Waylon Payne Profiled on CBS This Morning Saturday
Singer Waylon Payne was featured on CBS This Morning Saturday over the weekend. He sat down with Anthony Mason to discuss his family (mom, late country singer Sammi Smith, and father, late guitarist Jody Payne), personal struggles, and his critically-acclaimed new album Blue Eyes, The Harlot, The Queer, The Pusher & Me.
During the show, Payne performed “Dangerous Criminal,” “All The Trouble” and “Sins of the Father.”
On Thurs., Feb. 4 Payne will be on a Recording Academy session via Grammy Platforms for an in-depth conversation with producers Frank Liddell and Eric Masse about the making of the album.
Luke Bryan, Eric Church To Perform on Super Bowl After-Party
Luke Bryan, Eric Church
Luke Bryan and Eric Church are among the performers on The Big Concert for Small Business, Verizon’s after-party for Super Bowl VW, airing Sunday, February 7 at 11:00 p.m. ET. As previously reported, Church will also participate in the singing of the national anthem before kickoff.
Hosted by Tiffany Haddish, the event will also feature performances by Alicia Keys, Brandi Carlile, Brittany Howard, Christina Aguilera, H.E.R., Jazmine Sullivan, and Miley Cyrus. The concert will be livestreamed on Yahoo, Fios, @Verizon on Twitter, Twitch, YouTube and TikTok, and broadcasted on BET, CBS Sports Network, CMT, MTV2 and MTV Live, as well as aired on iHeart and Sirius. The event is curated and produced by RocNation.
Kenny Chesney Taps Fans To Choose Next Rum Flavor
Blue Chair Bay Rum. Photo: Allister Ann
Kenny Chesney is turning to his fans in No Shoes Nation to help him select the next flavor of his Blue Chair Bay® Rum, either Mocha Rum Cream or Mango Rum Cream. Participants can vote and enter for a chance to win a guitar signed by Chesney here.
In the eight years since the launch of Blue Chair Bay, the company has expanded to offer flavors including pineapple, key lime, banana, coconut and more. Continuing to innovate, Blue Chair Bay® Rum recently collaborated with New York-based company Tipsy Scoop to create rum-infused ice cream.
AIMP To Host Tik Tok Webinar With Andrew Jannakos And Priscilla Block
/by Lorie HollabaughAIMP’s Nashville Chapter will host a webinar Thursday (Feb. 4) called “Tik Tok to Record Deal: The Transition From Viral Fame to Recording Artist.” The online event is at 4:30 p.m. CT and features TikTok stars Priscilla Block and Andrew Jannakos as well as their label teams from UMG Nashville and Sony Music Nashville, respectively.
The webinar will discuss the path from achieving viral fame to becoming a recording artist, and will also feature panelists Andrew Cohen (Owner & Music Manager, Cohencidence Projects), Margaret Tomlin (Dir., A&R, Sony Music Nashville), and Brian Wright (Exec. VP of A&R, Universal Music Group Nashville), as well as moderator Marissa Turk (Associate Day-to-Day Manager, SMACKSongs).
The webinar is free for AIMP members and $5 for non-members, with registration available now via Zoom.
Emily Shackelton Signs With Winsongs
/by Lorie HollabaughClockwise from left: Winsongs’ Chris DeStefano, Kirby Smith, Emily Shackelton
Songwriter Emily Shackelton has signed with Winsongs Music Publishing.
Shackelton penned Carly Pearce’s No. 1 single, “Every Little Thing,” which was recognized as one of NSAI’s 2018 Ten Songs I Wish I’d Written, and several of her songs have also been featured on TV shows like Nashville, American Idol, and Dancing With the Stars. She also won MusicRow’s 2018 Breakthrough Songwriter of the Year award, and currently serves on the NSAI board.
“We are so privileged and excited to have Emily join the Winsongs family,” said Winsongs founder, hit songwriter and producer Chris DeStefano. “She is an incredible songwriter and brings a charisma and creativity to the writer room that is truly unique.”
Hailing from Biwabik, Minnesota, Shackelton studied at Berklee College of Music, during which time she won the coveted BMI John Lennon Songwriting Competition. She later made the move to Nashville and began focusing on her songwriting, landing cuts and singles with Lauren Alaina, Runaway June, Cassadee Pope, the Civil Wars’ Joy Williams, Reba McEntire, Jennifer Nettles, Sara Evans, and more.
