Ten music groups partnered on an interactive website which illustrates the significant financial and cultural contribution of the U.S. music industry in each state.
First launched in 2019, the newly updated version of 50 States of Music features data from Economists, Inc. which details the economic impact of the U.S. music industry state by state, totaling nearly 2.5 million jobs for American workers and contributing $170 billion in GDP annually. Across the country there are 236,269 music establishments and 1.45 million songwriters.
For the state of Tennessee, the site shows $5.8 billion music industry contribution to GDP; 61,617 jobs supported; 4,502 music establishments; 12,263 royalty recipients and 68,113 songwriters.
By clicking on state-specific pages, users will also find lists of notable artists and musicians, festivals, music schools and major music conferences.
The organizations who contributed to the site are American Association of Independent Music (A2IM), American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP), Broadcast Music, Inc. (BMI), Global Music Rights (GMR), National Independent Venues Association (NIVA), National Music Publishers Association (NMPA), the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA), SESAC, and SoundExchange.
In a joint statement they said: “It is widely known that music contributes to our lives in meaningful ways. It comforts us in times of sorrow and punctuates moments of joy. What is less known, however, is the tremendous value music provides to towns and cities across America in the form of jobs, community, culture, and revenue. We hope that policymakers, fans and artists everywhere will continue to use this site as a resource to better understand and appreciate the full breadth of music’s impact on every community.”
Tauren Wells To Release ‘Citizen Of Heaven (Live)’
/by Lorie HollabaughTauren Wells is giving fans who have been missing concerts a taste of his live show with new album Citizen of Heaven LIVE, which features 15 tracks and four accompanying videos recorded during his album launch event in January 2020 at Lakewood Church in his hometown of Houston. The album is slated for release April 16.
“My favorite thing about creating an album is anticipating what the live versions of the songs will become,” said Wells. “Having a song come alive for the first time in the writing room or the studio is a crazy feeling, but there is a different energy and excitement when the song comes alive in a room full of people! We captured all that fire on this new live album, and it is a full-on heatwave! You’re about to dance, cry, laugh, and worship all at the same time so be prepared. The people in the car next to you are going to be really confused!!”
Wells, a six-time Dove award winner (including 2020 CCM Artist of the Year and Album of the Year), Platinum-singer/songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, entrepreneur, and public speaker, has accumulated 776 million total solo career global streams.
He is currently on the Toby Mac Hits Deep Tour 2021, wrapping up the spring leg last weekend with three consecutive nights at the Allen Event Center in Allen, TX, and will also join the fall leg of the tour.
Citizen of Heaven LIVE Track List:
Details: Lambert’s Casa Rosa To Bring Taste Of Texas To Tennessee
/by Lorie HollabaughMiranda Lambert has shared some details around her new Casa Rosa bar and restaurant on Broadway in Nashville, set to open this summer in partnership with TC Restaurant Group.
The four-level entertainment complex will feature three floors of live music and nightlife, including a rooftop bar, and another highlight, the “Pink House,” will be home to some of Lambert’s most recognizable and important memorabilia. The “Pink House” will include the birdcage from her No. 1 song and CMA Video of the Year “Bluebird,” unique clothing and set pieces from her video shoots, a dazzling rhinestone saddle modeled after a favorite of hers from Billy Bob’s in Fort Worth, a customized “Yellow Rose” wall for photos, and dozens of items that highlight milestones and special moments in the country singer’s life.
“I’m so excited to have a honky tonk with my name on it! Casa Rosa will be a little taste of Texas in Tennessee,” said Lambert. “Tacos, tequila and tufted pink booths, what else can a girl ask for? This place is special to me and I’m happy to be representing the ladies here in Music City! See y’all down there!”
“We’re very excited to be working with Miranda; such an iconic artist with a fantastic fan base,” said Grant Burlingame, vice president of operations for TC Restaurant Group. “This last year has provided us the ability to really put focus and attention toward this project and we can’t wait for her fans to be a part of this experience.”
Morris Higham / SB Projects Sign Alana Springsteen
/by Sarah SkatesPictured (L-R): Basak Kizilisik, Alana Springsteen and Clint Higham. Photo: David Bradley, Osprey Media
Rising country newcomer Alana Springsteen has signed a management deal with Morris Higham in partnership with Scooter Braun’s SB Projects.
The 20-year-old Virginia Beach native has amassed more than 21 million on-demand streams in just over a year, and is set to release a duet with collaborator Roman Alexander on March 19. They penned “Trying Not To” along with the track’s producers Jerry Flowers and Jared Keim.
With a knack for storytelling, Springsteen has also been collaborating with Parker Welling, Gordie Sampson, Jon Randall and Casey Brown. She was named a Pandora 2021 Artist to Watch.
“Alana’s star quality, individualism, and devotion to her artistry make her a talent that stands out effortlessly,” said Morris Higham President Clint Higham. “She brings a fresh perspective with honest storytelling, powerful vocals, and an undeniable presence. We are honored and excited to have the opportunity to help Alana launch this new chapter.”
“I couldn’t imagine a better fit than Basak Kizilisik, Clint Higham, and the incredible people at Morris Higham and SB Projects for my management team,” said Springsteen. “I’m so thankful for their passion, their belief in me and my music, and so excited to walk into this year with such a powerhouse group of individuals behind me. Truly feels like the dream team!”
Creative Nation Taps Emily Furman As Sr. Director, Creative
/by LB CantrellEmily Furman. Photo: Spencer Combs
Creative Nation has announced the addition of Emily Furman to their team as Sr. Director, Creative. In her new role, Furman will help lead the publishing team, sign new talent, and develop the current roster of songwriters and artists.
At age 17, Furman moved to Nashville to attend Belmont University. She graduated in May of 2009 with a BBA in Music Business and in July of 2009, was hired at Carnival Music where she spent over eleven years working in publishing and artist development.
“Emily’s 11 years of experience at a respected independent publishing company, and her passion for great songs and songwriters, make her a perfect fit for Creative Nation. We are excited to add her fresh perspective to our publishing team,” Co-Founder and CEO, Beth Laird, says.
“Creative Nation operates with a strong team culture and a commitment to quality and success in a way that’s unique and forward-thinking. I’m grateful for Beth and Luke [Laird]‘s belief in me and to be a part of what they’re doing in the Nashville music community and beyond,” Furman says.
Music Benefactors Launches With First Artist Partnership
/by Sarah SkatesMusic Benefactors, the new Nashville-based company which offers SEC registered crowdfunding for the music industry, has launched its first artist partnership with the band The Latin Dead.
Music Benefactors helps recording artists and various types of independent music businesses raise capital for new projects, or monetize catalogs, by partnering with fans and investors. Unlike traditional crowdfunding, fans and investors share the income that the projects generate. Independent businesses can raise up to $5 million per year.
Founder and CEO Matt Lutz says, “Music Benefactors gives artists the money needed to be truly independent. In the past, ‘independent’ has meant not being signed to a major label and too poor to properly market music. We want artists to be well-funded independents with control of their music. Fans and investors help them accomplish this.”
He continues, “Fans have always driven the music business. Our platform enables them to take larger roles in helping artists make great music. Fans are providing the capital, which allows independent artists and music businesses to compete and thrive in an industry dominated by enormous corporations.”
Lonestar Welcomes Drew Womack As Lead Singer
/by Sarah SkatesLonestar has tapped award-winning singer-songwriter Drew Womack to join the band as lead vocalist. The Brownwood, Texas native joins Dean Sams, Michael Britt and Keech Rainwater in the band’s new incarnation following the recent departure of Richie McDonald.
Womack is a CMA and ACM-winning singer as well as songwriter of hits including Kenny Chesney’s No. 1 “She’s Got It All.” With his previous band, Sons of the Desert, Womack enjoyed top 10 hits at country radio and collaborated with Lee Ann Womack (no relation) on her crossover hit “I Hope You Dance.”
Lonestar says, “We are thrilled to have Drew joining us. We have been friends and have admired his work and outstanding voice for many years. It will be an exciting new chapter in our storied career and know he will be welcomed by the industry and fans alike.”
Womack adds, “I can’t adequately express just how excited I am to join these guys and create and make music with Dean, Keech, and Michael. I’ve known and respected them since [Sons Of The Desert] played the same circuits and it’ll be an honor to be on stage with them.”
Celebrating 25 years together, Lonestar has amassed RIAA-certified sales in excess of 10 million albums and achieved 10 No. 1 country hits including “No News,” “Come Crying To Me,” “I’m Already There,” “What About Now,” and their crossover smash “Amazed,” which was also No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Playing an average of 80 dates annually, Lonestar is planning to hit the road later this year.
Lonestar will continue to be managed by Corey Wagner at Shelter Music Group and booked by Nick Meinema.
