spins from 24 first-week radio stations and lands at No. 46.

Combs shares, “I wrote this song in Montana with Dan [Isbell] and Reid Isbell and my guitar tech Jamie Davis, who used to be in a band with Dan. I met Jamie through Dan. Jamie had the idea, and Dan and Reid brought it to me and I thought it was a killer melody. It ended up being one of those songs that wrote itself. Dan, Reid and I are all having kids within a month of each other, so maybe this song had something to do with that.”

Combs and his wife Nicole celebrated the birth their first child, Tex Lawrence Combs, on Sunday, June 19.

For more chart data, view the latest edition of The MusicRow Weekly.

Kip Moore Announces ‘Fire On Wheels Tour,’ Releases New Music

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Multi-Platinum singer-songwriter Kip Moore has announced his multi-city “Fire On Wheels Tour.” The trek will kick off in Salt Lake City, Utah on Sept. 8 and run across the U.S. and a handful of stops in Canada through Nov. 12.

Along the way, Moore will be accompanied by Boy Named Banjo as direct support. Tickets will go on sale beginning July 1 at 10 a.m. local time.

To celebrate, Moore also released some new music with his new track “Fire On Wheels.” The song was co-written and co-produced by Moore and Jaren Johnston of the The Cadillac Three.

“Fire On Wheels Tour” Dates:
9/8/22 – Salt Lake City, UT – The Complex
9/9/22 – Boise, ID – Knitting Factory Concert House
9/11/22 – Portland, OR – Roseland Theatre
9/15/22 – Denver, CO – Paramount Theatre
9/16/22 – Omaha, NE – The Admiral
9/17/22 – Salina, KS – Tony’s Pizza Events Center
9/23/22 – Morgantown, WV – Ruby Amphitheater
9/24/22 – Baltimore, MD – Rams Head LIVE
10/6/22 – Norfolk, VA – The Norva
10/7/22 – Charlotte, NC – Coyote Joe’s
10/8/22 – Greenville, SC – The Blind Horse Saloon
10/20/22 – Charleston, SC – Charleston Music Hall
10/21/22 – Tallahassee, FL – The Moon
10/27/22 – Albany, NY – Empire LIVE
10/28/22 – Burlington, VT – Flynn Performing Arts Center
10/29/22 – Rutland, VT – Paramount Theatre
11/3/22 – Toronto, ON – Danforth Music Hall*
11/6/22 – London, ON – London Music Hall*
11/10/22 – New York, NY – Terminal 5
11/11/22 – Hershey, PA – Hershey Theater
11/12/22 – Cleveland, OH – The Masonic Temple

*Jess Moskaluke will be special guest