Anne Wilson & Cain Among Second Round Of Performers For 55th Annual GMA Dove Awards

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©Blue Amber Photography

The second round of performers have been announced for the upcoming 55th Annual GMA Dove Awards on Oct. 1 in Nashville.

On tap for the show are Anike, Anne Wilson, Cain and Tye Tribbett. Chandler Moore will join previously-announced performers Maverick City Music with Naomi Raine. Additionally, Brian and Jenn Johnson, Miel San Marcos and Gabriel Guedes will band together for a special multilingual performance of “Holy Forever” at the event, which will take place at the Allen Arena on the Lipscomb University campus.

Performers were announced on SiriusXM The Message by GMA Dove Awards host Tauren Wells. Confirmed presenters on the show include Anthony Brown, Autumn Nelon, Bill Gaither, Colton Dixon, Darlene Zschech, David & Tamela Mann, DOE, Erica Campbell, for King + Country, Gabby Barrett, Jekalyn Carr, Lecrae, Matthew West, Rachael Lampa, Rhett Walker, Sarai Rivera and Steven Curtis Chapman.

The GMA Dove Awards will air exclusively on TBN and TBN+ on Friday, Oct. 4 at 7 p.m. CT and 9 p.m. CT, and the audio simulcast will air on SiriusXM’s The Message (channel 65) and on the SiriusXM App.

Riley Green Channels ‘Smokey & The Bandit’ Vibes For New Tour Announcement

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Riley Green. Photo: Harper Smith

Riley Green announced his new headlining “Damn Country Music Tour” in a throwback video featuring a bunch of his buddies.

The video is a nod to the classic Smokey and the Bandit movie featuring all of Green’s opening acts on the new tour. Released today, Green revs up his engine in the fun-filled parody of the iconic 1977 film, and in a playful reenactment, he channels the Bandit with Ella Langley as runaway bride Carrie as they evade the cops in a sleek Pontiac Firebird Trans Am. Green grabs the CB radio to call out to his opening acts and invite them to join him on the road, set to the Jerry Reed tune “East Bound and Down.”

Youtube video

“I learned to play guitar to my granddaddy’s favorite country songs from back in the day and the new album is a throwback to the era when I first became a fan,” shares Green. “For this tour I was able to find some of my favorite artists and songwriters to join us, and singing with Ella every night will be a lot of fun.”

General tickets sales for the trek begins this Friday (Sept. 27). Additional dates will be announced in the coming months. For more information, click here.

Leo33 Signs Jason Scott & The High Heat

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Pictured (L–R): Leo33’s Natalie Osborne, Chris Fabiani, Katie Dean, Wasserman’s Olly Hodgson, Anna Kathryn Groom, Triple 8 Management’s Mark Noel, Wasserman’s Tommy Alexander, Lenore Kinder, Jason Scott, Garrison Brown, Gabriel Mor, Ryan Magnani, Bobby Wade, Wasserman’s Chappel McCollister, Charlotte Meade, Hayden Waddell, Leo33’s Meg Goggins, Dusty Cantrell and Daniel Lee. Photo: Justin Harper

Leo33 has signed Americana and heartland rock band Jason Scott & The High Heat.

The group has also inked with Triple 8 Management and Wasserman for booking. Frontman Jason Scott shared the news during their sold-out performance at AmericanaFest.

“Signing with Leo33, Triple 8 Management and Wasserman feels like finding a team that truly gets who we are as artists. We’ve built something special, and with their support, we’re ready to take it to the next level,” expresses Scott. “Making our debut at AmericanaFest with the support of such a respected team, in front of such an incredible crowd, was a moment we’ll never forget.”

Hailing from Oklahoma City, Jason Scott & The High Heat features Scott (lead vocals & guitar), Gabriel Mor (guitar), Ryan Magnani (bass), Bobby Wade (drums) and Garrison Brown (guitar & keyboard), along with former bandmate turned producer Taylor Johnson. The band’s debut album, Castle Rock, garnered recognition from NPR, The Boot and BBC Radio. Additionally, they’ve performed at festivals such as Stagecoach, Born & Raised Festival and Mile 0 Fest, and shared the stage with acts like Eli Young Band, The Band of Heathens and Josh Abbott.

“Jason Scott & The High Heat have a sound that feels both timeless and refreshing,” says Katie Dean, Head of Leo33. “They bring an authenticity and energy that perfectly aligns with our vision at Leo33. We couldn’t be more thrilled to support them on this next chapter.”

