Pictured: Ryan Hurd and Maren Morris were surprised with an RIAA 2X Platinum “Chasing After You” plaque during the song’s recent No. 1 party on the BMI Nashville rooftop. (L-R): Steve Hodges (Sony Music Nashville), Jerry Flowers, Brinley Addington, Maren Morris, Ryan Hurd, Ken Robold (Sony Music Nashville). Photo: Steve Lowry
Nearly seven years after it was written by Jerry Flowers and Brinley Addington, the Nashville music industry gathered last Tuesday (May 31) to celebrate “Chasing After You,” the hit duet recorded by husband and wife Ryan Hurd and Maren Morris.
In addition to being several years old, the steamy track hitting the top of the charts marked several momentous occasions. “Chasing After You” is Addington’s first No. 1 song, and is Hurd’s first as an artist. It’s also one of the very few outside songs Hurd and Morris have ever cut.
BMI hosted the celebration on their rooftop patio. ASCAP was also in attendance.
BMI’s MaryAnn Keen led the celebration. “Some of my favorite things about this industry are the people and the relationships, and the great songs that have a journey of their own,” Keen said. “This song is all the best parts of this town.”
Keen spoke about BMI writer Addington, who she has been friends with since 2008. “We’ve dreamed of the moment when he would get his first No. 1,” she said.
ASCAP’s Kele Currier was on hand to speak about Flowers. “Jerry is celebrating his fifth No. 1 today,” she said, taking the crowd through Flowers’ history as a member of the Capitol Records band The Ranch up to his current role as a hit songwriter and band leader for Keith Urban.
Pictured (L-R, seated): Jerry Flowers, Maren Morris, Ryan Hurd, Brinley Addington; (L-R, standing): Lee Griffin (Mojo), Jeff Tweel (Mojo), Ariana Vargas (Mojo), Teddy Reimer (producer), Steve Hodges (Sony Music Nashville), Ashley Gorley (Tape Room), Noah Dewey (Anthem), Courtney Crist (Anthem), Aaron Eshuis (producer), Janet Weir (House of 42/Red Light Management), MaryAnn Keen (BMI), Tim Wipperman (Anthem). Photo: Steve Lowry
The first publisher presentation came from Anthem’s Courtney Crist, who helped sign Addington to HoriPro and now works with Flowers. She told more of the backstory between the popular “Chasing After You” demo that has been floating around Music Row for seven years, saying that it had been on hold by what felt like every artist in town at one point.
“The first time I heard it was in 2015, my first day at HoriPro, when Ryan put his phone up to my ear and said, ‘Listen to this song,'” she said. “I asked him who he wrote it with and he said, ‘I didn’t. Brinley and Jerry did.’
“He then tells me I need to sign Brinley because one day he’s going to cut it. So we did, and he did,” Crist said. “When you hear Ryan endorse a song or writer, you listen. Both you and Maren are such incredible songwriters, but you always champion your friends, Nashville and songwriters in general.”
Tape Room’s Ashley Gorley spoke about Flowers. “Jerry is one of the most musically talented, sweetest people I’ve ever gotten the chance to work with,” he said. “This song is timeless—which we’re thankful for because it took a little bit of time before it got its life at country radio. It truly is one of those that I think will be played forever.”
Mojo Music & Media’s Jeff Tweel spoke on the company’s involvement in the song. “I was not involved in the day-to-day operations when this happened,” he admitted. “But I want to congratulate Brinley on our behalf, we still have your great catalog with us.” Tweel also gave a shout out to Keithan Melton for his involvement in the success of “Chasing After You.”
Sony Music Nashville’s Steve Hodges was on hand to represent the radio promo team’s success. He spoke about the song’s impressive stats. “It was one of the biggest records of the year airplay wise,” he said, before inviting Ken Robold up to the stage to present Hurd and Morris with a surprise double Platinum plaque.
