Newly renovated Warner Music Nashville office. Photo: Diana King
After nearly two years of work-from-home, Warner Music Nashville and Warner Chappell Music Nashville are welcoming employees, artists, and songwriters back to the office—now with newly renovated buildings.
The 20 and 21 Music Square East headquarters span 52,000 square feet of modernized office space. This project makes Warner Music Nashville the only major label still on Music Row.
Studio inside Warner Music Nashville office. Photo: Diana King
Redevelopment efforts at Warner Music Nashville, housed at 20 Music Square East, included transforming the lobby into a large-scale performance area equipped with a specialized lighting grid and advanced PA system. Still to come is a mural depicting a multi-cultural chronology of the history of country music through Warner Music Nashville’s own label icons, which will greet artists as they prepare to perform on the new stage. Other additions include a fully outfitted, multi-purpose audio and video production studio designed by Michael Cronin. The studio, which will allow for Dolby Atmos mixing and playback, features a tracking room for recording and content capture, multiple isolation booths, and more. The project also modernized three floors of traditional offices by introducing a more open, flexible space.
The Warner Music Nashville team ensured that the renovation would utilize sustainable materials, including Cradle to Cradle certified carpet and GreenGuard certified countertops. The design team upgraded all light fixtures to LED and added occupancy sensors to conserve energy, used low-VOC paint (volatile organic compounds) in order to improve indoor air quality, and added five-stream composting and recycling stations.
“Warner Music Nashville artists and employees deserved a label home that could both honor its history and adapt to the modern needs of a creative industry,” shares John Esposito, Chairman & CEO, Warner Music Nashville. “I am proud that we were able to bring our vision to life in a way that aligned with our environmental values. We now remain part of the legacy that is Music Row in a more sustainable, future-facing building. The remodeled office space provides our amazing team with updated resources and a crucial degree of flexibility.
“Meanwhile, we are also able to provide a world-class tool set to an emerging generation of creators,” Esposito adds. “The design of the new spaces will allow us to tell each artist’s individual story from start to finish—whether it’s live-streaming a full-band concert, capturing high-end video content or recording music from demo to master.”
Renovated writer room at Warner Chappell Music’s Nashville office. Photo: Diana King
Across the street at 21 Music Square East, Warner Chappell Music underwent an entire gut-renovation. The two-story building includes ten technologically advanced writer’s rooms again designed by Cronin with top-end gear and robust acoustics. It also features an indoor stage with a fully stocked bar and an open kitchen, all connected to an outdoor space through a massive garage style door that leads to an additional stage and basketball hoop. For added entertainment, there’s a Led Zeppelin pinball machine and WCM-branded pool table layered into the design. A collaborative effort, the team solicited input from songwriters—everything from what a writer would want in a writer room to putting their favorite books on the shelves.
Gaming console inside Warner Chappell Music’s Nashville office. Photo: Diana King
Ben Vaughn, President & CEO, WCM Nashville, says: “Today is extremely special, as we now have an office dedicated entirely to team Warner Chappell and the songwriters who drive music forward in Nashville. A process years in the making, we dreamed this space up in collaboration with our writers and with creativity in mind, to design an environment where everyone who walks through our doors feels inspired and at home. We’re proud of the space and are excited to continue to deepen our roots on Music Row—the true heart and soul of Music City.”
JLL Nashville, along with Turner Construction and Hastings Architecture Associates, supported on the project.
Lee Brice Announces ‘Label Me Proud Tour’ For This Summer
/by Lorie HollabaughLee Brice is launching his “Label Me Proud Tour” beginning in June. Joining him on various dates on the trek will be Michael Ray, Jackson Dean, Tyler Farr, and Tim Montana.
The 23-market tour, kicking off June 2, will visit Pensacola, Chattanooga, Raleigh, Cincinnati, Toledo and more before wrapping on Sept. 24 in Sugar Land, Texas.
“Man, it feels good to announce this tour! It’s been a while since we’ve all been back out on the road and to have my good buddies, Michael Ray and Jackson Dean, join me is a blessing,” Brice shares. “Can’t wait to be back in all these places I’ve grown to love over the years with fans that are bar none the best ones out there! See y’all this summer!”
Pre-sale tickets for the tour, including special VIP Experience packages, are available through Brice’s fan club on March 29. Public on-sale begins April 1 at LeeBrice.com and Mich
Since the release of Brice’s latest album, Hey World, the CMA and ACM award-winner has landed three consecutive No. 1s, including “I Hope You’re Happy Now” with Carly Pearce, “One of Them Girls,” and “Memory I Don’t Mess With,” marking nine career chart-toppers. With “One of Them Girls,” he swept the 2021 ASCAP, BMI and SESAC Awards as Country Song of The Year–the first time one song took all three awards in the same year.
“Label Me Proud Tour” Dates:
6.2.22 – Hampton Beach, NH – Casino Ballroom*
6.3.22 – Bridgeport, CT – Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater*
6.9.22 – Kearney, NE – Viaero Center*
6.11.22 – Maryland Heights, MO – Saint Louis Music Park*
6.16.22 – Toledo, OH – Toledo Zoo Amphitheater**
6.17.22 – Ft. Wayne, IN – Allen County War Memorial Coliseum**
6.18.22 – Sterling Heights, MI – Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre**
7.8.22 – Washington, D.C. – The Anthem***
8.11.22 – Pensacola, FL – Pensacola Bay Center*
8.12.22 – St. Augustine, FL – St. Augustine Amphitheatre*
8.13.22 – Boca Raton, FL – Mizner Park Amphitheater*
8.25.22 – Huntington, WV – Mountain Health Arena*
8.26.22 – Johnson City, TN – Freedom Hall Civic Center*
8.27.22 – Chattanooga, TN – Soldiers and Sailors Memorial*
9.8.22 – Charlottesville, VA – Ting Pavilion*
9.9.22 – Youngstown, OH – Youngstown Foundation Amphitheatre*
9.10.22 – Raleigh, NC – Red Hat Amphitheater*
9.15.22 – Cape Girardeau, MO – Show Me Center*
9.16.22 – Cincinnati, OH – PNC Pavilion*
9.17.22 – Indianapolis, IN – TCU Amphitheater at White River State Park*
9.22.22 – Jonesboro, AR – First National Bank Arena*
9.23.22 – Bossier City, LA – Brookshire Grocery Arena*
9.24.22 – Sugar Land, TX – Smart Financial Centre*
*Michael Ray & Jackson Dean
**Michael Ray & Tim Montana
***Tyler Farr & Jackson Dean
Warner Music Nashville, Warner Chappell Music Open Renovated Offices On Music Row
/by LB CantrellNewly renovated Warner Music Nashville office. Photo: Diana King
After nearly two years of work-from-home, Warner Music Nashville and Warner Chappell Music Nashville are welcoming employees, artists, and songwriters back to the office—now with newly renovated buildings.
The 20 and 21 Music Square East headquarters span 52,000 square feet of modernized office space. This project makes Warner Music Nashville the only major label still on Music Row.
Studio inside Warner Music Nashville office. Photo: Diana King
Redevelopment efforts at Warner Music Nashville, housed at 20 Music Square East, included transforming the lobby into a large-scale performance area equipped with a specialized lighting grid and advanced PA system. Still to come is a mural depicting a multi-cultural chronology of the history of country music through Warner Music Nashville’s own label icons, which will greet artists as they prepare to perform on the new stage. Other additions include a fully outfitted, multi-purpose audio and video production studio designed by Michael Cronin. The studio, which will allow for Dolby Atmos mixing and playback, features a tracking room for recording and content capture, multiple isolation booths, and more. The project also modernized three floors of traditional offices by introducing a more open, flexible space.
The Warner Music Nashville team ensured that the renovation would utilize sustainable materials, including Cradle to Cradle certified carpet and GreenGuard certified countertops. The design team upgraded all light fixtures to LED and added occupancy sensors to conserve energy, used low-VOC paint (volatile organic compounds) in order to improve indoor air quality, and added five-stream composting and recycling stations.
“Warner Music Nashville artists and employees deserved a label home that could both honor its history and adapt to the modern needs of a creative industry,” shares John Esposito, Chairman & CEO, Warner Music Nashville. “I am proud that we were able to bring our vision to life in a way that aligned with our environmental values. We now remain part of the legacy that is Music Row in a more sustainable, future-facing building. The remodeled office space provides our amazing team with updated resources and a crucial degree of flexibility.
“Meanwhile, we are also able to provide a world-class tool set to an emerging generation of creators,” Esposito adds. “The design of the new spaces will allow us to tell each artist’s individual story from start to finish—whether it’s live-streaming a full-band concert, capturing high-end video content or recording music from demo to master.”
Renovated writer room at Warner Chappell Music’s Nashville office. Photo: Diana King
Across the street at 21 Music Square East, Warner Chappell Music underwent an entire gut-renovation. The two-story building includes ten technologically advanced writer’s rooms again designed by Cronin with top-end gear and robust acoustics. It also features an indoor stage with a fully stocked bar and an open kitchen, all connected to an outdoor space through a massive garage style door that leads to an additional stage and basketball hoop. For added entertainment, there’s a Led Zeppelin pinball machine and WCM-branded pool table layered into the design. A collaborative effort, the team solicited input from songwriters—everything from what a writer would want in a writer room to putting their favorite books on the shelves.
Gaming console inside Warner Chappell Music’s Nashville office. Photo: Diana King
Ben Vaughn, President & CEO, WCM Nashville, says: “Today is extremely special, as we now have an office dedicated entirely to team Warner Chappell and the songwriters who drive music forward in Nashville. A process years in the making, we dreamed this space up in collaboration with our writers and with creativity in mind, to design an environment where everyone who walks through our doors feels inspired and at home. We’re proud of the space and are excited to continue to deepen our roots on Music Row—the true heart and soul of Music City.”
JLL Nashville, along with Turner Construction and Hastings Architecture Associates, supported on the project.
Symphonic Distribution Promotes Randall Foster To Chief Creative Officer
/by Lydia FarthingRandall Foster
Symphonic Distribution, the independent music distributor and technology platform, has promoted Nashville-based Randall Foster to Chief Creative Officer.
Foster opened Symphonic’s Nashville offices in April of 2019. Since then, he has grown the footprint and headcount of Symphonic’s presence in Music City by bringing on board their Head of Client Marketing and Head of Youtube and User Generated Content, as well as other key marketing and client management positions. Additionally, Randall oversees Symphonic’s sync licensing arm, Bodega Sync, as well as the company’s YouTube and User Generated Content Monetization efforts.
In his new role, Foster’s primary goals are continued acquisitions and distribution deals, strategic partnerships and oversight of rights management at both Symphonic and Symphonic’s music publishing wing.
“My time at Symphonic has been the most rewarding and gratifying time I’ve spent in this great industry of ours. To see our Nashville operation flourish and have the opportunity to continue to build-this time with a focus on content creation, publishing, acquisitions, etc.—is the culmination of a dream Jorge Brea and I started discussing 4 years ago,” Foster explains. “To say I’m thrilled is a vast understatement.”
Additionally, Nick Gordon has been promoted to Chief Partnership Officer in the New York office. Gordon joined Symphonic as Chief Client Officer and GM, New York in 2018. In his new role, Gordon will continue his focus on client growth through organic development, as well as strategic partnerships and acquisitions, and give oversight into Symphonic’s Web3 and NFT strategy.
Chris Stapleton, H.E.R., More To Perform At 64th Annual Grammy Awards
/by Lydia FarthingThe Recording Academy has expanded its lineup for the 64th Annual Grammy Awards, broadcasting live on April 3 at 7 p.m. CT on CBS and available to stream live and on demand on Paramount+.
Hosted by Trevor Noah from MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Chris Stapleton, H.E.R., Jon Batiste, and Foo Fighters have joined the evening’s lineup, along with a special In Memoriam performance featuring songs of Stephen Sondheim by Cynthia Erivo, Leslie Odom Jr., Ben Platt, and Rachel Zegler.
Five-time Grammy winner Chris Stapleton has three nominations this year including Best Country Solo Performance (“You Should Probably Leave”), Best Country Song (“Cold”) and Best Country Album (Starting Over). For a full list of this year’s nominees, click here.
Previously announced performers include Brothers Osborne, BTS, Brandi Carlile, Billie Eilish, Lil Nas X with Jack Harlow, and Olivia Rodrigo.
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)