Weekly Register: Chris Stapleton Debuts At No. 1 On Country Albums Chart

/by

Chris Stapleton climbs the country charts this week with his new album Higher. The project debuted at the top of the country albums chart with 90K in total consumption (57K album only/40 million song streams), and “White Horse,” a song from the album, lands at No. 4 on the country streaming songs chart with 10 million streams, adding to 472 million ATD, according to Luminate data.

Elsewhere on the country albums chart, Morgan Wallen‘s One Thing At Time shifts down to No. 2 with 68K (2.8K album only/83 million song streams), while Zach Bryan moves to No. 3 with 45K (4.1K album only/53 million song streams). Wallen’s Dangerous: The Double Album takes No. 4 with 36K (450 album only/46 million song streams), and Taylor Swift‘s Speak Now (Taylor’s Version) secures No. 5 with 30K (10K album only/26 million song streams).

On the country streaming songs chart, Zach Bryan and Kacey Musgraves‘ “I Remember Everything” reigns at the top with 18 million new streams, adding to 274 million ATD, while Wallen’s “Last Night” claims No. 2 with 12.5 million streams, adding to 1.039 billion ATD. Bryan’s “Something In The Orange” stays at No. 3 with 12 million new streams, adding to 1.067 billion ATD, and Wallen’s “Thinkin’ Bout Me” drops to No. 5 with 10 million streams, adding to 115 million ATD.

Nicolle Galyon Shares Her Story As A ‘Second Wife’ Through Latest EP [Interview]

/by

Photo: Claire Schaper

Established hitmaker Nicolle Galyon has pulled music lovers in with her captivatingly clever and honest songwriting style for a while now. Galyon has an incredible way of uniquely specifying perspectives and situations centered around common musical concepts. With that talent, she’s helped others tell their stories, and her told part of her own with her debut EP Firstborn. Leading with truth and vulnerability, Galyon has now flipped to the next chapter in her artist-songwriter story with her sophomore project Second Wife.

The title itself entices you to take a seat and listen to the six-song EP primarily created by Galyon and her husband, fellow award-winning songsmith Rodney Clawson. The couple wrote all but one of tracks, “Under The Rainbow.,” included as an homage to Galyon’s hometown of Sterling, Kansas, where she and her family recently moved to.

Released on their 16th wedding anniversary (Oct. 13), Galyon and Clawson crafted the collection over a long weekend at their farm outside of Nashville and recorded it with co-producers Jimmy Robbins and King Henry at the Sonic Ranch in Texas. Following the EP’s unveiling, Galyon detailed the making and shared the story of Second Wife with MusicRow.

When composing this chapter, the truth of her journey and role as a second wife thus far was front-of-mind. Galyon recalls reflecting on her work and recognizing the feelings she voices within it that she hadn’t vocalized before.

“When I look back on the choices I’ve made or the ideas that have come to the surface, I can recognize that that was something inside of me that I never felt like I had the chance to say before,” she states. “My favorite thing about writing these projects is that I get to keep it as pure and specific to me and my story as possible, and I think every artist is entitled to that. I think an artist’s only job is to tell the truth and to create from a place of truth-telling. I also like reclaiming what a second wife is and rebranding how people make think about it.”

Galyon had a couple titles in her back pocket that she wanted to explore when they first started writing. She says that she often starts with a word and tries to get to the root of it with her collaborators during session. Galyon makes note of Clawson’s listening “superpower” and his ability to process things internally as a writer, while she is more of a curious, external processor.

The EP open with the prelude, “Jo.,” which honors Galyon’s mother-in-law and was born from her one-word writing method. The couple has many other influential “Jo’s” in their life, whether they be family or friends. It is also serves as their daughter’s middle name.

“I just thought ‘Gosh, there’s something to this name Jo and the essence of [it].’ As I’ve gotten older I’ve started to realize how my mother-in-law kind of paved the way for [my husband] to be a attracted to someone like me. She and I are so different in so many ways, but [over the years] I’ve developed this appreciation for her ‘I can do it myself mentality’.”

