It sounds like country music is roaring back this week.
There were few pretensions to pop-crossover music in this listening session. Instead, we have beefy, bodacious, hardcore slabs of sound by Toby Keith, Tony Jackson, Brantley Gilbert, Chris Janson and Connie Smith.
Kicking it country-rock style are Tyler Braden and our Disc of the Day winner, Tenille Townes.
The DisCovery Award also goes to a female artist. That would be Sony newcomer Hannah Dasher, who has buckets of personality.
TYLER BRADEN / “Ways to Miss You”
Writers: Tyler Braden/Mark Holman/Michael Whitworth; Producer: Randy Montana/Mark Holman; Label: Warner Music Nashville
— I have been on board with this Nashville firefighter from the beginning. Every release has been a gem, and this heartache rocker continues his admirable track record. It’s a lot more electrified and driving than his previous tracks, but his superb singing and melodic sense both still shine brightly. Will somebody please bring this guy the stardom he deserves?
CHRIS JANSON / “Hawaii on Me”
Writers: Chris Janson/Kelly Janson/Will Nance; Producer: Chris Janson/Tommy Cecil; Label: Warner Music Nashville
— Noted for his high intensity live performances, Janson strips it down to an acoustic presentation on this superbly written message song about life, death and love. With just an acoustic guitar, he grabs you by the ears and doesn’t let go. “When I die, go to Hawaii on me,” spread his ashes and have a good time. Amen, bro.
CONNIE SMITH / “Look Out Heart”
Writers: Marty Stuart/Harry Stinson; Producer: Marty Stuart; Label: Fat Possum
— Connie’s return to the Opry stage last weekend was a triumph. Her one-of-a-kind, heart-in-throat vocal powers are undimmed. This track heralds her new Cry of the Heart collection. If there’s one thing I know about this woman, it’s that she loves to sing with a steel guitar answering her vocal lines. This brisk toe tapper fills the bill, and then some. An instant classic from an enduring classic.
GARTH BROOKS / “That’s What Cowboys Do”
Writers: John Martin/Mitch Rossell/Garth Brooks; Producer: Garth Brooks; Label: Pearl Records
— He falls in love, but leaves because it’s in his male nature to move along. The lilting, Texas-style arrangement is very much in ‘90s Strait territory. Deja vu.
NATALIE HEMBY / “Heroes”
Writers: Natalie Hemby/Jeff Trot/Aaron Raitiere; Producer: Mike Wrucke; Label: Fantasy Records
— Over a sultry, r&b flavored track, the electronically processed Hemby seethes with attitude about turning down a hero’s role in life. Ear catching. This woman is a potent Music City songsmith who has co-penned such monsters as “Bluebird” (Miranda), “Pontoon” (Little Big Town), “You Look Like I Need a Drink” (Justin Moore), “Automatic” (Miranda), “Heartache Medication” (Jon Pardi), ”I’ll Never Love Again” (Lady Gaga), “Crowded Table” (The Highwomen), “Tornado” (LBT), “White Liar” (Miranda) and much more.
TOBY KEITH / “Old School”
Writers: Maren Morris/Ryan Hurd/Brett Tyler; Producer: Kenny Greenberg/Toby Keith; Label: Show Dog Nashville
— A total ear worm. This ridiculously catchy ditty extols the virtues of ordinary, small-town life while a choppy rhythm track bops along. As usual, Toby’s delivery rings with confidence and strength. Absolutely radio ready: “Just the way we like,” indeed.
TENILLE TOWNES / “Girl Who Didn’t Care”
Writers: Tenille Townes/David Pramik/Steph Jones; Producer: David Pramik; Label: Columbia Nashville
— This driving, percussive, rocking outing beats right alongside your heart as Townes unspools her wish to recapture the innocence and verve of youth. She’s in search of that unspoiled girl who didn’t care what others think. She wants to spin and twirl as a dreamer, and by the time she finishes, you will too. I fell head over heels for this.
BRIAN KELLEY / “Boat Names”
Writers: Brian Kelley/Parker Welling/Casey Brown; Producer: Brian Kelley/Corey Crowder; Label: Nashville South Records/Warner Music Nashville
— The “F” in FGL has returned to Florida to make mellow beach music like this drowsy dream of a rich-folks romance. Easy on the ears.
