Pictured (L-R): EVP Promotion, UMG Nashville Royce Risser; Chairman/CEO, UMG Nashville Mike Dungan
Universal Music Group Nashville artists Eric Church, Lauren Alaina, Priscilla Block, Jon Pardi, and Parker McCollum performed at the annual Team UMG at the Ryman luncheon for CRS virtual attendees today (Feb. 18).
EVP Promotion UMG Nashville Royce Risser served as the host for the showcase, and kicked everything off with UMG Nashville Chairman/CEO Mike Dungan by his side. Before Dungan could introduce the first act, Risser surprised him with a loud blast of fireworks going off behind the two executives. This prank proved to be a favorite of Risser’s, as he gave every UMG Promotion staff member who appeared throughout the stream the same fright.
Once Dungan recovered, he introduced recent UMG Nashville signee, Priscilla Block. Block first gained recognition last year on TikTok thanks to her catchy original songs like the humorous “PMS” and the body-positivity anthem “Thick Thighs.” Her “Just About Over You” reached the top spot on the iTunes all-genre song chart within 12 hours of release, and is currently climbing country radio’s Top 40. “Believe me, no one is more skeptical of the TikTok thing than me,” Dungan said. “She is the real deal.”
Block got the music started with “My Bar,” live from the Ryman Auditorium. “I’m freaking out to be here at the Ryman,” she said.
Priscilla Block
The charismatic and thankful Block then sang her viral hit “Just About Over You.”
Sr. VP, Promotion, MCA Nashville, Katie Dean then appeared, and after being scared by the fireworks, she introduced Parker McCollum. McCollum started CRS week strong by winning MusicRow‘s Breakout Artist of the Year at the publication’s virtual CountryBreakout Awards.
Parker McCollum
McCollum thanked country radio right out of the gate for his first Gold, Platinum, and No. 1 song, “Pretty Heart,” before performing the tune on the Ryman stage. McCollum then played his newest single, “To Be Loved By You.” The driving heartbreak song, which he cowrote with Rhett Akins, was most added at country radio upon its debut earlier in the year.
Next Mercury Nashville VP, Promotion Damon Moberly introduced Lauren Alaina.
Alaina played some tunes from her 2020 Getting Over Him EP, starting with the piano ballad, “What Do You Think Of.” Beautifully sung as usual, Alaina’s recorded version features pop vocalist Lukas Graham.
She then played her hot and heavy duet, “Getting Over Him,” with label-mate Jon Pardi.
Lauren Alaina
VP, Promotion, Capitol Records Nashville, Bobby Young appeared to introduce the next act. Capitol Records Nashville won Label of the Year at MusicRow‘s CountryBreakout Awards earlier this week for the 16th consecutive year (17th overall). Young was on hand to re-introduce Jon Pardi.
“It’s good to see you on whatever you’re watching this thing on,” Pardi said before launching into his mariachi-infused “Tequila Little Time.” The tune is Pardi’s latest single, and follows his Platinum-certified No. 1, “Heartache Medication.” Pardi’s next selection was a tune from his surprise 2020 album, Rancho Fiesta Sessions, the Sinéad O’Connor hit “Nothing Compares 2 U,” which he recorded because he was inspired by Prince’s version of the song.
Jon Pardi
VP, Promotion, EMI Nashville, Jimmy Rector joined Risser next. Impressively, he didn’t flinch at the fireworks. He introduced the reigning CMA Entertainer of the Year, Eric Church.
Church said he was impressed by Rector not flinching at the fireworks. “You should probably check your hearing or your alcohol consumption, either one,” he said.
Church started his acoustic set by talking about his upcoming three-album project, Heart & Soul, due out in April. The first tune he played, “Heart On Fire,” is on the Heart project. It was the first song recorded on the 28-day retreat where he created the album. He first mentioned the process at last year’s CRS.
“I’ve never dreamed a song before, but I dreamed this song,” Church said before going into the madness dreamscape, “Crazyland.” The song features characters called emotions, such as Sad, Regret, All My Fault and I Told You So, who all come together in Crazyland.
