Spirit Music Group Appoints Frank Rogers As CEO, Spirit Music Nashville

/by

Frank Rogers

Spirit Music Group has appointed Frank Rogers to Chief Executive Officer, Spirit Music Nashville. Rogers will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of Spirit Music Nashville’s creative and operational activities. Daniel Hill will exit the company.

“Frank Rogers is a rare talent—from his ability to produce and write No. 1 hits, to his amazing business acumen,” said Jon Singer, Chairman, Spirit Music Group. “Frank has a vision for Spirit Music Nashville and I have no doubt he will execute on that vision and exceed expectations. We are fortunate to have Frank lead our talented writers and staff in this next chapter. I also want to thank Daniel Hill for all of his years of service and have the utmost respect for him.”

“I am excited to have the opportunity to lead the talented staff and roster at Spirit Music Nashville,” said Rogers. “The entire Spirit Music Group team has been wonderful partners for myself and Fluid Music Revolution. I look forward to continuing to build something special with both the Spirit and Fluid teams.”

“Songwriters and songs are my passion and I am honored and grateful to have worked alongside some of the best at Spirit,” said Hill. “I am proud of the Spirit team and our many accomplishments, and I look forward to even more successes for us all.”

Frank Rogers is a multi-platinum producer and songwriter who has won MusicRow’s Producer of the Year award four times and Billboard’s No. 1 Hot Country Producer Award from 2006 – 2010. His work to date has resulted in thirteen Country Music Association award nominations, including a win for Album of the Year for Time Well Wasted with Brad Paisley. Rogers also has credits with Trace Adkins, Josh Turner, Darius Rucker, Phil Vassar, Darryl Worley, and Scotty McCreery, and has received five Academy of Country Music awards.

Rogers has also co-written several No. 1 songs, including: “I’m Gonna Miss Her (The Fishin’ Song)” by Brad Paisley, “Alright” and “This” by Darius Rucker, “Five More Minutes” and “This Is It” by Scotty McCreery, and “Backroad Song” by Granger Smith.

Rogers moved to Nashville in 1990 and got his Music Business degree from Belmont University, where he met friend and future collaborator Brad Paisley. Rogers then worked for EMI Nashville Production and opened Nashville independent publisher Sea Gayle Music with Paisley and Chris DuBois.

In 2016, Spirit Music Group formed a multi-faceted deal with Rogers and together established Fluid Music Revolution. Through the agreement, Spirit acquired Rogers’ one third interest in certain copyrights of the respected Sea Gayle Music. The deal also leveraged Rogers’ executive abilities and creative talent. Spirit’s venture with Rogers empowered him to bring new artists, producers, and writers to the company. He also joined Spirit’s roster as a songwriter, and the company exclusively administers all of his new compositions worldwide.

In addition to its deal with Rogers, Spirit’s deals in the country music landscape have included a deal with Zach Crowell that included the acquisition of his I Love Pizza Music catalog, which features many No. 1 hits. Spirit also formed a co-publishing venture with Crowell along with Ashley Gorley’s Tape Room Music, that encompasses Crowell’s future compositions. Spirit also made a deal with Grammy-winning Nashville songwriter Josh Osborne to acquire his co-published catalog, which features 500 songs. Spirit Music Nashville and Fluid Music Revolution also completed deals with Justin Adams, Derek George, Jason Lehning, Monty Criswell, Kyle Rife, Erik Belz, Marcus Hummon, Palmer Lee, Mike Fiorentino, Phillip White, and SESAC Songwriter of the Year Cary Barlowe. The company acquired the successful Nashville-based independent music publisher, production, and artist management company, Cal IV Entertainment, which brought top country writers, artists, and staff into the fold along with 25 No. 1 country copyrights and top ten singles. Spirit also acquired the StyleSonic catalog, bringing another four No. 1 country songs to its portfolio as well as over fifteen Top 20 country songs spanning the last decade.

Recent successes by Spirit Music Nashville and Fluid Music Revolution include a publishing interest in ASCAP’s Song of the Year (“Body Like a Back Road” by Sam Hunt, Zach Crowell and Josh Osborne); SESAC’s Song of the Year (“It Don’t Hurt Like It Used To” by Billy Currington); CMA Song of the Year (“Blue Ain’t Your Color” by Keith Urban) and CMA Album of the Year From a Room: Volume 1 by Chris Stapleton); and a publishing interest in ACM nominations for Song of the Year (“Whiskey & You” by Chris Stapleton); Single of the Year (“Broken Halos” by Chris Stapleton and “Drinkin’ Problem” by Midland) and Songwriter of the Year (Josh Osborne).

