All Them Witches released their newest single, “1X1,” today (Oct. 31) via New West Records. “1X1” follows their acclaimed 2018 album ATW and is their first new music as a paired down trio (keyboardist Jonathan Draper left the group in October 2018).
The psych-rock group produced the single at their own complex, “The Church,” located just outside of their hometown of Nashville. “1X1” is available now for free download via Bandcamp and will be available across all digital retailers tomorrow (Nov. 1).
The band—comprised of Charles Michael Parks, Jr. (bass, vocals), Ben McLeod (guitar, vocals) and Robby Staebler (drums, vocals)—will launch a 23-date U.K. & European tour supporting the Swedish band Ghost in Nottingham, UK on Nov 16. Upon returning home to Nashville, they will appear for three consecutive nights at the famed club Exit/In, closing out their successful 2019. All tour dates listed below.
All Them Witches On Tour With Ghost:
11/16 – Nottingham, UK Motorpoint Arena
11/17 – Cardiff, UK Motorpoint Arena
11/18 – Glasgow, UK SSE Hydro
11/20 – Dublin, IE 3Arena
11/22 – London, UK Wembley SSE Arena
11/23 – Leeds, UK First Direct Arena
11/25 – Copenhagen, DK Forum Black Box
11/28 – Helsinki, FI Hartwell Arena
11/30 – Katowice, PL Spodek
12/1 – Prague, CZ Universum
12/3 – Budapest, HU BSA
12/4 – Zagreb, CRO Mochvara *Headline Show
12/5 – Mantova, IT PalaBam
12/6 – Zurich, CH Halle 622
12/8 – Barcelona, ES St. Jordi
12/10 – Lisbon, PT Sala Tejo
12/11 – Madrid, ES Wizink Centre
12/13 – Strasbourg, FR Zenith
12/14 – Schweinfurt, DE Stattbahnhof *Headline Show
12/15 – Munich, DE Zenith
12/17 – Luxembourg, LU Rockhal
12/18 – Nantes, FR Zenith
12/19 – Toulouse, FR Zenith
12/27 – Nashville, TN Exit/In *Headline Show
12/28 – Nashville, TN Exit/In *Headline Show
12/29 – Nashville, TN Exit/In *Headline Show
Downtown Nashville Preps Traffic Adjustments In Preparation For CMA Awards
/by Jessica NicholsonThere will be several traffic adjustments in downtown Nashville as the city prepares for The 53rd Annual CMA Awards, airing live from Bridgestone Arena Wednesday, Nov. 13 from 7-10 p.m. CT on the ABC Television Network. Production set-up and clean-up for the show will require special traffic patterns that are in effect beginning Sunday, Nov. 3 and continue through Thursday, Nov. 14. All times Central.
From 6:00 AM Sunday, Nov. 3 until 6:00 PM Thursday, Nov. 14, the northbound sidewalk along Sixth Avenue next to Bridgestone Arena from Broadway to Demonbreun Street will be closed.
From 6:00 AM Sunday, Nov. 10 until 3:00 AM Thursday, Nov. 14, one westbound lane as well as the westbound sidewalk next to Bridgestone Arena along Demonbreun Street from Fifth Avenue to Sixth Avenue will be closed.
From 1:00 PM Sunday, Nov. 10 until 3:00 AM Thursday, Nov. 14, Sixth Avenue between Demonbreun Street and Broadway will be closed.
From 6:00 AM Tuesday, Nov. 12 until 3:00 AM Thursday, Nov. 14, Demonbreun Street from Fifth Avenue to Sixth Avenue will be closed, as well as sidewalks.
From 6:00 AM Tuesday, Nov. 12 until 3:00 AM Thursday, Nov. 14, Fifth Avenue from Broadway to Demonbreun Street will be closed, leaving the northbound lane open after Hilton Drive for Hilton exit only. In addition, the sidewalk next to Bridgestone Arena along Fifth Avenue from Broadway to Demonbreun Street will also be closed.
