Music City Grand Prix Announces Brantley Gilbert & Carly Pearce As Grand Ole Prix Headliners

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Pictured (L-R, top row): Brantley Gilbert & Carly Pearce; (L-R, bottom row): Midland & Callista Clark

The Big Machine Music City Grand Prix has announced country music artists Brantley Gilbert, Carly Pearce, Midland and Callista Clark as the headliners for the Grand Ole Prix concert, set for Aug, 7.

The artists, who are all signed with Big Machine Label Group, will perform as part of a live, 90-minute show that will begin at 5:45 p.m. CT on the ZYN Main Stage. The Grand Ole Prix will follow the conclusion of the Big Machine Music City Grand Prix NTT IndyCar Series race and culminates the Aug. 5-7 festivities in the heart of Music City.

Gilbert, who was named ACM New Male Vocalist of the Year in 2012 and Top New Male Artist in 2013, is a multi-Platinum Georgia native. Seven No. 1 hits punctuate his career: “Country Must be Country Wide,” “You Don’t Know Her Like I Do,” CMA Song of the Year nominee “Dirt Road Anthem,” “My Kinda Party,” RIAA 5x Platinum-certified “Bottoms Up,” and “One Hell of an Amen.”

The reigning ACM/CMA Female Artist/Vocalist of the Year, Pearce has enjoyed a recent wave of significant accolades as her “Never Wanted To Be That Girl” duet with Ashley McBryde became her second consecutive ACM Awards Music Event of the Year win. The song also marked Pearce’s third No. 1 hit and they became only the third duet between two solo women to top Country Airplay since the Billboard chart’s 1990 inception. The Grand Ole Opry member will headline her first shows at the Ryman Auditorium on Oct. 26-27 after a summer touring with Kenny Chesney.

Midland has grown from a bar band to an in-demand headliner, selling out tours from coast to coast as well as supporting some of country music’s biggest stars, such as George Strait, Garth Brooks, Tim McGraw and Little Big Town. Lead vocalist Mark Wystrach fronts their rich sound rounded out with lead guitarist/vocalist Jess Carson and bass player/vocalist Cameron Duddy. Following their Gold-certified debut album On the Rocks, Midland’s follow-up record Let it Roll reached the top of the charts.

Clark’s debut Real To Me EP produced the top 20 hit “It’s ‘Cause I Am,” and became country radio’s most successful new artist debut of 2021. Her latest single, “Gave It Back Broken,” is featured on her forthcoming debut album Real To Me: The Way I Feel, arriving Oct. 14.

Garth Brooks To Receive NSAI’s Kris Kristofferson Lifetime Achievement Award

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Garth Brooks. Photo: Joseph Llanes

Garth Brooks will be honored as the next recipient of NSAI’s Kris Kristofferson Lifetime Achievement Award at the 5th annual Nashville Songwriter Awards presented by City National Bank. The awards are scheduled for Sept. 20 at the Ryman Auditorium. Ticket on-sale information will be released at a later date.

The Kris Kristofferson Lifetime Achievement Award is given to an individual whose works have made a significant contribution to the American songbook and has inspired the careers of others. It has only been given to three other individuals since its inception: Loretta Lynn (2019), Bill Anderson (2018) and Willie Nelson (2013). The honorees are chosen personally by Kristofferson, and is the greatest honor within NSAI’s organizational awards.

“It’s pretty damn embarrassing to give a man of Garth’s stature an award with my name on it,” Kristofferson notes. “When Willie got one he said he could take care of that. Congratulations Garth, I am truly humbled and honored that you have accepted this! You belong on Mount Rushmore. See you there.”

“When they name awards after artists, that award takes on an even greater meaning. Kristofferson is known as the songwriter’s songwriter… and he should be,” Brooks explains. “The honor is the name on the award and the names who have received it. My hope is that through time, the Garth Brooks name is worthy of such an honor. This is going to be a cool night.”

The annual Nashville Songwriter Awards is a celebration of songs and songwriters. Many of the recipients determined by a community of peer professional writers honoring their most-admired songs from the past year to determine the Song of the Year and the 10 Songs I Wish I’d Written awards.

The evening is filled with performances of honored guests and songs, and is a celebration of the adoration shared between all for the art of songwriting.

