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.”
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.”
Weekly Register: Wallen Reclaims Top Album, Continues To Sweep Country Songs Chart
/by Lydia FarthingMorgan Wallen. Photo: John Shearer
Morgan Wallen reclaims the top country album this week as his record-breaking Dangerous: The Double Album adds 54K in total consumption (1.4K album only/66 million song streams). Wallen also bookends the top five albums with his 2016 release If I Know Me, which gained 18K this week, according to Luminate data.
On the songs side, Wallen also continues to rule the charts. “You Proof” takes the top spot with 11 million streams, “Wasted On You” takes third with 7.5 million streams, and “Whiskey Glasses” seals the top five with 6.4 million streams.
Filling out the remainder of the top country streaming songs chart is Zach Bryan‘s “Something In The Orange” at No. 2, which earned 10 million streams this week, and Bailey Zimmerman‘s “Fall In Love” at No. 4 with 7.5 million streams.
Bryan also takes No. 2 on the albums chart with his 34-track American Heartbreak. The monster project saw 40K in total consumption this week (1.3K album only/49 million song streams). Luke Combs claims the remaining two spots: What You See Is What You Get takes third with 19K and This One’s For You earns fourth with 18K.
Madeline Edwards Slates Self-Titled Debut For June 24
/by Lorie HollabaughMadeline Edwards is slated to release her debut, self-titled EP on June 24. Fans can sample a taste of the upcoming project with the new single, “Hold My Horses,” out now.
“Hold My Horses” was penned by Edwards, Klare Essad and Joy Hanna, and is the follow-up to Edwards’ single “Port City.” In celebration of the collection, Edwards will play a full-band Nashville show at The Basement on the night of the EP release.
Edwards’ blend of jazz, soul, gospel and country will be on full display on the new five-song collection, which will include previously-released hits “Port City,” and “The Road.”
“This EP has been in the works for over two years. The influences that helped shape the sound of it have been in the works for even longer. I’m excited for everyone to hear the beginning of a new chapter in this musical journey,” Edwards shared.
Edwards recently signed a publishing deal with Sony Music Publishing, and is currently on the road opening for Chris Stapleton’s “All American Road Show Tour.”
Madeline Edwards EP Track List:
“Hold My Horses” (Madeline Edwards, Klare Essad, Joy Hanna) Produced by Josh Moore
“Heart You Can’t Break” (Madeline Edwards, Ryan Tyndell, Wyatt Durrette) Produced by Ryan Tyndell & Oscar Charles
“Why I’m Calling” (Madeline Edwards, Trannie Anderson, Seth Mosley) Produced by Josh Moore
“Port City” (Madeline Edwards, Court Clement, Josh Moore) Produced by Josh Moore
“The Road” (Madeline Edwards, Josh Moore, Joy Hanna) Produced by Josh Moore
For King & Country, Anne Wilson See Big Wins At 2022 K-Love Fan Awards
/by Lorie HollabaughFor King & Country. Photo: Jason Davis
For King & Country racked up triple wins during Friday night’s (June 3) broadcast of the 9th Annual K-Love Fan Awards. The duo took home Artist of the Year, Song of the Year, and Group/Duo of the Year honors during the ceremony, which was originally taped live in front of a sold-out crowd at Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry on May 29.
Anne Wilson. Photo: Jason Davis
Newcomer Anne Wilson received two awards for Female Artist of the Year and Breakout Single of the Year (“My Jesus”), while Matthew West was named Male Artist of the Year during the special evening.
Other winners included Katy Nichole‘s first K-Love Fan Award nomination and win for Worship Song of the Year (“In Jesus Name (God Of Possible)),” and Sadie Robertson Huff‘s win for the first-ever Podcast of the Year Award for Whoa That’s Good.
Collaborative performances took place throughout the evening from Blanca with Dante Bowe, CeCe Winans with Lauren Daigle, Jonathan Traylor with Jordan Feliz, Kirk Franklin with Maverick City Music, and Riley Clemmons with country star Walker Hayes. Additional performances included Wilson, Cain, Chris Tomlin, Elevation Worship, For King & Country, Nichole, West, Phil Wickham, Tauren Wells, and TobyMac.
Matthew West. Photo: Jason Davis
West and Wells hosted the show, which capped a weekend of in-person, fan-focused events, including a songwriter’s showcase hosted by Steven Curtis Chapman, and a worship service with Brandon Lake, Pat Barrett and Wickham.
Casi Joy Inks With Rusty Harmon’s Vere Music, Adds Management To Team [Exclusive]
/by Lydia FarthingCasi Joy inks with Vere Music
Country/pop artist Casi Joy has inked an exclusive deal with Vere Music. The singer-songwriter has also tapped Richard Ellis and Ron Stone of Gold Mountain Entertainment for management to round out her team.
The news comes on the cusp of her forthcoming single release, “Everything’s Fine,” on Friday, June 17. Co-written alongside Lauryn Tauber and Justin Klump, the track holds a timely yet positive message weaved together with Joy’s wit and tongue-in-cheek lyrics.
“Casi Joy has built a solid team over the years, including world class management, digital marketing, publicity, and brand partnerships,” notes Rusty Harmon, head of Vere Music. “Vere is excited to partner with an artist that exemplifies knowledge of the industry, has great songs, and is an energetic performer.”
Joy has shared the stage with country music heavy hitters including Maren Morris, Keith Urban, Carly Pearce, Dustin Lynch and other various chart topping artists. She has also garnered a social following of over 350,000 and over 40 million combined views online. The Kansas City native released plenty of new music in 2021, including fan-favorite tracks “The Money,” “Namaste” and “Senses Fail.”
“I’m so excited to get started with Rusty and the Vere Music team, and I can’t wait to see where this next step takes me. It feels like a match-made in heaven, and I’m so grateful to be working with a team who believes in me and my music,” Joy shares.
Music Industry Organizations Conclude First Annual TSU Music Accelerator Program
/by LB CantrellTSU students. Photo: Courtesy of 353 media
A handful of music industry organizations recently completed the three-week Maymester Music Accelerator Program at Tennessee State University. The Music Accelerator Program at TSU is a program in partnership with Black Music Action Coalition (BMAC), Nashville Music Equality, Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), Wasserman Music, and YouTube Music.
Over the course of the 3-week program, TSU students heard from influential music executives, and took advantage of internship placements across multiple music industry companies, including Wasserman Music, Warner Music Nashville and LVRN.
Breland (far right) speaking to TSU students. Photo: Courtesy of 353 media
Speakers who participated in the program included Post Malone manager Dre London; Artistry Group founder/CEO Max Gousse; Tuma Basa (Youtube Music); Andrew Lieber (MAC Agency); Roddy Ricch manager Shawn Holiday; recording artists Breland, Blanco Brown and Joy Oladokun; Mary J Blige’s manager Ashaunna Ayars; Marcus Johnson (Goldenvoice/AEG); Brandon McEachern and Marcus Allen (Broccoli City); EMPIRE product manager Russell Barrett; RIAA’s Jackie Jones; VP of EMPIRE Tina Davis; BMG’s Tim Reid and Jon Loba; Wasserman Music agents Lee Anderson, Lenore Kinder, Callender, Chappel McCollister and Mallory Smith, and many more.
“The Music Business Accelerator course was a one-of-a-kind learning experience that exposed students to successful music professionals,” shares Dr. Mark Crawford, Professor of Music and Coordinator of Commercial Music, TSU. “Whether having guests in the classroom, or visiting a music related company, the course provided real-time and real-life information that have enabled the students to see their future careers as a tangible goal and not an ambiguous dream. This course provided inspiration, calculation, and anticipation of things to come!”
Willie “Prophet” Stiggers, co-founder/co-chair of BMAC, adds, “Black Music Action Coalition wants to be intentional about addressing the erasure of Black artists, executives, and the creative community on Music Row by creating a real pipeline to opportunities and resources to level the playing field in Nashville. I was able to watch the students in this music accelerator program show up at 8:15 in the morning on a daily basis, ready to learn and were completely engaged for over 3 hours, as some of the most successful and influential leaders in the entertainment industry poured into them. The students were able to learn about publishing, management & branding, distribution, marketing, tour routing & talent buying and even participate in a focus group for an upcoming release from an artist signed to a major label. Three weeks of nonstop action.”
Stiggers continues, “I met some incredible artists, rappers, singer-songwriters, managers, and producers who will definitely make their mark in this industry. Not only through the paid internships that follow this program, but we will continue to work directly with all of these students to ensure they are equipped with all they need to succeed. This was an incredible first step, of which many BMAC will take with those in Nashville dedicated to racial, social and economic justice. We are grateful for the partnership with Dr. Crawford, Wasserman Music, RIAA, Youtube Music, Nashville Music Equality and Tennessee State University.”
Kendell Marvel Debuts New Track From Upcoming Album ‘Come On Sunshine’
/by Lorie HollabaughKendell Marvel. Photo: Laura E. Partain
Kendell Marvel has announced he’ll release his latest album, Come On Sunshine, on Sept. 23 via CmdShft. Ahead of the release, “Put It In The Plate,” a southern-fried stomper, is available everywhere now.
Produced by Beau Bedford, Come On Sunshine explores the wide range of Marvel’s influences. The 10 tracks delve into some of life’s experiences through country, rock and blues. The project also features a handful of familiar songwriters and musicians, including his longtime friend and collaborator Chris Stapleton, Al Anderson, Dan Auerbach, Devon Gilfillian, Waylon Payne, Mickey Raphael, and more.
“I’m 51 years old, which means I’m long past the point of catering to anybody,” Marvel explains. “I’m just telling the stories I want to tell. I like to work with people who are different than me. Working with Beau Bedford in Dallas meant that I was playing with guys I’d never met before. Guys who had different ideas, different tones, and different ways of playing than my friends back home. We recorded the album live, finishing the whole thing in four days. That’s how you capture magic.”
He continues, “The same thing can be said for the people I write with. I prefer left-field people—people who come from different backgrounds and different genres. Devon Gilfillian comes from the R&B world; he hears different melodies than I do. Waylon is a gay man, so he has some experiences that are different than mine. I love to surround myself with people like that, and sit in the writing room with someone who isn’t just like me. Because that’s how you capture magic, too.”
Marvel will perform the new music throughout this summer with upcoming shows at Charlotte’s The Evening Muse, Memphis’ Growlers, Boise’s The Olympic Venue and Spokane’s Lucky You Lounge, among others. Additionally, his Nashville residency, “Kendell Marvel’s Honky Tonk Experience,” will return to Exit/In on Aug. 9 with a selection of special guests.