Brett Young Raises Thousands For Organization In Hawai’i
Pictured: Brett Young at HEARTS. Photo Credit: Carl Beust.
Multi-Platinum country artist Brett Young raised several thousand dollars for HEARTS: Hawai’i Education of the Arts with his recent sold-out four-night Hawaiian tour. He performed on several of the Aloha state’s islands to give back to the local arts community that loves and supports his music.
“My wife and I have always been in love with the islands so when we heard that local artists have been covering my songs and that we had a fan base over here, we thought it sounded like the perfect excuse to come spend time and give back to some of our favorite places,” says Young. “I’m hoping to make this a regular thing. It was very special—for me, and my family.”
For every ticket sold, the “You Didn’t” singer donated a dollar to HEARTS to aid in providing affordable and high quality music, hula and theatre arts programs year round to students of all ages. HEARTS also performs in elder care facilities, hospitals and churches. Young also participated in the ACE Shootout to benefit Children’s Miracle Network and the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt.
Inaugural Nashville Or Nothing Nights Sees $1,000 MAPCO Donation
Pictured (L-R): Derek Austin, Lydia Sutherland, MacKenzie Porter, Charles Kelley, Steven Lee Olsen, Janice Polizzotto (CEO, Music Will), Jimmy Robbins, Jacquelynn Henderson (Director of Marketing, MAPCO). Photo: Midtown Motion (Corey Miller/Robby Stevens)
The city of Nashville rallied for an evening of music and giving on Feb. 15 at NashHouse for the first “Nashville or Nothing Nights” event. Steven Lee Olsen hosted, and the evening’s lineup included Charles Kelley of Lady A, MacKenzie Porter, Jimmy Robbins, Derek Austin, and Lydia Sutherland.
In the spirit of giving back, MAPCO presented a $1,000 check to the music education nonprofit, Music Will, to support their mission of providing underprivileged children and communities with quality music education.
Music Will’s CEO, Janice Polizzotto, says, “We are incredibly grateful for MAPCO’s generosity and support. This donation will help us continue our mission to bring music education to those who need it the most.”
The “Nashville or Nothing Nights” event was made possible by several sponsors including MAPCO, Studio Bank, Pickle Jar, Music Will, and Tennessee Star.
Greylan James Is SiriusXM’s New ‘Highway Find’
Pictured (L-R): Greylan James with Nick Coulson, Macie Banks and Storme Warren of SiriusXM’s The Highway
Greylan James became SiriusXM’s The Highway’s newest “Highway Find,” and host Storme Warren shared the surprise on air before the radio premiere of “2 Years Back,” the new song James released on Feb. 17. Listen to his latest release here.
SiriusXM’s “Highway Find” program is a commitment to spotlighting new talent in the country music community. James joins the ranks of Parker McCollum, Luke Combs, Gabby Barrett, Maren Morris, Dan + Shay, Cole Swindell, and Florida Georgia Line with this honor.
“When I got surprised with being the next Highway Find, it literally felt like watching my life change before my eyes,” James shares. “It has jump started so many incredible careers, and I’ve heard so many of my favorite country artists say: ‘It all started when The Highway got on board’. I’m thankful, honored, and pumped to hear my song on their station. Let’s go!”
“2 Years Back,” co-written with Matt Roy and Brock Berryhill, retrospectively explores a relationship with great examples of James’ songwriting and artistry. James is currently on the “No Bad Vibes Tour” opening for Old Dominion.
Concord Announces Multiple Executive Promotions, Including Four In Nashville Office
/by Lorie HollabaughConcord has promoted four staff members in the Nashville office. Carol Boldish has been elevated to VP, Production, Concord Label Group; Elysha Miracle rises to SVP, Rights Data Management; Gary Paczosa has been promoted to SVP, A&R, Rounder Records; and Kelly Voigt has been promoted to SVP, Corporate Communications.
Boldish joined Concord with the acquisition of Razor & Tie/Kidz Bop in 2015 in the Production Department and was responsible for delivery of all physical and digital releases. During her eight years at Concord, Boldish handled merging of Razor & Tie assets into Concord and assisted with purchasing. Growing alongside the Production Department, Boldish found her niche by identifying a need for someone to specialize in the expansion and complexity of vinyl manufacturing, which continues to grow every year.