The group will release their new EP, High Country Heat, on Oct. 25. The project includes five tracks co-written by Scott and Johnson like “Natalie” and “If We Make it Til the Mornin,'” and aims to blend groove, grit and heartfelt storytelling. The title track, “High Country,” seeks to capture the raw spirit of the band’s Oklahoma roots, while “Me & the Bottle” attempts to take a tongue-in-cheek look at masculinity and emotional vulnerability.

BREAKING: Warner Chappell Music Elevates Spencer Nohe

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Spencer Nohe. Photo: Gina Di Maio

Warner Chappell Music has elevated Spencer Nohe to Vice President, A&R.

He will continue reporting to Warner Chappell Music Nashville President & CEO Ben Vaughn to develop both emerging and established songwriters as well as expand creative opportunities for the publisher’s country roster.

Throughout his time in the industry, Nohe has worked with chart-topping superstars and rising hitmakers like Thomas Rhett, Jesse Frasure, Parker Welling, Casey Brown, Josh Kerr, Matt Jenkins, Alysa Vanderheym, Devin Dawson, Alana Springsteen, Brittney Spencer and Conner Smith, among others.

While attending Belmont University, he interned at Warner Music Group. Nohe went on to serve as Senior Director, A&R at Curb|Word Entertainment, followed by Creative Director at BMI. In 2020, he joined Warner Chappell Music Nashville as Director, A&R, where he focused on signing and developing songwriters and producers in a variety of genres. In 2022, he celebrated a Song of the Year win at the CMA Awards alongside Warner Chappell writer Matt Jenkins for hit single “Buy Dirt.”

“Spencer is a true, thoughtful music professional that balances the creativity expected when working daily with songwriters with the business mind needed to ensure their career paths are served and protected,” says Vaughn. “Happy to announce this well-deserved promotion today.”

“I’m incredibly grateful to continue serving the greatest roster of songwriters in the world alongside the best publishing staff in the world at Warner Chappell,” shares Nohe. “I have a great reverence for this town, its songwriters, and I feel truly honored to be a part of this community. Thank you to every writer who trusts me to be their champion and thank you to all of my publishing partners and managers who I work alongside daily. I’m looking forward to writing this next chapter with y’all!”

JUST IN: The Core Records Taps Jon Borris As General Manager

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Jon Borris

The Core Records has hired Jon Borris as General Manager. In this new role, Borris will oversee the label’s day-to-day operations, focusing on artist strategy, A&R, marketing and distribution.

Bringing over 25 years of experience, he joins The Core Records following a six-year tenure at Republic Records, where he worked with top talent such as Taylor Swift, Morgan Wallen, Drake, Ariana Grande, The Weeknd and Post Malone as well as played a key role in ushering Big Machine Label Group’s country crossovers into the pop music landscape. Prior to Republic, Borris spent nearly two decades at Sony Music Entertainment, where he helped to develop the careers of Adele, Beyoncé, Harry Styles, The Chainsmokers, Shakira and John Legend.

“We are beyond excited to have Jon join The Core Records,” say Chief Zaruk and Simon Tikhman, Co-Founders & CEOs, The Core Entertainment. “His unparalleled expertise in artist development, combined with his track record of success, makes him the perfect fit as we continue building the future of music.”

“From the first conversation with Simon and Chief, I knew I wanted to be a part of The Core’s culture,” shares Borris. “What they and their exceptional team have built and already accomplished is extraordinary and my goals are to help magnify our brand, compete at the highest levels, and lead the mission to make The Core Records’ artists superstars. I can’t thank Simon and Chief enough for this tremendous opportunity.”

Industry Ink: Kenny Chesney, Rissi Palmer, Wasserman Music, Jackie Shane

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Kenny Chesney Donates Over A Million Dollars To Massachusetts Charities

Kenny Chesney. Photo: Allister Ann

Kenny Chesney and his charitable foundation donated more than $1 million across several Massachusetts nonprofit organizations before his three-night-stand at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough in August. Chesney donated $100,000 each to the police and fire departments, and also gave back to the Animal Rescue League of Boston, the Worcester Animal Rescue League, the Boston Medical Center and Music & Youth, a nonprofit that creates accessible, sustainable music programs.

 

Rissi Palmer, Saaneah Perform at Grand Ole Opry

Saaneah, Alice Randall and Rissi Palmer

Rissi Palmer and Saanaeh joined songwriter and author Alice Randall for a photo op backstage at the Grand Ole Opry on Friday night (Sept. 20). Palmer later performed her soulful rendition of “Who’s Minding The Garden,” while Saaneah celebrated her Opry debut with a medley of “Get The Hell Out of Dodge” and “Went For A Ride.”

Palmer and Saaneah then joined forces to perform “XXX’s and OOO’s (An American Girl),” showcasing songs penned by Randall, whose work is featured on the album, My Black Country: The Songs of Alice Randall.

 

Wasserman Celebrates Americana Awards Wins At Annual Bash

Pictured (L-R, back row): Anna Kathryn Groom, Mike Betterton, Matt Malcolm, Margaret Bushart, Lynn Cingari, Chappel McCollister, Max Wiebrecht and Jonathan Insogna; (L-R, front row): Kristen Mitchell, Lindsay McDowell and Leigh Millhauser. Photo: Kurt Heinecke

Wasserman Music’s Nashville team celebrated big 2024 Americana Honors & Awards wins for its clients Brandy Clark (Song of the Year for “Dear Insecurity) and Sierra Ferrell (Artist of the Year and Album of the Year for Trail of Flowers) at its annual AmericanaFest Party. The awards show was hosted by Wasserman Music artist The Milk Carton Kids and featured performances by clients MJ Lenderman, Noah Kahan, Sarah Jarosz and The War And Treaty.

 

CMHOFM Hosts Film Screening of Any Other Way: The Jackie Shane Story

Pictured (L-R): Lucah Rosenberg-Lee, Vonnie Moore, Michael Mabbott, Andrenee Majors-Douglas, Vice President of Museum Services Michael Gray and Jimmy Church. Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum hosted a film screening this weekend of Any Other Way: The Jackie Shane Story. The screening was followed by a panel discussion featuring filmmakers Lucah Rosenberg-Lee and Michael Mabbott; Shane’s nieces Andrenee Majors-Douglas and Vonnie Moore; and musician Jimmy Church.

Shane, a Nashville native, was a pioneering artist who was transgender and worked in the city’s R&B nightclubs and recording studios. In 1960, she relocated to Canada, where her song “Any Other Way” became a hit in 1963 and she gained a devoted following. In 1965, Shane returned to Nashville to perform on the TV show Night Train. Despite her prominence in the Toronto music scene, Shane disappeared from public life in the early 1970s. In 2017, Numero Group released the Grammy-nominated album Any Other Way, a compilation of her music.

The Valory Music Co. Appoints Andi Brooks As Director Of Streaming

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Andi Brooks

The Valory Music Co. has appointed Andi Brooks as Director of Streaming.

Brooks moves to the new position from her role as Director of Southwest Promotion & Marketing at fellow Big Machine Label Group imprint Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment (formerly known as BMLG Records). Now on the job, reporting to President George Briner and Senior Vice President, Digital & Promotion Ashley Sidoti, she collaborates with The Valory Music Co.’s streaming partners to strategize and promotes both new releases and the existing catalog.

“We’re excited to have Andi join The Valory Music Co. team,” says Briner. “Her enthusiasm and passion for music, along with her desire and drive to be the best in the streaming world makes her a great addition.”

Brooks came to Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment in 2019, and previously spent time as a radio host and morning show co-host at WWQM in Madison, Wisconsin.

“I started this journey in radio promotion five years ago with Big Machine Label Group and I’ve been able to work with some of the best artists, managers and radio programmers,” Brooks shares. “Thank you, Scott Borchetta, Jimmy Harnen, Ryan Dokke and my amazing team for the incredible opportunities and leading me along the way. I’m beyond excited for this next chapter in my career and ready to hit the ground running with the wonderful team and artists at VMC and work alongside our DSP partners!”

Carter Faith Gears Up For ‘The Aftermath’

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Carter Faith is prepping for the release of her new EP, The Aftermath, out Oct. 11 via Capitol Records Nashville.

Produced by Tofer Brown, The Aftermath features four previously-released tracks from earlier this year, “Alright,” “Blue Bird” (featuring Alison Krauss,) “Strong Stuff” and “Late Bloomer,” as well as the new title track that will arrive alongside the EP.

“The Aftermath is a collection of songs that all come from a very honest and introspective place,” says Faith. “I am a woman in my early 20s, caught in the limbo of being a child and an adult, each song on this project has a unique balance of self-assuredness and self-doubt. I am so excited to have these songs out into the world and in the hands of anyone who resonates with them. Each song holds a place in my heart and lends itself to a different feeling reflective of when I put pen to paper, and I hope they do the same for anyone who listens.”

A North Carolina native, Faith relocated to Nashville after college to pursue her dream of becoming a country artist. In just a few years, she has accumulated over 111 million global streams on tracks like “Wild,” “Greener Pasture” and “Already Crazy.” Her soaring vocals and authentic storytelling have led to her sharing stages with Little Big Town, Keith Urban and one of her biggest influences, Willie Nelson. She has been featured in CMT’s 2023 Next Women of Country and LISTEN UP 2024 campaigns, in addition to being the first country artist featured in Spotify’s Fresh Finds multi-genre program.

Faith will hit the road for a run of dates supporting Luke Grimes in November, with stops in New York, Nashville, Los Angeles and more, following her upcoming dates supporting Midland that kick off next week.

The Aftermath Track List:
1. “The Aftermath” (Carter Faith, Lauren Hungate, Tofer Brown)
2. “Alright” (Carter Faith, Ashley Monroe, Tofer Brown)
3. “Blue Bird” (Carter Faith, Lauren Hungate, Tofer Brown)
4. “Strong Stuff” (Carter Faith, Jessie Jo Dillon, Tofer Brown, Lauren Hungate)
5. “Late Bloomer” (Carter Faith, Tofer Brown, Margaret Valentine, Lauren Hungate)

King Henry Inks With Big Machine Music

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King Henry. Photo: Courtesy of Big Machine Music

Grammy-nominated songwriter and producer King Henry has signed an exclusive co-publishing agreement with Big Machine Music.

His songwriting credits include Beyoncé’s “All Night,” Maroon 5’s “Help Me Out,” The Weeknd’s “Nothing Without You,” Ryan Hurd’s “Go To Bed Sober,” Lany’s “Thru These Tears” and “I Don’t Wanna Love You Anymore” as well as Sasha Alex Sloan’s “Older” and “Only” with NF. The creator has also collaborated with superstar DJ Diplo on both the writing and production side, contributing to tracks like seven-time Platinum “Heartless (feat. Morgan Wallen),” “Thunderclouds (feat. Sia, Diplo and Labrinth)” and “Lonely (with Jonas Brothers).”

“King Henry is a rare, truly versatile songwriter who can seamlessly create hit music across dance, pop, country and singer-songwriter genres,” says Mike Molinar, Big Machine Music President. “His decision to make Nashville his home base and to partner with Big Machine Music are a testament to the growing diversity of Music City and our songwriter roster. We are proud to welcome him to our team!”

“I’ve been friends with much of the Big Machine Music family for years on the company side as well as the writer side. When it came time to find the right partner in Nashville for myself, it was obvious to me that Big Machine Music was the right choice,” shares King Henry. “I’m excited to continue writing in Nashville and have this team guiding me through the next chapter of my creative journey.”

Chase Matthew To Make Ryman Auditorium Headline Debut

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Chase Matthew. Photo: David Bradley

Nashville native Chase Matthew will make his hometown headlining debut at the iconic Ryman Auditorium on Feb. 21.

“Hometown shows are special for any artist and headlining Ryman Auditorium is an extra special place for a country artist to perform,” shares Matthew. “The history behind the historic Ryman has a significance which makes this such an awesome opportunity. Growing up in Nashville means that my hometown show, and my first time headlining the Ryman, are happening the same night! I’m having a hard time putting into words what everyone should expect, but I know it will be an evening my fans, friends, and family will never forget! Maybe a few surprise guests too.”

Featured in MusicRow’s Next Big Thing Class of 2024, the Warner Music Nashville artist is on track to play over 145 shows for over one million fans this year. Matthew has shared the stage this year with Jason Aldean and Luke Bryan, and has previously supported Jelly Roll, Travis Tritt, Lainey Wilson and more.

He recently hit the top five at radio with his Gold-certified debut single “Love You Again.” He has also released collaborations with Flo Rida (“Floats Your Boat”) and Fernando & Sorocaba (“Cold Blooded”). He received his first award show nomination for The New Artist of 2024 at the People’s Choice Country Awards, taking place on Thursday (Sept. 26).

Pre-sale tickets for Matthew’s Ryman debut begin tomorrow (Sept. 25) with tickets on sale to the general public this Friday (Sept. 27) at 10 a.m. CT.