ACM Award-winning recording artist Brett Young released his third studio album, Weekends Look A Little Different These Days, today (June 4) via BMLG Records.
Since making his debut in 2016 with his No. 1 smash hit “Sleep Without You,” Young has continued with an impressive string of success, evident by the fact that he is one of four modern-day artists to have their first seven singles go No. 1 on Mediabase/Country Aircheck. These seven consecutive singles have also gone on to receive Gold and Platinum certifications, including “In Case You Didn’t Know” at 5X Platinum; “Mercy” at 3X Platinum; “Sleep Without You,” “Like I Loved You,” “Here Tonight,” and “Catch” which all went Platinum, and his previous radio single “Lady,” which has already been Gold-certified.
Now, with more than 5 billion global streams, international tours under his belt, his own clothing line, and his first ever Caliville Weekend festival this coming September, Young has also stepped into a new phase of life with the birth of his first child, Presley, in October of 2019. With this little addition plus another baby due in July, Young has had to make a wave of adjustments both in his personal life and in his songwriting.
“I finally reached a stage of my life that, if I’m lucky, is going to be pretty static for a while,” Young tells MusicRow. “I’m married with a baby and another one on the way, but you can’t just talk about adding the next child in every song. That’s not interesting for people,” he explains. “The biggest challenge with the songwriting for this record was to continue to be myself—to be super honest and vulnerable, but also not write eight songs about my daughter. That alienates a lot of the listeners that have been there since the first record and ‘Sleep Without You.’
“I would sit down with writers and say, ‘I need a break up song but I’m happily married, so tell me a story about your worst breakup.’ I would try to take something they said about their experience and find something that reminded me of an experience that I went through and tap into how I felt when I was there,” he shares. “It was really challenging, but I think it made me a better songwriter. It was an interesting thing to emotionally put myself in a bunch of different people’s shoes while writing and choosing songs for this record.”
Working again with producer Dann Huff, Young takes listeners through the full spectrum of emotions and several sonic landscapes on the eight tracks that make up Weekends Look A Little Different These Days. Songs like the project’s lead single, “Lady,” acts as an open letter to Presley, while the title track and songs “This” and “Dear Me” find Young reflecting on his personal growth. Meanwhile, his current single at country radio, “Not Yet,” reminds listeners of the importance of being present in the moment. “Leave Me Alone” finds Young letting things in the past melt away with a tropical, easy-going sound. Also included on the project is the ‘80s rock anthem-esque “You Got Away With It,” and the soulful album closer, “You Didn’t.”
As he puts out each new record, Young constantly aims to pull back the curtain on his life little by little, each time becoming more and more vulnerable with his music. With Weekends Look A Little Different These Days, he’s found a new level of authenticity and yet another way to let people in. “I hope that it never feels fake, but that it always feels vulnerable and honest. It’s like being naked when you get this honest with your music, so if I don’t feel that way, I’ve done it wrong,” he shares. “There’s nothing that’s left unsaid or anything that I left out in these eight songs.”
Since having to postpone his headlining tour in the early months of 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Young chose to look at the silver linings that came with lockdown. Most importantly, during that time without touring, he was able to be present for much of Presley’s first year.
“I got to see all of the firsts or at least most of them. I heard her say ‘da-da’ for the first time and all of the important stuff,” he gushes. “If I was going to pick a year for this to happen, it would definitely be my child’s first year of life. [Having a baby] is a huge adjustment and it changes everything, but in a way that you would never trade for the world.”
Brett Young. Photo: Seth Kupersmith
With the release of a new album, Young also has his eyes set on the future, including what shows might look like with these eight new tracks to add to the setlist. However, getting back out on the road and finding a new normal with two little ones will undoubtedly be an adjustment, but one that Young is excited for. He just announced he will be heading back out on the road this fall on his headlining The Weekends Tour. Launching Sept. 11, the tour features special guests Maddie & Tae and Filmore, with Ryan Hurd and Matt Ferranti on select shows.
