Russell Dickerson Celebrates Debut Single, ‘Yours,’ Going Triple Platinum
Pictured (L-R): Jordan Pettit (Director of Artist Relations & Programming Strategy/ Opry), Jenn Tressler (Manager, Artist & Label Strategy/ Opry), Russell Dickerson, Dan Rogers (Vice President & Executive Producer/ Opry), Gina Keltner (Director of Talent Logistics & Scheduling/ Opry)
Triple Tigers Records recording artist Russell Dickerson’s breakout No. 1 single “Yours” has gone triple Platinum.
Released in 2015 off his full-length debut album of the same name, “Yours” has amassed over 532 million streams, 547,000 downloads, and nearly 58 million views on YouTube to date. The debut single, which reached No 1. on Billboard’s Country Airplay charts, effectively established Dickerson as one of country’s promising hitmakers. Going on to become one of the go-to wedding songs of the year, the romantic smash also earned Dickerson a 2019 ACM nomination for Song of The Year.
“It still amazes me how many people this song has impacted all over the world,” says Dickerson about the achievement. “It’s a beautiful thing to see a song continue to soar.”
Dickerson was surprised by the Grand Ole Opry executive team (Jordan Pettit, Jenn Tressler, Dan Rogers, Gina Keltner) with a 3X Platinum certification plaque at the famed venue, following a performance for a special broadcast.
Justin Moore Holds Special Commemoration For New Gold Certification, No. 1
Pictured (L-R): Travis Crowder (Boys & Girls Club), Justin Aguilar (Boys & Girls Club), Trent Renner (Yerington/Mason Valley Fire Department, feat. in video), Sonora Hall (Yerington Theater for the Arts), Ozzy Brown (feat. in video military scene), Jenna Roberton (Yerington/Mason Valley Fire Department), Anna Draper (Yerington Theater for the Arts), Police Chief Darren Wagner, Fire Chief Scott Draper, Officer Brandon Coombs; [Lower Front] Cody Villalobos (Video Director, L3 Entertainment), Lissa Kellogg (Yerington Theater for the Arts)
On July 24, in front of 10,000 fans at Night In The Country Festival in Yerington, Nevada,
Justin Moore celebrated his recent RIAA Gold certification and radio No. 1 for “The Ones That Didn’t Make It Back Home.”
Speaking to the songs subject matter, Moore’s video director and management team member, Cody Villalobos, presented special plaques commemorating the achievements to the Yerington Police Department, the Yerington/Mason Valley Fire Protection District and Yerington Theater for the Arts, along with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Mason Valley on behalf of Moore.
Moore is set to take the stage in Nashville on Sunday, Aug. 8 during the inaugural Music City Grand Prix.
Cole Swindell’s ‘Single Saturday Night’ Spends Second Week At No. 1
Pictured (L-R): Michael Carter (producer); Ashley Gorley (songwriter); Cole Swindell; Mark Holman (songwriter)
Grammy-nominated, multi-Platinum artist Cole Swindell celebrates a second week at No. 1 on top of the Billboard country singles chart with his 10th career No. 1, “Single Saturday Night.” The track was written by Ashley Gorley, Michael Hardy and Mark Holman, and produced by Michael Carter.
The Georgia native’s 2-week No. 1 single has earned more than 180 million streams and adds to his over 4 billion global career streams. Swindell was also recognized for reaching over 15 million in total US track equivalents.
Swindell is on the road headlining his own shows in California and Nevada this week, and will hit the road with Thomas Rhett’s Center Point Road Tour beginning Aug. 20 in Bangor, Maine.
Callista Clark Makes Grand Ole Opry Debut At The Age Of 17
Callista Clark takes the Opry stage on Friday, July 30, 2021. Photo courtesy Grand Ole Opry LLC. Chris Hollo, photographer.
At only 17 years old, Callista Clark took the stage for her Grand Ole Opry debut on Friday, July 30. The rising young entertainer fulfilled a lifelong dream as she stepped inside the iconic wooden circle and received a heartwarming welcome from the genre’s most faithful audience.
Opening her set with the title track of her debut collection “Real To Me,” Clark wrapped her set with the song she says has changed her life–“It’s ‘Cause I Am.” Her rising debut single has been embraced by country radio, giving her one of the most successful new artist debuts of 2021.
“The Grand Ole Opry has always been a dream venue for me to play,” Callista shared. ”There is no feeling on earth like stepping onto that stage for the first time! It was truly amazing.”
Clark will be joining multi-Platinum entertainer Chris Young on his Famous Friends Tour this fall.
Beloved Songwriter & Producer Jim Femino Passes
/by Lydia FarthingGrammy nominated singer, songwriter, producer, publisher, educator, speaker, and author Jim Femino passed away on Tuesday (Aug. 3). He was 69.
Before becoming a music industry executive, Femino spent twenty-five years as a country, rock and soul recording artist, touring the eastern hemisphere for crowds big and small. Along the way, he built Road Records, an independent record label, and its accompanying merchandising and sponsorship arms.
After his career as an artist, Femino launched his own publishing company and recording studio in Nashville, and he began to write songs professionally for Music City’s recording artists. Among artists who have recorded his songs are Toby Keith, Ronnie Milsap, Craig Morgan, Jamie O’Neal, John Michael Montgomery, Steve Azar, and others.
His biggest hit was James Otto’s 2008 single, “Just Got Started Lovin’ You.” The song boasted a list of achievements, including a nomination for Best Male Country Vocal Performance at the 51st Annual Grammy Awards, Billboard‘s 2008 Most Played Country Song of the Year, and being named to Billboard‘s Greatest 100 of All-Time Country Songs.
For the last 30 years Femino was President of Songstarters!, Inc., an award-winning publishing, production, artist development, and online songwriter/music education company. He was a board member of the CMA, The Recording Acadmey and various other trade organizations.
Earlier this year, Jim’s wife, Leslie Thola Femino, passed away at the age of 69 due to cancer. Femino is survived by his children Kristie Weidner (Tom Rhoads), Arthur Femino (Michelle), Adam Holcomb (Nicole Nocito) and Matthew Femino; five granchildren Kaitlin Weidner (Keegan Kling), Jacob Weidner, Tori Femino, Sarah Femino, and Jimmy Femino; and one great grandchild Kinsley Kling.
Funeral arrangements for Jim Femino have not yet been announced.
James Otto, who recorded Femino’s biggest hit, posted a tribute to the songwriter, saying that Femino had recently survived a heart attack.
Applications Now Open: MusicRow’s 2021 Publisher Issue Directory
/by LB CantrellNew applicants for inclusion in the Publisher company directory for the upcoming MusicRow Publisher Issue print magazine are now being accepted through Aug. 13. Along with the directory with contact information for Nashville’s publishing community, the issue also features exclusive editorial content focused on this essential segment of our business.
To submit your company for consideration, complete and submit this form.
For questions, please contact LB Cantrell at lbcantrell@musicrow.com. To reserve ad space in the 2021 Publisher issue, contact srobertson@musicrow.com. Rate card information is available here.
Become a subscribed member of MusicRow here to make sure you don’t miss the annual Publisher Issue.
The Mechanical Licensing Collective Releases Updated Educator Toolkit
/by Lorie HollabaughThe Mechanical Licensing Collective has released the second version of its Educator Toolkit. This free resource is designed to help college educators teach their students about the landscape of digital audio mechanical rights in the U.S. and The MLC’s role in it following passage of the Music Modernization Act of 2018.
Created by Serona Elton, The MLC’s head of educational partnerships and a long-time university professor, the Toolkit provides instructors with a range of materials they can seamlessly incorporate into their existing syllabi or employ in the creation of new course modules.
“As an educator myself, I understand the importance of having up-to-date teaching materials, particularly with a subject matter that is as inherently complex and rapidly evolving as mechanical licensing,” notes Elton. “The updates we’ve made to the Toolkit–based in part on feedback we received from the educators who are already using it–reflect The MLC’s commitment to continuing to provide instructors with the comprehensive and current resources they need to navigate this complex subject matter and best prepare tomorrow’s music industry professionals.”
Like the original version, this new version of the Toolkit contains an easy-to-understand introductory video, a white-label customizable PowerPoint presentation, suggested classroom activities and exam questions, and a list of informational videos and articles on copyright law and the history of mechanical licensing. In addition, the updated version contains several new enhancements, including:
“The MLC’s Educator Toolkit provides an excellent starting point for teaching about the new world of music licensing brought about by the enactment of the Music Modernization Act and creation of The MLC, and its accessible learning exercises help make sense of those new developments in a straightforward way,” says Sean M. O’Connor of George Mason University’s Antonin Scalia Law School. “I was able to easily customize and augment the Toolkit, which saved me time, and the results were appreciated by a class of law students with music backgrounds.”
For more information about the Educator Toolkit, click here.
Trisha Yearwood’s ‘She’s In Love With The Boy’ Achieves Another Milestone
/by Lorie HollabaughTrisha Yearwood at the Grand Ole Opry on Tuesday, Aug. 3, 2021.
Trisha Yearwood was surprised on the stage of The Grand Ole Opry last night (Aug. 3) with the news that her debut hit, “She’s In Love With the Boy,” is the most listened to country song by a female artist in the history of MRC Data, which monitors radio activity that powers Billboard’s Country Airplay Chart.
A perennial hit that’s often found on country radio’s gold playlists, the song has been heard so many times that it’s surpassed all others by women during that period. The latest achievement is not the first time Trisha’s recording of the song has made history–when it reached the top of the charts in 1991, she made history as the first time a female artist’s debut single had gone all the way to No. 1.
Trisha Yearwood celebrates “She’s In Love With The Boy’s” newest milestone at the Grand Ole Opry on Tuesday, Aug. 3, 2021.
“When people come to a show, I see these girls singing ‘She’s In Love With the Boy’ and they’re like 15. I’m thinking, ‘How do you know this song?!’ But now learning that it’s been heard that many times–it’s just such an honor!” said Yearwood backstage at the Opry.
Trisha’s new version of “She’s In Love With the Boy” can be found on her new Every Girl Deluxe album, which is available everywhere on Friday, Aug. 13.
Yearwood was on hand last night to help induct the Opry’s newest member, Carly Pearce. The pair gave a special performance of the 1997 hit single “How Do I Live” before the induction ceremony.
Opry NextStage Names Lainey Wilson As Featured Artist For August 2021
/by Lydia FarthingLainey Wilson. Photo: Alex Berger
Opry NextStage has named BBR Music Group/Broken Bow Records’ Lainey Wilson as the featured artist for August.
Developed by Opry Entertainment Group and the Grand Ole Opry, Opry NextStage invests in the discovery and development of new artists and highlights one up-and-coming artist per month. Initially launched in 2019, the inaugural class included Riley Green, Tegan Marie, Tenille Townes, and Travis Denning. Wilson joins 2021 artists Hailey Whitters and Parker McCollum.
“The Grand Ole Opry has always held a special place in my heart since I was a nine-year-old starry-eyed little girl,” Wilson shares. “I’m truly honored to be named the latest Opry NextStage artist and am so grateful for their unbelievable support of the next generation of country music.”
Wilson has been named as an Artist to Watch by Spotify, MusicRow, and Pandora; has been included in CMT’s “Next Women of Country” and “Listen Up” programs; and was chosen as an iHeartCountry On The Verge artist, a Billboard chartbreaker, and an Apple Music “Up Next” spotlight artist. Throughout her career, she has performed for sold-out crowds throughout the US, UK, and Germany with notable names like Jason Aldean, Justin Moore, Tyler Farr, Ashley McBryde, Randy Houser, Josh Turner and more.
The Louisiana native’s debut album, Sayin’ What I’m Thinkin,’ was released in February 2021 and received critical praise. Her current radio single, “Things A Man Oughta Know,” has garnered more than 130 million on-demand streams, claimed the No. 1 spot on Sirius XM’s The Highway Hot 30 Weekend Countdown, and is continuing to climb through the Top 10 on country radio. Additionally, Wilson is set to take the Grand Ole Opry stage on Tuesday, Aug. 10.
She is nominated for MusicRow’s Discovery Artist of the Year. This year’s winners will be announced on all MusicRow platforms on Aug. 19.
Opportunities for Opry NextStage artists include feature performances on the Grand Ole Opry and Circle’s Opry Live broadcast and livestream; a performance at a special Opry NextStage concert in 2021; content produced by Opry Entertainment’s award-winning content team that utilizes all Opry Entertainment venues including Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium and Ole Red locations nationwide; exclusive content to be distributed via Circle broadcast, streaming, and video-on demand channels; customized marketing and promotion activations utilizing Opry web and social assets; and other opportunities such as outdoor advertising, 650 WSM-AM radio specials, and more.
