Dustin Lynch. Photo: The Dwyers
A few weeks back, Broken Bow Records star Dustin Lynch released his fifth studio album Blue In The Sky.
The project contains 12 upbeat tracks, five of which Lynch co-wrote, including his 6-week No. 1 with MacKenzie Porter, “Thinking ‘Bout You.” Blue In The Sky also features his new single, “Party Mode,” which marked his biggest add week and highest career debut when it impacted radio last week.
Since his debut in 2012 with “Cowboys and Angels,” Lynch has become a serious country hitmaker. He’s achieved eight No. 1 country songs, four top 5 albums, eight Gold and Platinum singles, and over 3 billion global on-demand streams.
Lynch recently spoke with MusicRow about the last 10 years, his hopes for the future, and lessons learned along the way.
MusicRow: When you were releasing “Cowboys and Angels” in 2012, what were your goals for the song? What were you thinking then?
I didn’t expect it would do anything, to be honest with you. I knew it felt special to me, but I didn’t know why. I didn’t expect it to go on and rack up the accolades that it did.
In hindsight, I wish I would’ve asked more questions or at least attempted to contact other artists to ask, “Hey, if this happens, what do I do? What shouldn’t I do?” But I’ve learned a lot along the way, too. I was scared to death because I was afraid that maybe I couldn’t follow [“Cowboys and Angels”] up or handle the success that it brought on.
If you could go back, what would you tell yourself then?
I would definitely tell myself to trust your gut when it comes to your artistry. I was listening to a lot of outside influences back then. I should have been standing up for myself. I think everybody probably has regrets creatively along the way, like, “Dang it! We should have done that,” or “I should have gone back in and rerecorded that.”
Throughout the years, it’s become easier. I’ve become a better communicator in the studio, and I’ve become a better communicator to my team. I’ve assembled a team around me that that will stand up for me and believes in our long term goals. So we’re in a really good spot right now and I think that’s all part of the journey.
Dustin Lynch celebrates his new album release at iHeartCountry party. Photo: Wes And Alex For iHeartRadio
What is a piece of advice you’ve garnered along the way that you would share with newer artists?
Keep playing cover gigs so you can make some money. (laughs) I remember going back home after “Cowboy and Angels” was a hit and all of my friends growing up thought I had millions of dollars because I had a hit on the radio and I was on the CMT Music Awards performing. But what they didn’t realize is I was literally sleeping on my parents’ couch at the time and living out of a hotel room. I went from having a very successful run of cover shows, and also playing originals, at a lot of college campuses, frat parties, sorority parties, and wedding receptions—and making a great living! All that goes away and you start playing free shows [while promoting] the first few singles.
Keep believing in yourself and save your money, because you’re not guaranteed much early on. Keep believing, save up, and stay frugal.
You recently signed with Warner Chappell. Why was that the right move for you?
[When making that decision] I looked back on who has been helping me these past few years, who’s given me opportunities, who’s believed in me, who’s pushed me and challenged me to become a better writer… And it was the Warner Chappell team.
It just felt like home. I love doing business with people that I like to do life with. Ben Vaughn has been there since before I could write a song worth a crap, he’s championed me. He was on my radio tour video as a guy that was endorsing me early on, so he’s been a believer since day one. Ryan Beuschel has become a great buddy of mine. It’s fun to create with those guys that I like hanging out with off the clock.
What about your songwriting has changed over the last 10 years?
My songwriting has gotten a little bit more efficient because I know what I want to say and what I want to do in my live show. I’m not just casting into the wind anymore. There’s purpose behind every cast. For me, in the writing room, I’m always steering the ship with my live show in mind.
I’ve seen myself click with certain writers along the way. Tim Nichols was an early believer, [as well as] Rhett Akins, Ben Hayslip, and Ashley Gorley. I was an early believer in Zach Crowell, believe it or not. I think I took him on his first bus trip ever. Fast forward to “Small Town Boy,” he had gotten his foot under him as a producer with the Montevallo record with Sam [Hunt]. He raised his hand and said, “Man, let me produce ‘Small Town Boy.’ I just feel really passionate about that song.” So we let him swing the bat and the rest is history.
Speaking of Zach Crowell, he produced your new album Blue In The Sky. What did you want this record to sound like?
