MusicRow’s 2024 Rising Women On The Row Gathers Community In Fellowship

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Kerri Edwards speaking at MusicRow‘s 11th annual Rising Women on the Row event. Photo: Ed Rode

MusicRow Magazine staged its 11th annual Rising Women on the Row breakfast on Tuesday (March 19), honoring its 2024 class of Tiffany Kerns, Taylor Lindsey, Sloane Cavitt Logue, Halie Hampton Mosley, Melissa Spillman and Candice Watkins.

Leslie Fram speaking at MusicRow‘s 11th annual Rising Women on the Row event. Photo: Ed Rode

With over 600 Nashville music business members filling the Omni Nashville Hotel, City National Bank, CMT Next Women of Country and Loeb & Loeb served as Presenting Sponsors for the beloved event.

Industry veteran Kerri Edwards shared wisdom as the featured speaker for the function. The prominent manager and Founder/President of KP Entertainment was interviewed by MusicRow Owner/Publisher Sherod Robertson. The two spoke about what drives Edwards and her feelings about the strength of our community.

Presented by CMT Next Women of Country, singer-songwriter Carter Faith was this year’s special performer. CMT’s Leslie Fram introduced the talented singer, who was part of CMT’s 2023 Next Women of Country class, a franchise that has given a platform to 125 female acts throughout its 10-year history.

Faith performed a new tune, “Late Bloomer,” which she will release tomorrow (March 22).

The 2024 Rising Women on the Row breakfast was full of fellowship, support and love from all who were in the room. Read a full recap of the event here.

Rising Women on the Row. Photo: Ed Rode

Rising Women on the Row. Photo: Ed Rode

Rising Women on the Row. Photo: Ed Rode

Rising Women on the Row. Photo: Courtesy of Halie Hampton Mosley

Rising Women on the Row. Photo: Ed Rode

Rising Women on the Row. Photo: Ed Rode

Rising Women on the Row. Photo: Ed Rode

Rising Women on the Row. Photo: Ed Rode

JUST IN: ELVIS Act Is Signed Into Law

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Pictured (L-R): House Majority Leader William Lamberth (R-44), Luke Bryan, Governor Bill Lee, Chris Janson, RIAA CEO/Chairman Mitch Glazier & State Senate Majority Leader Jack Johnson (R-27). Photo: Getty Images for Human Artistry Campaign

Just months since its introduction on Jan. 10, the bipartisan Ensuring Likeness Voice and Image Security (ELVIS) Act was signed into law today (March 21) by Tennessee Governor Bill Lee at lower Broadway honky-tonk Robert’s Western World in Nashville.

The ELVIS Act establishes protections for every person’s unique voice and likeness against unauthorized artificial intelligence (AI) deepfakes and voice clones. The act will officially go into effect on July 1 and will update the state’s existing right of publicity to address these fundamental human protections.

Pictured (L-R): Wendy Morten, House Majority Leader William Lamberth (R-44), Drew Baldridge, Governor Bill Lee, Natalie Grant, RIAA CEO/Chairman Mitch Glazier, Harper Grace, Matt Maher, Tennessee Entertainment Commission Chair Gebre Waddell & Recording Academy Chief Advocacy & Public Policy Officer Todd Dupler. Photo: Getty Images for Human Artistry Campaign

“Fittingly named after one of the world’s most iconic voices, the ELVIS Act marks a history-defining moment—protecting us all from irresponsible and unethical AI. The Human Artistry Campaign applauds this strong, bipartisan effort to stop unauthorized AI-generated deepfakes and voice clones that steal essential parts of our individuality,” shared Dr. Moiya McTier, Human Artistry Campaign Senior Advisor. “The life’s work and irreplaceable contributions of the creative community to our culture deserve safeguards that allow AI technology to be used responsibly without violating anyone’s rights or appropriating their art.”

“From Beale Street to Broadway, to Bristol and beyond, Tennessee is known for our rich artistic heritage that tells the story of our great state. As the technology landscape evolves with artificial intelligence, I thank the General Assembly for its partnership in creating legal protection for our best-in-class artists and songwriters,” said Governor Lee.

