Ian Cripps (SVP of A&R, Atlantic Records), Twisters: The Album, Rachel Levy (EVP, Film Music for Universal Pictures)
Twisters, the current-day chapter of the 1996 blockbuster, hits theaters July 19. Starring Daisy Edgar-Jones, Glen Powell and Anthony Ramos, the film has been highly anticipated. But perhaps equally as anticipated has been its accompanying soundtrack, Twisters: The Album, a 29-song opus featuring only country music artists.
The project was first revealed in May with the release of leading track, “Ain’t No Love In Oklahoma” recorded by genre-leading superstar Luke Combs.
After the track list was announced, it was shared across major media outlets and social media accounts everywhere, impressing most everyone from casual country listeners to high-brow genre purists due to its expansive list of artists. Present are established commercial hitmakers like Combs, Miranda Lambert, Kane Brown, Lainey Wilson, Thomas Rhett and Jelly Roll alongside rising stars Megan Moroney, Bailey Zimmerman, Conner Smith, Warren Zeiders, Tucker Wetmore and Tanner Adell. Also included are artists that find themselves on the outskirts of the mainstream like Tyler Childers, Sam Barber, The Red Clay Strays, Charley Crockett and Tanner Usrey.
It was clear that whoever put Twisters: The Album together did their homework.
Universal Pictures tapped experts for the challenge, with the album being produced and overseen by multi-Grammy winner and Atlantic Records West Coast President Kevin Weaver, among others at Atlantic Records and Universal Pictures.
Lainey Wilson and team with Twisters execs at the film’s premiere. Photo: Erick Frost
Two of those experts, Atlantic Records’ SVP A&R Ian Cripps and Universal Pictures’ EVP, Film Music Rachel Levy, recently spoke to MusicRow about the project.
According to them, the musical landscape was in the mind of the film’s director, the Oscar-nominated Lee Isaac Chung, early on. Chung, who grew up in Arkansas, wanted the soundtrack to be as authentic to Twisters‘ setting in Oklahoma as possible.
“We started with the idea of placing existing country songs,” says Levy. “It all very quickly turned into a much broader conversation based on Isaac’s willingness to really feature music in the film, Atlantic Records enthusiasm and shared vision to make something big—and also based on the excitement and interest from the artists and songwriters we reached out to initially.”
Once the team had fleshed out what kind of sound the scenes would need, they were off to the races. They made a list of their top picks and started there first.
“I have immense respect for Nashville’s creative community, and was excited to collaborate with these amazing artists and their teams,” shares Cripps. “First order of business was to come up with ideas of who would be the best fit for each scene, and then we started making calls to those artists. Everyone was super excited to be a part of the film, which made the process of getting 29 songs much easier.”
The first songs the Twisters team received back were Combs’ exhilarating “Ain’t No Love In Oklahoma,” written by the artist alongside Jessi Alexander and Jonathan Singleton; Wilson’s gorgeous “Out of Oklahoma,” which she penned with Luke Dick and Shane McAnally; and Moroney’s reflective “Never Left Me,” written by Moroney, Alexander, Connie Harrington and Jessie Jo Dillon.
Once those were in, they knew the Twisters album was going to be big.
“Everyone’s process was different,” says Cripps. “Some artists met with their core teams to write together, others wrote solo. Luke Combs was at his cabin with some of his writing partners and us on a Zoom. We discussed the scene and a few days later he sent us ‘Ain’t No Love In Oklahoma.’ That was an incredible moment.”
To build anticipation for the film, songs continued to roll out after Combs’ kicked off the excitement. In addition to Wilson and Moroney’s tracks, Rhett dropped the infectious “Feelin’ Country,” Childers delivered the heartfelt “Song While You’re Away,” Adell released the party-ready “Too Easy” and Zimmerman dropped the powerful “Hell or High Water.” Exciting newcomer Wetmore rolled out “Already Had It” and a collaboration with Smith, “Steal My Thunder.” Each track seemed to feature the artist’s unique sound in an elevated way, bringing a lot of focus to the movie and its tunes.
Cripps and Levy give a lot of props to the Nashville music industry for the caliber of music and its stellar marketing.
“The Nashville community of writers, producers, artists and managers were genuinely fantastic to work with, and everyone turned in incredible work,” says Levy, adding a special shout out to Allison Jones at Big Machine Label Group and Sophie Hopkins at Warner Chappell as well as all of the clearance and sync teams at the major publishers for helping to make it happen.
“Every song is so special to me, and I’m so excited for everyone to hear the full body of work,” Cripps shares. “We’re so thankful for everyone’s involvement and we’re so proud of the album that’s been put together.”
