Warner Records & Charly Salvatore’s Underscore Works Create Joint Venture

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Pictured (L-R): Wesko, Charly Salvatore, Aaron Bay-Schuck, Isaac Green, Dipper. Photo: Courtesy of Warner Records

Warner Records and Underscore Works, the Nashville-based management company founded by industry veteran Charly Salvatore, have come together to launch the joint venture Underscore Works Recordings.

The new label will focus on discovering and developing country talent. Its flagship artists are up-and-coming acts Dipper and Wesko.

“Together with Charly, we’ve already seen incredible success with Warren Zeiders—a newcomer to the scene who has quickly made a big impact. The Underscore team shares the same dedication we have when it comes to artist development and building meaningful and lasting careers, making it a no brainer to expand our partnership so we can support even more special artists. Dipper and Wesko are two genuinely talented, hard-working musicians with bright futures ahead, and we look forward to collaborating with underscore to bring even more great music to fans around the world,” share Warner Records’ Co-Chairman & CEO Aaron Bay-Schuck and Co-Chairman & COO Tom Corson.

Salvatore adds, “Aaron, Tom and the entire world-class Warner Records team have an amazing track record when it comes to breaking new acts and, more importantly, sustaining that momentum. They’ve been incredible partners with Warren, and there’s no one else I’d want to be running alongside as we take this exciting next step in the Underscore Works journey. With a deep passion for developing emerging artists, I’m thrilled to embark on this new chapter with remarkable talents like Dipper and Wesko, who are destined to captivate the world’s stage.”

Dipper is a native of College Station, Texas, who first rose onto the scene by posting covers and original songs on TikTok. He recently released his debut EP, Evergreen, featuring his first single, “She’s Got Wings.” Dipper has been featured on multiple buzzworth playlists and recently signed a global publishing deal with Bailey Zimmerman, The Core Entertainment and Warner Chappell Music.

Hailing from Kenansville, North Carolina, Wesko has spent the last four years playing gigs with his band and writing dozens of songs all while working a grueling full-time job as a foreman for an erosion control company and taking a full course load at the University of Mount Olive. Wesko has connected with a local audience in North Carolina as well as a growing group of fans on social media via his network of other country musicians and singer-songwriters including Evan Honer and Sam Barber.

Industry Ink: Russell Dickerson, Tyler Hubbard, CMHOF

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Russell Dickerson & Team Celebrate Fifth No. 1

Pictured (L-R, back row): Shawn McSpadden (Range Media), Kevin Herring (Triple Tigers), Dave Collins (Triple Tigers), Annie Ortmeier (Triple Tigers), Russell Dickerson, Kailey Dickerson, Blake Nixon (Triple Tigers), Laura Hostelley (Triple Tigers), George Couri, (Triple Tigers) Diane Lockner (Triple Tigers) and Jack Minihan (Range Media); (L-R, front row): Mackenzie Cooper (Triple Tigers), Raffeala Braun (Triple Tigers), Julianna Vaughn (Triple Tigers) and Hope Garrison (Triple Tigers)

Russell Dickerson brought his team together earlier this week to celebrate his fifth career No. 1 single “God Gave Me A Girl.” Hosted by Triple Tigers, Dickerson was honored for the track reaching the top of the Country Aircheck/Mediabase charts this week.

That same night, Dickerson won for his song “She Likes It (feat. Jake Scott)” at the BMI Awards. Dickerson co-wrote the Platinum-certified track along with Scott and Josh Kerr.

 

Tyler Hubbard Earns Second RIAA Platinum Certification

Pictured (L-R): UMGN’s Rob Femia and Lori Christian; Tyler Hubbard; UMGN’s Cindy Mabe, Mike Harris and Chelsea Blythe. Photo: Evan Mattingly

Tyler Hubbard has earned his second RIAA Platinum certification as a solo artist for his hit single “Dancin’ In The Country.” Additionally, Hubbard’s debut album has passed the mark of one billion global streams.

