Black River Records Adds Natalie Davis As Promotion Coordinator
Natalie Davis
Black River Entertainment has added Natalie Davis as the new Promotion Coordinator for Black River Records.
The Texas A&M University alumna with a Master of Science brings an eye for research and years of experience with her. Beginning as Media Researcher and Content Developer at Texas A&M University’s Digital Media Research and Development Lab, Davis has made stops at Strategic Media Systems and the Country Music Association.
“We are very excited to welcome Natalie to Black River,” says SVP of Radio Promotion Mike Wilson. “Given her background and experience in the industry, I have no doubt she will be a great fit.”
Reporting to Wilson, Davis is based out of Nashville and can be reached at ndavis@blackriverent.com.
Rehab Signs With Arcade Management
Rehab
Multi-Platinum selling hip-hop and rock artist, Rehab, has signed an exclusive management deal with Nashville-based Arcade Management.
“We are very excited to welcome Rehab to the Arcade Management roster,” shares Jamie Reeder-Ernst, head of Arcade Management. “Danny [Boone] is one of the most talented vocalists and lyricists in the music industry. I’m proud to have such a multi-genre artist of his stature aboard and can’t wait to see what we can accomplish together.”
Rehab, known for their mega-hit “Sittin’ At A Bar,” originally disbanded in 2014. However, frontman and founding member Boone is now emerging as the solo artist, Rehab, and will carry forward the band’s signature sound and musical legacy.
Gord Bamford To Host Real Country Livin’ Series
Anthem Entertainment is launching Real Country Livin’, a music-based broadcast and podcast series, featuring award-winning country artist, Gord Bamford.
The series will showcase country artists and songwriters as they share their own Real Country Livin’ story and define what it means to them. With Bamford as the inaugural host, the series will launch with six themed episodes including Entertainin’, Fishin’, Givin’, Boatin’, and Drinkin’ that help guide the narrative as Bamford introduces audiences to his family and friends and their way of life.
Additionally, each episode will feature some of Bamford’s fan-favorite songs along with never-before-seen performances of new original songs from his upcoming June 4 album release of Diamond’s In A Whiskey Glass.
Jason Cox Re-Signs To Daywind Music Publishing For Ninth Year
Jason Cox
Daywind Music Publishing has re-signed Jason Cox who celebrates his ninth year with Daywind Music Group.
“Jason Cox is an exceptional songwriter who consistently and carefully invests his talent and craftsmanship into each song he has a hand in creating,” says Rick Shelton, vice president of music publishing at Daywind Music Group. “We are grateful that Jason is part of our family and I am so very proud of him.”
Cox has been an exclusive staff songwriter with Daywind Music Publishing since 2012, winning the Singing News Fan Awards’ Song of the Year in 2019 for “Even Me,” recorded by Triumphant Quartet, as well as the GMA Dove Awards Country Recorded Song of the Year in 2016 for “Small Town Someone,” recorded by Jeff and Sheri Easter.
He has achieved success recently at radio for the No. 1 songs “Can I Get A Witness” by The Sound, “Come To The Well” by Kingdom Heirs, “What Kind of Man” from Legacy Five, “Victory Shout” by Kingsmen, “Shame On Me” by Joseph Habedank, and “Come Sunday Morning” from Old Paths.
American Idol‘s Alex Miller Signs With Triangle Talent
Pictured (L-R): Alex’s business manager Roger Miller, Alex Miller, CEO David Snowden, Agent Joe Vonderheide, and President Clay Campbell.
American Idol alum Alex Miller has signed an exclusive booking and management agreement with Louisville-based agency, Triangle Talent, LLC.
Miller was a contestant on season 19 of American Idol where he finished as a Top 50 finalist. Kentucky-born, he has been performing professionally since the age of seven, first locally then graduating to larger markets and venues, including the Dolby Theatre, WoodSongs, Renfo Valley, and more.
Miller will be opening for Hank Williams Jr. at the Wisconsin State Fair on Aug. 15 and Josh Turner at the Kentucky State Fair on Aug. 19.
Shania Twain Adds Over A Dozen New Dates To Las Vegas Residency
/by Lorie HollabaughThe residency, first launched in 2019, is a celebration of one of Las Vegas’ first female and country headliners who has paved the way for other superstar residencies across the city. Designed exclusively for Zappos Theater, the production takes fans through Twain’s vast catalogue of hits, including “Man! I Feel Like A Woman!,” “You’re Still The One,” and “That Don’t Impress Me Much.” Throughout the evening, she also dazzles in eight different couture costumes designed by renowned celebrity fashion designer, Marc Bouwer.
Tickets will go on sale to the public Tuesday, June 1 at 12 p.m. CST. Citi cardmembers will have access to purchase pre-sale tickets beginning Thursday, May 27 at 12 p.m. CST through Monday, May 31 .
Twain, Live Nation Las Vegas, and Caesars Entertainment will be donating $1 of every ticket sold to Shania Kids Can. Established in 2010, Shania Kids Can gives a helping hand to kids who are facing poverty and crises. It also provides programs and support services to ensure these children are learning the skills to cope with and overcome family hardships which, in turn, improves their ability to succeed in school and life.
Justin Moore Earns Fifth No. 1 On MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart
/by Alex Parry“We Didn’t Have Much” by Justin Moore is this week’s No. 1 on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart. The single was written by Paul DiGiovanni, Randy Montana, and Jeremy Stover. It appears on his sixth studio album, Straight Outta The Country released in April via The Valory Music Co.
In a recent interview with MusicRow, Moore said spoke about the song. Moore says, “It’s more special to me because of what we’ve all dealt with this year than it would have been otherwise. I heard the song really early on in the pandemic. We had Tracy Lawrence on as one of first guests on my podcast. He said something that really resonated with me and I really related to, and then after hearing this song, I related it to the song. What he said was that especially early on in the pandemic, he and his wife and family had been forced to lead a much more simple life, literally borrowing eggs from neighbors and things like that. Things that sound like a cliche country song, but we were kind of in the same boat here at home. I thought, man, this song speaks to the beauty in that simplicity.”
This month, Moore was awarded Pandora’s Billionaire Plaque to commemorate 3 billion streams on the platform.
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Dan + Shay, Gabby Barrett, Luke Combs, More Win At 2021 iHeartRadio Awards
/by Lydia FarthingDan + Shay, winners of the Best Duo/Group of the Year award, attend the 2021 iHeartRadio Music Awards at The Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, California, which was broadcast live on FOX on May 27, 2021. (Photo by Phillip Faraone/Getty Images for iHeartMedia)
The 2021 iHeartRadio Music Awards, hosted by Usher, went live at the Dolby Theater in Los Angeles on Thursday, May 27.
The 2021 iHeartRadio Music Awards honored the legendary Elton John with the 2021 iHeartRadio Icon Award which also featured a tribute performance from Brandi Carlile, Demi Lovato and H.E.R., honoring John’s global impact on pop culture, longevity and continued relevance as a touring and radio force.
Dan + Shay, who won Best Duo/Group of the Year, reunited with their full band on the iHeart stage to perform “Glad You Exist” for the first time. The show also featured appearances from Taylor Swift, Dua Lipa, twenty one pilots, Megan Thee Stallion, Nelly, Gabby Barrett, AJR and more.
“Thank you iHeartRadio and thank you to our incredible fans,” said Dan + Shay after accepting the award on the red carpet prior to the show. “This means the world. Ok, gotta gather our emotions and get ready to perform. We love y’all so much.”
Gabby Barrett, winner of the Best New Country Artist award, attends the 2021 iHeartRadio Music Awards at The Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, California, which was broadcast live on FOX on May 27, 2021. (Photo by Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for iHeartMedia)
Luke Combs won two categories for Country Artist of the Year and Country Album of the Year for What You See Ain’t Always What You Get. Meanwhile, Barrett kept up her awards momentum and walked away with Best New Country Artist. Maren Morris also won Country Song of the Year with her hit single “The Bones.”
“This week has been amazing,” Barrett shares. “To win this award is beyond what I could have imagined. It’s hard to believe. I am so blessed, and so grateful.”
