Neon Union Releases Debut EP ‘Double Wide Castle Sessions’

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Neon Union has released their debut EP Double Wide Castle Sessions via Red Street Records.

The five-track EP produced by Dann Huff comes after their debut single, “Bout Damn Time,” broke onto the charts. Fans can hear three previously-released tracks on the new EP, “Redneck Rich,” “This Thing” and “American Dirt,” along with two new songs, “Country Radio Song” and “How You Don’t.”

“We have been creating so much music, and we’re so excited to share it with the world,” says Neon Union’s Andrew Milsaps. “This music represents who we are and who our fans are! We hope y’all enjoy listening to these songs as much as we enjoy playing them!”

Duo member Leo Brooks adds, “Y’all get ready to turn up these summer jams because there’s something here for everyone!”

“I couldn’t be more proud of these boys and the music they’ve been making,” says Red Street Records CEO Jay DeMarcus. “The versatility in this music only scratches the surface of what they’re capable of. Andrew and Leo are gonna be around for a long, long time!”

To celebrate the release of Double Wide Castle Sessions, Neon Union will be playing a free show at Nashville’s Ole Red from 6:30-7:30 p.m. CT on Monday, July 24. The performance will also be livestreamed on Circle Network’s Facebook, YouTube channel and Circle Now app.

In Pictures: Under The Big Sky Festival Returns To Big Mountain Ranch

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Under The Big Sky Music, Rodeo & Roundup Festival 2023. Photo: Felicia Garcia

The Under The Big Sky Music, Rodeo & Roundup Festival returned to Big Mountain Ranch in Whitefish, Montana for it’s fourth annual event last weekend (July 14-16). Guests gathered at the 350-acre working ranch to take in picturesque mountains, green pastures and railroads, all while wading stage-side in winding streams, enjoying live music and a rodeo.

Luke Grimes performing at Under The Big Sky Music, Rodeo & Roundup Festival 2023. Photo: Felicia Garcia

The festival showcased a mix of alternative, outlaw country, folk, bluegrass, Americana and rock acts.

Archertown, Drayton Farley, Colter Wall and Caamp graced the Great Northern Stage along with Under The Big Sky’s special guest Luke Grimes on Friday (July 14), while the rodeo took place on the Big Mountain Stage.

On Saturday (July 15), War Pony, Izaak Opatz, The Local Honeys, Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway, Hogslop String Band, 49 Winchester and Elle King entertained on the Big Mountain Stage. Simultaneously, Radio Ranch, Kat Hasty, Hayes Carll, LeAnn Rimes, Ryan Bingham with The Texas Gentlemen, Whiskey Myers and Hank Williams Jr. took the Great Northern Stage.

Under The Big Sky Rodeo 2023. Photo: Javier Luna

Jamie Wyman, The Helnore Highwater Band, The Red Clay Strays, Vincent Neil Emerson, Kitchen Dwellers, Shane Smith & The Saints and The Dead South serenaded festival goers on the Big Mountain Stage, while Colby Acuff, Cristina Vane, Bella White, Nikki Lane, Charley Crockett, Marcus King and Zach Bryan took the Great Northern Stage on Sunday (July 16).

Additionally, the daily roughstock rodeo highlighted the Montana culinary scene with hand-picked food and beverage vendors. Attendees also had the option to shop in the vendor village, indulging in local craft beer and artisans, along with other family attractions for children including a petting zoo and trail rides.

LeAnn Rimes performing at Under The Big Sky Music, Rodeo & Roundup Festival 2023. Photo: Felicia Garcia

Hank Williams Jr. performing at Under The Big Sky Music, Rodeo & Roundup Festival 2023. Photo: Felicia Garcia

Elle King performing at Under The Big Sky Music, Rodeo & Roundup Festival 2023. Photo: Javier Luna

Industry Ink: Ashley Cooke, Anne Wilson, AIMP, Lisa Brokop

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Ashley Cooke Celebrates New Shot In The Dark Album With iHeartCountry

Colbie Caillat and Ashley Cooke. Photo: Seth Herald

Ashley Cooke celebrated her brand new album at the official “iHeartCountry Album Preview Party: Featuring Shot In The Dark” yesterday (July 20). iHeartMedia gave listeners early access to Cooke’s new album. Cooke and Colbie Caillat made surprise appearances for an acoustic performance of their song “Mean Girl” before Cooke did a Q&A with guests.

