Kelsea Ballerini Drops News Of Upcoming Album ‘Subject To Change’

Kelsea Ballerini

Kelsea Ballerini surprised fans with the announcement that her fourth studio album, Subject To Change, is set to drop Sept. 23. In celebration of the new project, she shared a new song and video for the track “Love Is A Cowboy.”

The new album marks her first full-length project since 2020’s Gold-selling Kelsea and its stripped-down companion Ballerini. Ballerini co-wrote every song on the album and collaborated with co-producers Julian Bunetta, Shane McAnally, Alysa Vanderheym, and Jesse Frasure on select tracks.

Ballerini broke the news of the record’s arrival on her socials with a contemplative post on the challenges of embracing growth and change. She initially paved the way for the record with the new single “Heartfirst,” which has already amassed over 45 million streams.

Subject To Change Track List:
1. “Subject To Change”
2. “The Little Things”
3. “I Can’t Help Myself”
4. “If You Go Down” (I’m Goin’ Down Too)
5. “Love Is A Cowboy”
6. “Muscle Memory”
7. “I Guess They Call It Fallin’”
8. “Weather”
9. “Universe”
10. “Walk In The Park”
11. “Heartfirst”
12. “You’re Drunk, Go Home”
13. “Doin’ My Best”
14. “Marilyn”
15. “What I Have”

Sony Music Nashville Signs Corey Kent To RCA Imprint

Sony Music Nashville, Triple 8 Management, Combustion Music and Corey Kent celebrate Kent’s signing to the label at the SMN offices. Photo: Katie Krauss

Country singer-songwriter, Corey Kent, has signed with Sony Music Nashville on the label’s RCA Nashville imprint.

Kent’s major label contract with Sony comes after a bidding war between many labels. The Oklahoma native impressed industry members with his debut single, “Wild As Her,” which landed Kent his first-ever entry into the Billboard Hot 100 after exploding on the streaming platforms with nearly 70 million streams in just 4 months.

Combustion Music, who was critical in Kent’s development, will remain in partnership with the artist for his publishing and more. The artist is managed by Triple 8 Management.

“I’m excited to announce that I’m officially a Sony Music Nashville Artist,” Kent shares. “My team and I were humbled to have interest and offers from multiple labels across the country, but over time it became very apparent that Sony was the right team for me. They really shared my vision and had passion for the brand of country music I’m creating. I don’t see signing this deal as the finish line… I see it as the starting block. Now it’s time to go to work and I can’t wait to see what we accomplish together!”

Now, with the support of a major label, “Wild As Her” will officially impact radio on Aug. 15. To celebrate the announcement of his signing, Kent has released a new version of  his breakout tune, now as a duet with rising singer-songwriter Carter Faith.

“We had talked about making ‘Wild As Her’ a duet early on, but I’m very particular about collabs, and no one immediately came to mind, so we just put it on the back burner,” Kent says. “Then one day I’m listening to Carter’s song ‘Joyride’ and then boom it hit me…Carter would be perfect! We reached out to her team and were able to make it happen!”

YouTube video

Kent started playing music at an early age, becoming the lead singer of a touring western swing band at age 11 and opening for acts such as Roy Clark and The Oak Ridge Boys. He made the move to Nashville at age 17.

Kent earned 3.5 million streams with his 2020 LP, From The West, which set the stage for this next chapter. In December of 2021, he released his sophomore album, ’21, to an overwhelmingly positive reception. His songs “Gold” and “Ain’t My Day” from the project have amassed nearly 15 million streams combined. Kent also has had success writing for other artists, including Kolby Cooper, Brandon Jenkins, Clark Green and more.

Carrie Underwood Rises To MusicRow Chart Peak

Carrie Underwood is crowned this week’s No. 1 on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart for her single, “Ghost Story.” David Garcia, Josh Kear, and Hillary Lindsey co-wrote the single which appears on Underwood’s latest album, Denim & Rhinestones.

To commemorate her ninth studio album, Underwood hosted a pop-up experience in Nashville during this year’s CMA Fest, which included interactive photo installations, wardrobe displays, and a retail boutique.

Following the wrap of the 2022 dates of her “Reflection: The Las Vegas Residency” in May, Underwood has announced she’ll return to the road this fall on the “Denim & Rhinestones Tour.” She will be joined on the tour by special guest Jimmie Allen.

Click here to view the latest edition of The MusicRow Weekly containing the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart.

Lauren Alaina, Chris Janson, Scotty McCreery Among Opry Country Christmas Lineup

Charlie McCoy and The Gatlin Brothers perform alongside Santa Claus during the inaugural Opry Country Christmas season in 2021. Photo: Chris Hollp

Opry Country Christmas is returning to the Grand Ole Opry House for the second year in a row this year, beginning Nov. 27 and running through Dec. 22. This year’s shows will feature special performances by Spotlight Artists and Opry members Lauren Alaina (Dec. 1) and Chris Janson (Dec. 11), as well as Scotty McCreery (Dec. 18).

Hosted by Opry member Larry Gatlin, Opry Country Christmas will showcase songs of the season in nine shows, each one featuring Opry members The Gatlin Brothers, Riders In The Sky, Mandy Barnett and Charlie McCoy. Other Opry members, special guests, and spotlight artists will round out the shows, which are made up of artists’ original songs and timeless Christmas favorites.

The inaugural season of Opry Country Christmas in 2021 featured performances of popular holiday favorites such as “’Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree,” “Jingle Bell Rock,” “Silent Night” and more.

All Opry Country Christmas shows will air on WSM Radio, as well as WSM and Opry digital platforms. Tickets are on sale now at opry.com.

Opry Country Christmas 2022 Dates: 
Sunday, November 27
Thursday, December 1
Sunday, December 4
Thursday, December 8
Sunday, December 11
Thursday, December 15
Sunday, December 18
Wednesday, December 21
Thursday, December 22

Country Music Hall Of Fame Taps Trisha Yearwood For New Membership Campaign

Trisha Yearwood visits the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s galleries, which include her own artifacts on display. Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

Trisha Yearwood recently paid a visit to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum to kick off its new membership campaign.

The country icon will lead the multi-media campaign, which aims to double the number of museum memberships by the end of the year and return membership participation to pre-pandemic levels.

This is a cause that is close to Yearwood’s heart, as she worked as a tour guide at the museum before she became a Grammy-winning artist. She has remained an avid supporter throughout her career, performing at museum fundraisers and events, and donating personally to the museum’s collection and its membership program.

“This institution is a treasure for the world—a beacon—and it is also a treasure awaiting you, your family and your friends,” Yearwood shares.

Membership to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum provides foundational philanthropic support and sustains its educational mission. Members receive free admission to the museum’s galleries, family programs, special events and more, as well as discounts to its retail stores. Learn more here.

Industry Ink: CMHOF, Big Loud Publishing, Milestone Publicity

CMHOF Hosts Songwriters Round With Martina McBride, Extends Exhibition

Pictured (L-R): Chris Lindsey, Aimee Mayo, Martina McBride, Brett Warren, Leslie Satcher and the museum’s Senior Manager of Public Programs Kayleigh Shoemaker. Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum hosted a songwriter round on Tuesday (July 12) with Martina McBride and songwriters associated with her career.

The showcase was in support of the current exhibition “Martina McBride: The Power of Her Voice,” which shows the singer’s journey from performing in her family’s band as a child to becoming an award-winning country music artist. It was also announced that the exhibit will be extended until July 2023.

During the round, McBride discussed her creative process and shared stories behind her music with songwriters and collaborators Chris Lindsey, Aimee Mayo, Leslie Satcher and Brett Warren in the museum’s Ford Theater. The performance will premiere on Oct. 25, as part of the museum’s Live at the Hall digital programs series—available to stream on the museum’s social channels.

