Adam Anders, Jason Owen
On Sunday (Sept. 11), FOX will premiere the new multi-generational musical drama Monarch.
The series focuses on America’s “leading family of country music,” built around the “Queen of Country Music” Dottie Cantrell Roman (played by Academy Award winner Susan Sarandon), and her beloved husband and fellow country music royalty Albie Roman (played by multi-Platinum country music star Trace Adkins).
Susan Sarandon and Trace Adkins in the series premiere of Monarch. Photo: FOX © 2022 FOX Media LLC.
The dramatic story finds the Romans ruling their country music dynasty, a legacy their daughter Nicolette “Nicky” Roman (played by Golden Globe nominee Anna Friel) plans to continue with her own music career. Nicky’s brother Luke Roman (Joshua Sasse) is also in the family business, serving as CEO of the Romans’ Monarch Entertainment. Youngest daughter Gigi Tucker-Roman (Beth Ditto) is very close to her older brother and sister, but in a family of superstars, she’s always felt like bit of an outcast despite her incredible singing voice.
As learned from a sneak peek of the show, things get tricky for the Romans when it’s discovered that the very foundation of their success is a lie. The show, which is 100% owned and produced by FOX Entertainment, debuts with a special two-night event, beginning Sunday, Sept. 11, immediately following the FOX NFL doubleheader at 8 p.m. EST.
Prior to the premiere, MusicRow caught up with Monarch‘s executive producer and top music manager, Jason Owen, as well as Monarch‘s executive music producer Adam Anders.
Owen says that Monarch came about to offer something new to viewers, especially in middle America.
“Gail Berman, who has become my mentor, is a genius producer. She ran FOX during the decade that they had American Idol and Glee,” Owen says. “She has her own production company now and she has felt like there needed to be a country music-centric show for FOX, knowing that FOX’s demographic was really in the middle of the country. No one was really speaking to the middle of the country, they were all speaking to the coast.”
That’s where screenwriter Melissa London Hilfers came in. She was the perfect choice to write the story of the Romans, as she grew up on country music.
“Gail needed someone who knew both TV and the music business—someone that can add authenticity to this, but also add drama to it,” Owen says. “That’s where I came in. We had a meeting three and half years ago and just immediately connected.”
Susan Sarandon and Trace Adkins in the series premiere of Monarch. Photo: FOX © 2022 FOX Media LLC.
With his background in the country music industry, and a client list that includes Kacey Musgraves, Little Big Town, Dan + Shay and Kelsea Ballerini, it’s easy to assume that Owen would have a lot of influence and knowledge to draw on when creating Monarch.
“You’ll see storyline references through the process that you could probably connect some dots to [in country music history], whether it’s a divorce or something like that. There’s a story about one of the record labels buying someone’s masters. There are those through lines that come from reality.
“Look, there’s no question that I’m surrounded by divas every day—including myself!” Owen adds with a laugh.
There is one character, however, that is inspired after a well-known Nashvillian.
“One real life example I took for the script was for Dottie’s hairdresser Earl,” Owens says. “Earl Cox is a legend in hair for country music and a dear friend of mine. He’s done hair for Martina McBride, Wynonna Judd, Tammy Wynette, Faith Hill, and everybody else you can imagine. He’s such a character and he’s such a wonderful human.
“Earl was not part of the original script. At some point, I said, ‘We need this counterpart because the glam teams, specifically ones that have been with these artists for a long time, have a big influence on them.’ So Earl was written in. We got permission from Earl to use his real name. I use a lot from him, including a lot of his sayings and interactions.”
In a show about country music, it’s no surprise that the music on the show was of the utmost importance. That’s why the Monarch team brought in three-time Grammy Award nominee and series executive music producer Adam Anders to head up the music. Anders has experience in creating a soundtrack for a television series that is larger than life, as he was the executive music producer for Glee.
Anders is also a true country music fan from childhood, making him the perfect steward for the music of Monarch.
“The first record I ever bought was when I saved my pennies to buy Kenny Rogers‘ The Gambler,” Anders says. “I’ve always had an affinity for country music. My parents loved it. I moved to Nashville whenI was 16 years old. I started as a bass player and did a lot of Christian and country records. I cut my teeth as a songwriter in Nashville.
Beth Ditto and Anna Friel in the series premiere of Monarch. Photo: FOX © 2022 FOX Media LLC.
“The thing that drew me to the show was it’s not just classic country or new country, it’s everything in between as well,” he adds. “There was an opportunity for original songs. The only real correlation with Glee is that we get to introduce songs to a new generation. [Viewers] might not have heard a Waylon Jennings song, a Hank Williams song or Barbara Mandrell song, so it’s fun for me to reframe those in a way that is appealing to this generation. A great song is a great song.”
When it came time to find a theme song for Monarch, more Nashville creatives were called in. The Love Junkies—Hillary Lindsey, Lori McKenna and Liz Rose—wrote a haunting song called “The Card You Gamble” for the show. Talented songstress Caitlyn Smith recorded it.
“FOX really wanted an original theme song versus a licensed theme song,” Owen shares. “I have had tremendous success with the Love Junkies and they’re great friends of mine. I called Beth Laird first and she got them all on a Zoom with me. I walked through what the show was, what we were looking for, and the concept. I sent the first script and talked through it all. Within three or four days, they had that song back to me.
“Then, of course, we needed someone to sing it,” he adds. “FOX was going to hire a singer that does theme songs, but I said, ‘No, I have literally one of the best voices in country music: Caitlyn Smith.’ She jumped on it and they were thrilled.”
One thing that is evident with the Monarch team is their intention to include as many Nashville creators as possible.
“The songwriting community in Nashville [is involved in the new songs], as well as the musician community,” shares Anders. “We’re tracking every song in Nashville and all the backgrounds are Nashville singers, so it’s a really a Nashville affair.”
Catch the series premiere of Monarch on Sunday, Sept. 11, immediately following the FOX NFL doubleheader (8:00-9:00 p.m. ET, and simultaneously to all time zones). It then makes its time period premiere Tuesday, Sept. 20 (9:00-10:00 p.m. ET/PT), following the season six debut of The Resident (8:00-9:00 p.m. ET/PT).
CMA Announces 2022 International Awards Nominees
/by Lorie HollabaughThe CMA has revealed the nominees for the 2022 CMA International Awards, honoring artists and industry executives who have supported and impacted the growth and promotion of country music internationally.
Nominees are recognized in multiple categories and voted on by international CMA members along with a select panel of U.S.-based professionals with extensive knowledge in the international country music industry. These nominees from Australia, Canada, Germany, The Netherlands, New Zealand, Sweden, the U.K. and the U.S. are honored for their continued efforts in expanding country’s reach around the globe.
Lindsay Ell, Ashley McBryde, Brothers Osborne, and Tenille Townes are among the nominees for International Artist Achievement Award. Voting for the 2022 CMA International Awards is open now through Sept. 26 with winners to be announced later this year.
“I am thrilled to be honoring these deserving international partners as we continue to see sustained country music growth globally,” says Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer. “At our core, we exist to expand country music across the world, and each of these nominees has been an instrumental force in helping us further that mission by elevating and celebrating country music around the globe in their own territories. I can’t wait to celebrate each of them in the coming months!”
“All of our international award nominees have worked passionately and diligently in international markets for years,” says Milly Olykan, Vice President, International Relations and Development. “Country music has an amazing community of industry executives around the world, and each of these individuals have played a major part in building and continuing those relationships. They are all ambassadors and representatives for our genre, and we are grateful for their knowledge, expertise and friendship.”
2022 CMA International Awards Nominees:
Jo Walker Meador International Award:
This award recognizes outstanding achievement by an individual in advocating and supporting country music’s marketing development in territories outside the United States.
This award recognizes outstanding achievements by an individual who has made important contributions to the live music industry by extending performance opportunities and building live audiences for country music outside of the United States.
This award recognizes outstanding achievements in the media as they relate to country music outside of the United States.
This award recognizes outstanding achievement by a United States-based artist who has demonstrated the most significant creative growth, development and promotion of the country music industry outside of the United States during the eligibility period.
This award recognizes outstanding achievement by a radio broadcaster or syndicated radio reporter outside the United States who has made important contributions for the development of country music in his/her country.
This award recognizes outstanding achievements by a country music artist signed outside of the United States. The artist must have furthered the popularity of country music as well as brought attention to the country music format in their foreign based territory.
Frank Rogers Elevated To Chief Creative Officer, Spirit Music Group/CEO, Spirit Music Nashville
/by Lorie HollabaughFrank Rogers. Photo: Courtesy of Spirit Music Group
Frank Rogers has been promoted to Chief Creative Officer, Spirit Music Group/CEO, Spirit Music Nashville.
In his new role, Rogers will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of Spirit Music Group’s global roster and creative activities, as well as continuing to oversee Spirit Music Nashville’s operational activities.
In addition to being a publishing executive, Rogers is a multi-Platinum producer and songwriter who has produced 44 No. 1 singles, more than 80 top 20 singles and over 60 RIAA certified albums or singles for artists such as Trace Adkins, Brad Paisley, Josh Turner, Darius Rucker, Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban, Dolly Parton, Allison Krauss, Frank Ray, and Scotty McCreery.
Rogers has 18 CMA nominations, with one win, and 27 ACM nominations, with five wins. He has produced 17 Grammy-nominated songs or albums, including four winners. He has been named Billboard‘s No. 1 Hot Country Producer Award five times, MusicRow’s Producer of the Year four times, and was included on Billboard’s Country Power Players list in 2020 and 2022.
As a songwriter he’s co-written many chart toppers, including “I’m Gonna Miss Her” (Brad Paisley); “Alright” and “This” (Darius Rucker); “Five More Minutes,” “This Is It,” “In Between,” and “You Time” (Scotty McCreery); and “Backroad Song” (Granger Smith). His songs have been recorded by Chris Stapleton, Ed Sheeran, Bruno Mars, Kenny Rogers, Clint Black, Hootie And The Blowfish, Lee Brice, Kidd Rock, Billy Gibbons, Matthew West, and many more.
