Russell Dickerson Makes Nissan Stadium Debut, “She Likes It” Goes Gold
Russell Dickerson & Jake Scott. Photo: Thomas Heney
Triple Tigers Records’ multi-Platinum recording artist, Russell Dickerson, made his Nissan Stadium debut at CMA Fest’s closing night on June 12.
He also celebrated another monumental career milestone with a RIAA gold plaque presentation for “She Likes It (feat. Jake Scott).” Scott joined Dickerson on stage for a special performance of the single during his CMA Fest set.
“To see the fans take this song and go absolutely crazy with it like this makes me so happy that I get to do what I do—make music and make people happy,” Dickerson notes.
“She Likes It” reached No. 2 on Hot Country and No. 3 on the Amazon Daily Country Chart. Currently at No. 1 on SiriusXM The Highway’s weekend countdown, the track is one of the fastest charting and fastest moving singles of Dickerson’s career, receiving 83 million streams to date.
BMI Hosts First-Ever Ryman Block Party During CMA Fest
Conner Smith. Photo: Erika Goldring
BMI hosted its first-ever Block Party on the PNC Plaza at Nashville’s historic Ryman auditorium. The series ran from June 9-11 during CMA Fest and highlighted 15 BMI songwriters, covering multiple genres such as country, hip-hop, and pop.
The 3-day lineup consisted of Kenton Bryant, Camille Parker, Madeline Edwards, Preston James, Boy Named Banjo, Grace Leer, Julia Cole, Alex Hall, Track45, Conner Smith, Jenna Paulette, HomeGrown Trio, Alexandra Kay, Restless Road, and Justin Champagne.
The collection of songwriters performed covers of classic hits and gave a taste of their own songs before the nightly headliners of the festival took the stage at Nissan Stadium.
Folds Of Honor Celebrity Softball Game Raises Over $65,000
Celebrities from the second annual Rock N’ Jock Celebrity Softball Game. Photo: Courtesy of Folds of Honor
Folds of Honor Tennessee raised over $65,000 at the second annual Rock N’ Jock Celebrity Softball Game at Nashville Sounds’ First Horizon Park.
Singer-songwriter Hardy took home MVP honors, while several first-time players displayed their athleticism during the 9-inning game. Scholarship recipient Christian Meza gave a heartfelt and passionate speech to the crowd prior to the first pitch.
Among the celebrities who participated in the game were Kane Brown, Jessie James Decker, Charles Eston, Shawn Johnson, Jameson Rodgers, Chris Lane, Ernest, Jelly Roll, Mitchell Tenpenny, Michael Ray, Julia Cole, Alexandra Kay, Jimmie Allen, Riley Green, Chuck Wicks, Tyler Braden, and more.
“On behalf of myself and the Folds of Honor Tennessee board of directors, we cannot thank the talent, volunteers, media, and fans enough for helping us make Rock ‘N Jock 2022 a huge success! It’s truly humbling to see the Nashville community embrace the Folds of Honor mission. We can’t wait to see what year three brings for this event,” states Folds of Honor Tennessee Executive Director, Jenner Kreifels.
WMBA Hosts Second Annual Virtual Silent Auction Through June 18
The Women’s Music Business Association is holding its second annual virtual silent auction through June 18.
Some of the items up for grabs include a Taylor Swift Official Folklore Cardigan, 2 VIP Tickets to ACMs Party for a Cause, a one-on-one mentorship session with Her Country author Marissa R. Moss, and more. All items can be found here.
Proceeds will go towards future programming and member support within the WMBA organization, as well as initiatives for Girls Write Nashville.
Cody Cozz Signs To Craig Campbell’s Grindstone Records
Cody Cozz
Country artist Craig Campbell has signed Colorado native Cody Cozz to his Grindstone Records. Cozz’s debut single, “On My Way,” is available everywhere now.
“I am so excited for this guy!” Campbell shares. “Cody Cozz is the epitome of hard work and talent rolled into one. His new single ‘On My Way’ is a game changer. Cody is the real deal and he truly is on his way!!”
The tune was written by Campbell with Phil O’Donnell and Wade Kirby. Campbell also produced the track, which was originally intended for his own album.
“This song stood out to me right away,” Cozz explains. “It resonated with me, and the lyrics engulfed me into really feeling the story. It’s a song that’s personal to me but universal at the same time.”
Cozz played football for Colorado State University Pueblo before his sports dreams were dashed by a career-ending injury during his junior year. A self-taught guitarist, he had little musical aspirations before his injury. Working a construction job during the day and gigging at night, Cozz started gaining a following and posting music on social media.
He pursued opportunities around Pueblo to open for artists such as Jon Pardi, Clay Walker, Michael Ray, Mitchell Tenpenny, and others. After opening for one of Campbell’s shows, the two started a kinship that gave Cozz a few lessons in music.
On The Cover: Lainey Wilson Graces Cover Of MusicRow Magazine’s 2022 Artist Roster Issue
/by Lydia FarthingMusicRow, Nashville’s leading music industry trade publication, is proud to announce the 2022 release of its Artist Roster print issue with breakout singer-songwriter Lainey Wilson gracing its cover.
Reigning ACM New Female of the Year, Wilson has had a whirlwind year, earning her first No. 1 with the Platinum-certified ACM Song of the Year “Things A Man Oughta Know,” as well as being named to a variety of Artist to Watch lists and Billboard‘s Top New Country Artist of 2021. The Louisiana native was also awarded MusicRow Magazine’s Discovery Artist of the Year award in 2021, and recently returned to the top of the country radio charts with her two-week No. 1 hit “Never Say Never” with Cole Swindell.
Bringing her electric live show to stages around the world, Wilson has performed for sold-out crowds with Jason Aldean, Luke Combs, Morgan Wallen, Hardy, Jon Pardi, Ashley McBryde, Randy Houser, and more.
In May of 2022, Wilson released her newest single “Heart Like A Truck,” which gives fans a taste of new music slated to come later this year.
This year’s Artist Roster print edition looks at the intersection of sports and live entertainment in Nashville as the city sees the opening of its new soccer stadium GEODIS Park, the return of motorsports, and discussions of a new and improved Nissan Stadium. This issue also highlights Nashville’s recent investments into rock music, profiles WHY&HOW’s CEO and Founder Bruce Kalmick, and dives into some social media best practices in 2022 from Girlilla Marketing’s CEO Jennie Smythe and Chief Marketing Officer Ashley Alexander.
The Artist Roster issue also gives a preview of MusicRow‘s newest weekly column “My Music Row Story,” which features notable members of the Nashville music industry. From esteemed managers, leaders in music publishing, label executives and everything in between, those featured keep the wheels rolling and the music playing.
MusicRow‘s Artist Roster contains five company directories complete with client rosters: Label, Management, Talent Agents, Publicity, and Artist Services (Business Management/Financial/Insurance, Digital Music, Legal, Marketing, Radio Promotion, and Organizations). This edition also offers a summarizing Artist Grid, which has become an indispensable tool connecting artists to their team members in each category.
Single copies of MusicRow’s 2022 Artist Roster print issue are available for purchase at musicrow.com for $45, and are included with yearly MusicRow subscriptions.
Warner Music Nashville Adds Connor Brock To Radio Team
/by Lydia FarthingConnor Brock
Warner Music Nashville has added Connor Brock as Regional Manager, South for its WAR radio team. Based in Nashville, Brock reports to National Director, Radio, Michael Chase.
Brock joins Warner Music Nashville with six years of experience at Universal Music Group, most recently serving as Director, Regional Promotion for EMI Records Nashville.
“Connor is a perfect fit for team WAR,” Chase shares. “We are thrilled to have his fresh perspective and approach to promotion, which will complement our amazing roster of artists and this incredible radio team.”
“I’m more than ready to join the WAR team in representing this stellar roster of artists!” Brock adds.
Brock can be reached at connor.brock@wmg.com.
Gibson Garage Marks Anniversary With Week-Long, Star-Studded Celebration
/by Lorie HollabaughDarius Rucker and his band perform at the Gibson Garage.
The Gibson Garage in downtown Nashville celebrated its one-year anniversary last week with top artists, luminaries and the Gibson team on hand for the party.
Fans lined up all week long for Gibson Garage Fest to enjoy live music from a diverse range of artists, CMA performers, special events, and daily giveaways at the Garage.
On Thursday (June 9), Les Paul’s birthday and the official one-year mark of the opening of the Gibson Garage, Darius Rucker visited for a special donation event with Gibson Gives–the philanthropic arm of Gibson.
Pictured (L-R): Cesar Gueikian (Brand President, Gibson Brands), Brennan Boose (Senior Consultant Strategic Marketing, NMAAM), Tamar Smithers (Senior Director of Education and Exhibitions, NMAAM), Henry Hicks III (CEO, NMAAM), James “JC” Curleigh (President and CEO, Gibson Brands) and Darius Rucker.
Gibson Gives donated $30,000 to the National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM) and its fund for music education while the superstar thrilled the packed crowd with an intimate acoustic performance of his hits.
“I couldn’t think of a better place to have an African American music museum than Nashville” said Rucker. “Everybody in the world should go see NMAAM, it’s such an important place. For as long as I can remember I’ve been playing Gibsons, and what they’re doing with Gibson Gives is a great thing and now they’re partnered with the NMAAM, it’s a perfect fit. I’m so proud to be a part of all of it.”
Gibson Garage Fest attendees enjoyed artist panels, one-of-a-kind giveaways and experiences, participated in guitar-playing lessons, and enjoyed live music spanning country, Americana, rock, blues, and pop. Performers included Marcus King, Ernest, Charles Esten, Orianthi, Eric Paslay, Hannah Dasher, Tiera, Callista Clark, Temecula Road, Elvie Shane, Danielle Bradbery, Filmore, Sean Stemaly, Alana Springsteen, Love and Theft and many more.
“One year ago, we couldn’t have imagined the impact the Gibson Garage would have on guitar fans in music city and around the world,” said James “JC” Curleigh, President and CEO of Gibson Brands. “It’s the best compliment to hear artists say that the Garage has set a new benchmark and is yet another massive step in the right direction for Gibson.”
The Gibson Garage
Eric Paslay and Charles Esten perform at the Gibson Garage.
Laci Kaye Booth performs at the Gibson Garage.
Ernest performs at the Gibson Garage.
Breland’s Debut Album Slated For September Release
/by Lydia FarthingBreland. Photo: Jimmy Fontaine
Platinum entertainer Breland will release his debut album, Cross Country, on Sept. 9 through Bad Realm Records/Atlantic Records/Warner Music Nashville. The genre-bending artist debuted his new single, “Natural,” on NBC’s Today With Hoda & Jenna this morning (June 14).
The upcoming project takes its name from Breland’s previously released, autobiographical track, which spawned a revisited version featuring Mickey Guyton in March of 2021. In addition to “Cross Country,” the debut record will also include previously released singles “Throw It Back (feat. Keith Urban)” and “Praise The Lord (feat. Thomas Rhett),” which debuted at the 2022 ACM Awards in Las Vegas.
Lady A performs with Breland at Nissan Stadium on Sunday, June 12 during CMA Fest 2022 in downtown Nashville. Photo: Courtesy of CMA
Earlier this week, Breland was recognized at the Tribeca Film Festival, which screened the official music video for Cross Country’s title track. Meanwhile, Sunday night saw the rising singer-songwriter wrapping up a stacked week of CMA Fest appearances by taking the stage at Nissan Stadium for a surprise performance with Lady A.
Breland first broke into the Nashville scene with his hip-hop and country hybrid hit “My Truck,” which went No. 1 on Spotify’s Global Viral 50 in 2019 before earning a remix that featured Sam Hunt. Breland was also featured on Dierks Bentley’s No. 1 single with Hardy, “Beers On Me,” and has collaborated with Gary LeVox of Rascal Flatts, Nelly, Blanco Brown, Lauren Alaina, and Chase Rice.
Following his run on Russell Dickerson’s “All Yours, All Night Tour,” he will hit the road this summer with upcoming stops across the country. For a full list of dates, click here.
Billy Dean Is Back With First Country Album In A Decade
/by Lorie HollabaughBilly Dean is releasing his first new country album in a decade this summer, The Rest of It’s Mine, on BFD/Audium Nashville. Slated for July 22, the 10-track collection reflects a place close to his heart: his home state of Florida.
“I was so touched and moved when Florida inducted me into its Artists Hall of Fame it made me terribly homesick,” explains Dean. “So I moved back to reconnect with my aging mother, my high school buddies and friends and family. That all inspired the tropical flavor of this album.”
Dean, a Grammy-winning singer-songwriter, co-wrote nine of the ten songs on the compilation with Brent Rader who also produced the project, Tom Woodard, Monty Powell, David Duncan, and Dean’s personal friends and Florida natives Hugh and Cody Vanlandingham. He and veteran songwriter Paul Overstreet wrote the album’s title track and first single, and Overstreet’s vocals are featured on the cut.
The project also includes a special bonus track—a 30th anniversary re-recorded version of Dean’s smash hit, “Somewhere in My Broken Heart,” performed with a full symphony orchestra.
In addition to his solo dates, Dean will be teaming up with fellow country vets Shenandoah and Wade Hayes on the “Country Comeback Tour” throughout the year.
Jason Aldean Celebrates Three-Week No. 1 With ‘Trouble With A Heartbreak’
/by Lorie HollabaughJason Aldean. Photo: Brian Higbee
Jason Aldean is celebrating three weeks at the top of the Billboard Country Airplay and Mediabase/Country Aircheck singles charts with his whopping 27th career No. 1 “Trouble With A Heartbreak.”
The single is the first song since Taylor Swift’s “Mean” over a decade ago to re-enter the top position on the Mediabase/Country Aircheck singles chart. The track follows the multi-week Platinum No. One “If I Didn’t Love You” featuring Carrie Underwood, which took home the trophy for ACM Single of the Year and iHeart Country Song of the Year, along with a Grammy nomination.
“It’s a really big deal to me to have a three-week No. 1, especially after all these years doing what we do,” Aldean explains. “The support of country radio and the fans makes me that much more ready to see all of you back out on the road.”
Aldean is currently gearing up for his 34-city “Rock N’ Roll Cowboy Tour,” set to launch July 15 in Scranton, Pennsylvania with special guests Gabby Barrett, John Morgan and Dee Jay Silver. Aldean will also be joined by Tracy Lawrence, Travis Tritt and Chase Rice on select dates this fall.
Industry Ink: Russell Dickerson, BMI, Folds of Honor, More
/by Lydia FarthingRussell Dickerson Makes Nissan Stadium Debut, “She Likes It” Goes Gold
Russell Dickerson & Jake Scott. Photo: Thomas Heney
Triple Tigers Records’ multi-Platinum recording artist, Russell Dickerson, made his Nissan Stadium debut at CMA Fest’s closing night on June 12.
He also celebrated another monumental career milestone with a RIAA gold plaque presentation for “She Likes It (feat. Jake Scott).” Scott joined Dickerson on stage for a special performance of the single during his CMA Fest set.
“To see the fans take this song and go absolutely crazy with it like this makes me so happy that I get to do what I do—make music and make people happy,” Dickerson notes.
“She Likes It” reached No. 2 on Hot Country and No. 3 on the Amazon Daily Country Chart. Currently at No. 1 on SiriusXM The Highway’s weekend countdown, the track is one of the fastest charting and fastest moving singles of Dickerson’s career, receiving 83 million streams to date.
BMI Hosts First-Ever Ryman Block Party During CMA Fest
Conner Smith. Photo: Erika Goldring
BMI hosted its first-ever Block Party on the PNC Plaza at Nashville’s historic Ryman auditorium. The series ran from June 9-11 during CMA Fest and highlighted 15 BMI songwriters, covering multiple genres such as country, hip-hop, and pop.
The 3-day lineup consisted of Kenton Bryant, Camille Parker, Madeline Edwards, Preston James, Boy Named Banjo, Grace Leer, Julia Cole, Alex Hall, Track45, Conner Smith, Jenna Paulette, HomeGrown Trio, Alexandra Kay, Restless Road, and Justin Champagne.
The collection of songwriters performed covers of classic hits and gave a taste of their own songs before the nightly headliners of the festival took the stage at Nissan Stadium.
Folds Of Honor Celebrity Softball Game Raises Over $65,000
Celebrities from the second annual Rock N’ Jock Celebrity Softball Game. Photo: Courtesy of Folds of Honor
Folds of Honor Tennessee raised over $65,000 at the second annual Rock N’ Jock Celebrity Softball Game at Nashville Sounds’ First Horizon Park.
Singer-songwriter Hardy took home MVP honors, while several first-time players displayed their athleticism during the 9-inning game. Scholarship recipient Christian Meza gave a heartfelt and passionate speech to the crowd prior to the first pitch.
Among the celebrities who participated in the game were Kane Brown, Jessie James Decker, Charles Eston, Shawn Johnson, Jameson Rodgers, Chris Lane, Ernest, Jelly Roll, Mitchell Tenpenny, Michael Ray, Julia Cole, Alexandra Kay, Jimmie Allen, Riley Green, Chuck Wicks, Tyler Braden, and more.
“On behalf of myself and the Folds of Honor Tennessee board of directors, we cannot thank the talent, volunteers, media, and fans enough for helping us make Rock ‘N Jock 2022 a huge success! It’s truly humbling to see the Nashville community embrace the Folds of Honor mission. We can’t wait to see what year three brings for this event,” states Folds of Honor Tennessee Executive Director, Jenner Kreifels.
WMBA Hosts Second Annual Virtual Silent Auction Through June 18
The Women’s Music Business Association is holding its second annual virtual silent auction through June 18.
Some of the items up for grabs include a Taylor Swift Official Folklore Cardigan, 2 VIP Tickets to ACMs Party for a Cause, a one-on-one mentorship session with Her Country author Marissa R. Moss, and more. All items can be found here.
Proceeds will go towards future programming and member support within the WMBA organization, as well as initiatives for Girls Write Nashville.
Cody Cozz Signs To Craig Campbell’s Grindstone Records
Cody Cozz
Country artist Craig Campbell has signed Colorado native Cody Cozz to his Grindstone Records. Cozz’s debut single, “On My Way,” is available everywhere now.
“I am so excited for this guy!” Campbell shares. “Cody Cozz is the epitome of hard work and talent rolled into one. His new single ‘On My Way’ is a game changer. Cody is the real deal and he truly is on his way!!”
The tune was written by Campbell with Phil O’Donnell and Wade Kirby. Campbell also produced the track, which was originally intended for his own album.
“This song stood out to me right away,” Cozz explains. “It resonated with me, and the lyrics engulfed me into really feeling the story. It’s a song that’s personal to me but universal at the same time.”
Cozz played football for Colorado State University Pueblo before his sports dreams were dashed by a career-ending injury during his junior year. A self-taught guitarist, he had little musical aspirations before his injury. Working a construction job during the day and gigging at night, Cozz started gaining a following and posting music on social media.
He pursued opportunities around Pueblo to open for artists such as Jon Pardi, Clay Walker, Michael Ray, Mitchell Tenpenny, and others. After opening for one of Campbell’s shows, the two started a kinship that gave Cozz a few lessons in music.
SoundExchange, Sound Credit Partner To Streamline Monthly Royalty Payments
/by Lorie HollabaughSoundExchange and Sound Credit have joined forces to increase the accuracy and efficiency of SoundExchange’s monthly royalty distributions to registered creators. The new partnership will provide more accurate data on who should be paid for royalties, and follows the rollout of new digital tools and a new SoundExchange app.
Sound Credit is a global music credits platform dedicated to revolutionizing the supply chain of recordings from the studio through to the listener. The platform collects and compiles data on who contributed to a recording to increase the accuracy of royalty distributions and ensure that the right payments get to its contributors. Sound Credit’s software, including a new mobile app and an in-studio Creator Kiosk, allows creators to enter, edit, and export credits with ease to more than 40 platforms.
SoundExchange will now be able to receive and store Sound Credit’s contributor information to provide greater accuracy in paying creators when creating performer lineups. Creators will still need to register directly with SoundExchange to receive royalty payments.
“SoundExchange is committed to building a fairer, simpler, and more efficient music industry and that includes ensuring our monthly distributions are as accurate and streamlined as possible,” shares Michael Huppe, President and CEO of SoundExchange. “We are always looking for the best partners to help maximize the quality of our performer lineups and we look forward to partnering with Sound Credit and others to advance this goal.”
“This integration means that music creators can use any device to enter information into one platform, click a button, and deliver credits to Sound Exchange among over 40 other critical destinations and formats,” adds Gebre Waddell, founder and CEO of Sound Credit.
Miranda Lambert Debuts New Family-Inspired Home Collection Exclusively At Walmart
/by Lorie HollabaughMiranda Lambert. Photo: Emily Dorio
Miranda Lambert is launching a new home goods collection that is close to her heart called Wanda June, available exclusively now at Walmart.com.
The collection, inspired by generations of the most influential women in Lambert’s life, is designed to help create a warm, comfortable gathering place at affordable prices.
Miranda Lambert. Photo: Emily Dorio
“Wanda June Home is named after the two most influential women in my life, my mom Beverly June Lambert and my grandma Wanda Louise Coker, a.k.a. Nonny. They both taught me everything I know about being a woman and how to make a warm home full of laughter, love and memories. That’s really the heart of my Wanda June Home brand,” shares Lambert. “The products are a physical representation of a long line of beautiful memories with amazing women. I am thrilled to launch Wanda June Home with Walmart where my grandpa was a greeter back in the day and where I’ve shopped all my life.”
Wanda June Home will offer more than 80 kitchen, bar, tabletop and home décor items, with most pieces under $30. The inaugural collection is designed to mix, match and collect, with tabletop essentials inspired by Lambert’s own southwestern retro farm kitchen.
“The Wanda June Home line is a truly authentic collaboration that’s only available to Walmart customers, and we know they are going to love Miranda’s approachable, warm and charming take on entertaining essentials and home décor at fantastic values,” adds Anthony Soohoo, EVP, Home at Walmart. “It’s our mission to build the easiest place to shop for home design by allowing our customers to save time, effort and money. The Wanda June collection is the latest example of how Walmart is continuing to expand and elevate our assortment to democratize style for our customers.”
This fall, Lambert’s “Velvet Rodeo” residency will take over the Zappos Theater at the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas beginning in September.
Photo Credit: Emily Dorio, Courtesy of Walmart
Michael Knox, Tim Hunze, More Named To CreatiVets Advisory Board
/by Lydia FarthingNashville-based nonprofit CreatiVets has announced the 2022-2023 advisors to its Board of Directors. Featuring a list of Nashville-based music industry executives, the new board advisors will offer advice and services within their area of expertise, as well as assist the Board in widening CreatiVets’ reach and gaining support from different communities.
Among those who have been added to the advisory board are SVP of PeerMusic, multi-Platinum producer, and host of Knox County 360, Michael Knox; VP of Publishing at Big Machine Music, Tim Hunze; Executive Director of the CMA Foundation and CMA VP of Community Outreach, Tiffany Kearns; country music artist Granger Smith; and iHeartCountry Brand Coordinator and Senior VP of Programming in Nashville for iHeartMedia, Gator Harrison.
CreatiVets’ mission is to provide wounded veterans struggling with post-traumatic stress and traumatic brain injury with opportunities to use art, music, and creative writing as they learn to cope. The organization has helped more than 1,000 veterans since its founding in 2013 in an effort to end veteran suicide by offering alternative ways to cope with trauma.
2022-2023 Board Advisory Members:
Tom Carlucci (Managing Partner/Chair of the Litigation Department at Foley & Lardner LLP)
Paul Coffey (Vice Provost & Dean of Community Engagement, School of the Art Institute of Chicago)
Gator Harrison (iHeartCountry brand coordinator/Senior VP Programming Nashville, iHeartMedia)
Tim Hunze (Vice President of Publishing Big Machine Music)
Tiffany Kearns (Executive Director, CMA Foundation and CMA Vice President, Community Outreach)
Michael Knox (SVP PeerMusic/Multi-Platinum Producer/Host of Knox County 360)
John Loar (Managing Director of Music City Baseball)
Steve Mariucci (Former NFL Head Coach/Sports Analyst NFL GameDay Morning)
Jordan Pettit (Director of Artist Relations & Programming Strategy Opry Entertainment Group)
Ellen Pryor (Director of Communications, Frist Art Museum)
Jason Rittenberry (Co-Founder of Music City Grand Prix and CEO/Managing Partner of Tristar Production Group)
Granger Smith (Country Music Artist and Co-Founder of Yee Yee Apparel)
Barry Zito (Former MLB Pitcher/Songwriter/Musical Artist)