Quartz Hill Records Partners with Our Motorsports, Nate Barnes to be Featured on #03 Camaro

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Photo: Courtesy Quartz Hill Records

Quartz Hill Records is partnering with Our Motorsports for the opener of the the 2021 NASCAR Xfinity Series season at the Beef. It’s What’s for Dinner 300 at Daytona International Speedway this Saturday (Feb. 13) at 5 p.m. ET.  The race will be televised live on FS1. 

Our’s #03 Camaro piloted by Series Champion, Tyler Reddick, will showcase up-and-coming Quartz Hill Records artist Nate Barnes and the cover artwork for his debut single, “You Ain’t Pretty.” Reddick returns to Daytona for his first NASCAR Xfinity Series action since 2019, when he was crowned Series Champion for the second consecutive season. He’s making his 85th start in the series.

Photo: Courtesy Quartz Hill Records

“NASCAR and country music go hand-in-hand. We’re all part of the same, extended family. Quartz Hill Records is proud to sponsor Our Motorsport’s #03 Camaro on opening weekend of the NASCAR Xfinity Series 2021 season,” says Benny Brown, managing partner of Quartz Hill Records.

“It’s absolutely mind-blowing to think that my face and name will be featured on a professional race car- driven by a two-time Xfinity Series champion!” says Barnes. “I’m so honored to have this opportunity. I love racing and I can’t wait to be onsite this weekend cheering Tyler on.”

Barnes’ “You Ain’t Pretty” has earned over 14 million TikTok streams and half a million lyric video views since the song’s release in late 2020, and officially impacts country radio on Feb. 16.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Matt Stell, Russell Dickerson, Dan + Shay, LANCO

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Today’s listening session was dominated by country’s male up-and-comers.

Troy Cartwright, Canaan Smith, Russell Dickerson, Matt Stell and Cooper Alan are all spinning new tunes. The Disc of the Day competition features Stell and Dickerson duking it out with Chapel Hart. Matt Stell wins in a close decision.

Chapel Hart is one of four groups in the spotlight. The others are Lanco, The Shootouts and our DisCovery Award winners, Restless Road.

RESTLESS ROAD / “Take One Look at Her Momma”
Writers: Andy Albert/Colton Pack/Garrett Nichols/Lindsay Rimes/Zach Beeken; Producer: Dann Huff; Label: RCA Nashville/1021 Entertainment
– Well sung and well played country-rock with a good-time attitude. It’s not too deep, to put it politely.

LAUREN ALAINA & JON PARDI / “Getting Over Him”
Writers: Lauren Alaina/Paul DiGiovanni/Emily Weisband; Producer: Paul DiGiovanni; Label: 19 Recordings/Mercury Nashville
– The song is pretty cool, and Alaina sings it splendidly. The rest of the ingredients don’t quite mix—the screaming rock guitar and Pardi’s strained vocal are a bit jarring.

THE SHOOTOUTS / “Rattlesnake Whiskey”
Writers: Ryan Humbert; Producer: Chuck Mead; Label: Soundly
– This rumbling “spaghetti-western” groovefest is about a moonshine runner. Step right up for lots of exciting rhythm & twang.

DAN + SHAY / “Glad You Exist”
Writers: Dan Smyers/Shay Mooney/Ryan Lewis/Tayla Parx/Jordan Reynolds; Producer: Dan Smyers; Label: Warner Music Nashville
– Jaunty pop swathed in sweet romance. A smile, for sure.

CHAPEL HART / “I Will Follow”
Writers: Savannah Keyes/Jennifer Hanson/Nick Brophy; Producer: Jennifer Hanson, Nick Brophy & Jeff Glixman; Label: CH
– I am a big fan of this trio. “Jesus and Alcohol” and “You Can Have Him Jolene” were both delights, and so is this tuneful, beautifully harmonized bopper of positivity. The act has deservedly been chosen as one of CMT’s “Next Women of Country” for 2021.

CANAAN SMITH / “Mason Jars & Fireflies”
Writers: Canaan Smith/Brian Kelley/Corey Crowder; Producer: Canaan Smith/Tyler Hubbard/Brian Kelley; Label: Round Here Records
– We may be in the dead of winter, but Smith evokes summertime fun on this uptempo thud-romp. The melody is dull and repetitive, but the vibe is in the right place.

COOPER ALAN / “New Normal”
Writers: Seth Mosley/Cooper Alan/Victoria Shaw; Producer: Victoria Shaw; Label: Cooped Up Records
– This guy is a TikTok star, I am told. His new single has finger snaps, deft guitar plucking and a resonant, romantic, baritone vocal. Very listenable.