The upbeat tune “Prenup” comes next, which further draws the audience in before “The Grain.,” which was another word that spoke to Galyon. The word soon became a ballad that touches on how love stories vary while giving a nod to Kansas. The couple would sometimes write the first chorus and then take a break to pour a glass of wine or grill out. She discloses the creation of the fourth track “Rooms.” developed from a round of the card game We’re Not Really Strangers.

“Being married this long, I’ve learned that you never run out of things to know about a person. It was fun to go back but also rediscover each other now through the process.”

Second Wife proceeds with the lighthearted “Texas Hold ‘Em.” and concludes with “Under The Rainbow.” Kansas has served as the subtle backdrop of Galyon’s songs for years and feels that its residents are her built-in audience.

“I think it’s important to go be with the people that listen to the music that you’re making. I always ask myself ‘Will the girls in my hometown feel anything when they listen to this?’ I also you need to go to a place where you can be quiet and hear yourself, and that’s one of the greatest things Sterling has been for me.”

The couple has also shared videos accompanying the songs that depict raw recording footage. While the title of the project is bold and alluring, Galyon wants listeners to know the story behind it and find a little bit of themselves in it.

“I hope people can listen it and embrace their own relationships through it. not everything about Rodney and I’s relationship makes sense on paper, but I think that’s what makes us great and great for each other.”

Dylan Schneider Signs With Sony Music Publishing Nashville & Verse 2 Music

/by

Pictured (L-R): Neon Coast’s Joey Russ, Verse 2 Music’s Kent Earls, Dylan Schneider, Kane Brown, Neon Coast’s Martha Earls and Sony Music Publishing Nashville’s Rusty Gaston

BBR Music Group/Wheelhouse Records artist Dylan Schneider has signed a joint venture global publishing deal with Sony Music Publishing Nashville and Verse 2 Music.

Schneider has earned his place on the map as one of today’s promising new hitmakers, following the release of his viral single “Ain’t Missin’ You” and as a top five songwriter on Dustin Lynch’s “Momma’s House.” Gaining over 500k social followers in just a few months, Schneider is currently climbing the charts after topping TikTok’s viral country music playlist and racking in over 121 million TikTok views, and 121K user-generated TikTok videos.

He has also scored two Gold records, garnered over 300 million streams and counting, and has toured with Florida Georgia Line, Kane Brown, Morgan Wallen, Dan + Shay, Mitchell Tenpenny, Chris Lane and more. Schneider was recently named a Breakthrough Artist to Watch by Amazon Music, an Artist to Watch by Pandora, and was declared “Country Music’s Next Rising Star” by Billboard.

Partner, Verse 2 Music, Kent Earls says, “Verse 2 is really excited to announce the signing of Dylan Schneider. Dylan is not only an incredible artist but an equally talented songwriter. He is already proven as a hit songwriter for both himself and other artists. We are excited to partner with him and his team to create some musical history.”

“Dylan Schneider is a proven hitmaker who is poised for even more, and he will be a great addition to the Verse 2 family,” says Sony Music Publishing Nashville CEO Rusty Gaston. “I’m also very excited about what Kane and Kent are building at Verse 2 – with three No. 1 singles in their first three years of business, I look forward to seeing what they will accomplish next.”

“I’ve respected Kane for so long, so I’m thrilled to join the Verse 2/SMP family,” says Schneider. “Writing songs for myself and other artists is so rewarding, I can’t believe I get to call this work. I can’t wait to start this new journey with the best team. Thanks for believing in me. Let’s make some magic!”

Currently, he is on tour with Scotty McCreery, after wrapping dates with Kane Brown and Tyler Hubbard, and is set to join Nate Smith’s “World On Fire Tour 2024” kicking off in January.

BREAKING: New Mountain Capital To Lead A Shareholder Group To Acquire BMI

/by

New Mountain Capital, LLC, a leading growth-oriented investment firm with over $45 billion in assets under management, will lead a shareholder group to acquire Broadcast Music, Inc. (BMI).

New Mountain will acquire the company from the shareholders who own BMI today. Mike O’Neill, BMI’s President & CEO, will continue to lead the company, along with his leadership team, following the closing. New Mountain has also reserved additional capital to fund growth investments, new ventures and technology enhancements to help accelerate BMI’s long-term plan to maximize distributions for its affiliates and improve the service it provides to songwriters, composers and publishers.

