Miranda Lambert Opens Her Own Casa Rosa Restaurant
Miranda Lambert with husband Brendan McLoughlin at Casa Rosa opening. Photo: Erika Goldring
Miranda Lambert has officially opened her lower broadway restaurant and bar Casa Rosa, making her the first female country artist with a bar on broadway in Nashville. Lambert collaborated with her long-time personal designer, Phara Queen, and TC Restaurant Group (TCRG) on the project, which offers a distinctive blend of Tex-Mex cantina with a feminine flare.
The venue showcases seminal pieces of the country superstar’s wardrobe, tour memorabilia, and special vintage items personally collected by Lambert on her travels. Artist and sculptor for TCRG, Tim “Tiny” Parker crafted one-of-a-kind pieces for the Lambert-inspired venue, including a 12-foot tall Saguaro cactus, a dazzling mirrored saddle that spins overhead with “MIRANDA” branded along the back what was inspired by the iconic piece at Billy Bob’s in Ft. Worth, and an all-things Miranda 30-foot long mural that includes her horses, Airstream, red Chevrolet, album titles and more over a landscape of Marfa, Texas.
Casa Rosa reflects Miranda’s unapologetic, boldly feminine presence, eclectic tastes and love of Tex-Mex cooking. TC Restaurant Group, with more than 40 years in the hospitality industry, has designed spaces for Sun Records, Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan, Florida Georgia Line and more.
Belmont University Adds Amy Crook, Sarah Cates To Senior Leadership
Amy Crook, Sarah Cates
Belmont University has announced two additions to its Senior Leadership team with the appointments of Dr. Amy Crook and Sarah Cates as Vice Presidents.
Cates, a Belmont alumna who previously served as Director of Development and Industry Relations as well as in a variety of roles within Belmont’s Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business, will serve as Vice President for Special Projects and Strategic Partnerships. In this role, she will articulate Belmont’s vision, mission and values with internal and external stakeholders; proactively identify growth areas and partnerships; and serve as an external representative of the President as needed locally and beyond, among other responsibilities.
“I am honored and humbled to serve in this new role to help cultivate a sense of imagination for what could be for Belmont’s future,” Cates notes. “Our connection to the community, entrepreneurial spirit and Christ-centered mission have always been a north star for our work, and we will continue to build on these values with both internal and external partners as we seek an even bolder future ahead.”
Crook, an associate professor of management in Belmont’s Massey College of Business, will assume the role of Vice President for Transformative Innovation, Character and Purpose. In this position, she will focus on internal relationship building and transformative interdisciplinary collaborations while fostering an entrepreneurial mindset to integrate student learning, scholarship and opportunities for social innovation.
“Our Belmont faculty, staff and students have amazingly creative ways they want to engage and transform the world, and I’m excited to bring together people across disciplines who are passionate about meeting a particular need,” says Crook. “I want Belmont to be known as the place that hones your character and academic acumen, and then provides you unparalleled support to unleash these strengths to tackle complex problems in our local and global community. I can’t wait to see what God will do in this next chapter of Belmont University.”
Gatlinburg Songwriters Festival Adds DP’s Celebrity Theater As Main Venue
DP’s Celebrity Theater
The Gatlinburg Songwriters Festival, set to take place in downtown Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge from Aug. 19-22, has announced DP’s Celebrity Theater at Dollywood as one of the festival’s main venues. The theater will host several shows per day on Friday, Aug., 20 and Saturday, Aug. 21. Members of the Gatlinburg Songwriters Festival will have access to exclusive discounted tickets to Dollywood.
“Entertainment is a vital piece of the Dollywood experience,” says Roger White, Dollywood Entertainment Manager. “When we were approached about being part of this event, we were thrilled because we wanted to be able to shine the spotlight on these talented songwriters and musicians. The art they produce has the power to inspire so many powerful emotions and this is a great opportunity for them to share their craft with our guests.”
In addition to discounted Dollywood tickets, the $30 membership also provides festival goers with access to discounts for other attractions around Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, special events, panels, and one-night show tickets. Membership sign-up can be found here.
PLA Media Adds Buckstein To Artist Roster
Buckstein. Photo: Jason Myers
PLA Media has added Buckstein to its artist roster as he prepares to release new music and embark on a summer tour across the Rocky Mountain West.
