Exile Signs With Clearwater Records
Pictured (L-R): Exile: Marlon Hargis, Steve Goetzman, Les Taylor, Tamara Gomes, CEO Clearwater Records – Robert Gomes, Exile’s Sonny LeMaire and JP Pennington. Photo: Moments By Moser Photography
American country rock band and Kentucky Music Hall of Fame members, Exile, have signed with Clearwater Records, a newly developed record label company. The band is expected to release new music later this year.
Robert Gomes, Clearwater Records CEO, says: “I am very excited to sign Exile and have the honor to work with this legendary group of great musicians, songwriters and artists.”
“We are so thrilled to have teamed up with Clearwater Records and we are excited to be writing and recording original music for a new project!” shares Exile. “This is some of the best music we have ever written and we cannot wait for it to be heard.”
Based in Clearwater, Florida, the entity was founded by CEO Robert Gomes. The label is a partnership with distribution and marketing powerhouse Vere/ADA.
Exile’s extended team also includes Kinkead Entertainment (booking agency), B! Noticed Public Relations (PR) and Ontourage Management, LLC (management).
Rodney Crowell Featured In Recent Installment Of Poets & Prophets
Rodney Crowell. Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum featured Rodney Crowell and his songwriting contributions in its ongoing interview series Poets and Prophets. The program included an interview with and performance by Crowell, and was illustrated with photos, film and recordings from the museum’s Frist Library and Archive.
The performance and conversation was filmed and will premiere on May 10 as part of the museum’s Live at the Hall digital programs series—available to stream on the museum’s YouTube channel, Facebook page and website.
Crowell started his career in Houston, Texas, playing drums in his father’s honky-tonk band at age 11. He has written more than a dozen No. 1 hit songs, including “’Til I Gain Control Again” (Emmylou Harris, Crystal Gayle), “I Ain’t Living Long Like This” (Waylon Jennings), “Leaving Louisiana in the Broad Daylight” (Oak Ridge Boys), “I Don’t Know Why You Don’t Want Me” (Rosanne Cash), “Shame on the Moon” (Bob Seger), “Ashes by Now” (Lee Ann Womack), “Please Remember Me” (Tim McGraw), “Song for the Life” (Alan Jackson) and “Making Memories of Us” (Keith Urban). As a recording artist, Crowell hit his stride when his 1988 album Diamonds & Dirt yielded five No. 1 country singles, including “After All This Time,” which won a Grammy for Best Country Song.
The series features songwriters who have made significant contributions to country music. The program is presented in support of the museum’s exhibit Outlaws & Armadillos: Country’s Roaring ’70s.
Reel Muzik Werks Adds Anthony Fedorov To Its Client Roster
Anthony Fedorov & Teri Nelson Carpenter
Reel Muzik Werks, an independent music publisher specializing in film/TV music and international rights management, has added singer-songwriter, producer, actor, and music educator Anthony Fedorov to its roster.
Fedorov immigrated to the U.S. at 9 years old from Yalta, Crimea, and went on to become the fourth place finalist on the season four of American Idol, alongside Carrie Underwood. He is currently writing and developing two original musicals.
As a songwriter, Fedorov’s notable song placements include Hulu’s Future Man; The Ellen Degeneres Wildlife Fund; “Tet’Emcombo” (King of Kings), co-written with producing partner and Grammy winner Jeeve Ducornet in the award-winning short film The German King; “I Begin Again,” co-written with Grammy-winning songwriter Bill Grainer and recorded by Britain’s Got Talent winner Jai McDowall.
“Reel Muzik Werks is excited to have Anthony rejoin the RMW family!” says Reel Muzik Werks’ CEO Teri Nelson Carpenter. “He was originally an admin client, but we just signed him as a creative writer and artist as well. We are thrilled with this development and cannot wait to see what the future holds!”
“My heart is full of gratitude. I’m extremely excited to be joining the Reel Muzik Werks family,” adds Fedorov. “Thank you so much, Teri. Let’s make some musical memories.”
Flat River Band Adds Triple Crown Management To Its Team
Flat River Band. Photo: Bill McClintic
Country trio Flat River Band has signed a management agreement with Doc Gonzales‘ Triple Crown Management.
