Spotify Partners With Nashville Artists For ‘Claim Your Space’ Campaign
Nashville mural by Mia Saine
As part of Spotify’s Claim Your Space Pride campaign, it has teamed up with local LGBTQ+ artists in Nashville to claim their physical space through a permanent mural launching for Pride.
Spotify has partnered with muralist Mia Saine to create a mural celebrating the vibrance of the LGBTQ+ community in Nashville and telling the story of their critical role in the country and roots scenes, as well as in activism in the city. Saine, a Memphis-native illustrator, identifies as a non-binary Black creative seeking to share a more positive, inclusive narrative. The mural shines a spotlight on the important contributions of featured artists and activists local to the Nashville area including TJ Osborne, Brittany Howard, Joy Oladokun, Amythyst Kiah, Fancy Hagood, Dr. Marisa Richmond, Chris Sanders, and Gianna Lopez in telling their own unique stories
The mural is being given as a gift to the nonprofit Oasis Center, a youth crisis intervention center in the Nashville area. This mural will live indoors at the Oasis Center, as well as at a secondary outdoor location in Nashville.
Gotee Records Signs Joseph O’Brien
Pictured (L-R): Gotee President Joey Elwood, CEO Toby McKeehan, Joseph O’Brien, Jess Chambers, Keelin Crew, and Brad Moist
Gotee Records welcomes new artist Joseph O’Brien with the release of his debut single and music video, “Give Up On Love,” available now.
Bred from a musical family O’Brien started his own journey at age 12, with his talents eventually taking him to the quarter finals of America’s Got Talent. O’Brien co-produced his debut single with Adam Turley and wrote it alongside Zach Bowsher.
“I am so proud to have signed Joseph O’Brien to Gotee,” says TobyMac. “I love that we’re launching him with a song like, ‘Give Up On Love.’ I’ve always said that some songs from believers should be about trying to fight for a God perspective in everyday earth things… songs that remind us to bring everything to the King and allow God to speak into it because He is part of everything we experience on this earth – the good, the bad and the ugly. Joseph’s honesty in his writing is going to be impactful in our genre and I am so excited he’s a part of the Gotee family.”
“Growing up, before I even knew what a label was, hands down my two favorite artists were TobyMac and Relient K. Cliché I know, but the feeling of being on a label founded by Toby and Relient K on the roster is beyond description,” O’Brien shares. “The label’s building already seems like a second home, the people a second family, and getting the opportunity to release music with and through them that glorifies the Lord is nothing short of the best kind of dream.”
Nashville Indie Group Birdtalker Signs To Swayer & Garner Management, AntiFragile Music
Birdtalker. Photo: Jeremy Cowart
Nashville based indie/folk group Birdtalker have joined Sawyer & Garner Management, a boutique artist management firm representing artists such as Grammy Award-winner Tanya Tucker. Founded in 2017 by Jerilyn Sawyer and James Garner, Sawyer & Garner is also based in Nashville.
Fronted by couple Zack and Dani Green, Birdtalker have cultivated a blend of pulsing Americana/folk/pop, honest lyrics, and breathtaking harmonies. They released their debut album, One, in 2018 via Sensibility Recordings/Tone Tree Music. The album featured their breakout single “Heavy,” which has now amassed over 76 million streams on Spotify alone.
“The last couple of years have been full of transition for us,” states the band. “We’re so grateful that we got to spend the better part of 2020 reconnecting with where all of this started; creating music from a place of curiosity and exploration with our dear friend JD Tiner at his studio in Nashville, the first place we ever recorded music. We’re so excited to have Jerilyn Sawyer and James Garner on board as our new management team, a formidable power couple who’ve been so supportive of us and enthusiastic about the new music from the start.”
Birdtalker have also inked a new label deal with AntiFragile Music with new music slated for this summer. AntiFragile Music is an independent record label based in New York City and London which was founded by Tom Sarig in 2017
“We’re honored to partner with Tom Sarig and his team at AntiFragile to release our next record,” the band continues. “It is a thrilling opportunity to be led not only by Tom’s years of amazing work in the world of music but also his genuine love and passion for what he does. With these powers combined, we can’t wait to release this new music and follow wherever it leads.”
