Parker McCollum. Photo: Courtesy of True Public Relations
MCA Nashville recording artist Parker McCollum had a busy year in 2021. With the release of his major label debut album Gold Chain Cowboy, a rigorous touring schedule and the launch of his first fan club, the Texas native celebrated many milestones.
On the touring front, McCollum entertained 17,000 people at the stage he graduated high school on, becoming the highest paid act to ever play there. He also sold out venues such as Dallas’ Dos Equis Pavilion, the AT&T Center in San Antonio, and the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, among others.
Parker McCollum. Photo: Courtesy of True Public Relations
After touring shut down in 2020 due to the pandemic, McCollum and his band were among the masses happy to hit the road in spring of 2021. From mid-April through the end of the year, the guys played approximately 90 shows across the country, including as the opening act on Dierks Bentley‘s 22-date “Beers On Me Tour 2022.”
“Dierks is the definition of a superstar. The attention to detail, commitment, and energy that [he and his crew] put in every night on that tour is impressive,” McCollum shares with MusicRow. “Every single thing that you could think about from the beginning of the day to the end and throughout the show is thought about, taken care of, and prepared for. To have that level of commitment after you’ve been doing it for as long as he has is pretty impressive.
“Being the first-of-three on a tour, you’re [often] forgotten about. I think he realized that we weren’t like most first-of-three’s that he’s had, though. We’ve played over a thousand shows and sold out shows all across the country, so it wasn’t like it was our first time,” McCollum explains. “He really catered to that, understood that, and let us do our thing.”
On the radio front, McCollum earned his first No. 1 hit with his Platinum-certified debut single “Pretty Heart” in late 2020. He was also the most spun new artist on MusicRow‘s CountryBreakout Radio Chart throughout 2020, earning him MusicRow‘s Breakout Artist of the Year award in early 2021.
McCollum’s current radio single, “To Be Loved By You,” is nearing Top 10 at country radio. The track reached the top of the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart on Dec. 10, 2021.
“When I was a kid, I would hear about my favorite artists and albums going Platinum or Gold and it just sounded so cool,” he shares. “Now to sit in my house every day and have a Gold and Platinum record, and hopefully another one coming… It’s almost cliche to say, but sometimes I pinch myself and say, ‘Is this shit real?’”
Both “To Be Loved By You” and “Pretty Heart” are featured on McCollum’s major label debut album, Gold Chain Cowboy, which was released last summer. The record’s success comes on the heels of his major label backed Hollywood Gold EP from fall of 2020 and his previously released independent projects.
Though not new to the country music scene, McCollum found himself on a plethora of artist to watch lists in 2021 from the likes of Rolling Stone, Billboard, HITS Magazine, SiriusXM, CMT, RIAA and more. He also notched his first ACM nomination for New Male Artist of the Year and made his Grand Ole Opry debut early last year.
“I knew what I wanted to do when I was really young. I knew I wanted to sing country music for a living, and I knew that I wanted to do it on the highest level. I didn’t really set much of a timeline for myself,” McCollum offers. “I knew from the very beginning, one way or another, that I was going to be doing this for the rest of my life.
“I’ve always said I want the slowest, sweetest, most wonderful ride to the top that I could possibly have. My goal was to do this for a long time, so as long as I’m still doing it when I’m 50, 60, 70 years old, I think that would be pretty cool.”
Towards the end of 2021, McCollum unveiled his Gold Chain Cowboy Club NFT in partnership with MusicFX, a digital community connecting artists to their fan bases through NFTs. Marking his first fan club and one of the first artist to have an NFT fan club, the campaign features multiple tiers of membership, including the Gold Chain Cowboy Black Card: Signature Edition which saw a first week sell-out.
Parker McCollum. Photo: Courtesy of True Public Relations
“When I heard ‘fan club,’ I really perked up. Fans pay money to come see me play, they stream my music online, they buy a shirt and a hat in merch. My fans are the bomb. They are unbelievably loyal and committed, and they’ve been with me a long time,” gushes McCollum. “For $100 they can be winning all kinds of exclusive stuff and own a digital copy of something that belongs to them and to me. It seemed like a great way for my fans to be one step closer to me and what we’ve got going on.”
With his eyes locked on 2022, McCollum has high hopes. The goals at the top of his list involve new music.
“If I could put out a second full album that was way better than the one I put out six months ago by the end of this year or even the first quarter of 2023, I’d be really happy. If I can pull that off this year then that would be a miracle,” he sums.
Sony Music Publishing Expands On Songwriters Forward Initiative With Counseling Program
/by Lydia FarthingSony Music Publishing has unveiled Songwriter Assistance, a new program which will provide its global roster of songwriters and composers with access to free, confidential counseling services and wellness resources.
Starting today (Feb. 1), Songwriter Assistance will offer 24/7 counseling support via global hotlines, as well as ongoing counseling services for emotional health matters, including stress, anxiety, depression, and family/relationship challenges.
“We are committed to providing you with services that matter,” shared Chairman and CEO, Sony Music Publishing, Jon Platt in a letter to songwriters and composers. “The importance of wellness cannot be overstated, and with Songwriter Assistance, we look forward to offering a whole new level of care and support.”
With Songwriter Assistance, Sony Music Publishing songwriters will also have access to customized resources for tackling daily responsibilities, such as researching childcare and eldercare options, navigating life transitions, co-parenting, budgeting for major life events, and more.
Amy Cranford, Sr. VP, Publishing Administration, Sony Music Publishing shares: “We are passionate about taking care of Sony Music Publishing’s songwriters and composers and providing them with the best level of support. As we continue to expand our services with Songwriters Forward, we are proud to implement SMP’s Songwriter Assistance initiative.”
To learn more and access Songwriter Assistance, click here or email SMPSongwriters@CCAinc.com.
Date & Venue Announced For CMT Music Awards
/by LB CantrellCBS and CMT have announced the new air date and venue for the 2022 CMT Music Awards, following its rescheduling for the Grammy Awards.
The CMT Music Awards will now broadcast live on Monday, April 11 (8:00-11:00 p.m. LIVE ET/delayed PT) from Nashville’s historic Municipal Auditorium, and various locations in and around Nashville. This will be the inaugural broadcast of the awards show on the CBS Television Network. The show will also be available to stream live and on demand on Paramount+.
“The biggest and best moments in music are coming to CBS this April,” says Jack Sussman, Executive Vice President, Specials, Music, Live Events & Alternative Programming, CBS. “The CMT brand is preeminent in the world of country music, and we are thrilled that their team was able to coordinate a new date to bring this marquee event for television to CBS, and maximize the power of the ViacomCBS universe behind it.”
“It’s official: Our three-hour Nashville extravaganza will be live on CBS on April 11 for the first time as part of the Network’s biggest month of music ever,” shares Margaret Comeaux, John Hamlin and Leslie Fram, Executive Producers, CMT Music Awards. “Expect the most unforgettable CMT Music Awards yet, jam-packed with the most star-power, world premiere performances and one-of-a-kind collaborations from in and around Music City.”
The 2022 CMT Music Awards are executive produced by Comeaux (CMT), Hamlin (Switched On Entertainment) and Fram (CMT). Jackie Barba and Heather D. Graffagnino are executives in charge of production; Shanna Strassberg and Taryn Hurd are talent producers.
Nominations, voting and additional details on the 2022 CMT Music Awards will be announced in the coming weeks.
Eric Daigle & Andy Friday Rise To Co-Heads Of Creative At Purplebeat Music
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): Andy Friday & Eric Daigle. Photo: Chaz-Mazzota
Eric Daigle and Andy Friday have been named Co-Heads of Creative at the Nashville and Los Angeles-based publishing company Purplebeat Music.
As Co-Heads of Creative, the duo will be responsible for working with Grammy-nominated Shane Stevens, hit multi-genre producer Nash Overstreet, rising country star Zach Top, film and TV producer Brandon Matias, and catalogs from alumni writers Angelo Petraglia, Ruby Amanfu, Jakub Vanyo and Maylyn.
The announcement comes on the heels of Shane Stevens’ nomination for Country Song Of The Year at the 2022 Grammy Awards for the multi-Platinum hit “Fancy Like,” which he co-wrote for Walker Hayes.
Daigle joined Purplebeat Music in 2017 after serving as General Manager for the artist development company Holy Graffiti, which he co-owns and founded with Shane Stevens. There the duo developed artists and hosted songwriting camps, including the NashPop Songwriter Camp with writers who penned over 73 crossover songs in eight days. Writers attending the camp included The Elev3n, Shea Taylor, Jesse McCartney, Lindsey Ell, Levi Hummon, Cassadee Pope, Danielle Bradbery, Devin Dawson, Maggie Rose and many more.
“Growing up loving all types of music, Purplebeat has given me the opportunity to work with artists, writers and producers across all genres. Thank you to Bob and Mike Doyle who have entrusted our team to reach new heights from a startup company five years ago and to our creative roster (past and present), who have put their heart and soul into each and every song. Without them we would not be able to do what we do best,” says Daigle.
Friday also joined Purplebeat in 2017 after working as a manager and Senior Director of New Media at Bob Doyle and Associates/Major Bob Music, the longtime management team and publishing company for Garth Brooks. During his tenure at Bob Doyle & Associates he worked with Brooks as well as The Band Perry, Brett Kissel, Josh Farro (Paramore) and Angelo Petraglia (Kings Of Leon).
“I’m excited about the team that we are building at Purplebeat and to be working alongside some very gifted people,” adds Friday. “My earliest memories involve music and I am thankful to God and to Bob and Mike Doyle for the opportunity to do what I love every day. Whether it is meeting with a creative to hear their music and listen to their story, or hearing a newly written song for the first time, it never gets old.”
“Eric and Andy are truly devoted to our writers and the success of their careers. They both have shown quick growth and clear insight on supporting and leading a creative team. They have hearts for music and minds for business. A very rare and valuable combination,” says Mike Doyle, Purplebeat GM.
Tennessee Songwriters Week Kicks Off Today
/by Lorie HollabaughTennessee Songwriters Week has kicked off with more than 35 qualifying rounds at venues across the state. Up-and-coming songwriters will take to the stage in hopes of advancing their budding careers, and winners from qualifying rounds will advance to one of six showcases at:
One finalist from each of the showcases will get a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to perform at the legendary Bluebird Cafe during a private event with music industry professionals in March. Additional prizes include a one-year membership to NSAI, a branded commemorative Taylor guitar, a two-night hotel stay in Nashville, and a $100 gift card.
“Tennessee Songwriters Week not only celebrates the foundation of the craft, it also lifts and presents talented songwriters from all parts of the state who are building their careers,” says Mark Ezell, Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development. “We’re also thrilled to support music venues and inspire travelers to experience our state’s rich music stories at museums, attractions and festivals.”
In addition to qualifying rounds and showcases, there are special events happening across the state, including a Songwriter Workshop with songwriter T.W. Hale at the Commodore Hotel & Music Café in Linden, a Farragut Songwriters Showcase featuring local singer-songwriters, and South Main Sounds Songwriter Night in Memphis.
For more information on Tennessee Songwriters Week, click here.
Parker McCollum Looks Back On Year Of Successes In 2021 [Interview]
/by Lydia FarthingParker McCollum. Photo: Courtesy of True Public Relations
MCA Nashville recording artist Parker McCollum had a busy year in 2021. With the release of his major label debut album Gold Chain Cowboy, a rigorous touring schedule and the launch of his first fan club, the Texas native celebrated many milestones.
On the touring front, McCollum entertained 17,000 people at the stage he graduated high school on, becoming the highest paid act to ever play there. He also sold out venues such as Dallas’ Dos Equis Pavilion, the AT&T Center in San Antonio, and the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, among others.
Parker McCollum. Photo: Courtesy of True Public Relations
After touring shut down in 2020 due to the pandemic, McCollum and his band were among the masses happy to hit the road in spring of 2021. From mid-April through the end of the year, the guys played approximately 90 shows across the country, including as the opening act on Dierks Bentley‘s 22-date “Beers On Me Tour 2022.”
“Dierks is the definition of a superstar. The attention to detail, commitment, and energy that [he and his crew] put in every night on that tour is impressive,” McCollum shares with MusicRow. “Every single thing that you could think about from the beginning of the day to the end and throughout the show is thought about, taken care of, and prepared for. To have that level of commitment after you’ve been doing it for as long as he has is pretty impressive.
“Being the first-of-three on a tour, you’re [often] forgotten about. I think he realized that we weren’t like most first-of-three’s that he’s had, though. We’ve played over a thousand shows and sold out shows all across the country, so it wasn’t like it was our first time,” McCollum explains. “He really catered to that, understood that, and let us do our thing.”
McCollum’s current radio single, “To Be Loved By You,” is nearing Top 10 at country radio. The track reached the top of the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart on Dec. 10, 2021.
“When I was a kid, I would hear about my favorite artists and albums going Platinum or Gold and it just sounded so cool,” he shares. “Now to sit in my house every day and have a Gold and Platinum record, and hopefully another one coming… It’s almost cliche to say, but sometimes I pinch myself and say, ‘Is this shit real?’”
Both “To Be Loved By You” and “Pretty Heart” are featured on McCollum’s major label debut album, Gold Chain Cowboy, which was released last summer. The record’s success comes on the heels of his major label backed Hollywood Gold EP from fall of 2020 and his previously released independent projects.
Though not new to the country music scene, McCollum found himself on a plethora of artist to watch lists in 2021 from the likes of Rolling Stone, Billboard, HITS Magazine, SiriusXM, CMT, RIAA and more. He also notched his first ACM nomination for New Male Artist of the Year and made his Grand Ole Opry debut early last year.
“I knew what I wanted to do when I was really young. I knew I wanted to sing country music for a living, and I knew that I wanted to do it on the highest level. I didn’t really set much of a timeline for myself,” McCollum offers. “I knew from the very beginning, one way or another, that I was going to be doing this for the rest of my life.
“I’ve always said I want the slowest, sweetest, most wonderful ride to the top that I could possibly have. My goal was to do this for a long time, so as long as I’m still doing it when I’m 50, 60, 70 years old, I think that would be pretty cool.”
Towards the end of 2021, McCollum unveiled his Gold Chain Cowboy Club NFT in partnership with MusicFX, a digital community connecting artists to their fan bases through NFTs. Marking his first fan club and one of the first artist to have an NFT fan club, the campaign features multiple tiers of membership, including the Gold Chain Cowboy Black Card: Signature Edition which saw a first week sell-out.
Parker McCollum. Photo: Courtesy of True Public Relations
“When I heard ‘fan club,’ I really perked up. Fans pay money to come see me play, they stream my music online, they buy a shirt and a hat in merch. My fans are the bomb. They are unbelievably loyal and committed, and they’ve been with me a long time,” gushes McCollum. “For $100 they can be winning all kinds of exclusive stuff and own a digital copy of something that belongs to them and to me. It seemed like a great way for my fans to be one step closer to me and what we’ve got going on.”
With his eyes locked on 2022, McCollum has high hopes. The goals at the top of his list involve new music.
“If I could put out a second full album that was way better than the one I put out six months ago by the end of this year or even the first quarter of 2023, I’d be really happy. If I can pull that off this year then that would be a miracle,” he sums.
Eric Church Holds Steady On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart
/by LB CantrellEric Church. Photo: Joe Pugliese
Eric Church further demonstrates the power of a solo write this week as his wholly-penned song “Heart On Fire” keeps him at No. 3 on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart for another week.
Because he is the sole writer on “Heart On Fire,” all of the points earned from the song’s airplay, digital download track sales, and streams go entirely to Church on the Songwriter Chart.
Ashley Gorley moves back up to No. 1 this week with eight currently charting songs fueling him, including “New Truck” (Dylan Scott), “You Should Probably Leave” (Chris Stapleton), “Sand In My Boots” (Morgan Wallen), “Slow Down Summer” (Thomas Rhett), “Give Heaven Some Hell” (Hardy), “Take My Name” (Parmalee), “Steal My Love” (Dan + Shay), and “Beers On Me” (Dierks Bentley, Hardy & Breland).
Jesse Frasure, a co-writer on “One Mississippi” (Kane Brown), “Whiskey And Rain” (Michael Ray), “If I Was A Cowboy” (Miranda Lambert), and “Slow Down Summer” (Thomas Rhett), shifts down to No. 2 this week.
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.
Weekly Register: Walker Hayes Earns Top Debut With ‘Country Stuff’
/by Lydia FarthingWalker Hayes. Photo: Robert Chavers
Walker Hayes made quite a splash on the country charts this week.
His recently released record, Country Stuff: The Album, debuted at No. 2 on the top country albums chart, earning 33K in total consumption (16K album only/18 million song streams), according to MRC data. The Monument Records recording artist also takes two places on the top country streaming songs chart. His blockbuster hit, “Fancy Like,” sits at No. 3 with 5.8 million streams, while his new single, “AA,” takes the top spot with 6.3 million streams.
Elsewhere on the top country streaming songs chart, Jordan Davis and Luke Bryan‘s “Buy Dirt” jumps up to No. 2 after gaining 6.1 million streams, and Taylor Swift‘s “All Too Well (Taylor’s Version)” drops down to No. 4 with 5.7 million streams. Cody Johnson‘s “‘Til You Can’t” enters the top five, adding 4.6 million streams this week.
On the albums side, Morgan Wallen‘s Dangerous: The Double Album continues to be the most consumed album at 40.5K in total consumption (2.1K album only and 48 million song streams). Swift drops to No. 3 with Red (Taylor’s Version) adding 33K in total consumption. Luke Combs takes up the remaining two spots as What You See Is What You Get comes in at No. 4 with 17K and This One’s For You takes No. 5 with 14K in total consumption.
Circle Announces Distribution Deal With National Cable TV Cooperative
/by Lorie HollabaughCircle Network has announced a new distribution agreement with the National Cable Television Cooperative (NCTC), a non-profit that serves 40 million broadband and video customers throughout the U.S. and its territories.
NCTC’s over 700 member operators will now have 24/7 access to country programming, including documentaries, original series, invitation ceremonies, movies, and more. In addition to pre-recorded content, Circle Network also livestreams performances from the Grand Ole Opry as part of its Opry Live segment, which airs each Saturday night.
“Our distribution with NCTC opens up the door to hundreds of new independent cable and broadband companies. We are thrilled to be a part of this network and have the opportunity to reach their country music fans across the country,” says Circle Network General Manager Drew Reifenberger.
Circle Network currently reaches 100+ U.S. markets and 46.6 million people monthly through streaming platforms, CirclePlus.com and digital devices, such as desktops and apps.
Agenda Revealed For CRS 2022
/by Lorie HollabaughCRS has released the agenda for CRS 2022, set for Feb. 23-25.
Some of this year’s agenda highlights include a full-day Streaming Summit, eighteen informative panels, six CRS Heads of State sessions, four mentoring breakfasts, three label-sponsored luncheons, a featured artist interview with Blake Shelton, Bob Kingsley’s Acoustic Alley, the annual New Faces of Country Music Show, and more.
The agenda can now be viewed on CountryRadioSeminar.com. Those already registered for the event will have access to an extended version of the agenda, featuring panel descriptions and locations.
“CRS has been the forum to discuss the challenges and victories within the country music industry, and this year’s agenda reflects that reputation,” says CRS Agenda Chairman Brent Michaels. “From a deep look at how our fans listen to and feel about the music, to the return of a full year of touring, to sessions on leadership and brand integrity, registrants will have something to discuss with their peers and co-workers moving forward. We’ve included discussions about the state of country radio, as well as hands-on opportunities to build skills and network.”
CRS also announced details for the CMA Welcome Reception and the Kitchen Notes Breakfast with RECORDS Nashville Artists & Staff. The CMA Welcome Reception will take place in the Broadway Hallway on Wednesday, Feb. 23 from 5-6 p.m. CT and will feature Kat & Alex.
The Breakfast with RECORDS Nashville Artists & Staff will feature performances by Matt Stell, Chris Bandi, George Birge, and Erin Kinsey, and will be held at Kitchen Notes in the Omni Nashville on Friday, Feb. 25 from 7:30-10 a.m. CT.
This year, CRS has expanded its scholarship program to include the inaugural Lisa McKay Women in Radio Scholarship in addition to the already established Rusty Walker Scholarship. As previously announced, receiving this year’s first-ever Lisa McKay Women in Radio Scholarship is Paisley Dunn (PM Drive and APD, WCJC, Marion, IN) and set to receive the Rusty Walker Scholarship are Kyle Matthews (APD/MD, KFGE, Lincoln, NE), Spencer Campbell (Account Executive, WLVK Ft Knox, KY), and Morgan Taylor (On-Air Talent, KGRT, Las Cruces, NM).
On Feb. 10, the official mobile app for Country Radio Seminar will be released and will provide attendees with access to the expanded CRS agenda, session descriptions, speaker bios, artists performing, and more. Users will be able to create their own customized CRS 2022 schedule, rate the panels, and more. The CRS 2022 app also features the ability to connect with other attendees who have made their profile public, as well as submit questions for panelists during the sessions.
Registration for CRS 2022 is open and available for purchase 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.
Claire Cook-Taylor Exits Publicity Post At Average Joes Entertainment
/by Lorie HollabaughClaire Cook-Taylor
Veteran entertainment industry publicist Claire Cook-Taylor has exited her post as Head Of Publicity at Average Joes Entertainment.
A graduate of California State University, Northridge, Cook-Taylor began her career at Capitol/EMI Records in Los Angeles. Her experience includes development and execution of national and regional public relations and marketing campaigns for David Bowie, Queen, Red Hot Chili Peppers, George Thorogood, Kenny Rogers, Jo Dee Messina, Diamond Rio, Lee Brice, Colt Ford, Montgomery Gentry and many more.
Prior to joining Average Joes in 2012, Cook-Taylor spent time as Senior Publicist for L.A.-based Windsor Publications; Media and Artist Relations Manager at Magnatone Records/Nashville; Vice President of Publicity at Kenny Rogers’ Dreamcatcher Entertainment; and as Publicist at Moraine Music Group. She also oversaw independent management and publicity for her own imprint, Cook Media.
Cook-Taylor is a member of the CMA and ACM, and is heavily involved in SOURCE. She can be reached at claire@ccookmedia.com.