Robert Carlton
Robert Carlton is Sr. VP of Development at SMACK, the Nashville entertainment company that now involves a successful publishing house (SMACKSongs), management firm (SMACKManagement), and a recently launched influencer marketing service (SMACKTok).
A Nashville native and MTSU graduate, Carlton began his career at Black River. In 2014, he moved to SMACK and has since ascended to run the artist management division, which represents Shane McAnally’s television projects (including NBC’s Songland), Monument Records artist Walker Hayes and UMG artist Kylie Morgan. Carlton also works with SMACK’s publishing roster.
Carlton and the SMACK team have had a whirlwind few months as Hayes has experienced monumental success with his hit “Fancy Like,” from his recent EP Country Stuff.
The tune, co-written by Hayes, Cameron Bartolini, Shane Stevens and Josh Jenkins, has charmed the hearts of listeners across the world with its lyrics about a cheap date night at Applebee’s. Hayes sings “We fancy like Applebee’s on a date night, got that Bourbon Street steak with the Oreo shake / Get some whipped cream on the top too, two straws, one check, girl, I got you.”
Once Hayes and his daughter Lela uploaded a TikTok of the two of them dancing to the song, “Fancy Like” took off, with other creators and celebrities sharing their own TikToks of the dance. Just a month later, the TikTok has been viewed over 30 million times and “Fancy Like” ventured into the zeitgeist, hitting No. 1 on Billboard‘s Hot Country streaming chart. On the country radio front, “Fancy Like” flew up the charts, making the biggest jump into the Top 10 on the Mediabase Country chart since Gretchen Wilson’s “Redneck Woman” in early 2004. It also hit No. 1 on MusicRow‘s CountryBreakout Radio Chart on Friday (Oct. 15).
“People just gravitated towards the ordinary with Walker,” Carlton tells MusicRow of the song’s success. “[Taking it to TikTok] was obvious from the jump. The dance idea was just him and his daughter… It wasn’t strategized in a real specific way.”
Now “Fancy Like” backs an Applebee’s commercial, a collaboration we all saw coming. Carlton says that the restaurant chain wasn’t interested at first, but once the song took off, they re-considered. After the release of the track, CNN reported that Applebee’s sales grew 102% in the months following. “It was a no brainer at that point, they just had to pay a little more than they would have on the front end,” Carlton quips.
Walker Hayes and Kesha. Photo: Adam Battaglia
Hayes also partnered with pop artist Kesha on a remix for the tune. “We were trying to find someone who made sense, that you thought might go to Applebee’s,” Carlton says. “Walker and Kesha had a call about it. She said ‘I actually got thrown out of an Applebee’s because my friend got in a fight there.’ He was like, ‘Perfect. You’re it!'”
Although Hayes has been experiencing what seems like an overnight success with “Fancy Like,” the singer-songwriter has been putting the work in for 10 years. Fans have long-gravitated to Hayes’ very specific musical style, with songs like the double-Platinum “You Broke Up With Me,” and popular “90s Country” and “Don’t Let Her” creating a buzz with listeners.
When it comes to the titanic success of “Fancy Like,” Carlton says that it’s been a long time coming.
“Walker has an incredible ability to connect with his fans and build his base 1 by 1 but having this massive moment happen so suddenly is sometimes hard to appreciate and accept,” Carlton admits. “I think I’m too close to it to really allow myself enjoy it although I’m constantly telling myself to do so. It seems like every day something else amazing happens with this song and Walker and I are in disbelief asking each other ‘WHAT IS HAPPENING?’ It’s really been special to see this happen first hand with an artist and individual that is as talented and as genuine as they come.”
Double Down Music Partners With Pump House Music To Sign Lewis Brice
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): Erin Kidd, Creative Director, Double Down Music: Lewis Brice; Dallas Davidson, Founder, PIA Music Group; Ryan Dokke, CEO, PIA Music Group
Lewis Brice has signed with Double Down Music in partnership with Pump House Music.
Brice’s debut self-titled EP, produced with brother Lee Brice, was released via Pump House Music in 2017. Tracks from the EP were featured on SiriusXM’s The Highway, CMT Music, and Spotify’s New Boots & Wild Country playlists. The project’s lead single, “Best Ex Ever,” reached the Top 40 of MusicRow’s CountryBreakout Radio Chart. His single, “It’s You,” amassed more than 18 million streams upon its release, adding to his nearly 33 million overall career streams.
“Over the years, I’ve known Lewis as a hell of a singer!” says Double Down Music Founder, Dallas Davidson. “He is also a terrific writer, and the Double Down team and I are excited that we get to work with a talented guy like Lewis.”