Hosted by iHeartMedia’s Brooke Taylor at iHeartMedia’s Big 98 office in Nashville, winners from the radio promotions received an exclusive invite to the album preview party, and tickets to Cooke’s “Shot In The Dark Tour” coming to Nashville on Oct. 19.

 

Anne Wilson, Dunkin’ Team Supports Childhood Cancer Awareness

Anne Wilson. Photo: Laney Oakes

Grammy-nominated artist, songwriter and 2023 Dunkin’ Ambassador Anne Wilson teamed up with Dunkin to spread joy at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt on July 19. The event featured Wilson’s visit to Seacrest Studios for an intimate performance and patient-led interview followed by a donut decorating party. All celebrated the return of Dunkin’s “Gold Joy Donut” aimed at bringing happiness and support to children fighting cancer at Monroe Carell and beyond.

“I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to spend a morning with the amazing kids at Monroe Carell,” shares Wilson. “It warms my heart to bring a moment of joy to their day while we shared music, played games and had a blast decorating donuts from Dunkin’. The resilience and strength these children possess is truly inspiring and I feel blessed to have shared this experience with them. Thank you to Monroe Carrell and Dunkin’ for allowing us to create unforgettable memories.”

Now through Aug. 5, Dunkin’ is inviting its customer to “shine gold” in a joint effort to bolster the mission of the Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation: bring joy to children affected with illness. The Shine Gold initiative allows guests at participating Dunkin’ locations throughout Nashville to make $2 donation to the foundation, and receive a free Gold Joy Donut as an expression of gratitude.

The Gold Joy Donut pays homage to the childhood cancer awareness ribbon. Throughout Nashville, 100% of funds raised from the Dunkin’ Gold Joy Donut will be donated to local children’s hospitals like Monroe Carell.

 

AIMP Nashville Chapter Hosts Panel On Catalog Sales

Leslie Roberts (BMI), Kella Farris (Farris, Self and Moore), Duff Berschback (Concord), T.D. Ruth (Serling Rooks Hunter McKoy Worob & Averill LLP), Courtney Crist (Anthem Entertainment), Brad Peterson (Banker), Trina Smith – Dort (MeGusta Music), John Ozier (Reservoir Media), ET Brown (SESAC), and Emily Boardman (River House Artists).

On July 19, the AIMP Nashville Chapter hosted a panel titled “I Want To Buy Or Sell A Catalog… Now What?” at the CMA offices in Nashville.

Moderated by John Ozier (Executive Vice President, Creative, Reservoir Media) and featuring panelists Kella Farris (Partner, Farris, Self & Moore, LLC), Brad Peterson (Music & Entertainment Banker) and T.D. Ruth (Partner, Serling Rooks Hunter McKoy Worob & Averill LLP), the panel discussed why there has been such a boom in catalog acquisitions over the last 3 years, what you need to consider when selling your catalog, where to begin if you want to buy a catalog, and more.

 

Lisa Brokop Joins PLA Media

Lisa Brokop. Photo: Jessica Frazier.

PLA Media has added CCMA-winning singer-songwriter Lisa Brokop to its roster. Brokop will be premiering two singles and full album this fall via BFD/Audium Nashville.

“We are psyched to work with this Canadian powerhouse collaborating on her eighth studio project,” says PLA Media President Pamela L. Lewis FRSA.

“I’m so excited to partner with PLA Media for this next chapter in my career! Can’t wait to share this new record,” says Brokop.

“Working with Lisa Brokop has been an absolute thrill and pleasure. I have always been a fan. Her voice, her writing and her performance is just absolutely mind blowing as we enter this new phase of her career,” says BFD/Audium Nashville General Manager Chuck Rhodes.

Brokop’s new single “Come Back, Bobby Gentry ” will be available July 21. The track serves as the first preview of her forthcoming 10-track album on BFD/Audium Nashville titled Who’s Gonna Fill Their Heels coming in September.

Renowned Business Manager Chuck Flood Passes Away

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Chuck Flood

Veteran business manager and Co-Founder of Flood, Bumstead, McCready & McCarthy, Inc. (FBMM), Chuck Flood, passed away Friday morning (July 21) in Nashville with his family by his side. He was 78.

