Brad Tursi. Photo: Marina Chavez
As part of the award-winning, multi-Platinum-selling country band Old Dominion, musician and songwriter Brad Tursi has traveled the world, notched multiple No. 1 hits and won plenty of industry awards.
As one of the group’s chief songwriters and guitarist—as well as a celebrated writer with songs recorded by Kenny Chesney, Luke Bryan, Cole Swindell and more—Tursi is living the dream. Though the music he makes with his band fulfills him, the Connecticut native has found himself needing another creative outlet through the years.
While growing up, Tursi was forged by the music of Guns N’ Roses, James Taylor, The Allman Brothers Band, The Black Crowes, Stevie Ray Vaughan and Phish. He found his dad’s guitar in the attic when he was a preteen, beginning his lifelong passions of playing guitar and songwriting.
“I was in a band in college and then another band after college. Then after that, I almost quit music altogether,” Tursi tells MusicRow. “I moved to Nashville to be a songwriter, swearing I would never be in another band.”
Old Dominion celebrates one billion streams among other recent successes. Photo: Mason Allen
He realized he wasn’t going to keep that promise he made to himself when he reconnected with Whit Sellers, who was in a new band called Old Dominion. Tursi joined the group in 2012, and just a few years later, Old Dominion started their spree of hits with “Break Up with Him.” Thus, he and his bandmates were on the fast track to becoming seven-time ACM and six-time CMA Group of the Year winners.
All the while, Tursi started collecting songs that didn’t quite fit the Old Dominion sound. Some of them he pitched to other artists, while some felt like songs only he could sing. On Friday (July 19), he delivered 10 of those songs on his first-ever solo album, Parallel Love, via Sony Music Nashville with the band’s full support.
“Over the years, I just had all these songs that I knew were not right for the band. There was no pressure on me to do it or anything, it was just a passion project,” Tursi says.
He shares that making Parallel Love has been good for him personally, as well as for his position in Old Dominion. “Because a band is such a democracy, you have to compromise a lot. It’s nice to have this other outlet that actually allows you to be more open to compromise in the band setting.”
Parallel Love features co-writes with Stephen Wilson Jr., Dan Isbell, Jessi Alexander, Matt Jenkins and Ben West. Tursi produced the entire project as well, with West and Marc Scibilia co-producing select tracks.
“Church Bells and Train Whistles,” written with Wilson Jr. and West, was pitched around town before Tursi called it his own.
“That song has been pitched around to everyone and their mother. It’s the most commercial one, but I just love that song. I love the production. That’s the only one that I didn’t re-record, that’s just a demo mixed.”
A stand-out track on the project is “Question The Universe,” a song about meeting someone and watching the potential of a relationship fall apart because of life’s circumstances. Tursi wrote it by himself.
“A buddy and I were at Red Door one fateful night and he met a girl. The next morning, we woke up and they had fallen in love. But that coming weekend, the girl was supposed to move to L.A. to be with her boyfriend who was out there getting everything set up,” Tursi says of his inspiration for the song. “My buddy and her spent the whole week together and then she left.
“She actually ended up breaking up with the dude, and coming back after I wrote the song,” he notes. “I think a lot of people have experienced meeting someone that they wish they could pursue, but it’s just not going to happen for a myriad of different reasons.”
Brad Tursi celebrates new solo album release in Nashville. Pictured (L–R): Sony Music Nashville’s Randy Goodman, Morris Higham’s Buffy Cooper, Brad Tursi, SMN’s Ken Robold, Morris Higham’s Dustin Stout and Clint Higham. Photo: Mason Allen
Another song, “Oh Darlin’,” is broken up into three parts, weaved throughout the album’s 10 tracks. It’s one of Tursi’s oldest songs from the collection, and covers a musician’s fear of irrelevancy once the stage lights go dim.
“I think that’s a fear of a lot of musicians, especially when you’re successful. You ask yourself, ‘Do people like me for me or do they like me because of what I’m doing or who they think I am?'”
Tursi was inspired to write the title track for Parallel Love from a self-help book. “We’re like two wild flowers growing towards the sun. You next to me, me next to you. Lord, I love to watch you bloom, growing in a parallel love,” he sings in the song’s chorus.
“A lot of people think that once they find someone, that’s it—they’re together and everything they do has to be together. The fact of the matter is that people grow separately at different times. That person is there for you to lean on, but at some points, they might be ahead of you or behind you [in their personal growth],” Tursi explains. “I wrote that with Dan Isbell, who’s an old friend of mine. He’s a salt-of-the-earth kind of guy, so he definitely brought some country elements to the song.”
