Chrissy Metz & Friends To Play Bluebird Benefit For CMA Foundation

Chrissy Metz is headlining Chrissy Metz & Friends, a special benefit show, at Nashville’s historic Bluebird Cafe on July 30. Proceeds from Chrissy Metz & Friends benefit the CMA Foundation and its mission to provide resources and support for music teachers, students, and music education programs across the U.S.

Joining Metz for the round will be award-winning songwriter and producer Jimmy Robbins (Maren Morris, Kelsea Ballerini, Maddie & Tae, Brett Young) and the soulful singer-songwriter and Bowyer & Bow/Capitol Christian Music Group recording artist Blessing Offor.

Best known for her role as Kate Pearson on NBC’s This Is Us, Metz has released several tracks including “Girl Go,” “Talking to God,” “Actress,” and “Feel Good.” Metz also makes her return to the Grand Ole Opry stage this Saturday, July 24.

The Bluebird Cafe recently announced its reopening after 16 months, and celebrated its first show back with performances from Nashville’s songwriters Joel Shewmake, Annie Mosher, and Jason Matthews.For a full list of upcoming shows at The Bluebird Cafe, click here.

Natalie Hemby Announces Fantasy Records Label Debut Album

Natalie Hemby. Photo: Alysse Gafjken

2x Grammy award-winner and revered songwriter Natalie Hemby will deliver her Fantasy Records debut album, Pins and Needles, on Oct. 8. The title track, co-written by Hemby with Brothers Osborne, is available everywhere now.

“‘Pins and Needles’ was the first song I ever wrote with Brothers Osborne,” says Hemby. “I have always loved this song, and I have always loved them. They almost put it on their record. Years after, I asked them if I could have it. They said yes, so I decided to record it and make it the title track. It’s one of my favorites.”

As the writer of eight No. 1 singles, Hemby uses the upcoming album to explore a full range of her musical gifts, spanning influences from Tom Petty to Sheryl Crow and the early ’90s rock and roots she was raised on. Across the 11-track collection, Hemby delivers unconventional lyrics along with turn of phrase, ear-worm anthems along with heart-rending ballads and everything in between.

Pins and Needles is the record I never got the chance to make and I always wanted to,” she adds. “It’s the late 90’s sound, which is the sound of my young adult life.”

The album also features co-writes with fellow artists Miranda Lambert, Maren Morris, Brothers Osborne, Aaron Raitiere and more, as well as songwriting heavy-hitters like Daniel Tashian, Barry Dean, and others.

Pins and Needles Track List:
1. Heroes (Natalie Hemby, Jeff Trot, Aaron Raitiere)
2. New Madrid (Natalie Hemby, Rose Cousins)
3. Pins and Needles (Natalie Hemby, TJ Osborne, John Osborne)
4. Lake Air (Natalie Hemby, Jedd Hughes, KS Rhodes)
5. Hardest Part About Business (Natalie Hemby, Sunny Sweeney, Joanna Janet)
6. Banshee (Natalie Hemby, Miranda Lambert)
7. Radio Silence (Natalie Hemby, Rosi Golan, Daniel Tashian)
8. Heart Condition (Natalie Hemby, Maren Morris)
9. Pinwheel (Natalie Hemby, Barry Dean, Madison Kozak)
10. It Takes One To Know One (Natalie Hemby, Miranda Lambert, Kelly Archer)
11. Last Resort (Natalie Hemby, Jabe Beyer)
Produced by Mike Wrucke

The Core Entertainment, Universal Music Canada Launch Joint Venture, Sign Steven Lee Olsen

Steven Lee Olsen

The Core Entertainment management company and Universal Music Canada (UMC) have launched a new joint venture designed to offer Canadian artists a collaborative and integrated approach to releasing music worldwide. The joint venture’s first signing is Grammy-nominated, Nashville-based Canadian singer-songwriter Steven Lee Olsen.

Working in tandem, the UMC team, led by Chairman and CEO Jeffrey Remedios and Executive Vice President and General Manager Kristen Burke, together with The Core founders Kevin “Chief” Zaruk and Simon Tikhman, and The Core Canada President Tracy Martin, will hand-select a roster of talent, developing the acts together in their respective and distinct roles as management and label.

The Core will offer management services, creative direction and A&R development to artists, bringing key acts to Universal Music Canada for UMC’s consideration to sign to a record deal. Artists signed will benefit from UMC’s globally focused strategic insight and project leadership.

“I’ve long admired Chief, Simon and Tracy’s individual strengths, smarts, and passions. The Core Entertainment’s vision and drive in championing artists is inspiring. This partnership is an opportunity to work with people we admire to do what we love — supporting a wide-range of artists in lockstep with a formidable management team,” says Remedios. “Steven Lee Olsen is a prolific songwriter with a voice that demands to be heard. With his signing, UMC couldn’t be prouder to double down on our commitment to country music with Steven at the forefront.”

“The Core strives to work with the most innovative and authentic industry leaders, and there’s no doubt Jeffrey, Kristen and the Universal Music Canada team are among the best in the business,” Tikhman, Zaruk, and Martin share. “We both know the artist always comes first, and this powerful collaboration will allow us to holistically support some of today’s brightest talent across genres. We’re thrilled to welcome country singer-songwriter Steven Lee Olsen to the family as our first joint signing and look forward to a long and successful partnership.”

Olsen moved to Nashville in 2004 and his songs have since been recorded by Keith Urban, Garth Brooks, Rascal Flatts, Billy Currington, Dallas Smith and others. He has notched two No.1 hits in the U.S. with his Grammy-nominated, double-Platinum certified “Blue Ain’t Your Color” (Keith Urban) and “More Girls Like You” (Kip Moore).

2021 MusicRow Awards Category Profile: Discovery Artist Of The Year

Following the announcement of this year’s nominees for the 33rd MusicRow Awards, we take a look at the MusicRow Discovery Artist of the Year category. The award will honor a Nashville developing artist who demonstrates significant talent and potential to rise.

The MusicRow Awards will be announced virtually among multiple MusicRow platforms on Thursday, Aug. 19, 2021. Presenting Sponsor of the 2021 MusicRow Awards is City National Bank.

Click here to see the full list of MusicRow Awards nominees.

Winners are determined solely by MusicRow Magazine subscribed members. Voting is now open and closes on July 23 at 5 p.m.

To receive a ballot to vote in the MusicRow Awards, become a MusicRow subscribed member here.

Priscilla Block makes music on her own terms offering fans an unfiltered, honest point of view. Her twangy vocals have a unique lilt as she veers from the vulnerability of “Just About Over You” and “Wish You Were The Whiskey,” to the sass, self-love and humor of songs like “Thick Thighs” and “PMS.” She boosted her fanbase by posting videos on TikTok during quarantine, with fans rallying together to fund her recording of “Just About Over You.” (The song’s radio version was produced by Producer of the Year nominee Ross Copperman.) Block is a North Carolina native who released her major label EP in April and recently brought her self-described “Block Party” sound to her Grand Ole Opry debut.

Tyler Braden is a songwriter and storyteller with a voice to be reckoned with and a commanding sound ready for an arena-sized audience. His latest release, “Ways To Miss You,” is co-produced by Male Songwriter of the Year nominee Randy Montana and Mark Holman. This follows popular streaming releases including the solo-penned “Secret,” a testament to this newcomer’s songwriting talent. Braden is an Alabama native who spent seven years as a firefighter and first responder. His first major label release was a cover of Needtobreathe’s “Brother” which paid tribute to those on the front lines and quickly racked up more than two million views on YouTube.

Ian Munsick is a much-needed creative, adventurous addition to the country music landscape. Growing up on a ranch in Wyoming, Munsick played in a family band and his appreciation for the wide open west bleeds into his music. A multi-instrumentalist and songwriter, he spent the last decade honing his craft in Nashville. He co-wrote and co-produced his debut album Coyote Cry which he describes as a “handshake of the cowboy and the hippie, the traditional and the contemporary.” It is a varied project ranging from the roots/acoustic single “Long Haul,” to bluegrass territory, and even to a reimagined version of Fleetwood Mac’s “Dreams.”

Drew Parker is a country music traditionalist, offering a laid back song about heartbreak on his debut single “While You’re Gone,” which is already a fan favorite. (While his girl is gone he’ll be on a tailgate by the lake with a Lucky Strike, “kicking it with a BP PBR.”) He co-wrote the song with Jameson Rodgers, who is nominated for MusicRow Breakthrough Artist of the Year. Parker has a knack for balancing heartbreak with imagery and humor throughout his EP, like the clever “Party In The Back” and the more vulnerable “The Runway.” His unique perspective is found on hits he’s co-written for Luke Combs (“Forever After All”) and Jake Owen (“Homemade”). The Georgia native will be on tour with Combs later this summer.

Lily Rose has a stand-out voice rich with texture and made for radio. Her strong songwriting chops are found on viral hit “Villain” and “Overnight Sensation,” which describes her success as being 13 years in the making. Her most recent track “Remind Me of You,” is the first outside song she has released, because she says it struck her as the “perfect combination of swag and country.” Rose grew up in Atlanta as a self-taught drummer, guitarist and singer. She continued performing while attending college in Athens, Georgia which led to sold out shows and prompted her move to Nashville in 2017. “Remind Me of You” is co-produced by Matt Morrisey and Producer of the Year nominee Joey Moi, and co-written by Sam Hunt, Ryan Vojtesak, and MusicRow Awards nominees Corey Crowder and Ernest Keith Smith.

Lainey Wilson is a tough-as-nails singer-songwriter who offers honesty with every lyric. Her debut album Sayin’ What I’m Thinkin’ is an aptly titled introduction for the twangy songstress with the long tresses. The highly-listenable project portrays her self-described brand of “bell bottom country” and is home to current single “Things A Man Oughta Know,” and songs including “WWDD,” which stands for “What would Dolly do?” The Louisiana native has co-written songs recorded by Luke Combs and others, has had placements in the television series Yellowstone, and graced the Grand Ole Opry stage. Sayin’ What I’m Thinkin’ is produced by Producer of the Year nominee Jay Joyce.

Bobby Karl Works The Room: Ian Munsick Plays His First-Ever Nashville Concert

Pictured (L-R): Kristen Williams (SVP Radio & Streaming, Warner Music Nashville); Shane Tarleton (SVP Artist Development, Warner Music Nashville); Caroline R. Munsick (Not a Public Figure Management); Ian Munsick; Ben Kline (EVP / GM, Warner Music Nashville); Cris Lacy (EVP A&R, Warner Music Nashville); Allen Mitchell (The Erv Woolsey Co.); Erv Woolsey (The Erv Woolsey Co.)

Chapter 645

Good things come to those who wait.

That’s how the saying goes, but for Wyoming singer-songwriter Ian Munsick, it’s a life lesson. He was signed to his Nashville major-label deal mid-pandemic, and his Coyote Cry CD has been ready forever. But his first concert in Music City did not occur until Tuesday evening (July 20). That’s a long wait.

“To say this is a long time coming is an understatement,” said Cris Lacy when she introduced him to a V.I.P. crowd backstage. “There’s a lot of things that have happened that we need to catch up on. Most people here have never seen Ian live, including people at this label. So this is special.”

“You guys are about to become part of history tonight,” promised James Marsh when he introduced Ian onstage, “the first time this artist has ever played Nashville.”

The Warner Music newcomer did not disappoint. He came out howling and never let up. Ian Munsick is a tenor vocalist, which is always an uphill battle at country radio. But he already has 80 million global streams of his music. So there.

The venue was the spacious indoor/outdoor partyland Ole Smoky Distillery. Guests imbibed Ole Smoky Moonshine and Yee Haw beer to swill down Prince’s hot chicken, served with white bread & pickles (natch), veggie salad and coleslaw.

But everyone seemed much more focused on schmoozing than snacking, or paying attention to music, for that matter. Working the room were John Zarling, Jon Freeman, Regina Stuve, Ron Stuve, Scott Gunter, Dwight Wiles, Lance Roberts, Dave Pacula, Shane Tarleton, Gary Kraen (did you know he was from Wyoming?), Erv Woolsey, Todd Cassetty, Charlie Cook, Rachel Whitney, Sally Seitz, Wes Vause, Jody Williams, Katherine Richardson, Caroline Rudolph and Victoria Chaitoff.

It turned out to be a long night. We got there at 5:30 PM. The headliner was preceded by feisty femme country rockers Meghan Patrick (“My First Car Was a Pickup Truck”) and Ashland Craft (“Good Ole Girls”). Ian Munsick finally took the stage at 8 PM, peppering the crowd with “Long Haul,” “Solo,” “Humble” and more.

We are told that he is at the forefront of “a musical movement,” presumably bringing something “western” to country. I don’t know about that. But he did do well.

Chris DeStefano Renews With Sony Music Publishing Nashville

Chris DeStefano

Sony Music Publishing Nashville has renewed its worldwide deal with Grammy award-winning country singer-songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist Chris DeStefano.

DeStefano is a three-time CMA Triple Play winner, penning No. 1 country hits including “Kick The Dust Up” and “That’s My Kind of Night” by Luke Bryan; Carrie Underwood’s “Smoke Break,” “Good Girl,” “Little Toy Guns” her Grammy-winning single “Something in the Water,” and “Somethin’ Bad” with Miranda Lambert. Other notable hits co-written by DeStefano include “Don’t Ya” by Brett Eldredge; “Just Getting’ Started” by Jason Aldean; “Losing Sleep” by Chris Young; “Why You Wanna” by Jana Kramer; “Hey Girl” by Billy Currington; and “Nothin’ Like You” by Dan + Shay.

Recently, DeStefano worked on Chris Young’s eighth studio album Famous Friends, including his brand-new hit “One of them Nights,” as well as Chase Rice’s latest singles “Best Night Ever” and “Belong” from his new project entitled The Album.

The renewal continues DeStefano’s long-standing relationship with the company, which began in 2008 when he signed with EMI Music Publishing.

Sony Music Publishing Nashville EVP, Creative Josh Van Valkenburg says, “Simply put, Chris DeStefano is special. As a songwriter, producer, performer, philanthropist, and songwriting advocate, there are few people in the Nashville creative community that have had as significant of an impact as Chris. We are honored to remain as his publishing family, and we are proud to celebrate his past, present and future success alongside him.”

“I’m very excited to be continuing my partnership with the amazing team at Sony Music Publishing. I’m grateful for their fervent support, love for songs, and I look forward to future successes together,” adds DeStefano.

Dylan Schneider Signs With BBR Music Group

Photo: Robby Klein

Rising country music artist Dylan Schneider has signed with BBR Music Group.

An Indiana native, Schneider started performing and writing songs at the age of 14, after meeting Brett Eldredge and singing with him on-stage during a concert. He started posting covers of country songs on YouTube which earned him a devoted online following. Since then, the 21 year-old has toured with Florida Georgia Line, Granger Smith and Chris Lane, and has accumulated over 1 million social media followers and upwards of 186 million on-demand streams. He also co-wrote Dustin Lynch’s most recent hit song “Momma’s House.”

“I’m so excited to be signing with BBR Music Group,” says Schneider. “I’ve admired their entire staff and the incredible artists on their roster for a long time. I can’t thank my fans, my family, and my team enough for their continued support of me and my career. I’m looking forward to releasing a lot of new music very soon and look forward to reaching a whole new audience.”

Schneider also revealed plans to release his first bit of new music in over two years with his new single, “Lost in a Small Town,” which will be available everywhere July 30. He co-wrote the track with Gabe Foust, James McNair, and Mark Holman, who also produced the song. More new music is to be announced in the coming weeks.

Schneider is managed by Joey Russ and Martha Earls at 1021 Entertainment and booked by Braeden Rountree at WME.

Wide Open Music Publishing Adds Two Songwriters, One Staff Member

Pictured (L-R): Joe Haydel, Martin McDaniel, and Jessie Pitts. Photos: Courtesy Wide Open Music Publishing/Sean Hagwell

Wide Open Music Publishing has announced new additions to its staff and songwriting roster. Jessie Pitts has been named Catalog Manager/Creative Assistant for the company, while Joe Haydel and Martin McDaniel have joined Wide Open’s songwriter roster.

Pitts, a Tennessee native, debuted as an artist in 2015 as a top 12 finalist on NBC’s The Voice. Now, she aims to offer her own artist experience and business savvy to help advise, develop, and market other artists. Pitts has interned with The Recording Academy and Wide Open Music Management under Ash Bowers. She graduated with honors from Belmont University in 2021, earning a bachelor’s degree in business administration with an emphasis in music business.

Louisiana native, Haydel possesses an original style inspired by the alternative rock of the late 90s and early 2000s. He released his debut self-titled EP in 2019 and landed his first outside cut, “Even Now” for Chase Bryant in April of 2021.

McDaniel made the move to Nashville from his Alabama hometown in 2008 and started playing in a local house band at the Cadillac Ranch on Broadway. Booking his own shows, co-writing, and producing his own music, Martin landed an opening slot for Alan Jackson in 2019 and his song “Loving Me Lonely” landed on Spotify’s New Boots playlist.

“We’re adding three rock stars to our already incredible team,” says VP/General Manager of Wide Open Music Publishing Victoria Goodvin. “Joe and Martin are both extremely hardworking and talented writers, artists, and musicians… I’m looking forward to watching both of their careers take off.” She continues, “Jessie started out as our intern in 2019 and has been an amazing addition to the team, so we’re excited to bring her on full-time. I love her passion for this industry and that she’s not afraid to go after what she wants.”

Taylor Swift’s ‘Fearless (Taylor’s Version)’ Will Not Be Submitted For Grammy, CMA Award Consideration

Taylor Swift. Photo: Beth Garrabrant.

Taylor Swift will not be submitting Fearless (Taylor’s Version), the re-recorded version of her 2008 studio album that released earlier this year, for Grammy or CMA Awards consideration.

“After careful consideration, Taylor Swift will not be submitting Fearless (Taylor’s Version) in any category at this year’s upcoming Grammy and CMA Awards,” says a statement provided to MusicRow from a Republic Records spokesperson. “Fearless has already won four Grammys including album of the year, as well as the CMA Award for album of the year in 2009/2010 and remains the most awarded country album of all time.”

The statement goes on to share that Swift’s ninth studio album, Evermore, released in December of 2020, will be submitted to the Grammys for consideration in all eligible categories.

Evermore arrived only five months after the surprise release of Folklore, Swift’s groundbreaking eighth studio album. Debuting at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, Evermore marked her eighth consecutive No. 1 debut. After its return to No. 1 in June for a fourth nonconsecutive week, the early 2020 Christmas present gave Swift the third-most weeks at No. 1 behind The Beatles and Elvis Presley.

The Grammy-winning songstress went to work remaking Fearless after Scooter Braun’s infamous purchase of her former label, Big Machine Label Group, in 2019. The acquisition included the rights to her first six albums: Taylor Swift, Fearless, Sparks Fly, Red, 1989, and Reputation.

Since the initial purchase, Swift has begun an extensive re-recording project of those six albums. As previously announced, Swift has shared that the next album fans can expect is Red (Taylor’s Version), which is set to release on Nov. 19.

Brandi Carlile Announces Upcoming Album ‘In These Silent Days’

Brandi Carlile. Photo: Neil Krug

Six-time Grammy award-winning singer, songwriter, performer, producer and New York Times best selling author Brandi Carlile will be releasing her new album In These Silent Days on Oct. 1 via Low Country Sound/Elektra Records. Ahead of the release, the album’s first single “Right On Time,” featuring a music video directed by Courteney Cox, has been unveiled today (July 21).

Inspired by the mining of her own history while writing her No. 1 New York Times best selling memoir, Broken Horses (Crown), In These Silent Days was born while Carlile was quarantined at home with longtime collaborators and bandmates Tim and Phil Hanseroth. The ten songs depict acceptance, faith, loss, and love, while channeling icons like David Bowie, Freddie Mercury, Elton John and Joni Mitchell. The project was once again recorded at Nashville’s historic RCA Studio A with producers Dave Cobb and Shooter Jennings.

YouTube video

“Never before have the twins and I written an album during a time of such uncertainty and quiet solitude. I never imagined that I’d feel so exposed and weird as an artist without the armor of a costume, the thrill of an applause and the platform of the sacred stage. Despite all this, the songs flowed through—pure and unperformed, loud and proud, joyful and mournful.” Carlile continues, “[It was] written in my barn during a time of deep and personal reckoning. There’s plenty of reflection… but mostly it’s a celebration. This album is what drama mixed with joy sounds like. It’s resistance and gratitude, righteous anger and radical forgiveness. It’s the sound of these silent days.”

Carlile will perform select headline shows this year, including an upcoming concert at NYC’s Forest Hills Stadium on July 23, as well as two nights at Colorado’s Red Rocks Amphitheatre on Sept. 11 and 12. Additionally, her Girls Just Wanna Weekend festival will return to the Hard Rock Hotel in Riviera Maya, Mexico next February, featuring performances by Carlile, Sheryl Crow, Tanya Tucker, Indigo Girls, Lucius, Margo Price, Yola, KT Tunstall, Allison Russell, Amythyst Kiah, Katie Pruitt, and more.

In These Silent Days Track List:
1. Right On Time
2. You And Me On The Rock
3. This Time Tomorrow
4. Broken Horses
5. Letter To The Past
6. Mama Werewolf
7. When You’re Wrong
8. Stay Gentle
9. Sinners Saints And Fools
10.Throwing Good After Bad