Lainey Wilson. Photo: Alex Berger
Lainey Wilson‘s many colors are on full-display on her recently released album, Sayin’ What I’m Thinkin’.
The album is decidedly country, with a fun ’70s flare here and a ’90s-esque hook there. Wilson grew up listening to a wide variety of musicians, from Lee Ann Womack and fellow Louisiana native Tim McGraw, to Bob Segar, to Patsy Cline, Buck Owens and Dolly Parton. The latter Wilson tributes in the song “WWDD”—or ‘what would Dolly do?’
Of all of her influences, the 23-year-old says that ’90s country “shaped her.”
“I love everything ’90s country. Growing up, country music was more than just a genre of music. I’m a sucker for a great story and I feel like during that time, incredible stories were being told,” Wilson tells MusicRow.
Wilson booked her “bucket-list producer” for her album, Jay Joyce (Eric Church, Miranda Lambert). “He brings something so fresh and unique to the table. I knew that, because my stuff is so country, I knew that he could put a little fairy dust on it and bring it to life in a way that has not been done. And that’s exactly what he did.”
Joyce highlights Wilson’s crystal clear twang on the charming groove of “LA,” through the sensual vibe of “Dirty Looks,” and along the ride of the Tanya Tucker-esque party anthem “Neon Diamonds.”
Wilson’s writing chops shine on tunes like the Jordan Schmidt and Matt Rogers co-write “Keeping Bars in Business,” where she paints the picture of bar patrons celebrating the highs and mourning the lows, all at the corner pub. She sings: “If you’re on cloud nine or you’ve been knocked down / There’s a neon light on the edge of town / So if the world just keeps on spinnin’ we’ll be keeping bars in business.”
“I grew up writing. I started writing songs when I was nine years old. Honestly, I was writing about tequila and cigarettes before I even knew what that meant, I just knew that’s what country music artists sang about,” Wilsons says. “It was one of those things that I could not escape. It just became a part of me.”
The Sony Music Publishing Nashville writer co-wrote every song on the 12-track album.
Wilson delivers heartache in her beautifully tender voice on “Rolling Stone.” On the sharply written tune, Wilson sings to the lover trying to tie her down: “Think you’re the one that’s gonna turn me around, give me a ring and settle me down,” and ends with the crushing blow, “You don’t give a rock to a rolling stone.”
“That song, I feel like it’s timeless,” Wilson says. “I’m from a town of 300 people and this song really tells my story. I moved up here knowing that I was going to have to let some things go and I was going to have to let the only thing I’ve ever known go—my town, 300 people. I knew I had to let some people go and that’s hard to do, but I’ve always been the kind of person that I know what I want and I wouldn’t let anything hold me back. I’ve just always had stars in my eyes.”
“Things A Man Oughta Know” launched Wilson to commercial appeal with its 42-plus million streams. The BBR Music Group/ Broken Bow Records artist was part of MusicRow‘s Next Big Thing Artists Class of 2021, and has been named to watch lists from Spotify, Pandora, CMT, and more.
“This song just kept raising its hand [to be the lead single]. Whether I was playing writers nights, whether I was playing shows, this is the one that people would talk about, the one that people would post about, or the one people would walk up to me and say ‘I’m going through a divorce,’ or whatever was their story. People could just relate to it.
“It’s not about whether you can change a flat tire and start a fire or turn a wrench,” Wilson continues. “This is a song about having character. That’s something that we all need to know. This is a song about treating people the way that you want to be treated. Especially here in times like today, we’ve got to figure that out.”
The album has some rowdy moments to compliment deeper songs like “Things A Man Oughta Know,” including a song full of drinking euphemisms, “Straight Up Sideways,” and a tune about the morning after reminiscent of Johnny Cash/Kris Kristofferson’s “Sunday Mornin’ Comin’ Down,” called “Sunday Best.”