Twisters, and its excellent accompanying album, are both out now.
Twisters: The Album Track Listing:
1. “Ain’t No Love In Oklahoma” – Luke Combs (Jessi Alexander, Luke Combs, Jonathan Singleton)
2. “Ain’t In Kansas Anymore” – Miranda Lambert (Jenee Fleenor, Jesse Frasure, Miranda Lambert)
3. “Steal My Thunder (feat. Tucker Wetmore)” – Conner Smith (Ben Johnson, Matt Jenkins, Blake Pendergrass, Conner Smith)
4. “Feelin’ Country” – Thomas Rhett (Ashley Gorley, Chris LaCorte, Chase McGill, Thomas Rhett, Parker Welling)
5. “The Cards I’ve Been Dealt” – Warren Zeiders (Warren Zeiders, Charlie Worsham)
6. “Never Left Me” – Megan Moroney (Megan Moroney, Connie Harrington, Jessi Alexander, Jessie Jo Dillon)
7. “Out of Oklahoma” – Lainey Wilson (Luke Dick, Shane McAnally, Lainey Wilson)
8. “Hell Or High Water” – Bailey Zimmerman (Ashley Gorley, Austin Shawn)
9. “Dead End Road” – Jelly Roll (Brock Berryhill, Jason DeFord, Jaxson Free, Taylor Phillips)
10. “Country Classic” – Kane Brown (Jon Capeci, Gabe Foust, Jaxson Free)
11. “Tear Us Apart” – Sam Barber (Sam Barber, Ben Johnson, Eddie Spear)
12. “Song While You’re Away” – Tyler Childers (Tyler Childers)
13. “Already Had It” – Tucker Wetmore (Johnny McGuire, Grant Vogel, Tucker Wetmore)
14. “Chrome Cowgirl” – Leon Bridges (Amy Allen, Leon Bridges, John Ryan)
15. “Death Wish Love” – Benson Boone (Benson Boone, Philip Plested, Morten Ristorp, Johnny Simpson, Madi Yanofsky)
16. “Boots Don’t” – Shania Twain & Breland (Daniel Breland, Steph Jones, Jimmy Robbins, Sean Small, Sam Sumser, Theron Thomas, Shania Twain)
17. “Stronger Than A Storm” – Dylan Gossett (Dylan Gossett)
18. “Chasing The Wind” – Lanie Gardner (Cleo Tighe, Rollo Spreckley, Ryan Linvill)
19. “Leave The Light On (feat. Alexandra Kay)” – Jelly Roll (Jason DeFord, Jessie Jo Dillon, Jesse Frasure, Hillary Lindsey, Blake Pendergrass)
20. “Before I Do” – Wyatt Flores & Jake Kohn (Wyatt Flores, Jake Kohn)
21. “Caddo County” – The Red Clay Strays (Dave Cobb, Brandon Coleman, Matthew Coleman, Eric Erdman, John Hall, Andrew Nix)
22. “Blackberry Wine” – Tanner Usrey (Tanner Usrey, Beau Bedford, Aaron Raitiere)
23. “Too Easy” – Tanner Adell (Tanner Adell, Akil King, Stephen McGregor, Jared Mullins, Will Weatherly)
24. “Shake Shake (All Night Long)” – Mason Ramsey (Mason Ramsey, Dan Fernandez)
25. “New Loop” – Tyler Halverson (Tyler Halverson)
26. “Touchdown” – Flatland Cavalry (Cleto Cordero, Dwight A. Baker)
27. “Driving You Home” – Nolan Taylor (Nolan Taylor, Ehren Ebbage)
28. “Wall of Death” – Wilderado, Ken Pomeroy, & James McAlister (Richard Thompson)
29. “(Ghost) Riders In The Sky” – Charley Crockett (Stan Jones)
July 18 Declared Carrie Underwood Day In Hawaii
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L–R): Rick Blangiardi, Carrie Underwood and James Tokioka. Photo: Marc Lostracco
July 18 has now been declared Carrie Underwood Day in Hawaii by Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi and James Tokioka, Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism Director, on behalf of Governor Josh Green.
The proclamations were issued to Underwood on the eve of her first performances in Hawaii on July 19–20 in recognition of her career achievements as well as her significant cultural and societal contributions. This marks the first time ceremonial proclamations have been issued concurrently by the state of Hawaii and the city and county of Honolulu to honor an entertainer.
