The major-label, heavy hitters pretty much ruled this edition of DISClaimer.
Contending for Disc of the Day are Little Big Town, Kelsea Ballerini, Chris Janson and our winner, Brett Young. The challenger to this dominance is the compelling track by troubadour Porter Howell, who definitely has the best written song in this stack.
Grace Leer and Greylan James are our contenders for the DisCovery Award of the week. I’m giving the nod to Greylan James, because, like Porter, he is a Nashville songwriter, my favorite kind of people.
PORTER HOWELL / “This Town Was”
Writer: Porter Howell; Producers: none listed; Label: PH
–Howell was the creative force behind the hit-making Little Texas in the ‘90s. On this stirring, evocative ballad, he expresses the feelings of generations of folks who are pained to see Music Row being transformed from a community into a condo development. Sung in a yearning voice of nostalgia and regret, this is essential listening.
KELSEA BALLERINI / “Heartfirst”
Writers: Alysa Vanderheym/Karen Fairchild/Kelsea Ballerini; Producers: Julian Bunetta/Shane McAnally; Label: Black River
–Adorable. Her pert delivery conveys the dizzy, youthful feelings of falling in love with a power-pop production in bubbling support. Sprightly and summer-y.
FLAT RIVER BAND & THE McCRARY SISTERS / “Shining Through My Window”
Writer: Chad Sitze; Producers: none listed; Label: Early Bird
–When we last heard from this brother trio, they were matching voices with the Gatlins. Now they’re harmonizing with the four divine McCrary Sisters on this upbeat, shiny, super positive ditty. It ain’t exactly deep, but the mood is merry.
LITTLE BIG TOWN / “Hell Yeah”
Writers: Jimi Westbrook/Phillip Sweet/Corey Crowder/Tyler Hubbard; Producers: Little Big Town; Label: Capitol
–She’s moved on, but he’s still suffering. Despite the honky-tonks, the drinking, the dancing, the laughter and the apparent good times, he’s in hell emotionally. The jaunty track, embellished with whistling, puts the downbeat message in an upbeat mode. Phillip Sweet’s warm lead vocal is a laconic pleasure. A sonic delight that’s radio ready.
KAT & ALEX / “Yo Quiero Amarte”
Writers: AJ Pruis/Alex Georgia/Kat Georgia; Producer: Brad Hill; Label: Sony
–This is the Spanish-language version of their melodic wedding song “I Want It All.” Both initially spoke Spanish exclusively as the children of Cuban (Kat Luna) and Puerto Rican (Alex Garrido) parents. Their harmonies are delicious. The fastest growing American demographic is Hispanic. If country music is to thrive in the 21st century, it needs to embrace Black and Latin voices, and this couple is fine way to start doing the latter.
CHRIS JANSON / “We Did It Anyway”
Writers: Chris Janson/Dallas Davidson/Ashley Gorley/Chris Stevens; Producers: Zach Crowell/Chris Janson; Label: Warner
–There’s a new video for this track from Chris’ upcoming, abundant, 16-track album All In. The clip illustrates an outdoor party, which is totally in keeping with the message of this frothing, bodacious rocker.
GREYLAN JAMES / “Anything Cold”
Writers: Greylan James/Abram Dean/Jason Massey/Josh Dorr; Producers: Greylan James/Jason Massey; Label: Tunecore
–As a songwriter, James has cuts by Chesney, Blake and the Chris-es—Young and Janson. Here’s the ear-opener: He’s also an ace guitarist, plus he played every instrument on this, his disc debut. The track is a dreamy, electronic swirl. The monotonous lyric, however, goes nowhere.
BRETT YOUNG / “Long Way Home”
Writers: Brett Young/Shay Mooney/Bear Rinehart/Jimmy Robbins; Producer: Jimmy Robbins; Label: BMLG
–Brett and his collaborators watched an advance screening of the new Mark Wahlberg movie Father Stu. That inspired the creation of this theme song for the thug-priest story. “Everybody gets to Heaven on a broken road/Some of us gotta take the long way home.” I don’t know about the film, but the song works spectacularly well–well written, well sung and well produced. The bonus is that the toe tapper has something to say.
