Carly Pearce’s Hometown Of Taylor, Kentucky To Honor The Rising Vocalist
Carly Pearce. Photo: Allister Ann
Newest Grand Ole Opry member Carly Pearce will return to her hometown of Taylor, Kentucky, on Sept. 2 to be honored for her many career accolades earned over the past few years.
Along with Mayor Dan Bell and city commission, Pearce will be welcomed with a special ceremony and signage honoring the local dreamer turned rising country star. Later in the evening Pearce will head to the Ovation Music Pavilion in Newport as support for Lady A’s What A Song Can Do Tour.
The CMA and double ACM Awards winner most recently celebrated 2X Platinum certification of “I Hope You’re Happy Now,” her No. 1 duet with Lee Brice. Her upcoming 15-song project, 29: Written In Stone, is due Sept. 17 on Big Machine Records.
Jim Reilley Joins Plowboy Records As Operations Director
Jim Reilley
Plowboy Records has added industry and creative veteran Jim Reilley as Operations Director. Reilley brings a wealth of knowledge and talent to the imprint and will fill the role left by the passing of the label’s beloved Ben Ewing.
As an artist, Reilley co-founded the revered group The New Dylans in 1986, and as a songwriter—with a stint at Curb Music Publishing—he secured cuts by Vince Gill, Sam Bush, Hal Ketchum, Tim O’Brien, Jack Ingram, and others. He also played bass on numerous recording projects for various artists, most notably Sheryl Crow while helming production on over 40 projects, including several Kerrville and Merlefest award winners. Currently, Reilley is a member of the experimental jazz outfit The Birdwatcher Experiment with Jerry Oliver and a rotating cast that includes Shannon Pollard and Cheetah Chrome of The Dead Boys.
“Jim has had a long and successful career in this business, and he brings a lifetime of experience from the creative side as well,” notes Plowboy Records’ President and co-founder Pollard. “He knows what it takes to put together deals and how to manage a variety of projects. He speaks the language of a musician, but he also speaks ‘industry’ and that is so important to our future.”
“If Shannon and I can realize our vision for Plowboy and become a label in the mold of a classic ‘60s Electra/Asylum, Rounder, Blue Note, Sub Pop, Creation, Dischord or Stax/Volt, especially in this current economic climate, I will consider that an enormous success,” says Reilley. “I’m still excited by and in love with music and am honored Shannon has given me this opportunity.”
Tennessee Bluegrass Band Signs With Billy Blue Records
Pictured (L-R) Aynsley Porchak (fiddle), Lincoln Hensley (banjo), Tim Laughlin (mandolin and vocals), Jerry Salley (Creative and A&R Director, Billy Blue Records), Gracie Meador (bass and vocals), and John Meador (guitar and vocals).
Tennessee Bluegrass Band has signed with Nashville’s Billy Blue Records. Recently formed, the band is comprised of Aynsley Porchak, Lincoln Hensley, John Meador, Tim Laughlin, and Gracie Meador.
“They captured my attention with the very first note from John Meador’s mouth,” says Jerry Salley, Creative and A&R Director, Billy Blue Records. “Tennessee Bluegrass Band had its choice of record labels. They chose Billy Blue, and our team is honored to work with them. We’re excited about their future, and together, we look forward to releasing a stellar debut album very soon!”
“This is a group that I’m very pleased to be a part of,” Porchak says. “With the combination of powerful vocals and exciting instrumental arrangements, the band is formed with powerhouse musicians who have undeniable artistic chemistry. It’s an honor and a privilege to make music with these people, and we’re excited to share our spin on traditional bluegrass, something we like to call, ‘the future of the past!’”
The group is making plans for a debut album for release in early 2022.
Muscadine Bloodline Announce “Dyin’ For A Livin'” Tour
/by Lorie HollabaughMuscadine Bloodline. Photo: Wales Toney
Country duo Muscadine Bloodline announced their new single “Dyin’ For a Livin”’ and the accompanying “Dyin’ For a Livin’ Tour” today.
Tickets for the fall tour dates go on sale this Friday, Aug. 20 and the tour will kick off in Charlottesville, Virginia on Sept. 25. The country duo will visit cities through the end of the year from D.C. to Utah and Mississippi to South Dakota on the trek, which runs through Dec. 18 and wraps with a show at Joe’s On Weed Street in Chicago.
“We are having a blast on the road and are excited to continue playing shows this fall! We are excited to play some bigger venues along with clubs, which are our favorite because most of our music calls for an intimate setting. It’s been so great to share what we’ve been working on with music lovers night after night,” says Muscadine Bloodline.
Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats Look To ‘The Future’ This November
/by Lorie HollabaughNathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats. Photo: Rett Rogers
Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats are preparing for the release of their third studio album, The Future, set for Nov. 5 via Stax Records. The Future’s lead single, “Survivor,” is available everywhere now.
For the recording, the band escaped to Rateliff’s new Colorado Broken Creek studio to write an album’s worth of songs. The Future looks to shed light on their unique observations while reflecting on our current times. The group is composed of Rateliff (vocals, guitar), Joseph Pope III (bass), Patrick Meese (drums, percussion, keys), Luke Mossman (guitar), Mark Shusterman (organ, keys), Andreas Wild (saxophone), Daniel Hardaway (trumpet) and Jeff Dazey (saxophone).
“I look at the album overall as a big question,” notes Rateliff. “When I was writing the record we were in the middle of a pandemic and our future looked pretty bleak. I just continue to try to write from a place of hope. Then my own neurosis, and maybe being a libra gets in the way, and I can’t make up my mind. There is this constant back and forth battle in me personally and I am sure that comes out in my writing.”
The band’s self-titled debut album is now certified Gold in the U.S. and has sold over a million records worldwide. Their sophomore album, Tearing at the Seams, debuted in March 2018 to widespread critical acclaim and included three singles which hit No. 1 at Triple A radio.
Last year, Rateliff released his first solo album in seven years, And It’s Still Alright, which peaked at No. 3 on iTunes’ Top Albums chart, debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Americana/Folk chart, landed at No. 2 on their Current Rock chart, and resided at No. 1 on the Americana Albums Chart for eight consecutive weeks.
The Future Track List:
1. The Future
2. Survivor
3. Face Down In The Moment
4. Something Ain’t Right
5. Love Me Till I’m Gone
6. Baby I Got Your Number
7. What If I
8. I’m On Your Side
9. So Put Out
10. Oh, I
11. Love Don’t
Tune In to Learn The 2021 MusicRow Awards Winners Tomorrow
/by LB CantrellMusicRow will reveal the industry-voted winners of the 33rd annual MusicRow Awards in a series of videos on all MusicRow online platforms, including Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, starting at 9:00 a.m. TOMORROW (Aug. 19).
MusicRow Awards Schedule of Announcements:
9:00 a.m.: Top 10 Album All-Star Musicians Awards
9:30 a.m.: Producer of the Year
10:00 a.m.: Label Group of the Year
10:30 a.m.: Agency of the Year
11:00 a.m.: Breakthrough Songwriter of the Year
11:30 a.m.: Breakthrough Artist-Writer of the Year
12:00 p.m.: Male Songwriter of the Year
12:30 p.m.: Female Songwriter of the Year
1:00 p.m.: Song of the Year
1:30 p.m.: Discovery Artist of the Year
2:00 p.m.: Breakthrough Artist of the Year
2:30 p.m.: Artist of the Year
Presenting Sponsor of the 2021 MusicRow Awards is City National Bank.
Click here to read about the nominees up for each category. The nominees are also profiled in the recently released MusicRow Awards print issue.
The Top 10 Album All-Star Musicians Awards will also be announced on Aug. 19, recognizing the industry’s most in-demand studio players for Bass, Drums, Engineer, Fiddle, Guitar, Keyboards, Steel, and Vocals.
Nominees Announced For 2021 CMA International Awards
/by Lydia FarthingThe nominees for the 2021 CMA International Awards, which honor artists and industry executives who have supported and impacted the growth and promotion of country music in the international marketplace, have been announced. These awards are recognized in multiple categories and voted on by international members.
In addition to the five existing CMA International Award categories, CMA has also added the Rob Potts International Live Music Advancement Award this year. Named after the late Australian promoter, this award recognizes outstanding achievements by an individual who has made important contributions to the live music industry by extending performance opportunities and building live audiences for country music outside of the United States. Promoters, booking agents, talent buyers, festival and venue bookers, and other live music industry professionals are eligible to receive this award.
“We are delighted to honor those in the industry who have been instrumental in carrying country music forward into territories outside of the United States as this year’s CMA International Awards nominees,” says Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer. “And we are especially thrilled to be adding a new award to the slate this year recognizing those specifically in the live music industry cultivating and growing country music’s reach. A true pioneer in the genre, few people exemplified this more than Rob Potts. He was a driving force in our efforts to expand country music internationally, and I am excited we are able to honor those following in Rob’s footsteps.”
2021 CMA International Awards Nominees:
Rob Potts International Live Music Advancement Award
Recognizes outstanding achievements by an individual who has made important contributions to the live music industry by extending performance opportunities and building live audiences for country music outside of the United States.
Michael Chugg (Australia – Chugg Entertainment and Chugg Music)
Sina Hall (Germany – Semmel Concerts Entertainment GmbH)
Nigel Hassler (U.K. – CAA)
Sigve Prestnes (Norway – Stageway Talent)
Troy Vollhoffer (Canada – Premier Global Production, Country Thunder Music Festivals and Big Valley Jamboree)
Jo Walker Meador International Award
Recognizes outstanding achievement by an individual in advocating and supporting country music’s marketing development in territories outside the United States.
Ilse DeLange (The Netherlands – Artist, founder of Spark Records, Firefly Publishing and Tuckerville Festival)
Tracy Martin (Canada – The Core Entertainment)
Natalie Waller (Australia – ABC Music and Events)
Chris York (U.K.– SJM Concerts, Country to Country Festival U.K.)
Wesley Rose International Media Achievement Award
Recognizes outstanding achievements in the media as they relate to country music outside of the United States.
Mathias Bridfelt (Sweden – SVT)
Saniel Marriner (Australia – CMT Australia)
Ricky Marshall (U.K.– BBC Radio 2)
Charlotte Thompson (Canada – Red Umbrella P.R.)
International Artist Achievement Award
Recognizes outstanding achievement by a United States-based artist who has demonstrated the most significant creative growth, development and promotion of the country music industry outside of the United States during the eligibility period.
Brothers Osborne
Luke Combs
Dan + Shay
Maren Morris
Yola
International Country Broadcaster Award
Recognizes outstanding achievement by a radio broadcaster or syndicated radio reporter outside the United States who has made important contributions for the development of country music in their country.
Dayna Bourgoin (Canada – Pure Country Radio/Bell Media)
Rita Jernquist (Sweden – Sveriges Radio P4)
Baylen Leonard (U.K. – Absolute Radio Country/Bauer Radio Limited)
Justin Thomson (Australia – KIX Country/Grant Broadcasters)
Jeff Walker Global Country Artist Award
Recognizes outstanding achievements by a country music artist signed outside of the United States. The artist must have furthered the popularity of country music as well as brought attention to the format in their foreign based territory.
Jill Johnson (Sweden)
Brett Kissel (Canada)
The Shires (U.K.)
The Wolfe Brothers (Australia)
Industry Ink: Carly Pearce, Plowboy Records, Tennessee Bluegrass Band
/by Lydia FarthingCarly Pearce’s Hometown Of Taylor, Kentucky To Honor The Rising Vocalist
Carly Pearce. Photo: Allister Ann
Newest Grand Ole Opry member Carly Pearce will return to her hometown of Taylor, Kentucky, on Sept. 2 to be honored for her many career accolades earned over the past few years.
Along with Mayor Dan Bell and city commission, Pearce will be welcomed with a special ceremony and signage honoring the local dreamer turned rising country star. Later in the evening Pearce will head to the Ovation Music Pavilion in Newport as support for Lady A’s What A Song Can Do Tour.
The CMA and double ACM Awards winner most recently celebrated 2X Platinum certification of “I Hope You’re Happy Now,” her No. 1 duet with Lee Brice. Her upcoming 15-song project, 29: Written In Stone, is due Sept. 17 on Big Machine Records.
Jim Reilley Joins Plowboy Records As Operations Director
Jim Reilley
Plowboy Records has added industry and creative veteran Jim Reilley as Operations Director. Reilley brings a wealth of knowledge and talent to the imprint and will fill the role left by the passing of the label’s beloved Ben Ewing.
As an artist, Reilley co-founded the revered group The New Dylans in 1986, and as a songwriter—with a stint at Curb Music Publishing—he secured cuts by Vince Gill, Sam Bush, Hal Ketchum, Tim O’Brien, Jack Ingram, and others. He also played bass on numerous recording projects for various artists, most notably Sheryl Crow while helming production on over 40 projects, including several Kerrville and Merlefest award winners. Currently, Reilley is a member of the experimental jazz outfit The Birdwatcher Experiment with Jerry Oliver and a rotating cast that includes Shannon Pollard and Cheetah Chrome of The Dead Boys.
“Jim has had a long and successful career in this business, and he brings a lifetime of experience from the creative side as well,” notes Plowboy Records’ President and co-founder Pollard. “He knows what it takes to put together deals and how to manage a variety of projects. He speaks the language of a musician, but he also speaks ‘industry’ and that is so important to our future.”
“If Shannon and I can realize our vision for Plowboy and become a label in the mold of a classic ‘60s Electra/Asylum, Rounder, Blue Note, Sub Pop, Creation, Dischord or Stax/Volt, especially in this current economic climate, I will consider that an enormous success,” says Reilley. “I’m still excited by and in love with music and am honored Shannon has given me this opportunity.”
Tennessee Bluegrass Band Signs With Billy Blue Records
Pictured (L-R) Aynsley Porchak (fiddle), Lincoln Hensley (banjo), Tim Laughlin (mandolin and vocals), Jerry Salley (Creative and A&R Director, Billy Blue Records), Gracie Meador (bass and vocals), and John Meador (guitar and vocals).
Tennessee Bluegrass Band has signed with Nashville’s Billy Blue Records. Recently formed, the band is comprised of Aynsley Porchak, Lincoln Hensley, John Meador, Tim Laughlin, and Gracie Meador.
“They captured my attention with the very first note from John Meador’s mouth,” says Jerry Salley, Creative and A&R Director, Billy Blue Records. “Tennessee Bluegrass Band had its choice of record labels. They chose Billy Blue, and our team is honored to work with them. We’re excited about their future, and together, we look forward to releasing a stellar debut album very soon!”
“This is a group that I’m very pleased to be a part of,” Porchak says. “With the combination of powerful vocals and exciting instrumental arrangements, the band is formed with powerhouse musicians who have undeniable artistic chemistry. It’s an honor and a privilege to make music with these people, and we’re excited to share our spin on traditional bluegrass, something we like to call, ‘the future of the past!’”
The group is making plans for a debut album for release in early 2022.
Hannah Dasher Announces Plans To Crash The Party With Upcoming Tailgate Tour
/by Lydia FarthingHannah Dasher. Photo: Kylie Rebecca
Sony Music Nashville’s Hannah Dasher will be crashing your favorite pre-show parking lot tailgates for concerts by Eric Church and Brothers Osborne with the You’re Gonna Love Me Tailgate Tour.
The Fender Next Artist and 2021 CMT Next Women of Country member will be performing a free southern-rock and soul-infused set during parking lot tailgates. Among the upcoming stops are Metro Credit Union Amphitheater in Charlotte, N.C., Rupp Arena in Lexington, and Nationwide Arena in Ohio.
This past July, Dasher made her major label debut with The Half Record, a collection of songs that showcase her unfiltered lyrical honesty and the heavy-hooked songs that have earned her the nickname “Hannah Damn Dasher.”
Dasher will also be performing solo shows in Atlanta, Nashville, and the Southeast throughout the fall.
The Grand Ole Opry Sets The Stage To Celebrate 5,000 Broadcasts
/by Lydia FarthingThe Grand Ole Opry, the world’s longest-running radio show, will mark its historic 5,000th Saturday night broadcast on Oct. 30, 2021. To commemorate the impressive milestone, the Grand Ole Opry will host a month of celebrations, a limited-time exhibit, and a star-studded night of performances on the iconic Opry stage.
WSM began to air the show that would become the Grand Ole Opry in 1925 as a radio show before expanding to television and eventually digital streaming platforms. It has continued to produce original shows for 5,000 Saturday nights through the Great Depression, World War II, two Nashville floods and, most recently, the global COVID-19 pandemic. In March 2020, when music venues shuttered around the world, the Opry continued airing under strict health and safety protocols through its weekly 650 AM WSM and SiriusXM radio broadcasts. Simultaneously, Opry Live was launched on Circle, bringing comfort to millions of fans around the world and quickly becoming the television network’s landmark series.
“For 5,000 Saturday nights, the Opry has stood as a beacon not just for generations of listeners seeking top-notch entertainment, but for artists with big dreams and even bigger talent,” shares Scott Bailey, President of Opry Entertainment Group. “This stage has witnessed some of the most iconic moments in country music – debuts, duets, and everything in between – and it deserves celebrating. We’re excited for country music fans around the world to be able to join us for this historic occasion.”
The Grand Ole Opry will host a special evening of music on Oct. 30 with performances from Bill Anderson, Terri Clark, Vince Gill, Chris Janson, Jeannie Seely, Connie Smith, The Gatlin Brothers and Chris Young, with more artists to be announced. The ticketed show will be available to stream live on Circle.
Opry Memories: Celebrating 5,000 Saturday Night Broadcasts Exhibit
Today (Aug. 17), the Opry also opened a limited-time exhibit at the Acuff House, Opry Memories: Celebrating 5,000 Saturday Night Broadcasts. The exhibit takes guests on a journey through the inception of WSM-AM radio and the first Grand Ole Opry broadcasts while also covering special moments from milestone broadcast eras of 1,000 broadcasts to present day. The exhibit will feature artifacts and photos from current Grand Ole Opry members including Luke Combs, Dolly Parton, Carly Pearce, Trisha Yearwood, and many others, as well as items from some of the Opry’s earliest stars including Roy Acuff, DeFord Bailey, Minnie Pearl, and more.
To purchase tickets for the 5,000th celebration show on Oct. 30 or to the Grand Ole Opry tour featuring Opry Memories, click here.
IBMA World Of Bluegrass 2021 To Enforce Vaccination, Mask Requirement
/by Lydia FarthingWith the resurgence of COVID-19, IBMA World of Bluegrass 2021, taking place in Raleigh, North Carolina from Sept. 28-Oct. 2, has updated its health and safety protocol requirements for attendees.
This year, attendance and participation in all registered and ticketed activities will now require proof of vaccination, including the IBMA Business Conference, the IBMA Bluegrass Ramble showcase series, the 32nd Annual IBMA Bluegrass Music Awards presented by Yamaha, and the main stage at the Red Hat Amphitheater for IBMA Bluegrass Live! powered by PNC. After showing proof of vaccination upon check-in to the event, participants will be issued a wristband that must be worn at all events.
In addition to the changes approved by the IBMA Board, the mayor of Raleigh, NC, issued an emergency proclamation on Aug. 13 requiring people to wear masks, regardless of vaccination status, in indoor public spaces and businesses. Because of this, masks will also be required for all indoor activities featured during World of Bluegrass.
“As live bluegrass music begins to re-emerge, our emphasis on a safe return cannot be understated,” shares Mike Simpson, IBMA’s Board Chair. “We have been closely monitoring safety guidelines, and in the interest of everyone’s safety, our Board of Directors has taken the unanimous position that participation in this year’s World of Bluegrass begins and ends with safety–requiring proof of vaccination and indoor mask wearing. I am pleased to say that our discussions were strikingly non-political and focused purely on the best safety measures that we could take for all involved.”
“Our internal surveys–conducted in both March and July–found that more than 90% of respondents planning to attend this year’s World of Bluegrass also planned to be fully vaccinated before getting to Raleigh,” explains Pat Morris, IBMA’s Executive Director. “We have been working diligently with our partners in Raleigh to bring the community together for an unmatched bluegrass experience in a safe environment, and the health and safety of our attendees is our number one priority. Some of the changes we have already made include planning for less crowding in the Raleigh Convention Center and Red Hat Amphitheater; streamlined scheduling, larger conference session spaces, and careful consideration of bottleneck areas.”
For those not able to attend in person, there will also be an option to stream select content throughout the week on Swapcard. All virtual attendees will have access to the virtual exhibit hall, conference sessions, and music performances. Details for virtual tickets will be announced in the coming weeks.
IBMA and the city of Raleigh will continue to analyze, update, and adjust health and safety measures for all aspects of IBMA World of Bluegrass over the coming weeks. Anyone who has already purchased registration or tickets but prefers not to participate in the updated health protocols for the 2021 event will be eligible for a refund by visiting the IBMA website.
IBMA World of Bluegrass joins a plethora of other events, businesses, and venues who have enforced similar COVID-19 protocols over recent weeks, including Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival, Bonnaroo, Summerfest, Live Nation, AEG Presents, and many more. For more information about COVID-19, the Delta variant, and vaccinations, click here.
Nelly, Kane Brown, FGL, Blanco Brown, Breland To Star In New ‘CMT Crossroads’
/by Lorie HollabaughNelly is teaming up with some of his longtime friends and collaborators in country music for an upcoming CMT Crossroads episode. The genre-bending artist will be joined by Florida Georgia Line, Kane Brown, Blanco Brown and Breland on the upcoming episode, which will premiere Wednesday, Sept. 1 at 9 p.m. CT, exclusively on CMT.
Nelly is making his Crossroads debut as the series’ first hip hop headliner. The 60-minute CMT Crossroads: Nelly & Friends special will feature new music from Nelly’s new country-inspired Heartland project alongside high-energy performances of his biggest chart-topping hits, including a few surprises celebrating the 20th anniversary of Country Grammar. The show also marks first-time Crossroads appearances from Kane Brown, Blanco Brown and Breland while FGL returns to the Crossroads stage after teaming up with Backstreet Boys in 2017.
“I’m excited to celebrate my music with my friends and fellow artists on Crossroads! When people talk about me crossing lines and genres, I think about it more that music brings folks together,” Nelly shares.
Later this month, Nelly is slated to drop Heartland. He recently released his second single from the album, “High Horse” featuring Blanco Brown and Breland, plus teased a new song with “Cool Again” collaborator Kane Brown. The EP’s first single, “Lil Bit” with Florida Georgia Line was just awarded RIAA Platinum certification and follows their Diamond collaboration “Cruise.”
Publicist Darlene Bieber Announces Retirement
/by Lorie HollabaughDarlene Bieber
Darlene Bieber of Bieber Public Relations has announced she will be retiring, effective Sept. 1.
Prior to opening her own company, Bieber was formerly with Schmidt Relations and Starstruck Entertainment, and worked with many stars over the years including Alan Jackson, Blake Shelton, Carrie Underwood, the Grand Ole Opry, Montgomery Gentry, Rascal Flatts, Reba McEntire and many more.
Bieber has handled publicity for Brad Paisley since 2005, and since the inception of her company in 2014 has worked exclusively with Paisley. Her retirement after nearly 30 years as publicist will commence Sept. 1. Paisley will transition to Schmidt Relations for publicity.
Reach Bieber with good wishes at darlene@bieberpr.com.