Eric Church
Before playing his current single, the romantic “Hell Of A View,” Church talked about his co-writer Casey Beathard. The hit songwriter tragically lost his son Clayton in late 2019, when the 22-year-old was killed outside of a Nashville bar. Church called Beathard “an intergral part” of his music, and said he admires his strength for coming on the writing retreat shortly after Clayton’s passing. There the two wrote “Hell Of A View,” which was most-added at country radio upon its debut and has already hit No. 1 on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart.
Eric Church
Church closed with a song that was motivated by and dedicated to the fans at the 2017 Route 91 Las Vegas shooting. He delivers a love letter to his fans with “Through My Ray-Bans,” singing: Everybody’s got their arms around everybody else’s shoulders / Guarding against the world outside like an army of Friday night soldiers / The battle wages tomorrow but tonight you don’t give a damn / Wish you could stay the way I see you through my Ray-Bans.
Tennessee Songwriters Week Starts Sunday
/by Sarah SkatesThe Tennessee Department of Tourist Development and The Bluebird Cafe will kick off Tennessee Songwriters Week with virtual performances by songwriters from across the state on Sunday, Feb. 21 at 6 p.m./CT, streaming on YouTube and the cafe’s Facebook page.
Set to perform are Tennessee song contest winners Allen J. Morrell (Murfreesboro), Jay Da Skreet (Memphis), Courtney Holder (Chattanooga), Jacob Vaughn (Reidsville, NC), Beth Snapp (Kingsport), and Adeem Bingham (Knoxville). The winners received a specialty Tennessee Songwriters Week-branded Epiphone guitar, and a free one-year membership and individual mentoring session with NSAI.
More than 1,000 songwriters competed in 39 qualifying rounds, six showcase events and special events on stages from Memphis to Mountain City. The winners won showcases at Puckett’s in Franklin, Lafayette’s Music Room in Memphis, The Bijou in Knoxville, Bessie Smith Cultural Center in Chattanooga, Ole Red in Gatlinburg, and The Downhome in Johnson City.
Other events for 2021 Tennessee Songwriters Week include Tia Sillers performing on the Songwriter Session at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum on Feb. 23 at 7 p.m.
In 2019, a state statute passed designating the last full week of February each year as Tennessee Songwriters Week.
Song contest winners (clockwise from top left): Allen J. Morrell, Jay Da Skreet, Courtney Holder, Jacob Vaughn, Beth Snapp and Adeem Bingham.
Kalie Shorr Releases First Track From Upcoming EP
/by Sarah SkatesSingle artwork for Kalie Shorr’s new track, “Amy.”
Kalie Shorr released her new song “Amy” on Friday (Feb. 19). Produced by renowned hitmaker Butch Walker, the song is the first track from her upcoming EP, which will be out later this year on tmwrk records.
Shorr says she had been working on the song idea for about two and a half years, and it finally came to fruition during a “cathartic” writing session with friends Candi Carpenter and John Caldwell. “After we finished it, I randomly decided to put an acoustic version of the song up on TikTok. I didn’t realize how many people had been in a similar position and needed a song to let them know they weren’t alone in that hurt. I never expected that response, I never expected two million people to see it, and I certainly never expected that I would get to record the song with Butch Walker. Anyone who knows me knows that his music (and the music he’s produced) has been the soundtrack to my life. And now it still is, just a lot more literally.”
Shorr’s critically acclaimed debut album, Open Book, was released in 2019 with its deluxe edition, Open Book: Unabridged, following this past December. Self-released by Shorr, Open Book landed on several “Best of 2019” lists including The New York Times and Variety.
Her podcast, Too Much To Say with Kalie Shorr, is produced by iHeartMedia and Bobby Bones.
Maggie Rose Announces Upcoming Album, ‘Have A Seat’
/by Lorie HollabaughMaggie Rose. Photo: Ford Fairchild
Maggie Rose has announced her new album, Have A Seat, will be released this Summer on Aug. 20 via Starstruck Records. Rose has released the fiery-horn-groove stomp-filled first track, “Do It,” which is available today (Feb. 19) on all streaming platforms.