EASTON CORBIN / “Marry That Girl”
Writers: Easton Corbin/Shane Minor/Wade Kirby/Adam Craig; Producers: Derek George/Wade Kirby; Label: Stone Country
–Corbin returns to solidly county record making with this lilting ballad. Gentle, laid back, sweetly romantic and full of emotional warmth.
LOGAN MIZE & GRACE LEER / “Nothing With You”
Writers: Donovan Woods/Dustin Christensen/Geoff Warburton; Producers: Daniel Agee; Label: Big Yellow Dog
–Mize teams up with American Idol alumnus Leer on this romantic outing. They are both wonderful singers, the song is well crafted and the track has a pleasing thump. But they never harmonize, and I don’t hear any real charisma here.
CALLISTA CLARK / “Gave It Back Broken”
Writers: Callista Clark/Emily Shackleton; Producer: Nathan Chapman; Label: Big Machine
–This youngster is a terrific vocalist. I still don’t hear what is “country” about her.
PAT GREEN / “Build You a Bar”
Writers: Marshall Altman/Colin Christopher Elmore/Anna Hawthorne Vaus; Producer: Dwight Baker; Label: Empire
–The Texas hero is completely charming on this offbeat romantic caper. Only in country music could you find a lyric this wacky that still makes sense.
CRS360 Re-Enlists Panelists For ‘The Net Worth Of Networking’ Webinar
/by Lydia FarthingThe next installment of CRS360, “The Net Worth of Networking,” will be held on Tuesday, April 19, at 1 p.m. CT.
The April edition, featuring Carsen (Country with Carsen), Andrew Cohen (Cohencidence Projects), Trudie Daniell (EMI), and Mike McVay (McVay Media) as panelists, and Country Aircheck’s Monta Vaden as moderator, will focus on the best networking methods, both in-person and virtually. Industry professionals will share tips, tricks, and secrets for introverted and extroverted individuals to enhance their ability to interact with any professional.
“‘The Net Worth Of Networking’ is another session from CRS ’22 that received great feedback, demanding more information about this vital skill,” CRS Executive Director RJ Curtis comments. “There’s a big difference between schmoozing and networking. The best practices and techniques provided can be learned to grow your contacts and advance your career. We’ve brought back the entire stellar panel from CRS, who will share more tips from which we can benefit.”
To register to attend the April edition of the CRS360 webinar series, click here. Only a limited number of slots are available and are based on a first-come, first-served basis. Past CRS360 webinars are also available for playback.
Walker Hayes Earns Second MusicRow No. 1
/by Alex ParryWalker Hayes. Photo: Robert Chavers.
Bouncing off the success of “Fancy Like,” Walker Hayes earns his second MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart No. 1 with “AA.” The single was penned by Hayes alongside Shane McAnally and Luke Laird, and produced by “Fancy Like” collaborator Joe Thibodeau.
“At the end of the day, we are all just doing the best we can,” Hayes says of the track, “and what I really mean to say with this song is just that I’m trying to stay the course. I’ve struggled with alcohol abuse and sometimes I wish I didn’t need AA, but I do. I think a lot of people can relate to that. I’m just trying to be the best dad and husband I can be. It’s not easy all the time, but my wife smiles a lot and my kids are growing up with more than I had, and that’s a really good thing.”
Hayes currently sits at No. 4 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, No. 13 on the Mediabase chart, and No. 14 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart with “AA.”
His “Fancy Like” Tour will wrap on April 30 in Louisville, Kentucky after a stop at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium on April 29.
Click here to view the latest edition of The MusicRow Weekly containing the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart.
Warner Chappell Opens The Doors To Its New Office, Welcomes Industry
/by LB CantrellPictured (L-R): Songwriter Parker Welling; President & CEO, WCM Nashville, Ben Vaughn; Songwriter Nicolle Galyon
After extensive renovations, Warner Chappell has christened its new space at 21 Music Square East on Music Row.
