Mark Your Calendar—April 2021

/by

Singles/Track Releases

Ian Munsick

April 2
Nicole Croteau/I Don’t Drink

April 5
Cam/Till There’s Nothing Left/Triple Tigers
Dew Pendleton/Might As Well Be Me/HippieRedneckGospeLove

April 9
Keith Burns/These Tryin Times/Aria Tree Music
David DeVaul/Not Sorry

April 12
Ian Munsick/Long Haul/Warner Music Nashville
Jon Wayne Hatfield/Growing Up Too Fast/Soundstage Music
Donny Lee/Got Me This Far/Donny Lee Music
Kyle English/One Night Romeo/SMG-Nashville

April 16
Stephanie Ryann/Broken Heart

April 19
Kelsea Ballerini feat. Kenny Chesney/half of my hometown/Black River
Maddie & Tae/Woman You Got/Mercury Nashville
Niko Moon/NO SAD SONGS/RCA Records
Dillon Carmichael/Hot Beer/Riser House Entertainment

April 26
Lisa Brokop/Is It Me And You/Amersong

 

Album/EP Releases

Eric Church. Photo: Reid Long

April 2
Canaan Smith/High Country Sound/Round Here Records
John Schneider/Truck On/BFD/Audium Nashville/Maven Entertainment

April 9
Luke Bryan/Born Here Live Here Die Here (Deluxe)/Capitol Records Nashville
Tim Montana/Long Shots/Music Knox Records/BBR Music Group
Brett Kissel/What Is Life?/OneRPM

April 16
Eric Church/Heart/EMI Music Nashville

April 20
Eric Church/&/EMI Music Nashville

April 23
Eric Church/Soul/EMI Music Nashville
Justin Moore/Straight Outta The Country/The Valory Music Co

April 30
Thomas Rhett/Country Again: Side A/The Valory Music Co.
Ronnie Milsap/A Better Word for Love/Black River
Strong Armed Robbers/Room 18/Fish Fisher Productions

Industry Events

April 18
The 56th Academy of Country Music Awards

April 27
AIMP Nashville Awards (Nominees and sponsors will be invited to attend in person. Will be live-streamed and made available to AIMP members.)

Prescription Songs Adds Chris Martignago As Senior Member Of A&R Team, Ups Rachel Wein [Exclusive]

/by

Chris Martignago, Rachel Wein

Prescription Songs’ Head of A&R Nashville, Katie Fagan, has announced that Chris Martignago has been hired on as a senior member of the A&R team. Meanwhile, Rachel Wein has also been promoted to A&R manager.

Martignago comes to Prescription Songs to help develop the company’s expanding roster. Prior to joining the company, he spent time at Atlantic Records where he helped sign talent under SVP of A&R Steve Robertson’s (Paramore, Shinedown) mentorship. He also helped develop the A&R research sector of the company as director of the department.

Martignago started out as a musician and songwriter before attending Full Sail University in Orlando, Florida where he graduated in 2012 with a bachelor’s degree in music business. In 2015, he relocated to Nashville, signing artists in town, collaborating with the creative community through projects, volunteering his time to local arts programs, and involved himself in managing R.LUM.R. Now joining the team at Prescription Songs, Martignago will continue his efforts in guiding creative visions throughout Nashville and the rest of the world.

Wein, in her new role as A&R Manager, will continue to support the many talents she was instrumental in signing, including Tim Gent, Bryant Taylor, carobae, James Droll and Megan Redmond, and will continue to grow the company’s roster. Wein joined Prescription Songs in 2017 as Fagan’s first hire in their Nashville office.

“We’re so excited for this next chapter at Prescription. Chris has been a longtime friend and colleague since I arrived in Nashville, so to have him now officially part of the team is really exciting. He has introduced us to unsigned writers over the years during his time at Atlantic, so I know he will thrive as a publisher and I’m excited to see him excel here,” says Fagan. “As for Rachel, I’ve watched her grow from my assistant to now being an A&R. She has been an integral part of our company’s growth over the past four years. I know her passion for songwriters and songs will continue for years to come and am honored to have her on our team.”

John Rich Launches Redneck Spirits Group

/by

Pictured (L-R): TJ McDaniel, Heather McDaniel, Kevin Sachs, John Rich, Elaine Wordsworth, Steve Wordsworth and Jason Rebrook. Photo: Jason Davis Photography

John Rich has announced the launch of Redneck Spirits Group, a venture to send Redneck Riviera liquors nationwide.

The new entity, partnered with Bonavita Beverage Group of Louisville, Ky., will offer popular Redneck Riviera and Granny Rich Reserve Whiskeys, and ready to drink Howdy Dew!, an 8% ABV flavored malt beverage.

“Our motto is, ‘Work Hard, Play Hard’ and that is what the team at Redneck Riviera has done,” says Rich. “Since we launched in 2018, we have been honored with awards and deemed one of the fastest growing American whiskey brands on the market. Today, we are proud to announce a new chapter with the Redneck Spirits and Bonavita Beverage Group. It is an exciting time for the Redneck Riviera brand, and we are looking forward to building an even larger footprint with our new partners in Kentucky.”

Since the launch of Redneck Riviera Whiskey in 2018, the brand has seen a lot of growth. In less than 18 months, the brand has gone from a regional to a national brand in over 40 states. The new partnership will allow the brand to go to the next level.

Folds of Honor will continue to receive a portion of every bottle sold. To date, Redneck Riviera bottle sales has helped fund over 100 scholarships to children and spouses of our fallen and disabled heroes.

“We are thrilled to be part of the Redneck Riviera team as we help build the next chapters with John,” says Kevin Sachs, one of the principal founders of Bonavita Beverage Group. “After one short meeting, we felt immediate chemistry and like-mindedness. What John and his team has accomplished by bringing a product into a competitive market in a unique fashion in a very short period of time is remarkable. RRW is becoming one of the great success stories in American whiskey and brand creation in recent years. The Bonavita Beverage Group was formed in 2020 for the express purpose of scaling craft brands. We knew we could help take Redneck Riviera to the next level. For us, this is not another “celebrity brand,” but a lifestyle brand with depth and roots that truly stands for something, and is the essence of John Rich—proudly American, patriotic, rugged, blue collar, work hard, play hard. The connection to Folds of Honor is sincere, authentic, humble and respectful.”

DelFest Announces 2021 Lineup

/by

DelFest has announced the lineup for its 14th annual festival, set for September 23-26.

The initial lineup includes The Del McCoury Band, The Travelin’ McCourys, Old Crow Medicine Show, Sister Sadie, Mandolin Orange, St. Paul & The Broken Bones and more.

In addition to traditional stage sets, attendees can again expect to see collaborations, special guest sit-ins, and various tributes to Del McCoury and his musical legacy. Delfest will, as usual, be immediately preceded by the three-day DelFest Academy hosted by The Travelin’ McCourys and other all-star players.

The festival, which typically happens during Memorial Day weekend, will make a one-time move to the fall in 2021 to ensure a COVID-safe gathering. Festival organizers are working with local and state health officials to ensure musicians, attendees, and staff are cared for, and will adhere to local, state, and federal safety mandates. COVID-specific protocols will be announced closer to the festival.

The festival is located along the Potomac River in the scenic Appalachian Mountains, personally chosen by McCoury, at the Allegany County Fairgrounds in Cumberland, Maryland.

Artist Action: Breland, Ashley McBryde, Colt Ford

/by

Breland Makes TV Debut, Awarded With Platinum Certification For ‘My Truck’

Breland. Photo: Weiss Eubanks/NBCUniversal

Breland, made his TV debut on The Kelly Clarkson Show this Monday (March 29). During the broadcast, he also gave the debut performance of his current single “Cross Country”.

Breland shared with Clarkson the double meaning behind the songs title—not only as a recap of his journey into the spotlight, but also carving out a space all his own by blurring genre lines. The new version of “Cross Country” featuring Grammy-nominated artist Mickey Guyton is available now.

After the success of his breakout hit “My Truck”, Clarkson also surprised Breland with a plaque to commemorate the song’s official Platinum certification by the RIAA for achieving 1 million sales and stream combined.

Ashley McBryde awarded ‘Yellow Rose of Inspiration Award’ at Song Suffragettes

Pictured (L-R, back row): Todd Cassetty (Song Suffragettes), Mia Mantia, Madeline Finn, Tenille Arts, Ashley McBryde, Kalie Shorr, Phyllis Stark (All Access Nashville), Brittney Spencer, Taylor Fair (Song Suffragettes) (L-R, front row): Mia Morris, Candi Carpenter, Kaylin Roberson, Allie Dunn, Sophia Scott, Livy Jeanne. Photo: Libby Danforth

Song Suffragettes, Nashville’s all-female, singer-songwriter collective, celebrated its 7th anniversary this Monday night (March 29) at The Listening Room Cafe with a sold-out show and livestream that featured special guests and an exciting announcement.

Award-winning country artist Ashley McBryde took the stage and gave a special performance of “Girl Goin’ Nowhere”, as well as her recent Top 10 RIAA Gold-Certified single “One Night Standards” and an unreleased song, “Whiskey and Country Music.”  After her set, McBryde was presented the “Song Suffragettes Yellow Rose of Inspiration Award”, an honor bestowed on a female songwriter who has inspired many Song Suffragettes who hope to follow in McBryde’s footsteps.

During the event, Song Suffragette’s Founder Todd Cassetty took the stage with Event Director Taylor Fair share that The LSS Group, an all-female, entertainment-industry-focused wealth management team led by Eden Lopez, Leslie Schwartz and Paula Steinberg, would continue its year-long Presenting Sponsorship of Song Suffragettes.

The entire sold-out show and livestream is still available for viewing on the Song Suffragettes’ YouTube channel here.

 

Colt Ford, SQAIRZ Release ‘Country Sole’ Golf Shoes

SQAIRZ, one of the fastest growing golf shoe companies, announced Monday (March 29) the launch of a new line of golf shoes called “Country Sole” created in partnership with country music star Colt Ford. The Country Sole shoe features red, white, and blue acoustic guitars on its sides and the word “USA” on the soles and bootstraps. The shoe also features all of the patented SQAIRZ golf shoe technology.

Ford, a former professional golfer, says of the partnership, “When I’m out there on the course, I want to know that I’m doing everything I can to play my best, and that includes wearing the right golf shoes. There’s no doubt that SQAIRZ are giving me the best ground force connection possible and that lets me get more club speed and distance. After trying out SQAIRZ and seeing the immediate impact on my game, it was a no brainer when I was asked to partner on the Country Sole.”

“I couldn’t imagine a better person to work with on the Country Sole,” says Robert Winskowicz, SQAIRZ’s founder and CEO. “Colt Ford is an icon in the country music world and represents what America is really all about – being independent, finding success on your terms and giving back to your community. We’re so proud to offer the Country Sole and to work with Colt on such a special pair of golf shoes.”

Foo Fighters, Lizzo, Jason Isbell, Niko Moon Among Bonnaroo 2021 Lineup

/by

Bonnaroo has revealed its lineup for the festival’s upcoming 20th anniversary, set to take place September 2–5, 2021 in Manchester, Tenn. Among the artists slated to perform during the four-day event are Foo Fighters, Megan Thee Stallion, Lizzo, Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit, Tyler The Creator, Lana Del Rey, Brittany Howard, Leon Bridges, Janelle Monae, My Morning Jacket, Breland, Niko Moon, and many more. The Grand Ole Opry featuring special guests will also return for this year’s 20th anniversary festival.

Bonnaroo will once again present an extraordinarily diverse bill featuring a selection of top artists performing around the clock across more than 10 unique stages over the four-day festival. Tickets for Bonnaroo will go on sale today (March 31) via bonnaroo.com/tickets. Options include General Admission (4-Day), GA+ (4-Day), VIP (4-Day), Platinum (4-Day), General Admission Camping & Parking, VIP Camping, Platinum Camping, and more. Car Camping Passes are priced at only $60 (plus fees) per car, not per person, allowing fans to both save money and reduce their carbon footprint by carpooling.

To celebrate the return of Bonnaroo and to commemorate the festival’s 20th anniversary, Bonnaroo has created a one-of-a-kind NFT collection including a 1 of 1 special edition of the 2021 Lineup Poster. This is the first time a music festival has produced an NFT collection and Bonnaroo is partnering with digital artist Archan Nair and premier NFT marketplace, Makers Place to present it. These digital works of art will be available exclusively on Makers Place on Saturday, April 3rd at 5:30 p.m. CT.

“It’s exciting to see Tennessee stages come back to life in time to celebrate the 20th anniversary of this internationally acclaimed festival,” says Gov. Bill Lee. “Fans are ready to gather together and celebrate their shared love of music once again. We welcome them back for a full Bonnaroo and what is sure to be a truly unforgettable event!”

Bonnaroo organizers will be in regular communication with local health and public safety officials and will continue to abide by relevant recommendations. As it approaches, festival goers will receive regular updates with the important information needed to plan their trip to The Farm, including any changes to policies and procedures they’ll need to know before entering the festival and campgrounds.

