Carly Pearce’s ‘Next Girl’ Goes Gold
Pictured (L-R): Big Machine Label Group President/Founder Scott Borchetta, Carly Pearce, Big Machine Records GM Clay Hunnicutt. Photo: Alexa Campbell
Multiple ACM and CMA Awards winner Carly Pearce has released a special live version of “Next Girl” as the original officially earns RIAA Gold certification.
“I don’t know how to keep saying thank you enough for everything that is happening in my world, that I dreamt of since I was a little girl listening to country music with my grandparents! I’m so grateful for all of the fans coming along the journey with me and can’t wait to see you out on the road. Until we’re singing together, I hope you enjoy this live version of ‘Next Girl,’” shares Pearce.
Recently named as the only country artist on TIME Magazine‘s “Songs of the Summer for 2021,” Pearce was also recently invited to become the next member of the Grand Ole Opry by Dolly Parton. Having performed 85 times, the Kentucky native will be formally inducted into the Opry on Tuesday, Aug. 3.
Travis Tritt Added To 2021 Volunteer Jam For The Late Charlie Daniels
Travis Tritt. Photo: Jeremy Cowart
The 2021 Volunteer Jam: A Musical Salute to Charlie Daniels has added country legend Travis Tritt to its previously-announced star studded lineup. The celebration of the life and career of the late Country Music Hall of Fame member will take place Wednesday, Aug. 18, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. CST at Bridgestone Arena.
“I’m so thrilled to be a part of this year’s Volunteer Jam,” says Tritt. “For many years, Charlie Daniels was kind enough to personally invite and include me in the Volunteer Jam, and it was always a highlight. I’m sure that this year will also be very special as we pay tribute to the music and the legacy of Charlie Daniels and the CDB. I can’t wait!”
The night will also include performances by Alabama, The Marshall Tucker Band, Ricky Skaggs, Trace Adkins, Chris Young, Randy Travis, Lorrie Morgan, Michael W. Smith, Big & Rich, CeCe Winans, Gretchen Wilson, Jenny Tolman, Travis Denning, Mickey Gilley, Johnny Lee, Rhett Akins, The SteelDrivers, and many more. Daniels’ longtime band, The Charlie Daniels Band, will also perform to honor its legendary frontman. For tickets, click here.
“The Volunteer Jam was very important to Charlie in many ways,” explains Daniels’ longtime manager and friend David Corlew. “Most of all, it’s a great opportunity to get together with other artists and musicians and play. In spirit, he will be with us. The CDB family is very thankful for Mike Smardak, Outback Presents, Tony Conway and the team for moving forward with this year’s Jam tribute. It will be an epic night for all.”
PLA Media’s Podcast ‘Applaudable Perspectives’ Launches Second Season
Applaudable Perspectives, PLA Media’s podcast which offers insights and stories with various guests, engaging conversations, and industry knowledge, has launched its second season. New episodes will be released every Thursday.
Season 2 will feature special guests such as The Imagine Project Founder Dianne Maroney, award winning songwriter Bernie Nelson (Kenny Chesney, Joe Diffie, Randy Travis,), DEA Educational Foundation’s Chairman/CEO Bill Alden, and marketing and branding expert Mary Skinner.
“It has been great fun interviewing fascinating personalities from various walks of life who have intrigued me and hopefully our growing audience,” says PLA Media Founder Pam Lewis. “We have had good response and managed to host an interesting array of guests from authors to producers to music legends to businessmen and women, academics, preservationists and philanthropists. I have always been fascinated by hearing other people share their stories offering humor, insight and advice.”
With the launch of the podcast’s first season, listeners were able to hear stories and experiences from some of the music industry’s most notable names including John McEuen (Nitty Gritty Dirt Band), Charlie McCoy (Country Music Hall Of Fame), Tony Brown (Reba McEntire, Vince Gill, George Strait), iconic fashion designer Manuel, and Songfluencer’s Nathan Pyle, to name a few.
Weekly Register: Walker Hayes Takes “Fancy Like” To The Top Of Streaming Charts
/by Lydia FarthingWalker Hayes. Photo: Robert Chavers
After only three weeks, Monument Records’ Walker Hayes has earned the No. 1 spot on this week’s top country streaming songs with “Fancy Like.” This week, the track received an impressive 9.9 million streams with 20 million streams RTD, according to Nielsen. “Fancy Like” lands at No. 21 overall.
