Lakeview & Gravel Road Partner With Riser House

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Pictured (L–R, back row): Brandon Perdue, Megan Schultz, Sofia Barbetta and Matt Woodson. (L–R, front row): Anthony Martini, Luke Healy, Jesse Denaro and  Jennifer Johnson. Photo: Shannon Bradley

Country-rock duo Lakeview has announced a strategic partnership with Riser House Entertainment alongside the duo’s record label Gravel Road. Under the deal, Gravel Road and Riser House will combine resources and focus on expanding the band’s music.

“Lakeview embodies the independent spirit, so it’s an honor to support Jesse and Luke as they smash traditional boundaries,” shares Anthony Martini, Founder, Gravel Road. “Gravel Road is a home where country artists can rewrite the rules, and I’m excited to add Riser House to the team as we blaze this new path.”

“We are thrilled to partner with Gravel Road and Lakeview,” adds Jennifer Johnson, President, Riser House Entertainment. “From the moment I heard Lakeview’s music and met Jesse and Luke, I knew we had to be involved. They deliver genuine country storytelling with a raw, gritty rock edge. There’s no doubt—they’re the arena rock of country music.”

Lakeview’s self-titled debut album is slated for release on next Friday (Sept. 13). The duo currently has two singles receiving radio airplay, “Money Where Your Mouth Is (featuring Gideon)” and “What I Know Now.” They will also be touring arenas this fall with Breaking Benjamin, Staind and Daughtry.

Luke Combs’ Category 10 Venue To Open In November

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Rendering of Luke Combs’ Category 10. Photo: Courtesy of Category 10/Opry Entertainment Group

Luke Combs and Opry Entertainment Group are scheduled to open his highly-anticipated Category 10 venue this November.

The bar, restaurant and live music entertainment venue is beginning the search for staff in management positions and as well as for front of house, back of house, retail and security roles. They will host a three-day hiring event from Monday, Sept. 30 to Wednesday, Oct. 2 from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. each day. The event will be held at One Fourteen, adjacent to Category 10, located at 114 2nd Avenue North in Nashville. Click here for more information about the hiring event.

Located at 120 Second Avenue North, Category 10 is slated to be the largest and most versatile entertainment complex in Nashville’s downtown entertainment district. The three-story venue features five entertainment experiences, including areas called The Honky-Tonk, Hurricane Hall, The Still, 5 Leaf Clover Sports Bar and The Eye.

Fancy Hagood Shares ‘Losing Game’ From Upcoming Sophomore Album

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Fancy Hagood is gearing up for the release of his sophomore album, American Spirit, on Oct. 25. In conjunction with the album announcement, he’s sharing his latest single, “Losing Game,” a country love song about the rush of jumping headfirst into romance with someone you know isn’t quite right.

American Spirit aims to be a testament to Hagood’s journey towards resilience, healing and growth. The project features guest vocals from Michelle Branch and Sean and Sara Watkins of Nickel Creek as well as songs produced by John Osborne, Jarrad K, and Jeremy Lutitio and co-written with Caitlyn Smith, Mindy Smith, Sean McConnell, Mary Steenburgen and more.

The tracks run through the complex emotions of being alive, from grief for loved ones lost on single “Good Grief,” to remembering that pain is a human experience that can’t be avoided on “Through.”

“I knew after Southern Curiosity had been well-received by this community that I wanted to go pedal to the metal and really go back to my roots and that original dream of wanting to be a country artist,” explains Hagood.“It’s like I’m sitting at a table where I don’t have to explain myself, and I just wish I could invite the younger versions of myself to this moment to say, ‘Look, we’re doing it, and it feels really good.’

Hagood has been named a member of CMT’s 2024 Listen Up Class and was nominated for GLADD’s Outstanding Breakthrough Music Artist Award. Earlier this summer, he released his own five-song EP, Smothered, Covered & Fried, featuring collaborations with She Returns From War, Jamie Wyatt, TJ Osborne, The Kentucky Gentlemen and Brooke Eden.

