Ingrid Andress is launching her The Feeling Things headlining tour this fall and will visit 12 cities across the U.S., before traveling to Ireland, Scotland, London, Paris, Denmark and more and wrapping the tour in Oslo, Norway. Georgia Webster will join as the opener for the U.S. leg of the tour.
Andress will perform in Nashville on Nov. 18 at the Brooklyn Bowl as part of the new dates. The Feeling Things Tour marks the first headlining tour for the rising Nashville star since 2019, and will give Andress the opportunity to bring her debut album Lady Like to life. Tickets for the trek go on sale July 29, and in between headlining shows, Andress will rejoin Dan + Shay on The (Arena) Tour opening alongside The Band Camino.
“I’m so excited to bring my debut album, Lady Like, to the stage and perform these songs that have been such a huge part of my life for the past few years,” said Andress. “More importantly, I can’t wait to see all the fans that I’ve been missing for the last 18 months. As a songwriter, the human connection is one of my favorite parts of the whole experience of touring, so I’m really looking forward to that.”
The Feeling Things Tour Dates:
September 27th – Boston, MA – Royale
September 30th – Madison, WI – Majestic Theatre
October 5th – Birmingham, AL – Saturn
October 6th – Athens, GA – Georgia Theater
October 7th – New York, NY – Webster Hall
October 11th – Los Angeles, CA – Troubadour
November 6th – Auburn, AL – Jay and Susie Gogue Performing Arts Center
November 15th – Columbia, MO – The Blue Note
November 17th – Chattanooga, TN – The Signal
November 18th – Nashville, TN – Brooklyn Bowl
December 9th – Richmond, VA – The National
December 10th – Pittsburgh, PA – Stage AE
January 18th – Dublin, Ireland – Whelan’s
January 19th – Belfast, Northern Ireland – Limelight 1
January 21st – Glasgow, Scotland – Saint Luke’s
January 22nd – Manchester, United Kingdom – Gorilla
January 23rd – Birmingham, United Kingdom – O2 Institute 3
January 25th – London, England – Scala
January 27th – Paris, France – Le Pop Up Du Label
January 29th – Amsterdam, Netherlands – Melkweg
January 31st – Berlin, Germany – Privateclub
February 1st – Hamburg, Germany – Nochtwache
February 2nd – Copenhagen, Denmark – Lille Vega
February 3rd – Stockholm, Sweden – Nalen Klubb
February 5th – Oslo, Norway – Krosset
New ‘Willie Nelson And Family’ Docuseries In The Works
/by Lorie HollabaughWillie Nelson. Photo: Pamela Springsteen
Production is underway on a new docuseries Willie Nelson and Family, from Blackbird Presents and Sight Unseen Pictures, that will chronicle the extraordinary life and career of the country legend.
Emmy and Grammy award-winning filmmaker Thom Zimny and Academy Award-nominated and Emmy award-winning filmmaker Oren Moverman are co-directors of this multi-part docuseries. Nelson and his family and friends are providing exclusive participation and access to his archives for the series, and filming is taking place in Austin, Maui, Nashville, L.A. and New York.
The project was developed by Nelson’s longtime manager Mark Rothbaum and Blackbird Presents Founder/Chief Creative Officer Keith Wortman, who have collaborated on several award-winning film, TV and music projects. Executive Producers on the docuseries are Wortman, Rothbaum, Annie Nelson, Julia Lebedev, Eddie Vaisman and Leonid Lebedev.
“Telling Willie’s story has been a lifelong dream of ours, and we feel privileged to realize this dream with Thom, Oren and Sight Unseen,” says Rothbaum and Wortman.
“Words like ‘honored,’ ‘excited’ and ‘humbled’ don’t come close to describing the way we feel about being entrusted with telling Willie’s story. And what a story it is! We are celebrating the music, the career, the long road, the family, friends and history. But, more than anything, we are piecing together a narrative – one never before seen in its entirety – about an extraordinary man with a unique ability to bring people together; folks of all races, orientations, genders, political ideologies and musical leanings. These days, we sure could use the healing powers of Willie Nelson,” adds Zimny and Moverman.
At 88, Nelson is still going strong. In the last year alone he has led major online concert fundraisers for Farm Aid and the Austin Community Foundation and was the voice of 13 major sports leagues as part of the Ad Council’s national ad campaign on vaccination awareness. The legend also released a No. 1 album, That’s Life, that paid homage to his favorite Frank Sinatra songs, released his latest book Willie Nelson’s Letters to America, and was celebrated in a music special Willie Nelson: American Outlaw on A&E.
Gibson Launches New Record Label, Signs Slash As Flagship Artist
/by Sarah SkatesSlash Featuring Myles Kennedy and The Conspirators. Photo: Austin Nelson
Gibson brands has announced the launch of Gibson Records, a strategic label partnership with BMG, headquartered in Nashville. The label will be home to artists with guitar-centric music and the first album will be from Slash Featuring Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators. The band is also the label’s first signing.
For the past 127 years, the iconic American instrument brand has been synonymous with creating and shaping sound across genres of music and generations of players. In more recent years, Gibson, headed by Brand President Cesar Gueikian, has launched successful music initiatives including the newly opened Gibson Garage in Nashville. Gibson Records is the next major step in contributing to the evolution of collaborative artist partnerships.
“Launching a record label that is in service to our artists is the natural evolution of our 127 years of history. Gibson Records will work with Gibson artists to capture, record and promote their music under an artist friendly partnership,” says Gueikian. “Gibson Records will keep all of us at Gibson focused on our artist first culture that is engaged and connected to music.”
“It’s an honor to be the first release on the new Gibson Records,” says Slash. “It’s a zenith in our partnership for sure and having worked so closely with Gibson for so long, I know they will be a label that genuinely supports their artists creatively. Not just me, but all the artists they choose to work with. It’s perfect.”
Slash, the famed rock guitarist and songwriter, has amassed album sales of over 100 million copies, and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as member of the classic lineup of Guns N’ Roses. His current band Slash Ft. Myles Kennedy And The Conspirators has been touring worldwide and making music for a decade and includes Myles Kennedy (lead vocals), Brent Fitz (drums), Todd Kerns (bass/vocals) and Frank Sidoris (rhythm guitar).
Weekly Register: Dan + Shay Earn Biggest Country Debut And Other ‘Good Things’
/by Lydia FarthingDan + Shay
This week, Warner Music’s Dan + Shay earned the top country debut with their newest release, “Good Things,” which racked up 3.3 million streams, putting it at No. 37. The award-winning duo also take the No. 4 spot on the top country streaming songs with “Glad You Exist,” another single from their upcoming studio album, Good Things. The track gained 6 million streams this week, adding to a total of 110 million RTD, according to Nielsen.
Walker Hayes keeps up his momentum at No. 1 with “Fancy Like” which had another impressive week with 11 million streams. The song has 41 million streams RTD and currently sits at No. 12 overall. Nelly & Florida Georgia Line take the second spot with “Lil Bit” gaining 7.5 million streams, Luke Combs takes third with “Forever After All” gaining 7.4 million, and Chris Young & Kane Brown round out the top five with “Famous Friends” gaining 6 million streams this week.
As far as the top country streaming albums go, everything remains the same. Dangerous: The Double Album (Morgan Wallen) stays at No. 1, gaining another 44,000 streams for a total of 53 million RTD, according to Nielsen. Wallen also takes up the fourth spot with his 2018 album, If I Know Me, earning 15,000 streams. What You See Is What You Get and This One’s For You (Combs) take second and third with 24,000 and 17,000 streams, respectively. To wrap the top five, Traveller (Chris Stapleton) adds 13,000 streams this week.
Guy Clark Documentary Coming To The Belcourt Theatre
/by Sarah SkatesGuy Clark
The Belcourt Theatre will host the Nashville debut of award-winning documentary feature film Without Getting Killed or Caught, the story of revered songwriter Guy Clark on Aug. 6. There will be a Filmmaker Q&A with director and producer team Tamara Saviano and Paul Whitfield after the screenings on Aug. 6 and 7, with screenings at the Belcourt running through Aug. 12.
Premiering at the 2021 SXSW Film Festival where it was lauded with the Louis Black Lone Star award, Without Getting Killed or Caught will tour theaters throughout the U.S. this summer and fall.
Clark, who died in 2016, wrote and recorded unforgettable songs (“L.A. Freeway,” “Desperados Waiting for a Train”) for more than forty years. The 95-minute documentary is based on his wife Susanna Clark’s personal diaries and follows the Clarks and close friend and songwriter Townes Van Zandt as they rise from obscurity to reverence. It is narrated by Academy Award-winner Sissy Spacek and features interviews with acclaimed artists Rodney Crowell, Steve Earle, Vince Gill, Verlon Thompson, and Terry & Jo Harvey Allen.
The film opened in Austin, TX on Friday, July 23 and will premiere in five additional cities in Texas followed by dates across the country. For a complete listing of participating theaters and dates visit www.withoutgettingkilledorcaught.com.
Cole Swindell Takes 10th Trip To The Top Of The Charts With ‘Single Saturday Night’
/by Lorie HollabaughCole Swindell. Photo credit: Robby Klein
Cole Swindell has scored his 10th No. 1 with “Single Saturday Night.” The song has logged over 122 million streams since its release, and massive fan response propelled the song to No. 7 on the all-genre iTunes chart during its digital release week.
Penned by Ashley Gorley, Michael Hardy and Mark Holman, the track is Swindell’s 11th career single.
“Ashley Gorley and Hardy sent me the demo for ‘Single Saturday Night,’ and I knew it was something I wanted to record,” said Swindell. “I was missing the road and the live shows and wanted my fans to have new music from me. Once we put it out, their reaction was so big it pushed us to release it to country radio. I can’t thank country radio, the fans, and my team enough for making this my 10th No. 1 song. Still hard to believe! I can’t wait to see everyone out on the road.”
The Georgia native is set to hit the road with Thomas Rhett’s Center Point Road Tour, which kicks off August 20 in Bangor, Maine.
Hardy Moves Into Top Five On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart
/by LB CantrellHardy moves into the top five this week, sliding up to No. 4 on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart. He is a co-writer on “Sand In My Boots” (Morgan Wallen), “Single Saturday Night” (Cole Swindell), “That Ain’t Me No More” (Matt Stell), “The Worst Country Song Of All Time” (Brantley Gilbert, Hardy, Toby Keith) and “Give Heaven Some Hell” (Hardy).
Ashley Gorley remains in the No. 1 position this week, as a co-writer on “Country Again” (Thomas Rhett), “Give Heaven Some Hell” (Hardy), “Sand In My Boots” (Morgan Wallen), “Single Saturday Night” (Cole Swindell), and “You Should Probably Leave” (Chris Stapleton).
Corey Crowder remains at No. 2, Hunter Phelps moves up one to No. 3. Zach Crowell rounds out the top five.
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.
Love From Music City To Honor Crystal Gayle At 5th Annual Gala
/by Lorie HollabaughLove From Music City will hold its 5th Annual Gala on Oct. 5 at The Estate at Cherokee Dock in Lebanon, Tenn., formerly the home of Reba McEntire. The Bill Anderson Icon Award will be presented during the evening to Crystal Gayle for her contributions made to the community and her role as a pathbreaker and legendary performer.
The evening will feature live entertainment, a silent auction, great food, and more. The organization has a 50-year legacy of feeding and clothing orphans across the globe, with 10 years of including local, middle Tennessee foster care children.
“Post COVID, I sense a change in our community. I believe this is the time people are ready to get involved and be a part of the solution for every motherless child. I am excited!” shares Shanda Tripp. “Also, I have been a fan of Crystal Gayle forever! To think we get to honor her as our LFMC Bill Anderson 2021 Icon this year is amazing. She is a trailblazer for women and a true inspiration to me personally. I can’t wait for our Gala.”
Tickets to the Love for Music City Gala can be purchased here.
CMHoF To Host Songwriter Sessions With Victoria Shaw, Ray Fulcher, Hannah Dasher, JT Harding
/by Sarah SkatesThe Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum has added new programming featuring a mix of established and rising songwriters including Victoria Shaw, Ray Fulcher, Hannah Dasher and JT Harding. They are set to perform as part of the Songwriter Sessions series, held Saturdays at noon in the Hall’s Ford Theater. Songwriter Sessions are included with museum admission and free to members.
Below is a list of upcoming sessions:
Saturday, Aug. 7—Victoria Shaw co-wrote the No. 1 songs “I Love the Way You Love Me” (John Michael Montgomery); “She’s Every Woman” and “The River” (both for Garth Brooks) and “Too Busy Being in Love” (Doug Stone). Her credits include songs recorded by Christina Aguilera, Sarah Buxton, Eric Church, Billy Ray Cyrus, Lorrie Morgan, LeAnn Rimes, Tanya Tucker and Trisha Yearwood.
Saturday, Aug. 14—Ray Fulcher co-wrote sixteen songs on Luke Combs’s albums This One’s for You and What You See Is What You Get, including the hits ”Does to Me” (featuring Eric Church), ”Even Though I’m Leavin’,” “Lovin’ on You” and “When It Rains It Pours.” This year, Fulcher made his Grand Ole Opry debut and signed a record deal with Black River Entertainment, releasing singles “Bucket List Beers,” “Girl in It” and ”Way Out,” in advance of his debut album.
