Pictured (L-R, back row): Big Machine’s Mike Molinar, MV2’s Tony Harrell, Warner Music Nashville’s Ben Kline, BMI’s David Preston, Rhythm House’s Vanna Moua, Rhythm House’s Stevie Frasure; (L-R, front row): Josh Thompson, Michael Ray, Jesse Frasure. Photo: Steve Lowry / BMI
Music industry members gathered on Thursday (April 21) to celebrate Michael Ray‘s fourth No. 1, the moody country hit, “Whiskey And Rain.” The party was held at The Local by BMI, and hosted by the PRO’s David Preston.
The ever-illusive outside song was written by two country hitmakers, Josh Thompson and Jesse Frasure. It was Thompson’s seventh No. 1 and Frasure’s twentieth. “Whiskey And Rain” was produced by Ross Copperman, who was not able to attend the celebration. The writers later guessed that the successful writer-producer was probably busy cutting his next No. 1.
Big Machine Music’s Mike Molinar gave the first publisher presentation. “We know that there are so many teams behind each of the people here on stage, especially the Warner Brothers promo team, A&R team, art and creative. We know how hard it is to get a No. 1 these days,” Molinar said.
The aggressive WEA promo team definitely earned their recognition, as “Whiskey And Rain” took 62 weeks to hit the chart pinnacle. It was also Ray’s first two-week chart-topper.
Pictured (L-R, back row): From Warner Music Nashville’s Radio Team – James Marsh, Stephanie Hagerty, Chad Schultz, Chris Fabiani, Kayla Burnett, Kristen Williams; (L-R, front row): Josh Thompson, Michael Ray, Jesse Frasure. Photo: Steve Lowry / BMI
MV2’s Tony Harrell was on hand to speak about Thompson. “‘Whiskey And Rain’ sounds like country radio,” he said. “Josh Thompson, I’m glad I’m standing by you. We are so proud of you at MV2.”
Rhythm House’s Stevie Frasure was up next to say a few words. She spoke eloquently about the magnitude of Ray cutting an outside song that was written by only two writers.
“It’s so awesome when you have an artist who, not only is a badass performer and artist, but a songwriter as well who still listens to those outside songs. We could not appreciate you more,” Frasure said, before thanking Morris Higham Management’s Buffy Cooper, who helped get the song to Ray.
“It’s a two-way y’all,” Frasure added. “I feel like we’re back in the ’90s here.”
Warner Music Nashville’s Ben Kline was on hand to recognize Ray, the Warner staff, and all team members involved in the success of “Whiskey And Rain.” “210 million global streams. This is just one of those songs that just keeps giving” Kline said. “It is a testament to the team and how hard they fight when they have a hit song.”
When it came time to hear from the men on stage, Thompson kicked things off. One of his children charmed the crowd when Thompson said “Hey” into the mic and the baby responded with an enthusiastic, “Hi!”
Thompson thanked God, his family, Ray and Frasure, and the team. “Michael Ray just crushed this thing,” he said. “He took it to the next level. It felt like a smash to me the first time I heard it and I thank God that it translated to country radio.”
Frasure echoed his wife and fellow publisher when he spoke. “For writers and publishers, outside songs are the holy grail. We still believe that they exist but they’re getting hard to find out there,” he said. “We’re very grateful for this. It means the world to us.”
When Ray spoke, he first recognized host Preston, who apparently was the first person to take a meeting with him in Nashville. “David, I wouldn’t be up here with you,” he said.
The artist recognized the WEA team who fought for 60 weeks to ring the bell. He also thanked his team members. Ray spoke very graciously about Thompson and Frasure, saying that they were both future hall of fame songwriters.
“I love writing songs. I feel like I’m getting into my best years of writing, I feel like I know who I am as an artist and what I want to say,” Ray said. “That being said, we wouldn’t have the foundation of Nashville if it wasn’t for songwriters and I feel like they’re the last person on the totem pole a lot of times.
“When I go back to my heroes—Kenny Chesney, George Strait, Jason Aldean, Lee Brice, and Merle Haggard—they cut outside songs. My heroes cut outside songs,” he said. “We’re a town that was built on songwriters. It means more to me than y’all know to say that I did not write this song.”
Pinnacle Bank, who partners with BMI for No. 1 parties, made a donation in Frasure’s name to Wags and Walks and in Thompson’s name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
CRB Unveils Members Of 2023 CRS Agenda Committee
/by Lydia FarthingCountry Radio Broadcasters, Inc has announced the members of its 2022-2023 CRS Agenda Committee.
Steering this year’s Committee are Joey Tack (WLHK/Indianapolis) as Chairman and Brent Michaels (KUZZ/Bakersfield) as Vice-Chair. Both have served in leadership positions on the 2021-2022 agenda committee but have swapped the roles in which they previously held.
“We’re thrilled with this year’s diverse group of professionals from all corners of the country music industry! I’m confident this superb team will meet the challenge and continue building on the last 53 years of CRS excellence,” Tack offers.
The committee includes Zena Burns (Futuri), Michael Chase (WMN), Emily Cohen Belote (Amazon Music), Beville Dunkerley (SiriusXM/Pandora), Karina Farias-Dey (Edison Research), Tim Foisset (Warner Music Nashville), Alek Halverson (iHeart Media), Shelley Hargis-Gaines (Broken Bow Records), Krista Hayes (Cumulus Nashville), Mason Meyer (Rubber City Radio), Nicole Michalik (Beasley Media), Tommy Moore (ACM), Ashley Morrison (Cox Media Group), Nick Steele (Audacy), Jesse Tack (Hubbard/Cincinnati) and Monta Vaden (Country Aircheck).
The CRS 2022-2023 Agenda Committee consists of volunteer professionals from all sectors of the country radio, streaming, and record industries. The committee is responsible for planning events for the upcoming year’s CRS.
CRS will return in 2023 from March 13-15 at the Omni Nashville Hotel. Registration for next year’s event will open later this year.
BREAKING: Sony Music Nashville Ups Lauren Thomas, Shane Allen Announces Exit
/by LB CantrellLauren Thomas. Photo: Matthew Berinato
Steve Hodges, Executive Vice President of Promotion & Artist Development at Sony Music Nashville, has announced the promotion of Lauren Thomas to Vice President, Promotion & Artist Development, Columbia Nashville.
Thomas will take on the role previously held by Shane Allen, who announced he will be exiting the company after six years at the helm of the Columbia Nashville promotion team. Thomas’ promotion is effective immediately, and Allen will remain at the label group until the end of May.
“When Shane informed me that he wanted to pursue another chapter in his professional career, LT was the obvious first choice candidate,” says Hodges. “There could not be a more qualified and passionate person for this job than her! For the past seven years I’ve watched LT grow into one of the most successful and well-liked professionals I have ever worked with.” He continues, “I am elated that she will be the future leader of the Columbia Nashville Promotion & Artist Development team.”
“I am tremendously honored to be part of the Columbia Nashville team and the long-standing legacy of the imprint,” shares Thomas. “Thank you to Randy Goodman, Steve and Shane for the opportunity I have had to grow and learn under your leadership. In addition, I am so grateful to the entire SMN team for your constant belief and inspiration.”
Thomas first joined Sony Music Nashville in October 2009 as National Promotion Coordinator for Arista Nashville. Within a year, she was promoted to Regional Promotion Manager for the imprint, and, in 2016, named Director of Promotion for Sony Music Nashville. In 2020, Thomas was promoted again to VP, National Promotion.
Reach Thomas at lauren.thomas@sonymusic.com.
Weekly Register: Morgan Wallen Makes Monster Debut
/by Lydia FarthingMorgan Wallen. Photo: David Lehr
Morgan Wallen tops the charts this week with the release of his newest single, “Don’t Think Jesus.” The new track racked up 17 million first week streams, making it the top country streaming song this week and fifth all-genre, according to Luminate data.
Wallen also takes the No. 2 spot on the top country streaming songs chart as “Wasted On You” earns 6.9 million streams. He appears twice on the top country albums chart, coming in at No. 1 with Dangerous: The Double Album gaining 51K in total consumption (1.6K album only/61 million streams) and No. 5 with If I Know Me adding 17K in total consumption.
Elsewhere on the albums chart, Luke Combs maintains his place at No. 2 as What You See Is What You Get earns 19K in total consumption. He moves into No. 3 with This One’s For You gaining 17K in total consumption. Taylor Swift‘s Red (Taylor’s Version) falls one spot to No. 4, adding 17K in total consumption, according to Luminate data.
“AA” (Walker Hayes) drops down one spot to No. 3 on the country songs chart as the single gains 6.4 million streams. “Til You Can’t” (Cody Johnson) also falls one spot to No. 4 as it earns 6.1 million streams. “Doin This” (Combs) seals the top five with 6.1 million streams.
Judah & The Lion, Breland, More To Perform At GEODIS Park Opening Day
/by Steven BoeroBreland & Judah Akers
Nashville Soccer Club will be throwing a party all day on Sunday (May 1) ahead of the team’s home opener at the brand new GEODIS Park with performances from Breland, Judah & the Lion and more.
Starting at noon, fans can head to the North Plaza for family-friendly activities and a special performance by Party Down, as well as pop-up acoustic performances outside Gates C and F by artists Hew G. and Zoe Babyar, respectively.
Fans with tickets in the GEODIS WeHo Club will also have access to a private performance by Nashville-bred, Mercury recording artist, and five-piece country band Boy Named Banjo starting at 1:30 p.m. Moving into the season, live pre-game performances will continue to take place before every weekend home match.
When the teams leave the field after warm-ups, Platinum-selling entertainer and Amazon Music’s inaugural Breakthrough Artist Breland will give a pre-match concert welcoming the sold-out crowd to GEODIS Park for the first time ever. Grammy award-winning musician turned ESPN personality Jason Fitz will perform the National Anthem by violin.
Rock guitarist, singer and songwriter Tommy Shaw of Styx will be the first to perform the pre-match Guitar Riff at GEODIS Park, and will mark Shaw’s second riff performance after he took on the endeavor virtually in October of 2020.
After the game, Nashville-based band Judah & the Lion will end the home opener. The band, along with The Backline Supporters, teamed up to create the official club anthem titled “Never Give Up On You” back in 2020. Judah & the Lion will perform the anthem live for the very first time at GEODIS Park with a 20-minute post-match concert.
Flatland Cavalry Celebrates Their Roots On New Acoustic Album
/by Lorie HollabaughFlatland Cavalry. Photo: Fernando Garcia
Flatland Cavalry is going unplugged and releasing a new acoustic album, Far Out West Sessions, on May 6. In advance of the release, “Tilt Your Chair Back” is available everywhere now.
The project features stripped-down versions of seven songs from their acclaimed record, Welcome to Countryland, and comes in conjunction with the band’s ongoing video series of the same name.
Produced by Fernando Garcia and recorded by Garcia and John Park at locations across the Trans-Pecos region of Texas, Far Out West Sessions finds the band returning to their home state to perform the songs in their purest form. Across the past few weeks, the band has unveiled three additional installments of the video series: “It’s Good To Be Back (‘Round Here Again),” “Dancin’ Around A Fire” and “Daydreamer.”
“Up until the pandemic pulled us off the road, we as a band had spent the last five years relentlessly touring and being away from home; seeing the entire country firsthand through the windshield of a white van,” shares lead singer Cleto Cordero. “All of those experiences led to what would form the collection of songs that made Welcome To Countryland. What better way to honor our time at home than to return to square one and share these songs and stories, broken down and unplugged, in the simple and stunning country land from where I belong? After the long and loud journey that has been our touring career, performing to seas of thousands of loud and rowdy crowds, what a breath of fresh and dusty Far West Texas air to break things down to their simplest elements and play a song or two for the crickets and the creosote–for the spirits of my ancestors!”
Based in both Texas and Nashville, Flatland Cavalry includes Cordero (vocals, acoustic guitar), Jason Albers (drums, background vocals), Jonathan Saenz (bass, background vocals), Reid Dillon (electric guitar, harmonica, second fiddle), Wesley Hall (fiddle) and Adam Gallegos (piano, keys, mandolin, banjo, electric guitar).
Welcome to Countryland follows the band’s self-released 2016 debut, Humble Folks, which reached No. 2 on iTunes’ Country Albums chart, as well as their acclaimed 2019 release, Homeland Insecurity.
YouTube To Exclusively Livestream Upcoming Stagecoach Festival
/by Lydia FarthingFollowing two weekends of livestreaming Coachella, YouTube has announced that it will bring Stagecoach to fans all around the world via the Official Stagecoach YouTube Channel.
Billed as country music’s biggest festival, Stagecoach will be exclusively livestreamed with performances from Thomas Rhett, Carrie Underwood, Luke Combs, Maren Morris, Brandi Carlile, Brothers Osborne, Breland, Orville Peck and more.
The festivities will kick off at 5:30 p.m. CT on Friday, April 29 and continue throughout the weekend. Each day will be hosted by one of country music’s biggest stars, each of whom will not only perform but will also interview other artists on the bill. YouTube Premium members will have special access to four YouTube Premium pre-parties throughout the weekend which will automatically redirect into those artist’s live Stagecoach sets.
On Friday, April 29, host and performer Breland will welcome fans to the debut livestream which will feature performances by Brandi Carlile, Midland and headliner Thomas Rhett. On Saturday, April 30, host Reyna Roberts will rile up fans of Hardy, Margo Price, Brothers Osborne, and Carrie Underwood ahead of their highly anticipated sets across Stagecoach’s stages. Finally, on Sunday, May 1, Hailey Whitters will close out the weekend with Lainey Wilson, Yola, The Black Crowes, Luke Combs, and Cody Johnson.
For more details on what to expect from the Stagecoach livestream, click here.
Jake Owen Plots ‘Up There Down Here Tour’
/by Lorie HollabaughJake Owen. Photo: Matt Paskert
Jake Owen will launch his 34-date, cross-country “Up There Down Here Tour” this May.
Kicking off May 5 in Troy, Ohio, the run will include stops at festivals such as Faster Horses, Watershed, and Country Stampede, along with shows at Billy Bob’s Texas in Fort Worth, Weidner Field in Colorado Springs, Rockin’ Derby Eve in Louisville at Old Forester’s Paristown Hall, and many more.
“Looking forward to getting back out there, bringing smiles and happiness and some new tunes. The world needs more of that,” Owen shares.
Owen continued releasing new music last month with his single, “Up There Down Here.” As teased on social media this past weekend, he will return with more new music this Friday (April 29) as he drops the heartfelt track “1×1.”
Cole Swindell Heats Things Up With 11th No. 1 Single
/by Lydia FarthingMulti-Platinum singer-songwriter Cole Swindell has earned his 11th career No. 1 with his current single, “Never Say Never,” the duet with ACM Top New Female Artist of the Year Lainey Wilson.
23 weeks since its release, the track hit the top of both the Mediabase and Billboard country singles charts this week. “Never Say Never” recently went No. 1 on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart on March 18.
“Never Say Never” was the most added song at country radio the week of release, giving both Swindell and Wilson their biggest radio add day of their careers. The single, written by Swindell, Jessi Alexander and Chase McGill, marks Swindell’s first true duet in his seven year career.
The fiery tune is the follow up to his multi-week No. 1 “Single Saturday Night.” Both back-to-back No. 1 singles can be found on his just released fourth album Stereotype. Produced by Zach Crowell, Chris LaCorte, Jordan Schmidt and Michael Carter, the new record sees Swindell with writing credits across the project, penning seven of the album’s 13 tracks.
Walker Hayes To Hit Arena Stages This Fall On His ‘Glad You’re Here Tour’
/by Lydia FarthingWalker Hayes. Photo: Robert Chavers
Walker Hayes will embark on his new headlining “Glad You’re Here Tour” this fall, kicking off in Johnstown, Pennsylvania on Sept. 29.
After selling out theaters across the country this spring on “The Fancy Like Tour,” the upcoming tour marks Hayes’ first time headlining arenas. Along the way, he will be accompanied by special guest Parmalee.
Hayes has had a breakthrough year filled with a Grammy nomination, five ACM nominations, a CMT Award nomination, and six nominations for the upcoming 2022 Billboard Music Awards. Hayes scored a No. 1 at country radio with the smash-hit “Fancy Like,” which also stayed at No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart for over six months. His follow up, “AA,” is currently climbing the radio charts and recently found Hayes performing it at the ACM Awards and CMT Music Awards.
The singer will take his recent hits, plus his deep catalog of fan favorites such as “Don’t Let Her,” “90s Country,” and the RIAA multi-Platinum “You Broke Up With Me,” on the road this fall.
“I can’t believe that we are playing arenas,” says Hayes. “It’s mind blowing how our team is growing, how the crowds are growing, and how the music continues to connect with my audience. I’m just so grateful.”
Pre-sale begins April 26 at 10 a.m. local time, and Citi cardmembers will have access to presale tickets beginning Tuesday, April 26 at 8 a.m. local time. Tickets will go on sale to the general public starting April 29 at 10 a.m. local time.
The new tour gets its name from Hayes’ forthcoming book Glad You’re Here, written with his best friend, Craig Allen Cooper, who is the namesake of a beloved Hayes song in which he documents the day a pastor he barely knew gifted the Hayes family a car during a time of need. The book is set for release May 3.
Michael Ray Celebrates ‘Whiskey And Rain’ With Writers Jesse Frasure & Josh Thompson
/by LB CantrellPictured (L-R, back row): Big Machine’s Mike Molinar, MV2’s Tony Harrell, Warner Music Nashville’s Ben Kline, BMI’s David Preston, Rhythm House’s Vanna Moua, Rhythm House’s Stevie Frasure; (L-R, front row): Josh Thompson, Michael Ray, Jesse Frasure. Photo: Steve Lowry / BMI
Music industry members gathered on Thursday (April 21) to celebrate Michael Ray‘s fourth No. 1, the moody country hit, “Whiskey And Rain.” The party was held at The Local by BMI, and hosted by the PRO’s David Preston.
The ever-illusive outside song was written by two country hitmakers, Josh Thompson and Jesse Frasure. It was Thompson’s seventh No. 1 and Frasure’s twentieth. “Whiskey And Rain” was produced by Ross Copperman, who was not able to attend the celebration. The writers later guessed that the successful writer-producer was probably busy cutting his next No. 1.
Big Machine Music’s Mike Molinar gave the first publisher presentation. “We know that there are so many teams behind each of the people here on stage, especially the Warner Brothers promo team, A&R team, art and creative. We know how hard it is to get a No. 1 these days,” Molinar said.
The aggressive WEA promo team definitely earned their recognition, as “Whiskey And Rain” took 62 weeks to hit the chart pinnacle. It was also Ray’s first two-week chart-topper.
Pictured (L-R, back row): From Warner Music Nashville’s Radio Team – James Marsh, Stephanie Hagerty, Chad Schultz, Chris Fabiani, Kayla Burnett, Kristen Williams; (L-R, front row): Josh Thompson, Michael Ray, Jesse Frasure. Photo: Steve Lowry / BMI
MV2’s Tony Harrell was on hand to speak about Thompson. “‘Whiskey And Rain’ sounds like country radio,” he said. “Josh Thompson, I’m glad I’m standing by you. We are so proud of you at MV2.”
Rhythm House’s Stevie Frasure was up next to say a few words. She spoke eloquently about the magnitude of Ray cutting an outside song that was written by only two writers.
“It’s so awesome when you have an artist who, not only is a badass performer and artist, but a songwriter as well who still listens to those outside songs. We could not appreciate you more,” Frasure said, before thanking Morris Higham Management’s Buffy Cooper, who helped get the song to Ray.
“It’s a two-way y’all,” Frasure added. “I feel like we’re back in the ’90s here.”
Warner Music Nashville’s Ben Kline was on hand to recognize Ray, the Warner staff, and all team members involved in the success of “Whiskey And Rain.” “210 million global streams. This is just one of those songs that just keeps giving” Kline said. “It is a testament to the team and how hard they fight when they have a hit song.”
When it came time to hear from the men on stage, Thompson kicked things off. One of his children charmed the crowd when Thompson said “Hey” into the mic and the baby responded with an enthusiastic, “Hi!”
Thompson thanked God, his family, Ray and Frasure, and the team. “Michael Ray just crushed this thing,” he said. “He took it to the next level. It felt like a smash to me the first time I heard it and I thank God that it translated to country radio.”
Frasure echoed his wife and fellow publisher when he spoke. “For writers and publishers, outside songs are the holy grail. We still believe that they exist but they’re getting hard to find out there,” he said. “We’re very grateful for this. It means the world to us.”
When Ray spoke, he first recognized host Preston, who apparently was the first person to take a meeting with him in Nashville. “David, I wouldn’t be up here with you,” he said.
The artist recognized the WEA team who fought for 60 weeks to ring the bell. He also thanked his team members. Ray spoke very graciously about Thompson and Frasure, saying that they were both future hall of fame songwriters.
“I love writing songs. I feel like I’m getting into my best years of writing, I feel like I know who I am as an artist and what I want to say,” Ray said. “That being said, we wouldn’t have the foundation of Nashville if it wasn’t for songwriters and I feel like they’re the last person on the totem pole a lot of times.
“When I go back to my heroes—Kenny Chesney, George Strait, Jason Aldean, Lee Brice, and Merle Haggard—they cut outside songs. My heroes cut outside songs,” he said. “We’re a town that was built on songwriters. It means more to me than y’all know to say that I did not write this song.”
Pinnacle Bank, who partners with BMI for No. 1 parties, made a donation in Frasure’s name to Wags and Walks and in Thompson’s name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.