Alison Nichols Inks With BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville

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Pictured (L-R): Manager Sherrie’ Austin, Alison Nichols and BMG’s Jon Loba

Rising artist Alison Nichols has signed with BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville.

Pictured (L-R, back row): Go Long Entertainment’s Jeff Davis, BMG’s Quinn Bauducco, Producer Will Rambeaux and BMG Nashville’s Peter Strickland; (L-R, front row): BMG’s Katie Kerkhover, Jon Loba, Alison Nichols, Manager Sherrie’ Austin and BMG Nashville’s JoJamie Hahr

The Georgia native is a cousin of the late Joe Diffie, and blends aspects of her upbringing with influences from her time spent on the Texas country scene. As one of the first Asian-American singers in the country format, Nichols embraces her roots, proclaiming herself as “half Korean, half redneck and 100 percent American.” Her first release on TikTok, “Is It Just Me?,” garnered more than 4.6 million views, and her latest song, “Hoops,” has also racked up over a million views.

“Alison’s life brings a unique perspective to her music that we look forward to sharing with the world,” says Jon Loba, President, Frontline Recordings, BMG North America. “It’s compelling, different, yet familiar and adds to the rich tapestry that is country music.”

“My parents say I came into the world singing, and I’ve been dreaming of this moment since I was a little girl,” says Nichols. “I’m so thrilled and excited to be a part of the BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville family and I look forward to making great music together!”

Chayce Beckham To Drop Debut Album ‘Bad For Me’ In April

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Photo: Robby Klein

Chayce Beckham plans to drop his debut album, Bad For Me, on April 5 via 19 Recordings/Wheelhouse Records/BMG Nashville.

The singer-songwriter gave fans a new taste of the project today (March 15) with the release of “Waylon in ’75.” The 13-track collection also features Beckham’s solo-written, Platinum single “23,” which recently scored a CMT Music Awards nomination for Breakthrough Male Video of the Year.

Bad For Me touches on themes like substance abuse, guilt and romantic remorse, joined by the inner struggle of a man wishing he was more. With the album, Beckham aims to depict an appreciation for life itself and a promise to keep up the fight. Apart from “23,” the collection was produced by Bart Butler, and includes more Beckham-penned pieces such as “Mama,” which he performed on American Idol, and “Drink You Off My Mind.”

The artist is currently on his headlining “Bad For Me Tour,” and will join Luke Bryan on his “Mind Of A Country Boy Tour” this summer.

Bad For Me Track Listing:
1. “Devil I’ve Been” (Chayce Beckham, John Pierce, Lindsay Rimes)
2. “Addicted And Clean” (Chayce Beckham, Emily Landis, Justin Morgan)
3. “Waylon In ‘75” (Jon Randall, Brett James, Parker McCollum, Lee Thomas Miller)
4. “Bad For Me” (Joe Fox, Randy Montana, Tyler Chambers)
5. “Drink You Off My Mind” (Chayce Beckham)
6. “Everything I Need” (Chayce Beckham, John Pierce, Lindsay Rimes)
7. “Whiskey Country” (Chayce Beckham, John Pierce, Lindsay Rimes)
8. “Glitter” (Joey Hendricks, Mark Trussell, Natalie Hemby)
9. “Smokin’ Weed and Drinkin’ Whiskey” (Chayce Beckham, Andy Albert, Mark Trussell)
10. “Something Worth Holding On To” (John Pierce, Brandon Kinney, Micah Wilshire)
11. “Mama” (Chayce Beckham)
12. “If I Had A Week” (Chayce Beckham, Scooter Carusoe)
13. “23” (Chayce Beckham)

Country Music Hall Of Fame & Museum Acquires The British Archive Of Country Music

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Photo of a 78-rpm record by Big Bill Campbell and His Rocky Mountain Rhythm, released in 1947 and included in the British Archive of Country Music collection. Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum has expanded its collection with the addition of the British Archive of Country Music, comprising over 50,000 recordings alongside books, periodicals, videotapes, photographs and more.

The collection, established in 1987, was assembled over a span of seven decades by late British collector Dave Barnes. This treasure-trove of country music history contains extensive recordings and files regarding artists from the UK, Europe, Australia, Canada and the US. After Barnes’ death in 2020, his family began working with the museum to facilitate the acquisition and transport of the collection from Dover, England with support from the Tyson Family Foundation.