 In January, Spirit Music Group executives Jon Singer and Ross Cameron formed Lyric Capital Group to take ownership of Spirit Music Group and secure a recapitalization of over $350 million. Now wholly-owned by the newly formed Lyric Capital Group, Spirit Music Group remains a strong, independent publisher.

Spirit Music Group Appoints Frank Rogers As CEO, Spirit Music Nashville

/by

Frank Rogers

Spirit Music Group has appointed Frank Rogers to Chief Executive Officer, Spirit Music Nashville. Rogers will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of Spirit Music Nashville’s creative and operational activities. Daniel Hill will exit the company.

“Frank Rogers is a rare talent—from his ability to produce and write No. 1 hits, to his amazing business acumen,” said Jon Singer, Chairman, Spirit Music Group. “Frank has a vision for Spirit Music Nashville and I have no doubt he will execute on that vision and exceed expectations. We are fortunate to have Frank lead our talented writers and staff in this next chapter. I also want to thank Daniel Hill for all of his years of service and have the utmost respect for him.”

“I am excited to have the opportunity to lead the talented staff and roster at Spirit Music Nashville,” said Rogers. “The entire Spirit Music Group team has been wonderful partners for myself and Fluid Music Revolution. I look forward to continuing to build something special with both the Spirit and Fluid teams.”

“Songwriters and songs are my passion and I am honored and grateful to have worked alongside some of the best at Spirit,” said Hill. “I am proud of the Spirit team and our many accomplishments, and I look forward to even more successes for us all.”

Frank Rogers is a multi-platinum producer and songwriter who has won MusicRow’s Producer of the Year award four times and Billboard’s No. 1 Hot Country Producer Award from 2006 – 2010. His work to date has resulted in thirteen Country Music Association award nominations, including a win for Album of the Year for Time Well Wasted with Brad Paisley. Rogers also has credits with Trace Adkins, Josh Turner, Darius Rucker, Phil Vassar, Darryl Worley, and Scotty McCreery, and has received five Academy of Country Music awards.

Rogers has also co-written several No. 1 songs, including: “I’m Gonna Miss Her (The Fishin’ Song)” by Brad Paisley, “Alright” and “This” by Darius Rucker, “Five More Minutes” and “This Is It” by Scotty McCreery, and “Backroad Song” by Granger Smith.

Rogers moved to Nashville in 1990 and got his Music Business degree from Belmont University, where he met friend and future collaborator Brad Paisley. Rogers then worked for EMI Nashville Production and opened Nashville independent publisher Sea Gayle Music with Paisley and Chris DuBois.

In 2016, Spirit Music Group formed a multi-faceted deal with Rogers and together established Fluid Music Revolution. Through the agreement, Spirit acquired Rogers’ one third interest in certain copyrights of the respected Sea Gayle Music. The deal also leveraged Rogers’ executive abilities and creative talent. Spirit’s venture with Rogers empowered him to bring new artists, producers, and writers to the company. He also joined Spirit’s roster as a songwriter, and the company exclusively administers all of his new compositions worldwide.

In addition to its deal with Rogers, Spirit’s deals in the country music landscape have included a deal with Zach Crowell that included the acquisition of his I Love Pizza Music catalog, which features many No. 1 hits. Spirit also formed a co-publishing venture with Crowell along with Ashley Gorley’s Tape Room Music, that encompasses Crowell’s future compositions. Spirit also made a deal with Grammy-winning Nashville songwriter Josh Osborne to acquire his co-published catalog, which features 500 songs. Spirit Music Nashville and Fluid Music Revolution also completed deals with Justin Adams, Derek George, Jason Lehning, Monty Criswell, Kyle Rife, Erik Belz, Marcus Hummon, Palmer Lee, Mike Fiorentino, Phillip White, and SESAC Songwriter of the Year Cary Barlowe. The company acquired the successful Nashville-based independent music publisher, production, and artist management company, Cal IV Entertainment, which brought top country writers, artists, and staff into the fold along with 25 No. 1 country copyrights and top ten singles. Spirit also acquired the StyleSonic catalog, bringing another four No. 1 country songs to its portfolio as well as over fifteen Top 20 country songs spanning the last decade.

