Zach Bryan Notches 15 Consecutive Weeks At No. 1 On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart

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Zach Bryan. Photo: Rachael Polack

Zach Bryan notches his fifteenth consecutive week at the peak of the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart this week.

The red hot singer-songwriter has five of his own tracks currently at play on the chart, including “Something In The Orange,” “Oklahoma Smokeshow,” “Sun To Me,” “The Good I’ll Do” and “Burn, Burn, Burn.” Since he is the sole writer on each of the tunes, Bryan receives all of the points earned from airplay, digital download track sales and streams on the Songwriter Chart.

This week on the chart, there are no changes until the No. 8 spot, which means that Morgan Wallen (No. 2), Ashley Gorley (No. 3), Ernest Keith Smith (No. 4) and Luke Combs (No. 5) all keep their spots in the top five.

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.

Patra Sinner Joins Symphonic Distribution As General Counsel

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Patra Sinner

Independent music distributor Symphonic Distribution has added Patra Sinner as General Counsel, where she will advise the company’s senior management team on both internal and external legal needs.

Sinner will be responsible for managing and negotiating partner contracts, including DSPs, industry organizations, contractors, record labels, ambassadors and artists. Based in Charlotte, she spends consistent time in Symphonic’s Nashville and Tampa offices as well as other locations where they have footprints, clients and partners.

The Co-Founder of Vista 22, a Nashville-based artist management, distribution and label services company, she is also a Professional Member of The Recording Academy, has appeared on news and radio outlets as a legal consultant and has written on a variety of legal topics. Throughout her 20-plus year career, Sinner has gained experience in artist management, booking, media and radio. She is licensed in Tennessee, South Carolina and North Carolina.

“I am looking forward to being a strategic partner in supporting Symphonic’s continued rapid growth trajectory,” Sinner notes. “Each of our business units is like a micro-client to me under the umbrella of Symphonic and I aim to be a vital part of providing guidance on their respective initiatives which keeps my scope of projects and contacts diverse. There is dynamic energy in what we can accomplish together.”

“I am extremely happy to have Patra on board as our General Counsel. Bringing her on board at this time is crucial to the long-term success of Symphonic and will further ensure that custom partnerships can be forged where both sides can benefit,” adds Symphonic CEO, Jorge Brea.

Artist Manager Aaron Sawyer Joins Triple 8 Management

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Aaron Sawyer. Photo: Ashtin Paige

Aaron Sawyer has joined Triple 8 Management as artist manager. With him, he brings longtime colleague and associate manager Hannah Boren to the company.

Sawyer joins Triple 8 after a seven-year stint with Red Light Management, expanding the T8 artist roster to include Madison Cunningham, I’m With Her, Julian Lage, Melt, Sean and Sara Watkins, and Watkins Family Hour.

“Aaron Sawyer has been a trusted friend for at least 15 years, and Hannah and I have known each other since her time at Noisetrade in 2014,” shares Triple 8 partner Paul Steele. “I cannot say enough kind things about these people and am honored they have decided Triple 8 is the right place for them to be. I have never been more excited about our future than I am today, and Aaron and Hannah are a big part of that.”

“We’re really proud that Triple 8 is known for being a collaborative and creative environment where everyone in the company is willing to raise a hand and help across teams and departments,” notes Triple 8 Management founding partner George Couri. “Aaron and Hannah embody those qualities and compliment the team perfectly. We are thrilled to welcome them to our organization. We are lucky to have them.”

“I’ve long admired the company George and Paul have built over the years, as well as their all-hands approach to management and ability to look at every minute detail to foster enduring artist growth and development,” Sawyer adds. “Paul and I nearly joined forces in 2015, so when the opportunity to join him arose again, it felt kismet.”

BMG Promotes JoJamie Hahr To EVP, Recorded Music – Nashville

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JoJamie Hahr. Photo: Cody Heckber

BMG announced the elevation of JoJamie Hahr to Executive Vice President Recorded Music – Nashville. In her new role, Hahr will oversee day-to-day operations of BMG Recorded Music in Nashville, including BBR Label Group and its roster and imprints Broken Bow Records, Stoney Creek Records, and Wheelhouse Records. She will continue reporting to President of BMG Nashville, Jon Loba.

