Kacey Musgraves performs at Bridgestone Arena. Photo: Courtesy Sandbox Entertainment
When Kacey Musgraves brought her “Star-Crossed: Unveiled Tour” to Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena Friday night (Feb. 11), a wide-ranging demographic of fans came out to see the Texas native’s highly anticipated show.
After releasing her 2018 album Golden Hour to worldwide commercial and critical acclaim, Musgraves has found her music and her fame expanding far past any genre lines. With messages of acceptance in her lyrics that have been present since the beginning, and a sound that incorporates elements of country and pop, Musgraves reaches a wide-base of listeners.
Musgraves put it best during the show when she thanked the fans for allowing her to make music that isn’t bound by genre lines. “Thanks to the day-ones for embracing all these chapters: the ones that sound country and the ones that don’t sound country. They all come from me,” she said.
Kacey Musgraves performs at Bridgestone Arena. Photo: Courtesy Sandbox Entertainment
In keeping with the tragic aesthetic of Star-Crossed, Musgraves entertained from a heart-shaped stage with royal red curtains, white columns, and a golden arch behind her. Concert-goers donned their light up cowboy hats, feathers and rhinestones, and red Star-Crossed inspired attire.
She opened the show with a goosebump-inducing rendition of her cinematic title track “Star-Crossed.” To deafening screams, Musgraves emerged from behind the curtains wearing a red, leather ensemble. A flaming heart outlined a smoldering Musgraves as she set the scene for the rest of the evening.
After getting things started with “Star-Crossed,” a crew member with white angel wings brought the singer her guitar. She went into “Good Wife,” changing the last lyric from “I just wanna be a good wife” to “I know I was a good wife.”
Kacey Musgraves performs. Photo: Lydia Farthing
Confetti in “every shade of pink” fell from the rafters during “Cherry Blossom.” Later in the night, Musgraves would break out her leaf blower to blow off some confetti that landed on the stage. “This isn’t part of the show,” she joked.
As expected, the visuals for the “Star-Crossed” tour were striking. A pair of converse hung on a telephone wire for “Simple Times,” and multi-colored laser beams shot across the arena during “There Is A Light.”
She dedicated a portion of her set to the beloved Golden Hour, playing “Golden Hour,” “Butterflies,” “Lonely Weekend,” “Space Cowboy,” and “High Horse.” While the audience was thrilled to hear songs from Musgraves famed project, her performance had a melancholy feel.
Before launching into another Star-Crossed favorite, the Grammy-nominated “Camera Roll,” Musgraves stopped to address her home-town crowd. She basked in the screaming of her adoring fans before saying, “I moved here at the end of 2008, I was 19. Holy shit, now you’re selling out Bridgestone with me! It’s pretty nuts.
“My general practitioner is here,” Musgraves quipped. “My therapist is in the house!”
At one point in the night Musgraves broke out the karaoke mic. One lucky show-goer got to pick the song she sang. She chose wisely, picking Dolly Parton’s “9 to 5.”
Another special moment came when Musgraves performed her very first single “Merry Go ‘Round” with just her and a guitar.
When it came time for Musgraves to end the show, she went out the way she came in: with drama. The singer sang a perfect rendition of “Gracias A La Vida,” not missing a beat with her Spanish. With a dozen roses in her hand, Musgraves serenaded us goodnight with a haunting vocoder occasionally distorting her vocal. She slowly walked up some stairs before falling backwards, arms crossed, off the stage as the curtain closed.
After a booming crowd demanded her return, Musgraves re-emerged for an encore of “Slow Burn” and “Rainbow,” before bidding the Nashville crowd adieu.
Jordan Reynolds, Nick Burnett Launch Hit Ranch
/by Lydia FarthingPictured (L-R): Jordan Reynolds and Nick Burnett
Grammy-winning songwriter Jordan Reynolds has launched Hit Ranch, a brokerage firm founded to help songwriters sell their catalogs. Alongside business partner and co-founder Nick Burnett, the pair aim to provide a simple, lower fee option to songwriters interested in selling.
The company’s first sale was Reynolds’ own catalog, which includes massive hits such as Dan + Shay‘s “Tequila,” “10,000 Hours,” and “Speechless,” to Warner Chappell.
“I was interested in possibly selling my catalog but realized I really didn’t know where to start. There’s still a lot of ambiguity around the process,” Reynolds shares. “In talking to my songwriter friends, I realized many of them felt the same way. I wanted to figure out a way to change that and offer a simple solution to anyone considering selling their catalog.”
“Jordan understands the songwriting community better than just about anybody and brings such important perspective to the world of catalog sales. I’m excited to work with him on Hit Ranch to offer a transparent and low-fee option to songwriters,” adds Burnett, a Vanderbilt MBA with a background in management, operations and strategy. “We’ve found the community of publishers and song funds to be exceptional and fair people who genuinely care about the songs they are purchasing and the future deals for the songwriters. We are looking forward to continuing to work closely with them on many future deals.”
For more information contact info@TheHitRanch.com.
Jimmie Allen, Brad Paisley Notch The Top Spot With ‘Freedom Was A Highway’
/by Lydia FarthingMulti-Platinum recording artist Jimmie Allen has landed his third career chart-topping single as “Freedom Was A Highway” hits No. 1 on both the Billboard and Mediabase charts. The track, which features country music icon Brad Paisley, also marks Paisley’s 25th trip to the top.
Co-written by Allen, Ash Bowers & Matt Rogers, the song features a signature Paisley guitar solo. The duo’s vocals pair to reminisce about the nostalgia and simplicity of carefree, youthful days.
Allen has had two other trips to the top of the charts with “Make Me Want To” in March 2020 and “Best Shot” in November 2018, both of which were from his debut album Mercury Lane.
This newest milestone adds to a growing list of Allen’s achievements over the last year, including a Best New Artist nomination at the 64th Annual Grammy awards, an Outstanding New Artist nomination at the 53rd NAACP Image Awards, and a nod for Male Artist of the Year at the upcoming 57th ACM Awards–where he will co-host alongside Dolly Parton & Gabby Barrett. He has also celebrated inclusion in The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s upcoming American Currents: State of the Music exhibit, and a sold-out start to his “Down Home Tour.”
John Berry Finds His Joy On New Faith-Inspired Project
/by Lorie HollabaughJohn Berry. Photo: Wyatt Culler
John Berry has recorded a new album of Gospel classics that have inspired him throughout his life. Find My Joy is due out on March 25 via Gaither Music Group’s Gaither Gospel Series.
His rendition of the classic “I Surrender All” is available now, and a second track, “How Great Thou Art,” will be released March 4.
Berry delivers timeless standards, such as “How Great Thou Art,” “Great Is Thy Faithfulness,” and “I Surrender All,” as well as several new songs on the project. His performance of “Something Bigger Than Me” includes the 60-piece Utah Symphony Orchestra, arranged by Larry Herbstritt and conducted by producer Steve Dorff, with piano from award-winning studio musician and artist Gordon Mote.
The project’s title track was written in September 2020 by Dorff and Jack Cassidy. When Dorff played the song for Berry, he immediately connected with the message. He had been through a hard season physically, emotionally and mentally–battling throat cancer and navigating the touring impacts of the pandemic. Hearing and recording the song was part of his journey to find joy again.
“I love the opportunity I have had to create new music, and it is awesome to look back here at the beginning of a new year and see that for 10, 20, 25 years I have had new music to share. Amazing!” shares Berry.
“Gaither Music Group is honored to partner with John and his team for this special recording,” says Paul Sizelove, president of Gaither Music Group. “John has impacted countless people with his songwriting, performances and radio hits. He has developed a brand of faith and family that brings uplifting entertainment as well as encouragement to listeners, and we are excited to introduce his renditions of these timeless songs on the Gaither platforms.”
1. Great Is Thy Faithfulness – Traditional arrangement by Steve Dorff / John Berry
2. I Surrender All – Traditional arrangement by Steve Dorff / John Berry
3. Find My Joy – Steve Dorff / Jack Cassidy
4. Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus – Traditional arrangement by Steve Dorff / John Berry
5. It Is Well With My Soul – Traditional arrangement by Steve Dorff / John Berry
6. Something Bigger Than Me – Steve Dorff / Marty Panzer
7. How Great Thou Art – Stuart K. Hine
8. Blessings – Laura Story
9. Blessed Assurance – Traditional arrangement by Steve Dorff / John Berry
10. Live Like You – Steve Dorff / Jack Cassidy
Steve Markland Joins Utopia Music As VP For Nashville Office
/by LB CantrellSteve Markland
Music publishing veteran Steve Markland has joined Utopia Music, a Swiss Music fintech company. As Vice President for the company’s Nashville presence, Markland will help Utopia Music expand into the United States.
Markland has nearly three decades of experience working with songwriters, most recently in his role as Executive Vice President, Creative in the Nashville office of Downtown Music Publishing. Prior to joining Downtown, Markland served as VP of A&R at Warner Chappell Music. From 1996 to 2006, he was Vice President, Creative Affairs at Windswept Music Publishing. Markland began his publishing career learning from veteran Pat Higdon at Patrick Joseph Music
In his new role, Markland will be responsible for setting up and rolling out Utopia’s activities in Nashville. He will report directly to Utopia Music COO, Roberto Neri, who leads the company’s operations and is responsible for expanding its international office footprint.
“I’m delighted to join Utopia on its mission towards ‘Fair Pay for Every Play’ and ultimately create new income streams for creators,” shares Markland. “Utopia’s vision is to focus on all sides of the music industry in a way that will immensely benefit writers and artists. As the number one growth partner worldwide, Utopia will leave a lasting positive impact on the wider music ecosystem.”
Working alongside Markland is Natalie Osborne, who is also joining the Utopia Music team. Osborne was fundamental in helping sign and develop artists at Downtown Nashville such as Yola Carter, Madi Diaz, Fancy Hagood, Sarah Buxton, Lucie Silvas, the Brummies and more. She also was a key part of developing the successful international writer travel program, Writer’s Across Borders.
“We are so pleased to welcome Steve and Natalie to Utopia Music,” adds Neri. “I have known Steve for many years and throughout his career he has worked passionately for Nashville’s songwriter and artist community, championing local talent and growing the city’s global profile as a music destination. Steve’s commitment to creators chimes perfectly with Utopia’s mission to deliver ‘Fair Pay for Every Play’ on a global scale and we are so excited to start this journey with him.”
Kacey Musgraves Brings Her Awe-Inspiring Artistry To Bridgestone Arena
/by LB CantrellKacey Musgraves performs at Bridgestone Arena. Photo: Courtesy Sandbox Entertainment
When Kacey Musgraves brought her “Star-Crossed: Unveiled Tour” to Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena Friday night (Feb. 11), a wide-ranging demographic of fans came out to see the Texas native’s highly anticipated show.
After releasing her 2018 album Golden Hour to worldwide commercial and critical acclaim, Musgraves has found her music and her fame expanding far past any genre lines. With messages of acceptance in her lyrics that have been present since the beginning, and a sound that incorporates elements of country and pop, Musgraves reaches a wide-base of listeners.
Musgraves put it best during the show when she thanked the fans for allowing her to make music that isn’t bound by genre lines. “Thanks to the day-ones for embracing all these chapters: the ones that sound country and the ones that don’t sound country. They all come from me,” she said.
Kacey Musgraves performs at Bridgestone Arena. Photo: Courtesy Sandbox Entertainment
In keeping with the tragic aesthetic of Star-Crossed, Musgraves entertained from a heart-shaped stage with royal red curtains, white columns, and a golden arch behind her. Concert-goers donned their light up cowboy hats, feathers and rhinestones, and red Star-Crossed inspired attire.
She opened the show with a goosebump-inducing rendition of her cinematic title track “Star-Crossed.” To deafening screams, Musgraves emerged from behind the curtains wearing a red, leather ensemble. A flaming heart outlined a smoldering Musgraves as she set the scene for the rest of the evening.
After getting things started with “Star-Crossed,” a crew member with white angel wings brought the singer her guitar. She went into “Good Wife,” changing the last lyric from “I just wanna be a good wife” to “I know I was a good wife.”
Kacey Musgraves performs. Photo: Lydia Farthing
Confetti in “every shade of pink” fell from the rafters during “Cherry Blossom.” Later in the night, Musgraves would break out her leaf blower to blow off some confetti that landed on the stage. “This isn’t part of the show,” she joked.
As expected, the visuals for the “Star-Crossed” tour were striking. A pair of converse hung on a telephone wire for “Simple Times,” and multi-colored laser beams shot across the arena during “There Is A Light.”
She dedicated a portion of her set to the beloved Golden Hour, playing “Golden Hour,” “Butterflies,” “Lonely Weekend,” “Space Cowboy,” and “High Horse.” While the audience was thrilled to hear songs from Musgraves famed project, her performance had a melancholy feel.
Before launching into another Star-Crossed favorite, the Grammy-nominated “Camera Roll,” Musgraves stopped to address her home-town crowd. She basked in the screaming of her adoring fans before saying, “I moved here at the end of 2008, I was 19. Holy shit, now you’re selling out Bridgestone with me! It’s pretty nuts.
“My general practitioner is here,” Musgraves quipped. “My therapist is in the house!”
At one point in the night Musgraves broke out the karaoke mic. One lucky show-goer got to pick the song she sang. She chose wisely, picking Dolly Parton’s “9 to 5.”
Another special moment came when Musgraves performed her very first single “Merry Go ‘Round” with just her and a guitar.
When it came time for Musgraves to end the show, she went out the way she came in: with drama. The singer sang a perfect rendition of “Gracias A La Vida,” not missing a beat with her Spanish. With a dozen roses in her hand, Musgraves serenaded us goodnight with a haunting vocoder occasionally distorting her vocal. She slowly walked up some stairs before falling backwards, arms crossed, off the stage as the curtain closed.
After a booming crowd demanded her return, Musgraves re-emerged for an encore of “Slow Burn” and “Rainbow,” before bidding the Nashville crowd adieu.
Shane McAnally Enters Top 3 On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart
/by LB CantrellShane McAnally rises to No. 3 this week on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart. He is a co-writer on “23” (Sam Hunt), “Half Of My Hometown” (Kelsea Ballerini feat. Kenny Chesney), “AA” (Walker Hayes) and “Never Wanted To Be That Girl” (Carly Pearce & Ashley McBryde).
Ashley Gorley remains in the top spot again this week, with nine songs currently on the charts. Gorley is a co-writer on “New Truck” (Dylan Scott), “You Didn’t” (Brett Young), “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 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.
Publisher, Producer & Songwriter Blake Mevis Passes Away At 73
/by Lydia FarthingProducer and songwriter Blake Mevis passed away on Feb. 9 at the age of 73 following complications from COVID.
A native of Plymouth, Indiana, Mevis moved to Nashville in 1971 before landing a job with Loretta Lynn’s Coal Miner’s Music. He later worked for ABC and MCA Records and served as President of Pride Music Group, Charley Pride’s publishing company, during the 1980s.
Co-writers Blake Mevis (left) and Byron Hill (right) celebrate the 30th anniversary of George Strait’s “Fool Hearted Memory.” Photo: Courtesy of ASCAP
Mevis, who produced hit albums for George Strait and Keith Whitley, co-wrote Strait’s first No. 1 hit, “Fool Hearted Memory.” At one point in 1983, Mevis had four records in the Billboard country Top 20 that he had either written or produced. He was also responsible for pairing Strait with songwriter Dean Dillon who penned “Unwound,” which became Strait’s breakthrough hit.
Mevis’ other chart-topping songs include Pride’s 1983 “Night Games” and Joe Nichols’ “Brokenheartsville” in 2003. Mevis also had tracks recorded by the likes of Jim Ed Brown, Helen Cornelius, England Dan, John Ford Coley, Dave and Sugar, Charlie Rich, and Don Williams. He produced records for Pride, Vern Gosdin, The Kendalls, Clay Walker, and Moe Bandy and Joe Stampley.
Memorial arrangements have not yet been announced.
Crowd Surf Launches Career Development Program
/by Lydia FarthingCrowd Surf, a leading digital music marketing company, has announced their inaugural Crowd Surf Career Development Program beginning this month.
Aiming to help aspiring music business professionals break into the industry, the program is free and applications are now open to everyone 13+ years old. Once admitted, Development Program members will be able to take part in monthly digital events featuring keynote speakers, a social community program to foment discussion and build connections, and other career-building and networking opportunities.
“I see a lot of people carry the stress that I carried as I was finding my footing in this business, and I feel for them all,” shares Crowd Surf co-founder, Cassie Petrey. “With the Crowd Surf Career Development Program, we wanted to create the kind of launching pad we music biz professionals would have appreciated pre-internship and pre-job.”
The first monthly digital event, a conversation with Adriana Arce, will take place on Feb. 21 at 11 a.m. CT.
Miami born and raised, Arce is the Vice President at Rebel where she manages Lil Nas X, and previously Miley Cyrus for close to a decade. Prior to being on the business side of entertainment, she was a full time musician, having been awarded a singing scholarship to Berklee College of Music.
To apply for the Crowd Surf Career Development Program, click here.
Weekly Register: Parker McCollum Breaks Into Top Five Country Streaming Songs
/by Lydia FarthingParker McCollum. Photo: Courtesy of True Public Relations
Parker McCollum has entered the top five country streaming songs this week. The singer-songwriter’s current single, “To Be Loved By You,” comes in at No. 4 with 5.3 million streams, according to MRC data.
Securing the top spot on the top country streaming songs for another week is Walker Hayes‘ “Fancy Like.” The track boasts 6 million streams this week, contributing to a staggering 336 million streams RTD. The Monument recording artist also snags No. 3 as “AA” gains 5.7 million streams. “Buy Dirt” (Jordan Davis & Luke Bryan) falls to No. 2 with 5.7 million streams. Cody Johnson round out the top with “Til You Can’t” adding 5 million streams this week.
On the albums chart, Morgan Wallen continues to have the most consumed country album this week as Dangerous: The Double Album earns 41K in total consumption (1.4K album only/50 million song streams), according to MRC data. Taylor Swift holds steady in the second spot with Red (Taylor’s Version) gaining 25K in total consumption. Hayes’ Country Stuff: The Album falls to fourth with 17K. Luke Combs claims the remaining two spots: What You See Is What You Get in third with 17K and This One’s For You in fifth with 15K in total consumption.
Glenn Noblit Joins Studio2Bee Entertainment As Executive VP/GM
/by Lorie HollabaughGlenn Noblit
Glenn Noblit has been named Executive Vice President/General Manager at Studio2Bee Entertainment. In his new role, he will contribute oversight and strategic alignment to the Nashville-based artist development company.
Noblit most recently held the position of Director, National Promotion at Garth Brooks‘ Pearl Records, where he worked for over five years. He has served in various positions in publicity and radio promotion for more than two decades, including in roles at Warner Brothers, Lost Highway, AristoMedia, and Reviver Records.
“Glenn comes to us with an impressive resume, acute leadership skills and a magnificent professional demeanor,” says Studio2Bee CEO Skip Bishop. “He’s the ideal choice to lead Studio2Bee into the next level of growth.”
“I have been extremely blessed and grateful for the opportunity to work with my hero and the amazing Pearl Records’ family,” adds Noblit. “This exciting new chapter with Skip [Bishop], Butch [Waugh], and our Studio2Bee team of exceptional music professionals now begins, allowing me to follow a life-long passion to develop talented artists. I’m ready to lead our team as we grow and discover more new modern strategies together.”
Noblit can be reached at Glenn@Studio2bee.com.
Created in 2014 by industry veterans Butch Waugh and Skip Bishop, Studio2Bee offers Artist Development, MMO (DSPs, SIRUS XM and video outlets) Promotion/Marketing, A&R, Project Management and Promotion.