Margo Price. Photo: Alysse Gafkjen
Margo Price searches for what her soul needs and celebrates it on her upcoming Strays album, due out on Jan. 13. A new single from the project, “Change of Heart,” is available now.
The new collection of ten original songs serves as a celebration of freedom in its many raw forms. Price tackles demons of self-image, self-worth and more that came in the wake of her recent decision to quit drinking on the project, which she produced with Jonathan Wilson. The album’s tracks span rock, psychedelic country, R&B and iridescent pop, and feature vocals from Sharon Van Etten and Lucius, plus guitar from Mike Campbell.
“I feel this urgency to keep moving, keep creating,” says Price. “You get stuck in the same patterns of thinking, the same loops of addiction. But there comes a point where you just have to say, ‘I’m going to be here, I’m going to enjoy it, and I’m not going to put so much stock into checking the boxes for everyone else.'” She adds, “I feel more mature in the way that I write now, I’m on more than just a search for large crowds and accolades. I’m trying to find what my soul needs.”
In conjunction with the new project, Price has also announced 30 new headlining shows across North America from late November through early March, including a return to Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium on March 9. The newly added tour dates go on sale this Friday (Sept. 23).
Before hitting the road, though, Price will also publish her debut memoir, Maybe We’ll Make It. Out Oct. 4 on University of Texas Press, it tells her story of moving to Nashville with $57, facing rejection by almost every record label in town, fighting for the opportunity to be herself in the music business, and more.
Strays Track List:
Been To The Mountain
Light Me Up (ft. Mike Campbell)
Radio (ft. Sharon Van Etten)
Change of Heart
County Road
Time Machine
Hell In The Heartland
Anytime You Call (ft. Lucius)
Lydia
Landfill
Warner Chappell Hosts Music City Songwriting Camp
/by LB CantrellPictured (L-R): Tim “One Love” Sommers, Jeremy “Kinetics” Dussolliet, Sam DeRosa, KK Johnson. Photo: Courtesy of Warner Chappell
Last week, Warner Chappell Music Nashville hosted creators of all genres during their Music City Songwriter Camp.
Songwriters such as Mickey Guyton, Tay Keith, Nova Wav, Jenna Andrews and Jesse Frasure, as well as writers from the K-Pop scene in Korea and Latin artists and songwriters, participated in the camp from Sept. 12 to 16.
In addition to daily songwriting sessions, the songwriters participated in a mixer and writers round to commemorate their stay in Nashville. The Music City Songwriting Camp is part of a greater effort by Warner Chappell to help solidify Nashville as a major pop music contributor.
Pictured (L-R): Bradley Simpson, Mark Holman, Asia Whiteacre, Sean Douglas. Photo: Courtesy of Warner Chappell
Pictured (L-R): Sophia Scott, Brandon Paddock, Fraser Churchill, Jon Leone. Photo: Courtesy of Warner Chappell
Pictured (L-R): Maye, Young Chance, Eye Fung. Photo: Courtesy of Warner Chappell
Margo Price Celebrates The Freedom Of Letting Go On New Collection, ‘Strays’
/by Lorie HollabaughMargo Price. Photo: Alysse Gafkjen
Margo Price searches for what her soul needs and celebrates it on her upcoming Strays album, due out on Jan. 13. A new single from the project, “Change of Heart,” is available now.
The new collection of ten original songs serves as a celebration of freedom in its many raw forms. Price tackles demons of self-image, self-worth and more that came in the wake of her recent decision to quit drinking on the project, which she produced with Jonathan Wilson. The album’s tracks span rock, psychedelic country, R&B and iridescent pop, and feature vocals from Sharon Van Etten and Lucius, plus guitar from Mike Campbell.
“I feel this urgency to keep moving, keep creating,” says Price. “You get stuck in the same patterns of thinking, the same loops of addiction. But there comes a point where you just have to say, ‘I’m going to be here, I’m going to enjoy it, and I’m not going to put so much stock into checking the boxes for everyone else.'” She adds, “I feel more mature in the way that I write now, I’m on more than just a search for large crowds and accolades. I’m trying to find what my soul needs.”
In conjunction with the new project, Price has also announced 30 new headlining shows across North America from late November through early March, including a return to Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium on March 9. The newly added tour dates go on sale this Friday (Sept. 23).
Before hitting the road, though, Price will also publish her debut memoir, Maybe We’ll Make It. Out Oct. 4 on University of Texas Press, it tells her story of moving to Nashville with $57, facing rejection by almost every record label in town, fighting for the opportunity to be herself in the music business, and more.
Been To The Mountain
Light Me Up (ft. Mike Campbell)
Radio (ft. Sharon Van Etten)
Change of Heart
County Road
Time Machine
Hell In The Heartland
Anytime You Call (ft. Lucius)
Lydia
Landfill
Matt Roy Joins Big Machine Music’s Writer Roster
/by Lydia FarthingPictured (L-R): BMM’s General Manager Mike Molinar, Matt Roy, BMM’s Director, Publishing Michelle Attardi. Photo: Noah Needleman
Big Machine Music (BMM), a subsidiary of HYBE America, has added singer-songwriter Matt Roy to its writer roster with an exclusive co-publishing agreement.
The New Jersey native began playing music at the age of 12. Drawn to the storytelling in country music, Roy landed his first publishing deal prior to graduating from Belmont University in 2018. Since then, he has landed cuts from Kane Brown and Chris Young, as well as newcomers Ashley Cooke and Adam Doleac. In 2020, Roy notched his first chart-topper with the multi-week No. 1, Gold-certified hit “Done,” which was co-written and recorded by Chris Janson.
Earlier this year, Roy released his debut EP, Wildflower, which features five self-penned songs. He has recently been on the road opening for Morgan Wade and others.
“Matt has a natural instinct of both craft and commerciality beyond what can be taught or learned. I believe he will be one of the great songwriters of his generation,” notes Big Machine Music’s General Manager Mike Molinar. “We are incredibly honored that he has chosen Big Machine Music as his publishing partner.”
“I could not be more excited to be a part of the Big Machine Music family,” Roy adds. “Their commitment to song craftsmanship and work ethic is something that inspires me greatly as a songwriter and artist. I really do feel at home and I’m excited to get to work together.”
Roy joins BMM’s writer roster which includes Brett Young, Ryan Hurd, Laura Veltz, Matt Dragstrem, Jessie Jo Dillon and Eric Paslay, among others.
Willie Nelson’s 1984 Budokan Show To Be Released As Live Album
/by Lorie HollabaughWillie Nelson. Photo: Pamela Springsteenlsom
A new album capturing Willie Nelson‘s epic 1984 performance at the Nippon Budokan in Tokyo, Willie Nelson Live At Budokan, will be available from Legacy Recordings on Nov. 18.
Produced by Nelson’s longtime harmonica player Mickey Raphael, the album has been sonically upgraded to showcase Nelson and his ensemble in Tokyo for the first time. His ensemble that night (Feb. 23, 1984) featured his sister Bobbie Nelson on piano, Paul English on drums, Grady Martin on guitar, Jody Payne on vocals and guitar, Bee Spears on bass, and Raphael on harmonica.
“I believe that music, not only country music, but I believe that music is a great communicator,” Nelson states in his notes for the release. “I think that it crosses all boundaries and I think that the people, regardless of whether they understand what I’m saying or not, they would feel what I’m saying and they will hear it in whatever language they are listening. I think that is the great thing about music.”
Live At Budokan will be available in digital, CD and DVD configurations, as well as a 2LP 12″ vinyl that will be available exclusively at independent record stores as part of Record Store Day’s Black Friday event on Nov. 25. A broadcast edition of Willie Nelson Live At Budokan is part of special programming premiering on PBS stations beginning Nov. 26.
Willie Nelson and Family are currently on tour with upcoming shows scheduled for New York SummerStage in Central Park, Outlaw Fest concerts, FarmAid and more. For a full list of dates, click here.
1. Whiskey River (J. B. Shinn III)
2. Mona Lisa (Jay Livingston/Raymond Evans)
3. Good Hearted Woman (Waylon Jennings/Willie Nelson)
4. Down Yonder (L. Wolfe Gilbert)
5. If You’ve Got The Money I’ve Got The Time (Lefty Frizzell/Jim Beck)
6. Workin’ Man Blues (Merle Haggard)
7. Help Me Make It Through The Night (Kris Kristofferson)
8. Me and Bobby McGee (Kris Kristofferson/Fred Foster)
9. Blue Eyes Crying In The Rain (Fred Rose)
10. Under The Double Eagle (Traditional arranged by Willie Nelson)
11. Blue Skies (Irving Berlin)
12. Georgia On My Mind (Hoagy Carmichael/Stuart Gorell)
13. All Of Me (Seymour Simons/Gerald Marks)
14. Stardust (Hoagy Carmichael/Mitchell Parish
15. My Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys (Sharon Vaughan)
16. Mammas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up To Be Cowboys (Ed Bruce/Patsy Bruce)
17. Angel Flying Too Close To The Ground (Willie Nelson)
18. On The Road Again (Willie Nelson)
19. Always On My Mind (John Christopher/Wayne Thompson/Mark James)
20. Will The Circle Be Unbroken (A.P. Carter)
21. Only Daddy That’ll Walk The Line (Jimmy Bryant)
22. Who’ll Buy My Memories (Willie Nelson)
23. Till I Gain Control Again (Rodney Crowell)
24. Without A Song (Vincent Youmans/Billy Rose/Edward Eliscu)
25. Luckenbach, Texas (Back to the Basics of Love) (Bobby Emmons/Chips Moman)
26. Whiskey River (J. B. Shinn III)
27. Only Daddy That’ll Walk The Line (Jimmy Bryant)
ACM LEVel Up Program Launches Undergraduate Music Business Series
/by Lydia FarthingThe Academy of Country Music’s LEVel Up: Lifting Every Voice program has announced a special series for undergraduate students who are interested in pursuing careers in the music industry. The string of workshops, which will take place in Nashville, is set to begin Oct. 20.
The LEVel Up series will give attendees an insider’s perspective of the music business from rising leaders and executives. The first session will cover Music Industry Etiquette, with sessions continuing throughout the spring of 2023 pertaining to production, business management, publishing, marketing, A&R and more.
All participants must register to attend in-person or virtually, with sessions being filled first come, first serve. Sign-ups for the inaugural session on Oct. 20 are open now.
ACM LEVel Up: Lifting Every Voice program is a two-year professional development and enrichment curriculum for rising leaders in country music. For more information on ACM LEVel Up and upcoming LEVel Up sessions, click here.
LEVel Up Class of 2022:
Kaela Allen, Singer/Songwriter
Mackenzie Cooper, Westwood One
Stephanie Davenport, Warner Music Nashville
Morgan Kenney, WME
Daniel Killian, FBMM
Shelby Moran, AEG Presents
Vanna Moua, Rhythm House
Kortney Toney, Naxos of America
Kane Brown To Receive 2022 Boys & Girls Clubs Of America’s Champion Of Youth Award
/by Liza AndersonKane Brown. Photo: Diwang Valdez
Global country artist Kane Brown has been named the recipient of The 2022 Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s Champion of Youth Award. Brown, a devoted supporter of the organization, will be honored on Oct. 13 at The 75th National Youth of the Year ceremony in Los Angeles.
In addition to the Champion of Youth Award, the annual event honors teens recognized on the local, state and regional levels, where one finalist will take home the national title. The ceremony is set to take place at the Beverly Hilton hotel where Entertainment Tonight’s Nischelle Turner will host and name the 2022 National Youth of the Year.
“For 75 years, we’ve recognized courageous young people who establish themselves as leaders and changemakers, not only in their local communities, but all across the nation,” says President and CEO Jim Clark. “This year, we’re thrilled to move the celebration to Los Angeles, honoring our National Youth of the Year with many trusted youth advocates and national leaders.”
Since 1947, the Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s Youth of the Year program has recognized young individuals who make an impact in their communities, and possess outstanding leadership skills, academic excellence and a healthy lifestyle. Past recipients of the Champion of Youth Award include LeBron James, Jennifer Lopez and Mario Lopez..
The Pretty Wild Sign With Records Co./Columbia Records, CAA, Burning Ground Entertainment
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R, top row): Andrew Saltman, Joe Fisher, Laurel Kittleson, and Josh Easler; (L-R, bottom row): Julia Wylde (The Pretty Wild), Barry Weiss, Jill Wylde (The Pretty Wild), and David Nathan
Sister duo The Pretty Wild have expanded their artist team by signing with Records Co./Columbia Records, Creative Artists Agency (CAA) and Burning Ground Entertainment.
Pictured (L-R): David Nathan, Julia Wylde and Jill Wylde (The Pretty Wild), Rod Essig
The Pretty Wild– composed of Jill and Julia Wylde–describe their music as “y’allternative,” a hybrid of country, alternative and rock. It has earned them spots on the lineup for events such as Stagecoach and Route 91 Harvest Festival, as well as opening slots for Kelsea Ballerini, Halsey, Josh Turner and Alien Ant Farm.
Their debut single “Xanax And Champagne,” written by Shane McAnally, Brandy Clark and Old Dominion‘s Trevor Rosen, gained traction on streaming and was featured on Spotify’s Fresh Finds Country, Pandora’s Rising Women in Country, and TIDAL’s Rising Tidal Masters, among others.
As the duo continues to round out their team and prepares to release new music, they continue their partnership with manager David Nathan and D&D Endeavors.
Ashley Gorley Marks Seven Weeks At The Peak Of The MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart
/by Lydia FarthingAshley Gorley
For a seventh consecutive week, Ashley Gorley notches the top spot on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart.
The decorated wordsmith has seven songs currently charting, including Dierks Bentley’s “Gold,” Michael Ray’s “Holy Water,” Cole Swindell’s “She Had Me At Heads Carolina,” Parmalee’s “Take My Name,” Carly Pearce’s “What He Didn’t Do,” Brett Young’s “You Didn’t” and Morgan Wallen’s “You Proof.”
There are no top-five changes on the chart this week with Zach Bryan (No. 2), Ernest Keith Smith (No. 3), Morgan Wallen (No. 4) and Chase McGill (No. 5) all maintaining their top five positions.
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.
Tracy Lawrence’s Mission:Possible Turkey Fry & Benefit Concert Set For Nov. 22
/by Lorie HollabaughTracy Lawrence. Photo: Jon Paul Bruno
Tracy Lawrence will be frying up turkeys again this Thanksgiving to help the homeless across Middle Tennessee at his 17th annual Mission:Possible Turkey Fry & Benefit Concert at the Wildhorse Saloon on Nov. 22.
Since its inception, Mission:Possible has fried over 8,000 turkeys, provided more than 90,000 meals to the homeless across Middle Tennessee, and raised over $600,000 to Nashville Rescue Mission.
“Over the last 17 years we have served about 64,000 meals and touched countless people’s lives. When we first started frying a few turkeys, I never thought we’d fry more than a dozen or two, let alone be raising hundreds of thousands of dollars while doing it,” Lawrence reflects. “I’m proud of how this event has grown and I’m thankful to have others in the community willing to participate to make it what it is today.”
In 2021, the annual Thanksgiving week concert raised $175,000–the largest sum raised through the Turkey Fry event to date.
Following the success of the Turkey Fry & Benefit Concert series, Mission:Possible launched an annual Celebrity Classic Golf Tournament in 2020. The springtime fundraiser has raised more than $800,000 towards various Middle Tennessee homeless charities in just two short years.
Weekly Register: Kane Brown Earns Top Debut On Country Charts
/by Lydia FarthingKane Brown makes the top debuts on both the top country albums and streaming songs charts this week. His new album, Different Man, comes in at the No. 2 spot, collecting 46K in total consumption (20K album only/29 million song streams).
Similarly, “Thank God” from the album, which features Brown’s wife Katelyn, debuts at No. 4 on the top country streaming songs chart. The track earned 8.9 million first-week streams, according to Luminate data.
Morgan Wallen‘s “You Proof” remains strong atop the country streaming songs chart for an eighth consecutive week, nabbing another 13 million streams this week. Zach Bryan‘s “Something In The Orange” rises to No. 2 with 11 million streams, while Luke Combs‘ “The Kind Of Love We Make” falls to No. 3 with 9.4 million streams. Bailey Zimmerman‘s “Rock And A Hard Place” seals the top five songs with 8.5 million streams this week.
Wallen also keeps his spot at the peak of the country albums chart. Dangerous: The Double Album adds 50K in total consumption this week (4.4K album only/57 million song streams). Bryan’s American Heartbreak falls one spot to No. 3, claiming 25K in total consumption. Combs takes up the final two spots: Growin’ Up notches fourth with 17K and This One’s For You takes fifth with 16K in total consumption.