Pictured (L-R): Kara Tusch and Claire Karlia
Big Yellow Dog Music has promoted Kara Tusch to Director, Label Services, and Claire Karliak to Senior Coordinator, Label Services.
Tusch joined BYDM in 2016 and was previously the Label Services Manager. In the new role she will oversee Big Yellow Dog Music label projects and releases including marketing and digital strategies, DSP coordination, and release timelines. A native of Connecticut, she received her Music Business degree from Belmont University in 2015. Her college internships included a stint at Big Yellow Dog Music, which led her to be hired as Social Media Coordinator in 2016.
“Kara has such dedication and passion for our artists and their unique projects,” said Big Yellow Dog Music co-owner and CEO Carla Wallace. “During this past year, her leadership skills were so important to our success. Hats off to this rising star!”
Karliak joined in 2020 and previously worked as Label Services Coordinator. In her new role she will assist with all Big Yellow Dog Music label projects and releases including distribution coordination, social media and marketing efforts, and digital advertising. Originally from Ohio, Karliak graduated from Belmont University as a Music Business major in 2019.
“Claire has been an incredible support to the label team throughout the past year!” said Tusch. “Her attention to detail, overall enthusiasm, and personal approach with our artists has been instrumental.”
Big Yellow Dog Music’s recent label releases include Leah Nobel’s rising hit “Beginning Middle End” (from Netflix’s To All the Boys: Always and Forever), the 2021 Grammy-nominated Blue Umbrella by Burt Bacharach and Daniel Tashian, Tashian’s 2020 Grammy-nominated children’s album I Love Rainy Days, and Logan Mize’s Still That Kid.
Big Yellow Dog Music Promotes Two In Label Services Department
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): Kara Tusch and Claire Karlia
Big Yellow Dog Music has promoted Kara Tusch to Director, Label Services, and Claire Karliak to Senior Coordinator, Label Services.
Tusch joined BYDM in 2016 and was previously the Label Services Manager. In the new role she will oversee Big Yellow Dog Music label projects and releases including marketing and digital strategies, DSP coordination, and release timelines. A native of Connecticut, she received her Music Business degree from Belmont University in 2015. Her college internships included a stint at Big Yellow Dog Music, which led her to be hired as Social Media Coordinator in 2016.
“Kara has such dedication and passion for our artists and their unique projects,” said Big Yellow Dog Music co-owner and CEO Carla Wallace. “During this past year, her leadership skills were so important to our success. Hats off to this rising star!”
Karliak joined in 2020 and previously worked as Label Services Coordinator. In her new role she will assist with all Big Yellow Dog Music label projects and releases including distribution coordination, social media and marketing efforts, and digital advertising. Originally from Ohio, Karliak graduated from Belmont University as a Music Business major in 2019.
“Claire has been an incredible support to the label team throughout the past year!” said Tusch. “Her attention to detail, overall enthusiasm, and personal approach with our artists has been instrumental.”
Big Yellow Dog Music’s recent label releases include Leah Nobel’s rising hit “Beginning Middle End” (from Netflix’s To All the Boys: Always and Forever), the 2021 Grammy-nominated Blue Umbrella by Burt Bacharach and Daniel Tashian, Tashian’s 2020 Grammy-nominated children’s album I Love Rainy Days, and Logan Mize’s Still That Kid.
Weekly Register: ‘Dangerous’ Joins Elite List Of Record-Breaking Albums
/by Sarah SkatesMorgan Wallen. Photo: John Shearer
Morgan Wallen’s Dangerous is ruling the charts for the eighth consecutive week. He has a grip on the top two spots on the country songs streaming chart, as well as the top country album in the nation. With this streak, his ambitious double album joins an elite list (see below) of only six other country projects to have spent eight or more weeks at No. 1, according to Billboard.
Top 5 Country Albums: Dangerous: The Double Album logged 82K this week for a release-to-date total of 1.139 million. Rounding out the Top 5 country albums are Luke Combs’ What You See Is What You Get (28K) and This One’s For You (17K), Wallen’s If I Know Me (16K) and Chris Stapleton‘s Starting Over (14K).
Top 5 Country Streaming Songs
Morgan Wallen “Wasted on You” 8 million this week/86 million RTD
Morgan Wallen “Sand In My Boots” 7.1 million/77 million
Niko Moon “Good Time” 6.9 million/182 million
Luke Combs “Better Together” 6.5 million/269 million
Gabby Barrett “The Good Ones” 6.1 million/131 million
Lil Tjay f/ 6lack dials up the No. 1 song overall with “Calling My Phone” scoring 19 million streams.
Country Albums That Spent 8-Plus Weeks at No. 1
Garth Brooks, Ropin’ the Wind
Billy Ray Cyrus, Some Gave All
Taylor Swift, Fearless
Garth Brooks, The Hits
Eagles, Hotel California
Morgan Wallen, Dangerous: The Double Album
Source: Billboard
Guy Clark Documentary Offers Virtual Screening Opportunities
/by Lorie HollabaughThe film chronicles the relationship between Clark, his wife Susanna Clark, and fellow musician Townes Van Zandt, and pulls from Susanna’s personal diaries as well as Tamara Saviano’s 2016 Clark biography. It was produced and directed by longtime Americana music producer/executive Saviano and filmmaker Paul Whitfield, and features interviews with Clark himself along with poignant reflections from some of his closest friends and musical allies, including Rodney Crowell, Steve Earle, Vince Gill, Verlon Thompson, and Terry and Jo Harvey Allen, as well as record executive Barry Poss.
All showings will be priced at $25. A full list of screenings is below and more information, including where to purchase tickets, can be found at withoutgettingkilledorcaug
The film is set to make its virtual world premiere at the 2021 SXSW Film Festival on March 18 at 10 AM CT and can be watched by badge holders at any time throughout the duration of the festival.
Without Getting Killed or Caught virtual screening schedule:
All screenings powered by Seer.
Tauren Wells To Release ‘Citizen Of Heaven (Live)’
/by Lorie HollabaughTauren Wells is giving fans who have been missing concerts a taste of his live show with new album Citizen of Heaven LIVE, which features 15 tracks and four accompanying videos recorded during his album launch event in January 2020 at Lakewood Church in his hometown of Houston. The album is slated for release April 16.
“My favorite thing about creating an album is anticipating what the live versions of the songs will become,” said Wells. “Having a song come alive for the first time in the writing room or the studio is a crazy feeling, but there is a different energy and excitement when the song comes alive in a room full of people! We captured all that fire on this new live album, and it is a full-on heatwave! You’re about to dance, cry, laugh, and worship all at the same time so be prepared. The people in the car next to you are going to be really confused!!”
Wells, a six-time Dove award winner (including 2020 CCM Artist of the Year and Album of the Year), Platinum-singer/songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, entrepreneur, and public speaker, has accumulated 776 million total solo career global streams.
He is currently on the Toby Mac Hits Deep Tour 2021, wrapping up the spring leg last weekend with three consecutive nights at the Allen Event Center in Allen, TX, and will also join the fall leg of the tour.
Citizen of Heaven LIVE Track List:
Details: Lambert’s Casa Rosa To Bring Taste Of Texas To Tennessee
/by Lorie HollabaughMiranda Lambert has shared some details around her new Casa Rosa bar and restaurant on Broadway in Nashville, set to open this summer in partnership with TC Restaurant Group.
The four-level entertainment complex will feature three floors of live music and nightlife, including a rooftop bar, and another highlight, the “Pink House,” will be home to some of Lambert’s most recognizable and important memorabilia. The “Pink House” will include the birdcage from her No. 1 song and CMA Video of the Year “Bluebird,” unique clothing and set pieces from her video shoots, a dazzling rhinestone saddle modeled after a favorite of hers from Billy Bob’s in Fort Worth, a customized “Yellow Rose” wall for photos, and dozens of items that highlight milestones and special moments in the country singer’s life.
“I’m so excited to have a honky tonk with my name on it! Casa Rosa will be a little taste of Texas in Tennessee,” said Lambert. “Tacos, tequila and tufted pink booths, what else can a girl ask for? This place is special to me and I’m happy to be representing the ladies here in Music City! See y’all down there!”
“We’re very excited to be working with Miranda; such an iconic artist with a fantastic fan base,” said Grant Burlingame, vice president of operations for TC Restaurant Group. “This last year has provided us the ability to really put focus and attention toward this project and we can’t wait for her fans to be a part of this experience.”
Morris Higham / SB Projects Sign Alana Springsteen
/by Sarah SkatesPictured (L-R): Basak Kizilisik, Alana Springsteen and Clint Higham. Photo: David Bradley, Osprey Media
Rising country newcomer Alana Springsteen has signed a management deal with Morris Higham in partnership with Scooter Braun’s SB Projects.
The 20-year-old Virginia Beach native has amassed more than 21 million on-demand streams in just over a year, and is set to release a duet with collaborator Roman Alexander on March 19. They penned “Trying Not To” along with the track’s producers Jerry Flowers and Jared Keim.
With a knack for storytelling, Springsteen has also been collaborating with Parker Welling, Gordie Sampson, Jon Randall and Casey Brown. She was named a Pandora 2021 Artist to Watch.
“Alana’s star quality, individualism, and devotion to her artistry make her a talent that stands out effortlessly,” said Morris Higham President Clint Higham. “She brings a fresh perspective with honest storytelling, powerful vocals, and an undeniable presence. We are honored and excited to have the opportunity to help Alana launch this new chapter.”
“I couldn’t imagine a better fit than Basak Kizilisik, Clint Higham, and the incredible people at Morris Higham and SB Projects for my management team,” said Springsteen. “I’m so thankful for their passion, their belief in me and my music, and so excited to walk into this year with such a powerhouse group of individuals behind me. Truly feels like the dream team!”
