Dierks Bentley, Billy Strings, Morgan Wade To Headline Houston’s Big As Texas Festival

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The Big As Texas Festival, taking place May 10-12 at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds near Houston, will feature performances from headliners Dierks Bentley, Billy Strings and Morgan Wade.

Others on the festival lineup include Dwight Yoakam, Los Lobos, Tracy Byrd, Clay Walker, Warren Zeiders, Maddie & Tae, Anne Wilson and Drake Milligan. The Lone Star state will also be well-represented with acts like Midland, Jamestown Revival, Amanda Shires, Buffalo Nichols, Braxton Keith, Trent Cowie Band and Kate Watson, among others.

Big As Texas has also announced a full slate of family-friendly activities, brand sponsors and local artists that will be activating onsite at the inaugural three-day music festival. From car shows to equestrian exhibitions, carnival games to immersive art installations, and silent auctions to chainsaw carvings, the inaugural Big As Texas Festival promises an entertainment-packed experience for guests of all ages.

“As a father-to-be, I wanted to ensure Big As Texas offers something for festival-goers of all ages. I’m personally excited to go out and explore the festival grounds with my family because this team has really packed out the space with so many different activities and activations to make the most of this three-day experience,” says festival Co-Founder Trey Diller.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Unearthed Johnny Cash Track Is ‘Hearty And Satisfying’

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Johnny Cash at Cash Cabin in Hendersonville, Tennessee. Photo: Alan Messer

It’s Ladies Day here at DISClaimer.

Leading the pack in this stack of sounds are Clare Dunn, Tiera Kennedy, Kylie Frey and Chapel Hart. They have the discs to beat.

But let’s be honest. Does anyone ever top The Man in Black? Johnny Cash wins the Disc of the Day prize.

The DISCovery Award goes to a hip-hop artist whose new music is veering into country music territory. That’s Virginia-born Shaboozey, who is gearing up for the release next month of an album titled Where I’ve Been Isn’t Where I’m Going.

DYLAN GOSSETT / “Somewhere Between”
Writer: Dylan Gossett; Producer: Eddie Spear; Label: Big Loud Texas/Mercury Records/Republic Records
– It’s a rumbling, riding-the-rails song with poetic images that pile up on each other but go nowhere. The Texan sings at the top of his range. He made some noise with a tune called “Coal” last year. This seems unlikely to duplicate that.

ZAC BROWN BAND & MAC MCANALLY / “Pirates & Parrots”
Writers: Andy Sheridan/Ben Simonetti/Drew Parker/Erik Dylan/Jonathan Singleton/Wyatt McCubbin/Zac Brown; Producers: Ben Simonetti/Zac Brown; Label: Home Grown Music/Warner Music Nashville
– This is eloquently sweet and touching as a eulogy for the departed Jimmy Buffett. It’s a dear farewell to a widely beloved music legend, and it hits an emotional bullseye. Strings sigh as the singers harmonize on the island vibe. “Adios, my friend/Anchor where that ocean ends/We’ll pick up where you left off/Strumming on a sailor’s song.”

KARLEY SCOTT COLLINS & CHARLES KELLEY / “How Do You Do That”
Writers: Karley Scott Collins/Tom Jordan/Charles Kelley/Jordan Reynolds; Producers: Nathan Chapman/Karley Scott Collins; Label: Sony Music Nashville
– Love her husky vocal and his pitch-perfect harmony work. Not crazy about the song or the too-busy, heavily electronic production.

JOHNNY CASH / “Well Alright”
Writer: Johnny Cash; Producers: Johnny Cash/John Carter Cash/David Ferguson/Josh Matas/Mike Daniel; Label: Mercury
– I’m really excited about the upcoming Cash album Songwriter (due June 28). It is comprised of 1993 song demos by the legend. He was in fine voice, and it has been surrounded by newly recorded, brilliant production by his talented son and his longtime studio confederate “Fergie” Ferguson. This advanced taste is a light-hearted ditty about finding love in a laundromat. The band, featuring Marty Stuart, kicks up some rockabilly stardust that echoes Cash’s early Sun singles. Hearty and satisfying.

SHABOOZEY / “A Bar Song (Tipsy)”
Writers: Collins Obinna Chibueze/Jerrel Jones/Joe Kent/Mark Williams/Nevin Sastry/Sean Cook; Producers: Sean Cook/Nevin Sastry; Label: American Dogwood/EMPIRE
– Guitar strums, hand claps, sing-along guys and a little whistling carry this jaunty, good-time, rhythm-happy drinking song. It quotes a little from the 2004 pop hit “Tipsy” by St. Louis hip-hopper J-Kwon. Shaboozey is a Nigerian American whose billing is derived from people mispronouncing his last name. You can also find him on two tracks on the Beyoncé album.

