Weekly Register: Aaron Lewis Earns Top Country Debut With ‘Frayed At Both Ends’

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Aaron Lewis. Photo: Eric Englund

The Valory Music Co.’s Aaron Lewis earns the top country album debut this week with the release of Frayed At Both Ends coming in strong at No. 5 and No. 39 overall. The record debuts with 15K in total consumption (11K album only and 3 million song streams), according to MRC data.

Dangerous: The Double Album (Morgan Wallen) continues to lead the top country albums chart with 41K in total consumption (2.1K album only and 49 million song streams). Red (Taylor’s Version) (Taylor Swift) reclaims the second spot, adding 26K in total consumption, while Country Stuff: The Album (Walker Hayes) drops to third with 19K. Luke Combs maintains his place at No. 4 as What You See Is What You Get earns 17K in total consumption.

On the singles front, Jordan Davis & Luke Bryan rise to the top spot on the top country streaming songs this week. The track gained 6.2 million streams, contributing to 176 million streams RTD, according to MRC data. Walker Hayes occupies the second position with “Fancy Like” adding 6.2 million streams, and the third position with “AA” adding 5.9 million streams. Swift’s “All Too Well (Taylor’s Version)” takes No. 4 with 5.3 million streams, and Cody Johnson‘s “Til You Can’t” rounds out the top five with 4.9 million streams.

Kane Brown Adds Dates To “Blessed & Free Tour”

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Kane Brown

Kane Brown has added dates to his upcoming nationwide “Blessed & Free Tour,” which kicks off May 7 with his first-ever stadium show at Finley Stadium in his hometown of Chattanooga, Tennessee. 

The initial run of the “Blessed & Free Headlining Arena Tour” included all NBA basketball arenas, making Brown the first country artist to headline every NBA arena in a single tour. The next leg of the tour will head to Alabama, Florida, Georgia, New Hampshire, and Connecticut.

Tickets for the “Blessed & Free Tour” will go on-sale to the general public Friday, Feb. 11 at 10 a.m. local time at kanebrownmusic.com.  A limited number of VIP Packages will be available with exclusive offers including tickets, early-access to the General Admission Pit, limited edition merchandise and more.

The Country Music Hall Of Fame & Museum Opens Florida Georgia Line Exhibition

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Pictured: Tyler Hubbard and Brian Kelley in front of their new exhibition Florida Georgia Line: Mix it Up Strong. Photo: John Shearer/Getty Images for the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum celebrated the opening of the new Florida Georgia Line: Mix It Up Strong exhibition on Sunday (Feb. 6).

The exhibit traces the friendship and collaboration of the duo’s Tyler Hubbard and Brian Kelley from their meeting in college to their swift emergence as a multiple-award-winning country act. Florida Georgia Line: Mix It Up Strong opens today (Feb. 7) and runs through Jan. 1, 2023.

As part of opening day, the museum hosted a conversation and performance featuring Hubbard and Kelley in the museum’s CMA Theater. The duo discussed their career and shared personal stories and memories associated with the artifacts included in the exhibition. The performance and conversation was filmed and will premiere on March 1 as part of the museum’s Live at the Hall digital programs series—available to stream on the museum’s YouTube channel, Facebook page and website.

Items featured in Florida Georgia Line: Mix It Up Strong include instruments, awards, stage and screen costumes and personal artifacts. Read a more about the exhibit and the items featured here.

Pictured: Kelley and Hubbard speak onstage during an interview for Florida Georgia Line: Mix It Up Strong Exhibit opening day at Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Photo: John Shearer/Getty Images for the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

Pictured: Hubbard and Kelley admire the Florida Georgia Line: Mix It Up Strong Exhibit. Photo: John Shearer/Getty Images for the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

Photo: John Shearer/Getty Images for the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

Photo: John Shearer/Getty Images for the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

Jenny Tolman’s Sophomore Album, ‘Married In A Honky Tonk,’ Set For March

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Jenny Tolman is releasing her sophomore album, Married in a Honky Tonk, on March 4.

The new project picks up where her Jennyville album left off, fit with a cameo of Jennyville’s Mayor Jeannie Seely. The album was produced by Tolman’s soon-to-be-husband and Grammy-nominated producer Dave Brainard.

Included in MusicRow‘s Next Big Thing class of 2020, Tolman offers a new depth and range that signals her growing maturity as an artist. Life continues to inspire her art as she prepares to release Married in a Honky Tonk just weeks before marrying Brainard.

“I like to think of Married in a Honky Tonk as half Jennyville and half real-life Jenny,” shares Tolman. “It has all of the characters and storytelling that I love to enact throughout, but it also has a heavy hand of personal stories weaved in. The life on these songs span from over 6 years ago, to not even a year ago- so, as a songwriter, it’s very special to be able to have that wide a range of material to show the evolution of my life. We made this album with my love of performing at the forefront, so we can’t wait to get out on the road the rest of 2022 and play these new songs for everyone!”

Tolman will be celebrating the new project with an album release party on Feb. 28 at Riverside Revival in Nashville. A portion of the ticket sales will go to MusiCares, and each ticket includes an autographed physical copy of Married in a Honky Tonk, refreshments from Wyoming Whiskey, and food provided by The Local.

Married in a Honky Tonk Track List:
1. Good Morning Jennyville (Dave Brainard/Jenny Tolman)
2. Borrowing Sugar (Dave Brainard/ Rob Hatch/Jenny Tolman)
3. The World’s a Small Town (Dave Brainard/Jenny Tolman/Bill Whyte)
4. Married in a Honky Tonk (Dave Brainard/Jenny Tolman/Bill Whyte)
5. Sweetest Revenge (Dave Brainard/ Jeff Silbar/Jenny Tolman)
6. Watering the Weeds (Dave Brainard/ Mando Saenz/Jenny Tolman)
7. I Know Some Cowboys (Dave Brainard/ Jenny Tolman/Bill Whyte)
8. Afraid (Jenny Tolman)
9. Home to Roost (Dave Brainard/Jeff Silbar/Jenny Tolman)
10. The Mayor’s Remarks
11. Same Train as You (Dave Brainard/Jenny Tolman)
12. Working Woman’s Blues (Dave Brainard/Jenny Tolman/Bill Whyte)
13. Nothing Left of You (Dave Brainard/Rick Tiger/Jenny Tolman)

Kevin Herring Re-Ups Contract At Triple Tigers Through January 2025

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Kevin Herring

Triple Tigers Records’ SVP Promotion, Kevin Herring, has re-upped his contract to remain with the label through January of 2025.

Herring joined Triple Tigers Records as SVP in 2017. Under his leadership, the Triple Tigers promotion team has seen many successes such as taking the label’s first seven singles all the way to No. 1, including the first four single releases from both Russell Dickerson and Scotty McCreery.

Herring’s resume also includes leadership posts with Warner Music Nashville, Disney’s Lyric Street Records, and Mercury Nashville.

“I’ve been blessed with fabulous music, an amazing staff, and a label head, Norbert Nix, who understands how important focus is,” says Herring. “As long as I have those three things, I can enjoy doing this for a long time.”

“I’ve known Kevin a long time and he has never wavered in his passion for music, his commitment to leadership, and his determination to advance the careers of his team and the artists he represents,” adds Nix, President/Partner Triple Tigers Records. “I’m thrilled that he has agreed to stay at Triple Tigers until 2025 and I can’t wait to see what we accomplish next.”

Jimmie Allen, Gabby Barrett To Co-Host 2022 ACM Awards Alongside Dolly Parton

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ACM award-winning country artists Jimmie Allen and Gabby Barrett will join Dolly Parton to co-host the 57th Academy of Country Music Awards.

Allen is a 2x ACM-nominated artist and the reigning New Male Artist of the Year. A multi-Platinum recording artist and songwriter, Allen is currently nominated for Best New Artist at the 64th annual Grammy Awards, marking his first ever Grammy nomination and the only country nominee in an all-genre category. He made history as the first Black artist to launch a career with two consecutive No. 1 hits off his 2018 debut album, Mercury Lane–his RIAA 2x Platinum debut single “Best Shot,” which claimed the No. 1 spot on country radio for three weeks, and Platinum-certified “Make Me Want To.”

Barrett is a three-time ACM-nominated artist and the reigning New Female Artist of the Year. A multi-Platinum vocalist, she has amassed nearly 2 billion global streams to her credit. She broke out with her massive 5x Platinum hit, “I Hope,” which was the most-streamed country song of 2020 and earned the iHeartRadio Titanium Award for reaching over 1 billion radio spins, and Platinum three-week No. 1 “The Good Ones.”

“The Academy has a long history of highlighting the biggest stars in country music alongside today’s rising stars, and this year that will spotlight even further,” says Damon Whiteside, CEO of the Academy of Country Music. “Reigning ACM New Male Artist of the Year winner Jimmie Allen and reigning ACM New Female Artist of the Year Gabby Barrett will co-host the 57th Academy of Country Music Awards side-by-side with Dolly Parton, pairing two of today’s most exciting new artists in the genre with one of the world’s most beloved music icons.”

In addition to joining Parton as co-hosts for the live show, airing exclusively on Prime Video on March 7, the pair will also unveil select nominations for the 57th Academy of Country Music Awards on the @ACMawards Twitter account. Select nominees will be announced this Thursday, Feb. 10 beginning at 9:30 a.m. CT.

The 57th Academy of Country Music Awards will stream live without commercial interruption on Prime Video Monday, March 7 at 7 p.m. CT from Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.

Austin Neal Launches The Neal Agency With Morgan Wallen, Chase Rice, More On Roster

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Austin Neal, Founder of The Neal Agency. Photo: Tanner Gallagher

Austin Neal, a third generation country music booking agent and artist advocate, has launched The Neal Agency.

Designed to be a smaller, more artist-focused organization, the eight-act company aims to create touring plans that embody and build upon each artist’s individuality. Neal’s initial roster includes Morgan Wallen, Chase Rice, Hardy, Ashland Craft, Ernest, Riley Green, John Morgan, and Seaforth.

“I hope to have an agency that’s reflective of the kinds of relationships with my artists that I have with the people I’m starting this agency with,” shares Neal. “I truly care about each person and the vision of what that artist wants to build. Beyond long careers and relationships, it’s a way to make a community of people through touring.”

Neal’s background includes time in management, working with both Big & Rich and Bruce Kalmick while at Triple 8. He returned to the agency business at his father Kevin Neal’s urging. The third generation agent is also following in the footsteps of his grandfather Bob, who managed Elvis and then opened the original Neal Agency in Nashville in the mid-60s after stints in Memphis and California booking Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, Roy Orbison, Sonny James and Jerry Lee Lewis.

“My father grew up in this business with his father,” adds Neal. “He learned not just how to make deals, set up tours and build careers, but a wonderful sense of ethics and how to spot real talent. He did that with Jason, FGL and Morgan, and carried on the family tradition.

“My grandfather, who was a disc jockey, concert promoter and owned a record store understood recognizing talent, then helping the artists realize their potential. He brought people together, and that’s something I hope the new Neal Agency will do, too.”

The Neal Agency is located in the Wedgewood Houston neighborhood in Nashville.

Kenny Chesney Adds Amphitheater Dates To ‘Here And Now 2022’ Tour

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Kenny Chesney. Photo: Rick Diamond

Kenny Chesney is taking his “Here And Now 2022” tour to 20 amphitheaters in addition to the 21 already-set stadium shows on the upcoming cross-country trek.

Kicking off April 23 in Tampa, Florida, at Raymond James Stadium, the tour will feature newly-added amphitheater shows in Huntsville, Virginia Beach, Boise, Syracuse, and more. The summer-long tour will wrap with what has become a No Shoes Nation tradition: an already almost sold-out double-play at Foxborough, Massachusetts’ Gillette Stadium on Aug. 26-27.

“There is something about amphitheaters that creates an immediacy that is so intimate,” Chesney shares. “The energy is very different from a stadium show, and it almost opens the songs up in completely different ways. It’s pretty cool to feel that difference between the two kinds of venues, but I can tell you: both are absolutely the greatest sensations in the world.

“I never thought we’d be away from No Shoes Nation for three years,” he continued. “Now that we finally have the chance to spend the summer together again, I really wanted to provide as many opportunities as possible for everyone to come out and celebrate the music with us; the sense of community and the way we all feel so alive when we’re together celebrating what we love. Whether stadiums or amphitheaters, I can’t wait to see my favorite people in the world.”

Tickets for the new dates go on sale Friday, Feb. 11 at 10 a.m. local time.

The 8x Entertainer of the Year recently got the chance to celebrate his current single, “Knowing You,” hitting the top of the charts. The country icon and a collection of Nashville’s music executives gathered at The Sutler to commemorate his 34th No. 1 song at country radio.

“Here And Now 2022” Tour Dates:
April 23 – Tampa, Fla. || Raymond James Stadium
April 30 – Charlotte, N.C. || Bank of America Stadium
May 5 – Noblesville, Ind. || Ruoff Music Center*
May 7 – St. Louis, Mo. || Busch Stadium
May 14 – Milwaukee, Wis. || American Family Field
May 19 – Orange Beach, Ala. || The Wharf Amphitheater*
May 21 – Atlanta, Ga. || Mercedes-Benz Stadium
May 25 – Charleston, S.C. || Credit One Stadium*
May 26 – Huntsville, Ala. || Orion Amphitheater*
May 28 – Nashville, Tenn. || Nissan Stadium
June 2 – The Woodlands, Texas || Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion*
June 4 – Arlington, Texas || AT&T Stadium
June 8 – Canandaigua, N.Y. || CMAC*
June 9 – Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio || Blossom Music Center*
June 11 – Pittsburgh, Pa. || Heinz Field
June 15 – Virginia Beach, Va. || Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater*
June 16 – Bristow, Va. || Jiffy Lube Live*
June 18 – Philadelphia, Pa. || Lincoln Financial Field
June 23 – Cincinnati, Ohio || Riverbend Music Center*/**
June 25 – Chicago, Ill. || Soldier Field
June 29 – Brandon, Miss. || Brandon Amphitheater*
June 30 – Rogers, Ark. || Walmart AMP*
July 2 – Kansas City, Mo. || GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium
July 9 – Bozeman, Mont. || Bobcat Stadium
July 12 – Stateline, Nev. || Lake Tahoe Outdoor Arena at Harvey’s*
July 13 – Stateline, Nev. || Lake Tahoe Outdoor Arena at Harvey’s*
July 16 – Seattle, Wash. || Lumen Field
July 19 – Bend, Ore. || Hayden Homes Amphitheater*
July 20 – Bend, Ore. || Hayden Homes Amphitheater*
July 23 – Inglewood, Calif. || SoFi Stadium
July 27 – Boise, Idaho. || Ford Idaho Center Amphitheater*
July 28 – Salt Lake City, Utah || USANA Amphitheater*
July 30 – Denver, Colo. || Empower Field at Mile High
August 6 – Minneapolis, Minn. || U.S. Bank Stadium
August 10 – Columbia, Md. || Merriweather Post Pavilion*
August 11 – Syracuse, N.Y. || St. Joseph’s Health Amphitheater at Lakeview*
August 13 – East Rutherford, N.J. || MetLife Stadium
August 18 – Columbus, Ohio || Historic Crew Stadium
August 20 – Detroit, Mich. || Ford Field
August 26 – Foxborough, Mass. || Gillette Stadium
August 27 – Foxborough, Mass. || Gillette Stadium
* lineup for these dates is Kenny Chesney and Carly Pearce only
** tickets on sale Friday, Feb. 25 at 10 a.m. local time

Victoria Banks Inks Admin Deal With Sony Music Publishing

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Victoria Banks & Rusty Gaston

Sony Music Publishing has signed songwriter Victoria Banks to an exclusive, worldwide administration agreement.

Banks penned four songs on Mickey Guyton’s Grammy-nominated album, Remember Her Name, and three songs on her preceding Bridges EP. Banks co-wrote the Capitol Records Nashville artist’s 2020 single “What Are You Gonna Tell Her,” which made history with Guyton’s performance on the 2020 ACM Awards.

Banks has had multiple cuts by Sara Evans, including the solo-written “Saints & Angels,” and has written songs for Carly Pearce, Lauren Alaina, Cassadee Pope, Jessica Simpson, Terri Clark and others. She has also been named both Female Artist of the Year and Songwriter of the Year by the Canadian Country Music Association.

“I’ve been a published writer in Nashville for almost 25 years now, and I feel like these songs that I’m writing now are some of my best. I’m proud to be joining the Sony family and to have the power of their worldwide representation in support of this catalog,” says Banks. “Rusty Gaston has brought a vibrant new energy to Sony here in Nashville, and I’m really excited to be a part of that.”

Industry Ink: Jordan Davis & Luke Bryan, Ashley Bergman, William Davenport

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Jordan Davis, Luke Bryan Earn Platinum Certification For “Buy Dirt”

Luke Bryan & Jordan Davis

Jordan Davis and Luke Bryan were recently surprised with a Platinum plaque for their No. 1 single “Buy Dirt” while out on a hunting trip together.

“Buy Dirt” is Davis’ fastest moving single to date and the No. 3 most consumed country song of 2022, reaching over 250 million global streams. The song has spent 25 consecutive weeks on the all-genre Billboard Top 200 chart. The track was also nominated for Musical Event of the Year on the 55th Annual CMA Awards.

Davis will hit the road this spring for the second leg of his “Buy Dirt Tour.” He recently announced a second date at the Ryman Auditorium on Sept. 28, which will mark his first headlining appearance at the famed Nashville venue.

Ashley Bergman Joins Regions Music Row As Assistant Branch Manager

Ashley Bergman

Regions Music Row has tapped Ashley Bergman as Assistant Branch Manager and Team Lead.

A 5-year veteran of Regions, Bergman assists clients with their deposit, credit and investment needs. She was previously a Senior Financial Relationship Consultant with the bank’s Village 21 and Nashboro Village branches. Bergman previously worked in New York’s fashion industry and was a Production Assistant on the Nashville television series before starting her banking career.

Reel Muzik Werks Adds William Davenport To Artist Roster

William Davenport & Reel Muzik Werks’ Teri Nelson Carpenter

Reel Muzik Werks, a film/TV and global music rights management company helmed by Teri Nelson Carpenter, has signed singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist William Davenport.

An Atlanta native, Davenport has shared the stage with artists including India Arie, Will Downing, Boney James, Laura Izibor, Mary Mary, and Kirk Whalum. He continues to pen musical stories that reflect everyday love and sensuality while carving his own career in the industry.

While in college pursuing a degree in engineering, Davenport appeared in and won several high-profile talent shows, including the Embassy Records National Talent Search, and the opportunity to be a singer-songwriter for Ne-Yo’s recording label, Compound Entertainment.

“We have great respect for William’s talent and creativity and are thrilled to welcome him into our Reel Muzik Werks family,” shares Carpenter.

“Working with Reel Muzik Werks has been a complete relief,” adds Davenport. “So often on our music journeys the music industry can seem almost impossible to navigate. RMW understands this. They don’t silence voices, they encourage creativity and extend opportunities for artists. Teri definitely looks out for everyone and it takes no time to see it! I’m happy to be a part of the team and can’t wait to make some hits!”