53rd Annual Nashville Film Festival To Open With Premiere Of ‘The Return of Tanya Tucker’

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Tanya Tucker. Photo: Derrek Kupish

The 53rd Nashville Film Festival will return from Sept. 29-Oct. 5 with more than 150 film screenings, a selection of post-film Q&As , in-depth discussions, and a live in-person Pitch session hosted at United Talent Agency.

The Festival opens this year with a red carpet premiere screening of The Return of Tanya Tucker, the new documentary by Kathlyn Horan chronicling the collaboration between Brandi Carlile, Shooter Jennings and Tucker for the entertainer’s triumphant return to the stage. From Sony Pictures Classics, the film world premiered at SXSW earlier this year.

“As one of the country’s longest running film festivals in some of the most important and historic Nashville-area venues, we are proud to present an unforgettable experience with diverse stories from some of the world’s most talented filmmakers, screenwriters and music makers,” says NashFilm Executive Director Jason Padgitt. “We are delighted to deliver the best in the art of film, music and culture to the Nashville community.”

Special guests will be on hand for the Nashville Film Festival’s opening night screening, and event details will be announced at a later date. Festival screenings will be held at the Belcourt, TPAC’s Andrew Johnson Theater, and satellite partner The Franklin Theatre in Franklin, Tennessee.

The Nashville Film Festival has also announced the launch of FLIX (Film-Led Interactive eXchanges), which festival official selections directly to Metro Nashville Public School students.

“I’m beyond thrilled that we are piloting FLIX this year, our screening program for students,” adds Director of Programming Lauren Ponto. “Including Metro Nashville Public School students in our celebration of film is a wonderful opportunity for filmmakers from around the world to connect directly with MNPS students while promoting media literacy and cross-cultural understanding to young audiences.”

The full slate of films and programs selected for the 53rd Nashville Film Festival will be announced in August.

Industry Ink: Cole Swindell, CMHOF, WMN, More

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Cole Swindell Joins Pandora’s Country Billionaires Station

Pictured (L-R, back row): Tim Foisset, SVP, Commercial Partnerships, WMN; Beville Dunkerley, Sr Director of Talent Relations, SiriusXM/Pandora; Cole Swindell; Alina Thompson, Sr Manager of Talent Relations, SiriusXM/Pandora; KP Entertainment’s Kerri Edwards; Anna Cage, VP, Radio, WMN; Chris Fabiani, National Director, Radio, WMN; (L-R, front row): Ben Kline, WMN Co-President; Justin Luffman, VP Artist Development, WMN. Photo: Jason Davis/Getty Images Pandora Media, LLC

Multi-Platinum entertainer Cole Swindell reached another career milestone recently as he earned a spot on Pandora’s Country Billionaires station for surpassing 3 billion lifetime spins. The Georgia native was surprised backstage on Tuesday night (June 28) at his “Home On Tour” show, presented by Ashley and Pandora in Nashville.

Swindell’s current single, “She Had Me At Heads Carolina,” is racing up the charts hitting the top 30 in just one week. Written by Ashley Gorley, Jesse Frasure, Thomas Rhett, Mark D. Sanders and Tim Nichols, the track follows on the heels of his two back-to-back multi-week No. 1 singles “Never Say Never” with BBR Music Group’s Lainey Wilson and “Single Saturday Night.”

The 11-time chart-topper launches his headlining “Back Down To The Bar Tour,” featuring Ashley Cooke and Dylan Marlowe, on Sept. 23.

 

CMHOF Celebrates Honor Society Members With Special Evening

Pictured (L-R): Jeff Hanna, hosts Ken Levitan and Gloria Dumas, Matraca Berg, Jaime Hanna, Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum CEO Kyle Young. Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum thanked its Honor Society members on Tuesday night (June 28) with a special event at the home of museum board member Ken Levitan and Gloria Dumas. The evening featured a special performance by Jeff Hanna (Nitty Gritty Dirt Band) and singers and songwriters Matraca Berg and Jaime Hanna.

Jeff Hanna and Berg recently performed at an announcement for the museum’s next major exhibition, “Western Edge: The Roots and Reverberations of Los Angeles Country-Rock,” presented by City National Bank. The exhibit will be housed in the museum’s newly transformed 5,000-square-foot gallery and open Sept. 30 for a nearly three-year run.

Honor Society members provide support of the museum’s award-winning exhibitions, education programs and preservation of the museum’s collection. Benefits of Honor Society membership include an invitation to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum Medallion Ceremony, the annual induction of new Hall of Fame members. This year’s ceremony will induct members-elect Joe Galante, Jerry Lee Lewis and Keith Whitley.

