Industry Ink: Midland, Mark Thomas, Country Sway Summer Streamathon

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Midland’s Live At The Palomino Vinyl Celebrates Record Store Day Reboot

Pictured (L-R): Jess Carson, Mark Wystrach and Cameron Duddy of Midland perform onstage during Midland LIVE at the Palomino on October 15, 2019 in North Hollywood, California. (Photo by Timothy Norris/Getty Images for Big Machine Records)

The music and magic of Midland’s LIVE at the Palomino show becomes available on vinyl this Saturday, August 29 as part of the first RSD Drops dates, a re-working of Record Store Day, celebrating the people who make up the world of the record stores. Midland’s LIVE at the Palomino LP, whose cover art features an original illustration of the North Hollywood haunt, will be available at select stores across the country. The special vinyl features 17 live tracks that are an unapologetic hybrid of Midland’s classic country embrace of grown-up themes of drinking, cheating and seduction. On the night before the limited edition vinyl’s release, Record Store Day will premiere the Midland LIVE at the Palomino concert special on its Facebook page at 8 p.m. ET on Friday (Aug. 28).

Mark Thomas Joins AVVAY Nashville Office

Mark Thomas. Photo: Lauren Hanson

Mark Thomas has joined AVVAY as Project Manager for the Nashville market. AVVAY assists creatives in booking locations for photo and film shoots and other creative projects and currently serves the Nashville, Portland, Chicago, Dallas and Houston markets with additional market expansion plans on the horizon.

Thomas was most recently Producer, Brand Creative and Promotions at CMT where he managed on-the-ground production and post production of assets for promotion of CMT shows, events and initiatives. Before CMT, he was a part of Calvin Klein’s marketing and production team in New York, New York.

“We’re thrilled to be adding Mark to our team. He brings an impressive range of production experience to the table that’s going to enable us to serve our rapidly growing client-base better than ever,” says Jon Howard, AVVAY’s co-founder and CEO.

Kristian Bush, Matt Stell, Temecula Road, More Set For Country Sway Summer Streamathon


The four-day Country Sway Summer Sway Streamathon is set for Aug. 27-30 featuring over 40 different artist performances. The online concert event, featuring Chris Bandi, Kristian Bush, Brett Kissel, Matt Stell, Temecula Road, Jeremy McComb, Josh Mirenda, Jamie O’Neal, and more, will benefit Music Health Alliance as the non-profit continues to provide immediate critical assistance to members of the U.S. music community who have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Wynonna Covers John Prine, Nina Simone On Upcoming EP

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Wynonna and Cactus Moser. Photo: Eric Ryan Anderson

On her upcoming EP Recollections (out Oct. 30 via ANTI- Records), Wynonna will lend her soulful voice to a handful of her favorite classic tunes. Wynonna recorded music of the album while quarantining on her Tennessee farm in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The project includes the blues song “King Bee,” which Wynonna and husband Michael Scott “Cactus” Moser have been performing together in concert for years. Recollections also features performances of “I Hear You Knocking” by Fats Domino, “Angel From Montgomery” by John Prine, “Feeling Good” by Nina Simone and “Ramble On Rose” by the Grateful Dead.

Wynonna first entered the national spotlight in the 1980s as half of the country duo The Judds, alongside her mother Naomi. The duo became known for hits including “Love Can Build A Bridge,” “Grandpa,” and “Girls Night Out.” They earned five Grammy awards, 14 No. 1 singles and sold more than 20 million records. In 1992, Wynonna struck out on her own with a solo career. Her debut album was certified 5x Platinum.

“I’ve learned a lot being at home these last few months,” Wynonna reflects. “When there’s no touring, no concerts, no band, no lights, no action, all that’s left is you and the song. All that’s left is your gift.

“This EP was a labor of love without the labor,” she laughs. “As a songwriter, you can get bogged down in your own craft sometimes, but there’s something so liberating about letting go of all that and just inhabiting someone else’s writing.”

