Shane McAnally, Brandy Clark-Penned Musical ‘Shucked’ Opens On Broadway

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Mike Bosner & Jason Owen. Photo: Emilio Madrid

Shucked, the new musical comedy that captures the heart of the flyover states, opened Tuesday night (April 4). The musical is produced by Sandbox Entertainment’s Jason Owen and Broadway producer Mike Bosner.

This tale from the heart of the heartlands features music and lyrics by Grammy award-winning songwriters Brandy Clark and Shane McAnally. On stage at New York City’s Nederlander Theater, Shucked is helmed by Tony winners, with a book written by Robert Horn and direction by Jack O’Brien.

“The truth about this kind of entertainment is it should make people feel good,” says Owen. “You can make people think or look at their values with a smile on their face just as easily as you can by being serious. But where the world is right now, people need to come together, to laugh and honestly recognize that Iowa, Nebraska, Ohio or even Arkansas where I’m from is as much a part of America as Wall Street or Hollywood—and Shucked is about bringing all these people together.”

Shane McAnally & Brandy Clark on stage with the cast of Shucked during opening night bows. Photo: Emilio Madrid

Nashville and New York’s stars were celebrating the opening together, including Kasey Musgraves, Kelsea Ballerini, Chase Stokes, Little Big Town, Kristin Chenoweth and Susan Sarandon.

The recently released track “Independently Owned,” sung by Alex Newell who plays Lulu, received the night’s first standing ovation and is already turning into a breakout hit.

The talents of John Behlmann, Kevin Cahoon, Andrew Durand, Gary Henson, Caroline Innerbichler and Ashley D. Kelley round out the main cast of Shucked. Joining them onstage are Jimmy Brewer, Audrey Cardwell, Dwayne Clark, Rheaume Crenshaw, Jaygee Macapugay, Scott Stangland, Yasmeen Sulieman, Quinn Vanantwerp, Miki Abraham, Ken Clark, Traci Elaine Lee and Alan Wiggs.

Shucked has already amassed rave reviews, with Variety declaring, “with its exuberance, heart and non-stop yucks, Shucked is the surprise delight of the season.” Time Out New York gave it four out of five stars, citing, “nods to Michael Bennett and Tommy Tune, and roll out the barrels later for the Seven Brides for Seven Brothers’ showstopper ‘The Best Man Wins.’” The New York Post crowned it, “The best and funniest new musical on Broadway!,” while Broadway News wrote, “The riotous new work, with a book by [Tony winner] Robert Horn, nabs acoustic inspiration from country music and tonal humor from shows like The Book of Mormon and Tootsie.” Entertainment Weekly shared, “Years after Hamilton reimagined the Founding Fathers as nonwhite actors fluent in hip-hop, Shucked tells a different kind of American fairy tale…its refreshing embrace of diversity and unapologetically corny sincerity can definitely put a smile on your face.”

‘Breland & Friends’ Oasis Center Benefit Features Bevy Of Stars

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Breland performs during “Breland & Friends.” Photo: Catherine Powell/Getty Images

Breland hosted his second annual “Breland & Friends” benefit concert at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville on Tuesday night (April 4), raising over $140,000 for the Nashville-based youth organization Oasis Center.

This year’s star-packed lineup for the sold-out show included Keith Urban, Sam Hunt, Tyler Hubbard, Ingrid Andress, Alana Springsteen, Ashley Cooke, Danielle Bradbery, K. Michelle, Lecrae, Nate Smith, Temecula Road, Tenille Townes and the X Ambassadors.

Breland performs with Keith Urban during “Breland & Friends.” Photo: Catherine Powell/Getty Images

Breland kicked off the show with a medley of songs from his 2022 debut album, Cross Country, before bringing Andress to the stage to start a run of duets with Temecula Road, Lecrae, Bradbery and K. Michelle.

In other highlights, Hubbard got the crowd on their feet when Breland joined him for his latest single, “Dancin’ In The Country,” and the night’s surprise performance came from Urban and Breland, who electrified the crowd with their Gold-certified collaboration “Throw It Back.” Hunt closed out the show with his and Breland’s viral Platinum smash “My Truck.”