Saturday, Aug. 28—Songwriter and recording artist Hannah Dasher recently released her debut EP, The Half Record, which includes the singles “Girls Call the Shots” and ”Left Right.” Dasher is a member of CMT’s Next Women of Country, class of 2021.
Saturday, Sept. 18—J.T. Harding wrote “Alone with You” (Jake Owen), ”Beers and Sunshine” (Darius Rucker), ”Different for Girls” (Dierks Bentley featuring Elle King), “Sangria” (Blake Shelton), “Smile” (Uncle Kracker), “Somewhere in My Car” (Keith Urban) and “Somewhere with You” (Kenny Chesney).
Artist Action: Payton Smith, Steven Lee Olsen, Natalie & the Damn Shandys
/by Sarah SkatesPayton Smith Raises Funds For Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals
Payton Smith
AMG Records’ recording artist Payton Smith has raised over $11,000 in donations for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals via two livestream concerts this year. Last week’s benefit, filmed in Nashville, celebrated Phi Mu Fraternity’s 35-year partnership with CMN Hospitals, and featured newly-released music, “Run Girl” and “People In The Back.”
“Run Girl” is currently featured in the Country Risers and New In Country playlists on Apple Music, the Breakthrough Country playlist on Amazon Music, and the New Music Nashville playlist on Spotify. The official video for for the track is out now.
Donations to Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals can be made here.
Steven Lee Olsen’s ‘Relationship Goals’ Drops July 30
Steven Lee Olsen
Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Steven Lee Olsen will release his upcoming five-track EP, Relationship Goals, on July 30.
As a chart-topping songwriter for artists like Keith Urban, Garth Brooks, Rascal Flatts, Billy Currington and more, the Canada native’s passion for writing and producing has pushed him into his own recording career. Relationship Goals is a collection showcasing Olsen’s versatile vocals and honest storytelling that reflect soul, country, R&B, and pop influences.
“I am so proud to be releasing this new music with my incredible partners at Universal Music Canada and The Core Entertainment,” says Olsen. “I can’t wait to share all of the exciting things to come.”
Relationship Goals is the first release via the recently launched joint venture between Universal Music Canada Universal Music Canada, the country’s leading music company, and The Core Entertainment, the management company that specializes in discovering and championing new talent in music.
Natalie & the Damn Shandys Join PLA Media
Natalie & The Damn Shandys
PLA Media has added country/Americana trio Natalie & the Damn Shandys to its talent roster. The band originated in New York and features Natalie Anne (vocals/guitar), Rob Wagner (guitar/mandolin/vocals) and Ben Gorham (piano/vocals).
The trio released their debut EP Overlook Trail on Esque Records & VuDu recordings in May 2019. Since that EP, the group has released singles including “48 Polaroid” and “Homebody,” and are gearing up for forthcoming track “Lay Eyes on You.”
“This trio easily weaves conversational, sultry harmonies, hummable melodies and relatable messages. We are excited to be part of their team as they emerge on the music scene,” says PLA Media Founder Pam Lewis.
PLA Media is also home to award-winning artist and Broadway actor Gary Morris, The Tina Turner Museum and the Americana Music Triangle.
Ingrid Andress To Visit U.S. And European Cities On The Feeling Things Tour
/by Lorie HollabaughIngrid Andress is launching her The Feeling Things headlining tour this fall and will visit 12 cities across the U.S., before traveling to Ireland, Scotland, London, Paris, Denmark and more and wrapping the tour in Oslo, Norway. Georgia Webster will join as the opener for the U.S. leg of the tour.
Andress will perform in Nashville on Nov. 18 at the Brooklyn Bowl as part of the new dates. The Feeling Things Tour marks the first headlining tour for the rising Nashville star since 2019, and will give Andress the opportunity to bring her debut album Lady Like to life. Tickets for the trek go on sale July 29, and in between headlining shows, Andress will rejoin Dan + Shay on The (Arena) Tour opening alongside The Band Camino.
“I’m so excited to bring my debut album, Lady Like, to the stage and perform these songs that have been such a huge part of my life for the past few years,” said Andress. “More importantly, I can’t wait to see all the fans that I’ve been missing for the last 18 months. As a songwriter, the human connection is one of my favorite parts of the whole experience of touring, so I’m really looking forward to that.”