Tracy Lawrence To Release Final Installment Of ‘Hindsight 2020’ Project

Tracy Lawrence

Country music icon Tracy Lawrence marked 30 years of making country music in 2021. To celebrate the milestone, he has been releasing his three-part Hindsight 2020 collection, which revisits some of his greatest hits along with new material.

The third and final volume release, Hindsight 2020, Volume 3: Angelina, will be available on Jan. 28. Lawrence gave a preview of the upcoming collection with the release of its title track, “Angelina,” available everywhere now.

“‘Angelina’ is a get-out-of-your-seats and have a good time kind of song,” says Lawrence. “I love its honky-tonk groove and how much energy it has. It’s going to be a lot of fun to play live and I’m looking forward to having the audience up on their feet with this one!”

Later this spring, Lawrence will head back out on the road with longtime friend, Clay Walker, to share the stage on a 9-date run. TikTok sensation Alexandra Kay and country traditionalist Randall King are slated to open on select dates.

Hindsight 2020, Volume 3: Angelina Track List:
1. Didn’t We
2. Angelina
3. Time Marches On
4. Paint Me A Birmingham
5. Don’t Drink Whiskey
6. Sticks and Stones
7. Texas Tornado
8. Drank Thru It
9. Who Needs You
10. Alibis

Ben Rector Gives Sneak Peek Of Upcoming Album With Three New Tracks

Ben Rector. Photo: Ethan Gulley

Nashville-based singer-songwriter Ben Rector has given fans a taste of his upcoming album with three new tracks—“Dream On,” “Supernatural” featuring Grammy award-winning musician Dave Koz, and “Living My Best Life”—available everywhere now.

Rector’s forthcoming album, The Joy of Music, is scheduled for release on March 11, and will include collaborations with award-winning rapper Snoop Dogg, jazz musician Kenny G, Taylor Goldsmith from folk-rock band Dawes, and One Voice Children’s Choir. The singer-songwriter has many plans in store for 2022, including a short film and tour to accompany the album.

“I really think this album is my best work and I can’t wait to share it with the world,” says Rector.

While studying at the University of Arkansas, Rector released his first self-titled EP, which launched his music career. By the time he graduated, Rector had released two full-length albums and quickly moved to Nashville to dive into the music industry. Now, Rector has released seven studio albums, including Brand New (2015) which peaked in the Top 10 on the Billboard 200 and Magic (2018) which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Americana/Folk Albums chart.

Sean Stemaly Shows His Small Town Roots On Upcoming Debut Album

Sean Stemaly

Sean Stemaly has previewed his upcoming debut album, Product Of A Small Town, with the release of the project’s title track. The new Big Loud Records project is slated to arrive in full on Feb. 18.

Written by Stemaly, David Bliek, Gary Garris, Andrew Marik and Noah West, “Product Of A Small Town” serves as an ode to all the things that made the 27-year-old who he is, including good friends, nights out in the open air, and country music.

“‘Product Of A Small Town’ is the most authentic representation of my country and rock roots all wrapped up in one song,” Stemaly shares. “I want everybody that grew up in a small town to hear it and take pride in where they come from, crank it up and raise a beer to it.”

The new album was produced by Joey Moi and co-produced by Derek Wells, with additional production by Stemaly and Lex Lipsitz on select songs. The album contains a number of previous releases, including “Z71” which has scored 18 million global streams since its release,  “Come Back to Bed,” and “As Far As I Know.”

