NSAI To Shift 2021 Nashville Songwriter Awards To Digital Format

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Due to growing concerns surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, the Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) has announced that the 2021 Nashville Songwriter Awards will be shifted to a virtual format, forgoing the previously announced in-person private event.

The 4th annual awards, presented by City National Bank, will continue to take place Sept. 14, 2021.

The Nashville Songwriter Awards honors the Song, Songwriter, and Songwriter-Artist of the Year, the Songwriter and Songwriter-Artist of the Decade (2010-2019), as well as the ’10 Songs I Wish I’d Written,’ awards, given to the top voted songs chosen by fellow professional songwriters as exceptional songs they wish they had penned.

Information regarding how to watch the awards will be announced in the coming weeks.

Indie Nashville Venues Band Together To Enforce COVID Entry Requirements

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Exit/In

Last week the 5 Spot and City Winery were among the first independent Nashville venues to announce new COVID-19 entry protocols. These new protocols, which have begun to pop up widely around the country, require patrons to provide either proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test obtained within 48-72 hours of entering the venue or event.

Yesterday (Aug. 10) a wave of new venues and event organizers banded together through the movement #Keep615Live, announcing similar requirements that are set to go into effect over the next week. Among the growing list of independent venues that have adopted these new COVID protocols are the Bluebird Cafe, Exit/In, 3rd & Lindsley, the Basement, the Basement East, the End, the East Room, and the Cannery Complex–the Cannery Ballroom, Mercy Lounge, and the High Watt.

“We love music. We believe in science. Please get vaccinated. Yes, it’s a personal choice, just like holding the door for someone behind you, saying thank you, picking up after your dog, tipping your bartender, and being a decent person who cares about others,” Exit/In shared with patrons on their website. “To enter our establishments, you are required to provide proof that you are fully vaccinated, or proof of a negative COVID-19 test that was administered by or under the supervision of a healthcare provider within 48 hours of the date on which you are attending a show at Exit/In.

 

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Other venues took to social media to share the news to fans, including the Basement and Basement East saying, “The health and safety of fans, artists and staff are paramount to The Basement & The Basement East anytime but especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.⁠.. We will continually assess the information and recommendations provided by the CDC and update our policy as needed.”

The Bluebird Cafe joined the folds as well saying, “We are joining many other local venues in making the health and safety of our staff, songwriters and customers our highest priority. Below you will find a summary of actions we are taking to help ensure we are lowering the risk for spreading COVID-19 as much as possible.”

Over the last week, other events and entertainment companies have made similar announcements, including the three-day outdoor music and arts Bonnaroo festival and Live Nation, which said it will allow artists to mandate their own shows as they see fit.

Tennessee currently has one of the lowest rates of fully vaccinated populations at only 39.7%, placing the state at No. 42 overall, according to the Mayo Clinic. For more information about COVID-19 and how to receive a vaccine, click here.

Dolly Parton & Author James Patterson Coauthor A Novel, Parton To Release Coinciding Album

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Dolly Parton. Photo: Rob Hoffman

Beloved entertainment icon Dolly Parton and bestselling author James Patterson will publish a novel they wrote together, it was announced today (Aug. 11) by publisher Little, Brown and Company.

Set in Nashville, the novel titled Run, Rose, Run is about a young woman who moves to Music City to chase her music-making dreams. Fleeing from her past and fueled by a brutal secret, the protagonist is reaching out to control her future.

The first novel Parton has ever written, Run, Rose, Run will be published on March 7, 2022. Parton will simultaneously release an album of the same name, consisting of twelve original songs she was inspired by the book to write, record, and produce. The lyrics to the songs are found in the novel.

Parton says, “I cannot be more excited about the release of my very first novel Run Rose Run with the great James Patterson. I also have a new album to go along with the book. All new songs were written based on the characters and situations in the book. I hope you enjoy the book and the songs as much as we’ve enjoyed putting it all together!”

The album, coproduced by Richard Dennison and Tom Rutledge, will likewise be released in March 2022 on her own Butterfly Records in partnership with another record label that has yet to be determined.

“It’s been an honor—and a hell of a lot of fun—to work with the inimitable Dolly Parton, whom I’ve long admired for her music, her storytelling, and her enormous generosity. The mind-blowing thing about this project is that reading the novel is enhanced by listening to the album and vice versa. It’s a really unique experience that I know readers (and listeners) will love,” adds Patterson.

The Isaacs To Become Newest Grand Ole Opry Members

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Becky, Lily, Sonya, Ricky Skaggs, Ben of The Isaacs . Photo: Chris Hollo

The Dove Award-winning gospel group The Isaacs were surprised on stage at the Grand Ole Opry last night (Aug. 10) by Opry member Ricky Skaggs with an invitation to officially become Opry members. The group will formally be inducted into the Opry family on Tuesday, Sept. 14.

Isaacs members Becky, Ben, Lily, and Sonya were marking the release of their new album The American Face when Skaggs approached them on stage with framed artwork of the album. Reading an inscription in the framed material, Skaggs said, “Presented to the Isaacs on August 10, 2021 to Commemorate the Release of the New Album The American Face and to Celebrate Your Invitation to Become Official Members of the Grand Ole Opry.” Then he followed with, “Do you say yes?”

“The Isaacs are musical treasures. They are family,” says Opry Vice President and Executive Producer Dan Rogers. “I think, ‘man, is our audience lucky tonight’ every single time they take our stage. We’re honored they love the Opry like they do, and I am excited about the prospect of them delivering their powerful songs from the Opry circle for years to come.”

SoundExchange Expands Corporate Affairs Group With New VPs

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Barry LeVine & Stephanie Werner

Stephanie Werner has been appointed Vice President, Brand Marketing and Industry Engagement at SoundExchange. Additionally, Barry LeVine will become Vice President, Marketing and Entertainment Partnerships at the company, and both will form part of the company’s newly-expanded corporate affairs group in New York and will report to Esther-Mireya Tejeda, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer.

Werner has over 25 years of industry experience, including serving as Vice President, Head of Global Marketing at Global Citizen, Executive Director for VH1 Save The Music Foundation, and Vice President of Consumer Marketing and Music Marketing for VH1 and LOGO. Werner built VH1’s Music Marketing and Partnership group, developing long-term relationships with brands such as Starbucks, Six Flags, Norwegian Cruise Lines, Club Med and SXSW. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Communications from the University at Albany and an MBA in Marketing from St. John’s University.

As part of the company’s expanded capabilities, Tejeda is introducing Marketing and Entertainment Partnerships as a new discipline to be headed by veteran industry executive Barry LeVine. LeVine will transition from his current post as Vice President, Industry Relations into his new role, building strategic brand relationships and fostering alliances that strengthen SoundExchange’s suite of offerings for creators and advance SoundExchange brand initiatives and impact across tech, music, and entertainment.

“SoundExchange is hard at work building innovative technology systems, growing our suite of fintech services and expanding our data capabilities to make the business of music more simple, efficient, and fair,” explains Tejeda. “It’s an exciting time to redefine our corporate affairs group with best-in-class industry leaders as we level-up to meet and surpass the demands of a digital-first ecosystem.”

Midland Delves Into Country’s Most Interesting Myths & Legends In New Podcast

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Midland is ready to set the record straight on some of country music’s most curious stories on their new Amazon Music podcast, Set it Straight: Myths and Legends. The trio’s newest project will premiere every Wednesday starting Aug. 25 as they explore country’s tall tales and legends, and separate fact from fiction to uncover the truth behind some of country’s most infamous stories.

The season premiere will feature Garth Brooks as he joins Midland to unpack what really happened at the 1996 Fan Fair during his marathon meet-and-greet. Other upcoming guests that will help the boys dig into other wild country lore include Martina McBride, Darius Rucker, Wynonna Judd. To listen to the series trailer, click here.

“Set It Straight: Myths and Legends is a chance for us to dive into the fascinating folklore and fables in and around country music and gives us an excuse to hang and informally chat with some of our biggest musical and artistic heroes,” says Midland lead vocalist Mark Wystrach.

Bass player and vocalist Cameron Duddy adds, “This is a real-life country Cinderella story: Martina McBride went from selling merch for Garth Brooks to opening for Garth Brooks seemingly overnight. Is it true? We had to talk to the legend herself to find out.”

Midland will also return to the road this fall on the Last Resort Tour which will kick off Oct. 7 in Phoenix with special guest Hailey Whitters.

Cody Johnson Makes Silver Screen Debut With New Documentary

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Pictured (L-R): Cris Lacy (EVP A&R, Warner Music Nashville), Ben Kline (EVP/General Manager, Warner Music Nashville), Reba McEntire, Cody Johnson, John Esposito (Chairman & CEO, Warner Music Nashville), Howie Edelman (Manager, Durango Artist Management), Shaun Silva (Director, Dear Rodeo: The Cody Johnson Story), Shane Tarleton (SVP Artist Development, Warner Music Nashville), Mike Dupree (VP Creative Director, Warner Music Nashville). Photo: Alan Poizner

CoJo Music/Warner Music Nashville Platinum recording artist Cody Johnson made his debut on the silver screen at the Nashville premiere of his autobiographical documentary Dear Rodeo: The Cody Johnson Story today (Aug. 10).

Due to popular demand, 25 new cinemas and 30+ showings were added for a total of 239 theaters across the country sharing Johnson’s real-life journey from the dusty rodeo arenas of rural Texas to some of the biggest musical stages in America. With guest appearances by Reba McEntire, Navy Seal Chris Kyle’s widow Taya (Kyle), Houston Ranch’s James Barton, along with Johnson’s wife Brandi (Johnson), his producer Trent Willmon, his pastor Randy Weaver and his high school teachers, Johnson opens up about how his years on the rodeo circuit fortuitously prepared him for his life as a country star.

Every emotion Johnson felt over the past 20 years—whether he was standing in the back of the chute at the rodeo or singing about it in front of 75,000 fans—is captured in the film, with all the highs and lows that come from the dreams you cling to and the dreams you ultimately let go.

Screenings of the film begin this evening in select theaters nationwide through Sunday, Aug. 15. To purchase tickets, click here.

Yola Announces Stand 4 Myself Tour Kicking Off Spring 2022

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Grammy-nominated recording artist Yola will hit the road in early spring on her headlining Stand 4 Myself tour. The upcoming run will take her through venues across the US, including two nights at Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium, Chicago’s Thalia Hall, Atlanta’s The Eastern, Birmingham’s Saturn and more. Tickets go on sale on Friday, Aug. 13 at 10 a.m. local time.

Yola released her critically acclaimed debut album, Walk Through Fire, in February 2019. Nine months later, she achieved breakout success, hailed as a Black British genre-fluid rising artist, landing four Grammy nominations, including Best New Artist. Her anthemic new Dan Auerbach-produced album, Stand for Myself, was released July 30. The project traces a musical thread to Yola’s musical inspirations, and declares that it’s only when we stand for ourselves and acknowledge our complexity that we can be truly alive.

“Considering how much fun we’ve had playing Stand For Myself live on these returning summer shows, I cannot wait to get out on the road in February and see all of your beautiful faces as we play songs from this record and more,” Yola shares of the upcoming tour.

The new tour announcement comes after a successful run of performances at Newport Folk and Newport Jazz as well as a knockout performance as she made her Red Rocks debut, co-headlining with Orville Peck. Yola will also join Chris Stapleton on his rescheduled tour, with dates including Madison Square Garden on Oct. 8 and two nights at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on Oct 22-23.

As the health and safety of Yola, her band, her crew, and her fans is of the utmost importance, fans should be prepared that that may need to provide proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test, as well as follow industry, local, or national guidance surrounding the wearing of masks.

Kasey Tyndall Signs With River House Artists, Sony Music Publishing

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Pictured (L-R): Rusty Gaston, Lynn-Oliver Cline, Kasey Tyndall, Zebb Luster, Kayla Adkins

Kasey Tyndall has signed a global publishing deal with River House Artists, in partnership with Sony Music Publishing Nashville.

Hailing from Greenville, NC, Tyndall got her first big break as a singer-songwriter after winning the chance to sing alongside Keith Urban at one of his shows in 2015. Throughout her career, she’s shared the stage with Kane Brown, Kelsea Ballerini, Parmalee, Granger Smith, Whiskey Myers, Joe Diffie, Stryper, Jamey Johnson, and many more.

Recently, Tyndall has been recording new music in Nashville, unveiling her newest single, “Middle Man,” on May 21. She is currently on tour with Jamey Johnson and Whiskey Myers with plans to tour with Drake White this fall.

“We have been big fans of Kasey for a couple years now and knew that if the opportunity ever presented itself, we would love to work with her,” says Zebb Luster, vice president & general manager, River House Artists. “Her determination and confidence in who she is as an artist has really grown since moving to Nashville and we are stoked to help her cultivate a long-term career in this business. She is a true entertainer!”

“I am beyond excited to be starting a new chapter in my career and joining the River House family,” shares Tyndall. “Their work ethic is contagious, and I couldn’t be more thankful for their belief in my music!”

Summerfest 2021 Announces Revised COVID-19 Entry Protocols

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Summerfest 2021 has announced that it will be enforcing a vaccination requirement for the upcoming festival taking place Sept. 2-4, 9-11, and 16-18. Under the new policy, patrons must present either a COVID-19 vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test result obtained within 72 hours of the event, including the Wednesday Weekend Preview concerts and the Little Big Town and Bodeans concert on Aug. 13 both held at the American Family Insurance Amphitheater

“We collaborated with national health experts and music industry executives and determined this was the best course of action for Summerfest.” says Don Smiley, president and chief executive officer of Milwaukee World Festival, Inc.

Upon entry at any gate, all attendees will be asked to show a valid COVID-19 vaccination card or proof of a negative test. An original vaccination card, a printed copy of a valid vaccination card, or negative test will be accepted. Documentation may also be presented in digital form. For patrons who are not fully vaccinated, a negative COVID-19 test result must be obtained within 72 hours (3 days) of attending the festival.  To avoid any entry delay, participants are encouraged to obtain a test before coming to the concert.

“Milwaukee World Festival has been a community leader and a tremendous partner in prioritizing the health of festival staff, vendors, performers, and attendees throughout their planning,” shares Milwaukee Health Commissioner Kirsten Johnson. “We are pleased with their proactive decision to implement these additional safety measures and ensure festival-goers can feel comfortable attending this beloved music fest responsibly.”

Per current CDC guidelines, masks will also be recommended for indoor spaces, including the Summerfest Store, First Aid stations, and restrooms. If an individual is unvaccinated, it is recommended that a mask be worn when attending large gatherings.

Summerfest features over 1,000 performances on 12 stages, along with food, beverages, and activities. This year’s lineup includes Miley Cyrus, Chris Stapleton, Megan Thee Stallion, Jonas Brothers,  Luke Bryan, Chance the Rapper, Guns N’ Roses, Dave Chapelle, Wilco, Dave Matthews Band, Diplo, Fitz    and The Tantrums, Bleachers, Dave Chapelle, Black Pumas, Run the Jewels, Pixies, Rise Against, Goo Goo Dolls and many more.