DISClaimer Single Reviews: Dolly Celebrates Her Birthday With A Disc Of The Day Award

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Dolly Parton. Photo: Rob Hoffman

DISClaimer has the best of the new mixed with the best of the vets today.

Our new female contenders include Priscilla Block and Hailey Whitters, both of whom have personality-packed singles for your edification. Among the promising males are Logan Mize, Aaron Lewis, Connor Smith and Seaforth with Jordan Davis.

But veterans claim the two top prizes. Taking home the DISCovery Award is Andrew Farriss. This is his debut solo effort, but he has logged plenty of miles in the Oz rock band INXS (”New Sensation,” “Suicide Blonde,” “Need You Tonight,” etc.).

Yesterday was Dolly Parton’s birthday. My present is a Disc of the Day award for her fresh sounding “Big Dreams and Faded Jeans.”

PRISCILLA BLOCK / “My Bar”
Writers: Priscilla Block/Stone Aielli/Lexi Hayden; Producers: Robbie Artress/Jake Curry/Justin Johnson; Label: Mercury
–She’s wonderfully feisty while claiming her space at her favorite watering hole. When an ex walks in, she lets him know he’s intruding. The track rumbles splendidly and her vocal has personality to the max. Love this.

AARON LEWIS / “Get What You Get”
Writers: Aaron Lewis/Ira Dean/Dan Tyminski; Producers: Aaron Lewis,/Ira Dean/Ben Kitterman; Label: Valory
–This man’s honky-tonk singing voice continues to impress. The ballad’s premise is that sooner or later you have to take the consequences for the choices you make. Stop lying to others and to yourself. The album drops at the end of the month, and this makes me eager to hear it.

DOLLY PARTON / “Big Dreams and Faded Jeans”
Writers: Dolly Parton; Producers: Richard Dennison/Tom Rutledge; Label: Butterfly/UMG
–The instrumental track is hot and tight in Dolly’s finest record production in years. The punchy, rolling tempo underscores the yearn of a gal headed to Music City to pursue her dreams. With her “Scent from Above” perfume, re-launched ice cream flavor, chart-topping Christmas album, multi-Platinum international certifications and gospel Grammy Award, the superstar is as relevant as ever. This dandy tune was inspired by her debut novel, written with James Patterson. The book and album–titled Run, Rose, Run–are both due the first week in March. Other merch with the launch includes guitar picks, stickers, t-shirts, bookmarks, shoe laces, aprons and a red-marbelized vinyl version of the LP.

CONNER SMITH / “Didn’t Go Too Far”
Writers: Connor Smith/Mike Dragstrom/Matt Jenkins; Producer: Zach Crowell; Label: Valory
–The “Learn From It” and “I Hate Alabama” man released his debut EP this week. This is the title tune, a thumper about a guy with a busted heart who can’t get away from an ex. That’s because they both live in town so small that “there’s only one bar, only one church.” Hence, “The one that got away didn’t go too far.” Give this man a full album at once.

JASON ALDEAN / “Trouble With a Heartbreak”
Writers: Kurt Allison/Brett Beavers/Tully Kennedy/John Morgan; Producer: Michael Knox; Label: Macon/Broken Bow
–The rock production is slathered in echo. The song just barely has a melody.

HAILEY WHITTERS / “Everything She Ain’t”
Writers: Hailey Whitters/Bryan Simpson/Ryan Tyndell; Producers: Hailey Whitters/Jake Gear; Label: Pigasus/Songs & Daughters/Big Loud
–Peppy and clever. He doesn’t know what he’s missing, so she’s spelling it out for him. Hailey went back to her Iowa high school to film the video, which is as cute as the song. The hand claps, the saucy delivery, the staccato fiddle and banjo notes, the pert tempo–everything works here.

LOGAN MIZE / “Follow Your Heart”
Writers: Logan Mize/Lynn Hutton; Producer: Daniel Agee; Label: Big Yellow Dog
–This country rocker has cool, deep-and-low drum pounding beneath his pleading vocal and some ethereal guitar chimes and organ sighing. The resulting toe tapper is as catchy as can be. Well worth your spins.

SYLVIA / “Every Time a Train Goes By”
Writers: Sylvia Hutton/John Mock/Thom Schuyler; Producers: John Mock/Sylvia; Label: Red Pony
–This is lilting and rootsy, featuring minor-key mandolin and lovely stacked harmonies by Sylvia’s multi-tracked voice. Brushed drumming propels the production. Airy, luminous and crystal clear. The track is drawn from her forthcoming Nature Child album, which drops on “Twos-Day.”

SEAFORTH & JORDAN DAVIS / “Good Beer”
Writers: Tom Jordan/Mitch Thompson/Rocky Block/Jordan Dozzi; Producer: Tom Jordan; Label: Arista
–The Aussie duo teams up with Davis on this charming, light-hearted ditty. In case you’re wondering, “A good beer is a cold one.” This sunny, bouncy outing will have you feeling like springtime, or at the very least will leave you with a big smile on yer face.

LOVE AND THEFT / “Accidentally on Purpose”
Writers: Eric Gunderson/Stephen Barker Liles/Bree Doster; Producer: none listed; Label: ONErpm
–Gunderson and Liles are back. They still sing beautifully, and they are still totally pop.

ANDREW FARRISS / “Drifting”
Writers: Marti Frederiksen/Andrew Farriss; Producer: Andrew Farriss; Label: BBR
–Farriss is a former member of the huge rock band INXS. This tempo tune occurs on his debut solo album, and it has an open-air, California-country vibe. It’s an attractive, gypsy/bohemian thing with wafting strings way off in the distance.

THE BRETHREN / “Chevelle”
Writers: Brian White/Casey Parnell/Chad Chapin/Corey Parnell/Lonnie Chapin; Producer: none listed; Label: DistroKid
–This act is two sets of brothers, the Parnells and the Chapins. All four have pop and/or CCM backgrounds, and that shows in their polished, creamy harmonies. This languid, smooth tune evokes nostalgia for an old teen romance. Think Poco or America from the ‘70s.

Shenandoah Hits The Road To Celebrate 35th Anniversary

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Shenandoah. Photo: Courtesy of Absolute Publicity

Shenandoah is celebrating 35 years as a band with a brand new “35th Anniversary Tour,” kicking off Feb. 11 in Sulphur Springs, Texas.

The 35-date tour, with more shows to announced soon, includes stops in Fort Worth, Albuquerque, Corpus Christi, Ft. Myers, and more, with a Nashville date on March 24.

Attendees can expect the band’s classic tunes, such as “The Church on Cumberland Road,” “Sunday in the South,” “Two Dozen Roses,” “Next to You, Next to Me,” and many more.

“To believe we’d still be in the music business, as ever changing as it is, would only come to me in one form: the country music fan base,” says frontman Marty Raybon. “It’s a wonderful thing to experience while looking out over an audience where the age span is so wide. It is most humbling.”

He continues, “We have been blessed for the last 35 years with songs that have that spoken power to move people. So we say thank you to the Lord for His strength, the fans for their loyalty, the songwriters for great songs and the producers that helped them come to life. It’s made this 35 years a road trip I would have hated to miss.”

For more information on dates, venues and tickets, click here.

Kurt Allison, Tully Kennedy Extend Publishing Deals With BMG

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Pictured (L-R): Chris Oglesby (BMG, VP Creative), Kurt Allison, Tully Kennedy, Katie Kerkhover (BMG, Senior Creative Director, A&R)

Kurt Allison and Tully Kennedy have extended their publishing deals with BMG. The songwriters have also been longtime band members to Jason Aldean, recording and touring with him over the past 20 years.

Most recently celebrating a three-week No. 1 with Aldean and Carrie Underwood’s “If I Didn’t Love You,” Allison and Kennedy also wrote Aldean’s newest single, “Trouble With A Heartbreak” alongside Brett Beavers and John Morgan.

Originally signed in 2011, their catalog includes Dustin Lynch’s “Seein’ Red” and Aldean’s “Blame It On You,” “Like You Were Mine,” “Talk About Georgia,” “This Bar Don’t Work Anymore,” “Over You Again,” and “That’s What Tequila Does.” In addition to their writing success, the duo produced BBR Music Group artist Alexander Ludwig’s just released self-titled debut EP.

“We couldn’t be more excited to continue our partnership with BMG,” says Kennedy. “We have a lot of history here and feel like we are just getting started. The people here are first class and the best in the business.”

“Working along side Kurt and Tully has been amazing,” adds Chris Oglesby, BMG VP Creative. “Their skills as both producers and writers are second to none. I know I speak for all of BMG when I say we are honored to have them continue to be a part of our BMG family.”

TJ Martell Foundation Former Exec. VP/GM Charged With Wire Fraud Of $4 Million

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Melissa Ann Goodwin, the former Exec. VP/General Manager for the TJ Martell Foundation, has been charged with wire fraud for allegedly embezzling nearly $4 million from the charity, according to a report from Billboard.

The TJ Martell Foundation for Cancer Research was founded by music executive Tony Martell in 1975 after his son TJ died from leukemia. The organization has been heavily supported by the music industry, having held multiple charity events in Nashville, Los Angeles, New York, and Miami. The organization has raised more than $280 million in support of medical research grants, and helped secure more than $1 billion in additional research funding.

Nashville-based Goodwin joined TJ Martell in 2005 as Special Events Manager, and rose to Exec. VP and GM in 2018. According to a federal charging document obtained by Billboard and filed by acting U.S. attorney Mark Wildasin in Tennessee federal court, from July 2018 to April 2020 Goodwin allegedly abused her power of overseeing all finance operations to make fraudulent charges and allegedly embezzled nearly $4 million from the foundation.

The alleged fraud was initially discovered in 2020, when TJ Martell’s then-CEO Laura Heatherly asked the organization’s accountants to copy her on all correspondence with Goodwin, after the long-term employee had become delinquent in filing financial statements and expense reports. Lynn-Anne Huck, who has been acting as TJ Martell’s interim CEO since late 2020, oversaw the review that unearthed the extent Goodwin’s activities.

Goodwin allegedly turned some items over to the founder/owner an auction company, listed in the filing as Individual One, to resell for profit for themselves, misappropriating more than $4.2 million of foundation funds. TJ Martell, which makes a portion of its money from auctioning items, had previously legitimately used Individual One’s business to provide items to auction. Individual One has since been named as Darran Brown, the founder/owner of auction companies Executive Sports Group (ESG) and Go Charity.

According to Billboard‘s report, Goodwin, Brown and the auction companies are all accused of fraud, conspiracy and conversion. Goodwin is also accused of breach of contract and breach of fiduciary duty.

TJ Martell has since brought a $5 million civil suit against the Nashville-based Kraft CPAs firm and the New Jersey-based Dorfman Abrams Music firm for breach of contract and professional negligence.

Goodwin faces up to 20 years in prison, a forfeiture of $3.7 million, and a fine of up to $250,000, if convicted.

Charly Salvatore Launches Underscore Works, Signs Priscilla Block & More

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Charly Salvatore

Charly Salvatore, whose industry experience covers publishing, touring, A&R, artist management, development, and marketing, has launched Underscore Works. The new Nashville-based agency specializes in developing and championing rising digital music talent.

The new music management, development and marketing agency represents artists who live a balance in both traditional music models and a TikTok-driven era. One of MusicRow‘s Next Big Thing artists of 2022, Priscilla Block; and up-and-coming artists Dalton Dover and Warren Zeiders, are all signed to Underscore Works, along with Logan Mize, who has been managed by Salvatore since 2009.

“I’m thrilled to launch my new company Underscore Works,” says Salvatore. “Nashville is the new hub for music, and with the uptick of talent unconventionally rising to fame, we aim to pave the path for artist-creators to thrive in the direct-to-fan relationship while also building a successful and lasting career. We are building a unique and diverse roster of talent who are re-defining Music City’s definition of success in music, and we cannot wait to continue highlighting our clients’ creativity and artistic work in 2022.”

Bobby Bones’ First Children’s Picture Book To Be Released In June

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Bobby Bones. Photo: Courtesy of The GreenRoom

Bobby Bones is releasing his first-ever children’s picture book, Stanley the Dog: the First Day of School, via HarperCollins Publishers on June 14.

Inspired by Bones’ real-life bulldog, the funny and heartwarming story follows a bulldog pup named Stanley and his adventures during his first day of school. Anxious for his first day, Stanley is worried whether he will ever fit in with the other pups at school, but when disaster strikes, Stanley realizes all he needs to do is be himself to save the day.

“I’m pumped to finally share more about my upcoming children’s book,” says Bones. “It follows our bulldog Stanley as he navigates his first day of school jitters and being himself in a brand-new situation. True to real-life Stanley, there are plenty of antics along the way! My hope through writing this book is that it will serve as reminder to kids that it’s okay to not fit in with the crowd; your differences are what make you so special.”

“I couldn’t be more thrilled to have had the opportunity to work with Bobby and Stanley on their first-ever children’s picture book,” adds David Linker, Executive Editor at HarperCollins Publishers. “I think kids will find Stanley’s story about surviving and thriving during his first day of school both heartwarmingly hilarious and doggedly reassuring. I can’t wait to share their story with the world.”

Bones is a two-time No. 1 New York Times bestselling author of Bare Bones: I’m Not Lonely If You’re Reading This Book and Fail Until You Don’t: Fight Grind Repeat. The radio and TV personality is also a two-time CMA Award winner, four-time ACM Award winner, and winner of the 27th season of Dancing with the Stars.

Jamey Johnson, Randy Houser Return To Road For ‘Country Cadillac Tour Part 2’

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Jamey Johnson and Randy Houser are reprising their successful 2021 tour on their upcoming co-headlining “Country Cadillac Tour Part 2,” kicking off in March.

The two longtime friends will once again share the stage while performing acoustically and swapping stories, jokes and songs. The tour will visit 12 cities through April 16, including Green Bay, Evansville, Springfield, Cedar Rapids, and more. Additional dates are expected to be added in the coming months. Public on sale begins Friday, Jan. 21 at 10 a.m. CT.

Johnson’s tour was ranked in the Top 10 of all music tours in the third quarter of 2021 and was also the top ranked music tour worldwide during July 2021. Meanwhile, Houser was in the studio during the second half of 2021 to finish his soon-to-be released album while acting in two feature films.

“Country Cadillac Tour Part 2” Dates:
March 24 – Epic Event Center in Green Bay, WI
March 25 – Michigan Theatre in Jackson, MI
March 26 – Blue Gate Performing Arts Center in Shipshewana, IN
March 27 – The Rust Belt in East Moline, IL
March 31 – Palace Theater in Lorain, OH
April 1 – Brown County Music Center in Nashville, IN
April 2 – Renfro Valley Entertainment Center in Mount Vernon, KY
April 3 – Victory Theatre in Evansville, IN
April 13 – Gillioz Theatre in Springfield, MO
April 14 – Stiefel Theatre for the Performing Arts in Salina, KS
April 15 – Orpheum Theatre in Sioux City, IA
April 16 – Paramount Theatre in Cedar Rapids, IA

Dustin Lynch Announces Fifth Studio Album, ‘Blue In The Sky’

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Dustin Lynch. Photo: The Dwyers

Broken Bow Records entertainer Dustin Lynch announced he will release his fifth studio album, Blue In The Sky, on Feb. 11.

The 12-track collection, which includes five songs Lynch co-wrote, addresses the bright side of life with optimism mixed with the country artist’s signature sound. The project also features a handful of collaborations with artists such as Riley Green and Chris Lane, as well as MacKenzie Porter, who appears on the label’s longest-reigning single at country radio: the six-week No. 1 “Thinking ‘Bout You.”

Produced by Zach Crowell, Lynch has already released five tracks to give fans a sneak peek at what’s to come, including “Thinking ‘Bout You (feat. MacKenzie Porter),” “Tequila On A Boat (feat. Chris Lane),” “Huntin’ Land (feat. Riley Green),” “Pasadena,” and “Not Every Cowboy.”

“This has been a fun secret to keep! Get ready for a collection of songs that are going to make you feel good and want to mix a drink and party with your friends,” shares Lynch. “I’m excited for everyone to hear Blue In The Sky.”

Blue In The Sky follows up Lynch’s Tullahoma, which delivered Platinum chart-toppers including “Ridin’ Roads” and “Good Girl,” in addition to a Top 5 hit “Momma’s House.”

Blue In The Sky Track List:
1. “Party Mode” (Jerry Flowers, Ryan Beaver, Roman Alexander, Jared Keim, Matt McGinn)
2. “Thinking ‘Bout You (feat. MacKenzie Porter)” (Dustin Lynch, Andy Albert, Hunter Phelps, Will Weatherly)
3. “Stars Like Confetti” (Josh Thompson, Thomas Rhett, Zach Crowell)
4. “Somethin’ That Makes You Smile” (Erik Dylan, Andy Sheridan, Wyatt McCubbin)
5. “Break It On A Beach” (Dustin Lynch, Ashley Gorley, Hunter Phelps, Zach Crowell)
6. “Tequila On A Boat (feat. Chris Lane)” (Hillary Lindsey, Justin Ebach, Matt Alderman)
7. “Tennessee Trouble” (Dustin Lynch, Matt Dragstrem, Hunter Phelps, Jordan Minton)
8. “Summer Never Ended” (Cole Taylor, Ben Hayslip, Paul DiGiovanni)
9. “Back Road TN” (Ben Hayslip, Brock Berryhill, Jameson Rodgers, Brent Anderson)
10. “Huntin’ Land (feat. Riley Green)” (Dustin Lynch, Andy Albert, Hunter Phelps, Will Weatherly)
11. “Pasadena” (Dustin Lynch, Jeff Hyde, Ryan Tyndell)
12. “Not Every Cowboy” (Casey Brown, Parker Welling, Conner Smith, Heather Morgan)

Monument Records Promotes Casey Thomas

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Casey Thomas

Monument Records has promoted Casey Thomas to Director of Publicity and Creative.

In her new role, Thomas will oversee publicity and media marketing, international media strategy and creative services for the labels’ roster, including artists Alex Hall, Brandon Ratcliff, Caitlyn Smith, Teddy Robb, Tigirlily, Walker Hayes, and music from Fox’s Monarch.

Since joining the label in 2018, Thomas has overseen the launches of many projects across the roster, while also being instrumental in the soundtrack set-up of Fox’s upcoming 2022 drama, Monarch. In her former role of Publicist, she also worked on behalf of the label to help manage communications and press strategy for Monument artists.

The Boston native’s previous stops include time at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, where she was responsible for press operations.

“We are so proud of Casey’s leadership within our organization and her ability to think long-term while also maximizing momentum,” says Monument’s GM, Katie McCartney. “Her integrity, passion, and work ethic are invaluable.”

“I’m so grateful to work at Monument Records and support this incredible leadership team,” shares Thomas. “It’s a privilege to represent and work alongside such a compelling roster of artists and creators, and I am looking forward to this next exciting chapter.”

Formed under the leadership of Jason Owen and Shane McAnally, Monument Records is a joint venture with Sony Music Entertainment. Since the label’s launch, the artist roster has accumulated over a billion streams, released multi-Platinum singles—including Walker Hayes’ No. 1 smash hit “Fancy Like”—and more.

Congratulate Thomas at casey.thomas@sonymusic.com.

Big Future Music Group, Truss Records Sign I AM THEY In New Joint Venture

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Pictured (L-R): Big Future Music Group President Ryan Wesley Smith, Justin Shinn, Nicole Hickman, Matt Hein, Abbie Parker, and Brandon Chase of I AM THEY, and Tyrus Morgan. Photo: Daniel Boczarski

Nashville-based Big Future Music Group has entered into a joint venture with Truss Records led by Tyrus Morgan.

I AM THEY will be the debut act as well as the first release for the co-venture. The group just kicked off their 2022 tour as part of the popular “Winter Jam Tour Spectacular” traveling across the US.

Since coming on to the scene, the band has racked up unprecedented numbers on streaming platforms; numerous award nominations, including the GMA Dove Award for Best New Artist; and several major tour billings.

Big Future Music Group President Ryan Wesley Smith comments, “We are honored and thrilled to bring the talents of I AM THEY into our universe, along with the launch of Truss Records with our dear friend Tyrus Morgan.” He continues, “To have I AM THEY as our debut signing is exciting. Their hearts, professionalism and unbelievable presence is paramount in developing key components of a burgeoning entertainment company. Couple that with a unique and viable message of hope in their well-written songs–this is exactly our mission for Big Future.”

“What an honor to be able to support I AM THEY through our new label imprint with Big Future Music Group,” Morgan adds. “This band has always been able to write songs that speak straight to the heart, and we are excited to dream with them and bring even more of their signature sound and heart for God to the world.”

I AM THEY is managed by Co-Lab Management, booked by Jeff Roberts & Associates and is on Big Future Entertainment Group/Truss Records. The group plans to release a new single this quarter along with a new worship project.