Diane Pearson
The “My Music Row Story” weekly column features notable members of the Nashville music industry selected by the MusicRow editorial team. These individuals serve in key roles that help advance and promote the success of our industry. This column spotlights the invaluable people that keep the wheels rolling and the music playing.
Diane Pearson is Sr. VP, Manager at City National Bank’s Nashville office. With over two decades of entertainment banking experience she provides financial solutions to music industry professionals including artists, songwriters, business managers, producers, artist managers, performing rights organizations, agencies, publishing companies, entrepreneurs, labels and law firms.
Pearson helped launch City National Bank’s Nashville office in 2011, co-managing the Nashville Entertainment Division with Lori Badgett. She serves multiple philanthropic organizations, including sitting on the board of Musicians On Call and Leadership Music.
MusicRow: Where did you grow up?
I grew up in a small town in Kentucky called Lewisburg. I tell everybody, though, that I’m from Russellville, Kentucky because they’re right next to each other. Russellville is near Bowling Green and people have actually heard of Bowling Green.
What was your dream job then?
My dream job was to be a stay-at-home mom and have about six kids. [Laughs] No music business. No working. But as you can tell, that did not happen.
Photo: Courtesy of Diane Pearson
When did that desire change for you?
My parents moved me my senior year of high school to Nashville. That was a huge difference coming from a very small town—there was a bit of culture shock. I started working as a relief teller for Third National Bank while I was taking classes. When you’re a relief teller, you go around to different offices and fill in for people while they are on vacation or out sick. So I didn’t really have a home office until I landed at an office called South Madison.
There was a lady there by the name of Ellen Kemp, who was one of my very first mentors. There was just something about Ellen. She was just the epitome of class. She loved sports—I do, too. She had the best clothes, the best jewelry, she was just always dressed perfectly. She was well respected and loved in the community, everyone looked up to her. She managed the office, but was primarily responsible for all of the lending. That’s when I realized lending was something I would like to get into someday.
Photo: Courtesy of Diane Pearson
Now that you had a different example to look up to, how did you start your career?
Ellen took me under her wing, but unfortunately for me, she was also at the age of retirement. So I knew I was going to lose Ellen. Another friend of mine, Kim, was working at South Madison and was picked to help launch the Entertainment Division of Third National Bank (a SunTrust Bank) as an FSR (Financial Service Rep). She knew my passion was the lending side, so once a position opened up, she told me. I applied for the job and was lucky enough to get an interview with Brian Williams. I was not qualified for the lending position at all, but he saw something in me and decided to take me on. I later found out that once Ellen Kemp found out I went and interviewed, she picked up the phone and called Brian to tell him she believed in me.
Brian truly was the pioneer of music industry banking. To be able to work WITH him (he never let you say you worked “for” him) for almost 20 years before he passed away was just the best experience I could have ever asked for. He taught me everything about the music business and how to make work fun.
Photo: Courtesy of Diane Pearson
What do you remember about those days?
I hate to call it the “roaring nineties,” but it was. There was always something going on, whether it was a No. 1 party or a Gold or Platinum Party. There were all these events. Brian made sure I was armed with everything I needed to know about the industry, but he also was such an advocate of introducing me to people. I was always welcome at the table and that was something I’m very appreciative of. He taught me the ropes, he taught me about how to give back to the community and to make sure you’re heavily involved in non-profit work.
When Brian passed away in 2006, it was devastating. Not only to me because I had lost my mentor and my friend, but the bank lost its visionary for the Music Industry, because Brian was the one who created it. I stayed there for five years after that. I felt like if I left, I was leaving his legacy behind, which was really hard. But in walks Martha Henderson, she was an angel who came in and made me realize I could continue Brian’s Legacy working with her at City National Bank as she was the Division Leader for their Entertainment Division. She is in her 40th year at CNB and recently was promoted to Vice Chairman.
She is Ellen Kemp and Brian Williams all rolled into one. She is just phenomenal. She can go toe-to-toe with anybody and win. She’s compassionate. She’s kindhearted. She truly treats her employees and clients great.
Photo: Courtesy of Diane Pearson
You helped Martha start the City National Bank office in Nashville from the ground up. What was that like?
March 31 is when we started. We were in the old MCA building and then we moved into our new office right next door in August of 2011. Nobody had heard of City National Bank 12 years ago. They knew us but they didn’t know City National, so we didn’t have to sell ourselves because people knew who we were, we had to sell the bank.
Again, Martha was the visionary just like Brian was. When we came on board, it was almost like we were taking a step back in time in some way. We like the office to feel like Mayberry from the Andy Griffith Show. It’s a small town, it’s a small community. We want a Cheers atmosphere, where everybody knows your name. We don’t ever want to be “the big bank,” even though we are a big bank.
When was a time that you struggled at the beginning of building the City National Bank office?
I can tell you when it didn’t feel like it was going to be a success. I work a lot with business managers and artists. I always keep up with CMA and ACM Awards and see [which nominees] are clients and who are not.
I always wanted a hundred percent sweep, meaning every on air award winner was a client. The first CMA’s I attended as a CNB employee was hard. That was the year everybody that had been my client won an award.
There was the sweep I longed for but not everyone had made the move yet, it was just like a gut punch. This [had been a goal of mine] my whole career, to have clients in all of these categories. I remember walking out of that award show and Martha Henderson looked at me and said, “Honey, I’ve been through this before. It’s a marathon, not a sprint. Don’t worry they will come.”
She was 100% right. After the first year, I started getting more and more clients.
Photo: Courtesy of Diane Pearson
That’s awesome! When do you feel most fulfilled in what you do?
I feel most fulfilled when I get an artist on the very beginning of their career and [see them] get their first record deal or first publishing deal. Seeing them have a No. 1 party, play their first time at the Grand Ole Opry, or sell out Madison Square Garden. That’s when I’m most fulfilled. Every little step along way. They’re like my children. I’ve got all these kids now running all over the place. What fulfills me the most is seeing them succeed.
Does any particular story come to mind about supporting an artist from the beginning?
Roger Murrah, who owned Murrah Music Publishing, had signed Luke Bryan to a publishing deal. Roger called me and said, “I’m sending this new kid from Georgia over to you. Take care of him, I think he’s got something.” So Luke comes over to my office and we start a friendship.
I remember pulling into my driveway one day and my phone rang, it was Luke. He said, “Hey baby”—that’s back when I thought I was the only one he called “baby”…ha! He told me he got his record deal and I cried. He was like, “Oh my gosh. Are you crying? You’re worse than my mama.”
When he played the first time on the Opry, I was invited to come. I was standing backstage and Luke was walking out on stage. I’m known as the CEO “Chief Emotional Officer”. So someone looked over at me and said, “Oh God, Diane’s getting ready to cry.” Mike Dungan turned around and I was waiting for him to say something sarcastic. He said, “Are you seriously getting ready to cry? I think that’s the sweetest thing. We need more people who actually care about the artists.” It’s like your kid getting on stage for the first time, and then now look at all that he’s accomplished. That’s what fuels me. I love celebrating everybody’s successes.
My Music Row Story: City National Bank’s Diane Pearson
/by LB CantrellDiane Pearson
Diane Pearson is Sr. VP, Manager at City National Bank’s Nashville office. With over two decades of entertainment banking experience she provides financial solutions to music industry professionals including artists, songwriters, business managers, producers, artist managers, performing rights organizations, agencies, publishing companies, entrepreneurs, labels and law firms.
Pearson helped launch City National Bank’s Nashville office in 2011, co-managing the Nashville Entertainment Division with Lori Badgett. She serves multiple philanthropic organizations, including sitting on the board of Musicians On Call and Leadership Music.
MusicRow: Where did you grow up?
I grew up in a small town in Kentucky called Lewisburg. I tell everybody, though, that I’m from Russellville, Kentucky because they’re right next to each other. Russellville is near Bowling Green and people have actually heard of Bowling Green.
What was your dream job then?
My dream job was to be a stay-at-home mom and have about six kids. [Laughs] No music business. No working. But as you can tell, that did not happen.
Photo: Courtesy of Diane Pearson
When did that desire change for you?
