Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam Announces New Thursday Night Kickoff Party For 2022

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The Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam 2022 is adding an additional night of music to its lineup for 2022 in celebration of its 10-year anniversary.

The new Thursday Night Kick-Off Party, presented by Royal American and People’s First Insurance, will be headlined by Brett Young and include performances from Jameson Rodgers, Niko Moon and Casi Low.

The now four-day festival will run June 2-5 at Frank Brown Park in Panama City Beach and will feature previously announced headliners Florida Georgia Line, Old Dominion and Brooks & Dunn.

“We already had the biggest lineup in our history, and we decided to break tradition and add a fourth day to make our 10th anniversary truly a huge celebration,” says Executive Producer Rendy Lovelady. “We’re excited to have Brett back at the beach, along with all of these other amazing artists.”

In addition to the new Thursday night artists just announced, the full lineup includes Gary Allan, Chris Janson, Scotty McCreery, Jordan Davis, Maddie & Tae, Mitchell Tenpenny, Randy Rogers Band, Frankie Ballard, Tracy Lawrence, Tyler Rich, Darryl Worley, Corey Smith, Ryan Griffin, Steve Moakler, Elvie Shane, Tigirlily, Nate Barnes, Confederate Railroad, Presley & Taylor, Chandler Flint, and the Pepsi Southern Original winner.

Fans who previously purchased a ticket will automatically get admission to the fourth night free as a 10th anniversary gift. Thursday-only tickets will be available starting at$29.

Those who purchased a pass for the 2021 festival–which was canceled due to COVID–who wish to transfer their pass to 2022 will automatically have a bonus $21 added to their registered wristband to spend at the 2022 festival.

Parker McCollum Reaches Top Of MusicRow Radio Chart

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Parker McCollum’s “To Be Loved By You” sits at the peak of the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart after earning 1,680 spins this week and 43,740 total since its release.

McCollum co-wrote “To Be Loved By You” with Rhett Akins and it appears on his latest album Gold Chain Cowboy.

This week, McCollum was named one of the CRS 2022 New Faces of Country Music alongside Gabby Barrett, Walker Hayes, Jameson Rodgers, and Lainey Wilson.

He also announced the launch of an NFT fan club with the help of MusicFX, a new entertainment NFT platform from full service blockchain platform provider CurrencyWorks Inc. Read more about the new venture here.

Click here to view the latest edition of The MusicRow Weekly containing the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart.

Ben Cantelon Joins Provident Entertainment As Sr. Director, A&R

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Ben Cantelon

Worship leader, songwriter, and producer Ben Cantelon has joined Provident Entertainment as Senior Director of A&R.

Cantelon has co-written songs with Chris Tomlin, Phil Wickham, Matt Redman, Maverick City, Newsboys, Kari Jobe, Cody Carnes, Matt Maher, Michael W. Smith, Passion and many more. He has released five projects as a worship artist with Survivor Records and Kingsway Music, and has also held the role of worship leader and pastor at Soul Survivor, Holy Trinity Brompton, and Worship Central in the UK.

In 2017, Cantelon and his family relocated from the UK to Nashville, where he signed a publishing deal with Capitol CMG.

“We are thrilled to have Ben join us at Provident,” says Blaine Barcus, SVP, A&R at Provident Entertainment. “His diverse background as an artist, worship leader, songwriter, and producer will be a huge benefit to our A&R team and the creatives he will serve/support. Most of all, Ben is a person who loves artists and understands their hearts.”

Nashville Songwriters Association International Recognizes BMG’s Hartwig Masuch

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Pictured (L-R): NSAI Executive Director Bart Herbison and BMG Publishing’s CEO Hartwig Masuch

The Nashville Songwriters Association International’s (NSAI) 27-member songwriter Board of Directors has unanimously adopted a special resolution which recognizes BMG Publishing’s CEO Hartwig Masuch for his philosophy and actions to value songwriters.

This is the first time NSAI has recognized a publishing company CEO in this way. His philosophy, which states “BMG works for songwriters and artists. They don’t work for us,” is accompanied by a BMG mission statement that also speaks to transparency when it comes to paying their songwriter partners.

The Resolution reads as follows:

“The Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) recognizes Hartwig Masuch, Chief Executive Officer of BMG, a Bertelsmann group division.

The all-songwriter NSAI Board of Directors (unanimously voted) recognizes Masuch for his many contributions, but specifically for his demonstrations of being a creator-friendly industry leader. Under his guidance the company’s stated vision is:

‘A world in which every songwriter and artist gets to achieve their potential and receives a fair reward for doing so. Music isn’t just another business. Music is created by individuals, each of them on their own creative journey taking huge risks. The fruits of that creativity need to be paid for, fairly and efficiently. BMG aligns itself with the interests of the creative community of music.’

NSAI points to Masuch eliminating the so-called Controlled Composition clause, a practice where songwriters are asked to take a reduce royalty rate to have a song placed on an album. BMG also undertook an unprecedented review of its historic recording contracts and accelerated royalty payouts, which NSAI applauds.

Other songwriters specific company philosophies under Hartwig’s watch include:

Ambition: To be the best company in music to do business with. BMG works for songwriters and artists. They don’t work for us.

Fairness: The music industry has not always been known for treating songwriters and artists fairly. For BMG it’s an article of faith running through every department in the company. Fairness means no hidden costs or deductions. Fairness means no backdoor deals designed to enrich the company at the expense of the client. Fairness is treating your clients like partners.

Be in therefore resolved that the NSAI Board of Directors recognizes, appreciates and salutes Hartwig Masuch for his leadership in valuing songwriters, artists and everyone involved in the creative process.”

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Lori McKenna, Katie Pruitt, Dan + Shay

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Lori McKenna. Photo: Thomas Heney

It’s that time of year again.

As usual, Nashville musicians have an abundance of holiday offerings, so welcome to the first of the DISClaimer Christmas review columns. Today, we have super worthy efforts by Exile, the Pistol Annies, Dan + Shay and Amanda Shires.

The Disc of the Day belongs to Lori McKenna, for co-writing the strongest new holiday song in this stack and singing it with her customary yearning loveliness. For sheer inventiveness, Katie Pruitt wins the DISCovery Award.

TIGIRLILY / “Where Are You Christmas”
Writers: James Horner/Mariah Carey/Wilbur Jennings; Producer: Louis Newman; Label: Monument
–The sister duo updates Faith Hill’s wistful holiday ballad with tinkling piano and lilting fiddle to start with. A full string section gradually builds the arrangement into an oomphy anthem.

DAN + SHAY / “Officially Christmas”
Writers: Dan Smyers/Dave Barnes/Jordan Reynolds/Nicolle Galyon; Producer: Dan Smyers/Scott Hendricks; Label: Warner
–Over the past couple of years, these guys have become country music’s go-to Christmas heralds. Their holiday songs are top downloads. This year’s entry is a joyous-sounding fiesta, complete with horns, violins and sleighbells. As usual, they sing their faces off. There’s a promotional video, too.

KATIE PRUITT / “Merry Christmas Mary Jane”
Writers: Katie Pruitt; Producer: Katie Pruitt & Mike Robinson; Label: Rounder
–At last! A holiday stoner song! This Nashville singer-songwriter lays down a bluesy groove on this slow jam: “My Christmas spirit’s running low, so I might as well get high.” She knows those decorative holiday lights are going to look super good that way. Check out this talented gal’s cool guitar solo, too. Pruitt will be peddling her special holiday gummies at her Dec. 16 show at the Basement East.

EXILE / “Joyful Noise”
Writers: J.P. Pennington/Sonny LeMaire/Sharon Vaughn; Producer: Exile; Label: Clearwater
–In a word, gorgeous. These guys still have the goods in every department. The vocals are flawless, the songwriting is splendid, the playing is perfect and the mood is toasty warm on this sparkling ballad. Miss this one at your peril.

THE PRIMITIVE QUARTET / “Carolina Mountain Christmas”
Writers: Reagan Riddle; Producer: Greg Bentley; Label: Mountain Home
–This North Carolina gospel quartet wraps its harmonies around four classics and four newly written songs on its Christmas collection. Among the latter is this toe-tapping hearty wish for good holiday times to one and all.

PISTOL ANNIES / “Hell of a Holiday”
Writers: Angaleena Presley/Ashley Monroe/Miranda Lambert; Producer: Frank Liddell/Eric Masse; Label: RCA
–What a gift. The rumbling backbeat grabs ya from the get-go. Their feisty vocal charms soon take over in this uptempo audio delight. It’s the title tune from the trio’s Christmas CD/LP, embellished with sax, electric guitar and percussion. Essential accompaniment for dancing around the tree while you hang ornaments and drink eggnog.

AMANDA SHIRES & THE McCRARY SISTERS / “Gone for Christmas”
Writers: Amanda Shires; Producer: Lawrence Rothman; Label: Silver Knife/Thirty Tigers
–This Americana favorite slam dunks an R&B groover with this merry track from her debut holiday album. For her Christmas-present wish list, she cites a bunch of clever stuff (her own radio station, a massage on a beach), but mostly she wants him gone from her life. While the beat stomps relentlessly, the McCrarys echo her sentiments with soul-sister harmonies. Rockin.’

MITCHELL TENPENNY / “Don’t Hang the Mistletoe”
Writers: Jordan M. Schmidt/Kyle Clark/Mitchell Tenpenny; Producer: Mitchell Tenpenny/Jordan M. Schmidt; Label: Riser House/Columbia
–His furry, burnished voice is perfect for this. It’s a slow jam with distinct R&B flavors and romance on the brain. Tenpenny’s holiday album is titled Naughty List.

TAMMY ROGERS & THOMM JUTZ / “Dancing in the Snow”
Writers: Tammy Rogers/Thomm Jutz; Producer: none listed; Label: Mountain Fever
–Bluegrass rhythms and harmonies abound in this sprightly wintery romp. The team plans an entire album of their cowrites next month, to be titled Surely We’ll Be Singing.

LORI McKENNA / “Still Christmas in Nashville”
Writers: Lori McKenna/Jordyn Shelhart/Dustin Christensen; Producer: Lori McKenna/Luke Laird/Barry Dean; Label: CN Records
–Lori introduced her Christmas Is Right Here EP with a sterling showcase at the Hutton’s Analog venue on Tuesday. It is a heart-tugging outing with some of her original sad holiday tunes (my favorite kind), plus a version of Paul McCartney’s “Wonderful Christmastime” and this stately waltz. It’s an ode to “the city that dreamers built.” You’ll smile when you hear her name checking “meat-and-threes” and “John Prine” in this terrific tune. Have I mentioned that I adore her?

DON AMERO / “Sometimes a Whisper”
Writers: Adam Crossley/Bill Diluigi/Dave Tough; Producer: none listed; Label: MDM
–This Canadian is an indigenous country artist who is much applauded north of the border. His seasonal CD is titled Amero Little Christmas and contains this softly sung inspirational ballad that could easily live well beyond Yuletide.

ROD & ROSE / “Mary Had a Little Lamb”
Writers: Rodney Atkins/Rose Falcon/Brandon Hood/Skip Ewing; Producer: Brandon Hood; Label: Curb
–Rodney Atkins and Rose Falcon offer this beautifully sung, heartfelt ballad that sums up The Reason for the Season. Rod sings lead while Rose shadows him in perfect vocal harmony. Hang on for when they are joined by the angels-we-have-heard-on-high echoey chorus. Definitely your religious musical choice.

Reba’s Former Estate At Cherokee Dock To Become 5-Star Event Venue & Resort

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The Estate At Cherokee Dock, the former home of country music star Reba McEntire, is under new management with plans of being transformed into a 5-star luxury event venue and resort by Nashville-based Infinity Hospitality.

Originally built in 1960, the nearly 13,000 sq. ft. Southern Colonial mansion in Lebanon, Tennessee opened as an event center in 2017. Secluded on approximately 15 acres of Old Hickory Lake waterfront property, the estate and venue accommodates up to 30 guests. The estate has hosted various celebrity events over the years with the most recent being ABC’s The Bachelor Ben Higgins’ recent wedding to Jessica Clarke.

The Estate at Cherokee Dock has various entertaining spaces, both indoors and out, including a lakeside dock, original gardens, high-end equestrian facility, paddocks, guest house, pool house, movie theater, outdoor tented pavilion and more.

“Infinity Hospitality is thrilled to provide an event and lodging experience second to none in Tennessee, with full-service event design and planning, an on-site culinary program, custom bar selections, and vendor management for all services needed to create a once-in-a-lifetime event,” says Nathaniel Beaver, CEO of Infinity Hospitality. “In addition, Cherokee Dock’s hospitality director will also coordinate additional on-site amenities such as spa treatments, boating, fishing, golf, horseback riding, corporate team building activities, and live music for any occasion.”

Mickey Guyton Celebrates The Holiday Season With New Cracker Barrel Special

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Mickey Guyton performs “O Holy Night” as part of Cracker Barrel Old Country Store’s “Sounds of the Season: Together Again” holiday special, available on the brand’s YouTube and Facebook channels beginning Dec. 15.

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store will present “Sounds of the Season: Together Again,” a holiday special with songs and conversations from three-time Grammy award-winning and multi-Platinum artist Pentatonix and country music entertainer Mickey Guyton.

The artists will showcase their own takes on Christmas songs while sharing their favorite holiday traditions. The 30-minute holiday feature, including new and timeless classics, such as “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” “Evergreen,” “O Holy Night,” “How Great Thou Art” and more, will be available to stream on Cracker Barrel’s YouTube and Facebook channels beginning Dec. 15.

“I’m so excited to join Cracker Barrel in spreading holiday cheer and care this holiday season,” shares Guyton. “The holiday season is a special time for families across the country to celebrate together. While we all have our own traditions, it’s been inspiring to come together with Pentatonix to celebrate our unique takes on these holiday favorites.”

“As friends and families reunite this year after spending recent holidays apart, we are excited to celebrate the season through music with Cracker Barrel’s second edition of ‘Sounds of the Season: Together Again,'” Cracker Barrel Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer Jennifer Tate says. “We hope the songs, new and old, as well as the meaningful discussions Pentatonix and Mickey have in this year’s holiday special inspire viewers to consider how they can welcome a diverse range of people, thoughts and traditions to their table this holiday season.”

Country Thunder Roars Back To Bristol With Jason Aldean, Morgan Wallen, More

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After October’s sell-out event, Country Thunder Bristol is expanding into a two-day experience next fall. Headliners Jason Aldean and Morgan Wallen will perform at the historic Bristol Motor Speedway on Sept. 30-Oct. 1.

Hardy, Lauren Alaina, Travis Tritt, Tracy Lawrence, Kameron Marlowe, MacKenzie Porter, and Ian Munsick, are also on the bill for the 2022 show. More artists will be added to the lineup in the coming weeks.

“The fans in Bristol, and indeed, the entire Tri-Cities area have spoken,” says Country Thunder Music Festivals CEO, Troy Vollhoffer. “We have made so many wonderful new friends in this part of the world that we can’t wait to get back. The camping culture is huge in so many Country Thunder markets, and I see it growing here now that we are a multi-day event. Add that to the history and electricity of Bristol Motor Speedway and you have one incredible event!”

General Admission, Platinum Experience, Gold Circle, Camping and all the extras are available now at countrythunder.com to purchase, or by phone at 1-866-388-0007.

Industry Ink: Nashville Cartel, The Kentucky Headhunters, Bre Kennedy

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Nashville Cartel Hosts Fundraiser Event With Lee Brice, Jerrod Niemann, More

Pictured (L-R): Bigg Vinny, Jared Blake, Lee Brice, Stetson Pollard, Jessica Andrews, James Otto, Jerrod Niemann and Jimmy Wayne. Photo: Justin Hammond

Nashville Cartel hosted a fundraiser at Whiskey Room Live in Franklin, Tennessee on Sunday, Dec. 5. The night featured performances from Lee Brice, Jerrod Niemann, Bigg Vinny, Jared Blake, Jessica Andrews, Jimmy Wayne, and James Otto.

The event, which included a silent auction, was emceed by Bigg Vinny and Blake and benefitted charities in the Middle Tennessee area. It also honored special guest Stetson Pollard, who was gifted a red and white Fender guitar by the Live To Be charity, signed by all of the evening’s performers.

“Stetson has sensory processing disorder. His love of music gives him peace, and Live To Be gave him a brand new guitar to help bring him more of that peace,” said Autumn Pollard, Stetson’s mother. “It was such a wonderful night for our family, and Stetson had so much fun. This charity is amazing; what they do for children is just beautiful.”

 

The Kentucky Headhunters Make Grand Ole Opry Debut, 30 Years In The Making

The Kentucky Headhunters make their Grand Ole Opry debut on Sat., Dec. 4 in Nashville, Tennessee. Photo: Chris Hollo

Grammy award-winning southern rock, blues and country group The Kentucky Headhunters officially made their Grand Ole Opry debut on Saturday, Dec. 4. The evening marked the band’s first Opry performance in their 30-year career.

During their set, the Headhunters performed “Dumas Walker,” “Stumblin,'” and their new Christmas tune, “Let’s All Get Together and Fight.” They left the stage to a standing ovation.

Guitarist and vocalist Richard Young explains: “Living just north of the Grand Ole Opry in Edmonton, Kentucky, I guess we never completely understood how fortunate we were to have such a monument of American history at our back door and that folks travel worldwide to come and be a part of the Opry experience. It’s kind of like folks who live in New York City who have never visited the Statue of Liberty.”

He continues, “That all changed for The Kentucky Headhunters the moment we arrived and stepped off our bus. From the time we entered the Grand Ole Opry, everything became very electric and almost surreal! Meeting all the wonderful folks who work there and their help to make our Opry debut a one-of-a-kind experience, as well as the Opry crowd’s response to our performance, was nothing short of overwhelming. I must say the cherry on top was to see how proud our family and friends were of us to accomplish this wonderful milestone in our musical career. We kinda felt like Dorothy when she landed in Oz!”

 

Nettwerk Records Adds Bre Kennedy To Artist Roster

Bre Kennedy signs with Nettwerk Records

Singer-songwriter Bre Kennedy has signed with Nettwerk Records.

For many years, Kennedy has written with and for other artists. However, now she is letting her own music take center stage. Throughout her music, Kennedy touches on themes of life’s messy moments and self-growth. The singer has opened for artists such as Sheryl Crow, Gary Clark Jr. and Birdtalker.

In 2019, she released her Jealous of Birds EP, which was followed by her 2020 Twenty Something EP. Her debut album, Note To Self, is available everywhere now.

Kennedy is expected to release new music in the coming weeks.

Matthew West To Embark On ‘The Brand New Tour’ In 2022

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Matthew West will kick off the new year with his 34-city “The Brand New Tour,” featuring special guests Anne Wilson, CAIN, Jordan Feliz and Hannah Kerr.

The tour, promoted by Premier Productions, will launch Feb. 3 in Williamsport, Maryland. The trek will make stops in Dallas, Atlanta, Columbus, Baton Rouge, Jacksonville, Detroit and more before wrapping on May 7 in Lexington, Kentucky. Tickets are available now.

“I am so excited to hit the road this spring on ‘The Brand New Tour’ with an awesome lineup of talented artists and friends,” says West. “After the disappointment of COVID concert cancellations and postponements, I’m feeling like a kid again. I can’t believe I get to do what I do for a living, getting on a tour bus and playing live music for people. It all feels brand new again and I can’t wait!”

He continues, “Most importantly though, this world has been through a hard season like I’ve never witnessed. I’m praying that each night on this tour will be a powerful reminder for all who attend that we serve a God who promises to do a new thing! It’s a brand new year, a brand new beginning and a brand new tour! Let’s go!”

“The Brand New Tour” Dates:
Feb 3, 2022 Williamsport, MD
Feb 4, 2022 Lexington, SC
Feb 6, 2022 Naples, FL
Feb 8, 2022 Toccoa Falls, GA
Feb 10, 2022 Ashland, KY
Feb 11, 2022 Bartlett, TN
Feb 12, 2022 West Monroe, LA
Feb 13, 2022 Allen, TX
Feb 17, 2022 Mt. Vernon, IL
Feb 18, 2022 Baton Rouge, LA
Feb 19, 2022 Tupelo, MS
Feb 20, 2022 Bowling Green, KY
Mar 24, 2022 Lubbock, TX
Mar 25, 2022 Tyler, TX
Mar 26, 2022 Austin, TX
Mar 27, 2022 Beaumont TX
Mar 28, 2022 Brandon , MS
Mar 31, 2022 Meridian, MS
Apr 1, 2022 Warner Robins , GA
Apr 2, 2022 Woodstock, GA
Apr 3, 2022 Jacksonville, FL
Apr 7, 2022 Raytown, MO
Apr 8, 2022 Alma, AR
Apr 10, 2022 O'Fallon, IL
Apr 21, 2022 Camp Hill, PA
Apr 22, 2022 Mansfield, OH
Apr 24, 2022 Columbus, OH
Apr 26, 2022 Burlington, NC
Apr 28, 2022 Pensacola, FL
Apr 29, 2022 Montgomery, AL
May 1, 2022 Panama City, FL
May 5, 2022 Detroit, MI
May 6, 2022 McMurray, PA
May 7, 2022 Lexington, KY