Recollections Track Listing:

1. I Hear You Knocking (Fats Domino)
2. King Bee (Slim Harpo)
3. Feeling Good (Nina Simone)
4. Angel From Montgomery (John Prine)
5. Ramble On Rose (Grateful Dead) 

Mike Curb Music Signs Matthews Ntlele

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Matthews Ntlele

Mike Curb Music has signed singer-songwriter Matthews Ntlele, a co-writer behind some of Elevation Worship’s biggest hits, including “Here As In Heaven,” “Echo,” and more.

Born in South Africa in the midst of Apartheid, Ntlele’s childhood was riddled with poverty and instability. Church became an anchor amid constant uncertainty, and it also became the place where he first fell in love with music, regularly showing up simply to watch choir rehearsals. Despite the family’s dire financial constraints, his mom scraped together enough money to buy her son his first guitar at age 12.

Ntlele began to develop his craft as a worship leader and songwriter during an internship with Reuben Morgan at Hillsong International Leadership College in Sydney, Australia. Following his time at Hillsong, Ntlele moved to the United States, where he joined and began writing songs with a team of songwriters and musicians at Elevation Worship in Charlotte, North Carolina.

In addition to signing an exclusive songwriting deal with Mike Curb Music, Ntlele has released the new track, “Not The End.” Released July 10, “Not The End” was mixed by Ainslie Grosser (for KING & COUNTRY), produced by We The Kingdom’s Andrew Bergthold, and written by Ntlele, Stefan Green and Paul Ooi.

Country Music Hall Of Fame And Museum Reopens To The Public Sept. 10

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The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum will reopen its galleries to the public at 9 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 10, 2020. One day prior, on Wednesday, Sept. 9, the museum will open at the same hour for museum members. The museum has been closed since March 13, as tours and in-person events across the nation were being canceled due to the spread of COVID-19 cases. All exhibitions that had opened before the museum closed on March 13 have been extended.

Once the Country Music Hall of Fame reopens in September, tours of Hatch Show Print and Historic RCA Studio B will also resume in a limited capacity, while The Taylor Swift Education Center will remain closed to the public. All in-person programming remains on hiatus.

“We closed March 13, and since that day we have been anticipating and preparing for the museum’s reopening,” said Kyle Young, museum CEO. “The museum places its highest premium on health and safety. Because there has been steady improvement in the number of COVID-19 cases and a significant decline in transmission rates locally plus a decrease in new cases nationally over the past four weeks, we have decided to reopen. The museum experience will be slightly different—visitors will wear masks, practice social distancing, tour in smaller groups and enter the museum according to a pre-arranged, staggered schedule, and there will be no in-person programming. But our commitment to sharing the country music story has not changed.”

The museum will reopen in alignment with Nashville Mayor John Cooper’s Roadmap for Reopening Nashville. Policies and procedures are in place to help ensure a safe and healthy environment for guests, staff and volunteers, including:

  • Masks for staff and guests over age 2
  • Temperature checks for staff and guests entering the building
  • Intensified and expanded cleaning routines, which include disinfecting high-touch surfaces such as elevator buttons, touchscreens and handrails
  • Timed ticketing and touchless transactions

Mountain Home Music Company Signs Jaelee Roberts

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Mountain Home Music Company has signed Jaelee Roberts to its recording roster. Roberts is the daughter of Danny Roberts, the mandolin-playing co-founder for Mountain Home’s bluegrass group The Grascals.

Roberts says, “Some of my biggest musical influences have been or are on Mountain Home, and for me to be among them almost doesn’t seem real. There is always so much amazing music coming from this label, and having the opportunity to make my own music is what I’ve hoped for and dreamed about. I’m so blessed to now be able to call myself a Mountain Home recording artist and to be part of the MH family — and it really is family.”

By her teenage years, Roberts was already recording music with her father, abut also with the Tom T. and Dixie Hall-backed Daughters of Bluegrass. She is currently studying songwriting at Middle Tennessee State University. Earlier this year, she was selected to appear in the juried IBMA Songwriter Showcase.

