Reid Haughton Signs Pub Deal With River House Artists, Sony Music Publishing

Pictured (L-R): Lynn Oliver-Cline, Zebb Luster, Reid Haughton, Kayla Adkins, and Rusty Gaston

Reid Haughton has signed a a worldwide publishing agreement with River House Artists in partnership with Sony Music Publishing Nashville.

Raised in the small town of Haleyville, Alabama, Haughton jumpstarted his career during college at Auburn University where he began booking his own gigs and touring throughout the southeast. During this time, he released his first song “Make You Mine” in 2018.

“Reid is a young artist we have been watching for years,” says Vice President/General Manager, River House Artists Zebb Luster. “With so much talent, he always gives 110% and we know he will be writing songs and playing shows for many years to come. We are so excited to have him officially join the River House team as he has felt like a part of the family for a long time!”

Three years and four singles later, Haughton made the move to Nashville, and has since shared the stage with Dwight Yoakam, Jameson Rodgers, Priscilla Block, Riley Green and more.

During his time in Nashville, Haughton has written with John Morgan, Jordan Walker, Rivers Rutherford, and more. In April, he unveiled his latest single, “Break Up Goin’ Down,” and is currently recording new music.

“Joining the River House team is an answered prayer,” Haughton shares. “All I’ve ever wanted to do my whole life is play music for a living, and they are helping me live my dreams each day. There are no other people that I would rather have on my team, and I’m forever thankful for their belief in me and my music. I’m extremely excited to work with both groups and make music that we love and that impacts the lives of the listeners.”

Lori McKenna, Lukas Nelson & POTR Among Third Round Of Acts Announced For AmericanaFest

Pictured (L-R, top row): Lukas Nelson & POTR, Angel Olsen, Adia Victoria; (L-R, bottom row): Lori McKenna, S.G. Goodman, 49 Winchester

Lori McKenna, Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real, Joshua Hedley, 49 Winchester, Adia Victoria, and S.G. Goodman are among the 33 newly-announced acts slated to perform at AmericanaFest from Sept. 13-17 in Nashville.

The performers join five can’t-miss artists and bands announced last month: American Aquarium, Jade Bird, Nikki Lane, and Taj Mahal. Also slated to take one of the many AmericanaFest stages is Lainey Wilson, who’s performing as part of “Songs of Yellowstone,” a songwriters round with Hayes Carll and William Prince celebrating their songs featured on the hit TV show. Additionally, Allison Moorer will perform in a special in-the-round event.

Festival Passes are now on sale to the public at $175. Available online here, passes allow admission into all evening showcase venues and select sanctioned special events. Conference+Festival Passes are also currently on sale.

Third Round of Acts Confirmed to Showcase at AmericanaFest 2022:
49 Winchester
Abe Partridge
Adia Victoria
Allison Moorer
Amanda Rheaume
American Aquarium*
Andrew Duhon
Angel Olsen
Bee Taylor
The Contenders
David Starr
The Davisson Brothers
The Deer
Erin Enderlin
Fireside Collective
Honey Harper
Jade Bird*
Joshua Hedley
Lainey Wilson*
Lori McKenna
Lukas Nelson & POTR
Matt Hillyer
Nikki Lane*
Nora Brown
Pat Byrne
Peter One
S.G. Goodman
Sarah Shook & The Disarmers
Seth James
Stacy Antonel
Taj Mahal*
Whitehorse
Willi Carlisle
*Previously announced on social media the week of June 27

Tyler Chambers Signs With Warner Chappell Music

Tyler Chambers

Tyler Chambers has signed a global publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music.

A Douglas, Georgia native, Chambers attended college at Georgia Southern University, and made a decision on a whim to move to Wyoming and work as a ranch hand. During that time he began focusing on music and songwriting, and later booked a one-way ticket to Nashville to pursue his dreams.

Over the last four years, he has written over 400 songs and performed over 100 shows around the U.S. Chambers has co-written with Adam Sanders, Bryce Mauldin, Noah Hicks and Muscadine Bloodline and has independently released a number of singles, including “Kiss Me Like That,” “I Saw Your Car,” “Work Hard Pray Harder” and “See That Summer.”

“Tyler has such a unique perspective in his songwriting that brings his story to life,” notes Will Overton, A&R Director, WCM Nashville. “It has been so fulfilling to watch his talent evolve and grow since we first met!”

Chambers has been working hard in the studio writing and preparing his next project under the guidance of Randy Montana and his publishing company, Six Ways To Sunday Music.

“Tyler is a such a great talent,” Montana adds. “He’s really put in the work to take his writing and singing to the next level. Watching his career take shape has been a pleasure to be a part of.”

“Signing my first publishing deal with Randy Montana and Warner Chappell is a huge milestone in my career,” Chambers shares. “I have been working hard to get to this place and am thankful for everyone who has believed in me along the way. I am excited to celebrate this moment with my team and am looking forward to my journey with Warner Chappell. Here’s to country music!”

Voting Now Open For 34th Annual MusicRow Awards

Voting for the 34th annual MusicRow Awards begins today, Wednesday, July 20 and runs through Friday, July 29 at 5:00 p.m. CT.

This year’s winners will be announced online on all MusicRow platforms on Tuesday, Aug. 30. Presenting Sponsor of the 2022 MusicRow Awards is City National Bank.

To receive a ballot to vote in the MusicRow Awards, become a MusicRow subscribed member here.

The nominees for the MusicRow Awards were revealed yesterday. Click here to view the full list.

Nominees for the MusicRow Awards are determined by a committee. For the categories of Breakthrough Songwriter and Breakthrough Artist-Writer, outside nominations are also considered. For the Male and Female Songwriter of the Year categories, nominees are based on data from MusicRow’s Top Songwriter Chart. All nominations are based on projects that were active between the period of June 1, 2021 through May 31, 2022.

Top 10 Album All-Star Musician Awards for Bass, Drums, Engineer, Fiddle, Guitar, Keyboards, Steel, and Vocals will also be announced on Thursday, Aug. 30, recognizing the studio players who performed on the most albums reaching the Top 10 of Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart during the eligibility period.

Spirit Music Nashville Elevates Brian Bradford & Kara Jackson

Brian Bradford & Kara Jackson

Spirit Music Nashville has announced two changes to its administration and creative teams. Brian Bradford has been promoted to General Manager/Vice President of Administration, while Kara Jackson has been elevated to Senior Creative Director. Both report to Frank Rogers, CEO, Spirit Music Nashville.

“I am thrilled to announce the promotions of both Brian Bradford and Kara Jackson,” Rogers shares. “Brian has been a cornerstone of Spirit Music Nashville since its inception and I am excited to watch him continue to grow and flourish in his new role. Kara has developed into a true creative rockstar and I could not be more proud and excited to watch her take the next step in her career. With Brian and Kara, the future is bright for Spirit Music Nashville and all of our songwriters.”

Previously serving as Vice President of Administration and Operations, Bradford is a Belmont University graduate with over 25 years of experience in copyright management and administration, music licensing, royalty accounting and client services. He has been with the Spirit Music Nashville catalog since he began working for Cal IV Entertainment in 1998, which Spirit Music Group acquired in 2014. Prior to Cal IV, Bradford developed his administration skills at Murrah Rich Baierle International serving several distinguished Nashville music industry clients.

“It’s an honor to take on this new role under Frank’s leadership. We have an exceptional team at Spirit that is full of experience and talent, and I am looking forward to continuing the culture and tradition of success for our amazing songwriters,” Bradford notes.

Jackson joined the Spirit Music Nashville team in 2019 as Creative Director, focusing on writer development, song-plugging and pitching the company’s catalog for creative opportunities. In her new role, her responsibilities for the company include developing and implementing creative strategy for Spirit Music Nasvhille’s roster of songwriters and producers. Jackson works closely with Spirit Music Nashville writers Dave Cohen, David Garcia, Bobby Hamrick, Andrew Jannakos, Tim Montana, and Jonathan Singleton. She was also recently named to the CMA Women’s Leadership Academy’s inaugural class.

Jackson adds, “I am so excited to continue this journey with Frank Rogers, my Spirit Music Nashville team, and our amazing songwriters. Thank you to everyone who has believed in me and trusted me with their business and their art. I look forward to elevating the success and careers of our songwriters in this next step.”

In the last year, Spirit Music Nashville has celebrated nine No. 1 singles, 10 top 10 singles and 11 top 30 songs, as well as a win for ACM Single of the Year with “I Hope You’re Happy Now” (Jonathan Singleton). The company also publishes MusicRow’s 2021 Song of the Year, “Hell of a View” (Monty Criswell), at the 33rd MusicRow Awards.

Shania Twain Documentary ‘Not Just A Girl’ To Premiere On Netflix

Shania Twain. Photo: Courtesy of BB Gun Press

A new career-spanning documentary on Shania Twain, Not Just A Girl, is set to premiere July 26 on Netflix.

Produced by Mercury Studios and directed by Joss Crowley, the documentary takes viewers from Twain’s beginnings in Timmins, Ontario, through her initial label signing in Nashville, and meeting her future husband/rock producer Mutt Lange ahead of creating her breakthrough album The Woman In Me. Since the ’90s, Twain has led the way as a genre-defying and empowered female who has smashed records, amassed an enormous international fanbase, and generated a catalog of some of music’s biggest hits.

Not Just A Girl features studio session footage from throughout Twain’s career and brand new interviews. It also brings fans right up to the present day and the recording of her forthcoming sixth record. Among the guest voices in Not Just A Girl are Lionel Richie, Diplo, Avril Lavigne, and Orville Peck.

YouTube video

Along with the documentary, Twain will release a compilation album, Not Just A Girl (The Highlights) via Mercury Nashville/UMe, which includes a new bonus title track, along with some of her biggest hits. Not Just A Girl (The Highlights) will also be available digitally on July 26, with the physical version out Sept. 2.

Twain will be honored with the ACM Poet’s Award, given to a country writer for outstanding and longstanding musical and/or lyrical contributions throughout their career, at the ACM Honors on Aug. 24 in Nashville.

Not Just A Girl (The Highlights) Track List:
Not Just A Girl (The Highlights) Track List:
1 Not Just A Girl
2 You’re Still The One
3 Man! I Feel Like A Woman!
4 What Made You Say That – Single Version
5 (If You’re Not In It For Love) I’m Outta Here!
6 Whose Bed Have Your Boots Been Under?
7 Any Man Of Mine
8 You Win My Love
9 Don’t Be Stupid (You Know I Love You)
10 I’m Holdin’ On To Love (To Save My Life)
11 From This Moment On
12 Love Gets Me Every Time
13 That Don’t Impress Me Much
14 Forever And For Always (Red Version)
15 Honey, I’m Home
16 I’m Gonna Getcha Good! (Red Version)
17 Up! (Green Version)
18 Life’s About To Get Good

Riser House Entertainment Promotes Jeff Davis, Roger Fregoso

Pictured (L-R): Jeff Davis, Roger Fregoso

Jeff Davis moves up to National Director of Promotion at Riser House Nashville and Roger Fregoso has been promoted to Senior Director of Promotion West for the label, following the exit of SVP/Promotion Bob Reeves.

In addition to taking the helm of the West Coast region, Fregoso will also assist in various National duties as part of the restructuring. Riser House Central Director of Promotion, Nathan Cruise, remains in his position.

“We couldn’t be more thrilled to have Jeff and Roger lead us forward,” says Riser House Entertainment President and Co-founder Jennifer Johnson. “Over the years, their hard work and fantastic relationships at country radio have helped take our team to a new level, and we’re looking forward to continuing to grow.”

Riser House Entertainment is a full-service label, management and publishing company founded by Johnson and chairman Matt Swanson. The company’s in-house label, Riser House Records, which was co-founded by artist Mitchell Tenpenny, features a roster of established artists and up-and-comers, including Tenpenny, Dillon Carmichael, Meghan Patrick, Coffey Anderson, Jordana Bryant and more.

Koe Wetzel Signs With CAA [Exclusive]

Koe Wetzel. Photo: Jody Domingue

Rising singer-songwriter Koe Wetzel has signed with CAA.

Since coming onto the scene in 2015, the Texas born entertainer, musician and producer has cultivated his own blend of grunge, country and Americana that often resembles that of Waylon Jennings circa 1991.

Over the last few years, Wetzel has moved more than 250,000 units of independent releases, such as Noise Complaint (2017) and Harold Saul High (2019). He made his major label debut in 2020 with his third album Sellout on Columbia Records. Wetzel has also racked up more than 500 million streams and views to date, sold out countless shows across the country, and launched his own Koe Wetzel’s Incredible Music Festival.

Wetzel is managed by Floating Leaf Entertainment, his attorney is Jess Rosen from Greenberg Traurig, LLP, and his publicist is Christina Hankin from Columbia Records. His business manager is Evan Blanc at Sound Business Management.

