Elaina Smith, host of CRS New Faces of Country Music
Five country up-and-comers took the stage on Friday (Feb. 19) to close out the four-day CRS 2021: The Virtual Experience.
Formed in 1970, the annual New Faces of Country Music Show is one of the most anticipated events at CRS, and has featured some of the format’s biggest acts in their early days. Each of the 2021 New Faces have had some traction at country radio, and were voted on by the industry to perform.
Westwood One’s Elaina Smith served as the host for the evening, sponsored by the Academy of Country Music and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
First to perform was Big Loud Records artist HARDY. Both Smith and HARDY shook off the awkwardness of being in person for the first time in a while, before the singer-songwriter expressed how grateful he was to be chosen as a New Faces performer. “I’m honored that country radio has my back,” HARDY said.
HARDY
His rocking four-song set started off with a bang, as he played his rock ‘n roll influenced “Boots.”
Next up was HARDY’s collaboration with Lauren Alaina and Devin Dawson that rose to the pinnacle of the country charts, a place he had been before as a songwriter, but his first time as an artist. “This was my first No. 1 as a country music artist, and that’s because of you guys,” HARDY said before launching into his Platinum-certified “One Beer.”
The country rocker continued on with his next official single at country radio, “Give Heaven Some Hell.” Penned by HARDY with Ashley Gorley, Ben Johnson, and Hunter Phelps, the song is an emotional tribute to a lost friend. A white church steeple displayed on the video screen in the background as HARDY sang: “Hide your beer, hide your clear from the man upstairs, Crank it loud, hold it down ’til I get there / And when I do I hope you got some new stories to tell, ‘Til then, give heaven some hell.”
The Mississippi native’s twangy voice shined on his redneck revelation “Unapologetically Country As Hell.”
Next up was RECORDS Nashville/Arista Nashville artist Matt Stell. His set started out with an introduction video of him on a date that is not going well, until the woman in his passenger seat hears his song on the radio, that is.
Matt Stell
The singer-songwriter started the music with his next country radio single, “That Ain’t Me No More.” Stell surprised fans with the uptempo heartbreaker earlier in February.
The 6’7″ Stell commanded the stage, next performing his latest No. 1 “Everywhere But On.” His voice shined on the Gold-certified track. Stell then transitioned to his first No. 1, the Platinum-certified track “Prayed For You.”
Another video moment featured the Arkansas native writing a letter to his mother, which she read on camera. Stell expressed his gratitude for her and her support, and let her know he had paid off her horse trailer. “Thank you country radio,” an emotional Stell said as the video ended.
19th & Grand Records artist Tenille Arts was up next.
A fringed-jacket clad Arts started off her set with a fun small-town romp, “Everybody Knows Everybody.” Notably during Arts set, viewers were able see a Zoom grid of spectators in front of Arts.
Arts did a shot with the viewers to feel a little closer given the circumstances, and to promote her new song “Give It To Me Straight,” which she released on Friday.
Tenille Arts
The singer-songwriter sat down in a chair and got comfortable for the next song, a story of her journey to Nashville. “I was so hopeful but so terrified at the same time,” Arts said. Her gorgeous voice sparkled on a new song she wrote about her one bedroom apartment that she chased her dreams in, “a song kind of like a letter to the next dreamer that moves in.”
The Canada native closed her set with her breakout hit, “Somebody Like That,” with an infectious smile on her face.
Mercury Nashville Recording artist Travis Denning hit the stage next, after a hilarious introduction video where he compared having a hit at country radio to fishing. “I found a lot of parallels in trying to have a big hit at country radio and tryin to catch a big fish,” Denning said as he broke down his fishing struggles.
Denning began with a new country burner that had him singing about his country lifestyle. “Call it what you want, we just call it country,” the charismatic artist sang.
Travis Denning
Denning announced that “ABBY,” a funny breakup song that’s title is an abbreviation for “any body but you,” is his next country radio single. “I’ma call her Abby, that’s anybody but you / She’ll have a bad little body, be the life of the party, Drink a cold beer too / She won’t make me go crazy, like you-know-who, And her name is Abby, that’s anybody but you,” Denning sang with a grin.
“This is an absolute honor to be here,” the Georgia native said before playing a new song titled “I’m Gonna Love You,” with a piano accompaniment.
The talented musician closed with his first No. 1, “After A Few,” that ended with an awesome guitar solo.
Warner Music Nashville treasure Ashley McBryde closed out the showcase, leaving CRS viewers with a treat.
“It’s a huge thing for my name to be next to Miranda and Eric,” McBryde said as she started her set.
The Grammy-nominee opened acoustically with a chill-invoking “Girl Goin Nowhere.” Although attendees were watching through screens, it felt as if McBryde was reaching out personally to each person watching.
Ashley McBryde
She then played her breakout Gold-certified single, “A Little Dive Bar In Dahlonega,” with emotion in her eyes.
The singer-songwriter had a little fun covering Johnny Cash’s “I’ve Been Everywhere.” She put her own spin on the song by changing the second verse to include all the different beers brands she likes.
McBryde’s award-winning, Gold-certified single “One Night Standards” was up next. The song appears on the Arkansas native’s Grammy nominated album Never Will, as well as the song McBryde closed with, “Martha Divine.”
The rocking murder song will appear on her recently announced six-song EP Never Will: Live From A Distance. The masterful communicator proved that she can successfully deliver any and all subject matter with a full range of captivating performances in her star-making CRS New Faces set.
Weekly Register: Taylor Swift’s Re-recorded “Love Story” Tops Country Songs Chart
/by LB CantrellTaylor Swift. Photo: Beth Garrabrant
Taylor Swift‘s re-recorded version of her 2008 hit “Love Story” is the top country debut, at No. 1 on the country song streaming chart and No. 10 overall. The track, which is the first released from her recently announced Fearless (Taylor’s Version), garnered 12 million streams this week.
Morgan Wallen‘s “Wasted On You” shifts down to No. 2 this week. His “Sand In My Boots” (No. 3 ) and “Somebody’s Problem” (No. 5) also appear in the top five. Luke Combs “Better Together” stays at No. 4, earning 7 million streams this week.
Wallen maintains his grip on the top country albums chart this week, with Dangerous maintaining the top position (93K in total consumption) for the sixth week, and If I Know Me sitting at No. 4. Combs’ What You See Is What You Get maintains the No. 2 spot and his This One’s For You takes No. 5.
Florida Georgia Line‘s fifth studio album Life Rolls On debuted at No. 3 on the country albums chart and No. 21 overall this week. The project generated 20K in total consumption (8.4K album only/12.5 million song streams).
Oh Boy Records Turns 40
/by Sarah SkatesOh Boy Records, home to music by the late songwriting icon John Prine, is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year with a series of special releases and events.
To commemorate the milestone, Oh Boy will share a new documentary series chronicling the label’s rich history and legacy via its YouTube page. Additionally, Oh Boy will roll out new releases from Tré Burt and Dan Reeder, as well as a special edition John Prine 7-inch box set, Fair & Square on vinyl. There will be exclusive new merchandise, special curated playlists, outdoor pop-up events and more.
Each week the label will celebrate a different album or artist from its extensive catalogue. The series kicks off Wednesday, Feb. 24 highlighting The Bis-Quits.
Founded in 1981 by Prine, and his longtime manager, the late Al Bunetta, Oh Boy says it is the country’s second oldest artist-owned independent label, and the oldest in Nashville.
It continues today as a vital part of Nashville’s independent music community with the recent signings of emerging artists Burt, Arlo McKinley and Kelsey Waldon.
Prine’s widow and President of Oh Boy, Fiona Whelan Prine shares, “As long as there are people who want to listen to good music, who will value the singer-songwriter then we will keep on going.”
This year also marks the 50th anniversary of Prine’s landmark self-titled debut album, featuring the songs “Hello In There,” “Paradise,” “Sam Stone” and “Angel From Montgomery.” In celebration, Oh Boy will release a special anniversary edition of the album.
Kelly Price To Release New Album ‘Grace’ For Motown Gospel
/by Lorie HollabaughKelly Price has signed with Motown Gospel in a joint venture with SANG GIRL! Inc.
Price is currently readying the release of her new gospel project, Grace, due out on April 2. The six-track EP is available for pre-order, with the lead single, “Grace,” and an accompanying lyric video out now. Price poured her heart into the new album, and used it as a healing tool after losing her grandfather early in the 2020 pandemic, followed by the sudden passing of her mother at the end of the year.
The release of Grace comes 15 years after Price’s acclaimed gospel album, This Is Who I Am, hit No. 1 on Billboard‘s Top Gospel Albums chart and landed in the top ten of the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart.
“From her iconic vocals to her vast songwriting catalog, Kelly Price’s contributions to hip-hop, R&B and gospel music cannot be overstated,” said EJ Gaines, Co-Executive Director, Motown Gospel. “We’re excited to partner with her as she shares her craft, and her heart, with the world.”
“Whatever side of me that people have loved through the years, be it R&B or gospel, they are going to get all of that on this album,” Price said. “I let my team know that I needed to get back to work to finish this project and get my message out. I couldn’t imagine going through 2020 without having a foundation of faith and a strong belief in God.”
Nashville-Based 8 Pound Gorilla Records Specializes In Family Music
/by Sarah SkatesA new record label specializing in children’s and family music has launched in Nashville. 8 Pound Gorilla Records is a division of the noted comedy label 800 Pound Gorilla Media.
8 Pound Gorilla Records has tapped Kenny Curtis (SiriusXM Kids Place Live) to handle A&R, and Ed Rivadavia as Head of Marketing. 800 Pound Gorilla Media Head of Music Luke Youngblom handles that role at both labels.
8 Pound Gorilla has scheduled releases by Genevieve Goings (known for her work with Disney Jr.), comedian-musician Mike Phirman, pop songwriting duo Rabbit!, and Sesame Street songwriter Erica Rabner. In the fall of 2020, it released music by Australia’s Formidable Vegetable and Grammy-nominee Frances England.
Curtis said, “These are artists who go way beyond ‘The Wheels on the Bus’ when they write songs for kids. These are honest, well-crafted songs that speak to kids in their world today. Family dynamics are changing as millennials become parents, and there’s a new appetite for music and content that families can share. For artists, the possibilities of working in this genre are endless, and we give them free rein to imagine and create their own ‘8 pounds’ of fun.”
Also signed to the label are award winners Elliott Park, Tim Kubart, SaulPaul, The Lucky Band, RAII & Whitney and DJ WillyWow.
Youngblom said, “The children’s music genre is clearly untapped. With many talented artists not yet recognized in the mainstream, we hope to change that. We are developing a nimble indie approach to this niche genre, and we will individualize our process with each artist as we grow this space, releasing original music that only a few major labels have been able to undertake.”
The comedy label 800 Pound Gorilla Media was founded by Ryan Bitzer and Damion Greiman, and is home to Marc Maron, George Lopez, Kathleen Madigan, Affion Crockett and Kevin Hart’s LOL Records.
Darius Rucker’s Sunny Single Soars To No. 1
/by Lorie HollabaughDarius Rucker is celebrating his tenth trip to the top of the charts with latest single, the upbeat “Beers And Sunshine.”
Written during a Zoom session with producer Ross Copperman, Josh Osborne, and JT Harding at the onset of the pandemic, the anthem has been celebrated for its calls for slowing down to recognize the important things in life when the world feels out of control. It was recorded virtually from Rucker’s home.
“It’s certainly been a challenging year,” said the singer. “Like a lot of people, when I got home from being on the road last March and we parked the tour bus for the foreseeable future, we had no idea what our future would actually look like. I don’t have the answers for how we fix the complex issues that we’re facing in our country or in country music, however while we work through this time I think it’s important that we balance the heaviness by finding the silver lining, where we can really enjoy the simple joys this song talks about like time spent together with friends and family.”
Rucker, who is currently at work on a forthcoming studio album, will perform the song this week when he appears live on NBC’s Today show Friday (Feb. 25).
Comedian/Actor Leslie Jordan Pairs With Brandi Carlile, TJ Osborne, More On New Duets Album
/by Lorie HollabaughComedian/actor Leslie Jordan is releasing a star-studded duets album, Company’s Comin’, on April 2 via Platoon. The first single from the project, “Angel Band” featuring Brandi Carlile, is out today (Feb. 22).
The project was inspired by Jordan’s weekly “Sunday Mornin’ Hymn Singin’” live stream, and features Jordan performing southern gospel hymns with special guests including Tanya Tucker, TJ Osborne (of Brothers Osborne), Travis Howard, and Katie Pruitt, with more surprise guests to be announced.
Company’s Comin’ offers takes on traditional hymns and brand new originals written just for the occasion, with a playful mix of righteous gospel, classic country, vintage soul and Americana/roots influences. Co-produced by Nashville songwriters/multi-
“My dear friend Travis Howard and I would get together on Sundays to sing these old hymns just because we loved them,” says Jordan. “Somewhere along the way, my business partner, Mike Lotus, took a real interest in what we were doing and started looking up and learning about every old Baptist hymn he could find. I think he realized, like we did, that the songs held something brilliant about the human condition and were a deep comfort to anyone who heard them, religious or not. He started posting our performances online, and the response was just incredible.”
Raised Southern Baptist in East Tennessee, Jordan is most known for his breakout role as Beverley Leslie on the iconic sitcom Will and Grace. His larger-than-life personality and southern drawl have captured fans around the world, and in 2020, Jordan’s hilariously relatable, slice-of-life videos on Instagram went viral and his popularity skyrocketed as he racked up more than five million followers in a matter of months. As the pandemic continued, Jordan found solace in the music from his youth, and with encouragement and accompaniment from Howard, he began performing the songs on social media.
Jordan is also launching his Apple Music Country show Hunker Down Radio with Leslie Jordan, which is set to premiere Feb. 28. He is also currently starring in the new FOX sitcom Call Me Kat and just announced his new book How Y’all Doing?, an essay collection of entertaining stories about the odd, funny, and unforgettable events in his life.
Leslie Jordan. Photo: Miller Mobley
Singer-Songwriter Bill Nash To Release Autobiography, ‘Saint Sinner Singer’
/by LB CantrellVeteran singer-songwriter Bill Nash will release a new memoir, Saint Sinner Singer: An Unexpected, Redirected, Resurrected Life, on March 23.
Nash’s career has spanned across seven decades, and five major record labels. His songs have been recorded by Diamond Rio, Dolly Parton, Larry Gatlin, Reba McEntire, Wayne Newton, and Eddy Arnold. He and his wife and frequent songwriting partner Kim Nash, also founded Champions Kids Camp, a camp for survivors of traumatic events, in honor of their oldest son’s healing from Leukemia.
The autobiography will detail the ups and downs of Nash’s music career and personal life. From growing up on the road singing in his family’s band, his first meeting with Kris Kristofferson, his first record deal and writing songs for country music artists, to meeting his wife and the fearful times their family has endured, Saint Sinner Singer will take readers through the triumphs and struggles.
“Hope. If I could give everyone one gift by way of reading this book, it would be hope,” says Nash. “Sure, I love telling my stories about Kristofferson and Reba and everybody else I’ve been so fortunate to work with, but at the end of the day, I would like anyone reading my story to come away with a feeling that they can make it through whatever life throws at them.”
Saint Sinner Singer is available for pre-order now.
‘May We All’ Musical Announces Nashville Residency For Summer 2022
/by Lorie HollabaughMay We All, the new musical from Floria Georgia Line member Brian Kelley‘s production company CuzBro Productions and Michael Barra’s Lively McCabe Entertainment, will world premiere in June 2022 in a special Nashville residency as part of Tennessee Performing Arts Center’s Broadway at TPAC series. The production is being developed in partnership with BMG and will have a multi-week run at TPAC.
May We All is a story of disappearing small-town America as seen through the hopeful eyes of its youth. Jenna Coates, a fledgling country singer, reluctantly comes home after a rough start in Nashville, ultimately to discover that her roots may take her a lot further than her dreams. A celebration of America’s heartland, the musical features the music of Tim McGraw, Sara Evans, Kenny Chesney, Keith Urban, Brooks & Dunn, Shania Twain, Kacey Musgraves, Chris Stapleton, Little Big Town, Miranda Lambert, Rascal Flatts, John Denver, Patsy Cline, Johnny Cash, Loretta Lynn, Dolly Parton, The Chicks, Old Dominion, Jessica Andrews, and LOCASH, among others. Two original songs co-written by Brian Kelley and Tyler Hubbard of FGL are also featured in the score and will debut exclusively in the project.
“TPAC is looking forward to welcoming everyone back to the theater again, and we can’t wait to share all the new and uplifting arts experiences we have in store for you next year,” says Jennifer Turner, TPAC President and CEO. “We’re delighted to host the world premiere engagement of May We All in the summer of 2022. It’s the perfect opportunity for fans of musical theater and fans of country music to unite here in Music City for this special presentation before the launch of a national tour.”
The Nashville debut will also jumpstart a 2022/23 national tour of the musical. Following production delays in 2020 due to the pandemic, the previously announced developmental production of May We All at Playhouse on the Square in Memphis is now planning to proceed in Fall 2021.
“We’re so excited for May We All to be in residence in Nashville next summer,” says Lively McCabe Entertainment Executive Producer Michael Barra. “Music City followed by a coast-to-coast tour has been our goal for this show since day one, and the overwhelming response from country music fans has granted us the opportunity to achieve this milestone. We’re so grateful to Jennifer Turner and her first-rate team at TPAC for their support and partnership on this production.”
Sara Haze Signs With Sheltered Music Publishing
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): Jenny Hall (Sheltered Music Publishing), Sara Haze, Darrell Frankling (SVP Sheltered Music Publishing)
Sara Haze has signed with Sheltered Music Publishing.
Haze began her career at 13 as a performer for film and TV scores. Her writing career took off soon after and she began securing placements in major films and in shows on MTV, Fox, WB, and E!. In 2011, Haze moved to Nashville to pursue a solo career where she toured with artists such as Little Big Town and Hunter Hayes. A collaboration she did with Hillary Scott of Lady A was discovered by Elle King, who recorded it for the 2015 film Hot Pursuit featuring Sofia Vergara and Reese Witherspoon, and the song later became the nationwide campaign for Coors Light Beer. Haze’s writing success has continued with cuts by Little Big Town, Rascal Flatts, Carrie Underwood, Lady A, Carly Pearce, Hunter Hayes, and more.
“I am so proud to have Sara as part of the roster here in Nashville, said Darrell Franklin, SVP, Sheltered Music Publishing. “Having been an artist herself, Sara brings such a depth of vision and perspective to other artists and writers to help them express what they are trying to say lyrically and melodically. She has a unique skillset that is truly one of a kind.”
“I am extremely grateful to be able to call Sheltered Music my new publishing home,” said Haze. “The excitement of a newly formed company with industry veterans such as Lance Freed, Darrell Franklin, and Dann Huff is an absolute dream come true. Darrell’s proven ability to recognize talented new artists, as well as his relationships with labels and producers throughout Music Row, is an invaluable asset as a songwriter. I am thrilled to work with Jenny Hall and the incredible roster of talented songwriters on this team.”
In its first year, Sheltered Music has completed deals with Burt Bacharach, Emmylou Harris, Rodney Crowell, Melissa Peirce, and Jenna LaMaster, as well as established a creative development partnership with producer Dann Huff.
Country Newcomers Entertain At Virtual CRS New Faces Show
/by LB CantrellElaina Smith, host of CRS New Faces of Country Music
Five country up-and-comers took the stage on Friday (Feb. 19) to close out the four-day CRS 2021: The Virtual Experience.
Formed in 1970, the annual New Faces of Country Music Show is one of the most anticipated events at CRS, and has featured some of the format’s biggest acts in their early days. Each of the 2021 New Faces have had some traction at country radio, and were voted on by the industry to perform.
Westwood One’s Elaina Smith served as the host for the evening, sponsored by the Academy of Country Music and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
First to perform was Big Loud Records artist HARDY. Both Smith and HARDY shook off the awkwardness of being in person for the first time in a while, before the singer-songwriter expressed how grateful he was to be chosen as a New Faces performer. “I’m honored that country radio has my back,” HARDY said.
HARDY
His rocking four-song set started off with a bang, as he played his rock ‘n roll influenced “Boots.”
Next up was HARDY’s collaboration with Lauren Alaina and Devin Dawson that rose to the pinnacle of the country charts, a place he had been before as a songwriter, but his first time as an artist. “This was my first No. 1 as a country music artist, and that’s because of you guys,” HARDY said before launching into his Platinum-certified “One Beer.”
The country rocker continued on with his next official single at country radio, “Give Heaven Some Hell.” Penned by HARDY with Ashley Gorley, Ben Johnson, and Hunter Phelps, the song is an emotional tribute to a lost friend. A white church steeple displayed on the video screen in the background as HARDY sang: “Hide your beer, hide your clear from the man upstairs, Crank it loud, hold it down ’til I get there / And when I do I hope you got some new stories to tell, ‘Til then, give heaven some hell.”
The Mississippi native’s twangy voice shined on his redneck revelation “Unapologetically Country As Hell.”
Next up was RECORDS Nashville/Arista Nashville artist Matt Stell. His set started out with an introduction video of him on a date that is not going well, until the woman in his passenger seat hears his song on the radio, that is.
Matt Stell
The singer-songwriter started the music with his next country radio single, “That Ain’t Me No More.” Stell surprised fans with the uptempo heartbreaker earlier in February.
The 6’7″ Stell commanded the stage, next performing his latest No. 1 “Everywhere But On.” His voice shined on the Gold-certified track. Stell then transitioned to his first No. 1, the Platinum-certified track “Prayed For You.”
Another video moment featured the Arkansas native writing a letter to his mother, which she read on camera. Stell expressed his gratitude for her and her support, and let her know he had paid off her horse trailer. “Thank you country radio,” an emotional Stell said as the video ended.
19th & Grand Records artist Tenille Arts was up next.
A fringed-jacket clad Arts started off her set with a fun small-town romp, “Everybody Knows Everybody.” Notably during Arts set, viewers were able see a Zoom grid of spectators in front of Arts.
Arts did a shot with the viewers to feel a little closer given the circumstances, and to promote her new song “Give It To Me Straight,” which she released on Friday.
Tenille Arts
The singer-songwriter sat down in a chair and got comfortable for the next song, a story of her journey to Nashville. “I was so hopeful but so terrified at the same time,” Arts said. Her gorgeous voice sparkled on a new song she wrote about her one bedroom apartment that she chased her dreams in, “a song kind of like a letter to the next dreamer that moves in.”
The Canada native closed her set with her breakout hit, “Somebody Like That,” with an infectious smile on her face.
Mercury Nashville Recording artist Travis Denning hit the stage next, after a hilarious introduction video where he compared having a hit at country radio to fishing. “I found a lot of parallels in trying to have a big hit at country radio and tryin to catch a big fish,” Denning said as he broke down his fishing struggles.
Denning began with a new country burner that had him singing about his country lifestyle. “Call it what you want, we just call it country,” the charismatic artist sang.
Travis Denning
Denning announced that “ABBY,” a funny breakup song that’s title is an abbreviation for “any body but you,” is his next country radio single. “I’ma call her Abby, that’s anybody but you / She’ll have a bad little body, be the life of the party, Drink a cold beer too / She won’t make me go crazy, like you-know-who, And her name is Abby, that’s anybody but you,” Denning sang with a grin.
“This is an absolute honor to be here,” the Georgia native said before playing a new song titled “I’m Gonna Love You,” with a piano accompaniment.
The talented musician closed with his first No. 1, “After A Few,” that ended with an awesome guitar solo.
Warner Music Nashville treasure Ashley McBryde closed out the showcase, leaving CRS viewers with a treat.
“It’s a huge thing for my name to be next to Miranda and Eric,” McBryde said as she started her set.
The Grammy-nominee opened acoustically with a chill-invoking “Girl Goin Nowhere.” Although attendees were watching through screens, it felt as if McBryde was reaching out personally to each person watching.
Ashley McBryde
She then played her breakout Gold-certified single, “A Little Dive Bar In Dahlonega,” with emotion in her eyes.
The singer-songwriter had a little fun covering Johnny Cash’s “I’ve Been Everywhere.” She put her own spin on the song by changing the second verse to include all the different beers brands she likes.
McBryde’s award-winning, Gold-certified single “One Night Standards” was up next. The song appears on the Arkansas native’s Grammy nominated album Never Will, as well as the song McBryde closed with, “Martha Divine.”
The rocking murder song will appear on her recently announced six-song EP Never Will: Live From A Distance. The masterful communicator proved that she can successfully deliver any and all subject matter with a full range of captivating performances in her star-making CRS New Faces set.