My parents moved me my senior year of high school to Nashville. That was a huge difference coming from a very small town—there was a bit of culture shock. I started working as a relief teller for Third National Bank while I was taking classes. When you’re a relief teller, you go around to different offices and fill in for people while they are on vacation or out sick. So I didn’t really have a home office until I landed at an office called South Madison.
There was a lady there by the name of Ellen Kemp, who was one of my very first mentors. There was just something about Ellen. She was just the epitome of class. She loved sports—I do, too. She had the best clothes, the best jewelry, she was just always dressed perfectly. She was well respected and loved in the community, everyone looked up to her. She managed the office, but was primarily responsible for all of the lending. That’s when I realized lending was something I would like to get into someday.
Photo: Courtesy of Diane Pearson
Now that you had a different example to look up to, how did you start your career?
Ellen took me under her wing, but unfortunately for me, she was also at the age of retirement. So I knew I was going to lose Ellen. Another friend of mine, Kim, was working at South Madison and was picked to help launch the Entertainment Division of Third National Bank (a SunTrust Bank) as an FSR (Financial Service Rep). She knew my passion was the lending side, so once a position opened up, she told me. I applied for the job and was lucky enough to get an interview with Brian Williams. I was not qualified for the lending position at all, but he saw something in me and decided to take me on. I later found out that once Ellen Kemp found out I went and interviewed, she picked up the phone and called Brian to tell him she believed in me.
Brian truly was the pioneer of music industry banking. To be able to work WITH him (he never let you say you worked “for” him) for almost 20 years before he passed away was just the best experience I could have ever asked for. He taught me everything about the music business and how to make work fun.
Photo: Courtesy of Diane Pearson
What do you remember about those days?
I hate to call it the “roaring nineties,” but it was. There was always something going on, whether it was a No. 1 party or a Gold or Platinum Party. There were all these events. Brian made sure I was armed with everything I needed to know about the industry, but he also was such an advocate of introducing me to people. I was always welcome at the table and that was something I’m very appreciative of. He taught me the ropes, he taught me about how to give back to the community and to make sure you’re heavily involved in non-profit work.
When Brian passed away in 2006, it was devastating. Not only to me because I had lost my mentor and my friend, but the bank lost its visionary for the Music Industry, because Brian was the one who created it. I stayed there for five years after that. I felt like if I left, I was leaving his legacy behind, which was really hard. But in walks Martha Henderson, she was an angel who came in and made me realize I could continue Brian’s Legacy working with her at City National Bank as she was the Division Leader for their Entertainment Division. She is in her 40th year at CNB and recently was promoted to Vice Chairman.
She is Ellen Kemp and Brian Williams all rolled into one. She is just phenomenal. She can go toe-to-toe with anybody and win. She’s compassionate. She’s kindhearted. She truly treats her employees and clients great.
Photo: Courtesy of Diane Pearson
You helped Martha start the City National Bank office in Nashville from the ground up. What was that like?
March 31 is when we started. We were in the old MCA building and then we moved into our new office right next door in August of 2011. Nobody had heard of City National Bank 12 years ago. They knew us but they didn’t know City National, so we didn’t have to sell ourselves because people knew who we were, we had to sell the bank.
Again, Martha was the visionary just like Brian was. When we came on board, it was almost like we were taking a step back in time in some way. We like the office to feel like Mayberry from the Andy Griffith Show. It’s a small town, it’s a small community. We want a Cheers atmosphere, where everybody knows your name. We don’t ever want to be “the big bank,” even though we are a big bank.
When was a time that you struggled at the beginning of building the City National Bank office?
I can tell you when it didn’t feel like it was going to be a success. I work a lot with business managers and artists. I always keep up with CMA and ACM Awards and see [which nominees] are clients and who are not.
I always wanted a hundred percent sweep, meaning every on air award winner was a client. The first CMA’s I attended as a CNB employee was hard. That was the year everybody that had been my client won an award.
There was the sweep I longed for but not everyone had made the move yet, it was just like a gut punch. This [had been a goal of mine] my whole career, to have clients in all of these categories. I remember walking out of that award show and Martha Henderson looked at me and said, “Honey, I’ve been through this before. It’s a marathon, not a sprint. Don’t worry they will come.”
She was 100% right. After the first year, I started getting more and more clients.
Photo: Courtesy of Diane Pearson
That’s awesome! When do you feel most fulfilled in what you do?
I feel most fulfilled when I get an artist on the very beginning of their career and [see them] get their first record deal or first publishing deal. Seeing them have a No. 1 party, play their first time at the Grand Ole Opry, or sell out Madison Square Garden. That’s when I’m most fulfilled. Every little step along way. They’re like my children. I’ve got all these kids now running all over the place. What fulfills me the most is seeing them succeed.
Does any particular story come to mind about supporting an artist from the beginning?
Roger Murrah, who owned Murrah Music Publishing, had signed Luke Bryan to a publishing deal. Roger called me and said, “I’m sending this new kid from Georgia over to you. Take care of him, I think he’s got something.” So Luke comes over to my office and we start a friendship.
I remember pulling into my driveway one day and my phone rang, it was Luke. He said, “Hey baby”—that’s back when I thought I was the only one he called “baby”…ha! He told me he got his record deal and I cried. He was like, “Oh my gosh. Are you crying? You’re worse than my mama.”
When he played the first time on the Opry, I was invited to come. I was standing backstage and Luke was walking out on stage. I’m known as the CEO “Chief Emotional Officer”. So someone looked over at me and said, “Oh God, Diane’s getting ready to cry.” Mike Dungan turned around and I was waiting for him to say something sarcastic. He said, “Are you seriously getting ready to cry? I think that’s the sweetest thing. We need more people who actually care about the artists.” It’s like your kid getting on stage for the first time, and then now look at all that he’s accomplished. That’s what fuels me. I love celebrating everybody’s successes.
Tyler Johnson Partners With Influence Media
/by LB CantrellPictured (L-R): Nathaniel Cochrane, Tyler Johnson and Rene McLean
Hit songwriter and producer Tyler Johnson has entered a partnership with Influence Media Partners.
Alongside global superstar Harry Styles, Johnson has co-written or co-produced the vast majority of the pop star’s solo discography and biggest hits from his 2017 solo debut to his chart-topping 2022 release Harry’s House. Johnson co-wrote on every song on Styles’ self-titled debut album and most songs on 2019 follow-up Fine Line, including “Watermelon Sugar,” which went No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, and “Adore You,” which tied the record for most weeks on the pop charts.
The news of his deal with Influence Media comes after Johnson’s big win with Styles for Album of the Year at the 2023 Grammy Awards.
Splitting his time between Nashville and Los Angeles, Johnson has multiple country credits under his belt in addition to his work in the pop space. He produced Cam‘s 2015 album Untamed, as well as her most recent project The Otherside. He has also worked with artists including Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran, Miley Cyrus, John Legend, Keith Urban, Diplo, Pink, OneRepublic, Sam Smith and Meghan Trainor.
Influence Media has invested in a diverse catalog of titles created by Johnson between 2012 and 2020.
“Influence Media is committed to partnering with the secret weapons behind some of music’s modern classics, and Tyler Johnson is at the top of that list for his work with Harry Styles alone, along with fellow superstars like Sam Smith, Meghan Trainor and Miley Cyrus. We are so proud to represent Tyler’s works and look forward to introducing them to even wider audiences,” shares Influence Media Partner & Founding Advisor Rene McLean.
“It has been a pleasure working with the trusted team at Influence Media on my song catalog,” says Johnson. “These songs are very important to me and I feel our deal reflects the value of this catalog that I have built over the last 10 years.”
The Marshall Tucker Band Launches Their 2023 ‘Infinite Road Tour’
/by Steven BoeroIconic southern rock and country group The Marshall Tucker Band (MTB) is headed back on tour to play five decades worth of music for their 2023 “Infinite Road Tour.”
More than 30 dates have been revealed for the first leg of the national tour. Concert stops include Jacksonville, Florida (w/Deep Purple); Derry, New Hampshire; Rutland, Vermont; Cincinnati, Ohio; Atlanta, Georgia (w/Alabama); Baton Rouge, Louisiana; Bushkill, Pennsylvania (w/Lynyrd Skynyrd) and Batavia, New York.
“We are looking forward to another big year for The Marshall Tucker Band,” says MTB lead singer Doug Gray. “It’s overwhelming to see so many fans coming out to our shows over 50 years after we started. Old friends bring their children and grandchildren, enabling growth for a new crop of fans. There is no end in sight. Infinity!”
Just last month, the band’s namesake, Marshall Tucker, passed away on Jan. 20 at the age of 99. In 1972, The Marshall Tucker Band came together in Spartanburg, South Carolina to form a southern rock group. One day while rehearsing in a Spartanburg warehouse, they found an old key ring inscribed with the name ‘Marshall Tucker.’ The band thought it was the name of the warehouse but as it turns out, it belonged to a blind piano tuner who resided in the area. It was this fated discovery that inspired the band’s moniker, and in that moment, The Marshall Tucker Band was born.
“Marshall Tucker’s name will continue in our thoughts as we embark on our “Infinite Road Tour,”” notes Gray. “He never asked for fame but sometimes life unfolds in mysterious ways. Without his name, who knows where we would be today. We salute you into your infinite journey, Mr. Tucker!”
Maren Morris To Join The Chicks On European, Canadian Arena Dates
/by Lorie HollabaughMaren Morris. Photo: Andy Barron
Maren Morris will join The Chicks’ arena tour through Europe and Canada later this year.
The tour will include stops in Oslo, Stockholm, Amsterdam, Manchester, Winnipeg, Toronto, and more through Sept. 18. Public on-sale begins Friday, Feb. 17.
Late last year Morris released Humble Quest: In Rare Form, featuring seven stripped-back versions of tracks from her album Humble Quest. The project was recorded during a tour break at her bandmate’s summer camp, Camp Wayfarer, in Flat Rock, North Carolina. Her “Humble Quest Tour” in 2022 included dates at iconic venues across the country including the Hollywood Bowl, Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Radio City Music Hall, Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena and more.
The Chicks have also tapped Ben Harper and Wild Rivers on select dates. For a full list of dates, visit thechicks.com.
Maren Morris Supporting Dates:
June 20—Oslo, NO—Spektrum*
June 21—Stockholm, SE—Avicii Arena*
June 23—Amsterdam, NL—Ziggo Dome*
June 27—Cardiff, UK—Cardiff Castle*
June 28—Glasgow, UK—OVO Hydro*
June 30—Dublin, IE—3Arena*
July 2—Birmingham, UK—Utilita Arena Birmingham*
July 4—Manchester, UK—AO Arena*
September 5—Vancouver, BC—Pepsi Live at Rogers Arena*
September 7—Calgary, AB—The Scotiabank Saddledome*
September 8—Edmonton, AB—Rogers Place*
September 10—Saskatoon, SK—SaskTel Centre*
September 12—Winnipeg, MB—Canada Life Centre*
September 15 —Ottawa, ON—Live at Canadian Tire Centre*
September 16—London, ON—Budweiser Gardens*
September 18—Toronto, ON—Scotiabank Arena*
* with The Chicks
Jon Langston Ramps Up For ‘Rowdy’ New Spring Tour
/by Lorie HollabaughJon Langston is preparing to kick off his “Let’s Get Rowdy Tour” next weekend (Feb. 24) in Bristol, Tennessee, and he’s gearing up for the tour by releasing a brand new song, “Howdy Howdy Howdy.”
Penned by Langston with Jordan Gray and Jacob Rice, the off-the-clock party anthem was produced by Rice and Jody Stevens.
“This is a fun, honky-tonk barn burner that gives off a 90s and early 2000s vibe, with a little rock mixed in,” shares Langston. “It captures the feeling of my live show in song form and fires me up to hit the stage. The fans love to get rowdy at our shows, so this song is going to fit right in with our crowd.”
Langston’s “Let’s Get Rowdy Tour” will visit markets across the country including Charlotte, Birmingham, Memphis, Pensacola, and more through June. Tickets are available now at JonLangston.com/tour. Later this year, Langston will join Luke Bryan for select dates on his “Country On Tour.”
“Let’s Get Rowdy Tour” Dates:
February 24 – Bristol, TN – SideTracks
February 25 – Murfreesboro, TN – Tennessee Miller Coliseum
March 3 – Charlotte, NC – Coyote Joe’s
March 4 – Greenville, SC – The Blind Horse Saloon
March 9 – Grand Rapids, MI – The Intersection
March 10 – Rootstown, OH – The Dusty Armadillo
March 11 – Angola, IN – The Eclectic Room
March 31 – Memphis, TN – Minglewood Hall
April 1 – Birmingham, AL – Iron City Bham
April 15 – Chesapeake, VA – The Eagles Nest Rockin’ Country Bar
April 20 – Flint, MI – The Machine Shop
April 21 – Champaign, IL – The City Center
April 22 – Peoria, IL – Crusens Farmington Road
May 5 – Pensacola, FL – Wild Greg’s Saloon
May 6 – Lakeland, FL – Wild Greg’s Saloon
Luke Bryan Adds Dates To Las Vegas Resorts World Residency
/by Lorie HollabaughLuke Bryan performs at piano
Luke Bryan has added several dates to his upcoming 2023 Las Vegas residency “Luke Bryan: Vegas” at Resorts World Theatre inside Resorts World Las Vegas.
The residency kicks off in March, and six new dates in August and September have been added to the schedule on Aug. 30, Sept. 2-3, 6, 8, and 9. The announcement follows the success of Bryan’s first year of shows in February 2022 that welcomed hundreds of thousands of fans and sold-out crowds, and precedes his return to American Idol as season six debuts on the ABC Network this Sunday, (Feb. 19).
Tickets for the new shows will go on sale to the public this Friday, (Feb. 17). Tickets and a limited number of VIP packages are available at axs.com/lukeinvegas.
Liam St. John Inks With Warner Chappell & King Pen Music
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): Aidan Crowley (Legacy Content), Harrison Sokoloff (King Pen), Liam St. John, Kelly King (King Pen), Christina Wiltshire (WCM)
Blues singer-songwriter Liam St. John has signed a global publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music and King Pen Music.
St. John’s first single “Ozark,” made it onto Spotify’s Global Blues chart in 2021. A participant of NBC’s 19th season of The Voice, his 2022 debut album, Stripped Back, reached the No. 1 spot on Apple Music’s Global Top Blues Album chart. He followed the release up with a nationwide tour that wrapped with a sold-out show in Music City.
A Washington native, St. John splits his time between Nashville and Los Angeles.
“I was knocked out by Liam’s voice when I first heard it,” shares King Pen Music President Kelly King. “He is such a creative and unique artist with a vision like no other. His music brings a fresh new look on blues and rock in this world.”
Brent Anderson Signs With Spirit Music Nashville/Fluid Music Revolution
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R:) Cole Perry (Spirit Music Nashville), Kara Jackson (SMN), Brian Bradford (SMN), Kennedy Murphy (SMN), Michelle Davey (SMN), Mike Fiorentino (SMN), Brent Anderson, Derek Wells (SMN), AJ Burton (Fluid Music Revolution), Frank Rogers (Spirit Music Group), Elizabeth Lombardi (Milom, Crow, Kelley, Beckett, Shehan PLC)
Brent Anderson has signed a worldwide publishing deal with Spirit Music Nashville/Fluid Music Revolution.
A native of Pascagoula, Mississippi, Anderson started playing guitar at six years old. By the time he was ten, he was fronting his own three-piece band. At 17, his gift for songwriting caught the ear of Nashville and he signed his first songwriting deal. Anderson later signed with Sea Gayle/Arista Nashville and his debut album was produced by Frank Rogers.
Since moving to Nashville in 2005, Anderson has written songs cut by Brad Paisley, Dustin Lynch, Blake Shelton, Cole Swindell, Sheryl Crow, Florida Georgia Line, and Scotty McCreery, among others. Anderson co-wrote “Lonely Tonight” with Ryan Hurd, which hit No. 1 on the Country Airplay charts, and garnered a Grammy nomination for Best Country Duo/Group Performance.
He also co-produced Chris Janson’s album Buy Me a Boat and the 2017 single “Fix a Drink”—singing backing vocals and playing acoustic guitar on the track—as well as produced songs for Jameson Rodgers. His vocals and guitar playing have been featured on many artist projects as well, including for Rodgers, Lainey Wilson, and Brad Paisley.
