Ashley Gorley Tops This Week’s MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart

Ashley Gorley. Photo: Katie Kauss

Multi-award-winning songwriter Ashley Gorley has taken the No. 1 spot on MusicRow‘s Top Songwriter Chart for the fifth time this year. Gorley’s co-penned hits on the chart include “World On Fire,” “Young Love & Saturday Nights,” “Last Night,” “Thinkin’ Bout Me,” “Truck Bed,” “Bulletproof” and “This Town’s Been Too Good To Us.”

Chayce Beckham sits at No. 2 this week with solo-written “23.” The No. 3 spot belongs to Zach Bryan with “I Remember Everything” and “Hey Driver.”

Hunter Phelps (No. 4) and Tracy Chapman (No. 5) round out this week’s top 5.

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.

Randall King, Aaron Watson & Kevin Fowler Unite For West Texas Fire Relief Concert

Texas country mavericks Randall King, Aaron Watson and Kevin Fowler are teaming up to help victims of the devastating wildfires that have swept through west Texas with “The Panhandle Boys: West Texas Fire Relief Concert” at the Starlight Ranch in Amarillo on March 24.

The acoustic in-the-round event will allow attendees to experience heartfelt performances in a stripped-down, soulful setting and atmosphere of unity and support for the west Texas communities in need. The trio of artists, each deeply rooted in their love for the Texas Panhandle, have showcased their concern through the swift organization of this benefit, demonstrating the power of solidarity in times of need. Proceeds will benefit The Panhandle Disaster Relief Fund, and tickets are on sale now at PanHandleBoys.com.

“As the news broke about the wildfires raging across the panhandle, the place I was born and raised, I knew we had to do something to help. Amarillo is my hometown,” shares Fowler. “These are my people. I’m so excited to join forces with my fellow panhandle boys, Aaron Watson and Randall King to do what we can to help support all the families affected by these fires and the heroes out there on the front lines.”

“My heart goes out to my homeland,” adds King. “So many families, lives and ways of living have been affected by these fires and I want to do my part to help in the best way I know how. When Kevin reached out for this opportunity, I absolutely had to jump on the chance to help heal the panhandle through the power of music.”

“As devastating as all of this has been, it’s hard to not feel hopeless but for one night, we’re going to do our part to try and bring a smile to people’s faces,” says Watson. “I’m honored to be joining the boys for this incredible benefit and to raise money to try and help these families get back on their feet.”

For those unable to attend the concert but still eager to contribute, donations can be made directly to the Panhandle Disaster Relief Fund at PanHandleBoys.com.

Klare Essad Signs With Riser House Publishing

Pictured (L-R, back row): Brandon Perdue and Allison Pilotti; (L-R, front row): Klare Essad and Kirby Smith. Photo: Shannon Bradley

Klare Essad has signed an exclusive publishing agreement with Riser House Publishing.

Essad got her start in the Nashville music industry by working in the legal sphere for various record labels. With a longtime passion for songwriting, she became involved with Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) where she was introduced to artist Madeline Edwards. This led to them to collaborate and create “Hold My Horses,” the focus track on Edwards’ debut album Crashlanded.

“We are very pumped to welcome Klare Essad to the Riser House family,” says Kirby Mathews, Riser House Director of Publishing & A&R. “Klare’s talent and dedication are unmatched, and we are excited to officially add her to our roster. She brings strong and creative ideas and lyrics into the room, and it is an honor to work alongside her!”

“I’m thrilled to be working with Riser House,” says Essad. “Kirby, Brandon [Perdue], Allison [Pilotti] and the entire Riser House family have shown me so much support and I’m excited to see what we can accomplish together!”

Dusty Black Signs With Stone Country Records & Brown Sellers Brown

Pictured (L-R): Brown Sellers Brown’s Benny Brown, Dusty Black and Brown Sellers Brown’s April Rider and Jason Sellers. Photo: Courtesy of Brown Sellers Brown Management

Country newcomer Dusty Black has signed with Brown Sellers Brown and Stone Country Records for management and label representation.

Black was formerly the CEO of Black Tie Moving, and decided to make the transition to follow a dream deeply rooted in his family’s musical heritage, as his grandfather, Floyd Black “Junior, played for Johnny Cash. Born in Texas and raised in Memphis, his shift from the business world to the music stage was spurred by a promise to his late father. To-date, the aspiring artist has racked up over 10 million streams, and has opened for artists including Nelly, Gary LeVox, Jimmie Allen and Lauren Alaina.

“When Barry Williams told me about Dusty Black, I wasn’t looking for another artist, but as soon as I heard Dusty’s voice and his sound, I needed to meet him,” says Brown Sellers Brown Co-Owner Benny Brown. “After I met Dusty, after I got to know him, got to know his work ethic and the successes he’s had, I signed him on the spot.”

“Signing with Stone Country Records and working with Benny Brown is a dream come true,” shares Black. “Benny’s legacy in country music is unparalleled, and to have his belief in me and my music is both humbling and exhilarating. It’s a new chapter where I get to honor my roots and push the boundaries of what I can achieve as an artist. I’m excited to join this team of amazing people and talented artists.”

Chase Rice To Open Cocktail & Bourbon Lounge In Cleveland

Chase Rice’s I Hate Cowboys cocktail & bourbon lounge

Chase Rice will expand his hospitality ventures portfolio later this month with the opening of I Hate Cowboys, a cocktail and bourbon lounge adjacent to his popular Welcome to the Farm venue in the Flats East Bank entertainment district of Cleveland, Ohio.

Inside Chase Rice’s I Hate Cowboys cocktail & bourbon lounge

The 2,400 square foot establishment is set to open on March 16. Rice’s new venture is again in collaboration with Forward Hospitality Group, Rice’s partner for both the Cleveland location of Welcome to the Farm as well as a second iteration in St. Pete, Florida.

I Hate Cowboys takes its name from Rice’s popular song featured on his recent critically acclaimed album, I Hate Cowboys & All Dogs Go To Hell. The venue blends the rugged allure of a classic western-style bar with the refinement of a modern cocktail lounge.

Guests at I Hate Cowboys can expect a selection of rare bourbons and tequilas, alongside crafted cocktails and canned beers. The food menu features select items including a bison tartare, bone marrow, kale Caesar, a smash burger and the venue’s signature fried chicken.

“The I Hate Cowboys album honored the rebellious spirit of the American West that I fell in love with during my travels over the past few years, and this lounge concept felt like the perfect way to bring a celebration of that way of life to even more people,” says Rice, who again played an integral part of the design process for the venue. “We’ve had so much fun bringing my Tennessee Farm to y’all at Welcome to the Farm, and can’t wait to introduce this new space next door that represents another side of me.”

Inside Chase Rice’s I Hate Cowboys cocktail & bourbon lounge

Inside Chase Rice’s I Hate Cowboys cocktail & bourbon lounge

Sac Song & Wine Series To Return In May

The Sac Song & Wine Series will return to Miner’s Leap Winery in California for a second year starting May 17.

The series will take place once a month on Friday evenings through October, and bring writers from Nashville to share the stories behind some of country’s biggest hits.

The first show will feature songwriters Lee Thomas Miller and Wendell Mobley. Future shows will include performances by Scooter Carusoe, JT Hodges, D. Vincent Williams, Eric Paslay, Chris Lindsey, Aimee Mayo and more. Additional featured songwriters will be announced soon.

Tickets are on sale now. For more information, click here.

Sac Song & Wine Series Dates:
May 17 – Wendell Mobley & Lee Thomas Miller
June 21 – Scooter Carusoe & JT Hodges
Aug. 9 – D. Vincent Williams & TBA
Sept. 20 – Eric Paslay & TBA
Oct. 11 – Chris Lindsey & Aimee Mayo

Josh Montgomery Inks Publishing Deal With Warner Chappell Music

Pictured (L-R): Ben Vaughn (WCM), Josh Montgomery, Benji Amaefule (WCM)

Multi-genre songwriter and producer Josh Montgomery has signed a global publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music.

Montgomery has collaborated with artists across various genres including country, rock, pop and EDM. Collaborators include Jessie Murph, Tyler Halverson, Graham Barham, Jax and Dasha. Recently Montgomery contributed to the title track of Ashley Kutcher’s House On The Water album.

“I’ve been a fan of Josh’s music for years and can’t wait to see who he’ll collaborate with to shape the next generation of country music,” says Benji Amaefule, Manager, A&R, Warner Chappell Music.

“It is a tremendous honor and privilege to have a champion like Warner Chappell in my corner. I’m committed to serving the inspiring songwriters and artists that keep this amazing city running,” says Montgomery. 

Sarah Buxton Signs With SMACKSongs

Pictured (L-R): Robin Palmer, Carly Sater, Jeremy Groves, Sarah Buxton, Jim Landers, Lee Krabel and Sam Sarno

Songwriter Sarah Buxton has signed an exclusive publishing deal with SMACKSongs.

The Lawrence, Kansas native has established herself as a powerhouse songwriter over the last two decades with a catalog that includes chart-toppers such as “Stupid Boy” and “Put You In A Song” by Keith Urban, “Sundaze” by Florida Georgia Line, “Don’t Let Me Be Lonely” by The Band Perry and “Fix” by Chris Lane. Buxton joins SMACK after stints at Tom Leis Music, Big Loud Publishing and Downtown/Concord.

“Sarah is a generational talent and a perfect fit for our roster. I can’t wait to see what Sarah, Jeremy, and the rest of the SMACK team can accomplish together the next few years,” says Lee Krabel, Sr. VP of Publishing.

“I’ve never felt more at home with a group of writers and publishers than I feel here at SMACK, and I am thrilled to get to start creating,” says Buxton.

Chris Tomlin To Release ‘Live From Good Friday’ Album

Photo: Makayla Symmonds

Chris Tomlin is set to release a new album, Live From Good Friday, on March 15, ahead of his sold-out eighth annual “Good Friday Nashville” concert.

The 11-track project features live recordings from his past “Good Friday Nashville” performances at Bridgestone Arena. Among them is Grammy-nominated, six-week No. 1 single “Holy Forever,” which has garnered more than 140 million streams. The live album also includes “How Great Is Our God,” “Good Good Father” and more.

This year’s “Good Friday Nashville” lineup consists of Duck Dynasty‘s Willie Robertson as well as Kari Jobe and Anne Wilson. In keeping with the evening’s annual tradition, surprise guest appearances will also be made.

Additionally, Tomlin will kick off his “Holy Forever World Tour” on April 18.

Live From Good Friday Track Listing:
1. “Good Good Father”/”Great Are You Lord”
2. “Ephesians 1:20-23 (feat. Pastor Darren Whitehead)”
3. “Holy Forever (with Jenn Johnson & Brian Johnson)”
4. “How Great Is Our God”
5. “Our God”
6. “Is He Worthy”
7. “At The Cross (Love Ran Red)”
8. “Whom Shall I Fear (God Of Angel Armies) (feat. George Mhondera)”
9. “Always”
10. “Precious Love”
11. “It Is Well”

Maggie Rose Sets ‘No One Gets Out Alive’ Release For April

Singer-songwriter Maggie Rose is slated to release her new studio album No One Gets Out Alive on April 5 via Big Loud Records. This will be Rose’s first project on the label.

Giving listeners a taste of whats to come, Rose shared two tracks off the record, “No One Gets Out Alive” and “Mad Love.” She also shared the music video for the title track, directed by Nikki Fletcher.

YouTube video

“‘No One Gets Out Alive’ as a title sounds ominous on its own, but the song isn’t hopeless at all. So many events have reminded me that time isn’t guaranteed, and that I’m right where I need to be. I want people to hear the urgency in the song and stop dwelling on what they’re missing out on—the present is all you have, so make the most of it,” Rose shares of the title track.

Co-writers featured on the album include Natalie Hemby, Sunny Sweeney, Jordan Leigh Meredith, K.S. Rhoads and more.

Along with the record, Rose will also be gearing up for her “No One Gets Out Alive” headlining tour this spring. The tour will kick-off in St. Louis and will make stops in Nashville, Philadelphia, Charleston and more before wrapping up in Evanston, Illinois.

“No One Gets Out Alive Tour” Dates:
April 19 – St. Louis, MO @ Delmar Hall
April 20 – Covington, KY @ Madison Live
May 10 – Nashville, TN @ Brooklyn Bowl Nashville
May 16 – Chattanooga, TN @ Barrelhouse Ballroom
May 17 – Asheville, NC @ The Grey Eagle Music Hall
May 18 – Louisville, KY @. Headliners Music Hall
May 23 – Virginia Beach, VA @ Elevation 27
May 24 – Annapolis, MD @ Rams Head On Stage
May 26 – Alexandria, VA @ The Birchmere
May 29 – Philadelphia, PA @ World Café Live
May 30 – Cleveland, OH @ Beachland Ballroom & Tavern
May 31 – Columbus, OH @ A&R Music Bar
June 1 – Indianapolis, IN @ HI-FI Indianapolis
June 8 – Lexington, KY @ The Burl
June 20 – Charleston, SC @ Charleston Pour House
June 21 – Atlanta, GA @ Terminal West
June 22 – Elkin, NC @ The Reeves Theater & Café
June 28 – Memphis, TN @ 1884 Lounge
June 29 – Evanston, IL @ SPACE