Danny Gokey Crosses Genre Borders On Upcoming Album, ‘Jesus People’
/by Lorie HollabaughDanny Gokey has announced that is new full-length studio album, Jesus People, will be released on Aug. 20 via Capitol Christian Music Group. Today (July 2), the 3x Grammy nominee dropped the powerful ballad, “He Believes In You,” from the upcoming project, along with an accompanying video.
Jesus People features unique songs and collaborations with the likes of Koryn Hawthorne (“We All Need Jesus”), Christine D’Clario (“Cristo Es Necesario”), and Angie Rose (“Do For Love”), as well as the album’s flagship song, “Stand In Faith,” which became the most-added single in the genre. Throughout the project Gokey’s songs touch on love, gratitude, and truth.
“I believe there is something musically and inspirationally for everyone on this album–it’s full of hope and encouragement that I think we can all use right now,” Gokey shares. “In the writing process and also in choosing the title, I was inspired by the life of Jesus and how His presence has been a staple throughout history. He was a figure that brought the broken, the hurting, and those that had lost their dreams together in a unifying way, and that’s something I inspire to do. Musically, I got to explore some new things and cross some genre borders. I’m excited for listeners to hear the collaborations with the special guests featured on the project, including Gospel, Latin, and even a little rap. It’s something I love doing and hope to do more of in the future.”
Gary Allan Celebrates Album Release, Earns RIAA Heavy Metal
/by LB CantrellGary Allan. Photo: Eric Adkins
To commemorate releasing his much anticipated album, Ruthless, Gary Allan marked his return to the country music spotlight with an exclusive album release concert at the newly opened Fifth + Broadway complex.
Allan celebrated Ruthless—his first album in eight years—and his prior hits with collaborators he’s worked with over the last 25 years. The show was also Allan’s first show in Nashville in eight years, and was packed to the brim.
The show kicked off with an invigorating performance of “A Feelin’ Like That.” Allan took fans back with his foot-stomping heartbreakers “Songs About Rain” and “Best I Ever Had.” He also thrilled the crowd with “Nothing On but the Radio” and “Get Off On The Pain.”
Pictured (L-R): Brice Long, Odie Blackmon, Gary Allan, Jim Lauderdale and Matt Warren. Photo: Eric Adkins
From the new album Allan played the title track, a fast fan-favorite “Temptation,” and his newest single, “Waste Of A Whiskey Drink.” The crowd sang back the words of the songs that had only been released hours prior. A grateful Allan closed his set with Platinum-certified smash “Watching Airplanes,” which thrilled the audience even more.
Collaborators from Allan’s many hits and new songs were in attendance for the balmy open-air show. At the end of the night, Allan was presented with a multitude of RIAA plaques for many of his hits earning Gold and Platinum status.
Photo: Eric Adkins
450 Items From Tanya Tucker’s Personal Collection Up For Auction
/by Lorie HollabaughTanya Tucker. Photo: Derrek Kupish
An auction of Tanya Tucker memorabilia is set to take place on July 24 beginning at 12 p.m. CST. The event is being held by Kruse GWS Auctions, the auction house specializing in Hollywood memorabilia, fine jewelry, royal artifacts, luxury vehicles, antiques, and collectibles. To register in advance to bid, visit gwsauctions.com.
Items up for bid at the auction include Tanya Tucker’s Book of Mormon, gifted from her father, Jesse “Beau” Tucker on her birthday in 1994 and inscribed on the front in gold; Tanya’s The Love Boat original shoot schedule; a printed tour itinerary documenting shows in 1980; her SAG Membership Card; a David Green Fur Coat from her personal collection; a printed Zang Toi top, pant, and bralette set; a Navajo turquoise and sterling silver squash blossom necklace; a Navajo carved semi-precious stone animal fetish necklace: a Federico Jimenez sterling silver and spiny oyster inlay cuff; and a The White House vintage leather coat.