The two-story building includes state-of-the-art writer rooms, bright and refreshed office spaces, a swanky bar, a snack station, and plenty of gathering areas for writers and publishers. The property has two areas that can house performances, with a stage near the bar and an outdoor gathering area—perfect for future No. 1 parties.
Pictured: Writer room inside Warner Chappell Nashville
Perhaps most impressive is the mark that the Warner Chappell songwriters made on the space. Not only are there plaques on the walls to display the writers’ achievements, but their favorite books are situated on shelves in a sitting area and their hit song titles and lyrics are written on the walls. Warner Chappell, along with designer Michael Cronin, even included innovative features such as lockers for writers to use.
For entertainment, the Warner Chappell office has a basketball hoop, a Led Zeppelin pinball machine, and WCM-branded pool table layered into the design.
“We’re so grateful,” President & CEO, WCM Nashville, Ben Vaughn tells MusicRow. “When we started this process, we really wanted to do it with songwriters in mind. We asked songwriters to be a part of the design process. They wanted a warm, fun building.
“It’s great to have writers in the building just being creative,” he adds. “There’s a lot of people who put a lot of time into this very specific type of building. To see the first reactions we get, especially from writers, that’s the best feeling.”
Pictured (L-R): Vaughn, Red Light Management’s Shawn McSpadden, songwriter Brett James, Co-Chair and Chief Executive Officer of Warner Chappell Music, Guy Moot
Pictured: Songwriters hanging out at Warner Chappell
Pictured: Outside the Warner Chappell Nashville office
Cole Swindell Celebrates ‘Stereotype’ Album Launch
/by Sherod RobertsonPhoto (L-R): John Esposito (Chairman & CEO, WMN); Cris Lacy (EVP A&R, WMN); Cole Swindell; Kerri Edwards (KP Entertainment); Ben Kline (EVP / GM, WMN). Photo: Warner Music Nashville
Friends and industry guests packed The Electric Jane in Nashville on Wednesday evening (April 13) for Cole Swindell’s Stereotype album release event.
John Esposito, Chairman & CEO, WMN, kicked off the event and welcomed the guests reminding us that the world is a “star of alignments.” He shared a story about how producer Scott Hendricks was sitting on a park bench around five years ago in New York City and befriended a gentleman sitting beside him who turned out to be the builder of the new World Trade Center.
On the morning of album launch event, that same gentleman serendipitously texted Esposito a photo of the spot where Swindell played “You Should Be Here,” back in 2016. Esposito added, “It was the first time any artist ever played on the top of the new World Trade Center. We’ve had so many firsts with Cole and I’ll just never forget that day.”
Cole Swindell. Photo: MusicRow
Cris Lacy, EVP A&R, WMN, also shared a similar sentiment that there are no accidents. She walked the audience through the timeline of when the album was written, produced and how the songs on the project and the first single were selected. “Cole is always writing from his heart and it’s very real-time,” Lacy said. “That’s how he’s able to touch the rest of us because we know he’s going through what we are going through in that moment.” She added, “I truly believe this is his best record yet.”
Swindell performed a selection of songs from the new album, including early fan favorites “She Had Me at Heads Carolina” and “Every Beer.” He also treated the crowd to a few of his 10 No. 1 hits, including 2x Platinums singles “Ain’t Worth the Whiskey” and “Chillin’ It.” Lainey Wilson also made a surprise appearance, coming out on stage to perform the current Top 5 and climbing single, “Never Say Never.”
The album, released last Friday, April 8, includes 13 tracks and features Swindell’s chart-topping hit “Single Saturday Night” and “Never Say Never” (with Lainey Wilson).
Ryan Griffin Sets Release Date For Latest Project
/by Alex ParryBreakout artist and multi-Platinum songwriter Ryan Griffin is set to release his latest album, Slow Down Sunrise, on May 6 via Red Street Records.
The lead single, “Salt, Lime & Tequila,” soared to No. 1 on Sirius XM The Highway’s Hot 30 Countdown, was one of the most added songs at country radio upon its debut, and has tallied nearly 14 million global streams. The rising star returns with a renewed sense of purpose on the new, 6-song project, whether it’s to encourage fans through hard times or to remind them to soak up the sun while it shines.
Ramping up for the release, Griffin has been tapped to play Stagecoach Music Festival on April 29, Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam on June 3, and CMA Music Fest at Ascend Park on June 11.
He is also gearing up for an intimate performance on Breakthrough Live From Amazon Music, a weekly livestream series highlighting up-and-coming artists on the Amazon Music’s channel on Twitch and in Amazon Music mobile app on April 26.
Slow Down Sunrise Track List:
1. Summer On It
2. Salt, Lime & Tequila
3. Beer Like That
4. Slow Down Sunrise
5. Closing Time
6. Salt, Lime & Tequila (Acoustic)
Whiskey Myers’ ‘Firewater Music Festival’ Returns This September
/by Lydia FarthingWhiskey Myers has announced that their personally curated Firewater Music Festival will return for its second year on Sept. 30 and Oct. 1.
In addition to Whiskey Myers, the lineup features Blackberry Smoke, Old 97’s, Read Southall Band, Nikki Lane, Quaker City Night Hawks, 49 Winchester, Goodbye June, Ausitn Meade, The Georgia Thunderbolts, Them Dirty Roses and The Weathered Souls. Additionally, Sept. 29 will feature an exclusive pre-party with the lineup to be announced soon.
Located just south of Kansas City on 150 acres of meadows, ponds and wooded hills, fans with get to experience the live concerts supplemented by on-site activities such as canoeing, zip-lining, rock climbing, archery and a swimming pool.
A variety of pass options for the two-day event are available now. Guests may also purchase an early entry pass for $39 to begin camping Sept. 29 and to attend the exclusive pre-party concert.
Whiskey Myers will release their forthcoming sixth studio album, Tornillo, on July 29 via the band’s own Wiggy Thump Records with distribution by Thirty Tigers.
Loretta Lynn Celebrated On 90th Birthday
/by LB CantrellLoretta Lynn. Photo: Les Leverett
Country icon Loretta Lynn turned 90 today (April 14).
Sony Music Entertainment and Legacy Recordings are celebrating the Country Music Hall of Famer’s birthday by dedicating a blossoming magnolia tree located outside the Frist Learning Center on the Cheekwood Estate & Gardens grounds in Nashville in her honor. The tree bears a bronze tribute plaque with the inscription: “Loretta Lynn (b. April 14, 1932) / Coal Miner’s Daughter / Music Icon / Celebrating Her 90th Birthday.”
“For generations of fans, Loretta Lynn is the heart and soul of American country music, the woman who showed us the untapped possibilities of the genre through the genius and direct perspectives of her songs and the integrity of her performances,” said Richard Story, President, Commercial Music Group, SME. “Please join me and everyone in the Sony family in wishing Loretta the happiest of birthdays along with a deep appreciation for all the magic, truth and beauty she’s shown us through her music over the years.”
Additionally, many of Lynn’s fellow artists and friends including Dolly Parton, Garth Brooks, Alan Jackson, Reba McEntire, Carrie Underwood, Maren Morris, Faith Hill and Tim McGraw, and more, have come together for a special birthday greetings video.
“I am getting so many big birthday wishes!” Lynn shared in a statement. “Thank you, friends, for thinking of me. I’m so happy I get to spend a little more time with you all. My family and I are planning a big dinner and, of course, cake! I love you!”
It was also announced that Lynn is donating items from her personal archives to the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History. Among the artifacts are a 1960s yellow gingham dress sewn by Lynn and a photograph of her wearing the dress while signing autographs; the red gown designed by Lynn’s longtime dressmaker Tim Cobb and worn by her as an honoree at the 26th Kennedy Center Honors in 2003; Lynn’s original handwritten lyrics to her hit single “Fist City;” and the first edition copies of her autobiographies—Coal Miner’s Daughter (1976) and Still Woman Enough (2002)—and more.
“As a little girl, I could never have imagined that I’d write books and wear dresses that would wind up in the Smithsonian. These are the kinds of things that make me realize what an amazing life I’ve been given and grateful for what I’m able to share with the world,” Lynn offered.
DISClaimer Single Reviews: Brett Young Takes The Road Home On Newest Release
/by Robert K OermannThe major-label, heavy hitters pretty much ruled this edition of DISClaimer.
Contending for Disc of the Day are Little Big Town, Kelsea Ballerini, Chris Janson and our winner, Brett Young. The challenger to this dominance is the compelling track by troubadour Porter Howell, who definitely has the best written song in this stack.
Grace Leer and Greylan James are our contenders for the DisCovery Award of the week. I’m giving the nod to Greylan James, because, like Porter, he is a Nashville songwriter, my favorite kind of people.
PORTER HOWELL / “This Town Was”
Writer: Porter Howell; Producers: none listed; Label: PH
–Howell was the creative force behind the hit-making Little Texas in the ‘90s. On this stirring, evocative ballad, he expresses the feelings of generations of folks who are pained to see Music Row being transformed from a community into a condo development. Sung in a yearning voice of nostalgia and regret, this is essential listening.
KELSEA BALLERINI / “Heartfirst”
Writers: Alysa Vanderheym/Karen Fairchild/Kelsea Ballerini; Producers: Julian Bunetta/Shane McAnally; Label: Black River
–Adorable. Her pert delivery conveys the dizzy, youthful feelings of falling in love with a power-pop production in bubbling support. Sprightly and summer-y.
FLAT RIVER BAND & THE McCRARY SISTERS / “Shining Through My Window”
Writer: Chad Sitze; Producers: none listed; Label: Early Bird
–When we last heard from this brother trio, they were matching voices with the Gatlins. Now they’re harmonizing with the four divine McCrary Sisters on this upbeat, shiny, super positive ditty. It ain’t exactly deep, but the mood is merry.
LITTLE BIG TOWN / “Hell Yeah”
Writers: Jimi Westbrook/Phillip Sweet/Corey Crowder/Tyler Hubbard; Producers: Little Big Town; Label: Capitol
–She’s moved on, but he’s still suffering. Despite the honky-tonks, the drinking, the dancing, the laughter and the apparent good times, he’s in hell emotionally. The jaunty track, embellished with whistling, puts the downbeat message in an upbeat mode. Phillip Sweet’s warm lead vocal is a laconic pleasure. A sonic delight that’s radio ready.
KAT & ALEX / “Yo Quiero Amarte”
Writers: AJ Pruis/Alex Georgia/Kat Georgia; Producer: Brad Hill; Label: Sony
–This is the Spanish-language version of their melodic wedding song “I Want It All.” Both initially spoke Spanish exclusively as the children of Cuban (Kat Luna) and Puerto Rican (Alex Garrido) parents. Their harmonies are delicious. The fastest growing American demographic is Hispanic. If country music is to thrive in the 21st century, it needs to embrace Black and Latin voices, and this couple is fine way to start doing the latter.
CHRIS JANSON / “We Did It Anyway”
Writers: Chris Janson/Dallas Davidson/Ashley Gorley/Chris Stevens; Producers: Zach Crowell/Chris Janson; Label: Warner
–There’s a new video for this track from Chris’ upcoming, abundant, 16-track album All In. The clip illustrates an outdoor party, which is totally in keeping with the message of this frothing, bodacious rocker.
GREYLAN JAMES / “Anything Cold”
Writers: Greylan James/Abram Dean/Jason Massey/Josh Dorr; Producers: Greylan James/Jason Massey; Label: Tunecore
–As a songwriter, James has cuts by Chesney, Blake and the Chris-es—Young and Janson. Here’s the ear-opener: He’s also an ace guitarist, plus he played every instrument on this, his disc debut. The track is a dreamy, electronic swirl. The monotonous lyric, however, goes nowhere.
BRETT YOUNG / “Long Way Home”
Writers: Brett Young/Shay Mooney/Bear Rinehart/Jimmy Robbins; Producer: Jimmy Robbins; Label: BMLG
–Brett and his collaborators watched an advance screening of the new Mark Wahlberg movie Father Stu. That inspired the creation of this theme song for the thug-priest story. “Everybody gets to Heaven on a broken road/Some of us gotta take the long way home.” I don’t know about the film, but the song works spectacularly well–well written, well sung and well produced. The bonus is that the toe tapper has something to say.
EASTON CORBIN / “Marry That Girl”
Writers: Easton Corbin/Shane Minor/Wade Kirby/Adam Craig; Producers: Derek George/Wade Kirby; Label: Stone Country
–Corbin returns to solidly county record making with this lilting ballad. Gentle, laid back, sweetly romantic and full of emotional warmth.
LOGAN MIZE & GRACE LEER / “Nothing With You”
Writers: Donovan Woods/Dustin Christensen/Geoff Warburton; Producers: Daniel Agee; Label: Big Yellow Dog
–Mize teams up with American Idol alumnus Leer on this romantic outing. They are both wonderful singers, the song is well crafted and the track has a pleasing thump. But they never harmonize, and I don’t hear any real charisma here.
CALLISTA CLARK / “Gave It Back Broken”
Writers: Callista Clark/Emily Shackleton; Producer: Nathan Chapman; Label: Big Machine
–This youngster is a terrific vocalist. I still don’t hear what is “country” about her.
PAT GREEN / “Build You a Bar”
Writers: Marshall Altman/Colin Christopher Elmore/Anna Hawthorne Vaus; Producer: Dwight Baker; Label: Empire
–The Texas hero is completely charming on this offbeat romantic caper. Only in country music could you find a lyric this wacky that still makes sense.
Now Open: Applications For MusicRow’s 2022 Annual Artist Roster Issue
/by LB CantrellApplications for MusicRow‘s upcoming Artist Roster print issue are now being accepted through Friday, April 22, 2022 with the official form below. Previously included companies will be solicited separately.
This ultimate artist resource book includes the Artist Roster company directory, featuring contact information and artist rosters for Nashville record labels, managers, publicists, lawyers, talent agents, publicity and artist services companies (business managers, digital music, legal, marketing, radio promotion, and organizations).
Applications for Artist Roster 2022 are now closed.
For advertising opportunities in the Artist Roster print issue, email Sherod Robertson at srobertson@musicrow.com. Rate card information is available here. For questions regarding directory, please email LB Cantrell at lbcantrell@musicrow.com.
Luke Combs Announces New Album Due Out In June
/by LB CantrellLuke Combs. Photo: Zack Massey
Country hitmaker Luke Combs announced on social media that he will deliver his next album on June 24.
This will mark the multi-Platinum singer’s third studio album, following the wildly successful 2019 release What You See Is What You Get, which contained seven No. 1 hits such as “Beer Never Broke My Heart,” “Even Though I’m Leaving,” “Does to Me,” “Lovin’ On You,” “Better Together,” “Forever After All” and “Cold As You.” He released a deluxe version of the album, What You See Ain’t Always What You Get, in October with five new songs on it.
Although Combs didn’t give much detail about the new album, neither a title or a track list, his current single “Doin’ This” is likely on the project. He has also been posting snippets of unreleased tracks on his social media over the last few weeks, including songs called “The Kind Of Love We Make” and “Tomorrow Me.”
Combs is the reigning CMA Entertainer of the Year. Among his many career accomplishments, Combs has celebrated twelve No. 1 songs, record-breaking chart and sales achievements, and induction into the Grand Ole Opry.