Maggie Lesmes, Shannon Bradley Join Riser House Entertainment Staff

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Shannon Bradley, Maggie Lesmes

Riser House Entertainment has added two new staff members, hiring Maggie Lesmes as Product Manager and Shannon Bradley as Creative Manager for the label.

Prior to joining Riser House, Lesmes served as the Manager of Label Services at Black River Entertainment, where she assisted in the execution of projects for Kelsea Ballerini and Ray Fulcher, among others. Outside of industry work, she owns and operates a licensed home bakery that specializes in custom cookies.

Bradley is a photographer and videographer who previously worked as Social Media Coordinator for entertainment companies based out of Florida, Los Angeles, New York, and Nashville. In her new role at Riser House, she will assist in capturing content and oversee the creative direction for all artists on the label roster.

“We are so excited to continue growing our team with these two fabulous ladies,” says Megan Schultz, Label Manager at Riser House. “Both Maggie and Shannon are incredibly hard workers and have already proven themselves to be invaluable additions to our team.”

Reach Lesmes at maggie@riserhouse.com and Bradley at shannon@riserhouse.com.

Blue Lights & Country Nights Benefit Set For May

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Blue Lights And Country Nights, a benefit to help raise money and awareness for Law Enforcement Assistance Partnership (LEAP), will take place on May 9 at the Nashville Palace.

Bryan White, Deborah Allen, Halfway to Hazard, Janie Fricke, Jeannie Seely, Keith Anderson and Tommy Roe are set to perform during the event, to help raise funds for LEAP in honor of May being official National Law Enforcement Appreciation Month.

The event will be presented by Gus Arrendale and Springer Mountain Farm and powered by All Access Coach Leasing. Tickets are $40 for general admission, $50 for reserved seating and VIP tables are available by calling 615-587-1023 or through outhousetickets.com.

“We are thrilled to be benefitting from this event again, this year,” says Diane Wilhoit, President of LEAP. “Last year, country music artists really helped support all of law enforcement with their generosity in both performances and within the media. We are so looking forward to what 2023 will bring and how we can continue to show the men and women in blue how much they are appreciated.”

Last year’s event was a memorial for Jeff Carson, a 90s country artist who retired to become a law enforcement officer and worked for the Franklin, Tennessee Police Department. The event raised over $80,000, and in recognition of Carson and continued support of LEAP, Blue Lights And Country Nights was born.

Brit Taylor Makes Grand Ole Opry Debut

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Brit Taylor during her Grand Ole Opry debut. Photo: Chris Hollo for the Grand Ole Opry

Brit Taylor made her Grand Ole Opry debut on March 22.

Taylor’s blue chrome floor-length dress with bell sleeves custom-designed by Nashville-based designer Paige Moore served as her salute to Women’s History Month and to supporting local small businesses as she sang “Kentucky Blue,” the title track of her newest album, followed by “Rich Little Girls,” a semi-autobiographical, upbeat anthem to working women.

The Hindman, Kentucky native received the invitation to debut on the Opry the same day her album Kentucky Blue was released.

“I am always asked about the coolest or most special thing that has happened to me since I moved to Nashville,” said Taylor. “There has been a lot, so it has always been a tough question to answer. Not anymore!  Singing on the Grand Ole Opry is by far my greatest achievement to date.

“I was surrounded by my family and friends, and I got to share the stage with my biggest champion, my husband Adam Chaffins,” she continued. “I was standing side stage, just waiting, and I was feeling all the nerves creep in. My heart was pounding as they were just about to announce my name. Then I saw my husband standing on the stage with his stand-up bass, and he mouthed ‘I love you’ and the fears all faded away. I heard my name announced, and I walked out on stage, ready to sing. Hearing my name introduced, walking out on that stage with all the lights and stepping into that circle was one of the most magical nights of my life.”

Exile Celebrates 60 Years With Special Regions Bank Exhibit

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Pictured (L-R): Exile’s Marlon Hargis, Steve Goetzman, JP Pennington, Les Taylor and Sonny LeMaire. Photo: Bill McClintic/90 East Photography

Multi-genre group Exile‘s six-decade career is on display in a new exhibit at Regions Bank on Music Row.

A display case filled with years of personal Exile memorabilia welcomes visitors in the lobby, including many of their accomplishments and awards from the music industry. Among the items are stage outfits from keyboardist Marlon Hargis and Sonny LeMaire, numerous Exile recordings, guitars with incredible histories and more.

