Jess Soccorsi Signs With Curb | Word Music Publishing

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Pictured (L-R): VP of CURB | Word Christian A&R and Publishing, Jonathan Mason; Jess Soccorsi; Senior Director of Publishing and A&R Trevor Mathiesen, VP of CURB|Word Pop A&R and Publishing Joel Timen

Jess Soccorsi has signed with Curb | Word Music Publishing.

Soccorsi, a multi-genre singer-songwriter, moved to Nashville in 2015 to pursue a career in music. Originally from West Virginia, she lived in Colorado for years where she wrote primarily worship and pop music. She also spent much of her time leading worship, helping equip other worship leader-writers, and traveling abroad. While studying music for a year in London, Soccorsi expanded her production experience which inspired her indie pop project SÜ.

In 2019, Soccorsi released “Cathedrals” and “Right Here” which blend dream pop ballads with electro-tinged beats. She co-wrote her most recent single, “Til The End of Time,” with fellow artist Silverberg, which debuted in June 2020. She has also had placements in The Hills, Siesta Key, and Ex On The Beach.

 

 

Luke Combs, Priscilla Block, CeCe Winans Added To NASCAR Weekend In Nashville

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NASCAR’s triple-header weekend from June 18-20 at the Nashville Superspeedway has added Platinum-selling country artist Luke Combs, Gospel legend CeCe Winans, and up and coming singer Priscilla Block to an already star-packed lineup.

Winans, a twelve-time Grammy winning singer who has sold over 5 million records, will be offering the invocation at Sunday’s (June 20) sold-out Ally 400 race representing Life Church Nashville. Meanwhile, Combs will get to say the most famous words in motorsports as the grand marshal for the Ally 400. Block, a 25-year-old Universal Music Group Nashville recording artist, will sing the national anthem for Sunday’s race.

As previously announced, Grand Ole Opry member Chris Janson will be performing the pre-race concert on Sunday and will be joined by country music legend John Anderson. Country singer and Tennessee native Brandon Lay will perform the national anthem prior to Saturday’s (June 19) Tennessee Lottery 250 Xfinity Series races. Local singer and winner of the fan voted “NASHCAR Superstar” Sweepstakes, Brenna Bone will also perform the national anthem before the Rackley Roofing 200 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race on Friday night (June 18.)

The race weekend will also feature local sports figures on top of the country music talent. Nine-year NFL veteran and former member of the Tennessee Titans from 2013-14, Brendan Pollard, will wave the green flag as the Honorary Starter for the Ally 400 on Sunday. Shea Ralph, a seven-time national champion and current Vanderbilt University head women’s basketball coach, will serve as the Honorary Starter for the Tennessee Lottery 250 on Saturday.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Thomas Rhett & Rhett Akins, Pryor & Lee, Shy Carter & Friends

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Country music can rock you, touch your heart, or tickle your funny bone, and all three of those are in today’s DisClaimer.

You wanna rock? Let Shy Carter and his buddies show you how. If sentiment is what you crave, settle in with Pryor & Lee. As for humor, may I introduce you to today’s goofy DisCovery Award winner, Toby T. Swift?

My dad has been gone for several years, but Thomas Rhett’s is still very much with us. In fact, they played the Opry together last weekend. So as a sweet salute to Father’s Day, play his Disc of the Day winner, “Things Dads Do.”

DIRT REYNOLDS / “Battleship Chains”
Writers: none listed; Producer: Ryan Dishen; Label: Ditto
— This is a Nashville country-rock band. The song is a Georgia Satellites goldie. It rocks, but could use some production polish.

CHRIS YOUNG / “Rescue Me”
Writers: Matt McGinn/Chris Young/Christian Stalnecker/Josh Hoge/Mark Holman; Producer: Chris Young/Mark Holman; Label: RCA Nashville
— I’m not sure I understand the reasoning behind taking a singer this strong and doubling the vocal track, but the sound is intriguingly “different” for him. The ballad pleads for her hand in a novel way. Toward the end, we do get to hear his vocal phrasing unadorned by production. I remain a fan.