As part of the agreement, BMI’s current shareholders will allocate $100 million of the proceeds of the sale to affiliates shortly after the transaction closing. The allocation of those funds, while not a distribution of royalties, will be in keeping with the company’s distribution methodologies, which are based on performance levels over a set period of time. BMI will work to finalize an equitable payout plan for this allocation in the coming months.

“Today marks an exciting new chapter for BMI that puts us in the best possible position to stay ahead of the evolving industry and ensure the long-term success of our music creators,” says O’Neill. “New Mountain is an ideal partner because they believe in our mission and understand that the key to success for our company lies in delivering value to our affiliates. We are excited about the many ways New Mountain will accelerate our growth plan, bringing new vision, technological expertise and an outstanding track record of strengthening businesses, all of which will help us build an even stronger future for BMI and our songwriters, composers and publishers.” He added, “I would also like to thank the BMI Board of Directors and BMI’s shareholders for their excellent stewardship and unwavering support of our creative community since the company’s founding in 1939.”

“BMI has been a trusted guide and champion of music creators from the beginning, and we are privileged to work with the company and its 1.4 million affiliates to build on that incredible legacy,” says Pete Masucci, Managing Director at New Mountain. “There are numerous growth opportunities ahead for BMI with significant potential to generate more value for the work of its songwriters, composers and publishers. We look forward to working together alongside Mike and his team to capitalize on those opportunities for the benefit of all BMI stakeholders.”

“While the music industry has undergone a technology-driven transformation over the past two decades, music infrastructure, including the performing rights ecosystem has been slower to transform,” shares Mike Oshinsky, Director at New Mountain. “There is tremendous opportunity to modernize this critical part of music infrastructure and ensure that long term royalty collections for songwriters, composers and publishers continue to grow. With our support, BMI is ideally positioned to drive this transformation as the only PRO in the world to combine an open-door policy to all music creators with the innovation and commercial drive of a for-profit business.”

Dean Dillon, Hillary Lindsey Among 2024 Songwriters Hall Of Fame Nominees For Induction

/by

Dean Dillon & Hillary Lindsey

The Songwriters Hall of Fame (SHOF) has revealed the slate of nominees to be voted upon for induction at its 2024 Induction & Awards Gala in New York City. Among those nominees are Dean Dillon and Hillary Lindsey.

A songwriter with a notable catalog of songs qualifies for induction 20 years after the first significant commercial release of a song. Three nominees from the Songwriter category and three from the Performing Songwriter category will be chosen to be inducted by eligible voting members of the SHOF. Voting ends at 11 p.m. CT on Dec. 27.

Both Dillon and Lindsey are members of the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame (NaSHOF). Dillon is also a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame.

Performing Songwriter Nominees:

– Bryan Adams – “(Everything I Do) I Do It For You,” “Heaven,” “All For Love,” “Have You Ever Really Loved A Woman?,” “Summer of ’69”
– Randy Bachman & Burton Cummings – “These Eyes,” “American Woman,” “Laughing,” “No Time ,” “No Sugar Tonight,”
– Debbie Harry, Chris Stein & Clem Burke p/k/a Blondie – “Call Me,” “Heart of Glass,” “Rapture,” “One Way or Another,” “Sunday Girl”
– Tracy Chapman – “Fast Car,” “Talkin’ ‘Bout a Revolution,” “Give Me One Reason,” “Baby Can I Hold You,” “Sing For You”
– George Clinton – “Atomic Dog,” “Flashlight,” “(Not Just) Knee Deep,” “P-Funk,” “Give Up The Funk”
– Tom Johnston, Patrick Simmons & Michael McDonald p/k/a Doobie Brothers – “Listen To The Music,” “Long Train Runnin’,” “What A Fool Believes,” “China Grove,” “Black Water”
– David Gates – “Everything I Own,” “Make It With You,” “Baby I’m-a Want You,” “The Guitar Man,” “If ”
– Ann Wilson & Nancy Wilson p/k/a Heart – “Barracuda,” “Crazy On You,” “Dog And Butterfly,” “Straight On,” “Even It Up”
– Kenny Loggins – “Danny’s Song,” “Footloose,” “Celebrate Me Home,” “Return To Pooh Corner,” “What A Fool Believes”
– Carlton Douglas Ridenhour p/k/a Chuck D, William Jonathan Drayton p/k/a Flavor Flav, p/k/a Public Enemy – “Fight The Power,” “Bring The Noise,” “Don’t Believe The Hype,” “Can’t Truss It,” “Black Steel In The Hour Of Chaos”
– Bill Berry, Peter Buck, Mike Mills & Michael Stipe, p/k/a R.E.M. – “Losing My Religion,” “Everybody Hurts,” “It’s The End Of The World As We Know It (And I Feel Fine),” “Radio Free Europe,” “The One I Love”
– Donald Fagen & Walter Becker (d) p/k/a Steely Dan – “Reelin’ in the Years,” “My Old School,” “Rikki Don’t Lose That Number,” “Black Friday,” “Kid Charlemagne”

Non-Performing Songwriter Nominees:

– L. Russell Brown – “Sock It To Me – Baby!,” “Tie A Yellow Ribbon Round the Ole Oak Tree,” “C’Mon Marianne,” “Knock Three Times,” “Use It Up and Wear It Out”
– Dean Dillon – “Tennessee Whiskey,” “Ocean Front Property,” “Here For A Good Time,” “The Chair,” “I’m Alive”
– Dennis Lambert & Brian Potter – “Ain’t No Woman (Like The One I’ve Got),” “Don’t Pull Your Love,” “Nightshift,” “One Tin Soldier (Theme from Billy Jack),” “We Built This City”
– Hillary Lindsey – “Jesus Take The Wheel,” “Blue Ain’t Your Color,” “Girl Crush,” “Always Remember Us This Way,” “Million Reasons”
– Tony Macaulay – “Baby Now That I’ve Found You,” “Build Me Up Buttercup,” “Don’t Give Up On Us,” “Last Night I Didn’t Get To Sleep At All,” “Love Grows (Where My Rosemary Goes)”
– Timothy Mosley p/k/a Timbaland – “Sexy Back,” “Get Yer Freak On,” “Pony,” “Big Pimpin’,” “The Way I Are”
– Roger Nichols – “We’ve Only Just Begun,” “Rainy Days and Mondays,” “I Won’t Last A Day Without You,” “Out In The Country,” “Times Of Your Life”
– Dean Pitchford – “Footloose,” “Fame,” “Holding Out For A Hero,” “All The Man That I Need,” “Let’s Hear It For The Boy”
– Maurice Starr – “Candy Girl,” “I’ll Be Loving You (Forever),” “Is This the End,” “Step By Step,” “Popcorn Love”
– Narada Michael Walden – “How Will I Know,” “Freeway of Love,” “Who’s Zoomin’ Who,” “I Don’t Wanna Cry,” “I Shoulda Loved Ya”

The Oak Ridge Boys Honored With Tennessee Music Pathways Marker

/by

Pictured: William Lee Golden, Simone Golden, Richard Sterban and Donna Sterban with the families of Lon “Deacon” Freeman and Wally Fowler at the Tennessee Music Pathways Oak Ridge Boys marker in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. Photo: Jeremy Westby/2911 Media

The Oak Ridge Boys were honored with their own Tennessee Music Pathways marker from the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development in Oak Ridge, Tennessee yesterday (Nov. 20).

William Lee Golden and Richard Sterban were in attendance to represent the Oaks at the unveiling along with Tennessee Representative John Reagan, Oak Ridge Mayor Warren Gooch, and family members of former Oak Ridge Boys’ Wally Fowler and Lon “Deacon” Freeman, both original members of the Oak Ridge Quartet. Gooch also presented the group with a key to the city and a proclamation honoring their contributions.

“It was a very special day,” shares Golden. “Being part of this remarkable group is something I never take for granted. Our journey has been uniquely blessed and one that very few have had the opportunity to achieve. I am thankful to Duane Allen, Joe Bonsall and Richard Sterban for their contributions to the Oak Ridge Boys, along with our band and co-workers. A special thank you to Gus Arrendale and Springer Mountain Farms for helping make this day possible!”

