DISClaimer Single Reviews: ‘Major New Talent’ Megan Moroney Releases Another Smash

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Megan Moroney. Photo: David McClister

I love gender parity.

After all, we’re each half of the population. So in this stack of sounds, we have six featuring female voices and six that are males.

Do you need to ask which half has the better music?

Completely pinning my ears back was Lauren Watkins, who easily wins the DisCovery Award.

The Disc of the Day belongs to ACM New Female Artist nominee Megan Moroney. And it isn’t even a single.

TRACK45 / “Last Man in Tennessee”
Writers: Ben Johnson/Ashley Gorley/Geoff Warburton/Casey Smith; Producers: none listed; Label: BBR
– This sibling trio (two sisters & a brother) from Mississippi can sure ‘nuff sing. Their harmonies are perfection. On this witty, feisty kiss-off number, they are a snarky delight. Attitude wins the day.

THE WAR AND TREATY / “Have You a Heart”
Writers: Michael Trotter, Jr./Tanya Trotter; Producer: Dave Cobb; Label: UMG Nashville
– It seethes with burning romance. The piano-based track is firmly rooted in gospel tradition and the voices of these two angels are straight from heaven. I can’t even imagine what it must feel like to make music this divine. I love this duo beyond all reason. More, more, more.

HAILEY WHITTERS / “Plain Jane”
Writers: Hailey Whitters/Hillary Lindsey/Cary Barlowe; Producers: Jake Gear/Hailey Whitters; Label: Big Loud/Songs & Daughters/Pigasus
– This kicks serious hillbilly butt. A propulsive tempo catches your rhythmic soul. Her voice remains a priceless county gem. The extremely well written lyric is about self acceptance, no matter how flawed you are. It is high time you started taking this woman’s music seriously.

JUSTIN MOORE & RILEY GREEN / “Everybody Get Along”
Writers: Justin Moore/David Lee Murphy/Jeremy Stover; Producers: Jeremy Stover/Scott Brochetta; Label: The Valory Music Co.
– The outlaw rumble is cool. The lyric is of two buddies who disagree on lotsa stuff, but get along just fine. Both men sound like they are having a ball, and their hillbilly harmony vocal work is stellar.

DOM FLEMONS / “Traveling Wildfire”
Writer: Domonique Flemons; Producer: Ted Hutt; Label: Smithsonian Folkways
– He’s formerly a member of The Carolina Chocolate Drops, but the new album by Dom Flemons emphasizes his troubadour/songwriter/folkie side rather than the band’s old-time music sound. The title tune is a moody portrait of a bleak, downbeat emotional landscape. It is the album’s title tune, but it’s somewhat plodding. I recommend instead his romantic waltz “Slow Dance With You” from the collection.

KIP MOORE / “Kinda Bar”
Writers: Kip Moore/Dan Couch; Producers: Kip Moore/Jaren Johnston; Label: MCA Nashville
– Kinda sweaty, kinda raucous and kinda loud, this anthemic, good-time stomper praises a “neon dive” that’s just his kinda place. Kip Moore’s Damn Love collection containing this is due a week from Friday.

LAUREN WATKINS / “Shirley Temple”
Writers: Lauren Watkins/Nicole Galyon/Meg McRee; Producer: Joey Moi; Label: Big Loud/Songs & Daughters
– Wow. What a debut. The songwriting here is awesome, and her expressive delivery is spot-on. “You’re sipping Shirley Temples and wondering why you can’t catch a buzz,” she croons in a softly intelligent meditation. So far, she’s issued seven sides, all just as worthy. Absolutely send more.

MEGAN MORONEY / “Girl in the Mirror”
Writers: Megan Moroney/Jessie Jo Dillon/Matt Jenkins; Producer: Kristian Bush; Label: Columbia Nashville
– I absolutely adore her “Tennessee Orange” single. Here’s another demonstration that we’re in the presence of a major, major new talent. She gazes into the mirror, but doesn’t recognize her own reflection because he’s bent her all out of shape. “You can’t love the boy more than you love the girl in the mirror,” she sings with a palpable ache in her throat.

RVSHVD / “Reverse”
Writers: Christopher Roen Valenzuela/Clintarius Rashad Johnson/Goodwin Alexander Coburn/Kalvin Austin/Michael Paul Ferrucci; Producer: The Dream Addix; Label: Sumerian Records
– It’s one of those hip-hop, country fusion things. Despite the spelling, his name is pronounced “Ra-Shad.”

MICHAEL RAY / “Get Her Back”
Writers: Michael Tyler/Dallas Wilson/Jordan James/Lalo; Producer: Michael Knox; Label: Warner Music Nashville
– She’s gone, and he wants to get her back. But not the way you think—he wants to get her back for the all the bad things she did to him. He sings it well, but the production rocks harder than it needs to.

NESSA LEA / “Wake Up”
Writer: Nessa Survant; Producers: Mike Curb/Don Cusic; Label: Curb Records
– Bright, poppy and sunny with a semi-Shania vibe. But the message has some shadow, in that she’s telling a no-good guy to change. Promising.

COREY KENT / “Something’s Gonna Kill Me”
Writers: Austin Goodloe/Corey Kent/Joybeth Taylor/Lydia Vaughan; Producer: Jay Joyce; Label: RCA Records
– “If something’s gonna kill me, might as well be what makes me feel alive,” he warbles over a driving beat. So he likes drinking and smoking. Whatever….

Jay Jones Exits BBR Music Group

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Jay Jones. Photo: Cody Heckber

Jay Jones has exited his role as BBR Music Group’s SVP, Publicity, MusicRow has confirmed.

Jones joined the label group in 2017, following its acquisition by BMG, and previously served as Director of Media for the Country Music Association.

He was named SVP, Publicity in 2021 and led strategizing and national publicity campaigns for the BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville imprints Broken Bow Records, Stoney Creek Records and Wheelhouse Records and their rosters including Jason Aldean, Dustin Lynch, Jelly Roll, Craig Morgan, Blanco Brown, Tyler Farr, Chase Rice, LoCash, Jimmie Allen, Parmalee, Everette, Brooke Eden, Lainey Wilson, King Calaway, Track45, Elvie Shane, Tim Montana, Madeline Merlo, Jordan Harvey, Kolby Cooper, Chayce Beckham and Dee Jay Silver as well as BMG Nashville Publishing.

No plans have been announced for the position as of now.

This is a developing story.

Brad Paisley To Headline Nashville’s July 4th Celebration

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Brad Paisley. Photo: Jeff Lipsky

Brad Paisley will headline Nashville’s 4th of July celebration, Let Freedom Sing! Music City July 4th, this year, marking his second as headliner with his last appearance in 2021.

Paisley will be joined on the Jack Daniel’s Broadway Stage by a lineup that includes The War And Treaty, singer-songwriter Langhorne Slim and rising country artist Tiera Kennedy, who will also perform the national anthem. Performances at the Amazon Family Fun Zone will consist of The Magi, Tommy Howell, Les Kerr & The Bayou Band and Troubadour Blue, with DJ Coach entertaining between sets.

The event will feature one of the country’s largest July 4th fireworks shows, which will be synchronized to live music from the Nashville Symphony. The concert and fireworks show are free and open to the public.

Let Freedom Sing! is partnering with The Store, a free-referral based grocery store, which aims to empower low-income individuals and families in the Nashville area, founded by Paisley and his wife, Kimberly Williams-Paisley. The Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp (NCVC) will donate a dollar from each T-shirt sale to The Store.

“We are proud that Nashville hosts one of the best July 4th celebrations in the country with A-list acts, an impressive fireworks show and kid-friendly activities in the Amazon Family Fun Zone,” says Kevin Lavender, NCVC Board of Directors Chairman and Executive Vice President at 5/3 Bank. “We encourage Nashvillians to come out and enjoy the fireworks and the great music from Brad and the rest of the lineup – all right in their backyard and for free.”

The event has regularly drawn more than 200,000 attendees – and a record-breaking 350,000 in 2021. Last year, Let Freedom Sing! generated $11 million in estimated direct visitor spending and an estimated 250,000 to 300,000 in attendance. This will be the 20th annual celebration produced by Music City Inc. through the NCVC and the 39th in the city.

36th Annual Music Row Ladies Golf Tournament Set For August

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MRLGT 2022 First Place Costume Contest winners Curb|Word Music Publishing as the Spice Girls.

The 36th annual Music Row Ladies Golf Tournament (MRLGT) is set for Monday, Aug. 14 at the Old Natchez Country Club in Nashville.

One of Music Row’s longest-running charity events, the tournament will once again benefit United Cerebral Palsy of Middle Tennessee. The tradition of tournament teams collaborating on themed costumes will return to add an element of fun this year.

“The MRLGT is unlike any other golf tournament in that you don’t have to know how to play to enter! It brings the women of Music Row together in a unique and fun setting, all while raising money for United Cerebral Palsy,” says former ASCAP Executive Suzanne Lee, who was presented with the tournament’s Director’s Appreciation Award in 2022 for her longtime dedication to the event.

The MRLGT is United Cerebral Palsy of Middle Tennessee’s single biggest annual fundraiser, and the money raised is vital to the success of the organization’s mission. Last year, the tournament raised over $75,000 for a grand total of nearly $2.5 million raised in the tournament’s 36-year history.

“What I am most proud of is the money from our event going directly to people in need,” shares MRLGT Founder Herky Williams. “We used to serve just Middle Tennessee, and now we serve the whole state of Tennessee. This makes me the proudest of anything I have ever been involved in.”

Those interested in participating this year can visit mrlgt.com. Registration for the tournament will open in June, with more details to be announced soon.

Country Music Hall Of Fame & Museum Welcomes Two New Staffers

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Dave Paulson & Austin Taylor

The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum has added two new staffers. Dave Paulson joins the museum as writer-editor in the museum services department, and Austin Taylor recently joined as director of event sales.

Beginning May 1, Paulson will join the museum as writer-editor in the museum services department. In this role, he will contribute to exhibits, museum publications, public programs, online offerings and other educational initiatives that document and illuminate the country genre and explore the broad narratives of its history and contributions to American culture.

A journalist, multimedia producer and musician from Nashville, Paulson was a reporter for the Tennessean from 2007 to 2023, where he covered the city’s music scene, industry and culture. He was a key contributor to USA Today Network’s “Hallowed Sound” country project, which won an award from the Tennessee Press Association in 2022. As a musician and songwriter, he has been immersed in the Music City landscape for the last 25 years, performing in various bands and releasing his own music. He is also a frequent participant in the museum’s educational programs, performing in shows such as “Bill of Rights: The Remix.” Paulson holds a bachelor’s degree from Middle Tennessee State University’s Recording Industry program.

As director of event sales, Taylor leads the events and culinary department’s sales team, which executes more than 1,500 events annually. He is also responsible for the event sales annual revenue goal that directly supports the nonprofit museum’s mission.

Taylor previously worked at the museum as the associate director of operations from 2011 to 2015, then as the associate director of guest relations from 2015 to 2017. Prior to rejoining the museum, Taylor held positions as sales manager and senior sales manager with both the Hilton and HEI hotel brands. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Recreation and Park Administration and a master’s degree in Sports and Events Management from Western Kentucky University.

Ingrid Andress Commemorates Hits With First No. 1 Party

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Pictured (L-R, back row): Sony Music Publishing’s Rusty Gaston, ASCAP’s Duane Hobson, Universal Music Publishing’s Cyndi Forman, Warner Music Nashville’s Ben Kline, Rogue’s Blythe Scokin, Arthouse Entertainment’s Gabrielle Kelly and BMI’s Clay Bradley; (L-R, front row): Jonny Price, Ingrid Andress and Rykeyz. Photo: Steve Lowry for BMI.

As light faded from the sky Tuesday evening (April 18), it seemed to only get brighter in BMI as the room readied to celebrate Ingrid Andress‘ No. 1 “Wishful Drinking (with Sam Hunt),” which she wrote alongside Jonny Price, JP Saxe, Lucky Daye and Rykeyz, and produced with Jordan Schmidt.

BMI’s Clay Bradley got the night started, welcoming everyone and calling Andress to the stage.

“We’re so glad you’re here, bringing new voices and new sounds to Nashville. Your music and your vibe are important to the growth of country music,” he expressed to the artist. Bradley also noted that although the pandemic kept her from touring, her music traveled all over, specifically her first No. 1 “More Hearts Than Mine,” motivating her to create even more.

Hunt, Saxe and Daye couldn’t make the celebration, but their presence was surely felt through the excitement surrounding their work, which seem to strengthen the connection between not just the industry facets involved but all those present, as Bradley read a sweet message from Saxe stating, “Congratulations to everyone involved in ‘Wishful Drinking.’ It was a pleasure to write this song, and I only wish I was there to celebrate with y’all. Nashville and the country music community have always made me feel immediately at home, so thank you for continuing to do that through this song.”

Before giving ASCAP’s Duane Hobson the floor, Bradley took a moment to recognize Schmidt, who was unable to attend as well, and his “amazing run of success” as this marked his third No. 1 party in three days.

Hobson began with a vibe check, asking how everyone was, and proceeded with gratitude after he received cheers and claps in response as he gave shoutouts to his ASCAP family and other organizations involved in the project, and congratulated the writers. He then apprised us of Rykeyz and Price’s accolades.

A Berklee College of Music grad, Rykeyz has achieved multi-genre success working with the likes of Demi Lovato, Fantasia, Wiz Khalifa, Cody Simpson and Ne-Yo, among others. The Memphis native produced H.E.R and Skip Marley’s “Slow Down,” which went to No. 1 on the R&B charts and earned a Grammy nomination for Best R&B Song.

Price attended the North Carolina School of the Arts, and also has credits across various genres with artists including Liam Payne, Keith Urban, Miley Cyrus, Tim McGraw, Caitlyn Smith, Cheat Codes, Carly Pearce and more.

Prior to introducing Universal Music Publishing’s Cyndi Forman, Bradley acknowledged that Music Row was unable to celebrate Andress’ first No. 1 and thanked everyone for coming.

Forman first thanked the Warner Music Nashville promotion team as well as the management teams involved. She found Warner Music Nashville’s Rohan Kohli in the crowd and declared him “one of the best A&R people out there,” sharing that their team loves working with him. Forman then welcomed some of the writers to country music and congratulated all of them. Turning to Andress, she voiced her admiration of “the consistency, the integrity and the sincerity of [her] writing.” Forman continued to address the artist saying, “I hate that Missy Roberts is not here, she deserves to be up here. You know how much she loves you. She’s proud of you, as we all are at Universal.”

Arthouse Entertainment’s Gabrielle Kelly followed with praise for the writers and a few words for Andress from established industry veteran Kara DioGuardi, who expressed her desire to be there and described the impact Andress’ genre-blending work has had on fans and other creators.

After fortifying the communal energy of the event by encouraging anyone who desired to partake in the tequila housed at the bar to do so, Bradley welcomed “the reverend himself,” Sony Music Publishing’s Rusty Gaston, who thanked BMI for hosting No. 1 parties.

“What I love most about Nashville is that it’s called Music City USA. It’s not called Country Music City. It’s not called Christian Music City. It’s called Music City USA. Today what’s so special is that we get to celebrate a group of songwriters that enhance exactly what our city stands for—supporting great creators in all kinds of genres,” explained Gaston as he moved to congratulate each of the writers and contributors.

Up next was Studio Bank’s Rob Cox who announced that the bank made a special donation on behalf of the songwriters to The Caring for Covenant Fund, which seeks to provide financial support to individuals affected by the tragic events that occurred on March 27 at The Covenant School, upon request from Andress.

Warner Music Nashville’s Ben Kline was on deck to honor the hit, expressing gratitude for his team and noting the Platinum song’s 300 million global streams and other benchmarks. He shared, “Thank you to all the writers. Ingrid, you are so important and such a piece of the Warner Music family. We’re thrilled to be able to do this and I’m sorry we couldn’t do this the first time.”

Kline proceeded by shouting out all of the people who helped deliver the hit, naming individuals and taking time to specifically recognize Andress’ manager Blythe Scokin. “Blythe was tenacious about not saying ‘no’ when we didn’t think we’d get single rights,” Kline added as he listed Scokin’s faithful efforts and thanked her immensely.

The mic was then turned over to the group of the hour.

Rykeyz kicked off their speeches by thanking everyone involved, as well as his co-writers for his first country No. 1.

“I want to thank the Nashville community for welcoming us. We’re just a bunch of L.A. guys and you guys really just brought us in,” he expressed as he continued to thank individuals who had a hand in the track as well as his career.

Price was next and thanked the artists for, “putting this song on their backs and carrying it up to the mountain peak, that all songwriters and creators dream of reaching.” He pointed out that none of this would be possible without their skilled teams as well as the organizations behind them. He recalled flying to Nashville in the early days of his career to record three of his songs with Larry Beard. He also thanked his family and his wife, “who for 15 years has made [him] feel like a No. 1 songwriter even though this is [his] first.”

Lastly, Andress made her way to the middle of the stage, joking that she always wanted a No. 1 party but never wanted to give a speech.

“The thing that I love so much about this song in particular is that it started in L.A. and ended up here in Nashville. As a somebody who started their songwriting career here while going back-and-forth to L.A., that is very significant for me in the genre I feel like we’re creating together. I think this song really represents where I would loved to see country go,” she shared.

Andress went on to point out her co-writers’ talents and what makes them a dream team. She then expressed her gratitude for Hunt and Scokin in addition to all of her support system and team members. Bradley then brought up Andress’ co-writers of her first No. 1 “More Hearts Then Mine,” Sam Ellis and Derrick Southerland to finally celebrate the hit.

“I’m so grateful to be a part of this crew and this town,” said Ellis as he thanked his colleagues and family.

Southerland reminisced on first learning the song went No. 1, noting that celebrating is way more fun when you are surround by others. He then drew everyone’s attention to his co-writers.

“I think that friendship is a bi-product of success and our success in a bi-product of our friendship. This song is about bringing someone into your world, into your life, into your family and into your home. Thank for bringing me and bringing us into this home of Nashville. Thank y’all for bringing us into this home of BMI.”

He continued to disclose his unconditional appreciation for his loved ones—music family and actual family, touching everyone with pure tenderness as the evening concluded.

“I think that there’s some magic in this town that somehow rubs off in every handshake and in every hug.”

Luke Combs Sends Fan-Voted Single ‘Love You Anyway’ To Country Radio

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Luke Combs and team celebrate new RIAA certifications backstage at Nissan Stadium. Photo: David Bergman

Luke Combs has always had a strong bond with his fans, so much so that in a unique move, he let them choose his next single. Combs’ army of fans chose “Love You Anyway,” which shipped to country radio this week.

“I’ve always put a lot of stock in what my fans think,” Combs shares about the single. “After all, they’re the ones who make it all happen and have gotten me to where I am today. This leads me to try and find opportunities to let them have their say in decisions I’m making. I wasn’t sure if letting the fans have a public say in choosing someone’s next single on country radio had ever been done before, but I wanted to let my fans do that for me, especially considering the choices of ‘5 Leaf Clover’ and ‘Love You Anyway.’ They had been very passionate about ‘5 Leaf Clover’ from the beginning, then greatly supported ‘Love You Anyway’ once it came out, so I truly wanted them to tell me which one they preferred and that’s what they did by choosing ‘Love You Anyway.’ Pretty cool stuff.”

With the two options, Combs earned the No. 1 and No. 2 most-added songs at country radio this week (“Love You Anyway” and “5 Leaf Clover,” respectively), setting a modern-era record on the MediaBase, Country Aircheck and R&R charts. This accomplishment comes as Combs’ new version of Tracy Chapman’s “Fast Car” was simultaneously shipped to Top 40 and Hot AC stations, the first time Combs has had a single outside the country genre.

Furthermore, Combs recently earned his record-breaking, 15th consecutive No. 1 single with “Going, Going, Gone” as well as nine new RIAA Platinum certifications: This One’s For You (5x Platinum), “Forever After All” (5x Platinum), “Beer Never Broke My Heart” (5x Platinum), “She Got The Best of Me” (5x Platinum), “The Kind of Love We Make” (Platinum), “Doin’ This” (Platinum), “Houston, We Got A Problem” (Platinum), “Cold As You” (Platinum) and “Six Feet Apart” (Platinum).

Combs’ winning streak continued with his recent Nashville shows, when he broke Nissan Stadium’s two-day and single-day concert attendance records this past weekend in Music City with over 95,000 fans showing up. Combs added an unprecedented surprise second show on Friday at Nissan, which was announced only one week prior.

He will continue his massive “World Tour” this Saturday with a sold-out show at Detroit’s Ford Field, followed by upcoming shows at Chicago’s Soldier Field, Charlotte’s Bank of America Stadium and Foxborough’s Gillette Stadium as well as stops in Australia, New Zealand, U.K., Ireland, Germany, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Switzerland, France and Belgium.

Ben Simonetti Signs With 50 Egg Music

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Pictured (L-R): Jonathan Singleton (50 Egg Music), Tali Canterbury (50 Egg Music), Joey Harris (50 Egg Music), Luke Combs (50 Egg Music), Ben Simonetti

Ben Simonetti has signed a worldwide publishing deal with 50 Egg Music.

A California native, Simonetti began his career working in both pop and country music. As producer and frequent collaborator of the Zac Brown Band, Simonetti has been a part of multiple No. 1 hits, amassed millions of streams worldwide, and garnered a Grammy nomination for “My Old Man.” Outside of his work with ZBB, Simonetti’s songwriting credits include Luke Combs, Pitbull, Florida Georgia Line, Ingrid Andress, King Calaway, Griffen Palmer, Ian Munsick and more.

“From one of the first times we had the opportunity to work with Ben we knew there was an undeniable connection. Ben’s superior production and songwriting ability, coupled with being incredibly good looking with an award-winning mullet sealed the deal “ says 50 Egg’s Joey Harris.

“I’m super excited to begin this new creative adventure with my 50 Egg Family. I’d been searching for a place to land and I knew this was the place for me right away,” shares Simonetti. “Grateful to be surrounded by so many talented and inspiring people!”

Kane Brown & Co-Writers Toast To Another Chart-Topper, ‘Like I Love Country Music’

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Pictured (L-R, back row): Cyndi Forman (UMPG), Evyn Johnston (ASCAP), Dennis Reese (RCA Nashville), Ben Vaughn (Warner Chappell Nashville), Kevin Lane (Kobalt Music), Lydia Schultz Cahill (SESAC), Michael Martin (Endurance Music Group), Shannon Sanders (BMI); (L-R, front row): Jordan Schmidt (ASCAP), Kane Brown (BMI), Taylor Phillips (BMI), Matt McGinn (SESAC), Robin Palmer (SMACK). Photo: Steve Lowry for BMI

Kane Brown has had a great month. A few weeks ago, he played to a sold-out crowd during his headlining debut at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena. Last week he received his first nomination for ACM Entertainer of the Year, on top of four other nominations for Male Artist Of The Year and Single, Music Event and Visual Media Of The Year for his duet with wife Katelyn, “Thank God.”

This week he celebrated his eighth No. 1 hit, “Like I Love Country Music,” which he co-wrote with Jordan Schmidt, Taylor Phillips and Matt McGinn. BMI held the celebration in their lobby. Executive Director Shannon Sanders presided.

“At BMI, we’re passionate about songwriters. We always enjoy seeing their efforts recognized and celebrating them,” Sanders said. “Today’s event is a testament that great music is a collaborative effort.”

Speaking on collaboration, the four songwriters had BMI, ASCAP and SESAC representatives on hand to support. BMI represents Brown and Phillips, ASCAP works with Schmidt and SESAC reps McGinn.

Pictured (L-R, back row): Clay Bradley (BMI), April Britt (Studio Bank), Kari Barnhart (Studio Bank), Aaron Dorn (Studio Bank), Shannon Sanders (BMI), Leslie Roberts (BMI); (L-R, front row): Jordan Schmidt (ASCAP), Kane Brown (BMI), Taylor Phillips (BMI), Matt McGinn (SESAC), Ron Cox (Studio Bank). Photo: Steve Lowry for BMI

“Kane, it’s amazing to watch your star rise and to watch it burn brighter and brighter,” Sanders said. “We’re also super proud to represent another super talented, hit songwriter on this stage: Taylor Phillips,” Sanders added. “‘Like I Love Country Music’ is Taylor’s fourth No. 1 and his third with Kane.”

ASCAP’s Evyn Johnston was on hand to celebrate with Schmidt. “I can always pinpoint a Jordan track. They have a vibe and sound amazing,” she shared. “Congrats on your sixth No. 1.”

SESAC’s Lydia Schultz Cahill spoke about affiliate McGinn. “Congrats on your sixth No. 1,” she said. “We’re very proud of you and we love you.”

Next up it was time to hear from the publishers, starting with UMPG’s Cyndi Forman. She kept it short and sweet. “You guys wrote a fun, uptempo song that says something. Don’t we ask that of you every day?” she said. Phillips quipped, “Every day!”

Warner Chappell’s Ben Vaughn was up next to speak on Phillips, who he referred to as “Captain Hook.” “I’ve been told that writing with Taylor is like sitting across from a verbal machine gun,” Vaughn said. “Everyone should be aware that Taylor Phillips is on fire in country music.”

Endurance’s Michael Martin was on hand to talk about Schmidt. “We just started working with Jordan a few months ago, but we’ve seen first hand how hard he works. Being around his talent has been an absolute joy and a blast for our team.”

Robin Palmer from SMACK Songs joined the stage to give kudos to McGinn. “We’ve worked together for 10 years, which is kind of a record in publishing,” she said to him. “I absolutely love Matt. He always puts in 100%.”

Kobalt’s Kevin Lane, who also works with McGinn, shared, “I haven’t worked with Matt as long as Robin has, but I don’t know that I’ve ever worked with someone who works as hard and cares as much as Matt does.”

Now partnered with BMI, Studio Bank’s Ron Cox was on hand for a presentation. The bank made a contribution to a charity close to Brown’s heart, the Boys & Girls Club, in honor of the song.

Pictured (L-R): MusicRow’s Sherod Robertson; Jordan Schmidt, Kane Brown, Taylor Phillips and Matt McGinn with their MusicRow No. 1 Challenge Coins; MusicRow’s LB Cantrell. Photo: Steve Lowry for BMI

To represent Brown’s label, RCA Nashville’s Dennis Reese spoke about his relationship Brown. Reese recognized the entire Sony team, Martha Earls and her team at Neon Coast and the songwriters.

“This is our eighth No. 1 song together, KB,” he said. “We celebrate these eight together with so much excitement at what is still to come.”

By the time the men of the hour spoke, it was clear which roles they each take in a co-write. Brown sets the intentions for the song, Schmidt brings all the tracks and vibes, Phillips supplies the hook and McGinn polishes the tune until it shines.

When he spoke, Schmidt thanked Brown, his family and publishers. “I want to thank Kane for cutting this song and bringing it life,” he said. “I would like thank Taylor Phillips for always having ideas and always throwing them at you—almost violently. I would like to thank Matt McGinn for setting the bar so high that it normally takes two or three sessions to finish a song.”

McGinn echoed Schmidt’s thanks for the team. He also thanked his publishers and friends, and he also made sure to recognize producer Dann Huff for his work. “I find it serendipitous that the records that made me love country music were made by him, and now most of the records that have changed my life and kept me in country music are made by him.”

Phillips spoke about his journey to becoming a hit songwriter, thanking gatekeepers for both the “yes’s” and the “no’s.” “I’ve been told ‘no’ in this town way more than I’ll ever be told ‘yes,’ but these moments, sitting up here on this stage when you do get a ‘yes’, is enough to keep going.”

When the man of the hour spoke, he talked about his friendships with Schmidt, McGinn and Phillips. “These guys are my boys. We started out together,” he said. “Thank you to everyone that’s here.”

John Esposito Ends Chairman Emeritus & Embraces Retirement, Happily

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John Esposito. Photo: Eric Brown

John “Espo” Esposito, Warner Music Nashville Chairman Emeritus, steps down from his role at the label effective today (April 19) to happily embrace retirement.

Esposito sent out an email to the Warner team letting everyone know he was stepping down as Chairman Emeritus, a role he assumed at the beginning of 2023.

The email reads:

Dear Warner Music Nashville Family,

It’s that time of year when I head off to Nantucket to relax and reflect.

This summer though, it will be reflecting on my next adventures, as I am stepping down as the Chairman Emeritus of Warner Music Nashville today.

I’m so proud of what you’re all achieving as a team. I will always be the biggest champion of this team and the artists we signed and developed together.

Keep rocking!

See you in the fall.

Espo

When Esposito’s move to Chairman Emeritus was announced, Warner Recorded Music CEO Max Lousada said, “Under Espo’s brilliant guidance over the past 13 years, our Nashville team has built superstar careers, attracted original new voices, innovated in the digital world, and championed the creative community.”

Last month, Esposito was named the new Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the T.J. Martell Foundation for Cancer Research.

In June of 2022, music industry veterans Ben Kline and Cris Lacy were announced as successors to the beloved Esposito, who remained Chairman & CEO through the end of the year.