Ashley Gorley won Songwriter of the Year out of all-genre songwriters Ali Tamposi, Amy Allen, Dan Nigro, and Finneas. Gorley is currently No. 1 on the MusicRow Songwriters Chart with Thomas Rhett’s “What’s Your Country Song” and “Country Again,” Cole Swindell’s “Single Saturday Night,” Morgan Wallen’s “Sand In My Boots” and “Warning,” Chris Stapleton’s “You Should Probably Leave,” and Hardy’s “Give Heaven Some Hell.”
For a full list of categories and their winners, visit iHeartRadio.com/awards. Playback of the 2021 iHeartRadio Music Awards is available now through June 17 with On Demand, FOX NOW, and Hulu.
Industry Ink: Natalie Davis, REHAB, Gord Bamford, Jason Cox, Alex Miller
/by Lydia FarthingBlack River Records Adds Natalie Davis As Promotion Coordinator
Natalie Davis
Black River Entertainment has added Natalie Davis as the new Promotion Coordinator for Black River Records.
The Texas A&M University alumna with a Master of Science brings an eye for research and years of experience with her. Beginning as Media Researcher and Content Developer at Texas A&M University’s Digital Media Research and Development Lab, Davis has made stops at Strategic Media Systems and the Country Music Association.
“We are very excited to welcome Natalie to Black River,” says SVP of Radio Promotion Mike Wilson. “Given her background and experience in the industry, I have no doubt she will be a great fit.”
Reporting to Wilson, Davis is based out of Nashville and can be reached at ndavis@blackriverent.com.
Rehab Signs With Arcade Management
Rehab
Multi-Platinum selling hip-hop and rock artist, Rehab, has signed an exclusive management deal with Nashville-based Arcade Management.
“We are very excited to welcome Rehab to the Arcade Management roster,” shares Jamie Reeder-Ernst, head of Arcade Management. “Danny [Boone] is one of the most talented vocalists and lyricists in the music industry. I’m proud to have such a multi-genre artist of his stature aboard and can’t wait to see what we can accomplish together.”
Rehab, known for their mega-hit “Sittin’ At A Bar,” originally disbanded in 2014. However, frontman and founding member Boone is now emerging as the solo artist, Rehab, and will carry forward the band’s signature sound and musical legacy.
Gord Bamford To Host Real Country Livin’ Series
Anthem Entertainment is launching Real Country Livin’, a music-based broadcast and podcast series, featuring award-winning country artist, Gord Bamford.
The series will showcase country artists and songwriters as they share their own Real Country Livin’ story and define what it means to them. With Bamford as the inaugural host, the series will launch with six themed episodes including Entertainin’, Fishin’, Givin’, Boatin’, and Drinkin’ that help guide the narrative as Bamford introduces audiences to his family and friends and their way of life.
Additionally, each episode will feature some of Bamford’s fan-favorite songs along with never-before-seen performances of new original songs from his upcoming June 4 album release of Diamond’s In A Whiskey Glass.
Jason Cox Re-Signs To Daywind Music Publishing For Ninth Year
Jason Cox
Daywind Music Publishing has re-signed Jason Cox who celebrates his ninth year with Daywind Music Group.
“Jason Cox is an exceptional songwriter who consistently and carefully invests his talent and craftsmanship into each song he has a hand in creating,” says Rick Shelton, vice president of music publishing at Daywind Music Group. “We are grateful that Jason is part of our family and I am so very proud of him.”
Cox has been an exclusive staff songwriter with Daywind Music Publishing since 2012, winning the Singing News Fan Awards’ Song of the Year in 2019 for “Even Me,” recorded by Triumphant Quartet, as well as the GMA Dove Awards Country Recorded Song of the Year in 2016 for “Small Town Someone,” recorded by Jeff and Sheri Easter.
He has achieved success recently at radio for the No. 1 songs “Can I Get A Witness” by The Sound, “Come To The Well” by Kingdom Heirs, “What Kind of Man” from Legacy Five, “Victory Shout” by Kingsmen, “Shame On Me” by Joseph Habedank, and “Come Sunday Morning” from Old Paths.
American Idol‘s Alex Miller Signs With Triangle Talent
Pictured (L-R): Alex’s business manager Roger Miller, Alex Miller, CEO David Snowden, Agent Joe Vonderheide, and President Clay Campbell.