Hahr was promoted to SVP of BBR Music Group in 2020, where she oversaw all artist project strategy, brand partnerships, strategic marketing, as well as digital and creative efforts for each of the BBR Music Group’s three imprints. She has been with the company for eight years, previously serving as VP of Promotion, and then VP of Marketing. Prior to joining the BBR team, Hahr served as the National Director of Field Promotion for The Valory Music Co., after being promoted from Dir. of SE Promotion and Marketing. Her 20 years in the industry include stops at UMG, WSIX and WWKA.

“I’ve had the good fortune to work with JoJamie for a significant part of her professional life. Whenever she has been given a new opportunity for growth, she has not only met, but exceeded my high expectations,” shares Loba. “She is one of the very best music executives in the industry and this promotion recognizes her many contributions, while at the same time giving her the opportunity to help further grow BMG Nashville, where I have no doubt, she will once again exceed our expectations.”

“It’s a privilege and a blessing to work with our extraordinary artists and our BMG family every day,” adds Hahr. “Jon Loba has always encouraged my passion and my growth and I’m thankful for his belief in me. BMG truly puts artists and their music first, and I’m extremely proud of what we all continue to build together in Nashville and beyond.”

Under Hahr’s tenure, superstar Jason Aldean has achieved ACM Entertainer of the Year three times, has been named the ACM Artist of the Decade, and recently tallied his 27th No. 1. In the past year, Broken Bow Records was named the Country Aircheck/Mediabase No. 1 airplay label for country music, Dustin Lynch notched his eighth No. 1, and the label saw a breakout year for Lainey Wilson with wins at the 2022 CMA Awards for Female Vocalist of the Year and New Artist of the Year. She also claimed ACM New Female Artist of the Year and ACM Song of the Year, as well as the iHeartRadio Award for Best New Country Artist and CMT’s 2022 Breakout Artist of the Year honor. Jelly Roll notched a No. 1 at rock and country and has spent an outstanding 22 weeks atop the Billboard Emerging Artists chart.

Hahr is a member of CMA, ACM and the CCMA’s and is a graduate of Leadership Music. She was honored in MusicRow‘s Rising Women on the Row class of 2022.

Congratulate Hahr at jojamie@bbrmusicgroup.com.

Eric Church Adds A Handful Of New Shows To ‘Outsiders Revival Tour’

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Photo: Anthony D’Angio

Due to overwhelming demand, Eric Church has added eight new shows to his “Outsiders Revival Tour” this summer.

In addition to the 27 originally-announced shows, Church will also bring the outdoor experience–his first open-air trek in more than a decade–to newly-added Charleston, South Carolina; Toronto, Ontario; Rogers, Arkansas; Orange Beach, Alabama; Saratoga Springs, New York; George, Washington; Atlanta, Georgia and Charlotte, North Carolina.

Joining Church across varying dates on the tour will be Whiskey Myers, Cody Jinks, Jelly Roll, Ashley McBryde, Koe Wetzel, Lainey Wilson, Midland, Parker McCollum, Travis Tritt, Elle King and Paul Cauthen, plus Jackson Dean, Morgan Wade, Muscadine Bloodline, Shane Smith & The Saints, Hailey Whitters, Ray Wylie Hubbard and The Red Clay Strays.

The newly added dates will go on sale Friday, Jan. 27 via Ticketmaster. Pre-sale access will be available to Church Choir members starting tomorrow (Jan. 24).

Newly Added “The Outsiders Revival Tour” Dates:
June 29 – Charleston, S.C. / Credit One Stadium – Ashley McBryde, The Red Clay Strays
July 6 – Toronto, Ontario / Budweiser Stage – Koe Wetzel, Shane Smith & The Saints
July 27 – Rogers, Ark. / Walmart AMP – Midland, Ray Wylie Hubbard
Aug. 17 – Orange Beach, Ala. / The Wharf Amphitheater – Lainey Wilson, Jackson Dean
Aug. 24 – Sarasota Springs, N.Y. / Saratoga Performing Arts Center – Lainey Wilson, The Red Clay Strays
Sept. 10 – George, Wash. / Gorge Amphitheatre – Jelly Roll, Hailey Whitters
Sept. 21 – Atlanta, Ga. / Ameris Bank Amphitheatre – Whiskey Myers
Sept. 24 – Charlotte, N.C. / PNC Music Pavilion – Whiskey Myers

Kelsey Hart Signs With Curb Records

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Pictured (L-R, top row): Curb | Word Music Publishing VP, Country Publishing & Creative Colt Murski and Curb Records SVP, Promotion RJ Meacham; (L-R, bottom row): Curb Records VP, A&R Ciara Shortridge; Kelsey Hart; Brackin Law’s Josh Brackin; and Curb Records SVP, Marketing & Creative Jeff Tuerff

Singer-songwriter Kelsey Hart has signed with Curb Records.

