Brown Sellers Brown Reveals Restructure & New Hires

Pictured (L-R): Hannah Kennedy, Jessica Crans

Brown Sellers Brown Management has revealed a restructuring of its core business operations alongside its affiliated imprints, Stone Country Records and Quartz Hill Records.

Paul Brown, Managing Partner of Brown Sellers and Brown Sellers Management, emphasized the need to adapt their business alongside the industry, saying, “As we continue to grow our companies, there is a constant need to adjust and align our services to better support our streaming and radio partners, and to give our artists the best possible chance of success. As our industry continues to evolve, it is imperative that we evolve with it.”

Bolstering that statement, Brown welcomed two new hires to the company, Jessica Crans as Director of Social Media Marketing and Hannah Kennedy as Manager of Social Media Marketing. Crans and Kennedy bring a wealth of experience and passion to the company. Prior to joining Brown Sellers Brown, Crans occupied roles at BBR Music Group, The Bobby Bones Show and with Canadian country star Lindsay Ell. Kennedy is a recent High Point University graduate with a passion for social media and digital marketing.

Amidst these changes and upcoming additions to the company’s Digital Service Relations and Day-to-Day Artist Support departments, veteran radio executives Kerry Wolfe and Matt Galvin have left the company.

“We so appreciate all that Matt and Kerry have brought to our radio promotions department at Stone Country Records over the past couple of years. Their knowledge and talents in the world of radio promotion are unmatched. We currently have no plans to fill their positions,” said Brown.

Quartz Hill’s roster includes three-time Grammy nominee Joe Nichols, husband and wife duo Thompson Square, all female trio Runaway June and up-and-comer Nate Barnes.

Stone Country Records’ roster includes neotraditional country crooner Easton Corbin, new signing Dusty Black and up-and-comers Ben Gallaher and Annie Bosko.

Thomas Archer Signs With Combustion Music

Pictured (L-R): Combustion Music’s Blake Duncan, Falcon, Chris Farren, Thomas Archer, Combustion Music’s Keithan Melton and Kelly Lyons. Photo: Payton Smith

Multi-Platinum songwriter Thomas Archer has signed an exclusive publishing deal with Combustion Music.

Archer moved to Nashville in 2012, and scored his first No. 1 with Luke Combs‘ nine-time Platinum “Hurricane.” His other hits include Walker Hayes‘ double-Platinum “You Broke Up With Me,” Combs’ “Lovin’ On You,” Jason Aldean’s “Got What I Got” and more. He has also had cuts with Morgan Wallen, Mitchell Tenpenny, George Birge and Parmalee, among others, and co-wrote Dillon Carmichael‘s “Drinkin’ Problems” and Corey Kent‘s “This Heart.”

“Thomas is a force. Super excited to put our talents together and win,” says Combustion Music Founder & President Chris Farren.

Combustion Music General Manager Keithan Melton states, “Thomas has long established himself as one of the best songwriters in Nashville. His work ethic and passion for what he does is contagious, and we are thrilled to add him to our roster. We look forward to what we can accomplish together.”

“I’m excited to have the opportunity to work with the Combustion team and look forward to the songs we collaborate on,” shares Archer.

Industry Ink: Kane Brown, Chris Young, Evie

Kane Brown Kicks Off ‘In The Air’ Tour With Sold Out Weekend

Pictured (L-R): Rich Schaefer (President Global Touring, AEG), Martha Earls (Owner Neon Coast/Kane Brown Manager) Kane Brown, Braeden Rountree (Partner, WME). Photo: Julian Otavo

Country star Kane Brown kicked off his “In The Air Tour” this past weekend with sold-out shows in Charlottesville, Virginia; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and Newark, New Jersey.

The tour will hit more cities including Toronto, Las Vegas, Atlanta and more before wrapping in Arlington, Texas at Globe Life Field on Sept. 14. Brown will play five major stadium shows during the trek, returning to Fenway Park in Boston, where he made history last year as the first Black artist to sell out a headlining show in the venue’s 100-plus year history.   

 

Chris Young Celebrates Album Release In Nashville

Pictured (L-R): Sony Music Nashville’s Paige Altone, Dennis Reese, Ken Robold, Tracy Fleaner, Chris Young, Steven Hodges, Kailyn Finnegan (Red Light Management), Caryl Atwood, Jen Way, Liz Cost, Fred Rubenstein, Randy Goodman. Photo: Moncell Allen

Multi-Platinum star Chris Young celebrated the release of his new album Young Love & Saturday Nights last week at the Twelve Thirty Club in Nashville. Young performed some tracks off the record surrounded by fans, friends and family.

Sony Music Nashville also surprised Young during the event with new RIAA certifications, including a plaque for his album A.M. (Platinum) and hit singles “I’m Comin’ Over” (four-times Platinum), “Tomorrow” (three-times Platinum), “Aw Naw” (double Platinum), “Who I Am With You” (double Platinum), “Losing Sleep” (double Platinum) and “Sober Saturday Night” (Platinum).

 

Evie Signs With The Familie For Global Management Representation

Singer and actress Evie has signed with The Familie for global management representation. Her debut singles “The Deep End” and “Last Call” blend pop with the narrative depth of country. She also has appeared in the show Almost Popular. 

“We are thrilled to announced Evie has joined our familie,” shares Steve Astephen, CEO. “Our comprehensive journey to this partnership allowed us the privilege to truly connect with Evie and her family, revealing her as the epitome of talent and appeal. She posses a unique blend of musical aptitude, marketability, and a captivating personality – traits we value highly. As Evie embarks on her journey as a singer, songwriter, and actress, we are excited to support her growth and witness her flourish to her full potential. We’re proud to be part of her journey.”

Travis Daily Named Brand & Content Manager For Two Cumulus Nashville Country Stations

Travis Daily

Travis Daily has been named Brand & Content Manager for two Cumulus Media country stations in Nashville, 103.3 Country/WKDF-FM and 95.5 Nash Icon/WSM-FM, effective May 1.

Daily will join the Nashville stations after two years as Program Director for Cumulus Media’s 93.3 The Bull/KUBL-FM in Salt Lake City. He previously served as Operations Manager/Program Director for Beasley Media Group’s 99.5 WQYK-FM in Tampa, and spent 17 years at Clear Channel Communications/iHeartRadio, where he was Senior Vice President, Programming for the company’s Sarasota and Tampa clusters. Daily was also Operations Manager/Program Director/Morning Host at Y96.9/KCCY-FM in Pueblo/Colorado Springs, and launched US 103.5/WFUS-FM in Tampa.

“In short order, Travis Daily proved himself to be the ideal turnaround specialist for our KBUL-FM, Salt Lake City,” says Brian Philips, Chief Content Officer, Cumulus Media. “He has demonstrated the crafty intellect and steady instincts to completely reshape KBUL. With great confidence, we welcome Travis to Nashville’s No. 1 country station, WKDF, and to WSM-FM.”

“We are thrilled to welcome Travis Daily as Brand & Content Manager of Cumulus Nashville’s two esteemed country stations. WKDF-FM and WSM-FM have a rich history and a passionate audience, and are at the heart of Music City, where country music thrives,” adds Allison Warren, Vice President/Market Manager, Cumulus Nashville. “Travis brings a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the country music landscape. His innovative approach, strategic vision and unwavering dedication will undoubtedly shape the future of our stations. We are confident that his leadership will foster creativity, engagement and community.”

“I have spent my entire career in country radio and Nashville has always been my No. 1 bucket list market,” says Daily. “I want to thank Allison Warren, Brian Philips and John Dimick for having faith in me to lead WKDF and WSM-FM into the future. Whoever the next PD of KUBL in Salt Lake City is, they will have the same privilege I had of working with Pat Reedy and Chris Hoffman, two of the best ever.”