“My father Don Tyson was a huge, lifelong fan of country music,” says John H. Tyson, Chairman of the Board of Tyson Foods, Inc. “He passed that love of music on to his children and grandchildren as well. When we learned of the British Archive of Country Music, we immediately knew it was a treasure that should be located in posterity at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. We are pleased to have been able to work with Mr. Barnes’ son, Alan, and the team at the museum to make this a reality. My son, John Randal and daughter Olivia and I are delighted to have made this collection available so that future generations of country music fans can continue to enjoy this music as Mr. Barnes did years ago as he was putting the archive together.”

With the addition of the BACM collection, the museum now ranks among the world’s largest collections of country music recordings, boasting over 250,000 sound recordings ranging from phonograph cylinders to digital files.

CEO of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, Kyle Young, expresses his gratitude to the Barnes family and the Tyson Family Foundation for their pivotal role in bringing the BACM collection to the museum. “The British Archive of Country Music speaks to the international influence of country music. We’re honored to preserve the collection and continue BACM’s legacy of making this music available to researchers and scholars across the world,” he says.

Kameron Marlowe Is ‘Keepin’ The Lights On’ This May

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Kameron Marlowe is gearing up for the release of his sophomore album Keepin’ The Lights On, set for May 31, and shared the title track and visualizer with fans today (March 15).

The 16-track collection features previously released singles “Quit You,” “Strangers (with Ella Langley)” and “Tennessee Don’t Mind.” Writers contributing to Keepin’ The Lights On include Kendell Marvel, Michael Hardy, Wyatt McCubbin, Trevor Rosen, Brad Tursi and Charles Kelley, among others.

“I feel like I discovered a lot about myself while making this record,” shares Marlowe. “I got to reflect on a lot of life from when I was a kid to life today. This album explores everything from loss to love, depression to joy, and overcoming the voices in your head telling you you’re not good enough. I found myself looking at life through a different lens throughout the process.

“The namesake of the album, ‘Keepin’ The Lights On’ came from a conversation with my dad over the holidays about how he’s always thanking the man upstairs for keeping it all together, especially when times get tough,” he continues. “For me, this record is a reminder of hard work, dedication and keeping the promises that we make. It’s still crazy to me that people are listening to a small town boy from Kannapolis, North Carolina, but here I am releasing my second album. I can’t wait for y’all to hear it.”

Marlowe will head down under with Lainey Wilson for her international tour next week, and share his new music on his headlining “Strangers Tour” in April.

Keepin’ The Lights On Track Listing:
1. “911” (Wyatt McCubbin/John Pierce/Micah Wilshire)
2. “Nothin’ Slowin’ Us Down” (Kameron Marlowe/Mitchell Tenpenny/Rob Williford/Dallas Wilson)
3. “On My Way Out” (Michael Hardy/Ben Johnson/Hunter Phelps/Taylor Phillips/Bobby Pinson)
4. “Never Really Know” (Kameron Marlowe/James McNair)
5. “Tennessee Don’t Mind” (Charles Kelley/Daniel Tashian)
6. “Leaning On You” (Kameron Marlowe/Erik Dylan/Wyatt McCubbin/Taylor Phillips)
7. “I Can Run” (Tucker Beathard/Oscar Charles Gnaedig/Ben Roberts)
8. “High Hopes” (Josh Osborne/Trevor Rosen/Brad Tursi)
9. “One That I Don’t Call” (Wyatt McCubbin/James McNair/John Pierce)
10. “Lock Me Up” (Ben Johnson/Jordan Minton/Hunter Phelps/Taylor Phillips)
11.  “Will It Be There in the Morning” (Kameron Marlowe/Mitchell Tenpenny/Dallas Wilson)
12. “Quit You” (Kameron Marlowe/James McNair/John Pierce)
13. “Smaller” (Erik Dylan/Wyatt McCubbin)
14. “Strangers (with Ella Langley)” (Kameron Marlowe/Ella Langley/Will Bundy/Chase McGill)
15. “Broke Down in a Truck” (Taylor Baynum/Nathan Justis/Dave Michael/Colby Williford)
16. “Keepin’ The Lights On” (Kameron Marlowe/Kendell Marvel/Phil O’Donnell)

Carys Selvey Inks With Edgehill Music Publishing

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Pictured (L-R, back row): Josh Joseph and Tara Joseph. (L-R, front row): Carys Selvey and Julia Keefe

London-based songwriter Carys Selvey has signed a global publishing deal with Edgehill Music Publishing.

