Ingrid Andress, A Self-Described ‘Queen Of Sad Songs,’ Brings Her Feelings To Brooklyn Bowl

Ingrid Andress performs at Brooklyn Bowl Nashville on her “Feelings Things 2021” Tour on Nov. 18, 2021. Photo: Acacia Evans

Warner Music Nashville singer-songwriter Ingrid Andress took over Brooklyn Bowl Nashville last night (Nov. 18) with her “Feeling Things 2021” Tour, delivering a solid set of hits, fan-favorites, sneak peeks of unreleased tracks, and more.

One of Nashville’s newest venues, which made its official grand opening in June of this year, was the perfect home for the self-proclaimed “Queen of Sad Songs” and opener Georgia Webster. Andress opened her set with the cheeky “Bad Advice” followed by the strong and confident “Both” and “We’re Not Friends.”

Before jumping into “Life of the Party,” one of her more high-energy songs, she quipped: “This sounds like it’s about to be a happy song…but it’s not.”

Ingrid Andress performs at Brooklyn Bowl Nashville on her “Feelings Things 2021” Tour on Nov. 18, 2021. Photo: Acacia Evans

While, admittedly, most of the multi-Platinum artist’s songs address breakups, hardships, and the general feelings of melancholy, she did give fans a special preview of some songs to come, including her first cracks at love songs. Written with Shane McNally, and longtime collaborators Derrick Southerland and Sam Ellis, she showcased the unreleased “Blue,” as well as her forthcoming Julia Michaels co-penned “Feel Like This,” which offers, “I don’t know what this is, but I think love’s supposed to feel like this,” for its killer hook.

“This is actually really exciting for me because I’ve lived here for a while and wrote a lot of shitty songs in this town. It’s really great to be able to play the good ones that I wrote for you guys,” she joked with the packed crowd. “It’s really nice to finally play in the city where I learned how to write.”

She then broke into her current single, “Wishful Drinking,” the powerhouse duet with Sam Hunt. “Sam is busy, so you’re going to have to help me sing the second verse on this,” she said, to which the audience happily obliged.

Throughout her career, Andress has also written songs for other artists, including the Charli XCX-recorded, love-crazy, pop track “Boys.” Andress performed her own up-beat and dance version, which also included a breakdown and introduction of her bandmates followed by their own solo moments. She backed the song up by offering her own high-energy “Waste of Lime,” which gave the audience a much-welcomed twangy moment of alcoholic bliss.

Towards the end of her set, Andress brought out Nashville-based artist and songwriter Teddy Swims who wooed the crowd with his honey vocals and vulnerable lyrics on his recently released duet “Bed On Fire.”

“This human being has the voice of a literal angel… He’s way cooler than me and has quite a few more tattoos than I do, which makes him ten times cooler than me,” she said of Swims during his introduction. “[This song] literally broke my heart when I heard it, and that is very hard to do for me because I’m the Queen of Sad Songs. I think I met my match.”

Pictured (L-R): Blythe Scokin (Manager/Co-Founder, rogue.), Tom Martens (VP, Radio & Streaming, WMN), Clark Tedesco (Sr. Director, Artist Development, WMN), Ingrid Andress, Kristen Williams (SVP, Radio & Streaming, WMN), Tim Foisset (SVP, Commercial Partnerships), Rohan Kohli (Sr. Director, A&R, WMN). Photo: Acacia Evans

Andress wrapped up the night with her two biggest hits: the family-inspired, 2x Platinum-certified “More Hearts Than Mine,” which earned a booming crowd sing-along, and her bold, Gold-certified single “Lady Like.”

The audience soaked in every word and screamed their fair share along the way.

Zach Bryan Inks With WME [Exclusive]

Zach Bryan. Photo: Courtesy Zach Bryan

Rising country artist Zach Bryan has signed with WME for representation.

The Oklahoma native first came on the scene in 2019 with with debut album DeAnn, which was dedicated to his late mother. He followed the project with his sophomore collection, Elisabeth, which acted as an ode to those he loves. Bryan made his Grand Ole Opry debut in April of 2021 and has already earned a Gold certification for his breakthrough single “Heading South.”

Earlier this fall, Bryan hit the road on his “Ain’t For Tamin’ Tour.” Due to such positive reception from his dedicated fans, Bryan added an extra date at Billy Bob’s Texas in Fort Worth for Nov. 26 that is already sold out. The debut road run is on pace to sell over 40,000 tickets.

Bryan is also represented by Danny Kang, Chase Marine and David Jacobs.

Scotty McCreery’s ‘Five More Minutes’ Inspires New Hallmark Movie

Scotty McCreery’s heartwarming hit single “Five More Minutes” is the inspiration behind a brand new TV movie of the same name from Hallmark that will air Nov. 20 as part of their Miracles of Christmas celebration.

Written by Nikki Deloach and Megan McNulty, Five More Minutes stars Deloach and David Haydn-Jones as a woman’s Christmas wish is answered in unexpected ways when her late grandfather’s journal turns up and reveals an untold romance. McCreery serves as an Executive Producer on the new film, which airs at 9 p.m. CT on the Hallmark Movies & Mysteries channel.

Released as the first song from his Gold-certified album, Seasons Change, the 2x Platinum “Five More Minutes” reached No. 2 on the iTunes country singles chart and No. 9 on the iTunes all-genre singles chart when it was released in 2017, and debuted at No. 6 on the Billboard Country Digital Sales Chart. The chart-topping track was penned with Frank Rogers and Monty Criswell.

“It was a special day writing this one” recalls McCreery. “We all sat down, and at first, I was just talking about my granddaddy. I always believed in it and thought it was a story that everyone could relate to—I feel like everyone has these things that they go back to and wish they had more time. We worked on this song for three or four different days, and a lot changed, and it took a while, but I wanted it to be perfect.”

McCreery recently announced plans for his 2022 “Same Truck Tour” across the U.S., as well as four new dates in Germany and the Netherlands. For tickets and more information, click here.

Dustin Lynch & MacKenzie Porter Score CountryBreakout No. 1

Dustin Lynch and MacKenzie Porter jump to the top of the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart this week with their duet “Thinking ‘Bout You.” This is Porter’s first CountryBreakout No. 1 and Lynch’s third. Lynch is credited as a songwriter on the single alongside Andy Albert, Hunter Phelps, and Will Weatherly.

“Thinking ‘Bout You” tells the exciting and relatable tale of exes reconnecting via a phone conversation: “The chorus was a bit of a one-take, lyrically, for me,” Lynch tells MusicRow of the “Thinking ‘Bout You” writing session. “I was just name-checking places that people have ended up or I’ve done life at through the years. There’s definitely a personal connection to the lyric of the song.” Click here to read the full interview with Dustin Lynch.

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

Bridgestone Arena Nominated For 2021 ‘Pollstar’ Arena Of The Year

Bridgestone Arena

Bridgestone Arena has been nominated for Arena of the Year for 2021 by Pollstar Magazine. This is Bridgestone Arena’s 14th consecutive and 17th overall nomination for the award.

Pollstar‘s Arena of the Year award recognizes superior programming, effective promotion and marketing, quality production values and staff, an exemplary experience for fans and artists, and consistent box office success. Bridgestone Arena won the award in 2014 and 2017.

“We are extremely proud to have received our 14th consecutive Pollstar nomination for Arena of the Year, and we want to thank David Kells for his dedication to making Bridgestone Arena the best environment in the sports and entertainment industry for agents, managers, performers, promoters and fans,” says Arena President and CEO Sean Henry. “After a trying for a year and a half, we have been so honored to help bring live entertainment–one of the staples of what makes Smashville such a special place–back to our community. We want to thank our loyal fans for consistently displaying their passion and helping us earn the opportunity to be recognized for this prestigious award.”