“I am so excited and honored to be a part of the Winsongs team!” said Shackelton. “I have admired DeStefano for years and value what he and Kirby have created. I look forward to continuing to do what I love—making music—with this incredible company.”
“Emily is a talent unlike any other,” added Creative Dir. Kirby Smith. “She has already made such a great addition to our Winsongs family. We are so thankful to have the privilege to work with her.”
Warner Music Nashville Signs Drew Parker
/by LB CantrellWarner Music Nashville announced the signing of rising country singer Drew Parker.
Already an accomplished songwriter, Parker has several major publishing credits to his name including “Lonely One” on Luke Combs’ debut Platinum record This One’s For You, Jake Owen’s No. 1 single “Homemade,” and Combs’ “1, 2 Many” and recent streaming hit “Forever After All.”
Parker’s “While You’re Gone” has quickly become a fan favorite, garnering over 15 million streams to date, and has already gained industry support as a SiriusXM The Highway’s Highway Find. He also recently landing on SiriusXM’s Future Five For 2021 list. Parker joined the first three weeks of Combs’ What You See Is What You Get tour alongside Ashley McBryde last year, with the remaining dates anticipated to resume in August.
“I’ve dreamed for nearly my whole life of signing a record deal, but even in my dreams, I never imagined I’d be able to work with a team as devoted and driven as the folks at Warner are,” said Parker. “I’m super thankful for them seeing something in me and giving this opportunity to a small town Georgia boy. I can’t wait to get back on the road and share this excitement with all of the fans who I miss so much!”
Hailing from the small town of Covington, Georgia, Parker began singing at just three years old for small church crowds. He picked up a guitar at age 14 and taught himself, pulling his inspiration from legends such as Keith Whitley, Merle Haggard, Waylon Jennings, Travis Tritt and Alan Jackson. At 18, Parker expanded his talents into piano. He relocated to Nashville in 2015, landing a publishing deal with River House / Warner Chappell just two years later in September 2017.
Parker is published by River House Artists/Sony ATV, managed by Jarrod Holley and Chris Kappy from MakeWake Artists, and is booked by Sam Forbert from CAA.
Video Surfaces of Morgan Wallen Using N-Word, Issues Apology
/by LB CantrellMorgan Wallen. Photo: John Shearer
In a video obtained by TMZ and posted late Tuesday (Feb. 2) night, Morgan Wallen is seen coming home from a night out when he uses a racial slur while speaking to his friend. The video was reportedly shot Sunday (Jan. 31) night outside Wallen’s Nashville home by neighbors and shows him yelling profanities, including the N-word.
Big Loud Records has suspended Wallen’s recording contract indefinitely. Wallen has also been dropped from WME’s talent roster.
Wallen issued an apology to TMZ, “I’m embarrassed and sorry. I used an unacceptable and inappropriate racial slur that I wish I could take back. There are no excuses to use this type of language, ever. I want to sincerely apologize for using the word. I promise to do better.” MusicRow has confirmed its authenticity.
The video has surfaced following weeks of a very successful launch of his sophomore album, Dangerous: The Double Album. The Big Loud/Republic Records artist is unquestionably the biggest breakout star in the country format this year, with Dangerous garnering accolades including being the first country album to spend three weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 in eight years; as well as debuting at No. 1 atop the Billboard 200 Albums chart and earning the largest streaming week for a country album in history.
Wallen’s music has notably disappeared from Spotify’s Hot Country and Apple Music’s Today’s Country playlist. Variety reports that his music has been removed from Cumulus Media 400-plus stations, with a directive to the program directors from Brian Philips, EVP of programming for the chain, and John Dimick, the company’s head of programming operations. iHeartMedia has also pulled his music from their stations, MusicRow has confirmed.
The Academy of Country Music announced they will halt Wallen’s potential involvement and eligibility for this year’s ACM Awards.
On Feb. 4, BMI issued the following statement: “BMI condemns the hateful and offensive racial slur recently used by Morgan Wallen. While unacceptable, under the terms of our consent decree, BMI is mandated to accept all songwriters who want to be a part of our organization. We have asked BMI’s Advisor and Gospel legend, BeBe Winans, to reach out to Morgan to help him understand the gravity and impact of his words. Our hope is that BeBe’s outreach can help Morgan become a more inclusive and empathetic person.”
