Star-Studded ‘Love Rising’ Benefit Concert Announced For March 20

Several of Nashville’s biggest names will take the Bridgestone stage for “Love Rising,” a benefit concert for the Tennessee Equality Project, Inclusion Tennessee, OUTMemphis and The Tennessee Pride Chamber.

Set for March 20 at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena, the evening will feature performances by Sheryl Crow, Maren Morris, Jason Isbell, Hayley Williams, Hozier, Brittany Howard, Brothers Osborne, Amanda Shires, Julien Baker, Joy Oladokun, Yola, Jake Wesley Rogers, Mya Byrne, Allison Russell and the Rainbow Coalition Band, and more.

Tickets go on sale today (March 8) at 10:00 A.M. local time. The net proceeds benefit the above organizations in support of the LGBTQIA+ community. The Looking Out Foundation has pledged support through accepting donations and doubling contributions up to a $100,000 maximum.

“Love Rising” comes on the heels of Tennessee’s most recent anti-LGBTQIA+ legislation. Senate Bill 3 and House Bill 9 ban all performances deemed male or female impersonation otherwise known as “drag” from taking place on any public property in the state, as well as in any location where people under age 18 could be present.

“As a queer, intersectional artist and mother, raising my child in Nashville, it’s important to me to support these wonderful Tennessee LGBTQIA+ advocacy organizations, working so hard to build bridges, reduce harm and promote equality for all Tennesseans,” says Russell. “LGBTQIA+ contributions and creativity are foundational to every genre of modern song and arts performance. I think it speaks volumes that so many in our community are feeling the same call to support, celebrate and uplift!”

“SB3/HB9 and SB1/HB1 are clearly targeted attacks on Tennesseans who haven’t done anything wrong,” says Isbell. “These bills add up to an attempt to eradicate a valuable part of our community and force good people to live in fear. We can’t in good conscience just stand by and let that happen.”

FBMM Promotes Jason Leiss To Business Manager

Jason Leiss

Entertainment business management firm Flood, Bumstead, McCready and McCarthy Inc. (FBMM) has promoted Jason Leiss to Business Manager.

Leiss joined the firm directly out of college as an office administrative team member in 2010. Since then, he has worked his way up to his new role as Business Manager, the highest position at FBMM, and earned his Certified Financial Planner certification this year. Passionate about supporting artists and creatives, Leiss’ prior experience as a musician has influenced how he helps his clients today, allowing him to better serve and relate to them.

“Jason has a proven track record of serving his clients well and is highly regarded by his colleagues,” says David Boyer, FBMM Owner & Business Manager. “His strong relationships and industry knowledge make him more than deserving of this promotion.”

In his new position, Leiss will continue to lead a team of five and oversee all business and personal financial facets for his clients, giving them the tools needed to make sound financial decisions for the present and the future. His team often collaborates with clients’ other professional advisers and utilizes FBMM’s range of resources and knowledge to provide fully comprehensive service.

“Jason is the embodiment of our core tenets at FBMM. He always puts his clients first and is committed to their financial well-being,” says Julie Boos, FBMM Owner & Business Manager. “He is a true team player and leverages all the expertise and assets we provide at FBMM to best serve his clients’ needs.”

BMI Announces Lineup For 27th Annual Key West Songwriters Festival

BMI has announced the lineup for the 27th annual Key West Songwriters Festival alongside Rams Head Presents and The Florida Keys Tourist Development Council. Taking place May 3-7, the yearly tradition brings together music lovers and musicians to watch over 250 songwriters perform across the island.

For its 27th year, the festival’s lineup includes Elle King, The Love Junkies (Hillary Lindsey, Lori McKenna and Liz Rose), Jack Ingram, Jelly Roll, Raul Malo, Michael Ray, Robert Randolph, Rivers Rutherford, Jeffrey Steele, Mitchell Tenpenny and more. Each show features songwriter rounds, during which writers showcase their hits and share the stories behind their biggest songs.

Randolph will take the stage with the Dylan Altman Blues Band and James Slater will perform during Wednesday night’s kick-off party at Ocean Key Resort’s Sunset Pier, followed by performances from Bob DiPieroLuke Laird and Steele. Jelly Roll will serve as Friday evening’s headliner at Coffee Butler Amphitheater, and Ray will play during Saturday night’s block party. Other featured acts include Ronnie Bowman, Keith Gattis, Kostas, Ella Langley and Emily Shackelton.

Fans can choose from more than 50 shows at venues across the island with over 30 free events. The festival’s ticketed shows include performances at The Key West Amphitheater, The Key West Theater and The San Carlos Institute.

Tickets will be available to purchase on March 9. Proceeds will benefit Michelle’s Foundation, which seeks to help children reach their highest potential as well as the BMI Foundation, which supports the creation, performance and study of music through awards, scholarships and grants.

Big Machine Label Group Announces Streaming Team Promotions & Addition

Pictured (L-R, top row): Bekah Digby, Sam Featherstone, Anna Scott Welch; (L-R, bottom row): Courtney Daly, Marie Wapelhorst.

Big Machine Label Group (BMLG) has elevated Courtney Daly, Bekah Digby and Marie Wapelhorst to Director of Streaming positions, as well as Anna Scott Welch to Manager of Streaming, and added Sam Featherstone as Director of Streaming.

Daly has been instrumental in leading digital partnerships and driving streaming consumption for established artists Brantley Gilbert, Lady A, Tim McGraw and more since joining BMLG seven years ago as an intern. The Vanderbilt University graduate oversees YouTube channel growth and engagement on behalf of the entire label group through editorial placement, marketing initiatives and content development.

Since joining BMLG in 2020, Digby has contributed significantly to the growth of rising talent, having secured back-to-back placement on The Pandora Ten with Conner Smith in 2022 and Jackson Dean in 2023 – making them the only country artists featured on Pandora’s all-genre Artist To Watch List two years running. The San Diego State University alum has presented Billionaire Awards to Justin Moore, Eli Young Band, Brett Young and more for achieving over one billion streams on Pandora.

Wapelhorst, who also joined the label group in 2020, has been a crucial team member, spearheading a partnership with Peloton that launched campaigns for Carly Pearce, Florida Georgia Line and Thomas Rhett as well as pairing McGraw with Spotify-exclusive series The Drop In, where he virtually surprised a group of healthcare workers during the pandemic. The Belmont University graduate was also essential in the success of Danielle Bradbery’s hit “Stop Draggin’ Your Boots,” led by placement on Spotify’s Hot Country playlist, which has amassed more than 53 million streams to date.

After joining BMLG in 2021, Welch became an integral part of the music streaming team and will continue cultivating relationships between the label group’s multi-genre artist roster and partners in her new role, working closely with SoundCloud, TouchTunes, TIDAL and more. Prior to BMLG, the Auburn University alum served as the Data & Operations Coordinator at Integrity Music.

Featherstone comes to the label group from Sony Music Entertainment where he served as the Associate Director of Commercial Partnerships. The Middle Tennessee State University graduate has worked with notable acts including Dolly Parton, H.E.R, Kirk Franklin, Maverick City Music, Walker Hayes, Zach Williams and more.

“I’ve been honored to work alongside Courtney, Bekah, Marie and Anna Scott on the Big Machine Stream Team for several years now,” shares Vice President, Digital Consumption Dave Kelly. “Their promotions are all hard earned and well-deserved, plus we’re equally thrilled to welcome Sam to this team of amazing music executives. They all understand the ever-changing landscape that is streaming in 2023. I have full confidence that they will continue to stay on the forefront of all the new and exciting ways to work with our partners exposing the amazing music Scott Borchetta, our A&R team and our artists work so hard to deliver!”

Billboard’s Silvio Pietroluongo Promoted To Exec. VP Of Charts & Data Partnerships

Silvio Pietroluongo

Billboard has announced the elevation of Silvio Pietroluongo to Executive Vice President of Charts & Data Partnerships.

Pietroluongo is a 30-year veteran of the Billboard brand. He has led Billboard’s chart operation since 2008 and most recently held the title of Senior Vice President of Charts & Data Development.

Under his guidance, the Billboard charts have evolved to reflect an ever-evolving digital and social media age, optimizing the most comprehensive data sets that accurately and definitively measure the charts.

“Silvio’s contributions to Billboard and its charts is undeniable. Throughout the years, Silvio has been an exceptional operational leader among us and someone whose passion, commitment, and relationships shapes our daily team culture,” shares Mike Van, President, Billboard. “We are beyond thrilled to be able to recognize him and honor his commitment to making the “Billboard Charts” what they are today.”

In his expanded role, Pietroluongo will recruit new data partners for chart inclusion, while working closely with various departments within Billboard and PMC to create content and further business initiatives for the Billboard brand both domestically and globally.

Industry Ink: Maddie & Tae, Ian Munsick, Moe Bandy, More

Maddie & Tae’s “Die From a Broken Heart” Certified Triple Platinum

Pictured (L-R): JT Pratt (Otter Creek Entertainment), Mike Harris (EVP & COO, UMG Nashville), Maddie & Tae, Royce Risser (EVP of Promotion, UMG Nashville) Haley McLemore (Otter Creek Entertainment). Photo: Chris Hollo

Maddie & Tae were surprised with a plaque celebrating their song “Die From A Broken Heart” reaching triple Platinum certification by the RIAA just before taking The Grand Ole Opry Stage last Friday (March 3). The Nashville duo wrote their now most-certified track with Jonathan Singleton and Deric Ruttan.

Maddie & Tae are set to headline their “All Song No Static Tour” which launches March 16 in Madison Wisconsin and continues through the spring.

 

Ian Munsick Previews Upcoming Release White Buffalo

Pictured (L to R): Clark Tedesco (VP Artist Development, WMN); Shane Tarleton (EVP Artist Development, WMN); Stephanie Davenport (Sr. Director A&R, WMN); Caroline Munsick (Not A Public Figure Management); Ian Munsick; Allen Mitchell (The Erv Woolsey Company); Erv Woolsey (The Erv Woolsey Company); Cris Lacy (Co-Chair & Co-President, WMN); Ben Kline (Co-Chair & Co-President, WMN); Kristen Williams (SVP Radio, WMN); Tim Foisset (SVP Streaming, WMN).

Warner Music Nashville’s Ian Munsick previewed his upcoming album White Buffalo for friends and industry guests at Riverside Revival last week. The 18-track project is set to release on April 7.

Munsick’s performance featured select songs from White Buffalo, including fan-favorite “Long Live Cowgirls.” He is currently headlining his “Long Live Cowgirls Tour” with Ned LeDoux on select dates.

 

Moe Bandy Inducted Into The Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame

Pictured: Moe Bandy.

Moe Bandy was inducted into the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame’s Class of 2023.

Prior to pursuing a country music career, Bandy was a bull riding competitor. Now, he joins the previously honored Willie Nelson, George Strait, Red Steagall, Lyle Lovett, Clay Walker, Robert Earl Keen, Aaron Watson, and Bob Wills.

“This is a huge honor and one I am very thankful for,” shares Bandy. “Many know me as a country singer, but I used to compete in every bull riding competition I could. Once it’s in your blood, it never leaves. To be included in the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame with so many of my heroes is truly humbling and I am thankful!”

This honor follows the release of Bandy’s new album Thank You Lord featuring 12 heartfelt tracks, and special guests The Isaacs, The Oak Ridge Boys, and Nora Lee Allen. Thank You Lord features songs from songwriters including Willie Nelson, Bill Anderson, and Hank Williams among others with production by Michele Voan Capps.

 

Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum Celebrates 50 Years of Bob Pinson Collection

Pictured (L-R): Bill Ivey, Tony Russell, Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s Historian-Editor Patrick Huber, Nathan D. Gibson and museum CEO Kyle Young. Photo Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum celebrated 50 years of its Bob Pinson Recorded Sound Collection. The Museum hosted a listening session and discussion in its Ford Theater to mark the milestone.

The Bob Pinson Recorded Sound Collection, acquired in 1972, includes more than 14,000 rare phonograph records and radio transcription discs. At the time, the acquisition doubled the museum’s recorded-sound holdings. The collection now contains upwards of 250,000 phonograph cylinders, disc records, tapes, CDs and digital files. It ranks high among the world’s largest collections of country music recordings.

This event celebrated the museum 50-year custodianship of the sound collection and its significance in advancing the museum’s mission. It honored the late Bob Pinson who served a longtime staff member and helped to preserve and expand the collection.

The event’s panel, moderated by museum historian Patrick Huber, featured folklorist and archivist Nathan D. Gibson, folklorist and former CMHOF and Museum Chairman Bill Ivey, and scholar and discographer Tony Russell.

 

Moose Miller Signs With Ginmarc Publishing

Pictured (L-R): Jennifer Rai, Moose Miller, Mark Bright. Photo: Caleb Cockrell.

Moose Miller signed an exclusive publishing deal with Ginmarc Publishing, co-founded by Jennifer Rai and Mark Bright.

Miller hails from Pike County and draws inspiration from his heroes Willie Nelson, Sturgill Simpson, Tyler Chidlers, and The Isaacs. The son of a pastor, Miller developed a love for music in church, and was raised on Southern gospel and bluegrass. A basketball scholarship brought Miller to Nashville where his songwriting hobby turned into a band with friends, and led to his meeting Rai and Bright.

