SoundCloud Announces Acquisition Of Repost Network

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Audio platform SoundCloud has entered into an agreement to acquire rights management and distribution company Repost Network. The acquisition will allow SoundCloud to provide creators a seamless upstream to Repost Network’s invite-only tools and services like streaming distribution, analytics dashboards, content protection and more. The terms of the deal were not disclosed.

“There are more than 20 million audio creators on SoundCloud, and we know building audiences and earning income from streaming are critical to them. SoundCloud’s focus is to build more tools and services to solve those needs. We’ve built the foundation with our SoundCloud Premier program and our recently launched distribution product, and today we are taking another step forward,” said Michael Weissman, Chief Operating Officer, SoundCloud. “The acquisition of Repost Network will meaningfully move SoundCloud forward as we build the most comprehensive set of tools to help creators build their careers. We welcome the Repost Network team to SoundCloud and are excited about what we will build together.”

“Repost Network has been working with SoundCloud since the early days of its monetization initiative, and we are ecstatic to join the world’s largest audio creator community,” said Jeff Ponchick, co-founder and Chief Executive Officer, Repost Network. “Our mission is to help artists make a living through their audiences online, and by joining the SoundCloud family we can help even more emerging artists take the next step in their career, earn more revenue and be heard by more fans.”

The deal is expected to close in the coming weeks.

SoundCloud Announces Acquisition Of Repost Network

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Audio platform SoundCloud has entered into an agreement to acquire rights management and distribution company Repost Network. The acquisition will allow SoundCloud to provide creators a seamless upstream to Repost Network’s invite-only tools and services like streaming distribution, analytics dashboards, content protection and more. The terms of the deal were not disclosed.

“There are more than 20 million audio creators on SoundCloud, and we know building audiences and earning income from streaming are critical to them. SoundCloud’s focus is to build more tools and services to solve those needs. We’ve built the foundation with our SoundCloud Premier program and our recently launched distribution product, and today we are taking another step forward,” said Michael Weissman, Chief Operating Officer, SoundCloud. “The acquisition of Repost Network will meaningfully move SoundCloud forward as we build the most comprehensive set of tools to help creators build their careers. We welcome the Repost Network team to SoundCloud and are excited about what we will build together.”

“Repost Network has been working with SoundCloud since the early days of its monetization initiative, and we are ecstatic to join the world’s largest audio creator community,” said Jeff Ponchick, co-founder and Chief Executive Officer, Repost Network. “Our mission is to help artists make a living through their audiences online, and by joining the SoundCloud family we can help even more emerging artists take the next step in their career, earn more revenue and be heard by more fans.”

The deal is expected to close in the coming weeks.

Leadership Music Announces Class Of 2020

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Forty-nine industry leaders from throughout the country have been tapped for Nashville’s Leadership Music Class of 2020, which begins in September.

Founded in 1989 by 12 music industry alumni of Leadership Nashville, Leadership Music is designed to create a forum for recognized music industry leaders to learn as they deep-dive into almost every segment of the music business, while identifying and exploring issues currently affecting the music industry; and to provide once-in-a-lifetime experiences while building lasting relationships with classmates and alumni in all areas within or related to the music industry. The annual program has graduated more than 1,200 leaders.

Participants first attend an orientation and alumni welcome reception in September, a two-day Opening Retreat in October, followed by six all-day sessions once a month, ending in May with graduation at a two-day Closing Retreat.

The 49 Members of the Class of 2020 are:

Ken Abdo, Attorney, Fox Rothschild (Minneapolis, MN)

Steve Ambers, Director, International Business Development & Compliance, SOCAN (Los Angeles, CA)

Ana Cristina Cash, Artist/Songwriter, Cash Cabin Enterprises

Josh Billue, President/Co-Founder, JR Facility Management

Erich Carey, Vice President & Senior Counsel, National Music Publishers Association (NMPA) (Washington, DC)

Angelin Chang, Professor, Cleveland State University (Cleveland, OH)

Jen Conger, Business Manager, FBMM

Michael Corcoran, Executive Vice President, Marketing, mTheory

Chip Dorsch, Marketing, Red Light Management

Craig Dunn, Vice President, Collective Artist Management

Ron Fair, Producer/CEO, Faircraft,

Erica Farber, President/CEO, Radio Advertising Bureau (RAB), (Los Angeles, CA)

Ben Goad, Content Strategist, The Tennessean/USA Today Network

Pete Griffin, President/CEO, Musicians on Call

Gator Harrison, iHeartCountry Brand Coordinator/Senior Vice President of Programming, iHeartMedia Nashville

Henry Beecher Hicks, President/CEO, National Museum of African American Music

Liz Kennedy Holman, Senior Vice President, Communications and Gold and Platinum Awards Program, RIAA (Washington, DC)

Donna Hughes, Director, Radio Marketing, Universal Music Group

Emily Hungate, Vice President, Business Operations, Black River Entertainment

JoAnna Janét, Singer/Songwriter

Katie Jelen, Creative Manager, Synch Licensing, Warner Music Group

Michelle Kammerer, National Director of Marketing & Promotion, Big Machine Label Group (BMLG)

Chris Kappy, Owner/Founder, Make Wake Artists

Michael Lemon, Director, Government Affairs/Counsel, Internet Association (Washington, DC)

Jay Liepis, Apple Music Nashville Lead

Joel Lindsey, Songwriter, (Santa Barbara, CA)

Tom Manatos, Vice President, Government Relations, Spotify (Washington, DC)

Katie McCartney, Senior Vice President, Marketing and Label Operations, Monument Records

Catherine Moore, Partner/Business Manager, Farris Self & Moore

Victoria Nugent, Vice President, Strategic Marketing, Warner Music Nashville

Doug Oliver, General Manager, Pioneer Coach

Milly Olykan, Vice President, International Relations and Development, CMA

Silvio Pietroluongo, Senior Vice President, Charts & Data Development, Billboard (New York, NY)

Kelly Rich, Senior Label Relations Manager, Amazon

Katharine Richardson, Partner, Richlynn Group

Rondal Richardson, Director, Donor Services, Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee

RJ Romeo, General Counsel/Senior Talent Buyer, Romeo Entertainment Group

Braeden Rountree, Booking Agent, WME

Ben Roy, Vice President, Programming & Development, Dick Clark Productions (Los Angeles, CA)

Doug Sarrett, Engineer/Owner, uno mas studio

Jeff Syracuse, Associate Director, Customer Relations, BMI

James Slater, Songwriter

Kylen Sharpe, Booking Agent, CAA

Judy Tint, Counselor-at-Law/Clinical Assistant Professor of Music Business, New York University (New York, NY)

George Uribe, President, Guestbooker

Adam Weiser, Vice President, Global Touring, AEG Presents

Jody Whelan, Director of Operations, Oh Boy Records

Travis Wolfe, Vice President, Corporate & Special Events, APA

Holly Zabka, Vice President, Essential Music Publishing

Jason Aldean Celebrates Chart-Topper “Girl Like You”

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Pictured (L-R): Jaron Boyer (SESAC/peermusic), Josh Mirenda (ASCAP/Cornman), Jason Aldean, Michael Knox (Producer/peermusic), Michael Tyler (SESAC/peermusic). Photo: Ed Rode

Jason Aldean celebrated his 22nd No. 1 single, “Girl Like You,” on Wednesday (May 22) with a party at Diskin Cider in Nashville. The smoldering hit was penned by Jaron Boyer, Michael Tyler and Josh Mirenda.

ASCAP’s Beth Brinker toasted Mirenda, while SESAC’s Shannan Hatch honored Tyler and Boyer. The event was also supported by First Tennessee Bank. The song marks the second No. 1 hit for both Mirenda and Tyler, and Boyer’s fifth No. 1 hit. Cornman Music’s Nate Lowry, represented both Cornman and Warner Chappell Music Publishing in celebrating Mirenda.

“When I first heard this song, I thought ‘It is baby-making music.’” BBR Music Group’s Jon Loba said. “I called up Aldean and said, ‘I hope you never stop doing what you’re doing, but if you ever want to be in A&R, I want you to be on my team, because album after album, you just crush it. Your song selection and knowing your brand and your ability to pick great songs has given us amazing product to work.”

Hatch feted Boyer and Tyler, who are both aligned with Michael Knox’s peermusic. Tyler recalled how he first connected with Knox when Tyler was still a teenager, and how that connection led to a publishing deal.

“I messaged Michael Knox on MySpace. I was a huge Jason Aldean fan. I think ‘Hicktown’ or ‘Amarillo Sky’ came on TV one day and I just thought, ‘Man, this is the kind of music I want to play.’  I told my mom we needed to find out who produces this guy and we sent him a message on MySpace. He replied, ‘Do you ever play in Nashville?’ and I said, ‘All the time!’ I had never even been to Nashville. So we called Tootsie’s and said, ‘We need to play for a guy named Michael Knox. Can you help us out?’ They said yes, and Michael and Shalacy came. I played like 10 Jason Aldean songs, and then three songs at the end that I had written.”

The meeting worked and 12 years later, Tyler is celebrating his latest No. 1 song. “Knox hooked me up with Josh and Jaron and the first time I met Jaron, we moved in with each other and kept writing songs—just two broke dudes trying to be songwriters in Nashville, and splitting money for Firehouse Subs. We can afford our own now.”

