Country singer-songwriter Tyler Dial has released his debut single “Runnin’ Downhill” with Virgin Music.

Marking his first release in three years, Dial co-penned the Andy Skib-produced track alongside Melissa Fuller, David Hodges, and Mike Robinson.

“The initial inspiration for ‘Runnin’ Downhill’ came from a chapter in Matthew McConaughey’s memoir, which was about the idea of carpe diem—but don’t go too fast and trip yourself,” the singer-songwriter shares. “My take on that is about having fun, seizing the day, and living hard—but you ‘better hold on to your hat when you’re runnin’ downhill.’ I had always wanted to write a song like the Eagles’ ‘Life in the Fast Lane,’ and ‘Runnin’ Downhill’ is that sort of fun, rockin’ cautionary tale, an ideal show opener. Once we finished the song, we were so psyched that we went to get my first tattoo—and David [Hodges] even paid for it!”

In tandem with the release of his new single, Dial has also built out his artist team with support from Make Wake Artists, including creating a partnership with Top 5 Music Publishing and representation from WME’s Aaron Tannenbaum.

“This is a moment that I’ve been dreaming about and working towards my whole life,” Dial adds. “I feel so lucky to be a part of this team—Virgin Music, Make Wake Artists, Top 5 Music Publishing, and WME—who not only understand my vision, but have the same passion for my music as I do. I couldn’t imagine working with any other group of people and am so grateful for their support!”

“[Chris] Kappy (from Make Wake Artists) sent me Tyler’s music over quarantine and I fell in love with his storytelling! Then we met Tyler in person and heard his vision and had to work with him! We are so excited!” explains Jacqueline Saturn, President of Virgin Music.

Make Wake Artists’ Kappy, Chief Navigation Officer, and Alicia Mathews, Artist Manager & Director of Label Operations, comment: “From the second we heard Tyler’s music and saw the vision he had for his artistry, we were hooked. Tyler’s songwriting and delivery is something really unique and inspiring. When you hear something that powerful and fun, you have to grab on with both hands. We know fans will fall in love, like we have with this music and his artistry.”

“Tyler’s passion, vision, and sincere collaborative drive is second only to his sound,” offers Shelby Yoder, Publisher at Top 5 Music Publishing. “We are thrilled to officially welcome him into the Top 5 Music Publishing family and look forward to releasing his music into the world alongside this incredible team.”

Chapter 652

There are precious few occasions when Nashville’s music community can come together as a whole, and they dwindled to zero during the past two years of pandemic.

And, lo it came to pass that the gathering of the tribes returned with Thursday’s Grammy Nominee Party (March 10). And, yea verily, it was manna from heaven.

The rock, gospel, bluegrass, Americana and country tribes assembled in divine harmony. The Recording Academy chose a new venue, the Analog nightclub in the Hutton Hotel. Because there was no party last year, the 2020 nominees and winners were invited. For the first time, the party featured musical performances.

“Welcome, welcome, welcome,” greeted Recording Academy chapter executive director Alicia Warwick. “We’re here, in person!”

“We’re excited to see so many of those who are passionate and committed to music with us here tonight,” added Nashville chapter president Ruby Amanfu. She is among the songwriters nominated for 2021 Song of the Year (for the Alicia Keys/Brandi Carlile recording “A Beautiful Noise”). Ruby emphasized the Academy’s dedication to diversity and inclusion, noting that this is reflected in the Nashville chapter’s nominees in 32 different categories. “We cover it: We’re good.”

Shannon Sanders introduced the performances with rousing enthusiasm. “Tonight is a celebration of music,” he proclaimed. The Fisk Jubilee Singers, Billy Ray Cyrus, Nashville rapper Tim Gent, Sierra Hull, Matt Maher, Devon Gilfillian, Daisha McBride and Mr. Talkbox were booked to entertain the fabulons in attendance.

Mingling in the throng were many 2021 Grammy nominees. These included gospel’s CeCe Winans, Americana’s Yola, bluegrass music’s Rhonda Vincent, reggae star Gramps Morgan, folk music’s Sarah Jarosz and — goddess-alert — country’s Brandy Clark. Not to mention Grammy nominated songwriters Josh Jenkins, Jimmy Robbins, Laura Veltz, Shane Stevens, Parker Welling, R&B Song co-writer Audra Mae Butts and Ruby’s hubby Sam Ashworth, who is nominated for Best Song Written For Visual Media (“Speak Now” from One Night in Miami).

Cody Fry is nominated for his arrangement of “Eleanor Rigby.” Dave Aude is nominated for remixing Demi Lovato & Ariana Grande. They circulated among the Gospel Music Association’s Jackie Patillo, the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame’s Mark Ford, MTSU’s Beverly Keel, BMI’S Clay Bradley, SESAC’s ET Brown, Belmont’s Doug Howard and the AFM’s Dave Pomeroy.

The Hutton folks brought out the good stuff for their cocktail-supper menu. Fabulons snacked on bacon-wrapped figs, tomato caprese, Thai shrimp & lime, chicken skewers, smoked salmon pinwheels, flatbread with balsamic fig & cheese, steak skewers, Broadway hot-chicken sliders, fried mozzarella cheese balls, pulled pork sliders with slaw and cheesy mini potatoes. At least that’s what I sampled. There might have been more on those trays the kindly staff was circulating with.

Rejoicing in the community get-together reunion were Leslie DiPiero, Chandra LaPlume, Garth Fundis, LB Cantrell, Jon Loba, Pat McMakin, Paul Kwame, Kris Wilkinson, Regina McCrary, Fletcher Foster, Ronna Rubin, Jay Jones, Tom Roland, Caroline Davis, Earle Simmons, Carol Ann Etheridge, Dan Hill & Katie Gustafson, Casie Mason, George Achaves, Matt Leimkuehler, Josh Ewers, Chris Keaton, Joanna Carter, Ben Kline, Jennifer Hanson, James Elliott, Sherod Robertson and Julie Boos.

Apple Music has unveiled Rhinestone Radio, a new country radio show hosted by singer-songwriter and journalist Sam Stephens. Rhinestone Radio airs biweekly on Wednesdays at 12 p.m. CT on Apple Music Country.

The new show traces contemporary country back to its glory days, when the Nashville sound ruled the charts and flashy, rhinestone-studded countrypolitan was just beginning to take off.

The show’s inaugural episode features special guests Dierks Bentley and Ashley Campbell as Stephens celebrates The Original Rhinestone Cowboy, Glen Campbell. Ashley shares little known facts on her late father and in depth commentary on his hit, “Gentle On My Mind,” while Bentley dives into the Arizona ties that bonded he and Glen and the overall influence The Original Rhinestone Cowboy had on his musical journey.

“I have always been a student of history. I wear it as a badge of honor that nostalgia is my love language,” Stephens explains. “To be completely honest, I started to really worry that we were losing our grip on the country greats in a lot of ways. There are so many names and sounds and eras and songs within the timestamp of country music prior to our generation that I felt like are fading away and becoming forgotten. Like any kind of music, country music shifts; everything shifts in its cycles. That’s the hallmark of really great artistry, that it’s constantly evolving and constantly changing.”

Rhinestone Radio offers up gems from artists like Bobbie Gentry, Mac Davis, Barbara Mandrell and more, as well as frank conversations about the genre, its history and its future, with a who’s-who roster of contemporary stars and country experts.

Fans can listen to Rhinestone Radio live for free or anytime on-demand with an Apple Music subscription.

Reigning ASCAP Christian Songwriter of the Year Matthew West and 10x Grammy nominee Tauren Wells will co-host the 9th annual K-LOVE Fan Awards.

Taking place on May 29 at Nashville’s iconic Grand Ole Opry House, Coca-Cola Consolidated will once again serve as sponsor for the Christian music awards show.

“I’m looking forward to hosting the K-LOVE Fan Awards again this year, and excited to be joined by my buddy Tauren Wells,” says West. “This fan voted awards show is always a special event where we get to gather together and celebrate how God is working through the hope-filled messages of Christian music. This will be a night to remember.”

“The K-LOVE Fan Awards is always a highlight of my year. Getting to reunite with all the artists I love and respect in our genre, developing deeper connections with fans, and celebrating the God who has given us something to sing about is something truly special,” adds Wells. “This year, I will experience the awards from a different vantage point as a host alongside K-LOVE Fan Awards veteran, Matthew West. He has done such an incredible job and I can’t wait to team up!”

More information about the show, including performers and nominees, will be announced in the coming weeks. Tickets for the 2022 K-LOVE Fan Awards Weekend are currently on sale with various travel packages.