Photo: Courtesy of Big Machine Records
Members of the music community came together in a cozy space nestled inside Big Machine Label Group (BMLG)’s A&R building yesterday (Aug. 27) to go on a journey with rising star Jackson Dean through a portion of his sophomore album, On The Back Of My Dreams, out Sept. 6.
With the new music, Dean led the group through a metaphorical version of the mountain range behind him on the album cover—beautifully displaying his ability to take listeners to different worlds by uniquely describing elements of the one they’re currently living in or previously lived in. We walked a section of the collection’s lighter trail with “Real Real,” which he penned alongside producer Luke Dick and Josh Osborne, before making our way to the middle where the recently-released studio version of “Heavens To Betsy” lies. Written by the artist, Benjy Davis and Driver Williams, the single was the most-added at country radio upon its unveiling earlier this month.
“This song came from a flash in my own head a man sitting on the outskirts of heaven, trying to communicate with his daughter via a CB radio,” Dean shared. “It was never meant to be heard, we just wrote it to kill time on tour. But then I played it live and watched it bring a grown man to tears, and I’ve been playing it ever since.”
He and members of his team drove through a snow storm to Livingston, Montana to film its accompanying visual. Before showing us the video, Dean stated “This was coldest I’ve ever been in my entire life and probably the closest I’ll ever to get to living the scene that I dreamt.”
He then brought us to the darker side of the mountain and helped everyone to unpacked the heavier concepts we were now carrying. Dean described the inspiration his family provides for his craft and played “Daddy Raised,” which he, Tucker Beathard, Bryan Simpson and Ryan Tyndell created, along with its unreleased video, followed by “Sweet Appalachia,” a tune he wrote with Dick and Tyndell that draws from his home region.
“This entire record was created with the mindset that it would come out on the road with us and evolve,” Dean noted as he detailed the audience reactions its tracks had received thus far. We then explored the sacrifices that come with certain types of freedom with “Free,” which Dean penned with Dick and Blake Chaffin, and its unreleased visual.
“These [songs] are scores. Some are scores of picture frames, some are scores of life you’re trying to live. They’re not just for me, they’re for everyone that listens to it,” he said. “These songs are written in a way that allows listeners to see and feel what they need to. These are all little moments that they can put themselves into.”
Dean moved on to detail the “witchy little nursery rhyme” called “Jane.” Another number developed with Dick and Tyndell, the tune is where the project’s title is derived. We soon made our way to the end of the darker trail, and an wrapped our adventure with closing track “Another Century.” Written by Dean, Brian Koppelman and Jon Sherwood, its seeks to summarize the trip the album takes you on.
“When you hear it, picture it under the lights [of a live show]. There’s no feeling like it in the world.” he advised before expressing his gratitude.
Artist Rights Alliance Adds Notable Talent To Board Of Directors & Music Council
/by Liza AndersonThe nonprofit, artist-led education and advocacy organization Artist Rights Alliance (ARA) has added acclaimed creator Dan Navarro to its Board of Directors as well as Aerosmith, Creed, Lauren Daigle, Jerry Flowers, Myles Kennedy, Sevendust and Wolfgang Van Halen to its Music Council.
Members of the ARA Board and Music Council aim to address important issues by conducting interviews and offering their names to help endorse ongoing legislation. With support from over 200 artists, the organization recently urged technology platforms not to devalue music and undermine artists rights in an open letter.
Navarro brings 40 years of experience as a songwriter, artist and voice actor to the ARA Board. He has released 20 albums and played thousands of shows in addition to singing and doing voice-overs for popular films like Encanto and Coco, television and video games. Navarro notably penned Pat Benatar’s Grammy-nominated tune “We Belong” and songs recorded by The Bangles and Dave Edmunds, among others. After more than two decades of crafting music with David Eric Lowen as Lowen & Navarro, he released his second solo studio album, Horizon Line, in 2022.
“As a longtime artist advocate, Dan brings tremendous expertise, energy and passion for musicians’ rights to ARA’s efforts,” says Jen Jacobsen, ARA Executive Director. “The ARA Board is excited to work closely with Dan to ensure that artists are educated, protected and treated fairly as they navigate the music marketplace. Dan’s voice will be a welcomed addition to our group as we navigate the murky waters of streaming royalties, keep AI from infringing on artists’ rights, and fight for a transparent ticketing system that fully supports artists and fans. We are thrilled to have Dan aboard.”
“I’m honored and excited to join the ARA Board in fostering its vital work,” Navarro shares. “This in an era where artists’ rights are routinely threatened by technology, dismissed by industry and underserved by public policy. With so much work to do, I’m eager to help.”
The Store To Open Second Location At Tristar Centennial Medical Center
/by Madison HahnenPictured (L-R): Collen Mayer (The Store CEO), Kimberly Williams-Paisley, Brad Paisley and Tom Ozburn (President & CEO of TriStar Centennial Medical Center)
Nonprofit organization The Store has revealed its plans to open a second location on the campus of TriStar Centennial Medical Center, part of HCA Healthcare. The new storefront will be located on the ground level of TriStar Centennial’s B Garage, located at 311 23rd Ave. N.
The Store, co-founded by Brad Paisley and Kimberly Williams-Paisley, is a free, referral-based grocery store that empowers Nashville families and individuals in need. The current location is on Belmont University’s campus and offers fresh, nutritious food and wrap-around services to over 1,000 individuals, children and families each year.
“When we opened The Store in 2020, we were grateful to be able to help support our neighbors in need through a challenging year, including devastating tornadoes and a global pandemic,” share Paisley and Williams-Paisley. “It has always been our goal to expand this effort. We are thrilled to announce that The Store will open a second location with our friends at TriStar Centennial to further serve the larger community.”
“As caregivers, our concern for the well-being of our community extends beyond our hospital doors,” says Tom Ozburn, President and CEO of TriStar Centennial Medical Center. “Through The Store, our care teams will have peace of mind knowing the community will have a resource close by that can help provide needed food and clothing.”
The Store’s model highlights dignity and choice, allowing customers to select from a variety of fresh produce, healthy meats, dairy products and pantry staples while catering to different dietary needs. A small staff, along with hundreds of volunteers, ensure excellent service and detailed attention to each shopper. Volunteers help with shopping and bagging groceries, engage children with activities and help connect families to additional resources. The system of wrap-around services includes counseling, nutrition education and financial planning.
The Store is also launching its Doubling Our Difference Expansion Campaign to help fund operating expenses for the second location and future expansion opportunities. Supporters can donate at all financial levels here.
HCA Healthcare and The HCA Healthcare Foundation have donated $125,000 to The Store since 2019, along with volunteering.
Jackson Dean Takes Industry Members On Journey With New Project Preview
/by Liza AndersonPhoto: Courtesy of Big Machine Records
Members of the music community came together in a cozy space nestled inside Big Machine Label Group (BMLG)’s A&R building yesterday (Aug. 27) to go on a journey with rising star Jackson Dean through a portion of his sophomore album, On The Back Of My Dreams, out Sept. 6.
With the new music, Dean led the group through a metaphorical version of the mountain range behind him on the album cover—beautifully displaying his ability to take listeners to different worlds by uniquely describing elements of the one they’re currently living in or previously lived in. We walked a section of the collection’s lighter trail with “Real Real,” which he penned alongside producer Luke Dick and Josh Osborne, before making our way to the middle where the recently-released studio version of “Heavens To Betsy” lies. Written by the artist, Benjy Davis and Driver Williams, the single was the most-added at country radio upon its unveiling earlier this month.
“This song came from a flash in my own head a man sitting on the outskirts of heaven, trying to communicate with his daughter via a CB radio,” Dean shared. “It was never meant to be heard, we just wrote it to kill time on tour. But then I played it live and watched it bring a grown man to tears, and I’ve been playing it ever since.”
He and members of his team drove through a snow storm to Livingston, Montana to film its accompanying visual. Before showing us the video, Dean stated “This was coldest I’ve ever been in my entire life and probably the closest I’ll ever to get to living the scene that I dreamt.”
He then brought us to the darker side of the mountain and helped everyone to unpacked the heavier concepts we were now carrying. Dean described the inspiration his family provides for his craft and played “Daddy Raised,” which he, Tucker Beathard, Bryan Simpson and Ryan Tyndell created, along with its unreleased video, followed by “Sweet Appalachia,” a tune he wrote with Dick and Tyndell that draws from his home region.
“This entire record was created with the mindset that it would come out on the road with us and evolve,” Dean noted as he detailed the audience reactions its tracks had received thus far. We then explored the sacrifices that come with certain types of freedom with “Free,” which Dean penned with Dick and Blake Chaffin, and its unreleased visual.
“These [songs] are scores. Some are scores of picture frames, some are scores of life you’re trying to live. They’re not just for me, they’re for everyone that listens to it,” he said. “These songs are written in a way that allows listeners to see and feel what they need to. These are all little moments that they can put themselves into.”
Dean moved on to detail the “witchy little nursery rhyme” called “Jane.” Another number developed with Dick and Tyndell, the tune is where the project’s title is derived. We soon made our way to the end of the darker trail, and an wrapped our adventure with closing track “Another Century.” Written by Dean, Brian Koppelman and Jon Sherwood, its seeks to summarize the trip the album takes you on.
“When you hear it, picture it under the lights [of a live show]. There’s no feeling like it in the world.” he advised before expressing his gratitude.
Jamey Johnson, Collective Soul, More Among Lineup For Riverfront Revival Music Festival
/by Lorie HollabaughDarius Rucker has unveiled the full lineup for his Riverfront Revival Festival at North Charleston’s Riverfront Park, taking place Oct. 11–12.
Sister Hazel, Arrested Development, Jamey Johnson, Collective Soul, the Tedeschi Trucks Band and more will perform during the two-day festival, which will be capped off by a performance from Hootie & The Blowfish on Saturday (Oct. 12), completing their 2024 “Summer Camp with Trucks Tour.”
A limited quantity of one-day General Admission Plus tickets are on sale, along with a limited number of one-day VIP tickets. A new offering for Riverfront Revival patrons this year, General Admission Plus tickets include access to a private bar, seating and restrooms. Additionally, 1-Day General Admission tickets are available along with weekend passes, two-day General Admission, two-day General Admission Plus, and two-day VIP tickets. For more information, click here.
A portion of the proceeds from each ticket sold will benefit the Arts in Healing Program at the Medical University of South Carolina Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital, a cause which Rucker is passionate about, and Just be You, a local nonprofit helping to build teens’ confidence, self-love and self-compassion.
Full Riverfront Revival Schedule:
Friday, Oct. 11
5:00-5:30 p.m. (Magnolia Stage): July Moon
5:30-6:00 p.m. (Live Oak Stage): Grace Bowers and the Hodge Podge
6:00-7:00 p.m. (Magnolia Stage): Southall
7:00-8:00 p.m. (Live Oak Stage): The Revivalists
8:00-9:15 p.m. (Magnolia Stage): Paul Cauthen
9:15-11:00 p.m. (Live Oak Stage): Tedeschi Trucks Band
Saturday, Oct. 12
1:00-1:30 p.m. (Magnolia Stage): Elizabeth Covington
1:30-2:15 p.m. (Live Oak Stage): Brady Smith
2:15-3:00 p.m. (Magnolia Stage): Gritty Flyright
3:00-3:45 p.m. (Live Oak Stage): Shane Profitt
3:45-4:45 p.m. (Magnolia Stage): Sister Hazel
4:45-5:45 p.m. (Live Oak Stage): Hailey Whitters
5:45-6:45 p.m. (Magnolia Stage): Arrested Development
6:45-8:00 p.m. (Live Oak Stage): Jamey Johnson
8:00-9:15 p.m. (Magnolia Stage): Collective Soul
9:15-11:00 p.m. (Live Oak Stage): Hootie & The Blowfish
Cowgirls At The Cowboy Returns To Jackson, Wyoming In October
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R, top row): Jenny Tolman, Avery Anna and Lori McKenna; (L-R, bottom row): Ashley McBryde and Tenille Townes
The third annual Cowgirls At The Cowboy, the all-female country festival at the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar in Jackson, Wyoming, will take place Oct. 3-5.
The festival will kick off on Thursday night (Oct. 3) with a Songwriter Showcase featuring the festival’s founder Jenny Tolman as well as Tenille Townes and Lori McKenna. The women will perform their biggest songs and sharing the stories behind them. Friday night (Oct. 4) will feature Tolman and her band along with Avery Anna. Saturday night (Oct. 5) will be headlined by Ashley McBryde, marking a Jackson debut for McBryde and her band.
Tickets can be purchased for each night and are on sale now at milliondollarcowboybar.com.
The Road to Cowgirls at The Cowboy Podcast will also kick off its second season, including a short series featuring the ladies of Cowgirls at The Cowboy. The first episode of season two featuring McKenna releases on Sept. 4. New episodes come out each Wednesday in September leading up to the festival and are available on all podcast streaming platforms.
On The Row: MaRynn Taylor Explores Debut EP & Teases New Music
/by Madison HahnenMaRynn Taylor. Photo: Courtesy of Black River Entertainment.
Rising singer-songwriter MaRynn Taylor recently stopped by the MusicRow office to play a few tunes and discuss her debut EP, Get To Know Me.
Taylor moved to Nashville in 2019 from her home state of Michigan to pursue music. During CMA Fest that year, she was handed a flyer for Black River’s 60-Second Spotlight. She went to the event to play for the Black River team, and they knew they found something special in Taylor that day. Later that evening, she watched the Fest from Black River’s suite at Nissan Stadium. On the day of the CMA Awards that year, she signed her recording and publishing deals with Black River during an on-air interview with Bill Cody on the iconic WSM Coffee, Country and Cody radio show.
Since then, Taylor has amassed nearly 34 million cumulative streams, 14 Telly Awards, was named one of CMT’s Next Women of Country and earned her place as an artist to watch from several media outlets. Her sassy “Make You Mine” marked her first top 50 hit on country radio. Taylor made her Grand Ole Opry debut last June and has returned to the coveted stage several times since.
Pictured (L-R): MusicRow’s Madison Hahnen & LB Cantrell; MaRynn Taylor, MusicRow’s Sherod Robertson, Liza Anderson and John Nix Arledge
Taylor performed several tracks from her Get To Know Me EP for the MusicRow team, including “Running Away With You” which she co-wrote with Barry Dean and Josh Kerr. She also performed “Small Town Spinnin’,” penned with Kerr and Erin Kinsey, whom Taylor considers her closest artist friend.
“We talk a lot about this crazy life together,” shared Taylor. “We finally decided to get in a writers room together, and she brought this idea in. We’re both from small towns, and I could definitely relate to the story she was telling about how a small town can just talk sometimes.”
Before going into the title track of the EP, Taylor shared, “I wanted to call the EP Get To Know Me because I’ve released EPs and music before, but I’ve grown up a little bit and I’ve found what I want to sound like. This is a really good introduction of me.” With the signature Nashville hook-focused writing style, the track actually embodies a different meaning than the title suggests, with the tune being about how her ex does not get to know her anymore know that they’ve broken up.
MaRynn Taylor and MusicRow’s Sherod Robertson.
Taylor also treated the MusicRow crew to a preview of her new song “Season 2 Of Friends,” releasing Sept. 6. The tune was inspired by a phone conversation she had with her older cousin about being in your 20s and feeling the pressure to get married and settle down. During the call, Taylor advised her cousin that they are only on “season 2 of Friends,” in reference to the famous sitcom detailing the ups and downs in young adulthood. Taylor will also release a Friends-inspired music video for the track.
Taylor will hit the road with Dylan Schneider on his “Bad Decisions” tour this fall, and will be releasing more new music throughout the fall.
Indie Record Stores To Host Listening Parties For George Strait’s New Album
/by Lorie HollabaughGeorge Strait. Photo: Peggy Sirota
George Strait’s Cowboys and Dreamers album is heading to 87 indie record stores before its release for listening parties nationwide on Sept. 4, including Grimey’s Records and The Groove in Nashville.
Indie record stores nationwide are celebrating Strait’s 31st studio album by hosting the listening events two days before its release on Sept. 6. Full store, city and state details can be found at recordstoreday.com.
Produced by Chuck Ainlay, Tony Brown and Strait, the album’s title comes from a song penned by Jessie Jo Dillon, Keith Gattis and Bubba Strait. “I thought I should name the whole album Cowboys And Dreamers as I feel like the last of a dying breed, trying to find where I fit,” Strait offers of the track.
The follow-up to Honky Tonk Time Machine, Strait’s 27th No. 1 Billboard Country album, Cowboys And Dreamers features 13 new songs, including three already released tracks—“Three Drinks Behind,” “MIA Down in MIA” and “The Little Things”—as well as “Honky Tonk Hall Of Fame” featuring Chris Stapleton and Strait’s rendition of Waylon Jennings’ “Waymore’s Blues.”
Strait has one final show in 2024, supersizing his long-standing “Strait to Vegas” show at Las Vegas’ Allegiant Stadium to mark the 37th installment of the tour with Stapleton and special guests Little Big Town.
Industry Ink: Lainey Wilson, CMHOFM, Big Spring Entertainment
/by Lorie HollabaughLainey Wilson Celebrates ‘Whirlwind’ At Audacy Release Party
Pictured (L–R): BMG’s Dan Gill, Regan Donato, Shelley Hargis, JoJamie Hahr, Lainey Wilson, BMG’s Jon Loba, Layna Bunt, Lee Adams, Brian Meiler and Celine Joshua. Photo: Kelly Hammond
Lainey Wilson celebrated her new album, Whirlwind, with her BBR Music Group/BMG team at an Audacy release party in San Diego, California last week. She arrived via helicopter to the event, which was hosted by 103.7 KSON (KSON-FM).
CMHOFM Hosts Honor Society Event
Pictured (L–R): Ken Levitan, Gloria Dumas, Kyle Young, Molly Tuttle, Bronwyn Keith-Hynes and Jody Williams. Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum hosted a special event for its Honor Society members last week at the home of Board member Ken Levitan and Gloria Dumas. The evening featured a performance by Grammy-winning artist Molly Tuttle, who was accompanied by fiddle player Bronwyn Keith-Hynes. Ketch Secor of Old Crow Medicine Show also made an appearance.
Honor Society members are donors who give $1,000 or more annually to the museum to support its exhibitions, education programs and the preservation of its collection.
Big Spring Entertainment Adds Vickie Gordon & Promotes Cameron Moss
Vickie Gordon & Cameron Moss
Big Spring Entertainment has added Vickie Gordon to its Talent Buying team and promoted Cameron Moss to Vice President of Talent Buying & Business Development. Gordon will spearhead the company’s club department, programming Druid City Music Hall along with other college markets, while cultivating strategic national partnerships with venues and promoters. Since joining Big Spring Entertainment in 2019, Moss has helped to exponentially grow both the events and number of venues in new markets both regionally and nationally.
“We are so excited to welcome Vickie to the team. She has an impressive background in the live entertainment industry with over a decade of experience working for venues, agencies and talent buyers,” says Jason Oschwald, Big Spring Entertainment Co-Owner. “Additionally, Cameron Moss has had a significant impact on the overall business during his tenure and this is a well-deserved recognition to lead the department.”
Joe Nichols To Celebrate ‘Honky Tonks & Country Songs’ On New Album
/by Madison HahnenJoe Nichols will release his 11th studio album, Honky Tonks & Country Songs, on Oct. 25 via Quartz Hill Records.
Produced by Mickey Jack Cones and Derek George, the 11-track project showcases Nichols’ commitment to country music that has made him one of Nashville’s most honest voices. Writers featured on the track listing include Tyler Hubbard, Josh Kear, Jared Keim and more. It also features collaborations with Stevie Woodward and Annie Bosko.
“I’ve been in a lot of honky tonks,” shares Nichols. “They’re the only places I could play for a long time, and you learn a lot about being an entertainer there, because people come wanting to hear a good song and have a good time. Country songs speak not just to those people, but to all people.
“My job is to make people feel good,” he continues. “And sometimes that means with fun and happy songs, and other times with sad and sorrowful truths. But the goal is always to make them feel good. This album is meant to do exactly that. Everyone can find a good time in a honky tonk and a country song.”
Following the lead singe “Bottle It Up,” Nichols will release another taste of the album on Sept. 6 with “Doin’ Life With You.” Solo-penned by Jimmy Yeary, the love song is sung through a father and husband’s lens and is a vow to one’s partner that you’ll be by their side through thick and thin.
Honky Tonks & Country Songs Track Listing:
1. “Honky Tonks and Country Songs” (Tyler Hubbard/Matt Jenkins/Travis Wood/Casey Brown)
2. “Bottle It Up” (Josh Kear/Dan Isbell/Paul Sikes)
3. “People Still Doin’ That” (Justin Lantz/Clint Daniels)
4. “Helpless in a Honky Tonk” (Jared Keim/Ryan Beaver/Neil Medley/Dan Alley)
5. “Country Boy Can Survive” (Hank Williams Jr)
6. “Hard Fires (featuring Stevie Woodward)” (Michael Carter/Adam Craig/Matt Rogers)
7. “Doin’ Life with You” (Jimmy Yeary)
8. “Y’all Do” (Jake Mitchell/Michael Hardy/Mike Walker)
9. “On and On” (Jason Sellers Terri Jo Box/Dan Smalley)
10. “Better Than You (Joe Nichols & Annie Bosko)” (Derek George/John Pierce)
11. “Amazing Ways” (Dan Isbell/Jordan Minton/Jonathan Smith)
CRB Unveils 2024-2025 Board Of Directors
/by Liza AndersonCountry Radio Broadcasters (CRB) has unveiled its 2024-2025 Board of Directors, which is comprised of industry professionals who will work together ensure the success of Country Radio Seminar (CRS).
Kurt Johnson (Townsquare Media) will return as President alongside John Shomby (Country’s Radio Coach), who will once again serve as Vice President, and Beverlee Brannigan (Beverlee Brannigan, LLC), who plans to return as Secretary.
The Board of Directors features both elected and appointed members. Others set to serve include Emily Cohen Belote (Amazon Music), Justin Chase (Beasley Media Group), Mike Harris (UMG Nashville), Debra Herman (Apple/Shazam), Jennifer Johnson (Riser House Records), Ashley Morrison (iHeartMedia/WFUS), Jordan Pettit (Opry Entertainment Group), Greg Strassell (Hubbard), Allison Warren (Cumulus Nashville) and Kristen Williams (Warner Music Nashville).
In addition to Shomby and Brannigan, those continuing their terms this year are Chuck Aly (Country Aircheck), George Couri (Triple 8 Management), Gator Harrison (iHeart Country), Steve Hodges (Sony Music Nashville), Clay Hunnicut (BMLG), Kenny Jay (Albright & O’Malley & Brenner), Jon Loba (BMG North America), Mike McVay (McVay Media), RJ Meacham (Curb Records), Brent Michaels (KUZZ), Charlie Morgan (Apple Music), Rod Phillips (iHeart Country), Joel Raab (Joel Raab Country Radio & Media), Royce Risser (The Familie), Tim Roberts (Audacy/WYCD) and Matt Sunshine (The Center for Sales Strategy).
CRS 2025 will take place Feb. 19–21.