Another standout track from the project is another solo-write, “Lover and a Friend.”
“That one took me a long time to finish. I started it on the guitar, and I just couldn’t finish it. When I finally started playing it on the piano, the tune kind of changed in my mind. It’s nice because it’s just a straightforward lyric—it’s not super metaphorical or anything.”
When looking at his first solo body of work, Tursi is proud of what he’s created as well as excited to continue to carve a new lane where can express his creativity.
“I hope that it’s the start of another little journey. Old Dominion has been so crazy, we’ve accomplished so many things. But the fact that I’m going on tour with this record with my own band in October is crazy. There are [opportunities] I haven’t even thought of, and I’m excited to continue the insane journey of music and life.”
Catch Tursi on the road for his “Parallel Love Tour” starting Oct. 3 in Atlanta, Georgia. Dates for the trek are below.
“Parallel Love Tour” Dates:
*on sale July 26
Oct. 3 – Variety Playhouse (Atlanta, GA)
Oct. 4 – Lexington Opera House (Lexington, KY)
Oct. 10 – Gramercy Theatre (New York, NY)*
Oct. 12 – The Levitt Pavilion for Performing Arts (Westport, CT)
Oct. 13 – Big Night Live (Boston, MA)
Oct. 16 – Egyptian Room (Indianapolis, IN)
Oct. 17 – Carol’s Pub (Chicago, IL)
Oct. 19 – Barnato (Omaha, NE)
Oct. 20 – Gothic Theatre (Denver, CO)
Oct. 25 – The Newberry (Great Falls, MT)
Oct. 27 – Wachholz College Center – McClaren Hall (Kalispell, MT)
Oct. 29 – McMenamins Spanish Ballroom at Elks Temple (Tacoma, WA)
Oct. 30 – Tower Theatre (Bend, OR)
Nov. 1 – Uptown Theatre (Napa, CA)*
Nov. 2 – Carmel-by-the-Sea (Carmel, CA)*
Nov. 3 – Fremont Theater (San Louis Obispo, CA)
Nov. 5 – El Rey Theatre (Los Angeles, CA)*
Nov. 7 – Rialto Theatre (Tucson, AZ)
Jordan Davis To Perform At Country Music Hall Of Fame & Museum’s Nightfall At The Hall
/by Lorie HollabaughJordan Davis is set to perform at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s 12th Annual Nightfall at the Hall Celebration on Sept. 16.
Presented by Maverick Nashville, the Nightfall celebration is exclusively for the museum’s Troubadour members, a community of leaders ages 21-45 who collaborate with other like-minded professionals in supporting their community and the museum.
Prior to Davis’ performance, student artist Miley Henderson will perform “Lavender Blue,” a song she wrote with guidance from museum staff as part of the museum’s flagship educational program, Words & Music. The 17-year-old from Clarksville, Tennessee, participated in the museum’s summer intermediate-to-advanced songwriting camp this year.
Currently headlining his “Damn Good Time Tour” while also serving as direct support for Luke Combs on select “Growin’ Up and Gettin’ Old Tour” dates, Davis is currently at work on his new album, and is set to release “I Ain’t Sayin’,” his first single off the new project, this week.
Nominees Revealed For 55th Annual GMA Dove Awards
/by Lorie HollabaughThe Gospel Music Association has announced the nominees for the upcoming 55th Annual GMA Dove Awards. Brandon Lake is this year’s top nominee with a whopping 16 nods, including for Artist of the Year.
Jeff Pardo is also a leader in nominations, receiving 11, with Chris Brown, Chandler Moore and Jonathan Smith each receiving 10. CeCe Winans and Naomi Raine lead the female nominees with five nominations each.
Nominees were announced earlier this morning on SiriusXM The Message by GMA Dove Awards host, Tauren Wells. The awards, presented in partnership with the Cantinas Arts Foundation, will be held Oct. 1 at the Allen Arena in Nashville, and will air exclusively on TBN and TBN+ Friday, and simulcast on SiriusXM The Message, on Oct. 4 at 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. ET. A re-broadcast will air on TBN and TBN+ Friday, Oct. 11.
“I love this moment each year when we get to announce our nominees,” says GMA President Jackie Patillo. “The Dove Awards are about spreading the message in our music with the world and honoring the work of the amazing artists, songwriters, producers, and film & TV creators in our great community. I’m thrilled for this year’s nominees and can’t wait to celebrate in October.”
The theme for the 55th Annual GMA Dove Awards is Unite The Song. “Unite the song is a heart cry for God’s people to come together in unity,” adds Wells. “We get to come together out of our individual corners, from each different stream within the church, to unite around this one song, holy holy holy is the Lord God Almighty.”
A full list of nominations can be found below. Voted on by the GMA Professional Membership, this year’s nominees were chosen from over 2,500 submitted entries. Final round voting will run Aug. 1 through Aug. 8.
2024 GMA Dove Award Nominees:
Song of the Year Presented by MultiTracks.com:
– “All Things” (Writer: Kirk Franklin)
– “Firm Foundation (He Won’t)” (Writers: Cody Carnes, Austin Davis, Chandler Moore)
– “Holy Forever” (Writers: Chris Tomlin, Brian Johnson, Jenn Johnson, Jason Ingram, Phil Wickham)
– “I Believe It (The Life Of Jesus)” (Writers: Jon Reddick, Daniel Carson, David Leonard, Jess Cates, Jonathan Smith)
– “More Than Able” (Writers: Chandler Moore, Ben Fielding, Steven Furtick, Naomi Raine)
– “Praise” (Writers: Chris Brown, Brandon Lake, Chandler Moore, Steven Furtick, Pat Barrett, Cody Carnes)
– “Praise You Anywhere” (Writers: Brandon Lake, Ben Fielding, Jacob Sooter, Hank Bentley)
– “Thank God I Do” (Writers: Lauren Daigle, Jason Ingram, P!nk, Jeffrey Bhasker, Nate Ruess)
– “This Is Our God” (Writers: Phil Wickham, Steven Furtick, Brandon Lake, Pat Barrett)
– “Trust In God” (Writers: Chris Brown, Steven Furtick, Brandon Lake, Mitch Wong)
Artist of the Year:
– Anne Wilson
– Brandon Lake
– CeCe Winans
– For King + Country
– Lauren Daigle
New Artist of the Year Presented by Cantinas Foundation:
– Charity Gayle
– Forrest Frank
– Josiah Queen
– Seph Schlueter
– Terrian
Rap/Hip Hop Recorded Song of the Year:
– “Love Like That” by Hulvey (ft. Torey D’Shaun, Alex Jean)
– “IGWT” by Jon Keith, KB
– “Miracles” by KB, Lecrae
– “In the Light” by Wande
– “Hard Work God First” by Zauntee
Pop/Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year:
– “Strong” by Anne Wilson
– “Any More” by Cain
– “Good Day” by Forrest Frank
– “The Prodigal” by Josiah Queen
– “Counting My Blessings” by Seph Schlueter
Bluegrass/Country/Roots Recorded Song of the Year:
– “Praying Woman” by Anne Wilson (ft. Lainey Wilson)
– “If I Got Jesus” by Ben Fuller
– “Tell The Devil” by Joseph Habedank
– “Man On The Middle Cross” by Rhett Walker
– “Lookin’ For You” by Zach Williams (ft. Dolly Parton)
Traditional Gospel Recorded Song of the Year:
– “I Believe God” by Jekalyn Carr
– “God Is (Radio Edit)” by Melvin Crispell III
– “When I Think (Live)” by Ricky Dillard
– “In My Name” by Smokie Norful
– “Burdens Down (Live)” by Tasha Cobbs Leonard
Gospel Worship Recorded Song of the Year Presented by CCLI:
– “That’s My King” by CeCe Winans
– “Lead Us Again” by Doe
– “All Yours” by Kierra Sheard (ft. Anthony Brown)
– “Fill The Room” by Michael Bethany
– “The Story I’ll Tell (Live)” by Naomi Raine
Worship Recorded Song of the Year Presented by CCLI:
– “Praise You Anywhere” by Brandon Lake
– “Firm Foundation (He Won’t) [Live]” by Cody Carnes
– “Praise” by Elevation Worship (ft. Brandon Lake, Chris Brown, Chandler Moore)
– “Trust In God” by Elevation Worship (ft. Chris Brown)
– “I Believe” by Phil Wickham
Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year:
– Coat Of Many Colors by Brandon Lake
– Jesus Music by Cain
– Unsung Hero: The Inspired By Soundtrack by For King + Country
– Lauren Daigle by Lauren Daigle
– Joy In The Morning (Horizon Edition) by Tauren Wells
Feature Film of the Year:
– Journey To Bethlehem
– Ordinary Angels
– Sound of Freedom
– The Blind
– Unsung Hero
Television Series of the Year:
– Chasing Cain
– God. Family. Football.
– Jonathan & Jesus
– The Wingfeather Saga
– When Calls the Heart
Gospel Worship Album of the Year:
– More Than This by CeCe Winans
– The Maverick Way Complete by Maverick City Music
– Overflow by Michael Bethany
– Cover The Earth (Live in New York) by Naomi Raine
– The Journey by Todd Dulaney
Spanish Language Recorded Song of the Year Presented by Secuencias.com:
– “Tantas Historias” by Christine D’Clario
– “Donante de Sangre” by Daddy Yankee
– “Danza” by KB, Niko Eme, Cardec Drums
– “Amén” by Nacho (ft. Gilberto Daza, Alex Zurdo)
– “Babel” by Un Corazón
Southern Gospel Recorded Song of the Year:
– “Until We Fly Away” by Ernie Haase & Signature Sound
– “Make the Morning Worth the Midnight” by Gaither Vocal Band
– “Here Come Jesus” by Jeff & Sheri Easter (ft. Mo Pitney)
– “Sheaves (Dedicated to Isabel)” by Karen Peck & New River
– “Unstoppable God” by Kingsmen
Phil O’Donnell Signs With Kobalt
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L–R, back row): Kobalt’s Stephanie Cox and Morgan Brasfield; (L–R, front row): Kobalt’s Kevin Lane and Phil O’Donnell
Singer-songwriter, producer and musician Phil “Philbilly” O’Donnell has signed a worldwide publishing deal with Kobalt.
Over the past two decades, O’Donnell has penned No. 1s for George Strait, Blake Shelton and Montgomery Gentry. His other writing and producing credits include work recorded by Cody Johnson, Chris Jansen, Craig Morgan, Josh Thompson, Dillon Carmichael, Drew Parker, Clay Walker, Tyler Booth, Aaron Watson, Craig Campbell and Gord Bamford.
“We are honored to represent Philbilly and his songs,” says Kevin Lane, Kobalt’s Senior Director, Creative. “Phil brings a professionalism to his songwriting that sets him apart. No one works harder or cares more about the integrity of the song more than he does. I look forward to seeing what we accomplish together!”
Miranda Lambert To Send ‘Postcards From Texas’ On New Album In September
/by Liza AndersonPhoto: James Macari
Miranda Lambert plans to unveil her first Republic Records album, Postcards from Texas, on Sept. 13. She shares latest track “Alimony” today (July 24), officially setting the tone for the Lone Star State-inspired album.
Relocating to Austin’s Arlyn Recording Studios, the acclaimed artist united with fellow Texan and Grammy winner Jon Randall to produce the 14-track collection of ballads, rockers, acoustic numbers and steel guitar-soaked tunes. Drawing from Lambert’s childhood, “Alimony” aims to take fans to the dance floor.
Laughing, she notes, “My parents were private investigators in Dallas, Texas who worked a ton of divorce cases in highfalutin parts of town, so this wasn’t hard to write. I’d heard about it my whole life.”
Lambert penned the new song, as well as the unreleased “Looking Back on Luckenbach,” alongside Shane McAnally and Natalie Hemby.
“We were out in my barn; I was showing Shane and Natalie the horses, and I asked if he had any other titles,” she recalls. “He said he had one, and I was like, ‘What is it? Because your last one was ‘Looking Back on Luckenbach,’ which I didn’t think you could top. He said, ‘Well, ‘If you’re gonna leave me in San Antone, remember the Alamo-neeeee…’’ Natalie and I were like, ‘Alright, Shane! Stop showing off.’
“We went back to the house and got the guitars,” Lambert continues, “and I specifically was like, ‘I want a shuffle, man.’ I love to shuffle so much, and this record needed a shuffle! I knew I wanted one in my set, because I haven’t done one in a while—and everybody loves a shuffle.”
She and Randall rounded up electric guitarists Jedd Hughes and Ethan Ballinger, keyboardist Bukka Allen, bassist Rachel Loy and drummer Conrad Choucroun to help bring the track to life.
Now available for preorder, Postcards from Texas also features previously-released singles “Wranglers” and “Dammit Randy” as well as a collaboration with Parker McCollum and more.
Postcards from Texas Track Listing:
1. “Armadillo” (Aaron Raitiere, Jon Decious, Parker Twomey)
2. “Dammit Randy” (Miranda Lambert, Brendan McLoughlin, Jon Randall)
3. “Looking Back on Luckenbach” (Miranda Lambert, Shane McAnally, Natalie Hemby)
4. “Santa Fe (feat. Parker McCollum)” (Miranda Lambert, Jesse Frasure, Jessie Jo Dillon, Dean Dillon)
5. “January Heart” (Brent Cobb, Neil Medley)
6. “Wranglers” (Audra Mae, Evan McKeever, Ryan Carpenter)
7. “Run” (Miranda Lambert)
8. “Alimony” (Miranda Lambert, Natalie Hemby, Shane McAnally)
9. “I Hate Love Songs” (Miranda Lambert, Jack Ingram, Jon Randall)
10. “No Man’s Land” (Miranda Lambert, Luke Dick)
11. “Bitch On The Sauce” (Miranda Lambert, Jaren Johnston)
12. “Way Too Good At Breaking My Heart” (Miranda Lambert, Jon Randall, Jesse Frasure,
Jenee Fleenor)
13. “Wildfire” (Miranda Lambert, Jack Ingram, Jon Randall)
14. “Living On The Run” (David Allen Coe, Jimmy L. Howard)
BREAKING: BMG Promotes Jen Morgan
/by Liza AndersonJen Morgan
BMG has promoted Jen Morgan to VP, Global Content & Creative.
Morgan will be entrusted with the creative vision and execution of content creation initiatives for BMG artists, ensuring their music is represented and amplified through various mediums worldwide. This elevated role combines creative leadership with a global perspective to drive engagement, visibility and success for the artists across diverse platforms.
Having spent over a decade with BBR Music Group/BMG, Morgan will continue to lead a dynamic team of content creators and designers, overseeing the ideation, production and distribution of compelling content as well as the underlying processes and infrastructure. She will also handle the development and execution of comprehensive marketing and sales content strategies aligned with BMG’s artist roster and global objectives, including artwork creation, social media content, advertising content, DSP content and other multimedia initiatives.
“I’m thrilled to welcome Jen and her global team to our centralized Marketing Organization. It feels like two teams finally came together, just as it was always meant to be,” says Christopher Ludwig, BMG’s SVP, Global Digital Partnerships & Strategy. “I’m very excited about the innovative and inspiring contributions Jen and her team will bring to the Global Marketing and DSP Sales Teams to propel our Frontline and Catalogue campaigns to great success.”
Morgan can be reached at jen.morgan@bmg.com.
Eclipse Music Group Adds Courtney Crist As VP Of Publishing
/by LB CantrellCourtney Crist. Photo: Katie Kauss
Eclipse Music Group has hired Courtney Crist as Vice President of Publishing.
She joins from her most recent position as Senior Director at Anthem Entertainment, where she played a key role in signing Joey Hyde and the late Keith Gattis as well as re-signing Jordan Davis and Chris Janson. Before her tenure at Anthem, Crist spent time at Hori Pro Entertainment and as A&R at Frank Rogers Productions.
At Eclipse, she will work with writers Ronnie Bowman, Nick Connors, Jeff Garrison, Rob Hatch, Early James, Jim McCormick, Jackson Nance, Payton Smith and Brit Taylor.
“We are thrilled to welcome Courtney to the Eclipse Music Group family,” says Penny Gattis, Partner, Eclipse Music Group. “Courtney is a songwriter’s best friend, ultimate ally and has the best ears in the business. She shares our passion for delivering exceptional service, fostering creativity and community, and creating opportunities. The writers at Eclipse couldn’t ask for a more dedicated executive in their corner.”
Crist, the 2017 AIMP Song Champion of the Year, has placed songs with artists including Jake Owen, Josh Turner, Darius Rucker, Brad Paisley, Scotty McCreery, Trace Adkins, Lee Ann Womack, Ryan Hurd, Jon Pardi, Chris Young and many more. She is Co-Chair of the AIMP Awards, The Hometown Pub Takeover and The Music Row Ambassadors for St. Jude, and serves on the AIMP Nashville Board.
“When we began Eclipse seven years ago, our mission was to create an independent publisher where music and creative talent comes first. Courtney has exemplified this approach throughout her career in so many ways, and we are delighted to have her as part of the Eclipse team,” says Kurt Locher, Co-Founder, Eclipse Music Group.
“When Penny approached me, it was an easy decision,” shares Crist. “What she and Kurt have built at Eclipse is incredibly exciting, and I am honored to represent the company and its amazing roster of writers. The dedication to creativity and development at Eclipse is both thrilling and inspiring!”
Dustin Lynch Joins Beard Club As Equity Partner
/by Liza AndersonDustin Lynch for Beard Club. Photo: Courtesy of Beard Club
Dustin Lynch has joined Beard Club, the beard-first men’s grooming brand, as an equity partner.
The multi-Platinum creator is the newest addition to the Beard Club family, which includes NBA superstar James Harden, recording artist Kid Cudi and MLB All-Star Justin Turner, and marks the brand’s first partner in country music. Lynch will be actively involved in the development of Beard Club products, which are available online and in Target stores nationwide, as well as marketing campaigns and exclusive events.
His closely-cropped beard has become part of his personal brand over the course of his career, as he’s performed for sold-out crowds on headlining runs like his latest “Killed The Cowboy Tour” and accumulated nine No. 1 hits, various award nominations and over 4.4 billion cumulative global streams.
“I’m excited to partner with Beard Club and join a community that celebrates individuality and confidence,” shares Lynch. “Beard Club’s commitment to quality and innovative approach to grooming resonate with me. I’m looking forward to being a part of a brand I use every day: back home, in the studio, on tour, you name it. I’m hyped to join the club and make it official.”
“Dustin Lynch embodies the spirit of Beard Club. His dedication to his craft and genuine connection with his fans align perfectly with our values. We’re thrilled to welcome him to the Beard Club family and look forward to the good times ahead,” says Jason Kimball, Head of Brand, Beard Club. “We’re already working on collaborations that will speak to Dustin’s fans.”
Industry Ink: Gabby Barrett, Terry Allen, Mallary Birdsong, Beth Potter
/by Lorie HollabaughGabby Barrett Celebrates Platinum & Opry Performance
Gabby Barrett. Photo: Sean O’Halloran
Gabby Barrett returned to the stage after the birth of her third child to perform on the Grand Ole Opry last weekend (July 19) in Nashville. She introduced “Dance Like No One’s Watching” to the packed house, marking her first time playing her current single live. It appears on her sophomore album Chapter & Verse.
Earlier in the evening, Barrett was surprised backstage with two plaques celebrating new RIAA certifications, with her breakout No. 1 hit “I Hope” now at eight-times Platinum and three-week No. 1 “The Good Ones” at four-times Platinum.
Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum Hosts Conversation with Terry Allen
Pictured (L-R): Brendan Greaves, Jo Harvey Allen, Terry Allen and Museum Writer-Editor RJ Smith at the museum. Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum hosted a concert and conversation with singer-songwriter and visual artist Terry Allen and Brendan Greaves, writer and label founder who published Truckload of Art, an authorized biography of Allen, in March.
The program also included music from Allen’s gallery installation “Terry Allen: MemWars,” performed by Allen and musician, actor and poet Jo Harvey Allen, Allen’s wife. Allen’s songs have been covered by Guy Clark, Sturgill Simpson, Lucinda Williams, Doug Sahm and Bobby Bare. He has released more than a dozen albums since his 1975 debut, Juarez. Allen’s artwork is in the collections of several major museums, including New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of Modern Art and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.
Mallary Birdsong Named Sr. Director Of Brand Management At Bravado Nashville
Mallary Birdsong
Mallary Birdsong has joined Universal Music Group’s merchandise and brand management company Bravado as Senior Director of Brand Management.
Birdsong joins Bravado from Make Wake Artists, where she served as Director of Merchandise, developing and executing merchandise strategies aligned with each artist brand identities in tour and e-commerce, resulting in an estimated $17 million in overall merchandise department revenue in 2023. She began her career in merchandise sales in managerial roles at Dallas Fan Fares and BV3, where she was responsible for 85% of the company’s account base and over 60 clients. Following those roles, she was recognized as the top salesperson at Futureshirts, generating a combined $5.2 million in gross sales revenue in 2018 and 2019.
Birdsong will be based in Bravado’s Nashville office and will report to Brian Schechter, Senior Vice President, Head of Brand Management, Artist Relations, of Bravado.
Beth Potter Joins EastCoast Entertainment’s Nashville Office
Beth Potter has joined the team at EastCoast Entertainment in the Nashville office. In addition to her knowledge and experience within the booking and live entertainment industry, Potter brings her long-time partner The Downtown Band to the company.
A Belmont graduate, Potter launched her career working on the booking and management team with legends like George Strait and Lee Ann Womack. In 2015 she joined forces with DTB where she single-handedly oversaw booking and client relations, and over the past nine years, became an integral part of the company, driving its evolution from a single band to a powerhouse company whose sales can support a thriving collective of diverse musical acts.
Old Dominion Guitarist & Hit Songwriter, Brad Tursi, Delivers First Solo Album [Interview]
/by LB CantrellBrad Tursi. Photo: Marina Chavez
As part of the award-winning, multi-Platinum-selling country band Old Dominion, musician and songwriter Brad Tursi has traveled the world, notched multiple No. 1 hits and won plenty of industry awards.
As one of the group’s chief songwriters and guitarist—as well as a celebrated writer with songs recorded by Kenny Chesney, Luke Bryan, Cole Swindell and more—Tursi is living the dream. Though the music he makes with his band fulfills him, the Connecticut native has found himself needing another creative outlet through the years.
While growing up, Tursi was forged by the music of Guns N’ Roses, James Taylor, The Allman Brothers Band, The Black Crowes, Stevie Ray Vaughan and Phish. He found his dad’s guitar in the attic when he was a preteen, beginning his lifelong passions of playing guitar and songwriting.
“I was in a band in college and then another band after college. Then after that, I almost quit music altogether,” Tursi tells MusicRow. “I moved to Nashville to be a songwriter, swearing I would never be in another band.”
Old Dominion celebrates one billion streams among other recent successes. Photo: Mason Allen
He realized he wasn’t going to keep that promise he made to himself when he reconnected with Whit Sellers, who was in a new band called Old Dominion. Tursi joined the group in 2012, and just a few years later, Old Dominion started their spree of hits with “Break Up with Him.” Thus, he and his bandmates were on the fast track to becoming seven-time ACM and six-time CMA Group of the Year winners.
All the while, Tursi started collecting songs that didn’t quite fit the Old Dominion sound. Some of them he pitched to other artists, while some felt like songs only he could sing. On Friday (July 19), he delivered 10 of those songs on his first-ever solo album, Parallel Love, via Sony Music Nashville with the band’s full support.
“Over the years, I just had all these songs that I knew were not right for the band. There was no pressure on me to do it or anything, it was just a passion project,” Tursi says.
He shares that making Parallel Love has been good for him personally, as well as for his position in Old Dominion. “Because a band is such a democracy, you have to compromise a lot. It’s nice to have this other outlet that actually allows you to be more open to compromise in the band setting.”
Parallel Love features co-writes with Stephen Wilson Jr., Dan Isbell, Jessi Alexander, Matt Jenkins and Ben West. Tursi produced the entire project as well, with West and Marc Scibilia co-producing select tracks.
“Church Bells and Train Whistles,” written with Wilson Jr. and West, was pitched around town before Tursi called it his own.
“That song has been pitched around to everyone and their mother. It’s the most commercial one, but I just love that song. I love the production. That’s the only one that I didn’t re-record, that’s just a demo mixed.”
A stand-out track on the project is “Question The Universe,” a song about meeting someone and watching the potential of a relationship fall apart because of life’s circumstances. Tursi wrote it by himself.
“A buddy and I were at Red Door one fateful night and he met a girl. The next morning, we woke up and they had fallen in love. But that coming weekend, the girl was supposed to move to L.A. to be with her boyfriend who was out there getting everything set up,” Tursi says of his inspiration for the song. “My buddy and her spent the whole week together and then she left.
“She actually ended up breaking up with the dude, and coming back after I wrote the song,” he notes. “I think a lot of people have experienced meeting someone that they wish they could pursue, but it’s just not going to happen for a myriad of different reasons.”
Brad Tursi celebrates new solo album release in Nashville. Pictured (L–R): Sony Music Nashville’s Randy Goodman, Morris Higham’s Buffy Cooper, Brad Tursi, SMN’s Ken Robold, Morris Higham’s Dustin Stout and Clint Higham. Photo: Mason Allen
Another song, “Oh Darlin’,” is broken up into three parts, weaved throughout the album’s 10 tracks. It’s one of Tursi’s oldest songs from the collection, and covers a musician’s fear of irrelevancy once the stage lights go dim.
“I think that’s a fear of a lot of musicians, especially when you’re successful. You ask yourself, ‘Do people like me for me or do they like me because of what I’m doing or who they think I am?'”
Tursi was inspired to write the title track for Parallel Love from a self-help book. “We’re like two wild flowers growing towards the sun. You next to me, me next to you. Lord, I love to watch you bloom, growing in a parallel love,” he sings in the song’s chorus.
“A lot of people think that once they find someone, that’s it—they’re together and everything they do has to be together. The fact of the matter is that people grow separately at different times. That person is there for you to lean on, but at some points, they might be ahead of you or behind you [in their personal growth],” Tursi explains. “I wrote that with Dan Isbell, who’s an old friend of mine. He’s a salt-of-the-earth kind of guy, so he definitely brought some country elements to the song.”
Another standout track from the project is another solo-write, “Lover and a Friend.”
“That one took me a long time to finish. I started it on the guitar, and I just couldn’t finish it. When I finally started playing it on the piano, the tune kind of changed in my mind. It’s nice because it’s just a straightforward lyric—it’s not super metaphorical or anything.”
When looking at his first solo body of work, Tursi is proud of what he’s created as well as excited to continue to carve a new lane where can express his creativity.
“I hope that it’s the start of another little journey. Old Dominion has been so crazy, we’ve accomplished so many things. But the fact that I’m going on tour with this record with my own band in October is crazy. There are [opportunities] I haven’t even thought of, and I’m excited to continue the insane journey of music and life.”
Catch Tursi on the road for his “Parallel Love Tour” starting Oct. 3 in Atlanta, Georgia. Dates for the trek are below.
“Parallel Love Tour” Dates:
*on sale July 26
Oct. 3 – Variety Playhouse (Atlanta, GA)
Oct. 4 – Lexington Opera House (Lexington, KY)
Oct. 10 – Gramercy Theatre (New York, NY)*
Oct. 12 – The Levitt Pavilion for Performing Arts (Westport, CT)
Oct. 13 – Big Night Live (Boston, MA)
Oct. 16 – Egyptian Room (Indianapolis, IN)
Oct. 17 – Carol’s Pub (Chicago, IL)
Oct. 19 – Barnato (Omaha, NE)
Oct. 20 – Gothic Theatre (Denver, CO)
Oct. 25 – The Newberry (Great Falls, MT)
Oct. 27 – Wachholz College Center – McClaren Hall (Kalispell, MT)
Oct. 29 – McMenamins Spanish Ballroom at Elks Temple (Tacoma, WA)
Oct. 30 – Tower Theatre (Bend, OR)
Nov. 1 – Uptown Theatre (Napa, CA)*
Nov. 2 – Carmel-by-the-Sea (Carmel, CA)*
Nov. 3 – Fremont Theater (San Louis Obispo, CA)
Nov. 5 – El Rey Theatre (Los Angeles, CA)*
Nov. 7 – Rialto Theatre (Tucson, AZ)
Sarah Trahern Presented With Bob Kingsley Living Legend Award
/by Liza AndersonPictured (L–R): Maurice Miner, Heather McBee, Nan Kingsley, Jeannie Seely, Sarah Trahern, Trisha Yearwood and John Zarling. Photo: Chris Hollo for Grand Ole Opry
Country Music Association CEO Sarah Trahern was presented with the Bob Kingsley Living Legend Award last night (July 22) at the Opry House during a special event benefitting the Grand Ole Opry Trust Fund.
Trahern has been at the CMA helm since January 2014, serving as an advocate for country music and all those who are part of it while representing the industry on both a national and global level.
Established a decade ago to celebrate the late veteran country radio broadcaster’s career, the Bob Kingsley Living Legend Award has raised over $350,000 to support the Grand Ole Opry Trust Fund’s mission of helping members of the country music community when they need it most. Previous recipients include Joe Galante, Jim Ed Norman, Lorianne Crook and Charlie Chase, Clarence Spalding, Lon Helton, Bart Herbison and Erika Wollam Nichols.
In addition to the presentation, the evening’s function featured performances by Tom Douglas, Chris Janson, Ryan Larkins, Craig Morgan, Maura O’Connell, Carly Pearce, Marty Stuart and Trisha Yearwood as well as remarks by Suzanne Alexander, Robert Deaton, Joe Galante, Tiffany Kerns, Jeannie Seely, Susan Swain, Jody Williams and Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell.