‘Whiskey Myers Is A Comin’ Tour’ Set for Early 2022, New Album In The Works

/by

Whiskey Myers. Photo: Khris Poage

Whiskey Myers has announced plans for their “Whiskey Myers Is A Comin’ Tour.” Along the way, Drake White and Read Southall Band will support the group on select dates.

Spanning across 21 cities, the run will start on Feb. 16 at The Filmore in Silver Spring, Maryland, criss-crossing the country before wrapping up in Shreveport, Louisiana, on April 21. Tickets to all dates will go on sale to the general public beginning this Friday, Nov. 19 via WhiskeyMyers.com.

Their 2019 Whiskey Myers debut album earned the band the top spot on both the country and Americana album charts and 41,000 first-week album sales. Now, two years since their self-titled, self-produced album, the band also teases their newest project slated for release in early 2022.

The group recently announced that their Firewater Music Festival will return for its second year, taking place Sept. 29 – Oct. 1 just outside Kansas City. For more information, click here.

“Whiskey Myers Is A Comin’ Tour” Dates:
Feb. 16 – The Filmore | Silver Spring, Md. *
Feb. 17 – Theatre at Westbury | Westbury, N.Y. *
Feb. 18 – Main Street Armory | Rochester, N.Y. *
Feb. 19 – The Wellmont Theater | Montclair, N.J. *
Feb. 20 – Santander Performing Arts Center | Reading, Penn. *
March 9 – Five Flags Cneter | Dubuque, Iowa *
March 10 – The Armory | Minneapolis, Minn. *
March 11 – DeltaPlex Arena | Grand Rapids, Mich. *
March 12 – Eagles Ballroom Club | Milwaukee, Wisc. *
March 24 – Buddy Holly Center | Lubbock, Texas *
March 25 – Abraham Chavex Theatre | El Paso, Texas *
March 26 – Wagner Noel Performing Arts Center | Midland, Texas *
March 31 – Hobart Arena | Troy, Ohio +
April 1 – The Riviera Theatre | Chicago, Ill.
April 2 – The Sylvee | Madison, Wisc. +
April 3 – The Louisville Palace Theater | Louisville, Ky .+
April 5 – Peoria Civic Center | Peoria, Ill. +
April 7 – Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Auditorium | Chattanooga, Tenn.
April 8 – Appalachian Wireless Arena | Pikeville, Ky. +
April 9 – Township Auditorium | Columbia, S.C. +
April 21 – Shreveport Municipal Auditorium | Shreveport, La.
* support: Drake White
+ support: Read Southall Band
support for remaining dates TBA

Elle King To Launch ‘Drunk And I Don’t Wanna Go Home Tour’ In February

/by

Elle King is diving into 2022 with her new “Drunk And I Don’t Wanna Go Home Tour,” which will visit 29 cities across the U.S. and Canada beginning in February.

The tour kicks off in San Diego, CA Feb. 15, and hits Phoenix, Dallas, Atlanta, Boston, Chicago and more before culminating at Los Angeles’ historic The Fonda on March 28. Tickets go on sale to the general public Nov. 19 at 10 a.m. local time.

King spent the better part of the year supporting her CMA award-nominated hit “Drunk (And I Don’t Wanna Go Home) with Miranda Lambert. The hit single came roaring out of the gate upon release, debuting at No. 1 in early March on both Billboard’s Rock Digital Sales Chart and the Country Digital Song Sales Chart. The song has already racked up over 150 million streams globally.

King is the first female artist in history to score four radio No. 1 singles on different formats. including Adult Pop Songs, Adult Alternative Songs, Alternative Songs and the Country Airplay charts. She recently released her version of the Christmas classic “Please Come Home For Christmas” via RCA Records/Columbia Nashville for the holidays.

“Drunk And I Don’t Wanna Go Home Tour” Dates:
Feb. 15 – San Diego, CA House of Blues
Feb. 16 – Phoenix, AZ Crescent Ballroom
Feb. 18 – Dallas, TX Factory Studio
Feb. 19 – Houston, TX Warehouse Live
Feb. 20 – Austin, TX Stubb’s
Feb. 22 – Birmingham, AL Iron City
Feb. 23 – Atlanta, GA Variety Playhouse
Feb. 25 – Asheville, NC Orange Peel
Feb. 26 – Louisville, KY Headliners Music Hall
March 1 – Durham, NC Carolina Theater
March 3 – Baltimore, MD Rams Head Live
March 4 – Philadelphia, PA Theatre of Living Arts
March 5 – Boston, MA Orpheum Theatre
March 6 – Brooklyn, NY Brooklyn Steel
March 9 – Toronto, ON Phoenix Concert Theatre
March 10 – Detroit, MI MotorCity Casino Hotel Sound Board
March 11 – Chicago, IL Metro
March 12 – Minneapolis, MN The Fillmore
March 14 – Cincinnati, OH Bogarts
March 15 – St. Louis, MO The Pageant
March 16 – Kansas City, MO The Truman
March 18 – Englewood, CO The Gothic Theatre
March 19 – Salt Lake City, UT The Depot
March 21 – Seattle, WA The Showbox
March 22 – Portland, OR Crystal Ballroom
March 24 – San Francisco, CA The Warfield
March 25 – Sacramento, CA Ace of Spades
March 26 – Anaheim, CA House of Blues
March 28 – Los Angeles, CA The Fonda

Tidal Launches New Artist-Focused Initiatives, Free Membership Tier

/by

Global streaming service, Tidal, has unveiled a wave of new updates for the platform, including a free tier to their membership options, direct-to-artist royalties, and fan-centered royalties.

The free membership option offers access to Tidal’s entire music catalog as well as curated playlists, both with limited interruptions. Through this membership type, members will be able to listen to Tidal’s flagship playlists; artist deep-dives, such as Adele Essentials, Tracks & Traces: Dolly Parton, and Songwriter Mix: Drake; and customized playlists based on user listening habits.

 

Tidal has also announced new transparency and revenue features as part of the HiFi Plus tier. The new direct-to-artist payments will give artists access to an additional payment stream to their streaming royalties, allowing them to benefit directly from their biggest fans on the platform. Each month, a percentage of HiFi Plus subscribers’ membership fees will be directed towards their top streamed artist, which can be seen in user’s activity feed.

Additionally, starting in 2022, Tidal is taking royalties attributed to HiFi Plus subscribers and paying them based on the actual streaming activity of individual HiFi Plus subscribers as opposed to the industry accepted method of aggregating streams. This will allow fans to play a larger role in the success of their favorite artists.

“We’re building a platform that values art, artists, and culture, and for the first time opening the platform experience up to a wider group of fans with the free tier,” says Jesse Dorogusker, head of Tidal. “Tidal is also supporting artists with fairer earning terms and quicker payments, and fans are getting a better way to support their favorite artists. These offerings are the first step of many, and we’re excited to collaborate with artists to evolve our tools to help them continue to grow and create on their own terms.”

All artists must opt in to access direct artist payouts, either through Tidal’s invite-only direct registration option or through one of the platform’s distribution partners. For more information, click here.

“One Of Them Girls” Makes History, Sweeps PRO Country Song Of The Year Honors

/by

Lee Brice

Curb Records’ Lee Brice has made history this year as his smash hit “One Of Them Girls” won the award for Country Song Of The Year at the BMI Awards, the SESAC Awards, and the ASCAP Awards. This is the first time that the same song has taken Country Song of the Year from all three PROs in the same year.

Brice, a SESAC writer, penned the double-Platinum certified song alongside ASCAP’s Ashley Gorley, and BMI’s Ben Johnson and Dallas Davidson. “One Of Them Girls” spent three weeks at the top of the Billboard Country Airplay chart and has remained in the top 10 each recurrent week. The Ben Glover and Kyle Jacobs-produced track, which has garnered over 390 million on-demand streams, also reached No. 1 on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart on July 30, 2020.

Pictured (L-R): SESAC’s Lydia Schultz, Lee Brice, SESAC’s Shannan Hatch

“We are elated to honor our songwriter, artist, friend, family, Lee Brice with this monumental SESAC Song of The Year award for ‘One of Them Girls,’” shares Shannan Hatch, SESAC VP, Creative Services Nashville. “Congratulations to him and his co-writers on the award and writing an incredible song! Big love to Lee, the writers, and the Curb | Word team!”

Clay Bradley, VP of Creative at BMI Nashville says: “The most performed song of the year is one of the crown jewels of BMI. We are thrilled to represent Dallas Davidson and Ben Johnson in this monumental achievement!”

ASCAP CEO, Beth Matthews, also adds: “For a song to win Song Of The Year honors at multiple award shows is an extraordinary achievement and a testament to the musical gifts of the songwriters and to the artistry of Lee Brice. ASCAP is so thrilled for our member Ashley Gorley on his ASCAP Song of the Year win and we congratulate all of his co-writers and Lee on theirs, and on a great song and a great recording that won the hearts of country music fans everywhere.”

“What an exciting moment for Lee Brice, Ashley Gorley, Dallas Davidson, Ben Johnson, Ben Glover and Kyle Jacobs,” Curb Records Chairman, Mike Curb offers. “‘One Of Them Girls’ has proven to be a hit song because of this great talent behind it, and it is wonderful for it to be recognized in such a big way.”

Pictured (L-R): Curb Records’ John Clore; Curb Records’ RJ Meacham; Red Light Management’s Anthony DeVincenzo; Curb Records’ Blair McDermott; Curb Records’ Benson Curb; Lee Brice; Curb Records’ Jeff Tuerff; Curb | Word Music Publishing’s Ciara Shortridge; Curb Records’ John Chapman; Red Light Management’s Enzo DeVincenzo

Brice also recently received various RIAA certifications, with his No. 1 hit “Memory I Don’t Mess With” being certified Gold, “Hard To Love” going 4x Platinum, Hey World going Gold, “I Hope You’re Happy Now” with Carly Pearce being certified 2x Platinum, and “One Of Them Girls” being certified 2x Platinum.

“What an incredible and unexpected honor!” says Brice. “It’s hard to tell when a song is going to resonate with folks the way this one has–I know I speak for myself, Ashley, Dallas and Ben when I say thank you to everyone who listened to and requested our song at country radio and streamed it online. You all gave it a bigger life than we could have ever thought!”

Justin Moore’s ‘Greatest Hits’ Gets Exclusive Red Vinyl Release

/by

Justin Moore and Walmart are teaming up for an exclusive, red vinyl release of his Greatest Hits album, due out Feb. 25 via The Valory Music Co.

The 13-track project features 10 chart-toppers from Moore’s career, including “Small Town USA” and the poignant “If Heaven Wasn’t So Far Away,” along with fan favorites like “Bait A Hook” and “Backwoods.”

Moore recently released “With A Woman You Love,” which is currently climbing the charts and serves as the first track from his latest album, due out in 2022. Wrapping his extensive headlining tour this past weekend, the Arkansas native hit the stage in Biloxi, Mississippi, and Lake Charles, Louisiana, to play his final shows of the year.

Greatest Hits Track List:
1. “Small Town USA” | Justin Moore, Brian Dean Maher, Jeremy Stover
2. “Why We Drink” | Justin Moore, Casey Beathard, David Lee Murphy, Jeremy Stover
3. “Til My Last Day” | Justin Moore, Brian Dean Maher, Jeremy Stover
4. “Lettin’ The Night Roll” | Justin Moore, Rodney Clawson, Jeremy Stover
5. “Bait A Hook” | Justin Moore, Rhett Akins, Jeremy Stover
6. “If Heaven Wasn’t So Far Away” | Dallas Davidson, Rob Hatch, Brett Jones
7. “Somebody Else Will” | Kelly Archer, Adam Hambrick, Tebey Ottoh
8. “Point At You” | Rhett Akins, Ross Copperman, Ben Hayslip
9. “You Look Like I Need A Drink” | Rodney Clawson, Matt Dragstrem, Natalie Hemby
10. “The Ones That Didn’t Make It Back Home” | Justin Moore, Paul DiGiovanni, Chase McGill, Jeremy Stover
11. “Backwoods” | Justin Moore, Jamie Paulin, Jeremy Stover
12. “We Didn’t Have Much” | Paul DiGiovanni, Randy Montana, Jeremy Stover
13. “Home Sweet Home” feat. Vince Neil | Tommy Lee, Nikki Sixx

Me Gusta Music Celebrates 10th Anniversary, Expands Staff

/by

Me Gusta Music is celebrating its 10-year anniversary. The company was formed by Trina Smith-Dort in 2011 and now supports over 300 clients of songwriters, publishers, and labels.

Smith-Dort and her team assist their clients in collecting all royalty income from syncs, mechanical licensing, performance and digital streaming. The publishing administration roster includes Black Pumas, Cody Johnson, Cody Jinks, Rarespark Media Group, Kent Blazy, Back Blocks Publishing and more. On the record administration front, Me Gusta works on behalf of independent labels Big Loud Records, Combustion Music, Creative Nation Records, Warner Chappell Nashville, and Lightning Rod Records, among others.