 

Warner Music Nashville, WMG Center Of Excellence Celebrate Pride Month

The Warner Music Nashville and WMG Center of Excellence for Shared Services teams celebrate Pride.

Warner Music Nashville and Warner Music Group’s Center of Excellence for Shared Services gathered to walk in the Nashville Pride Parade on Saturday, June 25.

Employees, friends and family all joined together for the celebratory occasion. WMN served as an official sponsor for the 2022 Nashville Pride Festival.

 

The Kinkead Entertainment Agency Signs Canaan Smith

Canaan Smith. Photo: Kurt Ozan

Country singer-songwriter Canaan Smith has inked a deal with The Kinkead Entertainment Agency.

Smith saw his first bit of major success in 2015 with the release of the Platinum, No. 1 hit “Love You Like That,” the lead single off his Bronco record. The album also spawned the top 20 hit “Hole In A Bottle.” With more than 500 million career streams, Smith has also embarked on five nationwide headlining tours, as well as a headlining UK tour.

Smith recently signed a record deal with Tyler Hubbard and Brian Kelley of Florida Georgia Line‘s Round Here Records, and has spent time also touring with the Diamond-selling duo on their “Can’t Say I Ain’t Country Tour.” He has also earned opening spots for major headlining acts, including on Dierks Bentley‘s 2015 “Sounds of Summer Tour” and Brantley Gilbert‘s 2018 “Blackout Tour.”

While still releasing his own music, Smith has also had a multitude of cuts as a songwriter, including with Florida Georgia Line, Brian Kelley, Jake Owen, Tyler Hubbard, and two tracks off of Hardy‘s Hixtape Vol. II.

 

SOURCE Nashville Hosts Panel On Artist Development In 2022

Pictured (L-R): River House Artists’ Zebb Luster, UMG’s Hannah Showmaker Wilson, SOURCE’s Ciara Shortridge, and CAA’s Meredith Jones

SOURCE Nashville hosted a special panel titled Artist Development in 2022 on Thursday, June 23 at H.O.M.E.

The all-female group of music industry professionals enjoyed a discussion featuring CAA Music Agent Meredith Jones, River House Artists VP/GM Zebb Luster, and UMG Nashville Dir. of A&R Hannah Showmaker Wilson. They discussed differing roles on a developing artist’s team and how individual strategies combine to elevate an artist’s career.

David Morris Signs With Sony Music Publishing Nashville

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Pictured (L-R, front row): Sean Pace, David Morris, Kenley Flynn, Rusty Gaston; (L-R, back row): Dane Schmidt, Dale Bobo, Mya Hansen, Tom Luteran, Joe Putnam, Anna Weisband, Josh Van Valkenburg

Singer, songwriter, artist and rapper David Morris has signed a worldwide publishing deal with Sony Music Publishing Nashville.

A West Virginia native, Morris captured the attention of audiences following the release of his 2020 debut album Red, White, & American Blues, which featured standout singles such as the feel-good anthem “Smalltown Queen,” “Does He Know About Us” and “Who Hurt You,” which garnered success on TikTok.

Since then, he has racked up roughly 25 million streams and 550,000 monthly listeners on Spotify alone, with continued growth across all platforms.

“I’ve known David for a very long time, and it has been so inspiring to watch him evolve into the artist he is today,” says Kenley Flynn, Senior Director, Creative, Sony Music Publishing. “I deeply respect his talent, creativity and work ethic. His music is entirely from the heart and is uniquely, authentically David Morris. I’m so excited for what is to come.”

“I’ve always said, an artist needs two things to succeed. The freedom to create and be themselves—and a team to support them in those endeavors,” adds Morris. “So, it’s an amazing feeling having both of those things here at Sony Music Publishing. I want to thank Kenley, Rusty [Gaston] and the rest of the team for believing in me not only as a songwriter but as an artist as well.”

Last week he released his new EP Hometown Heartbreak featuring “Country Boy In Your Life” and “Mine,” among others. Morris is currently preparing a nationwide tour and is set to release a full-length project later this year.

The MLC & Nashville Music Equality Host Summit For Black Music Month

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Pictured (L-R): Shannon Sanders (Executive Director of Creative, BMI), Kayla Ott (Director of Outreach and Engagement, The MLC), Tekitha and Prana Supreme Diggs (O.N.E. The Duo), Gina Miller (Senior Vice President and General Manager, MNRK Music) and Helena Cook (Outreach Specialist, The MLC)

The Mechanical Licensing Collective and Nashville Music Equality presented “For The Culture: Empowering Black Music Creators to Achieve Beyond Reach” to commemorate Black Music Month last Tuesday (June 21) at The MLC’s offices in Nashville.