HANNAH DASHER / “Girls Call the Shots”
Writers: Brad Warren/Brett Warren/David Frasier/Lance Miller; Producer: Brandon Hood; Label: Sony Music Nashville
— Very wise, very country, very accomplished. Everything works here—her perfectly nuanced vocal, the clear production, the fantastic lyric. I have a feeling we are listening to a future star. There’s magic in this performance, and elsewhere on her EP she also writes like a champ.
LAINE HARDY / “Memorize You”
Writers: Michail Tyler/Eric Arjes/Steven Dale Jones; Producer: Michael Knox; Label: Buena Vista Records/Industrial Media’s 19 Recordings
— The American Idol winner releases a paint-by-numbers country-romance ditty. Perfectly professional, adequate and ….. boring.
BRANTLEY GILBERT, TOBY KEITH & HARDY / “Worst Country Song of All Time”
Writers: Brantley Gilbert/Hunter Phelps/Michael Hardy/Will Weatherly; Producer: Will Weatherly/Brantley Gilbert; Label: The Valory Music Co.
— I had high hopes for this, since three of my favorites are involved. They didn’t disappoint: It’s hilarious. Best line: “Stick a fork in the Constitution/I support Kim Jong-Un and Putin.” Runner up: “I don’t eat deer and I can’t stand fishin’/I don’t know the words to ‘Family Tradition’…. ‘Folsom Prison’ or ‘Walk the Line.’
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.”
Joe & Martina Release Debut EP, ‘Easy To Love’
/by Lorie HollabaughJoe & Martina. Photo: Greta Miller
Joe & Martina have released their debut EP, Easy To Love. The new music was produced by Joe Costa, one half of the duo, along with Ben Watts, and is a marriage of today’s sound and the classic country the couple grew up on. Co-writers on the project include Ray Fulcher, Erin Enderlin, Kimberly Kelly, Dustin Huff, Joe Costa, Cassidy Lynn, Dan Wilson, Kelsey Hart, and Kelby Costner.
“Martina and I have seen so much life, made new friends, and heard so many stories from all the time we’ve spent in bars all across the nation playing music. I think that is really what this EP is about. It is the life events we’ve witnessed or experienced under the neon lights,” shares Joe. “The heartbreak (‘Hangover’) to getting over the heartbreak (‘Rhinestoned’) to finding that one who is perfect for you (‘Easy To Love’) and expressing that love/affection (‘Brighter Than Neon’).”
“I don’t think I have ever been more proud of the singer-songwriters we have become over the last decade,” expresses Martina Costa. “When the journey becomes hard, we don’t quit and these four songs show that.”
2020 was a big year for the duo, who released the Top 30 hit “Give Me Back the 90’s” featuring their idol, John Berry. The single also peaked at No. 28 on MusicRow’s Country Breakout Chart. Additionally, Joe, who was the original bass player for now multi-Platinum artist Luke Combs, quickly elevated his credibility as a songwriter with “Don’t Tempt Me” off of Comb’s debut album, This One’s For You.
Easy To Love Track List:
1. Brighter Than Neon (Joe Costa, Dustin Huff, Ray Fulcher)
2. Hangover (Joe Costa, Cassidy Lynn, Dan Wilson)
3. Rhinestoned (Joe Costa, Erin Enderlin, Kimberly Kelly)
4. Easy To Love (Joe Costa, Dustin Huff, Kelsey Hart, Kelby Costner)
Lee Brice Earns MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart No. 1
/by Alex ParryLee Brice jumps from No. 3 to No. 1 this week on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart with his single, “Memory I Don’t Mess With.” Brice co-wrote the single alongside Brian Davis and Billy Montana and it appears on his 2020 release, Hey World.
This year, Brice has signed on to become an official Brand Ambassador for Yuengling Traditional Lager and will help kick off the start of Yuengling’s Stars & Stripes program, which is dedicated to supporting our nation’s military through Team Red, White & Blue, whose mission is to enrich the lives of America’s veterans through the nation’s largest veteran health and wellness community.
Click here or above to view the latest edition of The MusicRow Weekly containing the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart.
Midland Announces New 5-Song Collection, ‘The Last Resort’
/by Lydia FarthingMidland. Photo: Harper Smith
Midland’s Mark Wystrach, Cam Duddy, and Jess Carson have plotted a resurgence of their thick harmonies, sad melodies, tart lyrics, and steel guitar with their upcoming project, The Last Resort. The five-song collection will be available on July 16 via Big Machine Records, with the lead single, “Sunrise Tells The Story,” available now.
