MusicRow Magazine, Nashville’s leading music industry publication, released its 2022 MusicRow Awards print issue earlier this week with Capitol Records Nashville’s Jon Pardi gracing the cover.
The print magazine highlights this year’s MusicRow Awards nominees in a range of categories. Presented by City National Bank, the winners for the 34th annual MusicRow Awards will be announced virtually among multiple MusicRow platforms on Tuesday, Aug. 30, 2022. This print issue also honors the Top 10 Album All-Star Musicians Awards, which will also be announced on Aug. 30, recognizing the studio players who played on the most albums reaching the Top 10 of Billboard’s Country Albums Chart during the eligibility period.
The 2022 MusicRow Awards print issue also includes a look at the resurgence of popularity for ’90s country, tapping industry veterans Cris Lacy and Kerri Edwards to analyze this trend.
“It’s the cycle of music,” Lacy tells MusicRow regarding the surge of popularity for ’90s country. “It’s the music that millennials and Gen Z heard their parents listening to. I lean into things that my folks listened to when I was a kid, so I think that’s a piece of it.”
She adds, “I also think ’90s music was really fun. If you look at The Chicks, Faith Hill, George Strait, Alan Jackson, Garth Brooks, Reba McEntire, Joe Diffie and Shania Twain, there was a lot of fun music. It was positive and uplifting. There were certainly meaningful songs, but there were also songs that felt light and carefree. I think we all need that right now. Those two things are converging—the state of the world for the last couple years and the age of younger listeners and what they grew up on.”
Also featured in the 2022 MusicRow Awards print issue is a deep dive into the recent changing of the guard in Music City’s major label publicity departments, as Meg Kehoe takes over for Allen Brown at Sony Music Nashville and Fount Lynch assumes Wes Vause’s former position at Warner Music Nashville. Both Kehoe and Lynch detail their career journeys to this point and discuss their goals for their new positions.
Elsewhere, MusicRow hears from Onsite Entertainment’s Debbie Carroll to discuss the mental and emotional health challenges that have arisen due to the pandemic, and how we as an industry can move on. Onsite is an international leader in the emotional and mental wellness space. This spring the organization launched Onsite Entertainment, an innovative new division explicitly curated to meet the growing needs of the entertainment industry, tapping Carroll to lead the division.
“The pandemic has taken a toll on all of our mental health, so it’s important for everybody to acknowledge that and to normalize it a little,” Carroll shares.
The 2022 MusicRow Awards print issue also features a discussion on the ins and outs of the life of a business manager with FBMM’s Duane Clark. As President & COO of FBMM’s Nashville firm, Clark’s roster of clients includes top recording and touring artists.
In the article, Clark tells MusicRow how he got his start, details his journey with FBMM, and speaks about his philanthropy efforts that recently secured him an ACM Award.
He shares, “It’s a blessing to get to wake up every morning and do what you really are passionate about. I can come in and do what I really love doing and hopefully help guide some folks to their dreams.”
Also included in the 2022 MusicRow Awards print issue is an informative roundup of all the awards applicable to the Nashville music industry.
Single copies of the 2022 MusicRow Awards print issue are available for purchase at musicrow.com for $20, and are included with yearly MusicRow subscriptions.
Drew Baldridge’s New Album ‘Country Born’ On Deck For September
/by Lorie HollabaughPhoto Credit: Russ Harrington
Drew Baldridge is gearing up for the upcoming release of his sophomore album, Country Born, on Sept. 30.
Releasing on Patoka Records in partnership with Riser House, Country Born features nine new tracks in addition to his summer release “Little Bit” and a special reimagined version of his viral hit “She’s Somebody’s Daughter.”
“First,” a brand-new track from the project written by Baldridge with Lydia Vaughan and Jordan Dozzi, is available now. The inspiration for “First” came out of a conversation that Drew had with his wife, Katie, where he expressed his hope that he goes first because he doesn’t want to live life without her.
“I am so excited to pay homage to my small-town roots through Country Born,” shares Baldridge. “This collection of songs encapsulates who I am and how my upbringing shaped me into the person I am today.”
With over 130 million total catalog streams, Baldridge has carved his own independent path. Prior to “Little Bit,” he released six songs in the last 18 months, all of which he co-wrote. His viral hit “She’s Somebody’s Daughter” has amassed over 235 million TikTok impressions and has been streamed over 60 million times.
The new album announcement comes as Baldridge gears up for his “The BIG Baldridge and Bonfire Music Festival” in his hometown of Patoka, Illinois on Oct. 1. The one-day only outdoor festival is the culmination of over 200 “Baldridge and Bonfires Tour” stops over the last two years. He will headline this special event and perform never-before-heard tunes as well as fan-favorites along with other acts on the lineup including Craig Campbell, Dylan Wolfe, Murphy 500 and Katie Hatch.
Country Born Track Listing:
1. Imma (•*Drew Baldridge, Trannie Anderson, Paul Sikes)
2. Mom and Them (*Josh Thompson, Jameson Rodgers, Will Bundy)
3. Lost in Love (featuring Harper Grace) (+*Drew Baldridge, Harper Grace, Kyle Schlienger)
4. Legacy (*Drew Baldridge, Jeb Gipson)
5. She Does (^*Drew Baldridge, Andy Sheridan, Josh London)
6. Country Born (^*Drew Baldridge, Andy Sheridan, Josh London)
7. First (*Drew Baldridge, Lydia Vaughan, Jordan Dozzi)
8. Dudn’t It (:*Drew Baldridge, Allison Veltz, Seth Mosley)
9. It Ain’t Up To Me (*Adam James, Jordan Dozzi, Jimi Bell)
10. Little Bit (=*Drew Baldridge, Matt McKinney, Andy Sheridan, Ben Williams)
11. She’s Somebody’s Daughter (reimagined) (*Drew Baldridge, Cameron Jaymes, Jimmy Yeary)
*songwriting credits
produced by Nick Schwarz
^produced by Andy Sheridan
•produced by Paul Sikes
:produced by Seth Mosley
+produced by Kyle Schlienger
= produced by Chris DeStefano
Steve Wariner & David Malloy Earn BMI Million-Air Awards
/by Lydia FarthingPictured (L-R, top row): BMI’s Shannon Sanders and Michael Collins; (L-R, middle row): BMI’s LuAnn Davidson, Leslie Roberts and Josh Tomlinson with Sam Severs and Ryan Wariner; (L-R, bottom row): Kathy Anderson, Melody Malloy, David Malloy, BMI’s Clay Bradley and Nancy Moore, Steve Wariner, BMI’s Mason Hunter and Matilda Severs and Caryn Wariner
Earlier this week, BMI celebrated legendary songwriters and soon-to-be-inductees into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, Steve Wariner and David Malloy.
The PRO presented the two tunesmiths with its signature Million-Air awards, which commemorate songs reaching one million plays. Collectively, Wariner and Malloy total more than 43 million broadcast performances.
Malloy’s songs that received awards included: “Love Will Turn You Around” (3 million), “Drivin’ My Life Away” (5 million), “Gone Too Far” (1 million), “You Can’t Run From Love” (2 million), “Real Love” (1 million), “I Love A Rainy Night” (6 million), “Suspicions” (3 million), “Someone Could Lose A Heart Tonight” (2 million), and “Step By Step” (3 million).
Wariner’s songs that received awards included: “Been There” (1 million), “Holes In The Floor Of Heaven” (2 million), “I Got Dreams” (2 million), “I’m Already Taken” (1 million), “I Should Be With You” (1 million), “Longneck Bottle” (1 million), “Nothin’ But The Taillights” (4 million), “Two Teardrops” (1 million), “Where Did I Go Wrong” (1 million), “Where The Blacktop Ends” (2 million), and “You Can Dream Of Me” (1 million).
Chart Action: Blake Shelton Impacts Country Radio
/by Alex ParryBlake Shelton‘s latest release, “No Body,” impacts country radio this week, raking in 176 new station adds across the Billboard, Mediabase and MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio charts. He debuts at No. 25, No. 33 and No. 49, respectively.
“I get excited and feel like a kid every time we release new music,” Shelton notes. “But this song in particular takes me back to the ‘90s when I was in high school and first moved to Nashville, because it feels like what the music sounded like at that time.”
Written by Rodney Clawson, Chris Tompkins and Josh Kear, the tune tells the story of a guy who doesn’t want to be with “No Body” but the person he’s with. “The hook confused me the first time I heard it–I’m hoping it’s the same way for everyone else so they have to listen to it a bunch of times to figure it out!” laughs Shelton.
Shelton, who is celebrating his 12th year as a Grand Ole Opry member, will also return to the Opry stage on Saturday, Sept. 10.
For more chart data, click here to view the latest edition of The MusicRow Weekly.
In This Issue: MusicRow Awards Issue Features ’90s Country, Post-Pandemic Anxiety, More
/by LB CantrellMusicRow Magazine, Nashville’s leading music industry publication, released its 2022 MusicRow Awards print issue earlier this week with Capitol Records Nashville’s Jon Pardi gracing the cover.
The print magazine highlights this year’s MusicRow Awards nominees in a range of categories. Presented by City National Bank, the winners for the 34th annual MusicRow Awards will be announced virtually among multiple MusicRow platforms on Tuesday, Aug. 30, 2022. This print issue also honors the Top 10 Album All-Star Musicians Awards, which will also be announced on Aug. 30, recognizing the studio players who played on the most albums reaching the Top 10 of Billboard’s Country Albums Chart during the eligibility period.
The 2022 MusicRow Awards print issue also includes a look at the resurgence of popularity for ’90s country, tapping industry veterans Cris Lacy and Kerri Edwards to analyze this trend.
“It’s the cycle of music,” Lacy tells MusicRow regarding the surge of popularity for ’90s country. “It’s the music that millennials and Gen Z heard their parents listening to. I lean into things that my folks listened to when I was a kid, so I think that’s a piece of it.”
She adds, “I also think ’90s music was really fun. If you look at The Chicks, Faith Hill, George Strait, Alan Jackson, Garth Brooks, Reba McEntire, Joe Diffie and Shania Twain, there was a lot of fun music. It was positive and uplifting. There were certainly meaningful songs, but there were also songs that felt light and carefree. I think we all need that right now. Those two things are converging—the state of the world for the last couple years and the age of younger listeners and what they grew up on.”
Also featured in the 2022 MusicRow Awards print issue is a deep dive into the recent changing of the guard in Music City’s major label publicity departments, as Meg Kehoe takes over for Allen Brown at Sony Music Nashville and Fount Lynch assumes Wes Vause’s former position at Warner Music Nashville. Both Kehoe and Lynch detail their career journeys to this point and discuss their goals for their new positions.
Elsewhere, MusicRow hears from Onsite Entertainment’s Debbie Carroll to discuss the mental and emotional health challenges that have arisen due to the pandemic, and how we as an industry can move on. Onsite is an international leader in the emotional and mental wellness space. This spring the organization launched Onsite Entertainment, an innovative new division explicitly curated to meet the growing needs of the entertainment industry, tapping Carroll to lead the division.
“The pandemic has taken a toll on all of our mental health, so it’s important for everybody to acknowledge that and to normalize it a little,” Carroll shares.
The 2022 MusicRow Awards print issue also features a discussion on the ins and outs of the life of a business manager with FBMM’s Duane Clark. As President & COO of FBMM’s Nashville firm, Clark’s roster of clients includes top recording and touring artists.
In the article, Clark tells MusicRow how he got his start, details his journey with FBMM, and speaks about his philanthropy efforts that recently secured him an ACM Award.
He shares, “It’s a blessing to get to wake up every morning and do what you really are passionate about. I can come in and do what I really love doing and hopefully help guide some folks to their dreams.”
Also included in the 2022 MusicRow Awards print issue is an informative roundup of all the awards applicable to the Nashville music industry.
Single copies of the 2022 MusicRow Awards print issue are available for purchase at musicrow.com for $20, and are included with yearly MusicRow subscriptions.
The War And Treaty Unleash Major Label Debut Single
/by Lydia FarthingNewly-signed Mercury Nashville duo The War And Treaty have made their major label debut with their new single, “That’s How Love Is Made,” available everywhere now.
Exploring what true partnership means, the husband-and-wife duo of Michael Trotter Jr. and Tanya Trotter co-wrote the soaring ballad with Dave Barnes. The track marks the first taste of their upcoming album, produced by Grammy award-winner Dave Cobb.
“I can’t believe the day has come and we finally get to let the world in on the secret that is, ‘That’s How Love Is Made’ and we hope folks connect to it as much as we have,” Michael says. “My prayer is that so much love is created through this song that eventually hate is drowned out. Let love be as creative as it wants in our friendships, in our business partnerships, in our neighborhood, and never put the chains on her…for she is meant to be free.”
“My palms are sweaty, my knees are shaking and I’m going crazy all because of the love we put into creating this song,” Tanya adds. “Now that it’s being released, I’ve moved from tongue clamping to nail biting. Needless to say, I’m excited.”
Founded in 2014, The War And Treaty fuse country, soul, gospel, rock ‘n’ roll and more, and have been named the International Folk Music Awards 2021 Artist of the Year. The duo has spent 2022 entertaining crowds across North America, Europe, Italy, Australia, Ireland and more, opening for artists such as Al Green, Willie Nelson, Brandi Carlile, Jason Isbell, John Legend and Lauren Daigle.
They will launch their headlining “Hearts on Fire Tour” beginning Sept. 7 at Atlanta’s Terminal West. For a full list of upcoming dates, click here.
Everette Offers A Glimpse Into 16 Years Of Friendship On Upcoming Project
/by Lorie HollabaughEverette. Photo: Robby Klein
Everette, the duo composed of Brent Rupard and Anthony Olympia, will release their new album Kings of the Dairy Queen Parking Lot: Side B on Oct. 7. They’re giving fans a sneak peek of what’s to come with two new tracks, “Make Me Want One” and Run,” available everywhere now.
Produced by Luke Laird and Ben Phillips, the new album includes tracks like “Woo Hoo Hoo,” which is all about looking on the brighter side of life, and “Shunk As Drit” a how-to-guide for living your last day on Earth. The duo co-wrote all eight tracks, diving into romance on “Run,” “Make Me Want One” and “She Got That From Me,” while “Wild Woman” and “Get By” blast their signature sound.
“From beginning to end of Kings of the Dairy Queen Parking Lot: Side B, we explore every shade of us stylistically and lyrically,” the duo share. “These songs relive the stories from our 16 years of friendship and musical partnership that made Everette. We feel like the world can use a little off-the-wall crazy to escape every now and then, and we’d love to take you there and back again.”
The duo will be heading out on the road with Cadillac 3 this fall.
1. “Run” (Anthony Olympia, Brent Rupard, Ross Copperman)*
2. “Woo Hoo Hoo” (Anthony Olympia, Brent Rupard, Aaron Raitiere)*
3. “Gonna Be A Problem” (Brent Rupard, Anthony Olympia, Harold Ryan Tyndell, Bryan Simpson)^
4. “She Got That From Me” (Anthony Olympia, Brent Rupard, Bryan Simpson)*
5. “Wild Woman” (Anthony Olympia, Brent Rupard, Aaron Raitiere)*
6. “Shunk As Drit” (Anthony Olympia, Brent Rupard, Aaron Raitiere)*
7. “Make Me Want One” (Anthony Olympia, Brent Rupard, Chris DuBois)*
8. “Get By” (Anthony Olympia, Brent Rupard, Matt Jenkins)*
*Produced by Luke Laird
^ Produced by Ben Phillips
‘The Voice’ Finalist Ian Flanigan To Release Debut Album In September
/by Lorie HollabaughThe Voice Season 19 finalist Ian Flanigan will release his upcoming debut album Strong on Sept. 2. As part of the album release, fans can order the album digitally, as well as purchase a limited edition vinyl here.
Flanigan has already given fans a taste of the new project with singles “Under A Southern Sky,” “Last Name On It,” and “Grow Up” featuring Blake Shelton, which has racked up millions of streams so far.
“For me, strength has always come from the support of the folks I hold dear,” shares Flanigan. “I made this record to feel like stepping out of the loud and busy world after a hard day’s work, taking off your boots and having a seat with my loving family in the living room. My family would love for you to be our guest to enjoy this ride with us.”
Flanigan recently made his debut CMA Fest performance on the Maui Jim Reverb Stage, and has been traveling the country performing, as well as traveling on an extensive radio tour.
Tyler Hubbard’s Lead Single As Solo Artist Goes No. 1 On MusicRow Chart
/by Alex ParryTyler Hubbard’s “5 Foot 9” makes its way to the top of the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart this week. This is Hubbard’s first release as a solo artist. He wrote the single with Jaren Johnston and Chase McGill and co-produced the track with Jordan Schmidt.
With lyrics highlighting life’s small joys before pointing out that “God makes the good stuff,” Hubbard adds, “As much as the song talks about real life stuff like whiskey, country music, dirt roads and rain, I want listeners to be reminded that God really does make the good stuff. For me, over the last couple of years, I’ve really been reminded of that.”
Hubbard recently sat down with MusicRow to discuss his new solo endeavors. Click here to read the full interview.
Click here to view the latest edition of The MusicRow Weekly containing the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart.
Circle Network Sets Premiere Date For Season Two Of ‘Landmarks: Stages of Country Music’
/by Liza AndersonBrantley Gilbert performing at Red Rocks Amphitheatre. Photo Courtesy of Circle Media
Circle, the award-winning country music and lifestyle network and official television home of the Grand Ole Opry, has announced a premiere date for the second season of the hit show Landmarks: The Stages of Country Music.
Following the success of Season One, the show is returning for another season on Wednesday, Sep. 7. This season will take viewers through some of the most iconic music venues in the Austin, Nashville, and Denver areas, including Red Rocks, Austin City Limits, 3rd and Lindsley, Whiskey Jam and more.
Brantley Gilbert, Darius Rucker, Lindsay Ell, Jimmie Allen, Michael Ray, Cody Johnson, Charlie Worsham, Mitchell Tenpenny, Jon Pardi and many more country music stars will walk viewers through each venue, sharing their favorite memories including performing and watching other stars perform on each stage. In the series, Ell states, “Things happen in venues, on stages, that you cannot create on a recording. There’s just a magic that happens.”
Brantley Gilbert talking to crowd. Photo Courtesy of Circle Media
In Episode 10, viewers will travel to Clarksdale, Mississippi, where Hollywood legend Morgan Freeman will go behind the scenes of his very own blues club, Ground Zero.
“We’re thrilled to bring Landmarks back for a second season on Circle Network,” says Evan Haiman, Circle’s Senior Vice President of Content. “Bringing country music content to the genre’s biggest fans is our mission here at Circle, and this show does just that by telling the stories of country music’s most iconic venues from the perspective of those who have worked at, performed on, and built their stages.”
Landmarks: The Stages of Country Music will premiere on Circle Network on Sep. 7 at 11:30 a.m. ET. New episodes will air each Wednesday at the same time, concluding with the finale on Nov. 23.
In Pictures: 15th Annual ACM Honors Celebrate Country Music’s Biggest Stars
/by Lydia FarthingPictured (L-R): Jimi Westbrook, Karen Fairchild, Ronnie Dunn, Miranda Lambert, Kix Brooks, Kimberly Schlapman, and Phillip Sweet attend the 15th Annual Academy of Country Music Honors. Photo: Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for ACM
The 15th Annual Academy of Country Music Honors took over Nashville’s Ryman Auditorum on Wednesday night (Aug. 24) as industry members, artists, songwriters, and musicians gathered to celebrate some of the format’s biggest and most deserving names.
Pictured (L-R): Ernest, ACM Milestone Award Honoree Morgan Wallen, and ACM Songwriter of the Year Honoree Hardy. Photo: Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for ACM
The night’s honorees included ACM Triple Crown Award recipient Miranda Lambert, ACM Spirit Award recipient Chris Stapleton, ACM Icon Award recipient Connie Bradley, ACM Poet’s Award recipients Shania Twain and Sonny Throckmorton, ACM Milestone Award recipient Morgan Wallen, ACM Lifting Lives Award recipients Paul Barnabee and Dwight Wiles, and ACM Service Award recipient Duane Clark. Songwriter of the Year winner Hardy, as well as the Studio Recording Award and Industry Award winners, were also celebrated.
Kelsea Ballerini performs during the 15th Annual Academy Of Country Music Honors. Photo: Erika Goldring/Getty Images for ACM
Reigning ACM Female Artist of the Year and 4x ACM Award winner Carly Pearce hosted for her second year. Among the night’s other festivities were performances from Kelsea Ballerini, Dierks Bentley, Brooks & Dunn, Dan + Shay, Jordan Davis, Ernest, Jesse Frasure, Vince Gill, Ashley Gorley, Mickey Guyton, Hardy, Wynonna Judd, Avril Lavigne, Little Big Town, Wallen, Lainey Wilson and more.
The ACM Honors will air on Fox on Tuesday, Sept. 13 at 7 p.m. CT, marking the event’s return to television and the first time the special will air on the network.
Carly Pearce and Damon Whiteside. Photo: John Shearer/Getty Images for ACM
Lainey Wilson performs during the 15th Annual Academy Of Country Music Honors. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for ACM
Pictured (L-R): Ashley Gorley, Hardy, and Jesse Frasure. Photo: Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for ACM