“History has been made with Carrie becoming the first artist to receive ceremonial proclamations from both the state and city,” says concert promoter Rick Bartalini. “She is in prestigious company of entertainers that have been previously honored by either the Mayor or the Governor in this manner, including Elvis Presley, Janet Jackson, Bruno Mars and Diana Ross.”
Both proclamations were presented to Underwood during an official ceremony at the Blaisdell Arena. The proclamation presented by Mayor Blangiardi stated in part, “With heartfelt aloha, we thank her for bringing her live show to Hawaii, and fulfilling the dreams of thousands of fans who have eagerly awaited this opportunity. Carrie Underwood embodies the Aloha Spirit through her talent, love and genuine care and compassion for others.”
Larry Fleet Launches ‘Highway Feet’ Podcast
/by Madison HahnenBig Loud recording artist Larry Fleet has launched a new podcast, Highway Feet With Larry Fleet.
The podcast will feature his band mates Crazy Legs and West Hall, who have become fan-favorites on the road. The first episode features the trio reminiscing on the origins of their careers and friendship, trading stories about a near-death experience, road tales and more.
New episodes will air every Wednesday at 4 a.m. CT. Listen to the first episode here.
Morgan Wallen & Ernest Top The MusicRow Radio Chart With ‘Cowgirls’
/by John Nix ArledgeMorgan Wallen takes the No. 1 position on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart with “Cowgirls” featuring Ernest. The track appears on Wallen’s One Thing at a Time album and was written by Ernest, Ashley Gorley, James Maddocks, Rocky Block, Milan Modi and Charlie Handsome.
Earlier this month, Wallen set yet another record as he performed for 50,000 fans at London’s Hyde Park. This debut marked the United Kingdom’s largest country concert ever. Currently, Morgan is on the road headlining his “One Night At A Time Tour” and is joined by guests such as Jelly Roll, Nate Smith, Bryan Martin, Bailey Zimmerman and more.
“Cowgirls” currently sits at No. 2 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart and No. 2 on the Mediabase chart.
Click here to view the latest edition of the MusicRow Weekly containing the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart.
Execs Talk The Country-Packed ‘Twisters’ Soundtrack [Interview]
/by LB CantrellIan Cripps (SVP of A&R, Atlantic Records), Twisters: The Album, Rachel Levy (EVP, Film Music for Universal Pictures)
Twisters, the current-day chapter of the 1996 blockbuster, hits theaters July 19. Starring Daisy Edgar-Jones, Glen Powell and Anthony Ramos, the film has been highly anticipated. But perhaps equally as anticipated has been its accompanying soundtrack, Twisters: The Album, a 29-song opus featuring only country music artists.
The project was first revealed in May with the release of leading track, “Ain’t No Love In Oklahoma” recorded by genre-leading superstar Luke Combs.
After the track list was announced, it was shared across major media outlets and social media accounts everywhere, impressing most everyone from casual country listeners to high-brow genre purists due to its expansive list of artists. Present are established commercial hitmakers like Combs, Miranda Lambert, Kane Brown, Lainey Wilson, Thomas Rhett and Jelly Roll alongside rising stars Megan Moroney, Bailey Zimmerman, Conner Smith, Warren Zeiders, Tucker Wetmore and Tanner Adell. Also included are artists that find themselves on the outskirts of the mainstream like Tyler Childers, Sam Barber, The Red Clay Strays, Charley Crockett and Tanner Usrey.
It was clear that whoever put Twisters: The Album together did their homework.
Universal Pictures tapped experts for the challenge, with the album being produced and overseen by multi-Grammy winner and Atlantic Records West Coast President Kevin Weaver, among others at Atlantic Records and Universal Pictures.
Lainey Wilson and team with Twisters execs at the film’s premiere. Photo: Erick Frost
Two of those experts, Atlantic Records’ SVP A&R Ian Cripps and Universal Pictures’ EVP, Film Music Rachel Levy, recently spoke to MusicRow about the project.
According to them, the musical landscape was in the mind of the film’s director, the Oscar-nominated Lee Isaac Chung, early on. Chung, who grew up in Arkansas, wanted the soundtrack to be as authentic to Twisters‘ setting in Oklahoma as possible.
“We started with the idea of placing existing country songs,” says Levy. “It all very quickly turned into a much broader conversation based on Isaac’s willingness to really feature music in the film, Atlantic Records enthusiasm and shared vision to make something big—and also based on the excitement and interest from the artists and songwriters we reached out to initially.”
Once the team had fleshed out what kind of sound the scenes would need, they were off to the races. They made a list of their top picks and started there first.
