Keith Urban
Earlier this summer, celebrated country superstar Keith Urban embarked on “The Speed Of Now World Tour.” The trek marked Urban’s first time touring the United States in nearly four years.
The two and a half hour show is filled with hits, with Urban energetically busting out many of his 24 No. 1 hits night after night. After playing a few dates in the U.K., the tour launched in Tampa, Florida and has included dates across the United States and Canada. Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Ingrid Andress has served as support throughout the “The Speed Of Now World Tour.”
Despite nearly four years off the road, Urban says that the energy of the crowd hasn’t changed.
“I’ve always tried to create an experience that results in a certain reaction from the audience and a certain engagement from them,” Urban tells MusicRow. “That hasn’t changed for me. And the audience is as passionate, involved and engaged as ever.”
Though “The Speed Of Now World Tour” is another great success for Urban, it didn’t come without challenges.
“The number one challenge was keeping the show on the road, which has eased a lot recently, but is still a reality,” he says. “We definitely got pummeled with various crew members being knocked out during rehearsals for the tour, which has never happened to me before. It made for an interesting start to the tour where we were building a lot of things as we went.”
Another big challenge Urban had to face was the loss of his beloved tour production manager, Randy “Baja” Fletcher. The touring veteran died on Aug. 27, 2021 following a tragic fall at a show site.
Though Fletcher was a vital and missed part of Urban’s crew, he says that his legacy lives on at his shows.
“I’m not trying to fill his shoes,” he says. “One of the beautiful blessings that happened is his daughter, Natalie, is now on our crew, so there is a piece of Baja there every day in Natalie.
“Baja was such an optimistic person. He brought such an optimism everywhere. We were in Alabama the other day and it was pouring rain. His daughter walked by me and said, ‘Daddy used to say that some people feel the rain and some people just get wet,'” Urban shares with a laugh. “He’s alive and well on our crew.”
Despite the challenges Urban and his crew have faced, the show must go on. He says that while the fan engagement has remained as passionate as ever, he is noticing some new faces out on the road.
“The thing that’s caught me most by surprise is how many new people are at our concert. I’ve actually started asking by show of hands who has never seen us before. About a third of their hands go up sometimes. It’s unbelievable,” he says. “We will play older songs and a lot of those people don’t know those songs—but they know all the ones from the last few years. That’s not a change that I expected, but certainly welcomed.”
When asked about his favorite moments of the show, the two-time CMA Entertainer of the Year says he can’t pick.
“The whole thing!” he says with a laugh. “I build a show that I want to play first and foremost—that I’m excited to play. If I’m really passionate and having the time of my life, it’s most likely going to feed out into the audience as well.
“There’s so many great moments. We come out opening with ‘Tumbleweed,’ which is off the new album. It’s such a dynamic way to open a show. Every singalong moment, which seems to be almost all the songs, is great. The audience is so diverse that it seems no matter what we play, there’s someone somewhere that knows every word.”
He’s also getting to sing his fast-rising new single, “Brown Eyes Baby,” written by Will Bundy, Rodney Clawson, Josh Thompson and Morgan Wallen.
“There’s a guy in town named Joe Fisher, who has been a friend of mine for a long time. He heard the song and sent it to me. It was love at first listen. It just connected with me lyrically, melodically, thematically… Everything about the song I just loved,” Urban says.
“We started playing it before we released it. The funniest thing about that song is the very first night we did it, which was opening night of the tour in Tampa, by the second chorus, I was watching people try to sing along with it. I’ve never seen that before—people trying to sing along with a song they’ve never heard. Surely that’s a good sign.”
In July Urban announced that new label-mate Tyler Hubbard would be joining him and Andress in the fall, starting in Mountain View, California on Sept. 3.
Urban and Hubbard’s worlds have collided frequently lately, as Hubbard partnered with Urban’s longtime management company Borman Entertainment to start his solo career. Urban and Hubbard also co-wrote the title track to Hubbard’s newest EP, Dancin’ In The Country.
“We had written ‘Dancin’ In The Country,’ and I’d never really gotten to spend that much time with Tyler. I just loved his vibe and energy, and I knew that he was embarking on his solo career. I said to him, ‘Would you have any interest wanting to come out with us in the fall? [With Ingrid], the three of us could do something really special.'”
Urban and Andress will play a few more shows before Hubbard joins them on Sept. 3. “The Speed Of Now World Tour” will hit Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on Oct. 7. Tickets for select dates are available now.
Lady A To Receive Nashville Symphony Harmony Award
/by Liza AndersonLady A. Photo: Hodges Usry
The 2022 Symphony Ball fundraiser chairmen, Shaun Inman and Sheila Shields, have announced that the 5-time Grammy Award-winning group Lady A will receive the 2022 Nashville Symphony Harmony Award.
The multi-Platinum trio will receive the award during the 38th annual Symphony Ball on Saturday, Dec. 10, 2022, at Schermerhorn Symphony Center. The Harmony Award recognizes individuals who embody the harmonious spirit of Nashville’s musical community. It is presented annually by the Symphony and selected by a committee.
“We are so honored to co-chair the 2022 Symphony Ball, and we look forward to presenting a beautiful evening of dinner, dancing, and music in the stunning Schermerhorn Symphony Center,” says Inman and Shields. “The Ball is very special to us, helping the Symphony bring exceptional artistry to the stage and free music education programs to our Middle Tennessee children. Everyone, young and old, benefits from more music in their lives.”
Lady A have long been a model of mainstream success, built around rich vocal harmony, lucid emotional writing and a smooth blend of country, rock and pop. The group’s 11 No. 1 hits, 18 million albums sold, 34 million tracks, five billion digital streams as well as a global touring footprint make that evident. Known for their hit “Need You Now,” which is the highest certified song by a country group, they have earned the CMA’ s Vocal Group of the Year award three years in a row and many other accolades including five Grammy Awards, Billboard Music Awards, People’s Choice Awards, Teen Choice Awards and a Tony Award nomination.
Over the past decade, the trio has made an impact internationally and stateside with their critically acclaimed headlining shows as well as through LadyAID, the group’s philanthropic fund which supports multiple initiatives around the world.
Past recipients of the Harmony Award include Chet Atkins, Kelsea Ballerini, Mike and Linda Curb, Rascal Flatts, Béla Fleck, Vince Gill, Amy Grant, Faith Hill and Tim McGraw, Wynonna and Naomi Judd, Toby Keith, Miranda Lambert, Lyle Lovett, Martina McBride, Brad Paisley, Dolly Parton, LeAnn Rimes, Michael W. Smith, Marty Stuart, Taylor Swift, Steven Tyler, Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban, Steve Winwood and Trisha Yearwood.
Keith Urban Talks Tour: ‘The Audience Is As Passionate, Involved & Engaged As Ever’ [Interview]
/by LB CantrellKeith Urban
Earlier this summer, celebrated country superstar Keith Urban embarked on “The Speed Of Now World Tour.” The trek marked Urban’s first time touring the United States in nearly four years.
The two and a half hour show is filled with hits, with Urban energetically busting out many of his 24 No. 1 hits night after night. After playing a few dates in the U.K., the tour launched in Tampa, Florida and has included dates across the United States and Canada. Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Ingrid Andress has served as support throughout the “The Speed Of Now World Tour.”
Despite nearly four years off the road, Urban says that the energy of the crowd hasn’t changed.
“I’ve always tried to create an experience that results in a certain reaction from the audience and a certain engagement from them,” Urban tells MusicRow. “That hasn’t changed for me. And the audience is as passionate, involved and engaged as ever.”
Though “The Speed Of Now World Tour” is another great success for Urban, it didn’t come without challenges.
“The number one challenge was keeping the show on the road, which has eased a lot recently, but is still a reality,” he says. “We definitely got pummeled with various crew members being knocked out during rehearsals for the tour, which has never happened to me before. It made for an interesting start to the tour where we were building a lot of things as we went.”
Another big challenge Urban had to face was the loss of his beloved tour production manager, Randy “Baja” Fletcher. The touring veteran died on Aug. 27, 2021 following a tragic fall at a show site.
Though Fletcher was a vital and missed part of Urban’s crew, he says that his legacy lives on at his shows.
“I’m not trying to fill his shoes,” he says. “One of the beautiful blessings that happened is his daughter, Natalie, is now on our crew, so there is a piece of Baja there every day in Natalie.
“Baja was such an optimistic person. He brought such an optimism everywhere. We were in Alabama the other day and it was pouring rain. His daughter walked by me and said, ‘Daddy used to say that some people feel the rain and some people just get wet,'” Urban shares with a laugh. “He’s alive and well on our crew.”
Despite the challenges Urban and his crew have faced, the show must go on. He says that while the fan engagement has remained as passionate as ever, he is noticing some new faces out on the road.
“The thing that’s caught me most by surprise is how many new people are at our concert. I’ve actually started asking by show of hands who has never seen us before. About a third of their hands go up sometimes. It’s unbelievable,” he says. “We will play older songs and a lot of those people don’t know those songs—but they know all the ones from the last few years. That’s not a change that I expected, but certainly welcomed.”
When asked about his favorite moments of the show, the two-time CMA Entertainer of the Year says he can’t pick.
“The whole thing!” he says with a laugh. “I build a show that I want to play first and foremost—that I’m excited to play. If I’m really passionate and having the time of my life, it’s most likely going to feed out into the audience as well.
“There’s so many great moments. We come out opening with ‘Tumbleweed,’ which is off the new album. It’s such a dynamic way to open a show. Every singalong moment, which seems to be almost all the songs, is great. The audience is so diverse that it seems no matter what we play, there’s someone somewhere that knows every word.”
He’s also getting to sing his fast-rising new single, “Brown Eyes Baby,” written by Will Bundy, Rodney Clawson, Josh Thompson and Morgan Wallen.
“There’s a guy in town named Joe Fisher, who has been a friend of mine for a long time. He heard the song and sent it to me. It was love at first listen. It just connected with me lyrically, melodically, thematically… Everything about the song I just loved,” Urban says.
“We started playing it before we released it. The funniest thing about that song is the very first night we did it, which was opening night of the tour in Tampa, by the second chorus, I was watching people try to sing along with it. I’ve never seen that before—people trying to sing along with a song they’ve never heard. Surely that’s a good sign.”
In July Urban announced that new label-mate Tyler Hubbard would be joining him and Andress in the fall, starting in Mountain View, California on Sept. 3.
Urban and Hubbard’s worlds have collided frequently lately, as Hubbard partnered with Urban’s longtime management company Borman Entertainment to start his solo career. Urban and Hubbard also co-wrote the title track to Hubbard’s newest EP, Dancin’ In The Country.
“We had written ‘Dancin’ In The Country,’ and I’d never really gotten to spend that much time with Tyler. I just loved his vibe and energy, and I knew that he was embarking on his solo career. I said to him, ‘Would you have any interest wanting to come out with us in the fall? [With Ingrid], the three of us could do something really special.'”
Urban and Andress will play a few more shows before Hubbard joins them on Sept. 3. “The Speed Of Now World Tour” will hit Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on Oct. 7. Tickets for select dates are available now.
Weekly Register: Swindell Continues His Climb On The Top Country Streaming Songs Chart
/by Lydia FarthingCole Swindell‘s “She Had Me At Heads Carolina” continues to inch its way up the top country streaming songs chart. The single moves its way up two spots to No. 3 this week, notching 9.3 million streams and contributing to 103 million streams RTD.
“You Proof” (Morgan Wallen) keep up steam for another week, maintaining its spot at No. 1 with 11.5 million streams. “The Kind Of Love We Make” (Luke Combs) remains in second with 10 million streams, and “Something In The Orange” (Zach Bryan) also hold on to the fourth spot with 8.9 million streams. “Rock And A Hard Place” (Bailey Zimmerman) falls to No. 5 with 8.6 million streams this week.
Wallen’s Dangerous: The Double Album unsurprisingly keeps its reign at No. 1 on the top country album charts this week, gaining 48.5K in consumption (1.1 K album only/60 million song streams). Wallen also claims the fourth spot with If I Know Me adding 16.5K in total consumption. Bryan’s American Heartbreak takes No. 2 with 23K in total consumption. Combs earns the remaining two spots: No. 3 as Growin’ Up adds 19K and No. 5 with This One’s For You adding 16K in total consumption.
Hit Songwriter Charles Quillen Passes
/by Robert K OermannAward winning country songwriter Charles Quillen died last Friday in east Tennessee at age 84.
Charles Quillen
His biggest hits were the trio of chart-toppers he co-wrote for Ronnie Milsap—“Back on My Mind Again” (1979), “My Heart” (1980) and “I Wouldn’t Have Missed it for the World” (1981). The last-named was a pop-crossover success as well as a No. 1 country song.
He also co-wrote Steve Wariner’s top 10 smashes “Your Memory” (1980) and “By Now” (1981).
Charles William Quillen was born in Virginia in 1938. Following high school graduation in 1956, he served 10 years in the U.S. Army, including a year in Vietnam. After his discharge, he settled in Kingsport, Tennessee and worked at the Mead Corporation paper company.
He’d been writing songs for several years when he decided to try his luck in Nashville in 1970. The early years in Music City were lean. He began to get album cuts in 1974, then achieved major success beginning in 1978.
He co-wrote two of east Tennessee stylist Con Hunley’s biggest hits, “They Never Lost You” (1980) and “What’s New With You” (1981).
Quillen’s other chart successes included “Our Wedding Band” for Louise Mandrell and R.C. Bannon (1982), “She Used to Love Me a Lot” for David Allan Coe (1985), “I Talked a Lot About Leaving” for Larry Boone (1987), “The Jukebox Played Along” for Gene Watson (1989) and “Why Don’t That Telephone Ring” for Tracy Byrd (1993).
He returned to No. 1 in 1986 as the co-writer of John Schneider’s “What’s a Memory Like You (Doing in a Love Like This).” During his Nashville career, Charles Quillen received 12 ASCAP Awards and numerous Gold and Platinum records for his works.
His songs were recorded by such Country Music Hall of Fame members as George Strait, Conway Twitty, Charlie Louvin, Johnny Cash, Barbara Mandrell, Floyd Cramer and Charley Pride.
Among the dozens of other stars who recorded Qullen’s tunes were Blake Shelton, Moe Bandy, Wayne Newton, Sylvia, Marie Osmond, Mark Chestnutt, Jim & Jesse, Charly McClain and Ricky Van Shelton.
Always quick to praise his collaborators, Quillen called himself “blessed” to have written with such Music Row greats as Dean Dillon, Kye Fleming, Dennis Morgan, Don Pfrimmer, Conrad Pierce, John Jarrard and John Schweers.
He was known as “Downtown Charlie” to listeners of Nashville sports-talk radio programs. He was an avid Tennessee Vols fan.
Charles Quillen retired in 2005 and returned to Kingsport. He died there of an undisclosed cause on Aug. 19.
He is survived by his daughter, Allison Quillen Hurst and by his son, Joey Quillen; by two grandchildren, two sisters, a brother and several nieces nephews, cousins and extended family members.
At his request, Charles Quillen was cremated, and a memorial service will be announced at a later date. Carter Trent Funeral Home of Kingsport is serving the Quillen family.
BMLG Adds Quinn Kaemmer & Macy Kaiser, Ups Shelby Paul
/by Lydia FarthingPictured (L-R): Quinn Kaemmer, Shelby Paul, and Macy Kaiser
Big Machine Label Group has added Quinn Kaemmer as Senior Director, Communications, and has promoted Shelby Paul to Director, Communications. The department also welcomes Macy Kaiser as Coordinator, Communications.
“The Big Machine communications department has a long-standing reputation for being strategic and creative with strong execution,” notes Senior Vice President of Communications Jake Basden. “We are excited to welcome Quinn Kaemmer to the team, as she is a highly respected publicist with a fresh energy who further strengthens our media and industry relationships. Shelby Paul’s much deserved rise to Director is a result of her 7-year tenure at Big Machine where she has consistently delivered media campaigns for both BMLG and Big Machine Music publishing while Macy Kaiser’s tenacity and go-getter attitude makes her the perfect person to be the department’s coordinator.”
A member of MusicRow‘s NBT Class of 2022, Kaemmer joins BMLG from BBR Music Group, where she started in 2017 as a Manager and rose through the ranks to Senior Director. During her tenure, she handled publicity efforts for artists such as Elvie Shane, Frank Ray, Locash, Lindsay Ell, Jelly Roll and Blanco Brown. She was also responsible for the publicity launch of Best New Artist Grammy nominee Jimmie Allen, as well as ACM New Female Artist of the Year and Song of the Year winner Lainey Wilson. The North Carolina native and Elon University alum also led the publicity efforts for Randy Houser’s Magnolia album and Parmalee’s return to the top of the charts. Kaemmer’s previous stops include NPG PR, Marlo Marketing and Reed PR. She can be reached at quinn.kaemmer@bmlg.net.
Since joining BMLG seven years ago as an intern, Paul has been key in the media campaign and development of ACM and CMA Awards Female Artist/Vocalist of the Year Carly Pearce. Contributing to opportunities for Thomas Rhett, Lady A, Brantley Gilbert and Brian Kelley, she also seeks out placements for Danielle Bradbery, Tyler Rich, Callista Clark, Conner Smith and songwriter Laura Veltz, as well as introducing newcomers Tiera Kennedy and Shane Profitt. Shelby graduated from Central Michigan University and previously worked in Los Angeles with the Academy of Country Music on PR and marketing efforts for the 50th annual awards show before joining BMLG in 2015. She can be reached at shelby.paul@bmlg.net.
Kaiser joins BMLG as a Coordinator, Publicity where she will assist in the public relations efforts for BMLG’s diverse roster of artists. She joins the team from CMA where she worked as a Communications Assistant, handling Artist Relations and Production for this year’s CMA Fest. She previously worked in digital marketing and partnerships in the diamond industry. She graduated with a Bachelor’s from Western Kentucky University and a Master’s from Southeastern University. She can be reached at macy.kaiser@bmlg.net.
Mitchell Tenpenny Plots ‘This Is The Heavy Tour’ For January
/by Lorie HollabaughMitchell Tenpenny will embark on his new headlining “This Is The Heavy Tour,” beginning in January. Warner Music Nashville’s Tyler Braden will open the shows.
The tour will kick off in Salt Lake City on Jan. 26 and visit LA, Baltimore, Chattanooga, and more through Feb. 25, with more dates to be added. The run includes back-to-back shows at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium on Feb. 3-4.
A Nashville native, Tenpenny sold-out his first-ever headline concert at the Mother Church of Country Music in the fall of 2021. Ticket and VIP packages for the tour go on sale this Friday (Aug. 26) at mitchell10penny.com.
“I’m so excited to begin 2023 with my own tour and have the opportunity to see the fans in these cities,” shared Tenpenny. “And having TWO Nashville shows in the routing is just icing on the cake!”
This Friday Tenpenny will release “Good and Gone” co-written with Zach Abend, Seth Ennis, and Geoff Warburton, from his forth coming album This Is The Heavy, due out Sept. 16.
BMI Reduces Workforce By Almost 10 Percent
/by LB CantrellIn an email sent to the BMI staff last week, President and CEO Mike O’Neill announced that the PRO would be reducing its total workforce by just under 10% via a headcount reduction and the decision to leave a number of current open positions unfilled.
According to a source at BMI, the headcount reduction accounted for fewer than 30 people. Though it is unclear how many of the layoffs affected BMI’s Nashville branch, former Sr. Director of Events & Partnerships, Erica Glidewell, and Director Corporate Travel and Relations, Mary Loving, were reportedly among the group.
In an email obtained by MusicRow, O’Neill writes, “These decisions are never easy as they involve our colleagues and changes to the way we operate. At the same time, they are necessary for us to ensure that we are best positioned for continued success in the future.”
O’Neill continues, “We learned some important lessons during the pandemic about how we could operate more effectively. Unlike many other companies, we made a concerted effort to maintain headcount as COVID took hold, the right decision for us at that time. As we emerged from the pandemic, it became clear that there were areas in our workforce that needed adjustment.”
He goes on to say that though BMI has continued to “outperform the competition,” the PRO’s success doesn’t mean the company should not “take a critical look at our business and ensure we are operating in the most efficient and effective way possible, particularly as we head into uncertain economic times.”
This is a developing story…
Nina Jenkins Fisher Rises To Sr. Director, Creative At Jody Williams Songs
/by Lorie HollabaughNina Jenkins Fisher. Photo: Aubrey Wise
Nina Jenkins Fisher has been promoted to Senior Director of Creative at Jody Williams Songs.
Rising from her post as Creative Director at the company, Fisher has helped double the roster at Jody Williams Songs. Her first signing came in early 2021 with Peytan Porter, resulting in the company releasing their first master recordings.
“Nina is a strategic thinker; every move she makes has meaning and purpose,” shares founder Jody Williams. “First, Nina has a real knack for discovering talent. Then, she tees up our writers’ calendars with goal-oriented sessions, expertly communicating their strengths with other publishers. Her efforts in the artist development area are equally impressive. She is as comfortable with Vince Gill as she is with a newly signed writer. I attribute much of our growth and the company’s future trajectory to her sensibilities and savvy.”
“Launching Jody Williams Songs has been, by far, the greatest joy and most rewarding challenge of my career,” reflects Jenkins Fisher. “I’m beyond grateful to continue working with Jody, whose ability to inspire creatives is truly without match. I walk into work every day completely in awe of my writers and my team. The hallmark of the company is our distinctive music and I’m excited to see where the music will take us next.”
Having recently celebrated their first No. 1 song with Ashley McBryde and Carly Pearce‘s “Never Wanted to Be That Girl,” JWS also represents a roster via traditional publishing deals with partner Warner Chappell Music, including writer-artist Jason Nix, Greg Bates, Jeremy Spillman, Nathan Chapman and Driver Williams. Vince Gill and Natalie Hemby are also represented by Jody Williams Songs.
Luke Combs Claims Spot In The Top 10 On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart
/by Lydia FarthingLuke Combs. Photo: Jeremy Cowart
Luke Combs pops into the top 10 on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart this week. The country superstar checks in at No. 9, up two spots from last week. He’s a co-writer on his own “The Kind Of Love We Make” and “Tomorrow Me,” as well as on Zac Brown Band’s “Out In The Middle.”
Ashley Gorley maintains his spot at the top this week for a third consecutive week with eight songs on the country charts, including Dierks Bentley’s “Gold,” Michael Ray’s “Holy Water,” Dylan Scott’s “New Truck,” Cole Swindell’s “She Had Me At Heads Carolina,” Parmalee’s “Take My Name,” Carly Pearce’s “What He Didn’t Do,” Brett Young’s “You Didn’t” and Morgan Wallen’s “You Proof.”
Ernest Keith Smith (No. 2), Morgan Wallen (No. 3), Mitchell Tenpenny (No. 4) and Chase McGill (No. 5) round out the rest of this week’s top songwriters.
The weekly MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart uses algorithms based upon song activity according to airplay, digital download track sales and streams. This unique and exclusive addition to the MusicRow portfolio is the only songwriter chart of its kind.
Click here to view the full MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart.
Thomas Rhett Adds Canadian Dates To ‘Bring The Bar To You Tour’
/by Lorie HollabaughThomas Rhett is taking his “Bring The Bar To You Tour” into Canada in February, extending the tour with 10 Canadian dates through Feb. 25. Jordan Davis and Kameron Marlowe will open the shows.
Tickets for the new dates will be available for purchase beginning Aug. 26 at thomasrhett.
“It’s been an absolute blast being back out on the road this summer and we are so excited to take the tour to Canada next year,” Rhett shares. “It feels like forever since we were last able to play for those fans. They always bring an insane amount of energy and we cannot wait to get up there and see them again.”
Rhett is currently on the first stretch of his “Bring The Bar To You Tour,” which will visit Shoreline Amphitheatre, Toyota Amphitheatre, and North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre this weekend across the state of California.
“Bring The Bar T0 You Tour” Canadian Dates:
2/9/2023 – Vancouver, BC – Rogers Arena
2/11/2023 – Edmonton, AB – Rogers Place
2/12/2023 – Calgary, AB – Scotiabank Saddledome
2/16/2023 – Saskatoon, SK – SaskTel Centre
2/17/2023 – Regina, SK – Brandt Centre
2/18/2023 – Winnipeg, MB – Canada Life Centre
2/21/2023 – London, ON – Budweiser Gardens
2/22/2023 – Toronto, ON – Scotiabank Arena
2/24/2023 – Montreal, QC – Bell Centre
2/25/2023 – Ottawa, ON – Canadian Tire Centre