Robert Carlton Talks Walker Hayes’ Red-Hot Hit, “Fancy Like” [Interview]
/by LB CantrellRobert Carlton
Robert Carlton is Sr. VP of Development at SMACK, the Nashville entertainment company that now involves a successful publishing house (SMACKSongs), management firm (SMACKManagement), and a recently launched influencer marketing service (SMACKTok).
A Nashville native and MTSU graduate, Carlton began his career at Black River. In 2014, he moved to SMACK and has since ascended to run the artist management division, which represents Shane McAnally’s television projects (including NBC’s Songland), Monument Records artist Walker Hayes and UMG artist Kylie Morgan. Carlton also works with SMACK’s publishing roster.
Carlton and the SMACK team have had a whirlwind few months as Hayes has experienced monumental success with his hit “Fancy Like,” from his recent EP Country Stuff.
The tune, co-written by Hayes, Cameron Bartolini, Shane Stevens and Josh Jenkins, has charmed the hearts of listeners across the world with its lyrics about a cheap date night at Applebee’s. Hayes sings “We fancy like Applebee’s on a date night, got that Bourbon Street steak with the Oreo shake / Get some whipped cream on the top too, two straws, one check, girl, I got you.”
Once Hayes and his daughter Lela uploaded a TikTok of the two of them dancing to the song, “Fancy Like” took off, with other creators and celebrities sharing their own TikToks of the dance. Just a month later, the TikTok has been viewed over 30 million times and “Fancy Like” ventured into the zeitgeist, hitting No. 1 on Billboard‘s Hot Country streaming chart. On the country radio front, “Fancy Like” flew up the charts, making the biggest jump into the Top 10 on the Mediabase Country chart since Gretchen Wilson’s “Redneck Woman” in early 2004. It also hit No. 1 on MusicRow‘s CountryBreakout Radio Chart on Friday (Oct. 15).
“People just gravitated towards the ordinary with Walker,” Carlton tells MusicRow of the song’s success. “[Taking it to TikTok] was obvious from the jump. The dance idea was just him and his daughter… It wasn’t strategized in a real specific way.”
Now “Fancy Like” backs an Applebee’s commercial, a collaboration we all saw coming. Carlton says that the restaurant chain wasn’t interested at first, but once the song took off, they re-considered. After the release of the track, CNN reported that Applebee’s sales grew 102% in the months following. “It was a no brainer at that point, they just had to pay a little more than they would have on the front end,” Carlton quips.
Walker Hayes and Kesha. Photo: Adam Battaglia
Hayes also partnered with pop artist Kesha on a remix for the tune. “We were trying to find someone who made sense, that you thought might go to Applebee’s,” Carlton says. “Walker and Kesha had a call about it. She said ‘I actually got thrown out of an Applebee’s because my friend got in a fight there.’ He was like, ‘Perfect. You’re it!'”
Although Hayes has been experiencing what seems like an overnight success with “Fancy Like,” the singer-songwriter has been putting the work in for 10 years. Fans have long-gravitated to Hayes’ very specific musical style, with songs like the double-Platinum “You Broke Up With Me,” and popular “90s Country” and “Don’t Let Her” creating a buzz with listeners.
When it comes to the titanic success of “Fancy Like,” Carlton says that it’s been a long time coming.
“Walker has an incredible ability to connect with his fans and build his base 1 by 1 but having this massive moment happen so suddenly is sometimes hard to appreciate and accept,” Carlton admits. “I think I’m too close to it to really allow myself enjoy it although I’m constantly telling myself to do so. It seems like every day something else amazing happens with this song and Walker and I are in disbelief asking each other ‘WHAT IS HAPPENING?’ It’s really been special to see this happen first hand with an artist and individual that is as talented and as genuine as they come.”
Industry Ink: Zac Brown Band, Cindy Watts, Paul Ebersold
/by Lydia FarthingZac Brown Band Wraps Up “The Comeback Tour” In Nashville
Pictured (L-R): Kristen Williams (SVP Radio & Streaming, Warner Music Nashville), Cris Lacy (EVP A&R, Warner Music Nashville), Zac Brown, Shane Tarleton (EVP Artist Development, Warner Music Nashville), Tom Martens (VP Radio & Streaming, Warner Music Nashville), Patrick Sabatini (SVP Legal & Business Affairs, Warner Music Nashville)
CMA Awards Vocal Group of the Year 2021 nominee Zac Brown Band closed out “The Comeback Tour” at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on Sunday night (Oct. 17).
The band released their new album, The Comeback, via Warner Music Nashville/Home Grown Music on Friday (Oct. 15), which features their Top 10 single, “Same Boat.”
Journalism Veteran Cindy Watts Joins CMT.com
Cindy Watts
Nashville-based veteran journalist Cindy Watts has joined the CMT.com editorial team.
Watts joins CMT.com alongside writer Marcus Dowling, who was appointed to the editorial staff in February 2020. Both report to Melissa Goldberg, CMT’s Senior Director of Digital & Social.
She joins CMT following a 20-year career with The Tennessean where she covered country music and celebrities.
She can be reached at Cindy.Watts@cmt.com.
Paul Ebersold Joins Rock Ridge Music For Management
Grammy-winning producer Paul Ebersold has signed with Nashville-based management company Rock Ridge Music.
The Platinum-selling producer, mixer and songwriter got his start at Ardent Studios. His extensive list of studio credits include The Weeks, Drew Holcomb, 3 Doors Down and Third Day, among others.
Most recently, Ebersold joined long-time collaborator Sadler Vaden to co-produce Morgan Wade’s album, Reckless, on Arista Nashville, as well as co-writing three tracks on the project.
Elvie Shane Scores First No. 1 With Debut Single “My Boy”
/by Lorie HollabaughWheelhouse Records artist Elvie Shane is celebrating his first No. 1 with his debut single “My Boy,” which rises to the top of both the Mediabase/Country Aircheck Singles chart and Billboard’s Country Airplay chart this week.
Co-written by Shane with Russell Sutton, Nick Columbia and Lee Starr, the chart-topping track was inspired by Shane’s stepson.
“I read a quote by Walt Disney the day I signed with my record label that said ‘Whatever we accomplish belongs to our entire group, a tribute to our combined effort,’” says Shane. “That still rings true today. I’m so thankful that group has grown to include country music radio. For such a personal debut song like ‘My Boy’ to go number one means the world to me and my family. Huge thank you to all my champions out there.”
Shane’s upcoming debut full-length album Backslider, is set for release on Oct. 29.
Curb | Word Music Publishing, Pump House Anthem Publishing Sign David Tolliver
/by Lydia FarthingPictured (L-R): Lee Brice, David Tolliver, Curb | Word VP of Country Publishing Colt Murski
Curb | Word Music Publishing and Lee Brice’s Pump House Anthem Publishing have signed a joint publishing deal with songwriter David Tolliver.
The Kentucky native has had cuts by Tim McGraw, Chris Young, Brantley Gilbert, Jerrod Niemann, Wynonna & The Big Noise, Edwin McCain, Joe Diffie, Neal McCoy, and many others.
Tolliver broke into country music in 2007 as part of country-rock duo, Halfway To Hazard, with their debut Top 40 hit “Daisy.” That year, the duo hit the road opening for McGraw and Faith Hill on the “Soul2Soul Tour.” They later toured with McGraw and Jason Aldean on the “Live Your Voice Tour.”
“I have known David Tolliver since the early years and all I know is he works like no other, he cares, and he gets it done,” shares Brice. “So many intangibles separate him from so many other writers. From writing the lyrics, the guitar riffs or the melodies, he can sing it all and has every tool you could ever ask for in a writer. I am so looking forward to this new chapter.”
Curb | Word VP of Country Publishing Colt Murski says: “We are so excited to add David Tolliver to our roster of talented writers. Lee, David and I have been working together for so many years now and have always been close friends, which makes this partnership so awesome. I can’t wait to see all of the success that comes out of this team!”
“I’ve been working with the writers, artists, Colt and the publishing staff for so many years now that I’ve always felt like I was part of the family; now I really am,” adds Tolliver. “Being able to partner with my long-time friend, Lee Brice, is a blessing. I’m excited for all the opportunities that Lee and Curb can provide and I’m so happy to be a part of this team!”
Garth Brooks Announces Two Ryman Shows For November
/by Lorie HollabaughGarth Brooks has announced that he will play two intimate back-to-back shows at Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium on Nov. 19-20.
“Just Garth, The Ryman and You” will give fans a chance to hear the stories behind the songs in a historic setting following the postponement of his Nashville Nissan Stadium show this summer due to severe thunderstorms in the area.
Brooks ultimately cancelled his remaining stadium dates this summer due to COVID concerns, and has not yet been able to reschedule the Nissan Stadium date.
Tickets for the Ryman shows go on sale this Friday (Oct. 22) at 10 a.m. CT and are limited to four per person. Proof of COVID-19 vaccination or negative test is required for entry.
Locash Renews Publishing Deal With BMG
/by LB CantrellPictured: Preston Brust, Chris Lucas. Photo: Cal & Aly
Chart-topping country duo Locash has extended their publishing deal with BMG.
Comprised of singer-songwriters Preston Brust and Chris Lucas, Locash has celebrated two No. 1 hits with “I Know Somebody” and “One Big Country Song,” as well as the Gold-certified “I Love This Life.” They’ve release two acclaimed albums and are now working toward new music which is set to be announced soon.
