Margo Price Releases Live Album, ‘Imperfectly Perfect At The Ryman’

Margo Price released a new live album today, highlighting some of the moments from her sold-out, headlining residency two years ago at the Ryman Auditorium.

Perfectly Imperfect at The Ryman revisits the three-night Ryman run and is out exclusively on Bandcamp, with all proceeds benefiting the MusiCares COVID-19 Relief Fund.

Price was slated to release a new full-length studio album, dubbed That’s How Rumors Get Started, on May 8, but that project was postponed and is now set to release later this summer via Loma Vista Recordings. Price shared her reasons for delaying the album in an essay penned for Vogue.

Perfectly Imperfect at the Ryman features plenty of starpower, with Emmylou Harris joining Price on “Wild Women,” Sturgill Simpson offering a rendition of Rodney Crowell’s “Ain’t Livin’ Long Like This,” and Jack White joining on a duet of The White Stripes’ “Honey, We Can’t Afford to Look This Cheap.”

“I am so excited that we are releasing it today,” she says of the new live album. “The recordings are rough and the performances are raw, but there was a magic there and the band was on fire. We played unreleased songs, alternative album versions and had lots of special guests. I hope it moves you.”

Perfectly Imperfect at The Ryman Track List
1. A Little Pain Waltz
2. Weekender (Funk Version)
3. Wild Women (feat. Emmylou Harris)
4. Ain’t Livin Long Like This (feat. Sturgill Simpson)
5. Revelations
6. Worthless Gold
7. Hurtin’ (On the Bottle) Medley
8. Proud Mary
9. All American Made
10. Honey, We Can’t Afford to Look This Cheap (feat. Jack White)
11. World’s Greatest Loser

Temecula Road Signs Co-Pub Deal With JRM Publishing, Disney Music Publishing

Pictured (L-R): Sarah Robbins (JRM Publishing), Dawson Anderson, Maddie Salute, Emma Salute (Temecula Road), Jimmy Robbins (JRM Publishing), Matt Musacchio (Champ Management). Photo Credit: Catherine Powell

Temecula Road has signed a co-publishing deal with JRM Publishing and Disney Music Publishing.

The Buena Vista Records artists and new Nashville residents have been named a CMT Discovery Artist and the trio is releasing three new acoustic tracks in the coming months, starting with just-released “Fades,” which hit Top 5 on the Radio Disney Country Chart, followed by “Never Knew I Needed You” on May 29, and the soulful track, “Maybe Not,” on June 19.

“The talent and work ethic of Temecula Road is undeniable. We are so excited to get to work with Temecula Road and Disney Music Publishing,” says JRM Publishing’s Jimmy and Sarah Robbins.
“We met Jimmy and Sarah on our first trip to Nashville five years ago and have since then become good friends,” says TR’s Dawson Anderson. “Now that we’ve made the move here full-time, it felt natural to continue our relationship with them as they’ve watched us grow from the very beginning,” says TR’s Emma Salute. “We’re so excited to be working and writing with the team at JRM,” adds TR’s Maddie Salute.

Nashville To Enter Reopening Phase 2 On May 25, Including Live Music

Nashville Mayor John Cooper has announced that Davidson County will enter Phase 2 in its “Roadmap for Reopening Nashville” on Monday, May 25.

“This Monday, May 25, we will move on to Phase 2 of reopening Nashville,” Cooper said in Thursday morning’s briefing. “All public health metrics have shown satisfactory results.”

Phase 2 of the plan now includes verbiage that restaurants and retail companies can open at 75% of capacity (while maintaining social distancing), and live music can be phased back in at restaurants, with no more than two performers on stage at one time. Social distancing protocols must also be observed among performers, with a minimum of 10 feet between performers and customers. No dance floors are permitted, and all equipment must be sanitized between users.

Additionally, small gatherings of 25 or fewer people are allowed, with strict social distancing protocols implemented. These gatherings can include parties, weddings and meetings.

The Metro Public Health Department also stated on Thursday (May 21) that there have been 26 new cases of COVID-19 in Davidson County within the past 24 hours, increasing the county’s number of cases to 4,530. One additional death from COVID-19 was announced in Davidson County (a 91-year-old female with underlying health conditions), raising the death toll in in the county to 51.

Faster Horses Festival Rescheduled For July 16-18, 2021

The Faster Horses Festival has been rescheduled for July 16-18, 2021. In the best interest of the health and safety of fans, partners, employees, artists and the community, the three-day festival will return to Brooklyn, Michigan with original 2020 headliners Jason Aldean, Luke Combs and Thomas Rhett.

Jimmie Allen, Kelsea Ballerini, Gabby Barrett, Russell Dickerson, Gone West ft. Colbie Caillat, Riley Green, HARDY, Chris Lane, Tracy Lawrence, David Lee Murphy, Jon Pardi, Carly Pearce, Mitchell Tenpenny and DeeJay Silver will also take the Main Stage in 2021.

All passes already purchased for 2020 will be honored in 2021. Full refunds will also be available, with the refund window opening today (May 21) and lasting for 30 days. Full ticketing and lineup details for the rescheduled dates are available at fasterhorsesfestival.com.

Dolly Parton Unveils New Birthday E-Card Collaboration With American Greetings


Dolly Parton is unveiling the first fun new product in her collaboration with American Greetings, a birthday greeting set to the tune of her iconic hit, “9 To 5,” through the company’s popular Smashups digital initiative.

The partnership allows users to send a birthday greeting set to the tune of  “9 to 5,” and there are 1,200 different names available to personalize the SmashUp. A sample of the fun new e-card can be seen here.

“Celebrating who you are and why you are special is something I have always encouraged and have known is important for my own identity,” says Parton. “God made us all unique in our own ways, and I love the fact that I was able to offer something special for everyone. In a time like now, when we do not get the chance to share special moments like birthdays with each other in-person, I am so happy to know my ‘Birthday Time’ SmashUp ecard is now available to share with those you love.”

Earlier this year American Greetings announced a multi-year partnership with Parton that includes digital and physical products integrating her songs in unique ways. Dolly greeting cards are slated to hit Walmart shelves later this Summer.

“We’re so excited to share the “Birthday Time”SmashUp with our members, Dolly’s fans, and anyone looking for ways to make someone feel special on their birthday,” said Rob Matousek, Executive Director/GM – Direct to Consumer Business at American Greetings. “We felt that the Country Music Hall of Fame theater was the perfect venue for Dolly to deliver an extra special birthday wish and it made a great backdrop for her incredible talent. She makes everything sparkle and hearing her say your name and seeing your name in lights next to Dolly on stage is sure to be magical for lucky recipients.”

DelFest At Home Virtual Festival Set For Memorial Day Weekend

DelFest At Home, a streaming event celebrating musical highlights from past DelFest Festivals, will take place during the originally scheduled festival weekend, May 21-24.

The free online event will feature performances from the festival’s namesake Del McCoury and his family as well as bluegrass and jam band luminaries such as Trey Anastasio Band, Bela Fleck & Chris Thile, Greensky Bluegrass, and more. Starting Thursday, May 21 at 4:30 p.m. ET, fans can tune into Nugs.tv, DelFest’s YouTube channel, or the Facebook page.

“We’ve heard from many folks how much it’s going to hurt not being at DelFest this Memorial Day weekend, so we hope this helps a little. We’re grateful to have a dedicated crew that has captured some great moments of DelFest through the years, and are looking forward to reliving some of these great moments with you ourselves,” says Ronnie McCoury of the Del McCoury Band and The Travelin’ McCourys.

Performers will include:
The Del McCoury Band
The Travelin’ McCourys
Trey Anastasio Band
Greensky Bluegrass
The Bluegrass Congress (Del McCoury Band with Ricky Skaggs, David Grisman, Sam Bush, Bela Fleck, Jerry Douglas, Bryan Sutton, and Stuart Duncan)
Bela Fleck & Chris Thile
Billy Strings
Railroad Earth
Sam Bush
The Wood Brothers
The Infamous Stringdusters
Yonder Mountain String Band
Marty Stuart
The Marcus King Band
I’m With Her
Hot Rize
Grateful Ball (The Travelin’ McCourys and Jeff Austin Band)
Sierra Hull
Dre & The Gospel Collective
Broomestix

Darius Rucker, Lauren Daigle, Lauren Alaina Participate in Healing Through Music Series


Darius Rucker, Lauren Daigle, Sia, JoJo, Lauren Alaina, Jason Derulo, Rachel Platten, Ally Brooke, Ingrid Michaelson, Fonseca,
and more are helping bring some welcome relief to patients and caregivers in children’s hospitals across the country through a series called Musicians on Call and Hyundai Hope On Wheels present Healing Through Music.