Nelly & Florida Georgia Line hang on to the second spot with “Lil Bit” gaining 7.8 million streams this week, and Luke Combs claims the third position as “Forever After All” gains 7.7 million. Chris Young & Kane Brown rack up another 6.7 million streams this week with “Famous Friends” sitting at No. 4, while Dan + Shay enter the top five with “Glad You Exist” earning 6.2 million streams.
After 26 weeks of release, Morgan Wallen‘s Dangerous: The Double Album maintains its residency at the top, adding 46,000 streams this week to a total 56 million RTD. Wallen also holds on to the No. 4 spot with his 2018 album, If I Know Me, receiving 15,000 streams. Combs continues to stake his claim to the No. 2 with What You See Is What You Get and the No. 3 spot with This One’s For You earning 26,000 and 18,000 streams, respectively. Solidifying the top five is Toby Keith‘s 2008 compilation album, 35 Biggest Hits, which had 13,000 streams this week.
Anthem Entertainment Acquires Country Catalog From Combustion Music
/by LB CantrellAnthem Entertainment has acquired the Combustion Music catalog, including some of the genre’s biggest hits from Blake Shelton, Luke Bryan, Sam Hunt, Florida Georgia Line, and many more. Anthem will also administer Combustion’s active songwriter roster, which includes songwriters Brett Tyler, Jameson Rodgers, Faren Rachels, Matt Jenkins, Leanna Crawford, and Matthew West, among others.
Combustion’s catalog features songs written by top songwriters including Ashley Gorley, Jenkins, AJ Pruis, Rodgers, Zach Crowell, Jerry Flowers, West, and more. Among those are 38-charting topping singles that reached No. 1 on Billboard’s US Country Airplay chart, including the 8x-Platinum hit single “Body Like a Back Road” by Sam Hunt, “Heartbeat” by Carrie Underwood, “Setting the World On Fire” by Kenny Chesney featuring Pink, “Fix a Drink” by Chris Janson, and “Song for Another Time” by Old Dominion.
“This has been a crazy year for us all, but having a company as strong and significant as Anthem believe in Combustion this much, means an awful lot,” says Chris Farren, Founder of Combustion. “We couldn’t be happier to be working with their team together going forward, and know the next phase of Combustion will be better for it.”
“Chris is an incredibly talented creative and an amazing entrepreneur, as well as a hit producer and songwriter, with over 100 top ten hits in his career to date,” says Helen Murphy, CEO of Anthem Entertainment. “He understands and feels the creative process in a way that inspires his talent to greatness. We are proud to be in business with him and welcome the Combustion team to the Anthem.”
Lauren Jenkins Releases Part One Of ‘Miles On Me’ Trilogy
/by Lorie HollabaughLauren Jenkins. Photo: Brooke Stevens
Lauren Jenkins has released, Miles On Me, Part 1, the first installment of her three-part independent EP series. The title track from the new project features indie-folk artist David Ramirez.
In 2020, Jenkins parted ways with her former label, Big Machine Records, and became an independent artist for the first time in nearly seven years. “I finally had the freedom to write, record, produce and tell my story exactly the way I wanted to,” she shares. “It’s strange to hear your own voice and realize you’ve been whispering for a long time. With this realization, the sparks ignited. I called on my friends and collaborators to make this record with me, and it’s been one of the most beautiful processes of my life.”
The Texas-born, Carolina-raised artist spent years playing on the road and garnered attention, and was named an Artist to Watch by the New York Times, Billboard, Rolling Stone, Pandora, and more. An accomplished actress and filmmaker, Jenkins wrote, produced, and starred in an original short film, Running Out of Road, that accompanied the release of her debut album, No Saint, on Big Machine Records. In May of 2020, she released “Ain’t That Hard,” her first song as a fully independent artist.
1. Like You Found Me
2. She’s a Star
3. Miles on Me (Feat. David Ramirez)
4. My Own Advice
Nashville’s Historic Bluebird Cafe Announces Reopening
/by Lydia FarthingPhoto: Courtesy Bluebird Cafe
After a long 16 months, Nashville’s historic Bluebird Cafe has announced that it will be reopening its doors on Friday, July 16, with an already sold out crowd. The venue’s first show back will include performances from Nashville’s songwriters Joel Shewmake, Annie Mosher, and Jason Matthews.
“It’s the news everyone has been waiting for!” reads a post on the Bluebird Cafe’s Instagram. “After a long and challenging year and a half, we are ecstatic to announce that The Bluebird Cafe’s doors will soon be opening and we will once again have music filling our room!”
