The Cadillac Three. Photo: Robby Klein/Red Bull Content Pool
The Cadillac Three teamed up with Red Bull and Music Venue Alliance Nashville (MVAN) last week and transformed the Exit/In into a pop-up skatepark, filming a music video and offering socially-distanced skate lessons.
The three-day event featured nine skate crews from Nashville, Chattanooga and Memphis had the opportunity to ride custom-built features and listen to live sets from local DJs. A music video for their song “Bridges” was filmed and will release in April. The track is on featured on their latest record Tabasco & Sweet Tea.
“I grew up skateboarding, so I thought it was a really cool thing to be a part of, and Exit/In is our favorite place,” says TC3 lead vocalist Jaren Johnston.
TC3 has continued to support local venues throughout the pandemic, raising awareness through #SAVEOURSTAGES over the past year. They live-streamed concerts through Country Fuzz Presents, in an effort to support local venues through the pandemic.
Pictured: TC3 and professional skateboarder Jake Wooten. Photo: Robby Klein/Red Bull Content Pool
“Independent music venues are the soul of our city,” says Chris Cobb, owner of Exit/In and president of MVAN, whose mission is to fiercely protect Nashville’s 15 independent music venue owners, operators and the ecosystem surrounding these notable properties. “Pretty quickly we realized it was existential and most of us realized we would go out of business if we didn’t do something about it,” he says. “Thus far we’ve been successful. We’ve been able to fend it off through fundraising initiatives, grant programs and a streaming series. That’s allowed us to collectively pool our resources and our talents to raise enough funds that we can all pay our bills.”
TC3 also recently announced that they have added a second night at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium in September, celebrating their tenth anniversary as a band.
“For the three of us, being born and raised in Nashville, Tennessee has always been special. We’ve worn it as a badge of honor all around the world, and if we had written down the dream scenario for how to celebrate our 10-year anniversary, it would have been by playing a show to all our fans, friends and family at the Ryman Auditorium in our hometown,” says drummer Neil Mason. “To have the first night sell out and add a second night … that’s as good as it gets. We can’t wait for Sept. 1 and 2!”
Tickets for the September 1 and 2 shows are available now.
To keep fans protected, the Ryman Auditorium strictly complies with safety regulations that include socially distanced seating, enhanced cleaning practices and mandatory masks for all.
Brandi Carlile, Tracy Gershon, Ali Harnell, More Set For Women In Music Event Tomorrow
/by Lorie HollabaughWomen In Music is presenting a special live event, “Celebrating Unity & Collective Power Beyond Women’s History Month,” on YouTube on March 31 featuring performances by Brandi Carlile, Brittany Howard, Maisie Peters, Meet Me @ The Altar, Chloe Moriondo and Sofía Valdés.
The event is being held to close out Women’s History Month and will highlight the collective power from inspiring individuals and organizations working to create a more equitable industry for all. Launching WIM’s YouTube channel, the virtual event will feature artists and executives in a showcase of diverse global talent, highlighting women-led moments in music history and the organizations working to advance women in all sectors of the industry today. The channel will continue highlighting artists, industry executives, events and more year-round.
Speakers include Noelle Scaggs (Fitz & the Tantrums / Founder, Diversify the Stage), Dr. Portia Sabin (Music Business Association), Ebonie Smith (Atlantic / Founder, Gender Amplified), Emily Lazar (Founder, Chief Recording Engineer, The Lodge / Founder, We Are Moving the Needle), Grace Lee (Head of YouTube Artist Relations, East Coast / Co-Founder, Asian American Collective), Maria Egan (Chief Music Officer, Splice & Co-Founder, Reboot), Ty Stiklorius (Friends at Work), Tracy Gershon (Change the Conversation) and Ali Harnell (Live Nation Women).
“We are so excited to see so many companies celebrating women in our industry this year during Women’s History Month, but the work has to extend beyond token months assigned to underrepresented groups,” says President of Women In Music Nicole Barsalona. “We’re here year-round doing the work day in and day out, alongside some incredible organizations and individuals who are creating transformational change in our industry. Today, and everyday, we highlight them and celebrate the unity, diversity, and collective power of women in music. And we’re asking everyone to join us in taking measurable action to create a culture of belonging for all.”
The Cadillac Three Continue To Support Local Venues, Add Second Ryman Date
/by Steven BoeroThe Cadillac Three. Photo: Robby Klein/Red Bull Content Pool
The Cadillac Three teamed up with Red Bull and Music Venue Alliance Nashville (MVAN) last week and transformed the Exit/In into a pop-up skatepark, filming a music video and offering socially-distanced skate lessons.
The three-day event featured nine skate crews from Nashville, Chattanooga and Memphis had the opportunity to ride custom-built features and listen to live sets from local DJs. A music video for their song “Bridges” was filmed and will release in April. The track is on featured on their latest record Tabasco & Sweet Tea.
“I grew up skateboarding, so I thought it was a really cool thing to be a part of, and Exit/In is our favorite place,” says TC3 lead vocalist Jaren Johnston.
TC3 has continued to support local venues throughout the pandemic, raising awareness through #SAVEOURSTAGES over the past year. They live-streamed concerts through Country Fuzz Presents, in an effort to support local venues through the pandemic.
Pictured: TC3 and professional skateboarder Jake Wooten. Photo: Robby Klein/Red Bull Content Pool
“Independent music venues are the soul of our city,” says Chris Cobb, owner of Exit/In and president of MVAN, whose mission is to fiercely protect Nashville’s 15 independent music venue owners, operators and the ecosystem surrounding these notable properties. “Pretty quickly we realized it was existential and most of us realized we would go out of business if we didn’t do something about it,” he says. “Thus far we’ve been successful. We’ve been able to fend it off through fundraising initiatives, grant programs and a streaming series. That’s allowed us to collectively pool our resources and our talents to raise enough funds that we can all pay our bills.”
TC3 also recently announced that they have added a second night at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium in September, celebrating their tenth anniversary as a band.
“For the three of us, being born and raised in Nashville, Tennessee has always been special. We’ve worn it as a badge of honor all around the world, and if we had written down the dream scenario for how to celebrate our 10-year anniversary, it would have been by playing a show to all our fans, friends and family at the Ryman Auditorium in our hometown,” says drummer Neil Mason. “To have the first night sell out and add a second night … that’s as good as it gets. We can’t wait for Sept. 1 and 2!”
Tickets for the September 1 and 2 shows are available now.
To keep fans protected, the Ryman Auditorium strictly complies with safety regulations that include socially distanced seating, enhanced cleaning practices and mandatory masks for all.
Weekly Register: Morgan Wallen Continues Reign At Top Of Country Albums Chart
/by Lorie HollabaughMorgan Wallen. Photo: John Shearer
Morgan Wallen‘s Dangerous: The Double Album holds steady at the top of the country chart this week for an 11th straight week with 66K (3.8K album only/78 million song streams), but drops a bit on the all genre chart to No. 3 for the week. The Big Loud/Republic project has racked up 1.354 million YTD.
Luke Combs nabs the second and third spots on the country albums chart with his albums What You See Is What You Get at 27K and This One’s For You at 18K, while Wallen’s If I Know Me sits at No. 4 with 15K and Chris Stapleton‘s Starting Over rounds out the country Top 5 with 15K. The legendary Loretta Lynn proves she’s still going strong with the top country debut going to her Still Woman Enough on SME/Legacy with 11K. The album comes in at No. 9 on the country chart this week, according to Nielsen.
Wallen also takes the top spot on the country streaming chart once again this week with “Wasted on You,” which streamed 6.7 million this week and now stands at 108 million RTD. Following behind him are newcomer Niko Moon‘s “Good Time” at 6.6 million, Gabby Barrett‘s “The Good Ones” with 6.5 million, Stapleton’s “Starting Over” at 6.5 million, and Combs’ “Forever After All” at 6.3 million.
Aspiring Country Trio Lockeland Announces Split
/by LB CantrellLockeland. Photo: Dallas Dickerson
Aspiring country trio, Lockeland, has announced they are dissolving after three years together.
The trio, made up of Mark Vikingstad, Michael Boris and Kyndon Oakes, released their debut single “Til’ The Cows Come Home” in March 2019, landing it in the top 40 on MusicRow‘s CountryBreakout Radio Chart. The band has since released “Drive,” “These Hands,” “Keep Us Young,” and most recently “Made For Mornings.”
Lockeland has shared the stage with Big & Rich, Kip Moore, Josh Turner, LANCO, Morgan Evans and Logan Mize.
The band will release a final single, “Blackberry Whiskey,” to all digital platforms on April 30.
“We are so appreciative of the support all of our fans and the music community has offered to us,” says Lockeland. “Our hope is that the music we recorded together will continue to bring joy to those who hear it. At the present time, we do not know where our individual paths may lead, but we are extremely grateful for the journey together. We want our fans to know that we are closing this beautiful chapter in our careers, as friends. As we always have been.”
Country Thunder Music Festivals Debut New Podcast
/by Steven BoeroPictured (L-R): Big Kenny (Big & Rich) and Troy Vollhoffer.
Country Thunder Music Festivals has debuted a new podcast called On The Bus At Country Thunder, hosted by Troy Vollhoffer, the festival’s executive producer.
Vollhoffer will discuss the state of the music industry, thoughts and insights from some of its biggest stars, and tell more than a few backstage tales from the six annual Country Thunder events held across North America.
The first episode, which features Big Kenny of Big & Rich, is available now.
“During the festivals, I’ve been hosting artists and friends on my bus for years,” says Vollhoffer. “We sit and share a coffee or a cocktail and chat about just about everything. Folks who have witnessed these interactions have always been blown away by the stories. So, during lockdown, we thought it might be interesting to share some of them. This podcast started at my place, at my bar, but this summer, when shows return, we’ll be back on my bus again!”
Special guests for season 1 include, Terri Clark, Old Dominion’s Trevor Rosen, Marty Stuart, Lindsey Ell, Clay Walker, Williams & Ree, Meghan Patrick and Mitchell Tenpenny.
The festival has a 17-year history which boasts six major, multi-day events in North America. The organization hosts festivals in Arizona, Florida, Iowa, Saskatchewan, Wisconsin and Alberta.
Industry Ink: David Tucker, Rick Lang, ‘THE SONG’
/by Lydia FarthingDavid Tucker Signs With 117 Entertainment
David Tucker. Photo: Doltyn Snedden
Newcomer country artist David Tucker has signed with 117 Entertainment for publicity and distribution. Tucker recently released his debut single “Lyin’.” The Kentucky native draws on his influences of ’90s country and gospel as well as rap and rock & roll to create a modern country sound used to tell his story of the past few years. Tucker announced plans to releasing new music soon.
“These songs are the stories of my life the past few years. It’s an amazing feeling to finally put them out into the world. I couldn’t be more thankful for the people who helped me bring this vision to life and for all the love and support along the way. I’m fired up for the world to hear this music,” says Tucker.
Grammy Nominated Songwriter Rick Lang Signs With Bluegrass Label, Dark Shadow Recording
Rick Lang
Grammy-nominated songwriter Rick Lang has joined forces with Nashville based bluegrass label, Dark Shadow Recording. Lang’s first album under the label, A Tale To Tell, is set to be released in the fall of 2021. The lead single from this project, “Lost Town” is available now and features James Keel on lead vocals. This track shares the true story recollection of the 1930’s flooding of four Massachusetts towns to create to Quabbin Reservoir, which provided drinking water for Boston.
“After reading transcripts of one of the town residents I was moved to write this song and tell the story based on recollections of this life changing event,” shares Lang.
As the story-song album finishes wrapping up production, Lang is set to release several singles in the coming months.
Time Life, THE SONG Partner To Release Exclusive Performances
Time Life and the nationally-syndicated television series THE SONG are setting off on a new partnership to release live performances recorded exclusively for the show. The two companies will also work together to develop enhanced content for THE SONG‘s YouTube channel, including unreleased footage.
These performances will be available to stream on all major platforms and will feature artists who appeared on the shows first season, including All-4-One, Big & Rich, Cee Lo Green, Lonestar, and Rick Springfield.
Entercom Rebrands With New Name, Audacy
/by Lorie HollabaughEntercom Communications Corp. is changing its brand name to Audacy, effective immediately.
Over the past three years, the company has evolved into a multi-platform audio content and entertainment organization with a top radio broadcasting group and a leadership position in the growing audio market in broadcasting, podcasting, digital, network, live experiences, music, sports and news. Audacy is also the No. 1 creator of original, premium audio content.
“We have transformed into a fundamentally different and dramatically enhanced organization and so it is time to embrace a new name and brand identity which better reflects who we have become and our vision for the future,” says Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, Audacy, David Field. “‘Audacy’ captures our dynamic creativity, outstanding content and innovative spirit as we aspire to build the country’s best audio content and entertainment platform.”
As it begins the next chapter in its journey, Audacy has added some content and products. The company has partnered with superstar Demi Lovato, who will host her first-ever podcast with Cadence13, which will be produced by OBB Sound and SB Projects. It will also roll out new shows from Boomer Esiason, Big Tigger and a distribution partnership with The Rich Eisen Show, as well as a revamped Loveline set to debut this summer. Additionally, a number of original podcasts will launch exclusively in a bingeable window on Audacy’s app. The company has also partnered with BetMGM, further cementing Audacy’s dominant position in sports betting and entertainment, and last week announced a partnership with Rush Street Interactive. Audacy also partnered with Irving Azoff’s Global Music Rights, which will enable the company to add significantly enhanced on-demand and other interactive features to its digital platform.
Audacy engages over 170 million consumers each month across its connected platform including the Audacy app and website, over 230 radio stations across 47 markets, chart-topping podcasts, and premium live music experiences. The company’s ticker symbol will change from ETM to AUD effective on Friday, April 9. Along with the name Entercom, the company will also sunset the RADIO.COM brand and align its direct-to-consumer platform under Audacy. Cadence13, Pineapple Street Studios, BetQL and Podcorn remain market-facing brands.
Learn more at audacyinc.com.
Sean McConnell’s Upcoming Album Welcomes Natalie Hemby, Dan Tyminski
/by Sarah SkatesSean McConnell
Renowned artist and songwriter Sean McConnell has announced the Aug. 6 release of his new album A Horrible Beautiful Dream via Soundly Music. Recorded during the pandemic, the album reflects the chaotic time in which it was made, while still striving for a sense of timelessness.
For the album, McConnell tapped an array of talented contributors including The Wood Brothers, Fancy Hagood, Natalie Hemby, Audra Mae and Dan Tyminski.
“Time seems to breed creativity, especially when there’s very little else going on,” McConnell says of the slowdown brought about by the events of 2020. “This period has forced everybody, internally and externally, globally and socially, to take a good look at our lives and examine it. Everything from our marriages to our workout routines, social injustice to planet politics and religion, spirituality and our internal environment… everything has come to the surface. It’s been the tipping point of so many things right now, so obviously that bleeds over into art and music.”
The prolific songwriter also produced records for four other artists out of his studio while recording his own A Horrible Beautiful Dream.
Among the artists who have recorded McConnell’s songs are Little Big Town (Grammy-nominated “The Daughters”), Brett Young (“Mercy”), Tim McGraw, Brothers Osborne, Christina Aguilera, Michael Franti, and newcomer Ashley Ray (who he also produced).
A Horrible Beautiful Dream Track Listing:
1. I Still Believe In You
2. Price of Love
3. The 13th Apostle (feat. The Wood Brothers)
4. Nothing Anymore
5. The Wonder Years
6. What The Hell Is Wrong With Me (feat. Fancy Hagood)
7. Waiting To Be Moved (feat. Natalie Hemby)
8. I Built You Up
9. Used To Think I Knew
10. Leave The Light On
11. Getting Somewhere
12. As The Curtain Came Down (feat. Audra Mae & Dan Tyminski)
13. Remember You’re Here
Blake Shelton Announces New Album ‘Body Language’
/by Sarah SkatesBlake Shelton is planning the release of his first full-length album since 2017, with Body Language due out May 21 via longtime label home Warner Music Nashville. Among the project’s 12 tracks are the No. 1 duet “Happy Anywhere” (featuring fiancée Gwen Stefani) and current hit “Minimum Wage.”
“We’ve been working on this album on and off for two years now, and I’m very proud of what we have put together,” said Shelton. “We certainly had some unique challenges with the pandemic, but we also had a lot of fun. We explored new sounds while making sure to get in some classic country. I’m also thrilled to have my buddies The Swon Brothers featured on the title track as both co-writers and vocalists. Can’t wait for y’all to hear it!”
Over the course of his career Shelton has released 11 acclaimed albums, the last four of which have debuted at No. 1 on the country charts. Since 2002, these records have spawned an almost unparalleled 28 chart-topping singles. The superstar has notched more than five billion on-demand streams, and 11 million career album sales in the U.S.
Shelton’s successful career dates back to his No. 1 debut single, “Austin.” April 16, 2021 will mark the 20th anniversary of the day he released the song and he’s commemorating the occasion with a limited edition 7″ vinyl on his website featuring “Austin” on the A-side and “Problems At Home” on the B-side, just like the original single.
Body Language Track Listing
1. Minimum Wage (Nicolle Galyon, Jesse Frasure, Corey Crowder)
2. Body Language (feat. The Swon Brothers) (Colton Swon, Zach Swon, Matt McGinn, Ryan Beaver)
3. Happy Anywhere (feat. Gwen Stefani) (Ross Copperman, Josh Osborne, Matt Jenkins)
4. Now I Don’t (Jessi Alexander, Alysa Vanderheym, Michael Hardy)
5. Monday Mornin’ Missin’ You (Jessi Alexander, Deric Ruttan, Josh Thompson)
6. Corn (Craig Wiseman, Matt Dragstrem, Chris Tompkins, Rodney Clawson)
7. Makin’ It Up As You Go (Brad Tursi, Shane McAnally, Josh Osborne)
8. Whatcha Doin’ Tomorrow (Dallas Davidson, Kyle Fishman, Casey Beathard)
9. The Girl Can’t Help It (Ben Hayslip, Josh Osborne, Mark Holman)
10. The Flow (Shane McAnally, Ross Copperman, Josh Osborne)
11. Neon Time (Jaron Boyer, Michael Tyler, Ben West)
12. Bible Verses (Joe Fox, Andrew Peebles, Brett Sheroky)
Hootie & The Blowfish Plan ‘Group Therapy Tour’ Live Stream Event
/by Lorie HollabaughHootie & the Blowfish, pictured (L-R): Mark Bryan, Dean Felber, Darius Rucker, Jim “Soni” Sonefeld. Photo: Todd and Chris Owyoung
Hootie & the Blowfish are offering fans a new live stream of the tour-closing performance from their 2019 Group Therapy Tour, broadcast exclusively via Sessions Live on Friday, April 23 at 8 p.m. CT.
In never-before-aired footage, the group will perform some of their greatest hits, including “Hold My Hand,” “Only Wanna Be With You,” “Time,” and “Let Her Cry” from their sold-out homecoming stop in Columbia, South Carolina—the band’s first return in almost 20 years to playing the city where it all began for them in 1986 at the University of South Carolina.
Early-bird GA tickets priced at $15 are on sale now at SessionsLive.com/Hootie/
“We loved every minute of being back on stage together—especially in Columbia,” said lead singer Darius Rucker. “We all miss live music right now, so we’re really excited to be able to offer this show to our fans who can now experience the energy of that night from home.”
“We’re thrilled that Hootie & the Blowfish have chosen to make Sessions the home for this very special performance,” said Sessions co-Founder Tim Westergren. “Live streaming continues to integrate ever more closely with physical performances as globally popular artists discover the value of an infinite virtual stage.”
In addition to the sold-out Group Therapy Tour, the band also released new album Imperfect Circle in late 2019 under a new record deal with Universal Music Group’s Capitol Nashville.
The band’s 1994 debut Cracked Rear View is among the top 10 best-selling studio albums of all time.