There weren’t lines in the sand of, “It’s gotta be this or it’s not making [the album].” It was just about how I was living life, I let that steer it. A lot of that was just being off the road, being with friends, being on the water, and having a buzz. When we’re on the lake, we are always either drinking a beer or mixing tequila, so listening to music in that head space is a great spot to be.
Dustin Lynch and MacKenzie Porter. Photo: Brennon Williamson
You’ve had a lot of success recently with MacKenzie Porter on “Thinking ‘Bout You.” What has it been like to bring a new artist up with you on this one?
When we start seeing those indicators [that the song was going to be a hit], Mackenzie was texting me weekly. “Is this good?” I was like, “Mackenzie, no, this is great!” It was a fun ride. No kidding, I woke up early this morning and the first song I started singing in my head was Mackenzie’s next single. She’s got a great future ahead and it’s been a blessing [working with her].
What are some of your goals for the next 10 years? What are you shooting for at this point?
Just to continue to live in the moment and be present. The next 10 years are going to be about enjoying the moment of creativity; to create and have fun.
The next 10 years for us as a team, we have goals to continue to grow the fan base and grow our tickets. I know we can hang with the best of ’em. We just got to headline down at Crash My Playa with Jason Aldean and Luke Bryan. Getting to do that at that level, to hold that crowd and feel that energy for the entire set, that lets us know we’re ready.
For the next 10 years, we are just going to see where that takes us. I’ve got 10 years until I’m as old as Luke Bryan, so I’ve got many more beers until I reach his level. (laughs) We’re going to continue to enjoy life and put on the best shows we can.
Triple Tigers Regional Promotion Managers Add Some Stripes
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): Annie Brooks, Parker Fowler, Julianna Vaughn
Triple Tigers Records regional promotion managers Annie Brooks, Parker Fowler, and Julianna Vaughn have all been promoted to Directors at the indie label.
The trio of executives have been with Triple Tigers since the label’s creation in 2016 and have led the company’s radio-driven success, including eight No. 1 singles.
Brooks represents Triple Tigers in the west from her base in Portland, Oregon. Prior to joining the label, she was the Marketing and Promotion Director for KWJJ. She is a graduate of Washington State University with a degree in Applied Intercultural Communication.
Fowler covers the southeast region from the Nashville hub. He has a degree from Auburn University in Radio, TV and Film. Before joining Triple Tigers, he started his career as an intern at Sony Nashville where he was promoted to RCA Promotion Specialist.
Vaughn is also based in Nashville, where she covers the southwest region. A graduate of Middle Tennessee State University with a degree in the Recording Industry and Music Business, she got her start as the Promotions Coordinator at MCA Nashville.
“These three individuals are radio promo warriors,” says SVP Promotion Kevin Herring, “They, along with the rest of our promotion staff, are dedicated to super serving all of country radio–in large markets and small, for big companies and mom & pops. Our focus on a smaller roster with compelling music will continue to drive our success.”
The Triple Tigers roster includes Scotty McCreery, Russell Dickerson, Jordan Fletcher, and Cam, who joined the label in a partnership with RCA Records New York.
Get Engaged Digital Marketing Agency Opens Nashville Office [Exclusive]
/by Lydia FarthingPictured (L-R, top row): Nashville office employees Mac Hereford, Kyle Jonas, and Solomon Puryear; (L-R, bottom row): Nashville office employee Bailey Dombroski, Get Engaged Co-Founder Cameron Fordham, and Nashville office employee Marco Sawaf
Digital marketing agency Get Engaged has opened a Nashville office in the Gulch-based Terrazzo building, expanding from its Los Angeles hub and Atlanta home office.
Employees for the new Nashville office include Mac Hereford, Kyle Jonas, Solomon Puryear, Bailey Dombroski, and Marco Sawaf.
The expansion continues to build on current client relations at UMG Nashville, Sony Nashville, and other labels in Music City. The firm also works closely with brands like Raising Cane’s, T-Mobile, NASCAR, MLS, JC Penney, Crocs, Kendra Scott, Vita Coco, Logan’s Roadhouse, Netflix and others. They are currently planning to integrate innovative brand campaigns for artists and companies in the Nashville community.
“We’ve been fortunate to work with many Nashville-based clients over the past few years, and are excited to finally expand into the Nashville community,” says Cameron Fordham, co-founder of Get Engaged. “We love working with the talent and fans this city has to offer and can’t wait to continue doing so. We have a team who can offer a unique perspective, and we are ready to implement and showcase the range of possibilities.”
Named one of the Top 20 Entrepreneurs in 2020 by Yahoo, the firm works with a range of talent, including Kane Brown, Lee Brice, Parker McCollum, Jennifer Lopez, The Weeknd, Halle Berry, Swedish House Mafia, David Solomon (Goldman Sachs CEO), Doja Cat, and more.
Focused on brand and music influencer marketing, the agency also serves to assist with social media, content creation, digital consulting, brand partnerships, affiliate marketing and more. Over the past year, Get Engaged has grown over 300% and now has more than 75 employees.
For more information contact office@getengagedmedia.com or click here.
Gorley, Hardy & Church Take Top 3 On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart
/by LB CantrellAshley Gorley
For the fourth consecutive week, Ashley Gorley takes the top spot on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart.
Gorley is a co-writer on “New Truck” (Dylan Scott), “You Should Probably Leave” (Chris Stapleton), “Sand In My Boots” (Morgan Wallen), “Beers On Me” (Dierks Bently, Hardy & Breland), “Slow Down Summer” (Thomas Rhett), “Give Heaven Some Hell” (Hardy), “Steal My Love” (Dan + Shay), and “Take My Name” (Parmalee).
Michael Hardy remains at No. 2 this week, with the charting songs “New Truck” (Dylan Scott), “Sand In My Boots” (Morgan Wallen), “Beers On Me” (Dierks Bently, Hardy & Breland), “Come Back As A Country Boy” (Blake Shelton), and his own “Give Heaven Some Hell.”
Eric Church moves up one to No. 3 on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart. His only charting song, “Heart On Fire,” is a solo write, which allows for all the available points for that song to go solely to him.
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.
National Museum Of African American Music Looks Back On First Year Of Operation
/by Lydia FarthingThe National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM) recently celebrated its first year of accomplishments, partnerships and milestones. NMAAM opened its doors on MLK Day, Jan. 18, 2021, in Nashville.
In the museum’s year-in-review highlight video, President and CEO of NMAAM, Henry Beecher Hicks, III spoke to the organization that has welcomed over 100,000 visitors, including many world-renowned recording artists such as Earth Wind & Fire, H.E.R., Bobby Brown, Garth Brooks and more, since it opened. In 2021, the museum also served over 43,000 students across the country through online programming.
NMAAM also hosted its inaugural Black Music Month celebration on June 19, or Juneteenth weekend in 2021. Members and guests experienced a museum dedication, Black Music Summit and seventh annual Celebration of Legends event honoring Quincy Jones, Chaka Khan, Lionel Richie, Smokey Robinson and The Fisk Jubilee Singers.
Throughout the video, Hicks shed light on the Nissan-sponsored NMAAM free days, which opens the doors free of charge to guests every Wednesday in February for Black History Month. He also addressed future programming for Historically Black College and University students, such as Fine Tuning: Masterclass Series for Aspiring Artists and a Black Music Business Certification Program.
NMAAM serves as the premier global destination for music lovers of all generations to learn, inspire and educate people on the many contributions Black artists have made to American culture and music.
Dustin Lynch Looks Back On The Last 10 Years, Celebrates New Album Release [Interview]
/by LB CantrellDustin Lynch. Photo: The Dwyers
A few weeks back, Broken Bow Records star Dustin Lynch released his fifth studio album Blue In The Sky.
The project contains 12 upbeat tracks, five of which Lynch co-wrote, including his 6-week No. 1 with MacKenzie Porter, “Thinking ‘Bout You.” Blue In The Sky also features his new single, “Party Mode,” which marked his biggest add week and highest career debut when it impacted radio last week.
Since his debut in 2012 with “Cowboys and Angels,” Lynch has become a serious country hitmaker. He’s achieved eight No. 1 country songs, four top 5 albums, eight Gold and Platinum singles, and over 3 billion global on-demand streams.
Lynch recently spoke with MusicRow about the last 10 years, his hopes for the future, and lessons learned along the way.
MusicRow: When you were releasing “Cowboys and Angels” in 2012, what were your goals for the song? What were you thinking then?
I didn’t expect it would do anything, to be honest with you. I knew it felt special to me, but I didn’t know why. I didn’t expect it to go on and rack up the accolades that it did.
In hindsight, I wish I would’ve asked more questions or at least attempted to contact other artists to ask, “Hey, if this happens, what do I do? What shouldn’t I do?” But I’ve learned a lot along the way, too. I was scared to death because I was afraid that maybe I couldn’t follow [“Cowboys and Angels”] up or handle the success that it brought on.
If you could go back, what would you tell yourself then?
I would definitely tell myself to trust your gut when it comes to your artistry. I was listening to a lot of outside influences back then. I should have been standing up for myself. I think everybody probably has regrets creatively along the way, like, “Dang it! We should have done that,” or “I should have gone back in and rerecorded that.”
Throughout the years, it’s become easier. I’ve become a better communicator in the studio, and I’ve become a better communicator to my team. I’ve assembled a team around me that that will stand up for me and believes in our long term goals. So we’re in a really good spot right now and I think that’s all part of the journey.
Dustin Lynch celebrates his new album release at iHeartCountry party. Photo: Wes And Alex For iHeartRadio
What is a piece of advice you’ve garnered along the way that you would share with newer artists?
Keep playing cover gigs so you can make some money. (laughs) I remember going back home after “Cowboy and Angels” was a hit and all of my friends growing up thought I had millions of dollars because I had a hit on the radio and I was on the CMT Music Awards performing. But what they didn’t realize is I was literally sleeping on my parents’ couch at the time and living out of a hotel room. I went from having a very successful run of cover shows, and also playing originals, at a lot of college campuses, frat parties, sorority parties, and wedding receptions—and making a great living! All that goes away and you start playing free shows [while promoting] the first few singles.
Keep believing in yourself and save your money, because you’re not guaranteed much early on. Keep believing, save up, and stay frugal.
You recently signed with Warner Chappell. Why was that the right move for you?
[When making that decision] I looked back on who has been helping me these past few years, who’s given me opportunities, who’s believed in me, who’s pushed me and challenged me to become a better writer… And it was the Warner Chappell team.
It just felt like home. I love doing business with people that I like to do life with. Ben Vaughn has been there since before I could write a song worth a crap, he’s championed me. He was on my radio tour video as a guy that was endorsing me early on, so he’s been a believer since day one. Ryan Beuschel has become a great buddy of mine. It’s fun to create with those guys that I like hanging out with off the clock.
What about your songwriting has changed over the last 10 years?
My songwriting has gotten a little bit more efficient because I know what I want to say and what I want to do in my live show. I’m not just casting into the wind anymore. There’s purpose behind every cast. For me, in the writing room, I’m always steering the ship with my live show in mind.
I’ve seen myself click with certain writers along the way. Tim Nichols was an early believer, [as well as] Rhett Akins, Ben Hayslip, and Ashley Gorley. I was an early believer in Zach Crowell, believe it or not. I think I took him on his first bus trip ever. Fast forward to “Small Town Boy,” he had gotten his foot under him as a producer with the Montevallo record with Sam [Hunt]. He raised his hand and said, “Man, let me produce ‘Small Town Boy.’ I just feel really passionate about that song.” So we let him swing the bat and the rest is history.
Speaking of Zach Crowell, he produced your new album Blue In The Sky. What did you want this record to sound like?
There weren’t lines in the sand of, “It’s gotta be this or it’s not making [the album].” It was just about how I was living life, I let that steer it. A lot of that was just being off the road, being with friends, being on the water, and having a buzz. When we’re on the lake, we are always either drinking a beer or mixing tequila, so listening to music in that head space is a great spot to be.
Dustin Lynch and MacKenzie Porter. Photo: Brennon Williamson
You’ve had a lot of success recently with MacKenzie Porter on “Thinking ‘Bout You.” What has it been like to bring a new artist up with you on this one?
When we start seeing those indicators [that the song was going to be a hit], Mackenzie was texting me weekly. “Is this good?” I was like, “Mackenzie, no, this is great!” It was a fun ride. No kidding, I woke up early this morning and the first song I started singing in my head was Mackenzie’s next single. She’s got a great future ahead and it’s been a blessing [working with her].
What are some of your goals for the next 10 years? What are you shooting for at this point?
Just to continue to live in the moment and be present. The next 10 years are going to be about enjoying the moment of creativity; to create and have fun.
The next 10 years for us as a team, we have goals to continue to grow the fan base and grow our tickets. I know we can hang with the best of ’em. We just got to headline down at Crash My Playa with Jason Aldean and Luke Bryan. Getting to do that at that level, to hold that crowd and feel that energy for the entire set, that lets us know we’re ready.
For the next 10 years, we are just going to see where that takes us. I’ve got 10 years until I’m as old as Luke Bryan, so I’ve got many more beers until I reach his level. (laughs) We’re going to continue to enjoy life and put on the best shows we can.
Ingrid Andress, Breland, Chris Janson Join CRS 2022 Warner Music Nashville Luncheon
/by Lorie HollabaughIngrid Andress, Breland, and Chris Janson have been added to the 4th annual Warner Music Nashville Luncheon taking place on Feb. 23 during CRS 2022. The Warner Music Nashville Luncheon will take place at noon in Omni Nashville Hotel’s Broadway Ballroom.
The three round out this year’s star-studded lineup which also includes headliner Zac Brown Band and previously announced performers Jessie James Decker, Morgan Evans, Cody Johnson, Randall King, Drew Parker, and Michael Ray.
Registration for CRS 2022 is open now. Single-day passes will also be available, and include access to panels, speakers, luncheons, and networking destinations on the day of pass purchase. Day passes will only be available for purchase on-site.
Everyone attending CRS 2022 will be required to provide documentation of full COVID-19 vaccinations or a negative COVID test result, obtained within 48-hours of arrival at the event. Rapid antigen and PCR tests will be available upon arrival and conducted on-site at no cost to attendees.
Elizabeth Lombardi Joins Milom Horsnell Crow Kelley Beckett Shehan PLC
/by Lorie HollabaughElizabeth Lombardi
Elizabeth Lombardi has joined Milom Horsnell Crow Kelley Beckett Shehan PLC as an Associate Attorney in the firm’s Entertainment and Intellectual Property Law practice.
Prior to joining MHCKBS, Lombardi served as Payment Compliance Counsel at Parallon – HCA Healthcare. She also served as an Associate in Business and Legal Affairs at BMG/BBR Music Group and had internships with SESAC, the Nashville Predators, CMT, Warner Music Nashville, Big Machine Label Group, Black River Entertainment, and more.
The Chicago native is a double Belmont University alum, earning her J.D. from Belmont’s College of Law and graduating magna cum laude with her B.B.A. from the Mike Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business. Lombardi was recently selected to be a member of the Troubadour Advisory Council for the Country Music Hall of Fame.
“We are delighted that Elizabeth has agreed to join our team,” says Mike Milom. “She excelled at Belmont and has a compelling record of achievement since then, having gained substantial experience in entertainment law and engaged the complexities of the music industry. She shares our culture of excellence and client focused service. We’re confident that our clients will love working with her and quickly come to rely on her counsel.”
Lombardi can be reached at elombardi@milomlaw.com or (615) 255-6161.
Industry Ink: Kenny Chesney, Sara Evans, Clayton Anderson, Benson
/by Lydia FarthingKenny Chesney’s “Knowing You” Receives Gold Treatment
Kenny Chesney. Photo: Allister Ann
Kenny Chesney is celebrating the Gold certification of “Knowing You,” signaling over 500,000 units sold. The newly-certified track is the country entertainer’s record-maintaining 34th No. 1, and joins Songs for the Saints and his Blue Chair Records/Warner Nashville debut album, Here And Now, for RIAA certification.
“I will always believe in the power of a genuinely great song,” Chesney says. “Beyond trends or moments, there are real emotions, deep life truths that the best songs carry. When I heard ‘Knowing You,’ I knew it wasn’t what anybody else was probably looking for–but it was a song that had to be heard. So, we went with it; we believed in it, and Kat Higgins and Adam James got their first No. 1s.