A Luke Dick and John Pierce co-write, “Pipe,” points to Wilson’s sly, unbridled nature that she can’t wait to show live. “I just love that song. I like to call it my ‘redneck rule book,’ and I think the crowd is really going to love it. I think it’s going to be fun to play. Actually, if you listen real close to the last few seconds of it on the track, Jay Joyce has these two big, 150 pound Great Danes and he got his dog barking at the end of the song. It’s gonna be pretty fun.”
With its party songs, heartache tunes, and clever ditties, Sayin’ What I’m Thinkin’ is a 360-view of Lainey Wilson’s kaleidoscope.
The Charlie Daniels Journey Home Project Donates $25,000 To Aid Veterans [Exclusive]
/by Sarah SkatesThe organization made a $10,000 donation to A Soldier’s Child. Pictured (L-R): Trace Adkins, Carolyn Corlew (TCDJHP), W.D. Wheeler, Angela Wheeler (TCDJHP), Joel Pruitt (TCDJHP), David Corlew (TCDJHP), and Daryl Mackin (A Soldier’s Child).
The Charlie Daniels Journey Home Project (TCDJHP), a non-profit organization dedicated to assisting military veterans, is continuing the mission of its late founder with several recent donations.
Since the passing of Country Music Hall of Fame member Charlie Daniels last year, TCDJHP co-founder/Daniels’ longtime manager David Corlew has donated $25,000 to various organizations that directly aid veterans and their families.
Recent contributions include $10,000 to A Soldier’s Child, which benefits children of veterans, and $5,000 to God’s Word for Warriors, a non-profit committed to serving spiritually wounded and emotionally distressed vets.
“Our mission is to continue our vision and commitment to the supporting of our veterans as they reintegrate from service to civilian life,” says Corlew. “The loss of Charlie, combined with the impact of Covid, has made it even more difficult to do. But the need is there, and as you can see, we are unwavering in efforts to serve.”
TCDJHP donates $5,000 to God’s Word for Warriors. Pictured (L-R): God’s Word For Warrior’s Jim Humphrey and Dr. Tom Seals, and TCDJHP’s Angela Wheeler and David Corlew.
Additionally, last month, TCDJHP joined forces with Chris Young to establish the Daniels/Young Veterans Scholarship at Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. TCDJHP donated $10,000 to fund the yearly scholarship that will be awarded to former servicemen and women pursuing a degree from MTSU’s College of Media and Entertainment.
“Charlie was not only an influence on my music but was a mentor too,” says Young, who attended MTSU prior to signing with RCA Nashville. “I’m extremely honored to help continue his legacy through this new scholarship.”
MTSU also houses the Charlie and Hazel Daniels Veterans and Military Family Center, an on-campus facility that provides transition services for veterans and their families as they return to civilian life.
TCDJHP’s daily operations rely solely on public donations. To donate, visit thecharliedanielsjourneyhomeproject.org.
David Corlew, far right, co-founder of The Charlie Daniels Journey Home Project and Daniels’ longtime manager, presents a $10,000 donation for the Daniels/Young Veterans Scholarship. Pictured (L-R): Keith Huber, MTSU senior adviser for veterans and leadership initiatives; Angela Wheeler (TCDJHP); Chris Young; and Corlew. Photo: Courtesy MTSU by Andy Heidt.
Lainey Wilson Shows Off Her Kaleidoscope Of Colors On Charming New Album [Interview]
/by LB CantrellLainey Wilson. Photo: Alex Berger
Lainey Wilson‘s many colors are on full-display on her recently released album, Sayin’ What I’m Thinkin’.
The album is decidedly country, with a fun ’70s flare here and a ’90s-esque hook there. Wilson grew up listening to a wide variety of musicians, from Lee Ann Womack and fellow Louisiana native Tim McGraw, to Bob Segar, to Patsy Cline, Buck Owens and Dolly Parton. The latter Wilson tributes in the song “WWDD”—or ‘what would Dolly do?’
Of all of her influences, the 23-year-old says that ’90s country “shaped her.”
“I love everything ’90s country. Growing up, country music was more than just a genre of music. I’m a sucker for a great story and I feel like during that time, incredible stories were being told,” Wilson tells MusicRow.
