Bentley & Friends Rise To No. 1 On MusicRow Chart

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“Beers On Me” makes its way to No. 1 this week on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart. The Dierks Bentley single features both Breland and Hardy with writers credit going to all three artists, alongside some of Nashville’s most in-demand writers Ross Copperman, Luke Dick, Ben Johnson, Nicolle Galyon, Niko Moon, and Ashley Gorley.

“Hardy threw out this title and I remember immediately thinking, ‘I wish I could buy all my fans a beer.’ After the year we’ve all had, it would be nice to get the first round and say, ‘Hey, we all got some problems but we’re going to forget about them for a little while…the beers are on me,’” Bentley shares. “I came back to Nashville to record the song and came across an article about Breland in the Nashville Scene. I got his number and he came in the next day and wrote and sang the third verse. It was truly an organic collaboration and I couldn’t be more proud to have him and Hardy on this song with me.”

Bentley recently extended his “Beers On Me Tour” through March. Click here to see the remaining tour dates. 

Click here to view the latest edition of The MusicRow Weekly containing the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart.

Rusty Harmon Launches New Label Services Company, Vere Music

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Rusty Harmon

Industry veteran Rusty Harmon has launched a new Nashville-based label services company, Vere Music.

In addition to traditional label services, Vere offers artists global distribution, partnering with ADA Worldwide, Warner Music Group’s independent label and artist services arm, to distribute music globally; as well as marketing campaigns that range from brand partnerships to full-blown advertising campaigns.

Harmon, whose experience includes time at Average Joe’s Entertainment and work with artists such as Hootie & the Blowfish, Jason Michael Carroll and Reckless Kelly, has also brought on A&R executive Alyssa Logan to the Vere team.

Since launching, Vere has released 70 projects. The company’s current roster boasts more than 15 artists across genres, including David Nail, TRACE, Andrew Duhon, Joey Lawrence, Dan Rodriguez, Cody Webb, Alissa Moreno, and others. Vere also partners with labels, maximizing their distribution and marketing efforts. Its current label roster includes Clearwater Records, Gray Vonne Records, and TAOL Recordings.

“The music industry has undergone radical changes in the last several years. Distribution has increased in accessibility as digital platforms have grown,” says Harmon. “What remains consistent, however, is the key to reaching the masses. That key is the right marketing strategy, designed for each artist’s specific goals, and for each stage of growth. Vere, through its relationship with ADA, offers access to a major distributor while delivering the right marketing drivers to achieve next level growth for an artist. Most importantly, Vere thrives on customer service. We are here to serve the artists.”

“We’re happy to welcome Vere to the ADA family, and Rusty’s illustrious past of artist development will surely make this a great partnership,” adds Marcus Siskind, Head of U.S., ADA Worldwide.

Tracy Lawrence & Clay Walker Join Forces On 2022 Co-Headlining Tour

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Country artists and long-time friends Tracy Lawrence and Clay Walker will be hitting the road on their upcoming co-headlining tour of the southeast and midwest. The pair of entertainers have shared the stage together since the 1990’s and recently wrapped up a tour in May of 2021.

The 12-date tour kicks off Mar. 3 at Ovens Auditorium in Charlotte, North Carolina. Due to demand, the pair have added three new shows in El Dorado, Arkansas; Camdentown, Missouri; and Wichita, Kansas. Tickets for all dates are on sale now.

Lawrence recently commemorated his 30th anniversary in the country music industry with his Hindsight 2020 project, a three album release that revisited some of his biggest career hits as well as new material. Lawrence’s impressive catalog has made him a mainstay in country music, selling more than 13 million albums and charting 18 No. 1 songs.

Walker has celebrated four Platinum albums, more than 30 charted singles, and 11 No. 1s throughout his career. In August of 2021, he released his debut record with independent label Show Dog Nashville with Texas To Tennessee.

Tour Dates:
Thurs., Mar. 3 | Ovens Auditorium | Charlotte, NC
Fri., Mar. 4 | Berglund Performing Arts Theater | Roanoke, VA
Sat., Mar. 5 | The Bell Auditorium | Augusta, GA
Thurs., Mar. 10 | Municipal Auditorium| Charleston, WC
Fri., Mar. 11 | Tivoli Theatre | Chattanooga, TN
Sat., Mar. 12 | Mark C. Smith Concert Hall | Huntsville, AL
Thurs., Mar. 17 | Wings Event Center | Kalamazoo, MI
Fri., Mar. 18 | Riverside Theatre | Milwaukee, WI
Sat., Mar. 19 | Owensboro Sportscenter | Owensboro, KY
Thurs., May 26 | MAD Amphitheater | El Dorado, AR
Fri., May 27 | Ozarks Amphitheater | Camdentown, MO
Sat., May 28 | The Cotillion | Wichita, KS 

Industry Ink: Cody Johnson, The Mavericks, Tristan Tritt

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Cody Johnson Celebrates Two Gold Certified Singles

Cody Johnson. Photo: Chris Douglas

Platinum-selling COJO Music/Warner Music Nashville recording artist Cody Johnson has added new RIAA Gold certifications for his smash single “‘Til You Can’t” and “Dear Rodeo.” With these new additions, Johnson notches 12 career certifications from the RIAA.

Last week, “‘Til You Can’t” moved into the Top 10 on the country singles charts and hit No. 1 on SiriusXM’s Hot 30 Weekend and the MusicRow CountryBreakout chart. It also continues its reign at No. 1 on Shazam’s Country Chart for the third consecutive week. To date, the single has garnered nearly 150 million global streams.

Johnson launched the first half of his 2022 touring calendar in late January with two sold-out shows and has since added an additional nine concerts all posting sell-outs ahead of the dates. For a full list of upcoming dates, click here.

 

The Mavericks Honored With Official Mavericks Day Proclamation In Nueces County, Texas

The Mavericks

While bringing their “En Español Tour” to The Selena Auditorium in Corpus Christi on Feb. 5, The Mavericks were honored with the proclamation of The Mavericks Day in Nueces County, Texas.

Though they may have been formed in Miami, and long based in Nashville, a major part of The Mavericks’ sound has been their strong Tex-Mex/Tejano music foundation and ongoing support for Texas Musicians. Ahead of their show in McAllen, Texas, on Feb. 6, band members Raul Malo & Eddie Perez paid a visit to TIME 100 honoree Sister Norma Pimentel at the humanitarian respite center. While there, the pair delivered personal hygiene products for families at the border area migrant shelter.

“On Sunday in McAllen, Texas, we visited Sister Norma at the Catholic Center in downtown McAllen. Their charity work with immigrant families has been and continues to be instrumental in uniting immigrants with their families. As you can imagine, this work is difficult. It’s exhausting. And it never ends. The people at this center do everything possible to restore some dignity to those that come through their doors,” shares Malo through Instagram. “We originally just went to visit and observe. Of course, we got caught up in the energy that Sister Norma and her staff project every day. Eventually the conversation led to what could we do, is there anything you need, etc… So off we went to Sam’s Club to get supplies. I realize that these posts can be self-serving and ultimately misconstrued. This post has nothing to do with politics. It has to do with our humanity and doing what you can to help those in need.”

 

Tristan Tritt Joins Reliant Talent Agency’s Artist Roster

Pictured (L-R): Dan Lavery (Vista 22), Seth Meganck (Reliant), Tristan Tritt, Patra Sinner (Vista 22), amd Steve Lassiter (Reliant)

Reliant Talent Agency has added Tristan Tritt to its growing roster of artists.

Tritt, the son of country artist Travis Tritt who is also a member of Reliant’s roster, worked as a production assistant on his father’s tour before venturing into audio engineering training and tour management. After deciding two years ago that he wanted to make music, Tritt booked his own shows and entirely ran his own operation until recently.

The 22-year-old signed with Dan Lavery and Patra Sinner at Vista 22 Entertainment for management earlier this year and was slated to record new music in collaboration with Leroy Powell. Reliant’s Steve Lassiter and fellow Reliant agent Seth Meganck, already have a run of shows in the works for Tritt in support of his forthcoming EP.

The first single from the EP, a guitar-driven rock track titled “Oblivion,” was written by Tritt and showcases his vocals alongside the talents of Powell, his brother Chris Powell and Tom Bukovac. The single is expected to release in March, with another single to follow in late May.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Tracy Lawrence Serves Up A Helping Of Classic Country

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Tracy Lawrence. Photo: Jon-Paul Bruno

It’s in with the new and in with the old today in DISClaimer.

I’m pleased to report that we have a trio of fine first-timers in the column—Karley Scott Collins, Sacha and our DISCovery Award winner, Stefanie Joyce.

At the same time, we have dandy new music from three veterans—Jeannie Seely, Deborah Allen and our Disc of the Day awardee, Tracy Lawrence.

Spin ‘em all.