“These guys are tailor-made. Jaron and Michael, their whole career is Aldean, almost,” said Knox. “Their first cuts, and their most recent cuts, have been Jason Aldean. You can throw in ‘Somewhere On A Beach’ [recorded by Dierks Bentley] all they want, but their first and last is us, baby. It’s amazing for us as peermusic, having these teams around Jason and it’s awesome to watch these guys grow up—10 years in the business. I appreciate everything he allows me to do for his career.”

Boyer noted that the day “Girl Like You” went No. 1, he found out he and his wife were having a baby girl.

“I heard that baby over there was made after listening to the demo for this song,” quipped Brinker.

“I was backstage and they said Aldean sold 10 million tickets? Well I’ve sold out the Bluebird a bunch,” he laughed. “It’s great to be here with my best friends and celebrating a No. 1. I got a new baby girl here, Margo Sinclair.

“I want to thank Knox. He’s not just my publisher, he’s one of my best friends. He’s done a lot for my career, and I’ve done a lot for his,” he had the crowd laughing. “Sorry I had a little too much cider before the show. It’s awesome to have a No. 1 with my best friends. These two guys are some of the best writers I’ve worked with and hopefully we are going to be up here for 10, 20 more years getting No. 1s.”

Pictured (L-R): Jaron Boyer (SESAC/peermusic), Nate Lowery (Cornman), Josh Mirenda (ASCAP/Cornman), Beth Brinker (ASCAP), Jason Aldean, Jon Loba (BBR/BMG), Michael Knox (Producer/peermusic), Shannan Hatch (SESAC), Michael Tyler (SESAC/peermusic). Photo: Ed Rode

Meanwhile, Mirenda had Dan Keen to thank for helping him to put aside his career plans of becoming a dental surgeon to focus on songwriting. Keen heard Mirenda’s songs while Mirenda was still a student at Belmont University.

“I was playing the country showcase, still wearing scrubs, and he came up to me and said, ‘Do you play music? Come talk to me.’ I didn’t even know you could get paid to write songs until I met that guy.

“You get to drink on the job doing this. You don’t get to do that when you’re operating on people. Thanks mom and dad for letting me chase down my songwriting dream, instead of being a surgeon. Sorry about that.”

Mirenda also recalled a time he bid on a Jason Aldean hat at an auction. “A long time ago when we were broke, my wife and I were at a Titans benefit. There was a signed Jason Aldean benefit hat for $200. I said, ‘I’m going to put $250 on this.’ She was like, ‘You are not putting that much money up for that.’ I didn’t get the hat, but I did get a No. 1 with you. This is way better.”

“I’m a little upset that my hat only got $200. That, and I would never let you do any kind of surgery on my mouth,” entertainer Aldean quipped, before thanking the writers.

“But this, this never gets old and I think the biggest thing for us, creating our team has always been a big part of what made things work for us. These guys have been a great part of writing these songs and sending them our way. Knox and I have been up here a lot and it’s always as exciting as when we celebrated the first one back on ‘05 or ‘06. My youngest daughter was born the week this went No. 1 so I think it was a cool thing for all of us in that aspect. Thank you to these guys for writing these songs. Knox and I have been working together for like 20 years…”

“I promise I did not find him on Facebook or MySpace,” Knox quipped.

“But I was pretty young, I’m just sayin’. It was about one in the morning, it was in a bar in Atlanta, though,” Aldean replied. “But all the things I’ve wanted to do in the music business, Michael’s helped me achieve that and helped make the records sound the way we wanted them to. We kind of changed the game in Nashville without even knowing it a lot of the time.” He also thanked Broken Bow, BMG, country radio, and the publishers.

“It’s been a fun ride and it doesn’t happen without guys like this, writing great songs,” Aldean summed.

Jason Aldean Celebrates Chart-Topper “Girl Like You”

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Pictured (L-R): Jaron Boyer (SESAC/peermusic), Josh Mirenda (ASCAP/Cornman), Jason Aldean, Michael Knox (Producer/peermusic), Michael Tyler (SESAC/peermusic). Photo: Ed Rode

Jason Aldean celebrated his 22nd No. 1 single, “Girl Like You,” on Wednesday (May 22) with a party at Diskin Cider in Nashville. The smoldering hit was penned by Jaron Boyer, Michael Tyler and Josh Mirenda.

ASCAP’s Beth Brinker toasted Mirenda, while SESAC’s Shannan Hatch honored Tyler and Boyer. The event was also supported by First Tennessee Bank. The song marks the second No. 1 hit for both Mirenda and Tyler, and Boyer’s fifth No. 1 hit. Cornman Music’s Nate Lowry, represented both Cornman and Warner Chappell Music Publishing in celebrating Mirenda.