Me Gusta’s clients have also had notable sync placements this year, including Johnson’s “Welcome To the Show” with Ford Trucks, Black Pumas’ “Colors” with Target, and Rarespark’s smash hit “Fancy Like” featured in Applebee’s advertisements this fall.

To handle the accounts, Me Gusta Music has expanded its staff to include Tricia Proctor as Director of Publishing Administration, Allison Richard as Licensing Manager, Bri Holko in the role of Royalty Manager, Dixie Hydrick in the role of Copyright Coordinator, Liz Martens as Royalty Coordinator, and Alannah Schwartz as Licensing Coordinator.

“I am incredibly proud of all we have been able to accomplish in the last 10 years,” shares Smith-Dort. “What started off as me and a few clients, has grown to seven employees and hundreds of clients. We have certainly worked hard but really this is a true testament to the talent we’re honored to represent. I look forward to this next chapter of the business–which includes a new office space in East Nashville.”

WMG Corp. Q4 Results: Streaming Drives Double-Digit Digital Revenue Growth

/by

Warner Music Group Corp. has announced its fourth-quarter and full-year financial results for the periods ended Sept. 30, 2021.

WMG’s fourth-quarter and full-year financial results saw double-digit digital revenue growth driven by streaming. The label has also begun to see some recovery from COVID by way of artist services and physical revenue.

“Music is essential to billions of people across the globe. But now, more than ever, great talent needs help to cut through the noise. By delivering for new artists and songwriters, returning superstars, and global legends, we’ve also delivered outstanding results in 2021,” says Steve Cooper, CEO, Warner Music Group. “Looking to 2022, we’re excited to release incredible new music from the world’s hottest artists and most influential songwriters. We’re also planning innovative moves and collaborations that will strengthen our leadership position across a vast universe of opportunities, in both the digital and physical worlds.”

“Our strong fourth-quarter results put an exclamation point on an outstanding year,” adds Lou Dickler, acting CFO, Warner Music Group. “Even as certain revenue was impacted by COVID, the strength and resilience of our music propelled us to double-digit revenue growth and margin expansion in 2021. As the possibilities for music continue to evolve, we remain focused on delivering shareholder value through our financially disciplined investment strategy and positioning ourselves for the next wave of growth.”

Financial Highlights:

  • Continued Momentum Across Traditional and Emerging Streaming Platforms Drove Double-Digit
  • Digital Revenue Growth for the Quarter and Full Year
  • Recovery in COVID-Impacted Areas Led by Strong Growth in Artist Services and Physical Revenue
  • Delivered Margin Improvement and Double-Digit Growth in Adjusted OIBDA and Adjusted EBITDA
  • Robust Free Cash Flow Conversion and Growth Underpinned by Strong Operating Leverage and
  • Financially Disciplined Investments

For the three months ended Sept. 30, 2021:

  • Total revenue grew 22% or 21% in constant currency
  • Digital revenue grew 19% or 18% in constant currency
  • Net income was $30 million versus $1 million in the prior-year quarter
  • OIBDA increased 15% to $179 million versus $155 million in the prior-year quarter
  • Adjusted OIBDA increased 25% to $218 million versus $174 million in the prior-year quarter
  • Adjusted EBITDA increased 34% to $237 million versus $177 million in the prior-year quarter

For the twelve months ended Sept. 30, 2021:

  • Total revenue grew 19% or 15% in constant currency
  • Digital revenue grew 22% or 19% in constant currency
  • Net income was $307 million versus net loss of $470 million in the prior year
  • OIBDA was $915 million versus $32 million in the prior year
  • Adjusted OIBDA increased 29% to $1,018 million versus $790 million in the prior year
  • Adjusted EBITDA increased 30% to $1,090 million versus $837 million in the prior year

Brandon Kinney Extends Publishing Deal With Peermusic Nashville

/by

Brandon Kinney. Photo: Courtesy of Peermusic

Brandon Kinney has extended his exclusive worldwide publishing deal with Peermusic Nashville.

Kinney has co-written country hits by Jason Aldean (“Drowns The Whiskey” ft. Miranda Lambert), Cole Swindell (“Love You Too Late”), Jon Pardi (“Ain’t Always The Cowboy”), and Randy Houser (“Boots On”). He has garnered additional cuts with Willie Nelson, Luke Bryan, Luke Combs, Justin Moore, Chase Rice, Chris Janson, Craig Campbell, Tim Montana, Colt Ford, Laine Hardy and more, and won a BMI Award this week for “Ain’t Always The Cowboy.”

