‘The Voice’ Finalist Jeremy Rosado Signs With Capitol Christian Music Group

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Pictured (L-R): Brad O’Donnell, Co-President, Capitol CMG; Rosado, Hudson Plachey, Co-President, Capitol CMG; Josh Bailey, SVP A&R, Capitol CMG

The Voice Season 21 finalist Jeremy Rosado has signed a recording contract with Capitol Christian Music Group.

Growing up in a Puerto Rican family in the middle of Queens, New York, Rosado got his start singing at neighborhood block parties. At 10 years old, his family moved to Tampa and he began singing in choir at church and school, later becoming a worship leader and gaining traction in the local music scene. After auditioning for The Voice, Rosado quickly became a fan favorite as a part of Team Kelly [Clarkson], winning viewers over with his vocal talent and heartwarming story of adopting his niece when he was just 21.

“We could not be more excited to welcome Jeremy Rosado to our roster,” share Brad O’Donnell and Hudson Plachy, Co-Presidents, Capitol CMG. “He’s an incredible vocalist with a rare talent and powerful story. We can’t wait to start putting his music out into the world and believe big things are ahead for him.”

“I am so honored to be joining the Capitol Christian Music Group family,” Rosado adds. “I’ve been pursing this dream of mine for 10 years and those years have been filled with ups and downs. This season has been so redeeming for me and my story… the path that I’ve walked to get here has not been easy, but everything I’ve faced in my life so far has led me to this point. I’m finding myself living in a state of gratitude at what God has done and how He has brought my dream back to life! I’m beyond excited for what the future holds, and thrilled to be walking into this next chapter with the Capitol team alongside me.”

Rosado is currently working on new music with plans to release songs later this year, and will hit the road with Newsboys this fall on their “Stand Together Tour.”

Dylan Scott Drives To No. 1 With Latest Chart-Topper ‘New Truck’

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Dylan Scott has racked up his third No. 1 this week with “New Truck” rising to the top spot on both the Mediabase and Billboard Country Airplay charts.

The single tops the charts just days after the release of Scott’s sophomore LP, Livin’ My Best Life, and makes two back-to-back chart-toppers for the Curb recording artist.

“Man, waking up to ‘New Truck’ being number one at country radio today is a pretty amazing feeling,” shares Scott. “It lets us know the fans are pumped about what we’ve got going on and pushes me to keep working even harder to continue to raise the bar.”

After a full summer set of shows, Scott will hit the road this fall on his “Amen To That Tour” beginning Sept. 28. Erin Kinsey and Lily Rose will join him as support on the trek in select cities.

Vince Gill Brings Great Music, Memories & Laughs To Four-Night Ryman Residency

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Vince Gill performs at Ryman Auditorium. Photo: Catherine Powell

Country Music Hall of Famer Vince Gill closed out a sold-out, four-night residency at the Ryman Auditorium on Sunday night (Aug. 7). The run of shows featured plenty of great music each night and, true to Gill’s style, lots of jokes.

Gill, who was recently selected to be honored in CMT’s Giants series, played nearly four hours each night. He thrilled concert-goers with hits such as “One More Last Chance,” “Tryin’ to Get Over You,” “Don’t Let Our Love Start Slippin’ Away,” “I Still Believe in You” and many more. His voice as smooth and expressive as ever, Gill joked about being 65 and getting the senior discount, but his talent has refined even more with age.

Vince Gill and Chrissy Hall (Director of Concerts of Ryman Auditorium). Photo: Eric Ahlgrim

On Thursday night (Aug. 4), Gill said he and his band hadn’t been on the road for his own shows in three years—though Gill has been on the road with the Eagles. The Grand Ole Opry member took the time to fit sections in the show that clearly thrilled him to perform. He played some bluegrass, some of his favorite songs that weren’t big hits, and a few covers—in addition to his many hits.

In a really special moment, Gill spotlighted iconic steel guitarist Paul Franklin when he played two songs from their project Bakersfield, a tribute to Merle Haggard and Buck Owens. The two country giants sounded wonderful on Haggard’s “The Bottle Let Me Down” and Owens’ “Together Again.”

Gill also told many stories behind his songs—letting the crowd in to his often humorous perspective on the music business. One funny story he told was about writing his epic romantic song, “Look at Us,” with Music Row hitmaker Max D. Barnes. He said that he had approached Barnes, the writer of Vern Gosdin‘s weeper “Chiseled in Stone,” to write a sad song.

Gill brought the title “Look at Us,” but Barnes thought the characters in the song ought to stay together. When Gill pushed back, Barnes encouraged him to look around the room at Barnes’ Grammys and songwriting awards. “He was right!” Gill quipped before playing the 1990 classic.

Vince Gill performs with Wendy Moten at Ryman Auditorium. Photo: Catherine Powell

Another awesome section of music came when Gill turned the spotlight over to the astoundingly talented Wendy Moten, who sang backup alongside Gill’s daughter Corrina throughout the night. Though Moten was billed as the opener, Gill wanted to make sure she was properly heard, so he placed her set just after intermission.

The Ryman crowd was not disappointed in the pause in Gill’s music as her Thursday set was fantastic. She sang a hair-raising version of Bobbie Gentry‘s “Ode to Billie Joe” and another great cover of Jeannie Seely‘s “Don’t Touch Me.”

“I watched Hee Haw and Soul Train growing up, and fell in love with both!” Moten said before closing her set with Aretha Franklin‘s “Ain’t No Way.” It’s no wonder Gill gave her such a precious time slot—Moten is a born entertainer.

Other talents on Gill’s stage were Billy Thomas (drums), Jimmie Lee Sloas (bass), Jedd Hughes (guitar), Jack Schneider (guitar), and John Jarvis (keyboards).

On another night, Gill and daughter Corrina performed a special tribute to her mom Amy Grant, singing her dad’s 2021 Grammy award-winning Best Country Solo Performance of “When My Amy Prays,” changing the lyrics to “When My Momma Prays.” Grant has been recovering from a bicycle wreck, and Gill was thankful for the prayers—though he did make sure to make jokes about convincing his superstar wife that he produced the Beatles.

Gill will be back on the Ryman stage, with his dear wife Amy Grant, at their annual “Christmas at the Ryman” residency from Dec. 12-21. Tickets are available now.

Pam Tillis Signs With Reliant Talent

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Pam Tillis. Photo: Matt Spicher

Grammy award-winner Pam Tillis has signed with Reliant Talent for booking representation.

Tillis’ first hit single, “Don’t Tell Me What to Do,” reached the top 5 in 1991. Since then, she has racked up nearly 20 top 10 and six No. 1 singles, as well as won three CMA awards and two collaboration Grammy awards.

A member of the Grand Ole Opry, Tillis has been touring consistently for more than 30 years with fan-favorites, such as “Let That Pony Run,” “The River and the Highway,” and “Spilled Perfume.” She has sold more than four million albums, and released her latest album, Looking For a Feeling, in 2020.

“We are so excited to add such a high standard of country music royalty to the Reliant Talent family,” says Reliant Talent’s Steve Lassiter. “I’ve known Pam for many years and have had the honor of working with her in the past. My team and I couldn’t be more excited to be a part of this next phase of her already amazing career.”

Reliant Talent’s roster also includes Travis Tritt, Kenny Loggins, Rodney Carrington, Phil Vassar, Yacht Rock Revue, Take 6, Average White Band, Lit, Everclear, Saliva, Sister Hazel, and more.

Big Machine Label Group, Blac Noize! Recordings Sign Doobie

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Pictured (L-R): Big Machine Label Group’s Scott Borchetta, Doobie, Blac Noize!’s Chioke “Stretch” McCoy and Charley Greenberg. Photo: Nick Rau

Big Machine Label Group and Blac Noize! Recordings have partnered to sign rising hip-hop star Doobie.

Infusing rock and hip-hop influences, Doobie burst onto the scene with viral hits “Nikki Sixx,” “Icy T*tties” ft. Caskey and “Hate Song,” and has quickly racked up over 600 million views on YouTube. The Ohio native writes and produces much of his music, including new single “Meditation” which is slated to arrive on Friday.

“Doobie is an incredible songwriter and producer who has built an impressive following,” says Blac Noize!’s Chioke “Stretch” McCoy. “He is the type of artist this company was created for. We are excited to work with Doobie and his team to show the world what a global superstar he is.”

“Doobie’s life stories are his music,” adds Big Machine Label Group’s Scott Borchetta. “Raw and real. Cutting and colorful. Celebratory and mournful. He brings you into his world to experience.”

Jenny Tolman Signs Exclusive Agreement With Wrensong Entertainment

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Pictured (L-R): Maurna Donovan, Director Wrensong Music Publishing/ReeHits Artist Management & Label Services; Abbe Nameche, Creative Director, Wrensong Music Publishing; Jenny Tolman; Ree Guyer, Owner, Wrensong Entertainment Photo: Dave Brainard

Singer-songwriter Jenny Tolman has signed an exclusive pitch agreement with Wrensong Entertainment.

Through the new agreement, the Wrensong staff will present Tolman’s songs to producers, artist managers and A&R reps, as well as various outlets for film, TV and advertising sync placements.

“We have worked with Jenny, unofficially, in the past and have been interested in representing her unique talent as an artist and writer for quite a while,” says Ree Guyer, owner of Wrensong Entertainment. “I am so happy we have come to an arrangement where we are now official partners.”

“I have admired the Wrensong ladies’ passion for songs and new artists for many years now, so I am beyond excited for this opportunity,” said Tolman. “From Ree’s initiative, wisdom and amazing history, to Abbe’s unmatched spirit and energy and to Maurna’s brilliant mind—I’m so grateful to have Wrensong on the Jennyville team!”

Tolman recently announced the inaugural Cowgirls at The Cowboy festival in Jackson Hole, Wyoming featuring an all-female lineup including headliner Carly Pearce.

Industry Ink: Tim McGraw, Chris Young, Alabama, PLA

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Tim McGraw Notches Another Career No. 1 With ‘7500 OBO’

Pictured (L-R): Big Machine Records’ Kris Lamb, songwriter Matt McGinn, Big Machine Records President/CEO/Founder Scott Borchetta, songwriter Jennifer Schott, McGraw, and Big Machine Records’ Clay Hunnicutt.

Before country mainstay Tim McGraw took the stage on Saturday night (Aug. 6) during the Big Machine Music City Grand Prix, he took time to celebrate his latest No. 1 country radio hit “7500 OBO.”

McGraw was joined by two of the song’s co-writers, Matt McGinn and Jennifer Schott, and executives from his Big Machine Records team, including Kris Lamb, Clay Hunnicutt, and Big Machine Records President/CEO/Founder Scott Borchetta.

The single went No. 1 on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart in May of 2022.

 

Chris Young Earns Platinum Certifications For ‘Famous Friends,’ ‘Drowning’

Chris Young. Photo: Jeff Johnson

Multi-Platinum entertainer Chris Young recently scored a double-Platinum certification for his “Famous Friends” collaboration with Kane Brown.

Young’s co-writers, Corey Crowder and Cary Barlowe, joined for the celebration where Young was also surprised with a Platinum plaque for his song “Drowning,” which was co-written by Crowder and Josh Hoge.

“Any day I get to celebrate big milestones with my co-writers and friends is a good day,” says Young. “I’m really proud of how hard everyone has worked on this entire project and excited about playing all of the new music live and the rest of 2022.”

With more than 5 billion streams across his catalog, which includes twelve No. 1 singles, the RCA Records Nashville artist has earned 24 multi-Platinum, Platinum, or Gold certifications from the RIAA. His newest single, “At The End Of A Bar” with Mitchell Tenpenny, is currently approaching top 5 on the country radio charts.

 

Alabama Donates $25K To Kentucky Flood Aid

Alabama’s Randy Owen and Teddy Gentry

During a concert held this past Saturday (Aug. 6) in Sharpsburg, Kentucky, Country Music Hall of Fame group Alabama donated $25,000 to aid those affected by the recent flooding in the Bluegrass State.

Before a packed crowd at the Barnyard Venue, the group’s founding members Randy Owen and Teddy Gentry presented a check to The Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky, a non-profit organization providing financial help to eastern Kentucky families, farms and businesses that are suffering as result of the catastrophic weather event.

“With all the devastation caused by the floods in eastern Kentucky, this is a very emotional time,” says Owen. “Alabama wanted to offer help in a small way.”

“We hurt for the loss of life and destruction caused by the floods in Kentucky,” adds Gentry. “Hopefully these funds can help the families, farmers and businesses that were affected. They are in our prayers.”

The donation was made through the June Jam Foundation, Alabama’s non-profit that distributes money to other non-profit organizations and service groups.

 

PLA Media Adds Two To Artist Roster

Cam Allen & Branden Martin

PLA Media has added Oklahoma-based country artist Cam Allen and Kentucky-based country singer-songwriter Branden Martin to its roster.

Allen first burst onto the country music scene through a viral Twitter video of him performing. Shortly after, he earned a spot on season 19 of American Idol. Allen and his band have shared the stage alongside top country artists, including Dustin Lynch, Randy Rogers, Chris Cagle, Corey Kent and Mike Ryan. He recently released his summer smash “Lake Days” on GOAT Music Group.

“I’ve had a great track record working with Oklahoma crooners. Cam’s edgy vocals and Marc Cohn/Chris Stapleton vibe fits perfectly on the current music scene and summertime playlists,” says Pam Lewis, FRSA, Founder and President at PLA Media.

Martin was featured on NBC’s The Voice Season 12 after performing in local bars and music venues, opening for artists such as Jason Michael Carroll, RaeLynn, Mark Chesnutt, Confederate Railroad, David Allan Coe and The Steel Woods. His EP, Live at Southern Ground, won the 2021 Appalachian Arts & Entertainment Award for EP of the Year. Martin is set to release his debut album 001 on Aug. 12.

“Our team is excited to work with Branden who has an obvious natural talent for songwriting and performing raw, authentic country tunes. His dynamic stage presence is inspiring,” Lewis adds.

Round Hill Music Nashville Promotes Lindsay Will

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Lindsay Will. Photo: Lily Nelson

Round Hill Music Nashville has promoted Lindsay Will to Director, A&R.

Will is an Arkansas native and 2018 graduate of Middle Tennessee State University. She joined Round Hill in January of 2021 after starting her career at Liv Write Play. Will’s new role will continue to see her work directly with the company’s roster of hit songwriters while also signing and developing new talent.

“Lindsay has become an invaluable member of the creative team and her promotion is well deserved,” says Round Hill’s Bob Squance. “She is a rising star on Music Row and we can’t wait to see everything she will accomplish in the future.”

Since opening its doors in 2014, Round Hill Music Nashville has celebrated over 70 No. 1 songs. The company’s roster of hit songwriters includes Zach Crowell; Kevin Griffin; 4 Horsemen Music (Blair Daly, Marti Frederiksen, Scott Stevens, Zac Maloy); Adam Sanders; Danielle Blakey; Katie Pruitt; Julia Lauren Bullock; Jake Ohlbaum; Derek Austin; Renee Blair; and Jared James Nichols.

Notable catalogs include those of Ashley Gorley, Bob DiPiero, Chris Tompkins, Craig Wiseman, Dallas Davidson, Danny Myrick, Josh Kear, Matt Dragstrem, Rodney Clawson, and Wade Kirby.

Landon Wall Extends Publishing Deal With Demolition

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Pictured (L-R): : Adam Epstein: Head of A&R, Jon D’Agostino: President/Staff Writer, Landon Wall: Staff Artist/Writer, Michael August: General Manager/Staff Writer, Amanda Cooksey: A&R Manager/ Head of PR, Alyssa Smeykal: A&R Manager, Shane Barrett, Song Plugger/Creative Consultant

Landon Wall has extended his worldwide publishing agreement with Demolition Music Publishing.

Wall recently landed a cut with Black River artist Josiah Siska and is set to open for Jimmie Allen on the road this October. He initially signed with Demolition in July of 2020 and has been writing and recording new music set to release later this year.

“Landon is a true blue country music triple threat who writes, performs, and sings like an artist who’s mature beyond his years. Extending our deal with him has me very excited for our company,” says President of Demolition Jon D’Agostino.

“Working with Demolition has been such an amazing experience! The team has become my family, and I’m looking forward to what the future has in store for us,” Wall adds.

Drake Milligan Gives A Nod To His Texas Roots On New Album ‘Dallas/Fort Worth’

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Drake Milligan. Photo: Joseph Llanes

Stoney Creek Records artist Drake Milligan is gearing up for the release of his new full-length, debut album Dallas/Fort Worth, out Sept. 15.

Named after the young Texan’s hometown, the album features 14 tracks produced by Tony Brown and songwriter/producer Brandon Hood, and includes honky-tonk hooks, Western swing two-steppers, country pop ballads and more. Writers contributing to the project include Phil O’Donnell, Brice Long, J.T. Harding, Bob DiPiero, Liz Rose, and more.

“As a lifelong country music fan, it has been my dream make a full-length record that pays homage to traditional country roots, while still bringing new sounds and energy to the genre,” shares Milligan. “As a native son of the Dallas/Fort Worth area, I’ve always been intrigued by the difference between the two cities.”

He continues, “First there’s Dallas: a city determined to prove that everything really is bigger in Texas. Then, just 30 miles to the west, there’s Fort Worth: a city that holds true to its stockyard roots with a taut rope around its cowboy brand. My goal was to bring those same distinctions to the two parts of this album. On Dallas, the songs have a little more polish on their boots. On Fort Worth, there are nods to those traditional Honky-Tonkin’, Western swingin’, cowboy culture roots that I’m based in.”

The full-length debut follows his Tony Brown/Brandon Hood-produced 2021 self-titled EP, which landed at No. 1 on the iTunes Country Album chart, and also featured the No. 1 iTunes Country Single “Sounds Like Something I’d Do,” which spawned a video that topped the iTunes Video chart.

In June, Milligan appeared on America’s Got Talent, performing “Sounds Like Something I’d Do” to a standing ovation from the judges. He’ll return to the show for a live semi-final performance tonight (Aug. 9). Milligan will also return to the road with new headlining shows and festival dates during September and October.

Dallas/Fort Worth Track List:
1. “Sounds Like Something I’d Do” (Drake Milligan/Brett Beavers/Terry McBride)
2. “Kiss Goodbye All Night” (Drake Milligan/Brandon Hood/ Josh Jenkins/Phil O’Donnell)
3. “Hating Everything She Tries On” (Drake Milligan/Brent Anderson/Lynn Hutton)
4. “She” (Drake Milligan/Brandon Hood/John Pierce)
5. “Bad Day To Be A Beer” (Drake Milligan/Marv Green/JT Harding)
6. “Hearts Don’t Break Even” (Drake Milligan/Brandon Hood/Liz Rose)
7. “Dance Of A Lifetime” (Drake Milligan/Brandon Hood/Phil O’Donnell)
1. “Over Drinkin’ Under Thinkin’” (Drake Milligan/Brice Long/Brett Beavers)
2. “Tipping Point” (Drake Milligan/Brandon Hood/Terry McBride/Josh London)
3. “Don’t Look Down” (Drake Milligan/Brandon Hood/John Pierce)
4. “Goin’ Down Swingin’” (Drake Milligan/Brandon Hood/Phil O’Donnell
6. “Long Haul” (Drake Milligan/Brandon Hood/Bob DiPiero)
7. “Cowboy Kind Of Way” (Drake Milligan/Brandon Hood/Terry McBride)