Megan Moroney performs during her sold-out show at Brooklyn Bowl Nashville. Photo: Cece Dawson
Megan Moroney shimmered and shined during her sold-out show at Brooklyn Bowl Nashville on Thursday night (Dec. 7). “The Lucky Tour” stop also marked milestone moments for the up-and-coming star. Splashes of pink light and disco ball reflections swirled as the unforgettable night unfolded.
Megan Moroney performs during her sold-out show at Brooklyn Bowl Nashville. Photo: Cece Dawson
Logan Crosby was the first opener to take the stage. Brooklyn Bowl began buzzing as the first few notes of “Run Away With You” enrobed the room. He made sure the crowd was feeling alright before moving into “Everybody’s Drunk” and a rendition of Bruno Mars‘ “When I Was Your Man,” which had the entire venue singing their hearts out alongside him. Blue and green lights circled as Crosby grabbed his guitar for the title track of his latest project, “23 Days In L.A.” The artist then asked if anybody in the audience was married, and was met with quite a few cheers, as he sang his sweet ballad “If You Ask Me,” which tells the story of a man asking the father of the woman he loves for his blessing.
“I think I just got engaged to three different people in the crowd,” he joked before introducing yet-to-be-released tune “Girl Next Door.” Crosby followed with his new single “Land” as well as a cover of Chris Stapleton‘s “You Should Probably Leave,” and kept everyone swaying as he wrapped with “Hold On To Me.”
Mackenzie Carpenter was up next. Sporting a cropped, powder blue button down with cream fringe and a studded mini skirt of the same color, she shared a little about herself and started her set with the catchy, unreleased number “Walks Like A Cheater.” Carpenter then serenaded the crowd with her debut single “Can’t Nobody.” After introducing her brother and frequent collaborator Micah, who was on guitar, and her drummer Marcus, she performed a country mash-up of various hits in addition to what she deemed her “murder your husband song,” which centered around a woman whose husband mysteriously disappears on a fishing trip.
“What do y’all think about hearing Micah sing something?” Carpenter asked. The audience responded with excited screams as he borrowed the mic for the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band‘s “Fishin’ in the Dark.” The artist stepped back up for “Jesus, I’m Jealous,” a song about finding hope when you’re hopeless, and “Country Girls (Just Wanna Have Fun),” her version of the Cyndi Lauper classic. She finished with clever tracks “Don’t Mess With Exes” and “Huntin’ Season,” both of which are featured on her self-titled debut project.
Pictured (L-R): Sony Music Nashville’s Taylor Lindsey, Columbia Records’ Julian Swirsky, Megan Moroney and RIAA’s Jackie Jones. Photo: Cece Dawson
Red lights radiated as Moroney’s band members, each of them wearing a black cut-off t-shirt, strutted on stage in an orderly line and took their places with their instruments. The more they played, the more the anticipation began to build. A neon green shamrock sign lit up behind them in the center of the stage curtain, along with a royal blue cowboy boot and a pair of hot pink dice. Suddenly, the room went dark. As the sound of heels clicking against hardwood echoed, the woman of the hour made her way to the front. Once she hit centerstage, 10 spotlights beamed down on her, making it feel as though we had all been transported to a large-capacity stadium.
“Nashville, Tennessee, how are we doing y’all?” Moroney asked, her green, sequined fit-and-flare dress sparkling under the glowing hues as they transitioned back to warmer colors. The mass of fans surrounding her cheered loudly, indicating that everyone was doing great. Her white cowboy boots walked to each side of the stage and back as she sang “Another on the Way,” a track from her debut album and the tour’s namesake, Lucky. Moroney donned a pink guitar and requested that the audience join her in singing as she moved into another Lucky track, her single “I’m Not Pretty,” which the artist wrote with both Mackenzie and Micah Carpenter as well as Ben Williams. The rays of light turned blue when she performed her first-ever release, “Wonder.” Moroney noted that she wrote the tune with her best friend Natalie, who was present.
“This next song I feel like put me on the map, and it was the first song I heard on [SiriusXM] The Highway. I wrote it about my hometown hair salon,” Moroney said as she started to strum the first chords of “Hair Salon.” The song, which so perfectly captures the feeling of receiving gut-wrenching news in an unexpected place, could be heard from every fan-filled corner.
The headliner then took a moment to express her gratitude. She stated that “it would be a miracle if [she] made it through the show without crying,” and shared how she played Brooklyn Bowl a year ago when opening for Warren Zeiders. “A year later, all of you are here and it just means the world to me, so thank you so much.” Moroney continued with sentimentality, noting that this show would kick off the last weekend of “The Lucky Tour” and that she would be performing the whole Lucky project throughout the evening.