Luke Bryan Returns For Season 5 Of ‘American Idol’
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): Lionel Richie, Katy Perry, Ryan Seacrest, and Luke Bryan. Photo: ABC/Eric McCandless
Judges Luke Bryan, Katy Perry, and Lionel Richie, alongside veteran host Ryan Seacrest, are returning for American Idol‘s fifth season on ABC and 20th overall as the show returns next spring. Season five auditions will kick off this Friday, Aug. 6 with the return of Idol Across America, the live virtual nationwide search for the next superstar.
For the second year in a row, Idol Across America offers hopefuls the opportunity to showcase their talents face-to-face with an Idol producer from anywhere in America across any official audition date. Last season’s first-ever Idol Across America virtual auditions successfully kicked off many hopefuls American Idol journeys, including ABC’s season-four winner Chayce Beckham.
“Luke, Katy, Lionel and Ryan are music and industry icons that have become synonymous with Idol on ABC,” says Rob Mills, executive vice president, Unscripted and Alternative Entertainment, Walt Disney Television. “Their star power is unmatched, and their support is a gift to our contestants that have deeply benefited from their wisdom over the past four seasons—and they’re ready to do it again. As we begin a momentous season, I think it’s safe to say this dream team has officially cemented their legacy on ‘Idol.’”
“We are thrilled that Katy, Lionel, Luke and Ryan will be back to help discover our next American Idol,” shares executive producer Eli Holzman, CEO of Industrial Media. “This dream team has selected and guided some of the most talented ‘Idol’ contestants in the history of the series, and we can’t wait to see who they’ll find next.”
Last season, ABC’s American Idol ranked as the No. 1 series in its two-hour time period for the second year in a row among Adults 18-49. In addition, American Idol finished among the Top 5 unscripted series last season with Total Viewers.
Contestants must be at least 15 years old to audition and may do so on any Idol Across America date regardless of your location. For information on how to sign up for Idol Across America, click here.
Idol Across America Auditions (subject to change):
Aug. 6 – Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina
Aug. 8 – Connecticut, New Jersey, New York
Aug. 11 – Kansas, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas
Aug. 13 – Florida, Michigan, Virginia, West Virginia
Aug. 16 – Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi
Aug. 18 – Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee
Aug. 21 – Alaska, California, Hawaii, Nevada
Aug. 23 – Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, Wyoming
Aug. 25 – Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Wisconsin
Aug. 27 – Open Call: Nationwide
Aug. 31 – Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Utah
Sept. 2 – Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont
Sept. 8 – Delaware, Maryland, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Washington D.C.
Sept. 10 – Open Call: The South
Sept. 13 – Open Call: East Coast
Sept. 16 – Open Call: West Coast
Sept. 21 – Open Call: Nationwide
Carly Pearce Officially Becomes A Grand Ole Opry Member
/by Lorie HollabaughCarly Pearce. Photo: Chris Hollo
Carly Pearce was officially inducted as the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry family last night (Aug. 3) by Opry member Trisha Yearwood. The show will air on Circle Television on Saturday, Aug. 14.
Pearce was introduced on stage by Opry member Jeannie Seely who shared, “Carly has all the obvious wonderful traits, but she has that one extra thing, determination. She has the sincerest dedication and strongest work ethic of anyone I’ve ever known in my life. And she never strayed from her path of wanting to be a member of the Opry.”
During the special evening Pearce performed her hit “I Hope You’re Happy Now,” and during a press conference earlier in the evening, Big Machine Label Group President/CEO Scott Borchetta and RIAA Vice President, Artist & Industry Relations Jackie Jones surprised Pearce with a plaque commemorating the 2X Platinum certification for the hit. As she sang the chart-topper solo for the Opry crowd, duet partner Lee Brice was also presented the honor at the Ryman Auditorium.
Pictured (L-R): Big Machine Label Group President/CEO, Scott Borchetta; Carly Pearce; RIAA Vice President, Artist & Industry Relations, Jackie Jones. Photo: Chris Hollo
Pearce also performed a duet with Yearwood on “How Do I Live,” before Yearwood officially inducted her, saying “This is a very special place, and when you are invited it’s an invitation to the family. So, with much pride and joy, Carly you are now an official member of the Grand Ole Opry.”
The newest member of the Opry also performed a new song to commemorate her special moment, “Dear Miss Loretta,” an acknowledgement she wrote to one of her profound influences she debuted on the Opry stage. Expressing a true understanding for Loretta Lynn’s pain and life in the song, she enlisted fellow Kentuckian Patty Loveless for a doleful pairing that spans three generations and will be featured on her upcoming album 29: Written in Stone. The evening culminated with Pearce, Yearwood and Seely blending three generations of traditional country harmonies on the Kitty Wells classic “Making Believe.”
Pictured (L-R): Trisha Yearwood, Jeannie Seely, Carly Pearce. Photo: Chris Hollo
“What makes this family something special to be a part of is you can have hit records and sell out shows, but all of that can fade and this is something I will have forever,” said Pearce. “It’s a stage to sing on, a circle to stand in and a forever family. This is super special to me. All I ever wanted to do was sing country music. This isn’t another accolade or feather in my cap but a promise that I will do my due diligence to make sure the circle is never broken.”
Live Nation Q2 Results: Concert Revenue, Attendance On The Rise
/by Lydia FarthingLive Nation Entertainment, Inc. has released financial results for the quarter ended June 30, 2021.
As communities reopen, Live Nation is seeing the demand for live events. In the U.S. and the U.K., there are strong ticket sales and the restart of concerts and festivals, highlighted recently by Lollapalooza and Rolling Loud in the U.S. and Latitude in the U.K. hosting a combined three quarters of a million fans. This momentum has been building every month, with ticket sales and concert attendance pacing faster than expected, underscoring the strength and resiliency of the concert business and live events in general.
“This progress, combined with our cost discipline, has enabled us to deliver positive adjusted operating income for the second quarter, well ahead of where we thought we would for this quarter. We expect to see further ramp-up accelerate through the rest of the year, with improving operating income and all segments returning to adjusted operating income profitability for the second half of the year, setting us up for a full-scale 2022,” says President and Chief Executive Officer, Live Nation Entertainment, Inc. Michael Rapino in the company’s financial report.
He continues, “Looking forward to 2022 and now also 2023, all our leading indicators continue to point to a roaring era for concerts and other live events. Starting with our concerts division, every major venue type–arenas, amphitheaters, and stadiums–have pipelines indicating double digit growth in show count and ticket sales relative to 2019 levels. In some cases our pipeline is so strong we are extending our planning into 2023 and even beginning to discuss tours that extend into 2024.”
Highlights:
For the six months ended June 30, 2021:
Read the full financial report here.
Artist Action: Russell Dickerson, Justin Moore, Cole Swindell, Callista Clark
/by Lydia FarthingRussell Dickerson Celebrates Debut Single, ‘Yours,’ Going Triple Platinum
Pictured (L-R): Jordan Pettit (Director of Artist Relations & Programming Strategy/ Opry), Jenn Tressler (Manager, Artist & Label Strategy/ Opry), Russell Dickerson, Dan Rogers (Vice President & Executive Producer/ Opry), Gina Keltner (Director of Talent Logistics & Scheduling/ Opry)
Triple Tigers Records recording artist Russell Dickerson’s breakout No. 1 single “Yours” has gone triple Platinum.
Released in 2015 off his full-length debut album of the same name, “Yours” has amassed over 532 million streams, 547,000 downloads, and nearly 58 million views on YouTube to date. The debut single, which reached No 1. on Billboard’s Country Airplay charts, effectively established Dickerson as one of country’s promising hitmakers. Going on to become one of the go-to wedding songs of the year, the romantic smash also earned Dickerson a 2019 ACM nomination for Song of The Year.
“It still amazes me how many people this song has impacted all over the world,” says Dickerson about the achievement. “It’s a beautiful thing to see a song continue to soar.”
Dickerson was surprised by the Grand Ole Opry executive team (Jordan Pettit, Jenn Tressler, Dan Rogers, Gina Keltner) with a 3X Platinum certification plaque at the famed venue, following a performance for a special broadcast.
Justin Moore Holds Special Commemoration For New Gold Certification, No. 1
Pictured (L-R): Travis Crowder (Boys & Girls Club), Justin Aguilar (Boys & Girls Club), Trent Renner (Yerington/Mason Valley Fire Department, feat. in video), Sonora Hall (Yerington Theater for the Arts), Ozzy Brown (feat. in video military scene), Jenna Roberton (Yerington/Mason Valley Fire Department), Anna Draper (Yerington Theater for the Arts), Police Chief Darren Wagner, Fire Chief Scott Draper, Officer Brandon Coombs; [Lower Front] Cody Villalobos (Video Director, L3 Entertainment), Lissa Kellogg (Yerington Theater for the Arts)
Speaking to the songs subject matter, Moore’s video director and management team member, Cody Villalobos, presented special plaques commemorating the achievements to the Yerington Police Department, the Yerington/Mason Valley Fire Protection District and Yerington Theater for the Arts, along with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Mason Valley on behalf of Moore.
Moore is set to take the stage in Nashville on Sunday, Aug. 8 during the inaugural Music City Grand Prix.
Cole Swindell’s ‘Single Saturday Night’ Spends Second Week At No. 1
Pictured (L-R): Michael Carter (producer); Ashley Gorley (songwriter); Cole Swindell; Mark Holman (songwriter)
Grammy-nominated, multi-Platinum artist Cole Swindell celebrates a second week at No. 1 on top of the Billboard country singles chart with his 10th career No. 1, “Single Saturday Night.” The track was written by Ashley Gorley, Michael Hardy and Mark Holman, and produced by Michael Carter.
The Georgia native’s 2-week No. 1 single has earned more than 180 million streams and adds to his over 4 billion global career streams. Swindell was also recognized for reaching over 15 million in total US track equivalents.
Swindell is on the road headlining his own shows in California and Nevada this week, and will hit the road with Thomas Rhett’s Center Point Road Tour beginning Aug. 20 in Bangor, Maine.
Callista Clark Makes Grand Ole Opry Debut At The Age Of 17
Callista Clark takes the Opry stage on Friday, July 30, 2021. Photo courtesy Grand Ole Opry LLC. Chris Hollo, photographer.
At only 17 years old, Callista Clark took the stage for her Grand Ole Opry debut on Friday, July 30. The rising young entertainer fulfilled a lifelong dream as she stepped inside the iconic wooden circle and received a heartwarming welcome from the genre’s most faithful audience.
Opening her set with the title track of her debut collection “Real To Me,” Clark wrapped her set with the song she says has changed her life–“It’s ‘Cause I Am.” Her rising debut single has been embraced by country radio, giving her one of the most successful new artist debuts of 2021.
“The Grand Ole Opry has always been a dream venue for me to play,” Callista shared. ”There is no feeling on earth like stepping onto that stage for the first time! It was truly amazing.”
Clark will be joining multi-Platinum entertainer Chris Young on his Famous Friends Tour this fall.
Relative Music Group And Sony Music Publishing Partner To Sign Zach Abend
/by LB CantrellPictured (L-R): Dennis Matkosky, Zach Abend, Hardy, Jesse Matkosky
Relative Music Group, in partnership with Sony Music Publishing Nashville, has signed Grammy-nominated songwriter and producer Zach Abend to a worldwide publishing agreement.
The news of Abend’s addition comes shortly after Sony Music Publishing Nashville and Relative Music Group announced their partnership. Founded in 2017 by father/son duo Dennis and Jesse Matkosky, Relative Music Group has quickly found success with its first signed act, Michael Hardy, who recently became a Partner at the company.
Abend has written songs for artists such as Hardy, Ingrid Andress, Chris Lane, Chris Young, Cale Dodds, Matt Stell, Jess Moskaluke, Filmore, and many more. Recently, he co-wrote “Boyfriend” from Hardy’s critically acclaimed 2020 album A Rock; “Anything But Love,” featured on Ingrid Andress’ Grammy-nominated album Lady Like; and Bailey Bryan’s viral TikTok single “Play W/ Me.” Abend also wrote on and produced Filmore’s debut album State I’m In.
“I’ve been a fan of Zach’s for a long time and couldn’t be happier to be working with such a huge talent,” shares Jesse Matkosky.
Hardy adds, “Zach is incredibly talented and I knew that from the first time we wrote together. Not only can he bring songs to life as a producer, but he understands and fights for a good lyric as well. It’s an honor to have the opportunity to work with him and I truly can’t wait to see the inevitable run he’s going to have as a songwriter.”
Abend sums, “I’m thrilled to join the family, and work alongside Dennis and Jesse Matkosky and the rest of the Relative Music Group team. It means a lot to get to work with other creatives who are strong believers in me and what I bring to a song. Hardy has also become one of my good buddies over the last few years, so it will be exciting to continue to watch him grow as an artist and writer from the home team bench.”