“I have immense respect for Nashville’s creative community, and was excited to collaborate with these amazing artists and their teams,” shares Cripps. “First order of business was to come up with ideas of who would be the best fit for each scene, and then we started making calls to those artists. Everyone was super excited to be a part of the film, which made the process of getting 29 songs much easier.”
The first songs the Twisters team received back were Combs’ exhilarating “Ain’t No Love In Oklahoma,” written by the artist alongside Jessi Alexander and Jonathan Singleton; Wilson’s gorgeous “Out of Oklahoma,” which she penned with Luke Dick and Shane McAnally; and Moroney’s reflective “Never Left Me,” written by Moroney, Alexander, Connie Harrington and Jessie Jo Dillon.
Once those were in, they knew the Twisters album was going to be big.
“Everyone’s process was different,” says Cripps. “Some artists met with their core teams to write together, others wrote solo. Luke Combs was at his cabin with some of his writing partners and us on a Zoom. We discussed the scene and a few days later he sent us ‘Ain’t No Love In Oklahoma.’ That was an incredible moment.”
To build anticipation for the film, songs continued to roll out after Combs’ kicked off the excitement. In addition to Wilson and Moroney’s tracks, Rhett dropped the infectious “Feelin’ Country,” Childers delivered the heartfelt “Song While You’re Away,” Adell released the party-ready “Too Easy” and Zimmerman dropped the powerful “Hell or High Water.” Exciting newcomer Wetmore rolled out “Already Had It” and a collaboration with Smith, “Steal My Thunder.” Each track seemed to feature the artist’s unique sound in an elevated way, bringing a lot of focus to the movie and its tunes.
Cripps and Levy give a lot of props to the Nashville music industry for the caliber of music and its stellar marketing.
“The Nashville community of writers, producers, artists and managers were genuinely fantastic to work with, and everyone turned in incredible work,” says Levy, adding a special shout out to Allison Jones at Big Machine Label Group and Sophie Hopkins at Warner Chappell as well as all of the clearance and sync teams at the major publishers for helping to make it happen.
“Every song is so special to me, and I’m so excited for everyone to hear the full body of work,” Cripps shares. “We’re so thankful for everyone’s involvement and we’re so proud of the album that’s been put together.”
Twisters, and its excellent accompanying album, are both out now.
Twisters: The Album Track Listing:
1. “Ain’t No Love In Oklahoma” – Luke Combs (Jessi Alexander, Luke Combs, Jonathan Singleton)
2. “Ain’t In Kansas Anymore” – Miranda Lambert (Jenee Fleenor, Jesse Frasure, Miranda Lambert)
3. “Steal My Thunder (feat. Tucker Wetmore)” – Conner Smith (Ben Johnson, Matt Jenkins, Blake Pendergrass, Conner Smith)
4. “Feelin’ Country” – Thomas Rhett (Ashley Gorley, Chris LaCorte, Chase McGill, Thomas Rhett, Parker Welling)
5. “The Cards I’ve Been Dealt” – Warren Zeiders (Warren Zeiders, Charlie Worsham)
6. “Never Left Me” – Megan Moroney (Megan Moroney, Connie Harrington, Jessi Alexander, Jessie Jo Dillon)
7. “Out of Oklahoma” – Lainey Wilson (Luke Dick, Shane McAnally, Lainey Wilson)
8. “Hell Or High Water” – Bailey Zimmerman (Ashley Gorley, Austin Shawn)
9. “Dead End Road” – Jelly Roll (Brock Berryhill, Jason DeFord, Jaxson Free, Taylor Phillips)
10. “Country Classic” – Kane Brown (Jon Capeci, Gabe Foust, Jaxson Free)
11. “Tear Us Apart” – Sam Barber (Sam Barber, Ben Johnson, Eddie Spear)
12. “Song While You’re Away” – Tyler Childers (Tyler Childers)
13. “Already Had It” – Tucker Wetmore (Johnny McGuire, Grant Vogel, Tucker Wetmore)
14. “Chrome Cowgirl” – Leon Bridges (Amy Allen, Leon Bridges, John Ryan)
15. “Death Wish Love” – Benson Boone (Benson Boone, Philip Plested, Morten Ristorp, Johnny Simpson, Madi Yanofsky)
16. “Boots Don’t” – Shania Twain & Breland (Daniel Breland, Steph Jones, Jimmy Robbins, Sean Small, Sam Sumser, Theron Thomas, Shania Twain)
17. “Stronger Than A Storm” – Dylan Gossett (Dylan Gossett)
18. “Chasing The Wind” – Lanie Gardner (Cleo Tighe, Rollo Spreckley, Ryan Linvill)