American Spirit Track Listing:
1. “Ever Really Ready”
2. “Isn’t That Life (feat. Michelle Branch)”
3. “Losing Game”
4. “Savior Self”
5. “Good Grief”
6. “Through”
7. “American Spirit”
8. “Navy Blue”
9. “The Chase (feat. Watkins Family Hour)”
10. “Soulmates”
11. “Fly Away”

Maddox Batson Releases New Single After Signing With Warner Records

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Newly-signed Warner Records artist Maddox Batson has released his latest single, “X’s.”

“‘X’s’ was inspired by a concert I went to with a couple of my friends. When I walked in, the security immediately wrote with a Sharpie a big ole’ X on my right hand because I was under 18. The next day when I was in the studio, one of my co-writers noticed some of the Sharpie was still on my right hand—and we came up with the song name. We all loved it and the rest is history,” says Batson.

YouTube video

Born just north of Nashville, Tennessee and raised in Birmingham, Alabama, the 14-year-old singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist infuses elements of classic country, southern rock and pop together to create his own sound. He gained traction earlier this year with “Tears In The River,” which amassed 21 million global streams, and “I Wanna Know.” Batson recently landed a massive cut as a songwriter, co-writing Lana Del Rey and Quavo’s single “Tough.” He also became became the youngest artist to ever play Nashville’s iconic Whiskey Jam, reaching a capacity crowd during CMA Fest.

Later this month, Batson will host his “Maddox Batson & Friends” headlining show at the White House Pumpkin Patch in White House, Tennessee in addition to joining Gabby Barrett on tour for select dates.

Muscadine Bloodline Tapped For Post Malone’s ‘F-1 Trillion Tour’

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Muscadine Bloodline. Photo: Jay Siske

Muscadine Bloodline has landed the support slot on Post Malone‘s upcoming “F-1 Trillion Tour,” which kicks off this weekend in Salt Lake City.

The tour will run through the end of October with stops in Boston, Charlotte, Virginia Beach, Atlanta, Austin and more, with a Nashville Nissan Stadium show set for Oct. 19.

The announcement comes on the heels of the duo’s latest album, The Coastal Plain, which released last month. Drawing deeply from their personal histories, they craft narratives reminiscent of the people and landscapes of their southern Alabama upbringing across the album’s 14 tracks, blending classic country, roots and gospel influences.

Since forming in 2015, the duo has also achieved success with their 2016 Platinum-certified single, “Porch Swing Angel,” which has garnered over 100 million streams on Spotify to date, made their Grand Ole Opry debut, performed sold-out shows across the country and joined Eric Church, Turnpike Troubadours and Cody Johnson on the road.

Kane Brown To Receive Country Champion Honor At 2024 People’s Choice Country Awards

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Kane Brown. Photo: Alex Alvga

Kane Brown will be crowned this year’s Country Champion at the People’s Choice Country Awards.

The multi-Platinum artist recently notched his 11th  country radio No. 1 with “I Can Feel It” and released the follow-up to history-making number “Miles On It” with Marshmello, while visiting various stadiums on his “In The Air Tour.” Brown broke through with his self-titled, double-Platinum debut album in 2016 and became the first artist ever to lead all five of Billboard’s main country charts simultaneously. He ruled the Billboard Top Country Albums chart for 13 weeks and scored two of the most-streamed country songs of all time with Diamond-certified “Heaven” and nine-time Platinum “What Ifs (feat. Lauren Alaina).” Additionally, Brown’s 2018 project, Experiment, hit No. 1 on the Billboard Top 200, making him the first country act in over 24 years to top the chart with a sophomore album.

He later released Mixtape Vol. 1, which earned him an ACM Award nomination for Album of the Year along with a Video of the Year win in 2021. Brown was named to the TIME100 list that same year. He was then honored with the Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s Champion of Youth Award in 2022, before becoming the first Black artist in history to headline and sell out Boston’s famous Fenway Park in 2023. Brown was also lauded earlier this year with the Country Radio Seminar (CRS) 2024 Artist Humanitarian Award.