Several Nashville artists were in attendance to celebrate the signing of the ELVIS Act, including Luke Bryan, Chris Janson, Natalie Grant, Bernie Herms, Matt Maher, Maggie Rose, Wendy Moten, Drew Baldridge, Harper Grace and more.

Luke Bryan speaks about the ELVIS Act. Photo: Getty Images for Human Artistry Campaign

“What an amazing precedent to set for the state of Tennessee,” Bryan shared with the crowd of music makers and executives. “The leaders of this are showing artists who are moving here following their dreams that our state protects what we work so hard for, and I personally want to thank all of our legislators and people who made this bill happen. It’s hard to wrap your head around what is going on with AI, but I know the ELVIS Act will help protect our voices.”

Janson shared, “It’s a pleasure to be here today. If it weren’t for moving to this town and busking up and down the street begging for a gig, I would not be where I am today. It takes real leadership, and it takes a real team coming together to protect us. I came here wanting a voice, wanting to be heard and to sing in a Lower Broadway honkytonk. Do you know what that means to a kid from the Midwest or South Florida or all of these other cities around the world? It means they made it, and now we need to protect our voices from AI-generated deepfakes using our voices, our dreams. I love what I do, I’m so grateful for my job, and I’m grateful for leadership who cares. Thank you for passing the ELVIS Act today.”

State Senate Majority Leader Jack Johnson (R-27) and House Majority Leader William Lamberth (R-44) shepherded the ELVIS Act to unanimous General Assembly passage (93-0 vote in the House of Representatives and 30-0 in the Senate). Throughout the process, country artist Lindsay Ell, five-time Dove Awards Female Vocalist of the Year Natalie Grant, BMI Awards-winning songwriter/producer/Evanescence co-founder David Hodges, nine-time Grammy Awards-nominated Contemporary Christian artist Matt Maher, singer/actor/author Chrissy Metz, hit songwriter/NSAI Board Member Jamie Moore, RIAA SVP of Public Policy Jessie Richard and legendary Christian artist Michael W. Smith spoke to the potential harms of unchecked AI deepfakes and voice clones.

Many music advocacy organizations have applauded Lee’s signing of the ELVIS Act, including A2IM, ARA, BMAC, MAC, NSAI, NMPA, the Recording Academy, RIAA, SAG-AFTRA and SONA, all of which are members of the Human Artistry Campaign.

Music Community Commemorates Dylan Scott’s ‘Can’t Have Mine (Find You A Girl)’

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Pictured (L-R, back row): ASCAP’s Mike Sistad, BMI’s MaryAnn Keen, Curb Records’ RJ Meacham and SESAC’s Lydia Schultz Cahill; (L-R, front row): Josh Melton, Dallas Wilson, Dylan Scott and Matt Alderman. Photo: Larry McCormack for ASCAP

ASCAP, BMI and SESAC hosted a celebration at Nashville’s Cannery Hall on Tuesday (March 19) to commemorate Dylan Scott‘s No. 1 “Can’t Have Mine (Find You A Girl)” alongside fellow music community members, friends and family.

Pictured (L-R): Josh Melton, Dallas Wilson, Dylan Scott, Scott’s daughter Finley, Scott’s son Barron, Scott’s son Beckett, Scott’s wife Blair and Matt Alderman. Photo: Larry McCormack for ASCAP

“Can’t Have Mine (Find You A Girl)” is featured on Scott’s Livin’ My Best Life album, and marks his fourth chart-topper. The Curb Records artist wrote the Platinum-certified track, which has collected 285 million streams, with Josh Melton, Dallas Wilson and its producer Matt Alderman.

ASCAP’s Vice President of Nashville Membership Mike Sistad; BMI’s Director, Creative MaryAnn Keen; SESAC’s Senior Director, Creative Services Lydia Schultz Cahill; Curb Records’ VP, Country & Creative Colt Murski; Ebach Entertainment’s GM & Owner Janine Ebach; Riser House’s Director of Publishing & A&R Kirby Smith; and UMPG Nashville’s Senior Creative Director Missy Roberts all shared anecdotes, accolades and words of thanks with the creative team behind the smash hit.