Buckstein made his national debut as a contestant on the fifth season of American Idol. Since then, he has built a grassroots following with his band The Heard opening up for Charlie Daniels, Kane Brown, Kip Moore, Dustin Lynch, Old Dominion, Eli Young Band, Midland, Mark Chesnutt, Clay Walker, Aaron Watson, Vanilla Ice and more. The Colorado native will be unveiling a project with tracks spotlighting his emotive baritone ballads, new-grass rooted lanes of country and the leading contemporary sounds. Fans can expect the lead single release from his EP in early June with the full EP slated for a July release.
“When Buckstein’s management team brought the new project to our office, we were blown away,” says PLA Media Executive Director Mark Logsdon. “His baritone voice soars across this EP and his passion for country music, inclusivity, community outreach and the love for his home state are boldly authentic and unique. We are elated to be a part of his team.”
Linda Martell To Receive Equal Play Award At 2021 CMT Music Awards
/by LB CantrellPictured (L-R) Quia Thompson, granddaughter, filmmaker; Linda Martell. Photo: Sean Rayford/2021 CMT Awards/Getty Images for CMT
Country music pioneer Linda Martell will be recognized with the CMT Equal Play Award during the 2021 CMT Music Awards on Wednesday (June 9).
Martell’s legacy started when she released three pop-country singles at the turn of the 1970s, including an unprecedented Top-20 Billboard Hot Country Charts single “Color Him Father” in 1969. She released her debut album Color Him Father in 1970.
Known for being one of the most influential Black female artists in country music history, Martell became the first Black female performer to play the Grand Ole Opry. However, the lack of success for her last debut album single, 1970’s “Bad Case of the Blues,” caused her to be shelved by her label and prohibited from finding a new label willing to release new material. She eventually returned to her home state of South Carolina to raise her family.
Recently there has been a resurgence of interest in the now 86-year-old’s career, thanks to exposure given to her story by modern female country artists Maren Morris, Yola, Mickey Guyton, Rhiannon Giddens, and Brittney Spencer. Media professional and artist Rissi Palmer even titled her Apple Music podcast Color Me Country, in tribute to Martell.
Martell’s granddaughter Quia, an independent filmmaker, is currently completing a documentary about her grandmother’s life.
Artists including Guyton, Palmer, Giddens, Carrie Underwood, Darius Rucker, and Jennifer Nettles will congratulate Martell during this year’s awards as CMT highlights her place in music history.
“Linda Martell is a living legend who has influenced so many artists of color, giving them the courage and hope to pursue their dreams and a future reality of Equal Play in country music,” says Leslie Fram, Senior Vice President, Music & Talent, CMT. “Linda embodies the spirit of our ‘Equal Play’ initiative and we are proud to honor her with this prestigious award.”
The CMT Music Awards airs live Wednesday, June 9 at 7:00 p.m. central on CMT, MTV, MTV2, Logo, Paramount Network, TV Land and CMT Australia.
Hunter Phelps Makes Top 10 On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart
/by LB CantrellHunter Phelps moves up several spots to No. 9 this week on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart.
He is a co-writer on “Cold Beer Calling My Name” (Jameson Rodgers feat. Luke Combs), “Drinkin’ Beer. Talkin’ God. Amen.” (Chase Rice feat. Florida Georgia Line), “Give Heaven Some Hell” (HARDY), “That Ain’t Me No More” (Matt Stell), and “Thinking ‘Bout You” (Dustin Lynch feat. Lauren Alaina).
Corey Crowder, who has co-writer credits on “Drinkin’ Beer. Talkin’ God. Amen.,” “Famous Friends” (Chris Young + Kane Brown), and “Minimum Wage” (Blake Shelton), maintains his spot at No. 1 again this week.
The weekly MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart uses algorithms based upon song activity according to airplay, digital download track sales and streams. This unique and exclusive addition to the MusicRow portfolio is the only songwriter chart of its kind.
Click here to view the full MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart.
Weekly Register: Dierks Bentley Cracks Top 5 On Country Songs Chart
/by Lydia FarthingDierks Bentley. Photo: Jim Wright
Capitol Nashville’s Dierks Bentley has cracked the top five on this week’s top country songs chart and takes the fifth spot with his current radio single “Gone” at 5.7 million streams and 78 million RTD, according to Nielsen.
Luke Combs takes the No. 1 spot on the country song chart for a third consecutive week with “Forever After All” earning 9.8 million streams this week. Gabby Barrett (“The Good Ones”), Eric Church (“Hell Of A View”), and Nelly & FGL (“Lil Bit”) maintain the second, third, and fourth spot this week with 6.9 million, 6.7 million, and 6.4 million streams, respectively.
Morgan Wallen continues his residency at No. 1 on the country albums chart with Dangerous: The Double Album earning 52K streams this week. His 2018 debut album, If I Know Me, also climbs to No. 4 with 16K streams, according to Nielsen. Combs takes up two spots again this week with What You See Is What You Get (29K) and his 2017 debut album This One’s For You (18K). Rounding out the top five, Blackberry Smoke takes over the fifth position with their new album You Hear Georgia receiving 13K streams.
Flatland Cavalry Announces Welcome To Countryland Tour This Summer
/by Lorie HollabaughFlatland Cavalry. Photo: Fernando Garci.
Flatland Cavalry is set to release their upcoming album, Welcome to Countryland, on July 2. To celebrate their new music, Flatland Cavalry has also set course for the Welcome To Countryland tour this summer.
As the band hits the road, they will be making stops at Nashville’s Marathon Music Works, Austin’s Nutty Brown Café, Denver’s The Grizzly Rose, and Charlotte’s Coyote Joe’s among several others. In addition to the headline run, Flatland Cavalry will also join Luke Combs and Parker McCollum for select dates this year.
The band consists of Cleto Cordero (vocals, acoustic guitar), Jason Albers (drums, background vocals), Jonathan Saenz (bass, background vocals), Reid Dillon (electric guitar), Wesley Hall (fiddle) and Adam Gallegos (piano, keys, mandolin, banjo). Since forming in 2012, Flatland Cavalry has toured across the country, building a passionate grassroots fanbase. In addition to multiple headline runs, they’ve also recently joined artists such as Midland, Hailey Whitters and Jameson Rodgers on the road.
For tickets to see Flatland Cavalry, click here.
Welcome To Countryland Tour Dates:
June 5—Austin, TX—Nutty Brown Café & Amphitheatre
June 11—Concan, TX—House Pasture Cattle Company
June 12—Coleman, TX—Coleman Rodeo
June 18—Gonzales, LA—Lamar Dixon Expo Center*
June 19—Stockdale, TX—Watermelon Thump
June 25—Christoval, TX—Cooper’s BBQ
July 2—Orange Beach, AL—The Amphitheatre at the Wharf†
July 3—Orange Beach, AL—The Amphitheatre at the Wharf†
July 4—Orange Beach, AL—The Amphitheatre at the Wharf†
July 9—Bloomington, IN—Bluebird Nightclub
July 10—Fort Laramie, OH—Country Concert
July 11—Alexandria, VA—Birchmere
July 16—Nashville, TN—Marathon Music Works
July 17—Chattanooga, TN—The Signal
July 23—Fredericksburg, TX—Luckenbach Texas
July 24—New Braunfels, TX—River Road Icehouse
July 29—Tucson, AZ—The Rock
July 30—Artesia, NM—Eddy County Fairgrounds
July 31—Dallas, TX—Dos Equis Pavilion*
August 5—Kansas City, MO—Power and Light District
August 6—Seward, NE—Seward Country Fair*
August 7—Columbia, MO—The Blue Note
August 8—Chesterfield, MO—Chesterfield Amphitheater
August 13—Cullman, AL—Rock the South†
August 14—Mobile, AL—Soul Kitchen
August 18—Little Rock, AR—The Rev Room
August 19—Manhattan, KS—The Hat
August 20—Denver, CO—The Grizzly Rose
August 21—Cheyanne, WY—The Lincoln Cheyanne
August 26—Fayetteville, AR—George’s Majestic
August 28—Buda, TX—Buck’s Backyard
September 4—Belton, TX—Bell County Expo Center
September 10—College Station, TX—Hurricane Harry’s
September 15—Stephenville, TX—Larry Joe Taylor Music Fest
September 18—Prior, OK—Born and Raised Festival
September 24—Greenville, SC—Blind Horse Saloon
September 25—Charlotte, NC—Coyote Joe’s
September 30—Wichita, KS—Wichita River Fest
*with Parker McCollum
†with Luke Combs
Luke Bryan Heads Back To The Farm This Fall For Six Shows
/by Lorie HollabaughLuke Bryan. Photo: Ryan Anderson
Luke Bryan is bringing back his popular Farm Tour for the event’s 12th year since its inception in 2009. The 2021 Farm Tour will run through six farms this fall from Sept. 9-18.
The Georgia native will detour from his headlining tour as he and his team set up stages in the fields of local farmers across six states. Bryan will continue giving back to the farmers in those states by awarding college scholarships to students from farming families who are attending a local college or university near the tour stops. To date, more than 60 scholarships have been granted.
“I think I am more excited about this year’s Farm Tour than any other year,” Bryan shares. “Growing up in a farming family in rural Georgia I know how hard farming can be even on a good year, and how hard those families work–from sun-up to sundown. After the challenges we have all faced in the last year with so many people losing their jobs, struggling to put food on their tables, food supply chains jeopardized, grocery stores struggling to keep food on the shelves in some areas, it is so apparent to me, and I hope everyone, why our farmers are truly the backbone of our country. They never stopped providing for all of us. Ever. It’s time to thank our farmers, once again. It’s going to mean even more to me this year.”
Tickets for the 2021 Farm Tour will go on sale June 11 at 10 a.m. local time at lukebryan.com/FarmTour. Pre-sale tickets for Luke’s Fan Club and fan app are available beginning June 8 at lukebryan.com/all-
Farm Tour 2021 Dates:
9/9 – Marshall, WI – Statz Bros. Farm
9/10 – Cedar Rapids, IA – Brown Farms
9/11 – Chillicothe, IL – Three Sisters Park
9/16 – Kingman, IN – Martin Farms
9/17 – Baltimore, OH – Miller Family Farms
9/18 – Fowlerville, MI – Kubiak Family Farms
Jeff Tobias Elevated To Head Of Country Music At ONErpm
/by Lorie HollabaughJeff Tobias. Photo: Matt Valluzi
Jeff Tobias has been promoted to the newly-created position of Head of Country Music at ONErpm.
Los Angeles native Tobias moved to Nashville in 2014, gaining industry experience at CAA Nashville and later as a manager at ROAR before joining the A&R team at ONErpm in 2018. Tobias has been instrumental in the recent rise of numbers, streams and success of artists Chevel Shepherd, Brit Taylor, Ian McConnell, Trey Lewis, and Taylor Acorn.
“We’re excited to see this well-earned promotion and added duties given to Jeff,” says Ken Madson, GM, ONErpm. “His ear for talent and deep understanding of the music landscape make him the perfect fit for our growing presence in Nashville.”
“ONErpm has grown significantly since I’ve been with the company,” Tobias notes. “With the additions to our country marketing team, expansion of specialists and services we now offer our artists, it’s an exciting time to be working with ONErpm, and I’m thrilled to be taking on this new role.”
Chris Tomlin Celebrates Summer With New EP, 13-City Amphitheater Tour
/by Lorie HollabaughChris Tomlin. Photo: Robby Klein
Chris Tomlin is releasing the Chris Tomlin & Friends: Summer EP on July 2, a follow-up to his successful 2020 Chris Tomlin & Friends album.
Chris Tomlin & Friends has racked up over 150 million global streams, had two songs featured in Spotify’s Viral 50, and included his second longest-running No. 1,“Who You Are To Me” featuring Lady A which spent six consecutive weeks at the top of the charts and debuted at No. 6 on the Billboard Country Albums chart. The new EP coming this summer will feature a host of superstar collaborations which will be announced in the upcoming weeks.
Tomlin also announced a 13-city amphitheater tour starting Aug. 13 with Kari Jobe, Bethel Music, and special guest Cody Carnes. Tickets for the tour, which will run through Detroit, Austin, Charlotte, Jacksonville and more through September 3, are on sale to the public starting June 11 at 10 a.m. local time at christomlin.com.
“As we are coming out of this unique moment in history, my prayer for everyone as they listen to these songs is that they feel encouraged, uplifted, and be reminded that ‘the greatest of these is love’,” shares Tomlin. “It is with great anticipation that we head into this summer with the announcement of the tour and the upcoming release of the EP, knowing that it’s going to be filled with new memories and powerful encounters with the living God.
“Over the last year I’ve come to realize that I have taken for granted the ability to gather together as the church in worship,” he continues. “To not only worship outside amidst God’s creation but to do it alongside some of the most influential worship leaders in the church right now is something I am honored to be a part of. This is truly going to be a moment of impact and one we will never forget.”
Industry Ink: Miranda Lambert, Belmont, Gatlinburg Songwriters Festival, PLA Media
/by Lydia FarthingMiranda Lambert Opens Her Own Casa Rosa Restaurant
Miranda Lambert with husband Brendan McLoughlin at Casa Rosa opening. Photo: Erika Goldring
Miranda Lambert has officially opened her lower broadway restaurant and bar Casa Rosa, making her the first female country artist with a bar on broadway in Nashville. Lambert collaborated with her long-time personal designer, Phara Queen, and TC Restaurant Group (TCRG) on the project, which offers a distinctive blend of Tex-Mex cantina with a feminine flare.
The venue showcases seminal pieces of the country superstar’s wardrobe, tour memorabilia, and special vintage items personally collected by Lambert on her travels. Artist and sculptor for TCRG, Tim “Tiny” Parker crafted one-of-a-kind pieces for the Lambert-inspired venue, including a 12-foot tall Saguaro cactus, a dazzling mirrored saddle that spins overhead with “MIRANDA” branded along the back what was inspired by the iconic piece at Billy Bob’s in Ft. Worth, and an all-things Miranda 30-foot long mural that includes her horses, Airstream, red Chevrolet, album titles and more over a landscape of Marfa, Texas.
Casa Rosa reflects Miranda’s unapologetic, boldly feminine presence, eclectic tastes and love of Tex-Mex cooking. TC Restaurant Group, with more than 40 years in the hospitality industry, has designed spaces for Sun Records, Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan, Florida Georgia Line and more.
Belmont University Adds Amy Crook, Sarah Cates To Senior Leadership
Amy Crook, Sarah Cates
Belmont University has announced two additions to its Senior Leadership team with the appointments of Dr. Amy Crook and Sarah Cates as Vice Presidents.
Cates, a Belmont alumna who previously served as Director of Development and Industry Relations as well as in a variety of roles within Belmont’s Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business, will serve as Vice President for Special Projects and Strategic Partnerships. In this role, she will articulate Belmont’s vision, mission and values with internal and external stakeholders; proactively identify growth areas and partnerships; and serve as an external representative of the President as needed locally and beyond, among other responsibilities.
“I am honored and humbled to serve in this new role to help cultivate a sense of imagination for what could be for Belmont’s future,” Cates notes. “Our connection to the community, entrepreneurial spirit and Christ-centered mission have always been a north star for our work, and we will continue to build on these values with both internal and external partners as we seek an even bolder future ahead.”
Crook, an associate professor of management in Belmont’s Massey College of Business, will assume the role of Vice President for Transformative Innovation, Character and Purpose. In this position, she will focus on internal relationship building and transformative interdisciplinary collaborations while fostering an entrepreneurial mindset to integrate student learning, scholarship and opportunities for social innovation.
“Our Belmont faculty, staff and students have amazingly creative ways they want to engage and transform the world, and I’m excited to bring together people across disciplines who are passionate about meeting a particular need,” says Crook. “I want Belmont to be known as the place that hones your character and academic acumen, and then provides you unparalleled support to unleash these strengths to tackle complex problems in our local and global community. I can’t wait to see what God will do in this next chapter of Belmont University.”
Gatlinburg Songwriters Festival Adds DP’s Celebrity Theater As Main Venue
DP’s Celebrity Theater
The Gatlinburg Songwriters Festival, set to take place in downtown Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge from Aug. 19-22, has announced DP’s Celebrity Theater at Dollywood as one of the festival’s main venues. The theater will host several shows per day on Friday, Aug., 20 and Saturday, Aug. 21. Members of the Gatlinburg Songwriters Festival will have access to exclusive discounted tickets to Dollywood.
“Entertainment is a vital piece of the Dollywood experience,” says Roger White, Dollywood Entertainment Manager. “When we were approached about being part of this event, we were thrilled because we wanted to be able to shine the spotlight on these talented songwriters and musicians. The art they produce has the power to inspire so many powerful emotions and this is a great opportunity for them to share their craft with our guests.”
In addition to discounted Dollywood tickets, the $30 membership also provides festival goers with access to discounts for other attractions around Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, special events, panels, and one-night show tickets. Membership sign-up can be found here.
PLA Media Adds Buckstein To Artist Roster
Buckstein. Photo: Jason Myers
PLA Media has added Buckstein to its artist roster as he prepares to release new music and embark on a summer tour across the Rocky Mountain West.
Buckstein made his national debut as a contestant on the fifth season of American Idol. Since then, he has built a grassroots following with his band The Heard opening up for Charlie Daniels, Kane Brown, Kip Moore, Dustin Lynch, Old Dominion, Eli Young Band, Midland, Mark Chesnutt, Clay Walker, Aaron Watson, Vanilla Ice and more. The Colorado native will be unveiling a project with tracks spotlighting his emotive baritone ballads, new-grass rooted lanes of country and the leading contemporary sounds. Fans can expect the lead single release from his EP in early June with the full EP slated for a July release.
“When Buckstein’s management team brought the new project to our office, we were blown away,” says PLA Media Executive Director Mark Logsdon. “His baritone voice soars across this EP and his passion for country music, inclusivity, community outreach and the love for his home state are boldly authentic and unique. We are elated to be a part of his team.”
Recording Academy Announces 2021-2022 Nashville Chapter Board
/by Lorie HollabaughThe Recording Academy has elected its Nashville Chapter Board members for 2021-2022.
“So many members were willing to volunteer their time and expertise to serve the music community at large. Even more turned out to vote. We’re truly humbled at the level of engagement you have shown toward building a brighter future for the Recording Academy,” said Executive Director, Recording Academy Nashville Chapter, Alicia Warwick in a notification to Recording Academy members. “Remember, active participation is the key to all of our year-round work, and this announcement is just the beginning. Whether we’re celebrating excellence across the recording arts, fighting for creators’ rights, taking care of the music community in need, or keeping music in our schools, the Academy cannot succeed without you. Please join us in congratulating and welcoming the Recording Academy’s next class of leaders!”
2021-2022 Nashville Chapter Board:
*elected – first term
**elected – second term
National Trustees:
George Flanigen
Fletcher Foster
Tracy Gershon*
Jennifer Hanson*
Chapter Officers:
Ruby Amanfu* – President
Dave Haywood** – Vice President
Chandra LaPlume* – Secretary
Chapter Governors:
Chuck Ainlay
Jimmie Allen*
Julie Boos*
Alison Brown*
Joanna Carter
Jeremy Castro*
Brandy Clark**
Callie Cunningham
Jessie Jo Dillon
Leslie DiPiero**
Crystal Dishmon
Cyndi Forman
Leslie Fram
Garth Fundis
EJ Gaines
Natalie Grant*
Sierra Hull*
Armand Hutton
Sarah Jarosz*
Gena Johnson
Alex Kline*
Gina Miller*
Derek Minor*
Gramps Morgan
Piper Payne*
Shannon Sanders*
Ben Vaughn
Derek Wells*
Kristin Wilkinson
Advisors:
Dave Audé*
Daru Jones*
Matthew Morrisey Signs With Spirit Music Nashville
/by LB CantrellPictured (L-R, front row): Frank Rogers, CEO, Spirit Music Nashville; Kara Jackson, Creative Director, Spirit Music Nashville; Hannah Hall, Creative Director, Spirit Music Nashville; Matthew Morrisey; Mike Fiorentino, Director of A&R/Production, Spirit Music Nashville; Derek Wells, Senior Director A&R/Production, Spirit Music Nashville; Michelle Davey, Director of Administration/Office Manager, Spirit Music Nashville. (L-R, back row): David Crow, Milom Horsnell Crow Kelley Beckett Shehan PLC; Matt Cottingham, Ritholz Levy Fields LLP; Matthew Beckett, Milom Horsnell Crow Kelley Beckett Shehan PLC; Brian Bradford, VP of Administration and Operations, Spirit Music Nashville
Spirit Music Nashville has signed songwriter/producer Matthew Morrisey to a worldwide publishing deal.
Known for his work in country, pop and Christian genres, Morrisey gained notoriety for producing Lily Rose’s breakout single “Villain,” as well as penning and producing other works in her repertoire.
Morrisey was born and raised in North Carolina. He played in local rock bands in high school which introduced him to writing and producing songs. After completing his education studying music and working full-time in higher education, Morrisey made the move to Nashville.
“Signing with a publishing company like Spirit has been a dream of mine since I made the move to Nashville,” says Morrisey. “My road to this point in my career has been anything but ordinary, so I can’t wait to see where it leads next. This opportunity is such a blessing and I’m humbled to have a home with such an amazing team that champions me like Frank, Derek, Kara, Hannah and the rest of the Spirit family.”
“The first time we heard Matthew’s music, we were big fans. Then we met him and became even bigger fans,” says CEO, Spirit Music Nashville, Frank Rogers. “He is a truly gifted songwriter, producer and musician and a joy to be around. The sky is the limit for Matthew and his music. We are excited to partner with him and help bring his music to the world.”