Selvey first signed with Sony/ATV London at 14 years old and has since made her own distinctive voice in songwriting. Her partnership with Edgehill is in collaboration with her management team, Joel Reyes at Moko Management and Declan McAlister at 31 Management.

“When I first heard Carys’ work, I was immediately drawn to the rawness of her writing,” shares Julia Keefe, Head of A&R, Edgehill. “In addition to her writing, the energy she brings into every room paired with her ability to connect with creatives on a deeper level, truly sets her apart. We are so excited to have Carys apart of the Edgehill family.”

“I am unbelievably excited to be part of the Edgehill family!” Selvey shares. “Josh [Joseph], Tara [Joseph] and Julia have created an environment unlike any music company I have known beforeand I feel so honoured to be a part of it and get to work with all of their incredibly talented writers and producers.”

Industry Ink: Kylie Morgan, Alison Abbey Hudak, Sawyer Brown & Mac McAnally, CMA

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Kylie Morgan Receives RIAA Gold Certification

Kylie Morgan and UMG Nashville Chair & CEO Cindy Mabe. Photo: Courtesy of UMG Nashville

EMI Records Nashville artist Kylie Morgan has been awarded her first ever RIAA Gold certification for her hit single “If He Wanted To He Would.” UMG Nashville Chair & CEO Cindy Mabe shared the news with the singer and presented her with a plaque.

“I have been writing songs as a form of therapy since I was twelve,” says Morgan. “I have always dreamed of one of those therapy sessions turning into thousands singing my words back to me and a plaque on my wall. Over 14 years later, that dream has come true. This song has allowed me to connect with millions of strangers, and has become a constant reminder of why I started writing songs. I am feeling eternally grateful, humbled, and so excited to put even more therapy sessions out for the world, so we can heal together.”

 

Alison Abbey Hudak Exits Nashville Lifestyles Magazine

Alison Abbey Hudak. Photo: Robby Klein

Alison Abbey Hudak has exited Nashville Lifestyles after her five year post as Editor-in-Chief to pursue new opportunities. During her time at the magazine, Hudak featured Hayley Williams, Dolly Parton, Yola, Bobby Bones and Wynonna Judd. She also produced live events with Kristin Chenoweth, Chris Young, Mallory Ervin, John Drake and Dee Pate. On Nashville Lifestyles: The Podcast, she interviewed superstar Morgan Wallen, which remains the most downloaded episode.

Hudak can be reached at alisonabbey@gmail.com.

 

Sawyer Brown & Mac McAnally Perform At Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

Pictured (L-R): Mac McAnally, Mark Miller, Gregg “Hobie” Hubbard. Photo: Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

Mark Miller and Gregg “Hobie” Hubbard from legendary country group Sawyer Brown performed alongside dynamic songwriter Mac McAnally during a songwriter session at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. The event was in celebration of the band’s Desperado Troubadours album release and the 40th anniversary of winning Star-Search. 

During the event, they sang some of the bands most well known songs such as “Some Girls Do,” “Thank God For You,” “The Walk” and more, which McAnally co-penned. Miller also shared stories from the band’s time in the industry, and even spotlighted MLB all-star Adam Wainwright, who was in attendance.

 

CMA Hosts Country Music Consumption Membersips Event

Pictured: Michael Farris (CMA Senior Director, Business Strategy and Insights) and John Murphy (Luminate Vice President, Music Publishing and Financial Solutions) lead a discussion during a MemberSIPS event focused on Country Music consumption on Tuesday, March 12 at CMA HQ in Nashville. Photo: Emily April Allen

The Country Music Association (CMA) hosted a MemberSIPS event on March 12 at their headquarters for CMA members. The event focused on country music consumption across the U.S. as well as internationally in 2023. Members from across the industry participated in a collaborative conversation and looked into the future of country music.

CMA Senior Director, Business Strategy and Insights Michael Farris and Luminate Vice President, Music Publishing and Financial Solutions John Murphy shared the data around consumption and led discussions what the data shows and what trends can be identified.

Abbey Cone Signs With Downtown Artist & Label Services For Distribution

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Abbey Cone at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium. Photo: Erika Rock

Singer-songwriter Abbey Cone has signed with Downtown Artist & Label Services for distribution.

She has also released her first song with the company, a cover of Leonard Cohen‘s “Hallelujah,” which was recorded live when Cone opened for LeAnn Rimes Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium.

