Craig Campbell Signs With The Kinkead Entertainment Agency

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Pictured (L-R): Kinkead Entertainment’s Greg Scott, Julie Devereux, Craig Campbell, Kinkead Entertainment’s Bob Kinkead, Michelle Barnett, Ben Costello and Nathan Brewer.

Craig Campbell has signed with The Kinkead Entertainment Agency for booking representation.

Campbell released his new album, The Lost Files – Exhibit A on his Grindstone Recordings label last month, his first full-length album in 10 years. He has been on the road promoting the album and first single, “Tractor Songs,” written by Walker Hayes.

“Craig Campbell is everything that I look for when representing an artist,” says Kinkead Entertainment Agency CEO Bob Kinkead. “One hell of a country singer and a great seasoned live performer that is at the top of his game. My team and I are so excited to be part of Craig’s team as his agents. We had the opportunity to hear his new project The Lost Files at his cool Grindstone Cowboy coffee shop, and I’m sure there are classic hit country songs in the making in that project. I believe we are going to have a very successful 2023 and beyond with Craig and his manager Maddy Grossl, and we’re looking forward to great things to come!”

“I am so looking forward to working with the Kinkead team!” says Campbell. “From the first time I met Bob, I knew he was gonna do great things for me and it feels good!”

Music Industry Entrepreneur Bob ‘Norton’ Thompson Passes

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Bob ‘Norton’ Thompson

Bob Thompson, or “Norton” as he was known to many, passed away March 24 following a brief illness. He had also suffered from dementia for the last several years of his life. He was 80.

Thompson, alongside his wife Toni, owned the renowned Nashville rehearsal studio Soundcheck. The space was often utilized by stars such as Vince Gill, Keith Urban, Brad Paisley, the Eagles, 38 Special, Reba McEntire, Faith Hill, Tim McGraw, Garth Brooks, Peter Frampton, and many more, to work out their stage shows before touring. He was beloved by the many performers and crew members who walked through the doors, and was very likely to be the first one to greet them and offer to lend a hand carrying equipment.

Thompson also worked on tours in the early days of his career as a roadie, stage manager and personal assistant alongside bands and artists including the Eagles, Ozzy Osbourne, Glenn Frey, Dan Fogelberg, Chicago, Jimmy Buffet, Fool’s Gold, and The Bellamy Brothers. His life and times on the road are described in his recent book Last Encore: My Time with Glenn Frey, the Eagles and other Hit Artists.

After spending much of his career on the road, Thompson and his wife opened Third Encore rehearsal studios in the San Fernando Valley in California in 1989 and later moved to Nashville, opening Soundcheck in 1993.

Thompson was a devoted father, grandfather, husband, protector, dog lover and a friend to all who knew him. He is survived by his wife, daughter Summer Naylor, and grandson Carter Naylor. A private service will be scheduled, and a Go Fund Me account has been arranged to help the family with medical bills.

Lauren Daigle Announces ‘The Kaleidoscope Tour’ For Fall

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Lauren Daigle. Photo: Jeremy Cowart

Lauren Daigle has announced that she will launch her 30-city “Kaleidoscope Tour” this fall.

The new tour kicks off on Sept. 6 in Memphis and will take Daigle cross-country from New Jersey to Los Angeles with stops in Boston, Atlanta, Seattle and more, including cities where Daigle hasn’t performed in nearly four years like Baton Rouge, Baltimore and Tulsa.

The shows will feature many of Daigle’s No. 1s, including her groundbreaking smash “You Say,” “Rescue,” “Look Up Child,” her new single “Thank God I Do,” as well as music from her forthcoming self-titled album, which will include 20 songs released in two parts this spring and later this year.

Ticket presale begins Tuesday, March 28, and Citi cardmembers will have access to presale tickets beginning Wednesday, March 29 – Thursday, March 30 through the Citi Entertainment program. General ticket sales start Friday, March 31.

Daigle will perform “Thank God I Do” on the Today Show on Thursday, March 30, marking the song’s network television premiere. “Thank God I Do” is Daigle’s biggest first-week streaming song across all DSPs, has been added to a record breaking 120+ radio stations across multi-formats in just its first week, and is her strongest single launch at radio to date.

“The Kaledioscope Tour” Dates:
*Not Part of Kaleidoscope Tour
Thu. July 13, 2023 Philadelphia, PA TD Pavilion at the Mann*
Fri. July 14, 2023 Lewiston, NY Artpark Amphitheater*
Wed. Sept. 6, 2023 Memphis, TN FedExForum
Thu. Sept. 7, 2023 Bossier City, LA Brookshire Grocery Arena
Fri. Sept. 8, 2023 Baton Rouge, LA Raising Cane’s River Center
Thu. Sept. 14, 2023 Grand Rapids, MI Van Andel Arena
Fri. Sept. 15, 2023 Indianapolis, IN Gainbridge Fieldhouse
Sat. Sept. 16, 2023 Hoffman Estates, IL NOW Arena
Thu. Sept. 28, 2023 Wichita, KS INTRUST Bank Arena
Fri. Sept. 29, 2023 Des Moines, IA Wells Fargo Arena
Sat. Sept. 30, 2023 Minneapolis, MN Target Center
Wed. Oct. 4, 2023 Charleston, WV Charleston Coliseum
Thu. Oct. 5, 2023 Louisville, KY KFC Yum! Center
Fri. Oct. 6, 2023 Atlanta, GA State Farm Arena
Thu. Oct. 19, 2023 Boston, MA Agganis Arena
Fri. Oct. 20, 2023 Newark, NJ Prudential Center
Sat. Oct. 21, 2023 Baltimore, MD CFG Bank Arena
Thu. Oct. 26, 2023 Kansas City, MO T-Mobile Center
Fri. Oct. 27, 2023 St. Louis, MO Enterprise Center
Sat. Oct. 28, 2023 Columbus, OH Schottenstein Center
Fri. Nov. 10, 2023 Los Angeles, CA Crypto.com Arena
Sat. Nov. 11, 2023 Phoenix, AZ Desert Diamond Arena
Tue. Nov. 14, 2023 Sacramento, CA Golden 1 Center
Thu. Nov. 16, 2023 Portland, OR Moda Center
Fri. Nov. 17, 2023 Spokane, WA Spokane Arena
Sat. Nov. 18, 2023 Seattle, WA Climate Pledge Arena
Thu. Nov. 30, 2023 Tulsa, OK BOK Center
Fri. Dec. 1, 2023 Ft Worth, TX Dickies Arena
Sat. Dec. 2, 2023 San Antonio, TX AT&T Center
Thu. Dec. 7, 2023 Greensboro, NC Greensboro Coliseum
Fri. Dec. 8, 2023 Knoxville, TN Thompson-Boling Arena
Sat. Dec. 9, 2023 Greenville, SC Bon Secours Wellness Arena

Lady Luck Songs Signs Josh London

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Pictured (L-R): Lady Luck Songs’ Kim Penz, Josh London, SESAC’s Shannan Hatch, SESAC’s Lydia Schultz

Lady Luck Songs has signed Kentucky-born songwriter Josh London to its roster.

London co-wrote “Like You Do” and “Best Shot,” featured on Jimmie Allen’s debut album.  His other cuts include “That’s How I Grew Up” by Joe Nichols and “Tipping Point” by Drake Milligan, as well as tracks by Kyle Park, Jordan Rager, Brandon Ray and more.

While London pursued his degree at University of Kentucky, he played the local college bars to financially support himself. Six months after his graduation, he moved to Nashville where he started a landscaping business, attended writers rounds and networked throughout the music business.

In 2016, London signed his first publishing deal with Major Bob Music.

Brandy Clark Releases New Track ‘Buried’ From Upcoming Project

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Brandy Clark. Photo: Victoria Stevens

Brandy Clark has released “Buried,” the first single from of her forthcoming self-titled album, out May 19 on Warner Records.

Produced by Brandi Carlile, the collection features eleven songs recorded at the famed Shangri-La studio in Malibu, and also includes special guests Derek Trucks and Lucius.

“This album is a return home to me in many ways,” says Clark. “Musically it’s the rawest I’ve been since 12 Stories and maybe even rawer. When Brandi and I sat down and talked about working together, one thing that really intrigued me was her saying ‘I see it as your return to the northwest’ (Since the two of us are both from Washington state). That comment inspired so much for me. It took me back to where and how I grew up.

“‘Northwest’ and ‘She Smoked In The House’ were both a result of that early conversation,” she continues. “Working with another recording artist on this project was such a gift that I didn’t even know I needed, and changed the way I want to write songs and make records moving forward. My hope is that anyone who hears this album will feel the heart that I put into every note of it.”