More than 60 individuals attended the event in-person or watched it online, which featured insightful panel presentations from some of the leading African American voices in the music industry, networking opportunities and several musical performances.

Developed by Dae Bogan, the MLC’s Head of Third-Party Partnerships, in collaboration with NME’s Gina Miller, Kortney Toney and Shannon Sanders, the summit was the latest in a series of cultural partnership programs that highlight The MLC’s commitment to diversity.

‘AIMP Nashville Pubcast’ Announces Fifth Season With David Garcia, Nate Lowery, More

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The Nashville Chapter of the Association of Independent Music Publishers (AIMP) has launched the fifth season of its podcast series, the AIMP Nashville Pubcast.

The new 20-episode season, sponsored by Sound Royalties, will feature David Garcia and Nate Lowery on July 11 and Al Porter on July 25. The podcast can be found on Apple, Spotify, Stitcher, or Soundcloud.

Hosted by AIMP Nashville Board Member Tim Hunze, Senior Director, Creative at Anthem Entertainment, the bi-weekly series features interviews with prominent songwriters and publishing executives in Nashville. The AIMP Nashville Pubcast strives to offer insight to songwriters, inform listeners on issues facing the music industry, and share lessons learned from its guests’ own experiences.

Seven episodes of season 5 have already been released, featuring Dennis and Jesse Matkoksy of Relative Music Group, Olly Sheppard of APG, Marc Rucker of SoundExchange, Randall Foster of Symphonic Distribution, music industry advocate Alex Heiche, Shelby Yoder of Milk & Honey, and Mike Molinar and Alex Heddle of Big Machine Music.

“Season 5 has had an amazing lineup of guests so far and some of our best interviews yet,” says Hunze. “It has been such a fun opportunity for me to be a part of this podcast the past few years. I am fortunate to witness how it has evolved and the impact it has had on people within our industry.”

“This AIMP Nashville Pubcast is a great opportunity for people who are actively involved and interested in independent music publishing to find inspiration and knowledge,” adds John Ozier, AIMP National Chair and President of the Nashville Chapter. “It is important to our organization that we provide a platform for independent publishers and songwriters in the Nashville area to share their stories, advice, and expertise on the music industry. Season 5 is our best yet.”

Matt Koziol Signs With CAA

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Matt Koziol. Photo: Kevin Fagan

Matt Koziol has signed with CAA for booking representation.

Koziol, a New Jersey native, counts Chris Stapleton and Jason Isbell among his influences. He signed a publishing deal with Prescription Songs in 2019, and has collaborated with artists including John Paul White, Joy Oladokun, Jimmie Allen, Charlie Worsham, Steve Moakler and more.

In 2021, he signed an exclusive label and artist development deal with RED Creative Group, and recently released his debut album Wildhorse on May 20. He’ll play a show at the 5 Spot in Nashville tonight (June 29), and will perform across the midwest throughout July.

“I couldn’t be more excited to work alongside the folks at CAA,” Koziol shares. “They get the vision and have a passion for the songs. This album is truly meant to be played live—it’s the best part. I’m ready to get to work on the road and for these songs to come alive on stage every week.”

Ben Rector Brings ‘The Joy Of Music’ Home To Nashville

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Ben Rector at Ascend Aphitheater on June 25, 2022. Photo: KT Sura

Indie singer-songwriter Ben Rector brought his headlining “The Joy of Music Tour” to Nashville’s Ascend Amphitheater on Saturday (June 25). Closing out the 21-stop trek with a hometown show for a sold-out crowd, Rector was preceded by JP Saxe and an interesting set of technical difficulties.

Taking the stage a little later than anticipated, the 15-song set kicked off in an usual fashion as Joy, the namesake and main character of Rector’s most recent record, came out solo and took their place at the piano. Beginning with the inspiring, fantasy-filled ballad “Dream On,” Rector walked onto the stage, taking a seat on the piano to serenade the audience and set the mood for the evening.

“Nashville, let’s have a wonderful night,” Rector said simply before exploding into a medley of “Old Friends”—arguably one of his biggest fan-favorites—and a chorus cover of “Forever Young” by Alphaville.