“Since the beginning of his career, Kane Brown has ensured that his legacy will extend beyond music,” says Jen Neal, Executive Vice President, Live Events & Specials, NBCUniversal Entertainment. “His dedication to empowering and supporting younger generations is nothing short of inspiring, and we’re thrilled to honor him with the Country Champion Award.”

Brown joins previously-announced 2024 People’s Choice Country Awards honoree Miranda Lambert, who will be presented with the Country Icon Award, and follows Wyonna Judd as the second Country Champion Award recipient.

Hosted by Shania Twain, the ceremony will air live from the Grand Ole Opry House on Thursday, Sept. 26 at 7 p.m. CT on NBC and Peacock.

Dierks Bentley Gets Into The Whiskey Game With ROW 94

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Dierks Bentley. Photo: Robby Klein

Dierks Bentley is debuting his first whiskey, ROW 94, made at the historic Green River Distilling Co. in Owensboro, Kentucky.

Made with 70% Kentucky-grown corn, 21% rye and 9% malted and row barley, ROW 94 is a 94-proof whiskey aged for four years in new White Oak barrels with a level four char that penetrates deep for greater complexity and character. It boasts heavy notes of vanilla and toffee to start with a subtle green apple flavor underneath and finishes with hints of honey and tobacco.

“A lot of years of thinking, researching and trying different whiskeys went into creating ROW 94,” says Bentley. “It’s been an evolution-from drinking basically any whiskey handed to me back in college, to it becoming something I enjoy tasting and sharing with friends. I knew I wanted 94 proof because I like some bite, and that I wanted it aged for at least four years since that’s when it starts to taste best to me. ROW 94 is a serious whiskey that doesn’t take itself too seriously, and I’m glad we finally get to share it.”

ROW 94 is named in part for the year Bentley moved to Nashville and began his journey into storytelling and entertaining, as well as Nashville’s Music Row. The brand logo is the thunderbird, a symbol of strength that is near and dear to Bentley’s heart, which graced his landmark album, Riser.

“Dierks’ passion for whiskey and doing things the right way was evident from the first time we met him,” says Mark Erwin, CEO Bardstown Bourbon Company and Green River. “He loves the Green River Distillery and wanted it to be the home for ROW 94. We are excited to be partnering with him and his team on this great brand and look forward to seeing what they can do with this great liquid.”

Using only “Three Ingredients and The Truth,” ROW 94 launches this month across select states, including Tennessee, Kentucky, Florida, Colorado and Arizona, with additional states slated for 2025. It is also available nationwide for purchase at ROW94whiskey.com.

Industry Ink: Riley Green, CMHOFM, Invasion Group, Kelly Feild

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Riley Green Celebrates Triple-Platinum Tune ‘I Wish Grandpas Never Died’

Pictured (L–R): Scott Borchetta, Riley Green and Jimmy Harnen. Photo: Caleb Cockrell

Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment executives recently presented Riley Green with a plaque to commemorate his self-penned, triple-Platinum hit “I Wish Grandpas Never Died.”

 

CMHOFM Hosts Conversation In Partnership With Nashville Fashion Week

Pictured (L–R): CMHOFM’s Angela Stefano Zimmer, Nashville Fashion Week’s Connie Cathcart-Richardson, Maria “Poni” Silver, Marina Toybina, Nashville Fashion Week’s Marcia Masulla and CMHOFM’s Lisa Purcell. Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum hosted a conversation with multi-Emmy-winning fashion designer Marina Toybina and Head of Wardrobe for Carrie Underwood’s “Reflection: The Las Vegas Residency” Maria “Poni” Silver, in partnership with Nashville Fashion Week, yesterday (Sept. 4).

Moderated by the museum’s Angela Stefano Zimmer, Toybina and Silver discussed their careers and design processes. Underwood loaned stagewear created by both designers to the museum for display at the event.

 

Invasion Group Opens Nashville Office

Invasion Group, the boutique management company founded by Peter Casperson and Steven Saporta, has opened a Nashville office. Having already established locations in New York and Boston, the company hopes to broaden its influence and foster new opportunities with this space in Music City, led by artist manager Courtney Oertel.