Creative Nation Taps Emily Furman As Sr. Director, Creative
/by LB CantrellEmily Furman. Photo: Spencer Combs
Creative Nation has announced the addition of Emily Furman to their team as Sr. Director, Creative. In her new role, Furman will help lead the publishing team, sign new talent, and develop the current roster of songwriters and artists.
At age 17, Furman moved to Nashville to attend Belmont University. She graduated in May of 2009 with a BBA in Music Business and in July of 2009, was hired at Carnival Music where she spent over eleven years working in publishing and artist development.
“Emily’s 11 years of experience at a respected independent publishing company, and her passion for great songs and songwriters, make her a perfect fit for Creative Nation. We are excited to add her fresh perspective to our publishing team,” Co-Founder and CEO, Beth Laird, says.
“Creative Nation operates with a strong team culture and a commitment to quality and success in a way that’s unique and forward-thinking. I’m grateful for Beth and Luke [Laird]‘s belief in me and to be a part of what they’re doing in the Nashville music community and beyond,” Furman says.
Music Benefactors Launches With First Artist Partnership
/by Sarah SkatesMusic Benefactors, the new Nashville-based company which offers SEC registered crowdfunding for the music industry, has launched its first artist partnership with the band The Latin Dead.
Music Benefactors helps recording artists and various types of independent music businesses raise capital for new projects, or monetize catalogs, by partnering with fans and investors. Unlike traditional crowdfunding, fans and investors share the income that the projects generate. Independent businesses can raise up to $5 million per year.
Founder and CEO Matt Lutz says, “Music Benefactors gives artists the money needed to be truly independent. In the past, ‘independent’ has meant not being signed to a major label and too poor to properly market music. We want artists to be well-funded independents with control of their music. Fans and investors help them accomplish this.”
He continues, “Fans have always driven the music business. Our platform enables them to take larger roles in helping artists make great music. Fans are providing the capital, which allows independent artists and music businesses to compete and thrive in an industry dominated by enormous corporations.”
Lonestar Welcomes Drew Womack As Lead Singer
/by Sarah SkatesLonestar has tapped award-winning singer-songwriter Drew Womack to join the band as lead vocalist. The Brownwood, Texas native joins Dean Sams, Michael Britt and Keech Rainwater in the band’s new incarnation following the recent departure of Richie McDonald.
Womack is a CMA and ACM-winning singer as well as songwriter of hits including Kenny Chesney’s No. 1 “She’s Got It All.” With his previous band, Sons of the Desert, Womack enjoyed top 10 hits at country radio and collaborated with Lee Ann Womack (no relation) on her crossover hit “I Hope You Dance.”
Lonestar says, “We are thrilled to have Drew joining us. We have been friends and have admired his work and outstanding voice for many years. It will be an exciting new chapter in our storied career and know he will be welcomed by the industry and fans alike.”
Womack adds, “I can’t adequately express just how excited I am to join these guys and create and make music with Dean, Keech, and Michael. I’ve known and respected them since [Sons Of The Desert] played the same circuits and it’ll be an honor to be on stage with them.”
Celebrating 25 years together, Lonestar has amassed RIAA-certified sales in excess of 10 million albums and achieved 10 No. 1 country hits including “No News,” “Come Crying To Me,” “I’m Already There,” “What About Now,” and their crossover smash “Amazed,” which was also No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Playing an average of 80 dates annually, Lonestar is planning to hit the road later this year.
Lonestar will continue to be managed by Corey Wagner at Shelter Music Group and booked by Nick Meinema.
Graham Sharp Paints a ‘Truer Picture’ On Solo Debut
/by Lorie HollabaughGraham Sharp, Photo by Sandlin Gaither Music Photography
Graham Sharp, singer/banjoist and founding member of the Steep Canyon Rangers, will make his solo debut with Truer Picture on Yep Roc Records. The album’s initial digital release will be on May 7, with the CD and LP to follow July 9.
Produced and mixed by Sharp and Seth Kauffman, the album was recorded at Kaufman’s Black Mountain, NC studio. As the world entered lockdown in 2020, Sharp drew inspiration from a wellspring of emotions. Tackling feelings of isolation on “Come Visit My Island” to addressing political unrest on “My Neighborhood,” his unique style of songwriting is evident on “North Star” and “Coming Back to Life.” The lush instrumentation on “Deeper Family” and harmony vocals from The War on Drugs’ David Hartley illustrate the sonic differences between Sharp’s solo work and his music with Steep Canyon Rangers.
The video for the first single, “Generation Blues,” is out now. It was directed and edited by his son Wade Sharp.
“When I think of the inheritance I leave to my kids and their generation, I want it to be only the best of what I know; there’s a lot I’d just as soon leave behind,” says Graham Sharp. “The youth have a strong sense of calling out bullshit. This song is about as close to rock ‘n’ roll as I get… hopefully they won’t call me out for that. It’s pretty ironic to have my kids working so closely with me on the video for a song about intergenerational friction.”