Jay Clementi & former Army Ranger PK Kelley. Photo: Jan Herrle
Every year, we remember and honor all those who died defending our country in the U.S. Armed Forces on Memorial Day. We do so with parades, special services and most of the time, with BBQ’s and pool parties. Regardless of how you celebrate, there are always those who deal with insurmountable grief on Memorial Day, such as veterans who have lost friends in the line of duty.
Life after service in the military can be extremely difficult, but organizations like SongwritingWith:Soldiers are offering veterans who suffer from PTSD and other emotional traumas a way to find their voices through songwriting and music. This organization sets up veterans with top-tier songwriters during a weekend retreat and in many cases, helps them start a new life.
Jay Clementi. Photo: Courtesy of SongwritingWith:Soldiers
“We do these retreats all over the country,” says SongwritingWith:Soldiers Musical Director and Nashville songwriter Jay Clementi. “The songwriters that [we choose to participate] are hand-picked. We have a staff and songwriters that are specially trained to do this particular work.
“We bring professional sound engineer there to the facility so we can record the songs as we go,” Clementi adds. “There’s always amazing food and we have a trained facilitation team that works with veterans when they’re not writing songs with the other songwriters.”
Clementi joined SongwritingWith:Soldiers back in 2012 when Radney Foster and Darden Smith did its first-ever retreat. From there he knew that it was special and was blown away by the stories the veterans told and know how much help they could get from writing.
Photo: Jan Herrle
“They’re doing strengths workshops, creative writing and meditation. All of these things are designed to help open you up creative creatively, so they’re really in a good place when they sit down to write songs,” he says. “We also have Pulitzer Prize-winning photographers capturing the entire weekend.”
At the retreats, songwriters like Clementi are set up with veterans in a two hour songwriting sessions throughout the weekend to write songs to be recorded and then eventually performed on the final night of the retreat. One veteran in particular, retired Army Ranger PK Kelley, went to a retreat in January of 2018 in Arizona. He wrote a song with Clementi for the child of one of his friends who was killed on the line of duty.
The song, “Daddy’s Son,” was written for the young son of Sgt. Thomas McPherson, known as “Tommy Mac,” who died when his son was 18 months old. The process of writing this song helped Kelley start a path in his life. Click this link to listen to the song and read the lyrics.
“He was killed not long before he was due to come home on what was his last deployment,” says Kelley. “He did certain things that only his wife and people close to him would know. They played catch in the yard, which is in the song.
Jay Clementi and PK Kelley. Photo: Jan Herrle
“He liked rockabilly music, so that’s in the song,” adds Kelley. “There are certain things in the lyrics that resonate with everybody but they’re specific enough to where it hits home for his widow and his son.”
Kelley, like many of veterans, would have never had the opportunity to work with talented songwriters and write something that is so personal and therapeutic had he not gone on the SongwritingWith:Soldiers retreat. He was able to not only gift Sgt. Thomas McPherson’s widow and son with a song that honored his life, but was also able to find a new way to live life after deployment.
“For a long time, I dealt with pride getting in the way of getting help. I dealt with a lot of my issues [on my own], especially around anniversary dates of losing friends in the wrong way,” says Kelley. “Now, I’m an advocate of changing that habit. I would say that this retreat, and songwriting, was the start of me completely changing the trajectory of my life.”
There are so many great charities that many music industry members in Nashville and around the country dedicate their time to, but for Clementi, his mission is to continue working with veterans who put their lives on the line for our country and giving back to them and their families.
“For me, I’m just so grateful to be the Musical Director for SongwritingWith:Soldiers,” says Clementi. “It’s been such a meaningful part of my life for for 12 years and I just feel honored every time I sit across from a veteran and help them tell a piece of their story. There’s a responsibility with that, and I think all the writers love to do this work.”
Jay Clementi and PK Kelley. Photo: Jan Herrle
Kelley is just another example of how therapeutic songwriting can be, especially for those who have experienced as much as our veterans do. Kelley now helps other veterans through their struggles and has become a huge advocate for SongwritingWith:Soldiers.