“Kansas Anymore” poured into her glittering mic, followed by “Sleep on My Side.” The mic came off the stand as Moroney sang “Sad Songs For Sad People.” Once the track concluded, the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA)’s Jackie Jones, Columbia Records’ Julian Swirsky and Sony Music Nashville’s Taylor Lindsey stepped on stage to surprise the singer-songwriter with a double-Platinum plaque for her No. 1 “Tennessee Orange,” the highest solo certification in the country genre. Adding to the milestone, they shared the news that Moroney had been named a member of RIAA’s Class of 2023 for receiving her first certified song this year, allowing her to share the special career turning points with her devoted fans. Moroney is one of only two artists in the program across all-genres to receive double-Platinum certification.
Pictured (L-R): PunchBowl Entertainment’s Juli Griffith, Sony Music Nashville’s Ken Robold, Columbia Records’ Julian Swirsky, Sony Music Nashville’s Randy Goodman, Megan Moroney, RIAA’s Jackie Jones, Sony Music Nashville’s Taylor Lindsey, Jen Way, Steve Hodges and PunchBowl Entertainment’s Hayley Corbett. Photo: Cece Dawson
“I just want to take the time to really say thank you,” she stated. “Y’all have completely changed my life [this past] year, and I will never take [this] for granted. Thank you for showing up tonight, thank you for making homemade merch and for buying merch, and showing early. I hope you guys are having as much fun as I am, because it’s just really amazing to be here.
I also know it’s more more than just buying a ticket. You guys are probably buying drinks and [maybe] went to dinner before or bought a new outfit, so I really appreciate y’all making tonight about me and the [band]. It means so much to me.”
Moroney proceeded by playing “God Plays a Gibson” solo on a green Gibson as well as soon-to-be-released song “No Caller ID” and “Why Johnny.” She put the guitar down and her band returned for “Mustang or Me,” before Carpenter joined her for their Lucky (Deluxe) track, “Nothin’ Crazy.” The two grooved around the stage, engaging with the waving hands below. The pink guitar reappeared for “Georgia Girl,” but vanished again as “Traitor Joe” blared through Brooklyn Bowl. Moroney had everyone give it up for her bandmates as she entered into Taylor Swift‘s “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together,” which had the sold-out crowd going crazy.
“This next song that I’m going play I think has the most important message of all the songs on the record. I wrote this song as a reminder to myself to never love the boy more than I love me, and it was a really healing experience to write this,” Moroney shared. “When I put it out, I saw the way that it helped some of y’all, and it just means a lot to me and makes me want to keep writing songs like this.”
On sparkly, silver guitar, she began to play “Girl in the Mirror.” Moroney brought it full-circle with her double-Platinum, breakthrough hit “Tennessee Orange,” everybody tinged with white light as they belted the lyrics alongside her. She then concluded with title track “Lucky,” which had the entire room dancing with her.
Moroney fittingly wrapped the tour in her home state of Georgia this past weekend, and was just named as one of the five New Faces of Country Music for Country Radio Seminar (CRS) 2024.
The Store’s Inaugural Toy Store Aids Nashville Families This Holiday Season
/by Lorie HollabaughBrad Paisley & Kimberly Williams-Paisley at The Store’s Toy Store. Photo: Derek Cressman
Brad Paisley and Kimberly Williams-Paisley‘s The Store—the free, referral-based grocery store in Nashville in partnership with Brad’s alma mater Belmont University—debuted its first Toy Store over the weekend.
The Store’s Toy Store. Photo: Sam Simpkins
The Nashville community, sponsors and corporations helped The Store collect more than 1,000 toys and donated $20,000 to prep for the inaugural event, along with the help of the staff, volunteers and the generosity of the First Responders Children’s Foundation donation, who fulfilled the additional 1,000 toys needed.
The partnership with FRCF came through Brad’s record label group, Universal Music Group Nashville, who has chosen FRCF as its charity of choice the past three holiday seasons. Due to the outpouring of generous donations, The Store’s Toy Store was able to provide toys for all the families they are currently serving.
“The emotional aspect of being able to give your child something your child wanted versus just something to sort of get you through the holidays, that’s such a load off the minds of somebody who maybe didn’t think they were going to be able to do that,” Brad said to the Associated Press.
“People come on hard times and we want this to be a safe, welcoming place for everybody, whether you’re volunteering or whether you’re needing the services,” Kimberly shared. “It’s just a community and we’re all in it together.”
The Store operates with the mission of allowing people to shop for their basic needs in a way that protects dignity and fosters hope. There is no charge to those referred or to the people and agencies that send them. They may shop for food to supplement their income during times of crisis and as they work toward self-sufficiency. The Store works with nearly 25 referral agencies in Nashville to help families in securing food assistance while they access other support services, for a more comprehensive approach for families in need.