“The first time Jen played me a song that Moose had written, the voice in the song immediately grabbed my attention,” shares Bright. “He is an extraordinary talent with a unique voice. We’re excited to have the opportunity to work with him.”

“I try to be as honest and vulnerable as I can with my songs,” says Miller. “I want people to not only hear what I’m singing, but to feel what I’m saying as well. I am tickled to death to be in the company of Jen and Mark, two people who love me and love my music.”

New music from Moose Miller is set to release later this year.

Kip Moore Maps Out ‘Damn Love World Tour’ For Fall

Kip Moore has plotted his “Damn Love World Tour,” with special guests The Cadillac Three, for this fall.

The trek will include stops in San Diego, Grand Junction, Rochester, Toledo, Evansville and more through November. Moore will head overseas to kick off the tour in Bloomsbury, Australia on March 11, continuing to headline shows in New Zealand, South Africa, the U.K. and Europe, many of which have already sold-out.

Tickets for the “Damn Love World Tour” will be available to purchase this Friday, March 10 at 10 a.m. local time at kipmoore.net. News of the tour follows of the announcement of Moore’s fifth studio album Damn Love, due out April 28. He recently released the title track from the forthcoming collection as well as the bittersweet love story behind the track in a new video

Logan Crosby Signs With UTA

Pictured (L-R): UTA’s Brian Hill, Logan Crosby, UTA’s Brett Saliba, Lolo McClusky and Matthew Morgan.

Singer-songwriter Logan Crosby has signed with UTA for worldwide representation.

The Georgia native got his start in music singing at his grandmother’s church. Growing up in a musical family, Crosby gravitated towards country music and first gained notoriety when a string of successful videos on TikTok and other social media platforms garnered thousands views. 

In 2022, he appeared on the ABC series Claim To Fame, where he came in second place while becoming a beloved central character. Crosby’s latest single, “After All,” is set for release this month, and he will embark on Megan Moroney‘s “Pistol Made Of Roses Tour” in April as support. 

Weekly Register: Morgan Wallen Continues His Reign Atop The Country Charts

Morgan Wallen. Photo: John Shearer

Morgan Wallen remains on top of both the country streaming songs chart and the country albums chart this week according to Luminate data.

Wallen’s “Last Night” stays at No. 1 with 25 million streams this week. Zach Bryan‘s “Something In The Orange” remains at No. 2 with 12 millions streams and Bailey Zimmerman‘s “Rock and A Hard Place” secures the No. 3 slot once again with 11 million additional streams. Wallen’s “You Proof” stays at No. 4 with 10 million streams while “Thought You Should Know” comes in right behind at No. 5.

Luke Combs‘ “Joe” is the top debut on the country streaming songs chart, coming in at No. 22 with 4.8 million streams.

On the country albums chart, Wallen’s Dangerous: The Double Album keeps its No. 1 title with 46K in total consumption (1.4K album only/56 million song streams). Bryan’s American Heartbreak holds its place at No. 2 with 28K (1.6K album only/34 million songs streams). Zimmerman’s Leave The Light On rises to No. 3 with 18K (576 album only/22 million song streams) as Combs’ Growin’ Up moves to No. 4 with 17K (1.2K album only/20 million song streams).

Wallen’s debut project If I Know Me takes No. 5 with 16K (753 album only/20 million song streams). Dierks Bentley‘s Gravel & Gold claims top country album debut, landing at No. 14 on the chart and No. 73 overall with 12K (6.1K album only/6.9 million song streams).

BBR Music Group Promotes Lauren Crawford To Senior Marketing Manager

Lauren Crawford. Photo: Jessica Crans

Lauren Crawford has been promoted to Senior Marketing Manager at BBR Music Group.

In her new role, Crawford will manage projects for the label group’s roster consisting of Jimmie Allen, Chase Rice, Dustin Lynch, Craig Morgan, Frank Ray and more.

She previously served as BBR Music Group Marketing Manager, and joined the label from Capitol Christian Music Group in 2021, where she handled projects for Cody Carnes, Kari Jobe, Chris Tomlin, We The Kingdom and more. Prior to Capitol, Crawford worked for Nashville’s annual Pilgrimage Music Festival, driving its marketing initiatives and overseeing administration.

“Lauren has continuously elevated within her role on our marketing team through her creativity, initiative and strategic thinking,” says BMG, EVP Recorded Music – Nashville JoJamie Hahr. “We are thrilled to have her as a crucial part of the BBR Music Group family.”