Abbey Cone Celebrates Grand Ole Opry Debut

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Abbey Cone during her Grand Ole Opry debut. Photo: Erika Rock

Singer-songwriter Abbey Cone made her debut at the Grand Ole Opry on Friday night (Aug. 4).

Joined by friends and collaborators Brittney Spencer, Madison Kozak and Heather Morgan, Cone performed her latest single, “Talk of the Town (Acoustic),” on the hallowed stage. She also received a standing ovation from the crowd after she offered the first-ever live performance of her unreleased song “Timeless.”

The indie artist grew up playing Texas’ Grapevine Opry and was invited to make her debut in June by her mentor Vince Gill, who surprised her with the invitation onstage at the Grand Ole Opry after he performed the song they co-wrote together,”Leaving Home,” for the first time.

Pictured (L-R): Madison Kozak, Abbey Cone, Brittney Spencer and Heather Morgan. Photo: Erika Rock

Daughtry Signs With Big Machine Records

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Pictured (L-R, back row): Hard 8 Working Group’s Jon Linton (Manager), Big Machine Label Group’s Mike Rittberg, Hard 8 Working Group’s Aimee Beren (Day to Day Manager); (L-R, front row): Big Machine Label Group’s Heather Luke, Chris Daughtry, Big Machine Label Group’s Scott Borchetta

Grammy-nominated rock band Daughtry has signed with Big Machine Records and will release their first single for the label, “Artificial,” on Aug. 11.

“Chris Daughtry is one of the best voices in rock music, hands down,” says Big Machine Label Group Chairman and CEO Scott Borchetta. “He is attacking this season of life full-on with a renewed fire and intensity to everything he touches.”

“I am so thrilled to be working with Scott and the entire Big Machine crew on this next record and beyond,” shares the band’s frontman and namesake, Chris Daughtry. “It’s very refreshing and exciting to have a team behind me that fully believes and supports my vision.”

The news follows the band’s announcement of their “Bare Bones Tour,” a rare acoustic run with 26 new dates across the country launching tomorrow (Aug. 9). Chart-topping rocker Ayron Jones is set to open on select stops of the tour, which marks a unique opportunity to see the rockers in the most intimate of settings in cities such as Detroit, Atlantic City, Spokane, Tucson, Austin and more through Sept. 27.

Coming in hot off the recent success with their Lzzy Hale duet, “Separate Ways (World’s Apart),” Daughtry’s amped-up reimagining of the Journey classic debuted at No. 1 on iTunes’ All Genres chart and reached No. 6 on Mediabase’s Active Rock chart. True to its roots with an updated grit, the single has racked up millions of streams across platforms, earning praise from Variety, Billboard, Consequence and others.

Daughtry’s self-titled debut album was the top-selling album of 2007 and the fastest-selling rock debut album in Soundscan history. It was also nominated for four Grammys and won four American Music Awards and seven Billboard Music Awards, including Album of the Year. Subsequent albums, Leave This Town (2009), Break The Spell (2011), and Baptized (2013) have all gone Platinum, with Cage To Rattle (2018) certified Gold. In 2021, Daughtry released the album Dearly Beloved, which marked a return to their rock roots and a return to the top of the rock charts with their singles “World On Fire,” “Heavy Is The Crown” and “Changes Are Coming,” each reaching the Top 10 on Billboard‘s Rock Airplay chart.

“Bare Bones Tour” Dates:
August 9 | Carmel, IN | The Center for the Performing Arts+
August 11 | Des Plaines, IL | Rivers Casino Des Plaines+
August 12 | Detroit, MI | MotorCity Casino+
August 15 | Warren, OH | Packard Music Hall+
August 16 | Pittsburgh, PA | Palace Theatre+
August 18  | Atlantic City, NJ | Sound Waves at Hard Rock Casino+
August 22 | Huntington, NY | The Paramount+
August 23 | Red Bank, NJ | Count Basie Center for the Arts+
August 25 | Bethlehem, PA | Wind Creek Event Center
August 26 | Mashantucket, CT | The Great Cedar Showroom at Foxwoods
August 28| Rutland, VT | The Paramount Theatre+
August 30 | Lexington, KY | Lexington Opera House+
September 6 | Kalispell, MT |  Wachholz College Center+
September 7 | Spokane, WA | Bing Crosby Theater+
September 9 | Edmonds, WA | Edmonds Center for the Arts
September 10 | Jacksonville, OR | Britt Music & Arts Festival+
September 12 | Eugene, OR | Silva Concert Hall+
September 13 | Modesto, CA | Gallo Center for the Arts+
September 15 | Santa Rosa, CA | Luther Burbank Center for the Arts
September 17 | Ojai, CA | Libbey Bowl
September 20 | Temecula, CA | South Coast Winery+
September 21 | Tucson, AZ | Fox Tucson Theatre+
September 23 | Arlington, TX | Arlington Music Hall+
September 24 | Austin, TX | Paramount Theatre+
September 26 | Clearwater, FL | Capitol Theatre+
September 27 | Fort Lauderdale, FL | The Parker+

