Randy Houser To Host Nikki Mitchell Foundation Homecoming Golf & Concert Benefit

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Randy Houser will host the Homecoming Golf & Concert event benefitting the Nikki Mitchell Foundation on Aug. 14-15 at Beau Rivage Resort & Casino in Biloxi, Mississippi. Tickets are on sale now, and every attending ticket holder will also receive a $50 gift card to Icey-Tek Coolers.

The Nikki Mitchell Foundation’s mission is to provide comfort and relief to those affected by pancreatic cancer while raising awareness and searching for a cure.

“I’m honored to host this event benefitting The Nikki Mitchell Foundation,” shares Houser, a Mississippi native. “I always look forward to an opportunity to give back, and to be able to support this foundation along with so many of my friends means a lot to me.”

“Randy is an integral part of the Nikki Mitchell Foundation’s Artist Board,” says NMF Director of Development Christa Bowles. “Although he has performed at more NMF shows than we can count, this will be his first time hosting an event for the foundation. We could not be more grateful to have such a generous, caring and talented board member as our Homecoming host.”

The title track of Houser’s recently announced sixth studio album, Note To Self, is currently climbing the charts at country radio. Set to release on Nov. 11 via Magnolia Music Group, the record was produced by Houser and Blake Chancey and features 10 tracks all co-written by Houser.

Houser wrapped his co-headlining tour with longtime friend Jamey Johnson in April and heads back out on the road this summer for a slew of headlining shows, festival dates and select performances with Lynyrd Skynyrd, Cody Johnson and Travis Tritt. For a full list of upcoming dates, click here.

New Book Explores Legacy Of Outlaw Country Pioneer Billy Joe Shaver

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A new book on Billy Joe Shaver, Live Forever: The Songwriting Legacy of Billy Joe Shaver, will be released July 21 through Texas A&M University Press.

Penned by roots music writer Courtney S. Lennon, the book is based on in-depth interviews conducted prior to Shaver’s passing in 2020, and offers a host of iconic artists, singer-songwriters, road-worn veterans, and up-and-coming musicians who were impacted by Shaver’s life and songwriting.

Shaver wrote nine of the ten songs included on Waylon Jennings’s Honky Tonk Heroes album and played a major role in the origins and development of the outlaw country movement of the 1970s. With a catalog that includes “Ride Me Down Easy,” “I Been to Georgia On a Fast Train,” “Honky Tonk Heroes,” and “I’m Just an Old Chunk of Coal,” Shaver has been named by Ray Wylie Hubbard, alongside Townes Van Zandt and Guy Clark, as a member of the “holy trinity” of Texas songwriters. He exerted a deep influence on Texas music and especially Lone Star singer-songwriters, and is cited as a chief inspiration on generations of artists.

This is Lennon’s first book with TAMU Press after spending over a decade as editor of online roots music magazine, Turnstyled, Junkpiled. The book follows veteran Texas music author Brian T. Atkinson’s volumes in the Songwriting Legacy series on Shaver’s fellow Texas legends Townes Van Zandt, Ray Wylie Hubbard, Mickey Newbury, and Roky Erickson.

“Billy Joe Shaver was one of Texas’ greatest songwriters and a pillar of country music,” Lennon notes. “Live Forever is a testament to that.”

Michael Steele Joins Visionary Media Group As VP, Streaming & Digital

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Michael Steele

Michael Steele has joined Nashville-based Visionary Media Group as Vice President of Streaming & Digital. In his position, he will oversee playlisting and digital strategy, working closely with DSP partners such as Apple Music, Amazon Music, Pandora, Spotify, YouTube Music and Soundcloud.

Steele brings over 20 years of experience to his new role, having started in radio broadcasting at age 14 in his hometown of Vermillion, South Dakota, and culminating at KIIS-FM in Los Angeles. He went on to launch Indie 103.1—a station with shows that celebrated the punk revolution of the late ’70s. Most recently, he was Senior Director of Playlist Programming and Curation for Warner Music Group, where he oversaw playlist strategy and spearheaded digital marketing campaigns for Warner, Atlantic, and Elektra recording artists.

“I’m honored to be on board at Visionary Media Group. This forward-thinking team represents a diverse roster of artists including Clayton Anderson, Cody Belew, Leigh Nash and O.N.E The Duo,” Steele notes. “Each is completely unique, and Visionary’s approach to nurturing their individual artistry is unlike any other team that I’ve ever worked with. It’s incredibly refreshing, and I’m thrilled to be a part of it.”