Weekly Register: Zach Bryan Takes No. 2 On Country Albums Chart
/by Liza AndersonZach Bryan‘s self-titled collection takes No. 2 on the country albums chart this week with 41K in total consumption (5.8K album only/46 million song streams), according to Luminate data.
Morgan Wallen‘s One Thing At A Time rules at No. 1 with 65K (3.7K album only/79 million song streams), while Taylor Swift‘s Speak Now (Taylor’s Version) shifts down to No. 3 with 36K (19K album only/23 million song streams). Wallen’s Dangerous: The Double Album moves up to No. 4 with 33K (735 album only/42 million song streams), and Swift’s Red (Taylor’s Version) descends to No. 5 with 30K (13K album only/22 million song streams).
There is no movement among the top five of the country streaming songs chart this week.
Bryan and Kacey Musgraves‘ “I Remember Everything” reigns at No. 1 with 16 million streams, adding to 326 million ATD. Wallen’s “Last Night” persists at No. 2 with 12 million new streams, adding to 1.1 billion ATD, followed by Bryan’s “Something In The Orange” at No. 3 also with 12 million streams, adding to 1.1 billion ATD. Wallen’s “Thinkin’ Bout Me” rests at No. 4 with 9.8 million new streams, adding to 504 million ATD, and Luke Combs‘ “Fast Car” cover remains at No. 5 with 7.9 million streams, adding to 537 million ATD.
Old Dominion, Chase Rice, More Among 2024 Maui Songwriters Festival Lineup
/by Lorie HollabaughThe 2024 Maui Songwriters Festival will take place from Jan. 6 to 13, 2024 at The Ritz-Carlton Maui.
The week of live music, island-style cuisine and oceanfront views will feature headlining performances by Old Dominion, Chase Rice, Elle King, Drake Milligan, Sonya Isaac from the Isaacs, David Lee Murphy, Emily Weisband, Chris DeStefano, Jimmy Yeary, Ryan Larkins and Shelby Darrall.
The festival from Sony Music Publishing Nashville, the Ritz-Carlton Maui and Renate Event & Design is in its seventh year of pairing lush landscapes, local flavor and the ‘aloha’ spirit of Maui with performances by Nashville’s top songwriters. Shows will also feature talented local singer-songwriters and musicians from Maui, including Jason Arcilla, Gail Swanson, Wilmont Kahaialii, Naiwi Teruya and Brian Santana.
The events begin on Saturday, Jan. 6 with the Maui Songwriters Festival Kick Off Concert featuring Old Dominion at the Maui Arts and Cultural Center. In addition to the ticketed festival events, The Ritz-Carlton will host complimentary performances at its recently reimagined Alaloa Lounge. All events will be emceed by Storme Warren, host of TuneIn’s ‘The Big 615’, and covered by CMT which will air the highlights and interviews.
A portion of proceeds from events at The Ritz-Carlton will be donated to the Maui Recovery Efforts via Jean-Michel Cousteau’s People to People Humanitarian Relief Fund, Hawaii Community Foundation’s Maui Strong Fund and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Maui. Tickets are available at mauisongwritersfestival.com.
Rumble On The Row Matchups Revealed For 20th Annual ‘Ringside: A Fight For Kids’ Event
/by Lorie HollabaughThe Rumble on the Row fight card has been announced for the 20th annual “Ringside: A Fight For Kids” event at The Factory’s Liberty Hall in Franklin, Tennessee on Feb. 24.
The benefit boxing gala sponsored by Make Wake Artists features three bouts sanctioned by USA Boxing. The matchups include Chris Burrus (Creative Artists Agency, Agent) versus Pat Pekala (Homestead, Head of Touring and Branding); Lacey Hayes (Romeo Entertainment Group, Talent Buyer/Event Producer) versus Faren Rachels (Combustion Music, songwriter/artist) and Tayler Bock (Red Light Management, Artist/Tour Management) versus Anthony Sansone (brother of Sophia Sansone, Managing Partner at Make Wake Artists).
“I’m extremely humbled to be announcing our 20th anniversary of ‘Ringside: A Fight For Kids,'” says Carolyn Miller, The Charley Foundation’s Founder & Chairman and Ringside Producer. “This carnival ride continues to surprise me every year especially with the amazing human beings that step up to the challenge. This year is no exception. Each participant is fighting for an incredible cause or outreach that is impacting their lives and will touch the lives of others. I’m looking forward to see where this journey leads them.”
The evening features gourmet dining, music performances, a silent auction featuring one-of-a-kind items and the Rumble on the Row bouts. The event benefits The Charley Foundation, which distributes raised funds to charities addressing the critical needs of children. Funds raised will provide assistance to disabled and underprivileged children served by medical, recreational and care groups. A limited number of dinner and standing room only tickets are still available at rumbleontherow.com.