Most recently, Kinney, along with close friend Chris Janson, wrote the very personal “Bye Mom,” a tribute to Kinney’s mom, who passed late last year. “Bye Mom” is the first single from Janson’s upcoming album and entered as the No. 1 most-added song at country radio upon impact.

“Brandon has been an integral part of our Peermusic songwriting team for many years now,” says Michael Knox, Sr. VP, Peermusic Nashville. “He’s become an unstoppable songwriter, a great friend to all of us, and we’re proud to have him as part of our peermusic family.”

“I always feel like part of the family with Peermusic,” adds Kinney. “They’ve shown me incredible support over all of these years. We’ve enjoyed some big successes, good times, and life-changing moments together. I’ve been able to get in writing rooms with some of the best in the business and be a part of once-in-a-lifetime creative opportunities. At the end of the day, I really appreciate Peermusic’s approach to writing great songs alongside good friends.”

Jim Catino Announces Publishing Venture, Partners With Verse 2 Music To Sign Alex Maxwell

/by

Pictured (back row, L-R): Jim Catino, Droptine Entertainment; Scott Safford, Safford Motley, PLC; Leslie Roberts, BMI; Rusty Gaston, Sony Music Publishing Nashville; (front row, L-R): Kent Earls, Verse 2 Music, Alex Maxwell, Kane Brown

Country music singer-songwriter and producer Alex Maxwell has signed a co-venture publishing deal with both Verse 2 Music, a Sony Music publishing venture helmed by multi-Platinum entertainer Kane Brown and publishing veteran Kent Earls, as well as Jim Catino’s newly announced Droptine Music Publishing.

Catino exited his Executive VP of A&R role at Sony Music Nashville earlier this year after 20 years with the company. Droptine Music marks the executive’s return to publishing, which has been a big part of his career. Catino says, “It’s an exciting time for me as I enter into my new venture with Droptine Music. Alex is an amazingly talented writer/producer and I look forward to being a part of his team.”

Maxwell, a Pennsylvania native, moved to Nashville to pursue a career in music. He has quickly ascended into the industry with over thirty cuts as a songwriter, including Trey Lewis’ viral hit single, “Dicked Down in Dallas.” In 2020, Maxwell made his debut as a country artist by releasing his single, “Good One Gone” featuring Ray Fulcher, as well as fan-favorites “Could’ve Been Me” and “That’ll Be The Day.”

“Alex is an extremely gifted singer, songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist. When I first heard Alex’s music, I immediately knew there was an unmistakable sound to it and we are ready to be a part of what is next for him,” says Earls, President of Verse 2 Music. “We’re excited to add him to our roster with Sony Music Publishing and work with Alex alongside Jim Catino at Droptine.”

“I’ve spent a lot of years in Nashville just trying to find people who believe in me,” comments Maxwell. “It’s a dream come true to have Sony, Verse 2 and Droptine all let me be a part of their family. I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity and excited to get to work.”

Luke Combs, Thomas Rhett, Morgan Wallen To Headline 2022 Tortuga Music Festival

/by

Pictured: Luke Combs, Thomas Rhett, Morgan Wallen

The Tortuga Music Festival has announced that Luke Combs, Thomas Rhett and Morgan Wallen will headline the three-day oceanside festival in 2022. The event will make its return to Ft. Lauderdale, Florida from April 8-10.

A variety of country’s top acts will join the Main Stage performers for the weekend beach, including Brothers Osborne, Jordan Davis, Travis Denning, Walker Hayes, Randy Houser, Nelly, Dee Jay Silver, Surfaces, Mitchell Tenpenny, Travis Tritt, Hailey Whitters and Lainey Wilson.

The Sunset Stage, presented by Verizon, will include Ballyhoo!, Breland, DJ Rock, Larry Fleet, Jelly Roll, Kendell Marvel, Scotty McCreery, Sister Hazel, Sublime With Rome, Chase Rice, Caitlyn Smith, The Cadillac Three, The Elovaters along with The War and Treaty. Additionally, the most buzzed-about newcomers in country are set to appear on the Next From Nashville stage, which will feature Priscilla Block, Dillon Carmichael, Shy Carter, Callista Clark, Jackson Dean, Ernest, Laine Hardy, Noah Hicks, Kat & Alex, King Calaway, Drew Parker, Seaforth, Brittney Spencer, Lily Rose and Tiera.

Weekend passes will go on sale Friday, Dec. 3 at 9 a.m. CT. For more information on tickets, hotel packages and more, click here.