Chris Stapleton will launch an exclusive, year-round SiriusXM channel, Chris Stapleton Radio, tomorrow (May 23) at 11 a.m. CT. The new 24/7 channel will be available to subscribers across North America in their cars on Channel 63 or anywhere they go with the SiriusXM app.

Curated and presented by Stapleton and his band, The Honchos, Chris Stapleton Radio will feature music spanning the country star’s career as well as tunes from country, rock and soul icons, among others. The channel also aims to give listeners a closer look at the stories behind his songs in addition to the music and artists that have influenced him, including Tom Petty, George Jones, John Prine, Lainey Wilson, Mavis Staples, Merle Haggard, Miranda Lambert, Tyler Childers, Bob Dylan and more.

“Chris Stapleton is one of country music’s most prolific singer-songwriters today, and we are thrilled to collaborate with him on his own year-round SiriusXM channel,” says Scott Greenstein, SiriusXM President & Chief Content Officer. “We are truly excited to have Chris bring his own channel to life, sharing with our listeners not only his catalog of music but his insights and the music and artists that he loves and is inspired by.”

“Chris Stapleton Radio gives people another way to connect with our music—where me and the rest of the guys in the band and Morgane [Stapleton] are coming from,” says Stapleton. “What our influences are. Knowing that when people come to watch a show, what they’re hearing is informed by the things that are on this channel. That’s probably the ultimate reason that I want to do this. We’re honored and thrilled to bring Chris Stapleton Radio to life at SiriusXM.”

Chris Stapleton Radio joins the lineup of SiriusXM channels led by some of music’s biggest names, including Carrie Underwood’s Carrie’s Country, The Beatles Channel, Kenny Chesney’s No Shoes Radio, Kelly Clarkson Connection and Life with John Mayer, among others.

The K-Love Fan Awards have revealed the presenters and performers for the 11th annual ceremony, taking place on May 26 at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville.

Ceremony Co-Host Brandon Lake will take the stage along with Anne Wilson, Cain, Crowder, Elevation Worship, Housefires, Jeremy Camp, Josh Baldwin, Katy Nichole, Lauren Daigle, Matthew West, Rachael Lampa, Tauren Wells and Terrian. There will also be surprise performances.

Presenters across all fields of entertainment are also scheduled to appear. Musicians MercyMe’s Bart Millard, Brandon Heath, Colton Dixon, Danny Gokey, David Leonard, Ellie Holcomb, Jon Reddick, Josiah Queen, Matt Maher, Matthew West, Rebecca St. James, Riley Clemmons, Seph Schlueter, Taylor and Madison Cain and Tasha Layton will help to hand out awards.

Additionally, former NFL player Benjamin Watson and his wife Kirsten, filmmaker and creator of The Chosen Dallas Jenkins, actors Elizabeth Tabish and Jonathan Roumie, television personality Willie Robertson, author and podcaster Annie F. Downs, country star and author Granger Smith and speaker and author Lisa Harper will take stage.

K-Love has also announced this year’s recipient of the Sports Impact Award, Matthew Slater. Slater played football at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), then went on to be selected by the New England Patriots in the 2008 NFL draft. During his 16-year career, Slater won three super bowls and was selected for 10 Pro Bowl appearances. Off the field, he was dedicated to his Slater Family Foundation, a program to support the Ron Burton Training Village, International Justice Mission, Voices of Martyrs, Open Doors, Compassion International, Danita’s Children and more.

“Matthew Slater wasn’t just a special teams player for the Patriots. He was a special team player who helped us win three Super Bowls and made a positive impact on the many lives he touched, both on and off the field,” commented Robert Kraft, Chairman & CEO, New England Patriots. “He is a man of integrity and high moral character who is led by his faith and committed to his family. There is no finer person than Matthew Slater. His character and commitment to our organization, his teammates and the game of football are unparalleled. We are all better for knowing Matthew Slater.”

The ceremony will be available to stream on May 31 on TBN at 7 p.m. CT and again at 9 p.m. CT.

 

Monika Tashman has joined Loeb & Loeb’s Nashville office as a Partner in the Entertainment department. She will continue her New York-based practice, working out of Loeb’s Nashville office.

“Loeb has been the leading law firm for the entertainment industry for over a century and I am excited to join in its storied history,” says Tashman. “The firm’s deep bench of entertainment lawyers, collaborative culture and strong industry experience are the perfect complements to my practice, and together I know that we will continue to provide optimal service to clients across the entertainment industry.”

Tashman earned her B.S. magna cum laude from New York University and her J.D. from Cardozo School of Law. She joins Loeb & Loeb from Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP. With decades of experience in the entertainment industry, Tashman represents all types of industry clients from entrepreneurial artists and record labels to emerging entertainment-focused businesses and experiential music production companies. Her deep industry knowledge, coaching background and legal experience enable her to offer a distinctive approach to negotiating strategic deals in the industry.

Beyond the music industry, Tashman’s experience and client base extends to literary, fashion, thought leaders, beauty, art and corporate matters. She has extensive experience handling complex and pivotal deals that have major impacts on the broader entertainment and media industry.

“With over 25 years of experience in the music and entertainment industries and an impressive track record of success, Monika is a fantastic addition to our team,” says Scott Edel, Chair of Loeb & Loeb’s Entertainment department. “Continued growth and being able to work seamlessly across key entertainment hubs is a strategic priority for our group, and Monika’s joining is an important step in continuing to action on those priorities.”

“Monika expands our music expertise and market presence on an international level,” says Derek Crownover, Co-Office Administrative Partner of the Nashville office and Vice Chair of the Music Industry practice group. “Her personality, leadership and client care will be a great addition to our practice group and the firm.”

Anna Lemme Promoted To Grand Ole Opry Marketing Manager

Opry Entertainment Group has promoted Anna Lemme to Grand Ole Opry Marketing Manager. Lemme, who previously served as Artist & Label Strategy Manager for OEG, will now oversee marketing and promotional strategies for the Grand Ole Opry.

The Blandford, Massachusetts native earned a Bachelor of Business Administration with a major in Music Business from Belmont University. With five years at OEG, Lemme began as an intern at Starstruck Entertainment before joining the company as Marketing Partnership Coordinator and rising to Artist & Label Strategy Manager. During her tenure, Lemme has helped discover and engage new talent for the Opry and led the planning of the Opry NextStage program.

 

LoCash Kicks Off Treasure Coast Songwriter Festival

The third annual Treasure Coast Songwriter Festival, a collaboration between iHeartMedia’s WAVE 92.7 and BMI, recently drew country music fans from across Florida for more than 50 songwriter performances at the Pirates Cove Resort & Marina in Stuart, Florida.

The four-day festival kicked off with a performance by LoCash and was followed by 12 BMI songwriters, including Aaron Barker, Dave Gibson, James Slater, Frank Myers, Danny Myrick, Dean Alexander, Matt Warren, Megan Linville, Bridgette Tatum, Kristen Kelly, Brian Sutherland and Sonia Leigh, who all shared the stories behind their biggest songs.

 

 

Heartland Presented With Platinum Plaques For “I Loved Her First”

In 2006, Lofton Creek Records, owned and operated by Mike and Martha Borchetta, pushed Heartland’s debut single, “I Loved Her First,” to No. 1 in only 17 weeks. Nearly 20 years later, Herb Graham of Graham Artist Management has presented the band with Platinum plaques for the same song.

“It’s remarkable that our song continues to be the wedding song for so many families. What we created as a band and what Mike and Herb did as a team was just undeniable,” says Jason Albert, lead singer for Heartland. “We are back and making new music, so who knows what the next chapter will bring, however, we shall celebrate this victory with pride.”

“Incredible is all I know to say!” says Mike. “Every year, we re-release the song to radio, just in time for wedding season, and people still love it. It’s a song that will never fade away, and I am sure glad about that.”

 

 

CMA Foundation & ABC Donate $60,000 to Music Education Programs

During the American Idol finale on May 19, the CMA Foundation, together with ABC, donated a total of $60,000 to three music education programs. The funds were distributed by the three finalists in visits to their hometowns, each receiving $20,000

Jack Blocker, Abi Carter and Will Moseley surprised Texas Music Project in Dallas, Texas, Tools for Tomorrow in Indio, California and Pride of the Pinewoods Band in Hazlehurst, Georgia, respectively with the gifts.

“It truly warms my heart to know how passionate each of this year’s finalists are about the power of music education,” says Tiffany Kerns, CMA Foundation Executive Director. “Abi, Jack and Will each have a personal connection to music education, and we are beyond grateful for each of them shining a light on the importance of music in children’s lives. We work every single day to ensure that our young people have access to participate in music education, and to do that, it takes partners across the country to prioritize what we consider an essential subject for students.”

Later this week, the CMA Foundation will debut a case study on arts and music education in Tennessee school districts. This study is part of ongoing efforts since 2011 to support music educators in creating programs. Additional initiatives include Music Teachers of Excellence grants, professional development, virtual field trips, digital series for students, and grants for music education organizations.

 

 

We Should Write Sometime Adds Three To Advisory Board

 

We Should Write Sometime, the app aimed at connecting songwriters globally, has added Craig Campbell, Randall Foster and Lance Goodman to its advisory board.

“As an artist and songwriter, I understand firsthand the importance of empowering creators in today’s music industry. WSWS’s dedication to connecting songwriters and fostering their success resonates with me,” explains Campbell. “It’s exactly what this industry needs, and I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to contribute on that front. The entrepreneurial spirit behind WSWS aligns perfectly with my values, and I believe in their vision for the future of songwriting.”

“Having spent years in the music industry, I’m constantly drawn to innovation that empowers creators. WSWS, at the intersection of technology and music creators, is exactly that. My background makes me excited to contribute to WSWS’s vision. I can’t wait to collaborate with the team and be a part of something that fuels the success of songwriters and creatives Everywhere,” Foster adds.

Goodman shares, “I am thrilled to join the WSWS advisory board. My experience in the music tech and startup sectors has shown me the immense potential for technology to revolutionize the music industry. WSWS is at the forefront of this change, and I look forward to helping shape its future and support the incredible community of songwriters it serves.”

Hannah Kerr plans to share her sophomore project, As I Am, on Aug. 30. The Curb Records artist recently gave listeners a taste of the album with the release of track “Church Hurt.”

As I Am marks the full-length follow-up to Kerr’s 2016 debut project, Overflow. This new body of work finds her wrestling with her insecurities in the light of grace and leaning on her faith in the wake of uncertainty. Kerr co-wrote each of the album’s 14 songs, including the lead single “Changed” as well as “If I Were You” and “Church Hurt.”

With “Church Hurt,” she pens a letter of apology filled with confessions and questions. Kerr penned the single alongside Tommy Iceland and Cindy Morgan.

Additionally, the singer-songwriter has been sharing the stage with Big Daddy Weave on their “Heaven Changes Everything Tour.”

As I Am Track Listing:

1. “As I Am”
2. “Jesus Is Why”
3. “If I Were You”
4. “Changed”
5. “Everything I Need”
6. “Fear Not”
7. “I Won’t”
8. “One Day Away”
9. “Church Hurt”
10. “No Conditions”
11. “The Things I Don’t Know”
12. “Pray On It”
13. “Same God”
14. “Your Love Is Everywhere”