Oasis Center aids young people in crisis in Music City, with over 20 programs and services covering a variety of needs. Mark Dunkerley, President & CEO of Oasis Center, addressed the crowd during the show, explaining the importance of the Oasis Center to young people in the Nashville community and thanked Breland for organizing the special evening.

Kimberly Perry Signs Publishing Deal With Warner Chappell, Songs & Daughters

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Kimberly Perry. Photo: Claire Schaper

Grammy-winning artist Kimberly Perry has signed a global publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music and Songs & Daughters Publishing. The news comes days after Perry announced her solo record deal with Records Nashville.

Perry shares, “Since officially moving to Nashville in late 2021, Warner Chappell and Songs & Daughters have been instrumental in reconnecting me with so many of the amazing songwriters here in town. I have had such a wonderful time writing with old and new friends alike. Ben [Vaughn] and Nicolle [Galyon] have been such great collaborators and supporters, so I’m beyond thrilled to officially partner with them on this exciting next chapter of my career.”

As the sibling trio The Band Perry, her and her brothers Reid and Neil Perry have amassed more than two and a half million album sales and over two billion combined streams. In 2015, they won a Grammy for Best Country Duo/Group Performance for “Gentle On My Mind.”

As a songwriter, Perry’s crossover No. 1 single “If I Die Young,” from The Band Perry’s self-titled debut album, created a global audience for the trio in 2010. The song is currently certified seven-time Platinum and has amassed over 200 million video views.

Galyon, Owner of Songs & Daughters Publishing, shares, “I have been a huge fan of Kimberly’s from afar throughout her whole career, but our paths didn’t cross until a few years ago. It’s compelling for me to work with a like-minded businesswoman and creatively fulfilling to dive into the writing process with such a veteran songwriter and artist. Her accomplishments speak for themselves and yet her story is truly just getting started.”

“There’s something about Kimberly’s musical depth and lyrical wordplay that have always stood out to me. Everyone at Warner Chappell is excited to represent her in this next part of her journey. I can’t wait for the world to hear what she’s been writing,” adds Vaughn, President & CEO, Warner Chappell Music Nashville.

Becca Walls Exits Big Machine Label Group

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Becca Walls

Big Machine Radio Host & Content Manager Becca Walls exited Big Machine Label Group (BMLG) on Monday (April 3) after seven years with the company.

When Walls first joined BMLG, her position was created to bring freelance projects in house as well as manage and host Big Machine Radio, the label’s online radio platform.

Her responsibilities then evolved to include handling all of the label group’s in-house artist interviews for cut by cuts, EPKs, digital pieces and other promotional content. Walls wrote the BMLG Weekly Prep, booked and ran satellite radio tours and round robins, produced album specials for radio and DSPs, voiced and produced commercials, hosted various events and more.

“It has been my privilege to work with Scott Borchetta, Sandi Borchetta, Dave Kelly and the entire team at BMLG. I am grateful for the opportunity I’ve had to learn, grow, sharpen my skill sets and expand my knowledge about the business. I have also adored working with our incredible roster of artists,” says Walls.

While exploring full-time and freelance opportunities, Walls will continue her role as an on-air member of Broadway and Friends—the reigning ACM National Personality of the Year winners—and will continue to provide artist content to Benztown’s AmeriCountry Prep.

She can be reached at nashvillebecca@gmail.com.

Midland & Sixthman Announce Last Resort Cruise For 2024

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Midland is teaming up with event service Sixthman for The Last Resort Cruise, sailing from Miami, Florida to Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas April 1-5, 2024.

Aboard the Norwegian Pearl, the Last Resort Cruise will showcase four days and nights filled with music performances from Midland along with Orville Peck, Flatland Cavalry, Hayes Carll, Mike and the Moonpies, The Texas Gentlemen, Madeline Edwards, Kaitlin Butts, Jaime Wyatt, Stephen Wilson Jr., Jonathan Terrell and David Garza.

Additionally, the upcoming voyage will include sets from Disko Cowboy, the DJ offshoot of disco cowboy nightlife brand Vinyl Ranch,  as well a live taping of Barstool Sports’ Bussin’ With The Boys—hosted by NFL players Will Compton and Taylor Lewan—autograph and photo sessions, blackjack and flip cup tournaments, contests, karaoke and more.

The Last Resort Cruise will be presented in association with Insólito, the premium tequila designed in partnership with Midland. Insólito Tequila will be on board with offerings including a premium tequila tasting with the band and a special cocktail.

“We’ve always felt like we have some of the best fans in country music, and when we were given the opportunity to curate a four-day cruise ship with our Midlandero community, it was an easy decision,” says Midland. “We booked an all-star lineup with some of our favorite artists and pals, we’re stocking the boat full of Insólito Tequila, and we’ll be hosting daily experiences that you won’t find anywhere else. It’s really a dream vacation and we couldn’t be more excited to set sail.”

First round pre-sale signups are available now through April 16. All pre-sales will secure a cabin photo opportunity with Midland. Public on-sales will follow on April 21. For more information, click here.

Industry Ink: Priscilla Block, Blanco Brown, CRS, More

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Priscilla Block Celebrates Festival Season With SHEIN

Priscilla Block. Photo: Courtesy of Shein

Global fashion and lifestyle online retailer, SHEIN, is gearing up for festival season and announcing its latest capsule collection curated by country singer-songwriter Priscilla Block.

The SHEIN x Priscilla Block collection is inspired by the singer’s personal style and features the looks she’ll be wearing during her Stagecoach and Hangout Music Fest performances this year. From rhinestone fringe, neon colors to classic denim styles, the collection includes 90 pieces offered in size XS to 4XL that encapsulate the country star’s very own festival wardrobe.

“Working with SHEIN has been such a fun and exciting experience for me,” Block shares. “I’ve been a fan of the brand for some time now, so it’s really cool to curate my first-ever fashion collection with SHEIN. I wanted to choose pieces that anyone could wear, no matter their shape or size.”

She continues, “We’ve taken the classic country styles I love the most and added my own sassy-glam twist to create a real country-meets-city chick vibe. I know it’ll have everyone who wears it feeling like a star, whether you’re partying on a boat with friends or wanting to be best dressed this festival season! Shopping hasn’t always been easy for me especially when it comes to sizing and affordability. With this collection I can say that I am so proud of the final outcome and can’t wait for you to be the most confident you this season!”

 

Blanco Brown Rocks With Sailors and Service Members On USO Tour

Blanco Brown, center, poses for a photo with Capt. Dave Pollard, Capt. Nicholas DeLeo, executive officer and Command Master Chief Nicholas Wallace during a USO concert, March 25, 2023.

Country music hitmaker and viral sensation Blanco Brown joined the United Sercive Organizations for a four-day tour (March 25-28). Brown spent two days with Sailors aboard the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 777) before joining service members and their families at Naval Station Rota in Rota, Spain.

This was the first tour for Brown and part of the USO’s ongoing efforts to boost the morale of U.S. troops and their families stationed around the world.

During his touring time, the singer-songwriter performed two electrifying concerts that had U.S. troops line dancing to his hit song “The Git Up.”  Additionally, Brown had a meet and greet with top Sailors from the George H.W. Bush, was a guest judge for their talent show, and visited with thousands of service members. In Spain, Brown hosted a troop appreciation picnic lunch and performed a thrilling concert in front of the blended multi-service, multi-nation crowd of Spanish and American community members.

“The USO tour was amazing, far beyond anything I’ve ever imagined,” Brown shares. “I had a lot of fun, and the experiences will live with me and through me for the rest of my life. I would love to get back out there and support the troops as much as I can because my purpose is bigger than my brand.”

 

CRS Content Now Available For Streaming

Country Radio Seminar (CRS) has announced that content taken from various sessions of this year’s conference is now available at CountryRadioSeminar.com. Country Radio Seminar 2023 was March 13-15 at the Omni Nashville Hotel.