19. “Leave The Light On (feat. Alexandra Kay)” – Jelly Roll (Jason DeFord, Jessie Jo Dillon, Jesse Frasure, Hillary Lindsey, Blake Pendergrass)
20. “Before I Do” – Wyatt Flores & Jake Kohn (Wyatt Flores, Jake Kohn)
21. “Caddo County” – The Red Clay Strays (Dave Cobb, Brandon Coleman, Matthew Coleman, Eric Erdman, John Hall, Andrew Nix)
22. “Blackberry Wine” – Tanner Usrey (Tanner Usrey, Beau Bedford, Aaron Raitiere)
23. “Too Easy” – Tanner Adell (Tanner Adell, Akil King, Stephen McGregor, Jared Mullins, Will Weatherly)
24. “Shake Shake (All Night Long)” – Mason Ramsey (Mason Ramsey, Dan Fernandez)
25. “New Loop” – Tyler Halverson (Tyler Halverson)
26. “Touchdown” – Flatland Cavalry (Cleto Cordero, Dwight A. Baker)
27. “Driving You Home” – Nolan Taylor (Nolan Taylor, Ehren Ebbage)
28. “Wall of Death” – Wilderado, Ken Pomeroy, & James McAlister (Richard Thompson)
29. “(Ghost) Riders In The Sky” – Charley Crockett (Stan Jones)
Canadian Country Music Association Reveals CCMA Award Nominees
/by John Nix ArledgePictured (clockwise): Jade Eagleson, MacKenzie Porter, Josh Ross and The Reklaws
The Canadian Country Music Association has revealed the nominees for the 2024 CCMA Awards, presented by TD.
The event will return to Edmonton for the first time in a decade, marking its eighth time in the city. Hosted by eight-time ACM and two-time CMA Award winner Thomas Rhett and two-time CCMA Award winner MacKenzie Porter, the ceremony will be broadcast live from Rogers Place on Saturday, Sept. 14 at 8:00 p.m. ET.
Sporting six nominations each, Porter and Jade Eagleson lead the pack, with The Reklaws and Josh Ross close behind with five nominations apiece. Touting four nominations are High Valley, Owen Riegling and Dallas Smith.
CCMA’s Breakthrough Artist or Group of the Year nominees include Hailey Benedict, Dax, Teigen Gayse, Matt Lang and Riegling. Also announced are the 2024 Fans’ Choice nominees, which include Dean Brody, Eagleson, High Valley, James Barker Band, Tyler Joe Miller, Steven Lee Olsen, Porter, The Reklaws, Ross and Smith.
Country Music Week 2024 kicks off in Edmonton on Wednesday, Sept. 11 with celebrations culminating with the 2024 CCMA Awards presented by TD featuring performances from Dasha, Brett Kissel, The Reklaws, Porter, Rhett and Smith, with more announcements to come.
Fans can vote for their favorite artist by casting their vote at ccmafanvote.com or by using the appropriate hashtag on X. Click here to see the list of nominees in the Musician, Radio and Industry categories.
2024 CCMA Awards Nominees:
Entertainer of the Year presented by Edmonton’s Best Hotels
Jade Eagleson
MacKenzie Porter
The Reklaws
Owen Riegling
Josh Ross
Ford F-150 Album of the Year
Complicated – Josh Ross
Dallas Smith – Dallas Smith
Do It Anyway – Jade Eagleson
Nobody’s Born With A Broken Heart – MacKenzie Porter
Spillin’ My Truth – Tyler Joe Miller
Fans’ Choice
Dean Brody
Jade Eagleson
High Valley
James Barker Band
Tyler Joe Miller
Steven Lee Olsen
MacKenzie Porter
The Reklaws
Josh Ross
Dallas Smith
Female Artist of the Year
Lindsay Ell
Madeline Merlo
MacKenzie Porter
Tenille Townes
Alli Walker
Group or Duo of the Year
High Valley
Hunter Brothers
James Barker Band
The Reklaws
The Washboard Union
Musical Collaboration of the Year
Cowboy Boots (feat. Gord Bamford) – Chris Buck Band, Gord Bamford
Day After Day – Dallas Smith, Shawn Austin
Honky Tonkin’ About – The Reklaws, Drake Milligan
Take Me Backroad – Tim & The Glory Boys feat. High Valley
Two of Us – Brett Kissel, Cooper Alan
Male Artist of the Year
Dean Brody
Jade Eagleson
Owen Riegling
Josh Ross
Dallas Smith
Breakthrough Artist or Group of the Year
Hailey Benedict
Dax
Teigen Gayse
Matt Lang
Owen Riegling
Alternative Country Album of the Year
12 to 6 Central – The Western Swing Authority
BOOTCUT – Bahamas
The Compass Project: West Album – Brett Kissel
Stand In The Joy – William Prince
A Way Through Time – JJ Shiplett
Single of the Year
Chasing Tornadoes – MacKenzie Porter
Meet Your Mama – James Barker Band
Outta Yours – Steven Lee Olsen
Rodeo Queen – Jade Eagleson
Trouble – Josh Ross
Songwriter(s) of the Year