Born Charles Martin Flood Jr. on Sept. 12, 1944, in Waco, Texas, his parents were Charles Martin Flood Sr. and Maida Tull Flood.

Flood attended Baylor University in Waco, which is where he met his wife Beth. The two spent most of their lives in Nashville, raised two daughters and were known not only for their affection and love for each other, but also for their epic parties hosted at their home with friends and family. They shared more than five decades of deep love and friendship. Beth passed away in 2021.

Flood was a prominent figure in the entertainment industry for more than four decades. His career included time at Capitol and Warner Bros. Records in the A&R and national promotion departments. He was also a Partner at Hayes Street Music.

In 1986, Flood founded Chuck Flood & Associates at his dining room table with the help of John Sayles and Betty Sanders.

He later joined forces with Frank Bumstead, Mary Ann McCready and John McCarthy forming what would become FBMM today. Flood was incredibly proud of his career at FBMM and saw his employees and clients as an extension of his family.

Chuck Flood is preceded in death by his parents; Hattie Robinson; his sister, Cecile Marie; and his wife, Beth.

He is survived by his beloved sister, Catherine Flood Weiss of Austin, Texas; daughter Sarah Flood and husband Robert Ryland of Elgin, Texas; and daughter Rachel Flood and husband Kristian Vatalaro, of New York, New York. He is also survived by three grandchildren: Martha Zo Ryland of New York, New York.; Henry Ryland of Elgin, Texas; and Joe Vatalaro of Atlanta, Georgia.

A celebration of life to share memories and honor Chuck and Beth will be held in Nashville. Details will be forthcoming. In lieu of flowers, the family asks and appreciates that donations be made in Chuck’s name to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) or to Doctors Without Borders.

Tanner Adell Releases ‘Glam Country’ Mixtape With ‘Buckle Bunny’

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Tanner Adell is releasing her debut country mixtape, Buckle Bunny, on Columbia Records today (July 21.)

The project features eight songs filled with female-empowerment anthems that infuse country with a blend of pop vocals and hip-hop beats.

As a co-writer on each carefully curated track, Adell draws upon her personal narrative as a biracial woman embracing the truest version of herself. Blending her Wyoming and California roots, Adell reclaims power for the girls through the introductory project while unapologetically paving her own fresh lane in country.

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Title track “Buckle Bunny” combines rodeos with rhinestones while embracing stereotypes and turning them on their head. Adell flips the historically derogatory term into an anti-shaming, glistening summer anthem. The singer-songwriter was introduced to her cult following through tracks including breakout smash “Love You A Little Bit” along with “Throw it Back,” “FU-150” and “I Hate Texas.”

“Buckle Bunny is the lifeblood of Glam Country,” shares Adell of her sound. “My genuine unfiltered thoughts and feelings. An absolute mood.”

Buckle Bunny Tracklist:
1. Buckle Bunny – (Tanner Adell, Jesse Thomas, Cameron Bartolini, Louis Bartolini, leelee, Sean Anthony)
2. Bake It – (Tanner Adell, Evan Cline, Gabe Foust, Levon Gray)
3. FU-150 – (Tanner Adell, Evan Cline, Derrick Southerland)
4. Strawberry Crush – (Tanner Adell, Evan Cline, Sam Ashworth)
5. See You In Church – (Tanner Adell, Patrick Mencel)
6. Throw It Back – (Tanner Adell, Dan Pellarin)
7. Trailer Park Barbie – (Tanner Adell, Gabe Foust, Sarah Jones)
8. I Hate Texas – (Tanner Adell, Evan Cline)

Chris Stapleton Releases ‘White Horse’ From Upcoming Album ‘Higher’

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Chris Stapleton has announced that his new album, Higher, will be released on Nov. 10 via UMG Nashville/Mercury Nashville. Ahead of the release, the album’s first single, “White Horse,” written by Stapleton and Dan Wilson, is out today.

The project was produced by Dave Cobb, Morgane Stapleton and the artist himself, and recorded at Nashville’s RCA Studio A. Alongside Stapleton, the album features Cobb (acoustic guitar, eclectic guitar), J.T. Cure (bass), Paul Franklin (pedal steel), Derek Mixon (drums), Morgane (background vocals, synthesizer, tambourine) and Lee Pardini (organ, piano).

The new album follows 2020’s Starting Over, which won three Grammys: Best Country Album, Best Country Solo Performance (“You Should Probably Leave”) and Best Country Song (“Cold”) in addition to earning Album of the Year honors at both the CMA and ACM Awards.

Stapleton is is currently in the midst of his “All-American Road Show” tour and joins George Strait for select stadium shows this summer, including two shows next Friday (July 28) and Saturday (July 29) at Nashville’s Nissan Stadium.

Higher Track Listing:
1. “What Am I Gonna Do”
2. “South Dakota”
3. “Trust”
4. “It Takes A Woman”
5. “The Fire”
6. “Think I’m In Love With You”
7. “Loving You On My Mind”
8. “White Horse”
9. “Higher”
10. “The Bottom”
11. “The Day I Die”
12. “Crosswind”
13. “Weight Of Your World”
14. “Mountains Of My Mind”

Tyler Chambers Signs With Play It Again Entertainment & Releases New Single

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Tyler Chambers. Photo: Jacob Powers

Tyler Chambers has signed with Play It Again Entertainment (PIA) for exclusive label representation. He has also released his latest song “Loves Me Like a Small Town,” which he wrote alongside Logan Wall and Daymon Osborn.

Country music has always been a constant in Chambers’ life. The Douglas, Georgia native had spent a few years in Nashville, cultivating his craft and building relationships, before he caught the attention of singer-songwriter and former Mercury Nashville signee Randy Montana, who signed him to a joint venture publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music.

“Picking up the guitar for the first time was a lifestyle thing for me,” shares Chambers. “I grew up in the country, and I was on a tractor every day. At every turn, country music was tugging at me, and I really valued the way of life in a small town – the values, the morals… I loved music in general, and I feel like I was intentionally submerging myself in it, too. I knew if there was something I wanted to be good at, it was country music.”

Playing regular opening spots for Play It Again Music Group signee Dylan Marlowe, Chambers got a second look from songwriter and PIA CEO Dallas Davidson, who ultimately offered him a label deal.

“The PIA team couldn’t be happier to have Tyler Chambers as a part of our roster and family,” says Davidson. “From day one he impressed us with his passionate songwriting, work ethic, and drive to perform. He has all of the tools that he needs to be successful. He knows who he is and what he wants to say. I truly love that about an artist.”

Produced by Zach Abend, “Loves Me Like a Small Town” features comparisons between a budding romance and all that makes a simplistic rural upbringing unique.

“‘Loves Me Like a Small Town’ came from a very special place,” says Chambers of the tune. “I always try to write songs that talk about more than just one thing at a time, and this one does it all to me. It covers the way I grew up, my spirituality, small town life and the way I’ve seen my parents and grandparents love each other growing up.

“I’m more than happy to have Play It Again on my side for this journey and I can’t wait to see where it goes,” he adds about the signing. “I have a very loyal team here and I wouldn’t want to be sharing experience with anyone other than them.”

Flying Burrito Brothers’ Iconic Suits Reunited For First Time In Over 50 Years

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Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

The Flying Burrito Brothers’ four iconic “Nudie suits” were reunited for the first time in more than half a century at a celebration Thursday (July 20) at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.

The late Chris Ethridge’s long-lost suit has been found and was unveiled alongside the three other suits currently on display in museum’s major exhibition, “Western Edge: The Roots and Reverberations of Los Angeles Country-Rock,” presented by City National Bank.

Ethridge’s suit was reported stolen from a car in 1969 shortly after it was featured on the cover of the band’s album The Gilded Palace of Sin. Recently, it was discovered that the suit was returned to Nudie’s Rodeo Tailors shop the same year, and rising pop star Elton John bought it off the shop’s rack the following year. John can be seen wearing the suit during his 1971 Top of the Pops TV performance and on the sleeve of his 1972 “Rocket Man” single in the U.K. Ethridge’s custom Nudie suit is embroidered with red and yellow roses and rhinestones. It was a nod to his southern roots and inspired by his love of the Hank Snow song “Yellow Roses,” written by Kenny Devine and Sam Nichols.

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Necia Ethridge, Chris’ daughter, recently purchased the suit after it was spotted in an online auction. She has loaned it to the museum for its Western Edge exhibit, which opened last year and runs through May of 2025. Necia spoke at the suit unveiling event, which acknowledged her father’s musical legacy. Best known for his R&B-inspired bass playing in the Flying Burrito Brothers, he was also a songwriter and an in-demand studio musician, playing on records by Linda Ronstadt, Randy Newman, Jackson Browne and many others. Ethridge also spent nearly eight years in Willie Nelson’s touring band, and played on Nelson’s “Whiskey River.”

“His rhythmic bass lines added depth and richness to sessions and showcased his ability to effortlessly switch between different musical styles, helping to erase the cultural and musical divide between country and rock,” Necia said of her father at the event.

“This is an incredible moment for the Ethridge family and our museum,” shared Kyle Young, CEO of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. “To think that such an iconic piece of cosmic cowboy couture took a ride with the ‘Rocket Man’ and made it back home is almost unbelievable. But it happened, and we share that story in the exhibit. The Flying Burrito Brothers’ innovative country-rock sound and bold style continues to influence artists to this day. We’re ecstatic to be able to present all four suits together for the first time since they were seen onstage in 1969.”

During the event, Chris’ granddaughter Emma Atkinson sang “She,” a song Chris wrote with Gram Parsons from Parson’s acclaimed GP album. She was accompanied by longtime Ethridge family friends Adam Box, the drummer for Brothers Osborne, and Patrick Sansone, a multi-instrumentalist for Wilco, along with Box’s bandmates Jason Graumlich (guitar) and Pete Sternberg (bass). Following the unveiling, Sansone capped the event with a performance of “Hot Burrito #1,” a song Ethridge and Parsons wrote for The Gilded Palace of Sin.

Manuel Cuevas, who was head designer at Nudie’s Rodeo Tailors in L.A. and created the famous suits, and Phil Kaufman, who was road manager for the Flying Burrito Brothers and reported the suits stolen from his station wagon, were also in attendance at the event. The Museum’s Michael Gray provided remarks on the historical context around the suits and the Flying Burrito Brothers.

Radio Promotions Veteran Jan Woods Dies

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Jan Woods

Independent radio promotions veteran Jan Woods passed away at her home in Hermitage, Tennessee on Thursday, July 20. Woods was the Owner of Jan Woods Promotions, whose primary focus is the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart, Billboard‘s Indicator and secondary markets.

With over two decades of experience, Woods worked with dozens of artists throughout her career, including Billy Ray Cyrus, Dolly Parton, Toby Keith, The Bellamy Brothers, Joe Nichols, George Jones and more.

She started her radio promotion career in 1994 with the launch of Jan Woods Promotions. Focusing her efforts on making friends in the music business, many of her colleagues remembering her for her humor and love of God. Woods worked the MusicRow Chart and Billboard Indicator chart, knowing that most independent artists would have their best radio shot starting with those starter charts.

Her charming temperament and passion for music served Woods well. Her office was adorned with multiple Gold and Platinum plaques for her success at country radio.

Woods is survived by her daughter Christina (Jeff) Bear and son Chris (Cathy) O’Guin; grandchildren Brittany Bear, Hope Bear, Faith Bear, Christopher O’Guin and Carly O’Guin; and great-grandchildren Cooper Cancel and Scarlett O’Guin.

Woods’ visitation will be at Cole and Garrett Funeral Home in Goodlettsville, Tennessee on Friday, July 28 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. A service will follow. She will be laid to rest at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Goodlettsville.

Cole Swindell Tops The MusicRow Radio Chart With ‘Drinkaby’

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Cole Swindell‘s “Drinkaby” is the No. 1 song on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart this week.

The tune was written by Jon Pardi, Jordan Schmidt, Hardy and Hunter Phelps, and appears on Swindell’s deluxe album Stereotype Broken. It follows his three Platinum-certified, hit singles from his fourth album Stereotype, “Never Say Never” featuring Lainey Wilson, “Single Saturday Night” and “She Had Me At Heads Carolina.”

“Drinkaby” currently sits at No. 14 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart and No. 13 on the Mediabase chart.

Swindell was a big winner at the ACM Awards in May, taking home Single of the Year and winning two awards for Song of the Year—as songwriter and artist—for “She Had Me At Heads Carolina.”

Click here to view the latest edition of The MusicRow Weekly containing the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart.