Pictured (L-R): Liz Rose, Hillary Lindsey and Lori McKenna perform. Photo: Carol Tedesco for BMI
The 27th annual Key West Songwriters Festival took place this past weekend (May 3-7), bringing together over 250 BMI multi-genre songwriters to 50 different venues across the island. Hosted by Rams Head Presents, BMI and The Florida Keys Tourist Development Council, proceeds from the five-day event benefit the BMI Foundation, a nonprofit founded in 1985 that supports music education and creation through various grants and scholarships, along with Michelle’s Foundation, a Key West-based nonprofit that helps children and families in need.
Pictured (L-R): BMI’s Josh Tomlinson, BMI’s Nina Carter, Rams Head Group’s Kyle Muehlhauser, Jelly Roll, BMI’s Clay Bradley, BMI’s MaryAnn Keen, BMI’s Shannon Sanders and Rams Head Group’s Kelly Norman before Jelly Roll’s performance at the Coffee Butler Amphitheater. Photo: Carol Tedesco for BMI
When BMI songwriters arrived to the Nashville airport on Wednesday morning (May 3), they were greeted by the Lift Off to the Kickoff event in Delta’s Sky Club, as Delta Air Lines is the official airline of the festival.
The anticipated Sunset Pier Kick Off Party served as the festival’s official commencement. Hosted at Ocean Key Resort & Spa, James Slater, the Dylan Altman Blues Band and Robert Randolph were the entertainment. Brinley Addington, Rocky Block, Jacob Hackworth and Joey Hyde took the stage at Conch Republic Seafood Company following the kick-off party, and the evening closed with music from 2017’s BMI Icon recipient Bob DiPiero along with Rebecca Lynn Howard, Elisha Hoffman and Jeffrey Steele at the Key West Theater.
The Dylan Altman Blues Band performs at Ocean Key Resort’s Sunset Pier Kick Off Party. Photo: Carol Tedesco for BMI
On Thursday (May 4), attendees were treated to rounds at the Rams Head Southernmost Bar & Restaurant, hearing from songwriters Cliff Cody, Bella Dorian, Seth Ennis, Ryan Larkins, Jessica Rose, Benjy Davis, Drew Kennedy, Lauren McLamb, July Moon and Emily Shackleton.
Liz Rose brought her friends Phil Barton, David Ray and Earl Bud Lee as well as fellow Love Junkies Hillary Lindsey and Lori McKenna to the Blue Heaven on Thursday, while the Sunset Green Event Lawn hosted acclaimed songwriters such as Raul Malo, Kostas, Robert Randolph and Tommy Sims. The Key West Theater hosted the BMI at the Bluebird shows over the weekend, with Thursday’s shows featuring Elle King, Madeline Edwards and Ella Langley followed by The Love Junkies.
Pictured (L-R): BMI’s Shannon Sanders, BMI’s Leslie Roberts, Sony Music Nashville’s Ella Langley, RCA Records/Song Music Nashville’s Elle King, Warner Music Nashville’s Madeline Edwards, The Bluebird Cafe’s Erika Wollam Nichols and We’ve Got The Keys’ Liz Anderson at the Key West Theater. Photo: Carol Tedesco for BMI
The Texas Heritage Songwriters Association and the Texas Music Office presented the Texas Showcase at the San Carlos Institute, where Jack Ingram, David Lee and Bobby Pinson paid their respects to the late Keith Gattis by sharing stories of their longtime friend as a vacant stool and cowboy hat was center stage.
On Friday (May 5), Rams Head Southernmost Bar & Restaurant highlighted the talents of Ronnie Bowman, Clint Daniels, Mae Estes, Kylie Frey, Dylan Marlowe, Meghan Patrick and more. Kimpton Lighthouse Court welcomed Joseph Patton, Sophia Scott, Bryan Simpson and Adam Wood, while Sloppy Joe’s hosted Reid Haughton, Jordan James, Jordan Rowe and Austin Snell.