In 2016, Spirit Music Group inked a multi-facted deal with Rogers and his company, Fluid Music Revolution, forming the Spirit/Fluid joint venture. The deal empowered Rogers to bring new artists, producers and writers to the company, and he also joined Spirit’s roster as a songwriter, with the company administering all of his new compositions worldwide. Rogers was appointed CEO of Spirit Music Group Nashville in 2019.
“I’m confident Frank is the right person to lead Spirit Music Group’s global creative team in this next exciting chapter. Frank brings a wealth of experience to our business, both as a multi-Platinum songwriter/music producer in his own right and as a highly accomplished music publishing executive with a proven history of delivering hit after hit with our roster,” notes Jon Singer, Chairman, Spirit Music Group. “We are thrilled to provide Spirit Music Group’s global roster of artists, songwriters and producers of every genre the very best in executive talent and a creative executive at the helm who knows how to build business and careers for our writers. What Frank has accomplished with Spirit Music Nashville is a great example of what a music publishing community firing on all cylinders can accomplish and we look forward to seeing him apply his creative strategy throughout our global offices.”
“I am honored to continue and to expand my relationship with Spirit Music Group,” Rogers adds. “Jon Singer, Ross Cameron and Joe Borrino have been great partners over the last several years and I look forward to continuing to build on Spirit’s impressive foundation. I am excited to work with all of Spirit’s songwriters and staff with the goal of expanding our global presence while making Spirit Music Group the preeminent independent music publisher in the world.”
Fisk Leader Dr. Paul Kwami Passes
/by Robert K OermannDr. Paul T. Kwami (center) with The Fisk Jubilee Singers. Photo: Jason Davis, Getty Images for Fisk Jubilee Singers
Dr. Paul T. Kwami, the director of The Fisk Jubilee Singers died Saturday (Sept. 10) at age 70.
Kwami took the 151-year-old Nashville musical institution into the modern era. During his 28-year tenure as the group’s leader, The Fisk Jubilee Singers won its first Grammy Award, undertook its first African tour, was honored with a National Medal of Arts and entered the Gospel Music Hall of Fame, among other accomplishments.
The Fisk Jubilee Singers were Nashville’s first stars. Founded in 1871, the group popularized slave spirituals. They were the first act to circumnavigate the globe on tour and performed before all the crowned heads of Europe. The group has been recording since 1909.
Paul Theophilus Kwami was born and raised in the West African nation of Ghana. He became a pianist and music teacher before emigrating to the U.S. in 1982 to pursue graduate studies at Fisk University.
While a student in Nashville, he was a member of the Fisk Jubilee Singers in 1983-85. He earned his master’s degree at Western Michigan University, then returned to Fisk to become the Jubilee Singers director in 1994.
In 1999, the singers portrayed their 19th-century musical ancestors for reenactment segments of a PBS documentary in the American Experience series. They were signed to Curb Records and released the CD In Bright Mansions in 2003. One of the CD’s tracks, “Poor Man Lazarus” won a Dove Award from the Gospel Music Association.
The following year, Kwami began updating the ensemble’s repertoire and outreach. The group was soon collaborating on stages and in the studio with pop, folk, gospel and country stars, from Neil Young to Shania Twain. Among the group’s collaborators since have been Hank Williams Jr., Danny Glover, Faith Hill, the Nashville Chamber Orchestra, Keb’ Mo’, The Fairfield Four, Lee Ann Womack, CeCe Winans and Natalie Cole.
In 2000, the Jubilees became the subjects of the book Dark Midnight When I Rise. This evolved into an acclaimed PBS documentary film, Jubilee Singers: Sacrifice and Glory. A second book about the group was 2010’s Tell Them We Are Singing for Jesus.
In 2006, The Fisk Jubilee Singers were honored with a star on the Music City Walk of Fame. The group was celebrated at the Recording Academy Honors ceremony in Nashville, along with Loretta Lynn and others in 2007. This is also when the singers were honored with a Tennessee Governors Award in the Arts. Later that year, the choir toured Kwami’s homeland, Ghana.
The ensemble was chosen to receive a National Medal of Arts in 2008. Paul Kwami earned a doctorate of music degree from Chicago’s American Conservatory of Music in 2009.
Under Kwami’s directorship, the Fisk Jubilee Singers performed at venues including the Apollo Theatre, Kennedy Center, Smithsonian Institute, Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum, White House and several Spanish and Italian halls.
Kwami also stepped up the group’s recording activities. Its new-millennium collections have included Sacred Journey (2007), The Fisk Jubilee Singers (2011), Roll Jordan Roll (2015) and I Want to Be Ready (2021).
Its 2021 recording Celebrating Fisk! The 150th Anniversary Album won a Grammy Award in the Best Roots Gospel Album category. Also in that year, The Fisk Jubilee Singers were honored by the Americana Music Association with the AMA’s Legacy of Americana award.
The Grammy-winning album was produced by Shannon Sanders. He reported that the current members of The Fisk Jubilee Singers gathered last week at the hospital where Kwami was ill. They sang “The Lord Bless You and Keep You” outside his room.
Paul Kwami served as a board member for the W.O. Smith Community Music School, the Nashville Advisory Council, the Gospel Music Association Foundation and the Schermerhorn Symphony Committee.