Wilson booked her “bucket-list producer” for her album, Jay Joyce (Eric Church, Miranda Lambert). “He brings something so fresh and unique to the table. I knew that, because my stuff is so country, I knew that he could put a little fairy dust on it and bring it to life in a way that has not been done. And that’s exactly what he did.”
Joyce highlights Wilson’s crystal clear twang on the charming groove of “LA,” through the sensual vibe of “Dirty Looks,” and along the ride of the Tanya Tucker-esque party anthem “Neon Diamonds.”
Wilson’s writing chops shine on tunes like the Jordan Schmidt and Matt Rogers co-write “Keeping Bars in Business,” where she paints the picture of bar patrons celebrating the highs and mourning the lows, all at the corner pub. She sings: “If you’re on cloud nine or you’ve been knocked down / There’s a neon light on the edge of town / So if the world just keeps on spinnin’ we’ll be keeping bars in business.”
“I grew up writing. I started writing songs when I was nine years old. Honestly, I was writing about tequila and cigarettes before I even knew what that meant, I just knew that’s what country music artists sang about,” Wilsons says. “It was one of those things that I could not escape. It just became a part of me.”
The Sony Music Publishing Nashville writer co-wrote every song on the 12-track album.
Wilson delivers heartache in her beautifully tender voice on “Rolling Stone.” On the sharply written tune, Wilson sings to the lover trying to tie her down: “Think you’re the one that’s gonna turn me around, give me a ring and settle me down,” and ends with the crushing blow, “You don’t give a rock to a rolling stone.”
“That song, I feel like it’s timeless,” Wilson says. “I’m from a town of 300 people and this song really tells my story. I moved up here knowing that I was going to have to let some things go and I was going to have to let the only thing I’ve ever known go—my town, 300 people. I knew I had to let some people go and that’s hard to do, but I’ve always been the kind of person that I know what I want and I wouldn’t let anything hold me back. I’ve just always had stars in my eyes.”
“Things A Man Oughta Know” launched Wilson to commercial appeal with its 42-plus million streams. The BBR Music Group/ Broken Bow Records artist was part of MusicRow‘s Next Big Thing Artists Class of 2021, and has been named to watch lists from Spotify, Pandora, CMT, and more.
“This song just kept raising its hand [to be the lead single]. Whether I was playing writers nights, whether I was playing shows, this is the one that people would talk about, the one that people would post about, or the one people would walk up to me and say ‘I’m going through a divorce,’ or whatever was their story. People could just relate to it.
“It’s not about whether you can change a flat tire and start a fire or turn a wrench,” Wilson continues. “This is a song about having character. That’s something that we all need to know. This is a song about treating people the way that you want to be treated. Especially here in times like today, we’ve got to figure that out.”
The album has some rowdy moments to compliment deeper songs like “Things A Man Oughta Know,” including a song full of drinking euphemisms, “Straight Up Sideways,” and a tune about the morning after reminiscent of Johnny Cash/Kris Kristofferson’s “Sunday Mornin’ Comin’ Down,” called “Sunday Best.”
A Luke Dick and John Pierce co-write, “Pipe,” points to Wilson’s sly, unbridled nature that she can’t wait to show live. “I just love that song. I like to call it my ‘redneck rule book,’ and I think the crowd is really going to love it. I think it’s going to be fun to play. Actually, if you listen real close to the last few seconds of it on the track, Jay Joyce has these two big, 150 pound Great Danes and he got his dog barking at the end of the song. It’s gonna be pretty fun.”
With its party songs, heartache tunes, and clever ditties, Sayin’ What I’m Thinkin’ is a 360-view of Lainey Wilson’s kaleidoscope.
Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row Breaks Ground In Denver
/by Sarah SkatesPictured (L-R): Michael Fancher, Iconic Investments, Matt Runyon, Summit Capital Venture Group; Mayor Michael B. Hancock; Dierks Bentley; Kenneth Monfort, Monfort Companies; Tami Door, Downtown Denver Partnership; Ryan Hibbert, Riot Hospitality Group. Photo: Monfort Companies
Dierks Bentley recently traveled to Denver, Colorado for the official groundbreaking of his fourth Whiskey Row restaurant and bar. This marks the gastropub’s first location outside of his home state of Arizona and current home state of Tennessee.
Located in the historic LoDo district, the establishment is expected to open in late 2021 following a major renovation of existing buildings. This includes a 6,000-square-foot addition, structural and design improvements to maintain the historical components of the buildings, a two-story infill structure and extended patio that will be constructed on an existing surface parking lot. A second-story rooftop addition will be constructed from the historic facade at 1946 Market St., along with a redesigned streetscape to improve the Market Street pedestrian experience.
“It’s really meaningful to me to open up a Whiskey Row in Denver, a city I’ve come to love from the many concerts and visits to the Rocky Mountains over the years,” said Bentley. “We’re very selective in the places we choose, and I’m honored to build something that will contribute to what’s happening down here in the Ballpark neighborhood for years to come. Selfishly, this gives me a great excuse to come back to Colorado to visit, and of course, play some live music here when it’s safe.”
Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row is part of a joint venture between Monfort Companies, Iconic Investments and Riot Hospitality Group. Additional team members include Riot Hospitality Group, Alpine Bank, Circle West Architects and Jaco General Contractor, Inc.
Dierks Bentley with Denver Mayor Michael B. Hancock; Photo: Monfort Companies
SmithField Puts On ‘Sunday Best’ Ahead Of Upcoming EP
/by Lorie HollabaughSmithField has released new single, “Sunday Best,” from their upcoming third EP, due out later this year.
Penned by the indie duo’s Jennifer Fielder and Trey Smith with Trannie Anderson and Ian Christian, and produced by Derek Wells and Adam Wood, the tune is a nod to the societal expectations that SmithField experienced while growing up in rural Texas.
The best-of-friends pair have amassed more than 40 million career streams since turning heads with their breakthrough single “Hey Whiskey.” They’ve made 30-plus Grand Ole Opry appearances, performed at high-profile festivals, and shared the bill with some of country’s biggest stars including Brothers Osborne, Scotty McCreery and Old Dominion, plus headlined their own nationwide tour.
Industry Ink: Queue Records, Sister Sadie, YEP
/by Lorie HollabaughAmanda Quinton Launches Queue Records
“I’m always looking for new ways to champion emerging talent, and Queue Records is the next natural step in that direction,” said Quinton. “I have enormous belief in the art, the artists, and the power of the fans, and can’t wait to showcase what we’ve been working on.”
Sister Sadie Adds Two To The Family
Sister Sadie has added bassist Hasee Ciaccio and vocalist Jaelee Roberts to its award-winning lineup. “We couldn’t be more excited to announce that Hasee Ciaccio (who has been playing shows with us for almost two years now) and Jaelee Roberts will be officially joining Sister Sadie!” shared band members Tina Adair, Gena Britt and Deanie Richardson. “We feel these two ladies add a whole new dynamic, excitement and sound to the band and are looking forward to creating music with them. Both are talented beyond their years. Their energy and drive is simply infectious and we couldn’t be more thrilled to make this announcement.”
Sister Sadie made history in October 2020 by becoming the first all-female band to win IBMA’s Entertainer of the Year Award, and will be featured in the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s American Currents: State of the Music exhibit, opening on March 12, 2021.
YEP Kicks Off New Episodes Of Coast To Couch
Young Entertainment Professionals has announced the return of “YEP Edu: Coast to Couch,” hosted by the organization’s Nashville and L.A. chapters. The virtual educational series, titled “Young Hustlers of the Music Business,” aired in two parts on Tuesday, Feb. 23 and Wednesday, Feb. 24 with special guests Bradly Palmer (A&R Manager, Concord Music Publishing), Chloe Weise (VP, A&R, RCA Records), Wes Davenport (Culture Marketing Manager, 1824-UMG), Kelly Sayer (A&R, Atlantic Records), John Tomlinson (Creative, BMI Nashville), Bennett Beckner (Agent, CAA), Annie Aberle (Director, Creative; Pulse Music Group), Charlene Bryant (Founder, Riveter Management), Josh Toll (A&R, APG), and Maria Gironas (Director of Digital Platform Strategy, Q&A).