The Bluebird Cafe closed its doors in March 2020 due to the pandemic, but has hosted several virtual shows since closing. It was also one of the venues that housed the ACM Awards.
Other artists and songwriters featured in the Bluebird Cafe’s newly announced lineup include Riley Weston, Kent Blazy, Doug Johnson, JT Harding, Chris DeStefano, Brett James, Ted Drozdowski, Chrissy Metz, Blessing Offor, Jimmy Robbins, and many more. For a full list of upcoming shows at The Bluebird Cafe, click here.
Mickey Guyton Closes The Chapter On A Decade With ‘Remember Her Name’
/by Lorie HollabaughMickey Guyton will release her much-anticipated new album, Remember Her Name, on Sept. 24.
She co-penned 15 of the 16 songs on the new album along with writers including Nathan Chapman, Victoria Banks, Jennifer Hanson, Karen Kosowski, and more. The project follows the release of her EP Bridges, which included “Black Like Me” which received a historic Grammy nomination.
“Remember Her Name is a culmination of the last ten years of my life in Nashville,” shares Guyton. “This album is the closing of a chapter. All those years ago, I set out to create music that would make people feel self-empowered, loved, and comfortable with being themselves and this album holds true to all of that. I hope everyone who listens finds something that connects and speaks to them.”
Guyton has had an incredible year so far this year, co-hosting the 56th ACM Awards in April with label-mate Keith Urban, and performing on the 63rd Grammy Awards in March.
Remember Her Name Track List:
1. Remember Her Name (Mickey Guyton, Parker Welling, Blake Hubbard, Jarrod Ingram) Produced by Karen Kosowski
2. All American (Mickey Guyton, Victoria Banks, Emma-Lee, Karen Kosowski) Produced by Karen Kosowski
3. Different (Mickey Guyton, Emma-Lee, Karen Kosowski) Produced by Karen Kosowski
4. Love My Hair (Mickey Guyton, Anna Krantz) Produced by Karen Kosowski with additional production by Johnny Simmen
5. Lay It On Me (Mickey Guyton, Jaden Michaels, Gavin Slate) Produced by Karen Kosowski and Gavin Slate
6. Higher (Mickey Guyton, Nathan Chapman, Fraser Churchill, Preston Glass, Narada Walden) Produced by Nathan Chapman
7. Dancing In The Living Room (Mickey Guyton, Karen Kosowski, Victoria Banks, Emma-Lee) Produced by Karen Kosowski
8. Do You Really Wanna Know (Mickey Guyton, Melissa Fuller, Andy Skib) Produced by Andy Skib
9. Black Like Me (Mickey Guyton, Emma Davidson-Dillon, Fraser Churchill, Nathan Chapman) Produced by Nathan Chapman and Forest Whitehead
10. Words (Mickey Guyton, Abbey Cone, David Kalmusky) Produced by David Kalmusky
11. What Are You Gonna Tell Her? (Mickey Guyton, Karen Kosowski, Victoria Banks, Emma-Lee) Produced by Karen Kosowski
12. Smoke (Mickey Guyton, Nathan Chapman, Balewa Muhammad) Produced by Karen Kosowski
13. Rosé (Mickey Guyton, Karen Kosowski, Victoria Banks) Produced by Karen Kosowski and Forest Whitehead
14. Indigo (Mickey Guyton, Jimmy Robbins, Laura Veltz, Mozella) Produced by Jimmy Robbins
15. If I Were A Boy (Toby Gad, Brittany Jean Carlson) Produced by Karen Kosowski
16. Better Than You Left Me (Fly Higher Version) (Mickey Guyton, Nathan Chapman, Jennifer Hanson, Jenn Schott) Produced by Johnny Simmen
Blake Shelton, Carrie Underwood, FGL, More Among Lineup For New CMA Summer Jam Concerts
/by Lorie HollabaughBlake Shelton, Carrie Underwood, Florida Georgia Line, Gwen Stefani, Luke Bryan, Luke Combs, and many more are set to perform on the just-announced CMA Summer Jam, a two-night concert event from Nashville’s Ascend Amphitheater on July 27-28. The live shows will also be filmed as part of a three-hour primetime TV special set to air later this summer on ABC.