Henry was also named to the VenuesNow All-Stars list for 2021, and Executive Vice President of Entertainment & Venues David Kells was nominated for Pollstar‘s Venue Executive of the Year.

“First and foremost, we want to thank our fans for helping us be nominated for this award,” says Kells. “This could not have happened without their unwavering support of all we do–their feedback and passion has made Bridgestone Arena a safe and unique venue to enjoy the best shows on tour. Additionally, we’d like to recognize the countless artists, managers, agents, promoters and crew members for their efforts to help bring live entertainment back to lower Broadway. To be included on the same list as so many other venues and industry executives is a true honor I am very thankful for.”

Bridgestone was nominated for Pollstar‘s Arena of the Decade in 2020 and ranked third in the world and the U.S. for ticket sales in the publication’s third quarter ticket sales report. Pollstar announced Bridgestone Arena’s ticket sales as 82,431, inclusive solely of show and concert tickets, and was ranked behind only Staples Center in Los Angeles and Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Keb’ Mo’, Caleb Lee Hutchinson, Olivia Evans

Keb’ Mo’. Photo: Jeremy Cowart

Nashville artists dominate this overview of current Americana recordings.

Admittedly, I’m mixing in some pop with this column, notably by durable Music City rocker Tommy Womack and new popster Olivia Evans. But there’s no denying the Americana bona fides of our own singer-songwriters Erin Enderlin, Gary Burr and Kent Blazy.

Nor those of our Disc of the Day winner, Keb’ Mo’, whose new album I eagerly await. The DISCovery Award goes to the majestic young alt-country vocalist, Caleb Lee Hutchinson, also a Nashvillian.

They’re all competing in a worthy field that also includes Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats, Single Girl Married Girl and Nathan Bell.

NATHANIEL RATELIFF & THE NIGHT SWEATS / “Survivor”
Writers: Nathaniel Rateliff/Sam Cohen/Patrick Meese; Producer: Brad Cook, RMB & Elijah Thompson; Label: Stax
–I was initially put off by this. The choppy tempo and oddball melody just didn’t seem to work with the horn blasts and riffs. But the more I listened, the more it grew on me. The stop-and-go vibe actually becomes quite addictive. As always, Rateliff puts his whole soul into the lead vocal.

OLIVIA EVANS / “Leave It Behind”
Writers: Nash Overstreet/Olivia Schelske/Shane Stevens; Producer: none listed; Label: Interstreet/Middle Gypsy
–Olivia is the daughter of country star Sara Evans, but the sound on her debut EP Level is pop all the way. Her vocal on this sweet-sad heartbreak ballad is a folkie soprano layered with enchanting stacked harmonies. Elsewhere on the CD, you’ll find thumpy rhythm tunes, R&B balladry and hip-hoppy tuneful bangers. Extremely promising.

KEB’ MO’ / “Lean On Me”
Writers: Bill Withers; Producer: Keb’ Mo’, Vince Gill & Tom Hambridge; Label: Rounder
–Nashville’s leading bluesman pays tribute to his buddy Bill Withers, whom we lost last year. Keb’ Mo’ takes this familiar refrain at a gentle, steady pace with a nicely shaded vocal embrace embellished by lovely gospel-quartet harmonies. It is drawn from his forthcoming (Jan. 21) album Good To Be, which will feature collaborations with Darius Rucker (”Good Strong Woman,” the set’s first video), Old Crow Medicine Show (”The Medicine Man”) and Broadway’s Kristin Chenoweth (”Quiet Moments”). Meanwhile, he has landed on Toby Keith’s new album with his song “Old Me Better.”

ERIN ENDERLIN / “If I’m Not In Hell”
Writers: Erin Enderlin/Kimberly Kelly/Kayla Ray; Producer: Erin Enderlin; Label: Black Crow
–As a songwriter, Enderlin has cuts by Alan Jackson (”Monday Morning Church”), Reba, Bill Anderson, Terri Clark, Lee Ann Womack (”Last Call”), Randy Travis, Rodney Crowell, Rhonda Vincent, Luke Bryan (”You Don’t Know Jack”) and more. As a record maker, she specializes in deeply etched portraits of honky-tonk pain. This hard-country ballad is super cool, telling the tale of a grieving woman who drinks away the pain while her life falls apart around her. What a line: “If I’m not in Hell, I’m headed that way.”

TOMMY WOMACK / “Pay It Forward”
Writers: Tommy Womack; Producer: Tommy Womack & Jonathan Bright; Label: Schoolkids
–Longtime Nashville rock hero Tommy Womack turns up the heat on his new CD I Thought I Was Fine. The set kicks off with this deep-twang, frothing track with Tommy’s droll, dry vocal contrasting with the driving tempo. I have loved him since his days in Government Cheese and The Bis-Quits in the ’90s. He’s survived cancer and a car crash and is still rocking splendidly, I am pleased to report. Buy this record.

CALEB LEE HUTCHINSON / “Slot Machine Syndrome”
Writers: Caleb Lee Hutchinson/Brent Cobb; Producer: Brent Cobb; Label: CLH
–This young Nashville singer-songwriter displays his wondrously deep, warm, country baritone on this swampy, twangy, melancholy honky-tonk ballad. It’s guaranteed to hook you and is the title tune of his new EP, which I heartily recommend.

GARY BURR / “Shout a Little Louder”
Writers: Gary Burr; Producer: Gary Burr; Label: GB
–Gary’s pal Ringo Starr plays drums on this track, but the real reason to listen is the songwriter’s passionate performance of the anti-war lyric. You’ll find the stately peacenik anthem on Gary’s self-penned and produced new CD Shout. He remains one of the coolest dudes in town. Ridiculously talented, too.

KENT BLAZY / “The Future Ain’t What It Used to Be”
Writers: Kent Blazy/Garth Brooks; Producer: none listed; Label: KB
–This new Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee has a CD appropriately titled Me & My Guitar. The stark, simple musical settings make the lyrics jump out at ya. Especially on this country lyric about an empty, hollow, haunted guy who lost his wife and home and now looks forward to nothing. Blazy’s tender, tremulous vocal quivers with sadness while acoustic guitars ripple around him.

SINGLE GIRL MARRIED GIRL / “Wreck Cut Loose”
Writers: Daniel Morosi; Producer: Tom Gardner; Label: SGMG
–This folk-pop band’s latest is titled Three Generations of Leaving because it is a song cycle about the trials and tribulations of a mother, daughter and granddaughter who deal with everything from insecurity to drug dependency. Although the album chronicles this in a semi-narrative fashion, the songs can also stand on their own. Lead vocalist Chelsea Coy carries this languid, mournful, mesmerizing track with minor-key organ and guitar accompaniment. Elsewhere, you’ll find girl-group harmonies, Appalachian banjo, a hillbilly waltz, jazzy chords and more.

NATHAN BELL / “Retread Cadillac”
Writers: Nathan Bell; Producer: Brian Brinkeroff & Frank Swart; Label: NeedtoKnow
–Bell is an intense showman who champions working people, takes Fascists to task, waves a BLM banner and honors truth in the political, poetic lyrics of his new collection Red, White and American Blues. Guest vocalists include Aubrie Sellers, Patty Griffin and Nashville’s supreme soul sister Regina McCrary. The last named is heard on this slow-burn ode about a Black ex-con who makes his bitter way through a new life on the road while blues guitars moan along. Gripping.

Bobby Karl Works The Room: Tyler Braden Previews ‘What Do They Know’ EP

Tyler Braden performing. Photo: Marisa Taylor

Chapter 649

New Warner singer-songwriter Tyler Braden is having A Moment.

Several of them, actually. The 2021 MusicRow DisCovery nominee (and previous DISClaimer “DisCovery” weekly winner) got engaged to photographer Marisa Taylor two weeks ago, staged his debut at the Bluebird Cafe on Tuesday (Nov. 16), staged his first band showcase on Wednesday (Nov. 17), heads out with Brantley Gilbert on his first national tour today (Nov. 18) and releases his debut EP on Friday (Nov. 19).

The showcase took place at the new event venue The Social Club near the Fairgrounds. It’s your basic cinder-block-and-cement-floor space, decorated with assorted mismatched frou-frou. Guests sampled from a delicious build-your-own-taco buffet. David Crow, Phyllis Stark, Shane Tarleton, Pete Olson, Sarah Beth Watson and Tyler’s mom Faith Braden from Slap-Out, Alabama were among those working the room.

Cris Lacy introduced Tyler, citing his 70 million streams and 15 million YouTube views. The former Nashville firefighter chatted amiably and sang his EP’s songs “Ways to Miss You,” “Secret,” “Better Off,” “What I See,” “Try Losing You” and “She Don’t Care.” The EP is titled WDTK, which stands for another showcased song, “What Do They Know.” The set also featured the band’s cover of The Goo Goo Dolls 1996 rock mega hit “Iris.” That’s not all. Breland (a 2021 MusicRow Next Big Thing honoree) joined Tyler onstage to perform their co-written “Did It For You.”

At one point, the whole band left the stage except for drummer Eric Schanye. Girlfriend Whitney Berkland joined him onstage. He got down on one knee and surprised her by proposing, offering her a big ol’ ring. She said yes. We all cheered.

Label boss John Esposito waxed enthusiastic following the showcase. He marveled that because of the pandemic, he is now signing artists, like Tyler, based on their prowess as solo performers. He’d never seen his artist perform with a band and was blown away. By the way, Tyler said he’d recruited most of his group from Lower Broadway’s honky-tonks, which are superb proving grounds for country musicians.

Tyler Braden’s Moments don’t end this week. On Jan. 8, 2022 he will have his debut on the Grand Ole Opry.

Justin Townes Earle Estate Partners With Exceleration Music

Justin Townes Earle. Photo: Joshua Black Wilkins

Exceleration Music has partnered with the estate of the late celebrated singer and songwriter Justin Townes Earle. The company, which invests in independent labels and artists to develop their legacies, has acquired the rights to Justin’s recordings between 2008 and 2012, including “Harlem River Blues,” “The Good Life,” and “Nothing’s Gonna Change the Way You Feel About Me Now.”

Justin tragically passed away from an accidental overdose in August of 2020. He is the son of acclaimed singer-songwriter Steve Earle.

Drawing on a range of genres throughout his career, Justin wrote songs that explored the darker side of the human experience, such as his complicated relationship with his family and problems with addiction. His songs of frailty, courage and redemption thrust him into the limelight as an emerging artist of the Americana movement during the 2000s and 2010s.

Exceleration partner Charles Caldas says: “I believe, as many of his fans do, that Justin Townes’ songs and recordings deserve much wider acclaim and recognition than he achieved in his lifetime. It is humbling to have this opportunity to work alongside his estate to ensure that his music continues to be discovered and celebrated, and most importantly to work to make sure that his extraordinary legacy as a songwriter and recording artist brings him the recognition he deserves.”

Founded by Caldas, Glen Barros, John Burk, Amy Dietz, and Dave Hansen, Exceleration’s deal with Justin’s estate joins a growing roster of investments and partnerships. The company recently announced its acquisition of Bloodshot Records and has also partnered with Alligator Records in Chicago which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. Exceleration has also acquired Candid Records and partnered with the Ray Charles Foundation.

“We are very excited to take on the next chapter with the great team at Exceleration Music,” shares Laurens Kusters, representative of the Justin Townes Earle estate. “After we lost Justin, we crafted a plan of how his legacy will be immortalized. Exceleration Music is a crucial addition to the team to make that happen.”

“I am truly touched by the appreciation that Exceleration Music has for Justin and am very much excited about combining forces with our collective visions to honor his legacy as a songwriter, husband and father to Etta,” adds Justin’s wife, Jennifer Earles.

Additionally, Steve Earle & The Dukes recently announced the lineup for a tribute show on Jan. 4, what would have been Justin’s 40th birthday. “A Celebration of Justin Townes Earle” will take place at Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium will feature performances from Justin’s catalog by Amanda Shires, Ben Nichols (Lucero), Buddy Miller, Dustin Welch, Elizabeth Cook, Emmylou Harris, Jason Isbell, Jessica Lea Mayfield, Joe Pug, Jon Langford, Lilly Hiatt, Lucinda Williams, Mike Ness and Jonny Two Bags of Social Distortion, Old Crow Medicine Show, Scotty Melton, Stacey Earle and Mark Stuart, Steve Earle & The Dukes, and Willy and Cody Braun.

Tickets will go on sale Friday, Nov. 19. This celebration will require proof of full COVID-19 vaccination or proof of a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours of the show.

Blake Shelton, Gwen Stefani, Mickey Guyton To Play Bud Light Super Bowl Music Fest

Blake Shelton, Gwen Stefani, and Mickey Guyton will be a part of the three-night lineup of performers for the upcoming 3rd annual Bud Light Super Bowl Music Fest. The event will take place from Feb. 10-12 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.

Thursday night kicks off with performances from both Halsey and Machine Gun Kelly as headliners, while Friday night will feature Shelton, Stefani, and Guyton. Saturday’s Super Bowl eve concert brings the power lineup of Green Day and Miley Cyrus to the stage.

“We’re absolutely thrilled that our Bud Light Super Bowl Music Fest is returning to bring passionate music and football fans’ never seen before performances,” says Lane Joyce, director of Experiential Marketing for Bud Light. “With this year’s festival taking place in the iconic Staples Center, we’re excited about the lineup of musicians we have brought together across various genres, and can’t wait to bring people in Los Angeles even more fun to what is already set to be a big weekend.”

“Bud Light Super Bowl Music Fest has quickly become one of the most anticipated fan events of the week. Three nights of incredible talent at an amazing venue in Los Angeles as the Super Bowl returns to the city for the first time in nearly 30 years will make this year’s music fest the most exciting ever,” adds NFL EVP of Club Business & Events, Peter O’Reilly.

Elvie Shane Plots ‘My Kinda Trouble Tour’ For 2022

Elvie Shane is launching his first-ever headlining run–the “My Kinda Trouble Tour”–on Feb. 17 in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Frank Ray will join him on the dates.

The multi-city tour will visit Chicago, Charlotte, Indianapolis, Cincinnati, Little Rock and more with a stop in Nashville on April 21 at the Basement East. Tickets will go on sale beginning this Friday, Nov. 19, at 10 a.m. local time at elvieshane.com.

“I’ve never been more ready to break the chains!” shares Shane. “Getting to go out on the road for my first headlining tour is something we’ve been plotting for a while, and feels like just the kinda trouble I could get into. I can’t wait to get out there and play this record live.”

The tour announcement follows the recent celebration of Shane’s hit single “My Boy” topping the charts at country radio and being certified Gold by the RIAA. The track is featured on Shane’s just-released debut full length album Backslider.

“My Kinda Trouble Tour” Dates: 
2/17/2022 Chattanooga, TN – The Signal
2/18/2022 Charlotte, NC – Coyote Joe’s
2/19/2022 Greenville, SC – The Blind Horse
3/11/2022 Indianapolis, IN – 8 Seconds Saloon*
3/12/2022 Louisville, KY – Mercury Ballroom
3/24/2022 Cincinnati, OH – Bogarts
3/25/2022 Lexington, KY – Manchester Music Hall
3/26/2022 Warrendale, PA – Jergels
3/31/2022 Chicago, IL – Joe’s Bar
4/1/2022 Springfield, IL – Boondocks
4/14/2022 Little Rock, AR – Little Rock Music Hall
4/15/2022 Birmingham, AL – Zydeco
4/16/2022 Macon, GA – The Crazy Bull
4/21/2022 Nashville, TN – The Basement East
*On sale starts on 11/23