Funeral arrangements are pending.
Recording Academy CEO, Harvey Mason Jr., Notes Progress In Annual Address
/by Liza AndersonRecording Academy CEO, Harvey Mason Jr., delivered the annual address to the organization on Friday (Sept. 9), emphasizing the significance of Academy membership and each affiliate’s unique opportunity to create a lasting impact on the music community. In the address, he also highlighted key initiatives and milestones for the Academy and welcomed the organization’s 2022 New Member Class.
Comprised of nearly 2,000 diverse music creators and professionals, the Academy’s 2022 New Member Class displays the organization’s continued progress toward cultivating a community that encompasses the ethnicities, genres and crafts that power the music industry.
“After years of listening, learning and putting in the work, we’re beginning to see results of our efforts to diversify the Academy’s membership come to life,” Mason shared. “Our members are the lifeblood of this organization, powering everything we do from the inside out. When we have diverse people representing all corners of the industry contributing unique perspectives, progress is achieved at a rapid pace. The journey is just beginning, and I can’t wait to work alongside our new and existing members to build on the Academy’s commitment to effecting real, meaningful change.”
Full statistics surrounding the demographics of the new class can be found here, and click here to read quotes from new members.
This marks the fourth year the Academy has administered a community-driven and peer-reviewed annual cycle to create a more diverse and engaged membership base representative of the evolving musical landscape. Since implementing the new model in 2019, the number of women has increased by 19 percent, and membership among traditionally underrepresented communities has increased by 38 percent, now accounting for 31 percent and 33 percent of the Academy’s current membership, respectively.
Mason also noted the five new Grammy Awards categories as well as the new Special Merit Award, Best Song For Social Change.
Additional Academy milestones and initiatives featured in the annual member address included the Academy’s efforts leading the fight for the Decriminalizing Artistic Expression Act in California and the RAP Act on the federal level that would restrict the use of rap lyrics and other creative works in court, and the deadline for Academy members to register for District Advocate Day, taking place on Oct. 6.
Luke Bryan Announces Eighth Annual Crash My Playa For January
/by Lorie HollabaughLuke Bryan. Photo: Robby Kline
Luke Bryan is heading back to the beach for the eighth annual Crash My Playa concert vacation from Jan. 19-22 at the Moon Palace Cancún.
The event will feature four nights of music on a private stretch of white sand beach, with Bryan headlining two of the four nights with fellow American Idol judge Lionel Richie, who is making his debut appearance at the event.
Chris Stapleton and Cole Swindell will return this year as headliners, and Dustin Lynch will once again host and perform at a special poolside party. Additional performers during the four-day event include Ashley McBryde, Brian Kelley, Carly Pearce, Chase Rice, Dylan Scott and DJ Rock. Kendell Marvel will also return with his special Honky Tonk Experience late-night performance. Additional performers will be announced later this fall.
“Oh my gosh this line up! Some dear friends and new friends but regardless, what an amazing treat for the fans,” Bryan notes. “Everybody rest up and get ready for these four beachside hangs.”
A limited amount of all-inclusive Crash My Playa 2023 event packages will be available to the public on Sept. 13 at 12 p.m. CT at crashmyplaya.com.
Lineup Announced For Dottie West Birthday Bash Hosted By Jeannie Seely
/by Lorie HollabaughPerformers have been announced for the Fourth Annual Dottie West Birthday Bash set for Oct. 11 at Nashville’s 3rd & Lindsley.
Hosted by Grand Ole Opry Member Jeannie Seely, the 90th birthday celebration for West will include performances by Country Music Hall of Fame and Grand Ole Opry Member Charlie McCoy, who will be honored for his impact on country music.
Country Music Hall of Fame members Ray Stevens and Brenda Lee, as well as Grand Ole Opry members Rhonda Vincent and Mandy Barnett, John Schneider, Heidi Newfield, Dallas Wayne, Tim Atwood, Kenna West, Tess Frizzell, Bobby Tomberlin and other surprise guests will also take the stage.
Tickets for the annual event are available now for purchase here.
Industry Ink: Randy Travis, Lauren Alaina, Big Machine, Catie Offerman, Cooper Alan
/by Lydia FarthingRandy Travis’ More Life Documentary Earns Six Telly Awards
Pictured (L-R): WMN’s Justin Luffman and Shane Tarleton, Randy Travis, Mary Travis, Tony Conway, Zach Farnum and WMN’s Mike Du. Photo: Courtesy Warner Music Nashville
Country Music Hall of Famer Randy Travis was recently presented six Telly Awards for his documentary, More Life. Travis received the honors for Gold Winner in Non-Broadcast – Editing, Gold Winner in Non-Broadcast – Biography, Silver Winner in Non-Broadcast – Directing, Silver Winner in Non-Broadcast – Use of Archival Footage, Silver Winner in Non-Broadcast – Documentary: Individual, and Silver Winner in Non-Broadcast – Music/Concert.
In 2011, More Life started as a concert special honoring the 25th anniversary of Travis’ iconic album Storms of Life. As the film was being finalized in 2013, Travis unexpectedly became ill and suffered a massive stroke, making him unable to perform and severely limiting his speech. Since then, the film has become a celebration of his legacy.
“Producing More Life has been a labor of love for the past eleven years. Having the documentary released to the world, and received with such accolades, feels so right. Randy Travis is the cornerstone of Warner Music Nashville and we are honored and thrilled to help tell his story with More Life,” shares Shane Tarleton, EVP, Artist Development, Warner Music Nashville.
Lauren Alaina Performs At CMHOF’s 10th Annual Nightfall At The Hall
Pictured (L-R, back row): Ben Hall, senior director of development at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum; Zach Farnum, Troubadour Advisory Council leadership team member; Lauren Alaina; Patrick Thomas, chair of the Troubadour Advisory Council; Mary Lauren Teague, Troubadour Advisory Council leadership team member; (L-R, front row): Katherine Smith, senior manager of advancement at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum; Ella Choi; Katie Cline Moore, Troubadour Advisory Council leadership team member; and Lisa Purcell, senior vice president of external affairs at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
Lauren Alaina took the stage at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s 10th annual Nightfall at the Hall concert on Wednesday (Sept. 7). The night serves as an after-hours celebration exclusively for the museum’s Troubadour members.
Prior to Alaina’s performance, student artist Ella Choi performed “Blueberry Love,” a song that she wrote with guidance from museum staff as part of the museum’s flagship educational program, Words & Music.
For more information or to become a Troubadour member, click here.
Addie Morton Joins Big Machine Records, Samantha Kane Moves To BMLG
Addie Morton & Samantha Kane
Addie Morton has been named Promotion Coordinator for Big Machine Records.
Morton fills the position previously held by Samantha Kane, who moved into the newly created role of Marketing & Event Manager for all of Big Machine Label Group.
Catie Offerman Makes Grand Ole Opry Debut
Catie Offerman. Photo: Chris Hollo
MCA Nashville singer-songwriter Catie Offerman made her Grand Ole Opry debut earlier this month (Sept. 2). Offerman showed off her talent as a multi-instrumentalist by playing her fiddle and guitar on songs such as “Happyland Trailer Park” and “Don’t Do It In Texas.”
“I just finished playing my Opry debut and honestly, I can’t believe it’s over because I feel like I’ve prepared for this my whole life, and it was over just like that. It’s just so surreal to be part of this country music family, something that I’ve dreamed about for years, and even talked to my grandparents about. And here I am, I did it and I can’t wait to do it again!” says Offerman.
“It is so special to have my family here, they came all the way from Texas, 15 hours in the car with their chihuahuas, just to be here,” she continues. “It’s just really sweet because it’s a long haul and it was amazing knowing that they were out there supporting me, though they’ve supported me my whole life. Whether it’s been me playing in smokey bars in Austin or God knows where in Texas, pizza restaurants, polka gigs, all the way to the Opry they’ve been there for me. So, this is really special to share this moment with them,” she adds.
Cooper Alan To Make Grand Ole Opry Debut
Cooper Alan will make his Grand Ole Opry debut on Sept. 21, joining a lineup of Opry members The Isaacs and the Del McCoury Band, along with Priscilla Block, Steven Curtis Chapman and more.
With over 100 million streams on his music and 10 million followers across social platforms, Alan has built a fanbase through his writing and performing sold-out shows across the country.
“Making my Opry debut is something I’ve dreamed of my entire life. My heroes have all sung on that stage and I’m incredibly honored, humbled, and grateful that it is my turn to step into that circle. A huge thank you to the Opry staff for believing in me and my amazing team for working so hard to help me get here!” Alan shares.
“We have lots of respect for artists who go from playing bars to headlining their own tours, all while growing such an engaged & dedicated fan base. Because of that, we’re thrilled to welcome Cooper onto the Grand Ole Opry stage to make his debut,” notes Grand Ole Opry Director of Artist Relations & Programming Strategy Jordan Pettit.
Breland Looks To Bridge The Genre Gap On Debut ‘Cross Country’ Project [Interview]
/by Lydia FarthingBreland. Photo: Jimmy Fontaine
Since independently releasing his breakthrough smash hit “My Truck” on social media in 2020, genre-bending singer-songwriter Breland has spent the last couple years taking the country world by storm and making quite the mark on Nashville along the way.
In that time, the New Jersey native has kept busy, hosting his own “Breland & Friends” benefit concert at Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium, which raised over $140,000 for the Oasis Center, as well as being included on countless artist to watch lists. He’s been featured on many projects from established country and hip-hop artists, such as Dierks Bentley‘s “Beers On Me” alongside Hardy, Nelly‘s “High Horse” with Blanco Brown, and more. Not to mention he’s been popping out his own collection of collaborations, including the Gold-certified “Throw It Back” with Keith Urban.
Breland. Photo: Jimmy Fontaine
All the while, though, the magnetic entertainer was hard at work perfecting his eagerly awaited debut project, Cross Country, which was officially unveiled today (Sept. 9).
Taking its name from his autobiographical 2021 single, which earned a remixed version featuring Mickey Guyton, Cross Country features over three dozen co-writers within its fourteen tracks spanning varied levels of success, from Nashville writer royalty such as Derrick Southerland, Ashley Gorley, Monty Criswell and Jessie Jo Dillon, to fellow artists like Sam Hunt, Ernest, Hardy and Ryan Hurd. Its track list also features a fair share of newer tunesmiths such as Jacob Durrett, Cameron Bartolini and Rocky Block. However, Breland’s hand and signature flair can be heard on every song.
“I’m someone that can write a song entirely by myself, but I love co-writing because it’s social,” Breland shares with MusicRow. “You end up coming to different conclusions than you would come to on your own, and I feel like each of the songwriters that I wrote these records with all have a unique point-of-view. They all have different things that they bring to the table melodically and conceptually.
Breland. Photo: Evan Kaufmann
Cross Country includes a handful of previously released tracks, such as the title track with Guyton, the Urban-graced “Throw It Back,” the infectious “Praise The Lord” featuring Thomas Rhett, and the Shania Twain-inspired “Natural.” However, the project also brings plenty of fresh blood in its track list, all of which showcase Breland’s journey over the past few years.
“[This album] has been a long time coming. I feel like every artist is waiting for the opportunity to put out their debut album, and I’ve been working on this one since I signed my deal two and a half years ago. There are songs on here from early 2020 before the pandemic and songs from just a few months ago,” he notes. “I’ve grown a lot during that span and lived a lot of life during that time as well, so there’s a good array of songs, a lot of sonic diversity, and also a lot of different types of stories on this album.”
Breland. Photo: Jimmy Fontaine
Helmed by Breland’s longtime producers Sam Sumser and Sean Small, who oversaw the project nearly in its entirety, the album encompasses his signature “Cross Country” sound which, as he explains, includes a myriad of different musical influences. Whether merging with gospel, Motown, R&B, hip-hop or any other combination, the project aims to show a slightly different side of country music intersecting with other genres through each song.
“Each song is important and helps cover some ground in terms of the different intersections that I’m trying to hit with country and [other genres]. They all contribute to the Cross Country narrative and soundscape,” he explains. “You never know when you go into a room what’s going to happen, especially when you’re trying to be experimental with the sounds. You’re not always going to land it, which is why when you end up with a body of work with a bunch of songs that you feel like you did land it, they all represent something more.”
An entertainer known for his high-flying collaborations, Cross Country includes two new ones: “Told You I Could Drink” with help from country trio Lady A, and “Here For It” which features labelmate Ingrid Andress.
Pictured (L-R): Reservoir EVP Creative John Ozier, Reservoir Creative Coordinator Beth St. Jean, Zachary Manno, Breland, Reservoir VP Creative Greg Gallo
Born after a surprise meeting at a CMA Awards after party, Breland joined forces with Lady A’s Charles Kelley for their tune, along with newcomer Zachary Manno. In May of this year, Manno signed with Reservoir in a first-of-its-kind deal for the publishing house through its Protégé mentorship campaign. Launched by Breland, the platform aims to elevate and guide rising Nashville talent and provide them with opportunities that might otherwise be hard to come by.
“Zach is such a talented man. It was shocking to me that he hadn’t had any major cuts given the talent that he possesses as a writer, producer and guitarist, coupled with the vibe that he brings to the studio. I had written with him a few times and every time we got in together, we made something magical,” Breland shares. “He’s someone that I think is going to really crush it in country music.”
Among the rest of the album’s track list are a few that the Bad Realm Records/Atlantic Records/Warner Music Nashville artist is particularly excited for fans to get their hands on, including the powerfully delivered “For What It’s Worth,” which he believes will be one of the biggest songs on the record and ready for radio in no time.
Another highlight of the project can be heard in “Good For You,” which was penned alongside rising Warner Nashville artist Tyler Braden. The track gives the breakthrough entertainer a chance to show off his pipes with a moving vocal performance that hasn’t really been heard before. “I think if you just listen to ‘Throw It Back,’ ‘My Truck’ and some of the bigger records, people might not know that I’m a vocalist,” he notes. “That song gives me the opportunity to share some of my chops, and it’s a really well written song.”
Breland. Photo: Jimmy Fontaine
However, the song that Breland is most looking forward to is a touching track titled “Growing Pains” that nearly didn’t make the cut for the project. Chronicling his journey over the past few years, the young trailblazer notes that it’s the most accurate reflection of where he feels he is now, while also diving into some of the recent lessons learned.
As one of the voices leading the charge for Black country artists’ representation in the genre, “Growing Pains,” which was written with Sumser, Small and Stephen McGregor, speaks to that sentiment while also showing that growth isn’t always pretty.
“Growing Pains’ was the last song written to make it onto the project.” He explains, “I’ve grown a lot [over the past year] and I realized that the career growth that I’ve experienced is a direct reflection of the personal growth that has been happening… However, it’s also recognizing that growth isn’t always a linear process and that you might still have down days, but it’s how you respond to those that really shows how far you’ve come.”
With this colossal debut project under his belt and the start of a new chapter in his career, Breland, as always, has his eyes set on what’s next. Already hard at work on his sophomore effort, the burgeoning artist has plenty more in the works, including some still-under wraps opportunities in the TV and film space, and hopefully bringing these new songs to crowds all across the country.
Breland’s debut album, Cross Country, is available everywhere now.
Luke Combs Takes His Star Power Worldwide With Upcoming 2023 Tour
/by Lydia FarthingCountry superstar Luke Combs will embark on a world tour in 2023, spanning 3 continents, 16 countries, and 35 shows.
The trek includes 16 stadiums across North America, such as AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas; Nashville’s Nissan Stadium; Kansas City’s GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium; and Foxborough’s Gillette Stadium. The reigning CMA Entertainer of the Year will also make stops in Australia, New Zealand, U.K., Ireland, Germany, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Switzerland, France and Belgium.
Tickets for the North American dates, which will feature special guests Riley Green, Lainey Wilson, Flatland Cavalry and Brent Cobb, will be available with a variety of pre-sale options starting Sept. 14 at 4 p.m. local time, with general on-sale following Sept. 16 at 10 a.m. local time. General on-sale for the international concerts also begins Sept. 16 at 9 a.m. local time in Europe and 2 p.m. local time in Australia and New Zealand. Special guests on the Australian and New Zealand dates will be Cody Johnson and Lane Pittman.
Combs’ new album, Growin’ Up, debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart this past June. Produced by Combs, Chip Matthews and Jonathan Singleton, the record marks his third studio album following 2019’s 3x Platinum What You See is What You Get and the 4x Platinum debut, This One’s For You.
Luke Combs 2023 World Tour Dates:
March 25, 2023—Arlington, TX—AT&T Stadium*
April 1, 2023—Indianapolis, IN—Lucas Oil Stadium*
April 15, 2023—Nashville, TN—Nissan Stadium*
April 22, 2023—Detroit, MI—Ford Field*
April 29, 2023—Pittsburgh, PA—Acrisure Stadium*
May 6, 2023—Chicago, IL—Soldier Field*
May 13, 2023—Minneapolis, MN—U.S. Bank Stadium*
May 20, 2023—Boise, ID—Albertsons Stadium*
May 27, 2023—Vancouver, BC—BC Place*
June 3, 2023—Edmonton, AB—Commonwealth Stadium*
June 10, 2023—Kansas City, MO—GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium*
June 17, 2023—St. Louis, MO—Busch Stadium*
July 8, 2023—Tampa, FL—Raymond James Stadium*
July 15, 2023—Charlotte, NC—Bank of America Stadium*
July 22, 2023—Foxborough, MA—Gillette Stadium*
July 29, 2023—Philadelphia, PA—Lincoln Financial Field*
August 9, 2023—Auckland, New Zealand—Spark Arena+
August 11, 2023—Brisbane, Australia—Brisbane Entertainment Centre+
August 16, 2023—Sydney, Australia—Qudos Bank Arena+
August 20, 2023—Melbourne, Australia—Rod Laver Arena+
August 23, 2023—Adelaide, Australia—Adelaide Entertainment Centre+
August 26, 2023—Perth, Australia—RAC Arena+
September 30, 2023—Oslo, Norway—Spektrum
October 1, 2023—Stockholm, Sweden—Annexet
October 4, 2023—Copenhagen, Denmark—Vega
October 6, 2023—Hamburg, Germany—Barclays Arena
October 7, 2023—Amsterdam, Netherlands—AFAS Live
October 8, 2023—Paris, France—La Cigale
October 10, 2023—Zurich, Switzerland—The Hall
October 11, 2023—Brussels, Belgium—Ancienne Belgique
October 13, 2023—Dublin, Ireland—3Arena
October 14, 2023—Belfast, N. Ireland—SSE Arena
October 16, 2023—Glasgow, Scotland—OVO Hydro Arena
October 17, 2023—Manchester, England—AO Arena
October 19, 2023—London, England—The O2 Arena
*with special guests Riley Green, Lainey Wilson, Flatland Cavalry and Brent Cobb
+with special guests Cody Johnson and Lane Pittman
‘Monarch’ Execs Prep For Sunday’s Premiere [Interview]
/by LB CantrellAdam Anders, Jason Owen
On Sunday (Sept. 11), FOX will premiere the new multi-generational musical drama Monarch.
The series focuses on America’s “leading family of country music,” built around the “Queen of Country Music” Dottie Cantrell Roman (played by Academy Award winner Susan Sarandon), and her beloved husband and fellow country music royalty Albie Roman (played by multi-Platinum country music star Trace Adkins).
Susan Sarandon and Trace Adkins in the series premiere of Monarch. Photo: FOX © 2022 FOX Media LLC.
The dramatic story finds the Romans ruling their country music dynasty, a legacy their daughter Nicolette “Nicky” Roman (played by Golden Globe nominee Anna Friel) plans to continue with her own music career. Nicky’s brother Luke Roman (Joshua Sasse) is also in the family business, serving as CEO of the Romans’ Monarch Entertainment. Youngest daughter Gigi Tucker-Roman (Beth Ditto) is very close to her older brother and sister, but in a family of superstars, she’s always felt like bit of an outcast despite her incredible singing voice.
As learned from a sneak peek of the show, things get tricky for the Romans when it’s discovered that the very foundation of their success is a lie. The show, which is 100% owned and produced by FOX Entertainment, debuts with a special two-night event, beginning Sunday, Sept. 11, immediately following the FOX NFL doubleheader at 8 p.m. EST.
Prior to the premiere, MusicRow caught up with Monarch‘s executive producer and top music manager, Jason Owen, as well as Monarch‘s executive music producer Adam Anders.
Owen says that Monarch came about to offer something new to viewers, especially in middle America.
“Gail Berman, who has become my mentor, is a genius producer. She ran FOX during the decade that they had American Idol and Glee,” Owen says. “She has her own production company now and she has felt like there needed to be a country music-centric show for FOX, knowing that FOX’s demographic was really in the middle of the country. No one was really speaking to the middle of the country, they were all speaking to the coast.”
That’s where screenwriter Melissa London Hilfers came in. She was the perfect choice to write the story of the Romans, as she grew up on country music.
“Gail needed someone who knew both TV and the music business—someone that can add authenticity to this, but also add drama to it,” Owen says. “That’s where I came in. We had a meeting three and half years ago and just immediately connected.”
Susan Sarandon and Trace Adkins in the series premiere of Monarch. Photo: FOX © 2022 FOX Media LLC.
With his background in the country music industry, and a client list that includes Kacey Musgraves, Little Big Town, Dan + Shay and Kelsea Ballerini, it’s easy to assume that Owen would have a lot of influence and knowledge to draw on when creating Monarch.
“You’ll see storyline references through the process that you could probably connect some dots to [in country music history], whether it’s a divorce or something like that. There’s a story about one of the record labels buying someone’s masters. There are those through lines that come from reality.
“Look, there’s no question that I’m surrounded by divas every day—including myself!” Owen adds with a laugh.
There is one character, however, that is inspired after a well-known Nashvillian.
“One real life example I took for the script was for Dottie’s hairdresser Earl,” Owens says. “Earl Cox is a legend in hair for country music and a dear friend of mine. He’s done hair for Martina McBride, Wynonna Judd, Tammy Wynette, Faith Hill, and everybody else you can imagine. He’s such a character and he’s such a wonderful human.
“Earl was not part of the original script. At some point, I said, ‘We need this counterpart because the glam teams, specifically ones that have been with these artists for a long time, have a big influence on them.’ So Earl was written in. We got permission from Earl to use his real name. I use a lot from him, including a lot of his sayings and interactions.”
In a show about country music, it’s no surprise that the music on the show was of the utmost importance. That’s why the Monarch team brought in three-time Grammy Award nominee and series executive music producer Adam Anders to head up the music. Anders has experience in creating a soundtrack for a television series that is larger than life, as he was the executive music producer for Glee.
Anders is also a true country music fan from childhood, making him the perfect steward for the music of Monarch.
“The first record I ever bought was when I saved my pennies to buy Kenny Rogers‘ The Gambler,” Anders says. “I’ve always had an affinity for country music. My parents loved it. I moved to Nashville whenI was 16 years old. I started as a bass player and did a lot of Christian and country records. I cut my teeth as a songwriter in Nashville.
Beth Ditto and Anna Friel in the series premiere of Monarch. Photo: FOX © 2022 FOX Media LLC.
“The thing that drew me to the show was it’s not just classic country or new country, it’s everything in between as well,” he adds. “There was an opportunity for original songs. The only real correlation with Glee is that we get to introduce songs to a new generation. [Viewers] might not have heard a Waylon Jennings song, a Hank Williams song or Barbara Mandrell song, so it’s fun for me to reframe those in a way that is appealing to this generation. A great song is a great song.”
When it came time to find a theme song for Monarch, more Nashville creatives were called in. The Love Junkies—Hillary Lindsey, Lori McKenna and Liz Rose—wrote a haunting song called “The Card You Gamble” for the show. Talented songstress Caitlyn Smith recorded it.
“FOX really wanted an original theme song versus a licensed theme song,” Owen shares. “I have had tremendous success with the Love Junkies and they’re great friends of mine. I called Beth Laird first and she got them all on a Zoom with me. I walked through what the show was, what we were looking for, and the concept. I sent the first script and talked through it all. Within three or four days, they had that song back to me.
“Then, of course, we needed someone to sing it,” he adds. “FOX was going to hire a singer that does theme songs, but I said, ‘No, I have literally one of the best voices in country music: Caitlyn Smith.’ She jumped on it and they were thrilled.”
One thing that is evident with the Monarch team is their intention to include as many Nashville creators as possible.
“The songwriting community in Nashville [is involved in the new songs], as well as the musician community,” shares Anders. “We’re tracking every song in Nashville and all the backgrounds are Nashville singers, so it’s a really a Nashville affair.”
Catch the series premiere of Monarch on Sunday, Sept. 11, immediately following the FOX NFL doubleheader (8:00-9:00 p.m. ET, and simultaneously to all time zones). It then makes its time period premiere Tuesday, Sept. 20 (9:00-10:00 p.m. ET/PT), following the season six debut of The Resident (8:00-9:00 p.m. ET/PT).