“Dancin’ In The Country” was Hubbard’s second single off of his debut self-titled record, released in January of this year, and it was his second solo No. 1 song at country radio. He co-wrote the song with Keith Urban, Ross Copperman and Jon Nite.

 

Country Music Hall Of Fame & Museum Adds Director Of Marketing

Caroline Mullins

The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum recently hired Caroline Mullins as Director of Marketing.

Prior to joining the museum, Mullins held positions as Director of Advertising & Marketing at her alma mater Lipscomb University, Senior Marketing Manager at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center and as a marketing professional for SpotCo.

In her new role, Mullins is responsible for the museum’s institutional marketing in support of its Hatch Show Print, CMA Theater and Haley Gallery operations as well as museum admissions, retail, events, dining and membership, among other areas.

SiriusXM Unveils New Next Generation Platform

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SiriusXM has unveiled its Next Generation Platform, which will roll out to subscribers across North America beginning Dec. 14.

The new app will offer listeners a more personalized, easy-to-use, lean-back streaming experience that puts discovery at the forefront. It will begin rolling out in the App Store, Google Play and on Amazon Fire devices, with additional platforms and features to come in early 2024. Accompanying the app is a refreshed brand platform and new logo.

Among the key features coming to the new SiriusXM app include:
  • Always-On Personalization & Curation: Listeners will now be welcomed in with four curated sections: Music, Talk & Podcasts, Sports, and For You, a customized landing page for each listener. Personalized touch points will greet users across the app experience – even during playback, where listeners who reach their skip limits will be presented with alternative recommendations, allowing them to pivot to content better suited to their mood.
  • Greater Content Discovery: New pages dedicated to teams, shows, channels, artists and more bring fans closer, allowing them to go deeper into what they love.
  • Revamped Playback: The new and improved media player will be optimized for each type of content, with new audio segments allowing listeners to jump to key moments; transcription and speed control for podcasts and on-demand talk content; live listening updates for sports and beyond; enhanced airplay and casting; and more.
  • Central Audio Library: A revamped library will allow fans to save the content they love – from live channels to on-demand and podcasts in one centralized location, with new offline listening and download capabilities.
  • Interactive Onboarding: New subscribers will be invited to tailor their SiriusXM experience at sign-on by selecting artists, genres, personalities, and topics they love, then browse and sample tailored channel recommendations with a simple swipe.

New shows and original channels will be coming to SiriusXM as well, including Dolly Parton’s Rockstar Radio, launching Nov. 15 and available for a limited time. The channel will feature songs from Dolly’s upcoming album Rockstar as well as familiar hits and hand-picked favorites that inspired the making of the new album.

With the launch of the new SiriusXM app on Dec. 14, the company will be introducing new guest DJ channel takeovers from over 160 of the world’s top artists and bands, ranging from Olivia Rodrigo and Cardi B to Alice Cooper and Luke Combs.

“The introduction of the new SiriusXM streaming experience marks a pivotal moment in our history, one that kicks off a new era of innovation at our company,” says Jennifer Witz, CEO, SiriusXM. “And this launch is just the beginning; we will continue to iterate and develop our product offerings throughout the next year and beyond as we strive to deliver our subscribers the best listening experience on the go, in the car, and wherever they choose to tune in. From can’t miss live moments to the perfect soundtrack for any occasion, with the new SiriusXM, we are putting our differentiators at the forefront and welcoming in a new generation of listeners, bringing them closer to what they love.”

WME Celebrates The 57th Annual CMA Awards

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Pictured (L-R): Abi Ventura, TJ Osborne (Brothers Osborne), Beth Hamilton (WME), Sina Hall (Semmel Concerts) and Natalie Osborne (Leo33). Photo: Leah Puttkammer/Getty Images for WME

WME showcased its music roster at the 57th annual CMA  Awards Wednesday night (Nov. 8), with clients winning 8 of the 12 categories, including Lainey Wilson for the coveted Entertainer of the Year, Chris Stapleton for Male Vocalist of the Year, Brothers Osborne for Vocal Duo of the Year and Luke Combs for Single of the Year (“Fast Car.”)