The display also offers a sneak peek of the band’s new album A Million Miles Later set for release in the upcoming months. In addition to the exhibit at Regions, Exile was featured on the iconic Nashville Sign at 1616 Broadway during CRS week revealing artwork for the new original music.

“Regions Bank is delighted to showcase and spotlight the incredible career highlights of Exile! They sound as incredible as when I first heard and saw them perform live in the 80s,” says Regions Private Wealth Advisor Lisa Harless. “As a longtime fan and friend, I am thrilled with the newly installed Exile exhibit.”

“We are thrilled to have been recently featured on the iconic Nashville Sign on Broadway during CRS week,” shares Exile. “It was incredible to see our new album cover 38 feet tall by 36 feet wide! We are beyond excited to share our upcoming music with the world! Stay tuned for A Million Miles Later, available soon! About the Regions Bank showcase display, we’re absolutely  delighted with it! Thanks to our friend Lisa Harless from Regions Bank for helping organize this and our publicist Bev Moser for putting together a fabulous display, and everyone else involved!”

Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion Announces 2023 Lineup

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Birthplace of Country Music (BCM) has announced the remainder of the 22nd annual Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion music festival lineup, scheduled for Sept. 8-10 in Bristol, Tennessee.

Nickel Creek, Margo Price, Bruce Hornsby & The Noisemakers, Watchhouse, The Mavericks, 49 Winchester, Larkin Poe, Allison Russell, Amythyst Kiah and Wilderado are the previously- announced headliners.

Joining them are Marty Stuart & His Fabulous Superlatives, Sierra Hull, Darrell Scott’s Electrifying Band, Daniel Donato, Alison Brown, Jim Lauderdale, Adia Victoria, Oliver Wood Trio, Sons of the East, Illiterate Light, Handmade Moments, TK & The Holy Know Nothings, The Quebe Sisters and many others.

Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion has a long tradition of female inclusivity. Approximately 46 percent of the acts booked in 2023 are women or include bands with at least one female. In celebration of the groundbreaking women who came before them, festival goers are encouraged to take in the special exhibit “I’ve Endured: Women in Old-Time Music” on display now through Dec. 31 at the Birthplace of Country Music Museum.

In conjunction with the exhibit, the Birthplace of Country Music Museum is partnering with The Crooked Road: Virginia’s Heritage Music Trail to bring old-time music by the Mustard Cutters, The Loose Strings Band, Ferrum College’s Orchestra Appalachia, Whitetop Mountain Band and Addie Levy to the museum during Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion.

Weekend passes to Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion are on sale now at BristolRhythm.com. Tickets to tour the museum and the special exhibit are sold separately.

Griffen Palmer Releases Title Track From Debut ‘Unlearn’

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Photo: Courtesy of Big Loud Records

Griffen Palmer is gearing up to release his debut album Unlearn on April 28 via Big Loud Records. Palmer just debuted the retrospective title track from the upcoming new project, along with an accompanying video.

“This one meant a lot to me when we wrote it, and that feeling grows for me every time we play it,” Palmer shares about the title track. “It’s a song that I really needed when I was younger, so I’m hoping that people out there that feel like I did when I was a kid might hear it now. I just hope it makes them feel understood.”

Finding solace in music in the early pandemic, Palmer wrote every song on Unlearn with Grammy-nominated songwriter and fellow Ontario native Geoff Warburton. The 10-track album kicks off with “Second Guessing” and jumps headfirst into life lessons, both learned and unlearned, on songs like “By The Way,” “Came Here To Leave,” “How Many Beers,” and the flirty, simmering “Bottles On The Table.”

“Geoff and I met by chance because of a house party in my hometown, his girlfriend (now fiancé) introduced us,” Palmer remembers. “He took a chance and got to know me, which is when we figured out that we both played for the same rugby club, love a lot of the same music, and eventually realized we like writing together. Geoff’s family to me, and this record wouldn’t exist without him.”

Palmer and Warburton’s songwriting partnership has also led to outside cuts like Keith Urban‘s “Polaroid,” and standouts from The Band Camino, Chelsea Cutler, Lily Rose, Jade Eagleson and more.

Palmer is currently on the road this spring nationwide supporting label-mate Lily Rose‘s 2023 headline tour.

