Sanctus Real’s Chris Rohman Signs With Curb | Word Music Publishing

Pictured (L-R): Curb | Word’s Jonathan Mason; Sanctus Real Manager Mikel McClellan; Chris Rohman; Curb | Word’s Trevor Mathieson

Sanctus Real’s Chris Rohman has signed a publishing deal with Curb | Word Music Publishing.

As a teenager, Rohman asked his father to teach him a few guitar chords after hearing local alternative rock radio. After learning to play songs from artists like Tom Petty and Weezer, Rohman and some friends eventually formed their own band, Sanctus Real. Over 25 years later, Rohman has amassed a catalog of music that spans decades and continues to encourage a growing audience.

Rohman writes and self-produces for Sanctus Real, as well numerous other artists. He recently produced Sanctus Real’s “What Christmas Means To Me,” that was just released.

“It has been a joy working alongside this iconic band for many years as we’ve watched them see overwhelming success at both Christian radio and on digital streaming platforms,” shares Curb | Word Entertainment’s VP, Christian A&R and Publishing, Jonathan Mason. “We are proud to step into this new season together.”

“I’ve been blessed to live through many seasons with Sanctus Real and at this point I can relate to the old saying, ‘the best is yet to come,’” shares Rohman. “I’m so grateful for the good people at Curb | Word whom I’ve called friends for many years to now become my publishing partners.”

Rohman joins Sanctus Real front man Dustin Lolli, who is also signed as a songwriter to Curb | Word Music Publishing.

Gabby Barrett To Release ‘Chapter & Verse’ In February

Photo: Robby Klein

Gabby Barrett is set to release her sophomore album, Chapter & Verse, on Feb. 2, and has already unveiled one of the tracks, “Growin’ Up Raising You.”

This new project is the multi-Platinum artist’s most autobiographical work to date as it finds her taking greater creative control than ever before, having co-written and co-produced “Glory Days,” her current chart-climbing single, as well as “Cowboy Back.”

Barrett deepens the emotional scope of her songwriting, creating a personal portrait of her experience as a wife and mother of two children, with her third baby due early next year. To that end, the album’s title refers to the chapters and verses within each book of the Bible as well as the still-unfolding chapters in her marriage, family, career and overall journey through life.

Written by Barrett, Jon Nite, Zach Kale and Jimmy Robbins, “Growin’ Up Raising You” touches on the fear and hope of new motherhood. Co-produced by Barrett alongside Ross Copperman, the song sets that outpouring to a backdrop of soaring strings, tender harmonies and an intertwining of acoustic, electric and pedal steel guitar.

“‘Growin’ Up Raising You’ is a very sensitive song for me,” shares Barrett. “I’m only 23–I don’t have all the answers to everything, and I haven’t gotten everything figured out. I’m doing the best that I can while trying to raise other people to be the best people they can be. I feel so blessed to be able to have three little lives that I can help to flourish while I’m also trying to figure out life myself.”

Singer-Songwriter Lecade Inks With Big Machine Records

Pictured (L-R, back row): Big Machine Records’ Kris Lamb, Big Machine Label Group’s Allison Jones, Big Machine Label Group’s Andrew Kautz, Big Machine Label Group’s Mike Rittberg, Big Machine Records’ Clay Hunnicutt; (L-R, front row): Big Machine Label Group’s Scott Borchetta, Lecade. Photo: Courtesy of Big Machine Label Group

Singer-songwriter Lecade has signed with Big Machine Records. He has released a taste of new music to come with the brand-new track “Next Town Over.”

Written by Jacob Durrett, Gavin Lucas, Andrew Stoelzing and Geoff Warburton and produced by Austin Shawn, “Next Town Over” is a small town breakup song that contemplates what’s new with an ex and what their new—and maybe better—life is like now.

The 20-year-old has never been north of Tennessee, and was heavily influenced by his small-town southern surroundings and back roads. Lecade originally gained attention on TikTok and his music is influenced by a variety of artists including Machine Gun Kelly, Kid LaRoy, Drake, Tim McGraw, Johnny Cash and his own father, who performs at dive bars and legendary honky tonks like Tootsies.

“I am very proud to announce the addition of Lecade to the Big Machine!” shares Big Machine Label Group Founder and CEO Scott Borchetta. “His unique approach to songwriting and recording is on the sharp edge of what’s happening in real time.”

“I’m super excited to be a part of Big Machine team they have such an outstanding track record with breaking new artists, I can’t wait to see what we accomplish together,” says Lecade. “I’m excited for people to hear ‘Next Town Over,’ I hope y’all guys enjoy it.”

Warner Records & Charly Salvatore’s Underscore Works Create Joint Venture

Pictured (L-R): Wesko, Charly Salvatore, Aaron Bay-Schuck, Isaac Green, Dipper. Photo: Courtesy of Warner Records

Warner Records and Underscore Works, the Nashville-based management company founded by industry veteran Charly Salvatore, have come together to launch the joint venture Underscore Works Recordings.

The new label will focus on discovering and developing country talent. Its flagship artists are up-and-coming acts Dipper and Wesko.

“Together with Charly, we’ve already seen incredible success with Warren Zeiders—a newcomer to the scene who has quickly made a big impact. The Underscore team shares the same dedication we have when it comes to artist development and building meaningful and lasting careers, making it a no brainer to expand our partnership so we can support even more special artists. Dipper and Wesko are two genuinely talented, hard-working musicians with bright futures ahead, and we look forward to collaborating with underscore to bring even more great music to fans around the world,” share Warner Records’ Co-Chairman & CEO Aaron Bay-Schuck and Co-Chairman & COO Tom Corson.

Salvatore adds, “Aaron, Tom and the entire world-class Warner Records team have an amazing track record when it comes to breaking new acts and, more importantly, sustaining that momentum. They’ve been incredible partners with Warren, and there’s no one else I’d want to be running alongside as we take this exciting next step in the Underscore Works journey. With a deep passion for developing emerging artists, I’m thrilled to embark on this new chapter with remarkable talents like Dipper and Wesko, who are destined to captivate the world’s stage.”

Dipper is a native of College Station, Texas, who first rose onto the scene by posting covers and original songs on TikTok. He recently released his debut EP, Evergreen, featuring his first single, “She’s Got Wings.” Dipper has been featured on multiple buzzworth playlists and recently signed a global publishing deal with Bailey Zimmerman, The Core Entertainment and Warner Chappell Music.

Hailing from Kenansville, North Carolina, Wesko has spent the last four years playing gigs with his band and writing dozens of songs all while working a grueling full-time job as a foreman for an erosion control company and taking a full course load at the University of Mount Olive. Wesko has connected with a local audience in North Carolina as well as a growing group of fans on social media via his network of other country musicians and singer-songwriters including Evan Honer and Sam Barber.

Industry Ink: Russell Dickerson, Tyler Hubbard, CMHOF

Russell Dickerson & Team Celebrate Fifth No. 1

Pictured (L-R, back row): Shawn McSpadden (Range Media), Kevin Herring (Triple Tigers), Dave Collins (Triple Tigers), Annie Ortmeier (Triple Tigers), Russell Dickerson, Kailey Dickerson, Blake Nixon (Triple Tigers), Laura Hostelley (Triple Tigers), George Couri, (Triple Tigers) Diane Lockner (Triple Tigers) and Jack Minihan (Range Media); (L-R, front row): Mackenzie Cooper (Triple Tigers), Raffeala Braun (Triple Tigers), Julianna Vaughn (Triple Tigers) and Hope Garrison (Triple Tigers)

Russell Dickerson brought his team together earlier this week to celebrate his fifth career No. 1 single “God Gave Me A Girl.” Hosted by Triple Tigers, Dickerson was honored for the track reaching the top of the Country Aircheck/Mediabase charts this week.

That same night, Dickerson won for his song “She Likes It (feat. Jake Scott)” at the BMI Awards. Dickerson co-wrote the Platinum-certified track along with Scott and Josh Kerr.

 

Tyler Hubbard Earns Second RIAA Platinum Certification

Pictured (L-R): UMGN’s Rob Femia and Lori Christian; Tyler Hubbard; UMGN’s Cindy Mabe, Mike Harris and Chelsea Blythe. Photo: Evan Mattingly

Tyler Hubbard has earned his second RIAA Platinum certification as a solo artist for his hit single “Dancin’ In The Country.” Additionally, Hubbard’s debut album has passed the mark of one billion global streams.

“Dancin’ In The Country” was Hubbard’s second single off of his debut self-titled record, released in January of this year, and it was his second solo No. 1 song at country radio. He co-wrote the song with Keith Urban, Ross Copperman and Jon Nite.

 

Country Music Hall Of Fame & Museum Adds Director Of Marketing

Caroline Mullins

The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum recently hired Caroline Mullins as Director of Marketing.

Prior to joining the museum, Mullins held positions as Director of Advertising & Marketing at her alma mater Lipscomb University, Senior Marketing Manager at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center and as a marketing professional for SpotCo.

In her new role, Mullins is responsible for the museum’s institutional marketing in support of its Hatch Show Print, CMA Theater and Haley Gallery operations as well as museum admissions, retail, events, dining and membership, among other areas.

SiriusXM Unveils New Next Generation Platform

SiriusXM has unveiled its Next Generation Platform, which will roll out to subscribers across North America beginning Dec. 14.

The new app will offer listeners a more personalized, easy-to-use, lean-back streaming experience that puts discovery at the forefront. It will begin rolling out in the App Store, Google Play and on Amazon Fire devices, with additional platforms and features to come in early 2024. Accompanying the app is a refreshed brand platform and new logo.

Among the key features coming to the new SiriusXM app include:
  • Always-On Personalization & Curation: Listeners will now be welcomed in with four curated sections: Music, Talk & Podcasts, Sports, and For You, a customized landing page for each listener. Personalized touch points will greet users across the app experience – even during playback, where listeners who reach their skip limits will be presented with alternative recommendations, allowing them to pivot to content better suited to their mood.
  • Greater Content Discovery: New pages dedicated to teams, shows, channels, artists and more bring fans closer, allowing them to go deeper into what they love.
  • Revamped Playback: The new and improved media player will be optimized for each type of content, with new audio segments allowing listeners to jump to key moments; transcription and speed control for podcasts and on-demand talk content; live listening updates for sports and beyond; enhanced airplay and casting; and more.
  • Central Audio Library: A revamped library will allow fans to save the content they love – from live channels to on-demand and podcasts in one centralized location, with new offline listening and download capabilities.
  • Interactive Onboarding: New subscribers will be invited to tailor their SiriusXM experience at sign-on by selecting artists, genres, personalities, and topics they love, then browse and sample tailored channel recommendations with a simple swipe.

New shows and original channels will be coming to SiriusXM as well, including Dolly Parton’s Rockstar Radio, launching Nov. 15 and available for a limited time. The channel will feature songs from Dolly’s upcoming album Rockstar as well as familiar hits and hand-picked favorites that inspired the making of the new album.

With the launch of the new SiriusXM app on Dec. 14, the company will be introducing new guest DJ channel takeovers from over 160 of the world’s top artists and bands, ranging from Olivia Rodrigo and Cardi B to Alice Cooper and Luke Combs.

“The introduction of the new SiriusXM streaming experience marks a pivotal moment in our history, one that kicks off a new era of innovation at our company,” says Jennifer Witz, CEO, SiriusXM. “And this launch is just the beginning; we will continue to iterate and develop our product offerings throughout the next year and beyond as we strive to deliver our subscribers the best listening experience on the go, in the car, and wherever they choose to tune in. From can’t miss live moments to the perfect soundtrack for any occasion, with the new SiriusXM, we are putting our differentiators at the forefront and welcoming in a new generation of listeners, bringing them closer to what they love.”

WME Celebrates The 57th Annual CMA Awards

Pictured (L-R): Abi Ventura, TJ Osborne (Brothers Osborne), Beth Hamilton (WME), Sina Hall (Semmel Concerts) and Natalie Osborne (Leo33). Photo: Leah Puttkammer/Getty Images for WME

WME showcased its music roster at the 57th annual CMA  Awards Wednesday night (Nov. 8), with clients winning 8 of the 12 categories, including Lainey Wilson for the coveted Entertainer of the Year, Chris Stapleton for Male Vocalist of the Year, Brothers Osborne for Vocal Duo of the Year and Luke Combs for Single of the Year (“Fast Car.”)

The show also had WME clients playing central roles including hosts Luke Bryan and Peyton Manning, director Alan Carter, executive producer Robert Deaton and head writer Jon Macks.

Following the ceremony, WME hosted its annual CMA Awards after party at Fifth + Broadway’s Sixty Vines and One More Cocktail Club in Nashville. The party included Crown Royal specialty cocktails, pizzas and wine country staples, as well as a tattoo studio with artists from Nashville’s Kustom Thrills Tattoo.

Pictured (L-R): Tom Lord (Red Light Management), Lauren Lane, Chris Lane, Mark Shapiro (Endeavor), Kevin Meads (WME). Photo: Leah Puttkammer/Getty Images for WME

Pictured (L-R): Chad Jensen (Jensen Artist Management), Hilary Thoemke (Jensen Artist Management), Colbie Caillat, Nate Towne (WME), Carter Green (WME). Photo: Erika Goldring/Getty Images for WME

Pictured (L-R): Hally Williams Cooper, Kendra and Krista Slaubaugh (Tigirlily Gold), Cooper Alan. Photo: Leah Puttkammer/Getty Images for WME

David Morris Drops New Album ‘Bored In The USA’

David Morris has released his new album Bored In The USA.

The new project features his previously-released viral singles “Carrying Your Love” and “Dutton Ranch Freestyle,” which was certified Gold last month. In 2020, “Carrying Your Love,” which samples George Strait, went to the top of the charts peaking No. 3 on Trending Sounds within TikTok. The song reached No.12 on the Billboard Emerging Chart, No.3 on Digital Sales Country and No.12 on All-Genre Sales.

“This album is a collection of songs that represent who I am,” says Morris. “I’ve always had a very eclectic taste in music. I grew up burning CDs with my friends putting songs from all genres together in one place. As different as they all sounded individually—as a playlist there was cohesion. It became the soundtrack to my summer. Season. Life. That’s what I wanted this album to be. Rooted in my Appalachian roots and love for country music but daring to bring in different genres and sounds to give fans a wider scope of who I am and bring back some nostalgia at the same time.”

The country hip-hop artist has had a big year as he signed with Virgin Music Group, signed a publishing deal with Sony Music Publishing, and performed at CMA Fest 2023. Alongside that success, he’s toured nationwide on his “Hometown Heartbreak Tour,” and supported Russell Dickerson, Jelly Roll, Kidd G and several others on shows across the country.

Bored In The USA Track Listing:
  1. “Prettiest Thing” (David Morris, Brandon Manley)
  2. “Bored In The USA” (David Morris, Brandon Manley)
  3. “Someday You Will” (David Morris, Seth Alley)
  4. “I Hate This Job” (David Morris, Noah West, Jared Griffin)
  5. “He Ain’t Me” (David Morris, Brandon Manley)
  6. “Dutton Ranch Freestyle” (David Morris, Brandon Manley)
  7. “She’s With Me Now” (David Morris, Jake Rose)
  8. “You Deserve Better” (David Morris, Robert Deahl)
  9. “Proud Of You” (David Morris, Brandon Manley)
  10. “Carrying Your Love” (David Morris, Jeff Stevens, Steve Bogard, Robert Deahl, Nikolas Grivellas)
  11. “American Idle” (David Morris, Suli, Slimmy Beats)
  12. “Stupid” (David Morris, Seth Alley)
  13. “My Fault” (David Morris, Christian Delapena, Máté Gere, Danny Davanzo)
  14. “Hot Beer In Hell” (David Morris)
  15. “Stuck In My Hometown” (David Morris, Robert Deahl, Nikolas Grivellas)