After addressing the issues with lighting and giving a shoutout to his adaptable production team, Rector quickly got the audience into the fun as he split the sea of spectators in half, giving each a special part to sing during a standout performance of “Living My Best Life,” which combined to form a chilling, harmonious moment.

Ben Rector at Ascend Aphitheater on June 25, 2022. Photo: KT Sura

Ripping off into his hits such as “30,000 Feet,” which the audience eagerly screamed back, and new tunes like “Heroes” and “Daughter,” Rector had his ever-loyal legion of fans bobbing and swaying along to every song. Throughout the night, he also often shared the spotlight with his 8-piece band, making sure to give each of them their own moments to shine as well as trading off singing the lead with his deeply talented background vocalists Jordy Searcy and Stephen Day.

“This is a new record and a new touring cycle, but I wanted to make sure that I played some old songs too,” Rector explained. “The deal with old songs is you want to do them the way that the audience wants to hear them but also make it a little different than the last time you saw me. I decided that I would do something that I have never done before which is play [“Forever Like That”] exactly how I wrote it. I’m going to take you back to me writing it.”

Painting a picturesque scene reminiscent of Yellowstone, Rector delivered a western-infused version of the tune, complete with delectable three-part harmonies and cowboy hats all around.

The beloved singer-songwriter also shared lighter moments throughout the night, busting out into something reminiscent of a barbershop trio, fit with matching hats and light choreo for a rendition of his playful “Range Rover.” He also had the crowd drowning in his charisma as he sang his thoughtful “The Men That Drive Me Places” from his 2015 Brand New album, with Joy joining to tickle the ivories once again.

For the last section of the set, Rector laid on the tempo, spurring the entire crowd to dance along to songs like the groovy, saxophone-heavy “Supernatural,” pitch perfect “Steady Love,” and the rocking fan-favorite “White Dress” off 2010’s Into the Morning, which earned a roaring round of applause.

“Nashville, thank you so much for coming. I remember playing at 12th & Porter and 3rd & Lindsley and never thought that there would be 6,500 to 7,000 of you here tonight. It is insane,” Rector recalled before teasing the well-known concert encore etiquette. “Thanks so much for coming. Thanks for baring through some interesting technical difficulties, and it pains me to say that these are our last two songs,” he said with a wink.

Joy made their way back onto the stage for their namesake track, showing off an impressive collection of dance moves that the audience happily joined them in as the feel-good tune took over the amphitheater. Rector wrapped up the final song of the normal set as he took to the audience for the buzzy “Sunday,” running from the front row all the way to the back lawn two times over.

 

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Though the lights went dark for only a moment, Rector re-emerged as promised.

“What a surprise,” he said cheekily. “Thanks so much for coming. You’ve been wonderful. I love this city and I’m so happy to be from here… This is our last song… Let’s do this.”

Rector ended the night with his Gold-certified hit single “Brand New,” every word of which the crowd happily roared back.

Shawn Austin Releases Local Hay / Big Loud Records Debut EP

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Shawn Austin. Photo: Chris Hornbuckle

Rising Canadian country singer-songwriter Shawn Austin has released his Local Hay/Big Loud Records debut EP, Planes Don’t Wait.

Produced by Scott Cooke, the 7-track collection includes fan-favorites “Get You,” the Chris Lane collaboration “Tailgate To Heaven” and the title track “Planes Don’t Wait,” in addition to four new tracks. Composed of entirely outside cuts, the EP features songs penned by some of Music City’s most in-demand writers, including Craig Wiseman, Kelly Archer, Hillary Lindsey, Jordan Schmidt, Mark Holman, Brian Kelley, Ernest Keith Smith, Jessie Jo Dillon, Jon Nite, Cary Barlowe, and more.

With more than 27 million global career streams, the 2021 CCMA Award Rising Star nominee has spent the first half of 2022 on Dallas Smith‘s Canadian “Some Things Never Change Tour,” which wraps this Thursday (June 30) in Toronto.

A Vancouver native, Austin was recently a season two finalist on NBC’s Songland, pitching Florida Georgia Line as a songwriting contestant. This year, he launched a new chapter of his career as he signed with Local Hay/ Big Loud Records, and hit the top 5 at Canadian country radio with “Tailgate To Heaven.”

