Cody Johnson
It’s all country stars, no waiting, in this edition of DisClaimer.
Darius Rucker, Kane Brown and Easton Corbin are all here. There are so many stars that they come in pairs—Chris Janson & Eric Church, Dylan Scott & Jimmie Allen, Chris Young & Old Dominion, Elle King & Dierks Bentley.
In a column filled with memorable performances, unstoppable Cody Johnson edges a win for the Disc of the Day prize.
The DisCovery Award goes to the wonderfully original Adam Raitiere.
AARON RAITIERE / “Single Wide Dreamer”
Writer: Aaron Raitiere/Jon Decious; Producers: Miranda Lambert/Anderson East; Label: Dinner Time/Thirty Tigers
— This guy is so left-field cool. His lazy vocal drawl, quirky lyrics and spare, funky production are all terrifically ear catching. This is the title tune of an album that’s in league with such greats as John Prine and Todd Snider. You absolutely need to hear this man’s music.
KANE BROWN / “Like I Love Country Music”
Writers: Kane Brown/Matthew McGuinn/Taylor Phillips/Jordan Schmidt; Producer: Dann Huff; Label: RCA
— Bold sounding and rockin.’ So cleverly written, with its name drops of Johnny & June, Willie, Alan, Brooks & Dunn and Jones. Instrumentally, it’s somewhat “busy” sounding, but there’s no denying the hearty vocal.
FILMORE / “Mean Something”
Writers: Filmore/Will Weatherly/Michael Whitworth; Producer: Zach Abend; Label: Curb
— An echoey track and wafting audio atmosphere set the stage for an expressive vocal about working on the road and missing loved ones. Moody and mournful.
EASTON CORBIN / “I Can’t Decide”
Writers: Ashley Gorley/Easton Corbin/Rhett Akins/Wade Kirby; Producers: Derek George/Wade Kirby; Label: Stone Country
— She’s so pretty in every way that he can’t decide which “look” she should put on for their date. I dig it that his vocal is mixed so crystal clear in the midst of a storming uptempo track.
BREI CARTER / “Paybacks”
Writers: Brei Carter/Jason Campbell/Terry Smith; Producer: Jason Wyatt; Label: BC
— The Louisiana singer-songwriter is feisty and fierce on this kiss-off power ballad. Snarling electric guitar, stomping tempo and solidly country attitude are the hallmarks here.
CHRIS YOUNG & OLD DOMINION / “Everybody Needs a Song”
Writers: Brad Francis Tursi/Chris Young/Chris DeStefano; Producers: Chris Young/Chris DeStefano; Label: Sony
— “When we can’t find the words, the radio can.” Truer words about country music were never spoken, and the mini portraits in this lyric are dandy (“Spring breakers need a fast one,” “Prom night needs a dance,” “Heartbreaks need a melody,” etc.). Marvelously well written and sung with gusto.
CODY JOHNSON / “Human”
Writers: Tony Lane/Travis Meadows; Producer: Trent Willmon; Label: Warner
— I didn’t think it was possible to follow a perfect performance like “’Til You Can’t,” but this stunning meditation on frailty and mistakes is just as breathtaking. This man is dusted with the glitter of superstardom.
CHRIS JANSON & ERIC CHURCH / “You, Me and the River”
Writer: Eric Church; Producers: Tommy Cecil/Chris Janson; Label: Warner
— Wow. A murder ballad. This is drenched in darkness, drama and doom. A shuddering electric guitar, thumped slow percussion and minor-key theatrics frame their ultra compelling, chilling performance. An awesome performance by both men.
DYLAN SCOTT & JIMMIE ALLEN / “In Our Blood”
Writers: David Fanning/Brad Rempel/Matt McGuinn; Producers: Will Weatherly/Matt Alderman; Label: Curb
— “We all bleed red at the end of the day.” It’s an oomphy anthem of brotherhood and unity that cuts across racial, cultural and religious lines. Scott takes the lead with Allen shadowing him with phrases and lines.
JESSIE JAMES DECKER / “Should Have Known Better”
Writer: Tom Barnes/Pete Kelleher/Benjamin Kohn/Madi Yanofsky; Producers: Matt McVaney/Scott Hendricks/TMS; Label: Warner/Atlantic/Big Yellow Dog
— A sassy, moving-on stomper that’s packed with femme attitude.
DARIUS RUCKER / “Same Beer Different Problem”
Writers: Darius Rucker/Tofer Brown/Sarah Buxton/Brad Tursi; Producer: Ross Copperman; Label: Capitol
— Rollicking. Made for a summer afternoon with brews handy. Crank it up and sing along.
ELLE KING & DIERKS BENTLEY / “Worth a Shot”
Writer: none listed; Producer: none listed; Label: Sony
— The “Different for Girls” duet partners return with an energetic, irresistible, forward-rushing slab of sound that particularly showcases Elle’s penetrating, forceful delivery. Bentley’s laid-back style relaxes behind her. Highly engaging.
Dierks Bentley, Hardy & Breland Celebrate ‘Beers On Me’
/by LB CantrellPictured (L-R): Ross Copperman, Breland, Dierks Bentley, Hardy, Luke Dick, Ashley Gorley. Photo: Zach Belcher
Multi-Platinum country hitmaker Dierks Bentley gathered with collaborators Hardy and Breland recently to celebrate his 21st career No. 1, “Beers On Me.”
The tune was Hardy’s second No. 1 as an artist and Breland’s first. Co-writers Ross Copperman, Luke Dick and Ashley Gorley also joined the singers at a dinner party at The Optimist in Nashville to commemorate the feat.
At the party, Bentley surprised the men with something he calls “The Bidude,” and a hand written note saying “the beers on me…but the sprays on you!”
Pictured (L-R): Ashley Gorley, Hardy, Luke Dick, Dierks Bentley, Breland, and Ross Copperman pose with their Bidudes. Photo: Zach Belcher
Bentley will hit the road on the “Beers On Me Tour” with Ashley McBryde and Travis Denning later this month. The beloved vocalist will bring his show to Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on Aug. 26.
Ty Herndon Chronicles Journey From Struggles To Triumph On New Project ‘Jacob’
/by Lorie HollabaughPhoto Credit: Jeremy Ryan
Ty Herndon is set to release his latest album Jacob on July 15, in partnership with Pivotal Records.
The project is the culmination of a life of struggles and triumphs, and is his most personal album to date. He chronicles parts of his life never before shared, and the music plots a path to where Herndon finds himself today—a spot marked by recovery, inner strength and peace.
The 11-track album’s title was derived from the Biblical Old Testament figure, Jacob, who dealt with severe challenges and mistakes before rising to become a leader of his tribe. Herndon recruited Wendy Moten, Terri Clark, Jamie Floyd, Shelly Fairchild, and Emily West to sing with him on the project.
“This album is about the power we all have to change our endings. The last two years have been a journey like none other for me, and I’m looking forward to sharing some new truths with listeners and reminding them that we have it within us to turn our greatest challenges into our greatest triumphs,” said Herndon. “Besides that, it’s just some damn good music.”
Jacob will be accompanied by the release of a ten-episode podcast hosted by Herndon in partnership with Pivotal Moments Media featuring conversations with other artists discussing their mental fitness journeys. The series is designed to mirror the themes of Jacob, and will launch in June.
“’Til You Get There” (Ty Herndon, Jamie Floyd, Erik Halbig, and Jimmy Thow)
“God or the Gun” (Ty Herndon, Jamie Floyd, Erik Halbig, and Hector Montenegro)
“Fighting With Me” feat. Emily West (Erik Halbig and Emily West)
“Standing in the Whiskey” (Ty Herndon, Jamie Floyd, and Erik Halbig)
“Lean In” duet with Jamie Floyd (Ty Herndon, Jamie Floyd, Erik Halbig, and Hector Montenegro)
“Sleeping With a Stranger” (Ty Herndon and Hector Montenegro)
“Landslide” duet with Shelly Fairchild (Ty Herndon, Erik Halbig, and Morgan Myles)
“Say It For You” feat. Wendy Moten (Ty Herndon, Hector Montenegro, and Khiana Noel Meyer)
“Hallelujah” (Ty Herndon, Hector Montenegro, Joshua Nichols, Christina Elizabeth Tripp)
“Damn Good Feeling” (Ty Herndon, Shelly Fairchild, and Hector Montenegro)
“Dents On a Chevy” duet with Terri Clark (Ty Herndon, Starner Jones, Leslie Satcher, and Will Robinson)
Tyler Hubbard Teases Solo Debut With New Single ‘5 Foot 9’
/by Lorie HollabaughTyler Hubbard has revealed the lead single from his upcoming solo EMI Records Nashville project, “5 Foot 9,” will be released May 20.
The Florida Georgia Line member has been working on his solo project for over a year, and shared previews of the new music on his socials earlier this week. Hubbard wrote “5 Foot 9” with Jaren Johnston and Chase McGill, and co-produced the track with Jordan Schmidt.
“Songwriting is central to everything I do as an artist,” says Hubbard. “It has allowed me to connect with fans for many years, and I’m excited for everyone to hear new music for a new chapter in my career.”
For the new album, Hubbard teamed up with some of Nashville’s most prominent hitmakers including Ross Copperman, Rhett Akins, Jon Nite, Jesse Frasure, Ashley Gorley, Keith Urban, Thomas Rhett and more. The project will highlight Hubbard’s variety of musical sides and influences, from urban to contemporary Christian, while his country roots remain in the forefront.
For the past decade, country fans have gotten to know Hubbard as part of the multi-Platinum-selling, record-breaking duo Florida Georgia Line. Hubbard has written seven No. 1 hits for FGL, and has penned cuts for artists across multiple genres including Jason Aldean, Jimmie Allen, Kane Brown, Little Big Town, Thomas Rhett, Chris Tomlin, Nelly and Bebe Rexha.
DISClaimer Single Reviews: Cody Johnson Glitters With The Dust Of ‘Superstardom’
/by Robert K OermannCody Johnson
It’s all country stars, no waiting, in this edition of DisClaimer.
Darius Rucker, Kane Brown and Easton Corbin are all here. There are so many stars that they come in pairs—Chris Janson & Eric Church, Dylan Scott & Jimmie Allen, Chris Young & Old Dominion, Elle King & Dierks Bentley.
In a column filled with memorable performances, unstoppable Cody Johnson edges a win for the Disc of the Day prize.
The DisCovery Award goes to the wonderfully original Adam Raitiere.
AARON RAITIERE / “Single Wide Dreamer”
Writer: Aaron Raitiere/Jon Decious; Producers: Miranda Lambert/Anderson East; Label: Dinner Time/Thirty Tigers
— This guy is so left-field cool. His lazy vocal drawl, quirky lyrics and spare, funky production are all terrifically ear catching. This is the title tune of an album that’s in league with such greats as John Prine and Todd Snider. You absolutely need to hear this man’s music.
KANE BROWN / “Like I Love Country Music”
Writers: Kane Brown/Matthew McGuinn/Taylor Phillips/Jordan Schmidt; Producer: Dann Huff; Label: RCA
— Bold sounding and rockin.’ So cleverly written, with its name drops of Johnny & June, Willie, Alan, Brooks & Dunn and Jones. Instrumentally, it’s somewhat “busy” sounding, but there’s no denying the hearty vocal.
FILMORE / “Mean Something”
Writers: Filmore/Will Weatherly/Michael Whitworth; Producer: Zach Abend; Label: Curb
— An echoey track and wafting audio atmosphere set the stage for an expressive vocal about working on the road and missing loved ones. Moody and mournful.
EASTON CORBIN / “I Can’t Decide”
Writers: Ashley Gorley/Easton Corbin/Rhett Akins/Wade Kirby; Producers: Derek George/Wade Kirby; Label: Stone Country
— She’s so pretty in every way that he can’t decide which “look” she should put on for their date. I dig it that his vocal is mixed so crystal clear in the midst of a storming uptempo track.
BREI CARTER / “Paybacks”
Writers: Brei Carter/Jason Campbell/Terry Smith; Producer: Jason Wyatt; Label: BC
— The Louisiana singer-songwriter is feisty and fierce on this kiss-off power ballad. Snarling electric guitar, stomping tempo and solidly country attitude are the hallmarks here.
CHRIS YOUNG & OLD DOMINION / “Everybody Needs a Song”
Writers: Brad Francis Tursi/Chris Young/Chris DeStefano; Producers: Chris Young/Chris DeStefano; Label: Sony
— “When we can’t find the words, the radio can.” Truer words about country music were never spoken, and the mini portraits in this lyric are dandy (“Spring breakers need a fast one,” “Prom night needs a dance,” “Heartbreaks need a melody,” etc.). Marvelously well written and sung with gusto.
CODY JOHNSON / “Human”
Writers: Tony Lane/Travis Meadows; Producer: Trent Willmon; Label: Warner
— I didn’t think it was possible to follow a perfect performance like “’Til You Can’t,” but this stunning meditation on frailty and mistakes is just as breathtaking. This man is dusted with the glitter of superstardom.
CHRIS JANSON & ERIC CHURCH / “You, Me and the River”
Writer: Eric Church; Producers: Tommy Cecil/Chris Janson; Label: Warner
— Wow. A murder ballad. This is drenched in darkness, drama and doom. A shuddering electric guitar, thumped slow percussion and minor-key theatrics frame their ultra compelling, chilling performance. An awesome performance by both men.
DYLAN SCOTT & JIMMIE ALLEN / “In Our Blood”
Writers: David Fanning/Brad Rempel/Matt McGuinn; Producers: Will Weatherly/Matt Alderman; Label: Curb
— “We all bleed red at the end of the day.” It’s an oomphy anthem of brotherhood and unity that cuts across racial, cultural and religious lines. Scott takes the lead with Allen shadowing him with phrases and lines.
JESSIE JAMES DECKER / “Should Have Known Better”
Writer: Tom Barnes/Pete Kelleher/Benjamin Kohn/Madi Yanofsky; Producers: Matt McVaney/Scott Hendricks/TMS; Label: Warner/Atlantic/Big Yellow Dog
— A sassy, moving-on stomper that’s packed with femme attitude.
DARIUS RUCKER / “Same Beer Different Problem”
Writers: Darius Rucker/Tofer Brown/Sarah Buxton/Brad Tursi; Producer: Ross Copperman; Label: Capitol
— Rollicking. Made for a summer afternoon with brews handy. Crank it up and sing along.
ELLE KING & DIERKS BENTLEY / “Worth a Shot”
Writer: none listed; Producer: none listed; Label: Sony
— The “Different for Girls” duet partners return with an energetic, irresistible, forward-rushing slab of sound that particularly showcases Elle’s penetrating, forceful delivery. Bentley’s laid-back style relaxes behind her. Highly engaging.
Big Machine Label Group Partners With Blac Noize! To Develop Hip-Hop And R&B Acts
/by LB CantrellPictured (L-R): Blac Noize! partners Charley Greenberg and Chioke “Stretch” McCoy, Big Machine Label Group President/CEO and HYBE America Chairman of Labels Scott Borchetta, Big Machine Label Group Chief Operating Officer and HYBE America President of Labels Andrew Kautz
Big Machine Label Group has announced a partnership with Blac Noize! to sign hip-hop and R&B acts around the world.
The partnership aims to create an infrastructure that is competitive with major labels but allows for a nimbler approach to releasing new music and developing new acts. Big Machine and Blac Noize! have already signed Hitkidd and Glorilla for the release of “F.N.F. (Let’s Go),” which has garnered millions of TikTok and YouTube views as well as millions of music streaming service plays. The two companies signed the acts and released the song within hours of closing the deal.
“Big Machine’s independence has allowed us to break artists for over 16 years with an entrepreneurial drive and incredible speed,” says Big Machine Label Group President/CEO/Founder, Scott Borchetta. “We are motivated to use that independence to expand our footprint and we couldn’t have found a better partner than Blac Noize! to sign and amplify artists in the hip-hop and R&B formats.”
Blac Noize! Recordings was launched in 2020 by music marketing agency 740 Project managing partners Jesse Edwards (Punch), Rahim Wright and Charley Greenberg in partnership with Active Management’s Chioke “Stretch” McCoy. 740 Project, which recently led high profile campaigns for hip-hop stars Travis Scott, Megan Thee Stallion and Lil Baby, will continue to provide marketing support and counsel to artists signed through the Big Machine and Blac Noize! partnership.
“This partnership with Big Machine not only allows Blac Noize! to scale artists globally, but our combined resources also allow us to be a much more artist friendly label in the marketplace,” says McCoy.
Jacob Lapidus Promoted To Agent At CAA
/by Lorie HollabaughJacob Lapidus has been promoted to agent in CAA’s Music Touring division.
Based in Nashville, Lapidus began his career at CAA in 2016 as an assistant. He currently works with Moon Taxi, Illiterate Light, The 502s, 49 Winchester, STS9, Charley Crockett, and Wilder Woods, among others.
Within its Touring division, CAA books more than 30,000 music and comedy shows each year, on average, as well as more than 1,000 corporate and private engagements annually. CAA’s Music Brand Partnerships department develops strategic campaigns and partnerships with worldwide brands for many of the world’s leading artists. CAA also maintains an in-house music marketing department that helps create opportunities for clients in sponsorship, ticketing, digital initiatives, and beyond.
Midland Expands ‘The Last Resort: Greetings From Tour’
/by Sarah SkatesThe outing follows the release of their third studio album The Last Resort: Greetings From on Big Machine Records.
Currently the trio comprised of lead singer/guitarist Mark Wystrach, bassist/vocalist Cameron Duddy and lead guitarist/vocalist Jess Carson is getting ready to embark on the European leg of the tour.
Based in Dripping Springs, Texas, Midland has been building a following that has sold out the Houston Rodeo and Livestock Show, packed multiple nights at Billy Bob’s in Ft. Worth and re-opened North Hollywood’s legendary Palomino Club for one night only.
Tickets go on sale Friday, May 13 at www.midlandofficial.com/tour.
Brent Cobb, Amy Ray Host ‘Georgia On My Mind’ Benefit At The Ryman
/by Sarah SkatesArtist come together for a performance at the “Georgia On My Mind” benefit. Photo: Emma Delevante
The ninth Annual “Gretsch Presents Georgia on My Mind” benefit concert, hosted by Brent Cobb and Indigo Girls’ Amy Ray, took place at the Ryman Auditorium on Tuesday, May 10. Following two years of virtual shows due to the pandemic, the concert raised money for the Georgia Music Foundation and its Georgia Music Grants, which fund music programs at schools, after-school programs and summer camps.
The show featured performances by Amy Grant, Amythyst Kiah, Alison Brown, Ben Chapman, Butch Walker, Channing Wilson, Elizabeth Cook, John Driskell Hopkins, Jontavious Willis, Katie Pruitt, Kevn Kinney, Kristina Murray, The Lone Bellow, O.N.E The Duo and Patterson Hood. World-class musicians Josh Day, Brian Allen, Scott Patton, John Pahmer, Jeff Fielder and Adrian Carter anchored the house band.
Prolific songwriter, collaborator and performer Kevn Kinney was honored with the Georgia Music Foundation’s annual Flamekeeper Award, which acknowledges individuals and organizations for tirelessly preserving and promoting the music of Georgia.
“What a knockout musical event celebrating kinship, friendship and connections to Georgia,” says Lisa Love, director, Georgia Music Foundation. “We are humbled to be so embraced in Nashville and able to go spread this love back home in the form of music education grants.”
The Georgia Music Foundation, a non-profit organization, has awarded nearly $600,000 in Georgia Music Grants since the first “Georgia On My Mind” concert in 2014.
Justin Moore St. Jude Golf Classic Raises Over $400,000 For Charity
/by Lorie HollabaughPhoto Credit: Nelson Chenault
Justin Moore hit the links for a good cause recently, hosting the 2022 Justin Moore St. Jude Golf Classic, presented by Winrock Automotive at Chenal Country Club in Little Rock.
The annual event raised more than $400k for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and kicked off on Sunday evening (May 1) at Jack Stephens Center with a pre-party for supporters and players, which included an intimate, acoustic performance by Moore, along with a private dinner and silent auction.
The following day, Moore, other special guests including Joe Nichols, Chase Rice, Scott Reeves, and Prince Lorenzo De Medici, and more than 25 teams of golfers united on the fairway at Chenal Country Club for the benefit tourney.
Moore is gearing up for a busy summer as the multi-Platinum hitmaker recently kicked off his 12-date arena run “Country On It Tour,” with guest Granger Smith. Moore also joined fellow Arkansan Heath Sanders for “Raised On Red,” an homage to the way they were brought up and unshakeable similarities.
CMA To Livestream 2022 CMHOF Inductee Announcement
/by Lydia FarthingThe Country Music Association will livestream this year’s Country Music Hall of Fame inductees announcement on Tuesday, May 17.
Hosted by iconic country duo Brooks & Dunn, the livestream will begin at 10 a.m. CT on CMA’s YouTube channel.
The newest crop of inductees were recently honored in a special, in-person celebration on May 1. Eddie Bayers, Ray Charles, Pete Drake, and The Judds were honored at this year’s event.
For more information about CMA and the Country Music Hall of Fame, click here.