PRYOR & LEE / “Good Ol’ Dogs & God”
Writers: Adam Wood/Doug Johnson/Elvie Shane/Trent Fisher; Producer: Doug Johnson; Label: Black River
— Pryor Baird and Kaleb Lee are dog lovers. Next Wednesday (June 23), they are doing a virtual concert for 130 animal-rescue organizations nationwide in conjunction with this single release. The gist of the ballad’s dobro-laced lyric is unconditional love, which is what you can count on from both your dog and your God. “Best friends, amen,” they sing. These two singers were roommates when they competed individually on The Voice. As a duo, they pack a punch.

THOMAS RHETT / “Things Dads Do”
Writers: Thomas Rhett/Rhett Akins/Matt Dragstrem/Chase McGill; Producer: Dann Huff/Jesse Frasure; Label: Valory Music Co.
— Sunday is Father’s Day, and who better to have a tender papa ballad than this guy? Singer-songwriter dad Rhett Akins launched one of our most consistent contemporary country hit makers. No wonder Thomas has crafted something so well written and perfectly produced. An emotional bullseye.

LUKAS NELSON & PROMISE OF THE REAL / “Perennial Bloom”
Writers: Lukas Nelson; Producer: Dave Cobb; Label: Fantasy
— This jangly country rocker is the single from the band’s new album, A Few Stars Apart. The record’s release party is at the Basement East on Wednesday (June 23). Lukas has papa Willie’s high, reedy tenor tone, but with a tougher edge. And he seems to be gaining strength with each new release. Americana programmers also take note.

GABBY BARRETT / “Footprints On The Moon”
Writers: Gabby Barrett/Jon Nite/Zach Kale; Producer: Ross Copperman/Zach Kale; Label: Warner Music Nashville
— This uber-produced, empowering, pop-rock banger says that anything is possible for you. After all, there are human footprints on the moon. Gabby goes for a three-peat.

TOBY T. SWIFT / “Cicada Love Call”
Writers: Toby T. Swift; Producer: none listed; Label: TTS
— Totally dumb and totally hilarious. He compares an ex-wife to a 17-year cicada who has come back to bug him. I love his oafish delivery as well as his flat-footed melody. Ya gotta love the lyric. Essential listening.

ZAC BROWN BAND / “Same Boat”
Writers: Zac Brown/Ben Simonetti/Jonathan Singleton; Producer: Ben Simonetti/Zac Brown; Label: Warner Music Nashville/Home Grown Music
— A summer jam, for sure. The bouncy tempo, upbeat hippie message and band vocal harmonies are all back, as strong as ever. Bop along.

RESTLESS ROAD / “Bar Friends”
Writers: Geoff Warburton/Jordan M. Schmidt/Kyle Clark/Tyler Filmore; Producer: Jared Keim; Label: RCA Nashville/1021 Entertainment
— This catchy thumper is a rousing celebration of buddy drinking. It’s such a toe tapper that it’s hard to sit still while it unspools. The trio continues to show promise.

JASON ALDEAN / “Heaven”
Writers: Bryan Adams/Jim Vallance; Producer: none listed; Label: BBR
— Aldean has been singing this classic Bryan Adams ballad in his concerts for years. Now the studio version is an Amazon exclusive. It’s a reminder that he really can sing, which isn’t always evident in his rock-’em-sock-’em performances.

SHY CARTER, COLE SWINDELL, DAVID LEE MURPHY / “Beer With My Friends”
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Label: Warner Music Nashville
— It’s a rowdy, shout-along, gang performance of a barroom banger that sounds exactly like a party. Raise a glass, turn it up and sing with them.

KAMERON MARLOWE / “Tequila Talkin’”
Writers: Dan Isbell/Kameron Marlowe/Ray Fulcher; Producer: Dann Huff; Label: Columbia Nashville
— I still dig his Southern-fried singing voice with its hints of r&b. This slow-burn romance tune simmers like a steamy summer afternoon. The video debuts today on YouTube.

