NMPA Awards Nashville Songwriters With Gold & Platinum Program Honors

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Pictured: Katlin Owen, Chris Young and Corey Crowder perform “Famous Friends” at NMPA Gold & Platinum Gala

The National Music Publishers’ Association (NMPA) held its annual Gold & Platinum Gala at Nashville’s City Winery.

In between awards, guests were treated to acoustic performances from some winners. RaeLynn performed her Gold-certified “Lonely Call,” while Cam gave a hair-raising rendition of her 3X multi-Platinum hit “Burning House.” Chris Young and Corey Crowder closed the show with Young’s multi-Platinum “Famous Friends.”

Pictured: Cam performs “Burning House” at NMPA Gold & Platinum Gala

Throughout the night, NMPA honored 10 Gold, 15 Platinum and 27 multi-Platinum songwriters, including Rhett Akins, Ingrid Andress, Jimmy Robbins, Lauren Alaina, Tyler Hubbard, Laura Veltz and more.

As one of the most widely recognized measures of achievement in music, the Gold & Platinum program allows for the NMPA to certify songwriters of RIAA certified singles. RIAA counts both sales and on-demand streams towards its Gold (500K), Platinum (1M) and multi-Platinum (2M+) thresholds.

“Tonight is your night,” said NMPA President & CEO David Israelite to the room of songwriters, noting that since 2007, NMPA’s Gold & Platinum Program has awarded over 32,000 certifications.

“We are proud to honor the creatives. As everyone knows, the past few years have been turbulent, and we’ve never needed your music more. You’ve written songs that have gotten us through the good times and the tough times. They’ve created a lasting impact on our lives,” he said.

Israelite made sure to recognize Mitch Glazier and the RIAA, Kris Ahrend and The MLC, and Garrett Levin and DiMA. He loaded on the praise for NSAI and its leaders Bart Herbison and Jennifer Turnbow. “There is no one who does more for the songwriting community, not just in Nashville but in the world, than NSAI,” Israelite said.

Guests munched on BLT and pulled pork sandwiches, french fries, veal, smoked turkey, mac & cheese, salad, and a full dessert bar. Despite the nasty weather, the night was warm and full of fellowship.

Chase Matthew Partners With Warner Music Nashville

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Pictured (L-R): Chase Matthew, Cris Lacy (Warner Music Nashville) and Ben Kline (Warner Music Nashville). Photo: Courtesy of Shore Fire Media

Chase Matthew has entered a partnership with Warner Music Nashville.

Matthew has independently amassed over 360 million  global career streams with more than 150 million global streams on his first RIAA Gold-certified smash, “County Line.” He’s also garnered over a million followers across social media and was named a HITS Magazine One to Watch.

Since releasing his debut album Born For This earlier this year, Matthew has been selling out venues across the nation on his headline tour, recently making his hometown debut in Nashville to a sold-out crowd of more than 1,600. His forthcoming single, “She Loves Jesus,” is set to release on Oct. 28, and fans can expect more new music from the Nashville riser in the coming months.

“Chase’s mix of rebellion and reverence is what drew us to him,” says Cris Lacy, co-president of Warner Music Nashville. “The impact he has on his mass of loyal fans comes from music and messages that are unapologetically redemptive and put him squarely in the center of this format’s most authentic storytellers.”

Ben Kline, co-president of Warner Music Nashville, adds, “The fan reaction to Chase and his music, both in his live show and in the streaming and engagement metrics, are proof of just how talented he is.”

“There are a lot of things that are important to me as an artist. I want to be able to stay true to who I am and make music I know will resonate with my fans,” says Matthew. “Ryan Upchurch gave me an opportunity that put me on the map. Looking forward, we wanted to maintain how we work but grow the team in order to build bigger. Warner Nashville understood our goals and provided the opportunity for a true partnership, allowing me to maintain my independence and creative control. I’m thrilled to be able to work with the Warner Nashville team and take this thing to a whole new level for the fans—all while keeping God’s plan first!”

Matthew is repped by Loyd Potts and Ken Madson at Ignition Management, along with agency representation at UTA.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Ashley McBryde Serves Up Feisty ‘Sisterhood Anthem’

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We’re all about gender parity today at DISClaimer.

Note that half of the tracks reviewed in this edition of the column feature female voices. Which is the way things ought to be, since that’s half of the listening audience.

Note also that the two best written songs here come from female artists. I refer to Ingrid Andress’ lovely “Blue” and to Ashley McBryde’s inspiring “Bonfire at Tina’s.” On the other hand, Travis Denning’s fine composition gives the gals a run for their money, and Restless Road is a total rush.

Finally, note that the Disc of the Day award belongs to a mighty country woman, Ashley McBryde.

DARIUS RUCKER & CHAPEL HART / “Ol’ Church Hymn”
Writers: Darius Rucker/Ben Hayslip/Josh Miller/Greylan James; Producer: Ross Copperman; Label: Capitol
–Warm, loving and kind sounding. He sings of the soothing power of love while the Chapel Hart trio harmonizes softly in the background. I’d have mixed them up louder in the mix and given them a verse of their own.

TRAVIS DENNING / “Buy a Girl a Drink”
Writers: Travis Denning/Jeremy Stover/Paul DiGiovanni/Chase McGill; Producers: Jeremy Stover/Paul DiGiovanni; Label: Mercury
–Very, very sweet. Sung with boyish charm, yet laced with aged wisdom, it’s an encapsulation of life and love that’s impossible to resist. The churning production is a big plus, too.

CARRIE UNDERWOOD / “Hate My Heart”
Writers: Carrie Underwood/Hillary Lindsey/David Garcia/Michael Hardy; Producers: Carrie Underwood/David Garcia; Label: Capitol
–It’s a rollicking banger that contrasts her desire to party with a heartbreak that’s holding her back. The stacked female harmonies are cool, but the guitar-dominated track could have been more creative.

HARDY / “Jack”
Writers: Michael Hardy/David Garcia/Hillary Lindsey; Producers: Joey Moi/Michael Hardy/David Garcia/Derek Wells; Label: Big Loud Rock
–Don’t misled by the soft, quiet intro. This turns into a slammin’ rock track with ferociously pounding rhythm. “Jack,” as you might expect, is a certain Tennessee whiskey who may or may not become your pal.

MADELINE EDWARDS / “Too Much of a Good Thing”
Writers: Madeline Edwards/Ian Christian/Trannie Anderson; Producer: none listed; Label: Warner
–I have long loved the smokey quality in her voice. A string of excellent indie releases has led to this major-label debut. Her gospel-y piano provides understated power and pulse to the enveloping ballad. I’m in. Make her a star.

JAMESON RODGERS / “Things That Matter”
Writers: Lynne Hutton/Jameson Rodgers/Elwyn Ahnquist Smith/Will Bundy; Producers: Chris Farren/Jake Mitchell; Label: Sony
–Forget about politics, the economy and material possessions and concentrate on the simple pleasures of life, advises Mr. Rodgers on this gently swaying outing. It’s a breezy and totally country sound that’s as refreshing as a soft spring rain.

ASHLEY McBRYDE / “Bonfire at Tina’s”
Writers: Ashley McBryde/Brandy Clark/Benjy Davis/Connie Harrington/Nicolette Hayford/Aaron Raitiere; Producer: John Osborne; Label: Warner
–This woman is tower of talent. On this slow-burn blazer she’s feisty and fierce. It’s a sisterhood anthem with lots and lots of heart. The gals get together to drink, smoke and bitch around a bonfire, and the result builds to an inspiring crescendo.

ADAM DOLEAC / “Whiskey Barstool Wonderland”
Writers: Adam Doleac/Lindsay Rimes/Jonathan Singleton; Producer: Jordan Schmidt; Label: Arista
–The power ballad yearns for lost love while deep percussion pounds and electric guitars soar. I think what I like best about it is how his singing ranges from feathery whisper to shouted tenor anguish. Definitely hooky. It’s the title track to his debut album, an 18-track serving.

INGRID ANDRESS / “Blue”
Writers: Ingrid Andress/Sam Ellis/Derrick Southerland/Shane McAnally; Producers: Sam Ellis/Ingrid Andress; Label: Warner/Atlantic
–Languid and dreamy, this is a mini-masterpiece of a romantic ballad. The lines are exquisite as she describes a shade that she is seeing for the first time, the blue of his eyes. You’ll find it on her new sophomore album, Good Person.

RESTLESS ROAD / “Sundown Somewhere”
Writers: Ben Hayslip/Cole Swindell/Cole Taylor/Jacob Rice; Producer: Lindsay Rimes; Label: RCA
–A wafting country rocker loaded to the gills with the trio’s stunning harmony voices. These guys are so radio ready it’s ridiculous. In a word, irresistible.

ROBYN OTTOLINI / “Busy”
Writers: Robyn Ottolini/Seth Mosley/Jessica Cayne; Producers: Erik Fintelman/Mark Schroor/Michael O’Connor/Seth Mosley; Label: Warner
–There’s not a lot of singing going on here. More like shouting with hints of melody. However, it does have plenty of attitude.

TYLER BOOTH / “Feeling Whitney”
Writers: Andrew Wotman/Austin Post; Producers: Tyler Booth/John Johnson; Label: Sony/Villa 40
–Covering a Post Malone tune as a country single might sound nutty. Melodically, it actually works pretty well, and Tyler’s baritone voice is fine, as usual. The lyrics are still oblique.

Jon Kraft Signs Global Publishing Deal With Warner Chappell Music

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Pictured (L-R): Ben Vaughn (WCM), Taylor Phillips, Jon Kraft, Mason Hunter (BMI), Will Overton (WCM)

Singer-songwriter Jon Kraft has signed a global publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music.

Born and raised in Lincoln County, West Virginia, Kraft dreamed of writing songs inspired by his experiences growing up on Bear Creek. Following graduation from Marshall University, he landed a job in the oil and gas industry negotiating pipeline deals throughout the country, all while starting and managing a real estate business back home.

A few years ago, his passion for storytelling and songwriting led Kraft to Nashville to pursue his dream. He moved to Music City in 2017 and began writing with some of the city’s top writers.

Travis Chaney & Bridgette Tatum Launch SoNash Publishing

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Pictured (L-R): Travis Chaney, Abigail Wate Ayala and Bridgette Tatum

New Nashville-based publishing company SoNash has opened its doors with a team that includes President,Travis Chaney, Vice President Bridgette Tatum, Abigail Wate Ayala as Creative Director, and Juli Newton-Griffith as Creative Consultant.

A coach, consultant and entrepreneur, Chaney’s partnership with Tatum stems from years of a successful working relationship. Tatum is an entrepreneur and songwriter who has more than 100 recorded songs under her belt, including the No. 1 most-played song of 2009, Jason Aldean’s “She’s Country.”

“I have a passion for business and a passion for music,” Chaney explains. “I’ve started several businesses from the ground up, but the key to success has always been the people directly involved in the companies. Bridgette Tatum and I have built a strong working relationship over the past five years. She is an amazingly gifted songwriter and also brings a high business acumen which, coupled with her creative talents, represents all the ingredients I was looking for in a great business partner. I’m ecstatic to be working with her alongside an extremely talented team of music minds.”

“SoNash is here to give integrity and respect to the relationship between publisher business and writer’s creativity. We want to build, cultivate, and help successfully push both SoNash and the writers together toward each one’s goals as a team,” Tatum adds. “I’ve heard it said, ‘Music stops at business and business stops at music.’ I don’t think that’s true. I believe both can shake hands and make the music special. One cannot work without the other. This landed on the side of good, with a lot of direction from God. For that I’m excited and grateful.”

Wate Ayala holds a degree from MTSU and during college interned at multiple music companies, including SeaGayle Music, Sandbox Entertainment, Huskins-Harris Business Management, and Cornman Music, where she was hired. Following two years at Cornman, she worked at Bring A Shovel Management before joining SoNash as Creative Director.

“I am so incredibly excited to join the SoNash team. Bridgette and Travis are building an incredible culture and environment for songwriters and a place for songs to grow and prosper. I am honored to be working for them and to also have guidance from Juli as I start my journey with SoNash!” notes Wate Ayala.

Newton-Griffith has over 30 years of experience in Nashville’s music industry, garnering over 1,000 cuts for artists such as Stuart Harris, Wynonna Judd and Travis Tritt, and representing over 100 songwriters.

“Publishing is a huge passion of mine and to be able to keep my hands in it with SoNash is amazing. They are building something great and I’m happy to be a consultant for them,” shares Newton-Griffith.

Kentucky Rising Concert Featuring Chris Stapleton, Dwight Yoakam Raises Over $2.5 Million

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Chris Stapleton playing at the Kentucky Rising benefit concert. Photo: Courtesy of Sacks & Co.

The Kentucky Rising benefit concert in Lexington, Kentucky on Tuesday night (Oct. 11) raised over $2.5 million for flood relief in Eastern Kentucky.

Eastern Kentucky-natives Chris Stapleton, Dwight Yoakam and Tyler Childers performed at the sold-out event at Lexington’s Rupp Arena, which also featured performances from surprise guests Patty Loveless, Ricky Skaggs, S.G. Goodman and University of Kentucky football coach Mark Stoops.

Proceeds raised will benefit the Kentucky Rising Fund to assist with ongoing aid and recovery efforts in Eastern Kentucky following July’s devastating floods. Working with the Blue Grass Community Foundation, the Kentucky Rising Fund will use the entirety of those funds to support both immediate needs and long-term recovery projects as they emerge.

The concert, which culminated in a group finale of John Prine’s “Paradise,” is available for on-demand viewing for the next 48 hours via Veeps.

Cody Johnson, Carrie Underwood, Luke Combs, More Earn Multiple 2022 AMA Nominations

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Photo: Courtesy of AMAs

Nominees for the 2022 American Music Awards were unveiled on Thursday (Oct. 13). This year’s show, which serves as the world’s largest fan-voted awards show, will air live from Microsoft Theater in LA on Sunday, Nov. 20 at 7 p.m. CT on ABC. Fan voting is now open.

Throughout this year’s 37 categories, the country genre is well represented with five different trophies: Favorite Male Country Artist, Female Country Artist, Country Duo or Group, Country Album, and Country Song.

Cody Johnson leads the country ranks with three nominations (Favorite Male Country Artist, Favorite Country Album for Human: The Double Album, and Favorite Country Song for “‘Til You Can’t”). Chris Stapleton, Luke Combs, Walker Hayes, Carrie Underwood and Morgan Wallen all nab two nominations. Lainey Wilson, Maren Morris, Jordan Davis and Luke Bryan, Miranda Lambert, Dustin Lynch and Mackenzie Porter, Dan + Shay, Lady A, Old Dominion, Parmalee and Zac Brown Band earn one nod each.

Music City also sees some familiar faces in other categories, including rising rocker Gayle earning a seat at the New Artist of the Year table. Christian artists Anne Wilson, For King & Country, Matthew West, Cece Winans, and more also make an appearance in the Favorite Inspirational Artist and Favorite Gospel Artist categories.

Outside of Nashville music, Latin artist Bad Bunny comes in as this year’s most-nominated artist with eight nods. Powerhouses Beyoncé and Taylor Swift are the most-nominated female artists with six nominations each, with two of Swift’s nominations coming in the country categories. Earning five nominations each are Adele, Harry Styles, and The Weeknd. With two nods for Collaboration of the Year and Favorite Touring Artist, Elton John also makes history as the longest-recognized artist in AMA history to-date.

Partial List of 2022 American Music Awards Nominees:

Favorite Male Country Artist
Chris Stapleton
Cody Johnson
Luke Combs
Morgan Wallen
Walker Hayes

Favorite Female Country Artist
Carrie Underwood
Lainey Wilson
Maren Morris
Miranda Lambert
Taylor Swift

Favorite Country Duo Or Group
Dan + Shay
Lady A
Old Dominion
Parmalee
Zac Brown Band

Favorite Country Album
Carrie Underwood – Denim & Rhinestones
Luke Combs – Growin’ Up
Cody Johnson – Human: The Double Album
Taylor Swift – Red (Taylor’s Version)
Walker Hayes – Country Stuff: The Album

Favorite Country Song
Chris Stapleton – “You Should Probably Leave”
Cody Johnson – “’Til You Can’t”
Dustin Lynch ft. MacKenzie Porter – “Thinking ‘Bout You”
Jordan Davis ft. Luke Bryan – “Buy Dirt”
Morgan Wallen – “Wasted on You”

Favorite Inspirational Artist
Anne Wilson
For King & Country
Katy Nichole
Matthew West
Phil Wickham

Favorite Gospel Artist
CeCe Winans
Doe
Dewey Smith
Maverick City Music
Tamela Mann

New Artist of the Year
Dove Cameron
Gayle
Latto
Måneskin
Steve Lacy

Industry Ink: Callista Clark, Madeline Edwards, Tim Montana, BMI

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Callista Clark Begins Debut Album Celebrations At Nashville’s Listening Room Cafe

Pictured (L-R): Big Machine Music’s Mike Molinar, Big Machine Records’ Clay Hunnicutt, Big Machine Label Group’s Scott Borchetta, Callista Clark, SB Projects’ Morgan Feldman and Tony Bracy. Photo: Rachel Deeb.

Rising Big Machine Records artist Callista Clark started the celebrations for her full-length debut with a sold-out album release show at The Listening Room Cafe on Tuesday night (Oct. 11). Real to Me: The Way I Feel arrives on Friday (Oct. 14).

Alongside SiriusXM’s Macie Banks, Clark held a discussion about the making of the record. Songwriters Liz Rose and Emily Landis were also invited on stage to share the story behind the songs they co-wrote with Clark. The budding singer-songwriter performed a number of album tracks, including “Real To Me,” “Gave It Back Broken,” “Sad,” “Wish You Wouldn’t,” “Heartbreak Song” with songwriter Chris DeStefano, “Brave Girl” and top 20 debut “It’s ‘Cause I Am,” as well as a cover of Hall & Oates’ “You Make My Dreams Come True.”

“When I began writing this album and sharing what felt real to me, I couldn’t do that without thinking about my younger self and how shy I was,” Clark noted. “It’s ironic to think that that version of myself would grow up to share her personal diary in song and perform them in front of thousands of people. This record will always hold a special place in my heart.”

 

 

Madeline Edwards Rings In Warner Signing With Stops In New York & Nashville

Pictured (L-R): Samantha Borenstein (Manager, Sam I Am Entertainment), Madeline Edwards, Stephanie Davenport (Sr. Director of A&R, Warner Music Nashville), Cris Lacy (Co-President, Warner Music Nashville). Photo: Thomas Crabtree.

After her recent signing with Warner Music Nashville, Madeline Edwards made a pit stop in New York on Oct. 6 before taking over one of Nashville’s hottest new venues, The Electric Jane, on Tuesday evening (Oct. 11). Backed in each city by a full band, she premiered tracks from her forthcoming, 12-track debut album, Crashlanded, out Nov. 4.

Since breaking onto the scene on the CMA Award stage last year, Edwards has landed on Spotify’s Hot Country Artists to Watch list, been named one of CMT’s Next Women of Country and included as a Top 20 Breaker artist on NPR. She was recently selected as Billboard’s August Rookie Of The Month, as well as an Apple Music August Country Riser. She was featured alongside The Highwomen on Lady Gaga’s Born This Way tribute record and joined Chris Stapleton‘s “All-American Road Show Tour” earlier this summer.

 

 

Tim Montana Raises Over $250K For Military Nonprofit Oranizations

Country rocker Tim Montana hosted his third annual Tim Montana & Friends American Thread Sporting Clays Shoot last Tuesday (Oct. 4), raising over a quarter of a million dollars for military charities Special Ops Xcursions and Memorial 3 Gun Foundation.

Held at the Nashville Gun Club, the event featured a special performance of the National Anthem by Veteran Donnie Reis as SOCOM Para-Commandos sky divers carrying patriotic flags landed in the field. There were also appearances by active duty Army Special Forces from Ft. Campbell, dinner courtesy of Traeger Grills, a live auction hosted by World Livestock Auctioneer Championship second-place winner Ted Odle and plenty of sporting clay shooting. The night ended with performances from Colbie Caillat, Michael Ray and Tyler Farr.

“Veterans Day is every day in my mind,” Montana explains. “I’m fortunate to do what I do for a living because of those that sacrifice their lives for our freedom. Giving back is so important and I’m honored to be able to help.”

 

 

BMI Stage At ACL Fest Shines Bright During Weekend One

Charlotte Sands at the BMI Stage at ACL Fest, Weekend One 2022. Photo: Erika Goldring.

The first weekend of Austin City Limits (ACL) Festival wrapped up with plenty of artists gracing the event’s signature BMI Stage.

Among the stage’s lineup for Weekend One were Aly & AJ, Charlotte Sands, Chicocurlyhead, Darkbird, Eric Tessmer, Sarah and the Sundays, Lilyisthatyou, Katzu Oso, Jessia, Isaac Dunbar and more.

The two weekend-long event will continue this coming weekend at Zilker Park in Austin, Texas.

Mitchell Tenpenny Raises Over $50K At First Annual Cornhole Tournament

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Mitchell & his mother, Debbie Tenpenny. Photo: Brocoff Photography

Riser House/Columbia Nashville/Sony Music Nashville artist Mitchell Tenpenny hosted his first annual Cornhole Tournament on Tuesday afternoon (Oct. 11) benefitting his foundation, the 10Penny Fund.

Overall, the event raised $50,302, and Dallas Wilson and Jared Mullins were crowned the winning team. Among the star-studded attendees were Jimmie Allen, Chris Young, Chrissy Metz, Ernest, Jon Langston and Alana Springsteen, as well as Tenpenny’s fiance and fellow artist Meghan Patrick.

Tenpenny recently released his 20-track album, This Is The Heavy, of which he co-wrote every song and co-produced the project with Jordan M. Schmidt. His history-making No. 1 single, “Truth About You,” marked the shortest span between an artist’s No. 1 songs in modern chart era with just three weeks since his last chart topper, “At The End Of A Bar” with Chris Young.

MusicRow caught up with Tenpenny ahead of the release of This Is The Heavy to talk about the album, his “farm emo” sound and more. To read the full interview, click here.

New Female-Powered Musical Residency ‘She Believed She Could’ To Open In November

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She Believed She Could, a one-of-a-kind stage production celebrating the stories and music of chart-topping women in country music, will make its opening weekend debut on Nov. 4-5 at Nashville’s newly-opened Woolworth Theatre.

The production features an all-female cast of up-and-coming singer-songwriters who pay tribute to country’s leading ladies, including Belles, Jillian Dawn, Kaylin Roberson, Layna, Maddie Walker, and Regan Stewart. All individual artists in their own pursuits, the members of this lineup have collectively earned millions of music streams, secured opening slots on pop and country tours, and competed on high-profile music competition shows such as American Idol and Real Country.

By design, the majority of the show’s creative and administrative team is comprised of women, including Kate Malone, who signed on as Music Director for She Believed She Could.

YouTube video

“She Believed She Could focuses on the passion and persistence required to relentlessly pursue a musical dream. Whether it’s the story of a country music icon who became a household name or a next generation superstar, She Believed She Could showcases the magic when that dream materializes as a great song and is released to the world,” explains Todd Cassetty, the show’s creator, director and producer. “Collectively, the stories and music in our show–as told and sung by some of the most talented women I know–results in an extraordinary, moving experience that transcends ages and genders.”

She Believed She Could will run every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night with 6 p.m. showtimes throughout the end of the year. Tickets go on sale this Friday (Oct. 14) at 10 a.m. CT.