“With Courtney at the helm, we are excited to offer Nashville’s independent artists Invasion’s unique artist development model,” says Casperson. “Her extensive experience in management, marketing and nonprofits makes her the perfect addition to our team.”

 

Kelly Feild Joins Bandit Lites’ ‘Gen8’ Leadership

Bandit Lites Director of Personnel Kelly Feild has taken on additional responsibilities as the second-in-command at the Bandit International Facility in Nashville, and plans to guide projects with a fresh perspective as a part of what the live event company calls “Gen8.”

“A new generation of young, talented people are taking the leadership positions to guide Bandit through the next 30 years,” says Michael T. Strickland, Bandit Lites Chair & Founder. “Kelly and several other younger people are now in the critical roles at Bandit. They follow the established Bandit Standards, but with a point of view and outlook for how to improve every day. The one constant is change, and Kelly is big part of the Gen8 change at Bandit.”

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Post Malone & Luke Combs Bring The ‘Sound Of Country Music Joy’

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Luke Combs and Post Malone

Ballads and boppers vie for our attention this week in DISClaimer.

On the ballad side of things, we present the great Jamey Johnson, the highly promising Hueston and the undeniable star power of Diffie/Keith/Combs. Picking up the honky-tonking tempo are Jon Pardi, Ella Langley & Riley Green, Chris Stapleton and Caylee Hammack.

The Disc of the Day comes from the “tempo” column, as Post Malone & Luke Combs show us just how splendidly country can rock and still be as country as grits.

The DISCovery Award goes to teen newcomer Carrie Brockwell.

HUESTON / “Still Alive & Kickin’”
Writers: Brandon Sammons/David Ray Stevens; Producer: BSAMZ; Label: Silver Wings/UMG
– The electronic pop track stays softly in the background, which gives plenty of space for his echoey, deeply soulful vocal. Refreshingly different. Highly promising.

JOE DIFFIE, TOBY KEITH & LUKE COMBS / “Ships That Don’t Come In”
Writers: Dave Gibson/Paul Nelson; Producers: Joe Diffie, Joey Moi, Lonnie Wilson; Label: Big Loud Records/Mercury Records
– This debuted during the Toby Keith tribute special that aired on NBC last week (Aug. 28). It is the last thing the star recorded before his death. To start with, the song is a masterwork. All three singers are country music vocal titans. Toby kicks it off, phrasing magnificently. Then Luke takes over, adding his special magic. Diffie, who was among the earliest COVID victims, brings his 1992 hit home with class and dignity. Country music heaven.

TANNER ADELL / “Silverado”
Writers: Akil “worldwidefresh” King/Anthony Germaine White/Ben Stennis/Jared Tyler Mullins/Stephen “Di Genius” McGregor/Tanner Adell; Producers: Akil “worldwidefresh” King, Stephen “Di Genius” McGregor, Tanner Adell; Label: LVRN Records
– You’d think with six songwriters that someone would have been able to come up with a melody. A few real instruments added to the hip-hop beats would have helped, too.

CHRIS STAPLETON / “Think I’m In Love With You”
Writer: Chris Stapleton; Producers: Chris Stapleton, Dave Cobb, Morgane Stapleton; Label: Mercury Nashville
– Totally awesome. A groove-soaked, rump shaking, classic soul sound. Stapleton is an artist who grips you tightly with every note he sings.

ELLA LANGLEY & RILEY GREEN / “You Look Like You Love Me”
Writers: Aaron Raitiere/Ella Langley/Riley Green; Producer: Will Bundy; Label: SAWGOD/Columbia
– Delightfully country. She’s tipsy and ready to be picked up. He’s willing and able. The whole honky-tonk is along for the ride.

JAMEY JOHNSON / “Sober”
Writers: James Slater/Jamey Johnson; Producer: Dave Cobb; Label: Big Gassed Records
– Johnson remains one of our most towering country vocalists, and this spare, stripped-down track lets him emote magnificently on the ballad. Harmonica, organ, piano and percussion frame his delivery of a lyric addressing the difficulty of staying sober in a culture that surrounds us with drinking celebration. The whole performance rings with honesty and truth. I love this artist so much.