CHAPEL HART / “Perfect For Me”
Writers: Danica Hart/Devynn Hart/Trea Swindle/Leslie Satcher; Producers: none listed; Label: CH
– The America’s Got Talent trio just seems to go from strength to strength. Chapel Hart performs this dandy, blue-collar romance track with vim and verve. Taken from its Glory Days collection, the group showcased it at the 10th anniversary celebration of CMT’s Next Women of Country franchise this week at City Winery. I just love these gals.

LANCE COWAN / “This Heart of Mine”
Writer: Lance Cowan; Producers: Jason Stelluto/Scott Paschall; Label: Lantzapalooza Müzik
– This gentle, lovelorn ballad has a lovely, folkie quality. The single is drawn from an excellent, melody-rich album titled So Far So Good. Known for decades on Music Row as a publicist, Cowan is also a superb troubadour tunesmith. Start with this, then explore the many other fine audio textures on the collection.

HARDY / “Gin and Juice”
Writers: André Romell Young/Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr./Daniel Webster/Harry Wayne Casey/Mark Adams/Raymond Guy Turner/Richard Finch/Stephen Washington/Steve Arrington; Producers: Joey Moi/Hardy; Label: Big Loud Records
– Our own Hardy was tapped by Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre to re-imagine their 1994 Snoop hit to accompany the launch of a beverage named for it. The bouncy ditty threads the line between hillbilly and hip-hop.
TIERA KENNEDY / “I Ain’t A Cowgirl”
Writers: Tiera Kennedy/David Devaul/Joe Fox/Cameron Bedell; Producer: Cameron Bedell; Label: TK
– Her soft soprano begins this wistful meditation with simple acoustic-guitar accompaniment. Steel and strings quietly enter, backing her romantic musing as the track wafts along. Gorgeous, soothing listening. Kennedy’s profile got a bump up when she sang on “Blackbiird” with Beyoncé this month.
CLARE DUNN / “Wasn’t Looking”
Writers: Clare Dunn/Jeff Trott; Producer: Jeff Trott; Label: CD
– The title tune of Dunn’s new EP is a crunchy bopper with stacked vocal harmonies and irresistibly catchy hooks. Her throaty alto is a voice to cherish. She has been on the Nashville scene for a decade, but to date, the industry has not given this talented woman her due. Wake up, people.
DARRYL WORLEY, CHRIS JANSON & JUSTIN MOORE / “Tractor Time”
Writers: Darryl Worley/Phil O’Donnell; Producer: Phil O’Donnell; Label: The Valory Music Co.
– Here’s a summer anthem. Worley’s been working hard, and now it’s time for some relaxation. That means driving in circles out in the field, dontcha know. Each to his own therapy.
KYLIE FREY / “So You Think You Want A Cowboy”
Writers: Adam Wright/Kylie Frey/Neal Coty; Producers: Trent Willmon/Paul Worleyl; Label: Deep Frey’d Music
– This sprightly Texas two-stepper is a cautionary tune to the ladies. “You think you want a cowboy/Until you get a cowboy.” She’s hip to his heartbreaking ways. “If you’re lucky enough some day/He’s gonna saddle up and ride away.” Dancefloor ready.

Dylan Gossett Slates ‘The Back 40 Tour’ For Fall

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Dylan Gossett plans to hit the road on “The Back 40 Tour” this fall.

Gossett will make stops in nearly 30 cities across the U.S. and Canada, including a hometown show at Austin’s Emo’s on Sept. 10 and a date at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium on Oct. 23. He will also visit Boise, Denver, Charlotte, Philadelphia, Minneapolis and more through Nov. 23. Tickets are on sale now. For more information, click here.

Gossett will also make festival appearances this year at Hangout Fest, CMA Fest, Farewell Festival and more in addition to supporting Midland on select dates. Additionally, he will return to the U.K. and Europe this summer for “The Somewhere Between Tour,” which has already sold-out in London, Manchester, Dublin, Glasgow, Belfast and Amsterdam.