Recent successes by Spirit Music Nashville and Fluid Music Revolution include a publishing interest in ASCAP’s Song of the Year (“Body Like a Back Road” by Sam Hunt, Zach Crowell and Josh Osborne); SESAC’s Song of the Year (“It Don’t Hurt Like It Used To” by Billy Currington); CMA Song of the Year (“Blue Ain’t Your Color” by Keith Urban) and CMA Album of the Year From a Room: Volume 1 by Chris Stapleton); and a publishing interest in ACM nominations for Song of the Year (“Whiskey & You” by Chris Stapleton); Single of the Year (“Broken Halos” by Chris Stapleton and “Drinkin’ Problem” by Midland) and Songwriter of the Year (Josh Osborne).

 In January, Spirit Music Group executives Jon Singer and Ross Cameron formed Lyric Capital Group to take ownership of Spirit Music Group and secure a recapitalization of over $350 million. Now wholly-owned by the newly formed Lyric Capital Group, Spirit Music Group remains a strong, independent publisher.

Tinder Launches Festival Mode For Music Festival Attendees

/by

Tinder is rolling out a new Festival Mode feature in time for some of the country’s largest summer music festivals.

With the app’s Festival Mode, users can add a badge to their profile highlighting their planned music festival destination. Users can then match and interact with other users attending the same event.

This feature will roll out at music festivals within Live Nation’s global portfolio, including Faster Horses, Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival, Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC) Las Vegas, Governors Ball, Parklife, Lovebox, HARD Summer and EDC Orlando, as well as AEG’s festivals in the US and UK, including Hangout Fest, All Points East, Firefly and British Summer Time.

“It’s no secret that Tinder is a must-have app for singles attending music festivals around the world. We consistently see a spike in Tinder use as tens of thousands of music fans come together, so we wanted to create a new experience that makes it easier to connect with other concert-goers before even setting foot on festival grounds,” said Jenny Campbell, CMO of Tinder. “We’ve partnered with some of the biggest names in the entertainment and events industry to make that happen, and we couldn’t be more excited to help Tinder users find their crowd during these events for the rest of 2019.”

Tinder’s presence at festivals will be more than digital this year. The app will also be producing activations on the ground for its users to meet up at select events, offering VIP upgrades, complimentary merchandise, shareable photo opportunities and more.

“In an increasingly digitized world, people around the globe are flocking to Live Nation concerts and festivals in droves to experience connection where the emotional intensity is unmatched and the moments are unforgettable,” said Maureen Ford, President National & Festival Sales, Live Nation. “Music has a long history of bringing people together, and our partnership with Tinder allows us to bridge the digital and physical worlds to facilitate more meaningful connections between fans in real life.”

“From Gulf Shores, Alabama to London, England, we strive to provide the most incredible musical festivals in the world,” said Andrew Klein, managing director for the Global Partnerships division of AEG. “By partnering with Tinder this festival season, we’re thrilled to offer such a unique service to our dedicated community of music fans.”

Festival Mode begins rolling out today (May 2) for the participating festivals. Users will have access to their event-specific badges approximately three weeks prior to the start of each event.

Tinder Launches Festival Mode For Music Festival Attendees

/by

Tinder is rolling out a new Festival Mode feature in time for some of the country’s largest summer music festivals.

With the app’s Festival Mode, users can add a badge to their profile highlighting their planned music festival destination. Users can then match and interact with other users attending the same event.

This feature will roll out at music festivals within Live Nation’s global portfolio, including Faster Horses, Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival, Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC) Las Vegas, Governors Ball, Parklife, Lovebox, HARD Summer and EDC Orlando, as well as AEG’s festivals in the US and UK, including Hangout Fest, All Points East, Firefly and British Summer Time.

“It’s no secret that Tinder is a must-have app for singles attending music festivals around the world. We consistently see a spike in Tinder use as tens of thousands of music fans come together, so we wanted to create a new experience that makes it easier to connect with other concert-goers before even setting foot on festival grounds,” said Jenny Campbell, CMO of Tinder. “We’ve partnered with some of the biggest names in the entertainment and events industry to make that happen, and we couldn’t be more excited to help Tinder users find their crowd during these events for the rest of 2019.”