Apple Music Live To Present Exclusive Luke Combs Hometown Performance

Apple Music Live is presenting an exclusive Luke Combs hometown performance in Charlotte, North Carolina on Aug. 24. The show will be available to stream exclusively on Apple Music in over 165 countries.

“Apple Music has been a big part of helping me get my music out to my fans, so I jumped at the idea of being able to play a special live show for them to enjoy,” Combs explains. “I also couldn’t think of a better place to do it than back home in North Carolina at Coyote Joe’s–a venue that I have lots of great memories at. I’m really looking forward to playing the full album live for the fans and everyone being able to watch it on August 24!”

Combs has broken all-time country records on Apple Music numerous times. Two of his albums and one EP have broken the record for biggest country album of all time by first day streams upon release. He also holds the record for the biggest country song of all time on Apple Music by first-day streams worldwide with his hit “Forever After All.” His recent single “The Kind of Love We Make” recently became his third hit to reach the top 10 of the Global Daily Top 100.

Combs will be the latest artist to take the stage for Apple Music Live, the live performance series giving artists a global platform to connect with audiences around the world. Launched this spring, Apple Music Live has previously featured exclusive live streamed performances from Harry Styles and Lil Durk.

Little Big Town’s ‘Mr. Sun’ Set To Shine In September

Little Big Town. Photo: Blair Getz Mezibov

Little Big Town is set to release their 10th studio album, Mr. Sun, on Sept. 16. The band is releasing a new track and lyric video from the album, “Rich Man,” written by the band’s Jimi Westbrook, this Friday (July 22).

The genesis of Mr. Sun came out of time spent apart for the first time ever throughout LBT’s 20-year journey during the pandemic. During those months, the members experienced a new appreciation for one another and the privilege of making music, inspiring the self-produced album.

A member of the band wrote or co-wrote 13 of the record’s 16 tracks. Previously released tunes from Mr. Sun include “All Summer” and lead single “Hell Yeah” which has amassed more than 21 million global streams since its release.

Mr. Sun is intentionally an emotional record that holds hands well with our last album Nightfall,” LBT’s Karen Fairchild shares. “Mr. Sun is focused on better days ahead, the value of friendships and family; it touches on heartbreak and letting go, but it’s full of sunshine and joy.”

“This album has a special feeling to it. We have collectively been through an unprecedented period making this album,” adds LBT’s Phillip Sweet. “Life is short; we are here to live it with the ones around us, loving them and ourselves the best we can. All the while, thankful for another turn around the sun.”

Little Big Town will kick off the brand-new series CMT Summer Camp with the premiere episode airing Aug. 12 at 8 p.m. CT on CMT. The one-hour special will include performances of new music and some of LBT’s greatest hits.

Mr. Sun Track List:
All Summer (Karen Fairchild, Sara Buxton, Madi Diaz, Ashley Ray, Savana Santos, Alysa Vanderheym)
Better Love (Karen Fairchild, Jimi Westbrook, Tofer Brown, Audra Mae)
Hell Yeah (Phillip Sweet, Jimi Westbrook, Corey Crowder, Tyler Hubbard)
Mr. Sun (Sarah Buxton, Daniel Tashian)
Three Whiskeys and the Truth (Karen Fairchild, Kimberly Schlapman, Hillary Lindsey, Lori McKenna, Liz Rose)
One More Song (Tofer Brown, Sean McConnell)
Heaven Had a Dance Floor (Karen Fairchild, Phillip Sweet, Jimi Westbrook, Cary Barlowe, Jesse Frasure)
Gold (Karen Fairchild, Jimi Westbrook, Trent Dabbs, Luke Dick)
Rich Man (Jimi Westbrook)
God Fearing Gypsies (Karen Fairchild, Nicolette Hayford, Ashley Ray)
Different Without You (Corey Crowder, Jared Mullins, Steven Lee Olsen, Jordan Schmidt)
Whiskey Colored Eyes (Karen Fairchild, Kimberly Schlapman, Phillip Sweet, Jimi Westbrook, Shane McAnally, Josh Osborne)
Song Back (Karen Fairchild, Jimi Westbrook, Todd Clark, Sara Haze, Jason Saenz)
Something Strong (Karen Fairchild, Kimberly Schlapman, Hillary Lindsey, Lori McKenna, Liz Rose)
Last Day On Earth (Karen Fairchild, Trent Dabbs, Tommy English)
Friends of Mine (Karen Fairchild, Kimberly Schlapman, Phillip Sweet, Jimi Westbrook, Foy Vance)