In a Tweet, CMT announced that they will be removing his appearances from all their platforms.
The CMA announced they, to, would be removing his digital content from their platform
Wallen’s country music peers Kelsea Ballerini, Maren Morris, Mickey Guyton, Will Hoge and more have issued early reactions about the incident.
Tyler Childers Signs With Warner Chappell Music
/by Lorie HollabaughTyler Childers
Tyler Childers has signed a global publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music Nashville.
Childers first broke onto the scene in 2017 with Purgatory, which was co-produced by Sturgill Simpson and David Ferguson. The album earned Childers the title of Emerging Artist of the Year at the 2018 Americana Honors & Awards and was named one of the Top 50 Albums of 2017 by NPR. He followed that up in 2019 with the critically-acclaimed Country Squire, which landed him a 2020 Grammy nod for Best Country Solo for “All Your’n.”
Last year the Kentucky native released his surprise album, Long Violent History, whose title track addresses systemic racism by speaking directly to white rural voters. All proceeds from the album go to the Hickman Holler Appalachian Relief Fund, which Childers and his wife established to raise awareness and money for philanthropic efforts in the Appalachian Region.
“Nashville is home to world-class songwriters and Tyler is undoubtedly one of the best,” said Ben Vaughn, President & CEO, Warner Chappell Music Nashville. “His poignant words do what great music can do—move us, invite self-reflection, and spark conversations. Long Violent History is a testament to the power of his music and I’m thrilled to have him join the Warner Chappell family.”
Dolly Parton Switches Up Hit Song For Super Bowl Ad
/by Sarah SkatesDolly Parton
Dolly Parton has reworked her iconic song “9 to 5” for an upcoming Super Bowl ad.
The advertisement for Squarespace, which helps customers build and manage websites, flips the lyrics to “5 to 9” in tribute to entrepreneurs trying to turn their after-hours passion projects into their own businesses.
“I loved the idea of taking my song ‘9 to 5,’ and mixing it up for a new Squarespace campaign. That’s the beauty of music, it is always changing and growing to meet the world around it,” said Parton in a statement. “There’s a whole new generation of people out there ready to change the world, to meet the growing needs that they see, and I think Squarespace is going to be there with them every step of the way.”
Alongside the ad, Squarespace is also hosting a website for Parton’s upcoming fragrance line. The website will launch before the Super Bowl, with the fragrance itself is due out later this year.
Artist Action: Waylon Payne, Luke Bryan, Eric Church, Kenny Chesney
/by Sarah SkatesWaylon Payne Profiled on CBS This Morning Saturday
Singer Waylon Payne was featured on CBS This Morning Saturday over the weekend. He sat down with Anthony Mason to discuss his family (mom, late country singer Sammi Smith, and father, late guitarist Jody Payne), personal struggles, and his critically-acclaimed new album Blue Eyes, The Harlot, The Queer, The Pusher & Me.
During the show, Payne performed “Dangerous Criminal,” “All The Trouble” and “Sins of the Father.”
On Thurs., Feb. 4 Payne will be on a Recording Academy session via Grammy Platforms for an in-depth conversation with producers Frank Liddell and Eric Masse about the making of the album.
Luke Bryan, Eric Church To Perform on Super Bowl After-Party
Luke Bryan, Eric Church
Luke Bryan and Eric Church are among the performers on The Big Concert for Small Business, Verizon’s after-party for Super Bowl VW, airing Sunday, February 7 at 11:00 p.m. ET. As previously reported, Church will also participate in the singing of the national anthem before kickoff.
Hosted by Tiffany Haddish, the event will also feature performances by Alicia Keys, Brandi Carlile, Brittany Howard, Christina Aguilera, H.E.R., Jazmine Sullivan, and Miley Cyrus. The concert will be livestreamed on Yahoo, Fios, @Verizon on Twitter, Twitch, YouTube and TikTok, and broadcasted on BET, CBS Sports Network, CMT, MTV2 and MTV Live, as well as aired on iHeart and Sirius. The event is curated and produced by RocNation.