The trio of brothers, Chad, Andy and Dennijo Sitze, have played and toured with their family’s band since they were very young. They are currently releasing songs from their 5-song EP, Sights and Sounds. Their single, “I Just Wish You Were Someone I Love,” is charting at No. 45 on the Country Music Billboard Indicator Chart.
“I am very lucky and honored to be a part of the careers of these very talented brothers and together we can move forward to the next level with Flat River Band and a new spring single on the way,” states Gonzales.
“We are looking forward to working with Triple Crown Management and sharing our talents to a larger audience and new opportunities,” the band shares. “Doc’s past record reflects his dedication to his clients and his ability to take them beyond expectations.”
Flat River Band’s extended team also includes Cover Paige Booking (booking agency), B! Noticed Public Relations (PR) and Triple Crown Promotions, LLC (radio promotion).
Bryan Martin Reveals Some ‘Self Inflicted Scars’ This April
/by Lorie HollabaughBryan Martin. Photo: Julian Mendoza
Bryan Martin is gearing up for the release of his sophomore, 12-track collection, Self Inflicted Scars, due out April 29 via Average Joes Entertainment.
A new single from the album, “Everyone’s An Outlaw,” is out now. Craig Campbell and Colt Ford both guest on the upcoming project.
Martin has already achieved success with of one of the album’s singles, “Beauty In The Struggle,” which went viral on TikTok and has garnered nearly two million views to date and over 13 million streams on Spotify alone.
“Self Inflicted Scars — just the name may send you wandering, as it should,” says Bryan. “I’ve seen the deepest, darkest days and every time I’ve hit rock bottom I learned more about myself and life…mainly that I had no one else to blame but me, hence ‘Self Inflicted Scars.’ Through the album you’ll go on the same roller coaster I’ve been on; moving through love, heartbreak, self-destruction and redemption.”
“Beauty In The Struggle” (Bryan Martin)
“Self Inflicted Scars” (Bryan Martin)
“Lost” (Bryan Martin)
“More Than The Shine” (Bryan Martin)
“Divided States” (Bryan Martin)
“Long As Daddy’s Working” (Bryan Martin)
“Whiskey And The Devil” (Bryan Martin)
“Over Hank It Feat. Colt Ford” (Bryan Martin, Colt Ford)
“Memory to Drown” (Bryan Martin)
“Everyone’s An Outlaw” (Bryan Martin)
“Lost (Old Henry Trailer Version)” (Bryan Martin)
“Beauty In The Struggle Feat. Craig Campbell” (Bryan Martin)
PickleJar Introduces New Radio Insider Page
/by Lorie HollabaughPickleJar, the live entertainment and artist payments app, has launched a new broadcast-focused feature called Insider. The tool aims to help broadcasters support their local communities causes and music-related fundraisers.
This new capability empowers millions of radio listeners across the U.S. with a way for radio stations to mobilize and give back to those in need. PickleJar is working with on-air personalities to activate their local listenership to support beneficiaries of their choice seamlessly and securely through the app.
With Insider, PickleJar Members can follow their stations and favorite radio personalities within the PickleJar app. By downloading the app or scanning a unique QR code at an event, PickleJar Insider helps radio stations activate their listening audience to give back with immediate results.
“In the unfortunate event of a natural disaster or humanitarian crisis, stations in that area can set-up a fundraising campaign in minutes and reach out to their listener base to raise money for their approved charity of choice directly from the station’s Insider page in the app,” says Jeff James, CEO of PickleJar. “The PickleJar Insider program can be activated at a local, regional, national, or even worldwide level to focus on the greatest of needs. What makes PickleJar so unique is how we bring listeners, personalities, and musicians together to help others with 100% of all donations going directly to the designated charitable organization.”
Insider can also be used to raise support and funds for individual or time-limited campaigns, such as natural disaster response, humanitarian or emergency relief, radiothons, seasonal charity drives, championing a mission or advocacy, significant local events and more. As always, nonprofits and associated causes keep 100% of all money raised.
“We created Insider to act almost like a LinkedIn that is just for radio stations and personalities,” adds Kristian Barowsky, President of PickleJar. “PickleJar Insider provides these on-air personalities with strategies to engage and transform listeners to donors, which will keep funds flowing in the communities where they entertain and serve.”
Chart Action: Underwood Impacts Country Radio
/by Alex ParryCarrie Underwood sweeps the charts this week receiving the most adds and spins across the Billboard, Mediabase, and MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio charts as “Ghost Story” impacts the airwaves. The single received a total of 174 adds; +3,059 cumulative spins and debuted at No. 25 on Billboard, No. 31 on Mediabase, and No. 35 on MusicRow.
Written by Josh Kear, Hillary Lindsey and David Garcia and co-produced by Garcia and Underwood, the superstar describes “Ghost Story” as “a different take on a revenge song,” where instead of smashing headlights, the scorned lover will continue to haunt their ex.
“‘Ghost Story’ is a thrilling, dramatic song that David, Hillary and Josh wrote for me,” says Underwood. “They are such talented, amazing songwriters who know me so well, and from the first time I heard it I knew I had to record it. I have always loved performing songs that tell a story and inspire some kind of cinematic imagery when you hear them, and that is definitely true of ‘Ghost Story.’ It creates a mood and a vibe that is different than anything else I’ve recorded before.”
Underwood’s new single comes on the heels of winning ACM Single of the Year for “If I Didn’t Love You” with Jason Aldean marking her 16th ACM Award. The multi-week No. 1 has spent a record-setting 26 weeks in the Top 10 of Billboard Country Airplay so far, and three weeks atop the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart.
For more chart data, view the latest edition of The MusicRow Weekly.
Austin Burke Releases New EP ‘Changed Everything’
/by Lorie HollabaughAustin Burke‘s new EP, Changed Everything, is available everywhere now. The five-track project includes the previously released title track and single “Let It Burn,” which climbed to No. 4 on the Billboard Country Digital chart.
Writers contributing to the project include Ava Suppelsa, Maks Gabriel, Joe Fox, Phil Barton and more. The EP follows Burke’s recent accomplishment of crossing over 150 million collective streams.
“Honestly, the past two years have been like a reset in my life professionally. After being forced to slow down when touring came to a halt, I got the chance to take a step back and look at myself in the mirror… to really think about what I want to say,” says Burke. “I’m now grateful for the time that I’ve gotten to dig deeper into my music and figure out what I want to say. I’m happy to say that I now have that answer. Finding yourself as an artist is never an easy thing to do but it’s something that excites me about this release. I’m excited for country music fans to continue to find me, my music and I can’t wait to hear what they have to say about the EP.”
Striving to pay it forward, Burke and his wife Lexy have found new ways to spread positivity during the pandemic as the couple has enlisted the help of their combined millions of social followers to join in TikTok’s Venmo Challenge. Through the initiative, contributors are raising money to surprise members of the service industry with unusually large and generous tips. So far, they’ve raised over $300,000.
Changed Everything Track List:
1. Changed Everything (Austin Burke, Dean Fields, Ava Suppelsa, Maks Gabriel)
2. Slow Kissin’ In A Fast Car (Austin Burke, Joe Fox, Phil Barton
3. Let It Burn (Austin Burke, Johnny Simmen, Steven McMorran)
4. I Don’t Care (Austin Burke, Eric Arjes, Steve McMorran)
5. Even On A Bad Day (Austin Burke, John Pierce, Matt McV)
SoundExchange Hits $9 Billion Milestone, Completes 150th Royalty Distribution
/by Lorie HollabaughSoundExchange has reached the $9 billion mark in digital royalties distributed directly to music creators since 2003. The company has also distributed a total of $235 million during the first quarter of 2022, completing its 150th royalty distribution.
“SoundExchange is powering the future of music by distributing billions of dollars to creators who are the heart and soul of our industry,” explains Michael Huppe, president and CEO of SoundExchange. “We’ve seen the return of our vibrant music community over the last several months, and we are proud to play a role in building a fairer, simpler, and more efficient industry. These remarkable milestones represent our ever-expanding commitment to combine technology, data, and advocacy to improve the creative return at all levels.”
According to the Recording Industry Association of America, recorded music revenues in the U.S. grew by 23% in 2021 to $15 billion. Streaming revenues accounted for 83% of total revenue, totaling $12.4 billion in 2021–a 24% increase over 2020.
SoundExchange collects and distributes digital performance royalties on behalf of 560,000 music creators. The organization has helped creators stay afloat during unforeseen challenges through its industry-leading use of technology and data.
VMP Celebrates 60 Years of Willie Nelson In New Vinyl Anthology
/by Lorie HollabaughWillie Nelson. Photo: Pamela Springsteen
Vinyl Me Please is releasing a VMP Anthology: The Story of Willie Nelson box set to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Nelson’s first LP.
The limited edition 7-album, nine LP vinyl collection takes listeners on an immersive experience through Nelson’s extensive discography, from his most well-known albums to the out-of-print and never-before-on-vinyl titles.
Each record comes on 180g exclusive color vinyl and is housed in a commemorative box inspired by the Outlaw Country album covers, tour posters, and wanted posters of the early-mid 70s. The albums are remastered from original audio sources with lacquers cut at GZ, and mastered by Bernie Grundman. The anthology is accompanied by a listening notes booklet featuring photos and lyrics, and a podcast series to serve as a definitive guide to each album.
“60 years ago, Willie Nelson–one of America’s national treasures–made his debut LP and in the years since, he’s changed both country music and the American songwriting tradition again and again,” shares Andrew Winistorfer, VMP’s Director of Classics & Country. “Across close to 100 LPs, Willie Nelson has written about life, love, death, and the American experience. VMP Anthology: The Story of Willie Nelson aims to honor his indelible legacy through his most influential, important albums from the beginning of his career to today.”
Nelson’s latest studio album A Beautiful Time will also arrive on April 29 to time with his 89th birthday. The new release will be available on vinyl, CD, and digital formats.
1. Country Willie (His Own Songs) (1965)
2. Yesterday’s Wine (1971)
3. Red-Headed Stranger (1975)
4. Stardust (1978)
5. Always on My Mind (1982)
6. Across the Borderline (1993)
7. Heroes (2012)
Industry Ink: Exile, Rodney Crowell, Reel Muzik Werks, Flat River Band
/by Lydia FarthingExile Signs With Clearwater Records
Pictured (L-R): Exile: Marlon Hargis, Steve Goetzman, Les Taylor, Tamara Gomes, CEO Clearwater Records – Robert Gomes, Exile’s Sonny LeMaire and JP Pennington. Photo: Moments By Moser Photography
American country rock band and Kentucky Music Hall of Fame members, Exile, have signed with Clearwater Records, a newly developed record label company. The band is expected to release new music later this year.
Robert Gomes, Clearwater Records CEO, says: “I am very excited to sign Exile and have the honor to work with this legendary group of great musicians, songwriters and artists.”
“We are so thrilled to have teamed up with Clearwater Records and we are excited to be writing and recording original music for a new project!” shares Exile. “This is some of the best music we have ever written and we cannot wait for it to be heard.”
Based in Clearwater, Florida, the entity was founded by CEO Robert Gomes. The label is a partnership with distribution and marketing powerhouse Vere/ADA.
Exile’s extended team also includes Kinkead Entertainment (booking agency), B! Noticed Public Relations (PR) and Ontourage Management, LLC (management).
Rodney Crowell Featured In Recent Installment Of Poets & Prophets
Rodney Crowell. Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum featured Rodney Crowell and his songwriting contributions in its ongoing interview series Poets and Prophets. The program included an interview with and performance by Crowell, and was illustrated with photos, film and recordings from the museum’s Frist Library and Archive.
The performance and conversation was filmed and will premiere on May 10 as part of the museum’s Live at the Hall digital programs series—available to stream on the museum’s YouTube channel, Facebook page and website.
Crowell started his career in Houston, Texas, playing drums in his father’s honky-tonk band at age 11. He has written more than a dozen No. 1 hit songs, including “’Til I Gain Control Again” (Emmylou Harris, Crystal Gayle), “I Ain’t Living Long Like This” (Waylon Jennings), “Leaving Louisiana in the Broad Daylight” (Oak Ridge Boys), “I Don’t Know Why You Don’t Want Me” (Rosanne Cash), “Shame on the Moon” (Bob Seger), “Ashes by Now” (Lee Ann Womack), “Please Remember Me” (Tim McGraw), “Song for the Life” (Alan Jackson) and “Making Memories of Us” (Keith Urban). As a recording artist, Crowell hit his stride when his 1988 album Diamonds & Dirt yielded five No. 1 country singles, including “After All This Time,” which won a Grammy for Best Country Song.
The series features songwriters who have made significant contributions to country music. The program is presented in support of the museum’s exhibit Outlaws & Armadillos: Country’s Roaring ’70s.
Reel Muzik Werks Adds Anthony Fedorov To Its Client Roster
Anthony Fedorov & Teri Nelson Carpenter
Reel Muzik Werks, an independent music publisher specializing in film/TV music and international rights management, has added singer-songwriter, producer, actor, and music educator Anthony Fedorov to its roster.
Fedorov immigrated to the U.S. at 9 years old from Yalta, Crimea, and went on to become the fourth place finalist on the season four of American Idol, alongside Carrie Underwood. He is currently writing and developing two original musicals.
As a songwriter, Fedorov’s notable song placements include Hulu’s Future Man; The Ellen Degeneres Wildlife Fund; “Tet’Emcombo” (King of Kings), co-written with producing partner and Grammy winner Jeeve Ducornet in the award-winning short film The German King; “I Begin Again,” co-written with Grammy-winning songwriter Bill Grainer and recorded by Britain’s Got Talent winner Jai McDowall.
“Reel Muzik Werks is excited to have Anthony rejoin the RMW family!” says Reel Muzik Werks’ CEO Teri Nelson Carpenter. “He was originally an admin client, but we just signed him as a creative writer and artist as well. We are thrilled with this development and cannot wait to see what the future holds!”
“My heart is full of gratitude. I’m extremely excited to be joining the Reel Muzik Werks family,” adds Fedorov. “Thank you so much, Teri. Let’s make some musical memories.”
Flat River Band Adds Triple Crown Management To Its Team
Flat River Band. Photo: Bill McClintic
Country trio Flat River Band has signed a management agreement with Doc Gonzales‘ Triple Crown Management.
The trio of brothers, Chad, Andy and Dennijo Sitze, have played and toured with their family’s band since they were very young. They are currently releasing songs from their 5-song EP, Sights and Sounds. Their single, “I Just Wish You Were Someone I Love,” is charting at No. 45 on the Country Music Billboard Indicator Chart.
“I am very lucky and honored to be a part of the careers of these very talented brothers and together we can move forward to the next level with Flat River Band and a new spring single on the way,” states Gonzales.
“We are looking forward to working with Triple Crown Management and sharing our talents to a larger audience and new opportunities,” the band shares. “Doc’s past record reflects his dedication to his clients and his ability to take them beyond expectations.”
Flat River Band’s extended team also includes Cover Paige Booking (booking agency), B! Noticed Public Relations (PR) and Triple Crown Promotions, LLC (radio promotion).
Thomas Rhett Rises To Radio Chart Peak On MusicRow Chart
/by Alex Parry“Slow Down Summer” by Thomas Rhett inches its way into the No. 1 position on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart this week. This is the lead single off his sixth studio album, Where We Started, set for release next week (April 1). It was written by Rhett, Ashley Gorley, Jesse Frasure, Sean Douglas, and Rhett Akins.
Rhett is scheduled to “Bring The Bar To You” on his upcoming tour in June with Parker McCollum and Conner Smith. The tour is presented by Dos Primos, Rhett’s own tequila brand which recently announced a new variant Dos Primos Tequila Reposado. The reposado tequila is made from hand-harvested, 100% blue agave sourced from estates in Los Altos and the valley area of Jalisco, Mexico, and aged for at least six months in used bourbon barrels.
Click here to view the latest edition of The MusicRow Weekly containing the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart.
DISClaimer Single Reviews: Nate Smith & Tenille Townes Take The Cake With Stunning Duet
/by Robert K OermannThis is Collaboration Day here at DISClaimer.
Today’s review stack is replete with match-ups—Blackberry Smoke with Jamey Johnson, The Gatlins meeting Flat River Band, The Bellamys discovering Charles J. & The Conquistadors and Nate Smith dueting with Tenille Townes. From those ranks come two of our award winners.
The Disc of the Day field was so competitive that I split the award in three. The Male performance honor goes to the electrifying Kip Moore. The Female prize goes to the dazzling stylist Danielle Bradbery. The Duo/Group winners are the afore-mentioned and totally superb Nate Smith & Tenille Townes.
There’s no crowd contending for this week’s DISCovery Award. The Latin-country combo Charles J. & The Conquistadors have it all to themselves.
HAILEY WHITTERS / “Boys Back Home”
Writers: Hailey Whitters/Brandy Clark/Jessie Jo Dillon; Producers: Hailey Whitters/Jake Gear; Label: Pigasus/Songs & Daughters/Big Loud
–Superbly written, as usual. This pure-country lady has had my heart for a long time. On this anthem-like jewel, she praises the everyday guys in her hometown who grow from wild young bucks into dependable men who’ll, “Pull you out of a ditch or a bar.” The stirring production supports her sturdy hillbilly soprano at every turn. This one’s a keeper.
CHRIS STAPLETON / “Joy of My Life”
Writer: John Fogerty; Producers: Dave Cobb/Chris Stapleton; Label: Mercury
–This ultra-romantic ballad is shot through with Stapleton’s searing soul singing. Simple acoustic-guitar, brushed drums and plucked bass softly frame his performance. Rising out of the audio mist is a ghostly, echoey electric-guitar solo. Lovely work.
ELLE KING / “Out Yonder”
Writers: Bobby Hamrick/Ella Langley/Matt Mckinney; Producer: Ross Copperman; Label: Sony
–Yowza! Her chesty, throaty delivery has charisma to spare. The pounding, twang-fest production gives her warning to the guys extra moxie. Stompin’ and righteous.
KIP MOORE / “Crazy One More Time”
Writers: Kip Moore/Chris Lindsey/Aimee Mayo; Producers: Kip Moore/Matt Bubel; Label: MCA
–This man’s musical instincts are just about flawless. This slab of country-rock thumps ya right in the gut. His gripping singing sends chills up and down the spine while the band kicks ass with finesse. Blue-collar brilliance.
MADELINE EDWARDS / “Port City”
Writers: Madeline Edwards/Court Clement/Josh Moore; Producers: none listed; Label: ME
–She memorably staged her national TV debut with Mickey Guyton and Brittney Spencer on the CMA Awards, and I’ve been waiting for a breakout single ever since. This could be it, a thoughtful, swirling, orchestrated ballad about taking a leap of faith and following your dreams. Captivating.
CARRIE UNDERWOOD / “Ghost Story”
Writers: David Garcia/Josh Kear/Hillary Lindsey; Producers: David Garcia/Carrie Underwood; Label: Capitol
–The ear-catching, burbling country-pop production flows like a rushing stream beneath her penetrating, processed vocal. She vows to haunt her ex, troubling his sleep and making him wish he’d never left her. Hit bound, for certain.
NATE SMITH & TENILLE TOWNES / “I Don’t Wanna Go to Heaven”
Writers: Nate Smith/Daniel Fernandez; Producers: Nate Smith/Joel Bruyere; Label: Sony
–In a word, “Wow.” There’s nothing I love better than a harmony-soaked country duet, and these two toss vocal lightning bolts in this thrilling performance. Beautiful. Awesome. Amazing. The song has at least two other versions, one with Nate singing solo and one with a choir backing. But the presence of two excellent singers matching one another note-for-note means this version takes the cake.
FLAT RIVER BAND & THE GATLIN BROTHERS / “I Just Wish You Were Someone I Love”
Writer: Larry Gatlin; Producers: none listed; Label: Early Bird
–It’s a brother-singing confabulation as Chad, Dennijo & Andy Sitze (Flat River) meet Larry, Rudy & Steve Gatlin on this fantastic revival of The Gatlins’ 1978 chart topper. Tune up your harmony chops and sing along.
CHARLES J. & THE CONQUISTADORS WITH THE BELLAMY BROTHERS / “Like She’s Not Yours”
Writer: David Bellamy; Producers: Charles J. Jones/Angel Duran; Label: CJJ
–Mariachi trumpets, deep-twang guitar, Latin rhythm, steel guitar and hearty harmony vocals are the ingredients in this audio delight. Hooky in the extreme. Get on board. Lead singer Charles J. previously charted as “JC Jones” on Rising Tide in ’98.
BLACKBERRY SMOKE & JAMEY JOHNSON / “Lonesome For a Livin’”
Writer: Charles Gray; Producer: Dave Cobb; Label: Legged/Thirty Tigers
–It’s a straight-ahead honky tonker, at least until Jamey’s fiery voice enters the mix. Then it becomes something extraordinary. He’s a mighty man, and I jumped for joy when Bill Anderson invited him to become a member of the Opry cast last weekend. So cool, so deserved, so real, so right.
FILMORE / “Johnny Got a Girl”
Writers: Filmore/Jordan Schmidt/Geoff Warburton/Kyle Clark; Producers: Zach Abend/Jordan Schmidt; Label: Curb
–This guy is in the midst of a release barrage where he’s been dropping one song per week all spring long. It started with this catchy toe tapper, a cleverly written lament for a buddy who’s gone M.I.A. from the old gang because he fell in love with a beautiful babe. I remain a huge fan of this always-engaging artist.
DANIELLE BRADBERY / “Look at the Mess I’m In”
Writers: Gordie Sampson/Caitlyn Smith/Troy Verges; Producers: Nathan Chapman; Label: Big Machine
–What a terrific vocal. This range-y ballad takes some hairpin turns and challenges the upper register. But Bradbery takes every tricky note in stride, turning in one of the finest performances of her career to date. The power ballad is unusual in its lyric of self-recrimination and blame for wrecking her own life. This is a very groovy single. Play and be swept away.
Wasserman Music, Black Music Action Coalition, TSU Partner For Music Accelerator Program
/by Lydia FarthingWasserman Music, Black Music Action Coalition (BMAC) and the Commercial Music Program at Tennessee State University (TSU) have announced the inaugural Music Accelerator Program. Nashville Music Equality and the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) will also provide additional collaboration and contributions.
The Music Accelerator Program is a three-week educational program during TSU’s Maymester that runs from May 9-26. The program provides a class of approximately 20 TSU students with curriculum in various disciplines including songwriting, copyrights, publishing, labels, marketing, touring, publicity and more.
Registration opens on Monday, March 28. The course is open to all TSU students.
Wasserman Music Senior Vice President Lenore Kinder comments: “We’re excited about kicking off our program with TSU here in Nashville and working with Nashville Music Equality to help prepare these promising students to launch successful music industry careers. Our aim is to help grow the next generation of industry leaders to create a lasting impact on the music business.”
The program will feature guest lectures from music executives, such as Post Malone’s manager Dre London, Artistry Group founder/CEO Max Gousse, Roddy Ricch manager Shawn Holiday, EMPIRE product manager Russell Barrett, Revels Group manager Jamil Davis, and Wasserman Music agents Lee Anderson, Kinder, Callender, Chappel McCollister and Mallory Smith. The program will also offer internship placements at companies such as Wasserman Music and Quality Control Music.
“Tennessee State University has one of the longest established Commercial Music degree programs in the country, not to mention HBCUs. We are extremely pleased to join all of the program partners in this activity to expand equity of access and participation within all parts of the music industry to students, who upon graduation, have too often found themselves marginalized and shut out from full participation,” Dr. Robert L. Elliott, Head of the Department of Music at Tennessee State University explains. “The partners in this activity are truly working to help shift the paradigm of inclusion and equity within all parts of the music industry, and TSU and its students are proud to be a part of this historic change.”
Willie “Prophet” Stiggers, co-founder and co-chair of BMAC, adds, “Black Music Action Coalition is committed to breaking down barriers, creating access and opportunities and leveling the playing field for the next generation of Black Executives and creatives. This partnership with Wasserman Music and TSU is the beginning of a movement that will grow and further expand to colleges across the country. Not only are we ensuring meaningful paid internships with support services like housing and transportation but to have the opportunity to bring in subject matter experts and industry leaders to conduct in-person classes will be invaluable to the students.”