“My first year as an independent artist was surprising in so many ways,” she says. “One of the biggest surprises was being asked to open up for LeAnn Rimes at the Ryman in December. I’ve always loved this song because of how powerful it is, and how much it moves people. It’s representative of the kind of music I want to create and the way I want to move people with my music, too.”

Cone is contining to build an independent team, which currently includes Amanda Quinton of Quinton Digital for management services, Wasserman Group for booking and Warner Chappell Music/T.R.U.T.H. for publishing.

“One of the many lessons I’ve learned in my almost 10 years in the music industry is how important it is to have a team of people that will actually get in the trenches with you and figure out how to build a sustainable and authentic career,” she shares. “Small wins feel bigger when you’re an independent artist. It’s an accumulation of small victories that feel really rewarding when you’re doing it for yourself instead of to impress a label or a gatekeeper. For the first time, I’ve actually been able to make money from my music because I own my masters. It’s empowering to be able to choose how to reinvest that money and also be able to choose who I work with. I feel free. I feel like I finally work for myself instead of working to impress someone else that ‘holds the keys’ to my success.”

Willie Nelson Unveils Title Track Of Upcoming Album ‘The Border’

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Willie Nelson has unveiled the title track of his upcoming studio album The Border, set for release on May 31.

Cowritten by Rodney Crowell and Allen Shamblin for Crowell’s 2019 Texas album that featured Nelson, “The Border” is a track that describes the inner life and outer reality of a border guard.

The 10-tune project also includes four new Nelson and Buddy Cannon compositions, “Once Upon a Yesterday,” “What If I’m Out of My Mind,” “Kiss Me When You’re Through” and “How Much Does It Cost,” along with “Hank’s Guitar,” written by Cannon and Bobby Tomberlin. The country legend rounds out The Border with his versions of “I Wrote This Song for You” penned by Larry Cordle and Erin Enderlin, “Many a Long & Lonesome Highway” crafted by Crowell and Will Jennings, “Made in Texas” written by Shawn Camp and Monty Holmes  and “Nobody Knows Me Like You” created by Mike Reid.

The album will be available digitally as well as on CD and black vinyl. Additionally, Barnes & Noble will offer an exclusive LP edition pressed on orange vinyl, and Nelson’s D2C store will provide an exclusive vinyl version that includes a lyric book featuring the artwork with listening notes by Mikal Gilmore and photos by Pamela Springsteen.

Following the project’s release, Nelson will hit the road for this year’s “Outlaw Music Festival Tour.”

The Border Track Listing:
1. “The Border”
2. “Once Upon a Yesterday”
3. “What If I’m Out of My Mind”
4. “When I Wrote This Song for You”
5. “Kiss Me When You’re Through”
6. “Many a Long & Lonesome Highway”
7. “Hank’s Guitar”
8. “Made in Texas”
9. “Nobody Knows Me Like You”
10. “How Much Does It Cost”

Ernest Previews Sophomore Album ‘Nashville, Tennessee’ With Five New Tracks

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Ernest will release his sophomore album, titled Nashville, Tennessee, on April 12.

As part of the album’s pre-order launch, Ernest released the video and song for “I Went To College / I Went To Jail,” featuring fellow Nashville native Jelly Roll, as well as tracks “Ain’t As Easy,” “How’d We Get Here,” “Ain’t Too Late” and “Why Dallas (feat. Lukas Nelson),” which join already available songs “Kiss Of Death” and “Slow Dancing In A Burning Room” on the project.

YouTube video

In addition to the previously-released tracks and five new songs, the 26-track album will include additional musical collaborations with Lainey Wilson, Morgan Wallen, Hardy and Ernest’s two-year-old son, Ryman. Writers contributing to the album include Jessie Jo Dillon, Luke Bryan, Grady Block, Chandler Paul Walters and many more.

Nashville, Tennessee is the follow up to Ernest’s 2021 debut album, Flower Shops (The Album), which featured the double Platinum title-track “Flower Shops (feat. Morgan Wallen).” He has over a billion streams as a solo artist to date, and has also earned nine No. 1s as a writer, including Jelly Roll’s double Platinum “Son of a Sinner,” Kane Brown‘s Platinum “One Mississippi,” Sam Hunt‘s Platinum “Breaking Up Was Easy In The 90’s,” Chris Lane‘s double Platinum “Big, Big Plans” and Morgan Wallen hits including seven-times Platinum “Wasted On You,” four-times Platinum “You Proof,” five-times Platinum “More Than My Hometown” and Platinum “Everything I Love.”