Product Of A Small Town Track List:
1. “Product Of A Small Town” (Sean Stemaly, David Bliek, Gary Garris, Andrew Marik, Noah West)
2. “Last Night All Day” (Matt Dragstrem, Ben Johnson, Hunter Phelps)
3. “Can’t Be Me” (Sean Stemaly, John Byron)
4. “Z71” (Sean Stemaly, Andy Albert, Brett Tyler)
5. “Speaking My Language” (Sean Stemaly, John Byron, Blake Pendergrass)
6. “Comeback Town” (Jesse Frasure, Ashley Gorley, Ernest Keith Smith)
7. “Love Me Like Kentucky” (Sean Stemaly, Ernest Keith Smith)
8. “WD-40 4WD (feat. Jimmie Allen & Justin Moore)” (Matt Dragstrem, Chase McGill, Josh Thompson)
9. “Back On A Backroad” (Michael Hardy, Josh Kerr, Cole Taylor) *
10. “Georgia” (Sean Stemaly, Davis Branch, Sam Grayson, Ryan Robinette) **
11. “If Heaven Had A Weekend” (Sean Stemaly, John Byron)
12. “As Far As I Know” (Hunter Phelps, Jameson Rodgers, Justin Wilson)
13. “Hello, You Up” (John Byron, Jamie Moore)
14. “Come Back To Bed” (Sean Stemaly, Andy Albert, Jared Mullins, Alysa Vanderheym)
* produced by Joey Moi and Lex Lipsitz
** produced by Lex Lipsitz and Sean Stemaly

Paramount+ Share Details Of Upcoming ‘The Marfa Tapes’ Documentary

Miranda Lambert, Jack Ingram, and Jon Randall’s The Marfa Tapes documentary will premiere exclusively on Paramount + on Jan. 20. The film will also roll out in the Nordics, Australia, Latin America, and Canada the same day.

The film offers viewers a glimpse inside the making of the 2021 album of the same name, which was recently nominated for Best Country Album at The 64th Annual Grammy Awards. Directed by Spencer Peeples and featuring live performances set against the backdrop of West Texas, The Marfa Tapes also features candid interviews and behind-the-scenes footage from the five-day album recording session in November 2020.

With just a pair of mics and acoustic guitars, the trio recorded much of the album outdoors, letting the sounds of the desert seep into their stripped down performances.

The Marfa Tapes joins Paramount+’s growing slate of music specials, including the recently released Madame X, Kacey Musgraves’ Star-Crossed, Oasis Knebworth 1996, and the upcoming Lady Gaga and Tony Bennett documentary.

Industry Ink: Carrie Underwood, 19th & Grand Records, Rick Lang, SGMA

Carrie Underwood Makes Surprise Appearance On Netflix’s ‘Cobra Kai’

Carrie Underwood on the set of Cobra Kai. Photo: Curtis Bonds Baker

Carrie Underwood kicked off the new year with a surprise appearance on the Netflix series, Cobra Kai Season 4. In the season finale, Underwood performs the classic 80s hit “The Moment of Truth.”

Written by Bill Conti, Dennis Lambert, and Peter Beckett, the song was originally recorded by 80s rock band Survivor for The Karate Kid original movie soundtrack and played over that film’s end credits. Underwood’s interpretation is produced by Cobra Kai series composers Leo Birenberg and Zach Robinson and appears on the fourth season soundtrack.

“I love Cobra Kai so much and was absolutely thrilled when they invited me to be a part of the penultimate episode of season 4,” Underwood shares. “Adding Survivor’s iconic ‘The Moment of Truth’ to the mix was very cool, as I loved the original Karate Kid movie soundtrack. I love all the nostalgia with Cobra Kai, and it’s an honor to be a small part of this legacy.”

Cobra Kai takes place over 30 years after the events of the 1984 All Valley Karate Tournament with the continuation of the conflict between Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio) and Johnny Lawrence (William Zabka). The first three seasons are now streaming on Netflix.

 

 

Charlie Dean Joins 19th & Grand Records As Midwest Regional Promotion Manager

Charlie Dean

Music industry veteran Charlie Dean has joined 19th & Grand Records as Midwest Regional Promotion Manager. She replaces Suzanne Durham, who left for a soon-to-be-announced opportunity.

Dean started her career handling on air duties, promotions, and programming at KCMJ-FM in Palm Springs before being hired as Promotion Director at WBOB/BOB 100 in Minneapolis. She was hired as Divisional Country Marketing Manager for Universal Music & Video Distribution in Minneapolis in 1998 before transitioning to radio promotion for MCA Nashville and later UMG Nashville in 2001.

“We’re thrilled to have someone of Charlie’s caliber join our 19th & Grand promotion team and assist in taking Tenille Arts and the label to the next level,” says 19th & Grand VP Promotion Jim Malito.

Dean is based in Minneapolis and can be reached now at [email protected] or 612-718-4406.

 

 

IBMA Announces Permanent Endowment For The Rick Lang Music Songwriter Scholarship

Rick & Wendy Lang

The IBMA Foundation has announced the permanent endowment of the Rick Lang Music Songwriter Scholarship, funded by a $50,000 gift from Rick and Wendy Lang of New Hampshire.

Lang is a Grammy-nominated writer who serves as the chair of the IBMA Songwriter Committee and volunteers with the IBMA Songwriter Mentor Program.

The Rick Lang Music Songwriter Scholarship will be awarded annually to a student planning to study songwriting at the college level. Applicants must already have demonstrated skills as a songwriter and plan to further their study of the art on a higher education level, as well as current IBMA members.

The first two recipients of this scholarship were Heather Alley (2020), a student at Morehead State University in Morehead, Kentucky, and Jessica Lang (2021, no relation to the donors), a student at Belmont University in Nashville.

“Our goal with the scholarship is to help our youth be able to afford to further their educations in the music field and realize their dreams,” the Langs share. “Young people are the future of bluegrass music, and we are glad to be able to help them along their journey! We are beyond excited about finally endowing the scholarship. This means it will perpetuate and be available to students each and every year.”

The next deadline to apply for all IBMA Foundation scholarships is June 1, 2022. For more information about the Lang Songwriter Scholarship and other IBMA Foundation-hosted scholarships, grants and awards, click here.

 

 

Southern Gospel Association Unveils New Home For Its Hall Of Fame & Museum

The Southern Gospel Music Association has unveiled an agreement with Biblical Times Theater to house the SGMA Hall of Fame & Museum on their premises located in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.

Kaylee Davis, creative director of Biblical Times, says: “On behalf of the owners, management and staff at Biblical Times, we are proud to welcome the Southern Gospel Music Hall of Fame Museum into our family! We strive to glorify the Lord in our nightly shows as we bring the stories of scripture to life and with southern gospel being rooted here in the Great Smoky Mountains, it only seems fitting that we join together. We look forward to what God has in store in the coming months and years with the museum, and praying it would bring joy and encouragement to all those who visit! Once again it is our honor to partner with the music that shares the greatest message in the whole world and to be the new home of the SGMA Museum.”

“We are excited and grateful to the Lord for the blessing of a new home for the SGMA. We have a lot of work ahead of us and the folks at Biblical Times have been an absolute joy to work with,” adds Arthur Rice, SGMA President. “We believe this joint venture will not only carry the history and future of our music but the message of Christ to many. Please pray for us during the next several months as we relocate to our new home.”

Theme Song Revealed For Upcoming Country Music Drama ‘Monarch’

The theme song from the new Fox Entertainment country music drama series, Monarch, has been unveiled ahead of the show’s premiere on Jan. 30. “The Card You Gamble,” performed by country singer-songwriter Caitlyn Smith, is available now via Arista Records/Monument Records.

Produced by series executive music producer Adam Anders and co-producer Peer Åström, “The Card You Gamble” was written by The Love Junkies: Hillary Lindsey, Lori McKenna and Liz Rose.

“To jump into a song like ‘The Card You Gamble’ that has so much drama, suspense and mystery was such a fun experience,” shares Smith. “I love that The Love Junkies wrote the song almost as its own character in the show. The music is so central to the storytelling in Monarch, and I’m just excited and honored to be a part of it.”

“The Love Junkies wrote an amazing song that encompasses the themes of our show both lyrically and musically, but stands on its own legs,” adds Anders. “Caitlyn’s voice perfectly matches the sonic landscape that Peer and I wanted to create.”

Arista Records/Monument Records is the music partner of the multi-generational musical drama. Headed by Academy Award winner Susan Sarandon and multi-Platinum star Trace Adkins, the show tells the story of a family who has become a country dynasty. When their reign as country royalty is put in jeopardy, they will stop at nothing to protect the family legacy.

“The Card You Gamble” follows the release of “A Country Boy Can Survive,” performed by series star Trace Adkins, originally released nearly 40 years ago by Hank Williams Jr. The series will feature many originals and covers performed by cast members and upcoming guest stars.

Anthony ‘AntMan’ Allen Named Executive Producer Of ‘After MidNite With Granger Smith’

Anthony “AntMan” Allen

Premiere Networks has announced veteran country radio programmer and on-air personality, Anthony “AntMan” Allen, has been named Executive Producer of After MidNite with Granger Smith.

Based in Austin, Allen will oversee the day-to-day operations of the country music program, including managing guest appearances and performances, integration of brand partnerships, identifying growth opportunities, and driving engagement across multiple platforms.

Allen continues to host the podcast Picture This! With The Antman, and has programmed several country stations over the past 23 years, including iHeartMedia’s KASE 101 and 98.1 KVET in Austin.

In July 2021, he partnered with Smith to launch Yee Yee Radio, a new online radio station. Prior to that, he served as the assistant Program Director and Music Director for 102.5 KNIX in Phoenix. He joined the station in 2013 after working as Assistant Program Director and afternoon on-air personality at iHeartMedia Nashville’s The Big 98.

“To say I’m honored that Jennifer Leimgruber and Rod Phillips have asked me to come on board with After MidNite would be an understatement,” shares Allen. “This show is legendary, and to be trusted with helping guide this venture is humbling. Granger is one of the most genuine people I’ve ever come across. I have the honor of calling him a great friend, and who doesn’t want to work with their friends? I’m excited to dive in!”

“We couldn’t be happier to welcome AntMan to the Premiere Networks and After MidNite family,” adds Leimgruber, EVP of Entertainment Programming for Premiere Networks. “Over the years, AntMan has worked with Granger on several projects and we’re confident his decades-long experience in country radio makes him the perfect choice to successfully lead this exciting new chapter of After MidNite.”

Smith made his debut as host of After MidNite on Jan. 1. Reaching millions of listeners on more than 200 stations nationwide, the show features the biggest hits in country music, as well as exclusive artist interviews and performances, fan interaction and special content from Smith’s alter ego, Earl Dibbles, Jr.

The program is available to stations Monday through Sunday from midnight to 6 a.m., and can be heard on the American Forces Network and the iHeartRadio app.

Ballerini Sits Atop First MusicRow Radio Chart Of 2022

Kelsea Ballerini starts the new year off strong topping the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart with her single “Half Of My Hometown” featuring Kenny Chesney. Ballerini co-wrote the single with Jimmy Robbins, Ross Copperman, Nicolle Galyon, and Shane McAnally.

Looking back at 2021, Ballerini had an eventful year. “Half Of My Hometown” received two CMA Awards for Musical Event of the Year and Music Video of the Year, marking Ballerini’s first CMA award win. In a string of RIAA certifications, “Half Of My Hometown” was certified RIAA Gold, Ballerini’s debut album was certified both Gold and Platinum; her sophomore album hit Gold; the singles “Yeah Boy,” “Miss Me More,” “Homecoming Queen,” and “Hole in the Bottle” earned Platinum status; and “Better Luck Next Time” and “The Other Girl” achieved Gold status.

Also in 2021, Ballerini hosted the CMT Music Awards alongside Kane Brown; joined the Jonas Brothers on the “Remember This Tour;” and released her debut poetry collection, Feel Your Way Through.

She will join Dolly Parton as part of the audiobook cast of Run, Rose, Run, the upcoming thriller novel Parton co-penned with bestselling author James Patterson. Ballerini narrates the role of protégée to Parton’s character.

Click here to view the latest edition of The MusicRow Weekly containing the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart.

Miranda Lambert & Little Big Town Reprise ‘The Bandwagon Tour’ In April

Miranda Lambert & Little Big Town perform together during 2018’s “The Bandwagon Tour.” Photo: Reid Long

Miranda Lambert and Little Big Town are bringing back their popular “Bandwagon Tour” this spring, a reincarnation of 2018’s co-headlining run of the same name. The joint tour kicks off May 6 and will also feature The Cadillac Three as support on all dates.

Tickets to the 15-date tour’s opening night in Houston go on sale Friday, Jan. 21 at 10 a.m. local time, with all other dates on sale Friday, Jan. 14 at 10 a.m. local time. Tickets are available here.

Together Lambert and Little Big Town have a combined 43 ACM Awards, 23 CMA Awards, and seven Grammys. Lambert’s latest single, “If I Was A Cowboy,” is currently climbing the charts at radio while her recent collaborative project, The Marfa Tapes, is nominated for a Grammy this year and was named among 2021’s best by Billboard, LA Times, Rolling Stone, TIME, Vulture and more.

Little Big Town will release their 10th studio album later this year. The record follows their 2020 No. 1 country album Nightfall, which included singles “Over Drinking,” the Grammy-nominated “The Daughters,” and “Wine, Beer, Whiskey.” It was also nominated for the Grammy’s Best Country Album.

“The Bandwagon Tour” Dates:
April 27 *   Tuscaloosa Amphitheater  |  Tuscaloosa, Ala.
April 28 *   FirstBank Amphitheater  |  Franklin, Tenn.
April 29 *#.  William Green Football Stadium  |  Johnson City, Tenn.
May 6 +   Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion presented by Huntsman  |  Houston, Texas
May 7      Dos Equis Pavilion  |  Dallas, Texas
May 8      Walmart AMP  |  Rogers, Ark.
May 12     Credit One Stadium  |  Charleston, S.C.
May 13     MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre  |  Tampa, Fla.
May 14     iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre  |  West Palm Beach, Fla.
May 20    Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre  |  St. Louis, Mo.
May 21     Ruoff Music Center  |  Noblesville, Ind.
May 22    Riverbend Music Center  |  Cincinnati, Ohio
June 2      Budweiser Stage  |  Toronto, Ont.
June 3      DTE Energy Music Theatre  |  Detroit, Mich.
June 4      Blossom Music Center  |  Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio
June 9      Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater  |  Wantagh, N.Y.
June 10    PNC Bank Arts Center  |  Holmdel, N.J.
June 11    BB&T Pavilion  |  Camden, N.J.
*   Miranda Lambert & The Cadillac Three only; not part of The Bandwagon Tour
+   on sale Friday, Jan 21. at 10 a.m. local time
#   on sale Friday, Feb. 1 at 10 a.m. local time

CMA Announces Board Of Directors For 2022

The Country Music Association has announced its new Board of Directors for both CMA and the CMA Foundation.

Jim Beavers (Chairman), Charlie Morgan (President), Virginia Bunetta (President Elect) and Kella Farris (Secretary/Treasurer) are the 2022 CMA Board Officers.

New CMA Board members for 2022 include Lindsay Bertelli (REACH, LLC), Jamie Cheek (Flood, Bumstead, McCready, & McCarthy), Warren Copnick (Sony Music Canada), R.J. Curtis (Country Radio Broadcasters), Jenee Fleenor (Musician), Sina Hall (Semmel Concerts Entertainment), Chris Kappy (Make Wake Artists), David Kells (Bridgestone Arena/Nashville Predators), TJ Osborne (Brothers Osborne), Shannon Sanders (BMI), Brittany Schaffer (Spotify), and Candice Watkins (Big Loud Records).

Click here for a full list of the 2022 CMA Board of Directors.

As for the CMA Foundation Board of Directors, new members include Jim Beavers (Big Yellow Dog Music), Stephen Parker (gener8tor), Jay Williams (WME), Ashley McBryde (Artist), and Tyne Parrish (The GreenRoom).

These new members join existing board members Eric Jimenez (Aldine Independent School District), Jennie Smythe (Girlilla Marketing), Joe Galante (Galante Entertainment Organization), Mendell Grinter (Nonprofit Executive), Karen Fairchild (Little Big Town), Ron Samuels (Vice Chairman, Pinnacle Financial Partners), Chris Young (Artist), and Mike Dungan (Universal Music Group Nashville). The 2022 CMA Foundation Chair is Jennie Smythe and Vice Chair is Mendell Grinter.