Pictured (L-R, back row): Mike Sistad (ASCAP), Mike Harris (UMGN), Rusty Gaston (Sony Music Publishing), MaryAnn Keen (BMI), Leslie DiPiero (Tree Vibez Music), Troy Tomlinson (UMPG), Ron Cox (Studio Bank); (L-R, front row): Jaren Johnston (ASCAP), Chase McGill (BMI), Tyler Hubbard (BMI/UMG), Jordan Schmidt (ASCAP). Photo: Steve Lowry for BMI
Industry members rallied to celebrate Tyler Hubbard‘s first two No. 1 songs as a solo artist, “5 Foot 9” and “Dancin’ In The Country.” Hubbard co-wrote the former with Jaren Johnston and Chase McGill, and the latter with Keith Urban, Jon Nite and Ross Copperman. Jordan Schmidt produced both tracks.
Pictured (L-R, back row): Jimmy Rector (EMI), Mike Harris (UMGN), Jackie Jones (RIAA), Cindy Mabe, (UMGN), Chelsea Blythe (UMGN), Lori Christian (UMGN); (L-R, front row): Jon Nite (SESAC), Ross Copperman (BMI), Tyler Hubbard (BMI), Keith Urban (BMI), Jordan Schmidt (ASCAP). Photo: Steve Lowry for BMI
Hosted by BMI, ASCAP and SESAC, the celebration was held at Yee-Haw Brewing Co. There supporting their artists and writers included Sony Music Publishing’s Rusty Gaston, UMPG’s Troy Tomlinson, Jonas Group Publishing’s Leslie DiPiero, UMG Nashville head Cindy Mabe, ASCAP’s Mike Sistad, SESAC’s Shannan Hatch and more. BMI’s MaryAnn Keen presided.
Sponsors for the celebration were First Horizon and Studio Bank. Studio Bank made a special donation to the non-proft For Others on behalf of Hubbard and the songwriters. A donation presentation was also made by Tomlinson from Universal Music Publishing Group on behalf of Hubbard and the songwriters to MusiCares.
The RIAA Platinum-certified “5 Foot 9” released on May 20, 2022 was Hubbard’s debut solo single and his 20th career No. 1. Its rise to the top marks the first male country artist formerly in a country duo to hit No. 1 as a solo act. “5 Foot 9” is one of 18 songs from his self-titled album, which was released January 27, 2023.
At the celebration, Hubbard thanked the team of songwriters and creatives who helped create the tune.
“I feel like I have a really strong foundation with a great team now. I feel more supported than ever so it enables me to be a better artist, better songwriter, take more risks and trust the people around me, which is amazing,” Hubbard shared.
The songwriters celebrated this win by chasing another one. Hubbard shared, “Honestly, we got back together and said “that was fun let’s do it again,” We’ve probably written five songs together since then. That’s what we love doing together and that’s how we celebrated.”
Pictured (L-R, back row): Rusty Gaston (Sony Music Publishing), Shannan Hatch (SESAC), Cyndi Forman (UMPG), Cindy Mabe (UMGN), Leslie DiPiero (Jonas Group Publishing), MaryAnn Keen (BMI), Ron Cox (Studio Bank); (L-R, front row): Jon Nite (SESAC), Ross Copperman (BMI), Tyler Hubbard (BMI), Keith Urban (BMI), Jordan Schmidt (ASCAP). Photo: Steve Lowry for BMI
“Dancin’ In The Country” marked Hubbard’s second No. 1—a year to date after his first single. The track now has over 192 million global streams. It was Hubbard and Urban’s first collaboration. Their goal was to create something fun and upbeat heading into the summer months.
Urban said, “Four on the floor, windows down, summer anthem is right up my alley.” The country superstar also noted that he knew from the jump that Hubbard would be singing this one. “I came with an idea and I suggested it to Tyler. He already had a vision for this 4/4 driving thing. It was good because he had such a strong vision.”
Hubbard recalled that Urban joked after the write about how much fun they had writing Hubbard’s next single. “He was just about right,” Hubbard said. “With everything matching up the way it should and everyone bringing their strengths to the table, by the end of the day, it was really something special.”
With each success, Hubbard shares the celebrations with his family and team.
He shared, “I love being a songwriter. As I started this journey as a solo artist, I was surrounded by people who showed up for me. These writers were put into my life, and my new label and team showed up for me. I felt supported, loved and empowered and I felt creativity overtake me. I wanted to write songs that represent who I am—I felt doors were opening as other doors were closing and I want to thank everyone here today for being those people that were put into my life.
“I’m quickly reminded that my name might be the one on the charts, but this is what it is all about—this whole crew who’s right here—everybody puts in the work and the sacrifice. This is bigger than a No. 1—thank you for allowing me to have an individual voice. Thank you for believing in me and the possibility to do something that’s not commonly done and thank you for inspiring me. I’m more inspired than ever and you all have given me a new energy that I haven’t had in years. and it’s a culmination of all the blessings in my life.”
NMPA Honors Ashley Gorley & Brandi Carlile, Announces Twitter Lawsuit
/by LB CantrellPictured (L-R): NMPA President & CEO David Israelite, Ashley Gorley, Luke Bryan
The National Music Publishers’ Association (NMPA) hosted its annual meeting at the Lincoln Center’s Alice Tully Hall on Wednesday (June 14).
The event honored Brandi Carlile with the 2023 NMPA Songwriter Icon award. Ten-time Grammy nominee Brandy Clark performed “You and Me On The Rock” in a surprise tribute to Carlile, who recently produced her critically acclaimed album, and Grammy nominated singer-songwriter Allison Russell performed Carlile’s hit “This Time Tomorrow.”
Carlile, a nine-time Grammy winner, performed “The Mother” and shared some words about songwriting.
“Every once in a while I’ll know that its time for me to end my constant struggle with internal feelings of aloneness, and I write songs again,” she said. “It’s not really a song for me until I’ve shared it. I write a song and then I’m that girl that’s going to call you immediately on the phone and sing it to you… I get so much songwriting inspiration from the uniqueness of other writers who write in community.”
Pictured (L-R): NMPA President & CEO David Israelite, Brandi Carlile
Ashley Gorley was also honored by the NMPA, receiving the Non-Performing Songwriter Icon award. Gorley has celebrated a whopping 67 No. 1 hits, is the NSAI Songwriter of the Decade and recently took home the ACM’s Songwriter of the Year award.
Luke Bryan honored Gorley with a performance of “What Makes You Country” and “Play it Again.”
When accepting, Gorley said “I want to say thank you to all the artists throughout the years like Luke who’ve trusted me along the way and my songs, and my instincts, or whatever it is that caused them to put their trust in me and let me be a part of the stories they were telling, that’s really special.”
Additionally, RIAA Chairman & CEO Mitch Glazier was awarded the NMPA Industry Legacy Award and Senator Dick Durbin was given the NMPA President’s Award.
During the event’s State of the Industry address, NMPA EVP & General Counsel Danielle Aguirre unveiled a new lawsuit against Twitter for alleged infringement of publishers’ songs on its platform and failure to license. The complaint seeks over $250 million in damages for hundreds of thousands of noticed infringements of approximately 1,700 works.
The event also unveiled new analysis including the size of the U.S. publishing industry. NMPA President & CEO David Israelite announced that the 2022 total revenue came to $5,605,824,140—a 19.25 percent increase over 2021. Additionally, the revenue breakdown was divided out to 48.29 percent from performance royalties, 26.07 percent from sync, 20.27 percent from mechanical royalties and 5.37 percent from miscellaneous sources.
Israelite also touted streaming revenue increases. Stemming from the CRB IV settlement which went into effect in January, growing subscribers and increased prices from some platforms, NMPA reports a 27 percent revenue uplift overall from January 2022 to January 2023. Israelite noted the true increase is likely much larger since digital services still owe songwriters and publishers repayment at increased CRB III rates, which were upheld on appeal.
The meeting also included a surprise tribute to acclaimed songwriter Liz Rose, who yesterday exited the NMPA Board after fulfilling her four-year term. The tribute was performed by Nashville singer-songwriter Alana Springsteen. Israelite announced that four-time Grammy nominee and CMA, ACM and BMI Song of the Year winner Laura Veltz had been elected to her seat for the next term.
Legendary manager and tech entrepreneur Guy Oseary was also featured in a keynote conversation discussing the implications of AI on the music industry.
Hard Working Record Company Signs Flagship Artist Dylan Matthew
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R, back row): Hard 8 Working Group’s Michael Duda, Big Machine Label Group’s Andrew Kautz, Hard Working Record Company’s LJ Stoll, Big Machine Label Group’s Mike Rittberg, Hard 8 Working Group’s Dirk Hemsath and Aimee Beren; (L-R, front row): Dylan Matthew, Big Machine Label Group’s Scott Borchetta, Hard 8 Working Group’s Rich Egan. Photo: Nick Rau
Dylan Matthew has signed on as the flagship artist for Big Machine Label Group and Hard 8 Working Group’s The Hard Working Record Company.
An L.A.-based singer-songwriter, Matthew has gained over 5 million monthly listeners on Spotify, more than 759,000 TikTok followers, has had multiple tracks in Billboard‘s Dance Top 50 and has worked on more than 40 projects. Matthew’s viral single, “Love Is Gone (Acoustic)” is certified Gold and has garnered over 650 million streams worldwide. His unique brand of indie pop has wowed sold-out crowds at Coachella, Lollapalooza and EDC Las Vegas, and he recently sold out his first-ever solo headline show at Avalon Hollywood.
“Dylan is exactly the kind of artist we wanted to kick off with for The Hard Working Record Company,” BMLG President/CEO/Founder Scott Borchetta explains. “He’s a mega-talented self-starter and a master of unique pop structure and melodies. We’re thrilled he chose us, and we look forward to the global attack.”
“Before we even finalized this label partnership with BMLG, we already knew we wanted Dylan to be part of it,” H8WG’s Co-Founder and Co-CEO, Dirk Hemsath, adds. “Dylan has already had some massive successes, but we knew that our team, alongside the BMLG team, would be the perfect fit to bring his new music out to the world. We’re so excited for what Dylan Matthew, The Hard Working Record Company, and BMLG will be doing together!”
“I met with a few different labels and spent a lot of time really ideating the different offers,” Matthew says. “It came down to certain points I felt were important to the growth of my career, the team that I would be working with, and the energy I got when meeting them. Big Machine and The Hard Working Record Company felt like the best fit for me.”
2023 Nashville Songwriter Awards To Honor Bobby Braddock, David Israelite & Tim McGraw
/by LB CantrellBobby Braddock, David Israelite, and Tim McGraw
The Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) will hold its 6th annual Nashville Songwriter Awards at the Ryman Auditorium on Sept. 26.
The evening, presented by City National Bank, will celebrate the ’10 Songs I Wish I’d Written’ awards, NSAI’s Song, Songwriter, and Songwriter-Artist of the Year. The Nashville Songwriter Awards will also honor Bobby Braddock, David Israelite and Tim McGraw.
NSAI’s highest honor—the Kris Kristofferson Lifetime Achievement Award—will be presented to Bobby Braddock. The legendary songwriter and producer has impacted music with works such as “He Stopped Loving Her Today” (George Jones), “I Wanna Talk About Me” (Toby Keith) and “Time Marches On” (Tracy Lawrence).
“Bobby Braddock is one of the greatest songwriters in any genre, in any era,” says Bart Herbison, NSAI Executive Director. “His legacy of iconic hit songs over many decades speaks for itself. We are honored to bestow him the Kris Kristofferson Lifetime Achievement Award.”
The NSAI Advocacy Award will be given to the much-deserving David Israelite, President & CEO of the National Music Publishers’ Association.
Herbison shares, “David Israelite is the architect of the Music Modernization Act and was the quarterback of recent Copyright Royalty Board (CRB) proceedings that will bring billions of dollars in new streaming revenue to songwriters over the next five years. Couple that with a myriad of other accomplishments including getting digital media platforms from Twitch to Peloton to compensate songwriters, we are proud to present him with the NSAI Advocacy Award.”
Tim McGraw will received the President’s Keystone Award. Personally selected by NSAI’s Board President, Steve Bogard, this award will honor of his significant contributions to the industry for the betterment of all songwriters.
“Tim McGraw has been recording great songs by Nashville Songwriters for over three decades,” says Bogard. “On hit after hit, whether rocker or ballad, his artistry and moving performances brings our stories to life and take Nashville’s music across genres and platforms around the world.”
Information regarding tickets and scheduled performers will be announced at a later date.
Girls Of Nashville To Return To City Winery On June 20
/by Lorie HollabaughGirls of Nashville is returning with its seasonal writers round at City Winery Nashville on June 20, featuring Gretchen Peters, Matraca Berg and Suzy Bogguss.
