Claire Douglas Signs Global Publishing Deal With BMG

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Pictured (L-R): Leslie Roberts (BMI), Kelsey Worley (BMG), Claire Douglas, Chris Oglesby (BMG), Megan Pekar (Loeb & Loeb)

Claire Douglas has signed a global publishing agreement with BMG.

Douglas was born in Texas but grew up in Nashville, and attended the University of Mississippi to study poetry in college. She returned to Music City to realize she had been writing songs all along.

She has recently had cuts with Tim McGraw, Madison Kozak, McKenzie Porter, and Dylan Brady, among others. Her ever-expanding circle of collaborators includes Kyle Clark, Emily Landis, Cameron Bedell, James Slater, and more.

“Claire is the kind of writer you dream of as a publisher,” says Kelsey Worley, BMG Creative Director. “I have no doubt that Claire will be a globally recognized songwriter, and BMG could not be more excited or inspired to be a part of her career trajectory.”

Douglas adds, “It is honestly a dream come true to get to be a part of BMG Nashville. I am confident they are going to be the perfect partner for me going into this next exciting chapter. Today I am more sure of who I am, where I come from, and where I’m going than ever before. The team at BMG is going to help me swing big, dream outside the box, and write the most important songs of my career. I am inspired, humbled, and ready to hit the ground running.”

Circle Network Celebrates The Legacy Of Elvis All Month Long

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Photo: Courtesy Circle Network

Circle Network is paying tribute to Elvis Presley throughout the month of August with several showings of his beloved films.

The month kicked off this week with a showing of the film Honeymoon in Vegas, which stars Nicolas Cage, Sarah Jessica Parker and James Caan, and features many of Presley’s biggest hits.

YouTube video

On Aug. 8, Circle will feature the iconic Viva Las Vegas, which follows Presley playing the musically gifted racecar driver, Lucky Jackson, who is after the heart of swim instructor Rusty.

Next up, on Aug. 15, Circle will premiere the 1970 documentary This Is Elvis! The film highlights Presley’s return to live performances, showcasing the rehearsal process and live performance clips.

The month-long celebration will end on Aug. 22 with a showing of Elvis’ classic western, Charro! Presley plays Jess Wade, who has been framed for the theft of a jeweled Mexican cannon.

Circle also partnered with Leslie Jordan for an Elvis dance challenge on TikTok.

Carrie Underwood, Chris Stapleton, More To Celebrate Vince Gill In New ‘CMT Giants’ Special

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Vince Gill. Photo: John Shearer

Vince Gill‘s musical legacy will be honored in an upcoming special, CMT Giants: Vince Gill, premiering Sept. 16 at 8 p.m. CT exclusively on CMT.

News of the star-packed event was revealed by Gill’s tourmate and vocalist Wendy Moten onstage in front of a sold-out crowd at the Ryman Auditorium during night one of Gill’s current four-night residency at the historic venue.

CMT Giants: Vince Gill brings together his superstar friends, collaborators and some of the biggest names in music to honor Gill with performances of his hits by Brad Paisley, Carrie Underwood, Chris Stapleton, Cody Johnson, Luke Combs, Maren Morris and Ricky Skaggs, and more to be announced.

Emmylou Harris, Keith Urban, Reba McEntire, Rodney Crowell and Sting also appear as special guests to share stories, reflect on their time working with Gill, and speak to his lasting impact on country music. The special will also feature a sit-down interview with Gill reflecting on his career, songwriting, musical influences and future plans, all fit with rare photos, performance footage, and interviews from the vault.

“From his timeless song catalog, numerous awards and unmatched musicianship, to the respect and camaraderie cultivated among his fellow musicians, and of course, his signature sense of humor, we can all agree Vince is a true titan in country music,” shares Margaret Comeaux, CMT’s Senior Vice President of Production, Music & Events. “He is a true ‘artist’s artist’ who has touched fans worldwide with his music and songwriting, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to bestow him with our most esteemed CMT Giants distinction.”

The new special will mark the first-ever televised performance from Belmont University’s new Fisher Center for the Performing Arts in Nashville.

Luke Combs Remains At No. 1 On MusicRow Radio Chart

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Luke Combs continues his reign on this week’s MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart with “The Kind Of Love We Make.” This is his second No. 1 of 2022 following “Doin’ This” which peaked in March. 

This also marks his fifth multi-week No. 1 following “Cold As You,”“Forever After All,” “Lovin’ On You,” and “Even Though I’m Leaving” which each remained on top for two weeks. He also had a two week No. 1 as a songwriter for Carly Pearce and Lee Brice’s single “I Hope You’re Happy Now.”

“The Kind Of Love We Make” was written by Combs, Dan Isbell, Reid Isbell, and Jamie Davis.

Click here to view the latest edition of The MusicRow Weekly containing the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart.

Seaforth Slates New EP, ‘What I Get for Loving You,’ For Aug. 26

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Seaforth. Photo: Nolan Knight

Seaforth is slated to release their new Arista Nashville EP, What I Get For Loving You, on Aug. 26. The title track, penned by the duo’s Mitch Thompson and Tom Jordan alongside Rocky Block, is available everywhere now.

Featuring their summertime collaboration “Queen of Daytona Beach” with Sean Kingston and feel-good “Good Beer” with Jordan Davis, the eight-song EP also includes their viral hit “Breakups” and fan favorite “Magic.” Jordan produced the project entirely from the pair’s home studio.

Having amassed more than 340 global on-demand streams, the duo has been on their headlining “Good Beer Tour,” and have also made appearances at festivals including Watershed, Faster Horses, CMA Fest, and more.

The pair will join Chris Young for his U.K. tour and recently announced they will headline the iconic Troubadour club in Los Angeles on Sept. 6. They’ll also play a Nashville show on Sept. 27 at the Ryman Auditorium.

What I Get For Loving You Track List:
1. Queen of Daytona Beach (with Sean Kingston)
2. Palm of Your Hand
3. Breakups
4. Good Beer (feat. Jordan Davis)
5. Used To It
6. Dr. Phil
7. What I Get For Loving You
8. Magic

Symphonic Distribution Acquires Streaming Promotions

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Music technology and services company Symphonic has announced the acquisition of Nashville-based Streaming Promotions.

Founded in 2015, Streaming Promotions’ mission is to increase exposure and spins on streaming services. Past Streaming Promotions clients include Baha Men, Enrique Iglesias, For King & Country, Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors, Judah & the Lion, Daughtry, Tim McGraw and more.

“I am so pleased to welcome Streaming Promotions to the Symphonic family,” says Randall Foster, Symphonic Chief Creative Officer and GM, Nashville. “User-Generated playlists and content is perhaps more important to artist development and fan acquisition today than ever before and I feel confident that Michael Sloane and team will be a great addition to our marketing mix, further cementing our commitment to helping independent artists and labels succeed.” 

“Upon forming Streaming Promotions seven years ago, we have sought to build communities around artists in an organic and authentic way,” adds Sloane, CEO of Streaming Promotions. “Finding playlists that build an artist’s career without the shortcuts of payola or bots. We’ve always looked to partner with artists and organizations looking to do the same. In conjunction with Symphonic we will be able to continue this mission and help find new fans for even higher quality talent. I’m thrilled to join forces with such a talented team to round out marketing services, building a platform for artists to grow and thrive. The future is very bright!” 

Streaming Promotions will remain a free-standing entity, offering services to artists and labels while applying Symphonic’s technology and infrastructure to help double down and continue growing their business, clientele, and services.

CRB Unveils 2022-2023 Board Of Directors

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The Country Radio Broadcasters have unveiled its 2022-2023 Board of Directors, including those members returning to CRB Officer positions such as Kurt Johnson (Townsquare Media) as President, John Shomby (Country’s Radio Coach) as Vice President, and Beverlee Brannigan as Secretary.

“I couldn’t be more thrilled to welcome these new board members and thank our returning members,” Johnson comments. “Because of their generous commitment, the industry’s main event, Country Radio Seminar, and recognition of our genre’s finest broadcasters at the Country Radio Hall of Fame dinner will continue to grow stronger.”

Elected and appointed members that will serve on this year’s Board of Directors include Brannigan, Becky Brenner (Albright & O’Malley & Brenner), RJ Meacham (Curb Records), Charlie Morgan (Apple Music), Johnson, Judy Lakin (PickleJar), Joel Raab (Joel Raab Country Radio & Media), Royce Risser (UMG Nashville), Brittany Schaffer (Spotify), Shomby, and Matt Sunshine (The Center for Sales Strategy). Michelle Kammerer (Amazon Music), Brent Michaels (KUZZ), and Kelly Rich (Red Street Records) also join as newly added members.

Continuing their terms on this year’s Board are Chuck Aly (Country Aircheck), Johnny Chiang (Pandora), George Couri (Triple 8 Management/Triple Tigers), Mike Dungan (UMG Nashville), Gator Harrison (WSIX), Deb Herman (Apple Music), Steve Hodges (Sony Music Nashville), Clay Hunnicutt (BMLG), Jon Loba (BMG/Nashville), Mike McVay, Rod Phillips (iHeartMedia), Bob Richards (Cumulus), Tim Roberts (Audacy), Kristen Williams (WMN), and Lesly Simon (Pearl Records). Charlie Monk will continue as a Board Member Emeritus.

The CRS Board of Directors is made up of volunteer professionals from all areas of the country music industry. Together, they govern the CRB and see that its mission is being fulfilled. The organization was created to provide a platform and structure for education and growth for the country music format, connecting the interests of country radio with the country music industry.

Nick Lobel Inks With Prescription Songs

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Pictured (L-R): Finn Runyon (Mad Into You Mgmt), Tyler Johnson, Chris Martignago, Nick Lobel, Katie Fagan, Nathaniel Cochran (Mad Into You Mgmt), Farrah Usmani (Nixon Peabody LLP)

Nashville-based producer, songwriter, and engineer Nick Lobel has signed with Prescription Songs in partnership with producer Tyler Johnson.

As an engineer, Lobel has worked on projects for Harry Styles, Sam Smith, Meghan Trainor, The Head And The Heart and more. He engineered and contributed sound design on Styles’ Grammy-winning “Watermelon Sugar.” As a songwriter and producer Lobel has been an instrumental part of developing Gatlin’s project, penning her past singles “Masterclass,” “Whenever He Asks,” “Summer Coat,” and “Hospital,” and producing the bulk of her last two EPs and recent singles.

“This feels like years in the making and like we’re just getting started at the same time,” says Prescription A&R Chris Martignago. “Nick has a gift for capturing the human spirit in songs and that was obvious to me from day one of meeting him. Getting to continue building on what Nick and Tyler have already accomplished together is truly a dream.”

Johnson adds, “Having spent many years making records with Nick, he’s the type of creative who is consistently providing solutions to the myriad of problems that often arise in the creative process. His wide range of skills and drive make him a potent force for both starting and finishing records; something I know will be utilized by many artists looking to find their voice in this industry.”

Lobel is currently in the studio writing and producing with Cam her forthcoming third LP, and Patrick Martin for his Glassnote Records debut. Lobel’s recent cuts include Brye, DBMK, and Anna Mae.

“I am beyond thrilled to join the Prescription family and continue building on the momentum that we’ve established,” Lobel shares. “There are few people that I admire more than Tyler and Chris. Their passion, integrity, and commitment to the highest artistic bar is unparalleled. They have both added immense value to my career and given me countless opportunities to grow and expand my skill set.”

He continues, “Working with Tyler over the last 6+ years has been a masterclass not only in songwriting and production, but in navigating this industry and building a dynamic creative community. I’m grateful to have this team in my corner and excited to get to work!”

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Luke Combs & Miranda Lambert Are A ‘Match Made In Heaven’

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Luke Combs. Photo: Jeremy Cowart

Somebody opened the flood gates at UMG this week.

The company’s Dierks Bentley, Jon Pardi, Little Big Town and Brothers Osborne dominated this week’s country listening session, and all vied for a Disc of the Day award.

But there’s no denying the superstar power of Sony’s Luke Combs & Miranda Lambert, who ride off with the prize.

Songs and Daughters singer-songwriter Madison Kozak is our DISCovery Award winner. Along with Brooke Eden and Stafani Joyce, she illustrates the ongoing insurgency of country’s female talent.

PILLBOX PATTI / “Suwannee”
Writers: Nicolette Hayford/Aaron Raitiere/Ashley McBryde/Park Chilsolm/Benjy Davis/Connie Harrington/Joe Clemmons; Producer: Park Chilsolm; Label: Monument
–The pop production is echoey, murky, atmospheric and awash in electronics. The Deep South lyric extolls the virtues of Florida-swamp culture. It would be better if you could hear it more clearly. Pillbox Patti is Nicolette Hayfield, one of seven (!) songwriters credited.

LITTLE BIG TOWN / “Rich Man”
Writer: Jimi Westbrook; Producers: Little Big Town; Label: Capitol
–Tender and touching. It’s an ode to the simple joys of family and fatherhood. It’s also a reprise of one of country music’s greatest themes, that money doesn’t buy happiness, but love can. Westbrook takes the heartfelt lead vocal in an airy, acoustic production.

BROOKE EDEN / “Left You For Me”
Writers: Brooke Eden/Kyle Schlienger/Jon Stone; Producer: Jesse Frasure; Label: BBR
–Very appealing. A ringing, chiming instrumental bed surrounds a forceful soprano vocal on a strong song of survival. In-the-pocket contemporary femme country. She walks it like she talks it: Eden engaged with the campers of the YWCA’s Girls, Inc., sharing how music empowered her and encouraging them to find their own inspirations.

DIERKS BENTLEY / “Gold”
Writers: Ross Copperman/Luke Dick/Ashley Gorley/Dierks Bentley/Trent Dabbs; Producers: Ross Copperman/Jon Randall/F. Reid Shippen/Dierks Bentley; Label: Capitol
–This is a top-down, summertime-drive, open-air, traveling tune. The rhythm track is irresistible. The strumming guitars are rockin.’ The everyman, rosey-glasses lyric is a face-wide smile. Play it on repeat.

CUTTER ELLIOTT / “Heartache Waiting to Happen”
Writers: Paul A. Reeves/JD Simo; Producer: Paul Reeves; Label: CE
–He’s a traditionalist with plenty of stuttering guitar, pedal steel runs and roadhouse rhythm. The uptempo tune is a promising disc debut for this honky-tonk baritone.

LUKE COMBS & MIRANDA LAMBERT / “Outrunnin’ Your Memory”
Writers: Luke Combs/Miranda Lambert/Dan Isbell; Producers: Luke Combs/Jonathan Singleton/Chip Matthews; Label: River House / Columbia
–This is match made in heaven, for sure. The track rolls along relentlessly while these two superb country singers have a harmony fiesta and swap verses. Deliciously listenable as well as a breezy change of pace for the usually more amped-up Combs.

STEFANI JOYCE / “Love Thy Neighbor”
Writers: Stefani Joyce/Mary Heather Hickman/SJ McDonald; Producer: Kyle Manner; Label: ONErpm
–A thumpin,’ swampy cheating song that’s uber cool. If the skillful songwriting doesn’t have you hanging on every line, her sultry, conversational, sensual vocal delivery will. I remain a huge fan of this newcomer.

BROTHERS OSBORNE / “Skeletons”
Writers: John Osborne/Andrew DeRoberts/TJ Osborne/Adam DeRoberts; Producer: Jay Joyce; Label: EMI
–Barreling through this chesty rocker, the siblings tore it up on the CMA Music Fest TV special Wednesday night on ABC. As an audio experience, the title tune of their current album packs a potent punch, as does T.J.’s macho, snarling lead vocal. A performance this mighty vividly illustrates why the Osbornes ascended to stardom.

MADISON KOZAK / “Loud House”
Writers: Madison Kozak/Aaron Eshuis/Emily Falvey; Producer: Chris LaCorte; Label: Big Loud
–A complex, fascinating recollection of growing up in a crowded, busy, chaotic and maybe a little abusive household. She can’t wait to get out, but yearns for the noisy familiarity she leaves behind. Kozak is yet another gifted soul to emerge from the Songs and Daughters franchise.

THE LONG & SHORT OF IT / “Midnight Choir”
Writers: David Baird/Kenneth Royster/Patricia Westray Toop; Producer: Ken Royster; Label: LS
–This is an award-winning, Australian male-female duo, David Baird & Patsy Toop (he’s the Short one). The title tune of their current album is a well-sung, toe-tapping romper celebrating a Cheers-like gathering spot with loads of warmth, good humor and honky-tonk merriment. Sing along.

JON PARDI / “Fill ‘Er Up”
Writers: Ross Copperman/Brice Long/Jon Pardi; Producers: Jon Pardi/Bart Butler/Ryan Gore; Label: Capitol
–It’s a straight-ahead drinking song. Now that’s country. If you loved “Last Night Lonely,” belly up to the bar for another round.

Michael Ray To Drop New Live EP ‘The Warehouse Sessions’

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Michael Ray. Photo: Spidey Smith

Michael Ray is releasing a new live EP, The Warehouse Sessions, via Warner Music Nashville tomorrow, (Aug. 5).

The project features four tracks from his album Higher Education, including the lead single and his first multi-week chart topper “Whiskey And Rain,” written by Josh Thompson and Jesse Frasure. The project also features “Holy Water,” the second single from Higher Education written by Ashley Gorley, Hunter Phelps, Ben Johnson and Michael Hardy, as well as “Think A Little Less,” his second No. 1 RIAA Platinum-certified single.

“After two years of connecting solely via our screens and dreaming of being back on the road again, there’s nothing like hearing fans sing these songs back to us live,” shares Ray. “We’re keeping that energy going with The Warehouse Sessions.”

Ray will join Lee Brice on the “Label Me Proud Tour” later this month, along with headlining and festival dates through the fall. For a full list of dates, click here.

The Warehouse Sessions Track List:
Picture (Michael Ray, David Garcia, Michael Hardy)
Just The Way I Am (Michael Hardy, Ben West, Josh Miller)
Think A Little Less (Barry Dean, Jon Nite, Jimmy Robbins, Thomas Rhett)
Holy Water (Ashley Gorley, Hunter Phelps, Ben Johnson, Michael Hardy)
Whiskey And Rain (Josh Thompson, Jesse Frasure)