From 6:00 AM Wednesday, Nov. 13 to 3:00 AM Thursday, Nov. 14, the following streets will be closed:
The 53rd Annual CMA Awards are hosted by Carrie Underwood with special guest hosts Reba McEntire and Dolly Parton and broadcast live from Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Wednesday, Nov. 13 at 8/7c on the ABC Television Network.
DISClaimer: Luke Bryan, Rissi Palmer Lead New Releases
/by Robert K OermannToday, we’re visiting with some of our old country-music buddies.
Veterans Shenandoah, Charlie Daniels, T.G. Sheppard and Exile are here with new music. So are perennial DisClaimer faves Shane Owens and Aubrie Sellers.
The Disc of the Day is a toss-up between Rissi Palmer and Luke Bryan. Both of them deserve your audio attention at once.
We have no newcomers to the column today, but both Rissi and Dallas Remington are making just their second appearances, so welcome them both with open arms.
RISSI PALMER/Seeds
Writers: Rissi Palmer/Deanna Walker/Rick Beresford; Producer: Shannon Sanders; Publishers: Rissi Palmer Stypmann/Go Little Kayak/Main Squeeze, BMI; Baldilocks
– Stirring, thumping and anthemic, this is a call to unity and battle cry of freedom, hope and power in the face of oppression. March on, sister: I hear you loud and clear.
MITCHELL TENPENNY & SEAFORTH/Anything She Says
Writers: Mitchell Tenpenny/Tom Jordan/Mitch Thompson/Andy Albert/Jordan Schmidt; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Riser House/Columbia
– Gently bopping with a white-guy r&b vibe, this has nicely contrasting lead vocals and a steady, bob-your-head rhythm groove. I can hear how the not-too-country kiddies would dig it.
SHANE OWENS/Hard Luck Girl
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Amerimonte
– It’s a toe-tapping honky tonker that’s bound to bring a smile of recognition to anyone nursing a beer and a busted heart. Also, there’s just the right revenge-touch of “payback’s a b*tch.” With this guy, real country music never goes out of style.
T. G. SHEPPARD/I Wanna Live Like Elvis
Writers: Chip Davis/Billy Davis/Doug Graham; Producers: T.G. Sheppard & Buddy Hyatt; Publisher: none listed; Leopard
– We can all aspire to live like fabulously wealthy folks do. When you fantasize about being fabulous in over-the-top, tasteless excess, now you’re talkin.’ Very cute. I especially liked the ad-libbed “thankyaverymuch.” You’ll find this on T.G.’s first new solo CD in more than 20 years, Midnight in Memphis.
CARRIE UNDERWOOD/Drinking Alone
Writers: Brett James/Carrie Underwood/David Garcia; Producers: Carrie Underwood/David Garcia; Publishers: Warner Chappell/Capitol Christian Music Group
– She’s not looking for a pick-up. She just wants to be drinking alone, together, in a misery-loves-company kinda way. The fourth single from Cry Pretty is a slow jam, but she’s still hitting that vocal “money note” every chance she gets.
EXILE/16 Tons
Writer: Merle Travis; Producer: Exile; Publisher: none listed; Big Horse (track)
– The new double album is called The Garage Tapes. So this is the reunited band, jamming live on what sound like demos in an echoey garage. But you know what? It all comes across kinda cool, especially this homey, funky revival of a Tennessee Ernie Ford 1955 country classic. I dig it.
SHENANDOAH & CHARLIE DANIELS/Freebird in the Wind
Writers: Nelson Blanchard/Scott Inness; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Shenandoah
– Charlie recites a poem visible at Ronnie Van Zant’s gravesite to begin this Lynyrd Skynyrd tribute ballad. The band apes the Southern-rock idiom instrumentally while lead singer Marty Raybon pleads a lyric that recalls the 1977 plane crash that claimed Skynyrd bandmembers’ lives. There’s an accompanying video with vintage Skynyrd performance footage, B-roll of the band on board the fateful plane and some somewhat ghoulish shots of the crashed aircraft.
AUBRIE SELLERS/Worried Mind
Writers: none listed; Producers: Aubrie Sellers & Frank Liddell; Publishers: none listed; Soundly Music
– As before, her country-as-grits vocal contrasts strikingly with a garage-rock backing band. This time, the anxiety in the lyric matches perfectly with the discordant electric guitar. She’s one of a kind, and more power to her.
DALLAS REMINGTON/Huntin’ Season
Writers: Dallas Remington/Allie Colleen/Cyndi Limbaugh Torres/Scott Barrier; Producers: Eric Torres/Kim Franca; Roadwarrior
– She’s still a teen, but this feisty, blunt gal knows exactly who she is. This tongue-in-cheek ditty is a no-nonsense sass-attack on a cheating ex. Stomping and catchy.
LUKE BRYAN/What She Wants Tonight
Writers: Luke Bryan/Ross Copperman/Hillary Lindsey/Jon Nite; Producers: Jeff Stevens/Jody Stevens; Publishers: none listed; Capitol/UMG
– Hot, hot, hot. This is one of the most overtly sexual country singles in recent memory. The throbbing track steams as warmly as the lyric. He’s coming off yet another No. 1 hit, and I think I just heard another.
All Them Witches Plot Three Exit/In Shows, Drop New Single
/by Haley CrowAll Them Witches released their newest single, “1X1,” today (Oct. 31) via New West Records. “1X1” follows their acclaimed 2018 album ATW and is their first new music as a paired down trio (keyboardist Jonathan Draper left the group in October 2018).
The psych-rock group produced the single at their own complex, “The Church,” located just outside of their hometown of Nashville. “1X1” is available now for free download via Bandcamp and will be available across all digital retailers tomorrow (Nov. 1).
The band—comprised of Charles Michael Parks, Jr. (bass, vocals), Ben McLeod (guitar, vocals) and Robby Staebler (drums, vocals)—will launch a 23-date U.K. & European tour supporting the Swedish band Ghost in Nottingham, UK on Nov 16. Upon returning home to Nashville, they will appear for three consecutive nights at the famed club Exit/In, closing out their successful 2019. All tour dates listed below.
Industry Executive Joe Mansfield Passes
/by Jessica NicholsonMusic industry veteran Joe Mansfield died on Thursday morning (Oct. 31) at the age of 77. Mansfield’s music industry career started with the San Antonio radio station KMAC/KISS in 1962.
He worked as VP, Merchandising for CBS Records in New York, managing seven creative departments, after working his way up through CBS branch manager positions in Atlanta and Dallas. From 1978-1981, he served as VP, Marketing at Columbia Records in New York, working with artists including Journey, Chicago, Bruce Springsteen, Aerosmith and more. He then served as Division VP, Contemporary Music for RCA Records in New York, and VP, Marketing at Capitol Records in New York.
From 1990-1992, he worked as VP, Marketing and Sales for Capitol Nashville/Liberty Nashville, as part of the team behind the launch of Garth Brooks’ meteoric career, while also overseeing a roster that included Tanya Tucker, Billy Dean, The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, and more. He became a partner in Mansfield-Martinovich Associates, which provided consulting services for artists including Brooks, Wynonna, Willie Nelson and others. He then served as President/CEO of Asylum Records in Nashville.
Peggy Dold Joins IBERIABANK As Sr. VP/Director Of Music & Entertainment
/by Lorie HollabaughPeggy Dold has been named Senior Vice President and Director of Music and Entertainment in IBERIABANK’s Nashville office, in their division of IBERIABANK Sports & Entertainment Banking.
Dold joins IBERIABANK with over 20 years of experience in the music and entertainment industry. Her career has aligned her with work in both the Anglo and Hispanic music markets in New York, Miami, Los Angeles, and Nashville, as well as in global markets outside of the U.S.
“We are very pleased to have Peggy join our team,” says Alex Hernandez, IBERIABANK Managing Director of Sports and Entertainment Banking. “She is a highly respected executive in the music industry with years of experience and is a great addition to our team of experts covering all music genres.”
Dold joins the IBERIABANK Sports and Entertainment Banking team who manage banking relationships with clients in sports, film and television, and music publishing. The team also includes Alex Hernandez, Managing Director of Sports & Entertainment Banking; David Pijot, Senior Vice President of Motorsports Banking; and Ben James, Senior Vice President and Commercial Relationship Manager leading syndications for the group.
Industry Pics: Scotty McCreery, Chris Janson, Cody Johnson
/by Jessica NicholsonScotty McCreery Notches Five Sellout Overseas Shows
John Marks (Head of Global Programming for Country Music, Spotify), Scotty McCreery, Scott Stem (McCreery’s Manager, Triple 8 Management), Andrew Percy (Member of the U.K. Parliament) and George Couri (Partner, Triple 8 Management and Partner, Triple Tigers Records) backstage at McCreery’s sold-out first show in London at Bush Hall on Saturday, Oct. 26.
Scotty McCreery celebrated five sold-out shows in Germany and the UK, as part of his first European tour. The Triple Tigers/Sony artist’s shows coincided with Country Music Week in both countries and included concerts in Berlin and Cologne, Germany, as well as London and Manchester, England.
Chris Janson Honored With Excellence In Creativity Award
Chris Janson. Photo: Courtesy WMG
Cody Johnson Performs National Anthem For Game 7 Of The World Series
CoJo Music / Warner Music Nashville’s Cody Johnson had the home field advantage last night in Houston, Texas when he performed the national anthem prior to Game 7 of the World Series. The Houston Astros battled the Washington Nationals for the title at the 115th Fall Classic with the Nationals ultimately walking away with the win.
Skillet Receives RIAA Plaques For “Monster” And “Hero”
/by Lorie Hollabaugh(L-R): Seth Morrison, John Cooper, Jen Ledger and Korey Cooper. Photo credit: Chuck Brueckmann
Skillet has received RIAA certifications for its songs “Monster,” which has been certified 3x Platinum, and “Hero,” which has been certified 2x Platinum. The band’s “Monster” remains one of the most-streamed rock songs of all time with over three billion global audio streams. Their song “Hero” has garnered over one billion global audio streams and has been used in sync partnerships with everyone from the NFL, NHL, MLB, SCC and WWE.
To celebrate the certifications, personalities from top Active Rock stations in Dallas and Orlando surprised the band at two Victorious Sky tour stops last week. In Dallas, Ayo from KEGL joined the band backstage for a Facebook Live interview, closing with the plaque presentation for “Hero.” In Orlando, Dickerman from WJRR surprised the band on stage with the 3x platinum plaque for “Monster.”
Skillet is also celebrating their tenth Top 10 Active Rock single with their latest single from the best-selling album Victorious, “Legendary.”
The band is launching a European headlining tour November 6 through the remainder of the year that will include stops in London, Paris, Hamburg and Budapest.
Skillet’s John Cooper
Dave Barnes Inks New Publishing Deal
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (L-R): Jessi Vaughn (WCM), Dave Barnes, Ben Vaughn (WCM)
Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Dave Barnes, known for penning songs including “God Gave Me You,” which became a Grammy and CMA-nominated hit for Blake Shelton, has a signed a worldwide publishing agreement with Warner Chappell Music (WCM), the music publishing arm of Warner Music Group.
“Dave is one of the most talented, respected, and well-liked people in Nashville, not to mention one of the funniest,” said Ben Vaughn, President and CEO of WCM Nashville. “Anyone who is lucky enough to work with Dave has been a part of something magical. We’re stoked to have him be part of our ever-growing Warner Chappell family.”
“I’ve admired Warner Chappell for a long time,” added Barnes. “So many of my friends write there and I have so much respect for Ben and Jessi. I’m really proud to be a part of the team.”
