Pictured (L-R): Derek Crownover (Loeb & Loeb LLP), Van Hunt (Between the Pines Music), Mike McKool (Co-Founder, Outlander Capital Management), Erin McKool, Sam Hunt, André de Raaff, (CEO, CTM Outlander), Thomas Deelder, (Creative Director, CTM Outlander), Jitze de Raaff, (President, CTM Publishing) and Willie Jones (Loeb & Loeb LLP). Photo: Weatherly Photography
CTM Outlander has acquired the publishing catalog of five-time Grammy-nominated, multi-Platinum singer-songwriter Sam Hunt, and signed him to a go-forward publishing deal for his future works.
CTM Outlander is a partnership between the Dallas, Texas-based Outlander Capital, led by Les Ware and Mike McKool, and the Dutch-based leading independent music entertainment company CTM, led by industry veteran André de Raaff.
“Discussing the sale of some of my catalog took a while and I am glad that it did, as I got to know André and his CTM Outlander team better and better. They continued to meet with me and my team over the last several months to discuss what working together might look like. I appreciate their diligence and belief in what I am doing as an artist, and more importantly, as a songwriter. I believe we will have a productive partnership both internationally and here at home,” shares Hunt.
de Raaff says, “Sam has been on our radar for a long time, and we were very eager to work with him. Since we landed in Nashville, we signed some of the most prolific songwriters like Shane McAnally, Natalie Hemby, Ross Copperman and Michael Tyler. By adding Sam to our roster, who is not only one of the most respected songwriters in town but also a global superstar and touring artist, we feel we can service the community even better.”
He continues, “We are truly honored that Sam, after being in talks with us for a long time, decided to sign with our company. Sam is an example of an artist and songwriter that we can help move forward in the international market; his body of work doesn’t only dominate the U.S. radio waves and streaming world but also travels throughout the world. We look forward to supporting Sam in his endeavors and expansion, and are excited to work with him in the country music space and international scene.”
McKool adds, “We’re thrilled to add a singer-songwriter with the stature of Sam Hunt to the CTM Outlander family. Not only is he the type of artist that we want to be in business with, but more importantly he’s the type of person that we want to invest in. Sam has clearly experienced an immense amount of success, and our goal at CTM Outlander is to provide Sam with the resources he needs to achieve all his future endeavors.”
Throughout his career, Hunt has been honored with numerous awards including multiple ACM Awards, an American Music Award and CMT Music Award as well as numerous nominations for the Grammys, CMA Awards and Billboard Music Awards.
The Georgia native has nine No. 1 hits including: “Body Like a Back Road,” “Kinfolks,” “Hard to Forget,” “House Party,” “Leave The Night On,” “Take Your Time,” “Make You Miss Me” and “Breaking Up Was Easy In The 90’s.” Hunt also has success as a songwriter with several top artists. Some of his No. 1 hits as a songwriter include “Come Over” by Kenny Chesney, “Cop Car” by Keith Urban, “I Met A Girl” by William Michael Morgan and “We Are Tonight” by Billy Currington. Hunt has continued his success with the release of his No. 1 hit “23” and his current radio single “Outskirts,” which is currently top 40 and climbing on country radio.
Hunt’s single “Body Like A Back Road” recently obtained RIAA Diamond-certification, becoming the eighth country artist ever to reach this status. The single has since surpassed that status, and currently sits at 11-time Platinum-certification.
Derek Crownover, Willie Jones, Megan Pekar and John Rolfe of Loeb & Loeb LLP handled the transaction on behalf of Hunt.
Dylan Scott Celebrates Fourth Chart-Topper With ‘Can’t Have Mine’
/by Lorie HollabaughDylan Scott has achieved his fourth No. 1 single with “Can’t Have Mine,” on both the Mediabase and Billboard charts.
The latest No. 1 was written for Scott’s wife, Blair, with whom he recently welcomed a son—their third child. The single also recently achieved Platinum certification, marking 8 million RIAA certified units over Scott’s seven singles and one album, and the fourth RIAA certification he has received this year.
Fans can catch the Jockey Outdoors brand ambassador during his headlining “This Town’s Been Too Good To Us Tour,” visiting 15 cities this fall. Scott’s latest album, Livin’ My Best Life, features the fiery leadoff track “New Truck” along with “Can’t Have Mine,” and he’s racked up career streams exceeding 2.5 billion. He also recently won his first GMA Dove Award in 2023 for the song “Good Morning Mercy” alongside Jason Crabb.
JUST IN: CTM Outlander Signs Sam Hunt To A Worldwide Publishing Deal
/by LB CantrellPictured (L-R): Derek Crownover (Loeb & Loeb LLP), Van Hunt (Between the Pines Music), Mike McKool (Co-Founder, Outlander Capital Management), Erin McKool, Sam Hunt, André de Raaff, (CEO, CTM Outlander), Thomas Deelder, (Creative Director, CTM Outlander), Jitze de Raaff, (President, CTM Publishing) and Willie Jones (Loeb & Loeb LLP). Photo: Weatherly Photography
CTM Outlander has acquired the publishing catalog of five-time Grammy-nominated, multi-Platinum singer-songwriter Sam Hunt, and signed him to a go-forward publishing deal for his future works.
CTM Outlander is a partnership between the Dallas, Texas-based Outlander Capital, led by Les Ware and Mike McKool, and the Dutch-based leading independent music entertainment company CTM, led by industry veteran André de Raaff.
“Discussing the sale of some of my catalog took a while and I am glad that it did, as I got to know André and his CTM Outlander team better and better. They continued to meet with me and my team over the last several months to discuss what working together might look like. I appreciate their diligence and belief in what I am doing as an artist, and more importantly, as a songwriter. I believe we will have a productive partnership both internationally and here at home,” shares Hunt.
de Raaff says, “Sam has been on our radar for a long time, and we were very eager to work with him. Since we landed in Nashville, we signed some of the most prolific songwriters like Shane McAnally, Natalie Hemby, Ross Copperman and Michael Tyler. By adding Sam to our roster, who is not only one of the most respected songwriters in town but also a global superstar and touring artist, we feel we can service the community even better.”
He continues, “We are truly honored that Sam, after being in talks with us for a long time, decided to sign with our company. Sam is an example of an artist and songwriter that we can help move forward in the international market; his body of work doesn’t only dominate the U.S. radio waves and streaming world but also travels throughout the world. We look forward to supporting Sam in his endeavors and expansion, and are excited to work with him in the country music space and international scene.”
McKool adds, “We’re thrilled to add a singer-songwriter with the stature of Sam Hunt to the CTM Outlander family. Not only is he the type of artist that we want to be in business with, but more importantly he’s the type of person that we want to invest in. Sam has clearly experienced an immense amount of success, and our goal at CTM Outlander is to provide Sam with the resources he needs to achieve all his future endeavors.”
Throughout his career, Hunt has been honored with numerous awards including multiple ACM Awards, an American Music Award and CMT Music Award as well as numerous nominations for the Grammys, CMA Awards and Billboard Music Awards.
The Georgia native has nine No. 1 hits including: “Body Like a Back Road,” “Kinfolks,” “Hard to Forget,” “House Party,” “Leave The Night On,” “Take Your Time,” “Make You Miss Me” and “Breaking Up Was Easy In The 90’s.” Hunt also has success as a songwriter with several top artists. Some of his No. 1 hits as a songwriter include “Come Over” by Kenny Chesney, “Cop Car” by Keith Urban, “I Met A Girl” by William Michael Morgan and “We Are Tonight” by Billy Currington. Hunt has continued his success with the release of his No. 1 hit “23” and his current radio single “Outskirts,” which is currently top 40 and climbing on country radio.
Hunt’s single “Body Like A Back Road” recently obtained RIAA Diamond-certification, becoming the eighth country artist ever to reach this status. The single has since surpassed that status, and currently sits at 11-time Platinum-certification.
Derek Crownover, Willie Jones, Megan Pekar and John Rolfe of Loeb & Loeb LLP handled the transaction on behalf of Hunt.
Chris Stapleton Leaps Into Top Three On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart
/by LB CantrellChris Stapleton. Photo: Becky Fluke
As his new studio album Higher impacts the country charts, Chris Stapleton jumps from No. 12 to No. 3 this week on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart.
Four songs from Stapleton’s Higher are currently charting, including “White Horse,” “Think I’m In Love With You,” “What Am I Gonna Do” and “It Takes A Woman.”
Ashley Gorley remains at No. 1 this week with nine songs on the charts. Artist-writers Zach Bryan (No. 2), Jelly Roll (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.
In Pictures: ‘MacKenzie Porter + Friends’ Concert Raises $85K For American Cancer Society
/by Liza AndersonPictured (L-R, back row): Lily Rose, Walker Hayes, MacKenzie Porter, Dustin Lynch, Madeline Merlo and Nate Smith; (L-R, front row): Dr. Arif Kamal (Chief Patient Officer, American Cancer Society) and Alana Springsteen. Photo: Aubrey Wise
Country artist MacKenzie Porter hosted “MacKenzie Porter + Friends Present: Country vs. Cancer,” her inaugural benefit concert as an ambassador for the American Cancer Society, at Nashville’s Brooklyn Bowl on Monday, Nov. 20.
Porter performed fan-favorites tunes “These Days” and “Pickup,” and debuted some new music from her forthcoming full-length album as well as previously-released tracks “Bet You Break My Heart” and “Chasing Tornadoes,” which Madeline Merlo and Porter transformed into a surprise duet for the special night.
Pictured (L-R): Maggie Ryan, Dan Ryan (Founder & CEO, Ryan Aviation Group), Dr. Arif Kamal (Chief Patient Officer, American Cancer Society), Miriam Kamal and MacKenzie Porter. Photo: Aubrey Wise
“This means so much to me,” she shared from the stage. “Cancer has affected my life in so many ways and I’m sure it has every single person in this room. I’ve always wanted to be involved in something like this.”
The event raised a total of $85,000 for the American Cancer Society, including a $20,000 donation from sponsor Ryan Aviation Group.
Nate Smith, Alana Springsteen, Lily Rose, Walker Hayes and Dustin Lynch also took the stage to support Porter and the American Cancer Society. The crowd was serenaded with Smith’s “Whiskey On You,” Springsteen’s “Goodbye Looks Good On You,” Rose’s “Villain,” Hayes’ “Fancy Like” and Lynch’s “Small Town Boy.” Porter joined in for performances of Hayes’ “Halloween” and her double-Platinum, six-week No. 1 collaboration with Lynch “Thinking ‘Bout You.”
“These artists are so busy so the fact they’re here shows how much this means to all of us,” she continued. “Doing good, spreading love, and helping people is the reason we’re all here.”
The evening ended with a milestone moment as Lynch presented Porter with a career plaque in celebration of her six No. 1 songs at Canadian country radio and seven Music Canada Gold, Platinum and multi-Platinum certifications.
Nate Smith performs during “MacKenzie Porter + Friends Present: Country vs. Cancer.” Photo: Aubrey Wise
Alana Springsteen performs during “MacKenzie Porter + Friends Present: Country vs. Cancer.” Photo: Aubrey Wise
Dustin Lynch surprises MacKenzie Porter with career plaque during “MacKenzie Porter + Friends Present: Country vs. Cancer.” Photo: Brayln Kelly
Plight Of Songwriters Captured In New TV Show ‘Chart Breakers’ [Exclusive]
/by LB CantrellChart Breakers judges Filmore, Janine Ebach and Wyatt Durrette
The journey of becoming a professional songwriter is being explored on the new television show Chart Breakers, which will film its finale episode on Wednesday (Nov. 29) at the Listening Room Cafe in Nashville.
Executive produced by Jason Sciavicco and singer-songwriter Chris Lane, Chart Breakers speaks to the true-to-life struggles that songwriters deal with when trying to move to Nashville and get a publishing deal. Veteran publisher Janine Ebach, hit songwriter Wyatt Durrette and artist-writer Filmore serve as judges for the competition series.
Behind the scenes of Chart Breakers
A winner will be selected on Wednesday from three finalists. The champion will receive $100,000 and a publishing deal.
“As a veteran Nashville music publisher, I am thrilled to be a part of a Chart Breakers as it helps to tell the story of the songwriter—something that the world needs to know more about. Afterall, it all begins with a song and I’m grateful to get to help find and nurture the next generation of special songwriters,” shares Ebach.
To gather competitors for the series, show organizers traveled around in tour buses and hosted auditions in five different cities, including Nashville, Greenville, Marietta, Pensacola and Statesboro. Each contestant competed for a spot on the bus to take them to the next city, where they would have to battle to stay on the bus against the new songwriters auditioning. After a group of eight songwriters were teased out, they were bussed to a cabin in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Behind the scenes of Chart Breakers
Each day in the cabin, the competitors were given different challenges to get them into the headspace for the songwriting they’d have to do later in the day. The winner of each mini challenge would get extra mentor time with an industry professional, such as Dave Kennedy, Levi Loury and Justin Ebach. Contestants would write a song and perform it by the following evening for the judges.
“I’ve never been more excited to produce a series than I am for Chart Breakers,” says Sciavicco. “This is truly a first-of-its-kind show where we are shining the spotlight on the songwriters. The talent on this series blew me away. These are names that people will soon know for a long time to come!”
The songwriters left competing in the finale of Chart Breakers are Tampa, Florida’s Emma Dunne, Grafton, Massachusetts’ Taylor O’Connor and Cincinnati, Ohio’s Nolan Gray. Each songwriter recently spent time in Nashville working on their finale song with the help of Sugarland’s Kristian Bush and songwriter Tyler Reeve. They’ve also recorded scratch vocals in Station West’s studio to get a taste of what it’s like to be a recording artist.
The finale of Chart Breakers will also include a red carpet event at 8 p.m. on Wednesday, and all top nine contestants will perform a song along with judges Filmore and Durrette as well as special guest Lane.
Details on how viewers can watch Chart Breakers will be announced as they are finalized.
Andrew Beason Signs With SMACKSongs
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): SMACK’s Jeremy Groves, Lee Krabel, Andrew Beason, SMACK’s Carly Sater, Robin Palmer and Sam Sarno
Songwriter and producer Andrew Beason has signed a publishing deal with SMACKSongs.
A native of Kilgore, Texas, Beason landed in Nashville in 2014. Over the past nine years, he has honed his craft and made his mark with cuts spanning multiple genres, in addition to securing coveted television placements.
Beason scored a No. 1 on Sirius XM’s The Highway in 2022 with Spencer Crandall‘s chart-topping hit, “Made.” Additionally, his song “Luckenbach Slide” was synced in season five of Jane The Virgin. His talents extend across country, pop, rock and R&B, earning him collaborations with some of the industry’s brightest stars including cuts alongside Dave Finley, Sammy Arriaga, The Roads Below and more.
“We’re all so excited to have Andrew join our roster here at SMACK,” says Carly Sater, SMACK Creative Coordinator. In the few years I’ve known him, his incredible work ethic, talent and positive attitude have always been undeniable. He’s just someone you want on your team. I’m so excited to see all he accomplishes and I’m just thankful to be a part of it!”
“It’s a dream come true to join the amazing roster and team at SMACK! Some of my favorite songs were written by SMACK writers, and I’m beyond excited to learn, grow and add to their legacy,” says Beason. “Carly and the whole team have made me feel at home since day one, and I can’t wait to see how far we go!”
Alabama’s June Jam XVIII Set For 2024
/by Lorie HollabaughAlabama is set to hold June Jam XVIII in Fort Payne, Alabama at the VFW Fairgrounds on June 1. The lineup of talent for the 2024 festival will be announced in the coming months.
The June Jam was resurrected last summer following a 16-year hiatus by Alabama co-founders Randy Owen and Teddy Gentry, and drew nearly 11,000 fans to Fort Payne and raising hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Tickets for the festival, which benefits charities throughout the state of Alabama, go on sale this Friday, Dec. 1 via Ticketmaster. Pre-sales are available tomorrow, (Nov. 28) at 10 a.m. CT.
“What a great way to help raise money for many charities and those in need and at the same time, having a great party in a field with our guest artists and fans,” says Gentry. “Come join us.”
The first June Jam benefit concert took place in 1982 and continued annually for 16 years, making it one of the biggest country events in the nation. Previous performers include Garth Brooks, Charlie Daniels, Alan Jackson, The Judds, Tim McGraw, Toby Keith, Wayne Newton, Dolly Parton, Trisha Yearwood, Charley Pride, Willie Nelson and many more. Collectively, the past 17 June Jam events have raised over $20 million for the state of Alabama and the June Jam Foundation, which donates to those in need across the state, including disaster relief.
Tracy Lawrence’s Annual Turkey Fry & Concert Raises Over $250K For Nashville Rescue Mission
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): Priscilla Block, Lee Brice, Tracy Lawrence, Cheryl Chunn, Shawn Parr and Halfway to Hazard. Photo: Annie Loughead
Tracy Lawrence hosted his 18th annual “Mission:Possible Turkey Fry and Benefit Concert” in Nashville last week (Nov. 21), frying up over 1,200 turkeys that were distributed throughout Middle Tennessee, providing over 10,000 meals to those in need during the Thanksgiving holiday.
The day kicked off at the Nashville Fairgrounds with over 250 volunteers. Lawrence was joined by Lee Brice, Priscilla Block and Halfway to Hazard for a packed benefit concert that night at the Wildhorse Saloon, and donated another $250,000 towards Mission:Possible’s longtime partner, the Nashville Rescue Mission. The yearly event has now provided more than 86,000 meals to the homeless across Middle Tennessee and raised over one million dollars for Nashville Rescue Mission.
“I’m very proud of what Mission:Possible has grown into over the last 18 years,” Lawrence shares. “To see hundreds of volunteers frying turkeys for hours is nothing short of incredible. I want to thank Lee, Priscilla and Halfway to Hazard for being a part of this memorable and giving event.”
The event kicked off bright and early at the Nashville Fairgrounds—the second year at the upgraded location, with Lawrence kicking off the daytime event by dropping the first turkey into the fryer. Star-studded helping hands joining Lawrence included Gary Allan, Chris Young, Jamey Johnson, Ian Munsick, Travis Denning, Phil Vassar, Spencer Crandall, Frank Ray, David Lee Murphy, Trey Lewis, Kasey Tyndall, Noah Thompson and the evening’s performers. The charity function brought in dozens of industry members and the greater Nashville community to lend a hand in the massive undertaking.
Dolly Parton Scores The Biggest Album Debut Sales Week Of Her Career With ‘Rockstar’
/by LB CantrellGlobal superstar Dolly Parton has landed her biggest album debut of her seven-decade career with her 30-track Rockstar album, with 127,778 units sold in its inaugural week.
The star-studded project debuted at No. 1 on six different Billboard charts, including the Top Rock Albums, Top Rock & Alternative Albums, Top Country Albums, Top Album Sales, Top Current Album Sales and Independent Albums charts. It also debuted at No. 2 on Billboard‘s Vinyl Albums Tastemaker Albums chart.
“Wow, this is a big thrill!” says Parton. “I owe a thank you to the fans who have always been there for me. Their support made this achievement possible. I’d also like to thank my producer Kent Wells, all the wonderful artists, musicians, and engineers who brought their talents to this project.”
Released via Parton’s own Butterfly Records with worldwide distribution from Big Machine Label Group, Rockstar joins Drake’s For All The Dogs – Scary Hours Edition album and Taylor Swift’s 1989 (Taylor’s Version) in the overall top three, marking Parton’s career-best rank on the all-genre list.
Rockstar also marks Parton’s biggest debut week ever and biggest sales week in 30 years, since 1993’s Platinum-selling Slow Dancing With The Moon logged 50,000 units in its second chart week. With its No. 1 debut on the Billboard Country Albums chart, the album becomes Parton’s 48th top 10 entry on the chart, extending her record for most top 10 albums by a female artist. It also extends her run of No. 1 albums on the chart to 46 years—starting with 1977’s Here You Come Again to present.
The Rock & Roll and Country Music Hall of Famer captured the world’s attention once more during her halftime performance at the Dallas Cowboys Red Kettle Kickoff game on Thanksgiving Day. Her appearance in the game helped it become the third most-viewed regular-season game in NFL history with a 44 million viewership peak.
Prior to her performance, Parton surprised Dallas Cowboys’ Charlotte Jones with a donation of one million dollars to the Salvation Army.
“Words can’t describe how proud I am that Dolly trusted us to deliver her Rockstar vision,” says Danny Nozell, Parton’s longtime manager and CEO/CTK Enterprises & NOZ Entertainment Soundstages. “I want to thank my Butterfly Records global marketing team of Kyle McClain, Steve Ross, John Zarling, Kelly Ridgway, Olly Rowland, global publicist Marcel Pariseau, and the teams at Marbaloo and TDS. I also want to recognize my entire CTK Enterprises staff for the sleepless nights bringing this vision to life. Additionally, a thank you to the best partners in the world—Scott Borchetta, Mike Rittberg, Julian Raymond and the Big Machine family for their hard work and team effort.”
The BIG 98 Wraps Successful Friendsgiving Benefit At The Opry
/by Lorie HollabaughJelly Roll performs. Photo: Keith Griner
iHeartMedia Nashville’s The BIG 98 hosted its Friendsgiving celebration at the Grand Ole Opry House on Monday night (Nov. 20) benefiting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Jelly Roll, Chris Janson, Riley Green and Anne Wilson were headliners for the benefit, and comedian John Crist opened the show with a surprise performance. Rapper Nelly also performed, and brought the audience to their feet to sing along with his hits. The evening centered around the importance of the St. Jude mission with St. Jude cancer survivor Addie Pratt, who also took the stage to share her story and shine a light on the important cause.
The BIG 98’s Friendsgiving kicked off Thanksgiving week, serving as a night of inspiration and music for St. Jude, which is currently holding their annual This Shirt Saves Lives Campaign, encouraging the public to become a supporter of the hospital and its patients alongside the biggest celebrities and artists in country and beyond. The BIG 98 plans to further support St. Jude with their two-day annual St. Jude event on Dec. 7-8.