Anderson’s new EP, Bloodline, was released in 2022 on Red Balloon Music, and a full length album titled Rearview Tennessee is slated for release this summer.
“We are thrilled to welcome Brent Anderson to the Spirit/Fluid family!” shares Rogers, Chief Creative Officer, Spirit Music Group/CEO, Spirit Music Nashville. “Brent is a world-class songwriter, singer, musician and producer who’s potential is truly limitless. We could not be more excited about partnering with Brent—this is going to be a lot of fun! Let’s go!”
“I have been a friend/fan of Brent and his songwriting for some time now,” adds AJ Burton, Vice President, Fluid Music Revolution. “Knowing his long history with Frank and after a couple of recent hangs, I knew I wanted him to be a part of Spirit Fluid to help build this next chapter of his career.”
“Working with Frank, and now AJ and the Spirit/Fluid team, is a full circle moment,” shares Anderson. “I’m really grateful to join forces with such a talented team of music publishers and excited about what the future will bring.”
Weekly Register: Morgan Wallen Infiltrates Charts With New Music
/by LB CantrellMorgan Wallen. Photo: David Lehr
Morgan Wallen is on the precipice of new music, with a 36-song album called One Thing At A Time due out in March.
Of the teasers he has released from the project, multiple tracks make up the top 10 on the country streaming charts this week. New song “Last Night” debuts at No. 1 on the country streaming songs chart and No. 4 all-genre, earning 26 million streams this week and 37 million RTD according to Luminate data.
Other Wallen songs in the top 10 include hits “Thought You Should Know,” “You Proof” and “Wasted On You,” as well as new songs “I Wrote The Book,” “One Thing At A Time” and “Everything I Love.”
Elsewhere on the country streaming songs chart is Zach Bryan‘s “Something In The Orange” at No. 2, Bailey Zimmerman‘s “Rock And A Hard Place” at No. 3 and Luke Combs‘ “The Kind Of Love We Make” at No. 9.
On the country albums chart, Wallen continues his reign at the top with Dangerous: The Double Album earning 46K in total consumption (1.4K album only/57 million song streams). He is followed by Shania Twain‘s new album Queen Of Me (38K in total consumption), Bryan’s American Heartbreak (32K), Hardy‘s The Mockingbird & The Crow (21K) and Zimmerman’s Leave The Light On (20K)
Kelsea Ballerini Unpacks Some Life Lessons On Intimate New EP ‘Rolling Up The Welcome Mat’
/by Lorie HollabaughKelsea Ballerini
Kelsea Ballerini is releasing a special new EP, Rolling Up The Welcome Mat, today (Feb. 14).
The Valentines gift for fans features an intimate set of songs that measures the most personal aspects of her last few years. Working with frequent collaborator Alysa Vanderheym, the pair co-produced and co-wrote three tracks on Rolling Up The Welcome Mat. Ballerini wrote the other three on her own, committed to sorting through her life completely on her own terms.
“I wasn’t worried about anything other than presenting the songs as honestly as possible,” says Ballerini. “Most of them started with me and my guitar. I was writing by myself for most of the project, and it was nice to trust myself again. The only way I’ve been able to handle my life since I was 12 was to write about it. Ironically, I started writing music because my parents got divorced; that was my therapy. Rolling Up The Welcome Mat was how I processed everything. It’s the way I got my feelings out of my body and heart and put them to music, which is the purest way I could’ve handled it.”
From the opening chords of the moody “Mountain With A View,” a whispery self-examination of doubt and letting go, to the realization of “Penthouse,” the churning “Blindsided,” and the vulnerability of “Leave Me Again,” the project refracts the reality of so many people who face what they were told they wanted turning out not to be what they truly desired in the end.
To accompany the new EP, Ballerini wrote and directed a short film alongside co-director Patrick Tracy that takes a deeper dive into the emotions that went into Rolling Up The Welcome Mat. Filmed in a white, minimalist environment, the film is available on YouTube.
Ballerini will launch the second leg of her “Heartfirst Tour” on March 6 in Toronto and will visit cities throughout the Midwest and East Coast, closing out on March 18 in Pittsburgh.