The Digital Music Summit is among the video highlights, including the following sessions: “How They Built It: Fancy Like Its Path,” “Flex-Ability: Marketing Without a Map,” “Meeting Listeners Where They Are,” and more.

The tribute video to Charlie Monk, a Fireside Chat with NAB’s Curtis LeGeyt, the CRS Honors (featuring Avery Anna, Kelsea Ballerini, and Carly Pearce), and the Country Radio Hall of Fame Class of 2023 reveal are available along with daily event video recaps. CRS 2023 will be uploading more sessions to the website in the upcoming days.

 

Alchemy Artist Services Celebrates One Year Anniversary

Pictured (L-R): Kaitlyn “KP” Parmenter, Jeremy Gold

Alchemy Artist Services, founded and led by Kaitlyn “KP” Parmenter and Jeremy Gold, is celebrating one year of providing bespoke digital marketing services to record labels, management companies and independent artists.

In their first year, Parmenter and Gold executed digital campaigns for All Time Low, Michael Franti, Brandy Clark, Universal Music Nashville, Larkin Poe, Lauren Daigle, Visionary Media Group (O.N.E The Duo, Cody Belew, Leigh Nash, Clayton Anderson), MILCK, and more.

“I could not have asked for a better business partner and friend than Jeremy Gold — I consider him to be one of the brightest minds in Nashville, and it’s an honor to work alongside him every day,” KP says. “In our first year, I am most proud of our ability to meet artists and music industry teams where they are by creating custom offerings that address their most pressing needs.”

Adds Gold, “When I first met KP during our management careers, I was struck by their sense of personal integrity, commitment to client trust, and drive to create a meaningful work experience. In our first year of business together, I’m most proud of our efforts to integrate these values into Alchemy’s business operations.

 

CITYPAK, Reliant Talent To Provide Backpacks To Nashville’s Homeless

Reliant Talent Agency has partnered with non-profit organization CITYPAK to provide custom designed backpacks to Nashville’s homeless population. The initiative will take place over April 30 through May 2, and will see the distribution of 1,000 backpacks to individuals and families who are experiencing homeless or in housing transition.

CITYPAK was launched in 2012 by music industry executive and Reliant Talent Agent, Ron Kaplan, to provide custom-designed backpacks to those who are unhoused. The organization has since provided over 95,000 backpacks in more than 150 cities across the U.S. and around the world.

CITYPAKs will be distributed at four outreach events in Tennessee, in partnership with local non-profits that help serve year round. The innovative packs feature an integrated poncho, reflectors, anti-theft loops, and special pockets to protect personal items from the elements, providing added safety, security, and mobility for the user. In addition, Bombas has donated 2,000 new, unworn socks to be included with the distributions.

“I’m so grateful for this opportunity for Reliant Talent and CITYPAK to make a meaningful impact on the Nashville community, and am humbled to be partnering with some amazing local organizations that are doing important work year-round to serve neighbors in need,” shares Kaplan. “By providing custom-designed backpacks to the un-housed, we hope to improve the quality of life for those in need, and to promote dignity in homelessness—one PAK at a time.”

Among the volunteers signed up to distribute homeless packs are some of the staff members from Reliant Talent. To learn more about CITYPAK and to get involved in this initiative, visit www.citypak.org/donate.

Brent Mason To Be Featured In CMHOF’s Nashville Cats Series

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Award-winning guitarist Brent Mason will be featured in an upcoming program in the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s in-depth interview series Nashville Cats.

The ongoing series highlights musicians and session singers who have played important roles in either the recording studio or concert tours. The program will take place on Saturday, May 20, at 2:30 p.m. in the museum’s Ford Theater. Nashville Cats is included with museum admission and free to museum members. Seating is limited, and a program ticket is required for admittance.

As one of the most recorded guitarists in history, Mason estimates that he has created distinctive instrumental hooks on more than a thousand Billboard Top 10 hits spanning four decades. He has been named the CMA Musician of the Year twice and the ACM Guitarist of the Year a record 11 times.

Born in Van Wert, Ohio, Mason grew up in a musical family and taught himself to play guitar at age five. After appearing on local television programs and playing in bands in Ohio, he moved to Nashville and began working with the Don Kelley Band. Chet Atkins saw Mason play and invited him to appear on his Grammy-winning 1985 album, Stay Tuned, which included top guitarists George Benson, Larry Carlton, Earl Klugh, Mark Knopfler, Steve Lukather and Dean Parks.

Mason’s early sessions included recording with Lee Greenwood, Dan Seals, Randy Travis and Keith Whitley. In the 1990s, he worked several sessions a day as one of the most in-demand session guitarists in Nashville. Mason played on hits by Toby Keith, Martina McBride, Tim McGraw, Shania Twain, Steve Wariner, Trisha Yearwood, Brooks & Dunn, Glen Campbell, Vince Gill, Alan Jackson, George Jones, Reba McEntire, Dolly Parton, Ricky Skaggs and George Strait.

In 2009, he won a Grammy for Country Instrumental of the Year for his work on Brad Paisley’s “Cluster Pluck,” and he played on Blake Shelton’s “God’s Country,” the 2019 CMA Single of the Year. He has also performed on hits by Luke Combs, Josh Turner, Rascal Flatts, Darius Rucker, Carrie Underwood, Lee Ann Womack and Chris Young. Mason recorded two albums of his own, and as a songwriter, has cuts by Lee Greenwood, Johnny Mathis, Collin Raye, Billie Joe Spears, Jim Ed Brown & the Browns, Conway Twitty and Keith Whitley.

The interview will be illustrated with archival photos as well as audio and film clips. Following the program, Mason will sign commemorative Hatch Show Print posters.

Tanya Tucker To Release New Album ‘Sweet Western Sound’ June 2

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Tanya Tucker. Photo: Derrek Kupish

Tanya Tucker will release a new album, Sweet Western Sound, June 2 on Fantasy Records. The leadoff track from the project, “Kindness,” is out today.

Produced once again by Brandi Carlile and Shooter Jennings, Sweet Western Sound reunites the award-winning trio following the release of Tucker’s 2019 album, While I’m Livin’. Her first new album in 17 years, While I’m Livin’ won the Grammy for Best Country Album as well as Best Country Song for its touching single, “Bring My Flowers Now.”

Earlier this week, Tucker was announced as an inductee into the Country Music Hall of Fame. She will be minted into the hall alongside Patty Loveless and songwriter Bob McDill later this year.

Sweet Western Sound features contributions from Bernie Taupin, Phil and Tim Hanseroth, JT Nero, Billy Don Burns and Craig Dillingham, as well as a voicemail-generated rhyme from Tanya’s hero and close friend, the late great Billy Joe Shaver, which opens and closes the album.

“Sweet Western Sound is another revelation and I’m excited to see what folks think of our new endeavor,” says Tucker. “It’s always a trip working with Brandi and Shooter. I didn’t know if we’d be working together again on a new album after While I’m Livin’!! But we did it! Lots of new things we did this time and I even co-wrote some of the songs, which means a lot to me. Brandi says we’re magic together, and I’m starting to believe her!!!!”

Sweet Western Sound Track List:
1. Tanya (written by Billy Joe Shaver, Tanya Tucker)
2. Kindness (written by Tim Hanseroth, Phil Hanseroth)
3. Breakfast In Birmingham featuring Brandi Carlile (written by Brandi Carlile, Bernie Taupin)
4. Waltz Across a Moment (written by Shooter Jennings)
5. Ready As I’ll Never Be (written by Brandi Carlile, Tanya Tucker)
6. The List (written by Brandi Carlile, Tanya Tucker)
7. Letter To Linda (written by Tanya Tucker, Shooter Jennings)
8. City of Gold (written by JT Nero)
9. That Wasn’t Me (written by Brandi Carlile, Tim Hanseroth, Phil Hanseroth)
10. When The Rodeo Is Over (Where Do the Cowboys Go?) (written by Billy Don Burns, Craig Dillingham)

ACM & Black Music Action Coalition Accepting Applications For OnRamp Program

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The ACM and The Black Music Action Coalition have announced the opening of applications for its OnRamp program, which is a partnership for a guaranteed income program for 20 young, Black members of the music community, including artists and industry professionals, in Nashville.