With singer-songwriter Shelly Colvin serving as guest host, the full lineup for the evening includes Colvin, Peters, Berg, Bogguss as well as Girls of Nashville founders Heather Morgan and Mags Duval, and Joybeth Taylor, Leah Marie Mason and Emmi Elliott, accompanied by an all-female house band.
Founded in 2014, Girls of Nashville strives to share the female voices of Music City ever since co-founders Morgan, Duval and Caitlyn Smith realized there wasn’t an event that specifically highlighted the perspective and talent of female songwriters. Nine years later, the tradition stands strong. The show always focuses on giving back to the community, and this season’s event will be dedicated to Monroe Carrell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt.
Past performers include Kacey Musgraves, Hillary Lindsey, Liz Rose, Maren Morris, Lainey Wilson, Danielle Bradbery and more.
DISClaimer Single Reviews: Gabby Barrett Has ‘Only Just Begun’ Making Hits
/by Robert K OermannRockers and ballads share equal space in this edition of DISClaimer.
In the former category is Gabby Barrett, who earns a Disc of the Day with her toe tapper. But not without strong competition from Dierks Bentley and Brandy Clark.
In the ballad column, you’ll find our DISCovery Award winner, Ben Goldsmith. He’s joined by strong slow-song mavens Rebecca Lynn Howard and The War and Treaty. Play ‘em all.
JAKE OWEN / “On the Boat Again”
Writers: Willie Nelson/Devin Dawson/Kyle Fishman/Rocky Block/Blake Pendergrass; Producer: Joey Moi; Label: Big Loud
– Country’s resident Beach Boy heads back to the shore with this lively retooling of Willie’s “On the Road Again.” Boppy, goofy, summer-sunshine fun.
BRANDY CLARK / “Northwest”
Writers: Brandy Clark/Jessie Jo Dillon; Producer: Brandi Carlile; Label:Warner Records
– Clark sings of the majesty, beauty and space of her Pacific Northwest homeland on this punchy country rocker. Producer Carlile is also from that area, and maybe that’s why this has an extra touch of magic. There is simply no one in country music who is making music that is more consistently excellent than this awesome singer-songwriter.
LARRY FLEET / “Layaway”
Writers: Larry Fleet/Josh Miller/Mark Trussell; Producer: Joey Moi; Label: Big Loud
– This blue-collar anthem depicts a hard-working man who struggles to make ends meet while finding solace with those who love him. The steel licks are as cool as his vocal drawl. A winner.
DIERKS BENTLEY / “Something Real”
Writers: Dierks Bentley/Ross Copperman/Michael Hardy/Ashley Gorley/Luke Dick; Producers: Dierks Bentley/F. Reid Shippen/Jon Randall/Ross Copperman; Label: Capitol Nashville
– The deep bass rumble and chiming guitars frame a darkly dramatic vocal performance that yearns for authenticity and emotion in life. “I’m just looking for some truth,” he sings in a surprise, stark, blank passage amid the crashing, rocking track. Well done, son.
BEN GOLDSMITH / “Flowers in Your Hair”
Writers: Ben Goldsmith/Marshall Altman; Producer: Ben Goldsmith/Brad Jones; Label: Sony Music Nashville
– Different and intriguing. He possesses a piercing tenor voice that conveys sincerity in every note. The arty, poetic ballad is accompanied by simple piano playing and a lovely string quartet. Send more.
VINCE GILL & PAUL FRANKLIN / “Kissing Your Picture (Is So Cold)”
Writers: Ray Price/Mel Tillis/Wayne Walker; Producer: Vince Gill/Paul Franklin; Label: MCA Nashville
– Vince’s next collection, Sweet Memories, is a tribute to the music of Ray Price & The Cherokee Cowboys. It’s a collaboration with steel-guitar great Paul Franklin, who answers the singer’s phrases with silvery instrumental passages. Price was the king of the country shuffle, so naturally this advance track is a dandy one. Country trends might come and go, but I will always love me some Vince Gill.
GABBY BARRETT / “Glory Days”
Writers: Gabby Barrett/Emily Weisband/Seth Mosley/James McNair; Producers: Gabby Barrett/Ross Copperman; Label: Warner Music Nashville
– This youngster is a queen of catchy hooks, as this rapid, rushing rocker underscores. She savors the simple joys of everyday love while beats thump all around her. “I Hope,” “The Good Ones” and “Pick Me Up” were the country-pop gems that propelled her debut album. This lead-off track of her sophomore collection suggests that she’s only just begun. Barrett heads to her home turf on Aug. 11 for a post-game concert when the Pirates play the Reds at PNC Park, which is baseball’s most perfect venue.