July 27 will feature performances from Bryan, Shelton, Stefani, Mickey Guyton, Carly Pearce, Cole Swindell, Lainey Wilson and Dwight Yoakam, while Combs, FGL, Jimmie Allen, Gabby Barrett, Dierks Bentley, Brothers Osborne, Miranda Lambert, Jon Pardi and Thomas Rhett will perform on July 28. Details about the special, including additional performances filed at other locations in downtown Nashville, will be announced in the coming weeks.
Tickets for CMA Summer Jam will go on sale July 14 starting at 10 a.m. CT, and more information about tickets can be found at CMASummerJam.com. A portion of ticket sale net proceeds will benefit the CMA Foundation.
While COVID-19 capacity restrictions have been lifted in the city of Nashville, the CMA will continue to follow guidance from local, state and federal authorities as well as unions and guilds to ensure the safety of all staff, performers and attendees.
Ryan Upchurch’s Holler Boy Records Partners With ONErpm, Signs Chase Matthew [Exclusive]
/by LB CantrellPictured (L-R): Ken Madson (ONErpm, GM), Loyd Potts (Holler Boy Records, Vice President), Ryan Upchurch (Holler Boy Records, CEO), Diana Garcia (ONErpm, Director of Marketing), Chase Matthew. Photo: Eloquent Creative – Sam Grant
ONErpm has partnered with independent country artist Ryan Upchurch and his Holler Boy Records to sign his first artist, Chase Matthew.
Born, raised and still living in Ashland City, Tennessee, Upchurch has accomplished significant success as an artist himself, independently landing multiple albums in the top 30 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart. He launched Holler Boy Records this summer.
The label will follow Upchurch’s lead, supporting artists’ individual approach rather than focus on a particular music style. Joelton, Tennessee native Loyd Potts serves as VP of Holler Boy Records and handles the label’s day-to-day operations.
“I am a music fan,” Upchurch says. “I see what’s happening and how fans are reacting to the music. Fans don’t want watered-down versions of anything, and they are drawn to authenticity and honesty. Holler Boy Records will empower an artist’s creative vision and give them the resources they need to succeed.”
Chase, who already has nearly 65,000 followers on social media, will be releasing a six-song EP, County Line, later this month featuring his self-penned debut single of the same name. The single has already hit 2.59 million streams on Apple Music, garnered 1.4 million streams on Spotify and has earned over 631K views on YouTube.
“Chase embodies the kind of artist I want on my label. His songs have an authenticity that reflect a shared experience,” Upchurch continues.
“Chase Matthew is a rare artist who has a lot of intangibles that are incredibly hard to teach,” says Ken Madson, GM for ONErpm. “He can write, produce and perform; that’s a trifecta not often found.”
“I wrote these songs about growing up outside of Nashville,” Chase explains. “The REAL country boys. These songs are about me and my friends hanging out at the bonfire. They are unique to me but certainly universal to everyone who grew up like me. I couldn’t be more excited to have Ryan in my corner. His experience and guidance have already been invaluable. I’m thankful for the opportunity and am going to work as hard as I’ve ever worked to make this a success.”
Industry Ink: Carly Pearce, Travis Tritt, PLA Media
/by Lydia FarthingCarly Pearce’s ‘Next Girl’ Goes Gold
Pictured (L-R): Big Machine Label Group President/Founder Scott Borchetta, Carly Pearce, Big Machine Records GM Clay Hunnicutt. Photo: Alexa Campbell
Multiple ACM and CMA Awards winner Carly Pearce has released a special live version of “Next Girl” as the original officially earns RIAA Gold certification.
“I don’t know how to keep saying thank you enough for everything that is happening in my world, that I dreamt of since I was a little girl listening to country music with my grandparents! I’m so grateful for all of the fans coming along the journey with me and can’t wait to see you out on the road. Until we’re singing together, I hope you enjoy this live version of ‘Next Girl,’” shares Pearce.
Recently named as the only country artist on TIME Magazine‘s “Songs of the Summer for 2021,” Pearce was also recently invited to become the next member of the Grand Ole Opry by Dolly Parton. Having performed 85 times, the Kentucky native will be formally inducted into the Opry on Tuesday, Aug. 3.
Travis Tritt Added To 2021 Volunteer Jam For The Late Charlie Daniels
Travis Tritt. Photo: Jeremy Cowart
The 2021 Volunteer Jam: A Musical Salute to Charlie Daniels has added country legend Travis Tritt to its previously-announced star studded lineup. The celebration of the life and career of the late Country Music Hall of Fame member will take place Wednesday, Aug. 18, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. CST at Bridgestone Arena.
“I’m so thrilled to be a part of this year’s Volunteer Jam,” says Tritt. “For many years, Charlie Daniels was kind enough to personally invite and include me in the Volunteer Jam, and it was always a highlight. I’m sure that this year will also be very special as we pay tribute to the music and the legacy of Charlie Daniels and the CDB. I can’t wait!”
The night will also include performances by Alabama, The Marshall Tucker Band, Ricky Skaggs, Trace Adkins, Chris Young, Randy Travis, Lorrie Morgan, Michael W. Smith, Big & Rich, CeCe Winans, Gretchen Wilson, Jenny Tolman, Travis Denning, Mickey Gilley, Johnny Lee, Rhett Akins, The SteelDrivers, and many more. Daniels’ longtime band, The Charlie Daniels Band, will also perform to honor its legendary frontman. For tickets, click here.
“The Volunteer Jam was very important to Charlie in many ways,” explains Daniels’ longtime manager and friend David Corlew. “Most of all, it’s a great opportunity to get together with other artists and musicians and play. In spirit, he will be with us. The CDB family is very thankful for Mike Smardak, Outback Presents, Tony Conway and the team for moving forward with this year’s Jam tribute. It will be an epic night for all.”
PLA Media’s Podcast ‘Applaudable Perspectives’ Launches Second Season
Season 2 will feature special guests such as The Imagine Project Founder Dianne Maroney, award winning songwriter Bernie Nelson (Kenny Chesney, Joe Diffie, Randy Travis,), DEA Educational Foundation’s Chairman/CEO Bill Alden, and marketing and branding expert Mary Skinner.
“It has been great fun interviewing fascinating personalities from various walks of life who have intrigued me and hopefully our growing audience,” says PLA Media Founder Pam Lewis. “We have had good response and managed to host an interesting array of guests from authors to producers to music legends to businessmen and women, academics, preservationists and philanthropists. I have always been fascinated by hearing other people share their stories offering humor, insight and advice.”
With the launch of the podcast’s first season, listeners were able to hear stories and experiences from some of the music industry’s most notable names including John McEuen (Nitty Gritty Dirt Band), Charlie McCoy (Country Music Hall Of Fame), Tony Brown (Reba McEntire, Vince Gill, George Strait), iconic fashion designer Manuel, and Songfluencer’s Nathan Pyle, to name a few.
Chart Action: Luke Combs Earns Early Adds
/by Alex ParryLuke Combs‘ new single, “Cold As You,” dominates the MusicRow CountryBreakout Chart this week earning 20 early station adds ahead of its impact date on July 19. Those adds totaled +275 spins earning him the highest spin gain of the week. “Cold As You” was co-written by Combs, Shane Minor, Randy Montana, and Jonathan Singleton.
Combs was also the highest debut out of seven new singles on the chart this week landing at No. 58. Among the other debuts were “How Far Can It Go?” by Hailey Whitters, Tyler Rich‘s “Better Than You’re Used To,” and Eric Church with “Heart On Fire.”
For more chart data, view the latest edition of The MusicRow Weekly.
CRS 360 Webinar To Examine Re-Entering The Workplace Post-COVID
/by Lorie HollabaughCRS 360’s next webinar installment will take a look at re-entering the post-COVID workplace on Thursday, July 15 at 1 p.m. CST. Split into two parts, Part I will cover emotional IQ for employers and managers while Part II will take place in August.
This month’s webinar will feature panelists Cory Colton, principal coach at Inflection Point Coaching, LLC, and Diane Watson, executive coach at PCC. CRS Executive Director, RJ Curtis, will moderate the panel.
The upcoming interactive session will offer valuable insight to leaders and help them use emotional intelligence, compassion, and communication to support employees in navigating the transition to a new environment of work post-COVID. The two-part series will examine the latest best practices for employers and company leadership to adjust, plan for, and manage potential challenges everyone may face as they return to the workplace.
“Last year’s COVID quarantine created sudden, seismic workflow and work/life balance changes for companies and their employees. Simply undoing those practices seems unrealistic as our industry returns to the workplace,” shares Curtis. “CRS wants to help leaders and their teams learn how to maintain efficiency and productivity. Cory and Diane will lead this interactive workshop and help navigate whatever the ‘new normal’ looks like.”
To register for July’s CRS360 webinar series, click here.