Kenny Chesney Taps Fans To Choose Next Rum Flavor
Blue Chair Bay Rum. Photo: Allister Ann
Kenny Chesney is turning to his fans in No Shoes Nation to help him select the next flavor of his Blue Chair Bay® Rum, either Mocha Rum Cream or Mango Rum Cream. Participants can vote and enter for a chance to win a guitar signed by Chesney here.
In the eight years since the launch of Blue Chair Bay, the company has expanded to offer flavors including pineapple, key lime, banana, coconut and more. Continuing to innovate, Blue Chair Bay® Rum recently collaborated with New York-based company Tipsy Scoop to create rum-infused ice cream.
Big Sky Music Group Launches
/by Sarah SkatesBig Sky Music Group Founder and flagship artist Stephanie Quayle
Singer Stephanie Quayle has founded her own record label, management and entertainment company called Big Sky Music Group, continuing her successful career as an independent artist.
Carli [McLaughlin] Kane will lead operations as Vice President, as the burgeoning label plans for expansion in 2021, including growing the roster alongside flagship artist Quayle. Big Sky will concentrate on artist development, innovative strategy, brand partnerships, mentorship and artist authenticity.
Also joining the team are EJ Bernas, VP, Strategic Partnerships and Development; Christine Hillmann, Dir., A&R and Artist Development; Ella Bibler, Label Coordinator; and Amy Sovine, Special Projects Manager.
The announcement comes on the heels of Quayle’s new single, “By Heart,” available on all digital platforms.
Quayle starts this chapter with Big Sky Music Group with a history of impressive partnerships with top brands including Bass Pro Shops, Cabela’s, Harley-Davidson, Wrangler, and KOA, as well as accolades that include being named a CMT Next Women of Country artist, performing multiple times at the Grand Ole Opry, and garnering over 100 million audience impressions at country radio with previous singles.
“The company name, Big Sky Music Group, reflects the limitless spirit and business model of our mission and identity,” shares Kane. “The company’s structure embraces the fluidity of the marketplace and is prepared to prosper in an ever-changing landscape in these new times.”
Quayle, a native of Montana’s Big Sky Country, said, “When I named [my previous company] Rebel Engine [Entertainment] it was in response to seeing so many incredible female artists get signed, shelved and dropped. I picked the company name thinking I needed to resist the conventional industry establishment. In retrospect, it was never about rebelling it was always about pioneering and innovating as part of the music community.”
IBMA Foundation Donates $14,000 In Project Grants
/by Lorie Hollabaugh“We’re proud to announce a diverse list of recipients for 2021 which will support bluegrass education and historic preservation programs for both young people and adults,” said board chair Fred Bartenstein. “We are grateful to our donors who continue to support the Foundation during the COVID pandemic. Their generosity has made it possible to award grants to these very deserving programs.” Six of this year’s grants are sponsored by a generous bequest from Dick Barnhart, a lover of bluegrass music.
Foundation grant recipients for 2021:
Nikita Karmen Releases Walker Hayes-Produced Debut ‘The Garden’
/by Lorie HollabaughNikita Karmen has released her debut album The Garden, along with a video for her new single “Own Roses.” The project was produced by fellow artist Walker Hayes.
“Own Roses” laid the foundation for the entire project. Originally from Sydney, Australia, Karmen penned the song while reflecting on her journey of moving across the world five years ago with a dream to make it as an artist in Nashville. She sent the song to Hayes and it organically began their collaboration on The Garden. They recorded the album at Hayes’ house during quarantine.
“I wanted it to be unfiltered and raw and stripped down and that’s the approach Walker took,” said Karmen. “We recorded songs I’d written about real life, my best friend that lived down the road in ‘8 Houses’ and the mistakes I wouldn’t change if I could do some love over in ‘Better.’ So here it is…The Garden. Some roots run deep, some flowers I had to let die to make room for new beautiful ones to bloom. I’m still growing and learning but this is what the last five years of my life have looked like. It was messy and sad and wonderful and unpredictable and looking back at it now, weeds and all I’m so proud of what it turned into. I hope you find some of you in here, maybe the part that is in the midst of a breakup or in the excitement of a new love or the part of you that hasn’t really figured it out yet. I hope you know me better now too, I really wanted you to know me with this project, as scary as that is. I hope you love it like I do.”
“I’m so glad she allowed me to produce and be a part of a project that she was so passionate about. I’m just flat-out glad to be associated with Nikita Karmen,” said Hayes.
The Garden Track List: