Travis Denning, BRELAND
There are a number of conflicting country forces in today’s stack of wax.
With two Shenandoah entries, there’s a hint of nostalgia in the air. Matthew West and Lathan Warlick bring a CCM flavor to the proceedings. The Wild West is an all-female band. Brett Kissel is a gust of Canadian country. Miranda Lambert, Jack Ingram and Jon Randall represent the acoustic, troubadour, singer-songwriter wing of our format. Robert Counts and Hardy are Southern rock.
Wandering through this forest of diverse sounds, we emerge with a DisCovery Award for Montana’s Jonah Prill. Finishing in a dead heat for the Disc of the Day honor are Travis Denning and Breland, two thoroughly different artists who are doing superb work in their respective arenas.
JONAH PRILL / “You Remind Me”
Writers: Jonah Prill/Ryan Hayes/Justin Olmstead; Producer: none listed; Label: JP Media
— He has a resonant country baritone with a warm sincerity that suits this tune of romantic regret just fine. The track crashes around him with loads of electric guitar and rock energy. Promising.
CARLY PEARCE & MATTHEW WEST / “Truth Be Told”
Writers: Andrew Watt/Andrew Jacob Pruis/Matthew West; Producer: none listed; Label: Big Machine
— The song has been a big CCM solo hit for West. The addition of Pearce makes the already affecting lyric shimmer with new polish. It’s a lovely effort, although I wish her excellent harmony vocals were mixed louder so that their “twin” performance twirled even brighter in the spotlight.
ANDREW JANNNAKOS / “Gone Too Soon”
Writers: Andrew Jannakos/Jason Afable/Josh Bricker; Producer: none listed; Label: Sony Music Nashville
— He sings well, and the swirly production is okay, if a little too busy. The tuneless pop song does nothing for me.
SHENANDOAH & BLAKE SHELTON / “Then a Girl Walks In”
Writers: Adam Sanders/Lance Miller/Brad Warren/Brett Warren; Producer: Buddy Cannon; Label: Foundry
— We’ve previously reviewed the Zac Brown Band and Ashley McBryde cuts from the Shenandoah duets album. Now comes a collaboration with the mighty Blake. He and band’s Marty Raybon are a very hearty vocal match for one another. It doesn’t hurt that the song is as warm and comfy as this one is. Solid work.
SAMMY SADLER & MARTY RAYBON / “Church on the Cumberland Road”
Writers: Bob DiPiero/Dennis Robbins/John Scott Sherrill; Producer: none listed; Label: BFD/Audium
— Sadler’s album is titled 1989 because it consists of remakes of tunes from that year. In this case, it’s a Shenandoah chart topper, and the band’s Marty Raybon is along for the retro ride. Sadler doesn’t have Raybon’s vocal charisma, but he holds his own on this sprightly outing.
JACK INGRAM, MIRANDA LAMBERT & JON RANDALL / “In His Arms”
Writers: Jack Ingram/Miranda Lambert/Jon Randall; Producer: Jack Ingram/Miranda Lambert/Jon Randall; Label: Vanner Records/RCA Records Label Nashville
— Recorded live outside with only Randall’s guitar for accompaniment, this airy, atmospheric performance is a like a fresh, clean breeze of authenticity. Lambert sings lead as her songwriting collaborators chime in with soft, gentle harmonies. In a word, enchanting.
BRETT KISSEL / “Make a Life, Not a Living”
Writers: Cary Barlowe/Brandon Day/Steven Lee Olsen; Producer: Brett Kissel/Bart McKay/Jesse Frasure; Label: OneRPM
— Kissel is a huge deal north of the border, the reigning Canadian country Male Vocalist of the Year with buckets of Gold Records and awards. This soaring song of positivity has one of country’s most timeless messages: Money can’t buy happiness, and life’s simple pleasures are best.
ROBERT COUNTS & HARDY / “What Do I Know”
Writers: Hardy/Robert Counts/Jake Mitchell; Producer: Dann Huff/Jimmy Ritchey; Label: Arista Nashville
— Lotsa noise—screaming guitars, pounding drums, shouted vocals. I think it’s supposed to be some kinda redneck/outlaw vibe. Both of them can do better.