“When I first heard this song, I thought ‘It is baby-making music.’” BBR Music Group’s Jon Loba said. “I called up Aldean and said, ‘I hope you never stop doing what you’re doing, but if you ever want to be in A&R, I want you to be on my team, because album after album, you just crush it. Your song selection and knowing your brand and your ability to pick great songs has given us amazing product to work.”

Hatch feted Boyer and Tyler, who are both aligned with Michael Knox’s peermusic. Tyler recalled how he first connected with Knox when Tyler was still a teenager, and how that connection led to a publishing deal.

“I messaged Michael Knox on MySpace. I was a huge Jason Aldean fan. I think ‘Hicktown’ or ‘Amarillo Sky’ came on TV one day and I just thought, ‘Man, this is the kind of music I want to play.’  I told my mom we needed to find out who produces this guy and we sent him a message on MySpace. He replied, ‘Do you ever play in Nashville?’ and I said, ‘All the time!’ I had never even been to Nashville. So we called Tootsie’s and said, ‘We need to play for a guy named Michael Knox. Can you help us out?’ They said yes, and Michael and Shalacy came. I played like 10 Jason Aldean songs, and then three songs at the end that I had written.”

The meeting worked and 12 years later, Tyler is celebrating his latest No. 1 song. “Knox hooked me up with Josh and Jaron and the first time I met Jaron, we moved in with each other and kept writing songs—just two broke dudes trying to be songwriters in Nashville, and splitting money for Firehouse Subs. We can afford our own now.”

“These guys are tailor-made. Jaron and Michael, their whole career is Aldean, almost,” said Knox. “Their first cuts, and their most recent cuts, have been Jason Aldean. You can throw in ‘Somewhere On A Beach’ [recorded by Dierks Bentley] all they want, but their first and last is us, baby. It’s amazing for us as peermusic, having these teams around Jason and it’s awesome to watch these guys grow up—10 years in the business. I appreciate everything he allows me to do for his career.”

Boyer noted that the day “Girl Like You” went No. 1, he found out he and his wife were having a baby girl.

“I heard that baby over there was made after listening to the demo for this song,” quipped Brinker.

“I was backstage and they said Aldean sold 10 million tickets? Well I’ve sold out the Bluebird a bunch,” he laughed. “It’s great to be here with my best friends and celebrating a No. 1. I got a new baby girl here, Margo Sinclair.

“I want to thank Knox. He’s not just my publisher, he’s one of my best friends. He’s done a lot for my career, and I’ve done a lot for his,” he had the crowd laughing. “Sorry I had a little too much cider before the show. It’s awesome to have a No. 1 with my best friends. These two guys are some of the best writers I’ve worked with and hopefully we are going to be up here for 10, 20 more years getting No. 1s.”

Pictured (L-R): Jaron Boyer (SESAC/peermusic), Nate Lowery (Cornman), Josh Mirenda (ASCAP/Cornman), Beth Brinker (ASCAP), Jason Aldean, Jon Loba (BBR/BMG), Michael Knox (Producer/peermusic), Shannan Hatch (SESAC), Michael Tyler (SESAC/peermusic). Photo: Ed Rode

Meanwhile, Mirenda had Dan Keen to thank for helping him to put aside his career plans of becoming a dental surgeon to focus on songwriting. Keen heard Mirenda’s songs while Mirenda was still a student at Belmont University.

“I was playing the country showcase, still wearing scrubs, and he came up to me and said, ‘Do you play music? Come talk to me.’ I didn’t even know you could get paid to write songs until I met that guy.

“You get to drink on the job doing this. You don’t get to do that when you’re operating on people. Thanks mom and dad for letting me chase down my songwriting dream, instead of being a surgeon. Sorry about that.”

Mirenda also recalled a time he bid on a Jason Aldean hat at an auction. “A long time ago when we were broke, my wife and I were at a Titans benefit. There was a signed Jason Aldean benefit hat for $200. I said, ‘I’m going to put $250 on this.’ She was like, ‘You are not putting that much money up for that.’ I didn’t get the hat, but I did get a No. 1 with you. This is way better.”

“I’m a little upset that my hat only got $200. That, and I would never let you do any kind of surgery on my mouth,” entertainer Aldean quipped, before thanking the writers.