The Kentucky native is already a member of the Curb family, signing to Curb | Word Music Publishing two years ago and penning songs recorded by Jake Owen, Dylan Scott and Trace Adkins, among others.

Hart landed his first gig at 19 as the lead singer of a local country band, and garnered his first album cut in 2017. Upon moving to Nashville, he established himself as a sought-after co-writer, vocalist and artist on the rise. He has already amassed nearly four million streams with a handful of tracks he released independently.

In partnership with Curb, Hart has already released two originals–“Forget To Remember You” and “My Daddy’s Fault.” This Friday (Jan. 27), he’ll release his new breakup track, “6-Pack Gone.”

“We are proud to continue our wonderful relationship with Kelsey Hart,” shares Curb Records Chairman Mike Curb. “We are excited to welcome him to the roster as a recording artist and look forward to the future.”

“The most important thing to me as an artist has always been to stay true to myself and create music I believe in,” adds Hart. “Curb Records shares that vision and has built a team that I’m honored to officially be a part of. This is just the beginning and I’m looking forward to many years of creating and sharing my music with y’all.”

Grayscale Marketing Ups Jason Zinser To VP, Communication

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Jason Zinser

Nashville-based event marketing and communication services company, Grayscale Marketing, has elevated Jason Zinser to Vice President of Communication. He rises from his former position of Director of Communications & Marketing.

Zinser joined the Grayscale team in June of 2021 and has worked directly with 28 clients, helping drive over 300,000 event ticket sales representing  Cheyenne Frontier Days, Nebraska State Fair, Twin Cities Music Fest and more.

“Jason, in the role as Director of Communications, consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership, strategic thinking, kindness and creativity. He’s an undeniable expert in his field,” shares CEO of Grayscale Marketing, Tim Gray. “Since hired he has successfully executed numerous high-impact internal and external campaigns that have resulted in significant growth for the firm. Jason is a team player and always goes above and beyond to ensure the success of the company. I am confident that he will excel in his new role of VP.”

“I am truly proud to be continuing my work with and in service of the fantastic team at Grayscale Marketing,” Zinser adds. “[This] is a special place made that way by very special people. I am greatly looking forward to serving under and alongside GEM’s leadership and partnering with wonderful clients nation-wide, to help ensure Grayscale and her partners shine with heightened distinction as leaders in the marketing space.”

Brooks & Dunn Extend Their ‘Reboot Tour’ Into 2023 With New Arena Dates

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Brooks & Dunn are extending their “Reboot Tour” into 2023 with 17 new shows at arenas around the country. Scotty McCreery will open the dates.

Kicking off in Kansas City on May 4, the nationwide tour will make stops in Ft. Worth, Birmingham, Little Rock, Orlando, and more before wrapping in Greensboro, North Carolina on June 17.

“Last year, you all reminded us just how much fun it is to walk out on that stage and share the night with ya,” the duo’s Kix Brooks shares. “We love what we do, but we’re just surfing your wave… can’t wait!!”

“The Brooks and Dunn posse rides again,” adds Ronnie Dunn. “More excited to hit the big stage as we ever have been! Unbelievable band of friends.… annnnnd YOU! Together, let’s rock the house!!”

Tickets go on sale Jan. 27 at brooks-dunn.com and livenation.com. VIP Packages are also available, which include premium tickets, an invitation to the Neon Lounge, an exclusive signed poster, a VIP merchandise gift, and more.

The duo’s recently released collaboration project, Reboot, debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums, marking the first time they have topped the charts since 2009. They also simultaneously earned their 10th Billboard 200 Top 10 album–the most of any country duo or group in the chart’s history.  In 2019, Brooks & Dunn were inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in the Modern Era Artist category.