Guests can tune in to learn more about the ins and outs of label services, digital marketing, artists and business management, publishing, and more at facebook.com/YEPNashville/
ACM Nominations To Be Revealed On ‘CBS This Morning’
/by Sarah SkatesThe Academy of Country Music will announce nominees for the 56th Academy Of Country Music Awards on Friday, February 26 at 8:30 AM/ET.
Kelsea Ballerini and Brothers Osborne will appear live on CBS This Morning to announce the nominees for Entertainer of the Year, Female Artist of the Year, Male Artist of the Year, Duo of the Year, Group of the Year and Single of the Year beginning at 8:30 AM ET on the CBS Television Network.
Following that, the remainder of the categories will revealed by ET’s Rachel Smith on ETonline.com. Beginning at 8:45 AM ET, this includes nominees for New Male Artist of the Year, New Female Artist of the Year, Album of the Year, Song of the Year, Video of the Year and Music Event of the Year.
The ACM Awards official social media accounts will also post updates in real time with all nominees being posted at ACMcountry.com immediately following the morning’s ceremonies.
The 56th ACM Awards will return to Nashville and broadcast live from three iconic country music venues: the Grand Ole Opry House, the historic Ryman Auditorium and The Bluebird Cafe on Sunday, April 18 (8:00-11:00 PM, live ET/delayed PT) on the CBS Television Network. The show will also be available to stream live and on demand on Paramount+, ViacomCBS’ upcoming global streaming service.
Saturday’s Grand Ole Opry To Benefit Feeding America
/by Sarah SkatesAll proceeds will benefit Feeding America, a network of 200 food banks and more than 60,000 food pantries in communities across the country.
Opry members Chris Janson and Travis Tritt, along with rising star Hailey Whitters, will perform on the broadcast. Bobby Bones will host the show which airs at 9 p.m. ET / 8 p.m. CT.
Gray television stations, including several in markets hit particularly hard by last week’s weather events, will contribute local stories and personalities to speak to the problem of hunger in America and ways viewers can help.
The Grand Ole Opry will air on Circle, and on Gray TV stations, DISH Studio Channel 102, Sling TV and other TV affiliates in addition to a companion live stream on Circle’s Facebook and YouTube pages. The show will also be heard on 650 AM WSM and SiriusXM’s Willie’s Roadhouse.
Food insecurity has been rising at alarming rates over the last year and was compounded by extreme weather across several states last week.
Viewers can donate at www.feedingamerica.org/circle.
Triple Tigers Records Promotes Laura Hostelley To VP, Marketing
/by LB CantrellLaura Hostelley. Photo: Courtesy Triple Tigers Records
Laura Hostelley has been promoted from Director to Vice President of Marketing at Triple Tigers Records.
Hostelley joined the label in 2016 and reports to President and Partner Norbert Nix. Triple Tigers Records is a joint venture with Sony Music Entertainment in partnership with Nix, Thirty Tigers, and Triple 8 Management.
“Laura is a proven leader with boundless energy and drive,” Nix says. “She is a keen observer, creative thinker, and fearless when it comes to advancing the careers of the artists we work with at Triple Tigers. Everything she has accomplished has been from the ground up—and now the sky’s the limit.”
“I am excited to keep pursuing opportunities to connect artists with fans in new and creative ways,” says Hostelley. “Norbert Nix has always encouraged innovation, and I am thankful to him for this opportunity to keep growing Triple Tigers and our incredible artist’s brands.”
Hostelley joined Triple Tigers Records in 2016 soon after the label was created. In 2017 she was elevated from Promotion Coordinator to Product Manager, and then to Director of Marketing in 2019. During her tenure, Triple Tigers Records has signed a boutique roster of critically acclaimed singer-songwriters including Scotty McCreery, Russell Dickerson, and Cam, who joined the label in a first-time partnership with RCA Records New York.
