Thomas Rhett. Photo: Josh Aikin
For more than 10 years, Thomas Rhett has shared his stories through song as heads bob, hips sway and lips belt the lyrics alongside him—leading to 22 No. 1s, 16 billion streams, eight ACM Awards, two CMA Awards, five Grammy nominations and more.
Devoted to his craft, the songsmith has curated his past six projects with such intention, swirling together a diverse range of musical elements to create his own kind of country and connect with crowds across the globe. The same rings true for his seventh studio album, About A Woman, set for release this Friday (Aug. 23). Creating the 14-track collection stimulated The Valory Music Co. artist in new ways sonically while he worked to balance the sound he has become known for.
Photo: Courtesy of The Valory Music Co.
“I’ve always taken pride in pulling so many things I love about other genres and mixing them into what I feel like is my brand of country music. This record in particular is sort of a blend of every record that I’ve made,” the hitmaker tells MusicRow. “There’s a lot of Tangled Up in there, a lot of Life Changes in there and a little bit of Country Again (Side A) in there. I think making records that are somewhat all over the place is cohesive to me.”
The cohesion of About A Woman comes from the infectious rhythms that flow from one track to the next. While they all center around the theme of a lady’s love, each tune was given unique traits in the studio that make them individually identifiable. Rhett’s favorite part of the album-making process is developing the track list because it is then that he maps out the “roller coaster” that listeners will ride. His goal is for the final concoction of twists and turns to be as digestible as a favorite playlist.
“All of these people come to country concerts and the playlists they’re listening to in the parking lots have everything from hip-hop and heavy metal to bluegrass, folk and Americana. So I’ve tried to make my records almost as if they’re someone’s playlist,” says Rhett. “Listeners know it’s all me, but they’re getting different flavors. It’s like walking into an ice cream shop—you have chocolate and vanilla but there’s sprinkles, oreos and other things you can top it with to change the taste.”
He notes that this seventh collection, primarily produced by Julian Bunetta and Dann Huff, was the result of a “complete sense of freedom,” as he had more time than he’s ever had in his career to make an album—which was both a blessing and a curse.
“The blessing is that you get to live with it, and the curse is that you never think that you’re finished,” Rhett explains. “But it was really awesome to work with a team this go-around that was extremely brutal in terms of lyric and melody choice. I think my core fans that have been following me since 2013 and 2014 will find this to be their favorite record in quite awhile. I’m really proud of it.”
Rhett co-penned 12 of the album’s songs, including “Gone Country” and “Overdrive” as well as top 20-and-climbing lead single “Beautiful As You” and the recently-released “After All the Bars Are Closed,” many of them with Los Angeles-based collaborators driven by melody. For much of the About A Woman writing sessions, Rhett and his co-writers got started by a humming a tune they all loved and put words to it after—an approach he hadn’t taken up until then.
“I always start with a title, or I have a chorus written or I know how I’m going to hook a chorus, then the music comes.” He details the neat challenge this new way of writing was for his brain and states, “At the end of the day, the words can be amazing, but you also want the track to be a singable earworm.”
Rhett recalls hearing John Byron first hum the memorable melody of opening number “Fool,” which the two wrote alongside Bunetta, Rocky Block, Alexander Izquierdo, Zaire Kelsey, John Ryan and Ryan Vojtesak. “Beautiful As You” marks another About A Woman earworm. The entertainer admits that although the verses are wordy, the space within the single’s chorus initially made him uncomfortable while inking it with Bunetta, Izquierdo, Kelsey, Ryan, Joshua Emanuel Coleman and Jacob Kasher Hindlin.
“Julian said to me, ‘Listen to this song and imagine that you don’t speak English. Does this melody do something to you?’ After I replied ‘Yes,’ he told me to just ‘let the space be uncomfortable for a second, because people do actually enjoy space.’
“We really tried to dive into that on this record, which was a big challenge for me because I love to pack it in. So even though there are a bunch of progressive sounds on this project, songs like ‘Gone Country,’ ‘After All the Bars Are Closed’ and ‘Beautiful As You’ are actually sparse musically and lead with the melody.”
Rhett and his producers also wanted to incorporate tunes that he could narrate, leading to the recording of outside cuts “Country For California,” which had the Eagles-esque feel he had been looking for, and “Don’t Wanna Dance,” which drew him in with its Whitney Houston-like chorus.
