Pictured (L-R): Jessi Alexander, Lainey Wilson, Cole Swindell, Chase McGill. Photo: Steve Lowery, BMI
BMI and ASCAP hosted a No. 1 party this week to celebrate Cole Swindell and Lainey Wilson‘s duet “Never Say Never,” which hit the top of the charts in just 23 weeks.
The tune, co-written by Swindell with Jessi Alexander and Chase McGill, is Swindell’s eleventh No. 1 as an artist and twelfth as a songwriter. It was produced by Zach Crowell.
BMI’s Mason Hunter led the celebration. “It’s things like this that recharge our batteries,” he said. “Thank you guys for writing and recording a big hit.”
Hunter bragged on BMI writers Swindell and McGill. He let the industry crowd know that “Never Say Never” is McGill’s seventh No. 1, but that he has now notched eight.
“Before [Cole] was ever an artist, he was a songwriter,” Hunter said. “He’s always going to be a songwriter. That’s why we love him so much. He lives these songs and fights for the best songs.”
ASCAP’s Kele Currier spoke on behalf of Wilson and Alexander. She reminded everyone of the ASCAP writers’ accomplishments.
“This fine lady is unstoppable,” Currier said of Alexander. “I know you’re going to create even more songs that become classic and stand the test of time.”
She added, “Lainey, we’re so proud to have such a versatile, hard-working member of the ASCAP family.”
Pictured (L-R): Sony Music Publishing’s Rusty Gaston, Red Light Management’s Mandelyn Monchick, Warner Chappell’s Jessie Stevenson, songwriter Jessi Alexander (ASCAP), KP Entertainment’s Kerri Edwards, Lainey Wilson, UMG Publishing’s Terry Wakefield, Cole Swindell (BMI), BMI’s Mason Hunter, songwriter Chase McGill (BMI), WMN’s Kristen Williams, ASCAP’s Kele Currier. Photo: Steve Lowery, BMI
Sony Music Publishing’s Rusty Gaston was the first of the publishers to speak. He said that “Never Say Never” was written on a bus trip in October of 2018. “There was no doubt that this was a great song that deserved special attention,” he said. “One day, in a conversation between Anna Weisband and Cole, they planted the seed that Lainey Wilson was the perfect person to join this song. When she came aboard, it came to life.”
Gaston added, “This town hasn’t even begun to see what Cole Swindell is capable of achieving. This song, this album, his current single [“She Had Me At Heads Carolina”]–which is the hottest song in country music—he is making game-changing music that is going to impact this genre for decades and decades to come.”
Jessi Vaughn Stevenson, Warner Chappell’s Sr. Director, A&R/Digital, was next up to speak about Alexander.
“I want to congratulate Jessi on her seventh No. 1 song,” she said. “Thank you for writing amazing songs that stand the test of time. Your work ethic, your drive, and your hunger to win are unmatched. It encourages your co-writers, your publishers, and your family. The people around you hustle harder when you’re in the room.”
UMPG’s Terry Wakefield followed Stevenson to speak about McGill.
“One of my favorite things about coming over to Universal was being able to form a relationship with Chase McGill,” he said. “He is an unbelievable songwriter. He has a God-given gift.”
Warner Music Nashville’s Cris Lacy spoke about the success of “Never Say Never,” the team members who made it happen, and the talent of Swindell and Wilson.
“Cole, you are on fire my friend,” she said of the WMN artist. “This is his second No. 1 from the current Stereotype album, but I guarantee you we are going to be celebrating his third No. 1 from this record not too long in the future.” She added, “This record is fantastic. You have taken it to a whole other level. You did it because you were courageous and you trusted your gut.”
Pictured (L-R): MusicRow’s LB Cantrell; Jessi Alexander, Lainey Wilson, Cole Swindell, and Chase McGill with their MusicRow No. 1 Challenge Coins; MusicRow’s Sherod Robertson. Photo: Steve Lowry, BMI
Next it was time to hear from the writers and artists.
Alexander kicked things off by thanking everyone who was associated with the song, her co-writers, her family, and God.
She spoke about the hard work publishers do to advocate for songs. “As a songwriter, I feel like the creative force, but if I didn’t have a publisher, it would be nothing. Thank you Jessi Vaughn Stevenson and Ben Vaughn for the family that you have given me.”
Alexander also recognized her former THiS Music publishers, who helped propel “Never Say Never” to a hit single. “When I turned this song in to Rusty and Anna, I knew you thought it was special. You felt it the way I felt it and you never gave up. That’s all a songwriter dreams of.”
McGill started his speech by thanking God for his grace. “As if his grace wasn’t enough, I get to show up to work at 11 a.m. and finish by 2:30 p.m. with people like this,” he quipped. “I get to go to New Orleans and write songs with my best friends. That’s a gift straight from God.”
He thanked his family, publishers, co-writers and the team.
Wilson, who was celebrating her second trip to the top of the charts, was filled with gratitude when she spoke.
“My dream has always been just to feel part of the country music industry,” she said. “Cole has truly become one of my most favorite people on the face of the earth. He’s like a brother.”
She added, “I think it’s important that people like Cole, who has been there and done that, shows the rest of the world, ‘I believe in this girl. Maybe you should, too.’ I don’t take that lightly, I don’t take it for granted and I can’t wait to do that for somebody else.”
Swindell said he was nervous to speak, but carried out his speech with grace and confidence. He thanked his management team at KP Entertainment, the label team at Warner Music Nashville, his publishers at Sony Music Publishing, Wilson’s BBR team, his co-writers and more.
“I moved here to write songs. I’m always going to be proud to be called a songwriter,” Swindell said. “No matter what happens with the rest of it.”
“I hope you all know how much I love what I do,” he added. “I’ve always wanted to do this and the past year or so, from the duet to this new single, just feels different. I get emotional, not because I’m happy for the success, but I just can’t believe this many people believe in what we do. That’s what makes me the proudest.”
Kane Brown Announces New Album, ‘Different Man,’ For September
/by Lorie HollabaughKane Brown
Kane Brown revealed news today he’ll be dropping his third studio album, Different Man, on Sept. 9. A new single from the project, “Grand,” is set for release this Friday (July 22).
The new project will feature 17 songs, including current top 5 hit “Like I Love Country Music,” his co-produced track “Whiskey Sour,” the No. 1, “One Mississippi,” and “Leave You Alone.” The album will include twelve additional yet-to-be-revealed songs.
Brown kicks off his international “Drunk or Dreaming Tour” this fall, which will include his first dates to Australia and New Zealand, as well as his long-awaited return to Canada and Europe. The tour will kick off Sept. 17 in Melbourne, Australia.
Alana Springsteen Releases ‘History Of Breaking Up (Part Two)’
/by Lorie HollabaughAlana Springsteen at Virgin Hotel Rooftop Takeover Sponsored by White Claw. Photo: Anna Clary
Alana Springsteen has released the second installment of her independent EP, History Of Breaking Up (Part Two). The new project is available everywhere now.
Springsteen co-wrote all but one song on the project, as well as co-produced and played guitar on various tracks. History Of Breaking Up (Part Two) finds the 21-year-old documenting the varied dimensions of heartache.
Anchored by a title track co-written with Whakaio Taahi and Melissa Fuller, other writers on this collection include Sasha Alex Sloan, Chris LaCorte, Ryan Beaver, Jessie Jo Dillon, Geoff Warburton and more, plus her first outside cut by Shane McAnally, Ashley Gorley and Rhett Akins.
“When I look back on where I was as I was writing the songs for History Of Breaking Up (Part One) and then look at where I am now, it’s all a little surreal,” Springsteen admits. “This project started out as a way for me to find some peace and healing through the heartbreak, but it’s given me so much more: I’ve found a community of the most amazing fans who’ve helped me—and each other—to feel a little less alone. If Part One set the bar for me, I truly believe Part Two raises it.”
Springsteen, who played the Pool Club Rooftop Bar at Virgin Hotels Nashville last week (July 13), has independently reached nearly 55 million career streams to date. She is busy on the road this summer with upcoming dates at the Faster Horses Music Festival (Ju;y 22) in Brooklyn, Michigan; the inaugural TidalWave Festival (Aug. 13) in Atlantic City; and a stop at Barnato in Omaha on Aug. 18.
Industry Ink: Breland, Warren Zeiders, CMA Foundation, SAE Institute
/by Lydia FarthingBreland’s ‘Throw It Back’ Collaboration With Keith Urban Goes Gold
Breland
Bad Realm Records/Atlantic Records/Warner Music Nashville recording artist Breland has earned a Gold certification for his collaboration with Keith Urban, “Throw It Back.”
Breland is slated to release his debut album, Cross Country, on Sept. 9. Recognized as a Breakthrough Artist by Amazon Music earlier this year, he recently launched BRECAP, his new show on Amp, the new live radio app from Amazon. There he discusses music, sports, culture, and more with friends each week.
The rising singer-songwriter has also been selected as the Opry NextStage artist for July. The program invests in the discovery of new artists and highlights one up-and-coming artist per month with featured original content, an Opry performance and support across the brand’s platforms.
Warren Zeiders Goes From TikTok Sensation To Gold Certification
Pictured (L-R):Aaron Bay-Schuck (Co-Chairman & CEO, Warner Records); Warren Zeiders; Charly Salvatore (Underscore Works Mgmt) and Jordan Pettit (Opry Entertainment Group Director of Artist Relations and Programming Strategy). Photo: Chris Hollo
Warner Records’ breakout country artist Warren Zeiders made his debut at the Grand Ole Opry this past Saturday (July 9).
To make the moment even sweeter, Zeiders was presented with a plaque for his RIAA Gold-certified single “Ride The Lightning,” signaling over 500,000 units sold. The singer-songwriter’s original, solo acoustic version of the track racked up over 657 million global views on TikTok alone before achieving this newest feat.
Zeiders, who recently inked a publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music, released his debut 717 Tapes EP in October 2021, and followed it with 717 Tapes, Vol. 2.
CMA Foundation Hosts State Of The Arts Session During Tennessee Arts Academy
Pictured (L-R): Falon Keith, Community Impact Manager; CMA Foundation, Tricia Williams; Program Director, Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation and Todd Shipley, Director of Arts Education, Tennessee Department of Education
The CMA Foundation, in partnership with Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation and the Tennessee Department of Education (TDOE), hosted a session focused on the State of the Arts initiative this week during Tennessee Arts Academy.
The session, which took place on Monday (July 11), featured an in-depth discussion with Tricia Williams, Program Director, Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation, around State of the Arts, a multi-phase initiative aimed to develop an understanding around the varying criteria necessary for establishing high-quality arts education programs. Todd Shipley, Director of Arts Education, TDOE, also spoke to the importance of the program to the TDOE and how districts can get involved.
“We are grateful to the Tennessee Arts Academy for providing so many Tennessee arts educators a week-long, intensive, content-specific professional learning experience,” says Shipley. “The department continues to be a strong partner in the State of the Arts program, and we thank the CMA Foundation and Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation for championing this continued work with the State of the Arts Study. This study is a free opportunity open to all Tennessee school districts that provides participating districts, local communities, and the state with data to identify the resources and support needed to make decisions and improve access to high-quality arts education experiences for all students.”
“As a longtime partner of the Tennessee Arts Academy, we are delighted to be able to share more information about State of the Arts with their participants,” says Tiffany Kerns, Executive Director, CMA Foundation. “A thriving music and arts community starts within the four walls of a classroom. We know that when students find their creative voice through music and the arts, magic happens. While we are incredibly excited that this statewide music and arts assessment will provide a roadmap for students within Tennessee, we are also confident that the model we’re building can be used by other states across the country to foster exceptional music and arts programs.”
SAE Institute Nashville Partners With CMHOF For Youth Songwriting Camp
SAE Institute North America’s Nashville campus will be participating in the Country Music Hall of Fame’s Youth Songwriting Camp. Taking place July 18-19, the campus will be hosting an event with the organization which offers budding songwriters the opportunity to hone their craft through professional instruction.
During the event, campus faculty and instructors will provide assistance to youth camp attendees with recording and mixing songs alongside session musicians, as well as one-on-one sessions, performance coaching, and more. Additional activities that will be taking place during the camp include instrument instruction, recording experiences, and workshops led by special guests.
“We’re thrilled to be partnering with the Country Music Hall of Fame for this event,” says SAE Institute Nashville’s Director of Education, Ryan Griffin. “It’s a great opportunity to work together with some of the talent we have here in our community, and offer the expertise of our faculty who are pleased to extend their knowledge and passion with the future music professionals of tomorrow.”
Adam Doleac Sets Debut Album, ‘Barstool Whiskey Wonderland,’ For September
/by Lorie HollabaughAdam Doleac. Photo: Cal & Aly
Adam Doleac is releasing his debut album, Barstool Whiskey Wonderland, on Sept. 30. A new track from the Arista Nashville project, “Girl In Love,” is available now.
Among the tracks on Barstool Whiskey Wonderland are SiriusXM The Highway No. 1s “Another” and “Famous,” and 11 new songs. Doleac co-wrote the tracks on the album aside from his collaboration with Danielle Bradbery, “Fake Love,” which was penned by Hardy, Ryan Hurd, Maren Morris and Jordan Schmidt.
“I couldn’t be more excited to start the roll out of my debut album, Barstool Whiskey Wonderland,” Doleac shares. “So much hard work and time and life has gone into making it. More than anything, I wanted it to sound like me. I tried to create my own little world, or ‘wonderland’ I should say, and I think I did that. Barstool Whiskey Wonderland is 18 songs, full of my favorite lyrics, titles, and most importantly, my favorite emotions. I hope you listen to it top to bottom, and then I hope you do it again.”
1. Don’t It Sound Alright (Adam Doleac/Josh Jenkins/Chris La Corte)
2. Where Country Music Comes From (Adam Doleac/Eric Arjes/Chris Gelbuda)
3. Barstool Whiskey Wonderland (Adam Doleac/Lindsay Rimes/Jonathan Singleton)
4. Drinkin’ It Wrong (Adam Doleac/Cary Barlowe/Jordan Schmidt)
5. Close That Tab (Adam Doleac/Zach Abend/Derrick Southerland)
6. Til Dawn Do Us Part (Adam Doleac/Rian Ball/Ben Caver)
7. Fake Love feat. Danielle Bradbery (Hardy/Ryan Hurd/Maren Morris/Jordan Schmidt)
8. Fast Asleep (Adam Doleac/Jon Nite/Jordan Schmidt)
9. Another (Adam Doleac/Kyle Jacobs/Trannie Anderson)
10. Girl in Love (Adam Doleac/Jared Keim/Derrick Southerland)
11. Hey Drink (Adam Doleac/Paul DiGiovanni/John Pierce)
12. Way Over You (Adam Doleac/Michael Carlisle/Frank Legeay)
13. Holy Jeans (Adam Doleac/Ben Simonetti/Fred Wilhelm)
14. Somewhere Cool with You (Adam Doleac/Josh Jenkins/Matt Jenkins/Jared Keim
15. What Kinda Night (Adam Doleac/Chris DeStefano/Josh Osborne)
16. Coulda Loved You Longer (Adam Doleac/Casey Brown/Jesse Lee Levin)
17. Neon Fools (Adam Doleac/Thomas Finchum/Andy Skib)
18. Famous (Adam Doleac/Bobby Hamrick/Andy Skib)
Cole Swindell & Lainey Wilson Commemorate Their Hit Duet, ‘Never Say Never’
/by LB CantrellPictured (L-R): Jessi Alexander, Lainey Wilson, Cole Swindell, Chase McGill. Photo: Steve Lowery, BMI
BMI and ASCAP hosted a No. 1 party this week to celebrate Cole Swindell and Lainey Wilson‘s duet “Never Say Never,” which hit the top of the charts in just 23 weeks.
The tune, co-written by Swindell with Jessi Alexander and Chase McGill, is Swindell’s eleventh No. 1 as an artist and twelfth as a songwriter. It was produced by Zach Crowell.
BMI’s Mason Hunter led the celebration. “It’s things like this that recharge our batteries,” he said. “Thank you guys for writing and recording a big hit.”
Hunter bragged on BMI writers Swindell and McGill. He let the industry crowd know that “Never Say Never” is McGill’s seventh No. 1, but that he has now notched eight.
“Before [Cole] was ever an artist, he was a songwriter,” Hunter said. “He’s always going to be a songwriter. That’s why we love him so much. He lives these songs and fights for the best songs.”
ASCAP’s Kele Currier spoke on behalf of Wilson and Alexander. She reminded everyone of the ASCAP writers’ accomplishments.
“This fine lady is unstoppable,” Currier said of Alexander. “I know you’re going to create even more songs that become classic and stand the test of time.”
She added, “Lainey, we’re so proud to have such a versatile, hard-working member of the ASCAP family.”
Pictured (L-R): Sony Music Publishing’s Rusty Gaston, Red Light Management’s Mandelyn Monchick, Warner Chappell’s Jessie Stevenson, songwriter Jessi Alexander (ASCAP), KP Entertainment’s Kerri Edwards, Lainey Wilson, UMG Publishing’s Terry Wakefield, Cole Swindell (BMI), BMI’s Mason Hunter, songwriter Chase McGill (BMI), WMN’s Kristen Williams, ASCAP’s Kele Currier. Photo: Steve Lowery, BMI
Sony Music Publishing’s Rusty Gaston was the first of the publishers to speak. He said that “Never Say Never” was written on a bus trip in October of 2018. “There was no doubt that this was a great song that deserved special attention,” he said. “One day, in a conversation between Anna Weisband and Cole, they planted the seed that Lainey Wilson was the perfect person to join this song. When she came aboard, it came to life.”
Gaston added, “This town hasn’t even begun to see what Cole Swindell is capable of achieving. This song, this album, his current single [“She Had Me At Heads Carolina”]–which is the hottest song in country music—he is making game-changing music that is going to impact this genre for decades and decades to come.”
Jessi Vaughn Stevenson, Warner Chappell’s Sr. Director, A&R/Digital, was next up to speak about Alexander.
“I want to congratulate Jessi on her seventh No. 1 song,” she said. “Thank you for writing amazing songs that stand the test of time. Your work ethic, your drive, and your hunger to win are unmatched. It encourages your co-writers, your publishers, and your family. The people around you hustle harder when you’re in the room.”
UMPG’s Terry Wakefield followed Stevenson to speak about McGill.
“One of my favorite things about coming over to Universal was being able to form a relationship with Chase McGill,” he said. “He is an unbelievable songwriter. He has a God-given gift.”
Warner Music Nashville’s Cris Lacy spoke about the success of “Never Say Never,” the team members who made it happen, and the talent of Swindell and Wilson.
“Cole, you are on fire my friend,” she said of the WMN artist. “This is his second No. 1 from the current Stereotype album, but I guarantee you we are going to be celebrating his third No. 1 from this record not too long in the future.” She added, “This record is fantastic. You have taken it to a whole other level. You did it because you were courageous and you trusted your gut.”
Pictured (L-R): MusicRow’s LB Cantrell; Jessi Alexander, Lainey Wilson, Cole Swindell, and Chase McGill with their MusicRow No. 1 Challenge Coins; MusicRow’s Sherod Robertson. Photo: Steve Lowry, BMI
Next it was time to hear from the writers and artists.
Alexander kicked things off by thanking everyone who was associated with the song, her co-writers, her family, and God.
She spoke about the hard work publishers do to advocate for songs. “As a songwriter, I feel like the creative force, but if I didn’t have a publisher, it would be nothing. Thank you Jessi Vaughn Stevenson and Ben Vaughn for the family that you have given me.”
Alexander also recognized her former THiS Music publishers, who helped propel “Never Say Never” to a hit single. “When I turned this song in to Rusty and Anna, I knew you thought it was special. You felt it the way I felt it and you never gave up. That’s all a songwriter dreams of.”
McGill started his speech by thanking God for his grace. “As if his grace wasn’t enough, I get to show up to work at 11 a.m. and finish by 2:30 p.m. with people like this,” he quipped. “I get to go to New Orleans and write songs with my best friends. That’s a gift straight from God.”
He thanked his family, publishers, co-writers and the team.
Wilson, who was celebrating her second trip to the top of the charts, was filled with gratitude when she spoke.
“My dream has always been just to feel part of the country music industry,” she said. “Cole has truly become one of my most favorite people on the face of the earth. He’s like a brother.”
She added, “I think it’s important that people like Cole, who has been there and done that, shows the rest of the world, ‘I believe in this girl. Maybe you should, too.’ I don’t take that lightly, I don’t take it for granted and I can’t wait to do that for somebody else.”
Swindell said he was nervous to speak, but carried out his speech with grace and confidence. He thanked his management team at KP Entertainment, the label team at Warner Music Nashville, his publishers at Sony Music Publishing, Wilson’s BBR team, his co-writers and more.
“I moved here to write songs. I’m always going to be proud to be called a songwriter,” Swindell said. “No matter what happens with the rest of it.”
“I hope you all know how much I love what I do,” he added. “I’ve always wanted to do this and the past year or so, from the duet to this new single, just feels different. I get emotional, not because I’m happy for the success, but I just can’t believe this many people believe in what we do. That’s what makes me the proudest.”
Lewis Brisbois Adds Two Attorneys To Entertainment Law Practice
/by Lorie HollabaughMatt Cottingham & Austin Wells
Lewis Brisbois has added entertainment attorneys Matt Cottingham and Austin Wells to its Nashville office as partner and associate, respectively, in the firm’s Entertainment, Media & Sports Practice.
The duo joins Lewis Brisbois from a boutique entertainment law firm and bring with them extensive experience, as well as several high-profile clients, including Brittney Spencer, Lily Rose, Ashley Cooke, Chris LaCorte, and Matt Roy.
“We are especially pleased that Matt and Austin have joined our Nashville team and look forward to their leadership on a national level,” notes Entertainment, Media & Sports Practice Chair Steven C. Beer. “They bring to Lewis Brisbois specialized experience that will significantly benefit our clients, particularly in the music area, and we look forward to collaborating with them.”
A 2022 Billboard Top Music Lawyer with more than a decade of experience in the entertainment, intellectual property and business law space, Cottingham regularly advises artists, songwriters, producers, indie publishers, new media companies, and independent labels. He earned his law degree from The University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law and his undergraduate degree from Middle Tennessee State University.
“This was an opportunity to get in on the ground floor and to help build the Nashville office, while coordinating with the other entertainment lawyers in New York, Atlanta, and Los Angeles” shares Cottingham. “I am looking forward to being at a powerhouse firm with a variety of different practice groups and working with those teams to access whatever firm resources we need for our clients.”
Wells represents a diverse group of creators, entertainers, musicians, and entrepreneurs in transactions including recording, publishing, and production agreements. He earned his law degree from the Belmont University College of Law, where he obtained a certificate in Entertainment and Sports Law, and his undergraduate degree from Davidson College, where he played Division I football.
“This is an opportunity for me to follow a mentor of mine and help build something unique in the Nashville music space,” adds Wells.
Chart Action: Urban, Aldean Debut On MusicRow Radio Chart
/by Alex ParryKeith Urban and Jason Aldean impact the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart this week.
Urban’s “Brown Eyes Baby” landed at No. 61 earning 20 new station adds and accumulating +250 spins. The single, written by Will Bundy, Rodney Clawson, Josh Thompson and Morgan Wallen, received its debut on the opening night of Urban’s “The Speed Of Now World Tour.”
“So we’ve been working on some new music that’s gonna be coming out very soon,” Urban said before performing the song, “and we thought we might lay this one on you.”
Aldean received +148 spins from 12 stations this week, putting him at No. 80. “That’s What Tequila Does” was written by Kurt Allison, John Edwards, Tully Kennedy and John Morgan.
“We had a chance to play this song at CMA Fest a couple weeks ago and the crowd’s reaction helped solidify this as the next single,” Aldean notes. “I’m looking forward to kicking things off on the road next week and I feel like this song is going to have a big moment during our set. I can’t wait to see what the fans think of it.”
For more chart data, click here to view the latest edition of The MusicRow Weekly.
Jensen Gahagan Sessums Joins Bob Doyle & Associates
/by Lydia FarthingJensen Gahagan Sessums
Marketing and management consultant Jensen Gahagan Sessums has joined Bob Doyle & Associates.
Gahagan Sessums is known for her work in the music, healthcare and non-profit sectors. She serves on the boards of The Boys & Girls Club of Middle Tennessee and the Austin Hatcher Foundation for Pediatric Cancer, among others, for whom she has helped raise over $20 million over the past few years.
Along with Mike Doyle, Gahagan Sessums will serve as co-manager for up-and-coming singer-songwriter Julia Cole, whose Whole ‘Nother Margarita EP was released today (July 15) ahead of her Grand Ole Opry debut this weekend. She will also lend her experience to the artist roll-out for 24-year old songwriter Zach Top, whose ’90s-country sound has earned him an invitation for his own debut on the Opry stage on July 27.