TRAVIS DENNING / “ABBY”
Writers: Ashley Gorley/Chase McGill/Matt Jenkins; Producer: Jeremy Stover; Label: Mercury Nashville
— “Abby” stands for “AnyBody But You,” which is how he feels about moving on from his ex and finding someone new. First of all, I love spelling songs. Second of all, this is as clever as all get out. Catchy, too. Play it.
THE WILD WEST / “Better Way”
Writers: Manda Mosher/Tawny Ellis/Heather Anne Lomax/Amilia K. Spicer/Pi Jacobs/Deb Morrison; Producer: Eric Craig/Manda Mosher; Label: Blackbird
— All six of the members of this all-female ensemble swap lead vocals, and they create choral magic when they all sing together. The song is a love-your-neighbor hippie ode with a lilting, inspirational vibe. It’s quite charming, in a homemade, under-produced kinda way.
LATHAN WARLICK & RAELYNN / “Roots”
Writers: Blake Hubbard/Jarrod Ingram/Lathan Warlick/Racheal Lynn Davis/Summer Overstreet/Zach Dyer; Producer: The720; Label: Records/Columbia
— Warlick is a singer/rapper/dancer from Jackson, TN who has made a few waves in the Christian-music field. His collaboration with country’s RaeLynn is more hip-hop than country, despite her able singing. Pass.
BRELAND / “Cross Country”
Writers: Breland/Sam Sumser/Sean Small/Will Gittens; Producer: Sam Sumser/Sean Small; Label: Bad Realm/Atlantic
— His “My Truck” collaboration with Sam Hunt was a Platinum success. Now Breland steps out with something even better, a lovely, uplifting, melodic tenor vocal performance that wafts and soars on zephyrs of sound. There’s equal parts of vulnerability and strength in his delivery of an autobiographical lyric about trying to find your place in a world where you don’t fit in. The acoustic guitar, gently shuffling rhythm and open-air atmosphere are all wondrous.
25th Annual Key West Songwriters Festival Returns May 5-9, 2021
/by Lorie HollabaughThe 25th Annual Key West Songwriters Festival is returning to the island May 5-9. This year’s festival will host nearly 100 of the world’s most prolific hitmakers and up-and coming songwriters on 12 different stages in a pared-down setting due to the ongoing pandemic.
The festival traditionally hosts over 200 songwriters across 38 stages at an array of Key West’s most popular beaches, boats, bars, resorts and historic theaters, but in an effort to prepare for social distancing and sanitation protocols, this year’s festival has been condensed with reduced capacities and transitioned to mostly outdoor performances. Organizers are focused on bringing back the music and putting the writers in intimate venues to create a special experience unique to previous years. Most of the shows will be free to enter, but there will be a number of performances that will require advance ticket purchase to be announced later this month.
“We know that the news and information on the festival is getting out late,” says Festival founder Charlie Bauer. “We know there have been a lot of questions that we just couldn’t answer in the last couple months. In 25 years, it’s become this international event and in years past we would have released way more information by now. This year has been a real challenge, obviously. We’ve been waiting until we were confident that we could pull off a safe event for the fans, artists, attendees, sponsors, volunteers, service providers and our community at large; that time is now. This event will look very different in size and scope. Rest assured, that’s intentional too.”
Over the years, the festival has become a breeding ground for breaking new talent and is one of the most sought-after invites within the Nashville songwriting community. Notable Key West Songwriter Festival alumni include Kacey Musgraves, Brad Paisley, Florida Georgia Line, Luke Combs, Maren Morris and Cole Swindell.
Tim Montana Announces New Album ‘Long Shots’
/by Steven BoeroCountry rocker Tim Montana is set to release his new album Long Shots on April 9, his first album with Music Knox Records/BBR Music Group.
The Montana native’s record will include 12 tracks which showcase his rock electric guitar and influences from the West which embraces hard and fast-living, the American experience and the blue-collar way.
“I heard ‘no’ from just about every record label around (more than once from some), but all my life I’ve never let outside factors stand in the way of my aspirations—instead the rejection fueled me to dig my heels in more, get a little scrappier and work even harder,” says Montana. “The fact that I’m now about to put out an album as a signed artist kind of blows my mind in the best way—I’m lucky enough to be six feet up instead of six feet under and I celebrate that every day.”
Montana teamed up with award-winning producer, Michael Knox (Jason Aldean, Kelly Clarkson, Thomas Rhett) to build upon his sound which draws influence from the rural lifestyle with a hint of adrenaline. The music is country—but don’t mistake it for southern. Spending years out West and in Butte, Montana, fans will hear influences between Seattle and its grunge, Texas’ roadhouse, Nashville’s country, Wyoming’s Chris LeDoux and the Heartland’s rock.
Fans can get a taste of his new album with his new single “Get Em Up,” an anthem for the blue collar that celebrates the camaraderie, available now.
Joey Hendricks Finds Some Sun ‘Between The Clouds’ On New Debut
/by Lorie HollabaughJoey Hendricks. Photo: David Bradley
Joey Hendricks‘ debut Sony Music Nashville EP, Between The Clouds, is out today (March 12).
The project was produced by Daniel Ross and features “Yours or Mine,” “Hollywood,” and three new tracks, all co-written by Hendricks with Ross, Michael Whitworth, Michael Lotten, Claire Douglas, and Zach Abend.
“I named the EP Between The Clouds because writing these songs have been little moments of clarity and light in between a lot of confusion and anxiety that I’ve dealt with over the years,” says Hendricks. “I hope these songs bring some of the same joy they’ve brought me, to others. I’m so excited to finally get to share it with people.”
Originally from Anacortes, Washington, Hendricks moved to Nashville in 2017, and signed a publishing deal with Parallel Entertainment, where then-head Tim Hunze, encouraged him to make the leap as a solo artist. Heavily inspired by songwriters like Neil Young and John Mayer, Hendricks’ music has a timeless feel, touching on heartland rock themes while steeped in country storytelling tradition.
Between The Clouds EP Track List:
1. Yours or Mine (Joey Hendricks, Daniel Ross, Michael Whitworth)
2. Hollywood (Joey Hendricks, Daniel Ross, Michael Whitworth)
3. Top Drawer (Joey Hendricks, Michael Lotten, Michael Whitworth)
4. Going Home (Joey Hendricks, Claire Douglas, Daniel Ross)
5. Drifter (Joey Hendricks, Zach Abend, Michael Whitworth)
Keith Urban And P!nk Score A No. 1 On MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart
/by Alex ParryKeith Urban’s duet with P!nk, “One Too Many,” notches the top spot on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart this week. The single is nominated for Music Event of the Year at the upcoming 56th ACM Awards.
“One Too Many” was written by Cleo Tighe, Daniel Davidsen, James Norton, Mich Hansen, and Peter Wallevik. The music video has amassed over 20 million views on YouTube.
Urban was tapped to host the 56th ACM Awards alongside Mickey Guyton. CBS will present the awards live from Nashville Sunday, April 18 (8:00-11:00 p.m., live ET/delayed PT) on the CBS Television Network, and available to stream live and on demand on Paramount+.
Click here or above to view the latest edition of The MusicRow Weekly.
The Store Marks One-Year Anniversary Of Serving Nashville Community
/by Lorie HollabaughThe Store, the nonprofit free-referral based grocery store co-founded by Brad Paisley and Kimberly Williams-Paisley, is celebrating its one-year anniversary and marking a year of serving many more families in a more widespread way than ever imagined when it was originally conceived.
The nonprofit had no idea a year ago how its operation model was going to change. It opened for in-store clients on March 12, 2020, following the March 3 tornado that devastated parts of Nashville. The Store was only open for four days when the COVID-19 pandemic became widespread and in-store shopping was not going to be feasible. A new plan was implemented to reach people in need as they sheltered at home. A home delivery system for the elderly was immediately put in place, and curbside pick-up was implemented for households in need. Weekly deliveries are currently capped at 450 households and curbside pickup is at 200 per week, which is six times the initial projection.
Fifty-four million people are estimated to be suffering from food insecurity nationally at this time, with one in four being children and one in six elderly. The Store serves the community not only food staples, but fresh produce, toiletries, household cleaners, pet food, diapers and other non-food items needed provided by sponsors, partners and donors.
“When we started dreaming about creating The Store years ago, we never imagined we would open our doors just days from catastrophic events—the tornados and then the pandemic—that would greatly impact the need for assistance in our community for months and months to come…. We couldn’t have opened The Store without fantastic community involvement from many people and organizations, including Belmont University, our board, staff, referral partners, volunteers, donors and the Edgehill community,” says The Paisleys, The Store, co-founders. “None of us could have done this alone. We are definitely Better Together.”
The Store’s referring agencies increased from the original six partners in March 2020 to currently fifteen. Clients are referred by Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital, Edgehill Community Partners/MDHA, Catholic Charities of Tennessee, Monroe Harding (Reengagement Hub), Conexión Américas, CMA, Metro Public Health Department (COVID Reserve Group), Oasis (Transitions Program), TriStar Centennial Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Hillsboro High School/MNPS Hillsboro Cluster, Safe Haven Family Shelter, Amerigroup, End Slavery TN, Community Achieves Program and YWCA.
“We are so grateful for our community partners who have worked with us as we rapidly adjusted our operating model to meet this year’s challenges, our volunteers who stepped up to deliver groceries to our elderly neighbors, and our donors who recognized that their support meant food on tables this past year,” says Courtney Vrablik, The Store, Executive Director. “I think it’s been a great example of how Nashville is at its best when we work together.”
Red Light Management And Twitch Partner To Launch CTRL_MUSIC_
/by Haley CrowIncluded on the channel will be the Country Now Live series, taking place Wednesdays at 8:00 p.m. central, beginning March 17, with 24 consecutive weeks of performances, live Q&As with artists, behind the scenes access, and lifestyle exclusive content. Country Now Live is in partnership with CountryNow.com, a country music news and lifestyle website.
The first round of performers appearing on the Country Now Live series on CTRL_MUSIC_ include Brett Young, Lady A, Chris Janson, Jordan Davis, Elle King, Riley Green and Lindsay Ell.
Performances will take place at Brooklyn Bowl Nashville, which has established itself as a standout concert venue with state-of-the-art production capabilities delivering the ultimate livestreamed experience.
The hour-long show will be captured by seven cameras, followed by an interactive Q&A from the stage, allowing online fans the opportunity to engage the artists in real-time. At present no live audiences will be allowed in venue, but that is subject to change based on local COVID-19 conditions and protocols.
Also featured exclusively on CTRL_MUSIC_ will be On Time with Bobby Bones, the monthly interview show by iHeartRadio host, TV personality and best-selling author, Bobby Bones.
DISClaimer Single Reviews: Travis Denning, Breland, Miranda Lambert, Shenandoah
/by Robert K OermannTravis Denning, BRELAND
There are a number of conflicting country forces in today’s stack of wax.
With two Shenandoah entries, there’s a hint of nostalgia in the air. Matthew West and Lathan Warlick bring a CCM flavor to the proceedings. The Wild West is an all-female band. Brett Kissel is a gust of Canadian country. Miranda Lambert, Jack Ingram and Jon Randall represent the acoustic, troubadour, singer-songwriter wing of our format. Robert Counts and Hardy are Southern rock.
Wandering through this forest of diverse sounds, we emerge with a DisCovery Award for Montana’s Jonah Prill. Finishing in a dead heat for the Disc of the Day honor are Travis Denning and Breland, two thoroughly different artists who are doing superb work in their respective arenas.
JONAH PRILL / “You Remind Me”
Writers: Jonah Prill/Ryan Hayes/Justin Olmstead; Producer: none listed; Label: JP Media
— He has a resonant country baritone with a warm sincerity that suits this tune of romantic regret just fine. The track crashes around him with loads of electric guitar and rock energy. Promising.
CARLY PEARCE & MATTHEW WEST / “Truth Be Told”
Writers: Andrew Watt/Andrew Jacob Pruis/Matthew West; Producer: none listed; Label: Big Machine
— The song has been a big CCM solo hit for West. The addition of Pearce makes the already affecting lyric shimmer with new polish. It’s a lovely effort, although I wish her excellent harmony vocals were mixed louder so that their “twin” performance twirled even brighter in the spotlight.
ANDREW JANNNAKOS / “Gone Too Soon”
Writers: Andrew Jannakos/Jason Afable/Josh Bricker; Producer: none listed; Label: Sony Music Nashville
— He sings well, and the swirly production is okay, if a little too busy. The tuneless pop song does nothing for me.
SHENANDOAH & BLAKE SHELTON / “Then a Girl Walks In”
Writers: Adam Sanders/Lance Miller/Brad Warren/Brett Warren; Producer: Buddy Cannon; Label: Foundry
— We’ve previously reviewed the Zac Brown Band and Ashley McBryde cuts from the Shenandoah duets album. Now comes a collaboration with the mighty Blake. He and band’s Marty Raybon are a very hearty vocal match for one another. It doesn’t hurt that the song is as warm and comfy as this one is. Solid work.
SAMMY SADLER & MARTY RAYBON / “Church on the Cumberland Road”
Writers: Bob DiPiero/Dennis Robbins/John Scott Sherrill; Producer: none listed; Label: BFD/Audium
— Sadler’s album is titled 1989 because it consists of remakes of tunes from that year. In this case, it’s a Shenandoah chart topper, and the band’s Marty Raybon is along for the retro ride. Sadler doesn’t have Raybon’s vocal charisma, but he holds his own on this sprightly outing.
JACK INGRAM, MIRANDA LAMBERT & JON RANDALL / “In His Arms”
Writers: Jack Ingram/Miranda Lambert/Jon Randall; Producer: Jack Ingram/Miranda Lambert/Jon Randall; Label: Vanner Records/RCA Records Label Nashville
— Recorded live outside with only Randall’s guitar for accompaniment, this airy, atmospheric performance is a like a fresh, clean breeze of authenticity. Lambert sings lead as her songwriting collaborators chime in with soft, gentle harmonies. In a word, enchanting.
BRETT KISSEL / “Make a Life, Not a Living”
Writers: Cary Barlowe/Brandon Day/Steven Lee Olsen; Producer: Brett Kissel/Bart McKay/Jesse Frasure; Label: OneRPM
— Kissel is a huge deal north of the border, the reigning Canadian country Male Vocalist of the Year with buckets of Gold Records and awards. This soaring song of positivity has one of country’s most timeless messages: Money can’t buy happiness, and life’s simple pleasures are best.
ROBERT COUNTS & HARDY / “What Do I Know”
Writers: Hardy/Robert Counts/Jake Mitchell; Producer: Dann Huff/Jimmy Ritchey; Label: Arista Nashville
— Lotsa noise—screaming guitars, pounding drums, shouted vocals. I think it’s supposed to be some kinda redneck/outlaw vibe. Both of them can do better.
TRAVIS DENNING / “ABBY”
Writers: Ashley Gorley/Chase McGill/Matt Jenkins; Producer: Jeremy Stover; Label: Mercury Nashville
— “Abby” stands for “AnyBody But You,” which is how he feels about moving on from his ex and finding someone new. First of all, I love spelling songs. Second of all, this is as clever as all get out. Catchy, too. Play it.
THE WILD WEST / “Better Way”
Writers: Manda Mosher/Tawny Ellis/Heather Anne Lomax/Amilia K. Spicer/Pi Jacobs/Deb Morrison; Producer: Eric Craig/Manda Mosher; Label: Blackbird
— All six of the members of this all-female ensemble swap lead vocals, and they create choral magic when they all sing together. The song is a love-your-neighbor hippie ode with a lilting, inspirational vibe. It’s quite charming, in a homemade, under-produced kinda way.
LATHAN WARLICK & RAELYNN / “Roots”
Writers: Blake Hubbard/Jarrod Ingram/Lathan Warlick/Racheal Lynn Davis/Summer Overstreet/Zach Dyer; Producer: The720; Label: Records/Columbia
— Warlick is a singer/rapper/dancer from Jackson, TN who has made a few waves in the Christian-music field. His collaboration with country’s RaeLynn is more hip-hop than country, despite her able singing. Pass.
BRELAND / “Cross Country”
Writers: Breland/Sam Sumser/Sean Small/Will Gittens; Producer: Sam Sumser/Sean Small; Label: Bad Realm/Atlantic
— His “My Truck” collaboration with Sam Hunt was a Platinum success. Now Breland steps out with something even better, a lovely, uplifting, melodic tenor vocal performance that wafts and soars on zephyrs of sound. There’s equal parts of vulnerability and strength in his delivery of an autobiographical lyric about trying to find your place in a world where you don’t fit in. The acoustic guitar, gently shuffling rhythm and open-air atmosphere are all wondrous.
Lindsay Ell, Phillip Phillips, Breland Added To 2nd Ave Strong Concert
/by Lorie HollabaughHosted by Natalie Stovall of Runaway June, the benefit will include highlights like Shenandoah with Rigdon performing “I Want To Be Loved Like That,” which Gyth performed on The Voice.
The evening aims to raise $2 million towards the $10 million overall goal to support the 2nd Avenue district which was severely damaged by last year’s Christmas Day bombing. The show will be broadcast on March 26 from 7 – 9 PM on NewsChannel 5 and will be live streamed through the Grand Ole Opry YouTube and 2ndavestrong.org.
“We have been humbled by the outpouring of support from the community,” said Tim Walker, executive director of Metro Historical Commission. “That the music industry would come together to help support the efforts to restore and preserve 2nd Avenue will show the world what Nashville is all about.”
Whiskey Myers Launch Coffee Line
/by Steven BoeroWhiskey Myers. Photo: Khris Poage
Country rock band Whiskey Myers has partnered with Gruene Coffee House to start a coffee line called Whiskey Myers Coffee.
The new venture, led by drummer and caffeine aficionado Jeff Hogg, kicks-off the line with a Texas Pecan Coffee blend, a favorite among the band.
“This medium roast, gourmet Costa Rican coffee is covered with our popular secret recipe of pecan, caramel and vanilla extract oils,” says Greune Coffee Haus owner and roaster Kelly Hall. “We then stir in fresh pecan pieces from Oliver Pecan Company, located right here in TX. When you grind your coffee to fill your morning cup, those pecan pieces get ground up with it like tiny exploding flavor capsules.”
Whiskey Myers coffee and mug bundle
After the product dropped yesterday (March 10), the one-pound coffee bean bag and mug bundle sold out, but is already being restocked. While this initial offering is a Whiskey Myers branded edition of an existing blend, the band plans to expand with original coffee selections in the future while also continuing to work with other beloved small businesses.
For more information on Whiskey Myers and when the next batch of coffee will be available, visit www.whiskeymyers.com.
Josh Turner To Release ‘Your Man’ Deluxe Edition For Its 15th Anniversary
/by Steven BoeroJosh Turner will release a deluxe edition of his No. 1 debut album, Your Man, on June 25, in honor of its 15th anniversary.
In addition to the 11 original tracks on the album which feature collaborations with John Anderson, Dr. Ralph Stanley, and Diamond Rio’s Marty Roe, Gene Johnson, and Dana Williams, the deluxe includes three bonus live recordings of Turner’s No. 1 hit songs “Your Man,” “Would You Go With Me,” and the fan favorite “Me and God.”
“The Your Man album holds so many special memories,” says Turner. “It marked so many firsts in my career. My first No. 1 album and single and we were pregnant with our first child. It was a pivotal album in my career, and I am so thankful to be celebrating it 15 years later with the release of Your Man Deluxe Edition.”
Josh Turner and Jennifer Turner. Photo: Lance Goodman.
Turner shared the news with fans first at a livestream concert last night (March 10) from downtown Nashville’s Ole Red. His wife Jennifer, who starred as Turner’s love interest in the “Your Man” official video 15 years ago, surprised him on stage last night with the news that the track is officially RIAA-certified triple-Platinum. The hit song was written by Chris Stapleton, Chris DuBois and Jace Everett.
The Your Man deluxe edition marks the first time the signature album has been pressed on vinyl which will be available exclusively at Walmart.
Your Man Deluxe Edition Track List:
1. Would You Go With Me
2. Baby’s Gone Home To Mama
3. No Rush
4. Your Man
5. Loretta Lynn’s Lincoln
6. White Noise (featuring John Anderson)
7. Angels Fall Sometimes
8. Lord Have Mercy On A Country Boy
9. Me And God (featuring Dr. Ralph Stanley and Marty Roe, Gene Johnson, and Dana Williams of Diamond Rio)
10. Gravity
11. Way Down South
12. Your Man (Live from Kansas City, MO)
13. Would You Go With Me (Live from Plant City, FL)
14. Me And God (Live from Key Largo, FL)