“I’ve tried to write heartbreak songs but they just end up being mediocre,” he says. “I think it’s because I have to go so far back in time. I’ve been married for 12 years, and my heart has definitely broken from a loved one passing away and things like that, but when I think about writing songs like [these two], I don’t know how to go there. I’m one of those artists that doesn’t know how to say it if they haven’t lived it.”
Rhett describes his tendency to overthink album titles and tour names due to his desire for an artistic, personal feel. After going through every song, he and his manager began to discuss the project’s overarching theme and landed on About A Woman.
“I think [that title] legitimately describes all 14 tracks,” he expresses. “This is really the first time I’ve stuck to a concept all the way through a record. It doesn’t have many curveballs contextually, it’s strictly bops about my wife [Lauren] and I feel like there’s a lot of people out there who can relate to these songs.”
In addition to his writing, About A Woman has altered Rhett’s live-show approach. He loves when the vast majority of the audience knows the words and notes that playing new songs live has always been nerve-racking, until now.
“This is the first time that we’ve immediately added new songs to the set just after they’ve been released. That says something to me because I’ve always waited until something was top 15 on the chart or streamed 40 million times before putting it into my shows,” Rhett shares. “My excitement level for this is different compared to anything I’ve put out in the last five years.”
When asked what he wants fans to take away from About A Woman, the first word out of his mouth is “joy.” “When we circle up before shows, my drummer always says, ‘don’t forget the mission is to bring joy and smiles to peoples’ faces.’ That’s been our mission on stage, and that was the mission for this album.”
The superstar aims to keep spreading joy while performing his hits and new music during his four-night run at the BleauLive Theater inside Fontainebleau Las Vegas, taking place in December.
About A Woman Track Listing:
1. “Fool” (Thomas Rhett, Rocky Block, Julian Bunetta, John Byron, Alexander Izquierdo, Zaire Kelsey, John Ryan, Ryan Vojtesak)
2. “Overdrive” (Thomas Rhett, Julian Bunetta, Jacob Kasher, John Ryan)
3. “Gone Country” (Thomas Rhett, Rocky Block, Julian Bunetta, John Byron, Jacob Kasher Hindlin, Joe Reeves, Ryan Vojtesak)
4. “Beautiful As You” (Thomas Rhett, Julian Bunetta, Joshua Emanuel Coleman, Jacob Kasher Hindlin, Alexander Izquierdo, Zaire Kelsey, John Henry Ryan)
5. “Can’t Love You Anymore” (Thomas Rhett, Julian Bunetta, Jacob Kasher, John Ryan)
6. “After All The Bars Are Closed” (Thomas Rhett, Julian Bunetta, John Byron, Jaxson Free, Jacob Kasher)
7. “Church” (Thomas Rhett, Andy Albert, Julian Minton, Mark Trussell)
8. “Back To Blue” (Thomas Rhett, Julian Bunetta, Andrew Haas, John Ryan)
9. “Country For California” (Will Bundy, Rodney Clawson, John Morgan, Justin Wilson)
10. “Somethin’ ‘Bout A Woman” (Thomas Rhett, Julian Bunetta, Andrew Haas, John Ryan)
11. “What Could Go Right” (Thomas Rhett, Rocky Block, John Byron, Josh Kerr)
12. “Boots” (Thomas Rhett, Julian Bunetta, Andrew Haas, John Ryan)
13. “Don’t Wanna Dance” (Matt Dragstrem, Ryan Hurd, George Merrill, Shannon Rubicam)
14. “I Could Spend Forever Loving You” (Thomas Rhett, Mark Holman, Ernest K. Smith)
Industry Ink: Lainey Wilson, Koe Wetzel, Pilgrimage Festival, More
/by Lorie HollabaughLainey Wilson Performs & Visits With St. Jude Patients, Families
Lainey Wilson visits St Jude Children’s Research Hospital
Lainey Wilson stopped by St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis on Aug. 9 for a special visit. With a nearby “Country’s Cool Again Tour” stop in Southaven, Mississippi on Friday night, Wilson spent the day at St. Jude, performing a set of her hits and meeting more than 150 patients and their families.
As she took song requests from the crowd, patients gathered at the front, turning the concert into a dance party. Following the performance, Wilson took the time to meet and greet with attendees, gifting each patient with a custom cowboy hat.
Koe Wetzel Makes Late Night TV Debut On The Late Show with Stephen Colbert
Koe Wetzel & Jessie Murph perform “High Road”on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. Photo: Scott Kowalchyk Photography
Koe Wetzel made his late night television debut last week with Jessie Murph, performing “High Road” in the iconic Ed Sullivan Theater on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert on CBS/Paramount+. “High Road,” his first-ever single at country radio, has already reached the top 40 on the Billboard charts in just six weeks.
Pilgrimage Festival’s Americana Music Triangle Returns
Hippies and Cowboys Performing at Americana Music Triangle Tent at Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival 2023
The Pilgrimage Festival’s Americana Music Triangle Tent is set to return for this year’s festival, taking place Sept. 28-29. The lineup will include The Band of Heathens, HeavyDrunk, Willi Carlisle, People on the Porch, Theo Lawrence and Wyatt Ellis on Saturday. On Sunday, the day will kick off with a special church service followed by a lineup that includes Charlie Worsham, Hippies and Cowboys, Lamont Landers, Cassandra Lewis, Earnest “Guitar” Roy and Owensboro Bluegrass.
“Some of the most iconic music performances in our history have come on the ATM stage,” says Pilgrimage Co-Producer Brandt Wood. “Who can forget Butch Walker blowing the roof off the tent or last year’s jam with Charlie Worsham? These, combined with other great blues and blue grass music and unique elements like the Down Home Church, make the AMT tent the eclectic place to be during Pilgrimage.”
WME Hosts PBR Panel During Nashville Stampede
WME staffers with members of PBR & Nashville Stampede
WME welcomed members of Nashville Stampede with a PBR Panel on Aug. 15, prior to the PBR Stampede Days event taking place Aug. 16-18. Thursday’s event at The Steps featured panelists including PBR Television Analysts Kate Harrison and Matt West, along with Silvano Alves, Justin McBride and Tina Battock of Nashville Stampede.
WME artist Mae Estes performed on the plaza on Aug. 16, while WME artists Carson Wallace and Harper Grace served as the Nashville Stampede’s Honorary Members over the weekend.
CBS Records & Sony Music Nashville Staffers Reunite
CBS Records/Sony Nashville reunion
On Aug. 19, over 75 current and former CBS Records and Sony Music Nashville employees and artists gathered for a reunion in the label’s former Nashville home at 34 Music Square East. Stories, tears and memories were shared in the building where staffers helped launch some of the biggest careers in country music. Organizers hope to make it an annual event.
Weekly Register: Zach Bryan & Kacey Musgraves Rejoin Top Five On Country Songs Chart
/by Liza AndersonZach Bryan. Photo: Trevor Pavlik. Kacey Musgraves. Photo: Kelly Christine Sutton
Zach Bryan and Kacey Musgraves‘ “I Remember Everything” rejoins the top five on the country streaming songs chart this week, notching the fifth slot with 14 million new streams, adding to 931 million ATD, according to Luminate data.
Shaboozey‘s “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” resides at No. 1 with 26 million streams, adding to 601 million ATD, and Post Malone and Morgan Wallen‘s “I Had Some Help” remains at No. 2 with 23 million new streams, adding to 532 million ATD. Bryan’s “Pink Skies” stays at No. 3 with 16 million streams, adding to 257 million ATD, followed by Wallen’s “Lies, Lies, Lies” at No. 4 with 15 million new streams, adding to 117 million ATD.
The top five is stagnant on the country albums chart, as Wallen’s One Thing At A Time lands at the top once again with 63K in total consumption (2K album only/79 million song streams). Bryan’s The Great American Bar Scene continues at No. 2 with 48K (601 album only/61 million song streams), while Wallen’s Dangerous: The Double Album holds No. 3 with 38K (455 album only/49 million song streams). Twisters: The Album settles into the fourth slot with 34K (5.4K album only/36 million song streams), and Bryan’s self-titled album sits in the fifth with 33.5K (3K album only/40 million song streams).
Thomas Rhett Assembles ‘Singable Earworms’ For Seventh Studio Album [Interview]
/by Liza AndersonThomas Rhett. Photo: Josh Aikin
For more than 10 years, Thomas Rhett has shared his stories through song as heads bob, hips sway and lips belt the lyrics alongside him—leading to 22 No. 1s, 16 billion streams, eight ACM Awards, two CMA Awards, five Grammy nominations and more.
Devoted to his craft, the songsmith has curated his past six projects with such intention, swirling together a diverse range of musical elements to create his own kind of country and connect with crowds across the globe. The same rings true for his seventh studio album, About A Woman, set for release this Friday (Aug. 23). Creating the 14-track collection stimulated The Valory Music Co. artist in new ways sonically while he worked to balance the sound he has become known for.
Photo: Courtesy of The Valory Music Co.
“I’ve always taken pride in pulling so many things I love about other genres and mixing them into what I feel like is my brand of country music. This record in particular is sort of a blend of every record that I’ve made,” the hitmaker tells MusicRow. “There’s a lot of Tangled Up in there, a lot of Life Changes in there and a little bit of Country Again (Side A) in there. I think making records that are somewhat all over the place is cohesive to me.”
The cohesion of About A Woman comes from the infectious rhythms that flow from one track to the next. While they all center around the theme of a lady’s love, each tune was given unique traits in the studio that make them individually identifiable. Rhett’s favorite part of the album-making process is developing the track list because it is then that he maps out the “roller coaster” that listeners will ride. His goal is for the final concoction of twists and turns to be as digestible as a favorite playlist.
“All of these people come to country concerts and the playlists they’re listening to in the parking lots have everything from hip-hop and heavy metal to bluegrass, folk and Americana. So I’ve tried to make my records almost as if they’re someone’s playlist,” says Rhett. “Listeners know it’s all me, but they’re getting different flavors. It’s like walking into an ice cream shop—you have chocolate and vanilla but there’s sprinkles, oreos and other things you can top it with to change the taste.”
He notes that this seventh collection, primarily produced by Julian Bunetta and Dann Huff, was the result of a “complete sense of freedom,” as he had more time than he’s ever had in his career to make an album—which was both a blessing and a curse.
“The blessing is that you get to live with it, and the curse is that you never think that you’re finished,” Rhett explains. “But it was really awesome to work with a team this go-around that was extremely brutal in terms of lyric and melody choice. I think my core fans that have been following me since 2013 and 2014 will find this to be their favorite record in quite awhile. I’m really proud of it.”
Rhett co-penned 12 of the album’s songs, including “Gone Country” and “Overdrive” as well as top 20-and-climbing lead single “Beautiful As You” and the recently-released “After All the Bars Are Closed,” many of them with Los Angeles-based collaborators driven by melody. For much of the About A Woman writing sessions, Rhett and his co-writers got started by a humming a tune they all loved and put words to it after—an approach he hadn’t taken up until then.
“I always start with a title, or I have a chorus written or I know how I’m going to hook a chorus, then the music comes.” He details the neat challenge this new way of writing was for his brain and states, “At the end of the day, the words can be amazing, but you also want the track to be a singable earworm.”
Rhett recalls hearing John Byron first hum the memorable melody of opening number “Fool,” which the two wrote alongside Bunetta, Rocky Block, Alexander Izquierdo, Zaire Kelsey, John Ryan and Ryan Vojtesak. “Beautiful As You” marks another About A Woman earworm. The entertainer admits that although the verses are wordy, the space within the single’s chorus initially made him uncomfortable while inking it with Bunetta, Izquierdo, Kelsey, Ryan, Joshua Emanuel Coleman and Jacob Kasher Hindlin.
“Julian said to me, ‘Listen to this song and imagine that you don’t speak English. Does this melody do something to you?’ After I replied ‘Yes,’ he told me to just ‘let the space be uncomfortable for a second, because people do actually enjoy space.’
“We really tried to dive into that on this record, which was a big challenge for me because I love to pack it in. So even though there are a bunch of progressive sounds on this project, songs like ‘Gone Country,’ ‘After All the Bars Are Closed’ and ‘Beautiful As You’ are actually sparse musically and lead with the melody.”
Rhett and his producers also wanted to incorporate tunes that he could narrate, leading to the recording of outside cuts “Country For California,” which had the Eagles-esque feel he had been looking for, and “Don’t Wanna Dance,” which drew him in with its Whitney Houston-like chorus.
“I’ve tried to write heartbreak songs but they just end up being mediocre,” he says. “I think it’s because I have to go so far back in time. I’ve been married for 12 years, and my heart has definitely broken from a loved one passing away and things like that, but when I think about writing songs like [these two], I don’t know how to go there. I’m one of those artists that doesn’t know how to say it if they haven’t lived it.”
Rhett describes his tendency to overthink album titles and tour names due to his desire for an artistic, personal feel. After going through every song, he and his manager began to discuss the project’s overarching theme and landed on About A Woman.
“I think [that title] legitimately describes all 14 tracks,” he expresses. “This is really the first time I’ve stuck to a concept all the way through a record. It doesn’t have many curveballs contextually, it’s strictly bops about my wife [Lauren] and I feel like there’s a lot of people out there who can relate to these songs.”
In addition to his writing, About A Woman has altered Rhett’s live-show approach. He loves when the vast majority of the audience knows the words and notes that playing new songs live has always been nerve-racking, until now.
“This is the first time that we’ve immediately added new songs to the set just after they’ve been released. That says something to me because I’ve always waited until something was top 15 on the chart or streamed 40 million times before putting it into my shows,” Rhett shares. “My excitement level for this is different compared to anything I’ve put out in the last five years.”
When asked what he wants fans to take away from About A Woman, the first word out of his mouth is “joy.” “When we circle up before shows, my drummer always says, ‘don’t forget the mission is to bring joy and smiles to peoples’ faces.’ That’s been our mission on stage, and that was the mission for this album.”
The superstar aims to keep spreading joy while performing his hits and new music during his four-night run at the BleauLive Theater inside Fontainebleau Las Vegas, taking place in December.
About A Woman Track Listing:
1. “Fool” (Thomas Rhett, Rocky Block, Julian Bunetta, John Byron, Alexander Izquierdo, Zaire Kelsey, John Ryan, Ryan Vojtesak)
2. “Overdrive” (Thomas Rhett, Julian Bunetta, Jacob Kasher, John Ryan)
3. “Gone Country” (Thomas Rhett, Rocky Block, Julian Bunetta, John Byron, Jacob Kasher Hindlin, Joe Reeves, Ryan Vojtesak)
4. “Beautiful As You” (Thomas Rhett, Julian Bunetta, Joshua Emanuel Coleman, Jacob Kasher Hindlin, Alexander Izquierdo, Zaire Kelsey, John Henry Ryan)
5. “Can’t Love You Anymore” (Thomas Rhett, Julian Bunetta, Jacob Kasher, John Ryan)
6. “After All The Bars Are Closed” (Thomas Rhett, Julian Bunetta, John Byron, Jaxson Free, Jacob Kasher)
7. “Church” (Thomas Rhett, Andy Albert, Julian Minton, Mark Trussell)
8. “Back To Blue” (Thomas Rhett, Julian Bunetta, Andrew Haas, John Ryan)
9. “Country For California” (Will Bundy, Rodney Clawson, John Morgan, Justin Wilson)
10. “Somethin’ ‘Bout A Woman” (Thomas Rhett, Julian Bunetta, Andrew Haas, John Ryan)
11. “What Could Go Right” (Thomas Rhett, Rocky Block, John Byron, Josh Kerr)
12. “Boots” (Thomas Rhett, Julian Bunetta, Andrew Haas, John Ryan)
13. “Don’t Wanna Dance” (Matt Dragstrem, Ryan Hurd, George Merrill, Shannon Rubicam)
14. “I Could Spend Forever Loving You” (Thomas Rhett, Mark Holman, Ernest K. Smith)
Clayton Johnson Joins Roster At Audio Chateau Records
/by Lorie HollabaughClayton Johnson. Photo: Greg Petersen
Clayton Johnson has signed with Audio Chateau Records, the label arm of Jared Gutstadt‘s audio entertainment company Audio Up Media.
The news comes on the heels of Johnson’s recent entry on Billboard‘s Hot 100 chart with Lana Del Rey and Quavo’s smash single “Tough,”which he co-wrote. Johnson’s success with “Tough” marks the first time a podcast company has ever had a song chart in the top 40 on the Billboard 100. Johnson is also currently signed as a songwriter under a joint venture with Audio Up and Universal Music Publishing Group.
“We are thrilled to welcome Clayton Johnson as our latest signing to Audio Chateau,” says Gutstadt. “He is tapping into the infinite potential of Audio Chateau, not only as a label, but as an exclusive destination for some of the best and brightest songwriters and artists globally. This is the new Tin Pan Alley for next gen creators of the future, and Clayton knows how to take all the metaphorical wires within the Chateau and plug them in to create incredible results.”
He adds, “From penning ‘Tough’ with Lana in our space to using our studios and published writers and producers he is showing us what can be done at Audio Up and within the walls of the Audio Chateau. His journey is just beginning, and we couldn’t be prouder to have him on board.”
“Anytime you have somebody firmly believe in you, your music, and what you’re doing, it’s the best feeling in the world,” notes Johnson. “Jared and the whole team at Audio Chateau have been the biggest supporters, and I can’t wait to show the world who Clayton Johnson is.”
Since its January launch, Audio Chateau Records has been building its brand by utilizing its access to Audio Up Media’s array of dimensionalized media lanes. All of Audio Chateau’s artists have the opportunity for their music to be integrated into Audio Up’s original podcasts, books and graphic novels, among other mediums, with the goal of creating a 360-degree solution for content creation, marketing and distribution.
Gavin Adcock To ‘Act Up Again (Again)’ On 2025 Tour
/by Madison HahnenGavin Adcock. Photo: Ash Summerford
Gavin Adcock has revealed his plans to hit the road in early 2025 for his “Actin’ Up Again (Again) Tour.”
The tour, presented by Southern String Hat Co., will kick off on Jan. 17 in Richmond, Virginia. The route will include stops in Memphis, Des Moines, Cleveland and more before wrapping with a two-night run on April 12–13 at The Bluestone in Columbus. Presale tickets are available today (Aug. 20) with the code SWEETHEART, and general sales will begin this Friday (Aug. 23). For more information, click here.
Adcock recently released his Actin’ Up Again album, which became the highest streaming major-label country debut from a solo male artist so far this year, and marks 2024’s top streaming major-label debut across the whole genre. The project amassed over 15 million on-demand streams in the U.S. the week of its release. He is also currently on the road for his “Monster Energy Outbreak Tour Presents: Gavin Adcock,” which has sold out 31 out of its 34 dates.
“Actin’ Up Again (Again) Tour” Dates:
1/17/25- Richmond, VA- The National
1/23/25- Fort Myers, FL- The Ranch
1/24/25- Tampa, FL- Dallas Bull
2/6/25- Memphis, TN- Minglewood Hall
2/7/25- Fayetteville, AR- JJs Live
2/12/25- Tucson, AZ- Rialto Theatre
2/13/25- Phoenix, AZ- The Van Buren
2/14/25- Anaheim, CA- House of Blues
2/15/25- San Diego, CA- The Observatory
2/17/25- Sacramento, CA- Ace of Spades
2/21/25- Airway Heights, WA- Spokane Live
2/22/25- Seattle, WA- The Showbox
2/23/25- Portland, OR- Crystal Ballroom
2/24/25- Garden City, ID- Revolution Concert House
2/27/25- Denver, CO- Summit
2/28/25- Omaha, NE- Steelhouse Omaha
3/1/25- Des Moines, IA- Val Air Ballroom
3/2/25- Minneapolis, MN- The Fillmore Minneapolis
3/20/25- Silver Spring, MD- The Fillmore Silver Spring
3/21/25- Sayreville, NJ- Starland Ballroom
3/22/25- Boston, MA- House of Blues
3/23/25- Philadelphia, PA- Brooklyn Bowl Philadelphia
3/27/25- Norfolk, VA- The NorVa
3/28/25- North Myrtle Beach, SC- House of Blues
3/29/25- Raleigh, NC- The Ritz
4/10/25- Cleveland, OH- Agora Theater
4/11/25- Detroit, MI- The Fillmore Detroit
4/12/25- Columbus, OH- The Bluestone
4/13/25- Columbus, OH- The Bluestone
Joe Ragosta Signs With Liz Rose Music
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): Gracie Glass, Kate Shirley, Scott Ponce, Liz Rose, Dave Pacula, Joe Ragosta, Dan Killian (FBMM), Guy Evans (FBMM), Matt Cottingham (Lewis Brisbois) and Evyn Mustoe (ASCAP). Photo: Courtesy of Liz Rose Music
Singer-songwriter Joe Ragosta has signed an exclusive publishing deal with Liz Rose Music.
The genre-bending artist splits his time between Long Island and Nashville and most recently partnered with co-writers Austin Nivarel, Robert Ragosta, and Jelly Roll to pen the multi-genre No. 1 “Need A Favor.” The song is the first in the history of the Billboard Music Charts to go No. 1 at both country and rock radio. “Need A Favor” also charted with both top 40 and Hot AC, achieving No. 1 honors in Australia, Canada and Germany.
Ragosta has accumulated more than half of a billion streams with his cuts. He penned the title track to Jon Pardi’s latest album Mr. Saturday Night, and has had songs recorded by Austin Snell, Waterparks, Renee Blair, Brandon Davis and Kyle Clark. An artist in his own right, Ragosta is also a member of the electric duo Ya’Boyz, and is the singer of Long Island pop-rock group Patent Pending.
“Liz Rose Music is pumped to welcome Joe Ragosta to the family,” says Dave Pacula, VP of Creative at Liz Rose Music. “His fresh hooks, vibrant storytelling and endless supply of positive energy have already earned him tremendous accolades and a glowing reputation in Nashville and beyond. Joe has an incredible next chapter of his bright career ahead and we look forward to working and celebrating with him.”
“Honestly, this place is so dope that I’m starting to wonder if it’s just a fever dream I’m having,” says Ragosta of the deal. “I’ve never felt more at home in music than I do right now. Liz Rose is a creative genius and the team she has assembled to run this company with her are brilliant and some of the best people I’ve met in this business. I’m so lucky to be in a place where I can make lifelong memories and songs with such a wonderful and talented group. Every writer, every staff member… it’s almost too good to be true. Long live Liz Rose Music!”
Nate Smith Makes R&R/Mediabase History With No. 1 ‘Bulletproof’
/by Liza AndersonNate Smith‘s “Bulletproof” has ranked No. 1 at country radio for the second consecutive week. Written by Ashley Gorley, Ben Johnson and Hunter Phelps, the single marks Smith’s third consecutive multi-week No. 1 record on the Mediabase chart—making him the first artist to start their career with three consecutive multi-week No. 1s in R&R/Mediabase history.
“Bulletproof” follows his record-breaking chart-topper “World On Fire,” which spent 10 consecutive weeks atop Billboard‘s Country Airplay chart and three weeks atop the Mediabase chart. Smith’s first No. 1 single, “Whiskey On You,” held the top slot on the Mediabase chart for two weeks as well as the top slot on Billboard‘s Country Airplay chart for one week. His first three singles have spent a combined 14 weeks at No. 1 between the two charts.
“When I write and record music, I genuinely do it for me,” says Smith. “I try to make music that I would want to listen to! Maybe it will connect with other people and maybe it won’t. So you can imagine having three songs that have gone No. 1 truly feels like a massive honor. Radio has really given me a chance and I’m grateful for all the lifelong friendships I have built and continue to foster with them.”
He continues, “There are so many new artists, so I do believe this is a miracle. No. 1s allow me to take better care of my teams and my family! I never thought in a million years this would be a possibility for me, but here we are. I thank God for pulling me out of the wreckage and letting me be a vessel, to bring hopeful songs to the hearts of people. I guess it truly is never too late to follow your dreams especially when it lines up with His will.”
The ACM New Male Artist of the Year will continue to share these hits and more with fans on his “Through The Smoke Tour,” kicking off next month.
‘Nashville’ Stars To Return To The Road For Two Reunion Tour Shows In November
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L–R): Jonathan Jackson, Sam Palladio, Charles Esten and Clare Bowen
Stars of the hit television series Nashville will return to the road for a pair of shows in Atlanta and Nashville this November.
The “Nashville Reunion Tour” will visit Atlanta’s Coca-Cola Roxy on Nov. 22 and Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium on Nov. 23. Clare Bowen, Charles Esten, Jonathan Jackson and Sam Palladio will all take the stage to perform classic songs from the series as well as their own original material on the new dates. Tickets go on sale this Friday (Aug. 23). For more information, click here.
“It’s rare that an actor gets to play a dream role like Scarlett for so long,” says Bowen. “Even rarer to have Nashville’s beautiful catalogue of music that we get to continue celebrating with audiences around the world. The live shows are an evolution of the series. We meet so many new fans of the show on the road, and they’re out there singing right along with those who’ve been with us from the start, and it’s such an honor for us. We have the best fans in the world.”
Esten says, “It’s difficult to describe the depth of feeling I have for the show Nashville, the character Deacon and the amazing people that I got to work with those beautiful six years. That I get to join with some of them, sing these songs and bring them to the people who made it all possible—the fans of Nashville—is a blessing I will never take for granted. I can’t wait to do it again!”
Nashville made its network debut in 2012. Set against the backdrop of the city’s music scene, the show’s popularity grew, instantly reaching over 225 territories worldwide before its final season in 2018. Since its premiere, the show has inspired 22 soundtracks, including a Christmas album, which collectively sold millions of units and single-track downloads around the world. Nashville also received multiple Emmy, Golden Globe and Critics Choice Award nominations.
Jackson adds, “I am so excited that the musical journey with the Nashville cast is still unfolding. We’ve been digging into the Nashville catalogue and uncovering some tunes we’ve never performed live together. I’m immensely grateful to be able to go on the road and perform these songs with my cast mates and our incredible band, and experience it all together with our amazingly dedicated fans.”
On The Cover: Ashley Cooke Graces Cover Of 2024 MusicRow Awards Issue
/by MusicRow StaffMusicRow, Nashville’s leading music industry publication, has released its 2024 MusicRow Awards print issue, with Big Loud/Back Blocks/Mercury/Republic emerging star Ashley Cooke gracing its cover.
Cooke’s July 2023 debut album shot in the dark unfolds as if it was ripped from pages of her personal journal. Fully capturing the essence of a daring twenty-something growing up, chasing her dreams and taking risks, Cooke infuses heartfelt lyrics, captivating melodies and raw relatability as she invites listeners to come along for the ride. The striking debut garnered Cooke praise from critics, as well as her first CMT Award for Breakthrough Female Video of the Year at the 2024 CMT Awards. The ACM New Female Artist of the Year nominee recently celebrated her first career No. 1 song at country radio with “your place.”
The MusicRow Awards print issue highlights this year’s MusicRow Awards nominees in a range of categories, including Producer of the Year, Label Group of the Year, Talent Agency of the Year, Breakthrough Songwriter of the Year, Breakthrough Artist-Writer of the Year, Male Songwriter of the Year, Female Songwriter of the Year, Song of the Year, Discovery Artist of the Year, Breakthrough Artist of the Year, Female Artist of the Year, Male Artist of the Year, Group/Duo Artist of the Year and Entertainer of the Year.
The winners of the 36th annual MusicRow Awards will be announced virtually among all MusicRow platforms on Tuesday, Aug. 27, 2024. Presenting Sponsor of the 2024 MusicRow Awards is City National Bank. This print issue also honors the Top 10 Album All-Star Musicians Award winners, recognizing the studio players who played on the most albums reaching the Top 10 of Billboard’s Country Albums Chart during the eligibility period.
“The MusicRow Awards are Nashville’s longest running music industry trade publication honors, celebrating the achievements of artists, songwriters, producers and more,” says MusicRow Owner/Publisher Sherod Robertson. “Honors such as the annual MusicRow Awards play a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of the music industry. These types of accolades serve multiple purposes: they celebrate artistic achievements and recognize emerging talent.”
The 2024 MusicRow Awards print issue also looks into the illustrious career of country music journalist and historian Robert K. Oermann, as well as Opry Photographer Chris Hollo. The MusicRow Awards print issue also contains an informative roundup of all the awards applicable to the Nashville music industry.
Single copies of the 2024 MusicRow Awards print issue are available for purchase at musicrow.com for $25, and are included with yearly MusicRow subscriptions.
Taylor Phillips Continues To Climb Top Songwriter Chart
/by Madison HahnenTaylor Phillips
Taylor Phillips continues to climb the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart, jumping up two spots to No. 6 this week. His entries on the chart include “I Am Not Okay,” “Liar,” “Love You Again” and “This Town’s Been Too Good To Us.”
Zach Bryan remains in the No. 1 spot for the sixth consecutive week with “28,” “American Nights,” “Bass Boat,” “Better Days,” “Nine Ball,” “Oak Island,” “Pink Skies” and “Sandpaper.” Ashley Gorley sits at No. 2 this week with “Bulletproof,” “Cowgirls,” “I Am Not Okay,” “I Had Some Help,” “Liar,” “This Town’s Been Too Good To Us,” “Whiskey Whiskey” and “Young Love & Saturday Nights.”
Josh Phillips (No. 3), Chris Stapleton (No. 4) and Jessi Alexander (No. 5) round out this week’s top five.
The weekly MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart uses algorithms based upon song activity according to airplay, digital download track sales and streams. This unique and exclusive addition to the MusicRow portfolio is the only songwriter chart of its kind.
Click here to view the full MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart.