Spotify Partners With Nashville Artists For ‘Claim Your Space’ Campaign
Nashville mural by Mia Saine
As part of Spotify’s Claim Your Space Pride campaign, it has teamed up with local LGBTQ+ artists in Nashville to claim their physical space through a permanent mural launching for Pride.
Spotify has partnered with muralist Mia Saine to create a mural celebrating the vibrance of the LGBTQ+ community in Nashville and telling the story of their critical role in the country and roots scenes, as well as in activism in the city. Saine, a Memphis-native illustrator, identifies as a non-binary Black creative seeking to share a more positive, inclusive narrative. The mural shines a spotlight on the important contributions of featured artists and activists local to the Nashville area including TJ Osborne, Brittany Howard, Joy Oladokun, Amythyst Kiah, Fancy Hagood, Dr. Marisa Richmond, Chris Sanders, and Gianna Lopez in telling their own unique stories
The mural is being given as a gift to the nonprofit Oasis Center, a youth crisis intervention center in the Nashville area. This mural will live indoors at the Oasis Center, as well as at a secondary outdoor location in Nashville.
Gotee Records Signs Joseph O’Brien
Pictured (L-R): Gotee President Joey Elwood, CEO Toby McKeehan, Joseph O’Brien, Jess Chambers, Keelin Crew, and Brad Moist
Gotee Records welcomes new artist Joseph O’Brien with the release of his debut single and music video, “Give Up On Love,” available now.
Bred from a musical family O’Brien started his own journey at age 12, with his talents eventually taking him to the quarter finals of America’s Got Talent. O’Brien co-produced his debut single with Adam Turley and wrote it alongside Zach Bowsher.
“I am so proud to have signed Joseph O’Brien to Gotee,” says TobyMac. “I love that we’re launching him with a song like, ‘Give Up On Love.’ I’ve always said that some songs from believers should be about trying to fight for a God perspective in everyday earth things… songs that remind us to bring everything to the King and allow God to speak into it because He is part of everything we experience on this earth – the good, the bad and the ugly. Joseph’s honesty in his writing is going to be impactful in our genre and I am so excited he’s a part of the Gotee family.”
“Growing up, before I even knew what a label was, hands down my two favorite artists were TobyMac and Relient K. Cliché I know, but the feeling of being on a label founded by Toby and Relient K on the roster is beyond description,” O’Brien shares. “The label’s building already seems like a second home, the people a second family, and getting the opportunity to release music with and through them that glorifies the Lord is nothing short of the best kind of dream.”
Nashville Indie Group Birdtalker Signs To Swayer & Garner Management, AntiFragile Music
Birdtalker. Photo: Jeremy Cowart
Nashville based indie/folk group Birdtalker have joined Sawyer & Garner Management, a boutique artist management firm representing artists such as Grammy Award-winner Tanya Tucker. Founded in 2017 by Jerilyn Sawyer and James Garner, Sawyer & Garner is also based in Nashville.
Fronted by couple Zack and Dani Green, Birdtalker have cultivated a blend of pulsing Americana/folk/pop, honest lyrics, and breathtaking harmonies. They released their debut album, One, in 2018 via Sensibility Recordings/Tone Tree Music. The album featured their breakout single “Heavy,” which has now amassed over 76 million streams on Spotify alone.
“The last couple of years have been full of transition for us,” states the band. “We’re so grateful that we got to spend the better part of 2020 reconnecting with where all of this started; creating music from a place of curiosity and exploration with our dear friend JD Tiner at his studio in Nashville, the first place we ever recorded music. We’re so excited to have Jerilyn Sawyer and James Garner on board as our new management team, a formidable power couple who’ve been so supportive of us and enthusiastic about the new music from the start.”
Birdtalker have also inked a new label deal with AntiFragile Music with new music slated for this summer. AntiFragile Music is an independent record label based in New York City and London which was founded by Tom Sarig in 2017
“We’re honored to partner with Tom Sarig and his team at AntiFragile to release our next record,” the band continues. “It is a thrilling opportunity to be led not only by Tom’s years of amazing work in the world of music but also his genuine love and passion for what he does. With these powers combined, we can’t wait to release this new music and follow wherever it leads.”
FGL, Thomas Rhett, Maren Morris To Play Inaugural Feeding Nashville Benefit
/by Lorie HollabaughFlorida Georgia Line’s Tyler Hubbard and wife Hayley along with the Tennessee Titans’ Taylor Lewan and wife Taylin are hosting a live benefit concert in support of their joint non-profit, Feeding Nashville. The concert will take place on Aug. 3 at the brand new FirstBank Amphitheater and will mark the inaugural event of the Thompson’s Station venue.
Together: Feeding Nashville will feature a powerful night of music and positivity featuring Florida Georgia Line, Thomas Rhett, Maren Morris, Russell Dickerson, Lauren Alaina, Lily Rose, and more special guests to be revealed.
Founded in April 2020 by the Hubbards and Lewans, Feeding Nashville is focused on providing healthy meals for at-risk students, low-income patients, and the homeless in Nashville, while also supporting a network of local chefs. Since launching, Feeding Nashville has prepared and delivered meals to 70,858 individuals in the region.
Pictured (L-R): Rick McEachern (FirstBank Amphitheater), Nancy McEachern (FirstBank Amphitheater), Tyler Hubbard (Florida Georgia Line), Hayley Hubbard, Ryan Reisdorf (Placemat), Taylin Lewan, Taylor Lewan (Tennessee Titans), Lenai Augustine (FirstBank), Janie Rittenberry (FirstBank), R. Wade Peery (FirstBank), Ali Harnell (Live Nation Women), Holli Mattison (Live Nation), Emily Mayer (Live Nation). Photo: Laura Moll Photo
Last Thursday (July 1), the Hubbards and Lewans held a press conference to share details on the benefit event. FirstBank’s Wade Peery, Jeanie Rittenberry, and Lenai Augustine were also in attendance and surprised the couples with a $5K check to jumpstart their charity efforts.
“There’s such a need in our community, whether there’s a pandemic, or a tornado, even without those things, we need to be feeding people and so we just realized that need within our own backyard. It’s been so cool to watch the community come together,” said Hayley Hubbard of the event. “Gosh, I’m pinching myself that this is actually going to happen because this vision of having a concert together – live together – was just such a dream last year, and so I’m just grateful to be here.”
Together: Feeding Nashville is produced by Live Nation and Executive Producer Ali Harnell, President and Chief Strategy Officer at Live Nation Women. Presented by Barstool Sports’ Bussin’ With The Boys, tickets for the event will go on sale Friday, June 9 at 10 a.m. CST, with net ticket proceeds directly supporting Feeding Nashville.
John Marks Launches New Consulting Company
/by Lydia FarthingJohn Marks
John Marks, former Global Director of Country Music at Spotify, has started his own company with a focus on artist consulting, development, and being a liaison to the music industry. Through this new consulting endeavor, Marks will help artists in a variety of areas, including developing individual streaming strategies, A&R, and release strategies.
“I’m excited to begin this next new chapter in my life,” Marks shares with MusicRow. “I have a deep affection for artists and music creators of every kind. I look forward to doing whatever I am able to help everyone I work with to achieve their dreams.”
Marks has spent most of his career in programming and operations in terrestrial radio. He started at SiriusXM in 2010 where he became Head of Country Music Programming. He then joined Spotify in 2015 as one of only two Nashville Spotify employees covering the country market. While at the company, Marks was instrumental in growing the music streaming platform’s Hot Country brand, championing new artists, and establishing Spotify’s footprint in Nashville.
For more information, click here or email info@johnmarks.me.
Brad Paisley Celebrates July 4th With 350,000 In Nashville
/by Lorie HollabaughBrad Paisley performs on Broadway for the 4th of July in Nashville, TN. Photo: Tim Gerst
Brad Paisley‘s new song, “City Of Music,” rang true Sunday night as the streets of downtown Nashville were packed with a massive crowd of 350,000, all celebrating the return of Music City’s 4th of July celebration. Paisley headlined the annual event, which was cancelled last year due to COVID-19, and brought in the holiday weekend in spectacular fashion.
He opened the show with his new single, which acts as his love letter to Nashville and a tribute to its dream seekers, and filled his 90-minute set with No. 1’s, fan favorites, and old standards. Special guests during the evening included blues rock guitar master Joe Bonamassa and Kelsea Ballerini who joined Paisley to perform her hit song, “Hole In The Bottle.” CNN’s Fourth In America aired four of Paisley’s songs live before and during its broadcast of the country’s largest fireworks display.
On tap for Paisley during his busy summer include an appearance on the Grand Ole Opry tonight (July 6) along with a slate of shows this weekend and beyond as he continues his 2021 tour running coast-to-coast through October 9.
Additionally, on Aug. 13, Brad Paisley’s Shark Country will air on Discovery Channel during the network’s famed Shark Week. For the special, Paisley and comedian JB Smoove travel to the Bahamas where Dr. Austin Gallagher helps them put Paisley’s musical talents to the test in shark-infested waters as they see how sound can attract or repel sharks.
Laine Hardy Hits The Road On Monster Outbreak Tour
/by Lydia FarthingLaine Hardy. Photo: Dustin Haney
Rising country artist and American Idol winner Laine Hardy is hitting the road with the Monster Energy Outbreak Tour. Kicking off on July 22, Hardy will plays shows coast to coast, joined on select dates by Chris Bandi, Kylie Frey, Wyatt McCubbin, and Nick Walsh.
“I can’t wait to head out on tour in the fall and play some brand new music for everyone,” says Hardy. “Really excited to be hitting the road with the Monster Energy Outbreak Tour. It’s going to be a blast!”
To celebrate the news, Hardy also released an acoustic version of his brand-new single, “Memorize You.” The feel-good track was written by Michael Tyler, Eric Arjes, and Steven Dale Jones, and produced by Michael Knox.
Hardy joins previous headlining alumni of the tastemaker concert series, including Lindsay Ell, Bones UK, Post Malone, Kendrick Lamar, Macklemore, The Chainsmokers, Mike Shinoda, Cole Swindell, Larkin Poe and many others. Since its inception in 2011, the Monster Energy Outbreak Tour has grown into the largest national touring brand in the club and theater space, showcasing the hottest breakthrough artists on groundbreaking nationwide tours.
Tickets for the Monster Energy Outbreak Tour featuring Laine Hardy are on sale now. For more information or to purchase tickets, click here.
Monster Energy Outbreak Tour Presents: Laine Hardy Dates
07.22.21 – Dewey Beach, DE – Bottle & Cork
07.23.21 – Harrisburg, PA – HMAC
09.16.21 – Fort Wayne, IN – Piere’s *%
09.22.21 – Alexandria, VA – The Birchmere +
09.24.21 – Morgantown, WV – Metropolitan Theatre*#
09.25.21 – Warrendale, PA – Jergel’s *%
09.30.21 – Kearney, NE – Joe’s Honky Tonk *+
10.01.21 – Denver, CO – Grizzly Rose *+
10.02.21 – Cheyenne, WY – Outlaw Saloon *#
10.03.21 – Billings, MT – Pub Station *#
10.07.21 – St. Louis, MO – Delmar Hall +
10.08.21 – Chattanooga, TN – The Signal +
10.21.21 – Cedar Park, TX – The Haute Spot *+
10.28.21 – Indianapolis, IN – The Vogue *%+
10.29.21 – Medina, OH – Thirsty Cowboys *%+
10.30.21 – Grand Rapids, MI – Elevation *%+
11.04.21 – Athens, GA – Georgia Theatre *+
11.05.21 – Sanford, FL – The Barn *+
11.06.21 – Middleburg, FL – Southern Social
11.09.21 – New York, NY – Gramercy Theatre *+
11.11.21 – Foxborough, MA – Six Strings Grill & Stage *+
11.12.21 – New Haven, CT – Toad’s Place *+
11.13.21 – Rutland, VT – The Paramount Theatre *+
11.14.21 – Portland, ME – Aura +
11.20.21 – Biloxi, MS – IP Casino Resort & Spa
* w/ Chris Bandi
+ w/ Kylie Frey
% w/ Wyatt McCubbin
# w/ Nick Walsh
Danny Gokey Crosses Genre Borders On Upcoming Album, ‘Jesus People’
/by Lorie HollabaughDanny Gokey has announced that is new full-length studio album, Jesus People, will be released on Aug. 20 via Capitol Christian Music Group. Today (July 2), the 3x Grammy nominee dropped the powerful ballad, “He Believes In You,” from the upcoming project, along with an accompanying video.
Jesus People features unique songs and collaborations with the likes of Koryn Hawthorne (“We All Need Jesus”), Christine D’Clario (“Cristo Es Necesario”), and Angie Rose (“Do For Love”), as well as the album’s flagship song, “Stand In Faith,” which became the most-added single in the genre. Throughout the project Gokey’s songs touch on love, gratitude, and truth.
“I believe there is something musically and inspirationally for everyone on this album–it’s full of hope and encouragement that I think we can all use right now,” Gokey shares. “In the writing process and also in choosing the title, I was inspired by the life of Jesus and how His presence has been a staple throughout history. He was a figure that brought the broken, the hurting, and those that had lost their dreams together in a unifying way, and that’s something I inspire to do. Musically, I got to explore some new things and cross some genre borders. I’m excited for listeners to hear the collaborations with the special guests featured on the project, including Gospel, Latin, and even a little rap. It’s something I love doing and hope to do more of in the future.”
Gary Allan Celebrates Album Release, Earns RIAA Heavy Metal
/by LB CantrellGary Allan. Photo: Eric Adkins
To commemorate releasing his much anticipated album, Ruthless, Gary Allan marked his return to the country music spotlight with an exclusive album release concert at the newly opened Fifth + Broadway complex.
Allan celebrated Ruthless—his first album in eight years—and his prior hits with collaborators he’s worked with over the last 25 years. The show was also Allan’s first show in Nashville in eight years, and was packed to the brim.
The show kicked off with an invigorating performance of “A Feelin’ Like That.” Allan took fans back with his foot-stomping heartbreakers “Songs About Rain” and “Best I Ever Had.” He also thrilled the crowd with “Nothing On but the Radio” and “Get Off On The Pain.”
Pictured (L-R): Brice Long, Odie Blackmon, Gary Allan, Jim Lauderdale and Matt Warren. Photo: Eric Adkins
From the new album Allan played the title track, a fast fan-favorite “Temptation,” and his newest single, “Waste Of A Whiskey Drink.” The crowd sang back the words of the songs that had only been released hours prior. A grateful Allan closed his set with Platinum-certified smash “Watching Airplanes,” which thrilled the audience even more.
Collaborators from Allan’s many hits and new songs were in attendance for the balmy open-air show. At the end of the night, Allan was presented with a multitude of RIAA plaques for many of his hits earning Gold and Platinum status.
Photo: Eric Adkins
450 Items From Tanya Tucker’s Personal Collection Up For Auction
/by Lorie HollabaughTanya Tucker. Photo: Derrek Kupish
An auction of Tanya Tucker memorabilia is set to take place on July 24 beginning at 12 p.m. CST. The event is being held by Kruse GWS Auctions, the auction house specializing in Hollywood memorabilia, fine jewelry, royal artifacts, luxury vehicles, antiques, and collectibles. To register in advance to bid, visit gwsauctions.com.
Items up for bid at the auction include Tanya Tucker’s Book of Mormon, gifted from her father, Jesse “Beau” Tucker on her birthday in 1994 and inscribed on the front in gold; Tanya’s The Love Boat original shoot schedule; a printed tour itinerary documenting shows in 1980; her SAG Membership Card; a David Green Fur Coat from her personal collection; a printed Zang Toi top, pant, and bralette set; a Navajo turquoise and sterling silver squash blossom necklace; a Navajo carved semi-precious stone animal fetish necklace: a Federico Jimenez sterling silver and spiny oyster inlay cuff; and a The White House vintage leather coat.
“Country music icon Tanya Tucker is a woman after my own heart! She has never bowed to the norm and made her own way in the music industry as a trailblazing woman who set standards for those who came after her. Her talent is unmatched and her style extraordinary. I am personally so thrilled to be hosting The Collection of Music Icon Tanya Tucker auction July 24. The collection is what country music hit songs are made of,” says Dame Brigitte Kruse, founder and lead auctioneer, Kruse GWS Auctions.
Tucker is one of the most recognized country music singers in the world and became a star at the age of 13 with her timeless hit “Delta Dawn” in 1972. Her career has included three Grammy Awards, two ACM Awards, two CMA Awards, several other nominations. Her hit songs include “What’s Your Mama’s Name?,” “Strong Enough to Bend,” “Two Sparrows in a Hurricane,” and “Bring My Flowers Now” from her 2019 Grammy Award winning album, While I’m Livin‘.
Chart Action: Toby Keith, Shelley Lynch Debut
/by Alex ParryCanadian singer-songwriter, Shelley Lynch has the highest debut this week on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart landing at No. 74. Her single, “Make it to Memphis,” was penned by Travis Pickering and produced by Dean Miller. Shelley says, “‘Make it to Memphis’ is essentially about the struggle between keeping the faith and fighting doubt and uncertainty while chasing your passion. Happiness isn’t the destination, it’s the journey.”
Toby Keith‘s “Old School” also debuted this week, landing at No. 80 on the MusicRow Chart. He earned the most added distinction on both the Billboard Country Airplay chart and the Mediabase chart earning a total of 91 new station adds, and debuted at No. 25 and No. 41, respectively. “Old School” was written by Maren Morris, Ryan Hurd, and Brett Tyler and produced By Keith and Kenny Greenberg.
The Isaacs Cover Familiar Classics, Share New Originals On Upcoming Project
/by Lorie HollabaughThe Isaacs. Photo: Frederick Breedon
The Isaacs have announced their upcoming album, The American Face, will be released on Aug. 13 through their label, House of Isaacs. Penned by Sonya Isaacs Yeary, Jimmy Yeary, and Tom Douglas, the unifying title track, praised by MusicRow, is available now.
Produced by Ben Isaacs and Bryan Sutton, The American Face features a mix of both new material and covers of classics like “More Than Words” by Extreme, “You’re The Inspiration” by Chicago, “We Can Work It Out” by The Beatles, and “Forever and For Always” by Shania Twain. The Isaacs found inspiration for the 12-song collection from the many genres that have influenced their musical style, including country, bluegrass, R&B, folk, contemporary, and Gospel. Enlisting the help of Ben Smallbone and Andrea Royer, known for their work with for King & Country, the duo created the group’s first concept video for the new single.
Through The Isaacs Foundation, the group will donate a portion of proceeds from The American Face to The Bridge Ministry, a non-profit organization in Nashville which exists to alleviate the suffering of underprivileged children, the homeless, and the working poor by providing resources and hope. The Isaacs, first line descendants of Holocaust survivors, have also raised hundreds of thousands to help Israel, specifically Holocaust Survivors, Israeli Defense “Lone” Soldiers, and orphans via The Fishman Isaacs Israel Initiative since 2018.
The Isaacs are frequent guests on the Grand Ole Opry, active members on the Gaither Homecoming Videos and Concert Series, and perform over 100 dates a year. The Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame’s newest inductees have also earned seven Dove awards, International Bluegrass Music Association Awards, National Quartet Convention Awards, and the Inspirational Christian Country Awards. Two of their recent projects, executive produced by NFL Hall of Famer Terry Bradshaw, received two consecutive Grammy nominations for Best Roots Gospel Album as well as a nomination for Best Roots Gospel Song.
The American Face Track List:
1. The American Face – Jimmy Yeary, Sonya Isaacs Yeary, Tom Douglas
2. We Can Work It Out – John Lennon, Paul McCartney
3. You’re The Inspiration – Peter Cetera, David Foster
4. Never Too Late For Love – Tim Nichols, Sonya Isaacs Yeary, Rebecca Isaacs Bowman
5. Turn Turn Turn – Peter Seeger
6. Just Words – Connie Harrington, Sonya Isaacs Yeary, Rebecca Isaacs Bowman
7. Humpty Dumpty Heart – Ronnie Bowman, Sonya Isaacs Yeary, Rebecca Isaacs Bowman
8. Forever & For Always – Robert John Lange, Shania Twain
9. Dance With Me – Sonya Isaacs Yeary, Jimmy Yeary, Rebecca Isaacs Bowman
10 . More Than Words – Gary F. Cherone, Nuno Bettencourt
11. Love With All Your Heart – Rebecca Isaacs Bowman, Sonya Isaacs Yeary, Steven Jones
12. The Water Is Wide – Unknown Author
Industry Ink: Spotify, Gotee Records, Birdtalker
/by Lydia FarthingSpotify Partners With Nashville Artists For ‘Claim Your Space’ Campaign
Nashville mural by Mia Saine
As part of Spotify’s Claim Your Space Pride campaign, it has teamed up with local LGBTQ+ artists in Nashville to claim their physical space through a permanent mural launching for Pride.
Spotify has partnered with muralist Mia Saine to create a mural celebrating the vibrance of the LGBTQ+ community in Nashville and telling the story of their critical role in the country and roots scenes, as well as in activism in the city. Saine, a Memphis-native illustrator, identifies as a non-binary Black creative seeking to share a more positive, inclusive narrative. The mural shines a spotlight on the important contributions of featured artists and activists local to the Nashville area including TJ Osborne, Brittany Howard, Joy Oladokun, Amythyst Kiah, Fancy Hagood, Dr. Marisa Richmond, Chris Sanders, and Gianna Lopez in telling their own unique stories
The mural is being given as a gift to the nonprofit Oasis Center, a youth crisis intervention center in the Nashville area. This mural will live indoors at the Oasis Center, as well as at a secondary outdoor location in Nashville.
Gotee Records Signs Joseph O’Brien
Pictured (L-R): Gotee President Joey Elwood, CEO Toby McKeehan, Joseph O’Brien, Jess Chambers, Keelin Crew, and Brad Moist
Gotee Records welcomes new artist Joseph O’Brien with the release of his debut single and music video, “Give Up On Love,” available now.
Bred from a musical family O’Brien started his own journey at age 12, with his talents eventually taking him to the quarter finals of America’s Got Talent. O’Brien co-produced his debut single with Adam Turley and wrote it alongside Zach Bowsher.
“I am so proud to have signed Joseph O’Brien to Gotee,” says TobyMac. “I love that we’re launching him with a song like, ‘Give Up On Love.’ I’ve always said that some songs from believers should be about trying to fight for a God perspective in everyday earth things… songs that remind us to bring everything to the King and allow God to speak into it because He is part of everything we experience on this earth – the good, the bad and the ugly. Joseph’s honesty in his writing is going to be impactful in our genre and I am so excited he’s a part of the Gotee family.”
“Growing up, before I even knew what a label was, hands down my two favorite artists were TobyMac and Relient K. Cliché I know, but the feeling of being on a label founded by Toby and Relient K on the roster is beyond description,” O’Brien shares. “The label’s building already seems like a second home, the people a second family, and getting the opportunity to release music with and through them that glorifies the Lord is nothing short of the best kind of dream.”
Nashville Indie Group Birdtalker Signs To Swayer & Garner Management, AntiFragile Music
Birdtalker. Photo: Jeremy Cowart
Nashville based indie/folk group Birdtalker have joined Sawyer & Garner Management, a boutique artist management firm representing artists such as Grammy Award-winner Tanya Tucker. Founded in 2017 by Jerilyn Sawyer and James Garner, Sawyer & Garner is also based in Nashville.
Fronted by couple Zack and Dani Green, Birdtalker have cultivated a blend of pulsing Americana/folk/pop, honest lyrics, and breathtaking harmonies. They released their debut album, One, in 2018 via Sensibility Recordings/Tone Tree Music. The album featured their breakout single “Heavy,” which has now amassed over 76 million streams on Spotify alone.
“The last couple of years have been full of transition for us,” states the band. “We’re so grateful that we got to spend the better part of 2020 reconnecting with where all of this started; creating music from a place of curiosity and exploration with our dear friend JD Tiner at his studio in Nashville, the first place we ever recorded music. We’re so excited to have Jerilyn Sawyer and James Garner on board as our new management team, a formidable power couple who’ve been so supportive of us and enthusiastic about the new music from the start.”
Birdtalker have also inked a new label deal with AntiFragile Music with new music slated for this summer. AntiFragile Music is an independent record label based in New York City and London which was founded by Tom Sarig in 2017
“We’re honored to partner with Tom Sarig and his team at AntiFragile to release our next record,” the band continues. “It is a thrilling opportunity to be led not only by Tom’s years of amazing work in the world of music but also his genuine love and passion for what he does. With these powers combined, we can’t wait to release this new music and follow wherever it leads.”