Miracle started with Concord in February 2017. Launching Concord’s first ever Rights Data Management department, she worked to build a Catalog Repertoire Management team, Rights Optimization team, and centralization of the Income Tracking team. In 2022, she also began overseeing the Frontline Supply Chain Operations team and is now managing both the Catalog and New Release supply chain processes, as well as revenue optimization teams to best optimize Concord’s recorded music, theatrical and publishing catalogs.
Paczosa came to Concord in 2015 with the acquisition of Vanguard/Sugar Hill Records, where he started his A&R career in 2007. As a record producer and engineer, Paczosa has won 10 Grammys for his work with Alison Krauss, Sarah Jarosz, Dolly Parton, The Chicks and John Prine. Paczosa was instrumental in the Rounder signings of Billy Strings, Sarah Jarosz, I’m With Her, Sierra Ferrell, Katie Pruitt and many more.
Voigt joined Concord in 2017 as its first corporate communications executive, and has worked developing and executing all of Concord’s internal and external communications, including media relations, executive messaging, multi-business area communications strategy and social media management. Additionally, she is responsible for Concord’s corporate marketing, special events and philanthropic efforts. During her tenure, Voigt spearheaded the development of Concord’s new mission statement and core values, and oversaw a redesign of Concord’s visual identity. With nearly 25 years in the music business, she received her undergraduate degree from Duquesne University and an M.A. from NYU.
“Concord is on a clear path of global expansion, providing rapid growth and exposure for the artists we represent. The Concord staff who earned these promotions work tirelessly every day to facilitate that growth,” shares Concord CEO Scott Pascucci.
Other promotions across the company include Tom Frank to VP, Sync Marketing, Concord Label Group – London; David Geer to VP, Music & Publications, Concord Theatricals – New York; Shane Guitar to VP Operations, Fearless Records – Los Angeles; Randy Linsey to VP, International Marketing & Sales, Craft Recordings – Los Angeles; Clare Maxwell to VP, Marketing, Concord Label Group – London; Meredith O’Leary to Vice President, Sync Marketing, Concord Label Group – New York; Stephen Phillips to VP, Sync, Concord Music Publishing – London; and Marty Willard to SVP, Business & Legal Affairs – Remote.
Concord’s President Bob Valentine adds, “We are all incredibly lucky to work alongside such ardent and dedicated professionals. The demand for passionate, high-quality leadership in the music industry has never been more obvious and this cohort exemplifies that. Congratulations on the well-deserved promotions.”
Charles Esten Announces Forthcoming Independent Debut Album
/by Caela GriffinCharles Esten “One Good Move”. Artwork Credit: Taylor Puskar
Charles Esten surprised fans by announcing “One Good Move,” the first single off his independent debut album, while live on CBS’s The Talk. The single, releasing March 3, marks the beginning of a new chapter for the artist-songwriter and actor, a decade after arriving in Nashville.
“One Good Move,” co-written by Esten with Sam Bacicoff, Zarni deVette and Elise Hayes, is a power ballad describing a misspent youth with a good pay off thanks to “one good move.” Esten dedicates this song to Patty, his college sweetheart and wife of 31 years. With production by Marshall Altman, the country and rock track puts Esten’s vocal prowess at the center of a rhythm section, guitar, and piano blend to capture the essence of true love.
Esten is widely known for his roles on ABC/CMT’s Nashville and Netflix’s Outer Banks. Off screen, he has dedicated to writing and performing in Music City and around the world. With more than 155 Grand Ole Opry appearances and multiple tours in his rearview, Esten has racked up millions of streams during his career and is a Guinness World Records title holder for the “most consecutive weeks to release an original digital single by a music act,” after delivering 54 original songs once a week for 54 straight weeks.
This week, Esten celebrated the third season of Outer Banks with its red carpet premiere, the Poguelandia immersive experience, and a beach cleanup collaboration with Surfrider Foundation before an appearance at the Sun Valley Film Festival. The new season premieres Feb. 23.
Brad Paisley Signs With UMG Nashville
/by LB CantrellPictured (L-R): Bill Simmons (The AMG), Brad Paisley, Cindy Mabe (UMGN), Kendal Marcy (The AMG)
Universal Music Group Nashville has signed Brad Paisley to EMI Records Nashville. The country singer-songwriter has earned three Grammys, two American Music Awards, 15 ACM Awards and 14 CMA Awards in his 20-year career.
The signing reunites Paisley with UMG Nashville Chairman and CEO Mike Dungan and President Cindy Mabe. Dungan helped to sign Paisley to his first deal at Arista, and Mabe served as Paisley’s marketing point person through many of his early album cycles including his breakthrough projects, Mud on the Tires and Time Well Wasted.
“There were two people that should get the credit that you even know my name—Mike Dungan and Cindy Mabe. I ran into Mike at the fishing department at Walmart after having met with several labels and he talked me into signing my first deal with Arista. They assigned this woman named Cindy Mabe to me—we graduated the same day at Belmont. I got to work with her on my first few albums and now I get to work with her at UMG,” Paisley shares. “Cindy’s a genius and terrific human being. She heard what I was up to with the new music, and she pointed me further into the direction I was headed. I’ve never had this kind of enthusiasm and empowerment. She said, ‘Make music that matters.’ It’s an amazing thing to work with Mike and Cindy again. It’s great to know they believe in this music as much as I do.”
“Brad is a true creative. He has no boundaries to what he uses as his canvas. He has used his voice and his words as a gift to heal the world through his philanthropy, his song writing, his guitar playing, his entertaining, his music videos, his sense of humor and his heart,” Mabe says. “He has been a part of the country music duo with Carrie Underwood that helped define country music to the world. And getting to reunite with my friend and collaborator in his next creative adventure is something I’ve wanted for a long time. I cannot wait for him to share the music he has created with the world.”
Paisley’s first studio album with UMG is expected later this year. He will release a new song that he wrote with Lee Thomas Miller and Taylor Goldsmith, called “Same Here,” on Friday (Feb. 24).
At UMG Nashville, Paisley joins a roster that also includes Alan Jackson, Brothers Osborne, Carrie Underwood, Caylee Hammack, Chris Stapleton, Darius Rucker, Dierks Bentley, Eric Church, George Strait, Jon Pardi, Jordan Davis, Josh Turner, Kylie Morgan, Kacey Musgraves, Keith Urban, Luke Bryan, Mickey Guyton, Parker McCollum, Priscilla Block, Reba McEntire, Sam Hunt, Sam Williams, Tyler Hubbard, Vince Gill, Little Big Town, Maddie & Tae, The War And Treaty and more.
Weekly Register: Luke Combs Climbs Country Songs Chart With Latest Release
/by Liza AndersonLuke Combs. Photo: Jeremy Cowart
Luke Combs‘ latest single “Love You Anyway” landed at No. 2 on the top country streaming songs chart and notched No. 10 overall, claiming the title of top debut this week with 16 million streams to date according to Luminate data.
Morgan Wallen‘s “Last Night” has remained the No. 1 tune on the country streaming songs chart with 24 million streams. Zach Bryan‘s “Something In The Orange” drops to No. 3 with 14 million, moving Bailey Zimmerman‘s “Rock and A Hard Place” down to No. 4 with 11 million. Wallen’s “You Proof” comes in at No. 5 with 10 million streams.
Combs, Wallen, Bryan and Zimmerman have also solidified spots at the top of the country albums chart.
Wallen’s Dangerous: The Double Album stays at No. 1 with 44K in total consumption (1.2K album only/55 million song streams). Bryan’s American Heartbreak moves back to No. 2 with 30K (1.7K album only/36 million songs streams). Combs’ Growin’ Up has risen to No. 3 with 20K (1.6K album only/22 million song streams). Zimmerman’s Leave The Light On reclaims the No. 4 slot with 19K (738 album only/23 million song streams), bumping Hardy‘s The Mockingbird & The Crow down to No. 5 with 18K (2.1K album only/19 million song streams).
Industry Ink: Brett Young, ‘Nashville Or Nothing Nights,’ Greylan James
/by Caela GriffinBrett Young Raises Thousands For Organization In Hawai’i
Pictured: Brett Young at HEARTS. Photo Credit: Carl Beust.
Multi-Platinum country artist Brett Young raised several thousand dollars for HEARTS: Hawai’i Education of the Arts with his recent sold-out four-night Hawaiian tour. He performed on several of the Aloha state’s islands to give back to the local arts community that loves and supports his music.
“My wife and I have always been in love with the islands so when we heard that local artists have been covering my songs and that we had a fan base over here, we thought it sounded like the perfect excuse to come spend time and give back to some of our favorite places,” says Young. “I’m hoping to make this a regular thing. It was very special—for me, and my family.”
For every ticket sold, the “You Didn’t” singer donated a dollar to HEARTS to aid in providing affordable and high quality music, hula and theatre arts programs year round to students of all ages. HEARTS also performs in elder care facilities, hospitals and churches. Young also participated in the ACE Shootout to benefit Children’s Miracle Network and the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt.
Inaugural Nashville Or Nothing Nights Sees $1,000 MAPCO Donation
Pictured (L-R): Derek Austin, Lydia Sutherland, MacKenzie Porter, Charles Kelley, Steven Lee Olsen, Janice Polizzotto (CEO, Music Will), Jimmy Robbins, Jacquelynn Henderson (Director of Marketing, MAPCO). Photo: Midtown Motion (Corey Miller/Robby Stevens)
The city of Nashville rallied for an evening of music and giving on Feb. 15 at NashHouse for the first “Nashville or Nothing Nights” event. Steven Lee Olsen hosted, and the evening’s lineup included Charles Kelley of Lady A, MacKenzie Porter, Jimmy Robbins, Derek Austin, and Lydia Sutherland.
In the spirit of giving back, MAPCO presented a $1,000 check to the music education nonprofit, Music Will, to support their mission of providing underprivileged children and communities with quality music education.
Music Will’s CEO, Janice Polizzotto, says, “We are incredibly grateful for MAPCO’s generosity and support. This donation will help us continue our mission to bring music education to those who need it the most.”
The “Nashville or Nothing Nights” event was made possible by several sponsors including MAPCO, Studio Bank, Pickle Jar, Music Will, and Tennessee Star.
Greylan James Is SiriusXM’s New ‘Highway Find’
Pictured (L-R): Greylan James with Nick Coulson, Macie Banks and Storme Warren of SiriusXM’s The Highway
Greylan James became SiriusXM’s The Highway’s newest “Highway Find,” and host Storme Warren shared the surprise on air before the radio premiere of “2 Years Back,” the new song James released on Feb. 17. Listen to his latest release here.
SiriusXM’s “Highway Find” program is a commitment to spotlighting new talent in the country music community. James joins the ranks of Parker McCollum, Luke Combs, Gabby Barrett, Maren Morris, Dan + Shay, Cole Swindell, and Florida Georgia Line with this honor.
“When I got surprised with being the next Highway Find, it literally felt like watching my life change before my eyes,” James shares. “It has jump started so many incredible careers, and I’ve heard so many of my favorite country artists say: ‘It all started when The Highway got on board’. I’m thankful, honored, and pumped to hear my song on their station. Let’s go!”
“2 Years Back,” co-written with Matt Roy and Brock Berryhill, retrospectively explores a relationship with great examples of James’ songwriting and artistry. James is currently on the “No Bad Vibes Tour” opening for Old Dominion.
CMHOF To Spotlight Dave Alvin In Support Of ‘Western Edge’ Exhibit
/by Lorie HollabaughAlvin, who is featured in the exhibit and contributed an essay to its companion book, was a founding member and lead guitarist of L.A. roots-rock bands The Blasters and The Knitters. His songs have been recorded by The Blasters, Los Lobos, Little Milton, Kelly Willis, X, Dwight Yoakam and many others. He has also produced music for Sonny Burgess, The Derailers, Big Sandy & His Fly Rite Boys, Chris Gaffney and Tom Russell. Additionally, Alvin is the author of New Highway, a collection of poems, essays and lyrics published in 2022.
“Western Edge” and its companion book trace the Los Angeles-based communities of singers, songwriters and musicians who, between the 1960s-1980s, embraced country music as well as created and shaped “country-rock,” making a lasting impact on popular music. They survey the rise of The Byrds, Buffalo Springfield, The Eagles, Emmylou Harris, Linda Ronstadt and more who found commercial success with a hybrid of rock sensibilities and country instrumentation and harmonies. The contributions of these trailblazers were expanded upon by the next generation of L.A. roots music performers — The Blasters, Los Lobos, Lone Justice, Yoakam and others — who once again looked to traditional American music for inspiration.
The program is made possible in part by the Academy of Country Music, and is included with museum admission and free to museum members. Tickets are available on the museum’s website.
Allison Smith Upped To VP, Promotion At Big Machine/John Varvatos Records
/by Caela GriffinAllison Smith
Allison Smith has been advanced to VP of Promotion at Big Machine/John Varvatos Records from her position as National Director, Promotion. Her new role will be to continue growing the relationships between rock radio and the imprint’s artist roster of Badflower, Ayron Jones, Starcrawler, The Struts, and Violet Saturn.
Chicago-based Smith joined Big Machine Label Group in 2019, after 13 years with Virgin/Capitol Records as their Midwest Regional Director of Promotion and time at London/Sire and Lava Records.
“Four years ago, I had the opportunity to join the amazing team at Big Machine/John Varvatos Records, and I am thrilled to add VP to my new responsibilities,” says Smith. “Under the amazing leadership of Scott Borchetta, Heather Luke, John Varvatos, and Mike Rittberg, we have become a force in the industry. Being a part of our small but mighty team, developing incredible artists is a privilege and a dream come true.”
“The world of rock music requires a very specialized executive that must know how to maneuver through its unique landscape to achieve success,” shares Borchetta, Big Machine Label Group’s Chairman & CEO. “What Allison Smith and Heather Luke do every day is extraordinary as they know the path that very few others do. It is with great pride that we announce and acknowledge this much deserved recognition of a job being extremely well done.”
“We’re so proud to have Allison step into her new role with us,” says Luke, Big Machine/John Varvatos Records’ General Manager. “She has an excellent track record in developing and breaking new artists. Her passion, hard work, and leadership have been instrumental in building our rock roster here at BMJV.”
Launched in 2017, Big Machine/John Varvatos Records is spearheaded by Borchetta alongside fashion mogul Varvatos.
Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit Test The Winds With ‘Weathervanes’ This Summer
/by Lorie HollabaughJason Isbell and the 400 Unit. Photo: Danny Clinch
Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit are set to release their eighth album, Weathervanes, June 9 via Southeastern Records/Thirty Tigers. The leadoff track from the project, “Death Wish,” is out now.
Weathervanes features 13 brand new tracks penned and produced by Isbell. The collection features songs about adult love, change, the danger of nostalgia and the examination of myths, cruelty and regret, and redemption. A master storyteller, Isbell observes his fellow wanderers, looking internally and trying to understand, tautly reducing a universe to four minutes.
“There is something about boundaries on this record,” shares Isbell. “As you mature, you still attempt to keep the ability to love somebody fully and completely while you’re growing into an adult and learning how to love yourself.”
Isbell and the 400 Unit will be hitting the road throughout summer with additional headline dates and festivals added to the previously released slate of shows. Tickets go on sale Friday, Feb. 24.
Weathervanes Track List:
“Death Wish”
“King of Oklahoma”
“Strawberry Woman”
“Middle Of The Morning”
“Save The World”
“If You Insist”
“Cast Iron Skillet”
“When We Were Close”
“Volunteer”
“Vestavia Hills”
“White Beretta”
“This Ain’t It”
“Miles”
*All songs written and produced by Jason Isbell. Additional production by Matt Pence on tracks 1, 3, 5, 8 and 10.
Nickel Creek Returns With New Album & Headline Tour For Spring
/by Lorie HollabaughNickel Creek, made up of mandolinist Chris Thile, violinist Sara Watkins and guitarist Sean Watkins, is releasing its first new album in nearly a decade, Celebrants, March 24 via Thirty Tigers. Ahead of the release, the trio recently unveiled a new song from the collection, “Strangers.”