Planes Don’t Wait Track List:
1. “Somewhere In Austin” – Written by Jordan Dozzi, Jacob Durrett, Craig Wiseman
2. “Tailgate To Heaven” (feat. Chris Lane) – Written by Kelly Archer, Will Bundy, Rodney Clawson*
3. “Over Here” – Written by Hillary Lindsey, Josh Miller, Jordan Schmidt
4. “Planes Don’t Wait” – Written by Mark Holman, Brian Kelley, Jared Mullins, Ernest Keith Smith
5. “Get You” – Written by Matt Dragstrem, Josh Thompson, Laura Veltz
6. “Slip” – Written by Jessie Jo Dillon, Zach Kale, Jon Nite
7. “Talk of the Town” – Written by Cary Barlowe, Matt Dragstrem, Josh Thompson

All songs produced by Scott Cooke
*Additional production by Will Bundy

Tigirlily Signs With Roundhouse Entertainment

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Pictured (L-R): Greg McCarn, Krista Slaubaugh, Kendra Slaubaugh, Darcie Van Etten, and Dan Anderson

Monument Records artist Tigirlily has signed with Roundhouse Entertainment for management.

Composed of Krista and Kendra Slaubaugh, the sister duo officially formed during high school. Growing up, they performed across the midwest, opening for acts such as LeAnn Rimes and Big & Rich. They quickly developed a fan base of their own, selling out amphitheaters across North Dakota.

After their song “Somebody Does” topped the iTunes chart, they signed to Monument Records, were included in a Keds shoes global campaign, and guest-starred on The Young & The Restless. Tigirlily released their self-titled debut EP in July 2021, working with Shane McAnally. They will be on the road throughout summer and fall, including select dates opening for Walker Hayes and Ashley McBryde.

“As soon as we met Krista and Kendra and saw them perform live, it became apparent that they not only had incredible talent, but also an incredible work ethic,” says Greg McCarn, co-founder of Roundhouse Entertainment. “Discovering that they moved to Nashville and paid their dues, their rent, and their way through college by performing on lower Broadway knocking out 4 hour sets, 3-4 nights per week, for 3 years–and continued that even when they got a record deal–was impressive to us and spoke to who they are as people and the way they treat others. We are so excited to be working with them to help build their future.”

Michael Knox Celebrates Four Years Of Knox Country 360

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Shalacy Griffin & Michael Knox

Award-winning country music producer Michael Knox is celebrating the fourth anniversary of his nationally syndicated radio show Knox Country 360. To commemorate the milestone, Knox and co-host Shalacy Griffin will host a special July 4th show featuring their favorite moments from the past four years.

The show offers listeners closer access to Nashville’s hitmakers and songwriters, including Ashley Gorley, David Lee Murphy, Luke Laird, Rhett Atkins, Nicolle Galyon, Rodney Clawson, Liz Rose, Jessi Alexander, Josh Thompson, Dallas Davidson, Jennifer Hanson and more. The show also features Nashville industry insiders such as Ben Vaughn and Rusty Gaston, amongst others.

Based in Nashville, the show is produced by Knox and Donny Walker (former executive at Westwood One, Cumulus Media, BDS, Billboard Magazine). Hosted by Knox and Griffin, currently the Senior Vice President of Operations for Music Knox, LLC, Bill Bruce is also a key behind-the-scenes member known as “The Voice.”

This year, Knox Country 360 was selected by the ACM as a first-time nominee for National Weekly On-Air Personality of the Year with Knox and Griffin.

“I’m very proud of the four-year journey we have had together so far. From the excitement of our very first show back in 2018, to walking the red carpet at the 2022 ACM awards with my co-host Shalacy for our nomination for National Weekly On Air Personality, this has been such an incredible ride,” Knox shares. “Don’t misunderstand what I’m saying, because I know we’re famous because of me.”

“I have been a fan of radio my entire life so to be able to contribute to this industry has been a blessing,” adds Griffin. “I also agree with my co-host that he may be the ‘famous’ one, but everyone knows that we got our ACM nomination because of me. I think we would also agree that the show would not be possible without Donny Walker and Bill Bruce—those guys are rockstars!”

Knox is well established as one of Nashville’s in-demand music producers, playing a role in 28 No. 1 singles, including the recent Jason Aldean No. 1 “Trouble with a Heartbreak.” He has celebrated over 50 million singles and 25 million albums sold during his career.

In addition to his long-running role as Aldean’s primary producer, Knox’s production credits include Thomas Rhett, Kelly Clarkson, Ludacris, Trace Adkins, Luke Bryan, Eric Church, Miranda Lambert, Carrie Underwood, Laine Hardy and Michael Tyler, amongst others. His record label, Music Knox Records/BBR Music Group, is working on material with Tim Montana, and he serves as a music publisher and Senior Vice President for peermusic Nashville.