“Everybody’s grieving process is different, but what I tell other veterans is if you can find a healthy outlet and do something for that guy you lost or for their family, that is something that that other veteran can be proud of,” Kelley says. “If the roles were reversed and I was in the ground, I wouldn’t want my friends sitting there drinking on the anniversary of my death. I’d want them living a healthy life and making me proud doing something for somebody else, whether that’s writing a song or climbing a mountain.”
To learn more about SongwritingWith:Soldiers, visit their website.
Bekah Digby Joins SiriusXM/Pandora
/by Liza AndersonBekah Digby
Bekah Digby has joined SiriusXM/Pandora as Associate Director of Talent & Industry Relations – Country & Christian. Digby steps into the role previously held by Beville Dunkerley, who stepped away from the position in March.
The California native has worked in the music industry for nine years. She spent two years at Universal Music Group before making her way to Music City. Her previous Nashville career stops include MV2 Entertainment, Capitol Christian Music Group, UMG Nashville and most recently, Big Machine Label Group (BMLG), where she rose to Director of Streaming earlier this year. As Director of Streaming, Digby led streaming efforts for Big Machine Records and worked on campaigns for the imprint’s roster of artists including Tim McGraw, Carly Pearce, Jackson Dean and more.
Jenna Harris Promoted To Partner At Ritholz Levy Fields
/by Lorie HollabaughJenna Harris
Nashville-based attorney Jenna Harris has been promoted to Partner at boutique entertainment law firm Ritholz Levy Fields.
Harris’ entertainment-based litigation practice focuses primarily on complex business disputes and intellectual property rights of clients in the music, fashion, media, film and e-commerce industries. Her experience includes representing and counseling clients in state and federal court litigation in matters involving a broad range of corporate disputes, entertainment contracts, defamation and First Amendment protections; intellectual property infringement, protection, maintenance, enforcement and licensing; brand development, marketing and clearance; and internet, e-commerce, search engine and domain name disputes.
In addition to her appointment, the firm also promoted attorneys Cody Brown and Dan Zupnick, who are both in the New York office, to Partner.
“Cody, Jenna and Dan have each proven themselves integral to the RLF team and exemplify the firm’s primary values of excellence, responsiveness and business-centric service” says the firm’s Founding Partner Adam Ritholz. “We are proud to announce the elevation of these unique talents to partner.”
Ritholz Levy Fields has offices in New York, Nashville and L.A., and boasts a client roster that spans a wide range of creators, entrepreneurs and financiers in the music, TV, films, video game, fashion and podcasting industries.
‘Growin’ Up Country Vol. 1′ Features Brett Young, Mickey Guyton, More
/by Lorie HollabaughBrett Young, Mickey Guyton, RaeLynn and other artists are making some music just for the little ones on a brand new family country album, Growin’ Up Country Vol. One, due out June 23 via Platoon.
The leadoff track from the album, “ILY (Family)” by Young, is available now. “Having two daughters, I hear a lot of children’s music,” Young told People. “This one immediately felt different. It felt special. I’m honored to be a part of it.”
“When I first got approached about being a part of a children’s country album, I jumped at the opportunity,” Guyton told PEOPLE about her song, “This Is My Home.” “As a mother to my baby boy [Grayson Clark, 2], I believe more than ever that our children are the future. It is so important that we set them up for success, love and happiness; I think this album is a great start to doing just that.”
“Having grown up listening to country music, I always had my favorite artists on repeat, so bringing an album to life that is tailor-made for children is so meaningful to me,” said executive producer and artist Jaden Michaels. “Being a mom and getting to share this with my little girl is so full-circle, and I hope the next generation of country music fans and their parents enjoy this collection of songs together.”
Growin’ Up Country Vol. One Track Listing:
1. ILY (Family) – Brett Young
2. Be Anything – Jaden Michaels
3. Shake Your Boots – RaeLynn
4. I’m So Happy – Cale Dodds
5. This Is My Home – Mickey Guyton
6. LOVE – Laci Kaye Booth
7. Good Friends – Jade Eagleson
8. Sunny Kinda Day – Shaylen
9. Brave On – Jaden Michaels
Weekly Register: Morgan Wallen Spends 12th Consecutive Week At No. 1
/by Liza AndersonMorgan Wallen‘s One Thing At A Time has marked its 12th consecutive week atop the all-genre Billboard 200 albums chart. The feat means the album has spent the most weeks at No. 1 for a country album in over 30 years, surpassing Taylor Swift‘s 11-week reign with 2008’s Fearless and encroaching on Billy Ray Cyrus‘ record of 17 consecutive weeks at No. 1 with his 1992 album Some Gave All. This week, Wallen’s 36-song collection maintains its position in the top slot with 129K in total consumption (5.7K album only/155 million song streams) according to Luminate data.