TROY CARTWRIGHT / “Hung Up on You”
Writers: Troy Cartwright/Solomon Olds/Rebecca Lauren Olds; Producer: David Garcia; Label: Warner Music Nashville
– This new release is a stripped-down acoustic version of his debut single. The Texas-to-Tennessee transplant definitely has the goods, and I dig his “woo-hoo” falsetto breaks. Best line: “That damned jukebox is a memory machine.”

MATT STELL / “That Ain’t Me No More”
Writers: Michael Hardy/Hunter Phelps/Smith Ahnquist/Jake Mitchell/Nick Donley; Producer: Matt Stell/Ash Bowers; Label: RECORDS/Arista Nashville
– Nicely done. The deep-twang intro leads to sincere performance of a wailing, loved-and-lost lyric. Matt is a prior chart topper who’s batting a thousand.

RUSSELL DICKERSON / “Home Sweet”
Writers: Casey Brown/Charles Kelley/Russell Dickerson; Producer: Russell Dickerson/Dann Huff/Casey Brown; Label: Triple Tigers
– A sound of joy and celebration. Love has seldom seemed as delirious as this rocking, soaring slab of inspiration. Play it again. And again.

CALLISTA CLARK / “It’s Cause I Am”
Writers: Callista Clark/Cameron Jaymes/Laura Veltz; Producer: none listed; Label: Big Machine Label Group
– Youthful and poppy. Promising, even though it ain’t all that country.

LANCO / “Near Mrs.”
Writers: Brandon Lancaster/Shane McAnally/Jeremy Spillman; Producer: Dann Huff; Label: Arista Nashville
– Exceedingly clever as a piece of songwriting. The stately tempo throws the spotlight on the spiffy lyric as well as Lancaster’s delivery. This act always hits the bullseye.

Superstars Sir Barry Gibb and Brad Paisley Added to CRS 2021

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Barry Gibb, Brad Paisley

Country Radio Seminar will welcome Sir Barry Gibb and Brad Paisley to separate virtual events next week.

Legendary artist, songwriter and producer Gibb will sit for an exclusive interview on Thursday, Feb. 18, 2 p.m. (CT), conducted by Variety’s Chris Willman. “A Conversation with Sir Barry Gibb,” sponsored by BMLG, will scratch the surface of Gibb’s 60-year career filled with commercial and critical success including The Bee Gees, which has sold more than 200 million albums to date. With nine No. 1 singles as a performer, Gibb is also amongst the most successful songwriters of all-time, with 16 No. 1 singles. His new No. 1 album, GREENFIELDS: The Gibb Brothers’ Songbook, Vol. 1, was produced by Dave Cobb at Nashville’s historic RCA Studio A.

Immediately following, at 3 p.m. CT, “So Much Cooler Online: A Conversation with Brad Paisley,” sponsored by CT40 with Fitz, will take place. When the pandemic struck in 2020, Paisley emerged as a leader in creatively staying connected with fans. In a rare, guided interview conducted by best-selling author and pop culture pundit, David Wild, and television writer and producer, Phil Rosenthal, the conversation will dive into what inspired Paisley to reinvent how he connects with fans. Over the past 20 years, Paisley’s songwriting and unmatched showmanship have won him numerous awards, including GRAMMYs, CMAs and ACMs. He has written 21 of his 24 No. 1 hits.

CRS 2021: The Virtual Experience will be held Tuesday, Feb. 16, through Friday, Feb. 19. The expanded, four-day agenda offers attendees more than 14 educational sessions, four morning networking events, two lunchtime performances, four interactive workshops, “Bob Kingsley’s Acoustic Alley” featuring Thomas Rhett and Guests, and the New Faces of Country Music® show.

Industry Ink: Kelsea Ballerini, Mackenzie Clayburg, Music Row Build With Habitat

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Kelsea Ballerini Gets Golden Surprise

Pictured (L-R): Black River’s Bill Macky, Mike Wilson, Rick Froio, Kelsea Ballerini, Gordon Kerr, and Doug Johnson.

Kelsea Ballerini received a shiny surprise this week during Black River Entertainment’s iHeart Radio presentation. Ballerini was surprised with an RIAA Gold certification plaque for her hit single “hole in the bottle” during the day’s festivities.

 

Mackenzie Clayburg Promoted To Director At Adkins Publicity

Makenzie Clayburg

Makenzie Clayburg has been promoted to Director of Publicity and Social Media at Adkins Publicity. In her new role, Clayburg will supervise and coordinate day-to-day strategy along with President/CEO Scott Adkins, Vice President of Publicity Kelli Wasilauski and Publicity Coordinator Haley Moriva for the firm’s roster of music, film, television, podcast, cannabis and lifestyle clients.

Adkins said, “Makenzie Clayburg has demonstrated tremendous growth as an energetic, unstoppable public relations and digital media professional whose unbridled enthusiasm and experience continues to be invaluable for our clients.”