Before her time at Triple Tigers, Hostelley worked as a freelancer for Sounds Like Nashville and Taste of Country. She is a graduate of Belmont University, and while in college she interned at MusicRow Magazine, Sirius XM Radio, Country Aircheck, and the Tennessee Chamber of Commerce.
Reach Hostelley at laura@tripletigers.com.
Mumford & Sons’ Ben Lovett Announces Timeline For New Huntsville Venue Opening
/by Lorie HollabaughDavid M. Schwarz Architects
Venue Group, the global entertainment and hospitality group founded and led by Ben Lovett of Mumford & Sons and his partners, has revealed its timeline for the spring 2022 opening of Huntsville, Alabama’s new Amphitheater.
Construction is now underway for the state-of-the-art Amphitheater, and the doors of the venue are slated to open in April 2022. Huntsville’s Amphitheater boasts a capacity of approximately 8,000 fans, and reinvents the concept of a major event space expanding it to a 365-day experience that will, in addition to hosting live music, provide daily community building opportunities for local groups, businesses and government organizations for both large-scale and small gatherings.
Adjacent to the Amphitheater, Venue Group is in talks with regional chefs and local vendors for the food village that will operate year-round and provide food and beverage options not only to patrons of the Amphitheater, but also serve as an additional amenity and social space for Mid-City (the fast-growing neighborhood to the west of Downtown Huntsville).
“One of the biggest trends in the past 10 years has been an elevation of the quality and variety of food offerings, especially around music,” says Lovett. “We believe there is a huge amount of opportunity in the hospitality side of entertainment to deliver food and drinks of such excellence that they stand on their own two feet as an offering not simply as a way to “tide you over,” quench the thirst or satiate the hunger temporarily. We have to aspire for higher standards than that. One of the reasons that Huntsville is so appealing to me and the team is it feels like going the extra mile is in the DNA of this city and we intend to go the extra mile when it comes to not just the concert experience but the restaurants and bars that lay adjacent and that will serve customers year-round.”
“More than an amphitheater, this facility will help us grow our music and culture economy,” said Tommy Battle, Mayor of Huntsville. “It will allow us to become a community of curators, where we can develop our own creative content that is unique to Huntsville that we can share globally. In addition to arts festivals, markets, and world-famous musicians, we’ll be able to incubate our own talent, showing that our next great entrepreneurs don’t all have to be in space and missile defense.”
Blackberry Smoke Marks 20 Years As A Band With New Album ‘You Hear Georgia’
/by Lorie HollabaughBlackberry Smoke is celebrating their 20th anniversary of making music as a band with a brand new album, You Hear Georgia, due out on May 28 via Thirty Tigers.
In addition to the band members Charlie Starr (vocals, guitar), Richard Turner (bass, vocals), Brit Turner (drums), Paul Jackson (guitar, vocals) and Brandon Still (keyboards), the new album also features special guests Jamey Johnson on the track “Lonesome For A Livin’” and Warren Haynes on “All Rise Again,” as well as backing vocals from The Black Bettys.
Across the album’s ten new songs Blackberry Smoke continues to embody Georgia’s rich musical legacy as they have for the past two decades, honoring the people, places and sounds of their home state. With the addition of producer Dave Cobb, a fellow Georgian, the new album pays homage to the band’s deep respect for their roots.
Of the title track, lead singer Starr says: “Lyrically, the song is about the South being misunderstood. It’s obviously a rough and tumble world, and there’s a lot of bad people. But there’s a lot of good people too. It started with the idea of how people might have a preconceived opinion of you because of a thick Southern accent, then expanded into the reality of how some people just seem to have such a hard time getting along, thanks to political or religious views, or simply what part of the country you come from.”
You Hear Georgia follows the release of 2018’s Find A Light, which entered at No. 3 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart, and No. 2 on the Billboard Americana/Folk Albums chart. Following Find A Light, the band shared three additional projects—a live album and concert film, Homecoming: Live In Atlanta, which debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Americana/Folk Album Sales chart; a six-song acoustic EP, The Southern Ground Sessions; and Live From Capricorn Sound Studios, an EP of six covers that have special ties to the historic studio.