Unlearn Track Listing:

1. “Second Guessing” (Griffen Palmer, Corey Crowder, Ester Dean, Andrew DeRoberts, Tyler Hubbard, Brian Kelley, Shane McAnally, Ben Simonetti, Ryan Tedder, Geoff Warburton)
2. “25 To Life” (Griffen Palmer, Geoff Warburton)
3. “Unlearn” (Griffen Palmer, Geoff Warburton)
4. “Put Me Through Hello” (Griffen Palmer, Geoff Warburton)
5. “By The Way” (Griffen Palmer, Jordan Reynolds, Geoff Warburton)
6. “Small Town After All” (Griffen Palmer, Geoff Warburton)
7. “Came Here To Leave” (Griffen Palmer, Geoff Warburton)
8. “Late To The Party” (Griffen Palmer, Geoff Warburton)
9. “How Many Beers” (Griffen Palmer, Geoff Warburton)
10. “Bottles On The Table” (Griffen Palmer, Geoff Warburton)

Industry Ink: ACM, Dylan Scott, JAM Roundtable

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ACM Staff & Board Visit Texas Ahead of 58th ACM Awards

ACM Staff and ACM Board Members gather in Frisco, TX ahead of the 58th ACM Awards on May 11

The Academy of Country Music and ACM Lifting Lives leadership, staff, and board members made a trip to Frisco, Texas last week to visit the site of the 58th ACM Awards. There, teams met with partners to work logistics for the upcoming awards and surrounding events. They also walked through venues for ACM Awards week, including Topgolf, The Omni Hotel, the Ford Center, and more.

Topgolf in The Colony will host the ACM Lifting Lives Topgolf Tee-Off and Rock On Fundraiser and concert. The Omni Frisco Hotel will house this year’s Media Row and Ford Center will host the ACM Awards show.

Academy Staff worked closely with representatives from Amazon, The Dallas Cowboys, Dick Clark Productions, Legends, Topgolf, and other groups involved in the planning and production of the ACM Awards.

Dylan Scott Celebrates Three New RIAA Certifications

Curb Records recording artist Dylan Scott is celebrating three new RIAA certifications. “Can’t Have Mine” and “New Truck” hav been certified Gold, while “My Girl” has been certified triple-Platinum.

Scott’s current radio single, “Can’t Have Mine,” continues to climb the country radio charts, sitting inside the Top 40 on the Billboard and Mediabase charts. Fans can catch Scott out on the road throughout the summer.

 

Underground Music Collective Introduces Jazz Appreciation Month Events

Underground Music Collective, the Nashville-based digital music resource center and multimedia services company, has announced its latest virtual event focused on the upcoming Jazz Appreciation Month in April.

Jazz Appreciation Month (JAM) Roundtable, scheduled for April 19 at 6 P.M., will feature Kevin L. Robertson (Soloist, The Isley Brothers, TSU Jazz Band); Ragan Whiteside (Flutist, Randis Music, Billboard); Rick Scott (Great Scott PR); and Nicole Zuraitis (Musician/Vocalist, Grammys, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival). Brandi Sims, CEO of Brandinc PR, is set to moderate.

The virtual panel roundtable is free to attend, and attendees will have the opportunity to submit questions to the panelists in a Q&A portion of the event.

“Each month this year, we’ve explored a new genre or experience in the music industry that has captured extensive interest of emerging and indie artists seeking to learn more about the examples of successful careers in this industry,” says Gerard Longo, Underground Music Collective Founder and CEO. “Our goal is to continue exploring these stories and experiences through the digital lens, and truly redefine what it means to be Underground.”

Tin Pan South Night Two Features Ashley Gorley, Laura Veltz, Ingrid Andress, More

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Pictured (L-R): Caylee Hammack, Keelan Donovan and Tenille Townes. Photo: Courtesy of NSAI

Tin Pan South attendees were treated to more great music Wednesday night (March 29) at bars and listening rooms across Nashville.

Ian Munsick, Jacob Davis, Will Jones and Marc Scibilia took on the early show at The Listening Room, while Madison Kozak, Griffen Palmer and Mark Trussell took on The Vinyl Lounge. Ben Burgess, Josh Kerr, Brandon Paddock and Parker Welling played the Analog at the Hutton Hotel. Madeline Edwards and Laura Veltz had some special guests at The Bluebird Cafe.

Pictured (L-R): Melodie Zack, Jordan Rowe, Chase Chapman, Brad Clawson, Hunter Phelps and Ashley Gorley. Photo: Courtesy of NSAI

Casey Brown, Brad Clawson, Hunter Phelps, Jordan Rowe and Will Weatherly played the 6 p.m. show at 3rd & Lindsley before Ashley Gorley, Ben Johnson, Wyatt McCubbin and Taylor Phillips took over at 9 p.m.

Harper Grace, Alex Kline, Joe Leathers and Bobby Tomberlin took the stage at the Commodore Grille for the late show; while Ingrid Andress, Carter Faith and Adam James played at The Listening Room.

Tin Pan South attendees and performers. Photo: Courtesy of NSAI

Keelan Donovan, Caylee Hammack and Tenille Townes closed out The Vinyl Lounge with some music; as did Renee Blair, Kevin Griffin, Zac Maloy and Adam Sanders at the Hard Rock Cafe.

Among the songwriters who will be featured at tonight’s rounds (March 30) are Liz Rose, Bob DiPiero, Chris Young, Ross Copperman, Justin Ebach, Daniel Tashian, Emily Weisband, Victoria Shaw, Paul Overstreet, Allen Shamblin and many more. See the full schedule here.

Jason Isbell Documentary Set For April On HBO Max

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Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit. Photo: Danny Clinch

A new Sam Jones-directed documentary, Jason Isbell: Running with Our Eyes Closed, will be released on HBO Max April 7.

In his own words, Isbell takes fans on an unexpected journey through his musical evolution and creative process as he goes into the studio to record his album Reunions with the 400 Unit. He dives into his difficult childhood, his struggles with addiction and relationships, and funneling all his pain and private battles into his music. When the pandemic forces him and his family into lockdown, Isbell confronts the self-doubt and fears that isolation brings to a recovering addict and artist, even as the album releases to rave reviews.

Isbell is currently prepping for his new album, Weathervanes, out June 9, with the release of a brand new track from the album, “Middle of the Morning.” “It was about trying to keep my mind from unraveling over the couple of years there,” says Isbell of the new song.

Isbell and the 400 Unit are currently on the road throughout the summer, and will head down under to Australia next week before bringing their show back to the states.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Brandy Clark Proves Why She’s One Of ‘Our Greatest Living Country Songwriters’

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Brandy Clark. Photo: Victoria Stevens

Today’s country survey is dominated by our mainstream male up-and-comers, but the award winners come from left field.

From our enduringly creative songwriting community comes a stellar effort by Warner singer-songwriter Brandy Clark, who wins the Disc of the Day. Also representing this population is today’s Luke Laird release.

From outer space—or somewhere in Florida—comes Will Thompson, who is a triumphant DisCovery Award winner.

Also in the mix are two baseball tunes belonging to Bryan Ruby and Grant Gilbert, two star-confirming performances belonging to Randall King and Tyler Rich and two fine female-duo outings belonging to Tigirlily Gold and Rissi Palmer with Miko Marks.

WILL THOMPSON / “Checklist”
Writers: Ashley Watson/William Paul Grant Thompson; Producer: Will Thompson; Label: Will Thompson Music
– Full stop. Proceed no further. Go to YouTube. RIGHT NOW. This song and performance are priceless hilarity. It’s a brilliant satire of current country songwriting, the gist being that you can follow a checklist to write a hit. Ripe for skewering are hometown, boots, beer, county line, neon sign, dirt roads, bonfire, tailgate, back roads, whiskey, American flag, huntin’ & fishin,’ football game and more. “Sound just like a rap song,” Thompson advises. To write “The anthem of our lives….Words don’t even matter / Hit the chorus and they’ll sing along.” Furthermore, “Do auto tune / To make this a hit we need 10 writers in a room.” Oh, and wear sunglasses, get an accent, make your voice more gritty and “network in Nashville.” This thing is genius!

RISSI PALMER & MIKO MARKS / “Still Here”
Writers: Rissi Palmer/Miko Marks/Deanna L. Walker/Steve Wyreman/Justin Phipps; Producers: Steve Wyreman/Justin Phipps; Label: Rissi Palmer
– Palmer remains a shining light in the format with her “Color Me Country” radio series and a new American Masters: In the Making documentary on PBS. This anthem salutes the perseverance that her career illustrates. She’s been on the country scene since 2005, and as the song says, she’s still here. So is her duet partner, Miko Marks, who arrived around the same time. The two enduring country women of color are launching a historic tour together this year. They’ll be at City Winery on May 18.

BRANDY CLARK / “Buried “
Writers: Brandy Clark, Jessie Jo Dillon; Producer: Brandi Carlile; Label: Warner Records
– This is a stunning ballad of ache and loss by one of our greatest living country songwriters. Clark’s broken-hearted delivery is shadowed by gentle acoustic guitar plucking and soft vocal harmonies. Among the many brilliant touches in the writing is the artful placing of the song’s title as the song’s very last word. She is just so awesome. It’s an advance track from her forthcoming fourth album. With Shane McAnally, Clark is also the cowriter of the Broadway musical Shucked, which opens in New York on April 4. Last Sunday’s New York Times had an extensive piece about it.

BRANDON DAVIS / “Jesus and Jesse James”
Writers: Richard Brandon Davis, Clay Mills, Peter Daniel Newman; Producer: Daniel Agee; Label: Big Yellow Dog
– The country outlaw sentiment is fine, but the production is kinda thin. A little percussive bite would help.

TYLER RICH/ “I Know You Do”
Writers: Tyler Rich/Jaron Boyer/Micah Wilshire; Producer: Jaren Johnston; Label: The Valory Music Co.
– I like the reverb-twang guitar licks and the muffled thump in the percussion. As always, he’s a model country singer with plenty of heart-in-throat sincerity. The lyric of a loving yet complex relationship is a winner. In fact, it is his best yet.

ZAC BROWN BAND / “Paint It Black”
Writers: Mick Jagger/Keith Richards; Producer: Robert Deaton, Danny Rader; Label: Broken Bow Records
– The new Rolling Stones tribute CD Stoned Cold Country has a number of highlights. This is one of ‘em, since it gives this usually mellow band some rock edge. A beloved classic, thoroughly revived. Play it.

ANDREW JANNAKOS / “Meet My Maker”
Writers: Andrew Jannakos/Andrew Albert/Karen Kosowski/Emma-Lee; Producer: Derek Wells; Label: RCA Nashville
– “Ain’t no church like nature,” he sings in this wafting, lovely, pastoral ode. Amen, bro.

BRYAN RUBY / “Baseball Country “
Writers: Bryan Ruby/Chad Albert Sellers/Shane David Smith; Producers: Smith Curry; Label: Rubies In The Rough Music
– Play ball! Today is opening day in the major leagues. Ruby has crafted a rocking anthem designed for blasting over ballpark loudspeakers while teams take the field. He’s been professional ballplayer, himself, so he knows just how to get the dugout riled up.

GRANT GILBERT / “Take Me Out to the Bar”
Writers: Grant Gilbert/Brad Clawson/Blake Bollinger; Producers: Jonathan Singleton; Label: River House Artists
– Our second baseball-themed single of the week is just as dandy as “Baseball Country.” Gilbert’s got a busted heart, so he adopts the 1908 chestnut “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” as his new anthem, with re-written lyrics. The seventh-inning stretch was never so honky-tonking and fun.

RANDALL KING / “Green Eyes Blue”
Writers: Randall King/Randy Montana; Producers: Jared Conrad; Label: Warner Music Nashville
– One of my favorite current neo-traditionalists is back with a highly listenable romantic meditation. Deep-twang guitar and sighing steel back him as he muses about leaving his wild ways behind to fall in love. I remain a fan.

LUKE LAIRD, LORI McKENNA & BARRY DEAN / “Give Me Back My Hometown”
Writers: Luke Laird/Eric Church; Producers: Luke Laird/Lori McKenna/Barry Dean; Label: CN Records
– These three Music Row songwriting champs are issuing a collection called The Songwriter Tapes containing their versions of mega hits they’re written for others. The advance track is Laird’s gentle-voiced rendition of a hit he cowrote with the great Eric Church. He lacks the superstar’s fire and vocal charisma, but the soft, echoey production throws a real spotlight on the song’s marvelous lyrics.

TIGIRLILY GOLD / “Blonde”
Writers: Scott Stepakoff/Alex Kline/Kendra Jo Slaubaugh/Krista Jade Slaubaugh; Producers: Alex Kline; Label: Monument Records
– The feisty sister duo struts a sassy pace on the title tune of their new EP. Packed with delightful attitude, cool beats, tight harmonies, a Dolly shout-out and gal-pal sing-alongs. Highly recommended.