Carnival Music Adds Jaida Dreyer To Writer Roster

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Pictured (L-R): Lauren Kilgore (Partner, Shackelford, Bowen, McKinley & Norton, LLP), Jaida Dreyer, Nicole Wyatt (Creative Director, Carnival Music), Frank Liddell (Owner, Carnival Music)

Singer-songwriter Jaida Dreyer has signed a publishing agreement with Carnival Music.

Over the years, Dreyer has had songs recorded by Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Reba McEntire, Eric Church, Sara Evans, Granger Smith, Brantley Gilbert, Cody Jinks, Kevin Costner & The Modern West, and more. She’s credited for a multi-week No. 1 with Luke Bryan‘s “Home Alone Tonight,” featuring Little Big Town’s Karen Fairchild.

As an artist, the Ontario native has traveled coast-to-coast opening for artists such as Eric Church, Luke Bryan, Dierks Bentley, and Merle Haggard. She is also a frequent guest on The Grand Ole Opry. Her songs have been featured in Paramount’s Yellowstone, A&E’s The Returned, and Netflix’s Longmire, and she has penned nine tunes for the television series Nashville.

Owner of Carnival Music, Frank Liddell, says: “Jaida is a consummate professional. She succeeds in every endeavor she takes on. She’s a proven successful songwriter, and I believe she will continue to deliver her best work for many years to come. We are excited to be a part of her future.”

“I couldn’t be more excited to be working alongside Jaida,” Nicole Wyatt, Carnival Music Creative Director, adds. “She has such an infectious spirit, and her successes combined, just makes you want to work harder for her.”

“When I moved to Nashville, the very first meeting I had in town was with Frank Liddell. I’ve always looked at those part of the Carnival family as having one of the best seats in the house, and it feels very full circle to be sitting in one of them now,” Dreyer explains. “I owe a lot to Courtney Gregg for bringing me into the fold.”

Justin Luffman Re-Signs With Warner Music Nashville

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Justin Luffman

Warner Music Nashville VP of Artist Development, Justin Luffman, has re-signed his contract with the company.

Luffman joined WMN in 2010, making him one of the longest tenured employees at the label. Prior to joining WMN, he had career stops at Sony and Curb.

“It’s a privilege and honor to continue my journey with Warner Music Nashville,” Luffman says. “The culture we’ve created at WMN energizes me daily. I am incredibly grateful for the mentorship I’ve received from some of the industry’s best leaders throughout my career, and I am so fortunate to work alongside people who I call family. Above all, I am constantly inspired by all of our artists and their music. I’m very proud of all that we’ve accomplished since I began this chapter here 12 years ago, and I am looking forward to much more to come.”

Shane Tarleton, EVP of Artist Development, adds, “Justin Luffman is one of the most creative minds in our industry. I have been fortunate to work alongside him for over a decade and am thrilled to extend our relationship!”

Combustion Music Celebrates 100 No. 1 Hits

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Pictured (L-R): Director of Operations Kelly Lyons; President/Songwriter/Producer Chris Farren; General Manager Keithan Melton; Vice President Chris “Falcon” Van Belkom; Senior Creative Director, A&R Blake Duncan. Photo: Mick Bodie.

Music Row-based publishing, masters, and writer development firm Combustion Music earned its 100th No. 1 with Jordan Davis’ tune “Buy Dirt” (featuring Luke Bryan) via Combustion writer Matt Jenkins.

Alongside this milestone, Combustion has also revamped with a new logo and website, along with a revived definition of Combustion and its expanding list of accomplishments.

Established in 2001 by owner Chris Farren, Combustion’s “we’re all in this together” mentality is a reflection of Farren’s background as an artist, writer, producer and entrepreneur.

With first signings including seven-time ASCAP Songwriter of the Year Ashley Gorley, and Grammy award-winning group Kings of Leon, Combustion is now home to 5x Grammy award nominee Matthew West, multiple No. 1 award-winning writer and producer AJ Pruis, No. 1 writer Brett Tyler, Thirty Tigers artist Bones Owens, writer and Combustion Masters artist Faren Rachels, writers Jessica Farren and Leanna Crawford, and writer/producers Austin Goodloe, Tom Whall, and Sam Bergeson.

“Our industry is ever changing, and we’ve allowed Combustion a flexibility to adapt and pivot with the industry and, therefore, carefully cultivate opportunities to give our writers the best possible chance for success,” Farren explains. “We’re thrilled for our writers and all they’ve accomplished, but more excited for continued growth and all that’s to come.”