Ben Chapman performs at Tootsies Street Stage on Duval Street. Photo: Carol Tedesco for BMI
Jelly Roll headlined the Coffee Butler Amphitheater on Friday night. Afterward the HD Radio Late Night Hang at The Backyard Bar kept the party going into the morning with Playin’ Through The Night hosted by Tyler Reeve, Trent Tomlinson and friends.
Saturday (May 6) was filled with performances from Justin Andrews, Nick Donley, Reid Houghton, Drew Kennedy and Emma Kelin at The Marker Resort Pool Party, while The Perry Hotel & Marina hosted artists such as Kelly Archer, Tofer Brown, Ashley Cooke, Carter Faith, Lauren Hungate and Ava Suppelsa.
For a special Tootsies Street Stage show on Duval Street, Ben Chapman, Jordan James, Meg McRee and Michael Ray took the stage. That night at the Key West Theater, Michael Halpern of the Michelle’s Foundation made a surprise announcement in honor of Gattis. As the influential songwriter was scheduled to perform that night, the Michelle’s Foundation revealed that they will be providing his two children with their future college tuition expenses.
Pictured (L-R): Lee Starr, Kylie Frey, Kyle James and Mae Estes perform at Lewis Brisbois Presents: Hometown Pub Takeover. Photo: Carol Tedesco for BMI
On the festival’s final day (May 7), the Sunset Green Event Lawn hosted Sunday Funday with Ken Johnson, Justin Schools and Seth Michael, while the Southernmost House Hotel featured Anna Wilson, Monty Powell, Cameron Wrinkle and Josiah Siska.
Even Stevens, Altman, Danny Myrick, Bridgette Tatum, Tomlinson, Earl Bud Lee and Kostas closed up the 27th edition of the Key West Songwriters Festival at the Key West Theater’s All Star Encore – Songwriters & Stories event.
Pictured (L-R): Bob Dipiero, James Slater and Luke Laird perform at the Key West Theater. Photo: Carol Tedesco for BMI
Dierks Bentley & Miranda Lambert Create Four Songs For CBS’ ‘Fire Country’
/by Lorie HollabaughDierks Bentley and Miranda Lambert have penned four new songs exclusively for the final two episodes of CBS’s popular new TV show Fire Country.
The new songs, which were inspired by the themes of the show, can be heard in the episodes on Friday May 12 and May 19 on CBS and available to stream live and on demand on Paramount+*.
The four songs include “Saved,” written by Jon Randall and Luke Dick; “Still Burning” written by Lambert, Randall and Dick; “Something in the Water” written by Lambert, Bentley, Randall and Dick; and “Barbed Wire Heart” written by Bentley and Randall.
“I’m a huge country music fan! Dierks and Miranda have written and performed some of my all-time favorite songs, so to get the chance to work with them on Fire Country was a dream come true,” says series creator and star, Max Thieriot. “Their songs provide the perfect backdrop for our dramatic conclusion to the season.”
“Dierks and I got together with our buddies Luke Dick and Jon Randall, and we started writing for Fire Country,” says Lambert. “It’s a different process to write to another storyline that’s already been written and sort of go along with the script. It’s been a cool project!”
“From the moment I saw the very first scenes of the pilot for Fire Country, I knew I wanted to try to write songs for it,” adds Bentley. “Writing for TV stretches different muscles than writing for my own albums. And getting to collaborate with my friends Miranda, Luke Dick and Jon Randall made the whole process explorative and, of course, a lot of fun.”
Bentley and Lambert aren’t the first country artists to join the world of Fire Country. Kane Brown guest-starred on an episode earlier this year.
Cody Hibbard Inks With Sony Music Publishing & Droptine Music
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): Rusty Gaston, Jenna Heideman, Cody Hibbard, Jim Catino, Molly Shehan and Cass Scripps. Photo: Courtesy of Droptine Records
Cody Hibbard has signed a co-venture publishing deal with Sony Music Publishing Nashville and Droptine Music.
The deal comes on the heels of Hibbard’s first release with Droptine, “Looking Back Now.” The Oklahoma native and former pipeline worker will unveil a follow-up single, “We Speak Country,” this Friday, May 12.
“Cody Hibbard’s future is so bright and I’m excited to be part of his creative team,” shares Jim Catino, Droptine Music Founder. “His music and touring are growing exponentially and that is a direct result of his songwriting abilities. I’m so happy to be part of his artist career and now [represent] him as a songwriter as well. I also want to thank Rusty Gaston and Sony Publishing for their continued support of Droptine. It has been an amazing partnership.”
“Cody’s voice is full of grit and heart, and his songs were built for blue collar America. Jim Catino is one of Music Row’s best A&R executives and he’s keeping that streak alive with Cody Hibbard,” says Gaston, Sony Music Publishing Nashville CEO.
“I am thrilled to be joining the Droptine and Sony Music Publishing family, and for the opportunity to work alongside Jim, Rusty and the rest of the crew,” shares Hibbard. “It’s an honor to join such a tremendous team, and I can’t wait for what’s ahead!”
Weekly Register: Zach Bryan Climbs The Country Songs Chart
/by Liza AndersonZach Bryan‘s “Something In The Orange” has jumped to No. 3 on the country streaming songs chart this week with 12 million new streams, adding to 632 million RTD, according to Luminate data.
Morgan Wallen‘s “Last Night” remains at No. 1 with 26 million streams, adding to 386 million RTD, while Luke Combs‘ “Fast Car” cover stays at No. 2 with 14 million streams, adding to its 74 million RTD. Wallen’s “Thinkin’ Bout Me” moves to No. 4 with 12 million new streams, adding to 129 million RTD, and “You Proof” lands at No. 5 with 12 million streams, adding to its 569 million RTD.
Once again, the top five country albums remain the same this week.
Wallen’s One Thing At A Time rests at No. 1 with 138K in total consumption (5.4K album only/166 million song streams), and Dangerous: The Double Album stays at No. 2 with 47K (1.3K album only/59 million song streams). Combs’ Gettin’ Old holds No. 3 with 37K (3K album only/42 million song streams). Bryan’s American Heartbreak continues at No. 4 with 28K (1.5K album only/34 million song streams), and Taylor Swift‘s Red (Taylor’s Version) persists at No. 5 with 22K (3.8K album only/24 million song streams).
UTA Signs Graham Barham
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): UTA’s Jack Arnett, Haley Fairman, Kyle Levinsohn, Fngrprnt’s Dillon Goldberg, Graham Barham, UTA’s Lauren Holland, Lolo McClusky and Curt Motley. Photo: Navid Sharbatdar for UTA
Singer-songwriter Graham Barham has signed with UTA for worldwide representation in all areas. Barham also recently inked a global publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music and Cornman Music.
Born and raised in the rural Louisiana village of Oak Ridge, Barham grew up on his family’s farm and started singing in church at a young age. He taught himself to play guitar and was writing songs by the age of 10, mining inspiration from artists like George Strait as well as heavy hitters in the pop world.
Barham moved to Nashville at 18 to pursue a songwriting career. His debut project, produced primarily by Will Bundy, includes his breakout single, “Preachers Need People” and “Beer By My Bed,” a slow-burning, gritty portrait of post-blackout regret.
The rising 24-year-old artist will make his first CMA Fest appearance June 9 on the Hard Rock Stage.
Turnpike Troubadours To Return With New Album ‘A Cat In The Rain’
/by Lorie HollabaughTurnpike Troubadours. Photo: David McClister
Turnpike Troubadours will release their new album, A Cat in the Rain, on Aug. 25 via Bossier City Records/Thirty Tigers.
On the tracks, “Mean Old Sun,” is available now, along with its music video directed by Sterlin Harjo and filmed at Tulsa’s Cain’s Ballroom.
Produced by Shooter Jennings, A Cat in the Rain marks a long-awaited return for the band following their self-imposed hiatus in 2019. With these ten new songs, the band renews with a fresh perspective on their authentic songwriting and signature foot-stomping sound fans have come to know and love.
Pioneers of the Red Dirt music scene, Turnpike Troubadours has amassed more than 1.5 billion global streams and over 1.28 million equivalent units sold to-date. Originally from Tahlequah, Oklahoma, members of group include Evan Felker (vocals, guitar), Kyle Nix (fiddle), Ryan Engleman (electric guitar), RC Edwards (bass), Gabe Pearson (drums) and Hank Early (accordion).
The band is slated to headline shows at New York’s Beacon Theater, Washington D.C.’s The Anthem, Los Angeles’ Greek Theater and more, including two nights Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium and three nights at Fort Worth’s Billy Bob’s this fall. They will also perform at the Newport Folk Festival, Born & Raised Music Festival, Memphis Mempho Music Festival and Darius Rucker’s Riverfront Revival Music Festival.
Industry Ink: Carrie Underwood, Kane Brown, ‘Hope & Healing for Heroes,’ Mitchell Tenpenny
/by Caela GriffinCarrie Underwood, Ludacris Celebrate Double Platinum Like Champs
Pictured (L-R): Carrie Underwood, Ludacris. Photo Courtesy of Carrie Underwood.
Global superstars Carrie Underwood and Ludacris reunited Thursday night (May 4) at Bridgestone Arena to celebrate their hit collaboration “The Champion” earning its RIAA Double Platinum certification. Underwood penned the track with Brett James, Chris DeStefano, and Christopher Bridges (aka Ludacris). Produced by Jim Jonsin, the song was used for NBC’s Super Bowl LII and their 2018 Olympic Winter Games coverage. The event anthem quickly hit No. 1 in 10 countries including the U.S.
Underwood and Ludacris also released a poignant and powerful montage music video for “The Champion. Directed by Jimmy Lynch, it featured a behind-the-scenes look at the pair recording the song. The video also showed historic moments highlight professional athletes and everyday champions. Fans launched a trend sharing their own champion-inspired photos and videos on social media using #TheChampion.
Kane Brown Team Celebrates Stagecoach Victory
Pictured (L-R): Taylor Sowers, Nicole Marinake, Parker Stacey, Jeff Rizzo, Meg Kehoe, Martha Earls (Neon Coast), Kane Brown, Dennis Reese, Olivia Laster, Larry Santiago, Nikki Boon (Neon Coast) and Meghan Reich at Stagecoach 2023. Photo: Marcus McDonald.
Kane Brown headlined Stagecoach Festival for the event’s 15th Anniversary with an explosive performance on Saturday, April 29. His pyro-packed set lit up the desert sky and had a special appearance from his wife and fellow artist Katelyn Brown.
Kane is nominated for five ACMs at the upcoming Awards on Thursday (May 11), including Entertainer Of The Year and Male Artist Of The Year, as well as Single Of The Year, Visual Media Of The Year and Music Event Of The Year for “Thank God,” alongside his wife Katelyn.
Nashville Educators Gather For ‘Hope & Healing for Heroes’
Lauren Daigle performs with students. Photo: Dean Berner
Last Monday (May 1), over 1,000 teachers, educators, staff and administrators in Nashville gathered at Belmont’s Fisher Center for the “Hope and Healing For Heroes” event. The evening was hosted to provide an opportunity to connect in community and gain tools for navigating the trauma of the recent Covenant School mass shooting.
Miles Adcox, Chairman at The Onsite Foundation, emceed the event which featured inspirational music from Lauren Daigle, Tyler Hubbard, Trisha Yearwood and CeCe Winans. Messages of hope were shared from teachers and student survivors from Parkland, Columbine and Paducah. Adcox moderated a panel of experts in trauma-informed education and counseling services.
Mitchell Tenpenny, Meghan Patrick & Crown Royal Kick Off Military Appreciation Month
Pictured (L-R): Mitchell Tenpenny, Meghan Patrick. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images.
In celebration of Military Appreciation Month, Crown Royal, Mitchell Tenpenny and Meghan Patrick partnered with Nashville-based nonprofit, CreatiVets, at their Third Annual Charity Golf Tournament. Proceeds go towards supporting CreatiVets’ mission of helping veterans heal through music therapy and the arts.
To continue the celebration and to further support our military, Crown Royal and CreatiVets hosted Tenpenny, Patrick, Jameson Rodgers, and numerous other country music stars at Old Hickory Country Club. The country music family also participated in the brand’s decade-long program, The Purple Bag Project, which turns donated Crown Royal bags into care packages for the military overseas.
“As the son of an Air Force vet, supporting our military and recognizing the sacrifices our men and women make to keep us safe is personal. I’m proud I can join Crown Royal which has long supported our military communities during Military Appreciation Month,” says Tenpenny. “Today and everyday, I appreciate the steadfast support of these selfless individuals, and I’m proud that I could join Crown Royal and my peers in extending gratitude to CreatiVets for all they do to support our military and veteran communities.”
BMI Celebrates 27th Annual Key West Songwriters Festival
/by LB CantrellPictured (L-R): Liz Rose, Hillary Lindsey and Lori McKenna perform. Photo: Carol Tedesco for BMI
The 27th annual Key West Songwriters Festival took place this past weekend (May 3-7), bringing together over 250 BMI multi-genre songwriters to 50 different venues across the island. Hosted by Rams Head Presents, BMI and The Florida Keys Tourist Development Council, proceeds from the five-day event benefit the BMI Foundation, a nonprofit founded in 1985 that supports music education and creation through various grants and scholarships, along with Michelle’s Foundation, a Key West-based nonprofit that helps children and families in need.
Pictured (L-R): BMI’s Josh Tomlinson, BMI’s Nina Carter, Rams Head Group’s Kyle Muehlhauser, Jelly Roll, BMI’s Clay Bradley, BMI’s MaryAnn Keen, BMI’s Shannon Sanders and Rams Head Group’s Kelly Norman before Jelly Roll’s performance at the Coffee Butler Amphitheater. Photo: Carol Tedesco for BMI
When BMI songwriters arrived to the Nashville airport on Wednesday morning (May 3), they were greeted by the Lift Off to the Kickoff event in Delta’s Sky Club, as Delta Air Lines is the official airline of the festival.
The anticipated Sunset Pier Kick Off Party served as the festival’s official commencement. Hosted at Ocean Key Resort & Spa, James Slater, the Dylan Altman Blues Band and Robert Randolph were the entertainment. Brinley Addington, Rocky Block, Jacob Hackworth and Joey Hyde took the stage at Conch Republic Seafood Company following the kick-off party, and the evening closed with music from 2017’s BMI Icon recipient Bob DiPiero along with Rebecca Lynn Howard, Elisha Hoffman and Jeffrey Steele at the Key West Theater.
The Dylan Altman Blues Band performs at Ocean Key Resort’s Sunset Pier Kick Off Party. Photo: Carol Tedesco for BMI
On Thursday (May 4), attendees were treated to rounds at the Rams Head Southernmost Bar & Restaurant, hearing from songwriters Cliff Cody, Bella Dorian, Seth Ennis, Ryan Larkins, Jessica Rose, Benjy Davis, Drew Kennedy, Lauren McLamb, July Moon and Emily Shackleton.
Liz Rose brought her friends Phil Barton, David Ray and Earl Bud Lee as well as fellow Love Junkies Hillary Lindsey and Lori McKenna to the Blue Heaven on Thursday, while the Sunset Green Event Lawn hosted acclaimed songwriters such as Raul Malo, Kostas, Robert Randolph and Tommy Sims. The Key West Theater hosted the BMI at the Bluebird shows over the weekend, with Thursday’s shows featuring Elle King, Madeline Edwards and Ella Langley followed by The Love Junkies.
Pictured (L-R): BMI’s Shannon Sanders, BMI’s Leslie Roberts, Sony Music Nashville’s Ella Langley, RCA Records/Song Music Nashville’s Elle King, Warner Music Nashville’s Madeline Edwards, The Bluebird Cafe’s Erika Wollam Nichols and We’ve Got The Keys’ Liz Anderson at the Key West Theater. Photo: Carol Tedesco for BMI
The Texas Heritage Songwriters Association and the Texas Music Office presented the Texas Showcase at the San Carlos Institute, where Jack Ingram, David Lee and Bobby Pinson paid their respects to the late Keith Gattis by sharing stories of their longtime friend as a vacant stool and cowboy hat was center stage.
On Friday (May 5), Rams Head Southernmost Bar & Restaurant highlighted the talents of Ronnie Bowman, Clint Daniels, Mae Estes, Kylie Frey, Dylan Marlowe, Meghan Patrick and more. Kimpton Lighthouse Court welcomed Joseph Patton, Sophia Scott, Bryan Simpson and Adam Wood, while Sloppy Joe’s hosted Reid Haughton, Jordan James, Jordan Rowe and Austin Snell.
Ben Chapman performs at Tootsies Street Stage on Duval Street. Photo: Carol Tedesco for BMI
Jelly Roll headlined the Coffee Butler Amphitheater on Friday night. Afterward the HD Radio Late Night Hang at The Backyard Bar kept the party going into the morning with Playin’ Through The Night hosted by Tyler Reeve, Trent Tomlinson and friends.
Saturday (May 6) was filled with performances from Justin Andrews, Nick Donley, Reid Houghton, Drew Kennedy and Emma Kelin at The Marker Resort Pool Party, while The Perry Hotel & Marina hosted artists such as Kelly Archer, Tofer Brown, Ashley Cooke, Carter Faith, Lauren Hungate and Ava Suppelsa.
For a special Tootsies Street Stage show on Duval Street, Ben Chapman, Jordan James, Meg McRee and Michael Ray took the stage. That night at the Key West Theater, Michael Halpern of the Michelle’s Foundation made a surprise announcement in honor of Gattis. As the influential songwriter was scheduled to perform that night, the Michelle’s Foundation revealed that they will be providing his two children with their future college tuition expenses.
Pictured (L-R): Lee Starr, Kylie Frey, Kyle James and Mae Estes perform at Lewis Brisbois Presents: Hometown Pub Takeover. Photo: Carol Tedesco for BMI
On the festival’s final day (May 7), the Sunset Green Event Lawn hosted Sunday Funday with Ken Johnson, Justin Schools and Seth Michael, while the Southernmost House Hotel featured Anna Wilson, Monty Powell, Cameron Wrinkle and Josiah Siska.
Even Stevens, Altman, Danny Myrick, Bridgette Tatum, Tomlinson, Earl Bud Lee and Kostas closed up the 27th edition of the Key West Songwriters Festival at the Key West Theater’s All Star Encore – Songwriters & Stories event.
Pictured (L-R): Bob Dipiero, James Slater and Luke Laird perform at the Key West Theater. Photo: Carol Tedesco for BMI
Parker McCollum Scores Third Consecutive No. 1 With ‘Handle On You’
/by Lorie HollabaughThe song tops the Mediabase/Country Aircheck chart, following McCollum’s prior No. 1 hits, his multi-Platinum debut “Pretty Heart” and Platinum “To Be Loved By You.” “Handle On You” is the lead single from his upcoming new album, Never Enough, due out this Friday, May 12.
“Thank y’all for making ‘Handle On You’ my third No. 1,” shares McCollum. “Releasing a new album with a No. 1 already on it is really special and I’m glad country radio digs it. Thank you to my fans and thank you country radio!”
McCollum is gearing up for a busy summer and is set to perform at the iHeart Country Festival in Austin, Texas on May 13. Along with headlining his own tour, he will also play stadiums with Morgan Wallen on his “One Night At A Time World Tour.”
DISClaimer Single Reviews: Old Dominion Weaves A ‘Delightful Tapestry Of Sound’
/by Robert K OermannIt’s a miracle.
There is not one, single, “bro country” song in this week’s stack of sounds. No pick-up trucks, no skinny dipping, no bonfires, no dirt roads, no rural fields, no beer. Okay, so I lied about that last one.
What we DO have is a flurry of artists who want you out on that dance floor. Beckoning you to trip the light fantastic are Kylie Morgan, Tim Dugger, Tyler Hubbard & Keith Urban, Willie Jones and our Disc of the Day winners, Old Dominion.
Not to worry: country music isn’t losing its sentimental side. For that, I refer you to the fine efforts by Drew Parker, Tyler Rich, Jameson Rodgers and our DisCovery Award winner, Micaela Kleinsmith.
OLD DOMINION / “I Should Have Married You”
Writers: Matthew Ramsey/Trevor Rosen/Whit Sellers/Geoff Sprung/Brad Tursi/Shane McAnally; Producers: Old Dominion/Shane McAnally; Label: Arista Nashville
– Enchanting. The rippling production, twirling melody, percussive effects and hearty vocals combine to weave a delightful tapestry of sound. The summertime vibe and merry tempo contrast with a lyric of regret. There’s a reason why this is the five-time ACM Group of the Year, and this is it.
OLD CROW MEDICINE SHOW / “Louder Than Guns”
Writers: Ketch Secor/Mike Harris; Producers: Old Crow Medicine Show; Label: ATO Records
– The Opry string band speaks out against gun violence in this rousing anthem. Leader Secor has carved the names of the six Covenant victims on his fiddle, is dedicating this song to them and has joined the 97Percent organization to work for sanity. Polls have repeatedly stated that the public wants gun reform, yet our legislators remain pawns of the NRA, rather than serving the people. Why is the U.S. the only country on earth with this problem?
DREW PARKER / “King of Country Music (with Mallory Parker)”
Writers: Allen Shamblin/Marc Beeson; Producers: Phil O’Donnell/Scott Hendricks; Label: Warner Music Nashville
– The rollicking “Middle of Nowhere Class” remains the flagship song of the EP, and you should definitely lend it your ears. Also check out this heart-tugging, newly released track. It’s a tender word portrait of a struggling country singer and the woman who has undying faith in him. He remains one of my favorite new country vocalists, because he makes me believe every word. That’s Drew’s wife Mallory singing harmony, by the way.
ALANA SPRINGSTEEN / “Twenty Something”
Writers: Alana Springsteen/Liz Rose/Trannie Anderson/AJ Pruis; Producers: Chris LaCorte/Alana Springsteen; Label: Columbia
– Moody and minor-key, this is an exploration of the complex, roller-coaster feelings of youth. It is well sung and produced with oomph. This is an advance track and title tune of the second installment of her “three-part album,” I am told.
JAMESON RODGERS / “Built for Heartbreak”
Writers: John Byron/Chris LaCorte/Hillary Lindsey; Producers: David Garcia; Label: River House Artists/Columbia Nashville
– He had me at hello: “My blood’s a whiskey reservoir with clouds of barroom smoke” are the song’s opening lines. And it gets better as it goes. “Get that hammer, raise it up and bring it down/I’m already a disaster…ain’t a swing of pain that I can’t take,” he sings, because he’s “Built for Heartbreak.” Talk about a song you wish you’d written…..
TEDDY ROBB / “Question the Universe”
Writer: Brad Tursi; Producer: Pete Good; Label: Teddy Robb
– He sings it expressively, but I don’t hear “hit” in this wordy, downbeat, meandering ballad.
WILLIE JONES / “Something to Dance To”
Writers: Cary Barlowe/Eric Arjes/Willie Jones; Producers: Willie Jones/Eric Arjes; Label: Sony Music Nashville
– Go ahead and lose yourself in the music, Jones advises. Amid the happy beats, he suggests that we all dance like nobody’s watching, whether it’s in the middle of a cornfield or a nightclub. This giddy, rhythmic ditty is a blast. It’s the hooky-as-heck title tune of his debut album, which drops on June 16.
TIM DUGGER / “Mary Wanna?”
Writers: Brad Warren/Brett Warren/Tim Dugger; Producer: Brandon Hood; Label: Curb Records
– This is a marvelous two stepper, loaded with banjo licks and fiddle filligrees. As usual, Dugger is a model country singer, and this goofy-fun, blue-collar romance lets him shine brightly. Tap your toes and sing along as he gets high on love.
TYLER HUBBARD & KEITH URBAN / “Dancin’ in the Country (Demo)”
Writers: Tyler Hubbard/Keith Urban/Ross Copperman/Jon Nite; Producers: none listed; Label: EMI Nashville
– Hubbard’s current hit remains a happy-feet bouncer. The original demo of the song features his cowriter Urban bopping right alongside him and taking his turn in the lead vocal spot during the bridge. The burbling beat makes ya smile, even in this unpolished, stripped-down version
TYLER RICH / “Heaven Is Your Hometown”
Writers: Corey Crowder/Tyler Hubbard/Tyler Rich; Producer: Jaren Johnston; Label: The Valory Music Co.
– I have always liked this guy’s singing. This rolling, easy-going track has some dandy pick-up lines as he approaches the new girl in town. She’s so beautiful that she must have fallen out of the clouds, he tells her. Go for it, buddy.
MICAELA KLEINSMITH / “Butterfly”
Writer: Micaela Kleinsmith; Producer: Tommy Sims; Label: Platoon
– Dreamy, bluesy and atmospheric. Her hushed vocal, the gently plucked guitar and the airy production cast a hypnotic pop spell. Hang with her as she invests the song with more and more vocal power as it progresses. Kleinsmith is a South African performer who won Reese Witherspoon’s “My Kind of Country” global competition with this performance. Very promising.
KYLIE MORGAN / “Sugar Daddy”
Writers: Kylie Morgan/James McNair/Seth Mosley; Producers: Seth Mosley/ Malcom “X” O’Connor; Label: EMI Nashville
– Thumping and propulsive, this imbeds her pert, youthful vocal in a feisty, driving ditty. “Be your own Sugar Daddy,” she advises her empowered sisters. “Get your own money, honey.” Sassy and fun.
Whitaker Elledge Rises At Dualtone Music Group
/by Lorie HollabaughWhitaker Elledge has been promoted to General Manager/SVP Artist Development at Dualtone Music Group.
Formerly the VP of Artist Development, Elledge joined the company in 2018. In this expanded position, Elledge will oversee all Dualtone staff and daily operations and continue to lead all album roll outs, marketing campaigns, teams and spends against budget performance. He will be the point person for all artists and their teams through album cycles, as well as third party team members.
“Whitaker has played an invaluable role for Dualtone over the past five years,” says Dualtone President Paul Roper. “Our online businesses have exploded under his watch while our operations have become more efficient and focused. He has a drive for excellence, integrity and compassion which serves our artists, their teams and our entire staff well. This recognition is well deserved.”
“Coming to work for my favorite record label was a dream job and I’m so grateful for the opportunity to continue growing with a company where artistic integrity comes first,” says Elledge. “It’s a rare and wonderful privilege to collaborate every day with the great minds of Paul Roper and our dynamic team in service of music that matters.”
Elledge is based in Nashville and will continue to report to Roper.