LEWIS BRICE & LEE BRICE / “Product Of”
Writers: Lewis Brice/Josh Gallagher/Taylor Goyette/Mark Addison Chandler; Producer: Ben Simonetti; Label: Digitally Sound Records
– This rousing, upbeat ode to small-town romance reflects the brothers’ South Carolina upbringing. It’s a terrific audio rush with an emotional core of honesty.
REBECCA LYNN HOWARD / “I Am My Mother”
Writers: Rebecca Lynn Howard/Jamie Floyd/Rachel Thibodeau/Carolyn Dawn Johnson; Producers: Elisha Hoffman/Lee Brice/Rebecca Lynn Howard; Label: Pump House
– I remain an enormous fan of this lady. She remains one of country’s superior singers. Howard hits an emotional bullseye with this powerful ballad connecting her to her mother. “I look in the mirror expecting me/But her reflection is all I see.” Spine tingling stuff.
JELLY ROLL / “Need a Favor”
Writers: Jelly Roll/Rob Ragosta/Austin Nivarel/ Joe Ragosta; Producer: Austin Nivarel; Label: BBR
– “I only talk to God when I need a favor.” It has other lyrics, but those 10 words are repeated so often that it’s all you remember about the song. It and the ballad “She” have been on the market for a few months, but are now joined by the release of their parent album Whitsett Chapel.
ROBYN OTTOLINI / “Katie’s Song”
Writer: Robyn Ottolini; Producer: Mark Schroor/Erik Fintelman; Label: Aleu Records
– Timed to Pride Month, Robyn’s lively new song celebrates her sister, “Sometimes girls and girls can fall in love….Katie’s got a girlfriend/Love is love, it is what it is/And they’re both happy as shit.” Alrighty then.
THE WAR AND TREATY / “Dumb Luck”
Writer: Beau Bedford; Producer: Michael Trotter Jr.; Label: Mercury Nashville
– It seems like the label releases a new track by this titanically talented duo every week. Which is fine by me. In this case, it’s a performance video of a thrilling, to-God-the-glory power ballad. If your spirit needs a lift, play it now. Then shout, “Amen.”
Trisha Yearwood, John Prine To Be Inducted Into Austin City Limits Hall Of Fame
/by Lorie HollabaughTrisha Yearwood and the late songwriting giant John Prine will be honored as the newest inductees into the Austin City Limits Hall of Fame.
Yearwood and Prine will be saluted at a star-studded ceremony to be held on Oct. 26 at ACL’s studio home, ACL Live at The Moody Theater in downtown Austin. More information about guest performers, presenters and additional guest stars will be announced prior to the event. The event will be open to the public and tickets will be on sale June 23 at acltv.com/hall-of-fame.
“John Prine and Trisha Yearwood represent both the growth and continuity of ACL’s legacy,” says longtime ACL Executive Producer Terry Lickona. “John was the consummate songwriter whose body of work on ACL spans decades. Trisha was one of a new breed of women in country music, and one of the first to recognize ACL’s value and impact. They are foundational artists in ACL’s rich legacy.”
“Appearing on Austin City Limits for the first time in 1992 was a rite of passage for me as an artist,” says Yearwood. “After watching all of my heroes grace that stage, walking onto it myself was a spiritual experience. I am so honored to go into the ACL Hall of Fame, made even sweeter by going in alongside my friend John Prine. Getting to sing with John was one of the highlights of my career, and I’m proud to share the evening honoring his memory.”
“We are delighted and honored that Austin City Limits will induct John into its esteemed Hall of Fame,” says Fiona Whelan Prine. “ACL is an important institution, celebrating the very best of American music and performances. John was always proud to appear on Austin City Limits. This induction would be a proud moment for him to join some of the artists he most admired. It is especially meaningful that he will be inducted alongside his dear friend, and duet partner, Trisha Yearwood.”
Musical highlights and inductions from the ceremony will air on PBS in 2024.
Garth Brooks Launches New Global Station, The BIG 615, On TuneIn
/by Lorie HollabaughGarth Brooks. Photo: Blue Rose, Inc
Garth Brooks is launching a new country station, The BIG 615, exclusively on TuneIn’s SEVENS Radio Network. Fans around the world can stream The BIG 615 for free on TuneIn today.
