Ben Folds Slates New Album ‘What Matters Most’ For June

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Ben Folds. Photo: Alysse Gafkjen

Ben Folds is gearing up for the release of his new album What Matters Most on June 2 via New West Records.

The 10-song set features guest appearances by Dodie, Tall Heights and Ruby Amanfu, and is Folds’ first studio album since his chart-topping collaboration in 2015 with the string ensemble YMusic.

Folds recently shared the video for the single “Exhausting Lover,” from the project, which was directed by the actor and comedian Derek Waters of Drunk History fame. The clip depicts an outrageous staged musical, directed by Folds, based on the song’s lyrics.

“There’s a lifetime of craft and experience all focused into this one record,” says Folds. “Sonically, lyrically, emotionally, I don’t think it’s an album I could have made at any other point in my career. I come from the vinyl era, and this, perhaps more than any record I’ve made, is a true album. There’s a very specific sequence and arc to each side, all building up to this almost surreal positive finale, and that structure was really important to me. More than anything, I wanted to make an album that was generous, that was useful. I want you to finish this record with something you didn’t have when you started.”

What Matters Most will be available digitally, on CD and standard black vinyl. A limited seagrass blue vinyl edition and a CD edition featuring three bonus tracks, both autographed by Folds, are available for pre-order now.

What Matters Most Track Listing: 
1. But Wait, There’s More
2. Clouds With Ellipses (feat. Dodie)
3. Exhausting Lover
4. Fragile
5. Kristine From The 7th Grade
6. Back To Anonymous
7. Winslow Gardens
8. Paddleboat
9. What Matters Most
10. Moments (feat. Tall Heights)

WME Acquires Red 11 Music

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WME has announced the acquisition of Nashville-based music agency Red 11 Music. As part of the transaction, Red 11 Music and their Founder & CEO Jon Folk will officially join WME as Partner. Red 11 agents, staff and clients will now operate under WME.

In just over a decade, Red 11 Music has grown a renowned roster of clients in the Americana genre, including Turnpike Troubadours, Shooter Jennings, Muscadine Bloodline, Jason Boland & The Stragglers, Giovannie & The Hired Guns and many others.

“We have long-admired Jon and the business he has built with Red 11. Jon and his team have a proven track record of success, and we look forward to working with them to grow the Americana genre even further,” says WME’s Nashville office Co-Heads Becky Gardenhire, Joey Lee and Jay Williams. “We are excited to welcome Red 11’s clients to WME and connect them to our portfolio of industry best assets and capabilities.”

“We’re thrilled to be joining WME and the incredible resources and expertise they bring to the table,” shares Folk. “Our clients can expect even greater levels of service and opportunity in this exciting new chapter.”

Five current Red 11 employees will be joining Folk in the transition to WME, including agent Geoff Turner, coordinators Josh Green, Dan Kuklinski and Jeremy Upton, and agent assistant Lindsey Wines.

Corey Kent Preps New Project ‘Blacktop’ For June

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Rising country singer-songwriter Corey Kent will release his third album Blacktop on June 2 via RCA Nashville/Sony Music Nashville. To celebrate the new music, Kent released a track from the upcoming project, “Something’s Gonna Kill Me,” today (April 14).

The 10-song album includes the already-released tracks, “Man of the House,” “How You Know You Made It,” “Hood of that Car” and Kent’s Platinum single “Wild As Her,” the free-spirited, high-energy track that has garnered over 250 million on-demand streams and is currently top 5 at country radio. Writers contributing to the new project along with Kent include Ryan Hurd, Morgan Wallen, Kelly Archer, Lydia Vaughan and more.

The Oklahoma native kicked off 2023 joining Parker McCollum on the road and is confirmed to play Stagecoach later this month. He will also headline his own Nashville show at Brooklyn Bowl on June 2 and tour all summer on Jason Aldean’s “Highway Desperado Tour.”

Blacktop Track Listing: 
1. Wild As Her (Kelly Archer/Brett Tyler/Morgan Wallen)
2. Long Story Short (Corey Kent/Lydia Vaughan)
3. Something’s Gonna Kill Me (Corey Kent/Austin Goodloe/Joybeth Taylor/Lydia Vaughan)
4. Man of the House (Corey Kent/Austin Goodloe/Joybeth Taylor/Lydia Vaughan)
5. Gone as You (Casey Brown/Matthew McGinn/Travis Wood)
6. BiC Flame (Corey Kent/Jack Hummel/Jon Sherwood)
7. Call It a Night (Aaron Eshuis/Ryan Hurd)
8. How You Know You Made It (Corey Kent/AJ Pruis/Smith Ahnquist)
9. Hood of That Car (Corey Kent/Blake Chaffin/Jack Hummel/Jacob Lutz)
10. Once or Twice (Corey Kent/Lee Miller)

Maymester Music Accelerator Program Returns & Expands

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2022 Music Accelerator Program at the National Museum of African American Music with RIAA certifications.

Black Music Action Coalition (BMAC), Nashville Music Equality, The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) and Wasserman Music have announced the second annual installment of their Maymester Music Accelerator Program.

Powered by Amazon Music, the program offers Black college students in Tennessee access to music industry leadership, mentorship and career resources. Over the course of three weeks, students will learn about a range of entertainment business aspects from touring and marketing to publishing and public relations.

Confirmed guest artists and speakers include Waka Flocka Flame, Madeline Edwards, Tim Gent, Bryant Taylorr and executives from AEG/Goldenvoice, Live Nation, National Museum of African American Music, Rolling Loud, Tri Star, Warner Music Nashville, Wasserman Music, WNXP and more.

This year’s program expands to include not only Tennessee State University (TSU), but also neighboring Fisk University—the oldest institution of higher learning in Nashville and highly ranked historically Black university. BMAC will once again bring in successful executives and artists in the music industry to guest lecture throughout the program. This installment will be sponsored by Primary Wave’s BMAC-James Brown Education Fund. At BMAC’s Music In Action Awards Gala, it was announced that the fund will cover the costs for 30 students to take this elective class for free.

The first Maymester Music Accelerator Program in 2022 placed students in internships across multiple companies, including Wasserman Music, Warner Music Nashville and LVRN. The last class was held at the National Museum of African American Music, where each student was surprised with their very own gold plaque from the RIAA.

“Tennessee State University is fortunate to have these music-related companies participating in our Maymester course. They bring deep content and wide contacts. From the beginning of this partnership, we identified a mutual goal, which is to provide real-world opportunities for students who otherwise might be under-represented in the music industry,” says Dr. Mark Crawford, TSU Commercial Music Program Coordinator.

BMAC Co-Founder & Co-Chairman Willie “Prophet” Stiggers, says of this year’s program, “While many have put the down the protest signs and lower the urgency around racial and social justice, Black Music Action Coalition is doubling down on our commitment to creating sustainable pipeline programs and providing real access for the next generation of music executives and artists, that have historically been denied access to the level of exposure and training that our music accelerator program provides. We were intentional about Tennessee State University being the hub for this program and with Nashville being such an important part of the music industry, it’s imperative that we are building programs like this right here down the street from Music Row. This year we expanded the music accelerator program to include Fisk University and the goal is to eventually have students from all 107 HBCUs to participate in this program annually.”

“What the Black Music Action Coalition is doing to bridge the racial gap in the music business is invaluable work,” says Gary Bushrod, Amazon Music Head of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion. “As an HBCU graduate myself, I am extremely proud and energized by what the Music Accelerator Program is creating for students at Tennessee State and Fisk University.”

Charley Pride Statue Unveiled On Ryman Auditorium’s Icon Walk

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Pictured (L-R): Ryman Hospitality Properties’ Colin Reed and Rozene and Dion Pride pose with Charley Pride statue. Photo: Catherine Powell

The Charley Pride statue was unveiled on the Ryman Auditorium’s Icon Walk yesterday (April 13), with Pride’s beloved wife of over 60 years Rozene and son Dion Pride on hand for the special day.

The bronze likeness was added to the permanent outdoor exhibition on the venue grounds and was created by artist Ben Watts, the talent behind the existing three statues. Visitors can find Pride standing at the northwest corner of the building near the driveway on Fifth Avenue next to the statues of Loretta Lynn and Bill Monroe. A likeness of Little Jimmy Dickens stands atop the Ryman’s main steps facing Fourth Avenue as well.

“Charley Pride broke barriers and defied stereotypes, becoming one of the most successful and beloved country music artists of all time,” said Colin Reed, Ryman Hospitality Properties Executive Chairman, at the unveiling. “The Ryman Icon Walk honors not only his contributions and the groundwork he laid for countless other artists in country music, but also to the Ryman, where he performed many times throughout his career. Charley’s influence will always be felt throughout the entire Nashville community, and his addition to the Ryman Icon Walk is our way of paying tribute to his incredible talent and enduring legacy.”

“He has often been called the Jackie Robinson of country music,” Rozene shared with the crowd. “The only difference was Jackie Robinson was picked for the role. Pride picked country music because he loved it and that was his life.”

“He loved his fans – in fact, his fans drove him,” added Dion. “All of you drove him. You are the reason why he was the success he was. Everything he did was for you.”

Preview: New Sinatra Bar & Lounge Honors Legacy And Style Of An American Legend

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Sinatra Bar & Lounge. Photo: Courtesy of Icon Entertainment Group/Sinatra Bar & Lounge

Nashville is a one-of-a-kind city and has so much to offer to the thousands of people visiting everyday as well as the growing pool of locals.

It is Music City for a reason, not only for the amazing musicians, songwriters, live music venues and music industry companies but for how it honors and recognizes the artists who have changed music world.

Frank Sinatra, the Chairman of the Board himself, now has a place honoring his legacy that offers an exclusive and unique experience to all those who want to drink, dine and enjoy the way Sinatra enjoyed life.

CEO and Founder of Icon Entertainment Group, who is running the Sinatra Lounge, Bill Miller has a string of successful businesses that have become Nashville staples like the Johnny Cash Museum, House of Cards, Nudie’s Honky Tonk and the historic Skull’s Rainbow Room. But this endeavor not only took a lot time and resources, but a lot of heart.

“Everybody in the world knows who Frank Sinatra is so when we commit to something like this, it’s incumbent upon us to really get to know the person. And so you read letters to him, you read letters from him,” said Miller. “You read books about him, you talk to family members, and you try to boil it all down to taking Frank off the pedestal for a minute, and getting to know the human being.”

This fine-dining establishment wreaks class and old-time sentiments which people have come to know and recognize from Sinatra. This small and intimate restaurant aims to capture Manhattan and Palm Springs, the two places that have become synonymous with Sinatra.

The restaurant is filled beautifully with special photographs featuring Sinatra with his friends, family, legendary celebrities, as well as his Rat Pack partners like Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr. It also includes paintings, done by Ol’ Blue Eyes himself. All courtesy of the Sinatra estate.

Photo: Courtesy of Icon Entertainment Group/Sinatra Bar & Lounge

The warm atmosphere allows patrons to cozy up to their tables in beautiful crescent booths surrounded by perfectly placed picture frames on mahogany walls and ceilings. Down past the marble bar facing a wall of select spirits and a one-of-a-kind Jack Daniels selection, leads to a staircase where more seating is accompanied by a space for a piano, upright bass player and vocalist performer. Customers can expect swinging classics recorded by Sinatra and his crooner contemporaries.

“It was so exciting to be able to go through this incredible archive. Instead of going out and buying headshots and album covers and concert posters, we find pictures of him and Sammy and Dino, and a picture of him and his daughter Tina (Sinatra) on the set of a movie,” said Miller. “I think you can feel the love here.”

The care is also shown in the menu selections at the Sinatra Bar & Lounge where customers can enjoy an array of Italian classics and premium cut steaks. To perfect this menu, 250 dishes and over 19 different tastings were sampled. The same goes for the cocktail menu and wine list where 25 different wine tastings took place to compliment the menu. There is a large variety for all types of drinkers but Italian wines, Sinatra’s favorites, are heavily featured.

When patrons get a reservation at this new bar and restaurant, they should not come in with any expectations other than they will have one of the most unique experiences in Nashville.

Photo: Courtesy of Icon Entertainment Group/Sinatra Bar & Lounge

“No matter how we describe it, no matter how much they could read about it, no matter how many pictures they see, they don’t get the full experience until their foot hits this floor. And then all of a sudden, you’re sort of drawn into an experience that they know is going to be special,” says Miller. “A lot of people might think that’s sort of intimidating, but the service is very warm, from the minute you meet the greeter, and when you’re seated. It’s all about showing that old-school hospitality, where every single guest means something.

“That’s the legacy, it’s pride of ownership, and at the end of the day, I just want people to leave their troubles. There are so many negative things going on in the world, so when you come here, leave those at the door and just lose yourself in this incredible Rat Pack. Spend an evening with Frank and Dino and Sammy and just enjoy yourself, eat well, and drink well.”

The Sinatra Bar & Lounge officially opens on Saturday, April 15 and is open for lunch and dinner reservations now. To learn more about the restaurant story and menu, head to sinatranashville.com.

St. Jude Rock ‘N’ Roll Running Series Nashville Announces Musical Lineup

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St. Jude Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series Nashville has announced the musical guests scheduled to appear during the upcoming 2023 race week festivities. From the Health & Fitness Expo, along the course and to the race finish line at Nissan Stadium, the lineup will showcase all forms of music for the participants, guests and spectators to celebrate race week in Music City, taking place April 22-23 with registration still available.

More music and running are woven throughout the fabric of Rock ‘n’ Roll Nashville as the event will showcase some of the finest singer-songwriters throughout the weekend. Earlier this year, Runaway June was confirmed as the 2023 Encore Entertainment for the post-race concert on Saturday, April 22, 2023, from 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. at the finish line near Victory Way outside of Nissan Stadium.

Nashville has long been a favorite stop on the running series tour, welcoming global visitors amidst a strong hometown contingent who know how to have a good time. Participants will experience everything that Music City has to offer, including a legendary running tour of Nashville’s most famous locations such as Broadway, Music Row, The Gulch, 12 South, Nissan Stadium, and much more.

In addition, PGMG recording artists Greg Pratt and Angie Rey will add their country talents to the post-race Encore Entertainment festivities. Pratt and his band will perform from 7:30 until 10:30 a.m, and Rey and her band will take the stage from 12:30-2:30 p.m. Rey will also sing the National Anthem at both start lines on race day with the 5K/10K at 6:25 a.m. and the marathon and half marathon at 7:15 a.m.

The St. Jude Rock ‘n’ Roll Rock Running Series Nashville Health & Fitness Expo will be held at the Nashville Municipal Auditorium and the Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum. Special performances by Music City talents such as Jillian Cardarelli, Golden West, Lance Carpenter, Joe Noto, and Adam Warner will highlight the music stage at the free and open-to-the-public expo on Thursday, April 20 as well as Friday, April 21.

LeAnn Rimes Joins Tenille Arts On ‘Jealous of Myself’ Duet

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Tenille Arts performs with LeAnn Rimes. Photo: Catherine Powell

LeAnn Rimes and Tenille Arts have teamed up on a special new rendition of Arts’ current single, “Jealous of Myself,” set for release tomorrow (April 14).

A life-long fan of LeAnn, Arts saw her perform “Blue” on the Grand Ole Opry as a kid. The appearance created a spark for Tenille’s dream of following in the superstar’s footsteps. The video of Tenille singing the hit song at age 11 and transitioning into her own recent Opry appearance became one of her most popular TikTok moments. In a full-circle moment, Rimes invited Arts to perform “Blue” at her sold-out Ryman Auditorium concert last weekend.

“LeAnn Rimes, The Chicks, Shania Twain and Kelly Clarkson were my idols growing up,” says Arts. “LeAnn in particular has been a huge part of my story in country music since I was very young. One of my most viewed videos on TikTok is of me singing ‘Blue’ when I was 11 years old, and then it transitions to a full circle moment of performing it on the Opry. I am so grateful and humbled by LeAnn’s willingness to collaborate with me on this very special song. I will remember and cherish this forever.”

“As soon as Tenille invited me to join her on ‘Jealous of Myself,’ I had to say yes,” says Rimes. “The song and Tenille’s vocals are stunning. It’s an honor to collaborate with any artist that is as talented as Tenille, but after she shared her journey in music with me and how much I have influenced her, it made this opportunity even more special.”

Written by Emily Weisband, Trevor Rosen and John Byron, “Jealous of Myself” is the first single ever released by Dreamcatcher Artists. Arts is currently on the road with Lee Brice, opening his “Beer Drinking Opportunity Tour.”

Eric Church, Butch Spyridon, Joe & Linda Chambers Headed To Music City Walk Of Fame

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Eric Church, Joe & Linda Chambers and Butch Spyridon

The Music City Walk of Fame has announced its newest slate of inductees who will receive the 98th, 99th and 100th stars on the Music City Walk of Fame. The honorees are Eric Church; Joe and Linda Chambers, Co-Founders of the Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum; and Butch Spyridon, who after 32 years is retiring from the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp. Joe Chambers passed away on Sept. 28, 2022, and will be inducted posthumously.

The induction ceremony will take place on Thursday, May 4 at 11 a.m. at Music City Walk of Fame Park. Members of the public are invited to view the ceremony.

“This class of inductees represents what makes Music City special with country artist Eric Church who is at a highpoint of his career with his music and new Lower Broadway venue, along with the Chambers, who have made it their life’s work to recognize the hard work of Nashville’s musicians through the Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum,” says Kevin Lavender, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp and Executive Vice President at 5/3 Bank. “Butch is the architect of the Music City brand that has made Nashville a top global destination. He has championed many major initiatives to showcase the Music City story, including the Walk of Fame attraction. His impact on the Nashville community is undeniable.”

Garth Brooks will be in attendance to induct Spyridon and the Chambers, and Church’s presenter will be announced in the weeks to come.

As the 2020 CMA Entertainer of the Year, Church is a 10-time Grammy nominee whose most recent chart-topping project was the Heart & Soul triple album. His 2011 album Chief is three- time Platinum-certified and includes the iconic “Springsteen.” In 2019, he set Nissan Stadium’s concert attendance record during his “Double Down Tour” with more than 56,000 fans and became the first artist to sell out the venue with a solo lineup. He plans to open a six-story bar, BBQ restaurant and music venue called Chief’s on Lower Broadway.

Joe and Linda Chambers’ non-profit museum honors musicians of all genres of music by preserving and showcasing the historical instruments played on recorded songs. The Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum at the Nashville Municipal Auditorium also includes the Grammy Museum Gallery.

Spyridon has led the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp for 32 years, guiding Music City into a top global destination with record visitation, a global reputation and world-class amenities. He branded it as Music City, making it attractive to professional sports teams and corporate relocations and elevating the quality of life by drawing world-class events, restaurants, retail and hotels. As part of the Events Industry Council Global Awards, he is a 2022 Hall of Leaders inductee, and was named to the global Top 100 Most Influential People in the Events Industry list in 2022 as well.

BMI Kicks Off Fifth Season Of Rooftop On The Row With K. Michelle

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Pictured (L-R): BMI’s Clay Bradley, K. Michelle, BMI’s Shannon Sanders and Mason Hunter Photo: Nathan Zucker for BMI

BMI kicked off the fifth season of their Rooftop on the Row series earlier this week with a genre-blending performance by singer-songwriter K. Michelle.

The event, presented by George Dickel Bourbon, was emceed by BMI Nashville’s Executive Director, Creative Shannon Sanders and offered an exclusive first look at BMI’s notable rising talent. K. Michelle made her Nashville performance debut during the 2023 kickoff show, offering the crowd a sultry rendition of her catalog including “Come As You Are” and “Jack Daniels.” The rising newcomer is putting the finishing touches on her upcoming album due out later this year, and is currently on the road for her “I’m The Problem Tour.”

BMI’s Rooftop on the Row series returns May 16 with headliners Priscilla Block and Chayce Beckham, followed by Mackenzie Carpenter and Dylan Marlowe on July 18. A celebration for the 50th anniversary of hip-hop is set for Aug. 15, and the final event will serve as the official kickoff to Americanafest on Sept. 19, with performers for both shows to be announced soon.