Nashville, Tennessee Tracklist:
1. “I Went To College / I Went To Jail (feat. Jelly Roll)” (Ernest Keith Smith, Chandler Paul Walters, Rivers Rutherford, Luke Bryan)
2. “Ain’t As Easy” (Ernest Keith Smith, Dean Dillon, Jessie Jo Dillon, Chandler Paul Walters)
3. “Why Dallas (feat. Lukas Nelson)” (Ernest Keith Smith, Chandler Paul Walters, Grady Block, Jordan Merrigan, Lukas Nelson)
4. “One More Heartache” (Ernest Keith Smith, Chandler Paul Walters, Jessie Jo Dillon, Dean Dillon)
5. “Hangin’ On (feat. Morgan Wallen)” (Ernest Keith Smith, Grady Block, Rhys Rutherford, Jacob Durrett, Rafe Tenpenny)
6. “Did It For The Story” (Ernest Keith Smith, John Byron, Ryan Vojtesak, Blake Pendergrass)
7. “How’d We Get Here” (Ernest Keith Smith)
8. “Never Said I Love You” (Ernest Keith Smith, Chandler Paul Walters)
9. “Would If I Could (feat. Lainey Wilson)” (Dean Dillon, Donald Ewing II)
10. “Honkytonk Fairytale” (Ernest Keith Smith, Rafe Tenpenny, Dallas Wilson, Brad Clawson)
11. “Smokin’ Gun” (Ernest Keith Smith, Rhys Rutherford, Grady Block, Ryan Vojtesak, Blake Pendergrass)
12. “Twinkle Twinkle (Live At Fenway Park) [feat. Ryman Saint]” (Jane Taylor)
13. “Life Goes On” (Ernest Keith Smith, Ashley Gorley, Ryan Vojtesak)
14. “If You Don’t Know By Now” (Clint Daniels, Dale Dodson)
15. “You Don’t Have To Die” (Clint Ingersoll, Chris Stapleton)
16. “Redneck Sh*ttt” (Ernest Keith Smith, Mark Holman, Nicolle Galyon)
17. “Small Town Goes” (Ernest Keith Smith, Grady Block, Cody Lohden, Ryan Vojtesak, Chandler Paul Walters)
18. “Kiss Of Death” (Ernest Keith Smith, Andy Albert, Ryan Vojtesak)
19. “Slow Dancing In A Burning Room” (John Clayton Mayer)
20. “Ain’t Too Late” (Ernest Keith Smith, Grady Block, Chandler Paul Walters, Jordan Merrigan, Cody Lohden)
21. “Sayin’ You Love Me” (Ernest Keith Smith, Mark Holman, James McNair)
22. “Summertime Flies” (Ernest Keith Smith, Rafe Tenpenny, Grady Block, Jacob Durrett, Ross Portaro)
23. “Ain’t Right Ain’t Wrong” (Ernest Keith Smith, Rhys Rutherford, Ryan Vojtesak)
24. “Creep (feat. Hardy)” (Colin Greenwood, Jonathan Greenwood, Albert Hammond, Michael Hazlewood, Edward O’Brien, Philip Selway, Thomas Yorke)
25. “Bars On My Heart” (Ernest Keith Smith, Mark Holman, Nicolle Galyon)
26. “Dollar To Cash” (Ernest Keith Smith, Grady Block, Rafe Tenpenny, Brett Tyler)

Dolly Parton To Launch New Home, Kitchen & Tableware Collection

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Dolly Parton is launching her first collection of home, kitchen and tableware products in collaboration with partners Lodge Cast Iron, Lifetime Brands and Mainstream International.

From a Guitar-shaped mini skillet to a custom Toile print depicting Parton’s childhood home, each item is a nod to her legacy and journey from humble beginnings to worldwide stardom. The collection will first launch with a range of seasoned cast iron skillets with unique designs, available at Cracker Barrel, Walmart.com and Lodge Cast Iron’s website and factory stores this month.

The collection also includes home decor and kitchen tools as well as table linens and soft kitchen textiles, which will launch online and in retail in March of next year.

“Home is as much a state of mind as it is a place for me,” states Parton. “I am excited to share these new kitchenware collections inspired by my childhood memories. While we didn’t have much that money could buy growing up, spending time with family over a meal created priceless moments that have lasted me a lifetime. It is my hope that these products be a part of wonderful memories for you.”