Disc of the Day winner Eric Church Photo: Reid Long
I must be living right.
How else can you explain new music in the same listening session from three of my very favorite artists—Miranda Lambert, Eric Church and Brandy Clark? They are among the reasons I still listen to country music, no matter how bad most of the rest of it is. Any one of them could be the Disc of the Day. I’m giving the nod to my main man, Eric Church.
There are bright rays of hope in this edition of DISClaimer. I refer to the dandy disc debuts by Ian Munsick, Hannah Dasher and Callista Clark. Hannah Dasher wins this week’s DISCovery Award. I look forward to hearing much, much more from her.
HEATH SANDERS / “Old School’s In”
Writers: Casey Beathard/Heath Sanders/Houston Phillips; Producer: Dann Huff; Label: The Valory Music Co.
— He’s bellowing about how things haven’t changed where he lives, as though someone was arguing with him about it. It’s meant to be some kind of redneck anthem, but it sounds like we’ve heard all this before from other flag wavers. A worn retread.
ELLE KING & MIRANDA LAMBERT / “Drunk (And I Don’t Wanna Go Home)”
Writers: Elle King/Martin Johnson; Producer: Martin Johnson; Label: RCA Records Nashville/Vanner Records
— Feisty, rocking and oh-so-adorable. I never would have imagined these two together, but the result is ridiculously catchy.
NOAH SCHNACKY / “She Broke My Heart”
Writers: Noah Schnacky/Lindsay Rimes/Laura Veltz; Producer: Lindsay Rimes; Label: Big Machine
— The production is too busy, but his charm is undeniable on this jaunty ditty. Despite what the title might lead you to believe, it is an upbeat bopper about how getting dumped led to True Romance. Or at least to meeting a hottie at the House of Blues.
BRAD PAISLEY / “Off Road”
Writers: Brad Paisley/Ross Copperman/Lee Thomas Miller; Producers: Ross Copperman/Luke Wooten; Label: Arista Nashville
— If you want to go with her, get ready for a wild ride with an empowered woman. She might have some “dust on her halo,” but you can’t keep her down. She’s heading for parts unknown with her moxie and grit intact.
HANNAH DASHER / “Left Right”
Writers: Brandon Hood/Hannah Dasher/Wynn Varble; Producer: Brandon Hood; Label: RCA Nashville
— I like her a lot. She’s got lots of country-female attitude, a witty way with words and twang to spare. While the rhythm thumps merrily, she advises him to make up his mind and “put a ring on her left right now.” Sign me up for the fan club.
BRETT YOUNG / “You Got Away With It”
Writers: Brett Young/Justin Ebach/Ashley Gorley/Jon Nite/Jimmy Robbins; Producer: Dann Huff; Label: BMLG Records
— She stole his heart and got away with the crime. I like it that this track has some stomp to it, which is a new texture for this guy. The harmonica work is cool, too.
CALLISTA CLARK / “It’s ‘Cause I Am”
Writers: Callista Clark/Cameron Jaymes/Laura Veltz; Producer: Nathan Chapman; Label: Big Machine Records
— She’s way too complicated for you. Get used to it. It ain’t real “country,” but the tune has its spicy, saucy moments.
TRAVIS TRITT / “Smoke in a Bar”
Writers: Jeremy Bussey/Derek George/Tim Montana; Producer: Dave Cobb; Label: Big Noise Label Group
— Nostalgia for simpler times. I’m a huge fan of Tritt, and he’s been away for far too long. But, sorry, I don’t miss smoking in a bar at all. Seat belts save lives. The six o’clock news does tell the truth, and implying that it doesn’t is twisted. Find a better song.
IAN MUNSICK / “Long Haul”
Writers: Ian Munsick/Dave Villa/Jamie Kenney; Producers: Jamie Kenney/Dave Villa/Ian Munsick; Label: Warner Music Nashville
— He has a heart-tugging tenor voice and a marvelous sense of melody. The sonic atmosphere is beautifully airy and open. A simply stunning disc debut. Munsick’s first album, Coyote Cry, dropped last week, and the whole thing is heartily recommended.
ERIC CHURCH / “Never Break Heart”
Writers: Eric Church/Luke Dick; Producer: Jay Joyce; Label: EMI Music Nashville
— I love everything about this. The production is a wonderland of rhythmic punch, twinkling mandolin, echoey harmony singing, sighing organ, stately piano and crunch guitars. The song is superbly well written. The message is inspirational. Three albums at once? Really? Believe it, when a man this gifted is doing it. The Church Choir rises with one mighty voice. Sing along.
BRANDY CLARK / “The Past Is the Past” feat. Lindsey Buckingham
Writers: Brandy Clark/Barry Dean/Luke Laird; Producer: Lindsey Buckingham; Label: Warner Records
— On her album, this is a gentle ode of farewell. This new version, produced by Lindsey Buckingham, rocks out with splendor and verve. However you slice it, this is a very cool song, and Clark is as good as it gets.
MARK COLLIE / “Born Ready”
Writers: Mark Collie/Kenny Greenberg/Gary Nicholson; Producers: Kenny Greenberg/Chad Cromwell; Label: BFD/Audium/Orchard
— That Waylon/outlaw beat gets me every time. And it fits this renegade/rebel song perfectly. Welcome back, buddy. We’ve missed ya.
This week’s DISCovery Winner Hannah Dasher. Photo: Andrew Morton
’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.”
Brett Kissel Contemplates Life, Love, Gratitude On New Album
/by Lorie HollabaughBrett Kissel tackles a burning question on his upcoming new album, What Is Life?, due out April 9.
The 18-time Canadian Country Music award winner gives fans a first taste of the album with a new single, “Make A Life, Not A Living,” out today (March 5). Released on OneRPM, What Is Life?, features 14 original tracks, 10 songs produced by Kissel, Bart McKay, and Jesse Frasure, and four short monologues reflecting on the title What Is Life? from Kissel and his children.
“That age-old question is one that I’ve really focused on and centered around for this next phase of my career and for my life,” said Kissel. “And each and every time, the one thought that is always front and center for me, is doing the best we can with what we have, and making the most of our lives—living the words that I sing in the first song—and I hope that everyone who hears it not just enjoys it, but is also inspired by it.”
Kissel launched in the U.S. in the fall of 2019 with the release of “Drink About Me.” The music video for the song featured The Bachelor franchise fan favorites Kaitlyn Bristowe and Jason Tartick, and since its release, has garnered over 35 million streams. Since the onset of the pandemic Kissel has been hard at work on his new project, and also released “A Few Good Stories,” a collaboration with Walk Off The Earth, and the feel-good, up-tempo “She Drives Me Crazy.”
Jake Owen Earns No. 1 On MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart
/by Alex ParryTopping the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart this week is “Made For You” by Jake Owen. The single gained an additional 73 spins this week for a total of 1,808 spins and 60 stations playing the single.
“Made For You” was written by Benjy Davis, Joey Hyde, and Neil Medley. It appears on his debut album for Big Loud Records, Greetings From…Jake, which was produced by Joey Moi.
This marks 85 No. 1 singles for independent record promotion company, Jerry Duncan Promotions. “Made For You” quickly followed their last chart success “7 Summers” by Morgan Wallen, which hit No. 1 in January.
Click here or above to view the latest edition of The MusicRow Weekly.
Miranda Lambert, Jack Ingram And Jon Randall To Release ‘The Marfa Tapes’ In May
/by Lorie HollabaughJon Randall, Jack Ingram, Miranda Lambert. Photo: Spencer Peeples
Jack Ingram, Miranda Lambert, and Jon Randall are releasing a collection of intimate and raw songs written and recorded together in the tiny town of Marfa, Texas, called The Marfa Tapes, on May 7.
Over the past several years, the desolate location has become a songwriting haven for the trio, yielding hits and some profound personal growth. When they returned for five days last November, they recorded the new project, inspired by the stark beauty of west Texas and the deep, lasting bonds the three have forged there. Recorded raw and loose with just a pair of mics and an acoustic guitar, The Marfa Tapes is an intimate, unadorned snapshot of a moment in time fueled by love, trust, and friendship.
“I’ll never forget pulling into Marfa that first night at 4 a.m.,” said Lambert. “The stars were like nothing I’d ever seen before, just this endless blanket hanging so low you could reach up and touch them. I immediately understood why this place was so special.”
“There’s no TV, no radio, nothing to do out there but pour a cocktail, sit around the campfire, and talk,” continued Randall. “Eventually, that just inevitably leads to songs. There’s no pressure to write, but most of the time, the three of us can’t seem to help ourselves.”
“There’s something singular that happens in that moment of collaboration and creation, something you can never really recreate in the studio,” said Ingram. “Our hope with this album was to share a little bit of that magic with people.”
The Marfa Tapes Track List:
1) In His Arms
2) I Don’t Like It
3) The Wind’s Just Gonna Blow
4) Am I Right Or Amarillo
5) Waxahachie
6) Homegrown Tomatoes
7) Breaking A Heart
8) Ghost
9) Geraldene
10) We’ll Always Have The Blues
11) Tin Man
12) Two-Step Down To Texas
13) Anchor
14) Tequila Does
15) Amazing Grace (West Texas)
Thomas Rhett Announces Double Album, ‘Country Again’
/by LB CantrellReigning ACM Entertainer of the Year Thomas Rhett has announced his fifth studio double album: Country Again. Side A will release on April 30 via The Valory Music Co, while Side B is planned for release later this year.
“Country Again: Side A is everything I wanted to say when I was 19 years old, but hadn’t lived enough to know how to say any of those things yet,” Rhett says. “It’s about the crazy journey that took me out into the world over the last ten years and ultimately brought me back home, more centered and content than ever, with a deep understanding for what’s important in life. I’ve had a blast sharing some of these songs in their acoustic form during quarantine and am blown away by the reaction the fans have already shown.”
In what is described as a musical and thematic return to his roots, Rhett co-wrote every song on Side A. He teamed up with longtime producers Dann Huff and Jesse Frasure for the project.
Rhett, who was reportedly already feeling a pull back to his musical roots, was prompted to make the music when the pandemic struck and the world shut down.
“How else do you slow down unless you’re forced to?,” Rhett says. “For the first time, I had to look at myself and say ‘Who am I? Who is Thomas Rhett without a microphone or a guitar or a stage?’ I had to really dig deep and figure it out. So in many ways, 2020 was a big ol’ reality check, a complete reset. And when I finally settled into myself and my family, and started to work again, it completely influenced all of my songwriting.”
Country Again: Side A Track List:
1. “Want It Again” | Thomas Rhett, Matt Dragstrem, Josh Miller, Josh Thompson
2. “Growing Up” | Thomas Rhett, Matt Dragstrem, Josh Miller, Josh Thompson
3. “What’s Your Country Song” | Thomas Rhett, Rhett Akins, Jesse Frasure, Ashley Gorley, Parker Welling
4. “Where We Grew Up”* | Thomas Rhett, Luke Laird, Josh Miller
5. “Heaven Right Now” | Thomas Rhett, Rhett Akins, Matt Dragstrem, Josh Thompson, Laura Veltz
6. “To The Guys That Date My Girls” | Thomas Rhett, Rhett Akins, Will Bundy, Josh Thompson
7. “More Time Fishin’” | Thomas Rhett, Rhett Akins, Will Bundy, Josh Thompson
8. “Country Again” | Thomas Rhett, Zach Crowell, Ashley Gorley
9. “Put It On Ice (featuring Hardy)”+ | Thomas Rhett, Rhett Akins, Matt Dragstrem, Josh Thompson
10. “Blame It On A Backroad” | Thomas Rhett, Zach Crowell, Ashley Gorley
11. “Ya Heard” | Thomas Rhett, Rhett Akins, Matt Dragstrem, Chase McGill
Produced by Dann Huff and Jesse Frasure
+Produced by Dann Huff and Matt Dragstrem
*Produced by Dann Huff
Virtual Tickets Available: 14th Annual Jeffrey Steele & Friends Benefit
/by Lorie HollabaughThe 14th Annual Jeffrey Steele & Friends event is set for March 8 at the Franklin Theater in Franklin, Tennessee.
The special evening celebrating and honoring the life and legacy of Alex LeVasseur will feature an auction and performances by Steele, Phil Vassar, Lit, Ira Dean, Michael Ray, Bridgette Tatum, Alissa Griffith, Blake Griffith, silence X noise, Stephen Wilson Jr., and more.
Hosted by Storme Warren, the show raises money for the Alex LeVasseur Fund of the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee to support overlooked and at-risk youth in the Nashville community and beyond. Steele and family created the Alex LeVasseur Memorial Fund at The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee after Steele’s 13-year-old son passed away January 28, 2007 in a tragic accident.
Virtual streaming tickets for the show are also available until Friday (March 5).
Walker Campbell Signs With Banner Music
/by LB CantrellPictured (L-R): Daniel Kleindienst, producer; Camilla Kleindienst, manager; Walker Campbell; Jennifer Ziegenhorn; John Campbell. Photo: Courtesy of Banner Music
Young artist Walker Campbell has signed a management deal with Nashville-based Banner Music, enlisting Camilla Kleindienst as his personal manager.
Campbell is pursuing a career in pop music, acting and modeling. He is currently tracking songs in the studio and is expected to be releasing new music this year.
In December, Campbell was signed to the Banner Believers roster with his single, “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas,” making him the youngest Banner Believer at just 11 years old.
“I’m excited that Banner Music has vision and faith in me to help my dreams come true,” says Campbell.
“I believe in Walker Campbell. I love it that he and his family think enough of me to bring me on as manager. Big things are coming for Walker Campbell and I think we all will be amazed at what he can do,” says Camilla Kleindienst.
“Walker Campbell is a very talented artist who has a long career ahead of him. I look forward to observing and participating in his advancing career,” says Daniel Kleindienst.
Industry Ink: Kylie Frey, Circle Network, Intersection
/by Lorie HollabaughKylie Frey Partners With Revolver Brewing As Brand Ambassador
Kylie Frey has been named the first official brand ambassador for Revolver Brewing and is the only independent female artist signed with a Molson Coors brand.
The partnership will include personal appearances, meet and greets, performances, social media campaigns, in-store support at Revolver Brewery’s, special promotions and a new signature Rodeo Queen brew, named after Frey’s Rodeo Queen EP.
The Louisiana native’s rodeo roots and signature sass make her a natural fit for Revolver, who make beer from the Texas countryside.
Circle Network Announces Special To Help Feed People In Need
Country Music—Feeding America, a 30-minute TV special dedicated to raising awareness and donations for families living with hunger and food insecurity in America, will air on March 6 at 7:30 p.m. CT on the Circle Network. Artists partnering with Feeding America to support the effort include Bobby Bones, Lindsay Ell, Chris Janson, Jeannie Seely, Darius Rucker, Ricky Skaggs, Travis Tritt, Tenille Townes, Hailey Whitters, and more. Several families will also share stories of hardship and what it means to have an organization like Feeding America on their side.
The special will livestream on Circle on March 6 and then premiere on linear TV, FAST feed and AVOD streaming platforms on March 10 at 8:30 p.m. ET, then again on Sunday, March 14 at 6 p.m. ET. It will also stream live on Facebook in select Gray television markets on March 6 at 7:30 p.m. CT.
Intersection Participates In Carnegie Hall Lullaby Project With Kyshona
Nashville’s contemporary music ensemble, Intersection, will serve as a national partner for the Lullaby Project, a program of Carnegie Hall’s Weill Music Institute which pairs pregnant women and new mothers and fathers with artists to write personal lullabies for their babies. Intersection’s pilot phase of this program begins this month and is supported by funding from the Tennessee Arts Commission.
For the first phase of the program, Intersection will partner with Renewal House, an organization that provides specialized addiction treatment to women and their children and is the only long-term family residential program in Middle Tennessee that treats women and their children together. Ten new or expecting mothers will collaborate with songwriter-artist Kyshona to create a unique lullaby. Kyshona’s audio recording of the songs will be given to participants and also be made available on Intersection’s website.
DISClaimer Single Reviews: Eric Church, Miranda Lambert, Brandy Clark
/by Robert K OermannDisc of the Day winner Eric Church Photo: Reid Long
I must be living right.
How else can you explain new music in the same listening session from three of my very favorite artists—Miranda Lambert, Eric Church and Brandy Clark? They are among the reasons I still listen to country music, no matter how bad most of the rest of it is. Any one of them could be the Disc of the Day. I’m giving the nod to my main man, Eric Church.
There are bright rays of hope in this edition of DISClaimer. I refer to the dandy disc debuts by Ian Munsick, Hannah Dasher and Callista Clark. Hannah Dasher wins this week’s DISCovery Award. I look forward to hearing much, much more from her.
HEATH SANDERS / “Old School’s In”
Writers: Casey Beathard/Heath Sanders/Houston Phillips; Producer: Dann Huff; Label: The Valory Music Co.
— He’s bellowing about how things haven’t changed where he lives, as though someone was arguing with him about it. It’s meant to be some kind of redneck anthem, but it sounds like we’ve heard all this before from other flag wavers. A worn retread.
ELLE KING & MIRANDA LAMBERT / “Drunk (And I Don’t Wanna Go Home)”
Writers: Elle King/Martin Johnson; Producer: Martin Johnson; Label: RCA Records Nashville/Vanner Records
— Feisty, rocking and oh-so-adorable. I never would have imagined these two together, but the result is ridiculously catchy.
NOAH SCHNACKY / “She Broke My Heart”
Writers: Noah Schnacky/Lindsay Rimes/Laura Veltz; Producer: Lindsay Rimes; Label: Big Machine
— The production is too busy, but his charm is undeniable on this jaunty ditty. Despite what the title might lead you to believe, it is an upbeat bopper about how getting dumped led to True Romance. Or at least to meeting a hottie at the House of Blues.
BRAD PAISLEY / “Off Road”
Writers: Brad Paisley/Ross Copperman/Lee Thomas Miller; Producers: Ross Copperman/Luke Wooten; Label: Arista Nashville
— If you want to go with her, get ready for a wild ride with an empowered woman. She might have some “dust on her halo,” but you can’t keep her down. She’s heading for parts unknown with her moxie and grit intact.
HANNAH DASHER / “Left Right”
Writers: Brandon Hood/Hannah Dasher/Wynn Varble; Producer: Brandon Hood; Label: RCA Nashville
— I like her a lot. She’s got lots of country-female attitude, a witty way with words and twang to spare. While the rhythm thumps merrily, she advises him to make up his mind and “put a ring on her left right now.” Sign me up for the fan club.
BRETT YOUNG / “You Got Away With It”
Writers: Brett Young/Justin Ebach/Ashley Gorley/Jon Nite/Jimmy Robbins; Producer: Dann Huff; Label: BMLG Records
— She stole his heart and got away with the crime. I like it that this track has some stomp to it, which is a new texture for this guy. The harmonica work is cool, too.
CALLISTA CLARK / “It’s ‘Cause I Am”
Writers: Callista Clark/Cameron Jaymes/Laura Veltz; Producer: Nathan Chapman; Label: Big Machine Records
— She’s way too complicated for you. Get used to it. It ain’t real “country,” but the tune has its spicy, saucy moments.
TRAVIS TRITT / “Smoke in a Bar”
Writers: Jeremy Bussey/Derek George/Tim Montana; Producer: Dave Cobb; Label: Big Noise Label Group
— Nostalgia for simpler times. I’m a huge fan of Tritt, and he’s been away for far too long. But, sorry, I don’t miss smoking in a bar at all. Seat belts save lives. The six o’clock news does tell the truth, and implying that it doesn’t is twisted. Find a better song.
IAN MUNSICK / “Long Haul”
Writers: Ian Munsick/Dave Villa/Jamie Kenney; Producers: Jamie Kenney/Dave Villa/Ian Munsick; Label: Warner Music Nashville
— He has a heart-tugging tenor voice and a marvelous sense of melody. The sonic atmosphere is beautifully airy and open. A simply stunning disc debut. Munsick’s first album, Coyote Cry, dropped last week, and the whole thing is heartily recommended.
ERIC CHURCH / “Never Break Heart”
Writers: Eric Church/Luke Dick; Producer: Jay Joyce; Label: EMI Music Nashville
— I love everything about this. The production is a wonderland of rhythmic punch, twinkling mandolin, echoey harmony singing, sighing organ, stately piano and crunch guitars. The song is superbly well written. The message is inspirational. Three albums at once? Really? Believe it, when a man this gifted is doing it. The Church Choir rises with one mighty voice. Sing along.
BRANDY CLARK / “The Past Is the Past” feat. Lindsey Buckingham
Writers: Brandy Clark/Barry Dean/Luke Laird; Producer: Lindsey Buckingham; Label: Warner Records
— On her album, this is a gentle ode of farewell. This new version, produced by Lindsey Buckingham, rocks out with splendor and verve. However you slice it, this is a very cool song, and Clark is as good as it gets.
MARK COLLIE / “Born Ready”
Writers: Mark Collie/Kenny Greenberg/Gary Nicholson; Producers: Kenny Greenberg/Chad Cromwell; Label: BFD/Audium/Orchard
— That Waylon/outlaw beat gets me every time. And it fits this renegade/rebel song perfectly. Welcome back, buddy. We’ve missed ya.
This week’s DISCovery Winner Hannah Dasher. Photo: Andrew Morton
Miranda Lambert To Become First Female Country Artist With A Bar On Broadway
/by LB CantrellMiranda Lambert. Photo: Ellen Von Unwerth
Miranda Lambert will be the first female country artist with a branded bar on Broadway in Nashville.
The restaurant will be called Miranda Lambert’s Casa Rosa and, according to a report by the Nashville Business Journal, will be located at 308 Broadway.
TC Restaurant Group—the restaurant and hospitality company behind Jason Aldean’s Kitchen & Rooftop Bar, FGL House, Luke Bryan’s 32 Bridge, and more—has teamed with Lambert on the establishment. The most nominated female artist in ACM history will join Aldean, Bryan, Florida Georgia Line, Dierks Bentley, Blake Shelton and more male country artists with bars and restaurants on lower Broadway.
TC Restaurant Group provided the following statement to MusicRow: “In true Miranda Lambert fashion, the two-time Grammy Award winning artist will make history in 2021 by partnering with TC Restaurant Group to become the first female country star to have a bar and restaurant on Broadway in Nashville, Tennessee. TC Restaurant Group and Miranda Lambert are excited to release more details in the coming week.”