+ with Ayron Jones supporting

Chase McGill Re-Enters Top 5 On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart

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Chase McGill

Chase McGill re-enters the top five on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart this week, moving from No. 6 to No. 5 and swapping spots with Ryan Vojtesak.

McGill is a co-writer on Morgan Wallen’s “Ain’t That Some,” Luke Bryan’s “But I Got A Beer In My Hand,” Jordan Davis’ “Next Thing You Know,” Russell Dickerson’s “God Gave Me A Girl” and Conner Smith’s “Creek Will Rise.”

For the third week in a row, Taylor Swift holds steady at No. 1. Ashley Gorley follows at No. 2 with Tracy Chapman and Jordan Schmidt at No. 3 and No. 4, respectively.

The weekly MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart uses algorithms based upon song activity according to airplay, digital download track sales and streams. This unique and exclusive addition to the MusicRow portfolio is the only songwriter chart of its kind.

Click here to view the full MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart.

Jonathan Smith Signs With Sony Music Publishing, Extends With Essential Music Publishing

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Pictured (L-R, front row): Sony Music Publishing’s Aubrey Rupe, Jonathan Smith, Provident Entertainment’s Holly Zabka; (L-R, back row) Sony Music Publishing’s Rusty Gaston, Kenley Flynn and Essential Music Publishing’s Jamie Rodgers

Award-winning songwriter and producer Jonathan Smith has signed a new long-term deal with Sony Music Publishing Nashville, and extended his Essential Music Publishing partnership.

Essential Music Publishing will continue to serve as Smith’s exclusive publisher within worship and contemporary Christian music, while Sony Music Publishing will focus on his songwriting projects across the country music genre,

Smith, a two-time Grammy Award winner, has produced and written many of today’s biggest songs, such as “House of the Lord” by Phil Wickham, “I’m So Blessed” by Cain, “There Was Jesus (feat. Dolly Parton)” by Zach Williams as well as “Chain Breaker” and “Glorious Day” by Passion.

“Our relationship with Jonathan started from a cold call to ask him to join a co-write, and after that day of writing led to an incredible cut with Kenny Chesney and another with breakthrough talent Nate Smith,” says Rusty Gaston, CEO, Sony Music Publishing Nashville. “We are massive fans of Jonathan’s work – it is the heartbeat behind his craft that leaves a unique mark on every one of his songs. We couldn’t be happier to partner with Jonathan and Essential to lead his country music charge.”

“Jonathan continues to be one of the most sought-after songwriters and producers in our market. We are excited about partnering with Rusty and his team at Sony Music Publishing Nashville to extend Jonathan’s songwriting talents into the country space and continue our long-standing partnership with Jonathan in the CCM/worship genre,” shares Holly Zabka, President/CEO, Provident Entertainment.

Justin Moore & Priscilla Block Top The Mediabase Chart With Duet

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Justin Moore and Priscilla Block‘s duet “You, Me, And Whiskey” has topped the Mediabase chart this week, marking Moore’s 12th No. 1 hit and Block’s first on the Country Airplay chart.

Written by Jessi Alexander, Brock Berryhill and Cole Taylor, the song is featured on Moore’s latest studio album, Stray Dog. The track, which was just RIAA-certified Gold, is Moore’s fastest-climbing and best-consuming song to date. With roughly 85 million streams and climbing, “You, Me, And Whiskey” is also the first chart-topping duet of the Arkansas native’s career.

For Block, “You, Me, And Whiskey” follows her Platinum-certified debut single “Just About Over You” and Top 15 charting hit, “My Bar.” The tune hit the top of the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart in May.

Moore recently announced new dates for his “You, Me, & Whiskey Tour” with Block, as well as Jon Langston, each joining as direct support on select dates.

Carly Pearce Announces New Single & Fall Headlining Tour

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Photo: Courtesy of Big Machine Records

Carly Pearce has announced the release date of her latest single “Country Music Made Me Do It,” out Aug. 11 via Big Machine Records, and her “Country Music Made Me Do It Tour 2023,” which kicks off on Oct. 5 at The Town Hall in New York City.

“Country Music Made Me Do It” is an upbeat love letter to country music that chronicles Pearce’s long standing relationship with the genre and the impact it has had on her life.

Presented by Conundrum Wines, her new tour will visit Boston, St. Louis, Los Angeles, Myrtle Beach, Augusta and more before wrapping on Nov. 18 in Detroit. Hannah Ellis and Adam Doleac will open on select dates.

Ahead of the tour, Pearce has also launched her official fan club, and will offer fans an exclusive fan club presale from tomorrow (Aug. 8) to Thursday (Aug. 10) where they can utilize a code for both tickets and VIP experiences on the tour. General tickets will be available for purchase beginning this Friday (Aug. 11). The fan club offers two tiers of access ranging from an exclusive newsletter from Pearce, online store discounts, access to behind the scenes content in addition to presale ticket and presale VIP experience access codes. For more information, click here.

Weekly Register: Morgan Wallen Returns To The Top Of Country Albums Chart

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Morgan Wallen‘s One Thing At A Time has returned to the No. 1 slot on the country albums chart this week with 96K in total consumption (3.4K album only/117 million song streams) according to Luminate data.

Taylor Swift‘s Speak Now (Taylor’s Version) moves to No. 2 with 66K (23K album only/55 million song streams). Wallen’s Dangerous: The Double Album stays at No. 3 with 45K (761 album only/57 million song streams). Zach Bryan‘s American Heartbreak takes No. 4 with 33K (2K album only/39 million song streams), and Luke Combs‘ Gettin Old lands at No. 5 with 29K (1.8K album only/33 million song streams).

On the country streaming songs chart, Wallen’s “Last Night” continues its No. 1 reign with 24 million new streams, adding to 770 million ATD. Combs’ “Fast Car” cover remains at No. 2 with 18 million streams, adding to 308 million ATD. Jason Aldean‘s “Try That In A Small Town” moves to No. 3 with 16 million new streams, adding to 73 million ATD. Bryan’s “Something In The Orange” slides to No. 4 with 14 million streams, adding to 859 million ATD, while Wallen’s “Thinkin’ Bout Me” shifts to No. 5 with 12 million new streams, adding to 304 million ATD.

TuneIn & The BIG 615 To Fly Contest Winners To Sugar Bowl Country Kickoff

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Garth Brooks. Photo: Blue Rose, Inc

TuneIn and Garth Brooks’ The BIG 615 radio station are sending one lucky winner and a friend to Brooks’ Sugar Bowl Concert on Sept. 2.

The inaugural Sugar Bowl Country Kickoff,  which will welcome another season of college football, will feature Brooks as the headliner and special guests Lainey Wilson and the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band along with Brooks, at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Winners will receive two tickets to the Sugar Bowl Country Kickoff, two round-trip flights to New Orleans, hotel accommodations, two guest passes to Brooks’ soundcheck and $200 worth of merchandise.

Fans wanting to enter can download the TuneIn app and listen to The Storme Warren Show on The BIG 615 every day from 7 a.m.-1 p.m. CT through Aug. 13 to hear that day’s keyword. Each day Warren will announce a new keyword multiple times throughout his show, and listeners can submit one entry per day with that day’s keyword. The winner will be notified on Aug. 15. For more information, click here.

Rissi Palmer Signs With New Management & Booking Teams

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Rissi Palmer. Photo: Chris Charles

Rissi Palmer has signed with Invasion Merch, a New York-based management, distribution and merchandising company, and with Paladin Artists, a talent and literary agency.

Invasion Merch will handle Palmer’s management and music distribution, with Paladin Artists taking over as her booking agency. The ventures with both companies seek to continue the momentum Palmer has built as an independent artist, primarily managing all aspects of her career on her own over the past decade.

“Rissi Palmer has a truly impressive career on her own terms,” notes Peter Casperson, Co-Founder of Invasion Group. “Her accomplishments as an indie artist speak to the heart of the Invasion Merch model and mission. We are looking forward to augmenting awareness of her exceptionalism, both nationally and internationally.”

“Rissi is a phenomenal singer-songwriter and entrepreneur,” adds Kath Buckell, Agent at Paladin Artists. “She is a true authentic artist, and one that we are proud to be representing. We look forward to helping enhance her vision as she continues to inspire the next generations to come.”

“I am truly grateful for everything I’ve learned as both a signed artist and an independent artist,” says Palmer. “While I’m proud of the things I’ve been able to accomplish as an indie artist, I’m excited to see what new heights the relationship with these two reputable entities will take my career.”

Palmer has released three albums independently and scored two Grammy nominations in the Best Children’s Music Album category. She also hosts the Apple Music radio show, Color Me Country with Rissi Palmer, now in its third year. Earlier this year, Palmer’s Still Here documentary was featured on PBS’ American Masters: In The Making series, which focuses on artists whose work explores and influences American culture today.

Ashley McBryde Slates 30-Date Tour For Fall

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Ashley McBryde. Photo: Katie Kauss

Ashley McBryde has announced “The Devil I Know Tour” a month in advance of the The Devil I Know album release. Presented by Ariat, the 30-date tour kicks off in October, taking McBryde across the nation and to the United Kingdom.

McBryde officially partnered with Ariat in 2018. “It has been exciting to watch Ashley’s career grow over the past five years, and we couldn’t be more proud to support her headlining tour,” says Susan Alcala, VP Partnership Marketing at Ariat.

Presale for the tour begins for McBryde’s TRYBE members on Aug. 8 at 10 a.m. local time. Tickets go on sale to the general public Friday, Aug. 11 at 10 a.m. local time.

The Devil I Know will be available Sept. 8 via Warner Music Nashville. It includes previously released tunes such as the title track, “Cool Little Bars,” “Learned To Lie,” “Made For This” and the top-25-and-climbing “Light On In The Kitchen.”

“The Devil I Know Tour” Dates
Oct. 7 Mobile, AL (Saenger Theatre)*
Oct. 15 Little Rock, AR (Robinson Center Performance Hall)^
Oct. 20 Helotes, TX (John T. Floores Country Store)*
Oct. 21 Miami, OK (Buffalo Run Casino & Resort – Peoria Showplace)
Oct. 27 Minneapolis, MN (Uptown Theater)*
Oct. 28 Wisconsin Dells, WI (Crystal Grand Music Theatre)*
Nov. 2 St. Petersburg, FL(Jannus Live)~
Nov. 3 Tifton, GA (UGA John Hunt Conference Center)~
Nov. 4 Hiawassee, GA (Anderson Music Hall)~
Nov. 10 Birmingham, AL (Alabama Theatre)^
Nov. 11 Memphis, TN (Orpheum Theatre)^
Nov. 12 Philadelphia, MS (Ellis Theatre)
Nov. 30 Pittsburgh, PA (Stage AE)*
Dec. 1 Toronto, ON (Danforth Music Hall)+
Dec. 2 Cincinnati, OH (The Andrew J Brady Music Center)+
Dec. 8 New York, NY (Webster Hall)+
Dec. 9 Boston, MA (Orpheum Theatre)+
Dec. 10 Glenside, PA (Keswick Theatre)+
Dec. 14 Charleston, WV (Clay Center for the Arts & Sciences)#
Dec. 15 Charlotte, NC (The Fillmore Charlotte)#
Dec. 16 Baltimore, MD (Rams Head Live)#
Jan. 17 Southampton, UK (O2 Guildhall)=
Jan. 19 Bristol, UK (O2 Academy)=
Jan. 20 London, UK (Eventim Apollo)=
Jan. 21 Birmingham, UK (O2 Institute)=
Jan. 23 Manchester, UK (Albert Hall)=
Jan. 24 Glasgow, UK (Barrowlands)=
Jan. 25 Glasgow, UK (Barrowlands)=
Jan. 27 Belfast, UK (Waterfront Auditoriu)m=
Jan. 28 Dublin, Ireland (3Olympia Theatre)=

Support:
* Kasey Tyndall
^ JD Clayton
~ Zach Top
+ Bella White
# Will Jones
= Corey Kent + Harper O’Neill