MusicRow Magazine’s 2021 Country Radio & Streaming Issue, with BMLG Records duo Florida Georgia Line gracing the cover, releases today (Feb. 16).
For their fifth album, Florida Georgia Line doubles down on what they do best: deep grooves, earworm hooks, and carpe diem-style songs for anyone who loves life, loves God, and loves having a good time. Whether a forever ballad like “Always Gonna Love You,” the phased vocals and hip-hop stroll of “Ain’t Worried Bout It,” the banjo-flecked small-town philosophy of “Life Rolls On,” or the lush soul sexiness of “Hard To Get To Heaven,” Brian “BK” Kelley and Tyler Hubbard continue creating the soundtrack for people who are enjoying every minute.
The first country act to receive two Diamond certifications for “Cruise” [11x Platinum breakout track that spent 24 weeks at No. 1], and record-breaking, 10x Platinum collaboration with Bebe Rexha “Meant to Be” [50 straight weeks at No. 1], FGL knows how to drill into the moment.
Working with acclaimed songwriter/producer Corey Crowder for the first time, LIFE ROLLS ON shows America’s favorite party duo finding a new elevation beyond the CMA, ACM, Billboard Music, Teen Choice, and American Music Awards accolades. Recorded mainly in the Bahamas, these fresh, light songs have everything fans love with a little bit more room to breathe. With the vivid acoustic instruments shining through on “Long Live,” and buzzing-off trademark FGL vibes with “Beer:30,” it’s still drive time power rotation for the people gearing up for their workday or party. But that’s just the beginning… Over 16 tracks, BK and Tyler renew all the things that made them America’s good time brokers and pals down the block.
FGL is signed with their own Tree Vibez Music for publishing, aligned with performing rights organization BMI, managed by Irving and Jeffrey Azoff at Full Stop Management, and booked by WME.
MusicRow Magazine’s annual Country Radio & Streaming Issue also features the winners for this year’s MusicRow CountryBreakout Awards, held virtually.
This issue spotlights Apple Music’s expansion into radio, features a conversation with iHeartMedia‘s Rod Phillips, and highlights Triple Tigers success at country radio. Also featured in the issue is an inside look at Spotify’s Indigo playlist, and a look at secondary market radio with Radio 7 Media’s Charlotte Wright Stremler.
The magazine will be digitally available throughout CRS week HERE and members will receive their copy of the MusicRow Country Radio & Streaming issue by mail.
Single copies of MusicRow’s 2021 Country Radio & Streaming issue are available for purchase at musicrow.com for $20, and are included with yearly MusicRow memberships. Please note that issues of MusicRow Magazine’s Country Radio & Streaming issue can only be purchased online as the MusicRow building is currently closed to the public due to COVID-19.
Wyatt McCubbin Signs With Tape Room Music, 50 Egg Music
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R) Top row: Kelly Bolton, Ashley Gorley, Joey Harris; Middle row: Blain Rhodes, Tali Canterbury, Jonathan Singleton; Front row: Wyatt McCubbin
Wyatt McCubbin has signed a joint publishing deal with Tape Room Music and 50 Egg Music. The partnership marks the first joint venture for the two companies, which collectively have 33 No. 1 hits.
Since moving to Nashville from his native Ohio, McCubbin has had songs recorded by Tracy Lawrence, Brent Cobb, John Schneider, Josh Ward, Jake Worthington, Drew Parker and others. He has also opened for artists including Merle Haggard, Charlie Daniels, Dwight Yoakam, Easton Corbin, The Kentucky Headhunters, Josh Turner and more.
“I’ve been a fan of Wyatt’s for a long time and I am glad to finally have him in the Tape Room family. He is one of the best young songwriters in town and can flat out sing!” said Blain Rhodes, General Manager of Tape Room Music. “We look forward to working with 50 Egg to help him bring his music to the world.”
“Wyatt is the real deal—incredible singer, songwriter, and human being. We are so excited for the world to hear his music and for this collaboration with Tape Room Music,” said Tali Canterbury, President of 50 Egg Music.
“Working with this team is such a full circle moment because I’ve known several members of the team for years now. They’ve seen me grow over that amount of time as an artist and a writer and have always encouraged me to be me,” said McCubbin. “It’s inspiring to get to work with such a talented group of people who truly get who I am and believe in what I do.”
BREAKING: 56th ACM Awards To Be Held In Nashville
/by LB CantrellThe Academy of Country Music, dick clark productions, and CBS announced today (Feb. 16) that the 56th ACM Awards will be heading back to Nashville, Tennessee.
The televised event will broadcast live from three iconic country music venues: the Grand Ole Opry House, Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium and The Bluebird Cafe on Sunday, April 18 at 8:00-11:00 PM, live ET/delayed PT on the CBS Television Network.
“We’re thrilled to return to Music City’s most iconic venues as we come together on April 18th to celebrate the best in Country Music, back in our normal awards cycle,” said Damon Whiteside, CEO of the Academy of Country Music. “A huge thank you to the city of Nashville, Grand Ole Opry House, Ryman Auditorium and Bluebird Cafe for welcoming us back to Nashville, where we can look out for the safety of our artists while shining a spotlight on this vibrant city after a tough 2020.”
Last year marked the first time in Academy of Country Music Awards history that the show was held in Nashville. More details regarding performances will be revealed in the coming months.
In support of the city of Nashville, ACM Lifting Lives®, the charitable arm of the Academy of Country Music, will donate $25,000 to the Music City, Inc. foundation for their Nashville Christmas Day Explosion Relief Fund, with funds earmarked for local musicians out of work due to damage to venues.
“ACM Lifting Lives is proud to support the city of Nashville, our home of the 56th ACM Awards, through a $25,000 donation to Music City, Inc foundation for the Nashville Christmas Day Explosion Relief Fund,” said Lyndsay Cruz, ACM Lifting Lives Executive Director. “The impact of the explosion was felt throughout the music community, and we hope this donation can help alleviate some of the burden on the community.”
The ACM will follow guidelines set forth by national, state and local health officials during the production of the ACM Awards, along with additional safety measures to be instated by dick clark productions and the Academy of Country Music.
Track45 Plots ‘Big Dreams’ For New EP Out February 26
/by Lorie HollabaughTrack45 is set to release the second of their introduction EPs, Big Dreams, which follows their fall debut, Small Town, on February 26 via Stoney Creek Records/BBR Music Group.
Big Dreams combines tracks from Small Town with one new original and a special cover of Dolly Parton’s “Light Of A Clear Blue Morning.” The five-song collection also features the sibling trio’s debut single “Met Me Now,” set to impact country radio on March 1. The following day, the band will be featured as Facebook’s Artist of the Day.
Fresh off the heels of their six-week radio tour, the band will kick off their first official Country Radio Seminar this week performing as part of Amazon Music Presents: ‘Country Heat’ at CRS. They will also be performing an industry-wide live show this Friday after CRS concludes at 4 p.m. CT.
On The Cover: MusicRow Magazine’s Country Radio & Streaming Issue Features Florida Georgia Line
/by LB CantrellMusicRow Magazine’s 2021 Country Radio & Streaming Issue, with BMLG Records duo Florida Georgia Line gracing the cover, releases today (Feb. 16).
For their fifth album, Florida Georgia Line doubles down on what they do best: deep grooves, earworm hooks, and carpe diem-style songs for anyone who loves life, loves God, and loves having a good time. Whether a forever ballad like “Always Gonna Love You,” the phased vocals and hip-hop stroll of “Ain’t Worried Bout It,” the banjo-flecked small-town philosophy of “Life Rolls On,” or the lush soul sexiness of “Hard To Get To Heaven,” Brian “BK” Kelley and Tyler Hubbard continue creating the soundtrack for people who are enjoying every minute.
The first country act to receive two Diamond certifications for “Cruise” [11x Platinum breakout track that spent 24 weeks at No. 1], and record-breaking, 10x Platinum collaboration with Bebe Rexha “Meant to Be” [50 straight weeks at No. 1], FGL knows how to drill into the moment.
Working with acclaimed songwriter/producer Corey Crowder for the first time, LIFE ROLLS ON shows America’s favorite party duo finding a new elevation beyond the CMA, ACM, Billboard Music, Teen Choice, and American Music Awards accolades. Recorded mainly in the Bahamas, these fresh, light songs have everything fans love with a little bit more room to breathe. With the vivid acoustic instruments shining through on “Long Live,” and buzzing-off trademark FGL vibes with “Beer:30,” it’s still drive time power rotation for the people gearing up for their workday or party. But that’s just the beginning… Over 16 tracks, BK and Tyler renew all the things that made them America’s good time brokers and pals down the block.
FGL is signed with their own Tree Vibez Music for publishing, aligned with performing rights organization BMI, managed by Irving and Jeffrey Azoff at Full Stop Management, and booked by WME.
MusicRow Magazine’s annual Country Radio & Streaming Issue also features the winners for this year’s MusicRow CountryBreakout Awards, held virtually.
This issue spotlights Apple Music’s expansion into radio, features a conversation with iHeartMedia‘s Rod Phillips, and highlights Triple Tigers success at country radio. Also featured in the issue is an inside look at Spotify’s Indigo playlist, and a look at secondary market radio with Radio 7 Media’s Charlotte Wright Stremler.
The magazine will be digitally available throughout CRS week HERE and members will receive their copy of the MusicRow Country Radio & Streaming issue by mail.
Single copies of MusicRow’s 2021 Country Radio & Streaming issue are available for purchase at musicrow.com for $20, and are included with yearly MusicRow memberships. Please note that issues of MusicRow Magazine’s Country Radio & Streaming issue can only be purchased online as the MusicRow building is currently closed to the public due to COVID-19.
MusicRow’s 19th Annual CountryBreakout Awards Winners
/by LB CantrellMusicRow Magazine is revealing the winners of the 19th annual CountryBreakout Awards on all MusicRow online platforms, including Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, starting at 9:00 a.m. today (Feb. 16).
Click here to see the CountryBreakout Awards schedule of announcements.
Each winner will be featured in MusicRow‘s Country Radio & Streaming issue, also out today (Feb. 16).
The winners for the 2021 CountryBreakout Awards will be updated live below:
Reporter of the Year – WIFE’s Ted Cramer
Songwriter of the Year – Josh Osborne
Label of the Year – Capitol Records Nashville
Independent Artist of the Year – Cody Jinks
Breakout Artist of the Year – Parker McCollum
Group/Duo of the Year – Florida Georgia Line
Female Artist of the Year – Miranda Lambert
Male Artist of the Year – Luke Combs
Wallen, Osborne, Gorley Rule ‘MusicRow’ Top Songwriter Chart
/by LB CantrellMorgan Wallen. Photo: John Shearer
Morgan Wallen returns to the No. 1 position on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart this week, after being bested by Josh Osborne last week. Osborne now sits No. 2. Ashley Gorley remains at No. 3 on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart.
Wallen is held atop the chart with co-writer credits on 11 of his own songs, including: “7 Summers,” “Bandaid On A Bullet Hole,” “Dangerous,” “Livin’ The Dream,” More Than My Hometown,” “Neon Eyes,” “Only Thing That’s Gone,” “Somebody’s Problem,” “Still Goin Down,” “Wasted On You,” and “Wonderin’ Bout The Wind.” Osborne’s co-written “Beers And Sunshine” (Darius Rucker), “Breaking Up Was Easy In The 90’s” (Sam Hunt), “How They Remember You” (Rascal Flatts), “Next Girl” (Carly Pearce), and “7 Summers” and “Sand In My Boots” (Morgan Wallen) keep him at No. 2.
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.
Kip Moore Celebrates ‘Wild World Deluxe’ Live At The Ryman
/by Sarah SkatesKip Moore performs at the Ryman Auditorium on Feb. 12. Photo: Catherine Powell
Kip Moore marked the release of his enhanced album Wild World Deluxe on Friday (Feb. 12) with a performance at The Ryman in Nashville. He celebrated with fans at the in-person, sold-out, socially distanced concert which was also available online as a ticketed global livestream.
During the 26-song set, Moore shared insight into each of his four studio albums to date, which he performed chronologically throughout the evening.
Kip Moore and Ashley McBryde perform “Janie Blu” at the Ryman Auditorium. Photo: Catherine Powell
When the singer reached his most recent record, Wild World, he invited songstress Ashley McBryde to the stage to join him in performing fan favorite “Janie Blu.”
Recently released, Wild World Deluxe includes four new tracks, totaling 17 songs on the collection that enhances his album released in May 2020.
The concert event benefitted ACM Lifting Lives, with $1 from every ticket sold being donated to the cause.
Kip Moore and band onstage at the Ryman. Photo: Catherine Powell
Joey Floyd Foundation Celebrates Memory of Toby Keith’s Longtime Guitarist
/by Sarah SkatesThe Joey Floyd Foundation is honoring the memory of Toby Keith’s longtime guitarist and fiddle player with the 5 Days / 5 Years / 5 Giveaways online event, which kicked off on Sunday, Feb. 14. Floyd passed away from throat cancer on Valentine’s Day 2016.
The late musician’s widow, Laurin Floyd, is organizing the initiative. As part of this week’s tribute, the foundation seeks donations to further its mission of giving scholarships to students interested in pursuing music, as well as financial assistance to struggling artists.
Below is the listing of events:
Feb. 14 – Valentine’s Day – Tribute from Joey’s widow, Laurin Floyd, and the announcement of the full week of events.
Feb. 15 – TEXAS! – Sister Jill will lead a tribute from Joey’s home state of Texas.
Feb. 16 – The Joey Floyd Foundation Tribute by recipients and fans.
Feb. 17– A conversation with members from Toby Keith’s Easy Money Band.
Feb. 18 – JAM NIGHT LIVE! Join in for the final day with a performance by Laurin Floyd + special guests. Donations of $5 are encouraged and all proceeds go to further the mission of the Joey Floyd Foundation.
* NOTE: Each event will be posted on the foundation’s Facebook page at 5:00 p.m. CST during the week
Sooner’s Priceless Answers From Publishers Event Set For February 25
/by Lorie Hollabaugh(L-R): Courtney Allen, Jeffrey Nelson
Sooner, the online platform for songwriters and publishers, is hosting the virtual event Priceless Answers From Publishers with Courtney Allen and Jeffrey Nelson on Thursday, Feb. 25 at 5 p.m. CT. Allen is Creative Director at BMG, and Nelson is a longtime independent songplugger and publisher.
The free Zoom event will be hosted by Nancy Deckant, Founder and CEO of Sooner.
The interactive event seeks to connect songwriters and publishers discussing how they select the songwriters they work with, the types of writers they are looking for, and a live Q&A session. Three deserving songwriters will be referred to Allen and Nelson by Sooner.
“I believe being competitive in this business involves being on the continual lookout for extraordinary songs and remarkable writers,” said Nelson. “New platforms and technological approaches that accelerate how fast those songs and writers can come to one’s attention is a major plus.”
Details at Discoversooner.com/events.
Kip Moore, Caylee Hammack On Live Nation’s Country Conversations
/by Lorie HollabaughKip Moore and Caylee Hammack are set to appear Monday (Feb. 15) on Live Nation Presents: Country Conversations, when the web series returns at 6 p.m CT.
Hosted by Brian O’Connell, President of Country Touring and creator of Live Nation’s family of country music festivals, the livestream event will be available to watch on the Facebook pages of Watershed Music And Camping Festival, Rock The Ocean’s Tortuga Music Festival, and Faster Horses Music Festival. Fans can also view it online on Live Nation’s homepage.
The series gives fans a special look into artists’ daily lives when they are not on the road, with previous guests including Miranda Lambert, Jon Pardi, Lindsay Ell and Travis Denning.