“I can’t think of anywhere I would rather have been than at the Grove Theater in Oak Ridge with the kind folks at the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development who worked so hard to design this marker,” expresses Sterban. “The Oak Ridge Boys as a group goes back 80 years to the original members, Wally Fowler, Lon “Deacon” Freeman, Curly Kinsey and Johnny New, and we have never forgotten them or their contributions. It has been a privilege to build on that.”

The Oak Ridge Boys’ Allen (1966), Bonsall (1973), Golden (1965) and Sterban (1972) celebrated their 50th anniversary this year and recently announced their “American Made: Farewell Tour.”

Industry Ink: Morgan Wallen, Jelly Roll, Billy Ray & Firerose Cyrus

/by

Morgan Wallen Gets NSAI’s Songwriter-Artist of the Year Trophy

Pictured (L-R): Seth England (CEO/Co-Founder Big Loud), Bart Herbison (Executive Director, NSAI), Craig Wiseman (Co-Founder Big Loud), Morgan Wallen, Steve Bogard (Board President, NSAI), Jennifer Turnbow (COO, NSAI).

The Nashville Songwriters Associate International (NSAI) stopped by Big Loud during awards week to present Morgan Wallen with his 2023 NSAI Songwriter-Artist of the Year award that he earned at the organization’s Nashville Songwriter Awards in September.

That same evening, Wallen was recognized as BMI’s Songwriter of the Year, an honor shared with Luke Combs.

 

Jelly Roll Performs at Nashville Bourbon Auction

Jelly Roll. Photo: Matt Dubis

Last week, CMA’s New Artist of the Year and recent Grammy nominee Jelly Roll performed at the third annual Nashville Bourbon Auction. The event raised more than $300,000 to benefit the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum and the youth development and mentoring program Impact Youth Outreach.

“The nonprofit Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is honored to be a beneficiary of the Nashville Bourbon Auction and grateful to AllianceBernstein for creating this opportunity,” said Lisa Purcell, the museum’s Executive Vice President of External Affairs, in a statement prior to the auction. “We’re pleased that Jelly Roll will be performing, knowing his music inspires empathy and builds community, much like the Museum education programs the event will support.”

In 2023, the Museum will serve more than 200,000 students of all ages through more than 1,200 programs—the majority at no cost.

 

Billy Ray Cyrus and Firerose Cyrus Sign with Buchwald for Global Representation

Billy Ray Cyrus and Firerose Cyrus. Photo: Derrek Kupish

Buchwald has signed Grammy-winner Billy Ray Cyrus and Firerose Cyrus for worldwide representation in all areas outside of music. Billy Ray and Firerose continue to be managed by Scott Adkins and represented by Nick Meinema‘s Action Entertainment Collaborative for agency representation for live music bookings.

The singers, who tied the knot in October, climbed to No. 16 on both Mediabase’s Adult Contemporary Chart and Billboard‘s Adult Contemporary Chart with their single “Plans.” They recently appeared on The Kelly Clarkson Show and performed together on Good Morning America.

Tim McGraw Surprises Fans This Thanksgiving With New EP

/by

Album Art: Courtesy of Big Machine Records. Photo: Tyler Conrad

Tim McGraw fans will have a little something extra to be thankful for this holiday as the star has dropped a surprise new six-song EP, Poet’s Resumé, via Big Machine Records. A new lyric video for the EP’s focus track “Runnin’ Outta Love” is out now as well.

Produced by Byron Gallimore, the new EP features songs penned by Brad Warren, Brett Warren, Steve Dorff, Lori McKenna, Jeffrey Steele and more. Poet’s Resumé is McGraw’s way of saying thank you to his fans for a big year, which included the release of his 17th studio album Standing Room Only in August, earning honors including the ACM Icon Award and the Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI)’s President’s Keystone Award and notching his 47th No. 1 this week with his single “Standing Room Only.”

With this most recent No. 1, McGraw has now amassed 69 top 10 radio hits throughout his career. He extends his Mediabase record for the most weeks at No. 1 with all titles to 74 weeks. In the process, McGraw sets the record for the longest span from first to latest at 29 years and six months, surpassing George Strait.

Poet’s Resumé Tracklist:
“Runnin’ Outta Love” // (Matt McGinn, Lindsay Rimes, Brad Warren, Brett Warren)
“Hurt People” // (Tom Douglas, Sara Beth Go, Brett Taylor)
“20 For 30” // (Lance Miller, Brad Warren, Brett Warren)
“One Bad Habit” // (Marc Beeson, Aaron Eshuis, Tony Lane)
“Been Around A While” // (Steve Dorff, Anthony Smith, Jeffrey Steele)
“Poet’s Resumé” // (Lori McKenna, Josh Osborne, Scott Stepakoff)

ASCAP Nashville Hosts Virtual Workshops

/by

Pictured: (top row) Corey Crowder, Beard Bates, Jahnavi Goldstein; (second row) Miranda Hyman, Craig Lackey, ASCAP Associate Director, Nashville, Duane Hobson; (third row) Talia Sporkin, Hans Halstead. Not pictured: Brooke Malouf, Claudia Mikhail, Tara Jones, David Bradford, Dan Harrison, J. Patrick Lundquist.

The ASCAP Nashville membership team hosted workshops last week for its members.

The annual ASCAP Foundation Country Workshop, in honor of Garth Brooks, took place on Nov. 13 and 14. Designed to support the development and education of up-and-coming songwriters, the two-session, virtual event was led by chart-topping country music songwriter Corey Crowder.

Pictured: (top row) Bea Bradley, Naelee Rae, Brian Payne, Scott Allison; (second row) David Spencer, Mike Geo, Dee Dee Blankenship, Joey Nicholson; (third row) Paula Samson, Kendall Renee, Ellen Hayes, ASCAP AVP, Strategic Services, Nashville’s Kele Currier. Not pictured: Naomie Celestin.

Hailing from Canada to Los Angeles and everywhere in-between, 12 country music songwriters were selected to participate in this unique intensive that focused on the craft of songwriting, song structure, exploring creative collaboration and an overview of the music industry.

The ASCAP Nashville team also hosted the virtual ASCAP Foundation Christian Music Songwriters Workshop on Nov. 13. Now in its 14th year, the workshop brought together 11 up-and-coming Christian music songwriters and was led by 2023 ASCAP Christian Music Song of the Year Award winner, songwriter and producer David Spencer.

The session covered demo production, current songwriting trends on Christian radio, the art of collaboration, and songwriting and production to help take songs to the next level. Each attendee played a song for the group, and Spencer gave insightful feedback on potential revisions for each song.

Lineup Revealed For Tortuga Music Festival 2024

/by

Rock the Ocean’s Tortuga Music Festival, in partnership with Live Nation, has revealed the lineup for the 11th annual ocean-side event, taking place April 5-7 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

This year’s festival will be headlined by Lainey Wilson, Hardy and Jason Aldean. Other acts performing include Cooper Alan, Kassi Ashton, Black Opry, Priscilla Block, Boyz II Men, Jackson Dean, Dee Jay Silver, Russell Dickerson, DJ Rock, Michael Franti & Spearhead, Charles Wesley Godwin, Brian Kelley, Jon Langston, Long Beach Dub Allstars, Chase Matthew, Ashley McBryde, Bret Michaels, Old Dominion, Parmalee, Shwayze, Red Clay Strays, Teddy Swims, Tigirlily Gold, TLC, Turnpike Troubadours, Koe Wetzel, Wheeland Brothers, Warren Zeiders and Bailey Zimmerman.

The festival will also have a stage dedicated to emerging talent based out of Nashville on the Next From Nashville Stage featuring Sadie Bass, Annie Bosko, The Castellows, Kolby Cooper, Logan Crosby, Hannah Ellis, Dylan Gossett, HunterGirl, Greylan James, Meg McRee, Peytan Porter, Josh Ross, Austin Snell, Stephen Wilson Jr. and Anne Wilson.

Tortuga Music Festival also continues to be a trailblazer in supporting ocean conservation and sustainability since its inception in 2013. In October, the event received the 2023 Bronze Stevie Award for Sustainability Leadership in the U.S. and Canada at the 20th annual International Business Awards. Each year, the festival raises funds and educates the public about the critical environmental issues taking place within the oceans. Fans will be able to explore Rock the Ocean’s Conversation Village while on-site.

Tickets go on sale Friday, Dec. 1 at 9 a.m. CT. For more information, click here. Hotel packages and VIP experiences can be purchased via Vibee at Vibee.com.