“Brandy is one of the greatest songwriters I’ve ever known,” says Carlile. “And I feel like I now know exactly who Brandy Clark is through the portal of this singular brilliantly written album. When I heard the songs for this album, they took me back to the first time I heard Car Wheels on a Gravel Road. I was thinking about Tom Petty, The Pretenders, Kim Richey, Sheryl Crow, Shelby Lynne and the soul of 90s Americana before it had a name. Brandy’s voice is like a friend you’ve had your whole life the second you hear it. I know I’m not alone in feeling this way. This is her moment. This is the one. Sometimes an artist only gets one shot at an album like this in their life. This is the time Brandy has chosen to reveal herself to the world as an artist and a woman, and I was blessed beyond measure to be the person she trusted to support and facilitate that swan dive.”

Brandy Clark Track Listing:
1. “Ain’t Enough Rocks (feat. Derek Trucks)”
2. “Buried”
3. “Tell Her You Don’t Love Her (feat. Lucius)”
4. “Dear Insecurity (feat. Brandi Carlile)”
5. “Come Back To Me”
6. “Northwest”
7. “She Smoked In The House”
8. “Up Above The Clouds – Cecilia’s Song”
9. “All Over Again”
10. “Best Ones”
11. “Take Mine”

Dolly Parton’s ‘Life In Rhinestones’ Explored In New Fashion Book

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Dolly Parton is sharing her lifelong passion for fashion in a brand new book, Behind the Seams: My Life in Rhinestones, available on Oct. 17 through Penguin Random House.

Written by Parton alongside Holly George-Warren and curated by Rebecca Seaver, the book features behind-the-scenes stories from Parton’s life and career, including the largest reveal of her private costume archive, and spotlights her iconic looks from the 1960s to now, from sky-high heels and famous wigs to bold makeup and eye-catching stage clothes.

Along the way, she discusses memorable outfits from her past, from the clothes her mother would sew out of feed sacks (including her “Coat of Many Colors”) and the bold dresses and hairdos that shook up Nashville, to the bunny suit on the cover of Playboy, evening wear at Studio 54, costumes from her most famous film and TV roles, and the styles that continue to entertain and inspire today.

“I am happy, proud, and excited to present my book Behind the Seams to the public,” says Parton. “It is my hope that you will enjoy a look at my life in costume and hair, and get to know some of the great people who have helped shape my life and my look. Enjoy!”

Behind the Seams: My Life in Rhinestones is the second book in a trilogy that began with the 2020 bestseller Songteller: My Life in Lyrics. The book will also be available as an audiobook read by Parton from Penguin Random House Audio, including archival audio and music.

On The Row: Tigirlily Gold Embodies The ‘Blonde’ Mentality With New EP

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Tigirlily Gold. Photo: Courtesy of MusicRow.

Tigirlily Gold, made up of sisters Kendra and Krista Slaubaugh, has been cultivating their craft for over a decade. Their latest EP Blonde is due out June 23.

Today (March 24), the duo unveiled the gilded title track and its music video. Ahead of the single’s official debut, they stopped by MusicRow after wrapping up their “Introducing Tigirlily Gold: The Tour Presented by Lee” to share a little bit about themselves and Blonde. Partially inspired by Dolly Parton, the project presents the idea that being blonde doesn’t just mean having a specific hair color, but having a fun, bright outlook on life as well as a kind presence. The EP will transform into a full record later this year.

Growing up, Kendra sang in church and participated in music competitions. Krista began playing guitar and writing songs at the age of 10, and accompanied her sister to various shows. The girls, who are two years apart, then started writing and singing together, and officially formed Tigirlily Gold (formerly known as Tigirlily) when they were 14 and 16. Influenced by Sugarland, Lady A, Taylor Swift, The Wreckers and more, the pair found themselves accumulating a collection of original music and began uploading videos to YouTube and playing county fairs in addition to local gigs around their home state of North Dakota.

Tigirlily Gold eventually began making trips to Music City, recording independently, until they moved full-time to attend Belmont University in 2017. They immersed themselves in the bustle of Broadway, playing at bars such as Nudies and booking a weekly residence at Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row, developing a loyal fanbase along the way. When referring to their forthcoming album, the sisters noted, “We didn’t cut anything we didn’t want to play out live, just because we’re so live-focused.”

In 2020, they graduated from Belmont and began posting their tunes to TikTok when the pandemic hit and live shows paused. They amassed a ton of attention and signed with Monument Records, helmed by established industry executives Shane McAnally and Jason Owen, and released their self-titled EP in 2021. Tigirlily Gold remained Broadway regulars for a year after their Monument signing, landing a publishing deal with McAnally’s SmackSongs and Kobalt. To this day, they still plan to keep making appearances downtown.

“That was what we depended on for so long. That was our life, so it’s really hard to give it up,” the two noted.

Their hit single “Shoot Tequila,” was the second-most-added single, tied with Morgan Wallen’s “Last Night,” when it impacted country radio this month.

“[‘Shoot Tequila’] is a song inspired by playing in the honky-tonks for a long time. You play down there for so long that you think ‘What is it about ‘Man! I Feel Like A Woman!’ and ‘Friends In Low Places’ or those kinds of songs that make people light up whether they’re a country music lover or not? How do we capture that?’ That’s how ‘Shoot Tequila’ came to be.”

Written by the girls alongside David Mescon and Kevin Griffin, the salt-rimmed track is featured on the four-track EP.

“As sisters who’ve been playing for so long, what we want to bring to country music is that girl group energy and fun vibe, but there’s also a time to be vulnerable,” shared the girls. Vulnerability will really come into play in the latter half of Blonde with the heartbreakingly captivating “I Tried A Ring On,” which they wrote with Josh Jenkins and Pete Good, who co-produced the record alongside McAnally and Alex Kline.

“The whole idea behind the music is to be empowering and bold, and know it’s okay to poke fun at yourself and that if you’re going through a hard time, you’ll make it through. We say blonde is a state of mind, you don’t actually have to be blonde.”

Blonde EP Track Listing:
1. “Blonde” (Kendra Jo Slaubaugh, Krista Jade Slaubaugh, Alex Kline, Scott Stepakoff)
2. “Hometown Song” (Kendra Jo Slaubaugh, Krista Jade Slaubaugh, Alex Kline, Scott Stepakoff)
3. “Move On” (Kendra Jo Slaubaugh, Krista Jade Slaubaugh, Alex Kline, Scott Stepakoff)
4. “Shoot Tequila” (Kendra Jo Slaubaugh, Krista Jade Slaubaugh, Kevin Griffin, David Mescon)

Robert Earl Keen Band Announces New LP, Honored By Texas House Of Representatives

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Robert Earl Keen may have retired from touring, but he plans on staying in the studio as he has announced his latest LP, Western Chill, is set to drop on April 14.

The brand new full-length album will include an accompanying performance video of the entire album, a detailed songbook for folks at home to sing and play along, and an accompanying 92-page, full-color graphic novel. It’s a treasure trove of material from Keen and his band; but he wants to be very clear about what Western Chill is not: a ‘swan song.’

At this point in his life and career, his goal is to savor every moment, catch his breath, and fully take in the long-awaited splendor and freedom to write and create to his heart’s content without having to fall lockstep into a grinding tour schedule.

Beginning today—and up until its April 14th release—the Western Chill box set is available for pre-order from Keen’s own label, Scriptorium Rex. Included in the boxed set is a gatefold vinyl of Western Chill, a DVD of the band’s full album performance, the Western Chill songbook, and the album’s accompanying graphic novel. It should also be clearly noted that the record is a collector’s edition available in physical form.

Picutred (L-R): Porter Garner, Clara Keen, Robert Earl Keen, Kathleen Keen, Dr. Tyler Cooper. Photo: Courtesy of IVPR

Keen was also recently honored on Texas House of Representatives floor for his outstanding contributions to Texas music on Tuesday, March 21.

The Texas House Resolution, HR102, honoring Keen begins as such, “WHEREAS, Renowned Texas musician Robert Earl Keen brought 41 years of touring to a triumphant close in 2022, bidding a fond and bittersweet farewell to cheering fans all across the country; and WHEREAS, A Houston native, Mr. Keen first picked up a guitar during his freshman year at Texas A&M University; he began playing around town, and after graduation, he took a day job in Austin, honed his chops, and won the prestigious Kerrville Folk Festival New Folk Songwriting Competition…”

His wife Kathleen; daughter Clara; Porter Garner, CEO and President of The Former Students Association of Texas A&M University; and Dr. Tyler Cooper, President and CEO of the Cooper Aerobics and Cooper Clinic in Dallas, Texas, were all escorted to the floor of the Texas House of Representatives and Resolution 102 was read in Keen’s honor by Rep. Andrew Murr (R-District 53).

Drew Erwin Signs Joint Deal With Warner Chappell Music & Southern Pacific

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Pictured (L-R): John Strohm (SPM Business & Legal Advisor), Rod Hare (SPM Co-founder), Erland Wanberg (SPM Co-founder & CEO), Christina Wiltshire (WCM Nashville Sr. Director, A&R), Ben Vaughn (WCM Nashville President & CEO), Jonny Insogna (WME Booking Agent)

Drew Erwin has signed a global publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music and Southern Pacific Music.