 

Music Row Build With Habitat Raises Another Home

Pictured (L-R): Kurt Denny, Music Row Build committee member and Habitat for Humanity Supervisor On Site; new home owner Italia Nance and her three children; and Mark Brown, Music Row Build, and Round Hill Music SVP/GM.

The latest Music Row Build with Habitat for Humanity is complete. Italia Nance’s new home was dedicated on Feb. 4 with Italia and her three children, Daniel and DeMonte Nance, and Deandrae Whitson, on hand.

“To complete this build is especially rewarding because we had so many things working against us from the Covid-19 pandemic, which made fundraising more challenging and made getting volunteers to show up extra hard, to a couple of the worst weather days possible—cold, rainy, and very muddy,” said Mark Brown of Round Hill Music, who worked on the build. “But, Habitat says they build rain or shine, as long as there’s no danger from lightening or wind. And they do, and we did. But, in a way, that all made it that much more rewarding and I’m so proud to be a part of it. I want to thank all the volunteers and the dozens of people who stepped up financially to help us out.”

Blake Duncan Joins Combustion Music as Director of Creative & A&R

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Blake Duncan. Photo: Taylor Kelly

Blake Duncan has been hired at Combustion Music as the company’s Director of Creative and A&R.

Prior to Combustion, Duncan’s past stops included working as a Creative Director at Dreamlined Entertainment and at Broken Bow Records. He will assist in all things creative and help oversee Combustion’s writer and artist roster which includes Jameson Rodgers, Matthew West, Kolby Cooper and others. Blake is also part of the team of YNOT Wednesday Songwriter Spotlight, that showcases Nashville artist and songwriters.

“Blake brings a new spin and wealth of energy to our publishing team at a time when the music world is changing fast. We are thrilled to have him on board,” says Combustion President Chris Farren.

“I am grateful for the opportunity at Combustion, and there belief in me! There’s a competitive atmosphere here that can’t be matched,” said Duncan. “I look forward to getting after it with these great writers and artists each day!”

BMLG Promotes Nicole Flammia to VP, Creative Photo & Video Production

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Nicole Flammia. Photo Courtesy of Big Machine Label Group

Big Machine Label Group has promoted Nicole Flammia to Vice President, Creative Photo & Video Production. In her new role, Flammia will continue to work closely with Big Machine Label Group’s full roster of artists and their management teams to produce music videos, photoshoots and additional content.

“Nicole has been a true leader and creative force at Big Machine Label Group,” said BMLG Creative Team Sr. Vice President Sandi Spika Borchetta. “Her dedication, hard work ethic and production mindset has greatly contributed to the success of our creative content. Congratulations, Nicole! We are proud you are a part of the Machine!”

A graduate of Belmont University, Flammia joined BMLG in 2015 with a seasoned background in video production. Her innovative work has resulted in multiple CMA and ACM award wins and nominations for videos such as Thomas Rhett’s “Remember You Young,” Lady A’s “What If I Never Get Over You,” Carly Pearce’s “I Hope You’re Happy Now” and Sugarland’s “Babe.” Flammia was also included in MusicRow’s 2021 Next Big Thing Music Industry Directory.

“I’m so grateful to be a part of a company that pushes boundaries, embraces creativity and continues to evolve in our industry,” said Flammia. “The creative team at Big Machine is almost a second family to me. I’ve learned and grown so much over these last six years and I look forward to be able to contribute to our future. Thank you to Sandi and Scott Borchetta for this opportunity and their continued support.”

Natalie Hemby Signs To Fantasy Records, Will Release Solo Album in 2021

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Natalie Hemby. Photo: Alysse Gafjken

Renowned songwriter and member of The Highwomen, Natalie Hemby, has signed a worldwide recording contract with Fantasy Records and will release a new solo album later this year.

Since signing her first publishing deal at age 19, Hemby has earned eight No. 1 country singles, including Lady A’s “Downtown;” Justin Moore’s “You Look Like I Need A Drink;” Jon Pardi’s “Heartache Medication;” Little Big Town’s “Pontoon” and “Tornado;” and Miranda Lambert’s “White Liar,” “Automatic,” and “Bluebird.” Her songs have also been recorded by Kacey Musgraves, Maren Morris, Sheryl Crow, Lady Gaga, Dierks Bentley, Eli Young Band, Kelly Clarkson, Rag’n’Bone Man, Labrinth, and more.

Hemby released her first solo album, Puxico, in 2017. In 2019, she teamed with Brandi Carlile, Maren Morris and Amanda Shires to form The Highwomen.

The upcoming solo album, produced and mixed by her husband Mike Wrucke, will be Hemby’s first for Fantasy. She joins a roster at Fantasy Records that includes Tanya Tucker, James Taylor, Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats, Paul Simon, Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real, and more.

“Both Mick Management and Fantasy Records have an exceptional and eclectic roster of artists they work with,” said Hemby. “Their teams are some of the most respected in the music business. I’m so proud to be a part of their musical families…it is truly a dream come true for me.”

“Natalie Hemby is a masterful singer-songwriter, a visionary artist, and a dynamic, influential presence among Nashville’s creative community,” said Fantasy Records President Margi Cheske. “We’re thrilled to welcome her to the Fantasy family and look forward to working closely with the great team at Mick Management to bring this incredible new album to the world.”

Taylor Swift’s New Recording of ‘Love Story’ Drops at Midnight

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“Fearless (Taylor’s Version)” album cover. Photo: Beth Garrabrant

Taylor Swift has re-recorded her 2008 album Fearless and the first track from the new sessions, “Love Story (Taylor’s Version)” will be released at midnight.

Fearless (Taylor’s Version) has 26 songs including six never before released songs that she wrote during the same time period, around ages 16 to 18.

Swift shared the news Thursday (Feb. 11) via a video message aired exclusively on Good Morning America. She said, “I’ve now gone back and recorded those so that everyone will be able to hear not only the songs that made the album but the songs that almost made it. The full picture.”

She also revealed the cover artwork for the album and followed the announcement with social media posts, including the one on Twitter (below). In part, she writes, “This process has been more fulfilling and emotional than I could’ve imagined and has made me even more determined to re-record all of my music.” Fans quickly noticed the random capitalized letters which spell out “APRIL NINTH,” and predicted that is the release date of the album.

Swift has long had plans to re-record her first six albums, following the acquisition of her former label home, Big Machine Records, by Scooter Braun’s Ithaca Holdings.

BBR Music Group Promotes Matthew Holmberg

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Matthew Holmberg, Photo: Cody Heckber

Matthew Holmberg has been promoted to Manager of Group Strategy, Syndication & Secondary Promotion at BBR Music Group. Holmberg will continue to report to VP of Radio Syndication & Group Strategy, Renee Leymon.

Holmberg’s responsibilities include assisting Leymon with syndication and radio chain group strategy for the label group, building and maintaining relationships with key syndicated partners, and creating and executing satellite radio tours, live virtual radio tours, syndication/media days and content days for the label group.

“Matthew has been such an integral part of our department and BBRMG as a whole,” said Leymon. “He is an incredibly hard worker and always has a solution to everything. Matthew continues to blow us away daily with his dedication and intelligence he brings to his role.”

Since joining BBR Music Group in April 2017 as Catalog Coordinator for Magic Mustang Music, Holmberg has held the positions of Promotion Coordinator for Red Bow Records and Wheelhouse Records, and Manager of Secondary Promotion. While attending Belmont University, Holmberg interned for BBRMG in 2013 and graduated in 2014 with a Bachelor of Business Administration—Music Business.

Jay DeMarcus’ Red Street Records To Sponsor NASCAR Driver Natalie Decker

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Jay DeMarcus, Jason Crabb, Natalie Decker. Photo: Courtesy Red Street Records / Conduit Media

Jay DeMarcus‘ Red Street Records is sponsoring NASCAR driver Natalie Decker as she joins RSS Racing, managed by Reaume Brothers Racing, for five races in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. The partnership makes history as the first time a Christian label has sponsored a NASCAR driver, and the design of the car features Red Street Records artist Jason Crabb showcased on the hood promoting his new single, “Just As I Am.”

Decker will be running the #23 Chevy Camaro for five races to start the year, and will be making her NASCAR Xfinity Series debut at the Daytona Road Course. She has made significant strides in the last few years racing in the ARCA series and most recently in the NCWTS, where she became the highest finishing female in the NASCAR Truck Series, finishing 5th at Daytona in 2020.

Photo: Courtesy Red Street Records / Conduit Media

“We are thrilled to be partnering with Team Decker,” said DeMarcus, owner of Red Street Records. “Natalie is on the cutting edge of the racing industry; her meteoric rise continues to be amazing and unprecedented! She is the next generation. We here at Red Street view our journey in much the same way: innovation, and “outside the box” thinking, have set us apart, in the same way that Natalie has been set apart as one of NASCAR’s youngest female drivers in history. That makes Team Decker and Red Street Records the perfect combination!”

“First, I have to say thank you, thank you to all my fans that support me and show me so much love! I love you all!,” said Decker. “Thank you to Todd DiBenedetto for connecting Natalie Decker LLC and Red Street Records. Thank you, Red Street Records, for believing in me and wanting to be part of this Journey with me. Our first race is the Daytona road course, and I could not be any happier, we have Jason Crabb and his new single on the hood of the car. This song is so meaningful to me and the inspiration I get from Jason when I hear this song is unbelievable! I’m excited for this journey and I’m so happy I finally get to share it with all of you!”