Rissi Palmer and Miko Marks. Photo: Cedrick Jones
A little cultural history was made at City Winery Lounge last week when the venue hosted a stop on the first country-music tour headlined by two women of color.
The host of the “Color Me Country” radio show and CMT commentator Rissi Palmer and veteran Black country stylist Miko Marks were co-billed on the show. Both women have been at the forefront of the recent influx of Black performers into the genre. That their tour is happening at a time when country female performers are being discriminated against makes this event even more significant.
“This is the final night of this tour,” said Palmer in greeting the capacity crowd. “What you are about to see is two friends. It’s our last night… I’m just so glad it’s here in Nashville. Our friendship began at the Opry.”
Palmer’s Opry debut was in 2008. She invited Marks to join her on the Opry stage when she played it again in 2022. They sang a Judds song on the show, and then Palmer surprised Marks by inviting her to be a solo guest star on the Opry that fall. They have been buddies ever since.
“We’re stronger together,” said Marks. “I’m glad we made this happen.” The two women recreated their Judds song collaboration, a gorgeous rendition of “Flies on the Butter,” with Marks providing a stunning low-harmony vocal to Palmer’s lead.
They’d tossed a coin to determine who went first at the show. Miko Marks opened, doing the rousing “Ancestors,” the slow bluesy “Rhythm,“ Stephen Foster’s “Hard Times Come Again No More” (which she learned from Mavis Staples’ version), the folkie weeper “Travel Light,” her CD title tune “Feel Like Going Home,” her Civil Rights anthem “Trouble” (which she dedicated to the late Nashville icon John Lewis), an energetic “One More Night” and the superb, soulful, church-y ballad “Lay Your Burdens Down.” She received a standing ovation.
Rissi Palmer reprised her 2007 debut single “Country Girl” and offered a groove-saturated “Sweet, Sweet Lovin,’” the comforting “Summerville,” a gently romantic “Love On You,” her soulful lullaby “Goodnight” and the excellent social commentary “Seeds.”
Palmer provides her own rhythm guitar and was accompanied by the acoustic lead-guitar playing of Charles Newkirk. The sidemen for Marks were Steve Wyreman on acoustic lead guitar and Justin Phipps on harmonica and rhythm guitar. Both of them also guested on some of Palmer’s tunes. These men also co-produce Marks’s albums with her. The two women closed with their current duet single “I’m Still Here.”
“They have fearlessly navigated the music industry to become shining beacons of hope,” said BMI’s Shannon Sanders as he introduced the concert. “I want to hear the rousing support you’re giving them to show all night.” He needn’t have worried. This was a very demonstrative and vocal audience that shouted encouragement and applauded vociferously throughout the event.
The finale was another loud standing ovation, punctuated by cheers and yells.
“I love my job; I love it so much,” said a tearful Miko Marks. “You have no idea what this means for us,” said Rissi Palmer. “Thank y’all so much for coming.”
Assisted by Phipps, both women did a brisk business autographing at a merch table loaded with CDs, t-shirts, hoodies and posters.
Weekly Register: Bailey Zimmerman Scores Top Country Album Debut
/by Liza AndersonBailey Zimmerman‘s record-breaking project Religiously. The Album. has scored the top debut on the country albums chart this week, landing at No. 3 as well as No. 7 overall with 47K in total consumption (17.9K album only/48 million song streams) according to Luminate data.
Morgan Wallen‘s One Thing At A Time rests at No. 1 with 135K in total consumption (8.2K album only/161 million song streams), and his Dangerous: The Double Album stays at No. 2 with 48K (1.3K album only/61 million song streams). Luke Combs‘ Gettin’ Old moves to No. 4 with 35K (2.8K album only/40 million song streams), and Zach Bryan‘s American Heartbreak lands at No. 5 with 30K (1.6K album only/36 million song streams).
