Kane Brown performs during his sold-out headlining debut at Bridgestone Arena. Photo: John Shearer/Getty Images for Kane Brown
Kane Brown illuminated a sold-out crowd during his headlining debut at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on Friday (March 31). The career milestone served as a stateside stop on his “Drunk or Dreaming Tour,” which commenced down under on Sept. 17 in Melbourne, Australia and made its way to America in mid-March.
LoCash took the Bridgestone stage for the very first time and got the night started with a high-energy rendition of Tim McGraw’s “Truck Yeah,” which the duo co-wrote, and other tunes. The country duo—made up of Preston Brust and Chris Lucas—also took a moment to acknowledge the tragedy that occurred at The Covenant School on Monday, March 27 before playing their latest single “Three Favorite Colors.”
“There’s no way of not talking about what happened [in Nashville] this week, and we hate it. We don’t even know what to say to make things better, but we can say that we’re in the great city of Nashville, Tennessee, and there isn’t one person in here who hasn’t looked up to God and said ‘Please be with those families, please be with those kids.’ We are at a loss for words, everyone in here is at a loss for words.
“This next song is about the United States of America. [The song] is one thing that can bring people together, because there’s ‘that side’ and there’s ‘that side’ and we’ve all got to come together. When America comes together, we always freaking win.”
As the song concluded, the pair gave a shout out to all troops, first responders, doctors, nurses and teachers. They then returned to upbeat covers, performing nostalgic hits such as Bryan Adams’ “Summer of ’69” and Fountains Of Wayne’s “Stacy’s Mom.”
“This next song changed our lives,” the duo noted as they prepped their newly Platinum-certified hit “I Love This Life,” which they wrote alongside Chris Janson and Danny Myrick. They then led everyone in a chant of, “There ain’t no party like a Kane Brown party, ’cause a Kane Brown party don’t stop,” and encouraged everyone in the crowd to turn their phone flashlights on, irradiating the arena.
Dustin Lynch was next on deck and started his set with the title track of his 2014 album, “Where It’s At.” He then moved straight into his 2022 Platinum smash “Ridin’ Roads” as well as another Where It’s At song “Mind Reader.” Lynch took a swig out of the red solo cup he had next to him as he prepared to sing “Tequila On A Boat (feat. Chris Lane).”
Kane Brown performs with wife Katelyn during his sold-out headlining debut at Bridgestone Arena. Photo: John Shearer/Getty Images for Kane Brown
The music gradually began to fade and the infamous intro notes of The Champs‘ “Tequila” filled the room. The artist stated that he needed some help drinking tonight and brought out three cowboy hats for three ladies he picked from the audience below on his right, as well as a beer helmet for a man on his left, who removed the hat already on his head to dawn the contraption. The selected guest started chugging as Lynch and his fellow music lovers cheered him on.
Grabbing his tequila, Lynch returned to the señoritas on the opposite side of the stage and declared “Tequila” to be “the easiest karaoke song on Earth,” leading the mass in a singalong of the chorus as he and the girls drank. He transitioned back to finish his own liquor-filled tune before flowing into his current single “Stars Like Confetti.” The stage ignited as he performed his Gold-certified “Momma’s House” and 2017 track “Small Town Boy.”
The fan-favorite, Platinum smash “Cowboys and Angels” was up next. Lynch shared that he wrote about his grandparents who’ve been married for 67 years, and that they plan on coming to watch him perform at the Grand Ole Opry on April 11 to celebrate their 68th anniversary on April 12.
“As we’ve played this song over the years, it has evolved from their love song into teaching me and [my band] lessons along the way. [One lesson] is that the journey of life is beautiful, the journey of life is exciting, and for whatever reason, all of our journeys brought us here tonight in this room together,” he stated.
“This song, for me, has evolved again, it has been a tough week for Nashville, but I’m proud of Nashville. I’m proud of the first responders. So because this song means something different tonight, I’m going to sing the rest of it for this city tonight. We love you guys,” Lynch continued as moved into the latter half of the hit. He shouted out his family and friends who were present and played “Good Girl,” noting that it is his mother’s favorite.
Lynch proceeded by bringing four fans up to play beer pong for a chance to win two 12-packs as he sang “Party Mode.” He announced the winners and took a “family photo” with all of the players as he finished the song. Sporting fun, patterned cowboy boots with black cut-off shorts and printed tank top, MacKenzie Porter joined Lynch on stage to conclude his set with their No. 1 duet “Thinking ‘Bout You,” which had the crowd singing and swaying along.
After a short intermission, the room went black, and the wristbands each attendee had accessorized with upon entering Bridgestone began to glow as light beams penetrated through the venue. Black, white and red images of Brown appeared on the two screens hanging above the stage. A bright light shone through the path in between the screens and Brown made his way on stage, greeted by screams as cheers. As he hit the ground running with “Lose It,” flames shot up around him.
Kane Brown performs with Dustin Lynch and LoCash during his sold-out headlining debut at Bridgestone Arena. Photo: John Shearer/Getty Images for Kane Brown
Programmed to the concert, the wristbands switched from blue to green as Brown performed “Grand,” a genre-mixing track off of his most recent album, Different Man. He thanked everyone for coming and asked that we all give it up for LoCash and Lynch before singing his No. 1 single “Like I Love Country Music,” which is also featured on Different Man. The beaming bracelets radiated yellow as he wrapped up the hit, but quickly changed to a pinkish-purple as he moved into he and Chris Young‘s “Famous Friends,” tossing T-shirts into the arena as he serenaded the mass.
Brown then asked if anyone struggled with depression or anxiety, and shared an empathetic message of hope and encouragement to those battling as he sang he and Blackbear‘s “Memory,” a song about coping with mental struggles. He danced back and forth from one side of the stage to the other, engaging with his spirited fans.
Blue bracelets brightened the stands once again as Brown checked in with crowd before acoustic guitar strums echoed the start of “Be Like That (feat. Swae Lee & Khalid).” Confetti shot into the air, eliciting screams of surprise and excitement.
An intergalactic array of beats beeped throughout the venue and the red laser beams returned for a short period. Blue beams then took over and the screens behind Brown depicting a watery image of a man floating in a pool as he sang his 2016 Chapter 1 EP track “Used to Love You Sober.”
The stage turned a fiery orange while he sweetly dedicated “Homesick” to “anyone that has ever fought for our country.” Brown kept the vibes soft and smooth as sat down in a chair, placed in the middle of the long platform extending into the audience, for “Heaven.” White lights sprinkled throughout every corner moved back and forth as arms waved calmly to the rhythm of the music and everyone sang along.
Hot pink flared from each wrist as an edgy-yet-relaxed energy engulfed the atmosphere with Brown’s newest single “Bury Me in Georgia.” Stomp vibrations shook ground underneath and fire sprayed from the stage with the tune’s fiddle-filled finish. Audience members sang along with smiles as he sang “One Thing Right,” which he recorded with DJ and producer Marshmello.
Kane Brown autographs mementos during his sold-out headlining debut at Bridgestone Arena. Photo: John Shearer/Getty Images for Kane Brown
He reminisced on the early days of his career and his time spent posting covers on Facebook, while delighting with Lynyrd Skynrd‘s “Simple Man” and Garth Brooks‘ “Friends In Low Places.” Expressing his gratitude for all the women in his life, he entertained a rendition of Shania Twain‘s “Man! I Feel Like A Woman!.”
Waves crashed onto the screens as Brown performed his first No. 1 “What Ifs (feat. Lauren Alaina).” His wife Katelyn dazzled in a purple two-piece set as she united with him for heartwarming performance of their Platinum-certified duet “Thank God.” The couple also performed the song during the CMT Music Awards last night (April 2), which Brown co-hosted, and took home Video of the Year for the song’s music video.
He asked the crowd to “give it up for [his] beautiful wife,” before bringing LoCash and Lynch back out for the finale of his No. 1 “One Mississippi.”
Multi-colored lights shined as the ensemble had everyone jumping, dancing and singing along with them as they moved to and from each side of the stage. The stars ended together on one elevated platform above the audience, earning an electric reaction. After the show concluded, Brown remained on stage for several minutes to interact with fans and autograph mementos, putting his love and appreciation on full display.
Brown, Lynch and LoCash will continue on the “Drunk or Dreaming Tour” next week.
Warner Music Nashville Taps Anna Pittman As VP, Artist Development
/by LB CantrellAnna Pittman
Warner Music Nashville has announced the hiring of Anna Pittman, who joins as VP, Artist Development. Beginning April 3, Pittman reports to EVP, Artist Development Shane Tarleton.
Pittman is a graduate of Belmont University’s Mike Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business. She started her career at Q Prime Management in New York, where she worked for more than 13 years.
“I’m thrilled to be joining the incredible Warner Music Nashville team,” shares Pittman. “Every single person in this building shares a commitment to authentic storytelling and I’m honored to have the opportunity to work alongside each of them as champions for our diverse and extremely talented artist roster.”
Tarleton shares, “Along with her extensive experience, Anna brings passion and excellence to our already brilliant Artist Development team!”
Royce Risser, Brian Wright & Stephanie Wright Exit UMG Nashville
/by LB CantrellRoyce Risser, Brian Wright and Stephanie Wright
Royce Risser, Brian Wright and Stephanie Wright have exited UMG Nashville, MusicRow has confirmed.
Risser most recently served as Exec. VP of Promotion, overseeing all promotion efforts in the UMG Nashville four-imprint structure consisting of Capitol Records Nashville, EMI Records Nashville, MCA Nashville and Mercury Nashville. He first joined the company in 1992 with MCA Nashville.
Brian Wright joined the label group more than 22 years ago, and most recently held the title of Exec. VP of A&R. He oversaw A&R initiatives for Capitol Records Nashville, EMI Records Nashville, Mercury Nashville and MCA Nashville.
Stephanie Wright held the position of Sr. VP of A&R. With the company for 20 years, she was an integral part of UMG Nashville’s A&R department, aiding initiatives for all four imprints.
The news comes days after Cindy Mabe officially started her role as Chair & CEO of UMG Nashville.
Tenille Arts Inks With Tonight We Make History Publishing
/by Lorie HollabaughTenille Arts. Photo: Rachel Deeb
Tenille Arts has signed a publishing deal with Tonight We Make History Publishing (TWMH) for her entire back catalog.
The company has also executed a futures co-publishing deal with Arts, and signed an agreement with Sony Music Publishing to administer the company’s catalog, including the No. 1 hit “Somebody Like That,” which is nearly certified double Platinum, as well as “I Hate This” and “Back Then, Right Now,” which are both approaching Gold.
TWMH is owned by Powell Hedley, who is also the CEO of Dreamcatcher Artists and Dreamcatcher Management, where Arts has respective label and management deals. Hedley published Dean Dillon for six years during the period in which he was honored as a BMI Icon.
Additionally, Carole Ann Mobley will remain on board as A&R for Arts and will continue to book her calendar.
“Powell and Tenille are focused, driven and creative in every aspect of their business,” says Rusty Gaston, Sony Music Publishing Nashville CEO. “Tenille’s songs are delivered from the heart and shine with a genuine spirit. SMP Nashville is very proud to champion Tenille’s continued songwriting and Powell’s vision for TWMH Publishing.”
“We are very excited to continue our partnership with Tenille Arts,” says Hedley. “We have the freedom and flexibility of staying independent, and the publishing acquisition allows us to move swiftly on all fronts. We are looking forward to helping Tenille reach her highest potential as her star continues to rise.”
Arts recently released her latest single, “Jealous of Myself,” and will hit the road with Lee Brice through April.
Matt Schuster Signs With Universal Music Publishing Group
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): Extended Play Music Group’s Eric Parker, Matt Schuster and UMPG Nashville’s Roxy King. Photo: UMPG Nashville
Singer-songwriter Matt Schuster has signed an exclusive global publishing agreement with Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG).
A 21-year-old from Charleston, Illinois, Schuster has quickly grown a fanbase with over 500,000 followers. He has amassed more than 75 million streams with original songs such as “Know Ya,” “From The Start” and “If I Was A Cowboy.” Averaging 10 million streams monthly, Schuster recently notched four songs on the Spotify Country Global Top 200 Chart. His new single, “Wasted Prayers,” recently debuted on all streaming platforms.
“The first time I heard Matt’s songs and voice, I knew we had to work with him,” says Roxy King, Director, A&R for UMPG Nashville. “His talent, work ethic and vision have captured the interest of Music Row and beyond. We are thrilled that he chose UMPG as his music publishing partner and look forward to supporting all of his success to come.”
“This relationship is the beginning of something very special,” says Schuster. “Roxy and the UMPG team really understand my vision, and it’s so encouraging to know they have the same goals. This feels like family. I’m so proud to call UMPG home.”
Lainey Wilson Brings Her ‘Heart Like A Truck’ To No. 1 On Country Radio
/by LB CantrellLainey Wilson. Photo: Alysse Gafkjen
After performing her latest single “Heart Like a Truck” on the CMT Music Awards this weekend—and taking home Female Video Of The Year for the tune—Lainey Wilson is celebrating the track hitting No. 1 on country radio.
“Heart Like a Truck” jumped two spots on the Country Aircheck/Mediabase chart, marking Wilson’s third No. 1 hit. Wilson co-wrote the song with Trannie Anderson and Dallas Wilson, and it appears on her Bell Bottom Country album.
The track adds to Wilson’s growing arsenal of hits, which also include the Platinum-certified “Things A Man Oughta Know” and “Never Say Never” with Cole Swindell. Wilson is also climbing the charts with Hardy on their dark collaboration, “Wait In The Truck.” Her “Smell Like Smoke,” which was originally featured on Yellowstone, recently hit No. 1 on SiriusXM The Highway’s Hot 30 weekend countdown.
In addition to her success at radio, Wilson has completed a 28-date sold-out headlining tour, been honored as Billboard’s Women in Music’s 2023 Rulebreaker and started touring stadiums with Luke Combs as support on his world tour this year.
Industry Ink: BBR, Trisha Yearwood, LoCash, CMA, More
/by Caela GriffinBBR’s Jelly Roll, Lainey Wilson Dominate 2023 CMT Awards
Pictured (L-R): JoJamie Hahr (EVP, BMG Nashville, Recorded Music), Lainey Wilson, Jelly Roll, Jon Loba (President, BMG Nashville)
Multi-genre phenomenon Jelly Roll and multi-award-winning Lainey Wilson dominated the fan-voted 2023 CMT Music Awards. First-time nominee Jelly Roll was the most awarded artist of the night with three—Male Video of the Year, Breakthrough Male Video of the Year, and Digital-First Performance of the Year—for his song “Son Of A Sinner.” Wilson won Female Video of the Year for “Heart Like A Truck” and Collaborative Video of the Year with Hardy for “Wait In The Truck.”
Jelly Roll delivered a captivating and impassioned performance of his hit song “Need a Favor” will a full gospel choir. His award wins come ahead of his album Whitsitt Chapel releasing in June. Wilson performed “Heart Like a Truck,” and Alanis Morissette‘s “You Oughta Know” with Ingrid Andress, Madeline Edwards, Morgan Wade, and Morissette joining.
Trisha Yearwood Performs at CMHOF Exclusive Concert
Pictured (L-R): Lisa Purcell, Exec. VP of External Affairs at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum; Trisha Yearwood; Ben Hall, VP of Development. Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
Trisha Yearwood took the stage at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum last week at its annual members-only concert, The Big Gig. Yearwood performed hits including “She’s in Love with the Boy” and “Walkaway Joe” for members in the museum’s CMA Theater. She closed the night with a moving rendition of “Over the Rainbow.”
Yearwood has a longstanding museum relationship, performing at museum fundraisers and events, and donating personally to its one-of-a-kind collection. Prior to her recognition as a Grammy-winning recording artist, she served the institution as a museum tour guide. Since summer 2022, Yearwood has steered the museum’s membership campaign with the goal of rebuilding the number of memberships to pre-pandemic levels.
Before Yearwood’s performance, student artist Mattie Lyn Smith and the Nashville School of the Arts Stage Band performed, “Evergreen,” a song that Smith co-wrote with her classmate, Lola Bobeck, as part of the museum’s flagship educational program, Words and Music.
LoCash Celebrates RIAA Platinum “I Love This Life”
Pictured (L-R): Fletcher Lyon (LoCash Management), Rusty Gaston (CEO, Sony Music Publishing Nashville), David Preston (Sr. Director of Creative, Nashville, BMI), Chris Lucas (LoCash), Preston Brust (LoCash), Jon Loba (President, BMG Nashville), Clay Bradley (VP of Creative, Nashville, BMI), Bryan Frasher (LoCash Management) at Bridgestone Arena. Photo: Josh Kim
Wheelhouse Records/BMG’s LoCash—Preston Brust and Chris Lucas—have officially gone RIAA Platinum for their 2015 single “I Love This Life.” On Friday night (March 31), Brust and Lucas received a plaque celebrating the accomplishment ahead of their performance on Kane Brown‘s “Drunk or Dreaming Tour” stop at Bridgestone Arena.
“I Love this Life,” written by Brust and Lucas with Chris Janson and Danny Myrick, was released in 2015 as the first single from Locash’s third studio album, The Fighters. Along with their new certification, LoCash received a plaque celebrating the duo’s 150 million streams on Apple Music. LoCash was also presented with a plaque from BMI commemorating 4 million radio spins for “I Love This Life.”
LoCash is on the road with Brown through the summer.
CMA Foundation, Chapel Hart Celebrate Songwriting With Local Elementary School
The CMA Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the Country Music Association, helped welcome country music trio Chapel Hart to Eagle View Elementary School in Nashville on March 30. Throughout the month of March, the school’s third grade students participated in a songwriting competition in honor of Music In Our Schools Month. Under the direction of Eagle View’s Music Educator and Orff Ensemble Director, Ms. Alicia Engram, and Elementary Music Teacher and Band Director Mrs. Kathryn Davis, students learned about literary skills, writing lyrics and how to have a career in songwriting. Engram is also a two-time CMA Foundation Music Teacher of Excellence.
Engram led Chapel Hart in a brief Q&A, where they discussed their appearance on America’s Got Talent, their approach to songwriting, and words of advice for students to never give up on their dreams. Following the Q&A, Chapel Hart performed “Glory Days,” leading students to sing along throughout the song.
“Getting the opportunity to go and visit Eagle View Elementary School was something that we didn’t know we needed,” said Chapel Hart. “To see strong music programs truly makes our hearts happy. Any time that we get to visit a school, it’s always super important for us to try and inspire at least one student. We hope that we were able to shine a little light on those sweet babies! We can’t wait to go back to visit again.”
“Often, we tout the incredible benefits music has on a child’s educational journey. Today, we saw one of the most amazing benefits of all: how music brings students joy,” said Tiffany Kerns, CMA Foundation Executive Director. “The community that is Eagle View Elementary reminded us how connection through music allows students the opportunity to be seen, heard and celebrated. Every child in that auditorium sang along with Chapel Hart with enthusiasm and pride. They gave the students more than just a performance, they left them inspired and feeling so much love.”
Earlier this week, Chapel Hart surprised all of Eagle View’s third graders via a video message congratulating everyone for their incredible songwriting skills before announcing Mrs. Fowler’s class had won the contest with their original song, “We Are One.” Mrs. Fowler’s students were inspired to write the song about being united despite their cultural differences and various languages spoken.
Demolition Music, Angry Mob Music Group Extend Evan Coffman Deal
Evan Coffman has extended his worldwide joint venture publishing with Nashville-based Demolition Music and LA-based Angry Mob Music Group.
The first year of Coffman’s deal has yielded collaborations with Bekah Novi, Tony Ferrari, and more. Arkansas-native Coffman has celebrated recent sync placements for Selling Sunset and Love Island, as well as other shows and advertisements.
Additionally, Coffman has two Gold-certified singles with “Like We Used To” by A Rocket to the Moon and “Lovely” (Japan Release) by Twenty One Pilots.
NMAAM’s Bosses You Should Know Highlights Healing Through Music and Science
Pictured (L-R): Henry Beecher Hicks III, CEO & President NMAAM; Dr. Annabella Manalo-Morgan; Roy “Gramps” Morgan. Photo: Courtesy of MPR
The healing power of science and music was on full display last Wednesday (March 29) at Nashville’s National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM).
Vanderbilt Ph.D. graduate Dr. Annabelle Manalo-Morgan (“Dr. Annabelle”) discussed her ground-breaking research and signed copies of her memoir, Might Flower: How Cannabis Saved My Son. Meanwhile, her Grammy-winning husband, reggae artist Roy “Gramps” Morgan, performed “People Like You” and offered a moving tribute to the lives lost in the recent tragedy at the Covenant School.
In 2016, Dr. Annabelle and Morgan welcomed their son, Macario, who quickly began suffering intense seizures. After surgeons resected nearly 40% of Macario’s brain, Dr. Annabelle began working to develop a medicine to control his seizures pharmacologically, and now Macario is a thriving first grader.
Gramps Morgan is a member of reggae group Morgan Heritage, known for its socially conscious lyrics and fusion of reggae, R&B and hip hop. Macario’s parents credit much of his progress to the healing power of Gramps’ music and time on stage with him.
Dr. Annabelle and Gramps want to remove the historical stigma associated with plant-based medicines via the soon-to-launch Macario’s Wish charity foundation.
Weekly Register: Luke Combs Earns Top Country Album Debut
/by Liza AndersonLuke Combs earns the top debut on country albums chart this week, with Gettin’ Old arriving at No. 2 country and No. 4 overall with 101K in total consumption (32K album only/84 million song streams) according to Luminate data.
Morgan Wallen‘s One Thing At A Time remains at No. 1 on the country albums chart as well as the all-genre albums chart with 197K (17K album only/226 million song streams). His Dangerous: The Double Album moves to No. 3 with 42K (2K album only/53 million song streams), bumping Zach Bryan‘s American Heartbreak to No. 4 with 26K (1.4K album only/32 million song streams) and Taylor Swift‘s Red (Taylor’s Version) to No. 5 with 19K (3.4K album only/21 million song streams).
Combs, Wallen and Bryan also find themselves atop the country streaming songs chart.
Wallen’s “Last Night” remains at No. 1 with 30 million new streams adding to 244 million RTD and “Thinkin’ Bout Me” stays at No. 2 with 14 million adding to 65 million RTD. “You Proof” resides at No. 3 with 13 million adding to 505 million RTD. Combs’ “Love You Anyway” jumps to No. 4 with 12 million adding to 70 million RTD and Bryan’s “Something In The Orange” rises to No. 5 with 11 million adding to 575 million RTD.
J.T. Harding, Brett James, Chris DeStefano Close Out Tin Pan South 2023
/by LB CantrellLauren Hungate. Photo: Courtesy of NSAI
The 31st edition of Tin Pan South came to a close this weekend, with shows taking place across Nashville on Friday (March 31) and Saturday (April 1). This year’s festival featured over 400 songwriters in a variety of genres performing in nearly 100 rounds.
On Friday, 3rd & Lindsley patrons were treated to music from Tony Arata, Marv Green, J.T. Harding and Ryan Larkins at the early show before handing things off to Monty Criswell, Brett James, Kelley Lovelace and Bobby Pinson for the late show.
Pictured (L-R): Tyler Dial, Steve Solomon and David Hodges. Photo: Courtesy of NSAI
Emily Falvey, Josh Jenkins and Brandon Ratcliff played The Bluebird Cafe before Emily Landis, Austin Nivarel, James T. Slater and Logan Wall took the stage. Andy Albert, Tofer Brown, Lauren Hungate and Justin Wilson performed at The Listening Room before Cary Barlowe, Corey Crowder and Chris LaCorte closed out the venue. Tyler Dial, David Hodges, Ricky Manning, Steve Solomon and Dan Swank closed out The Vinyl Lounge.
Other songwriters that performed on Friday included Lewis Brice, Dylan Marlowe, John Morgan, Levi Hummon, Marcus Hummon, Summer Overstreet, Sophia Scott and many more.
Brandon Kinney & Noah West. Photo: Courtesy of NSAI
On Saturday, Mitchell Tenpenny, Riley Thomas, Michael Whitworth and Dallas Wilson kicked things off at 3rd & Lindsley before Jeffrey Steele brought out his friends to the venue.
Jim Collins, Matt McKinney and Rivers Rutherford played the Analog room at the Hutton Hotel. David Fanning, Jon Green, Jake Mitchell and Charlotte Sands closed out the Cross-Eyed Critters Watering Hole. Chris DeStefano, Emily Shackelton, Eric Van Houten played The Listening Room. Jessi Alexander and Chase McGill closed out Live Oak.
Pictured (L-R): Michael August, Abby Anderson, Landon Wall and Skip Black. Photo: Courtesy of NSAI
Other songwriters that played rounds on Saturday include Abby Anderson, Melissa Fuller, Jillian Jacqueline, Kevin Kadish, Gabe Broussard, Preston James, Ava Suppelsa, Dan Wilson and more.
Kane Brown Illuminates Bridgestone During ‘Drunk Or Dreaming Tour’
/by Liza AndersonKane Brown performs during his sold-out headlining debut at Bridgestone Arena. Photo: John Shearer/Getty Images for Kane Brown
Kane Brown illuminated a sold-out crowd during his headlining debut at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on Friday (March 31). The career milestone served as a stateside stop on his “Drunk or Dreaming Tour,” which commenced down under on Sept. 17 in Melbourne, Australia and made its way to America in mid-March.
LoCash took the Bridgestone stage for the very first time and got the night started with a high-energy rendition of Tim McGraw’s “Truck Yeah,” which the duo co-wrote, and other tunes. The country duo—made up of Preston Brust and Chris Lucas—also took a moment to acknowledge the tragedy that occurred at The Covenant School on Monday, March 27 before playing their latest single “Three Favorite Colors.”
“There’s no way of not talking about what happened [in Nashville] this week, and we hate it. We don’t even know what to say to make things better, but we can say that we’re in the great city of Nashville, Tennessee, and there isn’t one person in here who hasn’t looked up to God and said ‘Please be with those families, please be with those kids.’ We are at a loss for words, everyone in here is at a loss for words.
“This next song is about the United States of America. [The song] is one thing that can bring people together, because there’s ‘that side’ and there’s ‘that side’ and we’ve all got to come together. When America comes together, we always freaking win.”
As the song concluded, the pair gave a shout out to all troops, first responders, doctors, nurses and teachers. They then returned to upbeat covers, performing nostalgic hits such as Bryan Adams’ “Summer of ’69” and Fountains Of Wayne’s “Stacy’s Mom.”
“This next song changed our lives,” the duo noted as they prepped their newly Platinum-certified hit “I Love This Life,” which they wrote alongside Chris Janson and Danny Myrick. They then led everyone in a chant of, “There ain’t no party like a Kane Brown party, ’cause a Kane Brown party don’t stop,” and encouraged everyone in the crowd to turn their phone flashlights on, irradiating the arena.
Dustin Lynch was next on deck and started his set with the title track of his 2014 album, “Where It’s At.” He then moved straight into his 2022 Platinum smash “Ridin’ Roads” as well as another Where It’s At song “Mind Reader.” Lynch took a swig out of the red solo cup he had next to him as he prepared to sing “Tequila On A Boat (feat. Chris Lane).”
Kane Brown performs with wife Katelyn during his sold-out headlining debut at Bridgestone Arena. Photo: John Shearer/Getty Images for Kane Brown
The music gradually began to fade and the infamous intro notes of The Champs‘ “Tequila” filled the room. The artist stated that he needed some help drinking tonight and brought out three cowboy hats for three ladies he picked from the audience below on his right, as well as a beer helmet for a man on his left, who removed the hat already on his head to dawn the contraption. The selected guest started chugging as Lynch and his fellow music lovers cheered him on.
Grabbing his tequila, Lynch returned to the señoritas on the opposite side of the stage and declared “Tequila” to be “the easiest karaoke song on Earth,” leading the mass in a singalong of the chorus as he and the girls drank. He transitioned back to finish his own liquor-filled tune before flowing into his current single “Stars Like Confetti.” The stage ignited as he performed his Gold-certified “Momma’s House” and 2017 track “Small Town Boy.”
The fan-favorite, Platinum smash “Cowboys and Angels” was up next. Lynch shared that he wrote about his grandparents who’ve been married for 67 years, and that they plan on coming to watch him perform at the Grand Ole Opry on April 11 to celebrate their 68th anniversary on April 12.
“As we’ve played this song over the years, it has evolved from their love song into teaching me and [my band] lessons along the way. [One lesson] is that the journey of life is beautiful, the journey of life is exciting, and for whatever reason, all of our journeys brought us here tonight in this room together,” he stated.
“This song, for me, has evolved again, it has been a tough week for Nashville, but I’m proud of Nashville. I’m proud of the first responders. So because this song means something different tonight, I’m going to sing the rest of it for this city tonight. We love you guys,” Lynch continued as moved into the latter half of the hit. He shouted out his family and friends who were present and played “Good Girl,” noting that it is his mother’s favorite.
Lynch proceeded by bringing four fans up to play beer pong for a chance to win two 12-packs as he sang “Party Mode.” He announced the winners and took a “family photo” with all of the players as he finished the song. Sporting fun, patterned cowboy boots with black cut-off shorts and printed tank top, MacKenzie Porter joined Lynch on stage to conclude his set with their No. 1 duet “Thinking ‘Bout You,” which had the crowd singing and swaying along.
After a short intermission, the room went black, and the wristbands each attendee had accessorized with upon entering Bridgestone began to glow as light beams penetrated through the venue. Black, white and red images of Brown appeared on the two screens hanging above the stage. A bright light shone through the path in between the screens and Brown made his way on stage, greeted by screams as cheers. As he hit the ground running with “Lose It,” flames shot up around him.
Kane Brown performs with Dustin Lynch and LoCash during his sold-out headlining debut at Bridgestone Arena. Photo: John Shearer/Getty Images for Kane Brown
Programmed to the concert, the wristbands switched from blue to green as Brown performed “Grand,” a genre-mixing track off of his most recent album, Different Man. He thanked everyone for coming and asked that we all give it up for LoCash and Lynch before singing his No. 1 single “Like I Love Country Music,” which is also featured on Different Man. The beaming bracelets radiated yellow as he wrapped up the hit, but quickly changed to a pinkish-purple as he moved into he and Chris Young‘s “Famous Friends,” tossing T-shirts into the arena as he serenaded the mass.
Brown then asked if anyone struggled with depression or anxiety, and shared an empathetic message of hope and encouragement to those battling as he sang he and Blackbear‘s “Memory,” a song about coping with mental struggles. He danced back and forth from one side of the stage to the other, engaging with his spirited fans.
Blue bracelets brightened the stands once again as Brown checked in with crowd before acoustic guitar strums echoed the start of “Be Like That (feat. Swae Lee & Khalid).” Confetti shot into the air, eliciting screams of surprise and excitement.
An intergalactic array of beats beeped throughout the venue and the red laser beams returned for a short period. Blue beams then took over and the screens behind Brown depicting a watery image of a man floating in a pool as he sang his 2016 Chapter 1 EP track “Used to Love You Sober.”
The stage turned a fiery orange while he sweetly dedicated “Homesick” to “anyone that has ever fought for our country.” Brown kept the vibes soft and smooth as sat down in a chair, placed in the middle of the long platform extending into the audience, for “Heaven.” White lights sprinkled throughout every corner moved back and forth as arms waved calmly to the rhythm of the music and everyone sang along.
Hot pink flared from each wrist as an edgy-yet-relaxed energy engulfed the atmosphere with Brown’s newest single “Bury Me in Georgia.” Stomp vibrations shook ground underneath and fire sprayed from the stage with the tune’s fiddle-filled finish. Audience members sang along with smiles as he sang “One Thing Right,” which he recorded with DJ and producer Marshmello.
Kane Brown autographs mementos during his sold-out headlining debut at Bridgestone Arena. Photo: John Shearer/Getty Images for Kane Brown
He reminisced on the early days of his career and his time spent posting covers on Facebook, while delighting with Lynyrd Skynrd‘s “Simple Man” and Garth Brooks‘ “Friends In Low Places.” Expressing his gratitude for all the women in his life, he entertained a rendition of Shania Twain‘s “Man! I Feel Like A Woman!.”
Waves crashed onto the screens as Brown performed his first No. 1 “What Ifs (feat. Lauren Alaina).” His wife Katelyn dazzled in a purple two-piece set as she united with him for heartwarming performance of their Platinum-certified duet “Thank God.” The couple also performed the song during the CMT Music Awards last night (April 2), which Brown co-hosted, and took home Video of the Year for the song’s music video.
He asked the crowd to “give it up for [his] beautiful wife,” before bringing LoCash and Lynch back out for the finale of his No. 1 “One Mississippi.”
Multi-colored lights shined as the ensemble had everyone jumping, dancing and singing along with them as they moved to and from each side of the stage. The stars ended together on one elevated platform above the audience, earning an electric reaction. After the show concluded, Brown remained on stage for several minutes to interact with fans and autograph mementos, putting his love and appreciation on full display.
Brown, Lynch and LoCash will continue on the “Drunk or Dreaming Tour” next week.
Ashley Gorley Returns To MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart Pinnacle
/by LB CantrellAshley Gorley
With 16 songs on the country charts, Ashley Gorley switches places with Morgan Wallen to fill the No. 1 spot on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart.
In addition to 10 songs on Wallen’s One Thing At A Time album that are currently charting, Gorley is also a co-writer on Parmalee’s “Girl In Mine,” Russell Dickerson’s “God Gave Me A Girl,” Dierks Bentley’s “Gold,” Carly Pearce’s “What He Didn’t Do,” Brett Young’s “You Didn’t” and Chris Janson’s “All I Need Is You.”
Wallen shifts down one spot to No. 2 this week. He is a co-writer on Keith Urban’s “Brown Eyes Baby” and Corey Kent’s “Wild As Her” in addition to 11 of his currently charting tunes.
Ryan Vojtesak (No. 3), Zach Bryan (No. 4) and Ernest (No. 5) complete the top five on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart this week.
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.