Spirit Music Nashville & The Futuristics Sign Brock Westover

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Pictured (L–R, back row): Milom Crow Kelley Beckett Shehan PLC’s Leisl Eschbach, David Crow, Spirit Music Nashville’s Gray Schubert, Fluid Music Revolution’s AJ Burton and Spirit Music Nashville’s Brian Bradford; (L–R, front row): Spirit Music Group’s Frank Rogers, Brock Westover, Spirit Music Nashville’s Andy Hodges and Kennedy Murphy. Photo: Courtesy of Spirit Music Nashville

Spirit Music Nashville and multi-Platinum songwriting and production duo The Futuristics have formed a creative joint venture and signed Brock Westover to a worldwide publishing deal that encompasses his entire song catalog and future works.

Westover is a Nashville-based multi-instrumentalist, singer-songwriter and producer. His recent credits include Flyanaboss’s “Big One,” Martin Jensen and Jay Sean’s “Days Like This,” Kyle Dion’s “Boyfriend Jeans” and Jordy’s “Mind Games” as well as songs recorded by Frawley, Francis Karel and Jake Miller, among others.

“Spirit Music is excited to partner with the The Futuristics and announce the signing of Brock Westover,” says Frank Rogers, Chief Creative Officer, Spirit Music Group/Chief Executive Officer, Spirit Music Nashville. “Brock is an undeniable talent as a songwriter, producer, musician and singer. The sky is the limit for Brock in both Nashville and Los Angeles. Let’s go!!!”

“Brock is one of the most hard-working, dedicated and talented producers/writers we have ever met,” add Alex Schwartz and Joe Khajadourian of The Futuristics. “Having watched him grow and hone his craft over the last couple years, we’re thrilled to be partnering with Spirit and know as a team we’re going to watch Brock have a ton of success.”

“I’m excited to be joining the Spirit roster as a joint venture with The Futuristics,” shares Westover. “It’s always been a dream of mine to bridge my experience creating pop music in L.A. with my country roots growing up in Mississippi. This partnership with Frank is a perfect match. We’ve already hit the ground running, and I can’t wait for everyone to hear what we’re working on.”

T.J. Martell Foundation Honors Seth England

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Pictured (L–R): Hardy, Morgan Wallen, Seth England, Craig Wiseman and Ernest attend the T.J. Martell Foundation 49th Annual New York Honors Gala. Photo: Michael Coppola/Getty Images for the T.J. Martell Foundation

The T.J. Martell Foundation, the music industry’s leading foundation that provides funds for innovative cancer research, hosted its 49th Annual New York Honors Gala last night (Sept. 17) at Cipriani 42nd Street. The star-studded evening honored Big Loud Partner/CEO Seth England, who received the Lifetime Music Industry Award. It also broke the foundation’s record as the most successful gala in more than 20 years, raising $2.6 million.

Pictured (L–R): Joey Moi, John Esposito, Seth England, Craig Wiseman and Steve Gawley attend the T.J. Martell Foundation 49th annual New York Honors Gala. Photo: Mike Coppola/Getty Images for the T.J. Martell Foundation

The evening featured a special writers’ round performance by Big Loud hitmakers Morgan Wallen, Hardy and Ernest. Hardy performed his No. 1 hit “Truck Bed,” while Wallen and Ernest serenaded the room with “Flower Shops.” Wallen also gave attendees an early listen to an unreleased song titled “Love Somebody.”

“When I asked Seth England to be this year’s Honoree, he didn’t hesitate, he didn’t need to check his schedule, he just said yes, because that’s the kind of person Seth is. He truly cares, understood the gravity of our cause and he jumped in with both feet. Seth’s only question was, ‘How do we make the most impact?’ Because Seth always thinks big,” said Steve Gawley, T.J. Martell Foundation Chairman-Elect of the Board of Trustees, during his remarks.

He went on to share that the following day, England’s wife and fellow music business executive Rakiyah Marshall kicked off the campaign with a quarter million dollar personal donation. Soon after, the Big Loud and T.J. Martell teams planned a kickoff breakfast in Nashville which raised over $1.1 million.

Hardy, Morgan Wallen and Ernest perform onstage at the T.J. Martell Foundation 49th annual New York Honors Gala. Photo: Mike Coppola/Getty Images for the T.J. Martell Foundation

“Our fundraising work continued full speed into the summer and that’s when I received a call from Craig Wiseman, Seth’s other partner at Big Loud,” Gawley said. “What Craig made clear to me was simply the enormous pride he took in having mentored Seth for his entire career. Craig asked me ‘How much do you need to go over the two million dollars—I’m giving you $300,000 today, we’re breaking the record today and now go on and get even more for cancer research my friend.’ I was pretty stunned.”

When England took to the podium, he continued to highlight the life-changing work of the foundation.

“None of us would be here without the incredible work of the historic T.J. Martell Foundation. This year, I’ve had a massive learning curve about all that this organization means to folks—learning about the people it’s helped save and the money raised that continues to go to cancer research,” England shared. “The work that the T.J. Martell Foundation has done has touched countless lives, and being a part of that legacy is beyond humbling. I’m honored to be able to contribute to this mission in tonight’s small way.”

Pictured (L–R): Brianne Deslippe, Eric England, Candice Watkins, Greg Thompson, Patch Culbertson, Joey Moi, Seth England, Austen Adam, Craig Wiseman, Kimberly Gleason Sara Knabe and Paul Logan attend the T.J. Martell Foundation 49th annual New York Honors Gala. Photo: Mike Coppola/Getty Images for the T.J. Martell Foundation

Referring to Wallen, Hardy and Ernest, he added, “I like to always remind the three of them and anyone else who will listen that this business is what you do, it’s not who you are. Tonight, I couldn’t be more proud of those three in particular who showed up for me, showed up for this foundation and for cancer research because that’s who they are as people.”

The evening also included a fundraising auction, and Archie Davis, Def Jam’s Chief Creative Officer/EVP who received the New York Honors Gala Rising Music Superstar Award in 2023, announced an important new initiative that will continue to raise awareness of early screening and testing.

The event was hosted by Gawley and the Gala Co-Chair committee including Ben Adelson, Tyler Arnold, Scott Borchetta, Tom Corson, Archie Davis, John Esposito, Clint Higham, Lynn-Anne Huck, Monte Lipman, Avery Lipman, Rakiyah Marshall, Debbie Martell, Joey Moi, Brian O’Connell, Andre Stapleton, Julie Swidler, Greg Thompson, Candice Watkins and Wiseman.

Country Jam Colorado To Return To Grand Junction

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Country Jam Colorado, the longest-running festival in the state, is returning to Grand Junction on June 26 – June 28, 2025.

CMA Award winners Luke Bryan and Cody Johnson, along with Platinum-certified artist Bailey Zimmerman, will headline the event. The three will be joined by Cooper Alan, Flatland Cavalry, Tracy Lawrence Ashley Cooke, Diamond Rio, Rodney Atkins, Billy Dean, Josh Ross, Bayker Blankenship, Timothy Wayne, Owen Riegling, Mae Estes and more to come.

Tickets and camping passes for Country Jam Colorado will be available starting Friday, Sept. 27 at 10:00am CT.

‘Brantley Gilbert’s World’s Largest Album Release Party’ Draws Crowd Of 118K

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“Brantley Gilbert’s World’s Largest Album Release Party.” Photo: Corey Roberson

Brantley Gilbert celebrated the release of his seventh studio album, Tattoos, by closing down Nashville’s famous Broadway and bringing 118,000 people together for his “World’s Largest Album Release Party” last Friday (Sept. 13).

Gilbert performed a mix of hits and fan favorites along with tracks from the new project, starting the night with his headlining tour’s namesake, “Off The Rails.” He was joined by various surprise guests, including “Over When We’re Sober” duet partner Ashley Cooke and Gary LeVox as well as frequent collaborators and tour mates Demun Jones and Struggle Jennings and Colt Ford, marking his first performance since suffering from a severe heart attack earlier this year.

The multi-Platinum artist took a moment to thank his team behind the scenes and addressed fans, stating, “We wouldn’t be here doing this without y’all, so thank you for being here. It means the world to us.”

Brantley Gilbert and Colt Ford during his “World’s Largest Album Release Party.” Photo: Brian Vaughan

The event also served as the finale to the Big Machine Music City Grand Prix (BMMCGP)’s “Freedom Friday” festivities and featured supporting performances Brian Kelley, Mae Estes, Chase McDaniel, Noah Hicks, Mackenzie Carpenter and Shaylen. In addition to the music, vendors and activations, such as airbrush tattoos, lined the streets to entertain fans.

Additionally, Gilbert’s “Off The Rails Tour” continues tomorrow (Sept. 19) in Huntington, West Virginia, with more stops slated through mid-October.

Dolly Parton & Rachel Parton George Partner With Home Chef To Create New Meal Kits

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Dolly Parton and her sister Rachel Parton George have partnered with meal solutions company Home Chef to create a limited run of meal kits inspired by the sisters’ new cookbook, Good Lookin’ Cookin’, out now.

The sisters have hand-selected a few of their favorite recipes from the book to appear exclusively on the Home Chef menu. Customers can place their orders for the Good Lookin’ Cookin’ collection until Oct. 18. Recipes will change weekly and come in a variety of formats, including the classic Meal Kit, Express Plus and Culinary Collection. Throughout the partnership, every meal ordered from Home Chef’s main menu will arrive in a custom Good Lookin’ Cookin’ co-branded box and each recipe card will feature a QR code linked to the cookbook for purchase.

The special menu includes fried chicken and gravy with mashed potatoes, family favorite meatloaf with southern green beans, sirloin steak wi blue cheese butter with broiled potato wedges and broccoli; Country Fried Trout with purple and white slaw; and Barbecue Chicken Breast with spicy mayo corn.

“We are so excited to know Home Chef is bringing some of our favorite recipes to homes across America,” shares Dolly. “My sister Rachel and I come from a long line of great cooks, and no matter how hard times were growing up, we always found time to gather around the table and celebrate with a meal as a family.”

“That’s so true,” adds Rachel, “Food really is our love language; it has always been a cornerstone in our home, and with each of these recipes comes a cherished memory that’s close to our hearts. We had such a wonderful time reminiscing while putting this collection of recipes together, and it truly is a dream to get to share them with you. We hope you will love them as much as we do.”

In addition to recreating these meals, Home Chef is offering five candidates a chance to win a signed copy of the Good Lookin’ Cookin’ cookbook and a $150 Home Chef gift card. Fans can enter by leaving a comment and tagging the person who they love to cook with or for on Home Chef’s giveaway Instagram post now until Oct. 18. For more information, click here.

BMI Wraps 2024 ‘Rooftop On The Row’ Series With Americana Lineup

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Pictured (L-R): BMI’s Josh Tomlinson, BMI’s Claire Dodelin, BMI’s Clay Bradley, BMI’s Nina Carter, Wyatt Flores, BMI’s Mason Hunter, BMI’s MaryAnn Keen, BMI’s Kelsey O’Neill and BMI’s Shannon Sanders. Photo: Erika Goldring for BMI

As AmericanaFest takes over Nashville, BMI hosted its final installment of this year’s “Rooftop On The Row” series, presented by George Dickel.

The Hanseroth Twins perform during BMI’s final “Rooftop On The Row.” Photo: Erika Goldring for BMI

Nearly 800 industry professionals gathered yesterday evening (Sept. 17) to hear from headliner Wyatt Flores as well as The Hanseroth Twins, Kade Hoffman and Emily Nenni. The evening was emceed by BMI’s Mason Hunter. DJ Smoke set the vibe for those partying on BMI’s rooftop.

Kicking off the night were The Hanseroth Twins, who performed a string of original songs including “Counting The Days” and “Remember Me.” Hoffman followed, soothing attendees with “Tired of Waiting,” “Lady Luck,” “Bonfire Blues” and the contemporary western sounds from his just-released EP, Relics. Genre-blending, singer-songwriter Nenni jumped into “Get To Know Ya,” “Useless” and “Don’t Wanna Cry,” previewing her style before taking the BMI Stage at the 2024 Austin City Limits Music Festival next month.

Emily Nenni perform during BMI’s final “Rooftop On The Row.” Photo: Erika Goldring for BMI

When Flores took the stage, he thrilled the crowd with “Orange Bottles” and “Running Out Of Time,” before leading into crowd favorites like “Please Don’t Go” and “Milwaukee.” The AMA Emerging Act of the Year nominee continued his energized set with “Don’t Wanna Say Goodnight,” “Oh Susannah” and title track “Welcome To The Plains” from his upcoming album.

The 2024 season of BMI’s “Rooftop On The Row” featured affiliates Colbie Caillat, Jackson Dean, Mae Estes, Ella Langley, Ryan Larkins, Redferrin, Josh Ross and Lauren Watkins.

Industry Ink: Big Loud, Red Clay Strays, Tyler Mahan Coe, Dogpark, Zach McPhee

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Big Loud Wins Big at the 2024 CCMA Awards

Pictured (L-R): Patch Culbertson (GM / EVP, Big Loud Records), Brianne Deslippe (SVP of Global Marketing & Strategy, Big Loud Records), Justin Clark (Label Manager, Canada, Big Loud Records) and Jess Anderson (Sr. Director, Media, Big Loud Records) accept the award for Record Company of the Year at the 2024 CCMA Awards in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Photo: Corey Kelly

Big Loud won big this weekend in Edmonton, Alberta at the 2024 Canadian Country Music Awards, taking home Record Company of the Year and Music Publishing Company of the Year for the second consecutive year.