THE KENTUCKY GENTLEMEN / “Whatever You’re Up For”
Writers: Brandon Campbell/Chris Sligh/Derek Campbell/Paul Wrock/Ty March; Producers: Chris Sligh/Matt McClure; Label: KG
–I was quite taken with these twins (Derek & Brandon Campbell) when I reviewed their infectious disc debut last year. They’re back with a sexy, good-time come-on that is ready for any country dance floor. This jam is star-making stuff.

TRACY LAWRENCE / “Don’t Drink Whiskey”
Writers: Cassidy Lynn Alexander/Conner Lawrence Sweet/Marla Cannon-Goodman; Producers: Tracy Lawrence/Julian King; Label: TL
–Classic country. This is honky-tonk heartache at its finest, and Tracy’s singing has never sounded more accomplished. Thank goodness someone is still making music like this; it’s what made this genre great.

BLANE HOWARD / “Boot N’ Rally”
Writers: Blane Howard/Keesy Timmer; Producers: John Shaw/Blane Howard; Label: BH
–It’s one of them rock ‘em, sock ‘em thangs with screaming electric guitar and pounding rhythm. The ditty is aided considerably by a cleverly written lyric.

MAREN MORRIS / “Background Music”
Writers: Maren Morris/Jimmy Robbins/Laura Veltz; Producer: Greg Kurstin; Label: Sony
–Her voice emerges from a deep well of echo with only the barest accompaniment. As the ballad progresses, the production adds layers and her singing increases in intensity. Fascinating, ear catching, magnetic.

SACHA / “We Did”
Writers: Brad Rempel/Ben Stennis; Producer: Gavin Slate; Label: Starseed
–This Canadian is on all kinds of artist-to-watch lists. I can certainly hear why. Her dazzling, bopping country rocker is produced like there’s no tomorrow. Her singing has all the verve, joy and delirium of young love. The twirling, swirling sound is utterly celestial. Make her a star.

KASSI ASHTON / “Dates in Pickup Trucks”
Writers: Kassi Ashton/David Garcia/Luke Laird; Producers: Luke Laird/Dave Garcia/Kassi Ashton; Label: MCA/Interscope
–Her quasi-spoken singing has more than a hint of R&B, and vibe here is distinctly hip-hop. In what sense is this record “country” music?”

JEANNIE SEELY / “So Far So Good”
Writers: Penn Pennington/Mitch Ballard; Producer: Don Cusic; Label: Curb
–Delightful. It’s a lively western swinger with scampering piano, twin fiddles and flawless background harmonies by The Whites (Sharon & Cheryl). It left me grinning from ear to ear.

LEVI HUMMON / “Bottled Up”
Writers: Levi Hummon/Mason Thornley/Grant Vogelfanger; Producer: Eric Arjes; Label: Reservoir
–Second-generation country guy Levi is the son of mega-hit writer Marcus Hummon (who recently debuted an opera in Music City). This track from his forthcoming EP is a well-written tune about the repressed emotions of a broken-hearted dude on a barstool. Catchy and commercial.

CHRIS LANE / “Howdy”
Writers: John Byron/Sam Ellis/Blake Pendergrass; Producer: Joey Moi; Label: Big Loud
–Breezy and easy going. His plain-spoken, relaxed delivery sidles up next to you in an instantly-familiar way while the track twangs and thumps in a lulling pattern around him. Gently endearing.

STEFANIE JOYCE/ “Idle Hands”
Writer: Stefanie Joyce; Producer: Kyle Manner; Label: Avalon
–The funky, backbeat production is uber cool. Her drawling vocal is an arrow of truth. The guitar-groove melody is solid and hooky. Best of all, the lyric is a brilliantly fashioned plea for salvation from pills and booze. This is an extraordinary disc debut. I can’t wait to hear what else this singer-songwriter has in her arsenal.

DEBORAH ALLEN / “Blue Collar Baby”
Writers: Deborah Allen/Margaret Phillips; Producer: Deborah Allen; Label: DA
–This romping retro-rockabilly rave up is a rollicking audio party, complete with stuttering guitar, piano plunking and non-stop rhythm.

KARLEY SCOTT COLLINS / “Heavenly”
Writers: Karley Scott Collins/Nathan Champan; Producer: Nathan Chapman; Label: Sony
–Her burlap-and-velvet vocal tone is enchanting. The song is a regulation positive love tune, but she makes it sound like something exceptional. Promising. Send more.

Willie Nelson To Debut New Studio Album, ‘A Beautiful Time,’ In April

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Willie Nelson. Photo: Pamela Springsteen

Willie Nelson is releasing his new studio project, A Beautiful Time, on April 29. The first single from the album, “I’ll Love You Till the Day I Die,” penned by Rodney Crowell and Chris Stapleton, is available everywhere now.

A Beautiful Time arrives on Nelson’s 89th birthday and will be available on black vinyl and an exclusive orange vinyl edition for Barnes & Noble, as well as on CD and digitally. The album includes five new Willie Nelson/Buddy Cannon compositions with contributions from some of Nashville’s best songwriters, including two Shawn Camp-penned songs–”A Beautiful Time” and “We’re Not Happy (Till You’re Not Happy).” The collection also premieres Willie’s covers of Leonard Cohen‘s “Tower of Song” and The Beatles‘ “With a Little Help from My Friends.”

A Beautiful Time is Nelson’s latest collection for Legacy Recordings, which in 2021 released two albums from the country music legend–That’s Life and The Willie Nelson Family. That’s Life, a tribute to the artistry of Frank Sinatra, debuted at No. 1 on both Billboard‘s Jazz Albums chart and the Traditional Jazz Albums chart and is currently in the running for the Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album at the 64th Annual Grammy Awards.

A Beautiful Time Track List:
1. I’ll Love You Till The Day I Die (Rodney Crowell and Chris Stapleton)
2. My Heart Was A Dancer (Willie Nelson and Buddy Cannon)
3. Energy Follows Thought (Willie Nelson and Buddy Cannon)
4. Dreamin’ Again (Jack Wesley Routh and Douglas Graham)
5. I Don’t Go To Funerals (Willie Nelson and Buddy Cannon)
6. A Beautiful Time (Shawn Camp)
7. We’re Not Happy (Till You’re Not Happy) (Shawn Camp and Charles R. Humphrey III)
8. Dusty Bottles (Jim “Moose” Brown, Scotty Emerick and Don Sampson)
9. Me And My Partner (Ken Lambert)
10. Tower Of Song (Leonard Cohen)
11. Live Every Day (Willie Nelson and Buddy Cannon)
12. Don’t Touch Me There (Willie Nelson and Buddy Cannon)
13. With A Little Help From My Friends (John Lennon and Paul McCartney)
14. Leave You With A Smile (Buddy Cannon, Bobby Terry and Matt Rossi)

Blair Miller Launches New Marketing Agency, Chaos Creators

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Blair Miller. Photo: Emily McMannis

Rising music business professional Blair Miller has launched Chaos Creators, an entertainment marketing agency focused on disrupting traditional artist development and fan engagement in the digital space.

Before launching Chaos Creators, Miller was the Creative Director of Jonas Group Media, an entertainment marketing agency she founded with Kevin Jonas, Sr. While there, Miller oversaw the marketing strategy for artists and creators such as Frankie Jonas, Lanie Gardner, Public, Melanie Pfirrman, Livvia, and Lucy Cloud. She also launched social campaigns with influencers such as Charli D’Amelio, Bella Poarch, Avani, Lil Huddy, and Madi Monroe.

Throughout her career, Miller has guided Frankie Jonas’ TikTok growth and limited edition merch drop, capitalized on Public’s viral song “Make You Mine,” led campaign ideation and execution for Melanie Pfirrman’s “Suda” featuring Pitbull, and sustained Lanie Gardner’s viral “Dreams” by Fleetwood Mac cover video and surprise remix release with David Guetta. In just two years at Jonas Group Media, her clients amassed over 405 million Spotify streams, 2.3 million user generated TikTok videos, 226 million YouTube views, and 19 million social media followers.

“Creativity is at the core of everything I do. With the launch of Chaos Creators, I am able to add value to my clients’ music careers by bridging the gap between creativity and forward thinking strategy across new platforms and technologies,” says Miller. “I am excited for this new chapter, especially as I set out to build a diverse roster and amplify the voices of all minorities in the entertainment industry,” the recent Nashville Briefing 30 Under 30 honoree adds.

Miller earned her degree in Music Business from Belmont University. During her time there, she honed her marketing skills through stints with Scooter Braun Projects, Atlantic Records, Universal Music Group, Warner Music Nashville, The Recording Academy, CMA, and Crowd Surf. After graduating, Miller began her career as a Digital Marketing Manager at Thinkswell where she supported the social media efforts of clients such as Brad Paisley, Chris Young, Vince Gill, Randy Houser, Chase Bryant, and Country Radio Seminar.

She can be reached at blair@chaoscreatorsent.com.

Steve Dorff & Friends To Share Stories And Songs At BMI City Winery Event

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BMI is presenting “An Evening of Songs and the Stories Behind Them with Steve Dorff and Friends” on March 15 at City Winery Nashville.

The one of a kind evening will be hosted by Dorff, a 2018 Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee and award-winning BMI writer. Throughout the night, he will showcase hits he co-wrote with both his guests and other Nashville writers, including some of the biggest hits of the last four decades. Featured guests include John Berry, Jeffrey Steele, Phil Vassar and more, with other surprise guests to be announced soon.

“I am excited to be doing my first show in Nashville since moving here 2 and a half years ago. BMI is graciously sponsoring the event, and I have several incredible guest artists who I’m sure will make the evening very special!” shares Dorff.

Tickets go on sale Friday, Feb. 11 at 3 p.m. CT, with a portion of sales going to the Andrew Marshall Dorff Memorial Fund to continue his legacy to uplift a new generation of music lovers.

City Winery will require all restaurant and ticket holders to show proof of a negative COVID test or full vaccination status.

Nicole Wyatt Named Creative Director At Carnival Music

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Nicole Wyatt

Nicole Wyatt has joined Carnival Music Publishing as Creative Director. In her new position, she will spearhead all publishing needs, deepening writer connections and showcasing the talents at Carnival.

A Chattanooga native, Wyatt attended Full Sail University in Orlando and made her way to Nashville in 2009 for an assistant position in the marketing and media department at Sony Music. Her previous stops include stints at Average Joes Entertainment, 38 Music Publishing, and Writerslist. Wyatt fronted her own independent venture, Little Red Truck Ent., prior to joining Carnival.

“Everyone who knows Nicole recognizes her passion for great songs and her dedication to songwriters and their craft. We are beyond excited to count her as one of our own now and know that she will greatly contribute to the future success of Carnival,” says Carnival’s Courtney Gregg.

She can be reached at nicole@carnivalmusic.net.

Carnival has celebrated 16 chart-topping singles, with seven writers achieving their first No. 1 with the publishing company. Carnival’s roster includes Adam Wright, Aham Smith, Aubrie Sellers, Brent Cobb, David Nail, Derik Hultquist, Dustin Christensen, Gretchen Peters, Jaida Dreyer, Kylie Frey, Marla Cannon-Goodman, and Waylon Payne.

Jordan Reynolds Renews Publishing Deal With Warner Chappell

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Pictured (L-R): Phil May (WCM), BJ Hill (WCM), Jordan Reynolds, Ben Vaughn (WCM), Nick Burnett (Hit Ranch)

Multiple Grammy award-winning songwriter Jordan Reynolds has renewed his global publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music (WCM) Nashville. His chart-topping hits have led to numerous award nominations, including two Grammy wins with “10,000 Hours” by Dan + Shay and Justin Bieber in 2021, and “God Only Knows” by For King & Country and Dolly Parton in 2020.

Reynolds has written six No. 1 songs, including five of the last Dan + Shay hits: “Speechless” (5x Platinum); “All to Myself” (2x Platinum); “10,000 Hours” (4x Platinum); “Glad You Exist” (Platinum); and “Tequila” (7x Platinum), which was also named the 2019 Song of the Year by the ACM. In 2020, he was awarded the prestigious CMA Triple Play for penning three No. 1 songs in a 12-month period.

Ben Vaughn, President & CEO, WCM Nashville shares: “Jordan has been with us at Warner Chappell for the better half of a decade and during that time he’s crafted some of Nashville’s most memorable songs of this generation. He’s a rare, dynamic talent whose sound isn’t bound by any one genre and we couldn’t be more excited to continue our relationship.”

Reynolds has also worked with the likes of Lady A, Camilla Cabello, Lany, Thomas Rhett, Brett Eldredge, Carrie Underwood, Kelsea Ballerini, Charlie Puth, Keith Urban, and more. In 2021, he founded Better Songs, a blog meant to help budding musicians develop their craft.

“We’ve seen Jordan’s career reach incredible heights with multiple crossover hits and truly meaningful music. Fruits of his versatile talent and being an absolute gem of a human,” BJ Hill, VP, A&R, WCM Nashville adds. “We’re grateful to have been with him from the start and look forward to this next chapter together.”

“My team at Warner Chappell has been there since the beginning and has played a crucial part in my journey to becoming the writer I am today,” Reynolds offers. “I’m looking forward to an exciting future with this deal and building on our deep relationship.”