“I see myself as being a friend and ‘cheerleader’ to others,” she says. “I have been around bluegrass music all of my life and have grown up with so many people around my age that it seriously feels like we’re a huge family. I learn from my peers and I feel like we all learn from each other; it’s really quite cool to see how many of the younger generation are sticking with the bluegrass and classic country roots alongside those who are going for more ‘out of the box’ sounds. I love being part of this music, and I’m so blessed to be surrounded by so many friends who are so talented, and share the love of music just like I do!”

“Jaelee has a rich and smooth quality to her voice that’s entirely her own and contains the wholehearted love she has for music,” says Mountain Home’s Francesca Huffman. “It’s stirring to hear music put together for the sheer joy of participating in it, whether in its creation or performance, and this notion is nearly tangible in her voice, music and presence. We’re elated to officially welcome her to the Mountain Home family!”

Bonfire Music Group Signs Danny Burns

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Danny Burns

Americana singer Danny Burns has inked a new deal with Bonfire Music Group for the singer/songwriter’s upcoming record. Set for release in early 2021, the project follows his 2019 debut album North Country. The new album’s lead single, “Many Moons Ago,” featuring Sarah Jarosz, releases Sept. 15.

“North Country took about five years to complete, and was pretty much wrapped in 2018,” says Burns. “These new and older songs, and new recordings/collaborations came about a fair bit quicker. I was eager to expand on North Country, and get to work digging in with some other heroes of mine, ranging from artists and players to engineers. I think we’ve pushed to expand the sounds and landscapes, and I’m excited to share what we’ve been cookin’ up!”

Nashville Area Chamber Of Commerce To Present Music Industry Report 2020

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The Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce has joined forces with media administrator Exploration to generate the Music Industry Report 2020, a new look at the economic impact and contribution of the music industry not only in Nashville but internationally. A survey is currently available, and results of survey will be included in the Music Industry Report 2020, to be released in December.

In partnership with Exploration and a team of student researchers, this is the first in a repeating series of market research studies intended to provide both a followup on the Chamber’s original work, as well as a detailed overview of the music industry including its various markets, sub-sectors, establishments, and workforce. The research will rely on real-time data, proprietary databases, and insights and experience from all facets of the industry and will provide compelling, actionable insight to industry leaders and policymakers to guide the success and growth of the music industry well into the next decade.

“This report intends to illuminate the inner workings and facets of the entirety of the music industry, individually and collectively,” said Exploration Co-Founder and CEO, Aaron Davis. “The focus starts in Nashville, TN and extends globally, as Music City is not only where people come to listen and record music, but it’s also where music comes to do business. I’m thankful that during this turbulent year, we will be able to provide some insight that the music industry will be able to use to move forward and put their best foot forward.”

“The Music Industry is a pivotal industry sector for the entire Middle Tennessee region and is interconnected to every corner of the world,” says Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce Vice President of Research, Rupa DeLoach. “Understanding the technological, cultural, and economic pressures that cause this industry to evolve and adapt at a rapid pace in order to survive even before COVID-19 is even more crucial as the music industry and its people navigate and thrive in a post-Covid-19 business and consumer climate.”

Demolition Music Adds Landon Wall To Roster

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Top left: Jamie Dryburgh-Creative Director. Top Right: Michael August-General Manager. Middle left: Amanda Cooksey-Creative Coordinator. Middle right: Adam Epstein-Head of A&R. Bottom left: Jon D’Agostino-President. Bottom Right: Landon Wall-Artist/Writer

Landon Wall has signed a worldwide publishing deal with Demolition Music.

The 17-year-old singer-songwriter was recently featured in The Bluebird Documentary alongside Kelsea Ballerini for his original song “Lost Boy,” a response to Ballerini’s No. 1 single, “Peter Pan.”

“I’ve been watching Landon develop as both a songwriter and artist for the past few years and have been blown away by how far he’s come in such a short time” says Demolition Music President Jon D’Agostino. “With hard work, he could become one of tomorrow’s superstars of country music. The team looks forward to watching Landon develop as both an artist and writer.”

“I’m super excited to be working with the Demolition Team! I’m looking forward to working with some of the best and most respected people in the industry. There’s a lot of exciting things happening within this company, and I can’t wait to see what we’ll be able to accomplish together,” says Wall.

Reservoir, One Riot Sign American Aquarium’s BJ Barham (Exclusive)

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BJ Barham. Photo: Courtesy Reservoir

Reservoir and One Riot have signed BJ Barham, lead vocalist and guitarist of Americana country group American Aquarium, to a global publishing deal. The deal includes global rights to Barham’s entire catalog, plus future works.

Barham and American Aquarium have released seven projects since 2006. The group’s most recent album Lamentations reached No. 2 on Billboard‘s Top Folk/Americana Albums, as well as the Top 20 on both the Top Country Albums and Top Rock Albums charts.

“I’m really excited to join such an amazing roster of talented songwriters,” said Barham. “The One Riot/Reservoir team has such a great history of putting artists first and I’m looking forward to see what we can create together.”

“BJ Barham is the quintessential country songwriter: someone who writes honest stories about real life experiences, hard-earned lessons, and the resiliency of the heart,” added One Riot General Manager Amy Patton. “It’s a true privilege to work with such an incredible writer and artist who is re-infusing raw storytelling into country music.”

Reservoir EVP of Creative John Ozier said, “Barham is driven by his desire to infuse American Aquarium’s music with honesty, and that’s exactly the type of creative vision we’re inspired by. We are honored to work with such a dedicated and talented songwriter.”

Mojo Music & Media Acquires Stake In Louvin Brothers Catalog (Exclusive)

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Global independent publishing and legacy marketing company Mojo Music & Media has acquired a co-publishing interest in Kathy Louvin’s Movin Louvin Music. Kathy is the daughter of Ira Louvin, one half of the legendary country duo the Louvin Brothers. The deal spans the group’s entire catalog, including classics such as “When I Stop Dreaming,” “If I Could Only Win Your Love,” “Cash On The Barrel Head,” “I’ll Take The Chance” and “The Knoxville Girl,” and religious standards including “Family Who Prays,” “I Like The Christian Life,” “The Angels Rejoiced Last Night” and “Let Us Travel, Travel On.”

Mojo Co-Founder and CEO Mark Fried said, “The Louvin Brothers extraordinary harmonies and pure Appalachian sound were a foundation for all of country music and their powerfully emotional songs of love, heartbreak and salvation inspired a generation of songwriters and artists who followed. We’re honored to have the chance to work with Kathy and her family to ensure that the Louvin’s music and story continue to work their magic on musicians and music fans for decades to come.”

Kathy Louvin stated, “Pairing the Louvin music catalog with the passion, wisdom and experience at Mojo Music & Media truly creates endless possibilities. As a family, our excitement is reborn and renewed and we are so grateful to be a part of this winning team!”

Ira and Charlie Louvin, first cousins of Hall of Fame songwriter John D. Loudermilk, grew up in rural northeastern Alabama. Between 1955 and 1962, they released 12 Top 30 hits, including the No. 1 hit “I Don’t Believe  You’ve Met My Baby,” and Top 10 hits including “Hoping That You’re Hoping,” “You’re Running Wild,” “Cash On The Barrel Head,” and “My Baby’s Gone.”

The Louvin Brothers joined the Grand Ole Opry in 1955, and were inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2001. In 2015, they earned a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. They were included in Ken Burns’ recent documentary on country music and are the subject of an upcoming feature film produced by and starring Ethan Hawke.

Kathy Louvin is an award-winning songwriter in her own right, having penned such hits as Ricky Van Shelton’s chart-topper “Keep It Between The Lines” and Confederate Railroad’s “Queen Of Memphis,” among others. She also co-produced the 2003 tribute album, Livin’, Lovin’, Losin’: Songs Of The Louvin Brothers, which won Best Country Album at the 2004 Grammys ceremony.

The Louvin Brothers. Photo: Courtesy Country Music Hall of Fame/Kathy Louvin