Big Loud Partner/Producer/President of A&R Joey Moi won Record Producer of the Year, Morgan Wallen won Top Selling Album of the Year for One Thing At A Time and co-host MacKenzie Porter took home two awards with Female Artist of the Year and Video of the Year for “Chasing Tornadoes,” directed by Big Loud’s own Justin Clough.

 

Red Clay Strays Team Members Toast To Platinum Amid Three Ryman Sellouts

Pictured (L-R): Alex Collignon, Cody Payne and Kanan Vitolo

The Red Clay Strays recently sold out three consecutive headlining shows at the Ryman Auditorium with more than 7,200 fans in attendance. The CMA Vocal Group of the Year nominees celebrated their success after the show with Platinum plaques for their single “Wondering Why” with WME agents Alex Collignon and Kanan Vitolo, and manager, Conway Entertainment’s Cody Payne.

 

Tyler Mahan Coe Talks Cocaine & Rhinestones At CMHOFM

Tyler Mahan Coe and Museum Writer-Editor Allison Moorer at the museum. Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

Last weekend, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum hosted a book talk with host, writer and producer of the country music history podcast Cocaine & Rhinestones, Tyler Mahan Coe. The program was moderated by museum writer-editor Allison Moorer, and during the program, Coe discussed his new book Cocaine & Rhinestones: A History of George Jones and Tammy Wynette, which is based on the podcast’s second season.

The book features illustrations by Emmy-winning artist Wayne White, and following the book talk, Coe and White signed books at a reception in the museum’s Haley Gallery, where White’s artworks for the book were on display.

 

Dogpark Inks With Big Loud Rock’s Severance Records

Pictured (L-R): Trevor Provost (Marketing Manager, Severance Records), Greg Thompson (Partner / President, Big Loud Rock), Danny Berkeley-Scott (SVP, Hallwood Management), Chris Conte (Drums, Dogpark), Billy Apostolou (Guitar, Dogpark), Eamon Moore (Lead Vocals, Dogpark), Declan Harris (Lead Guitar, Dogpark), Will Harford (Vocals / Bass, Dogpark), Mike Easterlin (Co-President, Severance Records) and Stevo Robertson (Co-President, Severance Records). Photo: Jessica Addleman

Nashville-based rock band Dogpark has signed with Severance Records, a division of Big Loud Rock, and released their debut single “Caviar” with the label. The band also recently announced they’re heading out on their “Breaking in America Tour” through December.

“When Mike [Easterlin] and I launched Severance Records less than a year ago, our mission was clear: trust our instincts and sign the bands that truly moved us,” says Steve “Stevo” Robertson, Co-President of Severance Records. “We could feel indie rock on the rise, and we knew we wanted to back bands with world-class vocals and killer songwriting. Dogpark embodies everything we believe in, and from the moment we heard their sound, we were beyond stoked. We never checked the numbers; just the goosebumps on our skin.”

 

Zach McPhee Signs With RLive

Pictured (L-R): Eva Dunford, Anne Stirk, Zach McPhee, Hannah Buske and Brooke Dunford. Photo: Courtesy of Republic Live

Canadian country artist Zach McPhee has signed with RLive, the management division of Republic Live. McPhee, who has garnered over 12 million global streams to his name in less than a year, was recently crowned the winner of this year’s SiriusXM Top of the Country competition.

“I’ve had the privilege of following Zach’s journey from the start of his music career, and it’s been remarkable to witness his growth. The support he’s received from major streaming platforms and country radio speaks volumes about his talent,” says Anne Stirk, Director of Marketing & Brand Strategy at Republic Live. “His authenticity, both as a songwriter and performer is evident in his ability to create meaningful connections with listeners. We are beyond excited to welcome him into the RLive family and help him reach new heights as he embarks on this next chapter!”

Dustin Lynch Drives Into Top Spot With 10th No. 1 ‘Chevrolet (Feat. Jelly Roll)’

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Photo: Courtesy of Homestead Music

Dustin Lynch has landed his 10th No. 1 with his latest single “Chevrolet (feat. Jelly Roll).”

The tune topped the Billboard Country Airplay chart and the Country Aircheck/Mediabase chart this week in the U.S. in addition to reaching No. 1 at Canadian Country Radio and No. 1 on Australia’s Countrytown Hot 50 Country Airplay chart, powered by Radio Monitor, at the end of July. It has also collected over 110 million on-demand streams to date.

Written by Chase McGill, Jessi Alexander, Hunter Phelps and Mentor Williams, “Chevrolet (feat. Jelly Roll)” seeks to celebrate the forever-young kind of freedom that comes from turning on an ignition and aims to summon a picture, a mood and a memory with the familiar throwback melody of the 1973 Dobie Gray hit “Drift Away.”

“Reaching my 10th No. 1 is a milestone we are so proud of and grateful for. I feel extra blessed to be able to share this one with my buddy Jelly,” shares Lynch. “This is a true testament to the overwhelming support from my fans who have become family over the past 12 years. Also, to my Broken Bow Records fam and country radio friends, alongside my team, band, crew and collaborators—I couldn’t have done any of this without y’all. You are the best of the best. Here’s to the next 10!”

Additionally, Lynch is prepping for his first headlining show at Red Rocks Amphitheatre on Nov. 6 in Morrison, Colorado.

Erin Kinsey Slates New EP ‘Gettin’ Away With It’ For October

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Erin Kinsey is gearing up for the release of her new EP Gettin’ Away With It, due out Oct. 11 via RECORDS Nashville. The title track from the project, co-written by Kinsey with Lauren McLamb and Brandon Hood and produced by Josh Kerr, is out now.

“‘Gettin’ Away With It’ is a song I wrote about my younger sister, who I think is the coolest person on the planet. Every girl wants to be her best friend and every boy wants to date her. And if I didn’t love her so much, it would be so hard to like her,” Kinsey jokes. “I think Gettin’ Away With It is a cool title for the project because it is symbolic of my relationship to my music. I feel like I am able to say what I want to say, wear what I want to wear and most importantly be myself. I feel like I am ‘getting away with it’ and the process should be harder, but people are relating to the songs and I think it is because they are coming from a genuine place.”

YouTube video

“Gettin’ Away With It” follows viral hits “I Ain’t Crazy” and “Matchmaker,” which also appear on the new EP. The three songs were all co-written by Kinsey, and share a more personal side of the 23-year-old, who has some life under her belt since her last EP and is ready to spill on her experiences. Since its release in April, “I Ain’t Crazy” has amassed over 55 million streams across streaming and socials with no radio airplay.

Gettin’ Away With It Track List:
1. “Matchmaker” – Smith Ahnquist/Dylan Guthro/Erin Kinsey
2. “I Ain’t Crazy” – Travis Wood/Casey Brown/Erin Kinsey
3. “Best of My 20’s” feat. Trousdale – Sarah Buxton/Josh Kerr/Erin Kinsey
4. “Tabs on Me” – Casey Brown/Travis Wood/Erin Kinsey
5. “Gettin’ Away with It” – Lauren McLamb/Brandon Hood/Erin Kinsey
6. “Wild” – Sarah Buxton/Josh Kerr/Erin Kinsey
7. “Trouble” – Laura Veltz/Joybeth Taylor/Sam Ellis
8. “No Fences” – Clara Park/94Skrt/Erin Kinsey

Soundstripe Taps Angela Abbott As Global Head Of Music Partnerships

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Angela Abbott. Photo: Jessica Amerson Photography

Music licensing company Soundstripe has added Angela Abbott as Global Head of Music Partnerships.

Abbot brings more than a decade of experience in business development and strategic partnerships from her tenure at music platforms like TIDAL and Pandora, where she secured licensing agreements with Universal Music Group, Warner Music Group, Sony Music and other top labels, valued at over $200 million. As Soundstripe’s Global Head of Music Partnerships, she will spearhead strategic relationships with key industry stakeholders, while expanding music offerings in hopes of better serving the needs of content creators, enterprises and music rights holders. Additionally, Abbott is involved with the Recording Academy and serves as Global Co-Chair of Partnerships & Development for Women in Music.

“We founded Soundstripe to address a critical gap in the music licensing space for content creators, but our vision extends far beyond that. With Angela’s proven track record and expertise in negotiating complex licensing deals with the world’s leading music companies, we are excited to accelerate our trajectory and provide top-tier music solutions for both creators and global brands,” says Travis Terrell, Soundstripe Co-Founder & CEO.

“I’m thrilled to join Soundstripe at such an exciting time in its journey,” shares Abbott. “My goal is to forge innovative partnerships that deliver value across the entire music ecosystem, from creators to major brands, while expanding the availability of high-quality music for licensing. Together, we aim to reshape the sync licensing market and unlock new revenue streams for artists, songwriters and rights holders.”