CeCe Winans, Natalie Grant, More To Perform At 55th Annual GMA Dove Awards

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The first round of performers has been announced for the 55th Annual GMA Dove Awards, taking place on Oct. 1 at the Allen Arena in Nashville.

Those set to perform include nominee CeCe Winans and Crowder as well as Forrest Frank, Joseph Habedank, Maverick City Music with nominee Naomi Raine, Natalie Grant and the award show’s host Tauren Wells.

The in-person event is sold out, but the ceremony will air exclusively on TBN and TBN+ and simulcast on SiriusXM The Message, on Oct. 4 at 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. ET. An encore presentation of the broadcast will air on TBN and TBN+ on Oct. 11 at 8 p.m. ET and 10 p.m. ET.

Jelly Roll & Kane Brown To Headline ‘New Year’s Eve Live: Nashville’s Big Bash’

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Jelly Roll; Photo: Eric Ryan Anderson. Kane Brown; Photo: Alex Alvga

Jelly Roll and Kane Brown are set to headline New Year’s Eve Live: Nashville’s Big Bash, which will return to Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park and air live Tuesday, Dec. 31 on CBS.

Those in Nashville will be able experience the event for free at Bicentennial Park’s main stage, where the famous Music Note drops at midnight. Additional performers will be announced at a later date.

New Year’s Eve Live: Nashville’s Big Bash will once again be executive produced by Robert Deaton and Mary Hilliard Harrington in partnership with Music City Inc., the foundation of the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp (NCVC), and directed by Sandra Restrepo.

The special will available to stream on Paramount+ both live and on-demand for Showtime subscribers and on-demand for Essential subscribers the next day.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Brantley Gilbert Delivers ‘Hypnotic Single Of Swirling Atmosphere’

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Brantley Gilbert. Photo: Alexa Campbell

It’s diversity day in this week’s competition for the DISCovery Award.

The romantic white guy is Ryan Larkins. The striking Black-country entry comes from Kevin Smiley. And in her debut solo outing, Shawna Thompson takes the prize with an assist by her superstar “revival” harmony singers Gill and Skaggs.

The Disc of the Day award belongs to Brantley Gilbert and his tattoos.

TUCKER WETMORE / “Silverado Blue”
Writers: Brett Sheroky/Dan Wilson/Tucker Wetmore; Producer: Chris LaCorte; Label: UMG Nashville/Back Blocks Music
– He misses her so much that his truck is turning from red to blue. Loaded with twang. Youthful sounding.

SAM HUNT / “Country House”
Writers: Josh Osborne/Michael Lotten/Ross Copperman/Sam Hunt; Producer: Michael Lotten; Label: MCA Nashville
– Laid back and a little funky, this extols the virtues of country living. It’s a romantic fantasy, and it settles easily on the brain.

KEVIN SMILEY / “Paralyzed”
Writers: Franky Fade/Kevin Smiley; Producers: Fatboyrdee, Mynority; Label: Rebel Music/gamma.
– This is more than a little bleak, a portrait of a self-destructive youngster caught in the throes of substance abuse. With a spare production, drowsy-dead vocal and scary lyrics, it is strikingly compelling and chilling. Millions can relate to this.

MADDIE & TAE / “Sad Girl Summer”
Writers: Josh Kerr/Maddie Font/Matt McGinn/Taylor Kerr; Producer: Corey Crowder; Label: Mercury Nashville
– Shake off that loser dude who made you cry. Get out there in a honky tonk and kick up your heels. Feisty, frisky, female fun.

RYAN LARKINS / “Home State”
Writers: Emma-Lee/Ryan Larkins/Seth Mosley; Producer: Seth Mosley; Label: Red Street Records
– Larkins is a MusicRow songwriting award winner this year. This warm baritone vocal performance and romantic “road” lyric prove that his single “Bones” is no fluke. This fellow has the goods. By all means, play him.

PARKER McCOLLUM / “What Kinda Man”
Writers: Jeremy Spillman/Natalie Hemby/Parker McCollum; Producers: Eric Masse, Frank Liddell; Label: MCA Nashville
– With four consecutive No. 1 singles, McCollum has emerged as a leader of the new generation of country artists. This rollicking toe tapper continues his winning streak. Furiously rocking, shrieking guitars and thudding percussion propel this wild ride with McCollum’s wailing vocal out front.

ASHLAND CRAFT / “Morning Person”
Writers: Ashland Craft/Dallas Wilson/Faren Rachels/Trannie Anderson; Producers: Ashland Craft, Jess Grommet, Lee Starr; Label: Leo33
– Very cool. As a singer, she has a wonderfully soulful catch in her throat. The song is about falling in love so hard that you switch from being a night owl to being a morning person, waking up next to your dreamy romance. Leo33 is the label that launched CMA new-artist nominee Zach Top. It sure sounds like it is going two for two with this talented gal. I’m in.

BRANTLEY GILBERT / “Tattoos”
Writers: Brantley Gilbert/Cole Taylor/Jake Mitchell/Randy Montana; Producers: Brantley Gilbert, Brock Berryhill, Jake Mitchell, Scott Borchetta; Label: The Valory Music Co. 
– “My body is a temple, but my temple is a canvas,” He proudly displays his body art, because his tattoos tell the story of who he is. A hypnotic single of swirling atmosphere. Highly recommended. Just so you know: he drops an “F” bomb in the lyric.

BYRON HILL / “Mountain Folks Are Always High”
Writers: Byron Hill/Glen Carlton Duncan; Producer: Byron Hill; Label: BHP Recordings
– Nashville Songwriters Hall of Famer Byron Hill is noted for hits he’s written for George Strait (”Fool Hearted Memory”), Tracy Byrd (”Lifestyle of the Not So Rich and Famous”), George Jones (”High Tech Redneck”), Alabama (”Born Country”), Johnny Lee (”Pickin’ Up Strangers”), Sammy Kershaw (”Politics, Religion and Her”), Gary Allan (”Nothing on but the Radio”), Neal McCoy (”If I Was a Drinkin’ Man”) and other mainstream country stars. But he’s always had a bluegrass heart, and that’s what you’ll hear on his new CD That Old Mountain. Its single is a skipping, merry, light-hearted ditty about being high on life. Gentle, acoustic, sunny and warm. Very endearing.

SCOTTY McCREERY / “Fall Of Summer”
Writers: Brent Anderson/Derek George/Frank Rogers/Monty Criswell/Scotty McCreery; Producers: Aaron Eshuis, Derek Wells, Frank Rogers; Label: Triple Tigers
– A summer romance fades into the sunset in this evocative, nostalgic, wistful, yearning number. Breezy heartache.

SHAWNA THOMPSON / “Bama Clay”
Writers: Keifer Thompson/Leslie Satcher/Shawna Thompson; Producers: Chad Carlson, Keifer Thompson; Label: Sun Label Group
– Stepping out from her role in Thompson Square, Shawna is putting out a straight-ahead honky-tonk album called Lean on Neon. Its righteous focus track finds her harmonizing with Vince Gill and Ricky Skaggs while dobro, fiddle, mandolin and percussion lay down a solid bedrock of swampy sound. The celebratory gospel lyric points to a better world on high. Super soulful. The excellent production is courtesy of hubby Keifer. Essential listening.

GRAHAM BARHAM / “M.I.A”
Writers: Beau Bailey/Cole Miracle/Gabe Foust/Graham Barham; Producers: Gabe Foust, Will Bundy; Label: Sony Music Nashville
– Cleverly written. The rapid-fire lyric puts us in a bar drinking alone and feeling broken-hearted because she went M.I.A.

The MLC Launches Free Online Micro-Course & Enhanced Student Ambassador Program

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The Mechanical Licensing Collective (The MLC) has launched a free online micro-course and expanded its Student Ambassador Program.

“We’re thrilled to offer our first online micro-course as a way for students to learn about mechanical licensing and The MLC’s role in a self-paced course structure, that includes the opportunity to test their understanding,” says Serona Elton, Head of Educational Partnerships, The MLC. “Additionally, our enhanced Student Ambassador Program not only provides professional development and networking opportunities for students, but it also empowers students to play an active role in helping music creators collect the revenue they are entitled to.”

“The MLC 101: Introduction to The MLC” micro-course is available to all college students seeking to deepen their understanding of the organization’s role in ensuring songwriters, composers, lyricists and music publishers receive their mechanical royalties from streaming and download services in the U.S. Students can finish the course in under three hours and will receive a certificate of completion as well as a digital badge upon successfully completing the optional final test.

The MLC’s enhanced Student Ambassador Program aims to provide all students currently enrolled in college or university courses the opportunity to engage with the organization through a 10-week program of activities that includes interacting with local songwriters, access to exclusive virtual and in-person events and sharing information about The MLC on their college campus, with no cost to participate and no geographic limitations.

The volunteer program is valid for one academic period and may be renewed if all program requirements are successfully met. Students must complete the application process through The MLC’s online platform. Applicants are required to submit proof of current enrollment at an accredited college, university or institute in the United States and must successfully pass an online video assessment. Applications for the fall 2024 academic period will be accepted through Sept. 30.

For more information, click here.

Kasey Tyndall Signs With MNRK, Releases New Single

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Kasey Tyndall. Photo: Rachel Deeb

Kasey Tyndall has signed with MNRK and has released “Not As I’ve Done,” the first single from her forthcoming self-titled debut album for the label.

“Bringing Kasey to MNRK is one of the highest points of my 17 years here,” says Scott Givens, MNRK’s SVP of Rock. “She is a world class talent who masterfully pushes the boundaries of country and rock. All of us at MNRK are excited to put the full weight of the company behind her as she moves into the next stage of her career.”

Written by Tyndall, “Not As I’ve Done” serves as a blueprint on life for her 16-month-old daughter Sterling, is being released timed to National Daughters Week.

YouTube video

“I wrote this single as a map for my daughter as she grows up. My goal was to express how mommas feel as you go through life and to help your children not make those same mistakes that wish you could go back on. I can’t wait for fans to listen and get a peek at this next chapter of my music and life,” says Tyndall.

Tyndall is currently opening for Ian Munsick and Ella Langley in cities across the country through November.

Hayes Carll & The Band of Heathens Slate Debut Album For October

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Hayes & The Heathens. Photo: Casen Hutton

Hayes Carll and rock group The Band of Heathens have united for a new album, Hayes & The Heathens, out Oct. 4. They second single from the album, “Any Other Way,” is out now.

Carll and Heathens Jurdi and Gordy Quist wrote seven of the eight songs on the album, and Hayes penned their first joint effort, “Nobody Dies From Weed,” with Driver Williams. In addition to the new original songs, the men put their unique spin on The Proclaimers’ 1988 hit “I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)” for the album.

YouTube video

“Our collaboration was so natural and easy,” says Jurdi. “We’ve been great compadres for such a long time, and it was just the right time for this project to come to life. I think you can really hear all of that in the music. This is really that rare alliance where 1+1 = 3.”

“Leaning into each other’s strengths we found some sonic territory new to all of us, something between country-funk and good-time boogie,” says Quist. “The deciding factor for all of our creative choices on the record came down to the simple question of what sounds more fun.”

Fans can pre-order Hayes & The Heathens’ debut album on limited edition whiskey smoke-colored vinyl at hayesandheathens.com.

Hayes & The Heathens will launch their inaugural music festival, “Everybody’s Somebody Fest,” in Luckenbach, Texas the day after the album release. They initially hatched the concept for Hayes & The Heathens when they played together in Luckenbach in October of 2023.

Hayes & The Heathens Vinyl Track List:
Side A
1. Nobody Dies From Weed
2. Any Other Way
3. See How They Run
4. Nothin To Do With Your Love

Side B
1. Water From A Holy Grail
2. Adeline
3. I’m Gonna Be
4. You Can’t Stay Here

Sierra Ferrell, Brandy Clark, More Crowned Winners At 23rd Annual Americana Honors & Awards

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Pictured (L-R): American Executive Director of the Americana Music Association, Jed Hilly; Dave Alvin; Sierra Ferrell and Dwight Yoakam attend the 23rd Annual Americana Honors & Awards at Ryman Auditorium. Photo: Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for Americana Music Association

Sierra Ferrell, Brandy Clark and Larkin Poe were among the big winners at The Americana Music Association’s 23rd Annual Americana Honors & Awards this week at the Ryman Auditorium.

Ferrell earned both of the night’s top honors with her first Artist of the Year trophy and Album of the Year win for her 2024 record, Trail of Flowers, produced by Eddie Spear and Gary Paczosa.

Brandy Clark performs onstage. Photo: Erika Goldring/Getty Images for Americana Music Association

Clark won Song of the Year for “Dear Insecurity,” a collaboration with her 2024 self-titled album producer, Brandi Carlile, which she penned with Michael Pollack. Sister duo Larkin Poe won their first Duo/Group of the Year award, along with other first time winners The Red Clay Strays, who were crowned Emerging Act of the Year. Guitar-shredding wonder Grace Bowers took home the Instrumentalist of the Year honor during the evening as well.

Highlights from the ceremony include Don Was receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award from surprise presenter Martina McBride; Allison Moorer, singer-songwriter and sister of Shelby Lynne, presenting Lynne with her Lifetime Achievement Award; and Clark awarding Dwight Yoakam his Lifetime Achievement honor.

Pictured (L-R): Rebecca Lovell and Megan Lovell of Larkin Poe accept the Duo/Group of the Year Award. Photo: Erika Goldring/Getty Images for Americana Music Association

2022 Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Buddy Miller returned as musical director for the Americana All-Star Band, which included Bryan Owings, Don Was, Jerry Pentecost, Jen Gunderman, Jim Hoke, Larry Campbell and the McCrary Sisters.

Duane Betts opened the show with a performance of the Allman Brothers’ classic, “Blue Sky,” to honor his father Dickey, who died in April.

Rev. Gary Davis posthumously received the Legacy of Americana Award in partnership with the National Museum of African American Music. It was presented by Director of Education and Exhibitions of NMAAM Noëlle Taylor, and Executive Director, Creative at BMI Nashville and Americana Board member Shannon Sanders.

Noah Kahan performs onstage. Photo: Erika Goldring/Getty Images for Americana Music Association

The evening included performances by The Blind Boys of Alabama, Clark with SistaStrings, Charles Wesley Godwin, Dave Alvin, Yoakam, Fantastic Negrito, Hurray for the Riff Raff, Jobi Riccio, Kaitlin Butts, Larkin Poe, The Milk Carton Kids, Noah Kahan, Sarah Jarosz, Shelby Lynne, Ferrell, Turnpike Troubadours, The War and Treaty, Waxahatchee with MJ Lenderman and Wyatt Flores.

To celebrate the 50th anniversary of Gram Parsons’ Grievous Angel, Emmylou Harris and Rodney Crowell closed the evening with “Return of the Grievous Angel.”

“Tonight was a powerful and heartfelt evening,” shared Jed Hilly, Executive Director of the Americana Music Association. “It represented the commitment to community, which exemplifies the spirit of Americana. This legacy has stood strong for 25 years and will continue for decades to come.”

Pictured (L-R): Martina McBride and Don Was attend the 23rd Annual Americana Honors & Awards. Photo: Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for Americana Music Association

Wyatt Flores performs onstage. Photo: Erika Goldring/Getty Images for Americana Music Association

Pictured (L-R): Sterling Glass, Ricky McKinnie of Blind Boys of Alabama, Susan Tedeschi, Joey Williams and JW Smith of Blind Boys of Alabama attend the 23rd Annual Americana Honors & Awards. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Americana Music Association

Shelby Lynne accepts the Lifetime Achievement award onstage. Photo: Erika Goldring/Getty Images for Americana Music Association

Pictured (L-R): Michael Trotter Jr. and Tanya Trotter of The War and Treaty perform onstage. Photo: Erika Goldring/Getty Images for Americana Music Association

Emmylou Harris and Rodney Crowell perform onstage. Photo: Erika Goldring/Getty Images for Americana Music Association

Adam Wheeler Inks With HoriGlobal Entertainment

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Pictured (L–R): HoriGlobal Entertainment’s Butch Baker, Adam Wheeler and HoriGlobal Entertainment’s Akira Hori

Songwriter and producer Adam Wheeler has signed an exclusive worldwide publishing agreement with HoriGlobal Entertainment. The deal includes select portions of his back catalog as well as future copyrights.

Wheeler’s credits include two tracks on Megan Moroney’s Gold-certified Lucky album as well as tunes recorded by Clay Walker, Tracy Lawrence, Tenille Arts, Zach John King, Scotty McCreery, The Crabb Family and others. His songs have earned ASCAP and BMI performance awards and been featured on various Grammy-nominated, Gold and Platinum albums. Additionally, Wheeler released his own album Soul of a Songwriter last year.

“It’s awesome to have Adam with us at HoriGlobal,” says Butch Baker, Senior VP/Co-Owner, HoriGlobal Entertainment. “He has been a friend for many years, and I have always admired him as a person and a great songwriter. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for us.”

“I’m thankful for the opportunity to get to work with the HoriGlobal family,” shares Wheeler. “Butch Baker has a reputation as a great guy and a great song guy. I value both qualities very highly.”

SOLID Announces New Drew Alexander Lifetime Achievement Award

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Third annual Drew Alexander Second Harvest Volunteer Day. Photo: Kim Albritton

Society of Leaders In Development (SOLID) announced The SOLID Drew Alexander Lifetime Achievement Award during the third annual Drew Alexander Second Harvest Volunteer Day last Thursday (Sept. 12).

Launched 26 years ago, the organization aims to develop a community for music industry professionals to network and brainstorm together, while also providing educational opportunities for entry to mid-level professionals.

The SOLID Drew Alexander Lifetime Achievement Award aims to recognize those who embody the values shown by Alexander, a founding member of the organization, and celebrated by SOLID. The accolade emerged after SOLID alumni approached the current SOLID Board of Directors, wanting to establish an award in honor of Alexander. While discussing the award, alumni noted Alexander’s commitment to mentorship of those in the industry as well as his desire to serve his community.

Candidates can be peer or self-nominated. The deadline to apply is Friday, Nov. 1. For more information, click here.

Lainey Wilson Celebrates Bell Bottoms Up Grand Opening

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Lainey Wilson during her Bell Bottoms Up grand opening. Photo: Erick Frost

Lainey Wilson celebrated the grand opening of her new bar Bell Bottoms Up on Tuesday night (Sept. 17).

The 27,000 square foot space first opened in May, where Wilson hosted an eight hour meet and greet with fans. Since then, Wilson has made several appearances in the space, including her ACM Honors after party to celebrate her Triple Crown and Milestone ACM Awards.

Lainey Wilson. Photo: Sam Calderon

During the grand opening, Wilson cut the venue ribbon before hoping on the rooftop stage for a surprise performance. The setlist included some of the singer’s biggest hits such as “Watermelon Moonshine” and “Heart Like A Truck.” She also dove into her new Whirlwind album with “4X4XU” and “Hang Tight Honey,” among others.

The event also featured a sneak peek of Wilson’s upcoming collaboration with Wrangler, with select signature looks from the collection, launching Sept. 25. The night’s VIP guest list included fellow country music stars, industry professionals, Nashville city officials and DJs.

“Bell Bottoms Up is a dream come true,” shared Wilson. “Every time I’m in Nashville it’s where I want to be, because it’s a place my ‘Wild Horses’ can call home. I’m living my own honky-tonk dream, and to celebrate the opening of a honky-tonk of my own is truly something special. I hope to see y’all there soon!”

Bell Bottoms Up has two stages with four bars total. The mezzanine level showcases a lounge space called Neon Diamonds that overlooks the first-floor stage and dining area. The rooftop level boasts a ’70s-style Western aesthetic including a dance floor, disco-inspired décor and frozen daiquiri cocktails.

The three-story building is filled with Wilson’s signature flair and features several framed outfits from her top performances. With a Cajun-inspired food menu, guests can pay homage to Wilson’s Louisiana upbringing. Next door is Bayou Keys, Nashville’s newest dueling piano bar, which is also a nod to Wilson’s roots and the place where dueling pianos first began, New Orleans.

Bell Bottoms Up and Bayou Keys are owned and operated by TC Restaurant Group, which serves as the leading operator and partner for dining and entertainment venues in downtown Nashville.