Nashville’s Big Bash Breaks Visitor Spending Record
Nashville’s Big Bash on Dec. 31, 2021.
According to the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp, the live show for Jack Daniel’s New Year’s Eve Live: Nashville’s Big Bash generated an estimated $30 million in direct visitor spending, setting a new record and marking an increase of 12% over 2019’s record-breaking $26.6 million.
The event provided a boost to the local economy with a record 29,118 hotel rooms sold on Dec. 31 in Davidson County, an increase over the 25,529 rooms sold on Dec. 31, 2019. The live show, which was the centerpiece of CBS’ five-hour New Year’s Eve broadcast, placed second among networks in viewers during primetime and earned 4.44 million viewers.
“These exceptional numbers not only point to the success of the event and the popularity of Nashville as a destination but also to our optimism for recovery as we begin to truly get out from under COVID,” comments Butch Spyridon, CEO of the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp. “On top of the enormous economic activity that benefits the city, being able to promote Music City for five hours on network television is the kind of advertising opportunity we could never afford.”
As previously announced, attendance was approximately 200,000 over the course of the night, according to NCVC estimates and the Metro Nashville Police Department. The show at Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park was anchored by headliners Dierks Bentley and Lady A, with additional mainstage guests including Ingrid Andress and Breland.
Radio Personality Dennis Banka Elected Chairman Of Tennessee Association Of Broadcasters
Pictured (L-R): TAB President & CEO Chris Baker, WUCZ/WRKM owner and on-air personality Dennis Banka
At the Tennessee Association of Broadcaster’s Winter Board Meeting, WUCZ/WRKM owner and on-air personality Dennis Banka was elected as Chairman of the board of directors of Tennessee Association of Broadcasters. Banka, who reports to the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart, will serve in this position until January 2023.
The TAB is the trade association serving the local TV and radio stations across the state in the areas of advocacy, compliance, and public service.
PLA Media Adds Country-Rock Group, The Brethren, To Artist Roster
Pictured (L-R): The Brethren’s Lonnie Chapin, The Brethren’s Casey Parnell, PLA Media’s Pam Lewis, PLA Media’s Alyssa Hoffman, The Brethren’s Corey Parnell, The Brethren’s Chad Chapin, PLA Media’s Mark Logsdon, and manager Mike Kopp
PLA Media publicity firm has added emerging country-rock act, The Brethren, to its artist roster. The group is set to release their debut EP, Staring At Stars, this March.
The Brethren features two sets of brothers: Corey & Casey Parnell and Lonnie & Chad Chapin. Lonnie, the band’s Grammy and Dove award-winning bassist and Gospel Music Hall Of Fame alum, co-wrote the No. 1 hit song “If I Had To Die For Someone” for Christian rock band Petra before becoming a founding member of the Grammy-nominated band Tait with his brother Chad. Chad is a Grammy-nominated drummer, Dove award winner, twelve-time BMI Music award winner, and recipient of the BMI Song Of The Year award for his song “To Ever Live Without Me.” Lead vocalist and country songwriter Corey Parnell has shared stages with artists such as Kris Kristofferson, Trace Adkins, and Lindsay Ell, and has co-written songs for Steve Fee and Shannon Bex of Danity Kane. Casey, the lead guitarist, has recorded, written, and produced for Shannon Bex of MTV’s supergroup Danity Kane and Thunderstorm Artis of NBC’s The Voice.
“My friend Mike Kopp always has great taste in music, so, when he wanted to meet about The Brethren, I was intrigued. Undeniably tight family harmonies, well-written songs, and a confident stage presence delivered by four hunks who are just cool, nice, and grounded guys with a sense of humor… what can I say, give it a listen,” shares PLA Media owner Pam Lewis.
Country Music Success Stories Forms Distribution Partnership With CountryLine.TV
Award-winning broadcaster and podcaster Candy O’Terry and Music City Mentor founder Jacy Dawn Valeras have announced their podcast project, Country Music Success Stories, has formed a distribution partnership with UK-based CountryLine.TV.
Country Music Success Stories has featured conversations with Bobby Tomberlin, Lori McKenna, John Schneider, Collin Raye, Jamie O’Neil, Kent Blazy, and more. CountryLine.TV is a fan club app for country music fans. Available on Apple and Android devices and at CountryLine.TV, the app features exclusive interviews, sessions, playlists, podcasts, competitions, news, and more.
Season I of the podcast is available now on the CountryLine.TV app with Season II available in the near future.
“Country Music Success Stories was an obvious choice to bring to the CountryLine.TV app. It gives an intimate look behind the curtain of the real Nashville and the people that make Music City the success it is and it’s not afraid to ask the hard questions that the fans want to know the answers to,” comments CountryLine.TV Co-Founder and Creative Director, Nathalie Cox. “As a country music fan myself, it’s on my personal ‘must listen’ list!”
“CountryLine.TV is your ‘one-stop shop for all things country’ and I could not be prouder to be a part of it. Jacy and I look at every one of our interviews as treasures. Country Music Success Stories is heading straight to the UK and beyond with stories we have recorded in the living rooms, at the kitchen tables, and on the back porches of iconic country music giants. Fingers crossed that with every episode, fans are going to love these artists even more!” shares O’Terry.
“We are elated to partner with CountryLine.TV and to work with their incredible team. We are all connected through our deep love of country music and having the opportunity to bring our podcast to a wider audience through their platform, especially to our UK fans, is a dream come true!” states Valeras.
Lady A, Carly Pearce, More To Perform At BMLG Luncheon For CRS 2022
/by Lydia FarthingOne of Country Radio Seminar’s (CRS) staple events, the Big Machine Label Group luncheon, has announced its artist lineup.
Taking place Friday, Feb. 25, this year’s lineup will feature performances by Lady A, Carly Pearce, Riley Green, Callista Clark, Laci Kaye Booth, Jackson Dean, and Tiera Kennedy. The luncheon will be held in the Broadway Ballroom (CRS Performance Hall) at Omni Nashville, beginning at noon.
“So many times, our lifeblood of new artists make an indelible mark on the BMLG CRS stage, and I expect this year to be no different… and one of the best,” says Big Machine Label Group President and CEO Scott Borchetta. “Anchored by the iconic Lady A, Carly Pearce will be the lead example of artist development at its finest. The reigning CMA Female Vocalist of the Year will show the way for newcomers Callista Clark, Tiera Kennedy, and Laci Kaye Booth, while Riley Green and Jackson Dean will throw down their unique country brands that will scorch the stage. You don’t want to miss it…”
CRS will be held Wednesday, Feb. 23 through Feb. 25. Registration for CRS 2022 is open now with single-day passes available to purchase on-site. Day passes include access to panels, speakers, luncheons and networking destinations on the day of pass purchase, with the exception of Friday’s New Faces of Country Music show. They will only be available for purchase on-site.
As previously announced, 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 and conducted on-site at no cost to attendees.
Safford Motley PLC Hires Associate Attorney Alyssa Johnson
/by LB CantrellAlyssa Johnson. Photo: Courtesy of Safford Motley PLC
Safford Motley PLC has announced the addition of Associate Attorney Alyssa Johnson to the firm.
Johnson brings her experience in the areas of transactional entertainment, intellectual property, and business law to the reputable firm that represents songwriters, recording artists, record labels, publishers, executives and more.
“Alyssa is an exceptionally bright young lawyer with the moxie to put her skills to use,” says Scott Safford of Safford Motley PLC. “We are fortunate that she chose to join our team as we expand to meet the growing needs of our clients.”
Prior to joining Safford Motley PLC, Johnson served as a Judicial Law Clerk for the 21st Judicial District of Tennessee (Williamson County). Her professional experience also includes internships with the Nashville Predators, the Tennessee Volunteer Lawyers and Professionals for the Arts, HarperCollins Publishers, and Music Farm Productions.
The Kentucky native graduated magna cum laude from Belmont University College of Law with a J.D. and Certificate in Entertainment and Music Business Law. During law school, Johnson was a Submissions Editor for the Belmont Law Review. She earned her undergraduate degree in Sport and Entertainment Management from the University of South Carolina.
Warren Zeiders Signs With Warner Records
/by Lorie HollabaughZarren Zeiders. Photo: Chris Phelps
Rising singer-songwriter Warren Zeiders has signed to Warner Records. Last week, he released the fiery “Burn It Down” hot on the heels of his 717 Tapes EP.
The 22-year-old Hershey, Pennsylvania, native began posting covers and original songs on social media and Spotify towards the end of 2020. His 2021 song, “Ride The Lightning,” has amassed over 72 million global streams to date and is in excess of 500 million global TikTok views. As of today, the track has now sold more thsn 500,000 units, marking his first Gold record.
“Warren is a gifted songwriter and storyteller, has the confidence and drive to work harder than anyone, understands all the modern tools at an artist’s fingertips to market and promote themselves, and is just a great human being,” says Aaron Bay-Schuck, co-Chairman & CEO, Warner Records. “We just had the best time getting to know one another and both Tom [Corson] and I felt that Warner Records was a natural fit for Warren.”
DISClaimer Single Reviews: Americana Releases Bring Warmth To Cold Nashville Winter
/by Robert K OermannKeb’ Mo’. Photo: Jeremy Cowart
The winter wind is chilling, but the sounds of Americana are warm indeed.
This week’s overview of the genre’s current music boasts the star power of Rodney Crowell & Lisa Morales, John Hiatt & Jerry Douglas, Old Crow Medicine Show and Jackson Browne.
Towering above ‘em all is Disc of the Day winner Keb’ Mo,’ an artist who never fails to impress.
The DISCovery Award this week goes to Sarah White of Richmond, Virginia.
JOHN HIATT WITH THE JERRY DOUGLAS BAND / “All the Lilacs in Ohio”
Writer: John Hiatt; Producer: Jerry Douglas; Label: New West
–The album is titled Leftover Feelings, but there is nothing “leftover” sounding about it. Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame member Hiatt unfurls yet another stunning set of his creations on this current collection. We generally think of him as a rocker, but with dobro master Douglas and his band “singing along” with their instruments, Hiatt touches the soul with aching ballads and, in this case, a lively bluegrassy pop outing with a bleak, lost-love lyric. This disc is presently nominated for a Grammy as the Americana Album of the Year.
LISA MORALES & RODNEY CROWELL / “Flyin’ and Cryin’”
Writers: Lisa Morales/Rodney Crowell; Producer: David Garza; Label: LM
–This single is a teaser for Morales’s upcoming album. With an ultra-subtle production of sighing strings, gently brushed drums and acoustic strumming, the duet achingly delineates a lost relationship. Rodney’s seasoned tones match Lisa’s resonant delivery exquisitely. She was half of Sisters Morales until sailing on as a solo with two prior CDs. Her sibling Roberta died of cancer last year. Mexican American Lisa Morales hails from Tuscon and is a cousin of the legendary Linda Ronstadt.
OLD CROW MEDICINE SHOW / “Bombs Away”
Writer: Ketch Secor; Producers: Matt Ross-Spang/Old Crow Medicine Show; Label: ATO
–The string band rampages through this divorce song with breakneck fearlessness. If you’re going through the Big D, the best approach is to dive into the unknown with guts and glory, say these Opry stars. That’s Molly Tuttle providing the hot-damn banjo licks. Raucous and delightful, this is the second single from the band’s upcoming CD, following in the footsteps of the title tune, “Paint This Town.”
KEB’ MO’ / “Good to Be (Home Again)”
Writers: Kevin Moore/Mark Ramos Nishita; Producers: Kevin Moore/ Vince Gill; Label: Rounder
–Languid and loose-limbed, this contemplative groover celebrates the artist reconnecting with his roots. (The Nashvillian recently bought his childhood home in Compton, California and renovated it.) It is the title tune of an album that dropped last Friday. You’ll find collaborations with Darius Rucker, Kristin Chenoweth and Old Crow Medicine Show on the new collection, but as this sterling track demonstrates, Keb’ Mo’ soars even higher when he’s on his own. He remains one of the Americana genre’s greatest song craftsmen. Put this one on “repeat” again and again.
JACKSON BROWNE / “Downhill From Everywhere”
Writers: Jackson Browne/Jeff Young/Greg Leisz; Producer: Jackson Browne; Label: Inside
–Browne’s comeback Downhill From Everywhere is Grammy nominated as 2021’s Americana Album of the Year. Its title tune is a punchy folk rocker with a downcast ecological, anti-pollution lyric bolstered by intense vocal bursts. It’s very much in tune with his classic sound. He’s still that Laurel Canyon boomer you’ve known for all these years.
SARAH JAROSZ / “Mama”
Writer: Sarah Jarosz; Producer: Sarah Jarosz; Label: Rounder
–Sarah’s current Blue Heron Suite has a Best Folk Album Grammy nomination this year. This ethereal lead-off track has a lovely simplicity with her deftly plucked acoustic guitar backing her breathy, wistful, poignant soprano.
NATHANIEL RATELIFF & THE NIGHT SWEATS / “Survivor”
Writers: Nathaniel David Rateliff/Patrick Blair Meese/Sam Cohen; Producer: Brad Cook, RMB & Elijah Thomson; Label: Stax
–Drawn from this act’s new album, The Future, this dramatic funk-rock track mixes shuddering horn blasts with stinging electric guitar zaps and a stop-start undertow rhythm track. Atop it all is the front man’s seering, fierce lead vocal. It’s a wild ride.
KATIE GUSTAFSON / “See Me Now”
Writers: Katie Gustafson/Sam Ashworth; Producer: Sam Ashworth; Label: Mother Trucker
–Her echoey soprano vocal is surrounded by a swirl of electronics and a deep pool of twang bass. The introspective lyric took on extra significance to the Nashville singer-songwriter when she overcame breast cancer last year.
BRENT COBB / “When It’s My Time”
Writers: Brent Cobb/Layne Cobb/Mike Harmeier; Producer: Dave Cobb; Label: Ol’ Buddy
–Already one of the Americana genre’s standout singer-songwriters, Cobb turns his talent to gospel music on his upcoming CD. This advance track luxuriates in his captivating Georgia-accented phrasing with stately church keyboards and guitars. Not to mention soulful, Southern-fried backing vocals. Righteous in the extreme. Essential listening.
ELI PAPERBOY REED / “Mama Tried”
Writer: Merle Haggard; Producer: none listed’ Label: Yep Roc
–Now here’s a concept. White soul singer Reed is releasing an entire album of Merle Haggard songs, reinterpreted as horn-punctuated R&B tunes. It’s not my cup of tea, but you have to admit that it is intriguing. His blistering vocal attack threatens to overwhelm the story telling in “Mama Tried,” but otherwise the soul-music setting brings out new shades in the Hag’s hit.
TYLER CHILDERS / “Long Violent History”
Writer: Tyler Childers; Producers: Tyler Childers/Jesse Wells; Label: Hickman Holler
–This is the title tune of Childers’s 2021 CD, which is somewhat oddly nominated as a Best Folk album at this year’s Grammy Awards. His stone-country vocal on this struggling-Appalachia lyric is backed in waltz time by twin fiddles, perfectly picked banjo, mandolin chops and thumped bass. I don’t care what you call it, this man’s music is simply electrifying.
SARAH WHITE / “Different Drum”
Writer: Michael Nesmith; Producer: Stewart Myers; Label: White Star Sound
–White’s cover of this Linda Ronstadt/Stone Poneys classic is an intriguing introduction to a creative alto vocalist. Her slightly behind-the-beat phrasing and conversational pauses are wonderfully ear catching. The deep twang in the production is cool, too. It’s a marvelous tribute to the late, great Michael Nesmith.
Scott McGhee’s 1º Music Entertainment Adds Live Entertainment Arm
/by Lorie HollabaughScott McGhee, President/COO, 1˚ Music Entertainment, has added a live event arm to the entertainment company’s scope of services. McGhee and his staff will work alongside brands to coordinate and produce premiere events as a preferred talent vendor.
The expansion will position the company as a top full-service, live entertainment provider. The all-encompassing “start to stage” services will include artist negotiations and contracts, orchestrating and overseeing entertainment production, on-site artist/crew/VIP relations, and show facilitation.
“I’ve found myself increasingly involved in coordinating these type of events over the last several years; securing the talent and producing the shows. The all-inclusive service saves time, money and effort for everyone involved,” says McGhee. “The concept puts my career experience to good use and it just makes sense for us to pursue this side of the entertainment business.”
McGhee has more than three decades of experience in the industry, encompassing artist/tour booking, management and concert production for acts including KISS, Bon Jovi, Hootie & the Blowfish, Blues Traveler, Darius Rucker and more.
Early service potentials include coordinating events for Pfizer, Mitsubishi and Porsche.
Industry Ink: ‘Nashville’s Big Bash,’ Dennis Banka, PLA, ‘Country Music Success Stories’
/by Lydia FarthingNashville’s Big Bash Breaks Visitor Spending Record
Nashville’s Big Bash on Dec. 31, 2021.
According to the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp, the live show for Jack Daniel’s New Year’s Eve Live: Nashville’s Big Bash generated an estimated $30 million in direct visitor spending, setting a new record and marking an increase of 12% over 2019’s record-breaking $26.6 million.
The event provided a boost to the local economy with a record 29,118 hotel rooms sold on Dec. 31 in Davidson County, an increase over the 25,529 rooms sold on Dec. 31, 2019. The live show, which was the centerpiece of CBS’ five-hour New Year’s Eve broadcast, placed second among networks in viewers during primetime and earned 4.44 million viewers.
“These exceptional numbers not only point to the success of the event and the popularity of Nashville as a destination but also to our optimism for recovery as we begin to truly get out from under COVID,” comments Butch Spyridon, CEO of the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp. “On top of the enormous economic activity that benefits the city, being able to promote Music City for five hours on network television is the kind of advertising opportunity we could never afford.”
As previously announced, attendance was approximately 200,000 over the course of the night, according to NCVC estimates and the Metro Nashville Police Department. The show at Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park was anchored by headliners Dierks Bentley and Lady A, with additional mainstage guests including Ingrid Andress and Breland.
Radio Personality Dennis Banka Elected Chairman Of Tennessee Association Of Broadcasters
Pictured (L-R): TAB President & CEO Chris Baker, WUCZ/WRKM owner and on-air personality Dennis Banka
At the Tennessee Association of Broadcaster’s Winter Board Meeting, WUCZ/WRKM owner and on-air personality Dennis Banka was elected as Chairman of the board of directors of Tennessee Association of Broadcasters. Banka, who reports to the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart, will serve in this position until January 2023.
The TAB is the trade association serving the local TV and radio stations across the state in the areas of advocacy, compliance, and public service.
PLA Media Adds Country-Rock Group, The Brethren, To Artist Roster
Pictured (L-R): The Brethren’s Lonnie Chapin, The Brethren’s Casey Parnell, PLA Media’s Pam Lewis, PLA Media’s Alyssa Hoffman, The Brethren’s Corey Parnell, The Brethren’s Chad Chapin, PLA Media’s Mark Logsdon, and manager Mike Kopp
PLA Media publicity firm has added emerging country-rock act, The Brethren, to its artist roster. The group is set to release their debut EP, Staring At Stars, this March.
The Brethren features two sets of brothers: Corey & Casey Parnell and Lonnie & Chad Chapin. Lonnie, the band’s Grammy and Dove award-winning bassist and Gospel Music Hall Of Fame alum, co-wrote the No. 1 hit song “If I Had To Die For Someone” for Christian rock band Petra before becoming a founding member of the Grammy-nominated band Tait with his brother Chad. Chad is a Grammy-nominated drummer, Dove award winner, twelve-time BMI Music award winner, and recipient of the BMI Song Of The Year award for his song “To Ever Live Without Me.” Lead vocalist and country songwriter Corey Parnell has shared stages with artists such as Kris Kristofferson, Trace Adkins, and Lindsay Ell, and has co-written songs for Steve Fee and Shannon Bex of Danity Kane. Casey, the lead guitarist, has recorded, written, and produced for Shannon Bex of MTV’s supergroup Danity Kane and Thunderstorm Artis of NBC’s The Voice.
“My friend Mike Kopp always has great taste in music, so, when he wanted to meet about The Brethren, I was intrigued. Undeniably tight family harmonies, well-written songs, and a confident stage presence delivered by four hunks who are just cool, nice, and grounded guys with a sense of humor… what can I say, give it a listen,” shares PLA Media owner Pam Lewis.
Country Music Success Stories Forms Distribution Partnership With CountryLine.TV
Award-winning broadcaster and podcaster Candy O’Terry and Music City Mentor founder Jacy Dawn Valeras have announced their podcast project, Country Music Success Stories, has formed a distribution partnership with UK-based CountryLine.TV.
Country Music Success Stories has featured conversations with Bobby Tomberlin, Lori McKenna, John Schneider, Collin Raye, Jamie O’Neil, Kent Blazy, and more. CountryLine.TV is a fan club app for country music fans. Available on Apple and Android devices and at CountryLine.TV, the app features exclusive interviews, sessions, playlists, podcasts, competitions, news, and more.
Season I of the podcast is available now on the CountryLine.TV app with Season II available in the near future.
“Country Music Success Stories was an obvious choice to bring to the CountryLine.TV app. It gives an intimate look behind the curtain of the real Nashville and the people that make Music City the success it is and it’s not afraid to ask the hard questions that the fans want to know the answers to,” comments CountryLine.TV Co-Founder and Creative Director, Nathalie Cox. “As a country music fan myself, it’s on my personal ‘must listen’ list!”
“CountryLine.TV is your ‘one-stop shop for all things country’ and I could not be prouder to be a part of it. Jacy and I look at every one of our interviews as treasures. Country Music Success Stories is heading straight to the UK and beyond with stories we have recorded in the living rooms, at the kitchen tables, and on the back porches of iconic country music giants. Fingers crossed that with every episode, fans are going to love these artists even more!” shares O’Terry.
“We are elated to partner with CountryLine.TV and to work with their incredible team. We are all connected through our deep love of country music and having the opportunity to bring our podcast to a wider audience through their platform, especially to our UK fans, is a dream come true!” states Valeras.
McBride & The Ride To Play First Nashville Show In 20 Years
/by Lorie HollabaughMcBride & The Ride
McBride & The Ride will play their first show in Nashville in more than 20 years on Feb. 10 at 3rd & Lindsley.
The 90’s hitmakers, who reunited in 2021, will also be recording new music to be released later this year. The trio, composed of Terry McBride, Ray Herndon and Billy Thomas, are teaming up once again for the new project with producer and engineer Chuck Ainlay, who mixed and engineered their 1990 album, Burnin’ Up the Road.
Known for its three-part harmonies and honky-tonk sounds, the trio recorded four albums on MCA, racking up several top five singles and receiving CMA and ACM Nominations for Vocal Group of the Year before eventually disbanding in 1995.
In the years since, McBride has become a well-known Nashville songwriter, with more than 25 cuts from Brooks & Dunn, as well as tracks recorded by Garth Brooks, George Strait, Reba McEntire, and many more. He recently released his first solo album, Rebels & Angels, in October 2020.
Member Ray Herndon is Lyle Lovett’s longtime lead guitarist and member of his Large Band, while also being a successful songwriter, co-writing Kenny Chesney’s hit “Me and You.” Member Billy Thomas is Vince Gill’s longtime drummer, adding background vocals to many of his songs, and is also part of the revered Nashville-based Western Swing band, the Time Jumpers.
For more information on the upcoming show and to purchase tickets, click here.
Donovan Woods To Drop ‘Big Hurt Boy’ EP In March
/by Lorie HollabaughDonovan Woods. Photo: Bree Fischer
Donovan Woods is set to release his new EP, Big Hurt Boy, on March 18 via his own End Times Music. The JUNO award-winning vocalist debuted a new single from the project, “I Won’t Mention It Again” available now.
Riffing on a lyric from a Martin Simpson song (“Never Any Good”), the six-song collection explores how our failures, and our fixations on them, shape and enlighten us. Woods released a first taste of Big Hurt Boy, the tearjerker “I Hope You Change Your Mind,” co-written with David Hodges this past fall.
“I write about them again and again, just hoping people will still be interested,” Woods notes of the project. “So the title is poking fun of myself, that I’m theoretically this big sad guy who keeps getting dumped and writing songs about it,” he notes.
The release wraps a transformative year for Woods, which began with the release of a deluxe edition of his acclaimed 2020 album, Without People, which included a duet with singer-songwriter Aoife O’Donovan on “Iowa,” and a foray into anthemic dance pop as the featured vocalist on Dabin & Nurko’s “When This Is Over.”
Woods will head out on tour across Canada in support of the new project, with U.S. dates to be announced in the coming weeks.
01. I Won’t Mention It Again
02. Leave When You Go [feat. Ralph]
03. I Hope You Change Your Mind
04. Cheyenne
05. A Picture Of Us Smiling At A Party 5 Years Ago
06. No Time Soon
Johnny Dailey Inks Publishing Deal With Endurance Music Group
/by Lydia FarthingPictured (L-R): EMG’s Courtney Kruckeberg and Michael Martin, Johnny Dailey, and EMG’s Lauren Funk
Endurance Music Group has signed breakthrough country songwriter and artist Johnny Dailey to a global publishing agreement.
Part of the Morris Higham Management roster, Dailey landed in Nashville by way of Charleston, South Carolina, where he played original songs on the city’s infamous King Street. He signed his first publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music in 2019. The Alabama native released his debut single, “Burns Like Whiskey,” in 2021, followed by “Driving Things Around” and “24.”
Endurance Music Group President Michael Martin comments: “I first met Johnny at an ASCAP showcase at the Bluebird Cafe, and I was immediately drawn to his obvious writing talent and incredible voice. I soon learned that not only is he an impressive songwriter, he is also a dedicated family man with the kind of character and integrity that Endurance strives to represent. The EMG team welcomes Johnny, and we are thrilled to be on this creative journey with him and his management team of Clint Higham and Kyle Quigley. Country music, get ready, here comes Johnny Dailey!”
“I couldn’t be more excited to work with Michael Martin and the Endurance team,” Dailey shares. “I’ve respected Michael since the day I met him because of his passion for songwriters and a great song. I’m thankful for this team’s belief in me and my music, and I look forward to what we will create together!”
“We are delighted Johnny joins the exceptional roster at Endurance Music Group,” adds Morris Higham’s Quigley. “Michael Martin and the Endurance team bring great passion, strategic vision, and experience, creating an environment for Johnny to thrive. We look forward to the journey ahead!”
Daily was a featured performer on ASCAP’s notable 30A Songwriters Festival showcases earlier this month. His upcoming single, “Trouble,” is set for release on Feb. 4 with his debut EP, Dillashaw, to follow in early March.
Eric Church To Open 6-Story Lower Broadway Spot, Chief’s
/by LB CantrellEric Church. Photo: Joe Pugliese
Eric Church will be the next country artist with a spot on Nashville’s lower Broadway.
The multi-Platinum superstar will open Chief’s in a six-story property at the corner of 2nd Avenue and Broadway, which was formerly The Cotton Eyed Joe.
Partnering with real estate and hospitality entrepreneur Ben Weprin, the co-owners have plans to begin renovating the food, beverage and live entertainment space this year.
“I remember driving through downtown Nashville over 20 years ago with a pawn shop guitar, riding shotgun in a beat-to-hell truck just trying to chase a dream,” shares Church. “Chief’s is the culmination of catching that dream. Like everything else we do in our career, I wouldn’t even attempt a project like this if I didn’t think it would be the best, so that’s what Chief’s will be: the best.”
Rodney Scott. Photo: Angie Mosier
The North Carolina native plans to tap into his roots when it comes to the cuisine at Chief’s, with renowned Charleston pitmaster and James Beard Award winner Rodney Scott bringing his Whole Hog BBQ to Music City.
“I am beyond excited to not only bring Rodney Scott’s Whole Hog BBQ to Music City, but to also partner with my good friends Eric and Ben on this project,” says Scott. “Anyone who knows me, knows that I love music – so the opportunity to expand the brand in partnership with an award-winning musician makes this project extra special! I can’t wait to share our Carolina roots and our whole hog BBQ with the incredible people of Nashville.”
Church, who set the Nissan Stadium concert attendance record of 56,521 across the river from where Chief’s will stand, has been closely involved in the planning process for the venue. Chief’s will reflect his storied career of 30 Gold, Platinum and multi-Platinum singles – from his Sinners Like Me debut through current Top 15-and-climbing single “Heart On Fire” and beyond.
With this announcement, Church will join his peers Luke Bryan, Miranda Lambert, Jason Aldean, Blake Shelton, Dierks Bentley, Alan Jackson, and more on Nashville’s Broadway.
“Bringing a seated music venue to Lower Broadway while revitalizing and preserving a historic building is exactly the kind of investment Nashville’s entertainment sector needs,” notes Mayor John Cooper. “I thank the partners involved for keeping the character of the building while creating a new concept for locals and our visitors to enjoy.”
“Pairing Eric’s talent and passion for music and his work ethic with a new restaurant, bar, performance hall and more downtown is a recipe for success,” adds Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp CEO, Butch Spyridon. “The fact that he is doing this in a historic building that will transform the gateway to historic Second Avenue is truly a bonus as that street recovers from 2020’s unfortunate incident.”
“I am partnering with my closest friend and, in my opinion, the greatest hotel entrepreneur on earth, Ben Weprin, and the greatest barbecue chef in the world, Rodney Scott,” continues Church. “Together we will create an experience unique to Nashville and absolutely unparalleled in the world of music, food, fellowship and entertainment. This is my hometown. This is personal. This matters. Every detail of Chief’s will feel that way. I cannot wait to get started. See you in 2023.”