Husband-and-wife songwriters Chris Lindsey and Aimee Mayo were co-writers on McBride’s singles “Cry, Cry (’Til the Sun Shines)” and “This One’s for the Girls.” As one half of the Warren Brothers, Brett Warren co-wrote McBride’s “Wrong Baby Wrong,” “Anyway,” and “Teenage Daughters.” Together, Lindsey, Mayo and the Warren Brothers co-wrote “How I Feel” with McBride. Leslie Satcher wrote McBride’s “For These Times” and “When God-Fearin’ Women Get the Blues.”

 

Big Loud Publishing Takes Over Nashville’s Listening Room Cafe

Pictured (L-R): John Byron, Madison Kozak, Lauren Watkins, and Jordan Dozzi. Photo: Courtesy of Big Loud Publishing

Big Loud Publishing took over Nashville’s The Listening Room Cafe on Tuesday (July 12) for a writers round showcasing rising young writers Jordan Dozzi (Nelly, Chris Lane, Seaforth, Jordan Davis) and John Byron (Morgan Wallen, Chris Lane, LOCASH, Lily Rose), and country artists Madison Kozak and Lauren Watkins.

“It was such a treat seeing some of our writers take the stage and showcase their talents together,” says Big Loud Publishing’s Kimberly Gleason. “They are all so creative and talented, and it makes it that much more special that they are also friends. You could really feel the support they have for each other and from the writing community in the room last night. We are so proud!”

 

Milestone Publicity Elevates Taran Smith To Account Manager

Taran Smith

Milestone Publicity has promoted Belmont University graduate Taran Smith to Account Manager. Since graduating from Belmont University with a BBA in Music Business, Smith joined Milestone in April of 2022 as an Associate Publicist.

“Taran surpassed my expectations from day one of joining the team as an associate publicist,” says the company’s founder and CEO, Mike Gowen. “She dove into the deep end, took initiative and executed. Taran is a core part of our team, and her skill set has grown expeditiously. I have absolutely no doubt she will succeed in this role, and the Milestone team and I are thrilled to see her career further flourish in the Account Manager seat.”

Milestone Publicity collectively has over 25 years of experience executing campaigns. Since the company’s inception, the firm’s roster has included Kiefer Sutherland, Dave Stewart, Gaby Moreno, John Dolmayan of System of a Down, The Dryes, Creature Canyon, Noah Hicks, Theo Kandel, The Americans and Bryan Martin, in addition to music-focused businesses such as Ghostwriter Music Group and Songbird City.

Four-Night Stadium Passes For 50th CMA Fest On Sale Aug. 3

Four-night stadium passes for next year’s 50th CMA Fest will be available for purchase through Ticketmaster beginning Aug. 3 at 10 a.m. CT. Next year’s festival is set for June 8-11 2023.

CMA Country Connection email subscribers will gain presale access on Aug. 2. Passes include four nights of live concerts at Nissan Stadium featuring the biggest stars in country. Four-day parking will also be available for purchase via Ticketmaster.

CMA Fest returned in 2022 and took over downtown Nashville in June for four days of sold-out shows, along with surprise performances and unique collaborations. The festival featured more than 260 acts and hosted more than 80,000 estimated visitors from all 50 states and 39 countries.

The festival was filmed for a three-hour special, CMA Fest, hosted by Dierks Bentley and Elle King which will air on Aug. 3 at 7 p.m. CT on ABC.

Zach Bryan Embraces The Season With New EP ‘Summertime Blues’

Zach Bryan. Photo: Louie Nice

Zach Bryan is releasing a new 9-track EP, Summertime Blues, on the heels of his record-breaking, Warner Records debut American Heartbreak. The project is slated for release tomorrow (July 15).

On Summertime Blues, Bryan sings about the working class lifestyle on songs like the dark “Quittin’ Time;” tells a longing story about the one who got away on “Oklahoma Smoke Show;” and dives deep into the frustrations of a relationship gone sour on “All The Time.”

American Heartbreak, the Navy veteran’s third album and first for Warner Records, made the second-highest streaming country album debut in history, breaking the 2022 record for single album streams in a 24-hour period and pushing Bryan well past 1 billion streams globally.