“Country music icon Tanya Tucker is a woman after my own heart! She has never bowed to the norm and made her own way in the music industry as a trailblazing woman who set standards for those who came after her. Her talent is unmatched and her style extraordinary. I am personally so thrilled to be hosting The Collection of Music Icon Tanya Tucker auction July 24. The collection is what country music hit songs are made of,” says Dame Brigitte Kruse, founder and lead auctioneer, Kruse GWS Auctions.
Tucker is one of the most recognized country music singers in the world and became a star at the age of 13 with her timeless hit “Delta Dawn” in 1972. Her career has included three Grammy Awards, two ACM Awards, two CMA Awards, several other nominations. Her hit songs include “What’s Your Mama’s Name?,” “Strong Enough to Bend,” “Two Sparrows in a Hurricane,” and “Bring My Flowers Now” from her 2019 Grammy Award winning album, While I’m Livin‘.
Chart Action: Toby Keith, Shelley Lynch Debut
/by Alex ParryCanadian singer-songwriter, Shelley Lynch has the highest debut this week on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart landing at No. 74. Her single, “Make it to Memphis,” was penned by Travis Pickering and produced by Dean Miller. Shelley says, “‘Make it to Memphis’ is essentially about the struggle between keeping the faith and fighting doubt and uncertainty while chasing your passion. Happiness isn’t the destination, it’s the journey.”
Toby Keith‘s “Old School” also debuted this week, landing at No. 80 on the MusicRow Chart. He earned the most added distinction on both the Billboard Country Airplay chart and the Mediabase chart earning a total of 91 new station adds, and debuted at No. 25 and No. 41, respectively. “Old School” was written by Maren Morris, Ryan Hurd, and Brett Tyler and produced By Keith and Kenny Greenberg.
The Isaacs Cover Familiar Classics, Share New Originals On Upcoming Project
/by Lorie HollabaughThe Isaacs. Photo: Frederick Breedon
The Isaacs have announced their upcoming album, The American Face, will be released on Aug. 13 through their label, House of Isaacs. Penned by Sonya Isaacs Yeary, Jimmy Yeary, and Tom Douglas, the unifying title track, praised by MusicRow, is available now.
Produced by Ben Isaacs and Bryan Sutton, The American Face features a mix of both new material and covers of classics like “More Than Words” by Extreme, “You’re The Inspiration” by Chicago, “We Can Work It Out” by The Beatles, and “Forever and For Always” by Shania Twain. The Isaacs found inspiration for the 12-song collection from the many genres that have influenced their musical style, including country, bluegrass, R&B, folk, contemporary, and Gospel. Enlisting the help of Ben Smallbone and Andrea Royer, known for their work with for King & Country, the duo created the group’s first concept video for the new single.
Through The Isaacs Foundation, the group will donate a portion of proceeds from The American Face to The Bridge Ministry, a non-profit organization in Nashville which exists to alleviate the suffering of underprivileged children, the homeless, and the working poor by providing resources and hope. The Isaacs, first line descendants of Holocaust survivors, have also raised hundreds of thousands to help Israel, specifically Holocaust Survivors, Israeli Defense “Lone” Soldiers, and orphans via The Fishman Isaacs Israel Initiative since 2018.
The Isaacs are frequent guests on the Grand Ole Opry, active members on the Gaither Homecoming Videos and Concert Series, and perform over 100 dates a year. The Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame’s newest inductees have also earned seven Dove awards, International Bluegrass Music Association Awards, National Quartet Convention Awards, and the Inspirational Christian Country Awards. Two of their recent projects, executive produced by NFL Hall of Famer Terry Bradshaw, received two consecutive Grammy nominations for Best Roots Gospel Album as well as a nomination for Best Roots Gospel Song.
The American Face Track List:
1. The American Face – Jimmy Yeary, Sonya Isaacs Yeary, Tom Douglas
2. We Can Work It Out – John Lennon, Paul McCartney
3. You’re The Inspiration – Peter Cetera, David Foster
4. Never Too Late For Love – Tim Nichols, Sonya Isaacs Yeary, Rebecca Isaacs Bowman
5. Turn Turn Turn – Peter Seeger
6. Just Words – Connie Harrington, Sonya Isaacs Yeary, Rebecca Isaacs Bowman
7. Humpty Dumpty Heart – Ronnie Bowman, Sonya Isaacs Yeary, Rebecca Isaacs Bowman
8. Forever & For Always – Robert John Lange, Shania Twain
9. Dance With Me – Sonya Isaacs Yeary, Jimmy Yeary, Rebecca Isaacs Bowman
10 . More Than Words – Gary F. Cherone, Nuno Bettencourt
11. Love With All Your Heart – Rebecca Isaacs Bowman, Sonya Isaacs Yeary, Steven Jones
12. The Water Is Wide – Unknown Author
Industry Ink: Spotify, Gotee Records, Birdtalker
/by Lydia FarthingSpotify Partners With Nashville Artists For ‘Claim Your Space’ Campaign
Nashville mural by Mia Saine
As part of Spotify’s Claim Your Space Pride campaign, it has teamed up with local LGBTQ+ artists in Nashville to claim their physical space through a permanent mural launching for Pride.
Spotify has partnered with muralist Mia Saine to create a mural celebrating the vibrance of the LGBTQ+ community in Nashville and telling the story of their critical role in the country and roots scenes, as well as in activism in the city. Saine, a Memphis-native illustrator, identifies as a non-binary Black creative seeking to share a more positive, inclusive narrative. The mural shines a spotlight on the important contributions of featured artists and activists local to the Nashville area including TJ Osborne, Brittany Howard, Joy Oladokun, Amythyst Kiah, Fancy Hagood, Dr. Marisa Richmond, Chris Sanders, and Gianna Lopez in telling their own unique stories
The mural is being given as a gift to the nonprofit Oasis Center, a youth crisis intervention center in the Nashville area. This mural will live indoors at the Oasis Center, as well as at a secondary outdoor location in Nashville.
Gotee Records Signs Joseph O’Brien
Pictured (L-R): Gotee President Joey Elwood, CEO Toby McKeehan, Joseph O’Brien, Jess Chambers, Keelin Crew, and Brad Moist
Gotee Records welcomes new artist Joseph O’Brien with the release of his debut single and music video, “Give Up On Love,” available now.
Bred from a musical family O’Brien started his own journey at age 12, with his talents eventually taking him to the quarter finals of America’s Got Talent. O’Brien co-produced his debut single with Adam Turley and wrote it alongside Zach Bowsher.
“I am so proud to have signed Joseph O’Brien to Gotee,” says TobyMac. “I love that we’re launching him with a song like, ‘Give Up On Love.’ I’ve always said that some songs from believers should be about trying to fight for a God perspective in everyday earth things… songs that remind us to bring everything to the King and allow God to speak into it because He is part of everything we experience on this earth – the good, the bad and the ugly. Joseph’s honesty in his writing is going to be impactful in our genre and I am so excited he’s a part of the Gotee family.”
“Growing up, before I even knew what a label was, hands down my two favorite artists were TobyMac and Relient K. Cliché I know, but the feeling of being on a label founded by Toby and Relient K on the roster is beyond description,” O’Brien shares. “The label’s building already seems like a second home, the people a second family, and getting the opportunity to release music with and through them that glorifies the Lord is nothing short of the best kind of dream.”
Nashville Indie Group Birdtalker Signs To Swayer & Garner Management, AntiFragile Music
Birdtalker. Photo: Jeremy Cowart
Nashville based indie/folk group Birdtalker have joined Sawyer & Garner Management, a boutique artist management firm representing artists such as Grammy Award-winner Tanya Tucker. Founded in 2017 by Jerilyn Sawyer and James Garner, Sawyer & Garner is also based in Nashville.
Fronted by couple Zack and Dani Green, Birdtalker have cultivated a blend of pulsing Americana/folk/pop, honest lyrics, and breathtaking harmonies. They released their debut album, One, in 2018 via Sensibility Recordings/Tone Tree Music. The album featured their breakout single “Heavy,” which has now amassed over 76 million streams on Spotify alone.
“The last couple of years have been full of transition for us,” states the band. “We’re so grateful that we got to spend the better part of 2020 reconnecting with where all of this started; creating music from a place of curiosity and exploration with our dear friend JD Tiner at his studio in Nashville, the first place we ever recorded music. We’re so excited to have Jerilyn Sawyer and James Garner on board as our new management team, a formidable power couple who’ve been so supportive of us and enthusiastic about the new music from the start.”
Birdtalker have also inked a new label deal with AntiFragile Music with new music slated for this summer. AntiFragile Music is an independent record label based in New York City and London which was founded by Tom Sarig in 2017
“We’re honored to partner with Tom Sarig and his team at AntiFragile to release our next record,” the band continues. “It is a thrilling opportunity to be led not only by Tom’s years of amazing work in the world of music but also his genuine love and passion for what he does. With these powers combined, we can’t wait to release this new music and follow wherever it leads.”
Joe & Martina Release Debut EP, ‘Easy To Love’
/by Lorie HollabaughJoe & Martina. Photo: Greta Miller
Joe & Martina have released their debut EP, Easy To Love. The new music was produced by Joe Costa, one half of the duo, along with Ben Watts, and is a marriage of today’s sound and the classic country the couple grew up on. Co-writers on the project include Ray Fulcher, Erin Enderlin, Kimberly Kelly, Dustin Huff, Joe Costa, Cassidy Lynn, Dan Wilson, Kelsey Hart, and Kelby Costner.
“Martina and I have seen so much life, made new friends, and heard so many stories from all the time we’ve spent in bars all across the nation playing music. I think that is really what this EP is about. It is the life events we’ve witnessed or experienced under the neon lights,” shares Joe. “The heartbreak (‘Hangover’) to getting over the heartbreak (‘Rhinestoned’) to finding that one who is perfect for you (‘Easy To Love’) and expressing that love/affection (‘Brighter Than Neon’).”
“I don’t think I have ever been more proud of the singer-songwriters we have become over the last decade,” expresses Martina Costa. “When the journey becomes hard, we don’t quit and these four songs show that.”
2020 was a big year for the duo, who released the Top 30 hit “Give Me Back the 90’s” featuring their idol, John Berry. The single also peaked at No. 28 on MusicRow’s Country Breakout Chart. Additionally, Joe, who was the original bass player for now multi-Platinum artist Luke Combs, quickly elevated his credibility as a songwriter with “Don’t Tempt Me” off of Comb’s debut album, This One’s For You.
Easy To Love Track List:
1. Brighter Than Neon (Joe Costa, Dustin Huff, Ray Fulcher)
2. Hangover (Joe Costa, Cassidy Lynn, Dan Wilson)
3. Rhinestoned (Joe Costa, Erin Enderlin, Kimberly Kelly)
4. Easy To Love (Joe Costa, Dustin Huff, Kelsey Hart, Kelby Costner)
Lee Brice Earns MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart No. 1
/by Alex ParryLee Brice jumps from No. 3 to No. 1 this week on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart with his single, “Memory I Don’t Mess With.” Brice co-wrote the single alongside Brian Davis and Billy Montana and it appears on his 2020 release, Hey World.
This year, Brice has signed on to become an official Brand Ambassador for Yuengling Traditional Lager and will help kick off the start of Yuengling’s Stars & Stripes program, which is dedicated to supporting our nation’s military through Team Red, White & Blue, whose mission is to enrich the lives of America’s veterans through the nation’s largest veteran health and wellness community.
Click here or above to view the latest edition of The MusicRow Weekly containing the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart.
Midland Announces New 5-Song Collection, ‘The Last Resort’
/by Lydia FarthingMidland. Photo: Harper Smith
Midland’s Mark Wystrach, Cam Duddy, and Jess Carson have plotted a resurgence of their thick harmonies, sad melodies, tart lyrics, and steel guitar with their upcoming project, The Last Resort. The five-song collection will be available on July 16 via Big Machine Records, with the lead single, “Sunrise Tells The Story,” available now.
The Grammy-nominated trio have spent their career heavily influenced by classic country greats like Johnny Cash and Waylon Jennings, Merle Haggard, Gary Stewart, Willie Nelson, the Hanks (Williams, Thompson and Snow), Buck Owens, George Jones, Emmylou, Dolly, Loretta, Tammy, Porter Wagoner, Conway Twitty, Mickey Gilley, Glen Campbell, and Johnny Lee. Whether it’s a cheating song, a heartbreak ballad, or a shoot-out-the-lights romper, The Last Resort is full of the group’s signature notion and emotions.
The band will road test the new tracks and their signature hits with The Last Resort Tour, kicking off Oct. 7 in Phoenix, Arizona with special guest Hailey Whitters.
The Last Resort Track List:
1. And Then Some – Jess Carson, Cameron Duddy, Mark Wystrach, Shane McAnally, Josh Osborne
2. Sunrise Tells The Story – Jess Carson, Jessi Alexander, Aaron Raitiere
3. Two To Two Step – Jess Carson, Cameron Duddy, Mark Wystrach, Shane McAnally, Josh Osborne
4. Take Her Off Your Hands – Jess Carson, Cameron Duddy, Mark Wystrach, Shane McAnally, Josh Osborne
5. Adios Cowboy – Jess Carson, Cameron Duddy, Mark Wystrach, Marv Green, JT Harding
On The Row: Robyn Ottolini Charms With Humor & Wisdom
/by LB CantrellRobyn Ottolini. Photo: Haley Crow
The story of how Canadian singer-songwriter Robyn Ottolini came into her first record deal is quite unlike most artists. She signed her recording contract with Warner Music Nashville over Zoom, while sitting on her bed in her pajamas.
Ottolini grew up in a small town outside of Toronto called Uxbridge, and has been writing songs she was 13.
In February of 2020 Ottolini independently released The I’m Not Always Hilarious EP, which showcased her songwriting chops on songs like “Trust Issues” and her fiery “F-150.” The latter of which took off on social media, reaching No. 4 on Spotify’s all-genre US Viral 50.
“I was a barista with no money [when I released “F-150″], so marketing was all me,” Ottolini said in a recent visit with MusicRow. “I was just working the internet and figuring it out like every artist does. Then F-150 blew up on TikTok.”
With support from Warner Music Nashville and a viral hit on her hands, Ottolini released The But I’m Not Always Sad Either EP in June, showcasing the funny, wise side of the singer-songwriter.
Ottolini takes songwriting and styling cues from artists like Maren Morris, Kacey Musgraves and Sam Hunt. It shows when she performs her hilariously clever “Sincerely, Drunk Me,” and when she talk-sings on “F-150” and “Tell You Everything.”
“‘Tell You Everything’ is a love song to my current boyfriend. I had met him and it was one of those cringey, disgusting, ‘I knew when I met him’ kind of things, but I swear to goodness gracious, it’s true. I was like, ‘I’m going to tell this guy, literally everything.'”
Ottolini’s charm really shines on “Sincerely, Drunk Me,” where the 25-year-old sings about her relatable drunk escapades with a wink to the audience.
“I wrote this one by myself. I was telling my producers/managers drunk stories,” Ottolini admits. “I get stressed out when I’m sober, I just want to be perfect. And then drunk me does not give a shit. She’s worried about it later. So my manager was like, ‘How much fun would it be for drunk Robyn to sing a song to sober Robyn and give life advice.'”
Ottolini’s major label debut The But I’m Not Always Sad Either EP is out now. She will be hitting the road with Breland for some dates on his Cross Country Tour.