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.”
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.
Carrie Underwood Rises To MusicRow Chart Peak
/by Alex ParryCarrie Underwood is crowned this week’s No. 1 on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart for her single, “Ghost Story.” David Garcia, Josh Kear, and Hillary Lindsey co-wrote the single which appears on Underwood’s latest album, Denim & Rhinestones.
To commemorate her ninth studio album, Underwood hosted a pop-up experience in Nashville during this year’s CMA Fest, which included interactive photo installations, wardrobe displays, and a retail boutique.
Following the wrap of the 2022 dates of her “Reflection: The Las Vegas Residency” in May, Underwood has announced she’ll return to the road this fall on the “Denim & Rhinestones Tour.” She will be joined on the tour by special guest Jimmie Allen.
Click here to view the latest edition of The MusicRow Weekly containing the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart.
Lauren Alaina, Chris Janson, Scotty McCreery Among Opry Country Christmas Lineup
/by Lorie HollabaughCharlie McCoy and The Gatlin Brothers perform alongside Santa Claus during the inaugural Opry Country Christmas season in 2021. Photo: Chris Hollp
Opry Country Christmas is returning to the Grand Ole Opry House for the second year in a row this year, beginning Nov. 27 and running through Dec. 22. This year’s shows will feature special performances by Spotlight Artists and Opry members Lauren Alaina (Dec. 1) and Chris Janson (Dec. 11), as well as Scotty McCreery (Dec. 18).
Hosted by Opry member Larry Gatlin, Opry Country Christmas will showcase songs of the season in nine shows, each one featuring Opry members The Gatlin Brothers, Riders In The Sky, Mandy Barnett and Charlie McCoy. Other Opry members, special guests, and spotlight artists will round out the shows, which are made up of artists’ original songs and timeless Christmas favorites.
The inaugural season of Opry Country Christmas in 2021 featured performances of popular holiday favorites such as “’Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree,” “Jingle Bell Rock,” “Silent Night” and more.
All Opry Country Christmas shows will air on WSM Radio, as well as WSM and Opry digital platforms. Tickets are on sale now at opry.com.
Country Music Hall Of Fame Taps Trisha Yearwood For New Membership Campaign
/by LB CantrellTrisha Yearwood visits the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s galleries, which include her own artifacts on display. Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
Trisha Yearwood recently paid a visit to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum to kick off its new membership campaign.
The country icon will lead the multi-media campaign, which aims to double the number of museum memberships by the end of the year and return membership participation to pre-pandemic levels.
This is a cause that is close to Yearwood’s heart, as she worked as a tour guide at the museum before she became a Grammy-winning artist. She has remained an avid supporter throughout her career, performing at museum fundraisers and events, and donating personally to the museum’s collection and its membership program.
“This institution is a treasure for the world—a beacon—and it is also a treasure awaiting you, your family and your friends,” Yearwood shares.
Membership to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum provides foundational philanthropic support and sustains its educational mission. Members receive free admission to the museum’s galleries, family programs, special events and more, as well as discounts to its retail stores. Learn more here.
DISClaimer Single Reviews: Lyle Lovett Sparks Nostalgia With ’12th Of June’
/by Robert K OermannThere is an abundance of great listening in today’s DISClaimer.
That’s because this edition explores what’s new in Americana. Which as a genre is so much more interesting than most of what Nashville generates.
And it doesn’t get much more “interesting” than our Disc of the Day winners. The Male prize goes to Lyle Lovett. The Female winner is Brandi Carlile. The duo/group honor belongs to Fancy Hagood & Kacey Musgraves.
This week’s DISCovery Award goes to Jake Blount. Explore his work, because he is really tapping into something cool.
JIM LAUDERDALE / “That Kind of Life”
Writer: Jim Lauderdale; Producers: Jim Lauderdale/Jay Weaver; Label: Sky Crunch
–The longtime host of the Americana Music Awards, Lauderdale is also impressively prolific. He has 34 albums under his belt and is announcing Game Changer as his next with this romping, lead-off track. As always, he respects country tradition by drenching the tune in Telecaster and steel, not to mention his Dixie drawl. The mood is upbeat, peppy and ultimately hopeful. Somewhere, Buck Owens is smiling.
ROBERT PLANT & ALISON KRAUSS / “Go Your Way”
Writer: Anne Briggs; Producer: T Bone Burnett; Label: Rounder
–The team’s current Raise the Roof collection was No. 1 on the Americana charts for months. This brilliantly produced single from it grows from a stately guitar strum to an epic, throbbing ballad of farewell. It’s beyond gorgeous, although I yearned for more from Krauss than soft backup harmonies.
MICHAEL MARTIN MURPHEY & RYAN MURPHEY / “El Dorado”
Writers: Michael Martin Murphey/Ryan Murphey; Producer: Michael Martin Murphey; Label: Wild Fire
–The title tune of a duet album by Michael Martin Murphey and his son Ryan is the wafting Road Beyond the View. On this new track from it, the pastoral western imagery we associate with this artist remains in place, but on this outing it’s a spiritual, space-cowboy thang in a burbling, guitar-jazz setting. Plucked notes ripple and ring throughout the gentle production. Captivating.
BRANDI CARLILE / “You and Me on the Rock”
Writers: Brandi Carlile/Phil Hanseroth/Tim Hanseroth; Producers: Dave Cobb/Shooter Jennings; Label: Low Country Sound/Elektra
–Here’s a new single/video from Carlile’s chart-topping In These Silent Days album. I hear the influence of Joni Mitchell in the rapid-fire soprano lilts of the tune. The choppy tempo and stacked vocal harmonies are a delight. This lively, sweet ode to domesticity and steadfastness just might be her strongest performance to date.
LYLE LOVETT / “12th of June”
Writers: Lyle Lovett; Producers: Chuck Ainlay/Lyle Lovett; Label: Verve
–This is the title tune of Lovett’s first new album in 10 years. Part wistful folkie, part heartfelt country and all magnetic meditation, it unspools as an acoustic watercolor of nostalgia, family and love. The eclectic collection also includes jazzbo oldie faves like “Straighten Up and Fly Right” and “Gee Baby Ain’t I Good to You.” He’s an essential artist, and this is an essential record.
MARCUS KING / “Hard Working Man”
Writers: Marcus King/Angelo Petraglia/Dan Auerbach; Producer: Dan Auerbach; Label: American Recordings/Republic
–This Nashville guitar-slingin’ hotshot has a new album, Young Blood, coming next month (Aug. 26). This advance single is a barn burner showcasing his bluesy, Southern-rock vocal phrasing as well as his fiery, searing, sensational string licks. Get on board.
OLD CROW MEDICINE SHOW / “Used to Be a Mountain”
Writers: Ketch Secor/Trey Hensley; Producers: Matt Ross-Spang/Old Crow Medicine Show; Label: ATO
–Drawn from its ninth bluegrass-chart topping LP, Paint This Town, the Opry-star band ventures into social commentary with this cautionary environmental song. The tempo rocks furiously and the percussive sound is far removed from the act’s old-timey, string-band roots. Group vocal chanting, frothing fiddle licks and drums abound.
RISSI PALMER / “Best Day Ever”
Writers: none listed; Producers: none listed; Label: Boldilocks
–Palmer is doing such important work with her Color Me Country podcasts. She also remains an outstanding artist. How outstanding? I hate children’s music, but fell totally in love with her new kiddie ditty. It’s irresistibly sunny without being saccharine. It sings to children without pandering. Its language is simple without being simplistic. The acoustic production is lilting and lovely. The video is adorable, too.
STEVE EARLE & THE DUKES / “Wheel”
Writers: Jerry Jeff Walker; Producer: Steve Earle; Label: New West
–Earle’s new album, Jerry Jeff, is a salute to Jerry Jeff Walker, one of his main musical mentors. He aims to remind us that the late Walker was more than just “Mr. Bojangles.” This stark, dusty, drawled, existential ballad is an example.
MARGO PRICE, MAVIS STAPLES & ADIA VICTORIA / “Fight to Make It”
Writers: Margo Price/Jeremy Ivey; Producer: none listed; Label: MP
–It’s girl-group heaven, summoning the spirit of Martha & The Vandellas at their most rocking. It’s also a hand-clapping, joyous female anthem with these three Americana queens taking turns in the verses and joining voices on the choruses. Proceeds from the single benefit Noise For Now, an organization supporting reproductive rights. “
JAKE BLOUNT / “Didn’t It Rain”
Writers: Brian Francis Slattery/Jake Meserve Blount; Producers: Jake Blount/Brian Slattery; Label: Smithsonian Folkways
–This classic gospel song was popularized by Sister Rosetta Tharp and Mahalia Jackson. Blount’s version is part of his Afro-futurist new concept album The New Faith. It’s also a shoulder-shaking, rhythm-happy audio pleasure, bopping with clinking/thumping/snappy percussion, hand claps, group call-and-response and artsy electric-guitar interludes. Blount is an award-winning multi-instrumentalist who specializes in the banjo and other African American folk traditions. The New Englander is also a published scholar and music journalist.
FANCY HAGOOD & KACEY MUSGRAVES / “Blue Dream Baby”
Writers: Fancy Hagood/Karen Fairchild/Alysa Vanderheym; Producer: Alysa Vanderheym; Label: FH
–Hagood’s latest is a dreamy pop confection with built-in dancefloor potential. Musgraves’ verses underscore the spacey, ethereal, romantic mood. The animated video imagines him being abducted by stud “gayliens.”