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.
Brian Kelley Sets Sail On ‘Made By The Water Tour’ This Spring
/by Lorie HollabaughBrian Kelley. Photo: Ben Christensen
Brian Kelley is setting out on his first-ever solo trek, the “Made By The Water Tour,” launching this April. Presented by Boat Trader and his partners at Oyster City Brewing Co., the run will also feature special guests The Boat Boys.
The 11-date tour will bring tunes from his solo album, Sunshine State Of Mind, and will kick off in his home state on April 21 at the Daytona Beach Bandshell in Daytona Beach, Florida. The trek will also make stops in South Carolina, North Carolina, Louisiana, and more, before docking May 19 at The Hall in Little Rock.
“Y’all, I am beyond excited to announce my own tour,” shares Kelley. “Releasing my first album has been nothing short of a dream come true, and I can’t wait to bring these songs, along with some beach vibes, to the stage!”
Tickets to all dates are on sale to the general public this Friday (Feb. 4) via officialbriankelley.com, with various presale opportunities beginning tomorrow (Feb. 2).
Following the tour, Kelley will be gearing up as his production company CuzBro Productions, in partnership with Lively McCabe Entertainment, welcomes their anticipated country musical “May We All” to Tennessee Performing Arts Center in Nashville this summer. The show makes its world premiere engagement from June 7–July 17.
Leadership Music Now Accepting Applications For Class Of 2023
/by LB CantrellLeadership Music has started accepting applications from established music industry leaders for its Class of 2023 program. Applications will be accepted online only throughout the month of February.
The Nashville-based national program is designed to educate participants in various segments of the music industry, as well as encourage dialogue and understanding among industry leaders and explore the challenges facing the music business. Each class meets in-person for one monthly 12-hour program day plus two-day Opening and Closing Retreats.
The eight-month program is structured so that class participants attend an Opening Retreat in October, followed by six all-day sessions once a month, ending in May with graduation at Closing Retreat.
The application form, program dates, policies and FAQs are available at leadershipmusic.org.
“For the past several years, we have received more than 300 applications for the Leadership Music program, from which the selection committee chooses approximately 45 participants,” says Leadership Music Executive Director, Debbie Linn. “One reason the process is so competitive is the reputation the national program has garnered from alumni during its 33-year history. They recognize how important and transformative the process was for them, the value of the educational component, and the unique community created from that experience with their class and the organization itself. The selection committee is tasked with choosing a class composed of passionate, balanced and diversified professionals who are leaders in their field representing all segments of the music industry globally.”
BMG Nashville Adds Kelsey Worley As Creative Director
/by Lydia FarthingKelsey Worley
BMG Nashville has added Kelsey Worley as Creative Director. She will report to Chris Oglesby, VP Creative.
Worley, who just relocated to Nashville from Los Angeles, will be responsible for working with BMG’s roster of songwriters such as Shy Carter, Sam James, Chris August and Drew Kennedy. She will also develop and sign both established and up-and-coming talent.
A Berklee College of Music graduate, Worley began her career at Interscope Records where she served as an Executive Assistant to the CEO, John Janick. She was then promoted to her most recent position of A&R Manager for the rosters of Interscope Records, Geffen Records and Darkroom Records.
“I am thrilled to have Kelsey become a part of our BMG family,” says Oglesby. “Her experience and passion for songs and songwriters open up opportunities for our whole team.”
Worley can be reached at kelsey.worley@bmg.com.
Mickey Guyton To Sing National Anthem At Super Bowl LVI
/by Steven BoeroMickey Guyton. Photo: Bonnie Nichoalds
Mickey Guyton will sing the national anthem before the Rams and Bengals face off in Super Bowl LVI at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on Sunday, Feb. 14.
Guyton will join a long list of superstars who have sung the “Star Spangled Banner” before a Super Bowl, including Whitney Houston, Carrie Underwood, Garth Brooks and many more.
The Capitol Nashville singer is coming off a huge 2021 with the release of her debut studio album, Remember Her Name. She is also nominated for multiple Grammy Awards, including Best Country Song (“Remember Her Name”), Best Country Solo Performance (“Remember Her Name”), and Best Country Album of the Year (Remember Her Name), the first-ever for a Black artist.
She also co-hosted The 56th Academy of Country Music Awards on CBS along with Keith Urban, and was recently named CMT’s Breakout Artist of the Year.
Jhene Aiko, Zedd, and gospel duo Mary Mary, accompanied by the LA Phil’s YOLA (Youth Orchestra Los Angeles), will give pre-game performances. As previously announced, Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige and Kendrick Lamar will headline the Pepsi Super Bowl LVI Halftime Show.
The highly anticipated Super Bowl LVI is set for Sunday, Feb. 13 at 5:30 p.m. CT and will air exclusively on NBC.
Rhiannon Giddens Shares Cover For Debut Picture Book ‘Build A House’
/by Lorie HollabaughRhiannon Giddens. Photo: Ebru Yildiz
Rhiannon Giddens has revealed the cover for her upcoming debut Candlewick Press picture book, Build a House, ahead of its Oct. 11 publication date.
Written as a song to commemorate the 155th anniversary of Juneteenth, Build a House is illustrated by painter Monica Mikai, and tells the story of a people who would not be moved and the music that sustained them. Steeped in sorrow and joy, resilience and resolve, turmoil and transcendence, the debut offers a message for readers: honor your heritage, express your truth, and let your voice soar, even when your heart is heaviest.
Build a House is the first of four children’s books Giddens has planned with Candlewick Press. The second scheduled book, We Could Fly, is slated for publication in fall 2023 and is based on “We Could Fly,” written with Dirk Powell, a dialogue between mother and daughter drawing on African folklore and celebrating resilience and love. It will be illustrated by Briana Mukodiri Uchendu.
The announcement follows the recent news of Giddens’ two Grammy nominations with her partner Francesco Turrisi: Best Folk Album for They’re Calling Me Home and Best American Roots Song for “Avalon.” She is also looking forward to the long-awaited world premiere of her opera, “Omar,” later this year, and the very first tour of the Lucy Negro Redux ballet for which she composed the score.
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.