“We’ve taken a very grassroots approach to everything we’ve done, so our success has been hard-earned and authentic,” adds Combustion VP Chris “Falcon” VanBelkom. “Everything we’ve done has been done with a lot of intention and care. We’re not just here to develop hit writers-we’re here to build a stable of writers and opportunities the whole team can be passionate about and proud of.”

Combustion also developed multi-award winning singer-songwriter Jameson Rodgers, leading to his deal with Sony Music Nashville, as well as Bones Owens, leading to his deal with Thirty Tigers, and Leanna Crawford with Provident.

The company has partnered with Broken Bow Records to continue the growth of touring and streaming powerhouse Kolby Cooper, and most recently partnered with Sony Music Nashville for the signing of streaming star Corey Kent.

Industry Ink: Michael Ray, Joe Nichols, Nashville Meets London, 7eventh Time Down

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Michael Ray’s Multi-Week No. 1, ‘Whiskey And Rain,’ Goes Platinum

Pictured (L-R): Buffy Cooper (Morris Higham Management), Shane Tarleton (Warner Music Nashville EVP Artist Development), Michael Ray, Ben Kline (Warner Music Nashville Co-President), Jackie Jones (RIAA VP Artist and Industry Relations) and Justin Luffman (Warner Music Nashville VP Artist Development). Photo: Warner Music Nashville

Michael Ray’s “Whiskey And Rain” has reached another milestone, earning RIAA Platinum certification after notching the Florida-native’s fourth chart topper and his first multi-week No. 1. The track was written by Josh Thompson and Jesse Frasure.

“When I first heard ‘Whiskey And Rain,’ I connected with the idea of letting yourself really live in a moment where it can wash over you,” shares Ray. “To say I’m proud of this song would be an understatement. I’m very grateful that it’s found a home in the hearts of fans. I couldn’t do this without them or the team I have behind me.”

“Holy Water,” the second single from Ray’s Higher Education EP, continues to climb the charts at country radio. The song was penned by Ashley Gorley, Hunter Phelps, Ben Johnson and Michael Hardy.

He is set to perform a slew of festival and headlining dates this summer before re-joining Lee Brice on the “Label Me Proud Tour.” For a full list of upcoming dates, click here.

 

Joe Nichols Plans Big Screen Debut With Murder At Yellowstone City

Joe Nichols as Colin Hodge in Murder At Yellowstone City. Photo: Courtesy of Murder At Yellowstone City

Quartz Hill Records’ Joe Nichols is set to make his big screen debut in the new western film, Murder At Yellowstone City, available now in select theaters, on Amazon Prime, Apple TV and more.

In Murder At Yellowstone City, a former slave who arrives in Yellowstone City, Montana looks for a place to call home. On that same day, a local prospector discovers gold–and is murdered. Written by Eric Belgau, the film was directed by Richard Gray and stars Gabriel Byrne, Thomas Jane, Isaiah Mustafa, Richard Dreyfuss, Nat Wolff, Anna Camp, Aimee Garcia, Emma Kenney and Zach McGowan.

Nichols plays Colin Hodge, the son of a dirt farmer and the grandson of a defender of the Alamo. Since surviving a mine collapse he’s fallen on hard times–living in a tent on the edge of town and drowning his memories and nerves in alcohol. His constant singing, beautiful in its sadness, is a fixture in town.

“I am so excited for everyone to see the film,” says Nichols. “It was a lot of fun to make. I loved old westerns as a kid and had a great time on set.”

The film premieres on the heels of Nichols recently released Good Day For Living. His first new full-length project in four years, the 13-song collection reunites the multi-Platinum entertainer with producers Mickey Jack Cones and Derek George, who helmed his 2013 album Crickets containing back-to-back No. 1 Gold-certified hits “Sunny and 75” and “Yeah.”

 

Nashville Meets London Adds Sarah Darling, Ruthie Collins, More To 2022 Festival Lineup

Nashville Meets London (NML) has announced the next round of performers added to the 2022 Music Festival lineup, including Sarah Darling, Candi Carpenter, Ruthie Collins, and Arbor North.

The NML Music Festival will be held on Aug. 24 and 25 at the Trinity Buoy Wharf in East London. The festival will feature performances by 12 artists, with six sets scheduled between 4-11 p.m. on both days. The newly added talent joins previously announced artists Priscilla Block, Shy Carter, Manny Blu, and Kyle Daniel. More talent will be announced in the coming days.

NML organizers have also announced the addition of live performances by Daniel and Vicki Manser to the NML Country Music River Cruise, which will be held on Aug. 19. Tickets for the NML River Cruise and the NML Music Festival are limited and available for purchase here.

Leading up to the festivities, NML Presents! monthly residency shows will take place on June 29 with Jeff Cohen and July 27 with Alannah McCready.

7eventh Time Down’s ‘God Is On The Move’ Receives Gold Treatment

Pictured (L-R): Tyson Paoletti, Senior Director of Marketing, BEC Recordings; Derek Bruner, First Company Management; 7eventh Time Down’s Cliff Williams, Austin Miller and Mikey Howard; Brandon Ebel, President, BEC Recordings and Tooth & Nail Records; Brian Ortize, A&R, BEC Recordings; Lauren Sieh, Director of Promotions, BEC Recordings; and Jennifer Mouttet, Jen Mouttet Promotions.

BEC Recordings’ band 7eventh Time Down is celebrating the Gold certification of their 2016 multi-week No. 1 “God Is On The Move.” With sales exceeding 500,000 units, the career-defining hit remains one of the most popular songs in the band’s discography.

Penned by 7eventh Time Down members Cliff Williams and Mikey Howard, along with Ian Eskelin and Tony Wood, the track celebrates the Lord’s work through the lives of His people.

“After more than 25 years in the music industry, I know how rare it is to encounter a song that touches so many lives in such impactful ways,” says Brandon Ebel, President, BEC Recordings and Tooth & Nail Records. “’God Is On The Move’ is one of those songs—an inspiration to thousands of people, including me and my family. Congratulations to 7eventh Time Down for this well-deserved RIAA Gold single. It is an honor for us to be part of your musical journey.”

“We write songs and send them out into the ocean like rescue boats for the lost and hurting, and even the saved who need a boost of encouragement or a reminder that they are not alone,” shares Howard. “It’s not that we write a song and hope it goes Gold—although we are deeply appreciative of the honor—we simply hope that when the boat comes back, it’s full of people who needed help.” He adds, “I thank God for the team behind ‘God Is On The Move. I’m grateful to have played a small part in the success of this song, and we give God all the glory.”

7eventh Time Down is comprised of lead vocalist Howard, drummer Austin Miller and bassist Williams. The group has appeared on the Grand Ole Opry and shared the stage with such artists as Newsboys, For King & Country and Matthew West, among others.

Kelsea Ballerini, Hillary Scott, More Join Forces With Porter’s Call For An ‘Evening Of Stories’

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Porter’s Call, a non-profit dedicated to providing counsel, support, and encouragement for touring and recording artists and their families, has announced its 13th annual “Evening Of Stories.” All proceeds from the event will support the work of Porter’s Call.

Taking place Aug. 30 at 7:30 p.m. CT at the Fisher Center for the Performing Arts at Belmont University, the evening will feature storytellers and musical guests, including British sailing legend and author Tracy Edwards and MBE and People’s Choice Award winner and author Carlos Whittaker. Musical guests will be Kelsea Ballerini, Hillary Scott of Lady A, Cody Fry, and Anne Wilson.

“Every day, our team has the privilege of offering a safe and confidential space for artists to be off-stage and deal with the issues they face,” shares Porter’s Call founder Al Andrews. “Thanks to the sponsors and others who support and attend our annual event and believe in the art, wellness, and health of artists, we pride ourselves on creating a hope-filled event that is not just talent-packed but heart-changing. By being a part of ‘Evening of Stories,’ you can become a part of the larger story with us. We hope to see you there to share in an amazing evening at a world-class venue.”

Individual tickets for this year’s event will be available in early August. Sponsorships for “Evening Of Stories” are available for individuals, businesses, foundations, churches, or any group that wants to support the mission of Porter’s Call. They include priority seating for the show, a VIP reception, and recognition within marketing materials. Sponsor packages can be purchased through Ashley Holland at Ashley@porterscall.com or by calling 615-414-6291.

Porter’s Call has been bringing well-being and relief to recording artists and their families for more than 20 years. To date, the Porter’s Call team has spent more than 60,000 hours working for and with their clients, saving them millions of dollars on counseling fees.

Live Album From First Charlie Daniels Volunteer Jam Set to Drop In August

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Charlie Daniels‘ very first Volunteer Jam at the War Memorial Auditorium in Nashville from 1974 is being released for the first time on Charlie Daniels & Friends: Volunteer Jam 1 – 1974 – The Legend Begins. The vintage record will drop on Aug. 26 via Blue Hat Records and BFD/Audium Nashville.

The 12-track album includes live performances from The Charlie Daniels Band with special guests Toy Caldwell and Paul Riddle of The Marshall Tucker Band,The Allman Brothers’ Dickey Betts, and Jamie Nichol. The previously unreleased project includes “Tennessee Waltz,” “Whiskey,” “Long Haired Country Boy,” “Caballo Diablo,” “Jambalaya,” “The South’s Gonna Do It (Again),” and more.

“The Volunteer Jam was a magical evening,” says Daniels’ longtime manager and Blue Hat Records President David Corlew. “There was no other event like it. There has never been and will never be. This is the first one. The beginning, where it all started. So let this first Jam be your melodic introduction to a musical legend like no other.”

Additionally on Aug. 26, Blue Hat and BFD/Audium Nashville will release a special vinyl edition of Charlie Daniels & Friends — Duets, exclusively available at Walmart stores. Originally released last July, the nineteen-track album features Daniels dueting with Dolly Parton, Brooks & Dunn, Darius Rucker, Travis Tritt, Vince Gill, Brad Paisley, Brenda Lee, Gretchen Wilson and more.

Charlie Daniels & Friends: Volunteer Jam 1 – 1974 – The Legend Begins Track List:
1. Tennessee Waltz
2. Whiskey
3. Way Down Yonder
4. Long Haired Country Boy
5. New York City, King Size Rosewood Bed
6. Caballo Diablo
7. Jambalaya
8. Stay All Night (Stay a Little Longer)
9. No Place To Go
10. The South’s Gonna Do It (Again)
11. Orange Blossom Special
12. Don’t You Lie to Me

Renee Blair Inks Publishing Deal With Round Hill Music

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Pictured (L-R): Round Hill Music Nashville SVP/GM, Mike Whelan; Renee Blair; Round Hill Music Sr. Director of A&R, Bob Squance; Round Hill Music Director of A&R, Lindsay Will. Photo: Courtesy of Round Hill Music

CMT Next Women of Country artist Renee Blair has signed an exclusive publishing deal with Round Hill Music.

In the past year, Blair has amassed a total of 25 million streams across all platforms. She most recently released her tune “Good at Being Single,” and prior to that joined forces with 4x Grammy award-nominee Iggy Azalea and Empire Nashville artist Sophia Scott to release “Knock Yourself Out.” Next month, Blair will release a video for “Good At Being Single,” as well as her upcoming single “SPF Me.”

A Missouri native, Blair also hosts her own morning show on YoCo Nashville, and has opened up for the likes of Willie Nelson, Carly Pearce, and Walker Hayes on tour.

“I love being an artist, but there is no great artist without great songs,” Blair notes. “Being a songwriter is something I take so seriously and I’m always in pursuit of trying to better my craft. I’m so thankful to have found a new home at Round Hill to help nurture that skill and cheer me along!”

“We are impressed by Renee’s incredible work ethic and unique sound that she has crafted in her artistry,” adds Round Hill Senior Director of A&R Bob Squance. “We are thrilled to welcome her to the Round Hill Music family and to be part of her incredible career.”

Warner Chappell & Edgehill Music Publishing Sign Rob Williford

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Pictured (L-R, back row): Kent Marcus (Attorney), Christina Wiltshire (WCM), Julia Keefe (Edgehill), Tara Joseph (Edgehill); (L-R, front row): Ben Vaughn (WCM), Rob Williford, Josh Joseph (Edgehill)

Singer-songwriter and musician Rob Williford has signed a global publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music and Edgehill Music Publishing.

Williford is a frequent collaborator of country hitmaker Luke Combs, having written his 2019 CMA Song of the Year, “Beautiful Crazy,” which went RIAA-certified double Platinum and ruled Billboard’s Country Music Airplay chart, holding the No. 1 spot for seven straight weeks. Williford also co-wrote Combs’ fast-rising hits “Forever After All” and “Doin’ This.”

Williford, a Gastonia, North Carolina native, is currently playing guitar and singing in Combs’ band on his stadium tour. The multi-faceted talent is also collaborating on a studio project with Kyle Cook of Matchbox 20 and producer David Mescon. The album, written and co-produced by Williford, is expected to be released later this year.