Opry NextStage Celebrates 2023 Class Members
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): Chapel Hart, Ernest, Ashley Cooke, Kameron Marlowe, Jackson Dean, Lainey Wilson and Corey Kent. Photo: Catherine Powell
The Grand Ole Opry and Opry NextStage hosted “Opry NextStage Live” on Dec. 6, which served as a year-end celebration for this year’s Opry NextStage Class.
The show included performances by 2023 members Ashley Cooke, Jackson Dean, Ernest, Chapel Hart, Corey Kent and Kameron Marlowe. Lainey Wilson was the evening’s emcee and headliner. The festivities wrapped a busy year for this class of eight acts, as they collectively scored two No. 1s, released 10 albums, earned 17 major award nominations and took the Opry stage 23 times.
Since 2019, the Opry NextStage program has introduced new talent to the country scene and featured artists such as Wilson, Riley Green, Parker McCollum, Tenille Townes and Hailey Whitters, who all went on to earn ACM New Male or New Female Artist of the Year trophies the year following their NextStage inclusion. Other NextStage alumni include Priscilla Block, Breland, Niko Moon, Megan Moroney, Ian Munsick, Restless Road and Nate Smith, among others.
Nominees Revealed For 2023 CMA Touring Awards
/by LB CantrellThe nominees have been revealed for the 2023 CMA Touring Awards, which highlight vital behind-the-scenes members of the country music touring industry. Voted on by CMA members, the winners will be recognized at the awards ceremony on Feb. 12, hosted by Keith Urban.
“Honoring our touring community is something I look forward to every year,” says Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer. “Each time I attend a show, hear a new tour being announced or see footage from an unforgettable night, I am reminded again of the importance, dedication and resilience of our touring community. I am also especially excited to add five additional categories this year, including a Crew of the Year honor. They are the road warriors that keep country music alive all over the world, and I can’t wait to celebrate them on Feb. 12!”
“As someone who spent years not only setting up all my own equipment at shows, but was also for a time a lighting guy and crew member for a band, I know the hard work that goes in to keeping shows on the road,” says Urban. “I’m honored to once again be asked to host the CMA Touring Awards and acknowledge and shower some love on all the hard workers behind the scenes that make it all happen.”
Five new categories were added to the CMA Touring Awards, including Backline Technician, Stage Manager, Support Services Company, Unsung Hero and Crew of the Year. Final Round voting for the 2023 CMA Touring Awards opens Wednesday, Dec. 13 and closes Thursday, Dec. 28.
In addition to the Touring Awards, industry veteran and former head of CAA’s Nashville office, Ron Baird, will be posthumously honored with the CMA Touring Lifetime Achievement Award. The award is given to an individual who has positively impacted and contributed to the growth of touring throughout the years. It honors an individual that has proven to have an unprecedented historical impact on country music fans and the industry alike, and whose presence will have a long-term positive impact on the genre and CMA for generations to come.
2023 CMA Touring Awards Nominees:
CATEGORY 1 – CREW OF THE YEAR
“All American Road Show Tour” Crew – Chris Stapleton
“The Outsiders Revival Tour” Crew – Eric Church
“I Go Back Tour” Crew – Kenny Chesney
“Country On Tour” Crew – Luke Bryan
“2023 World Tour” Crew – Luke Combs
“One Night At A Time World Tour” Crew – Morgan Wallen
“No Bad Vibes Tour” Crew – Old Dominion
“Home Team Tour 23” Crew – Thomas Rhett
CATEGORY 2 – BACKLINE TECHNICIAN OF THE YEAR
Jason Baskin – Zac Brown Band
Melvin “Melvis” Fults – Kenny Chesney
Carlos Gutierrez – Dierks Bentley
Jason Herndon – Blake Shelton
Joel “Tico” Jimenez – Thomas Rhett
Jeremiah Langdon – Jelly Roll
Chris Miller – Keith Urban
Zach Rickard – Brothers Osborne
CATEGORY 3 – BUSINESS MANAGER OF THE YEAR
Renee Allen – Arnie Barn, Inc.
David Boyer – Flood, Bumstead, McCready & McCarthy, Inc.
Duane Clark – Flood, Bumstead, McCready & McCarthy, Inc.
Catherine Moore – Farris, Self & Moore, LLC
Caleb See – Curo Financial, LLC
Michael Vaden – Vaden Group/Elliott Davis
Kris Wiatr – Wiatr & Associates, LLC
CATEGORY 4 – COACH/TRUCK DRIVER OF THE YEAR
Ronnie Brown – Zac Brown Band
Josh Easter – Morgan Wallen
Rhett Evens – Thomas Rhett
Caleb Garrett – Luke Bryan
Justin Pullin – Old Dominion
Erin Siegfried – Lainey Wilson
Chris Simms – Jelly Roll
Wayne “Wayno” Sullivan – Blake Shelton/Keith Urban
CATEGORY 5 – FOH (FRONT OF HOUSE) ENGINEER OF THE YEAR
Brendan Hines – Jelly Roll
Aaron Lain – Morgan Wallen
Todd Lewis – Luke Combs
Ben Rigby – Eric Church
Arpad Sayko – Chris Stapleton
Trey Smith – Thomas Rhett
Ian Zorbaugh – Old Dominion
CATEGORY 6 – LIGHTING DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR
Zac Coren – Morgan Wallen
Philip Ealy – Kenny Chesney
Kevin Lichty – Old Dominion
Mac Mosier – Chris Stapleton
Kevin Northrup – Luke Combs
Taylor Price – Miranda Lambert
Austin Strain – Jelly Roll
Alec Takahashi – Thomas Rhett
CATEGORY 7 – MANAGER OF THE YEAR
Narvel Blackstock – Starstruck Entertainment
Virginia Bunetta – G-Major Management
Martha Earls – Neon Coast
Kerri Edwards – KP Entertainment
Clint Higham – Morris Higham Management
Marion Kraft – ShopKeeper Management
Mandelyn Monchick – Red Light Management
John Peets – Q Prime South
CATEGORY 8 – MONITOR ENGINEER OF THE YEAR
Bryan “Opie” Baxley – Kenny Chesney
Mark Davis – Jelly Roll
Logan Hanna – Brothers Osborne
Andy Hill – Zac Brown Band
Nathan Lowe – Eric Church
Jimmy Nicholson – Thomas Rhett
Dean Studebaker – Old Dominion
Scott Tatter – Dierks Bentley
CATEGORY 9 – PRODUCTION MANAGER OF THE YEAR
Chris Alderman – Blake Shelton
John Garriott – Chris Stapleton
Meesha Kosciolek – Eric Church
Erik Leighty – Miranda Lambert
Chris Nathan – Jake Owen
Earl Neal – Jason Aldean
Kevin Twist – Thomas Rhett
Ed Wannebo – Kenny Chesney
CATEGORY 10 – PUBLICIST OF THE YEAR
Janet Buck – Essential Broadcast Media
Paul Freundlich – PFA Media
Quinn Kaemmer – Big Machine Label Group
Tyne Parrish – The GreenRoom PR
Carla Sacks – Sacks & Co.
Jessie Schmidt – Schmidt Public Relations
Wes Vause – Press On Publicity
Jennifer Vessio – 1220 Entertainment Publicity
CATEGORY 11 – STAGE MANAGER OF THE YEAR
Sam “Sambo” Coats – Eric Church
Donnie Floyd – Morgan Wallen
Todd Green – Chris Stapleton
Matt Hornbeck – Luke Combs
Josh “Dude” Marcus – Jason Aldean
Tom Nisun – Kenny Chesney
Richard Rossey – Old Dominion
Justin Sumrall – Thomas Rhett
CATEGORY 12 – SUPPORT SERVICES COMPANY OF THE YEAR
4 Wall Entertainment
Clair Global
Dega Catering
Master Tour by Eventric
Moo TV
Richards & Southern
CATEGORY 13 – TALENT AGENT OF THE YEAR
Meredith Jones – CAA
Joey Lee – WME
Jonathan Levine – Wasserman Music
Darin Murphy – CAA
Adi Sharma – The Neal Agency
Aaron Tannenbaum – WME
Elisa Vazzana – UTA
Jay Williams – WME
CATEGORY 14 – TALENT BUYER/PROMOTER OF THE YEAR
Bradley Jordan – Peachtree Entertainment
Patrick McDill – Live Nation Nashville
Louis Messina – The Messina Group
Rich Schaefer – AEG Presents
Aaron Spalding – Live Nation Nashville
Ed Warm – Joe’s Concerts
Adam Weiser – AEG Presents
CATEGORY 15 – TOUR MANAGER OF THE YEAR
Matt Anderson – Old Dominion
Jason Hecht – Chris Stapleton
Luke Holton – Brothers Osborne
Chuck Hull – Keith Urban
Meg Miller – Lainey Wilson
Ethan Strunk – Luke Combs
Chris Thacker – Dierks Bentley
Jon Townley – Thomas Rhett
CATEGORY 16 – TOURING MUSICIAN OF THE YEAR
Rob Byus (Bass Guitar) – Blake Shelton
Paul Franklin (Steel Guitar) – Chris Stapleton/Vince Gill
Ben Helson (Guitar) – Dierks Bentley
Lee Hendricks (Bass Guitar) – Eric Church
Harmoni Kelley (Bass Guitar) – Kenny Chesney
Chris Kimmerer (Drums) – Thomas Rhett
Danny Mitchell (Piano) – Miranda Lambert
Kurt Ozan (Guitar) – Luke Combs
CATEGORY 17 – TOUR VIDEOGRAPHER/PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR
Mason Allen – Old Dominion
Andy Barron – Chris Stapleton
Zach Belcher – Dierks Bentley
David Bergman – Luke Combs
CeCe Dawson – Lainey Wilson
Tanner Gallagher – HARDY
Grayson Gregory – Thomas Rhett
Andy Pollitt – Jelly Roll
CATEGORY 18 – TOUR VIDEO DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR
Josh Clark – Miranda Lambert
Jay Cooper – Kenny Chesney
Houston Creswell – Dierks Bentley
Ron Etters – Chris Stapleton
Nate Fountain – Zach Bryan/Blake Shelton
Chris Jones – Jelly Roll
Ricky Krohne – Thomas Rhett
Michael Todd “M.T.” Stembridge – Eric Church
CATEGORY 19 – VENUE OF THE YEAR
Ascend Amphitheater – Nashville, Tennessee
BankNH Pavilion – Gilford, New Hampshire
Bridgestone Arena – Nashville, Tennessee
Choctaw Casino Resort – Durant, Oklahoma
Grand Ole Opry House – Nashville, Tennessee
Joe’s on Weed Street – Chicago, Illinois
Paycom Center – Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Red Rocks Amphitheatre – Morrison, Colorado
CATEGORY 20 – UNSUNG HERO OF THE YEAR
Dallas Bowsier – Eric Church
Josh Castle – Dierks Bentley
RJ Estrella – Luke Combs
Kayla Carter Greear – Luke Bryan
Kelsey Maynard – Old Dominion
Todd Molle – Jake Owen
Mel Murphy – Live Nation Nashville
Tyler Rhodes – Thomas Rhett
Lee Thomas Miller Signs With SMACKSongs
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): SMACK’s Jeremy Groves, Carly Sater, Lee Krabel, Lee Thomas Miller, SMACK’s Robert Carlton, Robin Palmer and Sam Sarno
Hitmaker Lee Thomas Miller has signed a publishing deal with SMACKSongs.
With a career spanning over three decades, Miller has earned eighteen top 20 singles, including seven No. 1s, and 13 BMI radio performance awards. His songs have collectively received more than 25 million spins and garnered hundreds of millions of streams worldwide.
“One of the first songwriters to welcome me in the publishing business 15 year ago was Lee Thomas Miller,” says Lee Krabel, SVP of Publishing at SMACK. “I’m incredibly excited to get the opportunity to work with Lee again at SMACK. He is simply one of the best songwriters to ever come to Nashville. Looking forward to seeing what we can accomplish together!”
Miller has also earned three Grammy nominations, a Teen Choice Award, and four NSAI “Songs I Wish I Had Written” trophies. Additionally, he won a CMA and an ACM Award for Song of the Year with “In Color” by Jamey Johnson. Another iconic hit, “You’re Gonna Miss This” by Trace Adkins, secured Song of the Year titles at both the ASCAP and NSAI Awards and the Single of the Year at the CMA Awards. Miller has had cuts with Tim McGraw, Garth Brooks, Brad Paisley, Thomas Rhett, Brothers Osborne and more.
“This one is really special. Lee is one of the truly great songwriters in this town,” says Robert Carlton, President at SMACK. “He could go anywhere but the fact that he entrusted SMACK with this next chapter of his career is a big win for all of us. Personally, it hits a sentimental note for me because my dad gave Lee his first deal. I grew up listening to Lee’s catalog and demos as a kid. His songs are as relevant and as timely now as they were back then. I know my dad has got to be looking down proud to have a hand in this signing.”
“It is an honor to begin the next chapter of my career writing songs at SMACK. Not only have I been a fan of Shane McAnally’s songwriting his entire career, I also love what he and Robin Palmer have built in this publishing company,” says Miller. “I could not be more impressed with their team and the close ties I have to them already. I worked with Lee Krabel for many years early in his career and Robert Carlton’s late father Jeff Carlton gave me my big break when he signed me to my first publishing deal in the ’90s. Lee and Robert are impressive publishers now who have surrounded themselves with quality professionals as well as humans. I have to think Jeff is smiling today and would tell me I’m in good hands. Everything about this feels right.”
Zach Bryan, Ashley Gorley & Jelly Roll Lead MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart
/by LB CantrellZach Bryan. Photo: Trevor Pavlik
Zach Bryan keeps his top position on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart this week, with currently charting songs “East Side of Sorrow,” “El Dorado,” “Hey Driver,” “I Remember Everything,” “Sarah’s Place,” “Spotless” and “Tourniquet.”
Ashley Gorley (No. 2) is propelled by nine charting songs, and Jelly Roll (No. 3) is held up by three. Randy Montana (No. 4) and Chayce Beckham (No. 5) complete the 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.
Miranda Lambert & More To Headline Under The Big Sky Festival
/by Lorie HollabaughMiranda Lambert, Billy Strings and Turnpike Troubadours are set to headline the Under The Big Sky Music, Rodeo & Roundup Festival in Whitefish, Montana July 12-14.
Others slated to perform at the panoramic 360-acre Big Mountain Ranch include Tanya Tucker, Brothers Osborne, Sierra Ferrell, Paul Cauthen, Charles Wesley Godwin, City and Colour, Mt. Joy, Zach Top and more.
Attendees will experience the working ranch’s green meadows, railroads and mountain-filled backdrops. Guests have the option to shop in the vendor crossroads and mercantile row. Local craft beer and artisanal eats such as the Wagyu Wagon food truck, which caters locally raised beef from the area, will also be available. Additional attractions include horse rides and a petting zoo.
The festival will continue working with the Whitefish Credit Union to recognize and honor resident heroes within the community, along with its recurring contributions to the local food bank. Under The Big Sky will also continue its partnership with Save Farmland, a nonprofit with a mission to protect and promote small farms in Montana. With the continuation of this partnership, the goals to create awareness and raise proceeds for its various programs through on-site merchandise sales throughout the weekend remain the same.
Tickets are on sale now. For more information, click here.
Megan Moroney Marks Milestones At Brooklyn Bowl Nashville
/by Liza AndersonMegan Moroney performs during her sold-out show at Brooklyn Bowl Nashville. Photo: Cece Dawson
Megan Moroney shimmered and shined during her sold-out show at Brooklyn Bowl Nashville on Thursday night (Dec. 7). “The Lucky Tour” stop also marked milestone moments for the up-and-coming star. Splashes of pink light and disco ball reflections swirled as the unforgettable night unfolded.
Megan Moroney performs during her sold-out show at Brooklyn Bowl Nashville. Photo: Cece Dawson
Logan Crosby was the first opener to take the stage. Brooklyn Bowl began buzzing as the first few notes of “Run Away With You” enrobed the room. He made sure the crowd was feeling alright before moving into “Everybody’s Drunk” and a rendition of Bruno Mars‘ “When I Was Your Man,” which had the entire venue singing their hearts out alongside him. Blue and green lights circled as Crosby grabbed his guitar for the title track of his latest project, “23 Days In L.A.” The artist then asked if anybody in the audience was married, and was met with quite a few cheers, as he sang his sweet ballad “If You Ask Me,” which tells the story of a man asking the father of the woman he loves for his blessing.
“I think I just got engaged to three different people in the crowd,” he joked before introducing yet-to-be-released tune “Girl Next Door.” Crosby followed with his new single “Land” as well as a cover of Chris Stapleton‘s “You Should Probably Leave,” and kept everyone swaying as he wrapped with “Hold On To Me.”
Mackenzie Carpenter was up next. Sporting a cropped, powder blue button down with cream fringe and a studded mini skirt of the same color, she shared a little about herself and started her set with the catchy, unreleased number “Walks Like A Cheater.” Carpenter then serenaded the crowd with her debut single “Can’t Nobody.” After introducing her brother and frequent collaborator Micah, who was on guitar, and her drummer Marcus, she performed a country mash-up of various hits in addition to what she deemed her “murder your husband song,” which centered around a woman whose husband mysteriously disappears on a fishing trip.
“What do y’all think about hearing Micah sing something?” Carpenter asked. The audience responded with excited screams as he borrowed the mic for the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band‘s “Fishin’ in the Dark.” The artist stepped back up for “Jesus, I’m Jealous,” a song about finding hope when you’re hopeless, and “Country Girls (Just Wanna Have Fun),” her version of the Cyndi Lauper classic. She finished with clever tracks “Don’t Mess With Exes” and “Huntin’ Season,” both of which are featured on her self-titled debut project.
Pictured (L-R): Sony Music Nashville’s Taylor Lindsey, Columbia Records’ Julian Swirsky, Megan Moroney and RIAA’s Jackie Jones. Photo: Cece Dawson
Red lights radiated as Moroney’s band members, each of them wearing a black cut-off t-shirt, strutted on stage in an orderly line and took their places with their instruments. The more they played, the more the anticipation began to build. A neon green shamrock sign lit up behind them in the center of the stage curtain, along with a royal blue cowboy boot and a pair of hot pink dice. Suddenly, the room went dark. As the sound of heels clicking against hardwood echoed, the woman of the hour made her way to the front. Once she hit centerstage, 10 spotlights beamed down on her, making it feel as though we had all been transported to a large-capacity stadium.
“Nashville, Tennessee, how are we doing y’all?” Moroney asked, her green, sequined fit-and-flare dress sparkling under the glowing hues as they transitioned back to warmer colors. The mass of fans surrounding her cheered loudly, indicating that everyone was doing great. Her white cowboy boots walked to each side of the stage and back as she sang “Another on the Way,” a track from her debut album and the tour’s namesake, Lucky. Moroney donned a pink guitar and requested that the audience join her in singing as she moved into another Lucky track, her single “I’m Not Pretty,” which the artist wrote with both Mackenzie and Micah Carpenter as well as Ben Williams. The rays of light turned blue when she performed her first-ever release, “Wonder.” Moroney noted that she wrote the tune with her best friend Natalie, who was present.
“This next song I feel like put me on the map, and it was the first song I heard on [SiriusXM] The Highway. I wrote it about my hometown hair salon,” Moroney said as she started to strum the first chords of “Hair Salon.” The song, which so perfectly captures the feeling of receiving gut-wrenching news in an unexpected place, could be heard from every fan-filled corner.
The headliner then took a moment to express her gratitude. She stated that “it would be a miracle if [she] made it through the show without crying,” and shared how she played Brooklyn Bowl a year ago when opening for Warren Zeiders. “A year later, all of you are here and it just means the world to me, so thank you so much.” Moroney continued with sentimentality, noting that this show would kick off the last weekend of “The Lucky Tour” and that she would be performing the whole Lucky project throughout the evening.
“Kansas Anymore” poured into her glittering mic, followed by “Sleep on My Side.” The mic came off the stand as Moroney sang “Sad Songs For Sad People.” Once the track concluded, the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA)’s Jackie Jones, Columbia Records’ Julian Swirsky and Sony Music Nashville’s Taylor Lindsey stepped on stage to surprise the singer-songwriter with a double-Platinum plaque for her No. 1 “Tennessee Orange,” the highest solo certification in the country genre. Adding to the milestone, they shared the news that Moroney had been named a member of RIAA’s Class of 2023 for receiving her first certified song this year, allowing her to share the special career turning points with her devoted fans. Moroney is one of only two artists in the program across all-genres to receive double-Platinum certification.
Pictured (L-R): PunchBowl Entertainment’s Juli Griffith, Sony Music Nashville’s Ken Robold, Columbia Records’ Julian Swirsky, Sony Music Nashville’s Randy Goodman, Megan Moroney, RIAA’s Jackie Jones, Sony Music Nashville’s Taylor Lindsey, Jen Way, Steve Hodges and PunchBowl Entertainment’s Hayley Corbett. Photo: Cece Dawson
“I just want to take the time to really say thank you,” she stated. “Y’all have completely changed my life [this past] year, and I will never take [this] for granted. Thank you for showing up tonight, thank you for making homemade merch and for buying merch, and showing early. I hope you guys are having as much fun as I am, because it’s just really amazing to be here.
I also know it’s more more than just buying a ticket. You guys are probably buying drinks and [maybe] went to dinner before or bought a new outfit, so I really appreciate y’all making tonight about me and the [band]. It means so much to me.”
Moroney proceeded by playing “God Plays a Gibson” solo on a green Gibson as well as soon-to-be-released song “No Caller ID” and “Why Johnny.” She put the guitar down and her band returned for “Mustang or Me,” before Carpenter joined her for their Lucky (Deluxe) track, “Nothin’ Crazy.” The two grooved around the stage, engaging with the waving hands below. The pink guitar reappeared for “Georgia Girl,” but vanished again as “Traitor Joe” blared through Brooklyn Bowl. Moroney had everyone give it up for her bandmates as she entered into Taylor Swift‘s “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together,” which had the sold-out crowd going crazy.
“This next song that I’m going play I think has the most important message of all the songs on the record. I wrote this song as a reminder to myself to never love the boy more than I love me, and it was a really healing experience to write this,” Moroney shared. “When I put it out, I saw the way that it helped some of y’all, and it just means a lot to me and makes me want to keep writing songs like this.”
On sparkly, silver guitar, she began to play “Girl in the Mirror.” Moroney brought it full-circle with her double-Platinum, breakthrough hit “Tennessee Orange,” everybody tinged with white light as they belted the lyrics alongside her. She then concluded with title track “Lucky,” which had the entire room dancing with her.
Moroney fittingly wrapped the tour in her home state of Georgia this past weekend, and was just named as one of the five New Faces of Country Music for Country Radio Seminar (CRS) 2024.