“To me, those are the things Nashville was built on. I am proud to carry on those kinds of traditions, to set sparks for young writers and to hear that actual people responded to the song the same way I did. When you hear a song like this is Gold, you know that greatness still touches people in the heart.”
Higgins, James and Brett James each earned a nomination for “Knowing You” in the Song of the Year category at the upcoming 57th Academy of Country Music Awards, airing live from Las Vegas’ Allegiant Stadium exclusively on Prime Video.
Chesney’s “Here And Now 2022 Tour” will kick off April 23 in Tampa’s Raymond James Stadium. His newest radio single, “Everyone She Knows,” is currently impacting at country radio.
Sara Evans Partners With BOXT For Tap In For A Cause Campaign
BOXT, a growing female-founded and run luxury boxed wine company, has teamed up with multi-Platinum singer-songwriter Sara Evans for its new campaign, Tap In For A Cause. Together, Evans and BOXT will raise awareness and funds to support various charities, starting with causes that create safe places and healing from abusive or violent relationships.
“When I first discovered BOXT and saw the unique and fabulous packaging, I was immediately intrigued. I’m normally a cabernet sauvignon fan and once I tasted Profile FourFive, I fell in love. Making quality wine accessible with a taste first approach and a monthly subscription just makes so much sense,” Evans shares. “As a business owner myself, I try to champion women owned businesses whenever I can, and love that BOXT is female led. I’m thrilled that BOXT is partnering with me to donate a percentage of our sales to Thistle Farms, a non-profit that helps women survivors of trafficking, addiction and prostitution.”
“We’re reimagining the way we all enjoy a glass of wine at home, but we are so much more than that. We have the opportunity and the responsibility to show up and not only put incredible wine in our BOXT, but to do it in a way that creates sustainability both socially and environmentally,” says BOXT Founder Sarah Puil.
BOXT wine will be featured in Evans’ weekly Closet Chaos Instagram Live series as the Official House Wine of Closet Chaos. Each Monday night at 7 p.m. CT, Evans and her daughter Olivia go live from their closet, bringing on a special guest. Previous guests include Martina McBride, Carly Pearce and Brad Paisley. Closet Chaos‘ new season will start on Monday, Feb. 28 with UMG Recording Artist Kylie Morgan.
To sign up for a BOXT subscription, visit drinkboxt.com and use code SARAEVANS at checkout. Fans that subscribe using Evans’ code will also receive a $20 discount on their first membership order.
Clayton Anderson Lands Second Sync Placement For 2022
Visionary Media Group (VMG) recording artist Clayton Anderson has landed his second sync placement on national television. “Get After It” aired this week, kicking off the Ford Truck Month campaign. Anderson’s third release since signing with VMG last year, “Get After It” was co-written with Nash Overstreet, Shane Stevens, and produced by Overstreet.
“‘Get After It’ is an all-American anthem from a working-class frontman who’s built his career the old-school way: by focusing on his music, rolling up his sleeves, and hitting the highway,” says Anastasia Brown, Chief Content Strategist, VMG. “Sync placements are a powerful tool for breaking new artists and songs. With a team dedicated to placing music in sync, this is an area of strength for Visionary Media Group and our artists.”
Ron Zamber, Founding Partner of VMG, adds: “Clayton is an incredible example of the entrepreneurial artist partner for VMG. He’s driven, creative and has a can do attitude in every way. We look forward to seeing his star continue to rise.”
“‘Get After It’ is a song celebrating hard work, and the thrill of getting the job done,” Anderson shares. “It’s also a personal tribute to the long stretch of blacktop that brought me to this point in my career. All this right before CRS, too!”
On Jan. 1, Anderson’s “Nothin’ But Net” was chosen by ESPN for use during the network’s award-winning coverage of college basketball season, running through April. Prior to that, his “Run Wild” was used by the Indianapolis Colts through the 2021 season, marking a special placement for him as an Indy native.
Kristin Scott Benson, Wayne Benson Form New Duo Under Mountain Home Music Company
Five-time IBMA Banjo Player of the Year and member of the Grammy-nominated Mountain Home artist The Grascals, Kristin Scott Benson, has formed a new duo with her husband and award-winning mandolinist Wayne Benson. The new act, named Benson, has signed with Mountain Home Music Company
Married since 2000, the two have only rarely collaborated in the studio and never as jointly featured artists. Due to changes in the business of making records, paired with a global pandemic that shut down the touring schedules, the two embraced a new opportunity as a duo.
“The paradigm for recorded music has changed so much during our careers,” Kristin explains. “Success for bluegrass artists used to depend on a heavy touring schedule and selling physical product at those shows. Radio airplay was quite limited. It’s a totally different world these days, and the current landscape allows us the opportunity to share music through streaming, Sirius/XM, and many radio outlets that also include an online component. Certainly since COVID, we’ve all figured out alternative ways to connect with listeners.”
Benson’s first single, “Conway,” is available everywhere now.
“I wrote this tune in Conway, South Carolina at a bluegrass festival we were playing,” Wayne shares. “It was one of those songs that I wasn’t sure about, but demoed it anyway. The folks at Mountain Home really liked it, so we recorded it and they decided to make it the first single!”
Scotty Wray, Longtime Band Member For Miranda Lambert, Dies
/by Lydia FarthingScotty Wray playing with Miranda Lambert
Longtime guitar player and songwriter Scotty Wray passed away on Friday (Feb. 18) after battling heart issues.
Wray was a member of country music superstar Miranda Lambert’s band, meeting the entertainer when she was 17 in Greenville, Texas. The pair spent more than two decades together performing on thousands of stages and writing countless songs.
“We wrote songs, played gig after gig, fought, cried, laughed & even got matching arrow tattoos after we made it out of some rough patches. He was one of the most talented guitar players I’ve ever known and I’m so thankful I got to witness his genius seasoned for over 20 years,” Lambert shared on social media. “He was the [one] I could count on. Always. No matter what. If he was there on my right side I felt like I could take on the world. Scotty Wray was family to me and I’ll never sing a note without him because I know he is there with me. He always has been. I love you my sweet Bud Wray.”
In addition to being a seasoned musician, Wray was also the older brother of country singer Collin Raye. The two began singing at a young age with their mother Lois Marie Chandler Wray, who was a local musician in De Queen, Arkansas, opening for the like of Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley, and Carl Perkins.
The brothers formed their own country rock band, The Wray Brothers Band, which signed with Mercury Records in 1986 and performed heavily in the Texas country circuit. They changed their name to The Wrays and recorded a string of singles, including “Reason to Believe” (1983), “Until We Meet Again” (1985), “I Don’t Want to Know Your Name” (1986), and “You Lay a Lotta Love on Me” (1987). The brothers disbanded shortly afterwards.
Wray went on to pen several songs for both Lambert and his brother, including the title track from Raye’s 2020 album, Scars, on which Lambert sings harmony.
Memorial arrangements for Wray have not yet been announced.
AEG Presents Promotes Adam Weiser To Sr. VP, Global Touring & Talent
/by LB CantrellAdam Weiser
Nashville-based executive Adam Weiser has been promoted to Sr. VP, Global Touring & Talent at AEG Presents.
A member of the AEG Presents team for 15 years, Weiser currently books and promotes tours for a wide range of artists, including Lauren Daigle, Kane Brown, Luke Combs, Kelsea Ballerini, Dan + Shay, Jordan Davis, My Chemical Romance, The Band Camino, and more.
Before his move to Tennessee, Adam served as a Senior Talent Buyer for AEG Presents in the Northeast region. In that role, he oversaw the company’s venue bookings at Starland Ballroom, Count Basie Center for the Arts, The OceanFirst Bank Center, Foxwoods Resort Casino, Mount Airy Casino Resort, and a number of other prominent regional venues.
In his new role, Weiser will work with agents, managers and label partners to identify new talent and artist development opportunities, while continuing to oversee the company’s Nashville office and produce and promote tours.
“Adam has an incredible track record of giving artists the support and opportunities they need to take their careers to the next level, and that’s become even clearer since he joined our Nashville team,” says AEG Presents President of Global Touring and Talent Gary Gersh. “His passion is infectious, and his vision and determination inspire everyone around him. I have no doubt he will make even greater contributions in his new role.”