The show also had WME clients playing central roles including hosts Luke Bryan and Peyton Manning, director Alan Carter, executive producer Robert Deaton and head writer Jon Macks.

Following the ceremony, WME hosted its annual CMA Awards after party at Fifth + Broadway’s Sixty Vines and One More Cocktail Club in Nashville. The party included Crown Royal specialty cocktails, pizzas and wine country staples, as well as a tattoo studio with artists from Nashville’s Kustom Thrills Tattoo.

Pictured (L-R): Tom Lord (Red Light Management), Lauren Lane, Chris Lane, Mark Shapiro (Endeavor), Kevin Meads (WME). Photo: Leah Puttkammer/Getty Images for WME

Pictured (L-R): Chad Jensen (Jensen Artist Management), Hilary Thoemke (Jensen Artist Management), Colbie Caillat, Nate Towne (WME), Carter Green (WME). Photo: Erika Goldring/Getty Images for WME

Pictured (L-R): Hally Williams Cooper, Kendra and Krista Slaubaugh (Tigirlily Gold), Cooper Alan. Photo: Leah Puttkammer/Getty Images for WME

David Morris Drops New Album ‘Bored In The USA’

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David Morris has released his new album Bored In The USA.

The new project features his previously-released viral singles “Carrying Your Love” and “Dutton Ranch Freestyle,” which was certified Gold last month. In 2020, “Carrying Your Love,” which samples George Strait, went to the top of the charts peaking No. 3 on Trending Sounds within TikTok. The song reached No.12 on the Billboard Emerging Chart, No.3 on Digital Sales Country and No.12 on All-Genre Sales.

“This album is a collection of songs that represent who I am,” says Morris. “I’ve always had a very eclectic taste in music. I grew up burning CDs with my friends putting songs from all genres together in one place. As different as they all sounded individually—as a playlist there was cohesion. It became the soundtrack to my summer. Season. Life. That’s what I wanted this album to be. Rooted in my Appalachian roots and love for country music but daring to bring in different genres and sounds to give fans a wider scope of who I am and bring back some nostalgia at the same time.”

The country hip-hop artist has had a big year as he signed with Virgin Music Group, signed a publishing deal with Sony Music Publishing, and performed at CMA Fest 2023. Alongside that success, he’s toured nationwide on his “Hometown Heartbreak Tour,” and supported Russell Dickerson, Jelly Roll, Kidd G and several others on shows across the country.

Bored In The USA Track Listing:
  1. “Prettiest Thing” (David Morris, Brandon Manley)
  2. “Bored In The USA” (David Morris, Brandon Manley)
  3. “Someday You Will” (David Morris, Seth Alley)
  4. “I Hate This Job” (David Morris, Noah West, Jared Griffin)
  5. “He Ain’t Me” (David Morris, Brandon Manley)
  6. “Dutton Ranch Freestyle” (David Morris, Brandon Manley)
  7. “She’s With Me Now” (David Morris, Jake Rose)
  8. “You Deserve Better” (David Morris, Robert Deahl)
  9. “Proud Of You” (David Morris, Brandon Manley)
  10. “Carrying Your Love” (David Morris, Jeff Stevens, Steve Bogard, Robert Deahl, Nikolas Grivellas)
  11. “American Idle” (David Morris, Suli, Slimmy Beats)
  12. “Stupid” (David Morris, Seth Alley)
  13. “My Fault” (David Morris, Christian Delapena, Máté Gere, Danny Davanzo)
  14. “Hot Beer In Hell” (David Morris)
  15. “Stuck In My Hometown” (David Morris, Robert Deahl, Nikolas Grivellas)

Charline Smith Wilhite Passes

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Charline Smith Wilhite

Charline Smith Wilhite, a longtime ASCAP employee, passed away on Oct. 22 following a cancer diagnosis. She was 87.

Wilhite was a native of Spring Hill, Tennessee and received her bachelor’s degree from MTSU in 1959. After a brief stint with the TBI, Charline began a 35-year career with ASCAP in Nashville as their Membership Services Administrator. She worked at ASCAP until she retired in 2010.

She married Tom Wilhite in 1978 and they were together for 33 years before his passing in 2011.

Wilhite is survived by her sons, Bart (Elizabeth) and Brad (Marna) Pemberton, and grandsons Jay and Will Pemberton, and her sister, Mary Ruth Mains.

A service was held at 11:30 am on Tuesday, Nov. 7 at Clearview Baptist Church in Brentwood, officiated by John Gardner. In lieu of flowers, Wilhite’s family asks to consider a donation to Alive Hospice of Nashville.

Hannah Ellis Slates Her Full-Length Debut Album For January

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Hannah Ellis will kick off the New Year with the release her full-length debut album That Girl on Jan. 12 via Curb Records. She’s giving fans a taste of the new project with the track, “Too Much And Not Enough,” today (Nov. 10).

Ellis wrestles with perception on “Too Much And Not Enough,” which she wrote with Emily Weisband and Tofer Brown. Caught between a contradiction and fearing being one extreme or the other, she reveals her insecurities and expresses frustrations over the fine line women walk, never fully able to strike a balance between being themselves and living up to culture’s unrealistic expectations. The track is the closer on her upcoming LP.

The Kentucky native co-penned all 13 songs on her new album. From the clever wordplay of “Wine Country” and “Karma on the Rocks” to the raw vulnerability of “Someone Else’s Heartbreak” and the title-cut, Ellis’ first full-length record highlights an artist fully embracing her small-town roots, her real-life romance and her newfound artistic voice.

In celebration of the new album, Ellis has launched an exclusive Wine Country Weekend Giveaway in partnership with Visit Napa Valley in support of her new single, “Wine Country,” which is currently charting at country radio. From now through Dec. 18, fans can enter to win a flyaway to Napa Valley that includes airfare, accommodations, exclusive merch and more.

Ellis also recently partnered with Lucchese to create a custom pair of “Wine Country” boots, and tomorrow (Nov. 11), she’ll appear at the iconic brand’s Houston store for a special performance to celebrate the boot-maker’s 140th anniversary.

The fresh-faced songwriter has racked up 42 million career streams, and has written songs for and been featured as a vocalist on songs for artists including Russell Dickerson, Carly Pearce, For King + Country, Emily Weisband, Cassadee Pope, Filmore and Sidewalk Prophets. She is one of the CMT Listen Up artists-to-watch for 2023, and has toured with Pearce, Billy Currington, Gavin DeGraw, Dwight Yoakam, Devin Dawson and many others, as well as touring as part of the “CMT Next Women of Country Tour.”

That Girl Track List:
1. “Country Can”
2. “Us”
3. “That Girl”
4. “Wine Country”
5. “Someone Else’s Heartbreak”
6. “Karma on the Rocks”
7. “Still”
8. “Replaceable”
9. “Somebody Else”
10 “Plans”
11. “Home and a Hometown”
12. “One of These Days”
13. “Too Much and Not Enough”

The Castellows Sign With Warner Chappell Music

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Pictured (L-R): Warner Chappell’s Ben Vaughn, Bryce Sherlow, Ellie, Lily, Powell, Make Wake Artists’ HB Riordan and Chris Kappy. Photo: Courtesy of Warner Chappell Music Nashville

Warner Chappell Music has signed a global publishing deal with country music trio The Castellows.

Comprised of three sisters, Ellie (lead guitar), Powell (banjo) and Lily (vocals), the band rose to prominence early this year and recently released their debut single “No. 7 Road.” They also recently signed a label deal with Warner Records and Warner Music Nashville.

The Castellows grew up singing and playing together in church and in shows around their hometown. In 2022, they started posting cover videos and quickly gained over 1.5 million followers on socials, and since releasing their debut single, have gained 57.6K monthly listeners on Spotify.