American Idol alum Alex Miller has signed an exclusive booking and management agreement with Louisville-based agency, Triangle Talent, LLC.
Miller was a contestant on season 19 of American Idol where he finished as a Top 50 finalist. Kentucky-born, he has been performing professionally since the age of seven, first locally then graduating to larger markets and venues, including the Dolby Theatre, WoodSongs, Renfo Valley, and more.
Miller will be opening for Hank Williams Jr. at the Wisconsin State Fair on Aug. 15 and Josh Turner at the Kentucky State Fair on Aug. 19.
Jordan Davis To Embark On 17-City ‘Buy Dirt’ Tour In September
/by Lydia FarthingMCA Nashville’s Jordan Davis will be hitting the road for his 17-city Buy Dirt Tour, slated to kick off on Sept. 9 in Minneapolis.
Davis will hit the stage in venues all around the country, performing songs from his just-released Buy Dirt EP. He will be joined by special guests Seaforth and Mackenzie Porter. Tickets for the Buy Dirt Tour are available here.
Davis gave fans a sneak-peak of his upcoming tour during his Buy Dirt Livestream, which aired yesterday on YouTube, Facebook, & Tik Tok. The Shreveport native played his brand-new EP from Nashville’s famed Exit/In and held a fan Q&A following the performance. Seaforth and Porter joined him during the performance, and an option to donate was available during the livestream, benefitting Music Venue Alliance Nashville.
“[Exit/In] is where I played my first Nashville full band show,” says Davis. “This place is super special and super woven into the Nashville music scene. COVID hurt a lot of these small music venues and I wanted to help bring shows back and get us back on the road.”
Buy Dirt Tour Dates:
9/9/2021 – Minneapolis, MN – The Filmore*
9/10/2021 – Rosemont, IL – Joes*
9/11/2021 – Grand Rapids, MI – Intersection*
9/17/2021 – Indianapolis, IN – The Egyptian*
9/23/2021 – Sayreville, NJ – Starland Ballroom*
10/5/2021 – Seattle, WA – The Showbox*
10/7/2021 – Eugene, OR – McDonald Theater*
10/28/2021 – Pittsburgh, PA – Stage AE*
10/29/2021 – Norfolk, VA – The Norva*
10/30/2021 – Columbia, SC – The Senate*
11/7/2021 – Verona, NY – Turning Stone Resort Casino
12/10/2021 – Newport, KY – PromoWest Pavilion at OVATION*
12/11/2021 – St. Louis, MO – The Factory*
12/16/2021 – New York, NY – Webster Hall*
12/17/2021 – Baltimore, MD – Rams Head Live*
12/18/2021 – Buffalo, NY – Town Ballroom*
12/19/2021 – Boston, MA – HOB Boston*
* Support from Seaforth and MacKenzie Porter
DISClaimer Single Reviews: Old Dominion, Marty Stuart, Frank Ray
/by Robert K OermannOld Dominion. Photo: Mason Allen
Sometimes your head has to overrule your heart.
My favorite tracks this week are by Hall of Fame members—Marty Stuart’s “Skip a Rope,” The Oaks’ “Swing Down Chariot” and Michael McDonald & Willie Nelson’s “Dreams of the San Joaquin.” I’d crown any one of them my Disc of the Day. But bowing to radio reality, I have to give the prize to Old Dominion and its outstanding song of summer.
There are a number of new faces in the column this week. I am most interested in Frank Ray, who earns the DisCovery Award.
VINCENT NEIL EMERSON / “Texas Moon”
Writers: Vincent Neil Emerson; Producer: Rodney Crowell; Label: La Honda/Thirty Tigers
— His folkie vocal is backed by an enchanting bluegrassy blend of rippling acoustic guitars, fiddle and banjo. The dandy song is about a wandering fellow who is headed home to the Lone Star State. Highly promising.
RAY SCOTT / “Cover the Earth”
Writers: Ray Scott; Producer: Ray Scott & Michael Hughes; Label: OneRPM
— I have always liked this guy. His dark, rich baritone is a voice to get lost in. This mid-tempo tune rolls along with hearty energy and charisma, punctuated with semi-spoken accents. A winner.
DAVID FERGUSON / “Knockin’ Around Nashville”
Writers: Pat McLaughlin; Producer: David Ferguson; Label: Fat Possum
— Super producer Fergie is best known for being behind the board for Cash, Prine, Sturgill Simpson, Margo Price and more. Now he’s stepping out as an artist, himself, with this wistful, ultra-traditional, steel-soaked, slow ballad. Country, country, country.
MIRANDA LAMBERT / “They’ve Closed Down the Honky Tonks”
Writers: Miranda Lambert; Producer: Jon Randall; Label: Vanner Records/RCA Records Label Nashville
— Stark and acoustic, like the rest of The Marfa Tapes album. The simple setting throws a spotlight on her extraordinary, stone-country vocal powers. There are a zillion reasons why she is at the top of this format, and this performance is yet another.
FILMORE / “Who Cares”
Writers: Filmore/Zach Abend/Josh Kerr; Producer: Zach Abend; Label: Curb Records
— Bubbling joy. Full of delightful rhythm and jaunty attitude. This guy always impresses me with his sonic creativity.
MICHAEL McDONALD & WILLIE NELSON / “Dreams of the San Joaquin”
Writers: Randy Sharp/Jack Wesley Routh; Producer: none listed; Label: Stem/Chonin
— This single benefits the United Farm Workers. McDonald leads the way with a languid, haunting delivery of the contemplative ballad. Then he and Nelson begin entwining their golden voices with accompaniment by David Hidalgo of Los Lobos, and the effect is utterly magical.
FRANK RAY / “Streetlights”
Writers: Frank Ray/Bobby Hamrick/Frank Rogers; Producer: Frank Rogers; Label: BBR
— This Texan is a former police officer who mixes his Latino heritage with pop-country production. The bilingual track has bright bursts of brass amid nervous rhythmic beats. Intriguing. Send more.
OLD DOMINION / “I Was on a Boat That Day”
Writers: Shane McAnally/Brad Tursi/Geoff Sprung/Josh Osborne/Matthew Ramsey/Trevor Rosen/Whit Sellers; Producer: Old Dominion/Shane McAnally; Label: Arista Nashville
— How timely. Memorial Day weekend is upon us, and here’s the official summer kick-off song. This sunny bopper is the sound of happiness.
LILY ROSE / “Remind Me of You”
Writers: Sam Hunt/Corey Crowder/Ryan Vojtesak/Ernest Keith Smith; Producer: Matt Morrisey/Joey Moi; Label: Big Loud/Back Blocks/Republic
— Decidedly on the pop side of pop-country, but a listening delight. Catchy, sweet, warm and winning while delving in relationship regret.
MARTY STUART / “Skip a Rope”
Writers: Glenn Douglas Tubb/Jack Moran; Producer: Marty Stuart; Label: MS
— One of the all-time cool country social-message songs is dusted off by this new Country Music Hall of Famer. The song was a huge hit for Henson Cargill in 1968. Co-writer Tubb passed away this week, and this is a more than fitting elegy.
TIGIRLILY / “My Thang”
Writers: Kendra Slaubaugh/Krista Slaubaugh/Walker Hayes; Producer: Shane McAnally/Louis Newman; Label: Monument
— This sister duo harmonizes perfectly. The choppy, bouncy track is packed with pop energy.
THE OAK RIDGE BOYS / “Swing Down Chariot”
Writers: Marty Matthews; Producer: Dave Cobb; Label: Lightning Rod/Thirty Tigers
— If you aren’t tapping your toes by the time this concludes, check your pulse. This scratches that old-time gospel itch, big time. Loved every note.
Matthew West, MercyMe, Tauren Wells, More Among K-Love Fan Awards Performers
/by Lorie HollabaughThe K-LOVE Fan Awards, the only fan-voted Christian award show, has announced a powerhouse line-up of performers and presenters for their 8th year set to take place at Nashville’s iconic Grand Ole Opry House. Hosted by five-time Grammy nominee Matthew West, this year’s show will air on TBN June 4 at 7 p.m. CST.
Among the lineup of powerhouse performers for this year’s K-Love’s are Andrew Ripp, Casting Crowns, Cory Asbury, Crowder, Danny Gokey with Latin stars Evan Craft and Redimi2, Dante Bowe, Kari Jobe with Cody Carnes and Tasha Cobbs Leonard, Elevation Worship, Matthew West joined by Carly Pearce, Maverick City Music, MercyMe, Tauren Wells with Gary LeVox, We The Kingdom, and Zach Williams.
Presenters for the evening include New York Times author and podcaster Annie F. Downs, UK Pastor Charlotte Gambill, We Are Messenger’s Darren Mulligan, Michael W. Smith, Natalie Grant, AccessMore Podcast host and former ABC News correspondent Paula Faris, Rabbi Jason Sobel with Jonathan Roumi and Dallas Jenkins from the breakout TV series The Chosen, and Riley Clemmons.
Nominees for the K-LOVE Fan Awards were announced last week with newcomers Maverick City Music leading with four, while for KING & COUNTRY, TobyMac and Zach Williams follow with three nominations each.
REVISED DATES: MusicRow Announces 33rd Annual MusicRow Awards Dates For 2021
/by LB CantrellNow in its 33rd year, the 2021 MusicRow Awards, presented by City National Bank, will take place virtually on all MusicRow platforms on Thursday, Aug. 19.
The publication will feature the award winner in each category, determined by the most votes received from subscribed industry members of MusicRow.
Nominees for the MusicRow Awards will be revealed Tuesday, July 13 and supported by MusicRow‘s annual “Nominator” publication. The eligibility period is June 1, 2020 to May 31, 2021.
Voting will begin Wednesday, July 14 and run through Friday, July 23 for all MusicRow subscribed members. To become a subscribed member and become eligible to vote, sign up here.
There are 11 member-voted categories.
1. Producer of the Year
2. Label of the Year
3. Talent Agency of the Year
4. Breakthrough Songwriter of the Year
5. Breakthrough Artist-Writer of the Year
6. Male Songwriter of the Year
7. Female Songwriter of the Year
8. Song of the Year
9. Discovery Artist of the Year
10. Breakthrough Artist of the Year
11. Artist of the Year
Top 10 Album All-Star Musicians Awards for Bass, Drums, Engineer, Fiddle, Guitar, Keyboards, Steel, and Vocals will also be announced on Thurs., Aug. 19, recognizing the studio players who performed on the most albums reaching the Top 10 of Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart during the eligibility period.
Dierks Bentley’s Seven Peaks Festival Returns To Colorado In September
/by Lorie HollabaughDierks Bentley. Photo: Jim Wright
Dierks Bentley and Live Nation’s Seven Peaks Music Festival is set to return this Labor Day weekend, Sept. 3-5, in Buena Vista, Colorado.
Bentley announced the exciting news about the three-day campout experience during his recent livestream concert on Twitch. Additional details including lineup information will be revealed in the coming weeks.
Along with Seven Peaks, Bentley will be back on the road this summer and fall on his headlining Beers On Me Tour with Riley Green and Parker McCollum. The run will kick off in Salt Lake City on Aug. 13. Bentley recently wrapped his throwback High Times And Hangovers club run through South Carolina, Florida, and Tennessee.
Jason Earley Inks Publishing Deal With Black River Entertainment
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): Black River’s Rachael Skvorak, Rebekah Gordon, Jason Earley, Katie Barolak, and Gordon Kerr
Black River Entertainment has added Jason Earley to their growing publishing roster.
“We’ve been fans of Jason and his talent as a writer and producer for quite a while now,” says Black River’s Vice President of Publishing Rebekah Gordon. “We are thrilled to officially welcome him and partner with him through this next chapter of his career.”
Growing up playing guitar and singing in church, Earley learned how to lead worship and began writing songs. Since graduating from Nashville’s Belmont University in 2016, he has been writing and producing both country and Christian music, and has had his songs cut by Hannah Kerr, MaRynn Taylor, Nathan Thomas, Mignon, PJ North, Rachael Nemiroff, and more.
“I’m beyond excited to be joining Black River Publishing,” says Earley. “I truly feel at home here. Rebekah, Katie [Barolak], and Rachael [Skvorak] make a rock-star publishing team, and I can’t wait to see how this journey unfolds.”