“But this, this never gets old and I think the biggest thing for us, creating our team has always been a big part of what made things work for us. These guys have been a great part of writing these songs and sending them our way. Knox and I have been up here a lot and it’s always as exciting as when we celebrated the first one back on ‘05 or ‘06. My youngest daughter was born the week this went No. 1 so I think it was a cool thing for all of us in that aspect. Thank you to these guys for writing these songs. Knox and I have been working together for like 20 years…”

“I promise I did not find him on Facebook or MySpace,” Knox quipped.

“But I was pretty young, I’m just sayin’. It was about one in the morning, it was in a bar in Atlanta, though,” Aldean replied. “But all the things I’ve wanted to do in the music business, Michael’s helped me achieve that and helped make the records sound the way we wanted them to. We kind of changed the game in Nashville without even knowing it a lot of the time.” He also thanked Broken Bow, BMG, country radio, and the publishers.

“It’s been a fun ride and it doesn’t happen without guys like this, writing great songs,” Aldean summed.

Country Execs Gather at Album Listening Party for ‘Voice’ Winner Sundance Head

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Pictured (L-R): Alex Heiche of Sound Royalties, Misty Head, Dean Dillon, Sundance Head, John Marks of Spotify, Sheryl Steinmeyer with Sundance Head/Dean Dillon Wildcatter Records, David Preston of BMI

Country-soul singer and The Voice Season 11 winner Sundance Head and his producer, BMI Icon Dean Dillon, gathered with industry executives and influencers in Nashville on Monday night (May 20) at an exclusive listening party to celebrate Head’s new album Stained Glass and Neon.

Hosted by Sound Royalties at a venue in The Gulch, the event gave representatives from BMI, Spotify and country radio an early listen to new original songs “Working on That,” “Close Enough to Walk,” and “Showing Off” from Head’s recently-released album, which is the first project on Dillon’s new Wildcatter Records label.

During the VIP event Dillon was also presented with a special Sound Royalties’ BillionAire Award. Presented by Sound Royalties Founder and CEO Alex Heiche, the award honors creatives who have surpassed one billion song streams on online listening platforms. Heiche not only praised Dillon as an iconic songwriter, who has penned hit songs for country legends including George Strait and David Allan Coe, but also as a warm and genuine personality in the music community.

“This event truly brought together the best of old and new Nashville,” said Heiche. “It was an honor to present the legendary Dean Dillion with Sound Royalties’ signature BillionAire Award, and to hear firsthand the incredible talent of his record’s flagship artist Sundance Head, whose music will soon be taking over country radio nationwide.”

“A BIG thank you to Alex and Sound Royalties for their support and for honoring me with their first BillionAire Award,” said Dillon, CEO of Wildcatter Records. I’m just a simple music man, I love great country music and great country singers. I am so excited about this new record label and the immensely talented Sundance Head. I owe a debt of gratitude to Greg McCabe and the Wildcatters for believing in Sundance and for coming onboard with this label. Sundance has a voice like I’ve never heard and I look forward to great success in the future.”

“What can you say about a guy like Dean Dillon? A LOT! He is such a force in the songwriting, production and A&R community and I cannot believe that I get to work with him,” said Head.

Sundance just released a brand new single, “Close Enough To Walk,” which he co-wrote with Bobby Tomberlin.

Alex Heiche presenting BillionAire Award to Dean Dillon

Sundance Head performs songs from his album

 

Country Execs Gather at Album Listening Party for ‘Voice’ Winner Sundance Head

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Pictured (L-R): Alex Heiche of Sound Royalties, Misty Head, Dean Dillon, Sundance Head, John Marks of Spotify, Sheryl Steinmeyer with Sundance Head/Dean Dillon Wildcatter Records, David Preston of BMI

Country-soul singer and The Voice Season 11 winner Sundance Head and his producer, BMI Icon Dean Dillon, gathered with industry executives and influencers in Nashville on Monday night (May 20) at an exclusive listening party to celebrate Head’s new album Stained Glass and Neon.

Hosted by Sound Royalties at a venue in The Gulch, the event gave representatives from BMI, Spotify and country radio an early listen to new original songs “Working on That,” “Close Enough to Walk,” and “Showing Off” from Head’s recently-released album, which is the first project on Dillon’s new Wildcatter Records label.

During the VIP event Dillon was also presented with a special Sound Royalties’ BillionAire Award. Presented by Sound Royalties Founder and CEO Alex Heiche, the award honors creatives who have surpassed one billion song streams on online listening platforms. Heiche not only praised Dillon as an iconic songwriter, who has penned hit songs for country legends including George Strait and David Allan Coe, but also as a warm and genuine personality in the music community.

“This event truly brought together the best of old and new Nashville,” said Heiche. “It was an honor to present the legendary Dean Dillion with Sound Royalties’ signature BillionAire Award, and to hear firsthand the incredible talent of his record’s flagship artist Sundance Head, whose music will soon be taking over country radio nationwide.”

“A BIG thank you to Alex and Sound Royalties for their support and for honoring me with their first BillionAire Award,” said Dillon, CEO of Wildcatter Records. I’m just a simple music man, I love great country music and great country singers. I am so excited about this new record label and the immensely talented Sundance Head. I owe a debt of gratitude to Greg McCabe and the Wildcatters for believing in Sundance and for coming onboard with this label. Sundance has a voice like I’ve never heard and I look forward to great success in the future.”

“What can you say about a guy like Dean Dillon? A LOT! He is such a force in the songwriting, production and A&R community and I cannot believe that I get to work with him,” said Head.

Sundance just released a brand new single, “Close Enough To Walk,” which he co-wrote with Bobby Tomberlin.

Alex Heiche presenting BillionAire Award to Dean Dillon

Sundance Head performs songs from his album

CMA Fest Announces CMA Close Up Stage Lineup

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CMA has announced additional performances and appearances at Xfinity Fan Fair X, where fans get up close and personal with their favorite artists. Xfinity Fan Fair X returns to Music City Center for entertainment daily from 9:30-5:00 PM June 6-9, featuring three stages with artist panels and performances, meet-and-greets, music and lifestyle exhibits, prize giveaways and more. The CMA Close Up Stage’s Artist of the Day sessions feature Trisha Yearwood (Thursday), Old Dominion (Friday), Chris Young (Saturday) and Tracy Lawrence (Sunday). As one of the biggest draws to Xfinity Fan Fair X each day, the Artist of the Day sessions spotlight Country Music’s biggest acts offering a unique glimpse into their lives and careers.

Dayton Duncan, writer/producer of the forthcoming Ken Burns documentary Country Music, will be joined by Kathy Mattea, Ketch Secor, Ricky Skaggs and Marty Stuart on the CMA Close Up Stage on Sunday for a conversation about the 16-hour film series, set to air on PBS starting Sunday, Sept. 15.

Admission to Xfinity Fan Fair X is open to all four-day CMA Fest pass holders and Xfinity Fan Fair X ticket holders. Tickets can be purchased for $10 per day or $25 for all four days at CMAfest.com/tickets.

Additional programming for the CMA Close Up Stage includes:
• Performances with Billy Ray Cyrus, LOCASH, Song Suffragettes, Rita Wilson with Kristian Bush and more.
• The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum presents an interview with 2019 inductee Ray Stevens, hosted by Peter Cooper
• “Telling All My Secrets” with Mitchell Tenpenny
• “Life on the Road” with LANCO
• “Off the Road” with Runaway June
• “Jesus Calling” Presents Conversations with Randy and Mary Travis
• “Off the Mound” with MLB Network’s Ryan Dempster
• CMA KixStart Artist Scholarship Panel with Kassi Ashton, Travis Denning and Jameson Rodgers
• First-Ever Budweiser x Kassi Ashton Fashion Collaboration
• Meet the Stars Behind the Breakthrough Motion Picture Soundtrack with Chrissy Metz, Mickey Guyton, Diane Warren and Devon Franklin.
• TG Sheppard – Nothin’ But The Hits

The Radio Disney Country Stage returns to Xfinity Fan Fair X Thursday, June 6 through Sunday, June 9, hosted by Radio Disney Country’s Betsy Spina and Radio Disney Country’s “Let the Girls Play” hosts Kalie Shorr andSavannah Keyes, with performances daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. featuring Tenille Arts, Olivia Barker, Gabby Barrett, Blanco Brown, Bailey Bryan, Morgan Evans, Caylee Hammack, Walker Hayes, Honey County, Jessie James Decker, LOCASH, Tegan Marie, Mignon, Jenna Paulette, Stephanie Quayle, Runaway June, Smithfield, Alana Springsteen, Christina Taylor, Temecula Road, Tenille Townes and Rachel Wammack.

The Spotlight Stage once again showcases more than 50 emerging acts performing acoustic sets and hosting meet-and-greets daily from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Thursday, June 6 through Sunday, June 9 with a lineup including Tommy Ash, Lyn Avenue, Megan Barker, Maggie Baugh, Renee Blair, Blue Honey, Marty Brown, Joe Buck, Campbell Station, CC & The Boys, Rachel Curtis, Rye Davis, Josh Dorr, Alexis Ebert, Chris Gantry, Alissa Griffith,Honey County, Preston James, Paulina Jayne, JoLivi, John King, AJ Kross, Maddie Leigh, Lockeland, Sandra Lynn, Maybe April, Madeline Merlo, Emily Minor, Blake O’Connor, Olivia Ooms, O’SHEA, Dylan Raymond, Tyler Reeve, The Reklaws, Reverie Lane, Travis Rice, Ava Rowland, Kaylee Rose, Ben Rue, Kaylee Rutland, Payton Smith, Royal South, J.D. Shelburne, CJ Solar, Carson Taare, Terra Bella, Adam Wakefield, Maddie Wilson, Aubrey Wollett, Adam Yarger and Zoee & The Band.

CMA Fest Announces CMA Close Up Stage Lineup

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CMA has announced additional performances and appearances at Xfinity Fan Fair X, where fans get up close and personal with their favorite artists. Xfinity Fan Fair X returns to Music City Center for entertainment daily from 9:30-5:00 PM June 6-9, featuring three stages with artist panels and performances, meet-and-greets, music and lifestyle exhibits, prize giveaways and more. The CMA Close Up Stage’s Artist of the Day sessions feature Trisha Yearwood (Thursday), Old Dominion (Friday), Chris Young (Saturday) and Tracy Lawrence (Sunday). As one of the biggest draws to Xfinity Fan Fair X each day, the Artist of the Day sessions spotlight Country Music’s biggest acts offering a unique glimpse into their lives and careers.

Dayton Duncan, writer/producer of the forthcoming Ken Burns documentary Country Music, will be joined by Kathy Mattea, Ketch Secor, Ricky Skaggs and Marty Stuart on the CMA Close Up Stage on Sunday for a conversation about the 16-hour film series, set to air on PBS starting Sunday, Sept. 15.

Admission to Xfinity Fan Fair X is open to all four-day CMA Fest pass holders and Xfinity Fan Fair X ticket holders. Tickets can be purchased for $10 per day or $25 for all four days at CMAfest.com/tickets.

Additional programming for the CMA Close Up Stage includes:
• Performances with Billy Ray Cyrus, LOCASH, Song Suffragettes, Rita Wilson with Kristian Bush and more.
• The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum presents an interview with 2019 inductee Ray Stevens, hosted by Peter Cooper
• “Telling All My Secrets” with Mitchell Tenpenny
• “Life on the Road” with LANCO
• “Off the Road” with Runaway June
• “Jesus Calling” Presents Conversations with Randy and Mary Travis
• “Off the Mound” with MLB Network’s Ryan Dempster
• CMA KixStart Artist Scholarship Panel with Kassi Ashton, Travis Denning and Jameson Rodgers
• First-Ever Budweiser x Kassi Ashton Fashion Collaboration
• Meet the Stars Behind the Breakthrough Motion Picture Soundtrack with Chrissy Metz, Mickey Guyton, Diane Warren and Devon Franklin.
• TG Sheppard – Nothin’ But The Hits

The Radio Disney Country Stage returns to Xfinity Fan Fair X Thursday, June 6 through Sunday, June 9, hosted by Radio Disney Country’s Betsy Spina and Radio Disney Country’s “Let the Girls Play” hosts Kalie Shorr andSavannah Keyes, with performances daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. featuring Tenille Arts, Olivia Barker, Gabby Barrett, Blanco Brown, Bailey Bryan, Morgan Evans, Caylee Hammack, Walker Hayes, Honey County, Jessie James Decker, LOCASH, Tegan Marie, Mignon, Jenna Paulette, Stephanie Quayle, Runaway June, Smithfield, Alana Springsteen, Christina Taylor, Temecula Road, Tenille Townes and Rachel Wammack.

The Spotlight Stage once again showcases more than 50 emerging acts performing acoustic sets and hosting meet-and-greets daily from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Thursday, June 6 through Sunday, June 9 with a lineup including Tommy Ash, Lyn Avenue, Megan Barker, Maggie Baugh, Renee Blair, Blue Honey, Marty Brown, Joe Buck, Campbell Station, CC & The Boys, Rachel Curtis, Rye Davis, Josh Dorr, Alexis Ebert, Chris Gantry, Alissa Griffith,Honey County, Preston James, Paulina Jayne, JoLivi, John King, AJ Kross, Maddie Leigh, Lockeland, Sandra Lynn, Maybe April, Madeline Merlo, Emily Minor, Blake O’Connor, Olivia Ooms, O’SHEA, Dylan Raymond, Tyler Reeve, The Reklaws, Reverie Lane, Travis Rice, Ava Rowland, Kaylee Rose, Ben Rue, Kaylee Rutland, Payton Smith, Royal South, J.D. Shelburne, CJ Solar, Carson Taare, Terra Bella, Adam Wakefield, Maddie Wilson, Aubrey Wollett, Adam Yarger and Zoee & The Band.