“Ellie, Powell and Lily pour their hearts and souls into their music, and it’s been inspiring to see their journey take them from Georgia to Nashville,” says Ben Vaughn, President & CEO, Warner Chappell Music Nashville. “They light up every room they walk into and everyone at Warner Chappell is thrilled to be working with them.”

“The heart of what we do all boils down to songwriting; we know that very well, even just doing this for a short time,” says The Castellows. “Not only is it the heart of what we do, in many ways, it is also the most personal. We knew that our publisher really had to resonate with who we are as writers, but also as people. It is an understatement to say that everyone at Warner Chappell does only that. We are so thankful for Ben Vaughn, Bryce Sherlow and the entire team for supporting us and helping us be the best writers we can be because, at the end of the day, it’s all about the songs!”

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Luke Combs ‘Keeps You On The Edge Of Your Seat’ With New Single

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Luke Combs. Photo: Jeremy Cowart

I have never been prouder to be a country fan than I was when experiencing this week’s CMA Awards telecast.

The special brought out the best and brightest talents in the genre, delivering at the peak of their powers. Kelsea Ballerini, The War And Treaty, Chris Stapleton, Luke Combs, Jordan Davis, Ashley McBryde, Morgan Wallen with Eric Church, Dan + Shay, K. Michelle with Jelly Roll, Tanya Tucker and Carly Pearce as well as Alan Jackson, Kenny Chesney, Mac McAnally and the Zac Brown Band—these were performances for the ages. If you weren’t a country fan going into the show, surely these moments would make you one. My chest was bursting.

Several songs in today’s column were in the spotlight that night. The Disc of the Day is one of them—mega-talent Combs owns it.

The DISCovery Award goes to HunterGirl, whom I met at the ASCAP party. She is an American Idol alumnus, but she needs no TV set to help her on the triumphant “Ain’t About You.”

RVSHVD / “Small Town Talk”
Writers: Clintarius Johnson/Jason Afable/Josh Logan Tangney/Matty Gibbons; Producers: Jason Afable/Dream Addix; Label: Penthouse South/Sumerian Records
– In a word, wow. Stirring and anthemic, this heart-in-throat performance celebrates everyday life in tiny-town America. He sings with marvelous sincerity, and the song could not be more authentically country. I’m in. His name, by the way, is pronounced “Ra-shad” (just turn those V’s upside down.)

TYLER HUBBARD / “A Lot With A Little”
Writers: Tyler Hubbard/Parker Welling/Casey Brown; Producers: Tyler Hubbard/Jordan Schmidt; Label: EMI Nashville
– Hubbard’s warm delivery continues to enchant. Here, he praises the simple joys of poor-folks romance. Guitars blaze brightly and the beats keep a-comin.

HUNTERGIRL / “Ain’t About You”
Writer: Tristyn Hunter Wolkonowski; Producer: Lindsay Rimes; Label: Wheelhouse Records
– Empowering and loaded with character and charisma. The ballad swells with positive vibes, and her vocal delivery has immense depth. This is a major, major new talent.

LAINEY WILSON / “Wildflowers and Wild Horses”
Writers: Lainey Wilson/Paul Sikes/Trannie Anderson; Producer: Jay Joyce; Label: Broken Bow Records
– If you had any doubts about this woman, her performance of this burning country rocker on the CMA Awards telecast erased them. And I do mean “country.” A delicious listening experience. “I’m barefoot and bareback and born tough as nails/I’m four fifths of reckless and one fifth of Jack.” You said it, sister.

ALEX MILLER / “Puttin’ Up Hay”
Writers: Alex Miller/Larry Cordle/Jerry Salley; Producer: Jerry Salley; Label: Billy Jam Records
– This snappy hillbilly rocker sizzles with hot fiddle and electric guitar. Loved his low vocal dip at the finale. 

JESSIE MURPH & JELLY ROLL / “Wild Ones”
Writers: Jessie Murph/Jason DeFord/Feli Ferraro/Gregory “Aldae” Hein/Jeff Gitelman; Producer: Jeff Gitelman; Label: Columbia
– Murph’s saucy delivery leads the way as she sings about the dark side of Saturday night. Jelly Roll keeps pace with some strategically placed hillbilly hip-hop. The track loops back on itself throughout. Is there such a thing as “alternative outlaw” music?

TRACK 45 / “When I Grow Up”
Writers: Ben Johnson/Jenna Johnson/KK Johnson/Jaida Dreyer/Jonny Price; Producers: Track45/Jason Hall; Label: Stoney Creek Records
– The angst of youth aches from every note. Their trio family harmonies on the choruses are awesome. I remain a fan.

LUKE COMBS / “Where the Wild Things Are”
Writers: Dave Turnbull/Randy Montana; Producers: Luke Combs/Chip Matthews/Jonathan Singleton; Label: River House Artists/Columbia Nashville
– What a voice. This is a mighty, mighty country-music man. And perhaps never more so than on this punchy rocker about a man who follows his big brother to Hollywood. Right up to the death scene, his gripping delivery keeps you on the edge of your seat. A simply brilliant performance of a titanically well-written song. He justifiably stopped the show with this at the CMA Awards.

KEITH ANDERSON / “Pickup Truck”
Writers: Ben Hayslip/Dallas Davidson/Thomas Rhett Akins; Producer: none listed; Label: ONErpm
– This enduringly good fellow has plenty of gas in his tank as he takes this high-octane rocker out for a spin. “You don’t need a pickup line if you’ve got a pickup truck.” Rock on, bro. 

MORGAN WALLEN & ERIC CHURCH / “Man Made A Bar”
Writers: Brett Tyler/Larry Fleet/Rocky Block/Jordan Dozzi; Producer: Joey Moi; Label: Big Loud Records/UMG Nashville
– Charisma on the hoof. Individually, they are two of the finest singers we have. Together on this splendidly written ode, they are undeniable. This, my friends, is real country music.

KARLEY SCOTT COLLINS / “Heavy Metal”
Writers: Karley Scott Collins/KK Johnson/Sam Backoff; Producers: Karley Scott Collins/Nathan Chapman; Label: Sony Music Nashville
– Her ear-catching, piercing, resonant voice is set in an echoey, stripped-down track. This gives extra punch to the lyric of a gal trapped in a dead-end marriage.

LUKE GRIMES / “Burn”
Writers: Luke Grimes/Randy Montana/Josh Thompson; Producer: Dave Cobb; Label: Mercury Nashville/Range Music
– If romance with her means pain, bring it on, says Grimes. As always, he sings with great conviction. The track has a faintly western-cowboy vibe.

Warner Music Nashville Commemorates 2023 CMA Awards

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Pictured (L-R): Ian Munsick and Cris Lacy (Co-Chair & Co-President); Cody Johnson and Ben Kline (Co-Chair & Co-President)

Warner Music Nashville artists and staff gathered at The Twelve Thirty Club following the 57th annual CMA Awards last night (Nov. 8) for their label after party.

During the telecast, Warner Music Nashville artist Ashley McBryde performed her current single “Light On In The Kitchen,” Cody Johnson performed “The Painter” from his just released album Leather and Dan + Shay performed top 10 and rising single “Save Me The Trouble.” Kenny Chesney and Zac Brown Band also joined Mac McAnally and Alan Jackson for a tribute to long-time friend Jimmy Buffett, performing “A Pirate Looks at Forty” and “Margaritaville” respectively.

Earlier in the day, the label hosted its ninth annual partner luncheon featuring Avery Anna, Chase Matthew and Matt Schuster. The three up-and-coming artists performed for a packed audience at Nashville’s Riverside Revival, where Bailey Zimmerman also made a surprise guest appearance.

Cole Swindell and Ben Kline (Co-Chair & Co-President)

Pictured (L-R): Ben Kline (Co-Chair & Co-President), Ingrid Andress and Cris Lacy (Co-Chair & Co-President)

Pictured (L-R): Victoria Mason (SVP of Strategic Marketing & Analytics), Randall King, Chase Matthew and Ben Kline (Co-Chair & Co-President)