Scott will release Livin’ My Best Life (Still), a deluxe edition of the project, next Friday (March 29) before joining Cole Swindell on his “Win The Night Tour” in May.

Sarah Scales Joins Activist Artists Management As Senior Director Of Digital [Exclusive]

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Sarah Scales

Sarah Scales has joined Activist Artists Management as Senior Director of Digital.

Based in the firm’s Nashville office, Scales is responsible for creating and implementing digital marketing strategies for its roster, including The Pretty Reckless, Empire of the Sun, The Lumineers, Brittney Spencer, Leif Vollebekk and more.

She is a graduate of Baylor University, and got her start in the music industry interning at Capitol Christian Music Group (CCMG) in Nashville. Scales previously spent six years building and executing promotional campaigns for global brands and artists. During her time with Marbaloo Marketing, she led teams for clients such as Dolly Parton in addition to the ACM Awards and Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival. While at Q Management Group, Scales handled day-to-day artist management duties as well as facilitated digital marketing initiatives.

“Sarah’s experience and expertise overseeing successful digital campaigns for both emerging artists and icons makes her a perfect fit to further service our roster,” says Matt Maher, Founding Partner, Activist Artists Management. “We are thrilled to welcome her to our team.”

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Willie Nelson Creates An ‘Audio Wonderland’

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Willie Nelson. Photo: Pamela Springsteen.

You would be forgiven if you dozed off during this listening session.

Dreamy, wafting ballads are being offered by Kacey Musgraves, Ashlie Amber and Cyndi Thomson. But wake up for the slow meditation by Kenny Chesney, which is a beautifully written and performed song of real substance.

On the upbeat side of things, don’t miss the tempo tunes from Kane Brown, Brothers Osborne and Sierra Ferrell. These are all worth your attention.

Rising above them all is the old master, Willie Nelson. His delivery of a brilliant Rodney Crowell song is our Disc of the Day.

The Secret Sisters have been making records since 2010, and have generally been embraced as an Americana act. Their debut appearance in this column signifies that they belong in mainstream country, too. Give Laura Rogers and Lydia Rogers Slagle a DISCovery Award.

HAILEY WHITTERS & BEN RECTOR / “Color Up My World”
Writers: Austin Goodloe/Ben Rector/Brett Tyler; Producers: Ben Rector/Austin Goodloe; Label: OK Kid Recordings, LLC
– Completely country and totally joyous. The banjo-fiddle production had me smiling from ear to ear, and their hillbilly harmonies tickled me with delight.

WILLIE NELSON / “The Border”
Writers: Allen Shamblin/Rodney Crowell; Producer: Buddy Cannon; Label: Legacy Recordings
– This vivid word portrait of a border patrol worker paints a picture encompassing the suffering of migrants, the dangers of policing, and the evil profiteering of smugglers. Nelson’s weathered tenor vocal is a marvel of shaded emotions, and the rippling guitars in Latin rhythm are an audio wonderland.

THE SECRET SISTERS / “Paperweight”
Writers: Lydia Slagle/Kate York; Producers: Ben Tanner/John Paul White; Label: New West Records
– A little twang, a little rockabilly, a little Everly harmony singing, and a whole lot of pleasure. A breezy, toe-tapping blast. If you aren’t hip to these gals, I suggest a binge-listening session with their music ASAP.

BROTHERS OSBORNE / “Break Mine”
Writers: John Osborne/TJ Osborne/Pete Good/Shane McAnally; Producer: Mike Elizondo; Label: EMI Nashville
– A rumbling freight train of romance beckons. Climb aboard and enjoy the ride.

CYNDI THOMSON / “The Georgia In Me”
Writers: Cyndi Thomson/Paul Sikes; Producer: Paul Sikes; Label: County Line Entertainment
– She sings of “back home roots that run real deep” in this nostalgic, comeback ballad. It might be a bit too mellow for radio playlists.

KENNY CHESNEY / “Wherever You Are Tonight”
Writers: Gary Burr/Mike Reid; Producers: Buddy Cannon/Kenny Chesney; Label: Blue Chair Records/Warner Music Nashville
– “We go, but never leave,” he sings. This contemplative piano ballad reflects on those we’ve lost, maintaining that although they have passed on, they remain alive in our hearts. “You’re not gone, just out of sight/You’re here with me, wherever you are tonight.” Very touching. An end-of-life anthem that will endure.

SIERRA FERRELL / “American Dreaming”
Writers: Melody Walker/Sierra Ferrell; Producer: Eddie Spear; Label: Rounder
– This is the lead-off song/single/video of her Trail of Flowers album, which drops this week. Ferrell celebrated it with back-to-back Ryman shows that launched her 2024 tour. The song is a hooky ode for a wandering troubadour, delivered in a world-weary voice of intimacy, tenderness, and toughness. Effortlessly charismatic. Have I mentioned that I am a major, major fan of this lady?

KANE BROWN / “Fiddle In The Band”
Writers: Gabe Foust/Jordan Walker/Kane Brown/Russell Sutton; Producer: Dann Huff; Label: RCA Records Nashville
– Brown rocks out on this flaming barn burner. Guitars grind, drums pound and fiddles scream as he drawls the tune.

ASHLIE AMBER / “Keep You Around”
Writers: Jane Bach/Cheyanne Cope/Douglas Romanow; Producer: Victor Wilson; Label: AA
– Floating on soft gusts of sound as her breathy soprano spins a mood of romance. A promising disc debut from our latest Black country contestant.

TYLER HUBBARD / “Vegas”
Writers: Andy Albert/Tyler Hubbard/Jordan Schmidt; Producers: Jordan Schmidt/Tyler Hubbard; Label: EMI Nashville
– He’s ready to say “I do” in Las Vegas pronto. Is she? The busy, “rushing” production clutters the sound but also drives the vibe forward.

GRAHAM BARHAM / “Bayou Boy”
Writers: Will Bundy/Beau Bailey/Graham Barham; Producer: Will Bundy; Label: Sony Music Nashville
– It’s all about the attitude, in this case some swampy, bluesy tenor wailing with a dash of hillbilly pride. Nice backbeats.

KACEY MUSGRAVES / “Too Good To Be True”
Writers: Anna Nalick/Daniel Tashian/Ian Fitchuk/Kacey Musgraves; Producers: Daniel Tashian/Ian Fitchuk/Kacey Musgraves; Label: Interscope Records/MCA Nashville
– A very pretty, pristine production anchored by acoustic-guitar plucking showcases her gentle, whispered vocal. Chill easy listening.

Scoot Teasley Inks With Prescription Songs

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Scoot Teasley

Singer-songwriter Scoot Teasley has signed a publishing deal with Prescription Songs.

Born and raised in Toccoa, Georgia, Teasley initially found his groove behind the drum kit and in the church pews, fostering a lifelong love of music. Drawing inspiration from artists such as Chris Stapleton and Tyler Childers, he released his debut single, the emotionally charged “Let Me Move On” in 2022. Another single, “The Chop,” helped solidify his presence in the music scene as it became an anthem for the Braves baseball team.

Teasley’s new Country Back EP, produced by Chris Utley, includes tracks co-written with Dave Brainard, Garrett Jacobs, Ben Snelling, Jon Stark, Mason Thornley and more. The project’s leadoff single “This Truck Still Misses You” has proved to be a fan-favorite.

“Being from North Georgia as well, the moment I heard Scoot’s music I knew how authentic and real his storytelling is,” says Prescription Songs’ Hannah Montgomery Bay-Schuck. “His appreciation for country music mixed with his love for expanding genres immediately connected with me and the ethos at Prescription. We don’t put any of our artists/writers in a box creatively and Scoot is no exception coming in with the variety of influences you hear in his music. We are so excited for Scoot to be a part of the family!!”