Country Dance (Artist: Aaron Goodvin) – Aaron Goodvin, Catt Gravitt, Skip Black
Hey Mom I Made It (Artist: Sacha) – Sacha Visagie, Shawn Chambliss, Jake Saghi
Old Dirt Roads (Artist: Owen Riegling) – Owen Riegling
Rodeo Queen (Artist: Jade Eagleson) – Jade Eagleson, Daryl Scott
Whiskey In Colorado (Artist: Tony Stevens) – Tony Stevens, Dan Swinimer, Wes Mack, David Borys
Video of the Year
Chasing Tornadoes – MacKenzie Porter
Honky Tonkin’ About – The Reklaws, Drake Milligan
Take Me Backroad – Tim & The Glory Boys ft. High Valley
Trouble Is – The Prairie States
Two of Us – Brett Kissel & Cooper Alan
Third Annual Annapolis Songwriters Festival To Take Place In September
/by Liza AndersonThe Third Annual Annapolis Songwriters Festival is set to take place Sept. 12–15 in Annapolis, Maryland. Presented by Rams Head in partnership with BMI and Visit Annapolis & Anne Arundel County, the four-day function will include ticketed performances and free showcases, inspired by its longstanding sister, the Key West Songwriters Festival.
The festival will kick off at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 12 at Rams Head Tavern with four hours of free live music on the patio, and continue in over 15 venues across downtown Annapolis until Sunday, Sept. 15.
Those slated for ticketed shows include Johnnyswim, Natalie Hemby, Drew Holcomb and the Neighbors, Kimberly Perry, Abby Cone, Lee Brice and Will Jones, among others. Free showcases will be scattered along a walkable “songwriters trail,” highlighting local restaurants, shops and landmarks from Maryland Hall to downtown’s City Dock. Along with BMI talent, the festival will feature more than 40 Annapolis songwriters. The full free-show schedule will be released in early September.
Additionally, this year’s event will introduce songwriting workshops at Maryland Hall as well as a Bose Sound Experience. More details will be announced at a later date.
“We are thrilled to present this event for a third year in Annapolis. This festival has grown to be a highlight of the fall season, and one both locals and tourists look forward to,” says Kyle Muehlhauser, Annapolis Songwriters Festival Co-Owner. “There’s nowhere else in this region where festival attendees can experience the faces, names and stories behind the industry’s biggest hits.”
Tickets are available now. For more information, click here.
Brooke Eden Refreshes ‘SEC Nation’ Theme Song
/by Lorie HollabaughThe SEC Network has tapped Brooke Eden to refresh the theme song and opening sequence for SEC Nation, its weekly, traveling pre-game show.
The update comes as the SEC Network celebrates its 10th anniversary as well as a new era for the Southeastern Conference with the additions of Oklahoma and Texas. SEC Nation debuted in 2014 with a customized rendition of Robert Randolph & The Family Band’s “Take The Party” as its opening theme song. Randolph worked with network producers to develop an SEC-centric version of the song that complemented the show’s goal of bringing the sights and sounds of a SEC football tailgate to viewers every Saturday. A decade later, Eden has put her twist on the tune with a new sound and original lyrics to include the Sooners and Longhorns.
“It’s such a privilege to get the opportunity to put my mark on the SEC Nation theme song and opening sequence,” she says. “I’m so grateful for the chance to engage with fans and celebrate the passion of college football through a song that means so much to each of us. I grew up right here in the SEC, so these games make me feel at home even when I’m on the road.”
Viewers will hear the full revamped number the night before the first show of the 2024 season, when Eden releases it across all streaming and music platforms at midnight on Aug. 30. The theme song and opening tease will premiere at 9 a.m. CT on Aug. 31, when SEC Nation travels to Gainesville to see the Florida Gators take on the Miami Hurricanes.
‘CMT Giants: Alabama’ Set To Air In August
/by Liza AndersonCMT Giants: Alabama, the two-hour special celebrating the career and music of the famous country group, is set to air Thursday, Aug. 15 at 7 p.m. CT exclusively on CMT.