The new album, their fifth studio project, marks a highly anticipated return for the trio and explores the dynamics of human connection. The 18 tracks on Celebrants tackle subjects like love, friendship and time as they explore bridges built, crossed, burned and rebuilt. Recorded at Nashville’s RCA Studio A, the album was produced by longtime collaborator Eric Valentine (Queens of the Stone Age, Grace Potter, Weezer) and features Mike Elizondo on bass.
“This is a record about embracing the friction inherent in real human connections,” shares the trio. “We begin the record yearning for and pursuing harmonious connection. We end the record having realized that truly harmonious connection can only be achieved through the dissonance that we’ve spent our entire adult lives trying to avoid.”
Nickel Creek will also return to the road this spring on their first headline tour since 2014. The extensive run kicks off April 15 in Cincinnati, Ohio and includes stops in Pittsburgh, Boston, Philadelphia, New York, Atlanta, Chicago, Milwaukee and more. Additional dates will be announced soon. In addition to the new dates, the band also plans to perform three sold-out shows at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium on April 27-29, and will make several festival appearances including a headline set at Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion in September.
The group helped to revolutionize bluegrass and folk in the early 2000s and ushered in a new era of what is now recognized as Americana music. After meeting as young children and subsequently earning the respect of the bluegrass circuit for a decade, they signed with Sugar Hill Records in 2000 and quickly broke through with their Grammy-nominated, Alison Krauss-produced, self-titled LP. Since then, the trio has released three more studio albums: 2002’s This Side, which won Best Contemporary Folk Album at the 45th Grammy Awards, 2005’s Why Should the Fire Die? and 2014’s A Dotted Line. Each member has also taken part in many notable outside projects over the years.
ACM & Black Music Action Coalition Partner To Launch OnRamp Program
/by Liza AndersonThe Academy of Country Music and the Black Music Action Coalition (BMAC) have teamed up to launch the OnRamp program, a guaranteed income program for 20 young Black members of the music community in Nashville, Tennessee.
The program intends to improve inclusivity and equity within Music City, while empowering the next generation of leaders early in their careers through access to professional development opportunities, community mentorship, and other resources to increase personal growth and industry exposure, including exclusive ACM membership panels and tentpole live events as well as visibility with the ACM Board and other industry leaders.
OnRamp applications will be available starting in late spring with the program starting in June, in celebration of Black Music Month and to commemorate BMAC’s third anniversary. Each participant will receive a one thousand dollar monthly stipend for one year.
The 2022 cohort of the ACM LEVel Up: Lift Every Voice program will help to guide the OnRamp program as it grows. ACM LEVel Up is a Nashville-based professional development and enrichment program for rising leaders in country music, funded by ACM at no cost to participants. The two-year curriculum is designed to encourage participants to play a crucial role in expanding the horizons of the country genre to new audiences that transcend demographics and geography. In December, ACM announced the program’s 2023 cohort, representing an entirely new and unduplicated list of organizations from the 2022 inaugural class.
Last June, BMAC released a report, Three Chords & The Actual Truth, which documented opportunities for improvement in Black representation and participation in the country music space. The report called for Music Row, the city of Nashville and its companies, organizations and individuals committed to change and equity to partner with BMAC in a transformational program for Black artists in Nashville. ACM is amongst the first industry leaders to recognize and help facilitate necessary changes within the music community.
“The Academy has a rich history of fostering diversity and inclusion in the country music industry both on stage and behind-the-scenes, and we see this partnership as a particularly impactful way to continue our committed work to making the statement ‘Country Music is for Everyone’ a true reality,” says ACM CEO Damon Whiteside. “We’re excited to work with BMAC on this pivotal and transformative work for our Nashville community by increasing opportunities for young professionals from diverse backgrounds in our industry.”
“It speaks volumes for the Black Music Action Coalition and the Academy of Country Music to join forces to launch a guaranteed income program in Nashville for emerging Black artists and young professionals. I applaud Damon Whiteside, the ACM Board and the LEVel Up team for sharing our vision and becoming true partners with BMAC on a direct impact solution that will begin to address long standing racial inequalities that exist in this country,” says BMAC Co-Founder & Co-Chair Willie “Prophet” Stiggers.