Tinder’s presence at festivals will be more than digital this year. The app will also be producing activations on the ground for its users to meet up at select events, offering VIP upgrades, complimentary merchandise, shareable photo opportunities and more.

“In an increasingly digitized world, people around the globe are flocking to Live Nation concerts and festivals in droves to experience connection where the emotional intensity is unmatched and the moments are unforgettable,” said Maureen Ford, President National & Festival Sales, Live Nation. “Music has a long history of bringing people together, and our partnership with Tinder allows us to bridge the digital and physical worlds to facilitate more meaningful connections between fans in real life.”

“From Gulf Shores, Alabama to London, England, we strive to provide the most incredible musical festivals in the world,” said Andrew Klein, managing director for the Global Partnerships division of AEG. “By partnering with Tinder this festival season, we’re thrilled to offer such a unique service to our dedicated community of music fans.”

Festival Mode begins rolling out today (May 2) for the participating festivals. Users will have access to their event-specific badges approximately three weeks prior to the start of each event.

Concord Music Publishing Promotes Dawn Mueller To VP, Copyright

/by

Concord Music Publishing has promoted Dawn Mueller to VP, Copyright. Mueller was previously Sr. Director, Copyright, and has been with Concord for a little over a year.

She has previously overseen the copyright and mechanical licensing departments in New York, Los Angeles, and Nashville. Prior to joining Concord, Mueller held senior positions at BMG and Cherry Lane Music.

Mueller’s promotion was one of several recently announced by Concord. Others include Lidia Kim (Vice President, Legal & Business Affairs – New York), Sara Lord (Senior Vice President, Synchronization & Project Development – London), Hazel Malit (Senior Vice President, Accounting, Recorded Music – Los Angeles), Joe McEwen (Senior Vice President, A&R – Los Angeles), Brett Merritt (Vice President, Project Management – Los Angeles), Dana Siegel (Senior Vice President, Marketing & Catalog Development – New York), and Carrie Smith (Vice President, Creative Services – Los Angeles).

Concord Music Publishing Promotes Dawn Mueller To VP, Copyright

/by

Concord Music Publishing has promoted Dawn Mueller to VP, Copyright. Mueller was previously Sr. Director, Copyright, and has been with Concord for a little over a year.

She has previously overseen the copyright and mechanical licensing departments in New York, Los Angeles, and Nashville. Prior to joining Concord, Mueller held senior positions at BMG and Cherry Lane Music.

Mueller’s promotion was one of several recently announced by Concord. Others include Lidia Kim (Vice President, Legal & Business Affairs – New York), Sara Lord (Senior Vice President, Synchronization & Project Development – London), Hazel Malit (Senior Vice President, Accounting, Recorded Music – Los Angeles), Joe McEwen (Senior Vice President, A&R – Los Angeles), Brett Merritt (Vice President, Project Management – Los Angeles), Dana Siegel (Senior Vice President, Marketing & Catalog Development – New York), and Carrie Smith (Vice President, Creative Services – Los Angeles).

Voting Open For NSAI Song Of The Year, 10 Songs I Wish I’d Written Awards

/by

Voting is now underway for the Nashville Songwriters Association International’s ’10 Songs I Wish I’d Written’ awards. The 118-song ballot is comprised of Nashville-associated songs that charted Top 20 in Country and Pop Billboard Airplay charts and Top 10 in Christian and Alternative Billboard Airplay charts during the period of May 1, 2018, and April 30, 2019. To be eligible for this year’s awards, a song must not have been awarded during the previous year’s ceremony.

Professional Songwriter Members of NSAI may vote now through Sunday, May 12 at 11:59 p.m. CT. During the voting timeframe, if a Professional Songwriter joins or renews their NSAI membership, they will be eligible to participate in the current vote. All Professional Memberships must meet membership guidelines, and to join, renew, or check on the status of a membership, contact Lindsay Gum at lindsay@nashvillesongwriters.com.

The top-voted song will be announced as NSAI’s 52nd ‘Song of the Year’ at the 2019 Nashville Songwriter Awards presented by City National Bank, which will be held Sept. 17 at the Ryman Auditorium. In addition, the 10 Songs I Wish I’d Written award winners will be announced, as well as NSAI’s Songwriter of the Year and Songwriter-Artist of the Year.

Voting Open For NSAI Song Of The Year, 10 Songs I Wish I’d Written Awards

/by

Voting is now underway for the Nashville Songwriters Association International’s ’10 Songs I Wish I’d Written’ awards. The 118-song ballot is comprised of Nashville-associated songs that charted Top 20 in Country and Pop Billboard Airplay charts and Top 10 in Christian and Alternative Billboard Airplay charts during the period of May 1, 2018, and April 30, 2019. To be eligible for this year’s awards, a song must not have been awarded during the previous year’s ceremony.

Professional Songwriter Members of NSAI may vote now through Sunday, May 12 at 11:59 p.m. CT. During the voting timeframe, if a Professional Songwriter joins or renews their NSAI membership, they will be eligible to participate in the current vote. All Professional Memberships must meet membership guidelines, and to join, renew, or check on the status of a membership, contact Lindsay Gum at lindsay@nashvillesongwriters.com.

The top-voted song will be announced as NSAI’s 52nd ‘Song of the Year’ at the 2019 Nashville Songwriter Awards presented by City National Bank, which will be held Sept. 17 at the Ryman Auditorium. In addition, the 10 Songs I Wish I’d Written award winners will be announced, as well as NSAI’s Songwriter of the Year and Songwriter-Artist of the Year.

DISClaimer: Luke Combs, Brandon Ratcliff Debut Top New Tunes

/by

Luke Combs

Today belongs to the youngsters.

This column is packed with the up-and-comers who are shaping the future of the country genre. There’s nary a superstar in sight.

There is one guy who is closing in on superstardom. That would be Luke Combs, who finishes in a dead heat with newby Tyler Rich for the Disc of the Day prize.

With a debut single that shows loads of promise, Brandon Ratcliff wins a DisCovery Award.

DUSTIN LYNCH/Ridin’ Roads
Writers: Dustin Lynch, Ashley Gorley/Zach Crowell; Producer: Zach Crowell; Publisher:Magic Mustang Music (BMI) admin by Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp., Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp. (BMI), Round Hill Songs II (ASCAP), Caleb’s College Fund (ASCAP) admin by Round Hill Songs II, Spirit Two Nashville (ASCAP), Miller Crow Music (ASCAP) admin by Spirit Two Nashville, Kyler’s Kinda Night (ASCAP) admin by Spirit Two Nashville; BBR
– Well done. His velvet vocal eases over this airy, echoey production and a small-town lyric infused with romance. An audio delight.

TENILLE TOWNES/I Kept The Roses
Writers: Tenille Townes/Dustin Christensen/Chris Gelbuda; Producer: Jay Joyce; Publishers: Year of the Dog Music (admin by Downtown)/Scrambler Music (admin by Bluewater)/National Dog Music (admin by Downtown); ASCAP/SESAC; Columbia
– Her piercing, plaintive vocal delivery contrasts attractively with the retro r&b groove of this ballad. She remains one of our most distinctive new talents.

TYLER RICH/Leave Her Wild
Writers: Tyler Rich, Chris DeStefano, Jon Nite; Producer: Julian Raymond/Lindsay Rimes; Publishers:Hot Rod 98 Music/Tyler Rich Publishing (SESAC). All rights o/b/o Hot Rod 98 Music and Tyler Rich Publishing administered by Big Machine Music, LLC./ EMI April Music Inc. / CDs Words and Music / Nite Writer Music. All rights o/b/o EMI April Music Inc., CDs Words and Music and Nite Writer Music administered by Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC; Valory
– Very cool. The message is this — If you’re gonna love the woman, don’t try to change her and accept her for who she is. The production soars. He sings with great heart. This fellow continues to impress with every effort.

Teddy Robb/Tell Me Now
Writers: Teddy Robb/Blake Chaffin/Aaron Eshuis; Producers: Shane McAnally/Ben Fowler/Matt McGinn; Publishers: Teddy Robb Music / Songs Of Smack (BMI) / Smackville Music (ASCAP) / Limestone Road / Music Of Parallel (BMI); Monument
– I like how the spare production lets the heartache lyric stay in the spotlight. There’s a certain comfy warmth in his voice that makes him a very effective communicator here.

LUKE COMBS/Beer Never Broke My Heart
Writers: Luke Combs/Randy Montana/Jonathan Singleton; Producer: Scott Moffatt; Publishers: Big Music Machine/50 Egg Music/Straight Dimes Publishing (BMI) adm by Big Machine Music, LLC. © 2019 Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp./Sullivan S Guns Music (BMI) adm by Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp. © 2019 Super Big Music/Jett Music (ASCAP) adm by Big Machine Music, LLC. All rights reserved. Used by permission.; Columbia/River House
– Want to know why this guy’s career is blowing up? It’s because he is a country-music artist. Got that? Country music. The rest of you should take note. He’s singing his face off on this barroom brawler. Guaranteed to make you want to crack open a cold one.

COLT FORD/We The People
Writers: Corey Crowder/James McNair/Brandon Kinney; Producers: Noah Gordon/Shannon Houchins; Publishers: WB/Big Crowd/Georgia Song Vibez/Stay Creative/Sony-ATV Countryside/Whiskey Tub/Peermusic III, ASCAP/BMI; Average Joes
– As usual, he doesn’t actually sing as much as he just exudes attitude. This is a rowdy, rockin’ stomper with hooks a-plenty. Which is to say, it’s as catchy as can be.

MATT STELL/Prayed For You
Writers: Allison Margaret Veltz/Ash Bowers/Matt Stell; Producer: none listed; Publishers: Words & Music/Big Deal/Amplified Administration/Sony-ATV, no performance rights listed; Arista/RECORDS
– The winsome song is well crafted, and he sings with gusto. The paint-by-numbers production does nothing for me.

BRANDON RATCLIFF/Rules of Breaking Up
Writers: Brandon Ratcliff/AJ Babcock/Pete Good; Producers: Pete Good/Shane McAnally; Publishers: none listed; Monument
– Very promising. It’s a little too pop for my taste, but his gentle vocal delivery and the twisty heartbreak melody are certainly ear catching. Brandon is the son of Suzanne Cox of the esteemed Cox Family, so music is in the boy’s blood.

SEAFORTH/Love That
Writers: Tom Jordan/Mitchell Thompson/Daniel Ross/Michael Whitworth; Producers: Dann Huff/Seaforth; Publishers: Incognito Street Music/Smoke Tavern Publishing (BMI/APRA) ©2019 Mitchell Thompson Publishing / Big Music Machine/Florida Song Vibez/I Finally Got Some Riser House Publishing BMI/APRA/ASCAP/SESAC
– Breezy and summery, with a nice thumpy backbeat and youthful, boyish vocals. An attractive debut.

JAKE OWEN/Homemade
Writers: Ben Goldsmith/Bobby Pinson/Drew Parker/Jared Mullins; Producer: Joey Moi; Publishers: Warner Chappell/BMG Rights Management, no performance rights listed; Big Loud
– His comeback remains on a roll with this rolling ride through the countryside. This sunny outing has summertime hit written all over it.

DISClaimer: Luke Combs, Brandon Ratcliff Debut Top New Tunes

/by

Luke Combs

Today belongs to the youngsters.

This column is packed with the up-and-comers who are shaping the future of the country genre. There’s nary a superstar in sight.

There is one guy who is closing in on superstardom. That would be Luke Combs, who finishes in a dead heat with newby Tyler Rich for the Disc of the Day prize.

With a debut single that shows loads of promise, Brandon Ratcliff wins a DisCovery Award.

DUSTIN LYNCH/Ridin’ Roads
Writers: Dustin Lynch, Ashley Gorley/Zach Crowell; Producer: Zach Crowell; Publisher:Magic Mustang Music (BMI) admin by Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp., Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp. (BMI), Round Hill Songs II (ASCAP), Caleb’s College Fund (ASCAP) admin by Round Hill Songs II, Spirit Two Nashville (ASCAP), Miller Crow Music (ASCAP) admin by Spirit Two Nashville, Kyler’s Kinda Night (ASCAP) admin by Spirit Two Nashville; BBR
– Well done. His velvet vocal eases over this airy, echoey production and a small-town lyric infused with romance. An audio delight.

TENILLE TOWNES/I Kept The Roses
Writers: Tenille Townes/Dustin Christensen/Chris Gelbuda; Producer: Jay Joyce; Publishers: Year of the Dog Music (admin by Downtown)/Scrambler Music (admin by Bluewater)/National Dog Music (admin by Downtown); ASCAP/SESAC; Columbia
– Her piercing, plaintive vocal delivery contrasts attractively with the retro r&b groove of this ballad. She remains one of our most distinctive new talents.

TYLER RICH/Leave Her Wild
Writers: Tyler Rich, Chris DeStefano, Jon Nite; Producer: Julian Raymond/Lindsay Rimes; Publishers:Hot Rod 98 Music/Tyler Rich Publishing (SESAC). All rights o/b/o Hot Rod 98 Music and Tyler Rich Publishing administered by Big Machine Music, LLC./ EMI April Music Inc. / CDs Words and Music / Nite Writer Music. All rights o/b/o EMI April Music Inc., CDs Words and Music and Nite Writer Music administered by Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC; Valory
– Very cool. The message is this — If you’re gonna love the woman, don’t try to change her and accept her for who she is. The production soars. He sings with great heart. This fellow continues to impress with every effort.

Teddy Robb/Tell Me Now
Writers: Teddy Robb/Blake Chaffin/Aaron Eshuis; Producers: Shane McAnally/Ben Fowler/Matt McGinn; Publishers: Teddy Robb Music / Songs Of Smack (BMI) / Smackville Music (ASCAP) / Limestone Road / Music Of Parallel (BMI); Monument
– I like how the spare production lets the heartache lyric stay in the spotlight. There’s a certain comfy warmth in his voice that makes him a very effective communicator here.

LUKE COMBS/Beer Never Broke My Heart
Writers: Luke Combs/Randy Montana/Jonathan Singleton; Producer: Scott Moffatt; Publishers: Big Music Machine/50 Egg Music/Straight Dimes Publishing (BMI) adm by Big Machine Music, LLC. © 2019 Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp./Sullivan S Guns Music (BMI) adm by Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp. © 2019 Super Big Music/Jett Music (ASCAP) adm by Big Machine Music, LLC. All rights reserved. Used by permission.; Columbia/River House
– Want to know why this guy’s career is blowing up? It’s because he is a country-music artist. Got that? Country music. The rest of you should take note. He’s singing his face off on this barroom brawler. Guaranteed to make you want to crack open a cold one.

COLT FORD/We The People
Writers: Corey Crowder/James McNair/Brandon Kinney; Producers: Noah Gordon/Shannon Houchins; Publishers: WB/Big Crowd/Georgia Song Vibez/Stay Creative/Sony-ATV Countryside/Whiskey Tub/Peermusic III, ASCAP/BMI; Average Joes
– As usual, he doesn’t actually sing as much as he just exudes attitude. This is a rowdy, rockin’ stomper with hooks a-plenty. Which is to say, it’s as catchy as can be.

MATT STELL/Prayed For You
Writers: Allison Margaret Veltz/Ash Bowers/Matt Stell; Producer: none listed; Publishers: Words & Music/Big Deal/Amplified Administration/Sony-ATV, no performance rights listed; Arista/RECORDS
– The winsome song is well crafted, and he sings with gusto. The paint-by-numbers production does nothing for me.

BRANDON RATCLIFF/Rules of Breaking Up
Writers: Brandon Ratcliff/AJ Babcock/Pete Good; Producers: Pete Good/Shane McAnally; Publishers: none listed; Monument
– Very promising. It’s a little too pop for my taste, but his gentle vocal delivery and the twisty heartbreak melody are certainly ear catching. Brandon is the son of Suzanne Cox of the esteemed Cox Family, so music is in the boy’s blood.

SEAFORTH/Love That
Writers: Tom Jordan/Mitchell Thompson/Daniel Ross/Michael Whitworth; Producers: Dann Huff/Seaforth; Publishers: Incognito Street Music/Smoke Tavern Publishing (BMI/APRA) ©2019 Mitchell Thompson Publishing / Big Music Machine/Florida Song Vibez/I Finally Got Some Riser House Publishing BMI/APRA/ASCAP/SESAC
– Breezy and summery, with a nice thumpy backbeat and youthful, boyish vocals. An attractive debut.

JAKE OWEN/Homemade
Writers: Ben Goldsmith/Bobby Pinson/Drew Parker/Jared Mullins; Producer: Joey Moi; Publishers: Warner Chappell/BMG Rights Management, no performance rights listed; Big Loud
– His comeback remains on a roll with this rolling ride through the countryside. This sunny outing has summertime hit written all over it.