Graham Sharp Paints a ‘Truer Picture’ On Solo Debut
/by Lorie HollabaughGraham Sharp, Photo by Sandlin Gaither Music Photography
Graham Sharp, singer/banjoist and founding member of the Steep Canyon Rangers, will make his solo debut with Truer Picture on Yep Roc Records. The album’s initial digital release will be on May 7, with the CD and LP to follow July 9.
Produced and mixed by Sharp and Seth Kauffman, the album was recorded at Kaufman’s Black Mountain, NC studio. As the world entered lockdown in 2020, Sharp drew inspiration from a wellspring of emotions. Tackling feelings of isolation on “Come Visit My Island” to addressing political unrest on “My Neighborhood,” his unique style of songwriting is evident on “North Star” and “Coming Back to Life.” The lush instrumentation on “Deeper Family” and harmony vocals from The War on Drugs’ David Hartley illustrate the sonic differences between Sharp’s solo work and his music with Steep Canyon Rangers.
The video for the first single, “Generation Blues,” is out now. It was directed and edited by his son Wade Sharp.
“When I think of the inheritance I leave to my kids and their generation, I want it to be only the best of what I know; there’s a lot I’d just as soon leave behind,” says Graham Sharp. “The youth have a strong sense of calling out bullshit. This song is about as close to rock ‘n’ roll as I get… hopefully they won’t call me out for that. It’s pretty ironic to have my kids working so closely with me on the video for a song about intergenerational friction.”
Justin Moore, Tracy Lawrence Set For Salute 2 Frontline Workers
/by Lorie HollabaughJustin Moore and Tracy Lawrence are set to headline a Salute 2 Frontline Workers show in the Sioux Falls arena with special guest Lainey Wilson on Saturday, April 10.
Tickets will be distributed to frontline workers for the event in partnership with Pepper Entertainment and Big Country 92.5 (KTWB). Tickets will be available beginning Friday, March 12th at 10 a.m. through a unique passcode on Ticketmaster.com, and healthcare workers, law enforcement and all frontline workers will receive an email from their employers about downloading free tickets. Registration will also be on the venue website.
“I’m extremely proud that BIG Country 92.5 is able to support such an amazing free concert event to honor those, who from the beginning, have put others before themselves in their commitment to caring for members of our community,” says Tom Gjerdrum, Operations Manager at Midwest Communications.
Chart Action: New Artists Make Impact
/by Alex ParryNew artists take the most added spots this week on the Mediabase and Billboard radio charts. Stoney Creek Records’ Track45 received 26 new adds on the Mediabase chart for their debut single “Met Me Now.” On the Billboard chart, Nate Barnes‘ “You Ain’t Pretty” received 20 adds and debuted at No. 51.
On the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart, Luke Combs reigns as the most added artist for the second week with 18 new station adds of “Forever After All.” He sits at No. 29 with a total of 41 stations spinning the single.
For more chart action, click here to view the latest edition of The MusicRow Weekly.
’50 States Of Music’ Website Shows Economic Impact Of Music Industry
/by Sarah SkatesTen music groups partnered on an interactive website which illustrates the significant financial and cultural contribution of the U.S. music industry in each state.
First launched in 2019, the newly updated version of 50 States of Music features data from Economists, Inc. which details the economic impact of the U.S. music industry state by state, totaling nearly 2.5 million jobs for American workers and contributing $170 billion in GDP annually. Across the country there are 236,269 music establishments and 1.45 million songwriters.
For the state of Tennessee, the site shows $5.8 billion music industry contribution to GDP; 61,617 jobs supported; 4,502 music establishments; 12,263 royalty recipients and 68,113 songwriters.
By clicking on state-specific pages, users will also find lists of notable artists and musicians, festivals, music schools and major music conferences.
The organizations who contributed to the site are American Association of Independent Music (A2IM), American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP), Broadcast Music, Inc. (BMI), Global Music Rights (GMR), National Independent Venues Association (NIVA), National Music Publishers Association (NMPA), the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA), SESAC, and SoundExchange.
In a joint statement they said: “It is widely known that music contributes to our lives in meaningful ways. It comforts us in times of sorrow and punctuates moments of joy. What is less known, however, is the tremendous value music provides to towns and cities across America in the form of jobs, community, culture, and revenue. We hope that policymakers, fans and artists everywhere will continue to use this site as a resource to better understand and appreciate the full breadth of music’s impact on every community.”