“We’re proud to welcome Michael Steele to our growing Visionary Media Group team. He not only brings experience in playlist curation across a diverse range of genres, he’s a forward thinker, a leader, and approaches each project and artist campaign with a keen sense of creativity,” shares Anastasia Brown, Chief Content Strategist, Visionary Media Group. “It’s simply impossible to box him in and we love that! We look forward to growing our artists’ visions as we develop film, TV and documentary projects; all with Michael at our digital helm.”

“Michael is an outstanding addition to our team,” says Visionary Founding Partner, Ron Zamber. “He thinks globally and executes with precision. While an experienced, forward-thinking strategist, one of his superpowers is adaptability. Michael knows how to turn-on-a-dime to super serve our digital partners on behalf of our diverse family of artists and projects. Welcome, Michael!”

Nick Sciorra, Visionary Founding Partner, adds, “It’s rare to find someone of Michael’s experience caliber and long standing relationships, who is so on the front foot of innovative distribution platform trends, that he is a perfect fit to lead our uniquely designed content model at Visionary. We’re excited to have him on our team and look forward to the magic his leadership will bring to Visionary, its artists and innovators.”

Steele is working from the company’s offices on Music Row, and can be reached at michael.steele@visionarymediagroup.com.

Jim Lauderdale Slates New Album ‘Game Changer’ For August

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Jim Lauderdale. Photo: Scott Simontacch

Jim Lauderdale is releasing a new album, Game Changer, on Aug. 26. The project is Lauderdale’s 35th full-length album, and he’s kicking off the project with the release of  “That Kind Of Life (That Kind Of Day),” out now.

Operating under his own label, Sky Crunch Records, for the first time since 2016, Lauderdale recorded Game Changer at Blackbird Studios in Nashville, co-producing the release with Jay Weaver.

The album features tracks such as “We’re All We’ve Got,” a co-write with Mary Gauthier and Jaimee Harris, offering a message about healing torn relationships. “Friends Again” brings a smile at the thought of rekindling a friendship, while “I’ll Keep My Heart Open For You,” features sweet harmonies.

“There’s a mixture on this record of uplifting songs and, at the same time, songs of heartbreak and despair—because that’s part of life as well,” Lauderdale says. “In the country song world especially, that’s always been part of it. That’s real life. Country music is constantly evolving, but I’ll always have a soft spot in my heart for steel guitar and a Telecaster. I have done my job on this record if people who love classic country feel like they can put it on, or have it in their collection, and it would fit right in.”

Along with the new project, Lauderdale has also just been named a 2022 nominee for the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame.

BoomTown Saints Sign Recording Deal With 8 Track Entertainment

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Pictured (L-R): Ben Chism (BoomTown Saints), Noah Gordon (Pres./8Track Entertainment), and Chris Ramos (BoomTown Saints). Photo: Jenna Ramos

Rising country duo BoomTown Saints have signed an exclusive, long-term recording agreement with Nashville/Muscle Shoals-based entertainment company, 8 Track Entertainment.

Florida native Chris Ramos and Mississippi native Ben Chism formed BoomTown Saints in 2018. The two initially pursued careers outside of music–Ramos as a healthcare consultant in the pharmaceutical industry, and Chism, who was headed to medical school after graduating with a degree in biology.

After Chism won the regional Texas Country Showdown singing competition, he went on to the Southeast USA contest and finished in the top 10 nationwide, and elected to choose music over medicine. Meanwhile, after landing multiple cuts on pop, country and electronic music albums, Ramos decided to pursue his dream in music and form a band.

The pair will release their debut single, “All Trucks Go To Heaven,” to all digital service providers on July 15. Produced by Noah Gordon and Gary Kraen, the track was written by Taylor Phillips, Ben Stennis and Jeremy Bussey.

“Our team is pumped about the addition of BoomTown Saints to 8 Track Entertainment’s growing roster,” says Gordon, President of 8 Track Entertainment. “Their work ethic combined with their talent and energy are a perfect fit for our growing company and we look forward to getting their first single out in the world.”

Society Of Composers & Lyricists Announces Inaugural Nashville Steering Committee

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The Society of Composers & Lyricists has announced its inaugural Nashville Steering Committee, which is comprised of talent from Music City’s film, TV, gaming, production music, arranging, songwriting and performance communities.

Committee members include Keith Mason (Coordinator of Commercial Music and Music Technology, Belmont University), Pat McMakin (Studio Manager, Ocean Way Studios) and Steve Schnur (Worldwide Executive and President of Music, Electronic Arts). The chapter will be chaired by veteran film and television composer Jay Weigel.

“For more than half a century, Nashville has been known as ‘Music City USA.’ But within the past decade, this birthplace of country music has become one of the world’s top 3 destinations to record scores for films, television, and games of every genre, and is first or second home to more songwriters, composers and orchestrators than anywhere on earth,” Schnur explains. “With the arrival of the SCL, Nashville is now officially ‘Music City Global.’”

“With so many of our members traveling to Nashville to record these days, it became obvious to us that there was an opportunity to bring the SCL’s experience, education, advocacy and other resources to a community that will hopefully reap the benefits as it expands,” SCL President Ashley Irwin notes. “And building on the long-standing alliances we already share with the major PROs (ASCAP, BMI and SESAC), we see a very bright future for all things SCL in Nashville.”

Since the April launch of the SCL’s newest chapter, the members of the committee have been meeting to determine a slate of events for the remainder of the year that will serve to introduce the SCL and its benefits to music creators in Nashville looking to better understand the world of writing for audio-visual media. Event details will be shared in the coming weeks.

For more information, visit thescl.com/nashville-chapter.

Warner Chappell Inks Publishing Deal With Warren Zeiders

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Pictured (L-R): Ben Vaughn (WCM); Ryan Beuschel (WCM); Warren Zeiders; Charly Salvatore (underscore works); Christian Barker (Attorney); and Brian O’Neil (underscore works)

Warner Chappell Music (WCM) has signed a global publishing deal with rising Warner Records artist Warren Zeiders.

Zeiders has gone from collegiate athlete to Gold-selling artist with his hit single, “Ride The Lighting.” His original, solo acoustic version of the track racked up over 657 million global views on TikTok alone before going RIAA-certified Gold.

Zeiders released his debut EP, 717 Tapes, in October 2021, and followed it with 717 Tapes, Vol. 2. Shortly after the release of Vol. 2, he sold out his debut Nashville show at Exit/In and hit the road for his “The 717 Tapes Tour,” with dates running through September.

Hailing from Hershey, Pennsylvania, the 23-year-old singer-songwriter will make his Grand Ole Opry debut this Saturday (July 9).

Parker McCollum Makes History At Whitewater Amphitheater With Record-Breaking Ticket Sales

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Pictured: Parker McCollum, with his band and crew, celebrate three sell-out performances at the Whitewater Amphitheater. Photo: Christina Feddersen

Parker McCollum has added another ‘first’ to his already impressive resume of accomplishments by selling out three nights at the iconic Whitewater Amphitheater in New Braunfels, Texas this past weekend.

Just ahead of the Fourth of July holiday, McCollum sold a record-breaking 15,500+ tickets over three consecutive show dates at the famed venue.

The accomplishment adds to McCollum’s already successful year. The Conroe, Texas native won the ACM Award for New Male Artist of the Year in March and a CMT Award for Breakout Video of the Year in April. He secured his second consecutive No. 1 hit with “To Be Loved By You,” garnered a 2-time Platinum selling single with “Pretty Heart,” and sold out shows around the country. In March McCollum fulfilled a childhood dream of playing to a sold-out crowd at RODEOHOUSTON.

His debut album, Gold Chain Cowboy, was the highest first-week debut album of 2021 and since then he has amassed over 1 billion LTD domestic streams.

Industry Ink: Cody Johnson, Country Luau, Gable Price & Friends, Ghostwriter Music

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Cody Johnson Mines Some Gold & Platinum

Pictured (L-R): Howie Edelman/Durango Artist Management, Ben Kline/WMG, Cody Johnson, Brandi Johnson, Cris Lacy/WMG, Shane Tarleton/WMG

Cody Johnson received some heavy metal for his now RIAA-certified Platinum single “’Til You Can’t” and Gold-certified “Dear Rodeo” during a recent No. 1 party.

“’Til You Can’t” was Johnson’s first No. 1 at country radio, and remained at the top for two consecutive weeks. “Dear Rodeo” has racked up over 125 million global streams to date, and over 750K U.S. track equivalents.

 

Country Luau Hosts Pool Party Benefit For Music Health Alliance

Country Luau, a Nashville-made, canned cocktail line, is hosting a fundraising pool party to celebrate their first few months in business. Guests will enjoy a tropical pool party at the recently renovated Dive Motel, complete with beats by DJ Poboy and live music by Corey Parsons from local favorite Banditos, a recipient of Country Luau’s Mixed for Music grant program.

The event will benefit the Music Health Alliance and its Ben Eyestone Fund. Tickets cost $40 ($30 after 4 p.m.) with $5 being donated to the Ben Eyestone Fund, and will be available for purchase at the pool entrance.

 

Gable Price & Friends Signs With Capitol Christian Music Group

California-bred rock and roll band Gable Price & Friends (The Boys) have joined the Capitol Christian Music Group family and are re-releasing their EP If I’m Being Honest on the label with two new live songs. The updated EP is available now, along with a music video for “I Need You.”

“Gable Price & Friends are an incredible rock and roll band,” says Brad O’Donnell (CCMG, Co-President) and Hudson Plachy (CCMG, Co-President) in a statement. “With their high energy and personalities, you can’t help but be a fan. We are thrilled that they have found their home here at Capitol CMG and honored to partner with them. We can’t wait to see everything the future holds for this talented band.”

 

Ghostwriter Music Adds Staffers

Pictured (L-R): Macy Thompson, Paige Mount

Ghostwriter Music has expanded its team, hiring Macy Thompson as Director of A&R and Paige Mount as Customs Producer and Synch Manager. Thompson will be based out of the company’s Nashville office and Mount will work out of Ghostwriter’s L.A. office.

“When Paige started with Ghostwriter, she immediately fell into place as an indispensable part of the team,” says Chris Bragg, the Founder/CEO of Ghostwriter Music. “Her proficiency in navigating the needs of our custom music clients and her ability to get the best out of our composers is amazing. Macy is one of the most personable people I’ve ever met. Her people skills and upbeat personality, along with an instinct for finding and developing talent for synch licensing make her a perfect fit for this position.”

Sam Palladio Signs With Red Light Management

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Sam Palladio. Photo: Pamela Littky

Sam Palladio has signed with Red Light Management for worldwide representation. He is co-managed by Chip Dorsch in the company’s Nashville office, and Jessica Lord in London.

The actor/musician grew up in Cornwall England, but it was in Music City that Palladio got his big break playing the role of Gunnar Scott on ABC’s hit TV drama Nashville. Palladio has performed on many of the world’s most iconic stages including the Ryman Auditorium, Red Rocks, The Royal Albert Hall, The Roundhouse, and The O2 Arena. In 2018 he opened for Biffy Clyro on their European tour.

Palladio spent the past two years collaborating with acclaimed British songwriters such as Ed Harcourt, Jonny Lattimer and Nick Hodgson. At the start of 2021, he teamed with Søren Hansen (of New Politics), Paul DeVincenzo and Grammy-winning producer Dave Sardy to record songs for his upcoming debut album.

“I’ve been blessed with an acting career that has allowed me to wear many hats and tell many stories,” shares Palladio. “Music has always been my passion and a driving force for my creativity—from guitar lessons at 5 to garage bands in my teens. I dedicated this last couple of years to songwriting and trying to find my own unique voice. Drawing back the curtain, letting people in on family relationships, tragedies and telling my own story—that’s something that I’ve never done before until now. I’m incredibly excited about this next chapter and to be building the team that will help me share my music with the world.”

“Sam is a perfect example of what is happening musically in Nashville now—a melding of many styles of music,” says Dorsch. “The approach for him sonically, visually and holistically will be rooted in his British and US influences. It is our hope that he will simultaneously be one of Music City’s greatest imports and greatest exports. We are incredibly excited to be working with such a well-rounded artist to help bring his music to life.”

Lord adds, “One of the many reasons Sam is such an exciting and interesting artist is his potential to connect with audiences both sides of the Atlantic (and further afield!). His upbringing in the UK and domicile in the US are ever-present in the music, the approach and in Sam’s ambition to reach fans globally. The opportunity for managers to work together from different parts of the world, Nashville and London in this case, is part of the ethos of Red Light—finding like-minded people to help create the best possible opportunities for our artists.”