High Valley. Photo: Crystal K. Martel
High Valley is set to release their sixth studio album, Way Back, on May 20. New track, “Somebody Tell That Girl,” is available now and features Christian breakout artist Anne Wilson.
“Somebody Tell That Girl,” was co-written by High Valley frontman Brad Rempel along with Jason Gant and Matt Rogers, and produced by Grammy-winner, Femke.
“I’ve loved Anne Wilson’s voice from the first time I heard it,” shares Rempel. “The message in ‘Somebody Tell That Girl’ is so important, and it makes an even stronger statement with Anne singing it.”
For the new project, the band enlisted the help of their fans on socials to finalize the 13-song track list, which also includes “Country Music, Girls & Trucks,” another collaboration featuring Granger Smith. Rempel had a hand in writing all 13 tracks, adding to his growing list of credits, which include outside cuts with Trisha Yearwood, Clay Walker, Lathan Warlick, Dan Tyminski, Lindsay Ell, and more.
“Inviting our fans behind the scenes and into the songwriting and demo process was so much fun. We had the Way Back album almost complete and couldn’t decide which of the most recent cowrites should make the cut, so we asked our fans to vote on our socials,” adds Rempel. “I love knowing that this album is a collection of songs I feel very strongly about, with messages I believe need to be heard, and jams that our fans literally chose themselves!”
Way Back Track List:
“Way Back” (Seth Mosley, Ben Stennis, Brad Rempel)
“Run Outta Somedays” (Ben Stennis, Jon Nite, Brad Rempel)
“Somebody Tell That Girl” (Feat. Anne Wilson) (Jason Gant, Matt Rogers, Brad Rempel)
“Do This Life” (Phil Barton, David Thompson, Brad Rempel)
“World Could Use a Dirt Road” (Claire Douglas, Josh Ronen, Brad Rempel)
“Prayin’ Woman” (Seth Mosley, Allison Veltz, Brad Rempel)
“Country Music, Girls & Trucks” (Feat. Granger Smith) (Micah Wilshire, Jaron Boyer, Brad Rempel)
“Whatever it Takes” (Ben Stennis, Jon Nite, Brad Rempel)
“All My Lovin” (Blake Bollinger, Phil Barton, Brad Rempel)
“Remember You Now” (Ben Stennis, Jon Nite, Brad Rempel)
“Be That For You” (Sam Ellis, Dave Sampson, Brad Rempel)
“She Loves” (Sam Bergeson, Jaron Boyer, Brad Rempel)
“Never Not” (Ben West, Matt Willis, Brad Rempel)
Emily Hungate To Exit Black River
/by LB CantrellEmily Hungate
After more than 11 years with the company, Emily Hungate is leaving her post as VP of Business Operations at Black River Entertainment. She will be pursuing a non-industry job in book publishing, and moving back to her home state of Virginia.
Hungate joined Black River in 2010. She was promoted to her current position in 2016, where she oversaw all aspects of business operations for Black River Records, Black River Christian, Black River Americana, Black River Publishing, and Sound Stage Studios. The Black River roster includes Kelsea Ballerini, Ray Fulcher, Ronnie Milsap, Josiah Siska and MaRynn Taylor.
Prior to joining Black River, Hungate spent time at Sussman & Associates and Dualtone Music Group.
Reach Hungate at ehungate@gmail.com.
Robert Earl Keen Celebrates 41 Years On The Road With Farewell Tour
/by Lydia FarthingRobert Earl Keen. Photo: Melanie Maganias Nashan
As previously announced, Texas songwriter and entertainer Robert Earl Keen will retire from performing later this year, but not before wrapping up his 41-year run with the “2022 Final Tour, I’m Comin’ Home: 41 Years On The Road.”
Throughout the year, Keen will travel all over the country, making stops in Tulsa, Wichita, Tampa, Charleston, Mobile, Atlanta, throughout Texas, and more. He will also make a special visit to Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium on July 9. All tickets are on sale now.
The beloved singer-songwriter will give his final public performance on Sept. 4 at the John T. Floores Country Store in Helotes, Texas, followed by a fan appreciation party on Sept. 5.
Keen will continue to write music and create, host his Americana Podcast, support young artists, and follow his artistic muse wherever it takes him.
High Valley’s Latest Album ‘Way Back’ Slated For May
/by Lorie HollabaughHigh Valley. Photo: Crystal K. Martel
High Valley is set to release their sixth studio album, Way Back, on May 20. New track, “Somebody Tell That Girl,” is available now and features Christian breakout artist Anne Wilson.
“Somebody Tell That Girl,” was co-written by High Valley frontman Brad Rempel along with Jason Gant and Matt Rogers, and produced by Grammy-winner, Femke.
“I’ve loved Anne Wilson’s voice from the first time I heard it,” shares Rempel. “The message in ‘Somebody Tell That Girl’ is so important, and it makes an even stronger statement with Anne singing it.”
For the new project, the band enlisted the help of their fans on socials to finalize the 13-song track list, which also includes “Country Music, Girls & Trucks,” another collaboration featuring Granger Smith. Rempel had a hand in writing all 13 tracks, adding to his growing list of credits, which include outside cuts with Trisha Yearwood, Clay Walker, Lathan Warlick, Dan Tyminski, Lindsay Ell, and more.
“Inviting our fans behind the scenes and into the songwriting and demo process was so much fun. We had the Way Back album almost complete and couldn’t decide which of the most recent cowrites should make the cut, so we asked our fans to vote on our socials,” adds Rempel. “I love knowing that this album is a collection of songs I feel very strongly about, with messages I believe need to be heard, and jams that our fans literally chose themselves!”
“Way Back” (Seth Mosley, Ben Stennis, Brad Rempel)
“Run Outta Somedays” (Ben Stennis, Jon Nite, Brad Rempel)
“Somebody Tell That Girl” (Feat. Anne Wilson) (Jason Gant, Matt Rogers, Brad Rempel)
“Do This Life” (Phil Barton, David Thompson, Brad Rempel)
“World Could Use a Dirt Road” (Claire Douglas, Josh Ronen, Brad Rempel)
“Prayin’ Woman” (Seth Mosley, Allison Veltz, Brad Rempel)
“Country Music, Girls & Trucks” (Feat. Granger Smith) (Micah Wilshire, Jaron Boyer, Brad Rempel)
“Whatever it Takes” (Ben Stennis, Jon Nite, Brad Rempel)
“All My Lovin” (Blake Bollinger, Phil Barton, Brad Rempel)
“Remember You Now” (Ben Stennis, Jon Nite, Brad Rempel)
“Be That For You” (Sam Ellis, Dave Sampson, Brad Rempel)
“She Loves” (Sam Bergeson, Jaron Boyer, Brad Rempel)
“Never Not” (Ben West, Matt Willis, Brad Rempel)
Charles Kelley Covers ‘Georgia On My Mind’ In Official ESPN Commercial For The Masters
/by Steven BoeroLady A vocalist and songwriter Charles Kelley recorded a cover of Ray Charles‘ all-time classic “Georgia On My Mind” for ESPN’s official commercial for the upcoming Masters golf tournament in Augusta, Georgia. The seven-time Grammy Award-winner brings an authentic tie-in to the Masters anthem tradition, being an Augusta native.
“Growing up in Augusta I have been going to the Masters for as long as I can remember, so this was a special full-circle moment for me,” says Kelley. “No one can sing this song like Ray Charles, but I hope I did him justice and I can’t wait to get back home and experience the Masters in-person.”
As a co-writer on many chart-topping Lady A hits, including the 9-times Platinum “Need You Now,” Kelley has also penned No. 1 hits by Luke Bryan, Darius Rucker, Brett Young and Russell Dickerson. Lady A have long been a model of mainstream success, with 11 No. 1 hits, 18 million albums sold, 34 million tracks, five billion digital streams and a global touring footprint. Kelley also earned a Grammy nomination as a solo artist from his debut album’s release, The Driver.
The 2022 Masters begins April 7 and ends on April 10. The legendary tournament can be watched on ESPN and CBS.
IBMA Bluegrass Live Announces Red Hat Amphitheater Lineup
/by Lorie HollabaughThe Infamous Stringdusters, The Jerry Douglas Band, Sierra Hull and more are among the initial lineup for the IBMA Bluegrass Live! powered by PNC. The two-day festival will take place Sept. 30-Oct. 1.
The initial lineup of performers at Red Hat for IBMA Bluegrass Live! powered by PNC will also include Peter Rowan Bluegrass Band, Balsam Range, Dom Flemons & Shultz’s Dream (with Brian Farrow, Dante’ Pope and Tray Wellington), Della Mae, and Twisted Pine. Additional main stage acts will be announced at a later date.
The live weekend performances will take place at Red Hat Amphitheater and on additional stages in downtown Raleigh. Tickets will go on sale to IBMA members April 5 and to the general public on April 19.
“It is wonderful to be getting back to the music in Raleigh, and we are excited to announce the initial lineup of blockbuster performances for this year’s IBMA Bluegrass Live! powered by PNC,” says Pat Morris, executive director of IBMA. “The fan experience will be unmatched at this year’s event and we look forward to an exciting week of reuniting with old friends and hearing great music, from award-winning artists to special collaborations with amazing guests. Stay tuned for more exciting announcements.”
IBMA Bluegrass Live! powered by PNC is part of the five-day IBMA World of Bluegrass event, which also includes the IBMA Business Conference, the IBMA Bluegrass Ramble showcase series and the 33rd Annual IBMA Bluegrass Music Awards. More information is available at the IBMA World of Bluegrass website.
Eric Paslay Reinvents Some Hits On New Album, Announces New NFT Series
/by Lorie HollabaughEric Paslay is set to release a new album, Even If It Breaks Your Barefoot Friday Night, on April 15. The first three tracks of the record are available everywhere now.
The project features Paslay’s take on his biggest songs as a writer and reimagined versions of some of his biggest hits. More songs will be released on April 1 with the full album available April 15.
Among the tracks on the new album are “Barefoot Blue Jean Night,” which was a No. 1, double-Platinum hit for Jake Owen. Additionally, “The Driver” was released in 2016 by Charles Kelley featuring Dierks Bentley and Paslay, and was nominated for a Grammy for Best Country Duo/Group Performance.
Paslay is also set to release his 3-part series of NFT drops. The first one, dropping on March 23, will be 100 NFTs released for $25 each and give owners access to his new digital community. More opportunities will be dropped on April 6 and April 20.
The Grammy, ACM, and CMA nominated artist will also embark on a 25-date UK Tour with The Shires beginning April 21. For a full list of dates, click here.
Lauren Weintraub Partners With Virgin Music Label & Artist Services
/by Lydia FarthingLauren Weintraub. Photo: Kenzie Maroney
Virgin Music Label and Artist Services have announced the signing of Nashville singer-songwriter and viral TikTok artist Lauren Weintraub. Her new single, “Missing You,” is the first song from the new partnership.
President of Virgin Music, Jacqueline Saturn, says, “Lauren Weintraub weaves her life experiences into her songs in a way that connects instantly with her fans. Her authenticity in her music extends to her social media putting her in her own lane as an artist. She is full of energy and light and I am so optimistic about her future as she joins the Virgin music family.”
“I am so excited that ‘Missing You’ is my first release with Virgin Music. I haven’t been this excited to release a song since my debut single and this song is one of the most personal songs I’ve ever written,” Weintraub shares. “The night it was written, I put it on TikTok and it blew up getting 1 million views and since then it has over 7 million views and has 23,000 pre-saves so I knew it was something that was striking an emotional chord.”
Weintraub is currently nominated for the 2022 iHeart Radio Music TikTok Songwriter of the Year Award for her viral video of the track. She has plans to put out more new music and other creative content in 2022.
Bonnaroo Unveils 2022 Camping Plaza Lineup With Lainey Wilson, Tenille Townes, More
/by Lydia FarthingBonnaroo Music & Arts Festival has announced the lineup for its famed Camping Plazas, taking place June 16-19 on the Bonnaroo Farm in Manchester, Tennessee.
The 2022 Campground Plazas lineup features a number of returning favorites, several new experiences and over 70 additional artists not featured on the main festival bill. Highlights include Turnpike Troubadours’ return to Bonnaroo, along with diverse performers such as Lainey Wilson, Tenille Townes, Maggie Rose, Robyn Ottolini, Flatland Calvary, Dillon Francis, and more.
Bonnaroo’s communal areas, known as Plazas, include shade, free public Wi-Fi, showers, activities, charging stations, misting stations, medical, safety stations, information, portable restrooms, and more. For a full list of the plaza options and their amenities, click here.
Bonnaroo 2022 – Plaza Artist Lineup
Plaza 2 – The Zen Zone
Therapy Gecko
Jay Shetty
Plaza 3 – House of Yes
House of Yes
Plaza 5 – Galactic Giddy Up
Calder Allen
Cece Coakley
Flatland Cavalry
Goldpark
Izzy Heltai
Jonathan Terrell
Lainey Wilson
Maggie Rose
Nashville Truck Show
Paul Cauthen
Robyn Ottolini
Sawyer
Tenille Townes
The Brook and The Bluff
Turnpike Troubadours
Urban Cowboy
Vincent Neil Emerson
Vinyl Ranch
Plaza 7 – ROOm of Rhythm
Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band
Sugaray Rayford
The Main Squeeze
Tomar and The FCs
Where In The Woods Brought To You By BACARDĺ
Air2Earth
AMÉMÉ
Channel Tres (DJ Set)
Cloonee
DJ Mel
Jauz Presents: OFF THE DEEP END
Kasablanca
Kito
LP Giobbi presents Dead House
Mindchatter
Mochakk
Moore Kismet
NGHTMRE
Sam White
Sparkle City Disco
VNSSA
HOUSE OF MatROOmony
HEELTURN
The Day I Fell In Love Wedding Ceremonies with Dolly
The Beyond
Spiñorita
Yoga with MurnBurn
Motherfunk
Yoga with Dena Borman
Former CMHOF Executive Carolyn Tate Passes
/by Lydia FarthingCarolyn Tate
Carolyn Tate, the former Sr. VP of Museum Services at the Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum, passed away on March 3. She was 65.
A Nashville native, Tate had over 25 years of executive museum management experience at the Country Music Hall of Fame. She exited her role at the museum in March of 2018.
Tate fulfilled two tenures at the museum. From 1986 until 1994, she took on the role of Production and Advertising Manager, where she was responsible for copywriting, creative direction and editorial supervision. She also managed the production of books, magazines, and historical albums.
During her second term at the Museum, Tate supervised a collection of over 2 million artifacts, the exhibition program, digitization program, the Frist Archive and Library and special construction projects. She also served as project manager for the $100 million addition to the museum completed in 2014, which added state-of-the-art archives for the collection and additional exhibition and event space to the facility. Tate also supervised Hatch Show Print, the Taylor Swift Education Center, special projects, public programming and various development projects.
Tate’s career also included stints at LooneyRicksKiss, an architectural firm in Memphis, where she served as Director of Museum Services and supervised the design of the STAX Museum. She also directed the Museum Services Division at 1220 Exhibits in Nashville, where she worked on design, fabrication and installation of many public and private museum projects.
Tate is preceded by her father, Charles E. Tate; sister, Mary Gail Tate; and uncle, Terry Lee Davidson. She is survived by her mother, Norma Davidson Tate; aunt, Carolyn Davidson Oldham (James); niece, Rebakah Jean; nephew, Adam Lee; and cousin, Seth Lee.
The visitation is this afternoon (March 18) from 2 – 4 p.m. at Woodlawn-Roesch-Patton Funeral Home & Woodlawn Memorial Park (660 Thompson Ln, Nashville, Tenn. 37204).
Dylan Schneider Makes Major Label Debut With ‘College Town’
/by Lorie HollabaughDylan Schneider. Photo: Robby Klein
Dylan Schneider has released his new five-track EP College Town, available everywhere now.
At only 22, Schneider has been in the industry since he was a teen. College Town celebrates his age, since he would be a college senior if his life had taken another path.
The BBR recording artist co-wrote all but one song on the new project, which features two fresh tracks–the reminiscent “College Town” and down-home rocker “Girls Country”–along with the previously released slow-rolling anthem “Lost in A Small Town” the wistful “21 & Over,” and a trip down memory lane on “Right Girl.”
Schneider will kick off his “2022 College Town Tour” on March 22, visiting eight colleges across the southeast. The party starts at the University of Florida in Gainesville and will hit the University of Alabama, Auburn University, Florida State University, University of Georgia and more.
“I can’t wait for the world to hear some of the music that I’ve been working on for the last couple of years,” says Schneider. “This project represents the good times, the bad times, and everything in between. I’m looking forward to hitting the road on the ‘College Town Tour,’ playing at sororities and bars across each campus and getting the true college experience.”
College Town EP Track List:
1. “College Town” (Dylan Schneider, Gabe Foust)*
2. “Girls Country” (Dylan Schneider, Gabe Foust, Jason Gantt, Dan Isbell)*^
3. “21 And Over” (Dylan Schneider, Gabe Foust, Nate Kenyon)*
4. “Lost in A Small Town” (Dylan Schneider, Gabe Foust, James McNair, Mark Holman)*
5. “Right Girl” (Morgan Wallen, Nate Kenyon, Simon Gugala)*
* Produced by Mark Holman
^ Produced by Jason Gantt