Through the series, artists are delivering the healing power of music to patients and caregivers with surprise, once-in-a-lifetime virtual performances. Videos from these performances will premiere on Musicians On Call’s (MOC) and Hyundai Hope On Wheels’ social media accounts every day at 7 p.m. ET Monday-Friday.

Healing Through Music uses the technology of MOC’s Virtual Bedside Performance Program to connect artists with patients and caregivers. MOC volunteer musicians perform remotely for patients via live broadcasts through hospital closed-circuit TVs and in-home services. and MOC has expanded this program to serve more patients in need. Currently, more than 15,000 people have enjoyed virtual performances during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Hospital patients are currently facing higher levels of isolation and caregivers are pulling double duty with both their traditional roles and COVID-19 response. In such a stressful environment music can have a profound positive impact,” said Musicians On Call President & CEO Pete Griffin. “With the support of Hyundai Hope On Wheels, and the help of many of Musicians On Call’s compassionate artist supporters, it is our honor to share the healing qualities of music with the people who need it most and bring joy during strenuous days. We hope these performances will give these incredibly deserving patients and healthcare professionals some unforgettable moments to hold onto.”

Tim McGraw Cancels Here On Earth Tour


Tim McGraw is the latest in a string of country artists who have postponed or canceled tours in the past few days. McGraw released a statement on Wednesday (May 20) that his Here on Earth Tour has been canceled.

I hope my live shows are proof enough of how much I absolutely love performing for you guys. I’m so sad to have to cancel this year’s Here on Earth Tour but everyone’s safety has to be the top priority. We’re working with our teams to figure out when and how we can get back out on the road and see you all safely. In the meantime, we’re looking for some new ways to connect with you and get more music out. – Tim McGraw​

The superstar’s Here on Earth Tour was set to launch July 10 in Syracuse, New York and would include openers Midland and Ingrid Andress. Luke Combs was to have joined for two shows in Los Angeles and Philadelphia in September. No rescheduled dates have been announced.

Other country artists who have recently canceled or postponed headlining treks include Sugarland, Thomas Rhett, Lady Antebellum, Rascal Flatts, Reba, Chris Stapleton and more.

McGraw recently released the single “I Called Mama,” ahead of the release of a full-length album on Big Machine Records slated for September.

YouTube video

Sugarland’s There Goes The Neighborhood Tour Canceled For 2020


Sugarland has canceled their There Goes The Neighborhood Tour, which was slated to kick off June 4 in Toronto, Canada, and run through Aug. 1.

“We held out as long as we possibly could and so badly wanted to make this work for y’all,” Sugarland’s Jennifer Nettles and Kristian Bush wrote in a note on Instagram. “Unfortunately, there’s still just too much uncertainty in the world.”

On a positive note, the duo also said they have new music coming soon. The duo recently released the EP Bigger, Louder, Live, via Big Machine Records.

Music Biz Cancels 2020 Conference In Nashville

This year’s Music Biz conference has been canceled, the Music Business Association announced on Wednesday (May 20). The conference had previously been slated for Aug. 16-19, 2020 at JW Marriott Nashville, after being postponed from its original May event.

“The COVID-19 crisis has created conditions that we feel will not safely allow us to offer the in-person experience Music Biz Conference attendees are used to, thus we sadly announce the cancellation of our 2020 physical event,” commented Music Biz President Portia Sabin. “However, we plan to follow up the success of our Music Biz LIVE series by virtually offering segments of our Conference through the rest of the year. This is a challenging time for our global industry, but it has created an opportunity for Music Biz to offer our programming in exciting new ways and to bring our community together despite our physical separation.”

Music Biz will continue conference staples including Metadata Summit, Entertainment & Tech Law Conference, #NEXTGEN_Now, Financial Literacy Summit, The Future Is Now new music tech experience, Indie Artist & Songwriter Forum, Podcasting Summit, and Brand & Strategic Partnership Summit as virtual sessions. It also plans to integrate breakout programming on more niche topics including catalog releases, music fan experiences, building a release team and more into its Common Ground Webinar Series. Details on all these initiatives will be unveiled in the coming weeks.
In addition, with the cancellation of Record Store Day’s Summer Camp program, as well as the Town Hall panel at Music Biz 2020, Music Biz will co-host Record Store Day Couch Camp, an online educational program for independent retailers taking place June 2 – June 5.

The 2021 Music Biz Conference will be held at the JW Marriott Nashville on May 10-13, 2021.