Andrew Stoelzing
Warner Chappell Music, in partnership with Fourward, has signed a global publishing deal with singer-songwriter Andrew Stoelzing.
Stoelzing moved to Nashville in 2016 to attend Belmont University’s Songwriting program. He has since gained the attention of pop artists across the US. His lyrics and pop melodies are inspired by his love for ‘80s rock, Billy Joel, Elton John, Coldplay, The 1975, Lennon Stella, and Lany.
The Texas-born artist has recently penned tunes such as “Lose My Number” by Nightly, “24” by Alexander Stewart, “Bittersweet” by Francisco Martin, and “Kiss My Scars” by August Royals.
Ben Vaughn, President and CEO, WCM Nashville notes: “Andrew’s unparalleled songwriting ability across a wide variety of genres truly sets him apart, and he’s just getting started. We’re thrilled to join him on this journey and help catapult his career to the next level.”
“It’s been incredible working with Andrew so far, from his time as a songwriting student at Belmont University, to now through our joint venture with Fourward,” Jessi Stevenson, Senior Director, A&R/Digital adds. “Andrew is extremely versatile as he can lyrically perform in writing sessions from pop to country to alternative. He has quickly established himself as one of Nashville’s go-to up-and-coming pop writers and I am excited to see that expand in the global market.”
“We are very excited to be partnering with Warner Chappell on Andrew,” Will Ward, CEO and Founder, Fourward says. “He is an insanely talented writer who is one of those rare breeds who can write pop, country, alternative, and more.”
“I feel so honored to be a part of the Warner Chappell and Fourward family and can’t wait for what the future holds. Both companies hold the standard for success, class, and hard work in the music industry and I am exactly where I want to be at this chapter in my life,” Stoelzing shares. “A special thank you to Ben Vaughn, Jessi Stevenson, and Bethany Mako for taking a chance on a young writer in college and pushing me to strive for greatness. And another huge thank you to the Fourward team (Will Ward, Jake Sarno, Joey McCarthy, and Nina Musolino) for believing in me and my vision as a writer and artist. I can’t say enough about the entire team behind me and am ready to make the most of this opportunity!”
Nicolette Hayford Makes Artist Debut As Pillbox Patti
/by Lydia FarthingPillbox Patti. Photo: Alexa Kinigopoulos
Celebrated Nashville songwriter Nicolette Hayford has entered the artist world as Pillbox Patti with the release of two new songs—”Young and Stupid” and “Good People”—available everywhere now via Monument Records.
As a songwriter, Hayford has penned hits such as “One Night Standards” and “Little Dive Bar in Dahlonega” for McBryde, as well as songs for Lainey Wilson, William Michael Morgan and Chrissy Metz. She was named MusicRow’s Breakthrough Songwriter of the Year in 2021 and has been nominated for ACM and CMA Song Of The Year awards.
Produced by Chisolm, more music from Pillbox Patti will be released later this year. She will also be hitting the road this summer, opening for Brantley Gilbert & Jelly Roll on the “Son Of The Dirty South Tour.”
Pillbox Patti is represented by WME and managed by SMACK.
Notes Live Expands Into Murfreesboro With New Amphitheater, Complex
/by Lorie HollabaughNotes Live has announced plans for a multi-million dollar public-private partnership to open The Sunset Music Colosseum on the River, an outdoor amphitheater and an adjacent indoor music venue and restaurant in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. The venue is slated to open in 2023.
The Sunset Amphitheater will host large acts on a live music entertainment campus with amenities such as 32 firepit suites alongside stadium-style seating and lawn seating. The facilities will be located on the 18.2-acre city parcel located on the southeast corner of Medical Center Parkway and Gateway Boulevard.
The proposed $40 million music, entertainment and dining project also includes a Bourbon Brothers Smokehouse & Tavern, a casual dining restaurant with a high-quality tasting room, rooftop patio and a large outdoor patio with outdoor fireplaces.
An adjoining Boot Barn Hall will hold up to 1,400 people and will be modeled after Notes Live’s Boot Barn Hall in Colorado Springs, which quickly became one of Colorado’s premiere music venues after opening in February 2019. Notes Live expects to see approximately 800,000 patrons per year across Bourbon Brothers, Boot Barn Hall and the Sunset on the River.
“We are excited to announce another high-quality entertainment venture to our city featuring live music in both indoor and outdoor settings,” states Murfreesboro Mayor Shane McFarland. “Providing final agreements are approved by Council, the amphitheater will be a public-private partnership adding a significant amenity to the area and elevating Murfreesboro in the Nashville music scene. As mayor, I am delighted, along with the City Council, to welcome Notes Live to Murfreesboro in making this substantial investment and we look forward to Notes Live contributing to the community in many ways.”
“I can’t tell you how excited we are to be full steam ahead in building our new Murfreesboro campus. We love Murfreesboro and plan to build one of the most luxurious music campuses in the country. We expect our live streaming and content strategy to make ‘Live from Murfreesboro’ a household name in every living room in America,” adds JW Roth, Notes Live Founder and CEO.
The company’s flagship 1,400 seat Boot Barn Hall is located in Colorado Springs. Another location is under construction outside of Atlanta, with plans to expand into Florida and Texas as well.
Danni Leigh Returns With New Album ‘Walkin’ On A Wire’
/by Lorie HollabaughDanni Leigh is back after a 15-year hiatus from the business with a new project, Walkin’ on a Wire, available June 10 via BFD / Audium Nashville.
Leigh co-wrote each of the 11 songs on her new collection, which explores love, loss and life’s complicated moments. The first single, “My Arms Stay Open All Night,” was written with Melba Montgomery, and the song’s intro features her in a candid recording from their co-writing session.
“Walking On A Wire is a good image of how I feel navigating the world right now,” she says. “That’s why I chose it for this record because it feels like with the pandemic and everything that is going on in the world right now. The song itself is talking about a relationship that is a little rocky. I don’t feel that way about my husband, of course. It’s more like the visual of walking on a wire in the world, really.”
During her time away from music, Leigh spent time focusing on her family and lived in Spain for five years. The project is a welcome return from an artist who has come into her own during her time away from the spotlight and is comfortable in her own skin.
“I learned too not to go too crazy,” she explains. “Less is more and I think that you hear that on this record. We didn’t pile on a whole bunch of stuff. The instruments breathe. They make poignant statements themselves. I’m not trying to over sing anything or prove a point or be anybody except myself, and that’s what this is to me. I’m real proud of it. I hope people like it.”
The War And Treaty Sign Major Label Deal With UMG Nashville
/by Lydia FarthingPictured (L-R): Jay Williams (WME), Shannon Saunders (WME), Grace Stern (WME), Mike Dungan (UMGN), Tanya Trotter, Michael Trotter Jr., Cindy Mabe (UMGN), Mary Hilliard Harrington (Red Light Management), Jeff Colvin (Marcus & Colvin), Mike Harris (UMGN), Rob Femia (UMGN). Photo: Katie Kauss
The War And Treaty have signed their first major record deal with Universal Music Group Nashville.
The husband-and-wife duo of Michael Trotter Jr. and Tanya Trotter are currently in the studio with new music expected later this year. The War and Treaty are also celebrating their recent Americana Honors nomination for Duo/Group of the Year.
Over the last eight months, the duo also signed with Mary Hilliard Harrington and Christina Dunkley at Red Light Management and Jay Williams, Andrew Colvin and Grace Stern at WME. They are represented by Jeff Colvin at Marcus & Colvin.
“We are excited to join the ranks of so many artist who we adore and admire both past and present,” the pair note. “To be a part of a historical company such as UMG Nashville and to further tell the storyline that we all can follow and achieve our dreams brings tears to our eyes. This is our story and we are grateful UMG wants to be a part of it.”
“When I was introduced to The War And Treaty, I was absolutely blown away,” adds UMGN Chairman & CEO Mike Dungan. “Their talent and passion are extraordinary, and I’m so excited to welcome Tanya and Michael to the UMG family.”
The duo will head overseas this summer with stops in the Netherlands, Ireland, Italy, and the Glastonbury Festival in the United Kingdom. For a full list of upcoming dates, click here.
Kane Brown Named Grand Marshal Of Ally 400 NASCAR Race At Nashville Superspeedway
/by Steven BoeroFive-time American Music Award winner Kane Brown will serve as the grand marshal for the Ally 400 NASCAR Cup Series race at Nashville Superspeedway on Sunday, June 26.
Brown, known for chart-topping hits “One Mississippi,” “Heaven,” “What Ifs,” “Homesick,” and more, will give NASCAR’s top drivers the command to start their engines before the race.
“We can’t wait to welcome Kane Brown to Nashville Superspeedway next month as part of our celebration around the Ally 400,” says Erik Moses, Nashville Superspeedway’s President. “As Middle Tennessee’s home for NASCAR racing and entertainment, we are thrilled to be able to host America’s top drivers and top entertainers at the same time! We look forward to ensuring that Kane experiences the best that #NASHCAR has to offer this June!”
The Chattanooga, Tennessee native first made history in October 2017 as the first artist to lead all five of Billboard’s main country charts simultaneously, and has gone on to amass seven No. 1 hits at country radio.
One of Brown’s most impactful collaborations is “Famous Friends” with Chris Young, which became Billboard’s 2021 year-end No. 1 Country Airplay Song and remained in the top five of Billboard’s airplay chart for 15 weeks. Last June, he and Young won Collaborative Video of the Year at the 2021 CMT Music Awards.
Platinum-selling artist and reigning ACM Entertainer of the Year Luke Combs served as the grand marshal for the inaugural Ally 400 in 2021.
W.O. Smith Music School To Host The Smitty Corporate Band Challenge This August
/by Lydia FarthingW.O. Smith Music School will host The Smitty Corporate Band Challenge this August. Multiple corporate bands, comprised of a minimum 50% of a company’s employees, will compete to be crowned the most musically talented business in Nashville.
Qualifying bands can perform any and all genres of popular music, but no members can be full-time musicians. For full eligibility requirements, click here.
Qualifying rounds will take place on Aug. 15 and 16. The three highest scoring bands will compete in the final round of competition on Aug. 23. The top three bands will each win cash prizes, including $2,000 for first place; $1,000 for second place; and $500 for third place.
Registration for The Smitty Corporate Band Challenge is open now through July 15. A registration fee of $1,000 is required of each corporate band sponsor.
Andrew Stoelzing Inks With Warner Chappell Music, Fourward
/by Lydia FarthingAndrew Stoelzing
Warner Chappell Music, in partnership with Fourward, has signed a global publishing deal with singer-songwriter Andrew Stoelzing.
Stoelzing moved to Nashville in 2016 to attend Belmont University’s Songwriting program. He has since gained the attention of pop artists across the US. His lyrics and pop melodies are inspired by his love for ‘80s rock, Billy Joel, Elton John, Coldplay, The 1975, Lennon Stella, and Lany.
The Texas-born artist has recently penned tunes such as “Lose My Number” by Nightly, “24” by Alexander Stewart, “Bittersweet” by Francisco Martin, and “Kiss My Scars” by August Royals.
Ben Vaughn, President and CEO, WCM Nashville notes: “Andrew’s unparalleled songwriting ability across a wide variety of genres truly sets him apart, and he’s just getting started. We’re thrilled to join him on this journey and help catapult his career to the next level.”
“It’s been incredible working with Andrew so far, from his time as a songwriting student at Belmont University, to now through our joint venture with Fourward,” Jessi Stevenson, Senior Director, A&R/Digital adds. “Andrew is extremely versatile as he can lyrically perform in writing sessions from pop to country to alternative. He has quickly established himself as one of Nashville’s go-to up-and-coming pop writers and I am excited to see that expand in the global market.”
“We are very excited to be partnering with Warner Chappell on Andrew,” Will Ward, CEO and Founder, Fourward says. “He is an insanely talented writer who is one of those rare breeds who can write pop, country, alternative, and more.”
“I feel so honored to be a part of the Warner Chappell and Fourward family and can’t wait for what the future holds. Both companies hold the standard for success, class, and hard work in the music industry and I am exactly where I want to be at this chapter in my life,” Stoelzing shares. “A special thank you to Ben Vaughn, Jessi Stevenson, and Bethany Mako for taking a chance on a young writer in college and pushing me to strive for greatness. And another huge thank you to the Fourward team (Will Ward, Jake Sarno, Joey McCarthy, and Nina Musolino) for believing in me and my vision as a writer and artist. I can’t say enough about the entire team behind me and am ready to make the most of this opportunity!”
SOURCE Nashville Hall of Fame 2022 Inductees Honored At May Luncheon
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R, top row): Dottie Oelhafen, Betty Sanders, Suzanne Lee, Margie Hunt; (L-R, bottom row): Ruby Aleene Jackson, Norma Jean Owen, Ima Withers. Photo: Alan Taylor
SOURCE Nashville held its monthly luncheon at Maggiano’s in Nashville on May 19 to celebrate seven prominent female industry leaders who will be inducted into the SOURCE Nashville Hall Of Fame.
The annual awards inducts a select group of special “Women Behind The Music.” Presented by Springer Mountain Farms, this year marks the 19th anniversary of the SOURCE Nashville Hall of Fame Awards, which returns to an in-person event on Aug. 23 at the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum in the Municipal Auditorium.
Ticket information on the awards will be released in the coming weeks.
The 2022 SOURCE Nashville Hall of Fame inductees are:
Margie Hunt – Waylon Jennings/Jessi Colter, AWMG Entertainment, CBS Records, Sony Music, Hunt Music Services
Ruby Aleene Jackson – Monument Records, Showbud Guitars, Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum, Conway Twitty Enterprises, Tree International, Cowboy Jack Clement Productions
Suzanne Lee – ASCAP
Dottie Oelhafen – Erv Woolsey Company
Norma Jean Owen – CBS Records, Columbia Records, Capitol Records, The Entertainment Group
Betty Sanders – The Pride Music Group, Blake Mevis, The Hyland Company, Chuck Flood & Associates/Flood, Bumstead, McCready & McCarthy, Inc.
Ima Withers – Chips Moman & Don Crews American Recording Studios, Warner Brothers, RCA Records, Merit Music, BMI
Sam Hunt, Craig Wiseman To Headline Stars For Second Harvest Benefit Concert
/by Lorie HollabaughSam Hunt and hit songwriter Craig Wiseman are set to perform at the 2022 Stars for Second Harvest benefit concert on June 7 at the Ryman Auditorium. Ernest and Ben Burgess round out the lineup for the special evening.
Tickets are available at axs.com, ryman.com, or by calling (615) 889-3060. Proceeds will benefit Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee in their efforts to provide food to people facing hunger and to advance hunger solutions in the community.
“I am thrilled to have Sam Hunt headlining for the return of Stars for Second Harvest,” Wiseman shares. “In addition to Sam Hunt, we have an amazing lineup of singer-songwriters. All of this is made possible by the generous support of our show sponsor American Airlines. It’s going to be a great night for a great cause!”
“At American Airlines, we remain deeply committed to giving back to the communities where we operate, and we are proud to partner with Second Harvest,” adds Griffin Gonzalez, Head of Community Relations at American. “With the incredible talent coming together in support of Second Harvest’s mission, this event will raise critical funds to provide thousands of meals for Middle Tennesseans at risk of hunger.”
Ernest Blossoms On MusicRow Radio Chart
/by Alex ParryErnest earns his first No. 1 as an artist on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart with “Flower Shops” featuring Morgan Wallen. He has achieved six previous No. 1s as a songwriter starting in 2020 with FGL’s “Blessings” and, most recently, “Wasted On You” by Wallen, which went No. 1 in April.
Ernest co-wrote “Flower Shops” with Ben Burgess and Mark Holman. It is also the title track to his debut album which came out in March.
In addition to several festival appearances this summer, Ernest is serving as opening support on select dates of Wallen’s “Dangerour Tour.” Click for more tour information.
Click here to view the latest edition of The MusicRow Weekly containing the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart.