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.”
Chris Tomlin Reveals New Album Due In September
/by Lorie HollabaughChris Tomlin is gearing up for the release of his new full-length worship project, Always, on Sept. 9. He also released a new track “Holy Forever” from the new worship project.
Featured guests on Always include Elevation Worship, Brandon Lake, and Steffany Gretzinger. The project was produced by Ben Glover, Bryan Fowler, Ed Cash, Jeff Sojka, Jonathan Smith and Dave Haywood of Lady A, who co-produced “The Answer” alongside Ben West. The album contains 13 tracks, 12 of which were co-written by Tomlin.
“These songs were written with the intention of helping people connect with God,” shares Tomlin. “And already throughout just the beginning of this process, with the songwriters, our families and friends, and the incredible team that helps bring these songs to the world, I have started to see God take these songs and impact hearts and lives. My prayer is that god continues to take this music and use it in ways I could have never imagined… in ways only He could and in that, points the glory back to Him.”
Always Track List:
“Yahweh” (No One) feat. Elevation Worship
“Always”
“Strongholds”
“Holy Forever”
“O Lord You’re Beautiful” feat. Steffany Gretzinger
“The Answer”
“Great Forgiver”
“I Believe In Jesus”
“I See You” feat. Brandon Lake
“Father Of Lights”
“History”
“All In All”
“Precious Love”
The Ryman Celebrates The History Of Bluegrass With Dailey & Vincent
/by LB CantrellDailey & Vincent perform in the Bluegrass Nights at the Ryman series. Photo: Eric Ahlgrim
The Ryman Auditorium is currently celebrating the history of bluegrass music with its Springer Mountain Farms Bluegrass Nights at the Ryman series.
The Del McCoury Band kicked off the series that runs every Thursday night from June 23 to July 28. Dan Tyminski, Earls of Leicester and Dailey & Vincent have followed.
When Grammy-winning duo Dailey & Vincent took the stage last week, they had much to celebrate. The Grand Ole Opry members just announced that they have partnered with BMG to release a new country album called Let’s Sing Some Country!
The album has been on the duo’s to-do list since they first secured a Grammy nomination for Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group for their rendition of “Elizabeth.” Let’s Sing Some Country! will find Dailey & Vincent singing and playing along with Jimmy Fortune, Vince Gill, Alison Krauss, and Rhonda Vincent, and is expected on Sept. 16.
Darrin Vincent performing. Photo: Eric Ahlgrim
The two talented performers, Jamie Dailey and Darrin Vincent, spent many years in iconic bluegrass bands before joining together, with Dailey playing with Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver and Vincent with Ricky Skaggs‘ band Kentucky Thunder. Since joining forces, Dailey & Vincent have won five individual Grammy Awards, three collective Grammys, four Dove awards, and 35 IBMA Awards.
On Thursday night (July 14), they entertained with gospel numbers such as “By The Mark,” “Somebody’s Prayin'” and “The Wall,” as well as lively bluegrass jams like “That Feel Good Music.” The extremely talented singers made sure to spotlight all of their equally as talented musicians, letting each one have a turn at showing off. They also invited out the Opry Square Dancers to dance to some songs.
It’s clear that The Statler Brothers are some of Dailey & Vincent’s heroes, from their red, white and blue microphones—which pays homage to the legendary country quartet—to their many mentions of Jimmy Fortune. The band also played a medley of Statler Brother hits, such as “I’ll Go To My Grave Loving You” and “Flowers On The Wall.”
They were also excited to play the new Tennessee state song, “I’ll Leave My Heart in Tennessee,” written by Karen Staley.
Dailey & Vincent brought out iconic producer Paul Worley, who is producing their new country album, to play a song from it. They chose a bluegrass ditty, “Those Memories Of You,” and countrified it for their new project.
Worley wasn’t the only special guest. The pair also brought out Jeannie Seely to sing her Connie Smith-recorded “Senses.”
There are two shows left in the Bluegrass Nights At The Ryman series. The Steeldrivers with Troubadour Blue will take the historic stage on July 21, and Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder will close out this year’s series on July 28. For tickets, visit ryman.com.
‘Bobby Bones: Comedically Inspirational’ Adds New Nashville Dates
/by Lorie HollabaughThe “Bobby Bones: Comedically Inspirational” show is returning to the CMA Theater for two new shows on Aug. 12-13. Eric Dodd and Steve Moakler will open the dates on Aug. 12 and Aug. 13, respectively.
The new shows follow the success of Bones’ two recent sold-out Nashville dates. Tickets for the CMA Theater dates are on sale now and can be purchased at cmatheater.com.
The announcement follows the successful launch of Bones’ new children’s book, Stanley The Dog: The First Day Of School. He is also gearing up for another TV venture as the host of USA Network’s new series Snake In The Grass, a show that will test the limits of participants as they complete challenges while aiming to figure out which person is the “snake” sabotaging the competition. The show premieres on Monday, Aug. 1.
Industry Ink: Kenny Chesney, Drew Baldridge, Presley & Taylor
/by Lydia FarthingKenny Chesney Invites ‘Knowing You’ Co-Writer Kat Higgins To Perform In Lake Tahoe
Kat Higgins with Kenny Chesney. Photo: Jill Trunnell
Last week in Lake Tahoe, Kenny Chesney brought “Knowing You” songwriter Kat Higgins out onstage at Harvey’s Lake Tahoe Outdoor Arena for a special performance of the country entertainer’s 34th No. 1 country single.
Written by Higgins, Adam James and Nashville Songwriters Hall of Famer Brett James, “Knowing You” served as a special milestone for Higgins and James, who scored their first No. 1 with the track. Higgins, a Vancouver native, came to Nashville at age 19 after having success as an artist in Canada.
“It was an amazing thing to see,” Chesney shared. “It’s tough to walk out anywhere with just a guitar and put your heart out there, but Kat was so pure and just so true. She played that song we’ve all loved and believed in, and when she was done, she’d just destroyed the crowd.” He continued, “Country at its best is true, from the heart. ‘Knowing You’ is just that. Especially hearing Kat sing it by herself. She made the essence of the song really shine with all the magic that was that other person—or for me, in a way, all of No Shoes Nation during the wait. Because even when we’re not together, I know every single one of those people is out there making people feel more alive and enjoying everything about being alive.”
Chesney’s “Here And Now 2022” tour rolls into Los Angeles’ SoFi Stadium next weekend (July 23).
Drew Baldridge Announces The Big Baldridge & Bonfire Music Festival For October
Independent singer-songwriter Drew Baldridge has announced The Big Baldridge & Bonfire Music Festival, slated for Oct. 1 in his hometown of Patoka, Illinois.
Baldridge will headline this special event, performing new tunes and fan-favorites that helped propel him onto the country radio charts. Sponsored by Ariat, Landers Iron Saddle Ranch and Midwest Farm & Land Co., the show will also feature Craig Campbell, Dylan Wolfe, Murphy 500, and Katie Hatch. Tickets for the event are on sale now.
“Having the opportunity to do small, intimate performances for my fans through the Baldridge & Bonfires Tour has been a highlight of my career so far,” Baldridge shares. “I can’t wait to emulate and expand on the foundation that those shows built with this large-scale event in my hometown where my passion for country music began.”
Baldridge’s current single, “Little Bit,” was released in May and offers a preview to his forthcoming full-length project. With over 130 million total catalog streams, he is also signed to Sony Music Publishing with over 500 songs under his belt, including major label cuts for other artists.
Presley & Taylor Make 3rd & Lindsley Debut, Celebrate One Million Single Streams
Pictured (L-R): Tim Wipperman, ONErpm Managing Director/Nashville; Presley & Taylor; Dewayne Brown, White Mustang Records. Photo: Krista Johnson
White Mustang Records duo Presley & Taylor made their first headline appearance at Nashville’s 3rd & Lindsley last week.
To further commemorate the special evening, the pair were surprised with the news that their single “Everybody Sees It” had earned one million streams. ONErpm’s Tim Wipperman and White Mustang’s Dewayne Brown were on hand for the celebration.
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.