A Memphis native, Erwin ran front of house and managed production for The Band Camino from 150 cap clubs around the world all the way up to Bridgestone Arena with Dan + Shay in 2020, before the pandemic. During that time off the road he settled into a creative routine and got back in touch with his songwriting and artistry. He subsequently toured as bassist for Nashville-based indie rock band Goldpark and electric guitar/back ground vocalist for indie folk artist Hunter Metts in 2021, while continuing to freelance as an audio engineer between runs for acts such as Restless Road and Dylan Schneider.

In 2022, Erwin toured as bassist for American Idol season 19 winner Chayce Beckham, and opened for acts including Luke Bryan and Luke Combs. He is currently collaborating and recording with producer, artist, and guitarist Sadler Vaden, and plans to release new music soon.

“Drew has some kind of magic that’s hard to explain. I’m such a fan of him and can’t wait to watch him take flight,” says Christina Wiltshire, Senior Director of A&R, Warner Chappell Music Nashville.

“I watched a live performance of Drew on Instagram and invited him to be featured at The Pitch Meeting’s weekly songwriter night,” shares Erland Wanberg, Co-founder and CEO, Southern Pacific Music. “When I saw him perform in person, I knew I had to make something happen. Drew can silence a crowded bar with heart-felt storytelling and raw emotion. His artistry is honest and immensely captivating. I’m honored to partner with Warner Chappell Music and officially launch Southern Pacific Music with such an extraordinary artist.”

“My plan when I left Memphis was to keep my head down, and just try to learn as much as I could about the industry. The lessons and experiences I’ve learned from the road have been invaluable. The plan was to give myself five years to sharpen my skills and be a sponge within my environment. Those five years are up now, and I feel so grateful and ready to put all my efforts into my career as an artist and a songwriter,” says Erwin.

MusicRow’s Rising Women On The Row Brings The Community Together

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MusicRow‘s Sherod Robertson interviews Lynn-Oliver Cline at Rising Women on the Row. Photo: Steve Lowry

At MusicRow‘s annual Rising Women on the Row breakfast event on Thursday (March 23), more than 500 music business professionals came out to support the 2023 class of honorees. Now in its 10th year, MusicRow honored Big Loud’s Stacy Blythe, Neon Coast’s Martha Earls, WME’s Beth Hamilton, RIAA’s Jackie Jones, Spotify’s Brittany Schaffer and Sony Music Publishing’s Anna Weisband.

Before the program commenced, attendees visited, drank coffee and took photos at the photo booth. When MusicRow Owner/Publisher Sherod Robertson took the stage, he recognized the event’s presenting sponsors, City National Bank and Loeb & Loeb, before introducing featured speaker Lynn Oliver-Cline.

Each honoree was presented their Rising Women on the Row trophy and gave a brief speech. Click here to read Bobby Karl’s recap of the event.

Rising Women on the Row honorees Jackie Jones, Stacy Blythe, Martha Earls, Beth Hamilton, Brittany Schaffer, Anna Weisband with featured speaker Lynn Oliver-Cline. Photo: Steve Lowry

Honoree Stacy Blythe with her family at Rising Women on the Row. Photo: Steve Lowry

Honoree Brittany Schaffer with her family at Rising Women on the Row. Photo: Steve Lowry

Honoree Beth Hamilton with her WME team at Rising Women on the Row. Photo: Steve Lowry

Honoree Jackie Jones with her daughter at Rising Women on the Row. Photo: Steve Lowry

Honoree Martha Earls at Rising Women on the Row. Photo: Steve Lowry

Honoree Anna Weisband with colleagues at Rising Women on the Row. Photo: Steve Lowry

MusicRow‘s 10th annual Rising Women on the Row. Photo: Steve Lowry

MusicRow‘s 10th annual Rising Women on the Row. Photo: Steve Lowry

MusicRow‘s 10th annual Rising Women on the Row. Photo: Steve Lowry

MusicRow‘s 10th annual Rising Women on the Row. Photo: Steve Lowry

MusicRow‘s 10th annual Rising Women on the Row. Photo: Steve Lowry

MusicRow‘s 10th annual Rising Women on the Row. Photo: Steve Lowry

MusicRow‘s 10th annual Rising Women on the Row. Photo: Steve Lowry