During the celebration, stars such as Blake Shelton, Steve Wariner, Brad Paisley, Jamey Johnson, Jason Aldean, Little Big Town, Old Dominion, Pam Tillis, Lorrie Morgan, Riley Green and Sam Hunt pay tribute to Alabama by performing some their biggest hits.
Evander Holyfield, Lionel Richie, Luke Bryan, Martina McBride, Vince Gill and more appear both in-person and virtually to share personal stories and detail the band’s impact on music. The special will also include rare photos, performance footage and interviews from the vault as well as a new discussion with Alabama themselves reflecting on their storied career.
The show’s Executive Producers include CMT’s Margaret Comeaux and Taillight’s Tom Forrest, and its Executives in Charge of Production consist of Jackie Barba and Heather D. Graffagnino. Leslie Fram serves as Executive in Charge of Talent, with Suzanne Bender and Donna Duncan as Talent Producers.
Additionally, Alabama is currently on their “Roll On II North America Tour,” which stops in Nashville tomorrow (July 19) with special guests Gary Allan and comedian Dusty Slay.
DISClaimer Single Reviews: Harper Grace & Kelsey Hart Impress With New Duet
/by Robert K OermannWe’ve got big country stars on tap today, but the listening session shows that the most innovative sounds are coming from the upstarts.
Jason Aldean, Miranda Lambert and Thomas Rhett are batting a thousand with their new releases. But Dasha, Kashus Culpepper, Kassi Ashton and Charley Crockett might have the most ear-catching new releases.
I’m a sucker for a great country duet, and we have one here. It’s “Freedom” by Curb’s Harper Grace and Kelsey Hart, and it wins the Disc of the Day.
The DisCovery awardee also sounds fresh and novel. It’s a cowboy named Mike Schikora. Lend him your ears.
HARPER GRACE & KELSEY HART / “Freedom”
Writers: Kelsea Ballerini/Justin Ebach/Charles Kelley; Producers: Cameron Jaymes, Ben West; Label: Curb
– They’ve broken up, but are far from over one another. Both singers sound simply splendid on this ultra-tuneful, ultra-rhythmic, pulsating rush of sound. The luscious harmonies and soaring melody alternate with conversational bits that catch your ear. I would love to hear this in my car on the radio. A lot.
THOMAS RHETT / “Overdrive”
Writers: Thomas Rhett/Jacob Kasher Hindlin/John Ryan/Julian Bunetta; Producers: Dan Huff, Julian Bunetta, John Ryan; Label: Valory
– The wooshing breeze of summer romance wafts through this bopping ride in the back of a pickup truck. Rhett’s effortless vocal exudes mellow confidence while the country-pop track thumps and crashes around him. Audio excellence.
KASHUS CULPEPPER / “Who Hurt You”
Writers: Kashus Culpepper/Mark Addison Chandler; Producer: Brian Elmquist; Label: Big Loud
– Armed with just his guitar and an extraordinary voice, this guy completely touches your heart. His lyric about an emotionally wounded guy whose parents divorced, whose lover left him and whose government sent his friends to war aches with honesty and believability. This guy is among the most traditionally “country” of the more than two dozen Black country artists now emerging. He shares that status with Dalton Dover, Scoot Teasley, Chapel Hart, Julie Williams, Aaron Vance and only a handful of others.
GRETCHEN WILSON / “Little Miss Runner Up”
Writers: Gretchen Wilson/Rivers Rutherford/George Teren; Producer: Gretchen Wilson; Label: Redneck Records
– A trashy hussy is on the loose and she’s after your man, so look out. Wilson is singing with as much moxie as ever, but I don’t like the muddy, messy, cluttered way this is mixed.
GRAHAM BARHAM / “Shoot the Lock”
Writers: Graham Barham/John Pierce/Lindsay Rimes/Michael Whitworth; Producers: none listed; Label: Sony
– Who thought it was a good idea to put this hillbilly vocal with hip-hop beats? Irritating to my ears.
JASON ALDEAN / “Whiskey Drink”
Writers: John Edwards/John Morgan/Kurt Allison/Tully Kennedy; Producer: Michael Knox; Label: BBR/BMG
– A broken hearted man begs “Jack,” his whiskey drink, to blot out his thoughts and memories about her. Very well written: Roaring desperation and barroom misery have never sounded better.
KASSI ASHTON / “Son of a Gun”
Writers: Kassi Ashton/Jason Nix/Driver Williams; Producers: Luke Laird, Kassi Ashton; Label: MCA Nashville/Interscope
– Rollicking country rock with a charming tomboy lyric. This gal has always had the goods, vocally. Now she’s found a sound that suits her pipes.