The OnRamp program, focused on improving inclusivity and equity within Music City, aims to empower the next generation of leaders in the early stages of their careers by granting access to personal and professional development opportunities, community mentorship, industry exposure, access to exclusive Academy membership panels and tentpole live events, and visibility with Academy Board members and industry leaders. Additionally, through the program, each participant will receive a $1,000 monthly stipend for one year.

To qualify, applicants must identify as African-American, be a resident of the Greater Metro Nashville area (Davidson, Dickson, Maury, Montgomery, Robertson, Rutherford, Sumner, Williamson and Wilson counties), and demonstrate financial need as determined by the Self Sufficiency Calculator. OnRamp applications close Friday, April 28 and candidates accepted into the program will be notified in June, when the program will begin in tandem with the celebration of Black Music Month and to commemorate the Black Music Action Coalition’s third anniversary. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply at acmcountry.com/onramp by April 28.

“The Academy has a rich history of fostering diversity and inclusion in the country music industry both on stage and behind-the-scenes, and we see this partnership as a particularly impactful way to continue our committed work to making the statement ‘Country Music is for Everyone’ a true reality,” says ACM CEO, Damon Whiteside, at the launch of the program. “We’re excited to work with BMAC on this pivotal and transformative work for our Nashville community by increasing opportunities for young professionals from diverse backgrounds in our industry.”

“It speaks volumes for the Black Music Action Coalition and the Academy of Country Music to join forces to launch a guaranteed income program in Nashville for emerging Black artists and young professionals. I applaud Damon Whiteside, the ACM Board and the Level Up team for sharing our vision and becoming true partners with BMAC on a direct impact solution that will begin to address long standing racial inequalities that exist in this country,” shares Co-Founder/Co-Chair of the Black Music Action Coalition, Willie “Prophet” Stiggers, at the launch of the program.

This inaugural program will initially be funded by the Black Music Action Coalition, the Academy of Country Music, and industry partners, and powered by social impact agency BreatheWithMe. The organizations are encouraging corporations and companies operating in Nashville and beyond to make a financial contribution to OnRamp as a means of powering their future equity and inclusion programs. OnRamp is one of many guaranteed income programs BMAC will be announcing throughout the year.

The members of the ACM LEVel Up: Lift Every Voice program’s 2022 cohort will be playing an active role in guiding the OnRamp program and bringing it to life. The two-year curriculum is designed to empower participants to play a pivotal role in expanding the horizons of country music into new audiences that transcend demographics and geography.

Morgan Evans Embraces ‘Life Upside Down’ On Upcoming New EP

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Morgan Evans is releasing his new EP, Life Upside Down, on April 21. His latest single from the project, “On My Own Again,” is out now, with a brand new video featuring footage taken from his five-part documentary series.

The clip showcases Evans’ travels from around the world as he picks up the pieces following major life changes and looks forward to the thrilling uncertainty. The uplifting track was penned by Evans with Zach Kale and Geoff Warburton, and was produced by Chris DeStefano.

“Eight shows, seven countries, three bicycles, two goats and one camel,” recalls Evans of the video for the new single. “For a song documenting a poignant moment in my life, I thought it’d be appropriate to make a video the same way. I invited the guys behind the ‘Over For You’ music video and the docuseries on the road in Morocco, Europe, Ireland and the U.K. for one of the adventures of my life so far.

“I called the EP Life Upside Down because this collection of music could only have come from this time, when my life felt exactly that,” he continues. “To me, these five tracks journey through unexpected heartbreak, self-rediscovery, new beginnings and a newfound gratitude for the present moment.”

Evans is currently on the road with Brett Young for “5 Tour 3 2 1,” and will also provide support on select dates with Billy Currington.

Life Upside Down Track Listing:
1. “Over For You”
2. “On My Own Again”
3. “Hey Little Mama”
4. “All Right Here”
5. “Over For You (Live in Melbourne)”