(Reprinted from the MusicRow 2022 InCharge Print Issue, published April, 2022.)
One of my favorite articles from the MusicRow publication archives is an article written in 1983 by the magazine’s founder, David Ross, entitled “The Computer Is Coming.” I love thinking about how different the world and our music industry was back then and how people on Music Row must have felt reading that piece. The article gave a detailed account of personal computers, the benefits, and their pending arrival in the music industry while predicting disruption to the industry’s normal way of doing business. Perhaps 40 years from now, someone will also think back on this article in a similar serendipitous way, imagining a time before the world had fully immersed itself into the metaverse.
While most people have probably heard the term by now, let’s first discuss exactly what it means. The metaverse is simply a virtual reality world.
Yep, it’s that simple. While the technology is very complicated, the definition doesn’t have to be. In fact, many have already been exposed to fundamental elements of the metaverse by playing simulated three dimensional reality games using controllers. These online games display many of the components of the metaverse, such as detailed graphics, social communication, controlled movements, ecosystems, etc. We are so early in this new technology though, some would argue that the metaverse hasn’t arrived yet. I would argue that it has. But since we are in the early stages of its development, it can be hard to understand its usefulness.
Naysayers, I feel you. I know first hand how difficult new technology and its future utility can be to understand. Were you around when the internet first arrived? I was. And I remember the first time I experienced the internet.
The Computer Is Coming article, written by MusicRow magazine founder David Ross, was featured in the May, 1983 print issue of MusicRow.
In the late 1980s, I lived in a small one-bedroom apartment in Dallas, Texas where I worked for Arthur Andersen & Co. as a financial auditor. A friend of mine showed me how you could potentially use the internet to book a plane ticket. The world was buzzing about the internet, much like the world is buzzing about the metaverse today, and everyone was talking about how this new technology would change our lives. There were no websites yet and rudimentary computers could only display text, numbers and symbols in amber and green colors. At that time, the internet was basically just a “connection” to another computer, such as a company’s mainframe computer. You could use passwords and user credentials to log in, and if you knew all the alphanumeric codes and how to communicate with the other computer, you could book an airline ticket. It was an extremely complicated process.
Although I was somewhat tech savvy at the time, having paid for my college as a part-time computer programmer, it required both the knowledge of a travel agent who knew all the codes and a computer guru that could use the system. As my friend showed me how to use the internet, I vividly remember thinking, “This cyberspace thing is a joke. How is this better than calling the airline to book your flight? Why would anyone ever use this?”
Lesson learned.
I learned not to let my simple understanding of something’s usefulness today prevent me from understanding its potential usefulness tomorrow. A lesson I still use to this day. And that is perhaps why I’m so excited and optimistic about the metaverse. Unlike when I first saw the internet in the late 1980s and completely dismissed it, I can see what’s coming with the metaverse and I can hardly shut up about it.
One important thing to point out first is that there is not a single metaverse. Just like in the real world where there are many different places, buildings, cities, countries, etc., in the virtual world, there are many different metaverses. So when someone mentions “the metaverse,” it’s not just one virtual place. Facebook has a metaverse but there are also decentralized metaverses that are not owned by a company. Decentraland and The Sandbox are two of the most popular decentralized metaverses. Decentralized metaverses reside on the blockchain and what makes them attractive to many is that they are not controlled by a corporation.
In fact, it will be interesting to see if the term, “metaverse,” sticks around or if another term takes its place. Keep in mind, in the early days, the internet was referred to as “cyberspace.”
Now that you know that the metaverse is simply a virtual reality world, what can you do there?
Eventually, you will be able to do almost everything that you can do in the real world. That’s what makes it so intriguing and why I’m convinced that it will have a significant impact on our lives. I believe the metaverse will one day replace the internet and using the internet will be as outdated as sending a fax today. But I’m getting ahead of myself, I’ll save my predictions for the end.
First, let’s talk about what you can do today, because as I mentioned earlier, I believe the metaverse has already arrived. It’s just a bit clunky right now, kind of like booking an airline ticket using the internet in the late 1980s. But there are many things you can do in the metaverse today. You can select your avatar by choosing your gender, skin tone, hair color, body shape, etc. just like you do in an online video game. Your appearance more closely resembles a player in Nintendo Wii Sports than a real person, but remember this is the beginning. You can slowly move around or quickly transport your way from one location to another. Beyond playing games, you can gesture, speak and respond to others, and even dance. You can throw paper airplanes, touch other virtual objects and watch videos.
With many of the table games in Las Vegas already led by virtual dealers on display screens, it probably comes as no surprise that gambling has earned a strong foothold in the metaverse. The Decentral Games casino in Decentraland has reportedly earned $7.5 million in the last three months. The casino with up to 6,000 users every day, makes up more than 30 percent of Decentraland’s total daily users according to reports.
You can do all these things today in the metaverse and much more. But how exactly do you get there?
The single best way to enter the metaverse today is by using the Oculus Quest 2 VR headset. Some people will direct you to watching YouTube videos to see the metaverse, and while that may be educational, in my opinion, that does not qualify as entering the metaverse. Keep in mind that in 2014, Facebook, now known as Meta, purchased Oculus for $2 billion. Therefore, the Oculus Quest headset allows you to only enter the metaverses that Meta will allow you to access. Regardless, at this stage of development, their VR headset is the best “portal” to enter and experience the metaverse today, in my opinion.
The bulky VR headsets of today will quickly become no heavier than a pair of glasses. I remember when cell phones first came onto the market and they were very large, bulky and cumbersome. I also remember my first portable computer, the Compaq Portable. I slugged it around on planes in the 1980s on business trips. Admittedly, I thought I was cool as shit, man-handling that 50 pound block of plastic and steel up and down the tarmac. So don’t be deterred by the clunkiness of today’s VR headsets. They will improve very quickly until they are simply no more intrusive than a pair of sunglasses. You’ve seen The Matrix, right?
Almost everything you can do in real life, you will eventually be able to do in the metaverse. You can move around, communicate with others, and own land or digital property such as non-fungible tokens (NFTs). You can also use virtual currency in the metaverse to purchase things or experiences. In a video game, you can interact with others or objects, but in the metaverse, you are interacting in a life.
Whether attending concerts or A&R meetings, the music industry is primed for a significant spot in the metaverse. The use of Zoom calls during the pandemic accelerated our understanding of engaging remotely, but they didn’t adequately replace the benefits of in-person meetings. But in the metaverse, everyone’s face will not be restricted to a thumbnail box on a screen, but rather we will be sitting around a virtual conference room table, communicating with each other, sharing reports, and doing pretty much everything we do in real life. When we look back, I think we’ll see that nothing propelled the development of the metaverse more than the world being thrown into a global pandemic where remote working and living became, for a while, the common method of engagement. It’s also this experience of living through a pandemic that prepared us for accepting a future life in the metaverse whether we are ready to admit that or not.
Concerts and other entertainment experiences will change significantly in how they are produced and the metaverse will open up opportunities that just aren’t feasible in the real world. The metaverse will significantly expand the intersection of gaming and music. While gaming may be considered the “gateway” of this new world, once more of our lives move to it, the number of new opportunities for marketing and distribution of music is almost unfathomable. From gaming and sports to night clubs and concerts, the virtual world presents an endless opportunity for music interaction.
Music consumption will be an important factor. How will record labels and DSPs navigate the use of music in this new format? Hopefully the industry will learn from the mistakes it made when music first became digitized and will not only embrace this new frontier but help develop it. I recall in the ‘90s when the industry decided to fight the initial downloading of digital music rather than see it as a new method of music distribution and revenue streams. The industry is still catching up and having to fight for its fair share. I expect this time, our industry will claim its stake early.
In fact, earlier this year, The Sandbox announced it had partnered with Warner Music Group to create a music-themed world in the metaverse. Described as a combination of a music theme park and concert venue, the Warner Music Group LAND in The Sandbox will feature WMG’s leading roster of artists. This is The Sandbox’s first deal with a major music company and I expect there will be many more to follow.
Admittedly, my predictions are bold. It will be interesting to see how they age, but I have no doubt the metaverse will one day hold a very dominant position in our daily life. I believe the metaverse will eventually be indistinguishable from real life. It will replace much of what we do and make the internet obsolete.
Meta may have the first-mover advantage but there are many companies, some of which could be argued as better positioned, that are coming for the same space including Microsoft, Disney, Epic Games and other lesser known names. Major battles for space and dominance will play out amongst the large players in the metaverse. We’ll see a repeat of what happened to both the digital music and social media spaces. Previously dominant names such as Napster, Limewire, Myspace, Vine and many others are seldom mentioned today. The same thing will happen in the metaverse space.
I expect the VR headsets to one day resemble lightweight smart glasses and they will be the first of many wearable devices to enter the metaverse. If you’ve seen the movie Avatar, scientists were able to explore Pandora’s remote biosphere by using an interface to control and animate the avatar body from an enclosed capsule. While I don’t expect us to be climbing into capsules anytime soon, I do expect wearable technology to help advance the VR experience. In fact, a Sony-backed Japanese start-up company called H2L Technologies just released information about their work on creating real-life pain experiences for the metaverse. The wearable device, a metaverse wristband, will be used alongside a VR headset. While no one wants to willingly endure pain, it’s extremely valuable feedback we use to navigate and protect us in the real world. It will have a similar use in the metaverse. I expect there will be other wearable devices to offer other sensory experiences such as cold, heat, pleasure, etc. These types of wearables would allow you to feel coolness on your skin when skiing down the slopes of Aspen or the heat from pyrotechnics erupting from the stage of your favorite artist’s concert.
There will also be NFT wearables to dress one’s avatar. Selfridges, a London department store, just announced that it would be opening the “first meta department store” with its first virtual store being located in the Decentraland metaverse. And not unlike in the real world, recognizable brands such as Dolce & Gabbana and Tommy Hilfiger will have a presence and are already promoting their digital products for avatars to wear.
Admittedly, the metaverse isn’t ready for prime time today, but it’s coming very quickly. For the average person working in our music industry, there are two actionable items I encourage you to do. First, embrace that change is coming. If you think about it, we’ve already proven that we are willing to participate in it once it’s ready. Here is the case in point: how many social interactions with people have you made this week? Now, how many of those were virtual by either using social media, email, or text, compared to how many of those that were in person physically? It’s easy to see we are already on that path of virtual acceptability once the hardware and software are developed and ready.
Second, now is the best time to learn and understand the metaverse because we are so early in this new frontier. The metaverse will initially become very fragmented as major companies try to stake their claim in this new dimension giving us plenty of opportunities to experience, explore, and learn. There are definitely benefits to being first to market and an early adopter.
Massive amounts of money are already flowing into this space, making headlines with virtual property and NFT purchases in the millions. However, I believe many of these headline-grabbing endeavors may not result in fruitful investments. Technology moves so quickly in infancy. I remember when Infoseek was the dominant search engine on the internet. Everyone used it. And when Google first arrived, their guerrilla marketing street teams gave out tee shirts on Santa Monica Blvd in West Hollywood. I walked out of a restaurant one night in Los Angeles, took the tee shirt they handed me and thought, “That’s a funny name,” having no idea the impact Google would eventually have on my life. No one knows who is going to win in the long term so learn all you can now so you can make wise decisions for you and your team in the future. Using a VR headset is the best way to experience the metaverse. That’s when you really “get it” and are able to see the many opportunities ahead and the exciting path it will take us.
I definitely don’t have a crystal ball, but if you’re still skeptical, keep in mind that Mark Zuckerberg is betting his entire company on the metaverse. He changed his company’s name from Facebook to Meta, refers to his employees as Metamates, and has already invested $10 billion into the metaverse. Plus, he doesn’t need your permission to bring you along. You’re already logged in.
See you in the metaverse.
The Metaverse Is Coming: Are You Ready?
/by Sherod Robertson(Reprinted from the MusicRow 2022 InCharge Print Issue, published April, 2022.)
One of my favorite articles from the MusicRow publication archives is an article written in 1983 by the magazine’s founder, David Ross, entitled “The Computer Is Coming.” I love thinking about how different the world and our music industry was back then and how people on Music Row must have felt reading that piece. The article gave a detailed account of personal computers, the benefits, and their pending arrival in the music industry while predicting disruption to the industry’s normal way of doing business. Perhaps 40 years from now, someone will also think back on this article in a similar serendipitous way, imagining a time before the world had fully immersed itself into the metaverse.
While most people have probably heard the term by now, let’s first discuss exactly what it means. The metaverse is simply a virtual reality world.
Yep, it’s that simple. While the technology is very complicated, the definition doesn’t have to be. In fact, many have already been exposed to fundamental elements of the metaverse by playing simulated three dimensional reality games using controllers. These online games display many of the components of the metaverse, such as detailed graphics, social communication, controlled movements, ecosystems, etc. We are so early in this new technology though, some would argue that the metaverse hasn’t arrived yet. I would argue that it has. But since we are in the early stages of its development, it can be hard to understand its usefulness.
Naysayers, I feel you. I know first hand how difficult new technology and its future utility can be to understand. Were you around when the internet first arrived? I was. And I remember the first time I experienced the internet.
The Computer Is Coming article, written by MusicRow magazine founder David Ross, was featured in the May, 1983 print issue of MusicRow.
In the late 1980s, I lived in a small one-bedroom apartment in Dallas, Texas where I worked for Arthur Andersen & Co. as a financial auditor. A friend of mine showed me how you could potentially use the internet to book a plane ticket. The world was buzzing about the internet, much like the world is buzzing about the metaverse today, and everyone was talking about how this new technology would change our lives. There were no websites yet and rudimentary computers could only display text, numbers and symbols in amber and green colors. At that time, the internet was basically just a “connection” to another computer, such as a company’s mainframe computer. You could use passwords and user credentials to log in, and if you knew all the alphanumeric codes and how to communicate with the other computer, you could book an airline ticket. It was an extremely complicated process.
Although I was somewhat tech savvy at the time, having paid for my college as a part-time computer programmer, it required both the knowledge of a travel agent who knew all the codes and a computer guru that could use the system. As my friend showed me how to use the internet, I vividly remember thinking, “This cyberspace thing is a joke. How is this better than calling the airline to book your flight? Why would anyone ever use this?”
Lesson learned.
I learned not to let my simple understanding of something’s usefulness today prevent me from understanding its potential usefulness tomorrow. A lesson I still use to this day. And that is perhaps why I’m so excited and optimistic about the metaverse. Unlike when I first saw the internet in the late 1980s and completely dismissed it, I can see what’s coming with the metaverse and I can hardly shut up about it.
One important thing to point out first is that there is not a single metaverse. Just like in the real world where there are many different places, buildings, cities, countries, etc., in the virtual world, there are many different metaverses. So when someone mentions “the metaverse,” it’s not just one virtual place. Facebook has a metaverse but there are also decentralized metaverses that are not owned by a company. Decentraland and The Sandbox are two of the most popular decentralized metaverses. Decentralized metaverses reside on the blockchain and what makes them attractive to many is that they are not controlled by a corporation.
In fact, it will be interesting to see if the term, “metaverse,” sticks around or if another term takes its place. Keep in mind, in the early days, the internet was referred to as “cyberspace.”
Now that you know that the metaverse is simply a virtual reality world, what can you do there?
Eventually, you will be able to do almost everything that you can do in the real world. That’s what makes it so intriguing and why I’m convinced that it will have a significant impact on our lives. I believe the metaverse will one day replace the internet and using the internet will be as outdated as sending a fax today. But I’m getting ahead of myself, I’ll save my predictions for the end.
First, let’s talk about what you can do today, because as I mentioned earlier, I believe the metaverse has already arrived. It’s just a bit clunky right now, kind of like booking an airline ticket using the internet in the late 1980s. But there are many things you can do in the metaverse today. You can select your avatar by choosing your gender, skin tone, hair color, body shape, etc. just like you do in an online video game. Your appearance more closely resembles a player in Nintendo Wii Sports than a real person, but remember this is the beginning. You can slowly move around or quickly transport your way from one location to another. Beyond playing games, you can gesture, speak and respond to others, and even dance. You can throw paper airplanes, touch other virtual objects and watch videos.
With many of the table games in Las Vegas already led by virtual dealers on display screens, it probably comes as no surprise that gambling has earned a strong foothold in the metaverse. The Decentral Games casino in Decentraland has reportedly earned $7.5 million in the last three months. The casino with up to 6,000 users every day, makes up more than 30 percent of Decentraland’s total daily users according to reports.
You can do all these things today in the metaverse and much more. But how exactly do you get there?
The single best way to enter the metaverse today is by using the Oculus Quest 2 VR headset. Some people will direct you to watching YouTube videos to see the metaverse, and while that may be educational, in my opinion, that does not qualify as entering the metaverse. Keep in mind that in 2014, Facebook, now known as Meta, purchased Oculus for $2 billion. Therefore, the Oculus Quest headset allows you to only enter the metaverses that Meta will allow you to access. Regardless, at this stage of development, their VR headset is the best “portal” to enter and experience the metaverse today, in my opinion.
The bulky VR headsets of today will quickly become no heavier than a pair of glasses. I remember when cell phones first came onto the market and they were very large, bulky and cumbersome. I also remember my first portable computer, the Compaq Portable. I slugged it around on planes in the 1980s on business trips. Admittedly, I thought I was cool as shit, man-handling that 50 pound block of plastic and steel up and down the tarmac. So don’t be deterred by the clunkiness of today’s VR headsets. They will improve very quickly until they are simply no more intrusive than a pair of sunglasses. You’ve seen The Matrix, right?
Almost everything you can do in real life, you will eventually be able to do in the metaverse. You can move around, communicate with others, and own land or digital property such as non-fungible tokens (NFTs). You can also use virtual currency in the metaverse to purchase things or experiences. In a video game, you can interact with others or objects, but in the metaverse, you are interacting in a life.
Whether attending concerts or A&R meetings, the music industry is primed for a significant spot in the metaverse. The use of Zoom calls during the pandemic accelerated our understanding of engaging remotely, but they didn’t adequately replace the benefits of in-person meetings. But in the metaverse, everyone’s face will not be restricted to a thumbnail box on a screen, but rather we will be sitting around a virtual conference room table, communicating with each other, sharing reports, and doing pretty much everything we do in real life. When we look back, I think we’ll see that nothing propelled the development of the metaverse more than the world being thrown into a global pandemic where remote working and living became, for a while, the common method of engagement. It’s also this experience of living through a pandemic that prepared us for accepting a future life in the metaverse whether we are ready to admit that or not.
Concerts and other entertainment experiences will change significantly in how they are produced and the metaverse will open up opportunities that just aren’t feasible in the real world. The metaverse will significantly expand the intersection of gaming and music. While gaming may be considered the “gateway” of this new world, once more of our lives move to it, the number of new opportunities for marketing and distribution of music is almost unfathomable. From gaming and sports to night clubs and concerts, the virtual world presents an endless opportunity for music interaction.
Music consumption will be an important factor. How will record labels and DSPs navigate the use of music in this new format? Hopefully the industry will learn from the mistakes it made when music first became digitized and will not only embrace this new frontier but help develop it. I recall in the ‘90s when the industry decided to fight the initial downloading of digital music rather than see it as a new method of music distribution and revenue streams. The industry is still catching up and having to fight for its fair share. I expect this time, our industry will claim its stake early.
In fact, earlier this year, The Sandbox announced it had partnered with Warner Music Group to create a music-themed world in the metaverse. Described as a combination of a music theme park and concert venue, the Warner Music Group LAND in The Sandbox will feature WMG’s leading roster of artists. This is The Sandbox’s first deal with a major music company and I expect there will be many more to follow.
Admittedly, my predictions are bold. It will be interesting to see how they age, but I have no doubt the metaverse will one day hold a very dominant position in our daily life. I believe the metaverse will eventually be indistinguishable from real life. It will replace much of what we do and make the internet obsolete.
Meta may have the first-mover advantage but there are many companies, some of which could be argued as better positioned, that are coming for the same space including Microsoft, Disney, Epic Games and other lesser known names. Major battles for space and dominance will play out amongst the large players in the metaverse. We’ll see a repeat of what happened to both the digital music and social media spaces. Previously dominant names such as Napster, Limewire, Myspace, Vine and many others are seldom mentioned today. The same thing will happen in the metaverse space.
I expect the VR headsets to one day resemble lightweight smart glasses and they will be the first of many wearable devices to enter the metaverse. If you’ve seen the movie Avatar, scientists were able to explore Pandora’s remote biosphere by using an interface to control and animate the avatar body from an enclosed capsule. While I don’t expect us to be climbing into capsules anytime soon, I do expect wearable technology to help advance the VR experience. In fact, a Sony-backed Japanese start-up company called H2L Technologies just released information about their work on creating real-life pain experiences for the metaverse. The wearable device, a metaverse wristband, will be used alongside a VR headset. While no one wants to willingly endure pain, it’s extremely valuable feedback we use to navigate and protect us in the real world. It will have a similar use in the metaverse. I expect there will be other wearable devices to offer other sensory experiences such as cold, heat, pleasure, etc. These types of wearables would allow you to feel coolness on your skin when skiing down the slopes of Aspen or the heat from pyrotechnics erupting from the stage of your favorite artist’s concert.
There will also be NFT wearables to dress one’s avatar. Selfridges, a London department store, just announced that it would be opening the “first meta department store” with its first virtual store being located in the Decentraland metaverse. And not unlike in the real world, recognizable brands such as Dolce & Gabbana and Tommy Hilfiger will have a presence and are already promoting their digital products for avatars to wear.
Admittedly, the metaverse isn’t ready for prime time today, but it’s coming very quickly. For the average person working in our music industry, there are two actionable items I encourage you to do. First, embrace that change is coming. If you think about it, we’ve already proven that we are willing to participate in it once it’s ready. Here is the case in point: how many social interactions with people have you made this week? Now, how many of those were virtual by either using social media, email, or text, compared to how many of those that were in person physically? It’s easy to see we are already on that path of virtual acceptability once the hardware and software are developed and ready.
Second, now is the best time to learn and understand the metaverse because we are so early in this new frontier. The metaverse will initially become very fragmented as major companies try to stake their claim in this new dimension giving us plenty of opportunities to experience, explore, and learn. There are definitely benefits to being first to market and an early adopter.
Massive amounts of money are already flowing into this space, making headlines with virtual property and NFT purchases in the millions. However, I believe many of these headline-grabbing endeavors may not result in fruitful investments. Technology moves so quickly in infancy. I remember when Infoseek was the dominant search engine on the internet. Everyone used it. And when Google first arrived, their guerrilla marketing street teams gave out tee shirts on Santa Monica Blvd in West Hollywood. I walked out of a restaurant one night in Los Angeles, took the tee shirt they handed me and thought, “That’s a funny name,” having no idea the impact Google would eventually have on my life. No one knows who is going to win in the long term so learn all you can now so you can make wise decisions for you and your team in the future. Using a VR headset is the best way to experience the metaverse. That’s when you really “get it” and are able to see the many opportunities ahead and the exciting path it will take us.
I definitely don’t have a crystal ball, but if you’re still skeptical, keep in mind that Mark Zuckerberg is betting his entire company on the metaverse. He changed his company’s name from Facebook to Meta, refers to his employees as Metamates, and has already invested $10 billion into the metaverse. Plus, he doesn’t need your permission to bring you along. You’re already logged in.
See you in the metaverse.
Miranda Lambert & Tractor Supply Co. Spread Love To Several Animal Shelters
/by Liza AndersonMiranda Lambert and Brendan McLoughlin hold Amsie and Ava Grace at Williamson County Animal Center.
This week, Miranda Lambert joined forces with Tractor Supply Company, the exclusive retailer for her MuttNation pet line, to spread love to animals shelters across the nation.
The reigning ACM Entertainer of the Year and current quadruple-Grammy nominee visited a Tractor Supply store in Franklin, Tennessee with her husband Brendan McLoughlin on Monday (Dec. 19), where they filled their carts with pet toys and supplies. The couple then made surprise stops at the Williamson County Animal Center, Metro Nashville Animal Care & Control, and the Nashville Humane Association.
“This is the perfect time of year to visit your local animal shelter and to thank them for the great work they do all year long, helping the pets and the communities where we live,” shares Lambert. “These three shelters have been important local partners to MuttNation and to me, personally, and I just wanted to show my appreciation.”
After Lambert visited the three shelters, Tractor Supply Company surprised her and MuttNation with $5,000 in gift cards to spread the love to five additional shelters and rescues that help senior pets and pets with special needs as part of the MuttNation Love Harder initiative.
The five shelters receiving $1,000 Tractor Supply gift cards include: SNARR Northeast (Special Needs Animal Rescue & Rehabilitation) in Brewster, New York; Frankie & Andy’s Place in Winder, Georgia; New Leash on Life in Lebanon, Tennessee; Muttville Senior Dog Rescue in San Francisco California; and Sunflower Sanctuary in Tijeras, New Mexico.
“During this season of giving, all of us at Tractor Supply are thrilled to join with Miranda and MuttNation to support animal shelters and the wonderful work they do in caring for our four-legged friends,” says Kimberley Gardiner, SVP & Chief Marketing Officer for Tractor Supply Company. “Supporting the communities we serve–not only for our customers but also for our pets–is at the core of everything we do at Tractor Supply. Miranda and her team’s commitment to the mission of caring for pets is just remarkable, and we couldn’t ask for a better partner in this worthy cause.”
Dustin Lynch Makes Spirits Bright With Sold Out, 7th Annual Hometown Benefit
/by Lorie HollabaughDustin Lynch makes a Santa bag-sized donation to the Tullahoma Fire Department Toy Drive in Tullahoma, Tennessee. Photo: Mike Basham
Dustin Lynch gave back to his local community this holiday season through his 7th Annual Dustin Lynch and Friends Benefit Concert, held Dec. 13 in Tullahoma, Tennessee.
Lynch performed some of his chart-toppers at the event that are inspired by his hometown, including the triple Platinum “Small Town Boy” and Platinum “Ridin’ Roads” from his album Tullahoma. Songwriters Hunter Phelps, Jordan Minton, and Jordan Reynolds also joined Lynch to play his latest single, “Wood On The Fire.” The event raised over $30,000 for Shepherd’s House, Tullahoma Sports Council, Inc., and Hands-On Science Center.
Event guests were invited to bring a gift for the Tullahoma Fire Department Toy Drive, which Lynch made a Santa bag-sized donation to as well, along with the Ryan Seacrest Foundation, and 147 TEAM. Lynch also made a surprise local visit to the Seacrest Studio in Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt.
Lynch’s Platinum, six-week No. 1 collaboration “Thinking ‘Bout You (feat. MacKenzie Porter)” wraps the year on top of the Mediabase 2022 Year-End Country chart and No. 2 on the Billboard 2022 Year-End Country Airplay Songs chart. Additionally, Lynch secured himself in the top 5 of Mediabase’s 2022 Most Played Artists Country ranking.
Next month, Lynch returns for his seventh year at Luke Bryan’s Crash My Playa 2023, where he serves as host and performer of his Pool Party at Moon Palace Cancún on Jan. 21.
Taylor Swift Celebrates Record-Breaking Year Of Unprecedented Achievements
/by Lorie HollabaughTaylor Swift. Photo: Beth Garrabrant
Taylor Swift continued to cement her place in music history this year, breaking records throughout 2022 with the debut of her tenth studio album Midnights on Oct. 21 via Republic Records/Universal Music Group.
In just two months, Midnights has achieved over six million album equivalent units worldwide–three million in the U.S. alone–making her the only artist ever to have five albums with over a million units during release week. The blockbuster release moved almost 1.6 million during its debut week and is the first album to sell over a million physical albums since 2015.
“Taylor’s achievements over the past year have been absolutely spectacular! With more than two dozen historic milestones set by Midnights, it’s nearly unimaginable for any artist to sell more than six million albums in less than eight weeks during any era of our business,” notes Republic Records Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Monte Lipman. “These accomplishments further exemplify Taylor’s prowess as the consummate artist and storyteller defining a generation.”
The superstar also earned multiple awards this year, including: six American Music Awards (Artist of the Year, Country Female Artist, Pop/Rock Female Artist, Music Video, Country Album & Pop Album), extending her lead as the most awarded artist in AMA history; three People’s Choice Awards; the NSAI Songwriter of the Decade; three MTV Video Music Awards; four MTV EMA’s; and four Billboard Music Awards; among others.
Swift has also been nominated for a string of upcoming awards including: four Grammys for Song of The Year (“All Too Well (10 Minute Version) (The Short Film)”), Best Country Song, Best Music Video and Best Song Written for Visual Media for “Carolina” from the motion picture soundtrack to Where The Crawdads Sing. “Carolina” was also recently nominated for a Golden Globe Award, Critics Choice Award and Hollywood Critics Association Award. “Carolina” was also named to the Oscar shortlist for Best Original Song in 2023.
Universal Music Group Chairman & CEO, Sir Lucian Grainge adds, “Taylor is a multidimensional creative force whose achievements place her among the most accomplished artists in the history of music, and we are thrilled and honored to partner with her across so many aspects of her career.”
In 2023, Swift will embark on her “The Eras Tour,” playing 52 stadium shows in the U.S.
DISClaimer Single Reviews: Reba Shows The Power Of The Holidays On ‘I Needed Christmas’
/by Robert K OermannI know, I know, you’re busy, busy, busy—so I’m here to help with one less task, your Nashville Christmas playlist.
Not to worry, it’s all good this year. With Dolly & Willie, Runaway June, Bryan Ruby and The War & Treaty in the mix, how can you lose?
Reba McEntire wins the Disc of the Day. Landon Parker earns the DISCovery Award.
Happy holidays to one and all.
RUNAWAY JUNE / “Cowboy for Christmas”
Writers: Jennifer Wayne/Natalie Stovall/Paul Sikes/Stevie Woodward; Producer: Paul Sikes; Label: RJ
–Bluesy & finger snapping, this ditty sports flawless trio harmonies and a swinging, full-band arrangement. Sparkling.
DOLLY PARTON & WILLIE NELSON / “Pretty Paper”
Writer: Willie Nelson; Producer: Kent Wells; Label: Warner Records
–Dolly has reissued her 2020 album A Holly Dolly Christmas with the addition of new tunes from her current holiday TV special. This track captures two of country music’s greatest gifts to American culture together on one of the most exquisitely sad songs of the season. Dolly’s plaintive, heart-in-throat delivery is matched by Willie’s laconic, effortlessly great harmony vocal and some of his distinctive guitar plucking. A pair of timeless treasures on a timeless tune.
DEBORAH ALLEN / “Moody Bluesy Christmas”
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Label: BFD
–This straight-up blues tune is served up by Allen’s always reliable soul soprano and some dandy electric guitar noodling. She heats up a winter night.
REBA McENTIRE / “I Needed Christmas”
Writers: Jared Conrad/Trannie Anderson; Producers: Doug Sisemore/Reba McEntire; Label: UMG
–Heart-touchingly lovely. The ballad is about the healing romantic power of the holiday. Reba sings with class and restraint, letting the lyric of renewal shine. Essential listening.
GABBY BARRETT / “Silent Night”
Writer: Public Domain; Producer: Ross Copperman; Label: Warner
–Very sweet. The Pennsylvania youngster sang this with simple, spare accompaniment on the CMA Country Christmas special. Her innocent soprano is perfectly lilting on the classic hymn.
DRAKE WHITE / “Pound Cake”
Writers: Ben Chapman/Drake White; Producer: Jonathan Singleton; Label: DW
–This one’s a blue-eyed soul performance in praise of a sweet treat, with perhaps a touch of double entendre.
LANDON PARKER / “Tennessee Christmas”
Writers: Gary Chapman/Amy Grant; Producer: Blake Chancey; Label: Bad Ass Records
–Parker gives the Amy Grant 1983 chestnut a countrified twang while perfectly arranged piano and strings surround him. He might be a North Carolinian, but he makes this Volunteer State classic sound as authentic as chestnuts roasting on an open fire.
HONEY COUNTY / “Sugar on Snow”
Writers: Danielle Rosner/Stone Aieli; Producer: none listed; Label: HC
–She beckons her ex to Colorado to experience sugar on snow and reawaken their romance. Crispy and poppy, shiny and bright.
BRYAN RUBY / “Christmas With You”
Writers: Bryan Ruby/Kayleigh DeLozier/Kristin Denton/Chad Sellers/David Ross; Producer: Smith Curry; Label: BR
–Highly recommended. Ruby warms up the room with his expressive baritone on this bluesy romantic outing. The cool, new, Yule tune was co-written with MusicRow founder David M. Ross.
THE WAR & TREATY / “O Holy Night”
Writers: Traditional; Producer: none listed; Label: UMG
–The War & Treaty stopped the show of the CMA Country Christmas TV special with their electrifying performance of my favorite carol. The greatest new Nashville act of the year strikes again. Essential listening.
JANELLE ARTHUR & THE ISAACS / “One Night on Earth”
Writers: Janelle Arthur/Helene Cronin/Adam Wheeler; Producers: Janelle Arthur/Adam Wheeler; Label: CDX
–Devout, elegant and stately. Arthur’s sweet soprano leads the way on this ballad while the Opry’s greatest harmony ensemble wafts softly in accompaniment. All is calm, all is bright.
JD SHELBURNE / “Away in a Manger”
Writer: William J. Kirkpatrick; Producer: none listed; Label: JD
–A little percussion, a little twangin’ electric guitar and some stinging steel play along as Shelburne takes this traditional tune out for a hillbilly waltz. Country as grits.
Craig Morgan Brings A Taste Of Home To U.S. Service Members In Germany
/by Lorie HollabaughCraig Morgan and service members. Photo: Courtesy of Specialist Emma O Roberts US Army
Craig Morgan joined the USO on a three-day trip from Dec. 19-21 in Germany, where he performed three concerts for troops and their families stationed at USAG Bavaria.
Morgan, who was active duty for ten and a half years and a member of the U.S. Reserves for six and a half years, was reunited with the 101st and 82nd Airborne Divisions while touring USAG Bavaria, both of which he was a part of during his years of service. Since Morgan’s first USO tour in 2002, he has visited 15 countries during 13 tours, entertaining more than 45,000 U.S. troops and their families.
Craig Morgan. Photo: Courtesy of Specialist Emma O Roberts US Army
“It’s always an honor and a privilege to visit with our troops and their families, but especially during the holiday season,” Morgan explains. “I know how much it means to them to receive those care packages at this time of the year and to hear those messages of gratitude from Americans everywhere who value the incredible sacrifices they make year-round.”
“Serving overseas over the holiday season, sometimes far from family and friends, can be difficult,” notes Jennifer Wahlquist, Vice President, USO Global Entertainment. “We’re grateful to the wonderful entertainers like Craig who generously donate their time to bring holiday cheer and a connection to home to our service members.”
“We are so thankful for Craig Morgan taking the time to visit with and perform for our soldiers and family members,” adds Audre Binder, Director, Family and Morale, Welfare, and Recreation at United States Army Garrison Bavaria. “It’s even more special because Craig knows what it’s like to be away from loved ones during the holidays, as a former service member himself. He has just an incredible way of connecting with everyone here.”
Bringing entertainment to the troops is a cornerstone of the USO’s mission to strengthen America’s service members through connection. More than 75,000 service members participate in USO Entertainment tours annually, and more than 50,000 military members have attended virtual celebrity visits through the USO Military Virtual Programming Entertainment Series during the last two years.
St. Paul & The Broken Bones, Trampled By Turtles, More Among DelFest 2023 Lineup
/by Lorie HollabaughDelFest is celebrating its 15th year in 2023 and has announced the initial lineup for next year’s festival. The multi-day event will take place at the Allegany County Fairgrounds in Cumberland, Maryland from May 25-28.
Next year’s lineup once again reflects the all-encompassing musical community that festival hosts The Del McCoury Band have cultivated over the years. DelFest 2023 will feature St. Paul & The Broken Bones, Trampled By Turtles, Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, The Infamous Stringdusters, The California Honeydrops, Sierra Ferrell, Sierra Hull, Rising Appalachia, The Tim O’Brien Band, Peter Rowan & The Free Mexican Air Force with Los Texmaniacs, Lindsay Lou, Cris Jacobs, AJ Lee & Blue Summit, Troubadour Session, Kitchen Dwellers, The Broomestix, Junior Sisk, Price Sisters, Handmade Moments, and Birches Bend.
In addition to traditional stage sets by the artists, attendees can see collaborations, special guest sit-ins, various tributes to McCoury and his musical legacy, and intimate appearances from the artists. Delfest will be immediately preceded by the three day DelFest Academy hosted by The Travelin’ McCourys and other all-star players.
Discounted Advance 4-Day passes are available now. Other pass options, including DELuxe VIP packages, on-site RV passes and parking, will go on sale in the coming weeks.
Darius Rucker To Headline Inaugural SHOWdown Lex In October 2023
/by Lydia FarthingDarius Rucker. Photo: Todd Chris Owyoung
3x Grammy Award winner Darius Rucker is set to headline the inaugural SHOWdown Lex event on Oct. 13 at Rolex Stadium in the Kentucky Horse Park. Halfway to Hazard will join Rucker on the bill with direct support to be announced soon.
Two dollars from every ticket sold will be donated to the Kentucky Children’s Hospital. Various general admission and VIP pass options are available now.
Set to take place annually on the Friday before a major University of Kentucky football home game, SHOWdown will pair fans’ passions for college football and live music. The 2023 event precedes the UK vs. Mizzou matchup on Oct. 14.
As a lifelong philanthropist, Rucker has raised over $3 million for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital through his annual Darius & Friends benefit concert and golf tournament.
Additionally, Rucker was recently announced as one of the honorees at Musicians On Call Millions of Moments event for more than a decade of support for the organization.
Country Stars Help First Responders Children’s Foundation Through VIP Experiences
/by Lorie HollabaughTrees for Keith Urban, Maddie & Tae, and Reba McEntire
Gaylord Opryland Resort’s 39th annual A Country Christmas event is hosting Parade of Trees from Universal Music Group Nashville, a display of Christmas trees decorated by Alan Jackson, Keith Urban, Little Big Town, Reba McEntire, George Strait, Jon Pardi, Jordan Davis, Kacey Musgraves, Luke Bryan, Maddie & Tae, Sam Hunt and Tyler Hubbard.
Along with their trees, the country stars have each donated VIP experiences, including fly-aways, VIP concert experiences, exclusive merchandise and more, to benefit First Responders Children’s Foundation. Proceeds raised will provide scholarships and mental health services to children who have lost a parent in the line of duty, including a new collaboration with Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals for the local Monroe Carell Jr Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt.
“The holidays are a special time when people come together to celebrate and be thankful for their blessings,” McEntire shares. “This holiday season, I’m thankful I can help raise awareness for the First Responders Children’s Foundation, which supports the children and families of first responders who risk their lives every day to serve our communities. I hope everyone will go to charitystars.com/paradeoftrees to enter to win and support the families of this wonderful organization.”
Other artist packages include VIP festival experiences, Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade getaways, stadium flyaways, exclusive numbered prints, signed guitars, custom toy packages from Mattel, and more.
The Parade of Trees is on display in the resort’s Garden Conservatory and Cascades Atrium through Jan. 10 as a self-guided tour of the Christmas trees decorated specifically to the artist’s style or album theme. Each VIP experience will be available for bid online until Jan. 10.
Kameron Marlowe Wraps ‘We Were Cowboys Tour’ With Sold-Out Shows
/by Liza AndersonKameron Marlowe during his “We Were Cowboys Tour.” Photo: Trea Allen
Kameron Marlowe wrapped his debut headlining “We Were Cowboys Tour” with sold-out shows in Dallas and Kansas City this past weekend.
He sold over 22,000 tickets across multiple venues in markets including Nashville, Little Rock, Lexington, Birmingham, Asbury Park, Boston, New York City, Charlotte, Chicago, Columbus, and more.
Kameron Marlowe during his “We Were Cowboys Tour.” Photo: Trea Allen
The headline trek was one of the many milestones Marlowe celebrated this year. In August, he released his debut album We Were Cowboys via Columbia Nashville/Sony Music Nashville. Produced by Dann Huff, the record features Gold-certified tracks “Giving You Up” and “Burn ‘Em All,” and has garnered over 378 million on-demand streams. Hewas also recently named to CMT’s Listen Up Class of 2023.
Marlowe will continue to travel in the new year, joining Thomas Rhett for the Canadian dates of his “Bring The Bar To You Tour” and opening for Chase Rice and Parker McCollum on select dates.
Additionally, Marlowe will perform at festivals including Stagecoach and Country Jam USA, and make his first appearance in Europe, performing at the 2023 C2C Festival in London and Glasgow.