His Dangerous: The Double Album rests at No. 2 on the country albums chart with 47K (1.1K album only/60 million song streams). Luke Combs‘ Gettin’ Old reclaims No. 3 with 34K (2.3K album only/39 million song streams), and Zach Bryan‘s American Heartbreak moves back up to No. 4 with 32K (1.9K album only/38 million song streams). Bailey Zimmerman‘s Religiously.The Album. shifts to No. 5 with 32K (1.4K album only/38 million song streams).
The top five of the country streaming songs chart stays the same this week.
Wallen’s “Last Night” bides at No. 1 with 26 million new streams, adding to 466 million RTD. Combs’ “Fast Car” remains at No. 2 with 16 million streams, adding to 122 million RTD. Bryan’s “Something In The Orange” returns to No. 3 with 14 million new streams, adding to 671 million RTD. Wallen’s “Thinkin’ Bout Me” lands at No. 4 again with 12 million streams, adding to 167 million RTD, while “You Proof” continues at No. 5 with 11 million new streams, adding to 606 million RTD.
Ingrid Andress To Open For Stevie Nicks
/by Lorie HollabaughIngrid Andress will perform a handful of dates with one of her heroes, the legendary Stevie Nicks, from August to December.
She’ll open shows for the rock legend in Milwaukee, Houston, San Diego, L.A. and Palm Springs through the end of the year. Andress recently wrapped her headlining “The Good Person Tour Presented by 21Seeds,” continues on Walker Hayes’ “Duck Buck Tour” throughout August and will open for Orville Peck in New York City this month. She is also set to perform at Spotify House during CMA Fest in addition to a Lollapalooza set in Chicago in August.
Andress recently released the deluxe version of her sophomore album Good Person, featuring three brand-new original tracks, including “Runnin (with JP Saxe).” The album also includes current single, “Feel Like This,” which was co-written by Andress, Ellis and Julia Michaels.
Ingrid Andress dates with Stevie Nicks:
August 8 – Milwaukee, WI – Firserv Forum
August 12 – Houston, TX – Toyota Center
November 29 – San Diego, CA – Viejas Arena
December 2 – Los Angeles, CA – Kia Forum
December 5 – Palm Springs, CA – Acrisure Arena at Greater Palm Springs
Randy Travis Inducted Into Louisiana Music Hall Of Fame
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): Randy Travis, LMHOF’s Mike Shepard and Cajun Country Jam’s Scott Innes. Photo: Jonathan Mailhes
Randy Travis was inducted into the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame at a special ceremony May 27, adding another accolade to his list of career achievements.
Travis was officially inducted by LMHOF President Mike Shepard as part of the Cajun Country Jam’s Memorial Day Festival in Denham Springs, Louisiana. The country legend recorded his first studio recordings under the name “Randy Ray” at Paula Records in Shreveport, Louisiana. Travis shares the honor with fellow inductees Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Louis Armstrong, Lucinda Wiliams, Buddy Guy, Little Richard, Fats Domino, Tim McGraw and countless others.
“Over the years Randy Travis has made many stops and new fans along the way in the great state of Louisiana,” says Cajun Country Jam promoter Scott Innes, adding, “We are delighted and honored to have had Randy on our stage!”
The Louisiana Music Hall Of Fame was formed to preserve and present the heritage of the music and the music business of the State of Louisiana by honoring achievement in talent, performance, writing and technical and business aspects of the industry; providing educational materials and educational assistance on Louisiana music and artists to libraries, schools and other interested parties, and, additionally, to perpetuate the music and music business of Louisiana and its legacy of excellence by presenting and aiding selected new talent.
With lifetime sales in excess of 25 million, Travis is an inductee into the Country Music Hall of Fame class of 2016. His honors include seven Grammys, 11 Academy of Country Music awards, 10 American Music Awards, two People’s Choice awards, eight Dove Awards and five Country Music Association honors. To date, he has 23 No. 1 singles, 31 Top-10 hits, and more than 40 appearances in feature films and TV shows to his credit. In 2022, the country icon released his award-winning documentary More Life.