The Grammy-nominated trio have spent their career heavily influenced by classic country greats like Johnny Cash and Waylon Jennings, Merle Haggard, Gary Stewart, Willie Nelson, the Hanks (Williams, Thompson and Snow), Buck Owens, George Jones, Emmylou, Dolly, Loretta, Tammy, Porter Wagoner, Conway Twitty, Mickey Gilley, Glen Campbell, and Johnny Lee. Whether it’s a cheating song, a heartbreak ballad, or a shoot-out-the-lights romper, The Last Resort is full of the group’s signature notion and emotions.
The band will road test the new tracks and their signature hits with The Last Resort Tour, kicking off Oct. 7 in Phoenix, Arizona with special guest Hailey Whitters.
The Last Resort Track List:
1. And Then Some – Jess Carson, Cameron Duddy, Mark Wystrach, Shane McAnally, Josh Osborne
2. Sunrise Tells The Story – Jess Carson, Jessi Alexander, Aaron Raitiere
3. Two To Two Step – Jess Carson, Cameron Duddy, Mark Wystrach, Shane McAnally, Josh Osborne
4. Take Her Off Your Hands – Jess Carson, Cameron Duddy, Mark Wystrach, Shane McAnally, Josh Osborne
5. Adios Cowboy – Jess Carson, Cameron Duddy, Mark Wystrach, Marv Green, JT Harding
On The Row: Robyn Ottolini Charms With Humor & Wisdom
/by LB CantrellRobyn Ottolini. Photo: Haley Crow
The story of how Canadian singer-songwriter Robyn Ottolini came into her first record deal is quite unlike most artists. She signed her recording contract with Warner Music Nashville over Zoom, while sitting on her bed in her pajamas.
Ottolini grew up in a small town outside of Toronto called Uxbridge, and has been writing songs she was 13.
In February of 2020 Ottolini independently released The I’m Not Always Hilarious EP, which showcased her songwriting chops on songs like “Trust Issues” and her fiery “F-150.” The latter of which took off on social media, reaching No. 4 on Spotify’s all-genre US Viral 50.
“I was a barista with no money [when I released “F-150″], so marketing was all me,” Ottolini said in a recent visit with MusicRow. “I was just working the internet and figuring it out like every artist does. Then F-150 blew up on TikTok.”
With support from Warner Music Nashville and a viral hit on her hands, Ottolini released The But I’m Not Always Sad Either EP in June, showcasing the funny, wise side of the singer-songwriter.
Ottolini takes songwriting and styling cues from artists like Maren Morris, Kacey Musgraves and Sam Hunt. It shows when she performs her hilariously clever “Sincerely, Drunk Me,” and when she talk-sings on “F-150” and “Tell You Everything.”
“‘Tell You Everything’ is a love song to my current boyfriend. I had met him and it was one of those cringey, disgusting, ‘I knew when I met him’ kind of things, but I swear to goodness gracious, it’s true. I was like, ‘I’m going to tell this guy, literally everything.'”
Ottolini’s charm really shines on “Sincerely, Drunk Me,” where the 25-year-old sings about her relatable drunk escapades with a wink to the audience.
“I wrote this one by myself. I was telling my producers/managers drunk stories,” Ottolini admits. “I get stressed out when I’m sober, I just want to be perfect. And then drunk me does not give a shit. She’s worried about it later. So my manager was like, ‘How much fun would it be for drunk Robyn to sing a song to sober Robyn and give life advice.'”
Ottolini’s major label debut The But I’m Not Always Sad Either EP is out now. She will be hitting the road with Breland for some dates on his Cross Country Tour.
Craig Campbell, CJ Solar, More To Play Inaugural Disaster Relief Concert For Middle TN
/by Lydia FarthingThe 1st Annual Disaster Relief Concert benefiting tornado and flood victims across Middle Tennessee is set to take place on Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021 from 2:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Hop Springs Murfreesboro. Country recording artist Craig Campbell will headline the event, while CJ Solar, Presley & Taylor, Mark McKay, and Liam Coleman are also scheduled to perform. Comedian Reno Collier will be the guest host and MC throughout the day.
The concert will benefit Inspiritus Disaster Relief efforts in Middle Tennessee. Inspiritus provides long term recovery assistance for families and individuals who have unmet needs following a natural disaster, including assessing people’s comprehensive needs after a storm and ensuring those needs are met. They also provide free debris removal, home repair, and home rebuild construction management when home owners are unable to financially recover on their own.
“Many households in Middle Tennessee have had a hard year, working to recover from the tornado or the floods, while navigating COVID-19 health and economic disasters, too. Inspiritus staff and volunteers are committed to providing home repair assistance to ensure these families are able to go from surviving to thriving again,” says Virginia Spencer from Inspiritus. “We appreciate Hop Springs for hosting this event and these great artists for providing wonderful entertainment for a great cause. This event will provide hope to many families who are still recovering from the tornado and the floods.”
Patrons are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and a picnic meal to enjoy the concert. No outside alcoholic beverages are permitted, but food trucks, additional beverages, and beer will be available for purchase.
Donations for disaster relief will be accepted at the event to provide support to homeowners who have been unable to recover from the 2020 tornado and the 2021 floods. Tickets begin at $10 and are available for purchase here.
DISClaimer Single Reviews: Tenille Townes, Tyler Braden, Hannah Dasher
/by Robert K OermannIt sounds like country music is roaring back this week.
There were few pretensions to pop-crossover music in this listening session. Instead, we have beefy, bodacious, hardcore slabs of sound by Toby Keith, Tony Jackson, Brantley Gilbert, Chris Janson and Connie Smith.
Kicking it country-rock style are Tyler Braden and our Disc of the Day winner, Tenille Townes.
The DisCovery Award also goes to a female artist. That would be Sony newcomer Hannah Dasher, who has buckets of personality.
TYLER BRADEN / “Ways to Miss You”
Writers: Tyler Braden/Mark Holman/Michael Whitworth; Producer: Randy Montana/Mark Holman; Label: Warner Music Nashville
— I have been on board with this Nashville firefighter from the beginning. Every release has been a gem, and this heartache rocker continues his admirable track record. It’s a lot more electrified and driving than his previous tracks, but his superb singing and melodic sense both still shine brightly. Will somebody please bring this guy the stardom he deserves?
CHRIS JANSON / “Hawaii on Me”
Writers: Chris Janson/Kelly Janson/Will Nance; Producer: Chris Janson/Tommy Cecil; Label: Warner Music Nashville
— Noted for his high intensity live performances, Janson strips it down to an acoustic presentation on this superbly written message song about life, death and love. With just an acoustic guitar, he grabs you by the ears and doesn’t let go. “When I die, go to Hawaii on me,” spread his ashes and have a good time. Amen, bro.
CONNIE SMITH / “Look Out Heart”
Writers: Marty Stuart/Harry Stinson; Producer: Marty Stuart; Label: Fat Possum
— Connie’s return to the Opry stage last weekend was a triumph. Her one-of-a-kind, heart-in-throat vocal powers are undimmed. This track heralds her new Cry of the Heart collection. If there’s one thing I know about this woman, it’s that she loves to sing with a steel guitar answering her vocal lines. This brisk toe tapper fills the bill, and then some. An instant classic from an enduring classic.
GARTH BROOKS / “That’s What Cowboys Do”
Writers: John Martin/Mitch Rossell/Garth Brooks; Producer: Garth Brooks; Label: Pearl Records
— He falls in love, but leaves because it’s in his male nature to move along. The lilting, Texas-style arrangement is very much in ‘90s Strait territory. Deja vu.
NATALIE HEMBY / “Heroes”
Writers: Natalie Hemby/Jeff Trot/Aaron Raitiere; Producer: Mike Wrucke; Label: Fantasy Records
— Over a sultry, r&b flavored track, the electronically processed Hemby seethes with attitude about turning down a hero’s role in life. Ear catching. This woman is a potent Music City songsmith who has co-penned such monsters as “Bluebird” (Miranda), “Pontoon” (Little Big Town), “You Look Like I Need a Drink” (Justin Moore), “Automatic” (Miranda), “Heartache Medication” (Jon Pardi), ”I’ll Never Love Again” (Lady Gaga), “Crowded Table” (The Highwomen), “Tornado” (LBT), “White Liar” (Miranda) and much more.
TOBY KEITH / “Old School”
Writers: Maren Morris/Ryan Hurd/Brett Tyler; Producer: Kenny Greenberg/Toby Keith; Label: Show Dog Nashville
— A total ear worm. This ridiculously catchy ditty extols the virtues of ordinary, small-town life while a choppy rhythm track bops along. As usual, Toby’s delivery rings with confidence and strength. Absolutely radio ready: “Just the way we like,” indeed.
TENILLE TOWNES / “Girl Who Didn’t Care”
Writers: Tenille Townes/David Pramik/Steph Jones; Producer: David Pramik; Label: Columbia Nashville
— This driving, percussive, rocking outing beats right alongside your heart as Townes unspools her wish to recapture the innocence and verve of youth. She’s in search of that unspoiled girl who didn’t care what others think. She wants to spin and twirl as a dreamer, and by the time she finishes, you will too. I fell head over heels for this.
BRIAN KELLEY / “Boat Names”
Writers: Brian Kelley/Parker Welling/Casey Brown; Producer: Brian Kelley/Corey Crowder; Label: Nashville South Records/Warner Music Nashville
— The “F” in FGL has returned to Florida to make mellow beach music like this drowsy dream of a rich-folks romance. Easy on the ears.
HANNAH DASHER / “Girls Call the Shots”
Writers: Brad Warren/Brett Warren/David Frasier/Lance Miller; Producer: Brandon Hood; Label: Sony Music Nashville
— Very wise, very country, very accomplished. Everything works here—her perfectly nuanced vocal, the clear production, the fantastic lyric. I have a feeling we are listening to a future star. There’s magic in this performance, and elsewhere on her EP she also writes like a champ.
LAINE HARDY / “Memorize You”
Writers: Michail Tyler/Eric Arjes/Steven Dale Jones; Producer: Michael Knox; Label: Buena Vista Records/Industrial Media’s 19 Recordings
— The American Idol winner releases a paint-by-numbers country-romance ditty. Perfectly professional, adequate and ….. boring.
BRANTLEY GILBERT, TOBY KEITH & HARDY / “Worst Country Song of All Time”
Writers: Brantley Gilbert/Hunter Phelps/Michael Hardy/Will Weatherly; Producer: Will Weatherly/Brantley Gilbert; Label: The Valory Music Co.
— I had high hopes for this, since three of my favorites are involved. They didn’t disappoint: It’s hilarious. Best line: “Stick a fork in the Constitution/I support Kim Jong-Un and Putin.” Runner up: “I don’t eat deer and I can’t stand fishin’/I don’t know the words to ‘Family Tradition’…. ‘Folsom Prison’ or ‘Walk the Line.’
Callista Clark Signs With WME [Exclusive]
/by Lorie HollabaughCallista Clark. Photo: Chelsea Thompson
Callista Clark has signed with WME for representation in all areas.
Clark recently released her debut collection, Real To Me, on Big Machine Records, and her debut single “It’s ‘Cause I Am” continues to climb at country radio. Clark collaborated with writers including Jonathan Singleton, Laura Veltz, Nicolle Galyon and Emily Shackleton on the new project, and was chosen as an iHeartCountry On The Verge Artist. The rising young artist’s videos have already racked up over 130 million views across all social media platforms.
She is represented by SB Projects, Big Machine Label Group, and Greenberg Traurig.
Triple 8 Management, Crush Music Partner To Sign Morgan Evans
/by Lydia FarthingPictured (L-R): Amy Brauchle (Triple 8 Management), Mark Noel (Triple 8 Management), Bob McLynn (Crush Music), Morgan Evans, Griff Morris (Crush South), George Couri (Triple 8 Management)
Triple 8 Management, in partnership with Crush Music, has signed Warner Music Nashville recording artist Morgan Evans. The signing marks the first co-management endeavor for Crush, whose existing roster of clients includes Sia, Green Day, Fall Out Boy, Lorde, Weezer, Panic! At The Disco, and more.
“It’s hard to not marvel at what Crush has built – numerous global arena and stadium artists,” notes Triple 8 owner George Couri. “I always felt our individual experiences and strengths could be used to strong effect if combined. I am honored to be their first ever co-management partnership and look forward to growing Morgan’s promising career together.”
“George and I have been friends for a while, and have always talked about doing something together,” adds Crush Music co-founder Bob McLynn. “I’m excited to do this with him and Griff at Crush South.”
The Australia native burst onto the Nashville scene with his Gold-certified, Top 5 hit “Kiss Somebody” and has since won several awards from international organizations including ARIA, APRA, CMAA, and CMC, as well as the CMA’s Global Country Artist Award. Evans is set to join Brett Eldredge on the Good Day 2021 Tour this fall.