Charline Smith Wilhite Passes

Charline Smith Wilhite

Charline Smith Wilhite, a longtime ASCAP employee, passed away on Oct. 22 following a cancer diagnosis. She was 87.

Wilhite was a native of Spring Hill, Tennessee and received her bachelor’s degree from MTSU in 1959. After a brief stint with the TBI, Charline began a 35-year career with ASCAP in Nashville as their Membership Services Administrator. She worked at ASCAP until she retired in 2010.

She married Tom Wilhite in 1978 and they were together for 33 years before his passing in 2011.

Wilhite is survived by her sons, Bart (Elizabeth) and Brad (Marna) Pemberton, and grandsons Jay and Will Pemberton, and her sister, Mary Ruth Mains.

A service was held at 11:30 am on Tuesday, Nov. 7 at Clearview Baptist Church in Brentwood, officiated by John Gardner. In lieu of flowers, Wilhite’s family asks to consider a donation to Alive Hospice of Nashville.

Hannah Ellis Slates Her Full-Length Debut Album For January

Hannah Ellis will kick off the New Year with the release her full-length debut album That Girl on Jan. 12 via Curb Records. She’s giving fans a taste of the new project with the track, “Too Much And Not Enough,” today (Nov. 10).

Ellis wrestles with perception on “Too Much And Not Enough,” which she wrote with Emily Weisband and Tofer Brown. Caught between a contradiction and fearing being one extreme or the other, she reveals her insecurities and expresses frustrations over the fine line women walk, never fully able to strike a balance between being themselves and living up to culture’s unrealistic expectations. The track is the closer on her upcoming LP.

The Kentucky native co-penned all 13 songs on her new album. From the clever wordplay of “Wine Country” and “Karma on the Rocks” to the raw vulnerability of “Someone Else’s Heartbreak” and the title-cut, Ellis’ first full-length record highlights an artist fully embracing her small-town roots, her real-life romance and her newfound artistic voice.

In celebration of the new album, Ellis has launched an exclusive Wine Country Weekend Giveaway in partnership with Visit Napa Valley in support of her new single, “Wine Country,” which is currently charting at country radio. From now through Dec. 18, fans can enter to win a flyaway to Napa Valley that includes airfare, accommodations, exclusive merch and more.

Ellis also recently partnered with Lucchese to create a custom pair of “Wine Country” boots, and tomorrow (Nov. 11), she’ll appear at the iconic brand’s Houston store for a special performance to celebrate the boot-maker’s 140th anniversary.

The fresh-faced songwriter has racked up 42 million career streams, and has written songs for and been featured as a vocalist on songs for artists including Russell Dickerson, Carly Pearce, For King + Country, Emily Weisband, Cassadee Pope, Filmore and Sidewalk Prophets. She is one of the CMT Listen Up artists-to-watch for 2023, and has toured with Pearce, Billy Currington, Gavin DeGraw, Dwight Yoakam, Devin Dawson and many others, as well as touring as part of the “CMT Next Women of Country Tour.”

That Girl Track List:
1. “Country Can”
2. “Us”
3. “That Girl”
4. “Wine Country”
5. “Someone Else’s Heartbreak”
6. “Karma on the Rocks”
7. “Still”
8. “Replaceable”
9. “Somebody Else”
10 “Plans”
11. “Home and a Hometown”
12. “One of These Days”
13. “Too Much and Not Enough”