“I knew from the very start that Rx was centered around the idea of being a family,” shares Teasley. “From the very beginning I felt welcomed and accepted. Growing up my life was centered around family, so I knew Rx was the perfect fit for me. I can’t wait to grow as a writer with this amazing group and continue to create music intentionally and boldly with them.”

“From that initial call, the passion from Hannah was clear,” added Teasley’s management team, Ashley Van Nuck and Kailyn Finnegan at Red Light Management. “Meeting Katie and the Rx team, everything simply clicked into place and they’ve been nothing short of welcoming to Scoot. We have full confidence that Scoot’s music will not only thrive but also resonate deeply as he ventures into the next chapter of his writing career. This achievement is a shining testament to Scoot’s talent, and we couldn’t be more proud of what lies ahead for him and the dedicated team supporting him.”

RIAA Celebrates Brett Young’s Diamond-Certified ‘In Case You Didn’t Know’

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Pictured (L-R): Otter Creek Entertainment’s JT Pratt, Haley McLemore, Big Machine Label Group’s Scott Borchetta, RIAA’s Erin D. D. Burr, Otter Creek Entertainment’s Van Haze, RIAA’s Morna Willens, Brett Young, RIAA’s Jackie Jones and Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment’s Jimmy Harnen. Photo: Courtesy of Big Machine Label Group

The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) celebrated Brett Young‘s Diamond-certified hit “In Case You Didn’t Know” at Nashville’s Adventure Science Center on Tuesday night (March 19).

The milestone marks 10 million certified units in the United States, and makes “In Case You Didn’t Know” the ninth country single to achieve the feat in RIAA history.

“This has truly been the song that keeps on giving. As grateful as I am to this song, and what it is meant to my career, I’m even more grateful to all the people behind the scenes that works so hard to make sure it would be the successful,” expressed Young. “I think we all had high hopes, but never imagined this song earning an RIAA Diamond certification. Thank you to everybody that came out, and everybody that had a hand in all of the success.”

He performed the tune, which marks his 11th RIAA certification, as well as Platinum-certified “Lady” and current single “Dance With You” before accepting the Diamond honor in front of music industry friends, media, his wife Taylor and daughters Rowan and Presley.

“I will always remember the first time I heard this song–it was around two in the morning. Brett was in Mexico and sent me a rough demo. I must have listened to it about 40 times before I could finally fall back to sleep,” recalled Jimmy Harnen, Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment President & CEO. “It just felt like a massive hit from the very first listen!”

“‘In Case You Didn’t Know’ is truly one of those rare and extraordinary evergreen songs—it’s been seven years since its release and it continues to play and play, and reach new audiences for Brett,” shared Scott Borchetta, Big Machine Label Group Chairman & CEO. “It’s a testament to Brett’s songwriting ability and a shining jewel in his very robust and ever-expanding catalog.”

Charley Pride’s ‘Kiss An Angel Good Mornin’’ Inducted Into Grammy Hall Of Fame

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The late Charley Pride‘s “Kiss An Angel Good Mornin'” has been inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. The recording is part of the class of 2024, which also includes work by Wanda Jackson, The Doobie Brothers, Beuna Vista Social Club, De La Soul, Guns N’ Roses, Lauryn Hill and more.

The 10 inducted recordings will be honored at the Grammy museum’s first ever Grammy Hall of Fame Gala and concert on May 21 at the NOVO Theater in Los Angeles, California. These recordings were chosen due to their qualitative or historical significance.

The gala will include a red carpet and VIP reception on the Ray Charles terrace atop the Grammy Museum, and then a concert performance. The event will be produced by Ken Ehrlich, Executive Producer of the Grammy Awards, alongside Chantel Sausedo and Ron Basile. Producer and keyboardist Greg Phillinganes will lead the musical direction.

Ticket details and performers will be announced at a later date.

