Strays II Cover Art
Margo Price is releasing Strays II, a new double album presented as three distinct acts, on Oct. 13.
Strays II expands on Price’s original 2023 project with nine new songs, each telling a unique story of love, grief and acceptance. On Act I: Topanga Canyon, available now via Loma Vista Recordings, Price is joined by Strays producer Jonathan Wilson as well as new collaborators Buck Meek of Big Thief and singer-songwriter Ny Oh. They cumulatively dive deeper into the sacrifices it takes to find freedom, the grit it takes to make it and the consequences that come with all of it.
Recorded at Wilson’s Topanga studio, all three acts of Strays II further complement and intensify the resilient, hard-rocking proclamation that Price delivered across the initial LP earlier this year. Accompanied by a three-part short film directed by Chris Phelps, Strays II will continue to unfold throughout the coming weeks with the release of Act II: Mind Travel and Act III: Burn Whatever’s Left. All nineteen tracks will then combine into the double album’s digital release on Oct. 13, followed by a vinyl release of the nine tracks on Nov. 10.
“The title track is the story of how my husband Jeremy [Ivey] and I met and fell in love in Nashville two decades ago,” recalls Price. “I wrote most of the words and Jeremy wrote the chords and melody. It also reflects how we have always tried to stay true to who we are as people: ‘Love and pain it comes in waves but it was quite enough in those early days, we were wild as wolves my darlin’, we were strays.‘
“‘Closer I Get’ (co-written with Ivey) was originally meant to open this double album with the line, ‘Being alive costs a lot of money but so does dying.’ I’ve always thought it was unfair that the moment we are born, we immediately start racking up debt just for existing. This song was conjured from the ashes of our initial psychedelic trip–sometimes your perception and depth of field changes depending on where you’re at in life.”
Following a return to the United Kingdom this week, Price and her band will hit the road for a fall leg of her “‘Til The Wheels Fall Off Tour.” She’ll also play festivals including Hopscotch, XPoNential, Pilgrimage and Farm Aid, where she serves as the first female artist to sit on the Board of Directors.
Strays II Track Listing:
Act I: Topanga Canyon
“Strays”
“Closer I Get (feat. Ny Oh)”
Malibu (feat. Jonathan Wilson, Buck Meek)
Act II: Mind Travel
“Black Wolf Blues”
“Mind Travel”
“Unoriginal Sin (feat. Mike Campbell)”
Act III: Burn Whatever’s Left
“Homesick (feat. Jonathan Wilson)”
“Where Did We Go Wrong”
“Burn Whatever’s Left”
Margo Price To Extend Musical Journey With Three-Act Collection ‘Strays II’
/by Lorie HollabaughStrays II Cover Art
Margo Price is releasing Strays II, a new double album presented as three distinct acts, on Oct. 13.
Strays II expands on Price’s original 2023 project with nine new songs, each telling a unique story of love, grief and acceptance. On Act I: Topanga Canyon, available now via Loma Vista Recordings, Price is joined by Strays producer Jonathan Wilson as well as new collaborators Buck Meek of Big Thief and singer-songwriter Ny Oh. They cumulatively dive deeper into the sacrifices it takes to find freedom, the grit it takes to make it and the consequences that come with all of it.
Recorded at Wilson’s Topanga studio, all three acts of Strays II further complement and intensify the resilient, hard-rocking proclamation that Price delivered across the initial LP earlier this year. Accompanied by a three-part short film directed by Chris Phelps, Strays II will continue to unfold throughout the coming weeks with the release of Act II: Mind Travel and Act III: Burn Whatever’s Left. All nineteen tracks will then combine into the double album’s digital release on Oct. 13, followed by a vinyl release of the nine tracks on Nov. 10.
“The title track is the story of how my husband Jeremy [Ivey] and I met and fell in love in Nashville two decades ago,” recalls Price. “I wrote most of the words and Jeremy wrote the chords and melody. It also reflects how we have always tried to stay true to who we are as people: ‘Love and pain it comes in waves but it was quite enough in those early days, we were wild as wolves my darlin’, we were strays.‘
“‘Closer I Get’ (co-written with Ivey) was originally meant to open this double album with the line, ‘Being alive costs a lot of money but so does dying.’ I’ve always thought it was unfair that the moment we are born, we immediately start racking up debt just for existing. This song was conjured from the ashes of our initial psychedelic trip–sometimes your perception and depth of field changes depending on where you’re at in life.”
Following a return to the United Kingdom this week, Price and her band will hit the road for a fall leg of her “‘Til The Wheels Fall Off Tour.” She’ll also play festivals including Hopscotch, XPoNential, Pilgrimage and Farm Aid, where she serves as the first female artist to sit on the Board of Directors.