Concord Music Publishing Extends Deal With Jeremy Lutito, Signs Jon Class

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Pictured (L-R, back row): Lily Bunta (Concord), Kourtney Kirkpatrick (Concord), Jeff Colvin (Marcus & Colvin, LLP), Matt Cottingham (Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith LLP), Garrett Stephenson (Concord), Brad Kennard (Concord), Jordan Mattison (Good Folk Management), Shawn Thompson (Concord), Dean Adams (Concord), Lily Petersen (Good Folk Management), Jaclyn McDonald (Concord), Melissa Spillman (Concord). (L-R, front row): Devon Reilly (Concord), Claire Buchanan (Concord), Jen Hubbard (Concord), Jon Class, Jeremy Lutito. Photo: Audrey Spillman

Concord Music Publishing has extended its deal with Grammy-nominated producer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Jeremy Lutito. In addition to the extension of the deal, Lutito is also launching a new joint venture, Mezzanine, where he will sign and develop songwriters and producers at Concord. His first signing under Mezzanine is rising producer, mixer and songwriter Jon Class.

Lutito has been at Concord for seven years, and has worked with Joy Oladokun, Angie McMahon, Devon Gilfillian, Little Image, WilderWoods, Needtobreathe, Michigander, Sontalk, Savannah Conley and many more. In 2022, he received a Grammy nomination for Best Song Written For Visual Media for the song “Keep Rising (The Woman King),” featured in The Woman King. His work has also been featured in advertising campaigns for Nike, Bose, Hyundai, Citibank, General Electric and more.

“Jeremy has been an incredible partner and a successful writer and producer across multiple genres for years, here at Concord. We are thrilled that we get to continue our rewarding partnership, and further that we can expand that by working together with the super-talented Jon Class,” shares Brad Kennard, SVP A&R at Concord Music Publishing, Nashville.

“I’m thrilled to begin a new chapter with Concord,” says Lutito. “I’ve been fortunate to have such amazing support with their dynamic team for the last six years and now we get to build on what we started. There’s no better person to kick off my joint venture with than Jon Class. He is the real deal, and I can’t wait for the world to hear all the music he touches.”

Class has made a splash since moving to Nashville as a producer, mixer and writer. He has worked with Abby Holliday, Medium Build, Michigander, Aquilo, Chase Wright, The Wldlfe, Alana Springsteen, Sandra McCracken, Motherfolk, Timothy Edward Carpentar, Casey Dubie, Josh Garrels, Chris Renzema and more.

“When I moved to Nashville three years ago, Jeremy was one of the first people I connected with,” shares Class. “When he pitched this publishing venture to me, I was immediately on board. Once I met everyone at Concord and saw the amazing work and atmosphere that’s cultivated here, it was a no-brainer to have them on my team. I feel lucky to be signing with this wonderful group of people and look forward to all the great music I’ll be making in the years to come.”

“We are so excited to be working with Jon Class and welcome him to the Concord family. Jon is an exceptional writer, producer, and all-around creative. His sound is fresh and uniquely his own—and we’re excited for the upcoming projects across all mediums,” adds Jen Hubbard, Director of Sync A&R.

Artist Action: Eli Young Band, Clay Walker, Hop On A Cure

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Eli Young Band Starts Go Fund Me For Elias “Chief” Gonzales

Photo: Courtesy of Eli Young Band

The Eli Young Band has started a Go Fund Me for their brother and fellow road warrior Elias “Chief” Gonzales, who has been battling Follicular Lymphatic cancer for several years and has fought valiantly, long and hard. Last week, Gonzales announced that doctors have said there is nothing else that can be done.

The band expressed their love and respect for Gonzales in a joint statement, sharing, “Every once in a while you cross paths with someone who truly touches people’s lives wherever they go and whomever they come across. Chief is one of those special people. There are an incredible number of folks out there that love this man as we do. He has been part of our road family and crew since the very early days, since before we had enough people to call it a ‘crew.’

“Over the years he held every position imaginable…anything we have ever needed, he has been the guy. Always first to offer help to any artist from the first opener to the headliner, making good friends along the way. He and his family need our help to make sure that his time left on this earth is not spent worrying about the financial side of this thing and what comes next for his family and children. Anything helps. There is and will only be one Chief.”

EYB is asking fans and friends in the industry to support Gonzales in his quest to build a college fund for his children in his final days. Gonzales is at home with his four children, his parents and family making the most of the time he has left before beginning hospice care. Donations can be made here.

 

Clay Walker Foundation’s ‘Band Against MS Gala’ Raises $220,000

Clay Walker

The Clay Walker Foundation recently held its annual “Band Against MS Gala” at the Ballroom at Bayou Place in Houston and raised $220,000 for Multiple Sclerosis research. In 1996, Walker was diagnosed with MS, and rather than yielding to its challenges, emerged as a fierce advocate and fundraiser, establishing his foundation to support those affected by the disease.