On the country streaming songs chart, Wallen’s “Last Night” remains at No. 1 with 27 million new streams, adding to 440 million RTD. Combs’ cover of “Fast Car” continues at No. 2 with 15 million streams, adding to 106 million RTD. Bryan’s “Something In The Orange” reclaims the No. 3 slot with 13 million new streams, adding to 658 million RTD. Wallen’s “Thinkin’ Bout Me” moves to No. 4 with 12 million streams, adding to 155 million RTD, and “You Proof” takes No. 5 again with 12 million new streams, adding to 594 million RTD.
Lainey Wilson, Turnpike Troubadours, More Set For Darius Rucker’s Riverfront Revival Music Festival
/by Lorie HollabaughDarius Rucker‘s Riverfront Revival Music Festival is back for its second year this fall after a successful inaugural event last year.
The festival, set to take place Saturday, Oct. 7-8 at North Charleston’s Riverfront Park, will showcase the best of country and rock along with the finest in food, arts and culture the lowcountry has to offer. Rucker will headline on Saturday along with Band of Horses, Niko Moon, Drew Holcomb and The Neighbors, Wilderado, Elvie Shane, Cha Wa, Carter Faith, Randall Fowler and Haley Mae Campbell.
Sunday’s lineup will feature headliners Turnpike Troubadours, as well as Lainey Wilson. Greensky Bluegrass, Drivin N Cryin, Megan Moroney, Yesterday’s Wine, Wayne Graham, Emily Curtis and Grayson Little.
In addition to limited remaining two-day weekend passes, single-day general admissions tickets are now on sale at RiverfrontRevival.com. A portion of the proceeds from each ticket sold will benefit the Pediatric Cancer Program at MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital. A passionate benefactor of the Charleston community, Rucker has raised millions of dollars throughout his career for the hospital where his late mother was a nurse. MUSC’s board-certified pediatric oncology and hematology specialists are leading innovation and care provided to pediatric cancer and blood disorder patients in the southeast and are achieving among the nation’s best outcomes.
Willie Nelson To Release The Stories Behind His Songs In October
/by Lorie HollabaughPenned by Nelson with David Ritz and Mickey Raphael, the new book provides the stories behind the lyrics of 160 of the legend’s favorite songs, along with a dynamic assortment of never-before-seen photos and ephemera.
From his earliest work in the 1950s to now, Nelson looks back at the songs that have defined his career, from his incredibly meaningful deep cuts to his concept albums. Along the way, he shares the stories of his guitar Trigger, his family and the artists he’s collaborated with, such as Patsy Cline, Waylon Jennings, Ray Charles, Merle Haggard, Ray Price, Dolly Parton and many others.
In the book, Nelson muses in a disarmingly honest way on the themes he’s explored his whole life—relationships, infidelity, love, loss, friendship, life on the road, and particularly poignant at this juncture of his life: mortality.
Energy Follows Thought: The Stories Behind My Songs’ publication week will coincide with Nelson’s induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame on Nov. 3.
Rissi Palmer & Miko Marks Stage Historic Show
/by Robert K OermannRissi Palmer and Miko Marks. Photo: Cedrick Jones
A little cultural history was made at City Winery Lounge last week when the venue hosted a stop on the first country-music tour headlined by two women of color.
The host of the “Color Me Country” radio show and CMT commentator Rissi Palmer and veteran Black country stylist Miko Marks were co-billed on the show. Both women have been at the forefront of the recent influx of Black performers into the genre. That their tour is happening at a time when country female performers are being discriminated against makes this event even more significant.
“This is the final night of this tour,” said Palmer in greeting the capacity crowd. “What you are about to see is two friends. It’s our last night… I’m just so glad it’s here in Nashville. Our friendship began at the Opry.”
Palmer’s Opry debut was in 2008. She invited Marks to join her on the Opry stage when she played it again in 2022. They sang a Judds song on the show, and then Palmer surprised Marks by inviting her to be a solo guest star on the Opry that fall. They have been buddies ever since.
“We’re stronger together,” said Marks. “I’m glad we made this happen.” The two women recreated their Judds song collaboration, a gorgeous rendition of “Flies on the Butter,” with Marks providing a stunning low-harmony vocal to Palmer’s lead.
They’d tossed a coin to determine who went first at the show. Miko Marks opened, doing the rousing “Ancestors,” the slow bluesy “Rhythm,“ Stephen Foster’s “Hard Times Come Again No More” (which she learned from Mavis Staples’ version), the folkie weeper “Travel Light,” her CD title tune “Feel Like Going Home,” her Civil Rights anthem “Trouble” (which she dedicated to the late Nashville icon John Lewis), an energetic “One More Night” and the superb, soulful, church-y ballad “Lay Your Burdens Down.” She received a standing ovation.
Rissi Palmer reprised her 2007 debut single “Country Girl” and offered a groove-saturated “Sweet, Sweet Lovin,’” the comforting “Summerville,” a gently romantic “Love On You,” her soulful lullaby “Goodnight” and the excellent social commentary “Seeds.”
Palmer provides her own rhythm guitar and was accompanied by the acoustic lead-guitar playing of Charles Newkirk. The sidemen for Marks were Steve Wyreman on acoustic lead guitar and Justin Phipps on harmonica and rhythm guitar. Both of them also guested on some of Palmer’s tunes. These men also co-produce Marks’s albums with her. The two women closed with their current duet single “I’m Still Here.”
“They have fearlessly navigated the music industry to become shining beacons of hope,” said BMI’s Shannon Sanders as he introduced the concert. “I want to hear the rousing support you’re giving them to show all night.” He needn’t have worried. This was a very demonstrative and vocal audience that shouted encouragement and applauded vociferously throughout the event.
The finale was another loud standing ovation, punctuated by cheers and yells.
“I love my job; I love it so much,” said a tearful Miko Marks. “You have no idea what this means for us,” said Rissi Palmer. “Thank y’all so much for coming.”
Assisted by Phipps, both women did a brisk business autographing at a merch table loaded with CDs, t-shirts, hoodies and posters.
Music Biz Concludes Successful 2023 Conference
/by Lorie HollabaughMusic Biz President Portia Sabin delivering her annual President’s Address during the Music Biz 2023 brunch sponsored by TuneCore. Photo: Laura E. Partain
Music Biz 2023 is officially wrapped and in the books, following several days of informative panels, sessions and music programming at the JW Marriott Nashville.
Day One featured conversations with songwriter Jenna Andrews and executives from Primary Wave Music, Made in Memphis Entertainment (MIME), Universal Music, Billboard, and BMAC, who revealed their “Music Industry Action Report Card.” Day One also featured the tracks “#NEXTGEN_NOW;” “Today’s Rage, Tomorrow’s Challenges: Industry Trends & Their Impacts;” “Unlocking New Revenue Streams For Music Publishers;” “Backstage Pass: Analyzing Live Music’s Future” and “Competing For Eyeballs: The +/– Of Short-Form Videos.”
Pictured: BMAC’s Willie “Prophet” Stiggers and Naima Cochrane debut the second edition of their ‘Music Industry Action Report Card’ on systemic racism in the music industry along with Color of Change’s Kelle Rozell. Photo: Laura E. Partain
Day Two kicked off with a “Breathwork & Meditation” event with Brandon Holman of Guin Records, followed by a “Record Store Day Town Hall” where attendees got to hear the impact that Record Store Day has had on the industry over the years and celebrate the accomplishments of the most recent RSD events. Nashville Queen obSINity then hosted this year’s Music Biz 2023 brunch featuring Music Biz President Portia Sabin, Keychange’s Andréa DaSilva, TuneCore’s Andreea Gleeson and performances by Tanerélle and San Cha.
Following the brunch, Tuesday afternoon was packed with breakout sessions. JKBX’s Whitney-Gayle Benta and SoundRoyalties’ Alex Heiche headlined the “I Want My Money: Royalty Payments, Catalog Acquisitions & Other Revenue Opportunities” program. SACEM’S Stephane Emeret and Julien Dumon spoke with Thomas Maxwell of IDOL and Abby North of North Music Group for “What Roles Are There For Labels, Publishers & CMOs in the Metaverse?” GoodCopBadCop’s Robby Towns hosted a fireside chat with artist Dave Curry, Michelle Munson of Eluvio, and Nick Osborne of Capital Music Group.
Pictured: Margaret Hart of YouTube Music and Jackie Jones of the RIAA sit down for “Family Alliance in Music Presents: Finding Success in the Music Business & at Home,” where they share their thoughts and tips on sustaining a healthy work and home life balance. Photo: Laura E. Partain
MusicWatch’s Russ Crupnick sat down with Jen Agosta of Discogs and Karlyn King to dissect “Understanding The Modern Record Collector.” Bryn Boughton of Feed.media and Kevin Casini of RME hosted the two-part “Power Of The Indies” session covering the growing independent music market. Tuesday’s keynote session featured Sabin sitting down with Kobalt’s Willard Ahdritz, as well as “Music By The Numbers: A Quantitative Look at the Industry in 2023 So Far,” presented by Rob Jonas of Luminate.
Music Biz 2023 completed its third full day of programming on May 17. Highlights included the tracks “Syncs & Samples: The Ins & Outs of Music Clearances,” DEI programming, “Physical Music Industry,” “Spin Fraud,” DSP workshops, and the ever-popular “Metadata Summit.” Music Biz 2023 ended the day with their second annual Bizzy Awards. Highlighted panels included conversations with leading voices on licensing for Web3 and podcasts, a sampling panel with David Porter and Prince Paul, a conversation between the RIAA and YouTube, and other sessions on topics such as metadata integration and spin fraud.
The final day of Music Biz included a 60-minute session with TIDAL, called “Maximize Your Music Career: TIDAL’s Innovative Approach to Artist Growth and Development,” as well as several other informative panels. For the closing Music Biz 2023 keynote interview, indie singer-songwriter LU KALA, Prescription Songs/Amigo Records’ Jillian Rutstein and TikTok’s Tracy Gardner joined Sabin for “Music Biz LIVE: Leveling the Playing Field of Music Discovery on TikTok.”
Tyler Hubbard Earns Second Solo No. 1, Celebrates At Surprise Nashville Show
/by LB CantrellTyler Hubbard performs at a surprise pop-up show at Nashville’s The Stage. Photo: Evan Mattingly
Tyler Hubbard has topped the country charts for the second time as a solo artist, taking “Dancin’ In The Country” to No. 1 on the Mediabase/Country Aircheck chart. The tune was written by Hubbard, Keith Urban, Ross Copperman and Jon Nite for Hubbard’s debut, self-titled solo album.
To celebrate the feat, the EMI Records Nashville recording artist staged a special surprise concert Nashville’s famed honky tonk, The Stage, on Saturday night (May 20). The pop-up show also commemorated Hubbard’s first year as a solo artist. His debut hit single, “5 Foot 9,” released exactly one year prior, on May 20, 2022.
“Having a second No. 1, one year to the day after my debut solo single was released, is really incredible,” Hubbard shares. “It’s been an amazing year, and I’m thankful to country radio and the fans for embracing my music, and to Keith, Ross and Jon for sharing their creative genius with me.”
Craig Morgan Announces Fall Tour, Memorial Day Performance
/by Caela GriffinCountry music hit-maker, author and Army veteran Craig Morgan will launch his headlining “God, Family, Country Tour 2023,” in partnership with Operation Finally Home. Kicking off Sept. 20 in Englewood, NJ, Morgan and special guests The Reeves Brothers will play 13 theater and auditorium dates through the end of October. Tickets and VIP experience packages are on sale beginning this Thursday, May 25.
Following his sold-out tour stop at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium last year, Morgan is excited to bring his fan-favorite “God, Family, Country Tour 2023” back out on the road this fall. With new music anticipated later this year, the Grand Ole Opry member will introduce new tunes to his set, in addition to hits such as “Bonfire,” “Almost Home,” “Redneck Yacht Club,” “International Harvester” and more.
“I cannot wait to bring the GFC tour back out again this year and share our music with the greatest fans in the world,” says Morgan. “It was truly special performing in intimate venues last year and we just enjoyed it too much to not do another run.”
On Monday, May 29 the Army veteran will perform during the National Memorial Day Parade—the largest Memorial Day event in the nation. His performance will honor and salute the men and women who have sacrificed in service to America. In addition to the live, in-person experience in Washington, D.C., the parade’s television special will be broadcast.
CRAIG MORGAN’S “GOD, FAMILY, COUNTRY TOUR 2023”
In Partnership With Operation Finally Home*
9/20 – Englewood, NJ – Bergen PAC
9/21 – Rutland, VT – Paramount Theatre
9/22 – Concord, NH – Chubb Theatre
9/23 – Tysons, VA – Capital One Hall
9/24 – Lancaster, PA – American Music Theater
10/12 – Tyler, TX – UT Tyler Cowan Fine & Performing Arts Center**
10/15 – Orange, TX – Lutcher Theater**
10/19 – Effingham, IL – Effingham Performance Center
10/20 – Nashville, IN – Brown County Music Center
10/21 – Shipshewana, IN – Blue Gate Theater
10/22 – Ashland, KY – Paramount Arts Center
10/26 – Auburn, AL – Jay and Susie Gogue Performing Arts Center**
10/27 – Henderson, TN – Williams Auditorium
*Dates subject to change, please check for the latest information.
**These shows will go on sale at a later date. Please check the venue website for specific dates.
Hardy & Lainey Wilson’s ‘Wait in the Truck’ Video To Be Screened At 2023 Tribeca Festival
/by Lorie HollabaughHardy and Lainey Wilson‘s “Wait In The Truck” video has been chosen as an official selection at the 2023 Tribeca Festival this June.
The video depicting the chilling murder ballad is one of the only country music videos to screen at the festival in its 22-year history. Showing three times throughout the June 7-18 New York City festival, the ACM Visual Media of the Year and CMT Collaborative Video of the Year winner appears alongside official music videos from Lizzo (“Special”), The Black Keys (“Wild Child”), and just five other national and international selections.
“It’s amazing to see how far this song has taken us so far,” Hardy says. “I’m grateful that it’s resonated with people and happy to see that story songs like this have a place still in country music and beyond. Thank you to the Tribeca Festival for having us, it’s so cool to be included.”
“This year has been filled with love and abundance – I’m blown away by the reaction the song and video have received since it premiered. It’s an absolute honor to be a part of one of the only country music videos to debut at the Tribeca Film Festival,” Wilson says. “Hardy is a big brother to me and I’m forever thankful that he brought me into this ballad. This song embodies country music, with difficult topics and real-life situations that people can relate to.”
“It’s really a huge accomplishment to make it to Tribeca, not just for myself but for all cast and crew involved,” adds director Justin Clough, who will make his Tribeca debut with “Wait In The Truck.” “Tribeca wasn’t something that was in the picture during production, so for it to have gotten to this point, and have been officially selected, is really a crazy thought. I’m grateful for the love that we’ve received, and I’m excited to attend and meet the other talented filmmakers that have also been selected.”
“Wait In The Truck” has been viewed over 45 million times on YouTube alone, and the Platinum smash topped the Mediabase country chart last month.
Paul Cauthen Signs Publishing Deal With Reservoir & One Riot
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): Greg Gallo (VP of Creative, Reservoir), Drew Bennett (Manager, Q Prime South), John Ozier (EVP of Creative, Reservoir), Paul Cauthen, Amy Patton (President, One Riot), Lilly Farner (Junior Creative Manager, One Riot).
Reservoir has signed outlaw country singer-songwriter Paul Cauthen to a publishing deal through its joint venture with One Riot.
The deal includes his full catalog, including the recent single “Rain On My Mind” with Diplo featuring Cauthen and Sierra Ferrell, as well as Cauthen’s single “Hometeam,” plus future works.
Known for his outlaw country gospel-infused style, Cauthen’s voice earned him the nickname “Big Velvet,” taken from a song title on his album Room 41. He launched his music career as one half of the Americana indie folk-rock duo Sons of Fathers with David Beck, releasing a self-titled album in 2011, followed by Burning Days in 2013.
Cauthen went on to focus on his solo career and released his debut album, My Gospel, in 2016. In 2018, Cauthen released an EP entitled Have Mercy and made his Grand Ole Opry debut. He released two additional solo albums, Room 41 (2019) and Country Coming Down (2022), with Room 41 reaching No. 2 on Billboard’s Heatseeker Albums chart.
“Paul’s firecracker talent, deeply soulful voice, and exceptional storytelling all contribute something really refreshing to modern country music and to our Reservoir/One Riot family,” says Reservoir Executive Vice President John Ozier. “We look forward to helping share his unique music with audiences everywhere.”
One Riot President Amy Patton adds, “Paul is a magnetic writer and performer who is disrupting and reshaping the country genre. He can break your heart in one moment and take you to the party with the next. He’s a trailblazer and a showman, and we could not be more grateful and excited to be on this journey with him.”
“I’m very excited to be partnering with One Riot Music and Reservoir,” says Cauthen. “From the first meetings it was clear that we share the same vision of putting creativity above everything else.”
Scotty McCreery Celebrates New RIAA Platinum Certifications
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): Triple Tigers Records’ Kevin Herring, George Couri, Scotty McCreery, RIAA’s Jackie Jones, Triple Tigers Records’ Norbert Nix, Triple 8 Management’s Scott Stem and Triple Tigers Records’ Laura Hostelley. Photo: Danielle Del Valle
Scotty McCreery has reached new heights with a few of his hits as “Five More Minutes,” the first of his five consecutive No. 1 singles, has achieved RIAA triple-Platinum status, and “Damn Strait,” the most recent of his back-to-back hits, has gone Platinum.
“I’ve always said that ‘Five More Minutes’ is my favorite song I’ve ever written. For it to become my first triple-Platinum single means it has really connected with the fans, and as a songwriter that’s what you hope for,” says McCreery. “‘Damn Strait’ is one of the most fun songs I get to sing live each night. I’m excited to see the success of both of these songs recognized by the fans and the RIAA.”
Written by the artist alongside Frank Rogers and Monty Criswell, “Five More Minutes” earned McCreery one of five BMI Awards for writing one of the Top 50 Country Songs of the Year, and inspired two popular Hallmark Movies & Mysteries Network holiday movies. “Damn Strait,” the second single from McCreery’s latest album Same Truck, was written by Trent Tomlinson and Jim Collins, and spent three weeks at the top of both the Mediabase and Billboard charts, and was named one of the 10 Best Country Songs of 2022 by Billboard.
McCreery’s current and fastest rising single of his career, “It Matters to Her,” which he co-wrote with Rhett Akins and Lee Thomas Miller, continues its climb in the top five on the Mediabase chart as well as top seven on the Billboard chart.
Earlier this month, McCreery surprised fans with the new track “Why She Gotta Be Like That” featuring Colombian singer-songwriter Gusi. The North Carolina native discovered the Latin sensation on social media performing his song “Why You Gotta Be Like That” and was struck with the idea for a duet between the two featuring both Spanish and English verses.