Barnes also co-wrote the No. 1 hit “Craving You,” recorded by Thomas Rhett and featuring Maren Morris, as well as Bethany Dillon’s “All I Need,” a Top 5 hit on the Christian songs chart. He also has several tracks on Lady Antebellum’s upcoming album Ocean. Carrie Underwood and Reba McEntire are also among the artists who have recorded Barnes’ songs.
As a recording artist, Barnes has issued eight studio albums, three EPs and two Christmas projects. His recorded version of “God Gave Me You” hit the Top 15 on the Christian songs chart in 2010; the next year, Shelton released his own version of the track to country radio. Barnes will hit the road soon for his A Very Merry Christmas Tour, which launches Dec. 8 at Nashville’s Schermerhorn Symphony Center.
WME Nashville Promotes Three
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured: Skyler Clark-Hamel; Alex Collignon; Beth Hamilton
WME’s Nashville office has promoted three staffers to agent roles. Skyler Clark-Hamel joins the Christian Music division and will focus on the U.S. Southeast, Caribbean, and Central and South America. He most recently served as a booking coordinator for the division after previously working in the country music department.
Beth Hamilton and Alex Collignon will both join the country music department, with Collignon focusing on West Coast and Southwest.
Collignon most recently worked as an assistant in the department after initially launching his career at WME in 2014 in the fair and festival department.
Hamilton began her agency career at the William Morris Agency in Nashville assisting with booking arenas and amphitheaters in the Northeast, prior to making the transition to artist management and concert promotion. In 2016, Hamilton joined WME, following the agency’s 2009 merger with Endeavor, to work alongside Jay Williams, strategizing national and international touring for headlining artists including Luke Bryan, Chris Stapleton, Dierks Bentley, Eric Church and Brothers Osborne, among others.
WME’s Nashville office booked over 14,000 dates in the past year. In September, it was announced that WME’s Becky Gardenhire was recently promoted to Co-Head of the Nashville office, joining Scott Clayton, Joey Lee, and Jay Williams.
Companies Team To Form Stoney’s-Pathfinder Management
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (L-R): Jeff “Toad” Higginbotham, Tony Jackson, Chris Lowden, Jim Della Croce
Jim Della Croce has teamed with Stoney’s founder/president Chris Lowden and Stoney’s Jeff “Toad” Higginbotham to form Stoney’s-Pathfinder Management. The partners have offices at RCA Studio in Nashville, as well as in Las Vegas and just outside New York City.
Della Croce will continue to manage artist Tony Jackson, alongside Lowden and Higginbotham. Jackson has more than 67 million views and keeps a steady string of Grand Ole Opry appearances, in addition to a full touring schedule.
“I couldn’t be more excited about joining Tony’s team. What an incredible voice and performer, let alone human being,” says Lowden. “I’m honored to walk in the path that Donna [Donna Dean Stevens] and Jim paved and looking forward to a very bright future.”
“Donna Dean Steven’s and I have had the pleasure of collaborating for several years on multiple projects, and our Tony Jackson co-management/label and production partnership was a highlight. It was important for me to team with someone who shared our passion for Tony and represent him in that same spirit, and Chris and Toad were the perfect fit. I worked with them for several years and value their talents and hope to share the same level of positivity that I did with Donna as Tony’s star continues to rise,” says Della Croce.
“I am so looking forward to continue sharing Tony Jackson’s story with everyone via social and Country AF Radio. Being a part of the Tony Jackson train is an honor and I personally can’t wait until Tony Jackson becomes a household name,” proclaims Toad.
Stoney’s – Pathfinder Management is headquartered at Historic RCA Studios Suite #201 30 Music Square West Nashville, TN 37203. Lowden can be reached at chris@stoneys.com or 702.435.2855; Della Croce at jim@pathfindermanagement.com or 615.419.9989; and Higginbotham at toad@stoneys.com or 702.476.4466.