Pictured (L-R, seated): Jerry Flowers, Maren Morris, Ryan Hurd, and Brinley Addington with their MusicRow No. 1 Challenge Coins; (L-R, standing): MusicRow‘s Sherod Robertson and LB Cantrell. Photo: Steve Lowry
Next up to speak were the songwriters. Flowers kicked things off by thanking his co-writer. “This is the first song we ever wrote together,” he said. “It was one of those songs that came so quick. And it was one of those overnight successes, too. Only took seven years.”
Flowers recognized his publishers and his family before Addington stepped up to the mic.
“I’ve wanted to do this for a while,” he said. “Longer than seven years but that’s what it took.”
If Addington grows tired of being a hit songwriter, he could certainly pursue comedy. He had the crowd in the palm of his hand as he thanked Flowers, Hurd and Morris, his team, supporters and family with both wit and sincerity.
“To everyone in here and everyone who is not here that ever encouraged me, thank you,” Addington said. “If you didn’t encourage me or told me no, thanks. That pushed me too.”
Morris was up next. “I heard this six or seven years ago and it became one of those demos that became Music Row famous,” she said. “It’s gone through so many evolutions over the years and I am so proud that during COVID we said, ‘Let’s take one more stab at it.'”
Morris recognized the fact that “Chasing After You” is an outside song. “Once in a blue moon, an outside cut will go No. 1. I need to listen to this advice, too: artists can write songs, but every once in a while, for God’s sake can you just let the professionals do it for you?”
When Hurd started to speak, he called “Chasing After You” producers Aaron Eshuis and Teddy Reimer up to recognize them for their work. “If you want a hit record made in Nashville, Tennessee right now, pick one of these two,” Hurd said.
Hurd was emotional when it was his time to speak. “I might need my glasses in case my eyes get sweaty,” he joked when he started.
“I imagined this day since I signed my record deal,” Hurd said. “I imagined it very differently. I thought I’d be up here by myself with a song that I had written. But there’s no such thing as a solo artist is what I have found out. I mean, look at all of you in this room, look at the people on this stage, think about our bands and tour managers.”
Hurd thanked Morris for sharing in the song with him, the songwriters, and his team.
“I love being a songwriter in Nashville, Tennessee and I’m so thankful for all of the people who have cut my songs, but getting to do both… I tell everybody that what I do is like a pair of shoes. There’s a left foot and a right foot and I can’t imagine being just a writer or just an artist at this part of my life. I love them both so much.”
Wade Bowen Slates New Album ‘Somewhere Between The Secret And The Truth’ For August
/by Lorie HollabaughWade Bowen. Photo: David McClister
Wade Bowen turned the lemons from the pandemic into some musical lemonade on his upcoming full-length album, Somewhere Between The Secret And The Truth, set for Aug. 12 via Thirty Tigers. The lead single from the project, “Everything Has Your Memory,” is out now.
The new album follows his recent six-song EP Where Phones Don’t Work, and features tracks penned by Eric Paslay, Randy Montana, Lori McKenna, and more.
“I went through a big writer’s drought; kind of just being shell shocked from everything, not knowing how to handle it, and then finally came out of that and just had this flood of just wanting to write,” reflects Bowen, who cowrote all 12 songs and serves as the sole producer for the first time in his career.
“This reset button really rejuvenated my passion for my entire career, all the way across the board. I was trying to find where I fit musically again. I’ve been doing this so long that I feel like I got off track from where I felt I fit–I was all over the place with my songwriting and my career,” he continues. “Ironically enough, COVID really gave me a chance to just turn my brain off a little bit and stop thinking. When I came out on the other side, I really found not only a renewed sense of my music and wanting to get out and play again, but I found a renewed sense of self. I found who I wanted to be as a writer, as a singer, as an artist.”
Everything Has Your Memory (Wade Bowen, Eric Paslay, Heather Morgan)
Burnin’ Both Ends of the Bar (Wade Bowen, Randy Montana)
Honky Tonk Roll (Wade Bowen, Randy Montana)
The Secret To This Town (Wade Bowen, Heather Morgan)
If You Don’t Miss Me (Wade Bowen, Ray Fulcher)
A Beautiful World featuring Lori McKenna (Wade Bowen, Lori McKenna)
She’s Driving Me Crazy (Wade Bowen, Eric Paslay, Heather Morgan)
Knowing Me Like I Do (Wade Bowen, Clint Ingersoll)
It’s Gonna Hurt (Wade Bowen, Drew Kennedy)
Say Goodbye (Wade Bowen, Eric Paslay, Heather Morgan)
A Guitar, A Singer and A Song featuring Vince Gill (Wade Bowen, Lori McKenna)
Somewhere Between The Secret and The Truth (Wade Bowen, Lori McKenna)
Alexa Morris Upped To VP, Legal & Business Affairs At Warner Chappell
/by Lydia FarthingAlexa Morris
Warner Chappell Music (WCM) has promoted Alexa Morris to Vice President, Legal & Business Affairs. She joined WCM in 2018 as an Associate Director, Legal & Business Affairs in the Los Angeles office before being promoted to Director, Legal & Business Affairs and relocating to the Nashville office in 2019.
In her new role, she will continue to negotiate and draft publishing and administration agreements, joint ventures, and catalog acquisitions for both the Nashville and Los Angeles offices.
Morris notes, “I’m thrilled to continue working with Steve Butler and the rest of the Legal & Business Affairs team here at Warner Chappell. We truly put our songwriters first, and I look forward to signing the next wave of talent.”
“Alexa has incredible instincts and brings wide-ranging expertise across a variety of areas in the entertainment industry,” adds Butler, SVP, Legal & Business Affairs, WCM. “She has been instrumental in managing a number of high-profile deals across our Los Angeles and Nashville offices (including deals for Belly, Jesse Frasure, and Nicolle Galyon). She’s a true expert at her craft, and we’re very grateful to have her on our team.”
Morris previously served as an Associate Attorney at Rosen Law Group in Venice, California where she represented clients on transactional matters in the music, film, and television industries. She received a JD from UCLA School of Law, where she held internships at Rosen Law Group, CBS Television Studios, WCM, and Escape Artists, and a BS in Business Administration, Marketing from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.
The War And Treaty’s Story Comes To Life In Upcoming Feature Film
/by Lorie HollabaughThe War And Treaty. Photo: Kit Wood
The War And Treaty and their real-life love story will be the subject of a new feature film, The War And Treaty, directed by Numa Perrier (Jezebel, The Perfect Find).
Produced by Gary Gilbert (La La Land), John Legend, Mike Jackson (Jingle Jangle), Harvey Mason Jr. (Respect), Peter Morgan (American Sniper), and Perrier, the film revolves around the true story of Michael Trotter Jr., a soldier who has just returned from a tour in Iraq who falls in love with Tanya Trotter, a singer with a deferred dream.
“When I sat down with Michael and Tanya and heard their incredible story, I was blown away and immediately knew I had to bring it to the big screen. Numa is the perfect director to make that happen,” says Gilbert of Gilbert Films.
With a script written by Academy award-winner Will McCormack (Celeste and Jesse Forever, If Anything Happens I Love You) and Academy award-nominee Craig Borten (Dallas Buyers Club), The War and Treaty was developed by and financed at Gilbert Films.
“We are thrilled that Numa will direct The War And Treaty,” adds Jackson, Legend, and Ty Stiklorius of Get Lifted Film Co. “Will McCormack and Craig Borten’s script is incredibly vibrant and powerful, and we are excited to see Numa’s vision brought to the big screen.”
“Our hearts are overwhelmed at the chance to get to share our love story with the world,” Michael and Tanya of The War And Treaty share. “It’s filled with highs and lows, heartbreaks and heartstrings and it is threaded by the fabric of love and resilience that fuels our world. We are ecstatic to have Numa onboard, she is the perfect director to tell our story. To have this phenomenal producer team, along with our story scripted by the incredibly talented Craig Borten and Will McCormack exceeds our wildest dreams.”
“The rawness and tenderness of Michael and Tanya’s relationship, the themes of survival and redemption, and the power and passion of the music they create together is the Great American love story I’ve been seeking to tell as a filmmaker,” Perrier notes.
Michael and Tanya Trotter along with McCormack, Borten, Andrew Gould and Stiklorius will serve as Executive Producers. Zach Levine and MacKenzie Marlowe will co-produce. Casting for the new film is currently underway.
Carly Pearce Gives Fans A Peek Inside Her Closet With Special Pop-Up Shop
/by Lydia FarthingCarly Pearce. Photo: Allister Ann
Carly Pearce will add an extra boost to this year’s CMA Fest schedule as she gives fans ultimate access to shop her closet. Carly’s Closet: A Pop-Up Shop Supporting Healthcare for the Music Industry will open at Noelle (200 Fourth Avenue North) in downtown Nashville on Friday, June 10 from 4-6:00 p.m. CT.
All proceeds from the CMA Female Vocalist of the Year’s haul will aid the Music Health Alliance’s mission to provide free healthcare advocacy and support to more than 18,000 music industry members across 49 states.
“I recently did some spring cleaning and found that I had so many clothes that need new owners. Who better to pass them along to than my fans!?” Pearce says. “With so many people coming to Nashville this week, it felt like the perfect time to host a pop-up shop and raise some money for a great cause.” She continues, “Access to healthcare is something we all need and deserve, and the Music Health Alliance has been providing resources to artists, songwriters and musicians for over 15 years. When you make a purchase at this event, you can know your money is going directly to them to support the people who bring the music to life.”
“Carly Pearce has won over so many people with her words and her voice,” adds Music Health Alliance’s Tatum Allsep. “Now she has shown us her kindness and heart with her idea to sell her own clothes and donate the profits to Heal The Music!”
Fans across the country will also be able to participate in Carly’s Closet online as a few items become available for sale exclusively on TalkShopLive.
Later on Friday night (June 10), Pearce will head to Nissan Stadium for her first solo appearance at CMA Fest. She will continue as support on Kenny Chesney’s “Here & Now Tour” throughout the rest of the summer.
Industry Ink: Eli Young Band, ICMC, Maggie Baugh, Adam Warner
/by Lydia FarthingEli Young Band Earns 4x Platinum Certification On The Heels Of Album Release
Pictured (L-R): BMLG Records President/CEO Jimmy Harnen, RIAA SVP of Communications and Gold & Platinum Awards Liz Kennedy, EYB’s Jon Jones, Mike Eli, Chris Thompson, James Young. Photo: Corey Ray
Eli Young Band celebrated the release of their new album, Love Talking, with a sold-out weekend on their “Love Talking Tour.”
RIAA’s Liz Kennedy and Big Machine Label Group’s Jimmy Harnen, who led “Crazy Girl” to the No. 1 spot at country radio in 2011, surprised the band with a 4x Platinum certification during their show in Washington, DC on Friday night (June 3). As their highest award yet, “Crazy Girl” has surpassed more than four million sales and streaming units in the US, was previously named Billboard‘s No. 1 Country Song of the Year, and won the ACM Award for Song of the Year.
“’Crazy Girl’ has been a defining song for us, and it’s really special to see how much fans love it too,” says Mike Eli. “We’re grateful for those singing along from the crowd and those who play our music on repeat because you make moments like these possible! And thanks to the RIAA for celebrating this certification with us.”
International Country Music Conference Honors Stacy Chandler & Tony Russell
Pictured (L-R): James Akenson, co-host for the conference; Stacy Chandler; and Don Cusic, co-host for the conference.
The International Country Music Conference (ICMC) was held this past weekend at Belmont University.
Stacy Chandler received the Rolling Stone Chet Flippo Award for Excellence in Country Music Journalism, while Tony Russell received the Belmont Book Award for the Best Book on Country Music for Rural Rhythm: The Story of Old Timem Country Music in 78 Records.
CMT Takes Over Maggie Baugh & Friends Showcase
Pictured (L-R): Tenille Arts, Maggie Baugh, Sacha, Abbey Cone, and Harper Grae
CMT recently took over the Maggie Baugh & Friends show at Nashville’s 3rd & Lindsley for their Night Out Nashville Series. The set featured performances from Baugh, Tenille Arts, Sacha, Abbey Cone, and Harper Grae.
Leslie Fram, Sr. Vice President of Music Strategy for CMT, notes: “I’ve been to several of Maggie’s shows and she is doing an amazing job introducing Nashville to the next wave of amazing talent, including herself!”
Adam Warner Signs With Sunday Supper Records, Announces New Record For Winter
Pictured (L-R): Trey Allen, SSR President; Adam Warner; Bill Vandiver, AWBV Entertainment. Photo: Jason W. Ashcraft
Country singer-songwriter and U.S. Marine veteran Adam Warner has signed a record deal with Nashville-based Sunday Supper Records, a division of Sunday Supper Group, founded by veteran tour manager and music business executive Trey Allen. Warner’s forthcoming full length project, What We’re Known For, is due out this winter through the label with distribution through The Orchard.
Warner co-wrote most of the new songs during the height of the pandemic with Mark Addison Chandler, Lewis Brice, Davis Corley, Taylor Goyette, and Josh Gallagher on a retreat to his family’s farm outside of Lawrenceville, Illinois. The new record finds Warner transitioning from his traditional country sound by integrating elements of rock n’ roll.
“I’ve never been more excited to release new music before in my career,” shares Warner. “I spent all of the pandemic writing songs and developing my sound with my team, and absolutely love the direction the music is headed. Buckle up y’all!”
What We’re Known For is the follow-up album to 2021’s Big Storm, which contained fan favorites “4 Square Miles,” “That’s How You Know You’re Livin’” and “SemperFi” featuring Trace Adkins.
Zach Bryan Shoots To The Top Of MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart
/by LB CantrellWith the success of his debut album American Heartbreak, Zach Bryan finds himself at the top of the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart this week.
Bryan is the sole writer on all eight of his currently charting songs, including “Something In The Orange,” “Heavy Eyes,” “From Austin,” “Mine Again,” “Late July,” “Happy Instead,” “Highway Boys,” and “Open The Gate.”
Ashley Gorley falls one slot to No. 2 this week. He receives credit from seven currently charting songs, such as “She Had Me At Heads Carolina” (Cole Swindell), “You Proof” (Morgan Wallen), “Slow Down Summer” (Thomas Rhett), “Take My Name” (Parmalee), “New Truck” (Dylan Scott), “You Didn’t” (Brett Young), and “Holy Water” (Michael Ray).
Ernest Keith Smith (No. 3), Jesse Frasure (No. 4) and Morgan Wallen (No. 5) complete the top five this week.
The weekly MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart uses algorithms based upon song activity according to airplay, digital download track sales and streams. This unique and exclusive addition to the MusicRow portfolio is the only songwriter chart of its kind.
Click here to view the full MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart.
Nicolle Galyon Looks Back With Long-Awaited Debut Record ‘Firstborn’
/by Lorie HollabaughNicolle Galyon. Photo: Claire Schaper
Two decades into her career, Nicolle Galyon is releasing her autobiographical debut album, Firstborn, on July 22 on her own label, Songs & Daughters.
A personal declaration 20 years in the making, Firstborn is Galyon’s life story in song form. From beginnings that lead her towards a life of overachieving, to grappling with knowing only half of her family, to the never-ending juggle between motherhood and her career and everything in between, the project is a musical memoir from one of Nashville’s most successful songwriters.
Produced by King Henry and Jimmy Robbins, the eleven-track album features collaborations with Robbins, Shane McAnally, Josh Osborne, Sasha Sloan, Kelsea Ballerini, Hillary Lindsey, Emily Weisband, Rodney Clawson, and more.
Born in Winner, South Dakota, raised in Sterling, Kansas, and now based in Nashville, Galyon has written nine No. 1 singles, including Miranda Lambert’s ACM award-winning “Automatic” and Dan + Shay’s multi-Platinum, ACM award-winning “Tequila.” She’s also received a Grammy and CMA Awards nomination, earned a Triple Play Award, and was honored by BMI as their 2019 Songwriter of the Year.
In addition to her work as a songwriter and artist, Galyon founded the female-focused label and publishing house, Songs & Daughters in partnership with Big Loud in 2019, which includes artists Hailey Whitters, Tiera Kennedy, Madison Kozak, Lauren Watkins and more. Galyon was named 2020 Kansan of the Year for her continued service and commitment to her home state, which includes partnering with SongFarm and Save The Music to install a recording studio in Sterling High School and others throughout the country.
Peytan Porter Debuts New Track From Upcoming Project ‘In My Head’
/by Lorie HollabaughPeytan Porter is gearing up for the release of her latest project, In My Head, on June 24.
Following the latest release of “First Stone” and the success of her debut track “Therapy,” which garnered over two million streams in just six months, Porter has released “Why We Broke Up,” available digitally now.
In My Head, co-produced by Greg Bates and Evan Cline, embraces the messy realities of life on tracks like “Champagne Problems.” Porter speaks the brutal truth to her own heart in “You Go Girl,” and finds her own value with the nurturing soul pop on “Someone’s Love Song.” The daydreamy “In My Head,” written just days before recording, was inspired by a tendency to imagine worst case scenarios and project them into reality.
“It’s a really fitting title because I realize how much of my life has been spent living in my head,” says Porter. “Growing up, Nashville was like a real-life Disney world to me and I pulled a lot of creative inspiration from Alice In Wonderland for the project. For me, life just isn’t as black and white as we’d like it to be and when I finally embraced that, I started painting it my own way…which is much lighter and more colorful and often rose-tinted. Like Alice, all of my biggest hopes, dreams, fears and rabbit hole ideas live right between my ears.”
She continues, “This project touches on the best and worst of all of those things and I’m so excited for people to go down the rabbit hole and see the wonderland that is In My Head.”
In My Head Track List:
1.) “Why We Broke Up” – Peytan Porter, Smith Ahnquist, Sam Bergeson
2.) “Champagne Problems” – Peytan Porter, Kenny Foster
3.) “First Stone” – Peytan Porter, Billy Montana
4.) “You Go Girl” – Peytan Porter, Madison Kozak, Jason Massey
5.) “Therapy” – Peytan Porter, Mackenzie Carpenter, Micah Carpenter, Jonathan Hutcherson
6.) “Someone’s Love Song” – Peytan Porter, Patrick Murphy, Lydia Vaughn
7.) “In My Head” – Peytan Porter, Greg Bates, Kat Higgins
Industry Celebrates Ryan Hurd & Maren Morris’ ‘Chasing After You,’ A Hit Many Years In The Making
/by LB CantrellPictured: Ryan Hurd and Maren Morris were surprised with an RIAA 2X Platinum “Chasing After You” plaque during the song’s recent No. 1 party on the BMI Nashville rooftop. (L-R): Steve Hodges (Sony Music Nashville), Jerry Flowers, Brinley Addington, Maren Morris, Ryan Hurd, Ken Robold (Sony Music Nashville). Photo: Steve Lowry
Nearly seven years after it was written by Jerry Flowers and Brinley Addington, the Nashville music industry gathered last Tuesday (May 31) to celebrate “Chasing After You,” the hit duet recorded by husband and wife Ryan Hurd and Maren Morris.
In addition to being several years old, the steamy track hitting the top of the charts marked several momentous occasions. “Chasing After You” is Addington’s first No. 1 song, and is Hurd’s first as an artist. It’s also one of the very few outside songs Hurd and Morris have ever cut.
BMI hosted the celebration on their rooftop patio. ASCAP was also in attendance.
BMI’s MaryAnn Keen led the celebration. “Some of my favorite things about this industry are the people and the relationships, and the great songs that have a journey of their own,” Keen said. “This song is all the best parts of this town.”
Keen spoke about BMI writer Addington, who she has been friends with since 2008. “We’ve dreamed of the moment when he would get his first No. 1,” she said.
ASCAP’s Kele Currier was on hand to speak about Flowers. “Jerry is celebrating his fifth No. 1 today,” she said, taking the crowd through Flowers’ history as a member of the Capitol Records band The Ranch up to his current role as a hit songwriter and band leader for Keith Urban.
Pictured (L-R, seated): Jerry Flowers, Maren Morris, Ryan Hurd, Brinley Addington; (L-R, standing): Lee Griffin (Mojo), Jeff Tweel (Mojo), Ariana Vargas (Mojo), Teddy Reimer (producer), Steve Hodges (Sony Music Nashville), Ashley Gorley (Tape Room), Noah Dewey (Anthem), Courtney Crist (Anthem), Aaron Eshuis (producer), Janet Weir (House of 42/Red Light Management), MaryAnn Keen (BMI), Tim Wipperman (Anthem). Photo: Steve Lowry
The first publisher presentation came from Anthem’s Courtney Crist, who helped sign Addington to HoriPro and now works with Flowers. She told more of the backstory between the popular “Chasing After You” demo that has been floating around Music Row for seven years, saying that it had been on hold by what felt like every artist in town at one point.
“The first time I heard it was in 2015, my first day at HoriPro, when Ryan put his phone up to my ear and said, ‘Listen to this song,'” she said. “I asked him who he wrote it with and he said, ‘I didn’t. Brinley and Jerry did.’
“He then tells me I need to sign Brinley because one day he’s going to cut it. So we did, and he did,” Crist said. “When you hear Ryan endorse a song or writer, you listen. Both you and Maren are such incredible songwriters, but you always champion your friends, Nashville and songwriters in general.”
Tape Room’s Ashley Gorley spoke about Flowers. “Jerry is one of the most musically talented, sweetest people I’ve ever gotten the chance to work with,” he said. “This song is timeless—which we’re thankful for because it took a little bit of time before it got its life at country radio. It truly is one of those that I think will be played forever.”
Mojo Music & Media’s Jeff Tweel spoke on the company’s involvement in the song. “I was not involved in the day-to-day operations when this happened,” he admitted. “But I want to congratulate Brinley on our behalf, we still have your great catalog with us.” Tweel also gave a shout out to Keithan Melton for his involvement in the success of “Chasing After You.”
Sony Music Nashville’s Steve Hodges was on hand to represent the radio promo team’s success. He spoke about the song’s impressive stats. “It was one of the biggest records of the year airplay wise,” he said, before inviting Ken Robold up to the stage to present Hurd and Morris with a surprise double Platinum plaque.
Pictured (L-R, seated): Jerry Flowers, Maren Morris, Ryan Hurd, and Brinley Addington with their MusicRow No. 1 Challenge Coins; (L-R, standing): MusicRow‘s Sherod Robertson and LB Cantrell. Photo: Steve Lowry
Next up to speak were the songwriters. Flowers kicked things off by thanking his co-writer. “This is the first song we ever wrote together,” he said. “It was one of those songs that came so quick. And it was one of those overnight successes, too. Only took seven years.”
Flowers recognized his publishers and his family before Addington stepped up to the mic.
“I’ve wanted to do this for a while,” he said. “Longer than seven years but that’s what it took.”
If Addington grows tired of being a hit songwriter, he could certainly pursue comedy. He had the crowd in the palm of his hand as he thanked Flowers, Hurd and Morris, his team, supporters and family with both wit and sincerity.
“To everyone in here and everyone who is not here that ever encouraged me, thank you,” Addington said. “If you didn’t encourage me or told me no, thanks. That pushed me too.”
Morris was up next. “I heard this six or seven years ago and it became one of those demos that became Music Row famous,” she said. “It’s gone through so many evolutions over the years and I am so proud that during COVID we said, ‘Let’s take one more stab at it.'”
Morris recognized the fact that “Chasing After You” is an outside song. “Once in a blue moon, an outside cut will go No. 1. I need to listen to this advice, too: artists can write songs, but every once in a while, for God’s sake can you just let the professionals do it for you?”
When Hurd started to speak, he called “Chasing After You” producers Aaron Eshuis and Teddy Reimer up to recognize them for their work. “If you want a hit record made in Nashville, Tennessee right now, pick one of these two,” Hurd said.
Hurd was emotional when it was his time to speak. “I might need my glasses in case my eyes get sweaty,” he joked when he started.
“I imagined this day since I signed my record deal,” Hurd said. “I imagined it very differently. I thought I’d be up here by myself with a song that I had written. But there’s no such thing as a solo artist is what I have found out. I mean, look at all of you in this room, look at the people on this stage, think about our bands and tour managers.”
Hurd thanked Morris for sharing in the song with him, the songwriters, and his team.
“I love being a songwriter in Nashville, Tennessee and I’m so thankful for all of the people who have cut my songs, but getting to do both… I tell everybody that what I do is like a pair of shoes. There’s a left foot and a right foot and I can’t imagine being just a writer or just an artist at this part of my life. I love them both so much.”
Priscilla Block, Shy Carter, Manny Blu, Kyle Daniel To Perform At Nashville Meets London Festival
/by Lorie HollabaughNashville Meets London has announced the first round of performers set to appear during this year’s festival Aug. 24-25. The lineup will include Priscilla Block, Shy Carter, Manny Blu, and Kyle Daniel, with more to be announced. DJ Hish will also perform in between sets, while Absolute Radio Country host, Matt Spracklen, will emcee the event.
This year’s festival will be held in a new location, Trinity Buoy Wharf, in East London. The new site is a riverside venue opposite the O2 with an indoor stage and an outdoor seated area with food stalls and cashless bars. The festival will feature performances by 12 artists, with six sets scheduled for each day between 4-11 p.m. Tickets will be available for purchase starting June 7.
“The last few years have been challenging for artists, promoters, and audiences alike, and 2022 still presents challenges for promoters,” shares NML Co-Founder Peter Conway. “This year’s festival started to become a reality when Gavin Chittick (Millport Festival) asked us to promote three U.S. acts that wanted a London show. Other agents and artists then contacted us. And by luck, Eric Reynolds of Trinity Buoy Wharf stated he had two free dates available midweek in August. For us, 2022 is a stepping stone to a larger festival in 2023. Watch this space!”
Conway continues, “We are so excited to be able to promote our NML festival in 2022. We started the festival in 2016 after I met with Nashville’s Jeff Walker in 2015. Jeff was a true torchbearer for widening the reach of country music, particularly up and coming and emerging artists. His spirit lives on in NML.”
Matt Watkins, NML Co-Founder, adds: “NML 2022 is a new launching point for our festival, and we are excited for the future and the forthcoming events and talent we have yet to announce. We are always listening to what our UK audience wants while also pushing their music horizons with our talent lineup. Since its inception, our goal has been to bring over acts that fall in different areas of artists’ careers. Ultimately, we just want everybody to have a great time and hear great music.”