2024 Grammy Hall Of Fame Inducted Recordings:
3 Feet High And Rising – De La Soul (album)
Appetite For Destruction – Guns N’ Roses (album)
Buena Vista Social Club – Buena Vista Social Club (album)
The Miseducation Of Lauryn Hill– Lauryn Hill (album)
“I Feel Love” – Donna Summer (single)
“Kiss An Angel Good Mornin’” – Charley Pride (single)
“Let’s Have A Party” – Wanda Jackson (single)
“Ory’s Creole Trombone” – Kid Ory’s Creole Orchestra (single)
“What A Fool Believes” – The Doobie Brothers (single)
“You Don’t Miss Your Water” – William Bell (single)

Spirit Music Nashville/Fluid Music Revolution Signs Justin Halpin

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Pictured (L-R, back row): David Crow (Attorney, Milom Crow Kelley Beckett Shehan PLC), Brian Bradford (GM/VP of Admin, Spirit Music Nashville), Matt Cottingham (Attorney, Lewis Brisbois LLP), Justin Halpin, Derek Wells (VP of A&R and Production, Spirit Music Nashville) and Mike Fiorentino (Director of A&R/Production, Spirit Music Nashville); (L-R, front row): Leisl Eschbach (Attorney, Milom Crow Kelley Beckett Shehan PLC), Kennedy Murphy (Creative Coordinator, Spirit Music Nashville), Frank Rogers (Chief Creative Office, Spirit Music Group/CEO, Spirit Music Nashville), AJ Burton (VP of Fluid Music Revolution) and Andy Hodges (Creative Coordinator, Spirit Music Nashville).

Spirit Music Nashville/Fluid Music Revolution has signed songwriter and producer Justin Halpin to a worldwide publishing deal.

Halpin has written or collaborated on work that has been used in over 350 film, television, advertising and trailer placements. His music has been featured on streaming and network television outlets such as Showtime and HBO as well as projects for the NFL, NHL and MLB in addition to national ad campaigns for Chevrolet, among others.

Creating under the monikers Unions, First Time Thieves, Track Team Dropouts, Wilder Banks and UpUpUp, Halpin has also had songs recorded by major label artists in the United States, Canada, Europe and Australia.

“Justin’s knack for writing and performing songs for television/film/advertising is second to none,” says AJ Burton, Vice President, Spirit Music Nashville/Fluid Music Revolution. “His knowledge and relationships within the music industry are a welcomed asset here at Spirit/Fluid. Artists, songwriters, music supervisors and everyone in between all love working with him. It’s going to be an exciting next couple years as we level up his profile in mainstream country and beyond.”

“I couldn’t be more excited to join the Spirit/Fluid family and this incredible roster of talented artists and writers,” says Halpin. “Frank [Rogers] and AJ have built a talented and creative team that feels like the perfect partner for the next chapter of my career.”

Dawson Edwards Signs With Dream 3 Publishing & Kobalt

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Pictured (L-R): Kobalt’s Kevin Lane, Dream 3’s Emily Olson, Dawson Edwards, Dream 3’s Greg Hill and Laurel Kittleson-Cobb

Dawson Edwards has signed with Dream 3 Publishing in partnership with Kobalt.

The Rome, Georgia native has been singing since he was 14. He began building countertops immediately after high school in order to save enough money to move to Nashville. Once Edwards made his way to Music City, he worked graveyard shifts loading trucks for UPS so that he could write songs during the day.

In 2016, Edwards was selected to be a part of ASCAP’s GPS Project program, which helped him to make connections and led to his first publishing deal with BMG in 2017. His credits include songs recorded by Justin Moore, Kameron Marlowe, Heath Sanders, Trey Lewis and Colin Stough.

“We could not be more excited to get to be a part of Dawson’s next chapter,” says Emily Olson, Partner & Creative Director, Dream 3 Publishing. “His enthusiasm and energy is contagious and inspiring. The authenticity of his writing along with his passion for country music make him such an ideal fit to our roster.”

“From the day I met Emily, Laurel [Kittleson-Cobb] and Greg [Hill] at Dream 3,  I knew something felt different. It didn’t feel like your stereotypical Nashville meeting, it was just like old friends sitting around talking,” says Edwards. “One of the things I like the most at Dream 3 is having three people from three different sides of the music business all coming together with one main goal. I look forward to the years to come with Dream 3 and Kobalt.”