Singer-songwriter Adam Sanders‘ new I Wanna Be Somebody EP is slated to drop on March 25. The project’s title track, written by Sanders, Mitch Rossell and Dave Turnbull, received an early release and is available everywhere now.
The 6-track project sees Sanders as a co-writer on every track. He also penned songs with some of Nashville’s other notable songwriters, including Blake Bollinger, Jordan Rowe, Zach Crowell, Walker Montgomery, and more.
“Last year was a big year for me and my team having released my debut studio album in May of 2021, and was blown away by the support of it,” Sanders shares. “This year we want to build on the album’s success and release music at a more consistent, and faster rate than ever before. I Wanna Be Somebody is the first chapter of music for me in 2022 and I couldn’t be more excited to come out of the gates swinging with this batch of songs.”
I Wanna Be Somebody follows Sanders independently released debut album, What If I’m Right, which has surpassed 30 million streams since its release. He co-wrote all twelve tracks across the record.
Sanders has penned chart-topping hits such as Dustin Lynch’s “Hell Of A Night” and Cole Swindell’s “Ain’t Worth The Whiskey.” He made the move to Nashville in 2009 and has since earned over 150 million streams, more than 70,000 singles sold and landed on Billboard’s Top 40 Country Albums chart. The Florida native is currently signed to a co-publishing deal with Round Hill Music Nashville.
I Wanna Be Somebody Track List:
“I Wanna Be Somebody” (Adam Sanders, Mitch Rossell, Dave Turnbull)
“Good Day to Fly” (Adam Sanders, Blake Bollinger, Jordan Rowe)
“Sellout” (Adam Sanders, Josh Kear, Zach Crowell)
“Not Like Me” (Adam Sanders, Josh Jenkins)
“Beer to There” (Adam Sanders, Blake Bollinger, Walker Montgomery)
“One Ways” (Adam Sanders, Denny White, Robyn Collins)
Rhett Akins Moves Into Top Five On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart
/by LB CantrellRhett Akins
Nashville Songwriters Hall of Famer Rhett Akins has entered the top five on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart. Akins is a co-writer on Thomas Rhett’s “Slow Down Summer” and Parker McCollum’s “To Be Loved By You.”
Ashley Gorley maintains his eight-week reign at No. 1 on the chart as a co-writer of such songs as “New Truck” (Dylan Scott), “You Should Probably Leave” (Chris Stapleton), “Sand In My Boots” (Morgan Wallen), “Beers On Me” (Dierks Bentley, Hardy & Breland), “Slow Down Summer” (Thomas Rhett), “Give Heaven Some Hell” (Hardy), “Steal My Love” (Dan + Shay), and “Take My Name” (Parmalee).
Shane McAnally (No. 2) and Michael Hardy (No. 3) complete the top three on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart.
The weekly MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart uses algorithms based upon song activity according to airplay, digital download track sales and streams. This unique and exclusive addition to the MusicRow portfolio is the only songwriter chart of its kind.
Click here to view the full MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart.
Weekly Register: Ernest Earns Top Country Debut With ‘Flower Shops (The Album)’
/by Lydia FarthingErnest. Photo: Delaney Royer
Big Loud’s Ernest makes the biggest country album debut this week. The singer-songwriter’s debut record, Flower Shops (The Album), comes in at No. 12 with 7.9K in total first-week consumption (1.1K album only/8.2 million song streams), according to MRC Data.
Morgan Wallen continues to dominate at the top of the country albums chart with Dangerous: The Double Album racking in 46K in total consumption (1.9K album only, 55 million song streams). Wallen also takes the fifth spot as his debut project, If I Know Me, adds 15K in total consumption. Taylor Swift remains in the second spot with Red (Taylor’s Version) gaining 19K. Luke Combs takes up the remaining spots: What You See Is What You Get takes No. 3 and This One’s For You earns No. 4 with 18K and 16K, respectively.
Jordan Davis and Luke Bryan continue to sit atop the top country streaming songs chart this week as “Buy Dirt” adds another 6.3 million streams, according to MRC data. Walker Hayes‘ “AA” jumps to No. 2 with 5.6 million streams, while “Fancy Like” drops down one spot to No. 3 gaining 5.6 million streams. Cody Johnson‘s “Til You Can’t” remains steady at No. 4, earning 5.6 million streams. Combs seals the top five with his current single “Doin’ This,” adding 5.4 million streams.
Maren Morris To Celebrate New Album With Amazon Livestream From New York
/by Lorie HollabaughMaren Morris and Amazon Music are teaming up to present “Maren Morris: Live From New York,” an intimate, one-night-only live performance streaming on March 26. The show will serve to celebrate the launch of Morris’ new album Humble Quest.
Taking place at the historic Sony Hall in New York City, the event will begin at 7 p.m. CT with a pre-show led by Kelly Sutton and Amber Anderson, hosts of the Country Heat Weekly podcast. Fans will be able to tune in via the Amazon Music channel on Twitch, and as well as on Prime Video globally.
The performance is one of the first times fans can hear the new songs from Humble Quest live before the award-winning entertainer heads off on her “Humble Quest Tour” in June with stops at Radio City Music Hall, Hollywood Bowl, Bridgestone Arena, and more.
During the livestream, fans will also get a sneak peek at Morris’ episode of the Amazon Music digital series The Walk In, where host Mo Heart takes fans on tours through the closets of some of her favorite celebrities and artists. Livestream viewers will hear the stories behind the looks and learn about Morris’ relationship with her stylist, Dani Michelle. The full episode drops in the Amazon Music app on March 28, kicking off season two of the series.
Dierks Bentley Takes ‘Beers On Me’ Tour Into Summer With New Dates
/by Lorie HollabaughDierks Bentley has added a summer leg to his “Beers On Me” tour. The multi-Platinum entertainer will visit over 31 cities as the extended trek launches June 3 in Wilmington, North Carolina with special guests Ashley McBryde and Travis Denning. The beloved vocalist will also bring his show to Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on Aug. 26.
Verizon will offer an exclusive presale in the U.S for select markets through the customer loyalty program Verizon Up. Members will have first access to purchase presale tickets from March 22-24. Public on sale will begin this Friday (March 25) at dierks.com.
“A bunch of friends, ice cold beer and good country music is just about all you need for a perfect summer,” shares Bentley. “Every year when we plan a tour, I think this summer is going to the best yet…and this year is no different! I’m excited to have Ashley and Travis jump on this leg of the ‘Beers On Me Tour’…now just counting the days ’til June!”
Dailey & Vincent’s ‘I’ll Leave My Heart in Tennessee’ Voted New State Song
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): Jamie Dailey, Governor Bill Lee, and Darrin Vincent. Photo: Courtesy of the Office of Governor Bill Lee.
Dailey & Vincent‘s rendition of the Karen Staley song “I’ll Leave My Heart in Tennessee” has been signed in as an official state song by Tennessee Governor Bill Lee.
The honor came just a few days ahead of the Grammy-nominated duo’s fifth anniversary as members of the Grand Ole Opry.
Songwriter Karen Staley with Governor Lee and a framed, signed copy of her handwritten lyrics to “I’ll Leave My Heart In Tennessee.”
“We’ve played ‘I’ll Leave My Heart in Tennessee’ on the road for quite some time, and every time it’s gotten an overwhelming reaction,” shares Darrin Vincent. “We recently recorded it, and we’re honored the recording has made history and become an official state song.”
“We’d especially like to thank Senator Paul Bailey and Brandy Foust, Representative John Mark Windle, Representative Terry Lynn Weaver, and the entire House and Senate for their interest in and support of this song,” adds Jamie Dailey.
The busy duo recently announced the expansion and rebrand of their festival, The American Made Music Festival. The festival series will include five dates and four locations in 2022, kicking off in June with a two-day festival at The Sand Mountain Amphitheater in Albertville, Alabama on June 10-11.
Outlaw Music Festival Makes Return To The Road This Summer
/by Lydia FarthingThe Outlaw Music Festival Tour is making its return to the road this summer, visiting more than 20 cities across the country.
Country icon Willie Nelson & Family will be performing live and in concert alongside Chris Stapleton, The Avett Brothers, Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats, Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, Billy Strings, ZZ Top, Gov’t Mule, Brothers Osborne, Zach Bryan, Steve Earle & The Dukes, Allison Russell, Charley Crockett, Larkin Poe, The War and Treaty, Brittney Spencer, Particle Kid and more.
“The Outlaw Music Festival Tour has always been about family and friends coming together for a great day of music and fun, and with the amazing group of artists joining us, this year promises to be our most special Outlaw Tour to date. I just can’t wait to get back on the road again,” Nelson explains.
Tickets for the general public go on sale Friday, March 25, at 10 a.m. local time. Citi cardmembers will have access to presale tickets beginning Tuesday, March 22 until Thursday, March 24. For a full list of dates and performers, click here.
“Our annual Outlaw Music Festival Tour has grown to become this incredible family of artists that deliver must-see performances every night,” adds Keith Wortman, Co-Founder of the Outlaw Music Festival Tour. “We are honored to present these once in a lifetime lineups all over the country.”
The inaugural Outlaw Music Festival made its debut in 2016 in Scranton, Pennsylvania. The sold-out show has developed into one of North America’s biggest annual touring franchises.
Kip Moore, Raelynn, Jameson Rodgers Among Folds Of Honor Drams ‘N Jams Lineup
/by Lorie HollabaughThe Fold Of Honor Drams ‘N Jams 2022 event, which will feature Kip Moore, Charles Esten, Jameson Rodgers, Raelynn, and Chris DeStefano, is set to take place on March 24 at the Bell Tower in Nashville.
The special night will feature live music, a whiskey tasting and plated dinner for guests, and an auction. The special guest speaker for the event will be Rocky Sickmann, United States Marine Corps Sergeant and P.O.W., Iranian Hostage Crisis. Tickets and more information can be found here.
The inspiration for Folds Of Honor started during Lieutenant Colonel Dan Rooney’s flight home from his second tour of duty in Iraq. An F-16 fighter pilot in the Oklahoma Air National Guard, he became aware of the realities families face when a loved one in uniform is fallen or disabled. Since then, Lt Col Rooney has committed his life through the Folds of Honor to provide scholarships to spouses and children of America’s fallen and disabled service members.
Jamey Johnson Invited To Join Opry Family
/by Lorie HollabaughJamey Johnson & Bill Anderson. Photo: Chris Hollo
Jamey Johnson was invited to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry over the weekend.
Opry member Bill Anderson surprised Johnson with the invitation at the close of a writer’s round featuring Anderson, Johnson, and songwriter/producer Buddy Cannon.
Anderson opened the round by reflecting on the many times the trio spent writing together. During the show, they performed songs such as the smash “Give It Away,” which became a No. 1 for George Strait, “Everybody Wants To Be Twenty-One,” and “Cheaper Than A Shrink.”
Buddy Cannon, Bill Anderson, and Jamey Johnson. Photo: Chris Hollo
After their final song Anderson said: “Jamey, you made your Opry debut 17 years ago and you’ve been a frequent guest many times. But Opry management told me to tell you that this is going to be your last guest appearance.”
Johnson quipped, “Well, I’ve been kicked out of a whole lot of places.”
Anderson continued, “The next time you appear on this stage you will be the newest member of our Opry cast and family!”
“I accepted it 20 years ago! I really don’t know what to say except the obvious,” responded Johnson. “I love country music. I would have never moved here if it wasn’t for that; for the Opry keeping it alive and for the fans. I love you. Thank you.”
Johnson wrapped up the set and special moment with a solo performance of his song “In Color.”
An induction date for Johnson will be announced soon.
Adam Sanders Sets Date For Upcoming ‘I Wanna Be Somebody’ EP
/by Lydia FarthingSinger-songwriter Adam Sanders‘ new I Wanna Be Somebody EP is slated to drop on March 25. The project’s title track, written by Sanders, Mitch Rossell and Dave Turnbull, received an early release and is available everywhere now.
The 6-track project sees Sanders as a co-writer on every track. He also penned songs with some of Nashville’s other notable songwriters, including Blake Bollinger, Jordan Rowe, Zach Crowell, Walker Montgomery, and more.
“Last year was a big year for me and my team having released my debut studio album in May of 2021, and was blown away by the support of it,” Sanders shares. “This year we want to build on the album’s success and release music at a more consistent, and faster rate than ever before. I Wanna Be Somebody is the first chapter of music for me in 2022 and I couldn’t be more excited to come out of the gates swinging with this batch of songs.”
I Wanna Be Somebody follows Sanders independently released debut album, What If I’m Right, which has surpassed 30 million streams since its release. He co-wrote all twelve tracks across the record.
Sanders has penned chart-topping hits such as Dustin Lynch’s “Hell Of A Night” and Cole Swindell’s “Ain’t Worth The Whiskey.” He made the move to Nashville in 2009 and has since earned over 150 million streams, more than 70,000 singles sold and landed on Billboard’s Top 40 Country Albums chart. The Florida native is currently signed to a co-publishing deal with Round Hill Music Nashville.
I Wanna Be Somebody Track List:
“I Wanna Be Somebody” (Adam Sanders, Mitch Rossell, Dave Turnbull)
“Good Day to Fly” (Adam Sanders, Blake Bollinger, Jordan Rowe)
“Sellout” (Adam Sanders, Josh Kear, Zach Crowell)
“Not Like Me” (Adam Sanders, Josh Jenkins)
“Beer to There” (Adam Sanders, Blake Bollinger, Walker Montgomery)
“One Ways” (Adam Sanders, Denny White, Robyn Collins)
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.