In April, Young also announced that his first stab at a festival, Caliville Weekend, will take place over Labor Day Weekend in Palm Springs, California with tickets on sale now. What first began as three days full of the California native’s favorite things and capped off by a concert on the last night has quickly become a weekend full of activities, events, and live music each night. With his friends Maddie & Tae, Filmore, Chase Rice, Seaforth, and Devin Dawson, Young has created yet another opportunity for fans to pull back the curtain on his life a little more.
“I’m looking forward to everything about [that weekend]. It’s going to be full of all my favorite things, so if you want to really get to know me, here’s another chance,” Young says. “I’ll be there hanging out with everybody, golfing, swimming, and going to the concerts every night… One thing I will promise is that it’s going to make it late into the night every night.”
Circle Network Announces New Series Showcasing Landmark Country Music Venues
/by Sarah SkatesLindsay Ell discusses the historic Ryman Auditorium on the new show Landmarks. Photo courtesy of Circle Network.
Circle Network will debut the series Landmarks: The Stages of Country Music on Wednesday, June 9 at 8 p.m. ET. The new primetime show celebrates some of the most famed country music stages in the U.S. and artists’ relationships with those venues. Each half-hour episode highlights a new location, and shares its unique story.
Fans will get an inside look at The Station Inn, Tootsie’s, The Tennessee Theatre, The Grand Ole Opry, The Ryman, Billy Bob’s, Stubb’s BBQ and Gruene Hall, and other renowned venues.
Country stars also share why these are some of their favorite places to play, with special guest appearances by Sara Evans, Brothers Osborne, Lindsay Ell, Charlie Worsham, Emmylou Harris, Carly Pearce, Robert Earl Keen, Jon Randall, and more.
Charlie Worsham enters The Station Inn. Photo courtesy of Circle Network.
Landmarks hopes to shed light on the thousands of hometown music venues across the country and highlight where bands get their start, players become artists, and patrons become lifelong fans. The series, produced by Z Media Ventures, will also draw attention to the Save Our Stages movement that aims to preserve and support the ecosystem of independent live music venues and promoters.
For more information on how to watch Circle, click here.
Dylan Scott Celebrates Second No. 1 ‘Nobody’
/by Lorie HollabaughDylan Scott‘s single “Nobody” is making big waves this week, as the song achieves Gold status and reaches the top of the charts. “Nobody” is Scott’s second No. 1 at country radio.
The video for the song is also nominated for the 2021 CMT Music Awards Breakthrough Video Of The Year, and Scott will perform it on the show. This summer he will join Luke Bryan on his 2021 Proud To Be Right Here tour.
“We are extremely excited and proud to have another number one record with Dylan Scott,” said Curb Records Chairman Mike Curb. “Dylan is an amazing artist with a great, identifiable voice that is positively impacting all aspects of the music industry.”
“It’s a crazy time right now,” said Scott. “I’m very thankful and blessed to have the number one song in the country, performing on my very first award show, and the icing on top is going out with Luke Bryan this summer on the ‘Proud To Be Right Here’ tour.”
Cameo Goes Country To Support ACM Lifting Lives
/by Lorie HollabaughThe “Cameo Goes Country” charitable campaign is live now through June 30, and fans can view participating talent, book personalized messages, and purchase virtual meet-and-greet tickets in support of the initiative by visiting cameo.com/tags/
“Cameo Goes Country” participants include Adam Hambrick, Boy Named Banjo, Brandon Lay, Carrie Underwood, Catie Offerman, Caylee Hammack, CB30, Chrissy Metz, Deana Carter, Dillon James, Jon Pardi, Jordan Davis, Josh Turner, Kassi Ashton, Kip Moore, Kylie Morgan, Lauren Alaina, Levi Hummon, Maddie & Tae, Mickey Guyton, Pebe Sebert, Priscilla Block, Runaway June, Trace Adkins, Travis Denning, Tyler Hubbard, and Walker Hayes.
The charitable campaign will continue adding exclusive offers from artists, celebrities and supporters throughout June to help raise more funds for ACM Lifting Lives.
Created in April 2020, the COVID-19 Response Fund has distributed over $3.5 million to assist individuals working in the industry who have suffered financial crisis as a result of the pandemic.