John Marks Exits Spotify

/by

John Marks

John Marks is leaving his position as Global Director of Country Music at Spotify, effective March 31, 2021.

Marks joined Spotify in 2015, as one of only two Nashville Spotify employees covering the country market. While at the company, Marks was instrumental in growing the music streaming platform’s Hot Country brand, championing new artists, and establishing Spotify’s footprint in Nashville. He was an integral figure in building Spotify’s reputation as a global symbol for music consumption and discovery and a driver of country music culture; culminating 6 million followers and 5 billion streams as of 4th Quarter 2020.

Marks spent most of his career in programming and operations in terrestrial radio. He moved to Nashville in 2010 to work at SiriusXM, where he became Head of Country Music Programming. During his 5-year tenure at SiriusXM, he brought The Highway to prominence, helping to bring artists like Florida Georgia Line, Old Dominion, Kelsea Ballerini, Chase Rice, and Russell Dickerson to a national audience.

“It has been a privilege to work at Spotify since the beginning of its Nashville journey,” says Marks. “But I am also excited about what adventures lie ahead. I want to thank Jeremy Erlich, Rachel Whitney, our editorial team and the entire Spotify crew for the work that we have accomplished both in the United States and internationally.”

“When John Marks joined Spotify, he brought a wealth of knowledge and passion for the country genre—and has been an incredible asset to the Nashville team,” says Jeremy Erlich, co-head of Music, Spotify. “John will be truly missed and we wish him well.”

Marks has served on the Board of Directors of the Country Music Association since 2012, and served on the Board of Directors for the Academy of Country Music between 2018 – 2019. He is also the recipient of the 2018 Jo Walker-Meador International Award from the CMA and the 2018 International Services to the Industry Award from the British Country Music Association. Marks can be reached at johnmarks615@gmail.com.

Rachel Whitney, who joined Spotify over a year ago as Head of Editorial for Nashville, is leading the team that covers all things country, Christian, gospel, folk, Americana and roots music. Whitney has over 15 years of experience in Nashville working at music companies such as Pandora and Youtube, where she led country music programming.

Scotty McCreery Signs With Universal Music Publishing Nashville

/by

Pictured (L-R:) Scott Stem (Triple 8 Management), George Couri (Triple 8 Management), Terry Wakefield (UMPG), Scotty McCreery, Troy Tomlinson (UMPG). Photo: Danielle Del Valle

Scotty McCreery has signed an exclusive, worldwide publishing agreement with Universal Music Publishing Nashville.

McCreery won the American Idol competition 10 years ago, and since then has become an award-winning country artist with many accolades under his belt. He’s a three-time BMI Award winner as the writer of one of the top 50 country songs of the year in 2015 for “See You Tonight,” in 2018 for “Five More Minutes,” and in 2019 for “This is It,” as well as winner of the NSAI Songwriter Award for One of the Top Ten Songs I Wish I’d Written for “Five More Minutes” in 2018. The multi-Platinum selling singer-songwriter co-wrote all 11 songs on his most recent album, the RIAA Gold-certified Seasons Change, including his three consecutive No. 1 hits: “Five More Minutes,” “See You Tonight,” and “In Between.” McCreery is also a co-writer of his current single “You Time.”

“We all watched as Scotty came onto the scene as a high school athlete who simply loved to sing and entertain,” says Terry Wakefield, Senior Vice President of A&R, UMPG Nashville. “He has now grown into one of country music’s most consistent hit makers. We are thrilled to represent him and his songs.”

“Writing songs is one of my favorite things to do,” says McCreery. “I’ve written nearly all my life, and since coming to Nashville ten years ago, I’ve had the opportunity to co-write with many talented songwriters in town who have both taught and encouraged me. Signing with Universal Music Publishing and working with Troy Tomlinson, Terry Wakefield, and all the great folks on their team is another big step in my songwriting journey. I am proud to call Universal Music Publishing my home.”

McCreery is currently writing and recording the anticipated follow-up to his acclaimed Seasons Change, with “You Time” as the lead single. Written by McCreery, Frank Rogers and Aaron Eshuis, and produced by Rogers, Eshuis and Derek Wells, the track has garnered nearly 11 million streams since its release and is steadily climbing up the country charts.

McCreery is represented by Triple 8 Management’s George Couri and Scott Stem for management, as well as WME’s Nate Towne for booking.

Maggie Rose Releases Rousing New Single, Announces Live Events

/by

Maggie Rose. Photo: Ford Fairchild

Maggie Rose has released a new single, “What Are We Fighting For,” from her forthcoming album, Have A Seat. The rousing, gospel-charged new track is available everywhere today. The album arrives Friday, August 20 via Starstruck Records.

The soulful single sets the tone for Have A Seat’s message of loving solidarity, its power intensified by Rose’s tender yet powerful vocals and soulful harmonies from Karita Law and Shanay Johnson, a duo known for their work with Brittany Howard and Emily King.

“What am I fighting for?” asks Rose. “Compassion, empathy, and even excellence within me, my music, and the people and the world around me, but don’t get me wrong—my zeal is not always consistent, and the question itself poses varying challenges from one day to the next. Some days I struggle to simply feel worthy and everything feels heavy and dark. Other days I’m totally fired up and I demand that my worthiness be recognized. Some days I have no will to fight, other days I’m frustrated at the lack of fight I observe around me. However, just asking the question of ourselves everyday is a fight in itself, and the question is one only we alone can ask and answer.”

Rose will host her podcast Salute The Songbirds as a live concert event on April 28 at City Winery in Nashville. Presented by Osiris Media, the event will feature performances from Elizabeth Cook, Jillette Johnson, Kalie Shorr, Nicole Atkins and Nicki Bluhm. Fans can also tune in to live stream the show via Mandolin, and a portion of proceeds from the event will benefit Women in Music. She will also play a Live For Live Music event, benefiting Sweet Relief, in Denver, Colorado on April 16.

Have A Seat was introduced last month with the release of the album’s fiery-horn-groove stomp of first song “Do It.” The album is Rose’s third full-length and was produced by Ben Tanner of Alabama Shakes at the iconic FAME Studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama. in a series of pre-pandemic sessions.

Katy Wolaver Promoted To Senior Vice President, A&R At Warner Chappell Music

/by

Katy Wolaver

Katy Wolaver has been elevated to Senior Vice President, A&R at Warner Chappell Music. 

Wolaver joined Warner Chappell in 2016 as Senior Director before being promoted to Vice President in 2018. Last year, she broadened her role to work between Nashville and Los Angeles and has put together numerous high-profile sessions, including one with Dan + Shay that resulted in the duo’s newest single, “Glad You Exist.” She manages a mix of talent, including Jesse Frasure, Ava Max, Tayla Parx, All Time Low, MAG (Bad Bunny), Michael Pollack (Maroon 5), Sean Douglas (Thomas Rhett), Fraser Churchill (Mickey Guyton), Sasha Sloan, and many more. Wolaver has also spent the last few years developing Michael Pollack’s songwriting career and was instrumental in setting up a session with Jon Bellion that resulted in multiple hits, including “Memories” by Maroon 5, “Holy” Justin Bieber ft. Chance The Rapper, “Anyone” by Bieber, and “Prisoner” by Miley Cyrus ft. Dua Lipa. Wolaver got her start in music in 2006 at Arthouse Entertainment and went on to serve as Director of A&R at SONGS Music Publishing.

Wallace Joseph has also been appointed Vice President, A&R at the company. In Wolaver and Joesph’s new roles, they will continue to report to Ryan Press, President of A&R, U.S. and help grow the company’s roster of legendary songwriters and producers.

Joseph works closely with Summer Walker, Tay Keith, Murda Beatz, Section 8, T-Minus, Wale, Dougie F, Turbo, Pluss, and Lazá, among others. Throughout his career, Joseph has helped develop the hitmakers behind hits like “Leave Me Alone” by Flipp Dinero, “Juicy (ft. Tyga)” and “Say So” by Doja Cat, as well as the Grammy-award winning single “Where Are Ü Now” by Jack Ü ft. Justin Bieber and the viral sensation “Broccoli” by Shelley (FKA DRAM) ft. Lil Yachty, among others. Prior to joining Warner Chappell in August 2017, Joseph ran a music management company, HMWRK.

“Katy and Wallace both have an amazing ear for talent discovery and a natural ability to turn someone with potential into the next big hitmaker,” says Press. “They’ve already helped to build the careers of some of today’s hottest songwriters and are truly a great example of where hard work and dedication can get you in this business. I couldn’t be more proud to see them continue to grow with us as A&R executives.”

“A&R is all about building connections and developing talent, and over this past year, I’ve had the chance to work between LA and Nashville to find new ways to pair our writers with different artists across a variety of genres,” says Wolaver. “I’m very grateful to Ryan and the entire leadership team at Warner Chappell for believing in my approach and allowing me to expand these efforts even more.”