Filmore Signs With Pitbull’s Mr. 305 Records

Pictured (L-R): Gus Chancy (Victory Entertainment) Filmore, Pitbull, Chris Perkins (Victory Entertainment), Robert Fernandez (Mr 305 Records)

Country artist Filmore has signed with international music icon Pitbull‘s Mr. 305 Records.

With over 245 million career streams with songs such as “Slower,” “Love That About You” and “Nothing’s Better,” Filmore caught the multi-Platinum entertainer’s eye. Pitbull, who is known for his global influence, was impressed by Filmore’s ability to blend country roots with a contemporary flair.

Mr. 305 Records released Filmore’s debut single with the label, “If I Was You,” to acclaim. His upcoming single “South On Me,” which is described as a fusion of country charm with a Latin spice, is set to release on April 12.

Details Revealed For Music Health Alliance’s Third Annual ‘Coulda Shoulda Woulda’ Event

Music Health Alliance (MHA) has released the details for its third annual “Coulda Shoulda Woulda” benefit. This year’s event will be held on April 23 at Cannery Hall.

The fundraising event benefiting MHA will feature Ashley McBryde, Vince Gill, Natalie Hemby and Aaron Raitiere.

Grammy winner Liz Rose, a MHA Board member, came up with the “Coulda Shoulda Woulda” event as a spin on a traditional writers round where attendees can experience unreleased songs and the ones that got away, the “coulda, shoulda, woulda” songs from some of Nashville’s biggest artists and songwriters.

“We have a few tables left for ‘Coulda Shoulda Woulda,’ and I promise you will not want to have FOMO when you hear about this incredible night of music,” shares Tatum Allsep, MHA Founder & CEO. “We’re honored to have the brilliant and talented Ashley McBryde, Vince Gill, Natalie Hemby and Aaron Raitiere, as well as the generous support of our sponsors and table hosts. Together, we will ensure that no one in the music industry will have to face the agonizing decision between putting food on the table and affording life-saving medication. This night makes a difference in the lives of those who make the music we love!”

Founded in 2013, MHA has given free advocacy and support to nearly 25,000 music industry professionals, saving clients and their families over $127 million in healthcare costs. 86 percent of all dollars donated go directly to MHA’s programs and services. Every one-dollar donation equals $30 in life-saving healthcare resources to help #HealTheMusic.

Services provided by MHA include assistance with medical bills, physical and mental health guidance, finding doctors and prescription medicine, searching for financial grants to aid in recovery from health issues, affordable health insurance and answers to Medicare questions.

Click here to learn more about table sponsorships or email Laura Crowell to reserve a table.

RIAA Elevates Michele Ballantyne To President & COO

Michele Ballantyne. Photo: Courtesy of RIAA

The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) has promoted Michele Ballantyne to President. She will also continue to serve as COO, running daily operations and managing the 56-employee team.

Serving on the executive leadership team alongside Chairman & CEO Mitch Glazier, Ballantyne spearheads daily operations and represents RIAA at a wide range of policy and industry events. She began her tenure with the organization in 2004 and was appointed to COO in 2019.

“As a music fan who’s also had a front row seat to the Washington policymaking, I’m grateful to spend my days connecting these communities—helping them understand and work with each other. This expanded role leading RIAA alongside Mitch will allow us to continue fighting for a diverse industry that innovates, creates and thrives,” Ballantyne shares. “Music has always had the power to shift perspectives and drive culture forward. I look forward to what our label partners and talented artists dream up next—and we will be here to champion it!”

“Michele and I have had the privilege of guiding RIAA and supporting our member companies through amazing celebrations and challenges in the industry,” says Glazier. “I am grateful for her remarkable leadership and genuine care for people. Our playlists may not always be in sync, but our determination for a thriving and equitable community for music creators is.”

Kacey Musgraves Jumps Into Top Four On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart

Kacey Musgraves. Photo: Kelly Christine Sutton.

Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Kacey Musgraves jumps 12 spots to No. 4 this week on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart. “Deeper Well,” “Too Good To Be True,” “Cardinal” and “The Architect,” all from her new album Deeper Well, as well as her collaboration with Zach Bryan “I Remember Everything,” earns Musgraves the No. 4 spot this week.

The solo-penned “23” helps Chayce Beckham claim the No. 1 spot for the second consecutive week. Ashley Gorley sits at No. 2 this week with “World On Fire,” “Young Love & Saturday Nights,” “Last Night,” “Thinkin’ Bout Me,” “Truck Bed,” “Bulletproof” and “This Town’s Been Too Good To Us.”

Hunter Phelps (No. 3) and Tracy Chapman (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.

Chris Tomlin’s Eighth Annual ‘Good Friday Nashville’ Sells Out Bridgestone Arena

Chris Tomlin performs during his sold-out eighth annual “Good Friday Nashville” concert at Bridgestone Arena. Photo: Scott Parker

Chris Tomlin’s “Good Friday Nashville” became the largest ticketed Christian concert at Bridgestone Arena for the third time on Friday night (March 29), with the eighth annual concert notching a sold-out attendance of 15,889.

This year’s event featured  Lainey WilsonCody Carnes, Duck Dynasty’s Willie Robertson, Kari Jobe and Anne Wilson. Production modifications were made to add more seats earlier this month to accommodate demand.

“All over the Earth this past weekend, the church gathered to remember the cross and to celebrate the hope of the resurrection… life over death,” says Tomlin. “Thank you to everyone who joined us for ‘Good Friday Nashville’ locally and to those who joined us digitally worldwide. Thank you to the large team who made this record-breaking night happen. To Anne Wilson, Kari Jobe, Lainey Wilson, Cody Carnes and Willie Robertson thank YOU for giving your time and talents to make ‘Good Friday Nashville’ an impactful night of worship and remembering. God was truly present.”

Ahead of the concert, the artist released his new project Live From Good Friday as well as his new book How Great is Our God: Living a Worship-Led Life in a Me-Driven World. He also served as a guest co-host on KLOVE Radio every morning last week, and made an appearance on The Bobby Bones Show and Apple Music’s Country Faith Radio with Tyler Hubbard and Ashley Gorley. Additionally, Tomlin the first-ever artist to take over Amazon’s Praise & Worship station.

During the event, Tomlin announced that tickets for next year’s “Good Friday Nashville” were available, which led to more than 50 percent of the tickets selling over the weekend. “Good Friday Nashville” is also the longest-running annual charity-related concert at Bridgestone Arena, as it continues to benefit the foster care and adoption crisis through Tomlin and his wife Lauren‘s nonprofit organization, For Others.

Chayce Beckham Earns First No. 1 At Country Radio

Chayce Beckham has scored his first No. 1 hit on both the Billboard Country Airplay and Mediabase Country charts with “23,” his solo-written, Platinum-certified smash.

The track has garnered over 391 million total global on-demand streams and more than 10 million YouTube views. It appears on Beckham’s anticipated debut album, Bad For Me, which arrives this Friday (April 5) via 19 Recordings/Wheelhouse Records/BMG.

“I still can’t believe or process ’23’ is No. 1 at country radio,” says Beckham. “I wrote this song when I had nothing to my name. Fast forwarding to now, to living out my dream, I just feel so blessed. I want to shake every single person’s hand that made this possible—thank you.”

According to Billboard, the song is the first Country Airplay No. 1 written by a single person since Luke Combs’ cover of Tracy Chapman’s “Fast Car” hit the top of the charts last year. Additionally, prior to Beckham’s “23,” the last Country Airplay No. 1 solely-written by the songwriter who also recorded it was Taylor Swift’s “Ours” in 2012.