As songwriters, Brust and Lucas have penned hits for other artists including Keith Urban’s No. 1 “You Gonna Fly,” and Tim McGraw’s Top 10 “Truck Yeah.”
“Getting to know and work alongside Preston [Brust] and Chris [Lucas] over the past three years has only strengthened our belief in them as brilliant musical creators. We are proud to continue our longtime partnership with Locash and look forward to their continued success,” shares BMG’s VP, Creative Chris Oglesby and Senior Creative Director, A&R Katie Kerkhover.
Brust and Lucas add, “Turning words, feelings, and melodies into songs is a big part of our life, and we couldn’t ask for a better home for the songs we write than BMG. We’re excited to continue our partnership with [Chris] Oglesby, Katie [Kerkhover], and the entire amazing team at BMG!”
Locash is signed to BBR Music Group/BMG’s Wheelhouse Records and represented by Red Light Management.
Travis Tritt Cancels Concerts That Require COVID Vaccinations, Negative Tests, Or Masks
/by LB CantrellTravis Tritt. Photo: Jeremy Cowart
Travis Tritt announced that he has canceled his upcoming concerts at venues that require proof of COVID vaccination, mask mandates, or testing. As a result, the following Tritt shows have been canceled: Muncie, Indiana on Oct. 23; Philadelphia, Mississippi on Nov. 6; Peoria, Illinois on Nov. 11; and Louisville, Kentucky on Nov. 13.
In a statement released today (Oct. 18), Tritt says, “I’m putting my money where my mouth is and announcing that any venue or promoter mandating masks, requiring vaccinations, or pushing COVID testing protocols on my fans will not be tolerated. Any show I have booked that discriminates against concert-goers by requiring proof of vaccination, a COVID test, or a mask is being canceled immediately. Many people are taking a firm stand against these mandates around the country, and I wholeheartedly support that cause. I have been extremely vocal against mandates since the beginning. This is a sacrifice that I’m willing to make to stand up for the freedoms that generations of Americans have enjoyed for their entire lifetimes. There are plenty of promoters and venues around the country that appreciate fans and the freedom of choice in this great country, and those are the promoters and venues that I will be supporting.”
Tritt continues, “I’m sorry for any inconvenience this situation creates for anyone who had purchased tickets to these shows. We will try to reschedule unrestricted shows in these areas as soon as we can.”
Shows that do not have mandates will continue as scheduled.
Hardy Jumps Into Top 3 On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart
/by LB CantrellHardy. Photo: Tanner Gallagher
Hit songwriter Michael Hardy leaps from No. 11 to No. 3 this week on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart. Hardy is a co-writer on “Beers On Me” (Dierks Bentley, Hardy & Breland), “Come Back As A Country Boy” (Blake Shelton), “Sand In My Boots” (Morgan Wallen), “That Ain’t Me No More” (Matt Stell) and his own “Give Heaven Some Hell.”
Ashley Gorley remains at No. 1 this week, while Hunter Phelps moves up to the No. 2 spot.
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.
Wade Bowen Slates New EP, ‘Where Phones Don’t Work,’ For November
/by Lorie HollabaughWade Bowen. Photo: Katie Kauss
Wade Bowen is offering a first glimpse of his upcoming EP, Where Phones Don’t Work, with a brand new single “When Love Comes Around,” available everywhere this Friday, Oct. 22.
Set for release Nov. 19 via Thirty Tigers, Where Phones Don’t Work reflects a renewed sense of joy Bowen discovered in making music and sharing it with fans. Writers contributing to the new EP include Rhett Akins, Eric Paslay, Heather Morgan, and more.
“While slowing down and reflecting over the past year, I felt a calling to create more uplifting music that would be exciting to incorporate into our shows, since we’re so grateful to be playing live again,” says Bowen.” “There’s a new sense of hope and a new sense of urgency with this music. I’m just so inspired again. Because of that inspiration, it created an opportunity for me to really open my writing brain, and my heart, a lot more. I feel like I’m 25 again, starting my career—it’s almost like a new path, but now I have all the knowledge from the past 20 years. It feels good.”
1. Phones Don’t Work (Wade Bowen, Aaron Raitiere, Rhett Akins)
2. Where We Call Home (Wade Bowen, Brad Clawson, Jeremy Bussey)
3. The Last Town In Texas (Wade Bowen, Eric Paslay, Heather Morgan)
4. When Love Comes Around (Wade Bowen, Eric Paslay, Heather Morgan)
5. Trouble Is (Wade Bowen, Steve Earle)
6. Be You (Wade Bowen, Drew Kennedy)
Produced by Paul Moak