Charlie Daniels To Be Honored With Duets Album Featuring Dolly Parton, Brooks & Dunn, More

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Photo: Erick Anderson/eafoto

Several artists have come together to pay tribute to the late Charlie Daniels on a new collaborative album, Charlie Daniels & Friends – Duets, which will be released via Blue Hat Records & BFD/Audium Nashville. Walmart is exclusively carrying the project, which will be available on Friday, July 16 at all Walmart locations and at walmart.com. Daniels, a Country Music Hall of Fame member, died last year (July 6, 2020) from a hemorrhagic stroke. He was 83.

The nineteen-track compilation features Daniels singing and picking with a slew of top-notch stars including Dolly Parton, Brooks & Dunn, Darius Rucker, Travis Tritt, Vince Gill, Brad Paisley, Brenda Lee, Gretchen Wilson, Marty Stuart, and more.

“It goes without saying that it’s been a rough year for my mom and I, our CDB family and dad’s fans,” says Daniels’ son, Charlie Daniels Jr. “But his music will live on forever, and we’re happy that this Duets collection will add to his legacy.”

The album includes several of Daniels’ biggest songs such as “Long Haired Country Boy” with Brooks & Dunn, as well as an additional version with the late Hal Ketchum and John Berry, “The South’s Gonna Do It (Again)” with Keith Urban on guitar, “Drinkin’ My Baby Goodbye” with Montgomery Gentry, and “Waco” with Garth Brooks singing harmony, as well as classic tunes like “Jackson” with Wilson, “Let It Be Me” with Lee, and “The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down” with Gill.

“The process of putting this project together was a wonderful time of reflection and it became an overwhelming reminder of how great these tracks are,” explains Blue Hat Records President and Daniels’ longtime manager David Corlew. “The best of the best joined Charlie in sharing musical styles and great songs. Thanks to all who participated in honoring Charlie.”

Charlie Daniels & Friends – Duets Track Listing:
1. What’d I Say (with Travis Tritt)
2. Signed Sealed Delivered I’m Yours (with Bonnie Bramlett)
3. Jackson (with Gretchen Wilson)
4. The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down (with Vince Gill)
5. Maggie’s Farm (with Earl, Gary and Randy Scruggs)
6. Daddy’s Old Fiddle (with Dolly Parton)
7. Like A Rolling Stone (with Darius Rucker)
8. Evangeline (with The Del McCoury Band)
9. Let It Be Me (with Brenda Lee)
10. Long Haired Country Boy (with Brooks & Dunn)
11. God Save Us All From Religion (with Marty Stuart)
12. Drinkin’ My Baby Goodbye (with Montgomery Gentry)
13. Jammin’ For Stevie (with Brad Paisley)
14. Waco (with Garth Brooks singing harmony vocals)
15. The South’s Gonna Do It (Again) (with Keith Urban on guitar)
16. All Night Long (with Montgomery Gentry)
17. Texas (with Ray Benson and Lee Roy Parnell)
18. Southern Boy (with Travis Tritt)
19. Long Haired Country Boy (with Hal Ketchum and John Berry)

Chris Lane Announces Fill Them Boots Tour To Begin In October

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Chris Lane is set to play 31 dates on his new Fill Them Boots Tour, which kicks off Oct. 28 in Memphis at the Soundstage at Graceland and runs through next March. The tour will include support from Tyler Rich, Ernest, and Lily Rose throughout the cross-country run.

Pre-sale for tickets begins June 22 at 10 a.m. local time, with public on sale beginning June 25 at 10 a.m. local time at Ticketmaster.com.

Lane is currently climbing the charts with his new single “Fill Them Boots.” The Big Loud Records hitmaker continues to surprise fans with new tracks including the sun-soaked “Summer Job Money,” tender tribute “That’s What Mamas Are For,” and a collaboration with Dustin Lynch on the no-worries anthem “Tequila On A Boat.” He also penned the sentimental “Ain’t Even Met You Yet,” in advance of the birth of his son, Dutton Walker Lane – born on June 8 to Lane and wife Lauren.

Jon Wood Signs Publishing Deal With Peermusic

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Pictured (L-R): Kendall Lettow, Creative Director, Peermusic; Justin Weaver, songwriter/producer; Jon Wood; Michael Knox, Senior Vice President, Peermusic Nashville; and Matt Michiels, Senior Creative Director, Peermusic. Photo: Annelise Loughead

Jon Wood has signed an exclusive global publishing deal with Peermusic.

At 21, Wood left his hometown of Wake Forest, North Carolina to chase his dreams in Nashville. After only five months, songwriter and producer Justin Weaver reached out and the duo quickly began writing together in early 2019, recording two EPs before the end of that year. Wood spent 2020 writing, recording, and playing shows and is currently working on putting out new music.

“Jon has really grown as an artist and writer over the past couple of years under the guidance of Justin Weaver,” says SVP of Peermusic Michael Knox. “I’m excited to watch him continue to grow to the next level.”

“I’m excited to have the opportunity to work with Michael Knox and the entire Peermusic creative team. With the support of Peermusic and Justin Weaver, I know that I have the right team in place and I’m grateful for their belief in me. Looking forward to what’s to come!” shares Wood.

ABC, Country Music Association Extend Broadcast Agreement Through 2026

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ABC has extended its broadcast agreement with the Country Music Association (CMA), solidifying the network as the home of The CMA Awards, as well as CMA broadcast specials CMA Fest and CMA Country Christmas, through 2026.

“Over the past 15 years, we have built a true partnership with ABC, and we are thrilled to continue our relationship through 2026,” says Sarah Trahern, CMA CEO. “As television viewers are now consuming content in so many new and exciting ways, we are eager to work with the entire ABC team on creating additional paths to bring country music to audiences everywhere. As our genre continues to evolve and broaden, we look to this partnership as a key driver in expanding country music’s reach.”

“Continuing our long-standing relationship with CMA is a top priority and opportunity—together, we bring unforgettable experiences to our audiences that capture the heart and soul of the country music community,” says Rob Mills, EVP, Unscripted and Alternative Entertainment, Walt Disney Television. “We look forward to delivering many more memorable moments with celebrated icons as well as aspirational artists and are proud to be the home for these incredible and distinguished specials.”

The CMA Awards are the longest-running, annual music awards program on broadcast television, having debuted on ABC in 2006. Last year’s awards delivered ABC’s biggest Wednesday audience this season in entertainment, reaching more than 21 million viewers and generating nearly 9 million social video views across Facebook and Twitter.

Garth Brooks, Brad Paisley Among 2021 Pollstar Award Winners Of The Decade

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This year’s 32nd Annual Pollstar Awards – A Celebration Of Live!, hosted by writer and comedian Annie Lederman, were held last night (June 16) at the Beverly Hilton’s International Ballroom. In the absence of touring activity and live events over the previous year, this year’s Pollstar Awards recognized the most successful artists, venues, and events of the past decade were recognized.

Country legend Garth Brooks was recognized as Country Touring Artist of the Decade, while award-winning singer-songwriter Brad Paisley received the Virtually Yours: 2020-21 Touring Artist award, and The Ryman/Grand Ole Opry received the award for From Our Stage to Your Screen: Best Livestreaming Venue. Billy Strings was also honored during the event as Breakthrough Artist of the Pandemic.

Other winners included Beyoncé who was named Pollstar Touring Artist of the Decade, Touring Artist of the Decade honors were also bestowed by genre with winners including Bon Jovi (Rock), Bruno Mars (Hip-Hop/R&B), Lady Gaga (Pop), Jennifer Lopez (Latin), and Kevin Hart (Comedy). Additional venues receiving decade awards included Radio City Music Hall (Theatre), The Forum (Arena), Hollywood Bowl (Amphitheater), and more.

“This year’s Pollstar Awards was conceived to get together and celebrate the beauty and resilience of the live thing, which we have all missed terribly,” says Ray Waddell, president of Media & Conferences for Oak View Group, Pollstar’s parent company. “We salute the winners and nominees of our Decade awards and pandemic-related awards, and especially our Heroes Of Live honorees. Now, let’s get back to churning out ticket sales and presenting epic shows as we look forward to a more traditional Pollstar Awards in February of 2022!”

A full list of Pollstar Award winners can be found here.

Kyle Fishman Decides To Play It Again, Extends Publishing Deal With PIA

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Pictured (L-R): Erin Kidd, Creative Director, PIA Publishing; Ryan Dokke, PIA Music Group CEO; Kyle Fishman; PIA Music Group founder Dallas Davidson

Kyle Fishman has extended his multi-year publishing deal with Play It Again Publishing.

In addition to co-writing Luke Bryan’s recent No. 1, “Down to One,” Fishman is also the co-writer of “Bed On Fire,” the debut pop single for Atlantic Records artist Teddy Swims. Fishman also co-penned Dustin Lynch’s four-week No. 1 “Small Town Boy,” and has cuts by Florida Georgia Line and Cole Swindell, among others. The Sacramento, California native also holds writing credit on recent singles from Mitchell Tenpenny (“Broken Up”) and Granger Smith (“Hate You Like I Love You”).

“Extending our publishing agreement with Kyle was of critical importance to the long-term vision for PIA. With his recent cuts in both country and pop formats, Kyle is on his way to having the biggest year of his career! Every hit-making artist should want dates with Kyle Fishman on their calendar,” says Ryan Dokke, CEO of PIA Music Group.

The PIA Publishing roster also includes songwriters Tommy Cecil, Justin Wilson, and Trea Landon.

Kenny Chesney Announces Here And Now 2022 Stadium Tour

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Kenny Chesney. Photo: Allister Ann

Eight-time Entertainer of the Year Kenny Chesney will finally return to the road for his Here And Now 2022 Stadium Tour.

After his 2020 tour was forced to pause because of the pandemic, Chesney held out on rescheduling due to concern about who would not be able to attend sold-out stadium shows, last minute changes in protocols and the challenges of mounting stadium-sized concerts week-after-week with shifting local crews.

“When we hit pause on our 2020 tour, I never thought we would go much past the fall, let alone into 2021,” says Chesney. “The idea that it would be three years before I would stand in the end zone of Gillette Stadium, where No Shoes Nation was born, wasn’t something any of us could conceive.

“I still can’t really believe it,” he continues. “But in the middle of all of this, I know it’s true… and I know how much I miss being out there, being in the thick of the most passionate place in the world: No Shoes Nation. Anywhere they plant their flags, bring their passion, their friends and their will to rock, it reminds me that to be in the moment is everything No Shoes Nation is about!”

At long last, the 19-date Here And Now Tour kicks off April 23 in Tampa, Florida at Raymond James Stadium and closes with two shows at at New England’s Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts on Aug. 26 and 27. Chesney will hit Nashville’s Nissan Stadium on May 28.

The lineup will be revealed in the coming months, and all current ticket holders remain in the seats they’ve already purchased for Here And Now 2022.

Blue Chair Bay Rum Presents Here And Now 2022 Fueled by Marathon dates:
April 23 – Raymond James Stadium – Tampa, Fla.
May 7 – Busch Stadium – St. Louis, Mo.
May 14 – American Family Field – Milwaukee, Wis.
May 21 – Mercedes-Benz Stadium – Atlanta, Ga.
May 28 – Nissan Stadium – Nashville, Tenn.
June 4 – AT&T Stadium – Arlington, Texas
June 11 – Heinz Field – Pittsburgh, Pa.
June 18 – Lincoln Financial Field – Philadelphia, Pa.
June 25 – Soldier Field – Chicago, Ill.
July 2 – GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium – Kansas City, Mo.
July 9 – Bobcat Stadium – Bozeman, Mont.
July 16 – Lumen Field – Seattle, Wash.
July 23 – SoFi Stadium – Inglewood, Calif.
July 30 – Empower Field at Mile High – Denver, Colo.
August 6 – U.S. Bank Stadium – Minneapolis, Minn.
August 13 – MetLife Stadium – East Rutherford, N.J.
August 20 – Ford Field – Detroit, Mich.
August 26 – Gillette Stadium – Foxborough, Mass.
August 27 – Gillette Stadium – Foxborough, Mass.