The evening began with a pre-concert mixer where sponsors participated in a silent auction and also featured a performance by Walker himself of his new single, “I Know She Hung The Moon.” Overall, The Clay Walker Foundation has raised $2.6 million dollars for Multiple Sclerosis research.

 

Hop On A Cure Contributes To Massachusetts General Hospital’s Sean M. Healey & AMG Center for ALS

Hop On A Cure, a leading advocate in the fight against ALS, has announced a contribution of $250,000 toward Massachusetts General Hospital Department of Neurology’s Sean M. Healey & AMG Center for ALS. Hop On A Cure was founded in 2022 after John Driskell Hopkins of Zac Brown Band was diagnosed with ALS. The gift will support the research project Exploring the Effect of Statins to Restore Stathmin-2 Function and Promote Motor Neuron Regeneration.

In addition to the contribution to Mass General, Hop On A Cure is also helping spread awareness and raise money for this year’s Boston College ALS Awareness Game at Fenway Park today (April 25.) The game, now in its fifth year, has been played annually in honor of former Boston College baseball captain and Ice Bucket Challenge founder Pete Frates, who passed away from ALS in 2019 at the age of 34. Hop On A Cure has donated a signed Zac Brown Band guitar, which will be auctioned off to raise additional money for the cause.

“We at Hop On A Cure are thrilled to support this innovative and accessible potential new therapy,” says Hop On A Cure CEO Nic Shefrin. “We are also excited to champion promising young talent, like Dr. Nolan, who have committed themselves to ALS research.

Carly Pearce Celebrates Birthday & Surprises Fans By Upping ‘Hummingbird’ Release Date

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Photo: Courtesy of Big Machine Records

Carly Pearce celebrated her birthday this year by pushing up the release date of her fourth studio album, Hummingbird, to June 7.

Pearce announced the news yesterday on Instagram Live with fans, saying, “For my birthday this year, I wanted to give you guys a gift instead. My album Hummingbird is now coming out Friday, June 7. CMA Fest, I hope you’re ready because we’re going to be celebrating!”

Produced by the artist, Shane McAnally and Josh Osborne, Hummingbird marks Pearce’s debut as a producer and represents a new musical chapter. The album includes the Grammy-nominated, top 15-and-rising, Gold-certified single “We Don’t Fight Anymore” featuring Chris Stapleton as well as the recently-released fan favorite “My Place” and the stirring title track.

At CMA Fest this year, she will once again perform the headlining stage at Nissan Stadium on June 9. In addition to CMA Fest, fans can catch Pearce on the road as direct support for all dates of Tim McGraw’s 2024 “Standing Room Only Tour” now through June 29.

Bowen * Young Signs With Snakefarm Records & Announces Debut Album

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Bowen * Young. Photo: Jeff Fasano

Nashville-based country duo Bowen * Young has signed with Snakefarm Records and announced their debut album, Us, out May 3.

Made up of Clare Bowen and Brandon Robert Young, the act dives into love, heartbreaking loss and hope on the new 10-track project. The couple teamed up producers Sean McConnell and Roger Alan Nichols for Us, which features the stripped-back track “Halo” and the honest “To The Bone,” among others.

“We’re thrilled to join Snakefarm Records. Their passion for music and commitment to artistic expression align perfectly with our vision,” shares Bowen * Young. “We can’t wait to share our debut album, Us, with the world.”

Bowen, known for her role as Scarlett O’Connor in Nashville, arrived in Music City in 2012. A pediatric cancer survivor, she seeks to embrace both the light and dark in their narrative. Young’s journey began in 2000 and unfolded with nights spent filling composition books with melodies in Nashville. He has contributed to projects such as Johnny Cash Forever Words and the television show Shameless.

They met in 2013 when Young became Bowen’s last-minute duet partner. Their chemistry transformed into love, culminating in a proposal at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium and a union officiated by John Carter Cash in 2017.

The two hit the road on a headlining U.S. tour last year, and will make their way to the U.K. for the Highways Festival at Royal Albert Hall on May 17–18.

Sony Music Nashville To Host Third Annual ‘Camp Sony’

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Sony Music Nashville will host its third annual “Camp Sony” event at Acme Feed & Seed in downtown Nashville from June 6 to June 9, during CMA Fest 2024. Sponsored by Wrangler, the event is free to the public and will take place across all four floors of the venue.

Last year’s “Camp Sony” lineup featured performances by Kameron Marlowe, Mitchell Tenpenny and Restless Road. It also included special events such as a listening session with Old Dominion, a pop-up set from Chris Young, an appearance by Corey Kent and even two marriages officiated by Elle King.

This year’s program will include a range of activities such as live performances, giveaways, games, immersive experiences and surprises. Additional details and the artist lineup will be revealed soon.

Twitty & Lynn Release First Full-Length Album

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Photo: Ford Fairchild

Tre Twitty and Tayla Lynn, the grandchildren of Conway Twitty and Loretta Lynn, have joined forces to form the new country duo Twitty & Lynn and follow in the footsteps of their legendary relatives.

The two released their first full-length album, Cookin’ Up Lovin,’ on April 20. Produced by Scott Baggett, the 12-song compilation includes covers of three of Conway and Loretta’s No. 1s as a duo: “After the Fire Is Gone” (1971), “Louisiana Woman, Mississippi Man” (1973) and their last No. 1 together “Feelins'”(1975). The project also features “Spiders and Snakes,” a Jim Stafford single that Conway and Loretta covered, and a remake of Bruce Springsteen’s “I’m on Fire,” which was included as a tribute to Tayla’s mom.

The seven originals on the album, all co-written by the duo, include “Cookin’,” “Need Your Love (Give It Up),” “I Hate Me (For Lovin’ You),” “Hillbilly Git-Down,” “Me and You,” “Always Be You” and “Thinkin’ of a Number.”

The two are also collaborating on several other projects. Twitty & Lynn: Together Again is the name of their new podcast and a documentary series celebrating the power of music and family legacies. Produced by Nashville radio personality and country music historian Devon O’Day, the podcast debuted on April 5 with over 350,000 views its first week, and delves into everything from Conway and Loretta to online dating in front of a studio audience. The pilot episode of the docuseries will have a private screening in Nashville later this spring.

Cookin’ Up Lovin’ Track Listing:
(Side A)
1. “Cookin’ Up Lovin’” (Shelly Fairchild/Tayla Lynn/Mark Narmore/Tre Twitty)
2. “After the Fire Is Gone” (L.E. White)
3. “Need Your Love (Give It Up)” (Tayla Lynn/Mark Narmore/Liz Rose/Tre Twitty)
4. “Spiders and Snakes” (Jim Stafford/David Bellamy)
5. “Me and You” (Tayla Lynn/Mark Narmore/Tre Twitty)
6. “I Hate Me (For Lovin’ You)” (Scott Baggett/Tayla Lynn/Jeffrey Steele/Tre Twitty)
(Side B)
7. “Feelins’” (Troy Seals/Will Jennings)
8. “Always Be You” (Tayla Lynn/Mark Narmore/Tre Twitty)
9. “I’m on Fire” (Bruce Springsteen)
10. “Hillbilly Git-Down” (Scott Baggett/Tayla Lynn/Jeffrey Steele/Tre Twitty)
11. “Louisiana Woman, Mississippi Man” (Becki Bluefield/Jim Owen)
12. “Thinkin’ of a Number” (Tayla Lynn/Mark Narmore/Tre Twitty)

Sturgill Simpson, Post Malone & More Among Outside Lands Festival 2024 Lineup

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The lineup has been unveiled for the upcoming Outside Lands Festival, taking place Aug. 9–11 at Golden Gate Park in San Francisco, California.

Now in its 16th year, the festival will include performances by Sturgill Simpson, who is returning for his first full show in three years, as well as Tyler the Creator and The Killers. Post Malone will also return to the Outside Lands main stage to perform a special country set.

Other acts on the bill include The Postal Service, Grace Jones, Kaytranada, Jungle, Snoh Aalegra, Gryffin, Young the Giant, Schoolboy Q, Chappell Roan, Reneé Rapp, Victoria Monét, The Last Dinner Party and more.

Also coming back for 2024 is Dolores,’ an inclusive dance floor where everyone is welcome. The space aims to be a celebration of queer and trans communities. The full lineup for Dolores’ will be announced in the coming months.

Soma, the festival’s techno stage, will return with a new, open-air format and an expanded dance space featuring performances from Idris Elba, Uncle Waffles, The Blessed Madonna and Shiba San B2B CID, among others.

“Every year we start with a blank canvas and because of the diverse and sophisticated palette of Bay Area music fans, we get to program a festival that is not only multigenerational but shows an incredible range of genres and musical subcultures,” says Allen Scott, Co-Founder of Outside Lands and Head of Concerts & Festivals at Another Planet Entertainment.