Pictured (L-R, back row): Rusty Gaston (Sony ATV), Gary Reamey (Block of Marble), Brian Wolf (Maverick Management), Clarence Spalding (Maverick Management), Mason Hunter (BMI), John Ozier (Reservoir Media), RJ Romeo (Romeo Entertainment Group), Lisa Johnson (Rome Phrey Publishing), Will Overton (Warner Chappell); (L-R, front row): Nick Columbia (Songwriter), Russell Sutton (Songwriter), Elvie Shane, Lee Starr (Songwriter), Jon Loba (Broken Bow Records). Photo: Steve Lowry
It was a family affair at The Local on Wednesday (March 23) when Wheelhouse Records singer-songwriter Elvie Shane and his co-writers celebrated their No. 1 hit, “My Boy.” The sentimental tune about nontraditional family dynamics was the first chart-topper for all four co-writers: Shane, Russell Sutton, Nick Columbia and Lee Starr.
BMI’s Mason Hunter led the festivities for the tune, which was inspired by Shane’s relationship with his stepson Caleb, who was in attendance.
Hunter set the tone for the rest of the team-member presentations that followed by recognizing how special of a song “My Boy” is. He let the room know that the song was written in 2016 on a porch in Hendersonville, and that all four writers were completely independent at the time it was written.
“This song gives all us the belief that great songs still live in this town,” Hunter said. “I can’t think of a better way to launch a career than with this single.”
Block of Marble and SNG’s Gary Reamey was on hand to support Starr. He called out the village of folks that had supported the writers on their climb to the top.
Sony Music Publishing’s Rusty Gaston, who Hunter referred to as the reverend, hit the nail on the head on how “My Boy” represents the spirit of Nashville.
Pictured (L-R): “My Boy” co-writer Nick Columbia, co-writer Russell Sutton, co-writer Elvie Shane, Shane’s Stepson Caleb, co-writer Lee Starr. Photo: Steve Lowry
“These guys didn’t write a hit song, they arguably wrote probably the best song in country music of the last decade. And they did it independently,” Gaston said. “It led to independent publishers championing them.”
Gaston added, “This town is built upon independent publishers like Gary starting these companies to take chances on people that are absolute dreamers and absolutely independent. Championing those dreams end up with songs that change people’s lives. That’s what happened here.”
Romeo Entertainment Group’s RJ Romeo and Rome Phrey Publishing’s Lisa Johnson—who were two of Shane’s first believers—spoke about the persistence of the writers. Johnson recognized Shane’s stepson Caleb. “If you hadn’t happened, nobody would be up here right now,” she said.
Warner Chappell’s Will Overton spoke about Shane, highlighting his wild exterior but tender heart. “It’s rare to meet someone who radiates the energy and creativity as much as Elvie does,” he said. “When I think of Elvie, I think LOUD—in all capital letters.”
Reservoir’s John Ozier was on hand to celebrate the company’s first in-person Nashville No. 1 party since opening in Music City in 2019. Ozier and his team represent co-writer Columbia, who got a custom guitar for his achievement.
“Every now and then there’s a song that stops you in your tracks, and you know exactly where you were when you heard it. This song did that for me,” he said.
Pinnacle Bank’s David DeVaul, donning a pair of similar-looking glasses to Shane’s signature look, let the crowd know that a donation had been made to SarahCare in honor of “My Boy.” Country Aircheck‘s Chuck Aly spoke about the feat of achieving a country radio No. 1.
When BBR head Jon Loba got up to speak, he highlighted the significance of the song. “This was a one-listen song for me. I wouldn’t hear of anything else but this being the first single,” Loba said, calling out the Wheelhouse promotion team for fighting for “My Boy.”
Pictured (L-R, back row): Ellen Ford (BBRMG), Nick Columbia (co-writer), Russell Sutton (co-writer), Lee Starr (co-writer); (L-R, front row): Ashley Wojcinski (BBRMG), Caitlyn Gordon (Wheelhouse Records), Kendra Whitehead (Wheelhouse Records), Brittany Pellegrino (Wheelhouse Records), Elvie Shane, Jennifer Shaffer (Wheelhouse Records), Ken Tucker (Wheelhouse Records), Carson James (BBRMG). Photo: Steve Lowry
When the writers spoke, the drinks and tears were flowing in the room. Each writer spoke about the night the song was written, and the struggle professional songwriters go through to make it happen.
“We were just four kids that were broker than hell, just trying to write something that mattered,” Sutton said. “These are three of my best friends in the world. I’d do anything for them.”
Sutton also pointed out that all four co-writers had all had babies since they wrote the song. “We had a promise of a check in nine months and were like ‘Let’s do it!” he joked. “That’s all gone now because we had those babies.”
Columbia thanked his family, co-writers and team. “Thank you guys for giving me a place to land,” he said.
Starr emphasized what “My Boy” had survived, and took time to encourage hopeful songwriters. “If there’s anyone out there who writes songs, you may have already done it and you don’t know it yet. For years we were sitting on [‘My Boy’], and we were struggling, wondering when our chance was going to come, when in reality, we had already written our check,” he said. “Keep fighting the good fight, keep believing in what you’re doing.”
Shane warned the crowd that he was going to be long-winded, as he grew up Baptist.
“I am going to cry because I’m a wimp and it’s what I do,” he joked. “I remember many nights sitting on the porch or tailgate talking about how we were going to take over this town. Started at the bottom, now we in the middle!” The crowd roared with laughter.
Shane recognized his team, co-writers and family, trying to hold back tears. “You work so hard for this. Not only as an artist or songwriter, but you have these people who take time away from their families and fly out to these cities and meet with radio people,” he said. “It’s such a long and hard process.
“Then you get a No. 1,” he said. “You dream about what it would feel like to get a No. 1. It didn’t feel right at first, but it feels right tonight.”
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.”
Elvie Shane Commemorates First No. 1 With Emotional Celebration For ‘My Boy’
/by LB CantrellPictured (L-R, back row): Rusty Gaston (Sony ATV), Gary Reamey (Block of Marble), Brian Wolf (Maverick Management), Clarence Spalding (Maverick Management), Mason Hunter (BMI), John Ozier (Reservoir Media), RJ Romeo (Romeo Entertainment Group), Lisa Johnson (Rome Phrey Publishing), Will Overton (Warner Chappell); (L-R, front row): Nick Columbia (Songwriter), Russell Sutton (Songwriter), Elvie Shane, Lee Starr (Songwriter), Jon Loba (Broken Bow Records). Photo: Steve Lowry
It was a family affair at The Local on Wednesday (March 23) when Wheelhouse Records singer-songwriter Elvie Shane and his co-writers celebrated their No. 1 hit, “My Boy.” The sentimental tune about nontraditional family dynamics was the first chart-topper for all four co-writers: Shane, Russell Sutton, Nick Columbia and Lee Starr.
BMI’s Mason Hunter led the festivities for the tune, which was inspired by Shane’s relationship with his stepson Caleb, who was in attendance.
Hunter set the tone for the rest of the team-member presentations that followed by recognizing how special of a song “My Boy” is. He let the room know that the song was written in 2016 on a porch in Hendersonville, and that all four writers were completely independent at the time it was written.
“This song gives all us the belief that great songs still live in this town,” Hunter said. “I can’t think of a better way to launch a career than with this single.”
Block of Marble and SNG’s Gary Reamey was on hand to support Starr. He called out the village of folks that had supported the writers on their climb to the top.
Sony Music Publishing’s Rusty Gaston, who Hunter referred to as the reverend, hit the nail on the head on how “My Boy” represents the spirit of Nashville.
Pictured (L-R): “My Boy” co-writer Nick Columbia, co-writer Russell Sutton, co-writer Elvie Shane, Shane’s Stepson Caleb, co-writer Lee Starr. Photo: Steve Lowry
“These guys didn’t write a hit song, they arguably wrote probably the best song in country music of the last decade. And they did it independently,” Gaston said. “It led to independent publishers championing them.”
Gaston added, “This town is built upon independent publishers like Gary starting these companies to take chances on people that are absolute dreamers and absolutely independent. Championing those dreams end up with songs that change people’s lives. That’s what happened here.”
Romeo Entertainment Group’s RJ Romeo and Rome Phrey Publishing’s Lisa Johnson—who were two of Shane’s first believers—spoke about the persistence of the writers. Johnson recognized Shane’s stepson Caleb. “If you hadn’t happened, nobody would be up here right now,” she said.
Warner Chappell’s Will Overton spoke about Shane, highlighting his wild exterior but tender heart. “It’s rare to meet someone who radiates the energy and creativity as much as Elvie does,” he said. “When I think of Elvie, I think LOUD—in all capital letters.”
Reservoir’s John Ozier was on hand to celebrate the company’s first in-person Nashville No. 1 party since opening in Music City in 2019. Ozier and his team represent co-writer Columbia, who got a custom guitar for his achievement.
“Every now and then there’s a song that stops you in your tracks, and you know exactly where you were when you heard it. This song did that for me,” he said.
Pinnacle Bank’s David DeVaul, donning a pair of similar-looking glasses to Shane’s signature look, let the crowd know that a donation had been made to SarahCare in honor of “My Boy.” Country Aircheck‘s Chuck Aly spoke about the feat of achieving a country radio No. 1.
When BBR head Jon Loba got up to speak, he highlighted the significance of the song. “This was a one-listen song for me. I wouldn’t hear of anything else but this being the first single,” Loba said, calling out the Wheelhouse promotion team for fighting for “My Boy.”
Pictured (L-R, back row): Ellen Ford (BBRMG), Nick Columbia (co-writer), Russell Sutton (co-writer), Lee Starr (co-writer); (L-R, front row): Ashley Wojcinski (BBRMG), Caitlyn Gordon (Wheelhouse Records), Kendra Whitehead (Wheelhouse Records), Brittany Pellegrino (Wheelhouse Records), Elvie Shane, Jennifer Shaffer (Wheelhouse Records), Ken Tucker (Wheelhouse Records), Carson James (BBRMG). Photo: Steve Lowry
When the writers spoke, the drinks and tears were flowing in the room. Each writer spoke about the night the song was written, and the struggle professional songwriters go through to make it happen.
“We were just four kids that were broker than hell, just trying to write something that mattered,” Sutton said. “These are three of my best friends in the world. I’d do anything for them.”
Sutton also pointed out that all four co-writers had all had babies since they wrote the song. “We had a promise of a check in nine months and were like ‘Let’s do it!” he joked. “That’s all gone now because we had those babies.”
Columbia thanked his family, co-writers and team. “Thank you guys for giving me a place to land,” he said.
Starr emphasized what “My Boy” had survived, and took time to encourage hopeful songwriters. “If there’s anyone out there who writes songs, you may have already done it and you don’t know it yet. For years we were sitting on [‘My Boy’], and we were struggling, wondering when our chance was going to come, when in reality, we had already written our check,” he said. “Keep fighting the good fight, keep believing in what you’re doing.”
Shane warned the crowd that he was going to be long-winded, as he grew up Baptist.
“I am going to cry because I’m a wimp and it’s what I do,” he joked. “I remember many nights sitting on the porch or tailgate talking about how we were going to take over this town. Started at the bottom, now we in the middle!” The crowd roared with laughter.
Shane recognized his team, co-writers and family, trying to hold back tears. “You work so hard for this. Not only as an artist or songwriter, but you have these people who take time away from their families and fly out to these cities and meet with radio people,” he said. “It’s such a long and hard process.
“Then you get a No. 1,” he said. “You dream about what it would feel like to get a No. 1. It didn’t feel right at first, but it feels right tonight.”
Looking For Work? Check Out MusicRow’s Job Board
/by LB CantrellWith music industry professionals coming back to the office and live events returning, new job opportunities are opening up.
MusicRow wants to encourage its readers who are either looking for a music industry job or have an open position to fill to check out its Job Listings Board, located in the top menu bar on the MusicRow website.
Those who have full-time, part-time or temporary job opportunities can submit a form to list a job on the Job Listings Board. All job listings are free-to-list and will be posted for 60 days. Listings are accepted and published at the discretion of MusicRow.
Hank Williams Jr. Delves Into ‘Rich White Honky Blues’ On Upcoming Project
/by Lorie HollabaughHank Williams Jr. Photo: Alysse Gafkjen
Second-generation Country Music Hall of Famer Hank Williams Jr. is releasing a new album, Rich White Honky Blues, on June 17.
Grammy-winning producer Dan Auerbach recorded the set live, which features a dozen classics from legends such as Robert Johnson, Lightnin’ Hopkins, R.L. Burnside, Muddy Waters, Big Joe Turner, and a few from Bocephus himself.
“The blues is where it all comes from,” concedes Williams. “It’s the start of everything musical in my family; everything starts with Tee-Tot and flows from there. I’ve always flirted with this stripped back blues – all the way back to the ‘80s. But I finally made an album that’s just that, and I like it.”
News of the project comes on the heels of the sudden passing of Williams’ wife Mary Jane Thomas earlier this week. According to a release, Williams considered delaying the project’s announcement, but decided to forge ahead with the comfort that music offers solace in difficult times.
.44 Special Blues
Georgia Women
My Starter Won’t Start
Take Out Some Insurance
Rich White Honky Blues
Short Haired Woman
Fireman Ring the Bell
Rock Me Baby
I Like It When It’s Stormy
Call Me Thunderhead
TV Mama
Jesus Will You Come By Here
Matt Stell Launches Debut NFT Through Fanpage
/by Lydia FarthingMatt Stell. Photo: Matthew Berinato
RECORDS Nashville Platinum-selling artist Matt Stell has launched his debut, limited-edition NFT, “Sex, Drugs, & Country Music,” in partnership with Fanpage LLC, proprietor of the polygon driven NFT platform.
Offering exclusive content to purchasers, the animated design is the first in a series. Four limited edition NFTs, with varying levels of exclusivity, are now available for purchase. However, Stell is giving away 500 free collectible NFTs to the first fans to claim with the promo code: msdrop.
“This was one of our favorite pieces to work on yet,” shares Scott Berman, Fanpage Chief Creative Officer. “It reminds me of some of my favorite old concert t-shirts, but with the NFT the graphic comes to life and never fades.”
In only three years, Stell has accumulated more than 560 million streams across his catalog, including back-to-back No. 1s “Prayed For You” and “Everywhere But On.” The Arkansas native was also named a member of MusicRow’s Next Big Thing Class of 2020. In 2020 he released his EP, Better Than That, the follow up to 2019’s Everywhere But On, and is prepping a new project for 2022.
Luke Combs, Lainey Wilson, Jason Aldean Represent At 2022 iHeart Radio Awards
/by Lydia FarthingPictured (L-R): Lainey Wilson. Photo: JC Olivera; Jason Aldean. Photo: Ashley Osborne.
The iHeart Radio Awards took over LA’s Shrine Auditorium earlier this week to celebrate this year’s most-played artists and songs on iHeartRadio stations and the iHeartRadio app.
Hosted by LL Cool J, the show’s ninth installment included wins from a handful of Nashville’s finest artists. Superstar Luke Combs was awarded with Country Artist of the Year, while multi-Platinum entertainer Jason Aldean and multi–ACM Award winner Lainey Wilson also took home trophies. Wilson earned the award for Best New Country Artist before presenting her label and 2021 tour-mate Aldean with the Country Song of the Year Award for his multi-week No. 1, “If I Didn’t Love You” featuring Carrie Underwood.
Aldean also performed a string of his hits on the live broadcast, including “Dirt Road Anthem,” his ACM Single of the Year and Grammy nominated track “If I Didn’t Love You,” and his current top 25 single “Trouble With A Heartbreak.”
Other notable winners from the 2022 iHeart Radio Awards include Taylor Swift‘s win for Best Lyrics (“All Too Well (10 Minute Version) (Taylor’s Version) (From The Vault)”). Pop newcomer Olivia Rodrigo also took home an impressive three trophies for Best New Pop Artist presented by Stifel, TikTok Bop of the Year, and Female Artist of the Year. The Kid Laroi and Justin Bieber‘s multi-week No. 1 “Stay” also nabbed two awards this year for Best Collaboration and Song of the Year.
For a full list of winners, click here.
Partial List of 2022 iHeart Radio Award Winners:
Country Artist of the Year:
Jason Aldean
Luke Bryan
Luke Combs
Miranda Lambert
Thomas Rhett
Country Song of the Year:
“Famous Friends” – Chris Young & Kane Brown
“Forever After All” – Luke Combs
“If I Didn’t Love You” – Jason Aldean & Carrie Underwood
“Just The Way” – Parmalee featuring Blanco Brown
“The Good Ones” – Gabby Barrett
Best Lyrics:
“All Too Well (10 Minute Version) (Taylor’s Version) (From The Vault)” – Taylor Swift
“Bad Habits” – Ed Sheeran
“deja vu” – Olivia Rodrigo
“drivers license” – Olivia Rodrigo
“Easy On Me” – Adele
“Happier Than Ever” – Billie Eilish
“Heat Waves” – Glass Animals
“Leave The Door Open” – Bruno Mars, Anderson .Paak, Silk Sonic
“MONTERO (Call Me By Your Name)” – Lil Nas X
“Your Power” – Billie Eilish
Best New Pop Artist presented by Stifel:
Giveon
Måneskin
Olivia Rodrigo
Tate McRae
The Kid LAROI
Best New Country Artist presented by Stifel:
Lainey Wilson
Niko Moon
Parker McCollum
Ryan Hurd
Tenille Arts
TikTok Bop of the Year:
“Beggin’” – Måneskin
“good 4 u” – Olivia Rodrigo
“Just For Me” – PinkPantheress
“Kiss Me More” – Doja Cat featuring SZA
“MONTERO (Call Me By Your Name)” – Lil Nas X
“Stay” – The Kid LAROI & Justin Bieber
“Thot Sh*t” – Megan Thee Stallion
“TWINNEM” – Coi Leray
“Up” – Cardi B
“Woman” – Doja Cat
Female Artist of the Year:
Ariana Grande
Doja Cat
Dua Lipa
Olivia Rodrigo
Taylor Swift
Best Collaboration:
“Best Friend” – Saweetie featuring Doja Cat
“If I Didn’t Love You” – Jason Aldean & Carrie Underwood
“Kiss Me More” – Doja Cat featuring SZA
“Peaches” – Justin Bieber featuring Daniel Caesar & Giveon
“Stay” – The Kid LAROI & Justin Bieber
Song of the Year:
“Bad Habits” – Ed Sheeran
“drivers license” – Olivia Rodrigo
“Easy On Me” – Adele
“Kiss Me More” – Doja Cat featuring SZA
“Leave The Door Open” – Bruno Mars, Anderson .Paak, Silk Sonic
“Levitating” – Dua Lipa – WINNER
“MONTERO (Call Me By Your Name)” – Lil Nas X
“Peaches” – Justin Bieber featuring Daniel Caesar & Giveon
“positions” – Ariana Grande
“Stay” – The Kid LAROI & Justin Bieber
iHeartRadio Chart Ruler Award:
“Stay” – The Kid LAROI and Justin Bieber
Jason Saenz Signs With Sheltered Music Publishing
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): Stephanie Greene (Gravity Gone Music), Jason Saenz, Jenny Hall (Sheltered Music’s Creative Director) & Darrell Franklin (Sheltered Music’s SVP)
Jason Saenz has signed with Sheltered Music Publishing in a creative alliance with Saenz’s longtime partner Gravity Gone Music.
A Texas native, Saenz has enjoyed success in Nashville’s songwriting circles for a decade, penning songs for acts such as Gavin DeGraw (“She Sets The City On Fire”), Little Big Town, Brandy Clark, Banners, Lee Ann Womack, and over 30 other artists. Saenz’s latest cut is “Missing You,” co-written with artist Lauren Weintraub, Sara Haze, and Todd Clark.
“We’re very happy to be adding Jason to our roster in Nashville,” says Darrell Franklin, Senior Vice President of Sheltered Music. “Jason is someone who is a proven force in many genres. Stephanie and Jason have a long history of over a decade of success together and we are excited to build upon that in this new partnership.”
Gravity Gone Music’s Stephanie Greene adds: “Joining forces with Sheltered Music, who share a similar philosophy, ensures that our efforts will produce winning results for everyone.”
“This felt right from our first coffee hang,” shares Saenz. “Having my champion, Steph, join up with Lance [Freed], Darrell, and Jenny [Hall] was the right move for everyone. We’re going to do some great things together.”