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).
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).
Avery Anna Gives In To Her ‘Mood Swings’ This Fall
/by Lorie HollabaughAvery Anna. Photo: Ford Fairchild
Warner Music Nashville artist Avery Anna is releasing her debut EP, Mood Swings, on Oct. 7. Fans are receiving a first taste of the upcoming music with “What Made You Think?,” which she co-wrote with Andy Sheridan and Seth Ennis.
The new project further introduces the rising artist, whose smash hit “Narcissist” topped SiriusXM The Highway’s Hot 30 Countdown and has sold more than 500,000 track equivalents. David Fanning serves as producer on the new project, and Avery penned each of its seven tracks.
Mood Swings is the result of a whirlwind couple of years. During the pandemic, Anna started filming videos of herself singing in her mom’s bathroom where the acoustics were best. Two years later, the Arizona native is a high school graduate with more than 1.5 million followers , 27 million likes on TikTok, and a fresh deal with Warner Nashville. She has also already earned more than 130 million global streams.
“Mood Swings is made up of songs that are inspired by moments in my own life where I have felt either really happy, really in love, really confused, or even really sad,” says Anna. “These songs come straight from the heart, so I am so excited for you to hear them!”
Anna will reach another career milestone ahead of the EP release as she makes her Grand Ole Opry debut on Sept. 30. She’ll continue performing on the road through the end of the year, including dates on Spencer Crandall’s “The Western Tour.”
1. La Di Da (Avery Anna / Ben Williams / Steven McMorran / Andy Sheridan)
2. Narcissist (Avery Anna / David Fanning / Ben Williams / Andy Sheridan)
3. What Made You Think? (Avery Anna / Andy Sheridan / Seth Ennis)
4. Lovesick (Avery Anna / Sasha Sloan / Jesse Frasure)
5. Biggest T-Shirt (Avery Anna / Colin Healy / Lori McKenna / Chris McKenna)
6. Critic (Avery Anna / Ben Williams / Ava Suppelsa)
7. Good Day (Avery Anna / David Fanning / Matt Thomas / Andy Sheridan)
Dolly Parton & Kelly Clarkson Release Reimagined ‘9 to 5’ Duet
/by Lorie HollabaughDolly Parton and Kelly Clarkson are putting a new spin on the classic movie track “9 to 5” in an inspired duet version of the song, arriving via SMACKSongs/Atlantic Records. The track is being released ahead of the upcoming Still Working 9 to 5 documentary, set to premiere Sept. 16.
The Grammy-winning artists teamed up with the film’s executive producers Shane McAnally, Sasha Sloan and King Henry to reimagine the upbeat original into a melancholic yet inspirational anthem over 40 years after the original’s release, as the fight for workplace equality persists.
Written and recorded by Parton, the original “9 to 5” debuted in 1980 in tandem with the film of the same name starring Parton, Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin. The song went on to receive an Academy Award nomination for Original Song and four Grammy nominations–winning two Grammys for Best Country Song and Best Female Country Vocal Performance.
“Nobody sings like Kelly Clarkson,” Parton notes. “She makes any song come alive. I love her voice on ‘9 to 5’ and I am so proud I got to sing with her on it. I’m equally as proud of the wonderful arrangement and production by Shane McAnally.”
“I am so honored that Dolly asked me to reimagine this iconic song, ‘9 to 5,’ with her! She is so talented, an inspiration to all women, and one of the sweetest people you will ever meet,” adds Clarkson. “I hope y’all like what we did, but even if you don’t, remember I got to sing a duet with the magical Dolly Parton and now have bragging rights til the end of time!”
“It is a wildest dream scenario to work with 2 of the world’s greatest singers on one of the all-time greatest songs,” McAnally shares. “Co-produced and rearranged with my friends Sasha Sloan and King Henry, this classic has taken on a brand new life 40 years after it’s original chart run, and I am so grateful to be a part of the first time Dolly and Kelly have recorded together. I have a feeling it won’t be the last.”
The feature documentary Still Working 9 to 5 celebrates the iconic film, while chronicling the important impact it had on the women’s movement of the time that continues today. Still Working 9 to 5 reunites stars from the original film, as well as Rita Moreno from the 9 to 5 TV series, Allison Janney from the Broadway musical, and other stars from the television and stage versions of the film.
It also features activists and individuals closely associated with the women’s movement, and explores how the film resonated with a wide audience at a time when the feminist message was being rejected and/or feared by a large swathe of the population. It follows how the success of the film spawned various 9 to 5 spin-offs, and questions if the message retains its original poignancy, as well as examining what has and has not changed for women in the workplace over the last 40 years.
Morgan Wallen Nails MusicRow No. 1
/by MusicRow StaffMorgan Wallen returns to the top of the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart for the third time this year with “You Proof.” He previously topped the chart with “Wasted On You” and his feature on ERNEST’s “Flower Shops.”
Wallen co-wrote “You Proof” with Ashley Gorley, Ernest Keith Smith, and Ryan Vojtesak. He was recently celebrated at the 15th Annual ACM Honors where he earned the ACM Milestone Award for his unprecedented or outstanding achievement in the field of country music.
Wallen is set to headline iHeartRadio Music Festival this month and Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam in 2023.
Click here to view the latest edition of The MusicRow Weekly containing the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart.
Kane Brown Holds Interactive Event To Celebrate ‘Different Man’ Album Release
/by Liza AndersonPictured (L-R): Neon Coast’s Martha Earls, Kane Brown, Sony Music Nashville’s Randy Goodman and Neon Coast’s Nikki Boon. Photo: Sony Music Nashville
Music Row gathered at The Ruby yesterday afternoon (Sept. 7) to celebrate the release of country superstar Kane Brown‘s newest album Different Man.
Colored lights tinted the room and an exciting buzz filled the air as guests entered the venue. Brown’s voice blasted through the speakers while his music and lyric videos flashed across the front wall—engulfing the crowd in his talent.
Different interactive experiences filled the space, each one symbolizing a track from the upcoming album. The hit artist’s most recent single “Go Around” was represented by a 360 degree photo-op, allowing guests to stand on a platform and pose with props while a revolving camera captured their movements.
Sony Music Nashville’s Chairman and CEO Randy Goodman took the floor to welcome and thank everyone for coming. He described the process of creating Different Man, referring to Brown as a musical pioneer.
“It’s been arduous, at times, to get here, but the album speaks for itself. I’m so proud of [Brown] and the man [he] has become,” shared Goodman.
Goodman took time to acknowledge and thank all the people involved in the project. Sony Music Nashville’s VP, A&R Margaret Tomlin was next to detail Brown’s vision, noting that he maintained creative control throughout the endeavor. Tomlin stated that the presence of Brown’s wife Katelyn will be a “force” on the record, along with Blake Shelton‘s feature.
Finally, Brown took the mic to express his gratitude. He told the crowd that he is still finding his sound and growing musically. Sharing his experimentation with the anticipated album, Brown states that he knew the direction he wanted to go in when performing the record and believes the tracks are enhanced when heard live.
Different Man will release tomorrow, Sept. 9. Brown will also be back at The Ruby tomorrow to ring in the release of the album with his fans.
William Michael Morgan Inks Pub Deal With Porchlight Music
/by Lydia FarthingPictured (L-R, back row): Shannon Sanders (BMI) and Freeman Wizer (PLM); (L-R, front row): Tim Medlin (PLM), William Michael Morgan, and Anthony Smith (PLM). Photo: Grayson Green
Porchlight Music has inked a publishing deal with singer-songwriter William Michael Morgan.
Upon signing his first major-label deal at 19 years old, Morgan found himself topping the country radio charts, and ultimately landing at No. 1 on Mediabase with the Gold-certified “I Met a Girl.” He followed that with his 2016 album debut, Vinyl, which earned him a Billboard Top 5.
Throughout his career, he has also penned songs for other artists, including the recent No. 1 “Tractor Town” for Texas country artist Jake Bush. Morgan has performed on the famous Grand Ole Opry stage more than 70 times, and was featured by the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum as a highlighted artist in the 2017 American Currents exhibit.
Currently produced by Keith Stegall, Morgan is working on a collection of new songs that tap into a variety of musical genres, including country, blues, and soul.
DISClaimer Single Reviews: Tenille Townes Shows Her Musical Brilliance With ‘The Last Time’
/by Robert K OermannToday’s playlist is what country music would sound like in an ideal universe.
That is to say, male-female equality instead of the preposterous imbalance that exists today.
And do I need to add that the tracks by women are almost uniformly more interesting than those by men? The exceptions are Jake Owen, Willie Jones and Mitchell Tenpenny, all of whom are at the top of their game today.
But the listening session was ruled by the fairer sex with outstanding offerings by Madeline Edwards, Danielle Bradberry, Catie Offerman and our Disc of the Day winner, Tenille Townes.
GEORGIA WEBSTER / “I Hate Phone Calls”
Writers: Josh Kerr/Georgia Webster; Producers: Josh Kerr/Georgia Webster; Label: River House/Sony
–Processed teen-pop vocal with banjo plucking and electronic accompaniment. If she makes it in country music, she’ll be outta here to pop pastures in no time.
MITCHELL TENPENNY / “Good and Gone”
Writers: Mitchell Tenpenny/Zach Abend/Seth Ennis/Geoff Warburton; Producers: Mitchell Tenpenny/Jordan Schmidt; Label: Sony
–There’s not much of a melody here, but there’s something haunting about the performance. The hushed, almost whispered verses contrast with the loudly sung choruses while a nervous, stuttering rhythm track keeps double time. Intriguingly different.
TENILLE TOWNES / “The Last Time”
Writers: Ben Goldsmith/Gordie Sampson/Tenille Townes; Producers: Gordie Sampson/Pete Good; Label: Sony
–I’m very fond of this Canadian stylist. As great as her previous singles have been, this one goes all the way to brilliant. From the moment she swung into that first chorus, she had me by the throat. By the time she finished, I was completely choked up. She’s wonderfully philosophical and emotionally gripping as she unspools the message of cherishing every moment with every loved one. Perfection in each note.
DUSTIN LYNCH / “Wood on the Fire”
Writers: Dustin Lynch/Hunter Phelps/Jordan Minton/Jordan Reynolds; Producer: Zach Crowell; Label: Broken Bow
–The onrushing, guitar-crashing production effectively evokes a raging fire while he sings of a relationship that burns out of control.
MADELINE EDWARDS / “The Wolves”
Writers: Madeline Edwards/Emily Doty/Gavin Slate; Producers: Ryan Tyndell/Oscar Charles; Label: ME
–This barn-burner performance is fierce and fearless. Smoky-voiced Edwards recently introduced the stormy, bluesy number on the Grand Ole Opry. Since her debut EP release this summer, the hotshot singer-songwriter has been on a roll. She is an Apple Music Country Riser, a Spotify Hot Country Artist to Watch and a member of this year’s CMT Next Women of Country class. Plus, she just signed a pub deal with Sony.
JAKE OWEN / “Up There Down Here”
Writers: Travis Wood/Summer Ashtyn Overstreet/Zachary Robert Dyer; Producer: Joey Moi; Label: Big Loud
–Wildly clever. The lyric contrasting his bad-boy persona with her angelic goodness is packed with terrific imagery and wordplay. The twangin’ vocal performance is splendid, too. Absolutely play the heck outta this.
DANIELLE BRADBERY / “A Special Place”
Writers: Maren Morris/Shane McAnally/Jimmy Robbins/Sasha Sloan; Producers: Nathan Chapman/Derek Wells; Label: BMLG
–Feisty, frisky and fun. She’s reserved a special place for her ex, a zero-star hotel in hell. Her saucy delivery has just the right touch of snark for this witty ditty.
SHANE OWENS / “You Go Good”
Writers: Buddy Owens/Doug Johnson/Galen Griffin; Producer: none listed; Label: Amerimonte
–Charmingly southern, winningly country, innocently romantic.
CARRIE UNDERWOOD / “Pink Champagne”
Writers: Hillary Lindsey/Carrie Underwood/Ashley Gorley/David Garcia; Producers: David Garcia/Carrie Underwood; Label: Capitol
–His love gives her a bigger buzz than booze does. Bubbling, fizzy stuff that’s heavy on the thudding rhythm track.
SCOTTY McCREERY / “It Matters to Her”
Writers: Rhett Akins/Lee Thomas Miller/Scotty McCreery; Producers: Frank Rogers/Derek Wells/Aaron Eshuis/Scott Johnson; Label: Triple Tigers
–I know it is meant to sound considerate and loving, but there’s something slightly patronizing about it. As always, Scotty delivers as a country vocalist, and the production is forceful.
CATIE OFFERMAN / “Get a Dog”
Writers: Catie Offerman/Joe Clemmons/Aaron Eshuis; Producer: Dann Huff; Label: MCA Nashville
–Ultra cute. If you’re looking for unconditional love, try a canine companion instead of her. Offerman is a multi-instrumentalist who honed her craft at everything from pizza parlors to polka gigs, including a bazillion Texas honky tonks. She staged her dream-come-true Opry debut last weekend.
WILLIE JONES / “Get Low Get High”
Writers: Willie Jones/Cary Barlowe/Brandon Day; Producers: Brandon Day/Willie Jones; Label: Sony
–A definite feel-good outing. It has a sunny, sing-along quality that goes down smooth and easy. I especially liked the part where he asked the background guys to sing “Get low” and the ladies to sing “Get high.” Very enjoyable.
Tyler Childers And The Food Stamps To Release New Three-Part Album
/by Lorie HollabaughTyler Childers and The Food Stamps. Pictured (L-R): Jesse Wells, James Barker, Tyler Childers, Chase Lewis, Craig Burletic, Rod Elkins. Photo: Emma Delevante
Tyler Childers and his longtime band, The Food Stamps, are gearing up for the release of their new album, Can I Take My Hounds to Heaven? on Sept. 30 on Hickman Holler Records/RCA Records. In advance of the release, two versions of “Angel Band” are out now.
Conceptualized as a three-part project, the album’s eight songs are presented in a trio of sonic perspectives in Hallelujah, Jubilee and Joyful Noise. The collection features a mix of new and traditional songs, with the Hallelujah version capturing Childers and the core band playing live in a single room over the course of two days, while the Jubilee version builds with the addition of strings, horns, background vocals and an array of instruments such as dulcimer, mbira and sitar. The Joyful Noise version will be unveiled on release day.
“I grew up Baptist and I was scared to death to go to hell,” Childers says of the new album. “A lot of that stuck with me. Filtering through that and trying to find the truth, and the beauty, and the things you should think about and expelling all that nonsense has been something I’ve spent a lot of time on. This is a collection that came together through those reflections. In a lot of ways, this is processing life experiences in the different philosophies and religions that have formed me, trying to make a comprehensive sonic example of that.
“Working with the same song three different ways is a nod to my raising, growing up in a church that believes in the Holy Trinity: The Father, Son and Holy Ghost, and what that means,” he continues. “The Father being the root, the place from which everything comes from, and The Son coming to free up some of those things, allowing it to be more open and welcoming. And then you have the Holy Ghost once The Son is gone—that feeling that’s supposed to keep us sustained until we are reunited, in whatever way that looks. Message wise, I hope that people take that it doesn’t matter race, creed, religion and all of that like—the most important part is to protect your heart, cultivate that and make that something useful for the world.”
The new album is the first new music from Childers since 2020’s Grammy-nominated surprise release, Long Violent History.
Hallelujah:
1. Old Country Church
2. Can I Take My Hounds to Heaven?
3. Two Coats
4. Purgatory
5. Way of the Triune God
6. Angel Band
7. Jubilee
8. Heart You Been Tendin’Jubilee:
1. Old Country Church
2. Can I Take My Hounds to Heaven?
3. Two Coats
4. Purgatory
5. Way of the Triune God
6. Angel Band
7. Jubilee
8. Heart You Been Tendin’
Joyful Noise:
1. Old Country Church
2. Can I Take My Hounds to Heaven?
3. Two Coats
4. Purgatory
5. Way of the Triune God
6. Angel Band
7. Jubilee
8. Heart You Been Tendin