Ty Herndon Talks Mental Health On New ‘Soundboard’ Podcast

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Ty Herndon and Pivotal Moments Media have launched a new podcast, Soundboard, featuring conversations with artists discussing their struggles and wins along their mental fitness journeys.

Designed to mirror the themes of Herndon’s new album Jacob, the series’ debut episode features LeAnn Rimes sharing her best mental health practices. Other guests scheduled to appear include CMT Host Cody Alan, Michael Ray, Dove award-winning singer-songwriter Crystal Lewis, and rising viral pop artist Auti.

“This podcast is all about using the power each of us has to turn up the positive voices in our heads and turn down those negative thoughts that creep in and sow doubt and despair,” Herndon explains. “I’m looking forward to speaking with some of my amazing fellow artists in music and entertainment about how they stay mentally fit amid the chaos of all that life throws at them personally and professionally.”

New episodes will be released on alternating Wednesdays on all major streaming platforms.

In 2022, Herndon joined Pivotal Moments Media as a Brand Ambassador and as the first artist signed to the organization’s new record label, Pivotal Records.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Little Big Town Delights With New Album Teaser Track

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The baby acts are riding high in DISClaimer this week.

Kameron Marlowe, Rodell Duff, Frank Ray, Kassi Ashton, Willie Jones and Travis Denning are front and center with new sounds. But they have to compete with such stellar vets as Willie Nelson, Ronnie Dunn and the winner of the Disc of the Day, Little Big Town.

Newcomer Corey Kent nails the DISCovery Award.

JORDAN DAVIS / “Next Thing You Know”
Writers: Jordan Davis/Chase McGill/Josh Osborne/Greylan James; Producer: Paul DiGiovanni; Label: MCA Nashville
–The shock of growing up and growing older before you know it. Heartfelt and well written.

LITTLE BIG TOWN / “Better Love”
Writers: Karen Fairchild/Jimi Westbrook/Tofer Brown/Audra Mae; Producer: Little Big Town; Label: Capitol
–This teaser track from the group’s Mr. Sun album is a stone delight. With its tongue-in-cheek lyric, feisty attitude, romping production and flawless, personality-packed vocals, the ditty pushes every pleasure button. It also makes me super eager to hear the whole collection, which is due next month.

KAMERON MARLOWE / “We Were Cowboys”
Writers: Tyler Farr/Wyatt McCubbin/Kameron Marlowe; Producer: Dann Huff; Label: Sony
–Love this guy’s voice. On this nostalgic look at youth, he shifts from a dark, dramatic baritone on the verses to a scorching, summer-sun tenor on the choruses. Ferociously good.

TRAVIS DENNING / “Buy a Girl a Drink”
Writers: Travis Denning/Jeremy Stover/Paul DiGiovanni/Chase McGill; Producers: Paul DiGiovanni/Jeremy Stover; Label: Mercury
–Pretty dang cool. An oomphy production with jangle guitars and a deep-bass undertow delivers a rapid-fire lyric about a lifelong relationship. Denning’s common-man, relatable vocal is the icing on the cake. A simply excellent listening experience.

FRANK RAY / “Country’d Look Good On You”
Writers: Cole Taylor/Derek George/Monty Criswell/Taylor Phillips; Producer: Frank Rogers; Label: Stoney Creek/BBR
–Sunny, catchy and pleasant. I can take it or leave it.

WILLIE NELSON / “Live Forever”
Writer: Billy Joe Shaver; Producers: Charlie Sexton/Freddy Fletcher; Label: New West/
Pedernales”
–Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame member Billy Joe Shaver is getting a tribute album in November. Lined up to participate are Rodney Crowell, Miranda Lambert, Steve Earle, George Strait, Margo Price and Nathaniel Rateliff, among others. Willie has the title tune, which is out now as an advance track. Which is brilliant, because if Shaver ever wrote an autobiographical manifesto, this song is it. What’s super great is that Willie’s arrangement reinterprets the philosophical song with tempo and drive. I’ve always loved the song, and this brings it vividly back to life.

RODELL DUFF / “Red Dirt Cursed”
Writers: Dylan Maloney/Eamon Owen/Eric Dodd/Rodell Duff; Producer: Dylan Maloney; Label: RD
–The wave of Black country talent continues with this fine single by newcomer Duff. It’s a classic sounding country rocker with a heartbroken lyric. His confident, soaring vocal is backed by a pristinely produced tempo track. This man sounds ready for the Big Time to me. Make room at the table.

KASSI ASHTON / “I Don’t Go Back”
Writers: Luke Laird/Hillary Lindsey/Kassi Ashton; Producers: Luke Laird/Kassi Ashton; Label: MCA
–Nicely done. Her conversational vocal is earthy and real. The ballad’s lyric gets out of a heartbreak by pushing forward, albeit with considerable regret and some aching loss. By far her best work to date.

RONNIE DUNN & PARKER McCOLLUM / “Road to Abilene”
Writer: Ronnie Dunn; Producer: Ronnie Dunn; Label: RD
–This is the lead single from Dunn’s new 100 Proof Neon collection. As usual, he sings like a hillbilly angel. McCollum holds his own collaborating with this master stylist. They both yearn in lovelorn longing on this terrifically twangin’ country tune. Get yer two-steppin’ shoes on.

WILLIE JONES / “Bein’ Green”
Writer: Joe Raposo; Producer: JD Walker; Label: Sony
–It’s kinda dreamy and airy. The melody meanders, but his vocal is steady and sure footed. Different, in an oddly pleasing, artsy way.

CRYSTAL SHAWANDA / “How Bad Do You Want It”
Writers: Crystal Shawanda/Darrin James/Dewayne Strobel; Producer: Dewayne Strobel; Label: True North
–This Juno-awarded Canadian stylist introduces her new Midnight Blues collection with this bright-sounding, lightweight, vacation ditty. Formerly an RCA Nashville stylist, she’s heading in a slightly more R&B direction, but there’s no getting away from her country roots.

COREY KENT / “Wild As Her”
Writers: Morgan Wallen/Brett Tyler/Kelly Archer; Producer: Chris Farren; Label: RCA
–His youthful vocal has just the right, slight touch of rasp. The tune is a dandy, depicting a free-spirited gal he’s trying his best to keep up with. The production gets a little too rocked up at times, but the jam is so catchy you can overlook the noise.

Onsite Workshops’ Debbie Carroll Named President of Leadership Music Board

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Pictured L-R: David Kells, Debbie Carroll, and Kelli Haywood.

Leadership Music has named Debbie Carroll of Onsite Workshops to lead the Leadership Music board for the 2022-23 fiscal year.

Carroll, a member of the Leadership Music Class of 2001, is Vice President of Entertainment and Specialized Services for Onsite Workshops. The Nashville-based Leadership Music has been serving the industry for 34 years as the nation’s premier education and leadership program designed for established leaders in the music industry.

“As a proud member of the Class of 2001, it’s an honor and privilege to lead such an incredible board and organization,” says Carroll. “Being a part of Leadership Music has enriched my life and career in so many ways, and I am thrilled to continue to support their mission. I’m excited to work with this esteemed Board of Directors, accomplished Executive Director and amazing staff as we look forward to another successful year for this important organization.”

Officers joining Carroll are President-Elect Kelli Haywood of KCH Entertainment/That Sounds Fun Network, Past President David Kells of Bridgestone Arena/Nashville Predators, Treasurer Andrew Kautz of BMLG, and Secretary Marghie Evans of Do Write Music. Other members of the Executive Committee include Brad Bissell of CAA, FBMM’s David Boyer, Scott Gerow of Battery Lane Music, and City National Bank’s Diane Pearson.

Leadership Music has also appointed four new board members: Nic Dugger of TNDV: Television LLC, Amazon Music’s Michelle Tigard Kammerer, Torie Mason of Warner Music Nashville, and Neal Spielberg of Spielberg Entertainment.

Will Cheek and Lynn Morrow of Adams & Reese LLP serve as legal counsel.

The complete board list:

Brad Bissell, Agent, CAA

David Boyer, Vice President/Owner, FBMM

Debbie Carroll, Vice President of Entertainment and Specialized Services, Onsite Workshops

Nic Dugger, Owner, TNDV: Television LLC

Emily Evans, Vice President, Strategic Initiatives, CMA

Marghie Evans, Managing Partner, Do Write Music

Joe Galante, Chairman, Galante Entertainment

Scott Gerow, Music Producer, Battery Lane Music

Mitch Glazier, Chairman/CEO, RIAA

Kelli Haywood, Artist Manager, KCH Entertainment/That Sounds Fun Network

Phil Hughley, Artist/Producer

Mason Hunter, Assistant Vice President, Creative, BMI

Michelle Tigard Kammerer, Head of Country Music, Amazon Music

Andrew Kautz, COO, Big Machine Label Group

David Kells, Executive VP, Entertainment & Venues, Bridgestone Arena/Nashville Predators

Jerry Kimbrough, Musician

Torie Mason, SVP Strategic Marketing and Analysis, Warner Music Nashville

Heather McBee, Executive Director, Mending Hearts

Jackie Patillo, Executive Director, Gospel Music Association

Diane Pearson, Senior VP/Manger, Entertainment, City National Bank

Dave Pomeroy, President, AFM Local 257

Lisa Purcell, Senior VP, External Affairs, Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

Neal Spielberg, President, Spielberg Entertainment

John Strohm, Partner, Frost Brown Todd LLC

Rachel Whitney, Head of Editorial, Nashville, Spotify

Lane Wilson, Agent/Partner, WME

Bret Wolcott, Freelance TV Producer

Concord Music Publishing Signs Singer-Songwriter Justin Wilson

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Pictured (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

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This 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

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Lisa 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’

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Shania 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.

YouTube video

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

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Garth 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

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Gene 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

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CMT 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.