DISClaimer: New Chris Stapleton, P!nk Collab Is “Essential Listening”

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P!nk and Chris Stapleton perform onstage during the P!nk Beautiful Trauma 2019 Tour at Madison Square Garden on May 21, 2019 in New York City. Photo: Zachary Mazur/WireImage

The year of unusual collaborations continues.

Today, it’s pop queen P!nk and country king Chris Stapleton. Their track on P!nk’s album is essential listening and was a highlight of her recent TV special.

In more familiar terrain, the chest-out, proudly country new track by Jon Pardi wins the Disc of the Day award, and the rockin’ country of James Wesley earns him a DisCovery honor.

LOVE AND THEFT/Gimme Tonight
Writers: Jaren Johnston/Andrew Dorff; Producers: Josh Leo/Jim Ed Norman; Publisher: none listed; Curb
-I have always liked this duo. This pop confection sports their twin-like harmony voices amid a choppy, electronic and sophisticated production. Airplay ready.

SARA EVANS & THE BARKER FAMILY BAND/Dreams
Writer: Stevie Nicks; Producers: Sara Evans/Ben Fowler; Publisher: none listed; Born to Fly
– It sounds almost exactly like the Fleetwood Mac 1977 mega hit, so why not listen to the original version? That said, it is a splendid showcase for how gifted Sara’s teen children are.

JAMES WESLEY/Running
Writers: Marcum Stewart/Zack Wrixon/James Wesely Prosser; Producers: none listed; JWM
– Nicely done. He has a tough, confident, traditional-country vocal delivery, and the band cooks with gas on the rocking track. This has a driving “open road” tone that is perfect for summer.

JOHN BERRY/The Richest Man
Writers: John Berry/Liz Hengber/Will Robinson; Producer: Chuck Howard/Barry Weeks; Publishers: JB/Modern Music Works/Give It All/More Coco/Notting Hill/Will Chill, SESAC/ASCAP/BMI; JB Music
– I never tire of hearing this most fundamental message of country music — happiness doesn’t lie in wealth, but in love. Few have the heart and soul to deliver it as effectively as this guy. Brilliantly crafted, wonderfully melodic, exquisitely poetic and flawlessly produced.

JON PARDI/Heartache Medication
Writers: none listed; Producers: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Capitol
– Just when you thought country music was dead and buried, along comes an artist and a single like this. So righteous and hillbilly, I practically shouted hallelujah. The fiddles-and-steel production, the peppy-two-step rhythm and his drawling delivery are beamed straight from Hillbilly Heaven. Turn it on, turn it up, turn it loose.

P!NK & CHRIS STAPLETON/Love Me Anyway
Writers: James Allen Shamblin II/Tom Douglas/Alecia B. Moore; Producers: Pink/Sal Oliveri/Simon Gooding; Publishers: Sony/ATV, no performance rights listed; RCA
– Gorgeous. It’s a stunning, vulnerable Nashville love ballad that P!nk delivers with seething passion. Stapleton provides occasional harmony and then answers her phrase-for-phrase as the song moves into its luscious finale. I’d have used his vocal talent a little more, but they sound great together.

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NOE PALMA/This Summer
Writers: Brian Kolb, Brian McElyea, Noe Palma; Producer: Brian Kolb, Brian McElyea, Noe Palma; Publishers: none listed; Mae Capital
– From the “woah-oh” shouted interjections to the generic country-party lyrics, this doesn’t break any new ground. However, the relentless tempo is irresistible and the youthful, “this summer’s gonna last forever” hook is completely captivating. This definitely belongs on your June/July/August playlist.

WALKER HAYES/Don’t Let Her
Writers: Walker Hayes/Shane McAnally/Andrew DeRoberts; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Arista/Monument
– His delivery remains more spoken than sung. I remain confused about how and why this is a “country” artist.

MONTGOMERY GENTRY/King of the World
Writers: Troy Jones; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Average Joes
– Hale and hearty. It’s a delightful, cute and clever little ditty about the simple pleasures of being a country boy. Your toes will tap and your lips will smile. I’m a little unclear about the billing. It’s an Eddie Montgomery solo performance, but still seems to have the “Montgomery Gentry” imprimatur.

LEE ANN WOMACK/Hollywood
Writers: Waylon Payne/Mando Saenz/Lee Ann Womack/Adam Wright; Producer: Frank Liddell; Publishers: Drip Rock Creek/Words & Music/Scrambler/Tiltawhirl/Casa de Casa/Carnival, ASCAP/BMI; ATO
– The second single drawn from her acclaimed The Lonely The Lonesome & The Gone collection is a hypnotic, sultry, shimmering heartache ballad. She is an absolutely magical vocalist. To listen is to fall in love.

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