CARTER FAITH / “Alright”
Writers: Ashley Monroe/Carter Faith/Tofer Brown; Producer: Tofer Brown; Label: UMG Nashville
– She handles the tricky melody with aplomb, and the track is imaginatively produced. The challenging attempt is quite admirable, and I remain a fan, but I don’t hear this as a “hit.”

JON PARDI / “Friday Night Heartbreaker”
Writers: Chris Tompkins/Daniel Ross/Jessie Jo Dillon/Josh Miller/Ryan Hurd; Producer: Jay Joyce; Label: Capitol Records Nashville
– Pardi is warning us about this gal. But she still sounds like an upbeat, honky-tonkin’ good time. Jump in.

CAYLEE HAMMACK / “Breaking Dishes”
Writers: Caylee Hammack/Gordie Sampson/Mikey Reaves; Producer: John Osborne; Label: Capitol Records Nashville
– She’s over him for good. The shuffling track is uber cool, and her singing, as always, is just terrific. This gal is busting with talent and has long deserved major stardom. Here’s hoping that this personality-packed bopper brings it to her. An A+ effort.

COREY KENT / “Black Bandana”
Writers: Brett Tyler/Corey Kent/Jordan Dozzi/Rocky Block; Producer: Chris Farren; Label: Sony Music Nashville
– The title tune of Kent’s album is a slow-burn anthem of persevering against all odds. When life gets tough, don’t wave a white flag of surrender. Be a black bandana and “give ‘em hell, don’t give up hope.” Gently but unrelentingly uplifting. This soulful kid has got something special.

CARRIE BROCKWELL / “Find A Way”
Writers: Carrie Brockwell/Christian Stalnecker; Producer: Brian Fechino; Label: CB
– The 18-year-old Belmont freshman is moving into her dorm while promoting this sparkling tune about her journey to Music Row. Twinkling mandolin notes, sighing steel, tasteful drumming and chiming guitars frame a heart-in-throat vocalist of assured ability. Startlingly accomplished for a teen talent.

POST MALONE & LUKE COMBS / “Guy For That”
Writers: Austin Post/Charlie Handsome/Ernest Keith Smith/Hoskins/James McNair/Louis Bell/Luke Combs; Producers: Charlie Handsome, Hoskins, Louis Bell; Label: Mercury Records/Republic Records
– The sound of country music joy. These two romp through this country rocker like a couple of colts let loose in a pasture. Turn it up and dance along.

Jeannie Seely To Lead Music For Seniors’ ‘Lighting Up Lives’ Campaign

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Liz Kelly & Jeannie Seely. Photo: Moments by Moser Photography

Jeannie Seely has been named the Artist Ambassador and Honorary Chair of Music for Seniors’ “Lighting Up Lives” campaign, a month-long awareness and fundraising effort that aims to highlight the impact of music on the health and happiness of older adults in Tennessee.

The initiative includes two free concerts, “Alison Brazil & Roots of Rhythm” in Nashville and “Pappy Fisher & Friends” in Knoxville, and will culminate in the private, invitation-only musical benefit, “An Evening with Jeannie Seely & Friends,” on Wednesday, Sept. 25 at Soho House Nashville. The “Lighting Up Lives” launch follows the appointment of the nonprofit’s new Executive Director Liz Kelly.

“This is an exciting time to be a part of the Music for Seniors leadership team as we launch ‘Lighting Up Lives,’ our newest initiative designed to engage new partners and donors, thank our existing supporters and honor the musicians who are the heart of our programming,” says Kelly. “To have someone like Jeannie Seely who knows and appreciates the healing power of music join us in this endeavor is a dream come true and we’re thrilled to have her serve as our Artist Ambassador and Honorary Chair.”

“I’m honored to support Music for Seniors and its mission to enrich the lives of older adults through music,” shares Seely. “They provide so many free, important programs that promote health and happiness that are made possible by generous donors and volunteers. I invite you to become part of the Music for Seniors family and help us celebrate ‘Lighting Up Lives.’”

For more information, click here.