The BIG 615 offers listeners an authentic take on country music and provides songs from the biggest artists today. Radio host Storme Warren will be the official voice of The BIG 615 and plans to partner with Brooks to drive content. Warren will be joined by guest hosts on occasion, including Brooks and other industry stars.
“I believe that country music listeners want to hear the latest from George Strait followed by the latest from Luke Combs. The latest from Ashley McBryde followed by the latest from The Chicks,” says Brooks. “The BIG 615 station is purely for the love of country music. We lean a bit more traditional at The BIG 615. We are proud of how the station sounds and want the entire world to hear what we think is the greatest format of all…country music.”
“Garth Brooks has an amazing vision for radio,” says Rich Stern, CEO of TuneIn. “At TuneIn, we are honored to work with an artist like Garth to build his vision and create an unduplicable experience for our listeners. We are even more excited to bring The BIG 615 to our global community of listeners, providing them with a one-of-a-kind destination to immerse themselves in the world of country music.”
SEVENS Radio is set to launch multiple stations dedicated to country music and more on TuneIn this year, all curated and conceived by Brooks and the SEVENS Radio Network.
Industry Has Twice The Fun At Tyler Hubbard’s Double No. 1 Party
/by Caela GriffinPictured (L-R, back row): Mike Sistad (ASCAP), Mike Harris (UMGN), Rusty Gaston (Sony Music Publishing), MaryAnn Keen (BMI), Leslie DiPiero (Tree Vibez Music), Troy Tomlinson (UMPG), Ron Cox (Studio Bank); (L-R, front row): Jaren Johnston (ASCAP), Chase McGill (BMI), Tyler Hubbard (BMI/UMG), Jordan Schmidt (ASCAP). Photo: Steve Lowry for BMI
Industry members rallied to celebrate Tyler Hubbard‘s first two No. 1 songs as a solo artist, “5 Foot 9” and “Dancin’ In The Country.” Hubbard co-wrote the former with Jaren Johnston and Chase McGill, and the latter with Keith Urban, Jon Nite and Ross Copperman. Jordan Schmidt produced both tracks.
Pictured (L-R, back row): Jimmy Rector (EMI), Mike Harris (UMGN), Jackie Jones (RIAA), Cindy Mabe, (UMGN), Chelsea Blythe (UMGN), Lori Christian (UMGN); (L-R, front row): Jon Nite (SESAC), Ross Copperman (BMI), Tyler Hubbard (BMI), Keith Urban (BMI), Jordan Schmidt (ASCAP). Photo: Steve Lowry for BMI
Hosted by BMI, ASCAP and SESAC, the celebration was held at Yee-Haw Brewing Co. There supporting their artists and writers included Sony Music Publishing’s Rusty Gaston, UMPG’s Troy Tomlinson, Jonas Group Publishing’s Leslie DiPiero, UMG Nashville head Cindy Mabe, ASCAP’s Mike Sistad, SESAC’s Shannan Hatch and more. BMI’s MaryAnn Keen presided.
Sponsors for the celebration were First Horizon and Studio Bank. Studio Bank made a special donation to the non-proft For Others on behalf of Hubbard and the songwriters. A donation presentation was also made by Tomlinson from Universal Music Publishing Group on behalf of Hubbard and the songwriters to MusiCares.
The RIAA Platinum-certified “5 Foot 9” released on May 20, 2022 was Hubbard’s debut solo single and his 20th career No. 1. Its rise to the top marks the first male country artist formerly in a country duo to hit No. 1 as a solo act. “5 Foot 9” is one of 18 songs from his self-titled album, which was released January 27, 2023.
At the celebration, Hubbard thanked the team of songwriters and creatives who helped create the tune.
“I feel like I have a really strong foundation with a great team now. I feel more supported than ever so it enables me to be a better artist, better songwriter, take more risks and trust the people around me, which is amazing,” Hubbard shared.
The songwriters celebrated this win by chasing another one. Hubbard shared, “Honestly, we got back together and said “that was fun let’s do it again,” We’ve probably written five songs together since then. That’s what we love doing together and that’s how we celebrated.”
Pictured (L-R, back row): Rusty Gaston (Sony Music Publishing), Shannan Hatch (SESAC), Cyndi Forman (UMPG), Cindy Mabe (UMGN), Leslie DiPiero (Jonas Group Publishing), MaryAnn Keen (BMI), Ron Cox (Studio Bank); (L-R, front row): Jon Nite (SESAC), Ross Copperman (BMI), Tyler Hubbard (BMI), Keith Urban (BMI), Jordan Schmidt (ASCAP). Photo: Steve Lowry for BMI
“Dancin’ In The Country” marked Hubbard’s second No. 1—a year to date after his first single. The track now has over 192 million global streams. It was Hubbard and Urban’s first collaboration. Their goal was to create something fun and upbeat heading into the summer months.
Urban said, “Four on the floor, windows down, summer anthem is right up my alley.” The country superstar also noted that he knew from the jump that Hubbard would be singing this one. “I came with an idea and I suggested it to Tyler. He already had a vision for this 4/4 driving thing. It was good because he had such a strong vision.”
Hubbard recalled that Urban joked after the write about how much fun they had writing Hubbard’s next single. “He was just about right,” Hubbard said. “With everything matching up the way it should and everyone bringing their strengths to the table, by the end of the day, it was really something special.”
With each success, Hubbard shares the celebrations with his family and team.
He shared, “I love being a songwriter. As I started this journey as a solo artist, I was surrounded by people who showed up for me. These writers were put into my life, and my new label and team showed up for me. I felt supported, loved and empowered and I felt creativity overtake me. I wanted to write songs that represent who I am—I felt doors were opening as other doors were closing and I want to thank everyone here today for being those people that were put into my life.
“I’m quickly reminded that my name might be the one on the charts, but this is what it is all about—this whole crew who’s right here—everybody puts in the work and the sacrifice. This is bigger than a No. 1—thank you for allowing me to have an individual voice. Thank you for believing in me and the possibility to do something that’s not commonly done and thank you for inspiring me. I’m more inspired than ever and you all have given me a new energy that I haven’t had in years. and it’s a culmination of all the blessings in my life.”
Ben Rector Joins Nashville’s Fourth Of July Concert Lineup
/by Liza AndersonBen Rector. Photo: Collin Fatke
Pop singer-songwriter Ben Rector has joined the concert lineup for Let Freedom Sing! Music City July 4th presented by Dr Pepper.
Rector has released seven studio albums, and has topped multiple Billboard charts. His last two records landed at No. 1 on Billboard‘s U.S. Folk and No. 2 on the U.S. Rock and U.S. Indie charts.
He will take the Jack Daniel’s Broadway Stage along with previously announced artists, including second-year headliner Brad Paisley as well as The War And Treaty, Langhorne Slim and Tiera Kennedy, who will also sing the national anthem.
The Jack Daniel’s Broadway Stage performances will start at 4 p.m. on July 4. After the concert, the event will shift to Ascend Amphitheater for a live performance by the Nashville Symphony and the fireworks show. Media personality Kelly Sutton will host both stages, Operation Song will provide a song and DJ Dave Audé will entertain between sets.
Additionally, the Amazon Family Fun Zone at Music City Walk of Fame Park will be open from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., featuring performances from The Magi, Tommy Howell, Les Kerr & The Bayou Band and Troubadour Blue, with DJ Coach entertaining between sets.
The event is partnering with The Store, a free-referral based grocery store, which aims to empower low-income individuals and families in the Nashville area, founded by Paisley and his wife, Kimberly Williams-Paisley. The Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp (NCVC) will donate a dollar from each event T-shirt sale to The Store.
Willie Jones, Young Buck, More To Play ‘Bridge To Broadway Block Party’ On June 18
/by Lorie HollabaughThe National Museum of African American Music is celebrating Black Music Month and Juneteenth with a “Bridge To Broadway Block Party” on Lower Broadway in Nashville on June 18 from noon-8 p.m.
Performers on hand to help celebrate at this year’s block party will include Doug E. Fresh, Young Buck, Willie Jones, Bubba Sparxxx, Daru Jones, and more. Hosted in partnership with Bridgestone Arena and the Nashville Predators, the 3rd annual block party previously held at Skydeck will now take place in front of Bridgestone Arena. The event will feature live music, local Nashville vendors and more. It will be free and open to the public.
The Museum has plenty of events on tap for Black Music Month this month. The Museum will host Jones’s album release party tomorrow evening (June 16), featuring a performance by Jones. On June 17, it will host comedian Amanda Seales for two free performances of her comedy show “Smart Funny & Black.” On June 19, NMAAM will also host a Community Day, a free day at NMAAM that will feature Juneteenth programming.