His single “Something in the Orange” peaked at No. 11 on the Billboard Hot Country charts and was the No. 18 global streaming track overall. “From Austin” claimed the No. 1 Country Song on Apple Music, debuted at No. 4 on Spotify’s Global Country chart and has garnered over 37 million global streams.

Bryan has also announced some new concert dates, including his first headlining gig in Los Angeles at The Wiltern on Oct.18. Ticket pre-sale for the new dates begins today (July 14) and general on-sale begins tomorrow (July 15). For a full list of upcoming dates, click here.

Jenny Tolman Curates All-Female Country Festival, Taps Carly Pearce As Headliner

Jenny Tolman. Photo: Hunter Berry

Acclaimed country singer-songwriter Jenny Tolman has announced a new festival in Jackson Hole, Wyoming called Cowgirls at The Cowboy. The festival will take place at the iconic Million Dollar Cowboy Bar on Oct. 7-9, and will feature an all-female lineup.

Reigning ACM and CMA Female Vocalist of the Year Carly Pearce will serve as the headliner for the inaugural Cowgirls at The Cowboy event. The three nights of concerts will also feature performances from Tolman and rising singer-songwriter Carter Faith, as well as a writers’ round with beloved singer-songwriters Natalie Hemby, Caitlyn Smith, and RaeLynn.

“I am beyond grateful for the opportunity to showcase these amazing women of country music at my favorite place in the world, Jackson Hole!” shares Tolman. “The impact each of them has had on the genre so far is historic—especially as we are so proud and excited to bring an all-female country music festival to Jackson! Saddle up and get ready for Cowgirls at the Cowboy!”

Tolman, who is based in Nashville, is quite taken by Jackson Hole and the west. Her most recent album, Married in a Honky Tonk, includes several songs inspired by her travels out west.

Tolman’s sophomore album is true to her style, complete with vibrant characters and deep storylines placed in clever songwriting, and is crafted for a rowdy live show. “We really wanted to make a live-show facing album [with Married in a Honky Tonk], so we put that thought into each song we selected,” Tolman told MusicRow prior to the album’s release. “I wanted to stick with the ‘Jennyville’ theme because that is who I am. What I love to do as a performer is to get to role play different characters, but I also wanted to integrate more real life on the album. It’s 50% ‘Jennyville’ and 50% Jenny Tolman.”

Tickets for Tolman’s Cowgirls at The Cowboy festival will range from $50 – $500, and will be sold for each night. They will also be available to purchase at cowboybarjh.com starting Friday, July 29 at 11 a.m. CT.

Rachel Mangan & Don Clarkin Join Dirickson Law Staff

Rachel Mangan & Don Clarkin

R. Landon Dirickson, managing partner of Dirickson Law, has hired Rachel Mangan, Esq., and Don Clarkin, Esq., as associate attorneys at the Nashville-based entertainment law firm.

“I’m genuinely excited to expand the team here at Dirickson Law,” Dirickson notes. “Rachel and Don are extremely smart, driven, and passionate, and will most certainly add high value for our clients.”

A native of Chagrin Falls, Ohio, Mangan graduated summa cum laude from Kent State University with a degree in Business Management. She received her J.D. with a concentration in Entertainment and Music Business from Belmont University College of Law. While there, she was on the Dean’s List, acquired best performance awards in Legal Information and Communication Practicum II and Federal Income Taxation, and served as managing editor of the Belmont Law Review. Prior to joining Dirickson, Mangan interned with Taylor, Pique, Marchetti and Blair, PLLC; Gordon Law Group; and the Nashville Predators legal department.

While at Belmont University College of Law, Clarkin served as President of the Entertainment Law Society and earned a certificate in Entertainment and Music Business Law. Upon graduation, the Laguna Beach, California native built a boutique practice catering to the creative side of the music industry. Prior to law school, Clarkin spent five years working in other business capacities within the music industry.