MIRANDA LAMBERT / “Ain’t In Kansas Anymore”
Writers: Miranda Lambert/Jesse Frasure/Jenee Fleenor; Producers: Jesse Frasure; Label: Atlantic
– This crunchy, dynamite blast plays under the end scene of the new cinema thrill ride Twisters. Love the whirling production as well as her feisty vocal. This much-awarded woman still rules my heart.
CHARLEY CROCKETT / “America”
Writers: Billy Horton/Charley Crockett; Producers: Billy Horton, Charley Crockett; Label: Son of Davy/Thirty Tigers
– Crockett has been hitting the road with superhuman energy for years, as well as recording more prolifically than any other country act. He issues his 14th album in less than a decade this month. Meanwhile, we have this excellent, bluesy, horn-embellished meditation on his home. The lyric waits patiently for America to make good on her promises while the singer traverses the land. Also: His cover of “(Ghost) Riders in the Sky” is on the Twisters soundtrack. Crockett’s two Ryman shows next weekend (July 26 and July 27) are both sold out.
MIKE SCHIKORA / “Last Rose of Summer”
Writers: Mike Schikora/Rory Payne; Producers: Michael Bonagura, Kathie Baillie; Label: MS
– Vocal harmonies by Baillie & The Boys and wafting harmonica accents embellish this gentle waltz. It’s a sweet, simple, touching marriage proposal that is very emotionally affecting. Also check out Schikora’s light yodeling on his equally nice track “Back Under Montana Skies.”
T. GRAHAM BROWN & ZACH WILLIAMS / “When a Man Loves a Woman”
Writers: Calvin Lewis/Andrew Wright; Producers: T. Graham Brown, Cole Johnstone, Billy Lawson; Label: Warner/ADA
– Brown’s upcoming album is titled From Memphis to Muscle Shoals. It features collaborations with Wynonna, Dwight Yoakam, Randy Houser, Delbert McClinton and previously-reviewed Tanya Tucker (”Dark End of the Street”), as well as a cluster of soul stars. This new Opry member is always worth listening to. Here, he swaps lines effectively with CCM star Zach Williams on a 1966 Percy Sledge classic, previously brought to the country hit parade by John Wesley Ryles in the 1970s and by Narvel Felts in the 1980s.
DASHA / “Didn’t I”
Writers: Ben Johnson/Emily Weisband/Anna Dasha Novotny; Producer: Ben Johnson; Label: Warner
– Against her better intentions, she’s back with the lousy guy she already dumped. Written with wit. Produced with merry banjo plunking and thumpy dance beats. Very clever pop country. Her dance moves in the video are ace, too. The irresistibly catchy “Austin” remains the single, and its video has her out on the dancefloor as well. I have a hunch she’s big fun in concert.
Charley Crockett Unveils ‘$10 Cowboy Chapter II: Visions Of Dallas’ Out July 22
/by John Nix ArledgeJust three short months after releasing $10 Cowboy, neo-traditional country artist Charley Crockett will drop his second album of 2024 titled $10 Cowboy Chapter II: Visions of Dallas on July 22 via Son of Davy/Thirty Tigers.
The album will function as a companion piece to $10 Cowboy and feature 10 new songs and two favorites “Killers of the Flower Moon” and “How Low Can You Go.” Along with this, Crockett will drop a cover of “(Ghost) Riders in the Sky” on the Twisters soundtrack, releasing tomorrow (July 19) via Atlantic records.
“We recorded the songs during the same sessions as $10 Cowboy down at Arlyn Studios in Austin,” explains Crockett. “Could have released a double record. But then Taylor Grace wrote ‘Visions of Dallas’ in a hotel room overlooking that city. She thought about my relationship to Dallas and the great state of Texas in general, and suggested we do a second album where all the songs tie back to Dallas and Texas. The result is ‘Visions of Dallas.'”
“For a truly independent artist like myself, there are no rules anymore,” Crockett continues. “Why release ‘Visions of Dallas’ now? To indulge myself in artistic freedom. The days of 18-to-24-month release cycles have gone the way of the dinosaur. I’ll have my 14th studio album out next week, and every single one has been released how and when I wanted them to. I see no reason to change now.”
Along with $10 Cowboy’s impressive No. 1 debut on Billboard’s Heatseekers chart, Crockett will continue his banner year headlining “The $10 Cowboy Tour” at venues such as Red Rocks, the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles, the Salt Shed in Chicago, the new Brooklyn Paramount and the Ryman Auditorium.