Bob Doyle & Associates is the longtime management firm for Garth Brooks and recently celebrated 30 years of success on Music Row. BD&A also encompasses Major Bob Music, a publishing division whose writers include Brooks, Andy Sheridan, Colin Healy, Ben Williams, Top, and Larry Bastian. Major Bob’s roster of hits over the years include “If Tomorrow Never Comes” (Brooks), “Fly Over States” (Jason Aldean), “American Honey” (Lady A), “Crash and Burn” (Thomas Rhett), “Best Shot” (Jimmie Allen), “Done.”” (The Band Perry), “Where It’s At” (Dustin Lynch), “I Like The Sound Of That” (Rascal Flatts), and “It Don’t Hurt Like It Used To” (Billy Currington).
Kelsea Ballerini Drops News Of Upcoming Album ‘Subject To Change’
/by Lorie HollabaughKelsea Ballerini
Kelsea Ballerini surprised fans with the announcement that her fourth studio album, Subject To Change, is set to drop Sept. 23. In celebration of the new project, she shared a new song and video for the track “Love Is A Cowboy.”
The new album marks her first full-length project since 2020’s Gold-selling Kelsea and its stripped-down companion Ballerini. Ballerini co-wrote every song on the album and collaborated with co-producers Julian Bunetta, Shane McAnally, Alysa Vanderheym, and Jesse Frasure on select tracks.
Ballerini broke the news of the record’s arrival on her socials with a contemplative post on the challenges of embracing growth and change. She initially paved the way for the record with the new single “Heartfirst,” which has already amassed over 45 million streams.
1. “Subject To Change”
2. “The Little Things”
3. “I Can’t Help Myself”
4. “If You Go Down” (I’m Goin’ Down Too)
5. “Love Is A Cowboy”
6. “Muscle Memory”
7. “I Guess They Call It Fallin’”
8. “Weather”
9. “Universe”
10. “Walk In The Park”
11. “Heartfirst”
12. “You’re Drunk, Go Home”
13. “Doin’ My Best”
14. “Marilyn”
15. “What I Have”
Sony Music Nashville Signs Corey Kent To RCA Imprint
/by LB CantrellSony Music Nashville, Triple 8 Management, Combustion Music and Corey Kent celebrate Kent’s signing to the label at the SMN offices. Photo: Katie Krauss
Country singer-songwriter, Corey Kent, has signed with Sony Music Nashville on the label’s RCA Nashville imprint.
Kent’s major label contract with Sony comes after a bidding war between many labels. The Oklahoma native impressed industry members with his debut single, “Wild As Her,” which landed Kent his first-ever entry into the Billboard Hot 100 after exploding on the streaming platforms with nearly 70 million streams in just 4 months.
Combustion Music, who was critical in Kent’s development, will remain in partnership with the artist for his publishing and more. The artist is managed by Triple 8 Management.
“I’m excited to announce that I’m officially a Sony Music Nashville Artist,” Kent shares. “My team and I were humbled to have interest and offers from multiple labels across the country, but over time it became very apparent that Sony was the right team for me. They really shared my vision and had passion for the brand of country music I’m creating. I don’t see signing this deal as the finish line… I see it as the starting block. Now it’s time to go to work and I can’t wait to see what we accomplish together!”
Now, with the support of a major label, “Wild As Her” will officially impact radio on Aug. 15. To celebrate the announcement of his signing, Kent has released a new version of his breakout tune, now as a duet with rising singer-songwriter Carter Faith.
“We had talked about making ‘Wild As Her’ a duet early on, but I’m very particular about collabs, and no one immediately came to mind, so we just put it on the back burner,” Kent says. “Then one day I’m listening to Carter’s song ‘Joyride’ and then boom it hit me…Carter would be perfect! We reached out to her team and were able to make it happen!”
Kent started playing music at an early age, becoming the lead singer of a touring western swing band at age 11 and opening for acts such as Roy Clark and The Oak Ridge Boys. He made the move to Nashville at age 17.
Kent earned 3.5 million streams with his 2020 LP, From The West, which set the stage for this next chapter. In December of 2021, he released his sophomore album, ’21, to an overwhelmingly positive reception. His songs “Gold” and “Ain’t My Day” from the project have amassed nearly 15 million streams combined. Kent also has had success writing for other artists, including Kolby Cooper, Brandon Jenkins, Clark Green and more.