Strays II Track Listing:
Act I: Topanga Canyon
“Strays”
“Closer I Get (feat. Ny Oh)”
Malibu (feat. Jonathan Wilson, Buck Meek)
Act II: Mind Travel
“Black Wolf Blues”
“Mind Travel”
“Unoriginal Sin (feat. Mike Campbell)”
Act III: Burn Whatever’s Left
“Homesick (feat. Jonathan Wilson)”
“Where Did We Go Wrong”
“Burn Whatever’s Left”
Scotty McCreery’s ‘Cab In A Solo’ Is Most-Added At Country Radio
/by Lorie HollabaughScotty McCreery. Photo: Jeff Ray
Scotty McCreery has scored another successful radio debut with his latest single, “Cab In A Solo,” which was the most-added song of the week this week.
With 120 stations reporting, the track received the most first-week adds of McCreery’s career, as well as the largest first-week showing for his label, Triple Tigers, and the third biggest add-day of the year. Written by McCreery, Frank Rogers and Brent Anderson and produced by Rogers, Derek Wells and Aaron Eshuis, “Cab In A Solo” is the first taste of new music from McCreery since the release of his 2021 album Same Truck.
“Wow! I’ve been doing this now for twelve years, and this is the largest add week I’ve ever had and it’s the first time I’ve had the most added song on my first week,” says McCreery. “Thank you country radio for all your support both now and through the years, and thanks to the Triple Tigers promotion team. I’ll be drinking cab in a solo tonight!”
The new single follows the recent success of “It Matters to Her,” the fastest-climbing single of McCreery’s career. The singer-songwriter has earned five consecutive No. 1s in the last few years including the Platinum-certified “Damn Strait” and Gold-certified “You Time,” all found on Same Truck: The Deluxe Album.
Earlier this summer, McCreery joined the Brooks & Dunn “Reboot Tour 2023.” He is currently out on the road for his own headlining tour with over 25 dates through the fall.
Sony Music Publishing Nashville Elevates Kenley Flynn To VP, Creative A&R
/by Liza AndersonKenley Flynn. Photo: Jason Myers
Sony Music Publishing Nashville has promoted Kenley Flynn to Vice President, Creative A&R.
In his new role, Flynn will be responsible for signing and developing talent, and driving creative opportunities on behalf of SMP Nashville’s roster.
“Being at Sony Music Publishing these last few years has been genuinely inspiring. I get to work with Nashville’s top songwriters, artists, and producers as well as with an A&R team that is world class. I’m so proud of the story we are writing here and I’m grateful to Rusty [Gaston] and Josh [Van Valkenburg] for letting me play a role in that story,” shares Flynn.
“Kenley is a songwriter’s best friend. Over the last few years, he’s been instrumental in building the careers of some of today’s biggest breakthrough hitmakers. This promotion is so well deserved, and we are excited for him to take on this new role,” says Van Valkenburg, Executive Vice President, Creative, Sony Music Publishing Nashville.
Throughout his tenure at the company, Flynn has helped propel the creative success of breakout talent including Nate Smith, Trannie Anderson and James McNair as well as rising stars Madeline Merlo and David Morris. He has also continued to elevate the achievements of legendary songwriters such as Tim Nichols, who won the 2023 ACM Song of the Year award with Cole Swindell’s “She Had Me At Heads Carolina” as well as Ben Hayslip, who has recently had cuts with Luke Combs, Hardy and more.
Flynn first began his music business career at Combustion Music, where he worked for ten years. During that time, he worked closely with country hitmakers including Zach Crowell, Ashley Gorley, Matt Jenkins and Jameson Rodgers. Flynn then joined Sony Music Publishing in 2020 as Senior Director, Creative A&R.
Mark Logsdon Joins BMG Nashville As VP, Publicity
/by LB CantrellMark Logsdon. Photo: Chrissy Yonder
BMG Nashville has hired Mark Logsdon as Vice President of Publicity.
Reporting to EVP of BMG Nashville JoJamie Hahr, Logsdon will be responsible for leading the overall publicity strategy and execution for BBR Music Group’s artist roster including Jason Aldean, Jelly Roll, Lainey Wilson, Dustin Lynch, Chase Rice, Parmalee and more, as well as guiding BMG Nashville’s corporate communications.
Logsdon comes to the label from PLA Media, where he began in 2007 as a coordinator and rose up the ranks over the past 16 years to his most current position of Vice President. Before PLA, Logsdon spent time at Sony, RLM/Mission Management and the Atlantis Music Conference.
His client roster has included The Tina Turner Museum, Purple Heart Veteran and Dancing with the Stars Finalist Noah Galloway, the Johnny Cash Museum, Patsy Cline Museum, Skull’s Rainbow Room, Nudie’s Honky Tonk, Birthplace of Country Music Museum, Warner/Chappell Production Music, The Americana Music Triangle, RCA Studio A, NASCAR All-American, USAC Series and VRA race car driver, author and country artist Tyler Williams, Michelle Wright, Lynn Anderson, Ingram Content Group and more. Logsdon also currently serves at the Communications Chair of SOLID.
“Mark’s vast array of experience and knowledge not only in the music business, but within his leadership roles, will be an incredible asset to our BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville family,” shares Hahr. “As important, his attention to detail and love for people and music make him a perfect fit for our remarkable roster of artists and stellar team.”
Logsdon is already on the job and can be reached at mark@bbrmusicgroup.com.
Boy Named Banjo Slates Latest Album ‘Dusk’ For September
/by Lorie HollabaughBoy Named Banjo is set to release their major label debut album Dusk on Sept. 29 via Mercury Nashville. Along with the announcement, the band has shared their new single “Lonely In This Town” as well as a new video for the song.
“I’ve always felt like ‘Lonely In This Town’ is best enjoyed driving with the windows down in your car,” shares Boy Named Banjo’s Barton Davies. “The music feels uplifting and euphoric with the three-part harmonies and steady groove, but then the lyrics come in and give the complete opposite vibe. It’s almost like you’re lonely but you’re happy about it. I love that duality in the song.”
Produced by longtime collaborator Oscar Charles, Dusk‘s nine tracks run the gamut from late-night, fall-in-love party anthems to stripped-down meditations. The songs grapple with lust and longing, hope and heartbreak, and the band’s performances blur the lines between Music Row and Laurel Canyon with lush harmonies and bold cinematic arrangements.
Boy Named Banjo will kick off their coast-to-coast “Dusk Til Dawn Tour” on Sept. 14 in Atlanta, with a local stop at the Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival in Franklin, Tennessee on Sept. 23 and dates in Louisville, San Diego, Savannah, Charleston, Birmingham, Brooklyn and more through Dec. 2. Audiences will be treated to performances from their extensive catalog and new music from Dusk, in addition to their recent anthem “What Keeps Me Going.”
Dusk Track Listing:
1. “Something ‘Bout A Sunset”
2. “Heart Attack”
3. “Feel For You (Dusk)”
4. “Young Forever”
5. “Whiskey Dreams”
6. “Mama, I’m Misbehavin'”
7. “Goodbyes Are Sad”
8. “Lonely In This Town”
9. “Opposite Directions”
Austin Signs With Round Hill Music
/by Liza AndersonPictured (L-R): Round Hill’s Mike Whelan, Lindsay Will, Austin and Round Hill’s Taylor Antle. Photo: Courtesy of Jody Chappell
Country singer-songwriter Austin has signed an exclusive publishing deal with Round Hill Music.
The Kentucky native first gained success as half of the duo SixForty1—opening for Brantley Gilbert, Eli Young Band, Michael Ray, Walker Hayes and Muscadine Bloodline and amassing millions of streams.
Austin is managed by Morris Higham, and is currently prepping for the release of his Matt Geroux-produced debut solo project.
“Austin is an incredible writer, artist and one of the hardest workers in town,” says Round Hill Sr. Director of A&R Lindsay Will. “He’s spent years crafting his artistry and his upcoming project is going to turn some heads. We’ve always wanted to work together and now is the perfect time. I cannot be more excited for Round Hill to be part of his career.”
“I couldn’t be happier with the home I’ve found with Round Hill,” adds Austin. “From the first time meeting Lindsay, I knew this was the perfect fit and I can’t thank the team enough for believing in my artistry. This is just the beginning.”
Zac Brown Band Makes History With 14th Sell-Out At Fenway Park
/by Lorie HollabaughZac Brown Band. Photo: Tyler Lord
Zac Brown Band made history last weekend at Fenway Park with their show on August 19, selling out the iconic stadium for the 14th time and marking the Park’s 100th concert.
Zac Brown Band. Photo: Tyler Lord
The band took to the stage in front of a sold-out crowd playing their hits along with covers from Pink Floyd’s “Wish You Were Here” to Radiohead’s “Creep” and Eric Clapton’s “Layla.” The encore put each band member in the spotlight with a rapid fire succession of country hits such as “Mountain Music,” “All My Ex’s Live In Texas,” “Family Tradition,” “Friends In Low Places,” “Boot Scootin’ Boogie” and more. King Calaway opened the show and joined ZBB onstage for their song “When I Get Home,” produced by Brown.
Last Friday, Zac Brown Band released a live performance video of “The Weight,” honoring late guitarist and singer-songwriter Robbie Robertson. The band’s “From The Fire Tour” will pick back up Sept. 2 and 3 with back-to-back sold-out dates in Gilford, New Hampshire.
Warner Chappell Music Signs Charles Wesley Godwin
/by LB CantrellCharles Wesley Godwin. Photo: Louie Nice
Warner Chappell Music has signed country-folk singer-songwriter Charles Wesley Godwin to a global publishing deal.
With two critically acclaimed albums, Godwin has built a dedicated fan base of over one million monthly listeners on Spotify, and recently reached the milestone of 100 million worldwide streams across his entire catalog.
After signing a record deal with Big Loud recently, Godwin will release his third album and major label debut, Family Ties, on Sept. 22. He’s currently out on the road playing headlining shows in addition to supporting Zach Bryan on his “The Burn, Burn, Burn Tour.” Godwin will also join Luke Combs on his 2024 “Growin’ Up And Gettin’ Old Tour,” which kicks off April 12 at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Of the deal, Godwin shares, “Happy to announce that I’ve partnered with Warner Chappell Music! It’s been a true pleasure getting to know Ben Vaughn, Spencer Nohe, and the entire WCM staff. I’m grateful for their support and look forward to working together.”
Vaughn, President and CEO of Warner Chappell Music Nashville, shares, “Do yourself a favor and go see a Charles Wesley Godwin show, it will make you an instant lifelong fan. Born and bred in West Virginia, Godwin brings an undeniable energy to the stage when singing the songs that he’s so expertly crafted, and all of us at Warner Chappell couldn’t be happier to represent him at this exciting time in his career.”
Nohe, Senior Director of A&R at Warner Chappell Music Nashville, adds, “Charles is a rare and unique talent who we are thrilled to partner with. He’s a prolific songwriter with an electric live show and loyal fan base that will only continue to grow. Thank you to the legends at True Grit for everything throughout this process. We’re grateful to be a part of Team CWG!”
Weekly Register: Oliver Anthony Earns Top Country Streaming Song Debut
/by Liza AndersonOliver Anthony
Oliver Anthony‘s “Rich Men North Of Richmond” earns the top debut on the country streaming songs chart this week, scoring the No. 3 slot with 17 million streams according to Luminate data.
Morgan Wallen‘s “Last Night” rests at No. 1 with 23 million new streams, adding to 816 million ATD. Luke Combs‘ “Fast Car” cover bides at No. 2 with 18 million streams, adding to 343 million ATD. Zach Bryan‘s “Something In The Orange” drops to No. 4 with 15 million new streams, adding to 889 million ATD, and Bailey Zimmerman‘s “Religiously” remains at No. 5 with 12 million streams, adding to 160 million ATD.
There is no movement among the top five on the country albums this week.
Wallen’s One Thing At A Time reigns at No. 1 with 94K in total consumption (3.7K album only/114 million song streams). Taylor Swift‘s Speak Now (Taylor’s Version) takes No. 2 again with 61K (23K album only/49 million song streams). Wallen’s Dangerous: The Double Album rests at No. 3 with 44K (765 album only/56 million song streams). Bryan’s American Heartbreak continues to claim the No. 4 slot with 35K (2.1K album only/42 million song streams), and Swift’s Red (Taylor’s Version) stays at No. 5 with 29K (7.5K album only/28 million song streams).
Jenna Paulette Makes Grand Ole Opry Debut
/by LB CantrellJenna Paulette. Photo: Chris Hollo for Grand Ole Opry
Country singer-songwriter Jenna Paulette made her Grand Ole Opry debut Friday night (Aug. 18).
Paulette grew up on a ranch in Texas inspired by the music of George Strait, Reba McEntire, Gene Autry, The Chicks and Miranda Lambert. Her upbringing lent itself to the blend of toughness and sensitivity that shows up in her music.
Jess Ogden, Taylor Morton, Jenna Paulette, Emily Miller, Taylor McAdams. Photo: Wes Walker
Paulette settled in Nashville in 2015, where she struck up a relationship with hit songwriter Ashley Gorley. His mentorship ultimately led to her publishing deal with Sea Gayle Music in June 2021. Now having written with Will Bundy, Rhett Akins and Jessie Jo Dillion, as well as having opened for Parmalee, John Michael Montgomery, Clay Walker and Aaron Watson, Paulette released her debut album, The Girl I Was, in March to critical acclaim.
For her Opry debut, Paulette pulled out “Country In The Girl” and “The Girl I Was.”
She shared the bill with Carrie Underwood, Dustin Lynch, Herb Alpert and Riders In The Sky. After her performance, Paulette and her team celebrated at an after party in The Circle Room at the Opry, sponsored by her Justin Boots and Lone River Ranch Water partners. There was an edible boot cake, Lone River Ranch Water cookies, Texas state cookies and Grand Ole Opry circle cookies, as well as food from Texas staple Whataburger.