The Onsite Foundation, a non-profit leader in emotional health education and resources, has partnered with MusiCares to create and host a retreat for music industry professionals on Oct. 6-9 at Onsite in Cumberland Furnace in Middle Tennessee.
“Unplugged: a Healing Retreat at Onsite For The Music Industry” is an invitation to step away from all the noise and distractions and into a space where participants can freely explore who they are, what got them here, and who they truly want to be as a creative moving forward. The tools introduced at the retreat will help attendees connect with themselves and work toward building an authentic life.
The “Unplugged” retreat will be available to musicians, singer-songwriters, engineers, stagehands, managers, tour bus drivers, A&R, agents, make-up artists, venue managers, live crews, and anyone else who is currently working or has worked in the music industry.
“We live in a world built to connect us, but it can feel like it’s designed to divide us, distract us, and keep us disconnected. When we feel disconnected from the world, we are likely disconnected from the world within ourselves,” shares Miles Adcox, Chairman and Proprietor of Onsite Workshops. “We hope attending Unplugged allows creatives to disconnect from all the noise and distractions of life so they can reconnect to themselves.”
Last year, 26% of MusiCares Wellness in Music Survey respondents said they regularly experience moderate to severe levels of depression. To put that in perspective, a 2019 National Health Interview Survey of U.S. adults founds that only 4.7 percent reported regularly feeling depressed.
The 2021 Wellness in Music Survey saw a decline in respondents experiencing moderate to severe levels of depression, with 20% reporting feeling this way. However, 56% of this year’s respondents reported feeling moderately high to very high levels of anxiety—and though that is down almost 10% from last year’s numbers, it indicates the mental health of the music community is still strained.
“We are so thankful that MusiCares has partnered with us to help music industry professionals who are struggling from the effects of stress and trauma. Our hope is that ‘Unplugged’ attendees leave the retreat feeling emotionally unstuck and empowered with new insights to better connect with their authentic self and the people in their life,” says Deanna Wantz, Executive Director of The Onsite Foundation.
“At MusiCares, we understand how important mental health and well-being are to the success of the music community,” says Laura Segura, Executive Director of MusiCares. “We are excited to once again partner with The Onsite Foundation to give music professionals the resources needed for healing and reconnecting to their purpose so they can continue to do what they love.”
Register for the “Unplugged” retreat here.
Concord Music Publishing Signs Singer-Songwriter Justin Wilson
/by Lydia FarthingPictured (L-R): Matt Turner (Sr. Dir. A&R, Concord Music Publishing), Scott Safford (Safford Motley, PLC), Brad Kennard (SVP A&R, Concord Music Publishing), Justin Wilson, Courtney Allen (Dir. A&R, CMP), Ashley Nite (Manager A&R, CMP), Jen Hubbard (Dir. A&R, CMP), Garrett Stephenson (A&R Coordinator, CMP)
Concord Music Publishing has inked a deal with Nashville-based singer-songwriter Justin Wilson. The agreement, effective immediately, will include Wilson’s future works.
Originally from Dacula, Georgia, Wilson made his way to Nashville at age 17 where he discovered his passion for songwriting. Since then, he has written for several prominent country acts, including Morgan Wallen, Blake Shelton, Luke Bryan, Thomas Rhett, Granger Smith, Parmalee, Restless Road, and more.
Over the years, Wilson has accrued over 80 recorded songs, including more than 20 cuts and singles such as Michael Ray’s “Kiss You In The Morning,” Randy Houser’s “We Went,” Mitchell Tenpenny’s “Drunk Me,” and Dustin Lynch’s “Momma’s House.”
“I’ve had the privilege of being Justin’s publisher in the past, and I am looking forward to our next chapter together at Concord!” says Courtney Allen, Director of A&R at Concord Music Publishing. “His passion for songwriting is contagious, and his ability to craft a great country song is unmatched. The success he has already had is just the beginning of the success that is to come!”
“When I saw the amazing team that Concord had put together, I knew that was the right family for me,” Wilson notes. “I’m looking forward to this new journey of hit songs we will all create together!”
CRS360 August Webinar To Offer Sneak Peek At CRS 2023
/by Lorie HollabaughThis month’s CRS 360 is offering a sneak peek at the upcoming CRS 2023 agenda on Aug. 24 at 1 p.m. CT. The CRS360 discussion comes one day ahead of CRS 2023 Early Bird registration opening.
Featuring panelists Joey Tack (CRS ’23 Agenda Chair), Brent Michaels (CRS 2023 Agenda Vice Chair and CRB Board Member), Warner Music Nashville’s Tim Foisset and Big Machine Records GM Clay Hunnicutt, along with moderator and CRB Executive Director RJ Curtis, will focus on what CRS 2023 attendees can expect from the upcoming three-day event.
The agenda committee, CRS staff, and special surprise guests will share information about sessions, panels, and CRS events.
“The CRS board and Agenda Committee have been working together since the spring, and we’re excited to share what is being planned for CRS 2023,” Curtis teases. “On the eve of early bird registration opening, the August episode of CRS360 will offer a sneak peek at sessions, speakers, research, panel concepts, and more. The CRB motto is ‘Learn. Connect. Advance.’ CRS 2023 will provide attendees with all this and more, at a critical time for our format and the music industry.”
Those interested in attending CRS360 can register here. Only a limited number of slots are available and are based on a first-come, first-served basis.
CRS 2023 one-day-only Early Bird registration will be held on Aug. 25. Unlike previous years, the New Faces of Country Music Showcase tickets will be sold separately for $100 per ticket. Registration will be available through CountryRadioSeminar.com.
Lisa Mastrianni Named Wheelhouse Records Director Midwest/Southeast Promotion
/by Lorie HollabaughLisa Mastrianni. Photo: Jessica Crans
Lisa Mastrianni has joined BBR Music Group as Director of Midwest/Southeast Promotion for Wheelhouse Records.
In her new role, Mastrianni will help promote the imprint’s roster of Blanco Brown, Locash, Elvie Shane, Kolby Cooper, Chayce Beckham and Madeline Merlo to country radio. She will report to Ken Tucker, VP of Wheelhouse Records.
Mastrianni previously worked on the promotion teams at Monument Records and Riser House. Before arriving in Nashville, she also did stints in pop/rock promotion at Warner Bros., Capitol and Interscope Records.
“Lisa is a seasoned veteran with an enthusiasm, work ethic and professionalism that instantly elevates our team,” Tucker shares. “It takes a special person to be part of Team Wheelhouse and Lisa is the perfect fit.”
Mastrianni is already on the job and can be reached at lisa@wheelhousebbrmg.com or (415) 902-9400.
Shania Twain, Martina McBride, More To Make Guest Appearances On First Season Of ‘Monarch’
/by Lydia FarthingShania Twain on the set of Monarch. Photo: FOX
Fox’s upcoming series Monarch, the multi-generational, musical drama about America’s leading family of country music, is set make its premiere on Sept. 11 at 7 p.m. CT. The show’s first season, in addition to its powerhouse cast, will feature its own collection of star-studded guests.
Starring Academy Award winner Susan Sarandon, multi-Platinum and three-time Academy of Country Music Award winner Trace Adkins and Golden Globe nominee Anna Friel, Monarch‘s first season will also include guest appearances from Grammy Award winner Shania Twain, multi-Grammy Award nominee Martina McBride, Grammy Award winners Little Big Town, and Grammy Award winner Tanya Tucker.
Throughout the show, the Roman family is headed by the “Queen of Country Music,” Dottie Cantrell Roman, played by Sarandon, and her beloved husband Albie Roman, played by Adkins. The pair have created a country music dynasty, but the foundation of their success is a lie. When their reign as country royalty is put in jeopardy, heir to the crown Nicolette “Nicky” Roman, played by Friel, will stop at nothing to protect her family’s legacy and ensure her own quest for stardom.
The series will feature both original music and covers. Following its debut on Sept. 11, Monarch will make its time period premiere on Tuesday, Sept. 20 at 8 p.m. CT.
Garth Brooks To Open Expanded Thunder Ridge Nature Arena At Bass Pro Shops In The Ozarks
/by Lorie HollabaughGarth Brooks. Photo: Joseph Llanes
Garth Brooks will perform as part of the celebration to open the newly-expanded Thunder Ridge Nature Arena at Bass Pro Shops Big Cedar Lodge in the Ozarks of Missouri. The concert will take place Oct. 1.
The Thunder Ridge Nature Arena is a natural amphitheater that overlooks Table Rock Lake and the Boston Mountains of Arkansas. The land has been set aside in a nonprofit foundation, so all proceeds from events held at the arena will go to further enhance Thunder Ridge and support conservation. There are plans for the future to host other outdoor events there by similar world-class entertainers.
“We are very honored to have Garth come and help open this great new venue, which we hope will be regarded as one of the most picturesque and impressive nature-based arenas anywhere,” says Johnny Morris, noted conservationist and founder of Bass Pro Shops and Big Cedar Lodge. “This will be a place for visitors of all ages to come and experience some of the best entertainers of our generation, in a truly awe-inspiring environment, surrounded by nature.”
Tickets for the show will go on sale Aug. 26 at 10 a.m. CT at Ticketmaster.
Gene Watson Slates New Project ‘Outside the Box’ For September
/by Lorie HollabaughGene Watson
Gene Watson is venturing Outside the Box with his brand new album, set for release Sept. 16. Watson hosted an album listening event last night (Aug. 16) for industry members at the ONErpm office in Nashville.
Pictured (L-R): John Lytle, Sarah Brosmer (Lytle Management), Tim Whipperman (ONErpm), Gene Watson, Dirk Johnson (Producer), Ryan Cunningham (ONErpm), Shelby Kennedy (ONErpm)
Outside the Box features Watson’s first-ever collaboration with country legend and fellow Texan Willie Nelson on “Wonderful Future.” The album also includes a duet with Rhonda Vincent on “I’ve Got One of Those Too.” The 12-track collection fuses newly-recorded songs as well as re-imagined hits across multiple genres, from Merle Haggard to Etta James.
“We titled the album before we ever recorded the first song,” shares Watson. “I just wanted to do something that was different, not only for me, but for the fans too. Of course it’s still pure country music but the very first song I recorded was one by Etta James that I’ve always thought was one of the greatest songs out there. I really searched for songs I know my fans will appreciate and from that came this album, Outside the Box.”
Watson’s single “If It’s That Easy” was released to radio in 1962 via Sun Valley Records. Since then, he has charted 75 titles including 23 top 10 hits, six No. 1s and five No. 1 gospel records.
Gene Watson
Outside The Box Track List:
1. If I Had Any Pride Left At All
2. If She Only Knew
3. Wonderful Future Featuring Willie Nelson
4. Lie To Me
5. Some Fools
6. I’ll Keep Holding Your Memory
7. I’ve Got One of Those Too Featuring Rhonda Vincent
8. They Played It
9. The Blues Are Alive and Well
10. Who Do You Think You Are
11. It Looked Good On Paper
12. Loneliness Is Eating Me Alive
CMT Announces Lineup For Second ‘Next Women Of Country’ Showcase At City Winery Nashville
/by Lydia FarthingCMT has announced the date and lineup for its second showcase in partnership with City Winery Nashville, “CMT Next Women of Country: Celebrating the Classes of 2021 & 2022, presented by CMT Night Out Nashville and Change The Conversation.”
Slated for Wednesday, Sept. 28 at 7:30 p.m., CMT’s Leslie Fram and Rissi Palmer will co-host the second “CMT Night Out Nashville” showcase, featuring in the round performances from Ashland Craft, Brittney Spencer, Chapel Hart, Harper Grae, Madeline Edwards, Morgan Wade and Renee Blair. Palmer will also perform.
Tickets are on-sale now at citywinery.com/nashville.
The September showcase follows the first event happening on Aug. 31, co-hosted by Fram and Jessie James Decker. The August showcase will include performances from Callista Clark, Camille Parker, Hannah Dasher, Jenna Paulette, Julia Cole, Laci Kaye Booth, Lily Rose, Reyna Roberts and Tenille Arts, in addition to Decker. A limited number of tickets are still available.
Blackberry Smoke Announces 10-Year Anniversary Tour For Fall
/by Lorie HollabaughBlackberry Smoke. Photo: Joe Lopez
Blackberry Smoke is heading out on the “Whippoorwill 10 Year Anniversary Tour” this fall.
The band will perform their album The Whippoorwill in its entirety on the newly confirmed shows, which include Austin’s Emo’s, Houston’s 713 Music Hall, San Antonio’s Aztec Theater, Indianapolis’ Murat Theatre at Old National Center, Boston’s House of Blues, New York’s Webster Hall and Chicago’s Vic Theatre, among others. Tickets for the tour go on sale to the public this Friday (Aug. 19).
To commemorate the anniversary, the band will also release four never-before-heard demos of Whippoorwill tracks this week, including “Pretty Little Lie (Studio Demo)” “One Horse Town (Studio Demo),” “Ain’t Got the Blues (Acoustic Home Demo),” and “Up The Road (Acoustic Home Demo).”
Reflecting on the milestone, lead singer Charlie Starr shares, “It’s almost impossible to believe that The Whippoorwill is 10 years old…I think we are as proud of it today as we were the day it was released.”
Released on Aug. 14, 2012, The Whippoorwill is Blackberry Smoke’s third studio album and reached No. 8 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart. The band celebrated their 20th anniversary together last year with their most recent album, You Hear Georgia.
Blackberry Smoke Added Tour Dates:
October 7—Cleveland, OH—TempleLive at Cleveland Masonic
October 8—Cincinnati, OH—Riverfront Live
November 10—Austin, TX—Emo’s
November 11—Houston, TX—713 Music Hall
November 13—San Antonio, TX—The Aztec Theater
November 17—Peoria, IL—Peoria Civic Center Theater
November 18—Rockford, IL—Coronado Performing Arts Center
November 19—Shipshewana, IN—Blue Gate Performing Arts Center
November 20—Indianapolis, IN—Murat Theatre at Old National Center
December 2—Silver Spring, MD—The Fillmore Silver Spring
December 6—Glenside, PA—Keswick Theatre
December 7—Boston, MA—House of Blues
December 9—Ithaca, NY—State Theatre of Ithaca
December 10—New York, NY—Webster Hall
December 16—Chicago, IL—Vic Theatre
December 17—Wisconsin Dells, WI—Crystal Grand Music Theatre
Hootiefest: The Big Splash Hits The Beach Again In January
/by Lorie HollabaughDaytime pool party performance at the inaugural HootieFest: The Big Splash in 2022
Hootie & the Blowfish is heading to the beach once again this January with the return of their destination concert vacation, HootieFest: The Big Splash.
Hosted Jan. 25-28, 2023 at Moon Palace Cancún, the four-day celebration will feature three headlining performances by the band, as well as appearances by Gin Blossoms, Collective Soul, Everclear and Edwin McCain. Additional artists, as well as pool party performances and off-site adventures, will be announced in the coming months.
“Enjoying music together on the beach in Mexico was a great way to kick off 2022,” notes front man Darius Rucker. “I’m not sure who had more fun–us or the fans! We love that this event brought together some of our best friends in concert, too, so we knew we had to make this a new annual tradition.”
HootieFest packages go on sale to the public on Aug. 23. A special 24-hour pre-sale for HootieFest Alumni will begin Aug. 22. Package options and details are available at hootiefest.com.
The Onsite Foundation & MusiCares To Host ‘Unplugged’ Industry Healing Retreat
/by Lorie HollabaughThe Onsite Foundation, a non-profit leader in emotional health education and resources, has partnered with MusiCares to create and host a retreat for music industry professionals on Oct. 6-9 at Onsite in Cumberland Furnace in Middle Tennessee.
“Unplugged: a Healing Retreat at Onsite For The Music Industry” is an invitation to step away from all the noise and distractions and into a space where participants can freely explore who they are, what got them here, and who they truly want to be as a creative moving forward. The tools introduced at the retreat will help attendees connect with themselves and work toward building an authentic life.
The “Unplugged” retreat will be available to musicians, singer-songwriters, engineers, stagehands, managers, tour bus drivers, A&R, agents, make-up artists, venue managers, live crews, and anyone else who is currently working or has worked in the music industry.
“We live in a world built to connect us, but it can feel like it’s designed to divide us, distract us, and keep us disconnected. When we feel disconnected from the world, we are likely disconnected from the world within ourselves,” shares Miles Adcox, Chairman and Proprietor of Onsite Workshops. “We hope attending Unplugged allows creatives to disconnect from all the noise and distractions of life so they can reconnect to themselves.”
Last year, 26% of MusiCares Wellness in Music Survey respondents said they regularly experience moderate to severe levels of depression. To put that in perspective, a 2019 National Health Interview Survey of U.S. adults founds that only 4.7 percent reported regularly feeling depressed.
The 2021 Wellness in Music Survey saw a decline in respondents experiencing moderate to severe levels of depression, with 20% reporting feeling this way. However, 56% of this year’s respondents reported feeling moderately high to very high levels of anxiety—and though that is down almost 10% from last year’s numbers, it indicates the mental health of the music community is still strained.
“We are so thankful that MusiCares has partnered with us to help music industry professionals who are struggling from the effects of stress and trauma. Our hope is that ‘Unplugged’ attendees leave the retreat feeling emotionally unstuck and empowered with new insights to better connect with their authentic self and the people in their life,” says Deanna Wantz, Executive Director of The Onsite Foundation.
“At MusiCares, we understand how important mental health and well-being are to the success of the music community,” says Laura Segura, Executive Director of MusiCares. “We are excited to once again partner with The Onsite Foundation to give music professionals the resources needed for healing and reconnecting to their purpose so they can continue to do what they love.”
Register for the “Unplugged” retreat here.