“Reboot 2023 Tour” Dates:
Thu May 04 – Kansas City, MO – T – Mobile Center
Fri May 05 – Oklahoma City, OK – Paycom Center
Sat May 06 – Ft. Worth, TX – Dickies Arena
Thu May 11 – Lexington, KY – Rupp Arena
Fri May 12 – Pittsburgh, PA – PPG Paints Arena
Sat May 13 – Buffalo, NY – KeyBank Center
Thu May 18 – Birmingham, AL – Legacy Arena at The BJCC
Fri May 19 – Biloxi, MS – Mississippi Coast Coliseum
Sat May 20 – Little Rock, AR – Simmons Bank Arena
Thu Jun 01 – Omaha, NE – CHI Health Center
Fri Jun 02 – Sioux Falls, SD – Denny Sanford PREMIER Center
Sat Jun 03 – St. Paul, MN – Xcel Energy Center
Thu Jun 08 – Duluth, GA – Gas South Arena+
Sat Jun 10 – Orlando, FL – Amway Center
Thu June 15 – Mt. Pleasant, MI – Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort*
Fri Jun 16 – Columbus, OH – Nationwide Arena
Sat Jun 17 – Greensboro, NC – Greensboro Coliseum
*Not a Live Nation Date
+On Sale Friday, February 3

Jimmie Allen, Brandi Carlile, More Set To Perform At 2023 MusiCares Persons Of The Year Tribute

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Brandi Carlile, Sheryl Crow, John Legend, and more are set to perform at the upcoming 32nd annual MusiCares Persons of the Year benefit gala honoring Berry Gordy and Smokey Robinson on Feb. 3.

Taking place days before the Grammy Awards telecast, the gala will also feature performances from current Grammy award nominees Jimmie Allen, Samara Joy, Molly Tuttle, Sebastián Yatra and Chloe x Halle; Grammy award-winning artist and 2019 Recording Academy Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Dionne Warwick; previous nominee and 2019 Trustees Award recipient Valerie Simpson; previous nominees and 2009 Recording Academy Lifetime Achievement Award recipients the Four Tops; as well as additional appearances from Lalah Hathaway, the Isley Brothers, Michael McDonald, PJ Morton, Mumford & Sons, Lionel Richie, the Temptations, Trombone Shorty and Rita Wilson.

This year’s tribute will be held at the Los Angeles Convention Center and includes a reception and silent auction, followed by a dinner and the concert. Performers will pay tribute to the individual musical legacies created by Gordy and Robinson, as well as the music they created together during their decades-long friendship.

“We’re bringing together such a unique lineup of artists not only to pay tribute to Mr. Gordy, Mr. Robinson and Motown, but also to raise awareness of the critical health and social service needs within the music community,” shares Laura Segura, Executive Director of MusiCares. “The funds raised from Persons of the Year will allow MusiCares to continue to provide vital services throughout the year to the music community and continue to serve those who make the songs and events we all love possible.”

“I am so excited to share the always wonderful MusiCares event with my best friend Smokey Robinson and I can’t wait to hear these wonderful artists celebrate the Motown music,” notes Berry Gordy, founder of Motown.

“I’m so excited for this year’s MusiCares lineup,” adds Robinson. “These artists are my friends and I not only love them, but I’m honored that they will be performing my music, along with hits from the Motown catalogue.”

Proceeds from the event will provide support for MusiCares, the music charity providing music professionals health and human services across a spectrum of needs.

MacKenzie Porter Inks With CAA [Exclusive]

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Pictured (L-R): Bennett Beckner (CAA), Jeff Krones (CAA), MacKenzie Porter, Greg Thompson (Partner/President, Big Loud Management), Drew Magid (Manager, Big Loud Management). Photo: Brayln Kelly

Big Loud singer-songwriter MacKenzie Porter has inked with CAA for booking representation.

The Canadian-born and Nashville-based artist made quite the introduction in 2021 with her six-week No. 1 with Dustin Lynch, “Thinking ‘Bout You,” and followed it up with an impressive 2022 that saw her garner award nominations, a CMA Fest main stage debut, a rigorous touring schedule and more.

Porter has continued to release standout hits, such as “Pickup,” “About You” and “These Days,” with her full-length, debut album slated for release early this year. She made her Grand Ole Opry debut in late 2021 and was the only female nominated for Favorite Country Song at the 2022 American Music Awards.

Named the 2022 MusicRow Discovery Artist of the Year this past summer, Porter has also earned seven CCMA nominations in just the last two years alone, including a nod for Entertainer of the Year.

A member of CMT’s Next Women of Country Class of 2021, Porter previously starred as an actress in cult-followed sci-fi television series Travelers, and has toured the globe opening for Blake Shelton, Kenny Chesney, Walker Hayes, Jordan Davis, Brad Paisley, Chris Lane, Dallas Smith and Rascal Flatts.

“I am so excited to call CAA my new home,” shares Porter. “We have been building the perfect team, and it feels complete with Jeff [Krones] and Bennett [Beckner] joining the family. We will have new music coming this year, and I can’t wait to work alongside CAA to bring it to the stage!”