Have A Seat is Rose’s third full-length project and was produced by Ben Tanner at the iconic FAME Studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama. In a series of pre-pandemic sessions, Rose recorded with a lineup of heavy-hitters including bassist David Hood of the Swampers (the session musicians who played on records from legends like Aretha Franklin and Etta James), guitarist Will McFarlane (Bonnie Raitt, Levon Helm), and longtime bandmates/collaborators Larry Florman (background vocals/percussion), Alex Haddad (guitars), and Sarah Tomek (drums) of Them Vibes, as well as guests such as Marcus King, and others.
“Working with musicians of that caliber and knowing they were giving my music so much attention definitely made me thrive,” Rose said. “I felt so safe going deep into the emotional places within the songs, and I think you can feel that love and camaraderie when you listen to the record.” At the same time, Have a Seat is undeniably the sound of an artist fully coming into her own, without concession or compromise. “I’ve worked in this industry for over a decade, and I feel like I’ve finally carved out a lane that’s genre-bending and all my own,” she says. “I had to really fight to find that space for myself, and this record is my way of staking my claim.”
AMCO Partners with Kameron Marlowe, Nashville Brands to Launch New Series
/by Lorie HollabaughAppalachia Made Co., a country lifestyle and destination travel brand that focuses on helping create new jobs in the heart of coal country, has officially launched its 2021 schedule of powersports and live music events in Williamson, West Virginia. The West Virginia town is home to the Hatfield McCoy Trail system, 600+ miles of some of the best off-road vehicle trails in the nation.
AMCO has hired music industry members Lexia Chamryk-Thomas as CEO and Cameron Catron as Head of Artist and Brand Partnership to build a country lifestyle experience and bring the Nashville music scene and top nationwide artists to the region.
North Carolina native and Columbia Nashville artist Kameron Marlowe has aligned with the AMCO movement and brand. “When I first learned about AMCO, I was totally locked in,” Marlowe said. “Mixing my love for country music and outdoor sports, this was a perfect fit. I have a real passion for this, and I’m excited to see this town revamp and come back to life.”
“Over the years, we have seen a significant rise in countrywide and local ridership along with a need for more experiences when the riders get off the trails in our town,” says AMCO co-founder, Dr. Dino Beckett. “We saw this as a perfect opportunity to re-build our once-booming town into a national travel destination and provide locals with new service economy jobs. This will also provide riders from all over the country with lifelong experiences that will keep them coming to our region for years to come and drive significant economic impact.”
“We are so thrilled and humbled to partner with iconic Nashville brands such as Whiskey Jam and Porter Road, as well as Weed Cellars and Riff, to help drive economic impact in a region that has been devastated by the loss of coal jobs and suffered the opiate crisis,” adds Co-Founder Randall Ussery of L37. “I have spent a lot of my life in the Appalachia Mountains, and we have always said if you could bottle up its authenticity, values and beauty, the world would look at this place differently. We have a chance here to reframe the narrative of the region and rebuild it into a thriving and sustainable community. It won’t happen overnight, but we are investing for the long term, in our community, in our trails and in the arts, so that our children will stay or come back after college or the military.”
AMCO will kick off the riding season with the first AMCO Whiskeyfest presented by Weed Cellars, featuring Marlowe on Saturday, March 20 at the historic Williamson Field House in Williamson, West Virginia. Three percent of all proceeds will be donated to the Hatfield McCoy Trail System, Hiring Our Heroes Foundation and the Williamson Community Economic Development Corporation.
Adam Hambrick Releases Debut EP, ‘Flipsides’
/by Lorie HollabaughAdam Hambrick‘s major label debut EP, The Flipsides, is out today on Capitol Records Nashville/Buena Vista Records.
The six track-EP features songs penned by Hambrick along with Gordie Sampson, Kelly Archer, David Fanning, Ben Stennis and more, and includes guest vocals by Jillian Jacqueline on one smoldering track, “The Longer I Lay Here.”
Hambrick got his start after graduating from the University of Central Arkansas, when he made an appearance on KATV’s Good Morning Arkansas, and fellow Arkansas native Justin Moore happened to be watching and was impressed by his unique voice and distinctive songs. Soon after, Moore’s producer Jeremy Stover reached out, opening the door for Hambrick to move to Nashville and pursue music full-time. Hambrick has had numerous cuts for other artists including Miranda Lambert and Eli Young Band, as well as No. 1 hits for Dan + Shay (“How Not To”) and Justin Moore (“Somebody Else Will”).
“The Flipsides EP is the blueprint of how I approach country music,” says Hambrick of his new project. “It’s real instruments and colorful songwriting put together in a modern way. After 2020 sidelined most of our plans, it now feels really good to get this project out to my fans, who have been so patient. Now we have something to build on for the future.”
The Flipsides EP Track Listing:
“Broken Ladder” (Written by Adam Hambrick, Ben Stennis)
“The Longer I Lay Here (Featuring Jillian Jacqueline)” (Written by Adam Hambrick, Gavin Slate, Blake Chaffin, Chandler Baldwin, Tripp Howell)
“Kill A Man” (Written by Adam Hambrick, Andy Albert, Andrew DeRoberts)
“Sunshine State Of Mind” (Written by Adam Hambrick, Kelly Archer, Gordie Sampson
“Do The Math” (Written by Adam Hambrick, David Fanning, Nick Donley)
“When It All Sinks In” (Written by Adam Hambrick, Kelly Archer, Gordie Sampson)
Dierks Bentley Hits No. 1 On ‘MusicRow’ CountryBreakout Radio Chart
/by Alex ParryDierks Bentley graces the top of the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart this with with his single, “Gone.” The single was written by Nicolle Galyon, Ben Johnson, and Niko Moon.
In his weekly DISClaimer, Robert K Oermann described the single as “Stompin’ on heartache and misery with the emphasis on a shouted chorus that is super catchy. Nicely produced and sung with believability. Dierks strikes again.”
The music video for “Gone” finds Bentley hitting rock bottom as his life plays out before him through some of his favorite TV shows.
Click here or above to view the latest edition of The MusicRow Weekly.
The Erv Woolsey Company Ups Allen Mitchell, Gears Up For 2021
/by LB CantrellErv Woolsey, Allen Mitchell
The Erv Woolsey Company is headed in 2021 with momentum, starting with the promotion of Allen Mitchell to Vice President of New Artist Management & Operations for The Erv Woolsey Company / Rollin’ The Dice Records.
“Allen has great ideas and a strong work ethic. I know he will have tremendous success in all phases of the music business,” said CEO & Founder Erv Woolsey. Mitchell’s career began with Audium / Koch Records and includes experience in the promotion departments at Universal South Records, UMG / Mercury Records, and Bigger Picture Music Group.
The Rollin’ The Dice Records imprint, launched in 2020, was formed in partnership with Copperline Music Group / The Orchard and representing flagship artist Stone Senate, whose “Slow Crusade” lyric video is set to premiere later this month, as well has the Davisson Brothers Band, who will release a music video featuring NASCAR’s Ernie Irvan for their song “Pond Fishing” on March 11.
Looking forward to 2021, EWC’s full slate of artists are set for another remarkable year. Ian Munsick, signed under a co-management deal with Caroline Rudolph Munsick / Not A Public Figure Management, will release his Warner Music Nashville debut album Coyote Cry on Feb. 26 with lead single “Long Haul” shipping to radio in April. Munsick also recently performed at the WMN Virtual Luncheon as part of CRS 2021.
Jaden Hamilton, signed in partnership with Regulator Management, also celebrates the release of new music with “Bad Spot” out today, Feb. 19, via Sony Music Nashville.
Rounding out the talented slate of newcomers, Carnival Music singer songwriter Kylie Frey continues to build on the momentum of her Rodeo Queen EP released in the fall, while Vince Herman, lead singer of American Jam Band Leftover Salmon, has signed with EWC’s Wimberly Publishing for his first solo songwriting venture.
Warner Music Nashville Signs Round Here Records Artist Redferrin
/by Lorie HollabaughWarner Music Nashville has partnered with Round Here Records and signed Redferrin to a major label deal. Redferrin’s debut single,“Red In My Last Name,” is available everywhere now.
Produced by Corey Crowder, Tyler Hubbard and Brian Kelley, “Red In My Last Name” serves as a manifesto for Redferrin’s uncompromising style, and the track’s adrenaline-pumping energy and rebellious swagger offer a sample of the kaleidoscopic musical textures he can create.
Born Blake Redferrin, the White House, Tennessee native has been making a name for himself as one of Nashville’s most unorthodox and innovative new singer-songwriters. He already boasts cuts including Florida Georgia Line’s hip-hop inspired “Countryside,” Nelly’s recent smash “Lil Bit,” and Dean Brody and The Reklaws’ “I Can’t Help Myself,” which hit No. 1 in Canada and set a record for the most one-week radio spins in the nation’s history. Living just 30 miles north of Music City, Redferrin spent his first 24 years on the pegs of a dirt bike. He turned professional by 18 and joined the national Arenacross circuit. He later began exploring the idea of changing direction and picked up the guitar he learned to play as a teen again. Writing songs of his own was a natural progression, and he had struck up a friendship a few years earlier with another avid rider – FGL’s Tyler Hubbard. After Redferrin stopped racing, he signed a publishing deal with Hubbard and Brian Kelley’s Tree Vibez Music.
Redferrin. Photo: Makayla Symmonds
“From day one, we’ve known that huge things are ahead for Redferrin,” said Florida Georgia Line’s Kelley and Hubbard. “Whether in the writing room, studio, or on the stage, he’s completely blown us away and creatively grown faster than we could have ever imagined. In addition to being wildly talented, he’s one of the best guys you’ll meet and we can’t wait for everyone to get to know him! We’re so proud to stand in support of Redferrin with a Warner Music Nashville/Round Here Records partnership.”
“Redferrin is a truly undeniable talent and we are so lucky to have him join our Warner Music Nashville family,” said Warner Music Nashville Chairman & CEO John Esposito. “We are so fired up to introduce him to the world. Every song is a hit and there’s no doubt in my mind that he will be the next superstar in country music and beyond!”
“I am so fired up,” exclaimed Redferrin. “It’s been a long time coming and a long backroad to get here. I want to thank BK and Tyler, John Esposito and Cris Lacy, Leslie Dipiero, and so many others for believing in me and my music. Your support and hard work means the world to me. I can’t believe we’re really doing this and can’t wait to see where this ride takes us.”
Chris Tomlin, Russell Dickerson At CRS Believers Breakfast
/by Sarah SkatesChris Tomlin and Russell Dickerson. Photo: Grace Schoper
Chris Tomlin and Russell Dickerson took part in Thursday’s (Feb. 18) CRS Believers Breakfast to discuss their faith, fatherhood and the importance of staying humble despite being in the spotlight.
Organized by Gator Harrison and Lou Ramirez, the Believers Breakfast is one of four mentoring breakfasts taking place this week as part of CRS 2021: The Virtual Experience.
The Believers Breakfast will be available to registered CRS 2021 attendees, via the On Demand page of crsvirtual2021.com for 60 days following the conclusion of the conference.
The two artists have been friends for several years, since Dickerson was a guitar tech on Tomlin’s tour. They recently teamed up to write and record two songs for the album Chris Tomlin & Friends.
Dickerson’s fourth consecutive No. 1 single, “Love You Like I Used To” celebrated its RIAA Platinum certification this week.
Eric Church, Jon Pardi, Lauren Alaina Play Team UMG at the Ryman Lunch Showcase
/by LB CantrellPictured (L-R): EVP Promotion, UMG Nashville Royce Risser; Chairman/CEO, UMG Nashville Mike Dungan
Universal Music Group Nashville artists Eric Church, Lauren Alaina, Priscilla Block, Jon Pardi, and Parker McCollum performed at the annual Team UMG at the Ryman luncheon for CRS virtual attendees today (Feb. 18).
EVP Promotion UMG Nashville Royce Risser served as the host for the showcase, and kicked everything off with UMG Nashville Chairman/CEO Mike Dungan by his side. Before Dungan could introduce the first act, Risser surprised him with a loud blast of fireworks going off behind the two executives. This prank proved to be a favorite of Risser’s, as he gave every UMG Promotion staff member who appeared throughout the stream the same fright.
Once Dungan recovered, he introduced recent UMG Nashville signee, Priscilla Block. Block first gained recognition last year on TikTok thanks to her catchy original songs like the humorous “PMS” and the body-positivity anthem “Thick Thighs.” Her “Just About Over You” reached the top spot on the iTunes all-genre song chart within 12 hours of release, and is currently climbing country radio’s Top 40. “Believe me, no one is more skeptical of the TikTok thing than me,” Dungan said. “She is the real deal.”
Block got the music started with “My Bar,” live from the Ryman Auditorium. “I’m freaking out to be here at the Ryman,” she said.
Priscilla Block
The charismatic and thankful Block then sang her viral hit “Just About Over You.”
Sr. VP, Promotion, MCA Nashville, Katie Dean then appeared, and after being scared by the fireworks, she introduced Parker McCollum. McCollum started CRS week strong by winning MusicRow‘s Breakout Artist of the Year at the publication’s virtual CountryBreakout Awards.
Parker McCollum
McCollum thanked country radio right out of the gate for his first Gold, Platinum, and No. 1 song, “Pretty Heart,” before performing the tune on the Ryman stage. McCollum then played his newest single, “To Be Loved By You.” The driving heartbreak song, which he cowrote with Rhett Akins, was most added at country radio upon its debut earlier in the year.
Next Mercury Nashville VP, Promotion Damon Moberly introduced Lauren Alaina.
Alaina played some tunes from her 2020 Getting Over Him EP, starting with the piano ballad, “What Do You Think Of.” Beautifully sung as usual, Alaina’s recorded version features pop vocalist Lukas Graham.
She then played her hot and heavy duet, “Getting Over Him,” with label-mate Jon Pardi.
Lauren Alaina
VP, Promotion, Capitol Records Nashville, Bobby Young appeared to introduce the next act. Capitol Records Nashville won Label of the Year at MusicRow‘s CountryBreakout Awards earlier this week for the 16th consecutive year (17th overall). Young was on hand to re-introduce Jon Pardi.
“It’s good to see you on whatever you’re watching this thing on,” Pardi said before launching into his mariachi-infused “Tequila Little Time.” The tune is Pardi’s latest single, and follows his Platinum-certified No. 1, “Heartache Medication.” Pardi’s next selection was a tune from his surprise 2020 album, Rancho Fiesta Sessions, the Sinéad O’Connor hit “Nothing Compares 2 U,” which he recorded because he was inspired by Prince’s version of the song.
Jon Pardi
VP, Promotion, EMI Nashville, Jimmy Rector joined Risser next. Impressively, he didn’t flinch at the fireworks. He introduced the reigning CMA Entertainer of the Year, Eric Church.
Church said he was impressed by Rector not flinching at the fireworks. “You should probably check your hearing or your alcohol consumption, either one,” he said.
Church started his acoustic set by talking about his upcoming three-album project, Heart & Soul, due out in April. The first tune he played, “Heart On Fire,” is on the Heart project. It was the first song recorded on the 28-day retreat where he created the album. He first mentioned the process at last year’s CRS.
“I’ve never dreamed a song before, but I dreamed this song,” Church said before going into the madness dreamscape, “Crazyland.” The song features characters called emotions, such as Sad, Regret, All My Fault and I Told You So, who all come together in Crazyland.
Eric Church
Before playing his current single, the romantic “Hell Of A View,” Church talked about his co-writer Casey Beathard. The hit songwriter tragically lost his son Clayton in late 2019, when the 22-year-old was killed outside of a Nashville bar. Church called Beathard “an intergral part” of his music, and said he admires his strength for coming on the writing retreat shortly after Clayton’s passing. There the two wrote “Hell Of A View,” which was most-added at country radio upon its debut and has already hit No. 1 on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart.
Eric Church
Church closed with a song that was motivated by and dedicated to the fans at the 2017 Route 91 Las Vegas shooting. He delivers a love letter to his fans with “Through My Ray-Bans,” singing: Everybody’s got their arms around everybody else’s shoulders / Guarding against the world outside like an army of Friday night soldiers / The battle wages tomorrow but tonight you don’t give a damn / Wish you could stay the way I see you through my Ray-Bans.