Pictured (L-R): Producer Josh Osborne, Big Machine Records’ Clay Hunnicutt, Carly Pearce, Big Machine Label Group’s Scott Borchetta and Allison Jones, Big Machine Records’ Kris Lamb, ASCAP’s Mike Sistad. Photo: Alexa Campbell
Industry members gathered at the Virgin Hotel on Music Row this week to celebrate another No. 1 hit for the reigning CMA Female Vocalist of the Year, Carly Pearce.
Hosted by ASCAP’s Mike Sistad, the party commemorated the success of “Never Wanted To Be That Girl,” a duet between Pearce and Ashley McBryde that the two co-wrote with Shane McAnally. McBryde and McAnally were not able to attend, but McAnally’s co-producer on the track, Josh Osborne, filled in for them.
Sistad got things started by listing off some of Pearce’s hard-won accomplishments that she’s celebrated over the last two years. On top of being the reigning CMA Female Vocalist, she also holds the equivalent honor at the ACM. “Never Wanted To Be That Girl” was her third No. 1 song.
“We are so proud to have you as part of the ASCAP family, you know that. We’re so happy for all the good things that are happening for you. We love you,” Sistad said.
Altadena’s Daniel Lee was the first of the publishers to say a few words. Lee recognized the song’s co-writers, co-producers, the musicians and the engineers on “Never Wanted To Be That Girl.” He thanked Scott Borchetta, Big Machine Label Group and the promotion staff, as well as BMG, SMACK, Jody Williams Songs and Warner Chappell.
Lee made sure to speak about Altadena founder and one of Pearce’s first champions, the late busbee.
“I have to acknowledge busbee. He’s missed, he’s loved, he will never be forgotten,” Lee said, before turning his attention to Pearce. “You are the gold standard for artists. You spoil all of us and you actually are cut from the same cloth as Loretta Lynn.”
Pictured (L-R, back row): ASCAP’s Mike Sistad, Big Machine Records’ Kris Lamb and Clay Hunnicutt, Big Machine Label Group’s Scott Borchetta and Allison Jones, Big Machine Records’ Erik Powell; (L-R, front row): BMG’s Chris Oglesby, SMACK Songs’ Jeremy Groves, Producer Josh Osborne, Carly Pearce, Altadena’s Daniel Lee, Warner Chappell Music’s Ben Vaughn and Spencer Nohe, Jody Williams Songs’ Jody Williams. Photo: Alexa Campbell
BMG’s Chris Oglesby was next up to speak. He said that when Carly Pearce comes to mind, he thinks of three things: work ethic, her reverence for the history of the country music community, and her gift of songwriting.
“She writes what she knows and she writes from the heart,” Oglesby said. “She surrounds herself with creatives who do that same thing and help her paint the pictures that help us all deal with the emotions that we have.”
Label head Borchetta said a few words about his superstar artist, as well. He also had three points he wanted to make: team, song and elite.
Borchetta recognized his team members on getting the song up the charts, as well as his entire staff on Pearce’s stellar 29 project. When speaking about the song, Borchetta highlighted the magic of the demo of “Never Wanted To Be That Girl.”
When he turned his attention to Pearce, he equated her to the elite of the genre.
“I’ve had the amazing great fortune to work with what I think is more female vocalists of the year than anyone else,” Borchetta said, listing off the female greats he’s worked with, such as Loretta Lynn, Tammy Wynette, Reba McEntire, Patty Loveless, Martina McBride, and more. “I’ve gotten to work with the elite. Now I’m getting to work with one of the members of the next elite in Carly Pearce.”
The Big Machine team then presented Pearce with a Gold plaque for both “Never Wanted To Be That Girl” and “What He Didn’t Do.”
Next up to speak was co-producer Josh Osborne.
“Writing is something I’ve done most of my life. Production is something I’m not as confident in, but when you hear songs like this, they just make sense instantly,” Osborne said.
“Shane and I are getting a lot of kudos for the production but I can just tell you that Carly is just as much a part of that if not more than we are. She is the driving force behind this. When you hear a great Carly Pearce record, she is the reason it is a great Carly Pearce record.”
Next it was time to hear from the star of the hour. She made sure to thank her whole team, from Sistad, the person who first believed in her, to Borchetta, Oglesby, Lee, her co-creators, her band and crew, and her new manager Narvel Blackstock.
“It takes people in the beginning to say yes,” she said. “It’s been a magical two years for me. I’ve grown up in this town with a lot of you. I moved here at 19 only thinking about one day being someone who mattered in country music. I understand that you have to support the other people around you and I feel so held and so supported. I’m so grateful for that.”
Top Five Hold Strong On The MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart, Zach Bryan Leads The Pack
/by Lydia FarthingZach Bryan
This week, all things remain steady on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart as the top five writers keep their respective places.
For a third consecutive week, Warner Records’ Zach Bryan seals the No. 1 spot as the sole writer on his three currently charting songs. His credits can be found on “Something In The Orange,” “Oklahoma Smokeshow” and “Burn, Burn, Burn.”
Ashley Gorley (No. 2), Morgan Wallen (No. 3), Ernest Keith Smith (No. 4) and Bailey Zimmerman (No. 5) round out 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.
Ashley McBryde Helps Reveal 2022 CMA Broadcast Award Winners
/by Lydia FarthingThe Country Music Association (CMA) has unveiled the recipients of the 2022 CMA Broadcast Awards. Five-time 2022 CMA Awards nominee and the soon-to-be-newest Grand Ole Opry member, Ashley McBryde surprised radio stations and broadcast personalities with one-on-one calls to reveal the news.
The categories are established by market size based on population as ranked by Nielsen. Entries for Broadcast Personality of the Year are judged on aircheck, ratings, community involvement and biographical information. Candidates for Radio Station of the Year are judged on aircheck, ratings, community involvement and format leadership.
CMA members who are full-time, on-air personalities and CMA member radio stations in the United States and Canada were eligible to submit entries. The entries are judged by a panel of broadcast professionals, representing all market sizes and regions.
The 56th Annual CMA Awards will air live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on Wednesday, Nov. 9 at 7 p.m. CT on ABC.
2022 CMA Broadcast Awards Winners:
CMA Broadcast Personality of the Year:
Weekly National – “The Country Top 40 With Fitz” (Cory Fitzner) – Hubbard Radio
Daily National – “The Bobby Bones Show” (Bobby Bones, Amy Brown, “Lunchbox” Dan Chappell, Eddie Garcia, “Morgan #2” Huelsman, “Raymundo” Ray Slater, “Scuba Steve” Stephen Spradlin, “Mike D” Rodriguez, and “Phone Screener Abby” Anderson) – Premiere Networks
Major Market – “The Andie Summers Show” (Andie Summers) – WXTU, Philadelphia, Pa.
Large Market – “Jim, Deb & Kevin” (Jim Denny, Deborah Honeycutt, and Kevin Freeman) – WFMS, Indianapolis, Ind.
Medium Market – “New Country Mornings With Nancy and Woody” (Nancy Wilson and Aaron “Woody” Woods) – WHKO, Dayton, Ohio
Small Market – “The Cat Pak Morning Show With Brent and Mel” (Brent Lane and Mel McCrae) – WYCT, Pensacola, Fla.
CMA Radio Station of the Year:
Major Market – WYCD – Detroit, Mich.
Large Market – WSIX – Nashville, Tenn.
Medium Market – WUSY – Chattanooga, Tenn.
Small Market – WKXC – Augusta, Ga.
ACM Announces Promotions & New Hires Across Several Departments In New Nashville Office
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): Maddy Stessman, Director, Artist & Industry Relations, Board Administration & Governance; Katie Ozel, Manager, Finance; Michael Stern, Office Manager; Mallory Papa, Coordinator, Marketing & Social Media; Brittany Uhniat, Coordinator, Content & Creative; Sally Bishop, Assistant, Marketing & Communications
The Academy of Country Music has hired and promoted staffers across several departments.
Maddy Stessman has been promoted to the new role of Director, Artist & Industry Relations, Board Administration & Governance. Joining the staff are Katie Ozel as Manager, Finance; Michael Stern as Office Manager for the Academy’s new Nashville office; Mallory Papa as Coordinator, Marketing & Social Media; Brittany Uhniat as Coordinator, Content & Creative; and Sally Bishop as Assistant, Marketing & Communications.
“We couldn’t be more excited to add so many passionate and enthusiastic members to our team, especially as we open the doors to our new headquarters office here in Nashville,” notes Damon Whiteside, CEO of the Academy of Country Music. “The impact of these new and elevated staff members has already been felt at ACM Party for a Cause and ACM Honors and will continue to help bridge the sectors of our community and ensure a bright and successful future for the Academy, our members, and the country music industry.”
Originally from Petaluma, California, Stessman joined the Academy in fall 2016 as Assistant, Events, following an internship during the 50th ACM Awards in Texas. She has since held the titles Coordinator, Events, as well as Manager, Artist & Industry Relations, Board Administration & Governance with the organization.
In her role, Stessman will focus on building and developing relations across the ACM staff, Board of Directors, and the country music industry. She will also book artist visits at the new Nashville headquarters and serve as talent manager for select ACM and ACM Lifting Lives live events. Additionally, she will organize the Leadership Development and ACM Board election process while continuing to execute the Academy’s quarterly Board meetings.
Ozel joins the Academy after four years as a senior accountant at Asurion, where she led AP/AR processing, IT accounting migrations, training and onboarding for new accounting hires, invoicing, strategic planning, statements, and more. In her role, she will be performing AP/AR financial processes along with analyzing expense and budget reports, journal entries, and all other financial reporting as needed.
Born and raised in Palm City, Florida, Stern has worked at Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival and interned with the ACM’s Events team beginning in January 2022. After the 57th ACM Awards, he stayed on as an intern, assisting both the Events and Artist and Industry Relations teams. In his new role, Stern will manage logistics for the Academy’s Nashville headquarters, as well as assist with event operations for the ACM Awards, ACM Honors, ACM Party for a Cause, and ACM Board Meetings.
Originally from New Philadelphia, Ohio, Papa graduated from Ohio’s Bowling Green State University in 2020, then moved to Kentucky to work in digital marketing and advertising. She also worked as the social media manager for Imagine for Youth, the non-profit organization of Buffalo Bills’ Micah Hyde. In her role as Coordinator, Papa supports the Academy’s marketing department, managing daily publishing, media development and review, and community engagement across owned media channels, including social media and DSP channels.
Raised in Lawrenceville, Georgia, Uhniat attended Belmont University and began her career in the industry at Words and Music as a publishing administration coordinator. Before joining the Academy, she served as a creative coordinator at Resin8 Music. In her role as Coordinator, Uhniat will assist in scheduling and managing video shoots and other content productions. She will also assist with the day-to-day management of the Academy’s content platforms, including websites, quarterly membership magazine ACM TEMPO, and more.
Originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, Bishop attended college at the University of Cincinnati where she earned a degree in journalism. Bishop also holds certificates in Digital Broadcast News and Deaf Studies, and recently completed a nine-month internship with the ACM’s Content team, where she helped develop and produce the ACM Legends Lunch social content series. In her role as Assistant, Bishop will work with the Marketing and Communications teams on all day-to-day needs.
Fourth Annual Charlie Daniels Patriot Awards Dinner Set For Oct. 26
/by Lorie HollabaughCharlie Daniels. Photo: Courtesy of Absolute Publicity
The fourth annual Charlie Daniels Patriot Awards Dinner is set for Oct. 26 at Nashville’s City Winery.
Chris Young, a previous recipient of the Patriot Award, will perform live, and the The War Hippies, comprised of combat warriors Scooter Brown and Donnie Reis, will perform the national anthem and a few songs. Special guest speakers for the evening will include former New York City Police Commissioner Bernie Kerik; decorated military veteran Mark “Oz” Geist, aBenghazi survivor and co-author of 13 Hours; and Col. Jay Powers, former Commanding Officer, 5th Group. SiriusXM’s Storme Warren will host the event, which will also include a silent and live auction.
Gutman came from a military family and joined the U.S. Navy shortly after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. He became a coxswain on LST 553, delivering men and equipment under fire on several landings. He was part of six island invasions in the Pacific and battled Japanese forces coming from the land, sea, and skies.
At a young age, Hughes felt the call of duty and left college as a junior to enlist in the U.S. Coast Guard during WWII, serving as a HA1C medic. She also won 2nd runner-up in the 2012 Ms. Veteran America competition, which works to promote issues of homeless female veterans, and earned the crown of Ms. Mississippi Senior America in 2003.
“We have so many distinguished guests, stories, and above all, the presentation of our three award recipients who most represent patriotism, commitment and giving back in this critical time,” explains TCDJHP co-founder and Daniels’ longtime manager David Corlew. “Our live auction will feature two of our most honored guests, Mathias Gutman and Gladys Hughes, as we auction a guitar signed by ten Medal of Honor recipients in order to complete erecting a statue that will honor the men and women of World War II and Vietnam. As the world continues to change and evolve, we as a community must not forget the men and women who have sacrificed so much in the past decades, as well as our future warriors and their families.”
Ashley McBryde To Bring ‘Lindeville’ To Life At The Ryman In February
/by Lorie HollabaughAshley McBryde is bringing the experience of her new album, Ashley McBryde Presents: Lindeville, to the Ryman Auditorium stage for two nights on Feb. 15-16, 2023.
The shows will feature the album’s full cast of collaborators and special guests performing songs from Lindeville, including Brothers Osborne, Brandy Clark, Aaron Raitiere, Pillbox Patti, Caylee Hammack and Benjy Davis. Tickets for the special shows will go on sale this Friday (Oct. 14) at AshleyMcBryde.com.
McBryde, who was recently invited to become the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry, earned five 2022 CMA nominations, including her third consecutive nod for Female Vocalist of the Year, as well as Single of the Year, Song of the Year, Musical Event of the Year and Music Video of the Year for her duet with Carly Pearce, “Never Wanted To Be That Girl.”
MusicRow’s Publisher Issue Features ‘State Of The Union’ Panel, A Look Into Catalog Sales, More
/by LB CantrellMusicRow Magazine has released its 2022 Publisher Issue print edition, with Mercury Nashville’s Maddie & Tae on the cover.
This annual resource includes the 2022 Publisher Directory, listing Nashville’s top publishing companies, as well as organizations and services available for songwriters.
Inside the issue, MusicRow brings back its State of the Union roundtable, this time featuring UMPG’s Cyndi Forman, Sony Music Publishing’s Josh Van Valkenburg, Endurance Music’s Michael Martin, Warner Chappell’s Jessi Vaughn Stevenson, and Tape Room Music’s Kelly Bolton
The five publishers sat down with MusicRow to discuss returning from the pandemic, multi-genre success in Nashville, “interpolation fever” in the songwriting community, and more.
“There’s a wider range of talents that we can base our decision on now,” shares Van Valkenburg when asked what attracts him to signing a new songwriter. “I still go back to lyric and melody—it’s still the most important part of the song. That being said, we can’t deny the fact that the producer-writer faction has come along strongly. There are songwriter-producers that are simply creating productions that cannot be replicated. That’s a very special talent that has to be paid attention to, even if they may not be the strongest lyricist.”
Elsewhere, MusicRow taps entertainment attorney Jess L. Rosen to explain the recent uptick in catalog sales. “If you do the calculations of what the money in your pocket now would be worth 10 or 15 years from now even at a modest interest rate, there’s a great value of having that working for you now,” Rosen shares.
The Publisher Issue also features an opinion piece on cutting outside songs from Ben Vaughn, President & CEO of Warner Chappell Nashville.
“If you look at the charts, you’ll see that over the last few years, about 75% to 80% of the singles released in country music were co-written with the artist,” Vaughn writes. “Now, obviously Nashville is blessed with tremendous artist-writers that have strong voices and something to say, but it does seem that the ecosystem is out of balance.”
Additionally, music industry veterans Clay Bradley, Jody Williams and Suzanne Lee look back on the history of a well-loved Nashville tradition: No. 1 parties.
This issue also offers a glimpse into Prescription Songs’ multi-genre success. “It’s called Music City, it’s all genres and all types of music,” shares Prescription Songs Nashville’s Head of A&R, Katie Fagan. “My hope is that one day people aren’t going to feel like they have to go to a different city to have success, and I’m hoping that we’re helping to change that.”
NSAI’s Bart Herbison helps explain the recent royalty rate change, boiling down what that means for songwriters. Reel Muzik Werks’ Teri Nelson Carpenter discusses the journey to starting her Nashville office.
MusicRow’s 2022 Publisher Issue also highlights the work and careers of some of Nashville’s most in-demand songwriters, including Sony Music Publishing’s Elle King, 50 Egg Music/UMPG’s Shane Minor, Big Loud’s Jamie Moore, BMG’s Emily Landis, Boom Music Group/Warner Chappell’s Chris Tompkins and SMACK’s Josh Jenkins.
Single copies of MusicRow’s 2022 Publisher Issue are available for purchase at musicrow.com for $45, and are included with yearly MusicRow subscriptions.
Hardy Slates Sophomore LP, ‘The Mockingbird & The Crow,’ For January
/by Lorie HollabaughHardy. Photo: Ryan Smith
Hardy is gearing up to release his second full-length Big Loud Records LP, The Mockingbird & The Crow, on Jan. 20.
The country rocker surprised fans with a miniature album preview available immediately, releasing three brand new songs–“Here Lies Country Music,” “The Mockingbird & The Crow,” and “Truck Bed.” The trio of new releases join current top 35 single “Wait In The Truck” featuring Lainey Wilson and the recently-dropped rock single “Jack” across all platforms.
The two-part, 17 track collection marries country and rock, mining the influences Hardy grew up listening to. The double-edged project was completely co-written by Hardy with a rolodex of top writers, including Ashley Gorley, Rhett Akins, Hillary Lindsey, Jessie Jo Dillon, David Garcia, Hunter Phelps, Jordan Schmidt, and more.
“The Mockingbird & The Crow is, in my opinion, the best thing I’ve made so far,” Hardy explains. “I had a lot of time to get in the weeds making this record with some of my favorite people in Nashville, and it truly captures every part of who I am as an artist. I’m honored that I get to share it with you next year; can’t wait to hear what you think about it.”
The new project follows Hardy’s 2020 debut album A Rock, which earned a billion on-demand album streams, spent over 106 weeks on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart with a top five debut, and was certified Gold by the RIAA.
1. Beer (Michael Hardy, Ashley Gorley, Ben Johnson, Hunter Phelps)
2. Red Feat. Morgan Wallen (Michael Hardy, Rhett Akins, Ben Hayslip, Jacob Rice)
3. Wait In The Truck Feat. Lainey Wilson (Michael Hardy, Renee Blair, Hunter Phelps, Jordan Schmidt) ^
4. Drink One for Me (Michael Hardy, David Garcia, Hunter Phelps)
5. I In Country (Michael Hardy, Smith Ahnquist, Nick Donley, Jake Mitchell, Hunter Phelps)
6. Screen (Michael Hardy, Jessie Jo Dillon, Matt Dragstrem, Hunter Phelps)
7. Happy (Michael Hardy)
8. Here Lies Country Music (Michael Hardy, Cole Taylor, Brett Tyler, Will Weatherly)
9. The Mockingbird & The Crow (Michael Hardy, Jordan Schmidt, Brett Tyler) ^
10. Sold Out (Michael Hardy, David Garcia, Hunter Phelps) *
11. Jack (Michael Hardy, David Garcia, Hillary Lindsey) *
12. Truck Bed (Michael Hardy, Ashley Gorley, Ben Johnson, Hunter Phelps) +
13. .30-06 (Michael Hardy, Cameron Montgomery, Hunter Phelps)
14. I Ain’t In The Country No More (Michael Hardy, David Garcia, Hillary Lindsey) *
15. Radio Song Feat. Jeremy McKinnon (Michael Hardy, Zach Abend, Nick Donley, Jeremy McKinnon, Cody Quistad)~
16. Kill Sh!t Till I Die(Michael Hardy, David Garcia, Hunter Phelps) *
17. The Redneck Song (Michael Hardy, Andy Albert, Nick Donley)
All songs produced by Joey Moi
All songs co-produced by Derek Wells and HARDY
* co-produced by David Garcia
^ co-produced by Jordan Schmidt
+ co-produced by Ben Johnson
~ co-produced by Andrew Wade, Jeremy McKinnon, and Cody Quistad
Nashville Joins In The Recording Academy’s District Advocate Day To Champion Creators
/by Lydia FarthingPictured (L-R): Chris Woods, Ben Glover, Representative Mark Green, Gramps Morgan and Cory Asbury. Photo: Photo: Terry Wyatt for Getty Images
The Recording Academy’s District Advocate Day recently made its return with the first in-person event since the pandemic. The event aims to bring awareness to several key music-related issues and the artists/representatives advocating for the music community.
Serving as music’s largest grassroots advocacy movement championing creators, the event rallied nearly 2,000 Academy members across 45 states and reached over 75 percent of Congress. Organization members visited their elected Congressional representative’s offices in 12 cities across the country.
Members of the Recording Academy Nashville Chapter at District Advocate Day. Photo: Terry Wyatt for Getty Images
Among these cities was Nashville where music creators, such as Gramps Morgan, Cory Asbury and Ben Glover, met with Representative Mark Green to discuss four key pieces of pending legislation that focus on providing fair compensation and protecting free expression for music creators.
Some of the key policy items that were covered include the Restoring Artistic Protections (RAP) Act, which protects every creator’s right to free expression by limiting the use of lyrics and other creative works as evidence in federal court, and the American Music Fairness Act, which ensures artists and music creators receive payment for the use of their songs on AM/FM radio. Additionally, participants discussed the Help Independent Tracks Succeed (HITS) Act, which amends the tax code so independent artists can fully deduct the cost of new recordings on their taxes, as well as the Peace Through Music Diplomacy Act, which directs the state department to leverage partnerships with the private sector when designing and implementing its music-related exchange programs.
Carly Pearce Celebrates Third No. 1 ‘Never Wanted To Be That Girl’
/by LB CantrellPictured (L-R): Producer Josh Osborne, Big Machine Records’ Clay Hunnicutt, Carly Pearce, Big Machine Label Group’s Scott Borchetta and Allison Jones, Big Machine Records’ Kris Lamb, ASCAP’s Mike Sistad. Photo: Alexa Campbell
Industry members gathered at the Virgin Hotel on Music Row this week to celebrate another No. 1 hit for the reigning CMA Female Vocalist of the Year, Carly Pearce.
Hosted by ASCAP’s Mike Sistad, the party commemorated the success of “Never Wanted To Be That Girl,” a duet between Pearce and Ashley McBryde that the two co-wrote with Shane McAnally. McBryde and McAnally were not able to attend, but McAnally’s co-producer on the track, Josh Osborne, filled in for them.
Sistad got things started by listing off some of Pearce’s hard-won accomplishments that she’s celebrated over the last two years. On top of being the reigning CMA Female Vocalist, she also holds the equivalent honor at the ACM. “Never Wanted To Be That Girl” was her third No. 1 song.
“We are so proud to have you as part of the ASCAP family, you know that. We’re so happy for all the good things that are happening for you. We love you,” Sistad said.
Altadena’s Daniel Lee was the first of the publishers to say a few words. Lee recognized the song’s co-writers, co-producers, the musicians and the engineers on “Never Wanted To Be That Girl.” He thanked Scott Borchetta, Big Machine Label Group and the promotion staff, as well as BMG, SMACK, Jody Williams Songs and Warner Chappell.
Lee made sure to speak about Altadena founder and one of Pearce’s first champions, the late busbee.
“I have to acknowledge busbee. He’s missed, he’s loved, he will never be forgotten,” Lee said, before turning his attention to Pearce. “You are the gold standard for artists. You spoil all of us and you actually are cut from the same cloth as Loretta Lynn.”
Pictured (L-R, back row): ASCAP’s Mike Sistad, Big Machine Records’ Kris Lamb and Clay Hunnicutt, Big Machine Label Group’s Scott Borchetta and Allison Jones, Big Machine Records’ Erik Powell; (L-R, front row): BMG’s Chris Oglesby, SMACK Songs’ Jeremy Groves, Producer Josh Osborne, Carly Pearce, Altadena’s Daniel Lee, Warner Chappell Music’s Ben Vaughn and Spencer Nohe, Jody Williams Songs’ Jody Williams. Photo: Alexa Campbell
BMG’s Chris Oglesby was next up to speak. He said that when Carly Pearce comes to mind, he thinks of three things: work ethic, her reverence for the history of the country music community, and her gift of songwriting.
“She writes what she knows and she writes from the heart,” Oglesby said. “She surrounds herself with creatives who do that same thing and help her paint the pictures that help us all deal with the emotions that we have.”
Label head Borchetta said a few words about his superstar artist, as well. He also had three points he wanted to make: team, song and elite.
Borchetta recognized his team members on getting the song up the charts, as well as his entire staff on Pearce’s stellar 29 project. When speaking about the song, Borchetta highlighted the magic of the demo of “Never Wanted To Be That Girl.”
When he turned his attention to Pearce, he equated her to the elite of the genre.
“I’ve had the amazing great fortune to work with what I think is more female vocalists of the year than anyone else,” Borchetta said, listing off the female greats he’s worked with, such as Loretta Lynn, Tammy Wynette, Reba McEntire, Patty Loveless, Martina McBride, and more. “I’ve gotten to work with the elite. Now I’m getting to work with one of the members of the next elite in Carly Pearce.”
The Big Machine team then presented Pearce with a Gold plaque for both “Never Wanted To Be That Girl” and “What He Didn’t Do.”
Next up to speak was co-producer Josh Osborne.
“Writing is something I’ve done most of my life. Production is something I’m not as confident in, but when you hear songs like this, they just make sense instantly,” Osborne said.
“Shane and I are getting a lot of kudos for the production but I can just tell you that Carly is just as much a part of that if not more than we are. She is the driving force behind this. When you hear a great Carly Pearce record, she is the reason it is a great Carly Pearce record.”
Next it was time to hear from the star of the hour. She made sure to thank her whole team, from Sistad, the person who first believed in her, to Borchetta, Oglesby, Lee, her co-creators, her band and crew, and her new manager Narvel Blackstock.
“It takes people in the beginning to say yes,” she said. “It’s been a magical two years for me. I’ve grown up in this town with a lot of you. I moved here at 19 only thinking about one day being someone who mattered in country music. I understand that you have to support the other people around you and I feel so held and so supported. I’m so grateful for that.”
Red Street Records Launches New Publishing Division, Signs Kelley Lovelace
/by Lydia FarthingPictured (L-R): Red Street Records Co-Owner/Chairman Dan Crockett, Kelley Lovelace, Kelly King, Jay DeMarcus
Red Street Records has launched its new publishing division, Red Street Publishing, with Kelley Lovelace as its flagship writer. The new publishing arm will be helmed by Kelly King, Senior Director of A&R, and Harrison Sokoloff, Director of Publishing and A&R.
Through its new go-forward deal with Lovelace, Red Street Publishing has also acquired songs from his hit-packed catalog. The Grammy-nominated writer has 17 No. 1s with cuts from Brad Paisley, Carrie Underwood, Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan, Kenny Chesney, Keith Urban, Rascal Flatts, Sheryl Crow and more.
“As Red Street announces the launch of our new publishing division, I can’t imagine a better songwriter than Kelley Lovelace to help us get things started,” adds King. “Kelley is one of the most talented and respected songwriters in country music, and we could not be more excited about this partnership.”
“I couldn’t be more excited to enter into this creative journey with Red Street,” Lovelace shares. “Jay DeMarcus is a great leader with such a positive energy, and he has put together an incredible creative staff with the ever so talented Kelly King and Harrison Sokoloff. I’m more motivated than ever to create and see what we can build together.”
Earlier this year, MusicRow caught up with DeMarcus and Red Street Records Country flagship artist Ryan Griffin to talk about its new country division and look ahead at the future of Red Street Records. Click here to read the full interview.