Barry Dean Earns Eight BMI Million-Air Awards
/by LB CantrellPictured (L-R): Rachel Burleson, Abby Holcomb, Emily Furman, Christina Wighton, Shaina Botwin, Luke Laird, Barry Dean, Jennifer Dean, Beth Laird, Leslie Roberts (BMI), Kelsey Granda. Photo: Steve Lowry
Creative Nation songwriter Barry Dean was recently honored by BMI for receiving eight coveted Million-Air awards, recognizing songs that accumulate over one million U.S. radio broadcast performances.
The songs awarded include “Think A Little Less” (Michael Ray), “Pontoon” (Little Big Town), “Day Drinking” (Little Big Town), “Diamond Rings and Old Barstools” (Tim McGraw), and “Heartache Medication” (Jon Pardi). The songs “Think A Little Less,” “Pontoon,” and “Day Drinking” all earned Dean two awards each, meaning these songs have garnered over two million broadcast performances since their release.
“It was such an honor to present one of the greatest storytellers of this generation with his BMI Million-Air certificates,” says BMI’s Leslie Roberts, AVP, Creative, Nashville. “Barry is a master craftsman, and also one of the greatest guys you will ever meet. He is so humble and always praising others, so it was incredible to take the time to celebrate Barry’s success!”
“We have been working with Barry Dean since the beginning of Creative Nation almost ten years ago. He is one of the most genuine and talented people I know and I couldn’t be happier to celebrate him and his success!” says Creative Nation CEO, Beth Laird.
Ray Wylie Hubbard Shakin’ The Rust Off On Summer Tour
/by Lorie HollabaughPhoto credit: @barbaraFGphoto
Ray Wylie Hubbard is returning to the road for a 22-date headlining run that kicks off in his home state Friday (June 4) in Buda, Texas. The new tour runs through August 28 and will visit Lubbock, Salt Lake City, Tulsa, Chattanooga, Atlanta, and more, with 11 shows scheduled in the Lone Star state alone.
The Shakin’ The Rust Off Tour will feature the ‘70s cosmic-country legend performing some of the signature tracks and music from his latest album Co-Starring, which brought together the likes of Ringo Starr, Don Was, Joe Walsh, Chris Robinson, Aaron Lee Tasjan, The Cadillac Three, Paula Nelson, Elizabeth Cook, Tyler Bryant & The Shakedown, Ashley McBryde, Larkin Poe, Peter Rowan, Ronnie Dunn and Pam Tillis.
Hubbard said he is excited to be “Shaking off the rust, kickin’ up the dust, roarin’ down the road to be with you again and make some rock!”
Shakin’ The Rust Off Tour Dates:
6/4: Buda, TX | Buda Ampitheater
6/5: McKinney, TX | KHYI Texas Music Revolution
6/11: Crockett, TX | Lightnin’ Hopkins Summer Series
6/18: Roswell, TX | The Liberty
6/19: Lubbock, TX | Cactus Theater
6/24: Filer, ID | Gordy’s Hwy 30 Music Fest
6/25: Salt Lake City, UT | Soundwell
7/3: Red River, NM | The Motherlode
7/9: The Woodlands, TX | Dosey Doe
7/10: Waco, TX | The Backyard
7/16: Galveston, TX | The Old Quarter
7/17: Galveston, TX | The Old Quarter
7/24: Hawkins, TX | The Red Rooster Icehouse
7/25: Plano, TX | Love & War
8/12: Tulsa, OK | Cain’s Ballroom
8/13: Oklahoma City, OK | The Tower Theater
8/14: Durant, OK | Gilley’s Choctaw Casino
8/19: Chattanooga, TN | The Signal
8/20: Athens, GA | The Georgia Theater
8/21: Atlanta, GA | Variety Theater
8/27: Ft. Smith, AR | The Majestic
8/28: Fayetteville, AR | Fayetteville Roots Fest
Dollywood Announces New Resort Property, Half-Billion Dollar Investment Strategy
/by Sarah SkatesDollywood’s HeartSong Lodge & Resort offers guests a one-of-a-kind getaway with themed suites, epic indoor and outdoor pools, an outdoor cove with family gathering spaces and more. The resort is located adjacent to Dollywood theme park and Dollywood’s Splash Country water park.
The Dollywood Company has announced a 10-year, $500 million plan to invest in its growing suite of properties in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. First on the docket is Dollywood’s HeartSong Lodge & Resort which is set to open in 2023.
The 302-room lodge will be located adjacent to the popular DreamMore Resort and Spa. The new resort will offer lodging options for multi-generational families and couples, including spacious family suites and bunk rooms. The five-story resort will feature themed suites and loft rooms tucked into the dormers. There will be indoor and outdoor pools, and an outdoor cove with family gathering spaces, communal firepit and screened-in porch. With 26,000 sq. ft. of flexible indoor and outdoor meeting space, the property can accommodate gatherings for several hundred guests.
Dollywood’s Dreamer-in-Chief Dolly Parton said, “I’m so proud of this place that we’ve been able to build here in the Smokies. I always dreamed of accomplishing two things with Dollywood. I wanted to give jobs to the folks who live here and I wanted to give visitors another reason to come and experience the beauty of the Smoky Mountains. We celebrated our 35th season last year, so I think it is fair to say we’ve been able to do that. I’m so happy with what we are doing to make sure our guests have a great season this year, and being able to announce the new HeartSong Lodge & Resort is just one more way we’re going to be able to help families reconnect, explore and discover together. I truly believe the natural beauty of the Smokies and the warmth of this special place will inspire every guest to nurture the ‘heartsong’ within them.”
Pictured: Dolly Parton and Eugene Naughton, President of the Dollywood Company, announce Dollywood’s Heartsong Lodge & Resort taken at the Celebrity Theater at Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. . Photo: Curtis Hilbun / Dollywood
“From the time we announced Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort in 2015, we have seen the entire region emerge as one of the nation’s leading family vacation destinations,” said Eugene Naughton, President of The Dollywood Company. “We’ve been able to help Dolly achieve the dreams she had more than 35 years ago, and with this announcement today, we’re going to be able to put wings on even more of her dreams.”
With more than three million visitors annually at Dollywood theme park and Dollywood’s Splash Country water park, the Pigeon Forge parks comprise Tennessee’s most-visited ticketed attraction.
Since 2010, The Dollywood Company has invested more than $220 million into its properties as part of its ongoing investment plan. Expansions undertaken since 2010 include Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa, roller coasters Lightning Rod and FireChaser Express, as well as TailSpin Racer at Dollywood’s Splash Country. In 2019, the park opened the $37 million Wildwood Grove.
Dollywood’s HeartSong Lodge & Resort welcomes the outdoors inside with high ceilings, exposed beams and natural layered textures. These lovely touches are inspired by the beauty of the Smokies.
Big Machine Music City Grand Prix Adds Partnership & Sponsor
/by Steven BoeroPictured (clockwise): Brooks & Dunn, Jamey Johnson, Vince Neil, Tyler Farr
The Big Machine Music City Grand Prix adds Wesley Financial Group as presenting sponsor for the Grand Prix’ opening day Friday, Aug. 6. The announcement comes days after the Grand Prix joined three other Nashville institutions in support of the Charlie and Hazel Daniels Veterans and Military Family Center at Middle Tennessee State University.
The Wesley Financial Group Freedom Friday concert will honor members of the military, police, fire, first responders, and frontline heroes. That night’s Freedom Friday Tribute Concert: Music City’s Best Honor All Those Who Serve and Protect will feature special guest appearances by several of Nashville’s top artists, including Brooks & Dunn, Jamey Johnson, Tyler Farr and Vince Neil. Aside from providing thousands of tickets to members of those groups, that night’s concert will bring awareness to military charities, including the Charlie and Hazel Daniels Veterans and Military Family Center at MTSU.
“Wesley Financial Group is proud to be a part of one of Nashville’s first big events since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic,” says Chuck McDowell, founder and CEO. “We are especially excited to be able to honor our military and first responders and provide tickets to those who protect us every day. The Big Machine Music City Grand Prix is a landmark event for our city and we look forward to being a part of it.”
On Saturday, Grand Prix CEO Matt Crews, a MTSU alumnus, joined retired Army Lt. Gen. Keith Huber, MTSU’s senior advisor for veterans and leadership initiatives, for the announcement from the stage of the Grand Ole Opry during the sold-out Opry Salute the Troops show.
The Grand Prix joins the Opry, the Nashville Predators and the Nashville Sounds to help the approximately 1,100 military connected students at MTSU who are “seeking academic success and quality employment.”
“We are incredibly proud to partner with Wesley Financial Group to honor the frontline heroes who serve and protect us on a daily basis – and excited to announce our Freedom Friday line-up,” says Crews. “Our hope is this performance shows a small token of appreciation to those in the service that work so hard to allow us to live lives of freedom– and enjoy events like this year’s Big Machine Music City Grand Prix.”
Big Machine Music City Grand Prix, a three-day international festival of speed and sound, will be staged on a temporary 2.17-mile grand prix circuit in Nashville and around the Nissan Stadium campus. The course will cross the Cumberland River via the Korean Veterans Memorial Bridge, making it the only current event in motorsports to cross over a major body of water.
CMA Foundation To Host Session With Trisha Yearwood Discussing Music Education
/by Lorie HollabaughPhoto Credit: Russ Harrington
Trisha Yearwood will join CMA CEO/CMA Foundation President Sarah Trahern for a special online conversation on June 8 during the annual National School Boards Association’s Advocacy Institute to discuss the importance of music education.
The NSBA’s Advocacy Institute features key policy makers and advocates working to improve educational outcomes and ensure that every student has access to a quality education. In addition to Trahern and Yearwood, this year’s Advocacy Institute will feature U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona, Federal Communications Commission Acting Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel, U.S. House Education and Labor Committee Chairman Bobby Scott and U.S. Senators Charles Grassley and Susan Collins.
“My mom was a third-grade teacher, so I’ve always understood the importance of a good education,” said Yearwood. “She and my dad also encouraged me to participate in talent shows and music events held by my school, church, and community. It was that early exposure to music, along with support from my parents and friends, that made me into who I am. I’m an advocate for music education today because I want every child in our country to have the same opportunities I did.”
Through its partnership with NSBA, CMA and the CMA Foundation continue to strategically raise awareness and shine a light on advocacy efforts in support of music educators, students and parents.
“The CMA Foundation was birthed from the passion our artists and industry professionals felt when they first fell in love with music within the four walls of a classroom,” said Trahern. “Working with an artist like Trisha and incredible partners like NSBA, the CMA Foundation works to ensure that music is a part of every student’s education. For us, it’s not just about lifting up the next generation of musicians, but leveraging the impact that music has on students’ lives.”
Thomas Rhett Soars To No. 1 On MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart
/by Alex ParryIn just eight weeks since its release, “Country Again” by Thomas Rhett claims the No. 1 position on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart. The single is the title track to Rhett’s double album and appears on Side A of the release. Rhett co-wrote every song on Side A, and penned “Country Again” with Zach Crowell and Ashley Gorley.
“It’s one of my favorite songs I’ve written yet and honestly just feels full circle in so many ways… it’s about the crazy journey I’ve been on over the last decade and ultimately finding my way back home,” Rhett says of the song.
Dates have been rescheduled for Rhett’s Center Point Road Tour with Cole Swindell and Gabby Barrett. The tour kicks off in Aug. 13 in Orange Beach, Alabama.
Click here or above to view the latest edition of The MusicRow Weekly containing the MusicRow CountryBreakout Chart.
Brett Young Pulls Back The Curtain With New Album Out Now [Interview]
/by Lydia FarthingACM Award-winning recording artist Brett Young released his third studio album, Weekends Look A Little Different These Days, today (June 4) via BMLG Records.
Since making his debut in 2016 with his No. 1 smash hit “Sleep Without You,” Young has continued with an impressive string of success, evident by the fact that he is one of four modern-day artists to have their first seven singles go No. 1 on Mediabase/Country Aircheck. These seven consecutive singles have also gone on to receive Gold and Platinum certifications, including “In Case You Didn’t Know” at 5X Platinum; “Mercy” at 3X Platinum; “Sleep Without You,” “Like I Loved You,” “Here Tonight,” and “Catch” which all went Platinum, and his previous radio single “Lady,” which has already been Gold-certified.
Now, with more than 5 billion global streams, international tours under his belt, his own clothing line, and his first ever Caliville Weekend festival this coming September, Young has also stepped into a new phase of life with the birth of his first child, Presley, in October of 2019. With this little addition plus another baby due in July, Young has had to make a wave of adjustments both in his personal life and in his songwriting.
“I finally reached a stage of my life that, if I’m lucky, is going to be pretty static for a while,” Young tells MusicRow. “I’m married with a baby and another one on the way, but you can’t just talk about adding the next child in every song. That’s not interesting for people,” he explains. “The biggest challenge with the songwriting for this record was to continue to be myself—to be super honest and vulnerable, but also not write eight songs about my daughter. That alienates a lot of the listeners that have been there since the first record and ‘Sleep Without You.’
“I would sit down with writers and say, ‘I need a break up song but I’m happily married, so tell me a story about your worst breakup.’ I would try to take something they said about their experience and find something that reminded me of an experience that I went through and tap into how I felt when I was there,” he shares. “It was really challenging, but I think it made me a better songwriter. It was an interesting thing to emotionally put myself in a bunch of different people’s shoes while writing and choosing songs for this record.”
Working again with producer Dann Huff, Young takes listeners through the full spectrum of emotions and several sonic landscapes on the eight tracks that make up Weekends Look A Little Different These Days. Songs like the project’s lead single, “Lady,” acts as an open letter to Presley, while the title track and songs “This” and “Dear Me” find Young reflecting on his personal growth. Meanwhile, his current single at country radio, “Not Yet,” reminds listeners of the importance of being present in the moment. “Leave Me Alone” finds Young letting things in the past melt away with a tropical, easy-going sound. Also included on the project is the ‘80s rock anthem-esque “You Got Away With It,” and the soulful album closer, “You Didn’t.”
As he puts out each new record, Young constantly aims to pull back the curtain on his life little by little, each time becoming more and more vulnerable with his music. With Weekends Look A Little Different These Days, he’s found a new level of authenticity and yet another way to let people in. “I hope that it never feels fake, but that it always feels vulnerable and honest. It’s like being naked when you get this honest with your music, so if I don’t feel that way, I’ve done it wrong,” he shares. “There’s nothing that’s left unsaid or anything that I left out in these eight songs.”
Since having to postpone his headlining tour in the early months of 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Young chose to look at the silver linings that came with lockdown. Most importantly, during that time without touring, he was able to be present for much of Presley’s first year.
“I got to see all of the firsts or at least most of them. I heard her say ‘da-da’ for the first time and all of the important stuff,” he gushes. “If I was going to pick a year for this to happen, it would definitely be my child’s first year of life. [Having a baby] is a huge adjustment and it changes everything, but in a way that you would never trade for the world.”
Brett Young. Photo: Seth Kupersmith
With the release of a new album, Young also has his eyes set on the future, including what shows might look like with these eight new tracks to add to the setlist. However, getting back out on the road and finding a new normal with two little ones will undoubtedly be an adjustment, but one that Young is excited for. He just announced he will be heading back out on the road this fall on his headlining The Weekends Tour. Launching Sept. 11, the tour features special guests Maddie & Tae and Filmore, with Ryan Hurd and Matt Ferranti on select shows.
In April, Young also announced that his first stab at a festival, Caliville Weekend, will take place over Labor Day Weekend in Palm Springs, California with tickets on sale now. What first began as three days full of the California native’s favorite things and capped off by a concert on the last night has quickly become a weekend full of activities, events, and live music each night. With his friends Maddie & Tae, Filmore, Chase Rice, Seaforth, and Devin Dawson, Young has created yet another opportunity for fans to pull back the curtain on his life a little more.
“I’m looking forward to everything about [that weekend]. It’s going to be full of all my favorite things, so if you want to really get to know me, here’s another chance,” Young says. “I’ll be there hanging out with everybody, golfing, swimming, and going to the concerts every night… One thing I will promise is that it’s going to make it late into the night every night.”