Jamie Paulin Signs With Anthem Entertainment [Exclusive]
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): Gracie Glass (Anthem Creative Coordinator), Jamie Paulin, Noah Dewey (Anthem VP of Creative), Gilles Godard (Anthem President), Courtney Crist (Anthem Sr. Creative Director), Chandler Thurston (Anthem Creative Director)
Songwriter Jamie Paulin has signed a worldwide publishing deal with Anthem Entertainment.
Hailing from the small logging and farming community of Adna, Washington, Paulin’s love of country music started at five years old when his grandmother introduced him to Marty Robbins’ Gunfighter Ballads and Trail Songs album. He cites Merle Haggard, George Strait, Steve Earle, John Denver, The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and John Schneider as artists who have inspired him. Paulin first started writing songs at the age of 11 and moved to Nashville in 1998.
Paulin has penned No. 1 hits for Chris Janson (“Done”) and Kenny Chesney (“Happy Does”), and has had numerous other successful cuts including Justin Moore‘s hit single “Backwoods” and Tim McGraw’s “How I’ll Always Be” from his 2015 studio album Damn Country Music as well as his latest Greatest Hits collection.
Paulin has also had songs recorded by Jordan Davis, Jon Pardi, Kane Brown, Ian Munsick, Shane Proffit, Travis Denning, Scotty McCreery, Jack Ingram and Frank Ray. He currently writes with several Anthem writers, including Janson, Davis, Shane Profitt, Nate Kenyon, Trae Landon and Justin Lantz.
“I’ve tried to sign Jamie for years, but the timing was never right,” shares Noah Dewey, VP of Creative for Anthem Nashville. “We finally figured it out! I’m elated that he’s joining the Anthem family. His infectious personality is only overshadowed by his immense talent as a songwriter. I’m looking forward to continuing to build on Jamie’s already successful career!”
“After being friends with Noah Dewey for years and seeing the success he has had working with other writers, when the opportunity presented itself for us to work together, it just seemed like it was meant to be,” says Paulin. “I’m looking forward to this new venture and working with Gilles [Godard], Noah, Courtney [Crist], Chandler [Thurston] and all the other folks at Anthem!”
Zach Bryan Advances On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart
/by LB CantrellZach Bryan. Photo: Courtesy of Shore Fire Media
With three currently charting songs, Zach Bryan moves from No. 4 to No. 2 this week on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart. Bryan is the sole writer on two of his charting tunes, “Something In The Orange” and “Sun To Me,” and wrote “Dawns” with Maggie Rogers.
Ashley Gorley marks another week at No. 1 on the chart. He is a co-writer on 11 charting songs.
Ryan Vojtesak (No. 3), Tracy Chapman (No. 4) and Morgan Wallen (No. 5) complete the top five.
The weekly MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart uses algorithms based upon song activity according to airplay, digital download track sales and streams. This unique and exclusive addition to the MusicRow portfolio is the only songwriter chart of its kind.
Click here to view the full MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart.
SongwritingWith:Soldiers Is Allowing Veterans To Find Their Voice [Interview]
/by Steven BoeroJay Clementi & former Army Ranger PK Kelley. Photo: Jan Herrle
Every year, we remember and honor all those who died defending our country in the U.S. Armed Forces on Memorial Day. We do so with parades, special services and most of the time, with BBQ’s and pool parties. Regardless of how you celebrate, there are always those who deal with insurmountable grief on Memorial Day, such as veterans who have lost friends in the line of duty.
Life after service in the military can be extremely difficult, but organizations like SongwritingWith:Soldiers are offering veterans who suffer from PTSD and other emotional traumas a way to find their voices through songwriting and music. This organization sets up veterans with top-tier songwriters during a weekend retreat and in many cases, helps them start a new life.
Jay Clementi. Photo: Courtesy of SongwritingWith:Soldiers
“We do these retreats all over the country,” says SongwritingWith:Soldiers Musical Director and Nashville songwriter Jay Clementi. “The songwriters that [we choose to participate] are hand-picked. We have a staff and songwriters that are specially trained to do this particular work.
“We bring professional sound engineer there to the facility so we can record the songs as we go,” Clementi adds. “There’s always amazing food and we have a trained facilitation team that works with veterans when they’re not writing songs with the other songwriters.”
Clementi joined SongwritingWith:Soldiers back in 2012 when Radney Foster and Darden Smith did its first-ever retreat. From there he knew that it was special and was blown away by the stories the veterans told and know how much help they could get from writing.
Photo: Jan Herrle
“They’re doing strengths workshops, creative writing and meditation. All of these things are designed to help open you up creative creatively, so they’re really in a good place when they sit down to write songs,” he says. “We also have Pulitzer Prize-winning photographers capturing the entire weekend.”
At the retreats, songwriters like Clementi are set up with veterans in a two hour songwriting sessions throughout the weekend to write songs to be recorded and then eventually performed on the final night of the retreat. One veteran in particular, retired Army Ranger PK Kelley, went to a retreat in January of 2018 in Arizona. He wrote a song with Clementi for the child of one of his friends who was killed on the line of duty.
The song, “Daddy’s Son,” was written for the young son of Sgt. Thomas McPherson, known as “Tommy Mac,” who died when his son was 18 months old. The process of writing this song helped Kelley start a path in his life. Click this link to listen to the song and read the lyrics.
“He was killed not long before he was due to come home on what was his last deployment,” says Kelley. “He did certain things that only his wife and people close to him would know. They played catch in the yard, which is in the song.
Jay Clementi and PK Kelley. Photo: Jan Herrle
“He liked rockabilly music, so that’s in the song,” adds Kelley. “There are certain things in the lyrics that resonate with everybody but they’re specific enough to where it hits home for his widow and his son.”
Kelley, like many of veterans, would have never had the opportunity to work with talented songwriters and write something that is so personal and therapeutic had he not gone on the SongwritingWith:Soldiers retreat. He was able to not only gift Sgt. Thomas McPherson’s widow and son with a song that honored his life, but was also able to find a new way to live life after deployment.
“For a long time, I dealt with pride getting in the way of getting help. I dealt with a lot of my issues [on my own], especially around anniversary dates of losing friends in the wrong way,” says Kelley. “Now, I’m an advocate of changing that habit. I would say that this retreat, and songwriting, was the start of me completely changing the trajectory of my life.”
There are so many great charities that many music industry members in Nashville and around the country dedicate their time to, but for Clementi, his mission is to continue working with veterans who put their lives on the line for our country and giving back to them and their families.
“For me, I’m just so grateful to be the Musical Director for SongwritingWith:Soldiers,” says Clementi. “It’s been such a meaningful part of my life for for 12 years and I just feel honored every time I sit across from a veteran and help them tell a piece of their story. There’s a responsibility with that, and I think all the writers love to do this work.”
Jay Clementi and PK Kelley. Photo: Jan Herrle
Kelley is just another example of how therapeutic songwriting can be, especially for those who have experienced as much as our veterans do. Kelley now helps other veterans through their struggles and has become a huge advocate for SongwritingWith:Soldiers.
“Everybody’s grieving process is different, but what I tell other veterans is if you can find a healthy outlet and do something for that guy you lost or for their family, that is something that that other veteran can be proud of,” Kelley says. “If the roles were reversed and I was in the ground, I wouldn’t want my friends sitting there drinking on the anniversary of my death. I’d want them living a healthy life and making me proud doing something for somebody else, whether that’s writing a song or climbing a mountain.”
To learn more about SongwritingWith:Soldiers, visit their website.
Industry Ink: Luke Bryan, Chase Matthew, Brent Mason, More
/by Lorie HollabaughLuke & Caroline Bryan Celebrate Williamson Health Expansion
Pictured (L-R): Vicki McNamara, Capital Campaign Co-Chair; Darrell Waltrip, Capital Campaign Corporate Partner and Owner of Darrell Waltrip Automotive Group; Phil Mazzuca, CEO of Williamson Health; Luke and Caroline Bryan, Capital Campaign Honorary Co-Chair and Capital Campaign Co-Chair. Photo: Kristie Lloyd
Luke and Caroline Bryan, along with Darrell Waltrip and Vicki McNamara, recently helped Williamson Health celebrate the completion of the first phase of its flagship facility Williamson Medical Center’s Emergency Room expansion and renovation with a “Race to the Ribbon” ribbon-cutting event.
Local dignitaries including Williamson County Mayor Rogers Anderson; Bo Butler, chair of the Williamson Health Board of Trustees; project capital campaign co-chair McNamara and supporter Waltrip joined Williamson Health CEO Phil Mazzuca in cutting the ribbon at the celebration. The “Race to the Ribbon” theme was a nod to the multi-million-dollar project’s first corporate partner, Darrell Waltrip Automotive Group. Named one of NASCAR’s “50 Greatest Drivers,” Waltrip drove Luke Bryan in a custom-wrapped sports car to the new ER portico, where they kicked off the festivities.
Chase Matthew Previews Come Get Your Memory For Industry Friends
Pictured (L-R, front row): Ken Madson (Ignition Management); Chase Matthew; Kristen Williams (WMN, SVP of Radio); (L-R, back row): Tim Foisset (WMN, SVP of Commercial Partnerships); Cris Lacy (WMN, Co-Chair and Co-President); Loyd Potts (Ignition Management); Rohan Kohli (WMN, VP of A&R). Photo: Alan Poizner
Warner Music Nashville artist Chase Matthew recently held a special listening event for partners and WMN staff for his debut album, Come Get Your Memory, out June 9.
Matthew shared a selection of songs with the room as he brought songwriter and producer collaborators on stage with him to give insight into the creative process for the project.
Brent Mason’s Career Celebrated In Country Music Hall Of Fame’s ‘Nashville Cats’ Series
Pictured (L-R): Brent Mason and Senior Museum Writer and Editor Michael McCall at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum featured guitarist Brent Mason for its in-depth interview series Nashville Cats last weekend. The ongoing series highlights musicians and session singers who have played important roles in support of artists in the studio or on tour.
As one of the most recorded guitarists in history, Mason estimates that he has created distinctive instrumental hooks on more than a thousand Billboard Top 10 hits spanning four decades. He has been named the Country Music Association’s Musician of the Year twice and the Academy of Country Music’s Guitarist of the Year a record 11 times.
Country Music Salutes America’s Heroes Airing Now
Pictured (L-R): Richie McDonald, Frank Siller (CEO Tunnel to Towers), Tim Rushlow, Dennis Quaid, Tanya Tucker, Larry Stewart, Jelly Roll, Mikayla Lane, Krista Marie. Photo: Derrek Kupish
A selection of country music stars recently united to honor first responders and Gold Star families for a one night only special, Country Music Salutes America’s Heroes. With performances from Tanya Tucker, Dennis Quaid, Jelly Roll, Ian Munsick and The Frontmen, the special—taped outside of Billy Bob’s Texas—is airing now in various markets.
During the taping, Tunnel to Towers surprised a Gold Star family with a mortgage free home. The family of fallen Army Captain Torre Mallard Sr. was presented the life changing news by Tunnel to Towers CEO, Frank Siller and Quaid in front of the thousands of first responders, active military and veterans. Special appearances throughout the evening include 3x Super Bowl Champions Chad Hennings and Darren Woodson as well as Scotty Hasting, Kylie Frey and Mikayla Lane.
Lydia Sutherland Performs At Special Dunkin’ Joy Benefit
Pictured (L-R): Tom Sheaker, Dunkin’ Regional Vice President – South Central; Lydia Sutherland; Dave Baumgartner, Dunkin’ Franchisee and Dunkin’ Joy In Childhood Foundation Board Member. Photo: Jenny Methling
Universal Music Group’s Lydia Sutherland entertained guests at the recent Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation Dinner at Famous Nashville. The organization provides grants to hundreds of nonprofits making a difference in the lives of children battling hunger or illness across the country.
The Québec-born singer-songwriter has generated millions of streams independently and has built a diverse songwriting catalog featuring tracks like “Hold Me Back” with Robyn Ottolini, “Mercy” with Kyle McKearney, “Break Up With A Friend” with Chelsea Berman and “Ends with Y” with Jake Davey, which soared to No. 1 on the iTunes Top Country Singles Chart Australia. Building a backlog of nearly 900 songs, Sutherland gained traction with her debut single “Love Me” in 2021 before accelerating her breakthrough with “Date A Friend.”