Nashville-based artist Chaz Cardigan has inked a label deal with Capitol Records/Loud Robot, and has released his new single, “Not OK!” Cardigan is managed by Nashville’s Hard 8/Working Group. Loud Robot is the new label from J.J. Abrams’ production company Bad Robot.
Chaz and ToddClark (Elle King, Noah Kahan, The Score) penned “Not OK!” while Cardigan produced the track and played every instrument. JamieLidell (Lianne La Havas, Hailee Steinfeld) provided additional production.
“Not OK!” is an infectious celebration of human imperfection. Cardigan explains, “I started going to therapy last September, and it made me reflect on where certain tendencies of mine came from. ‘Not OK!’ is about realizing that some of these things are just a part of me—and that it’s all right, because everybody’s got something broken about them.”
Cardigan grew up in Kentucky and is a classically trained pianist who taught himself to play guitar, bass and drums. He moved to Nashville at age 17 and began producing as part of a hip-hop collective called The Diatribe. He released his full-length debut in 2017.
The T.J. Martell Foundation has revealed the performers for its upcoming 2020 Nashville Honors Gala, set for Feb. 24 at the Omni Hotel Nashville Hotel. Vince Gill, Rascal Flatts, CeCe Winans, Carly Pearce, Michael Ray, and Wade Hayes will be performing to honor this year’s honorees.
Amy Grant will be honored with the Tony Martell Outstanding Entertainment Achievement Award, while Morris Higham Management’s Clint Higham will receive the Chairman’s Award.
Dr. Jordan Berlin, Assoc. Director for Clinical Research and Director of Phase I Research at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center will be honored with the Medical Research Advancement Award, while Patrick G. Emery, CEO of Hall| Emery will receive the Spirit of Nashville Award. Community builders Jim and Laurie Seabury will be the recipients of the Lifetime Humanitarian Award; Jim is Chairman/CEO of Enterprise Solutions, while Laurie is a current and former Chairwoman/Board member for several charities.
This year’s even will be co-chaired by entertainment exec Steve Buchanan as well as Sweet Talk Publicity President/Owner Jensen Sussman.
https://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/10142504/Nashville-Honors-Gala-2020-1.jpg10762443Jessica Nicholsonhttps://musicrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.pngJessica Nicholson2020-01-23 16:21:372020-01-23 16:21:37Vince Gill, Rascal Flatts, Carly Pearce Added To Nashville Honors Gala
Lady A Honored With St. Jude Angels Among Us Award
Photo By Getty/Brett Carlse
Lady Antebellum was honored during the celebration of the 31st year of Country Cares for St. Jude Kids as the 2020 recipients of the prestigious Randy Owen Angels Among Us Award. Recognizing individuals who have made exceptional and lasting contributions to St. Jude, the award was presented to Lady A last Friday (Jan. 18) by Alabama lead singer Randy Owen and Richard Shadyac Jr., President and CEO of ALSAC, the fundraising organization for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
For over a decade, Lady Antebellum has supported the lifesaving mission of St. Jude in a multitude of ways, including raising funds and awareness through their own philanthropic organization LadyAID, performing in benefits, participating in the This Shirt Saves Lives campaign, spending time with patients, and more. Last year, they co-hosted the first St. Jude Presents: Curated event, convening industry members to raise more than $650,000 for the hospital.
Lauren Alaina Launches That Girl Was Me Tour With Multiple Sold-Out Stops
Devin Dawson and HARDY join Lauren Alaina on stage to perform “One Beer” on opening night of Lauren’s That Girl Was Me Tour in Nashville. Photo Credit: Katie Kauss
Lauren Alaina kicked off her headlining That Girl Was Me Tour with special guest Filmore with back-to-back sold-out nights at Nashville’s Exit / In (Jan. 15-16) followed by a sold-out show at 8 Seconds Saloon in Indianapolis (Jan. 18). Opening night also saw surprise guests Devin Dawson and HARDY join Lauren on stage for a performance of the trio’s “One Beer.” The That Girl Was Me Tour continues this weekend in Columbia, MO.; Rosemont, IL and Warrendale, PA., before heading to New York City’s Bowery Ballroom. While in NYC, Lauren will also stop by NBC’s TODAY Show to perform her current single “Getting Good” on Monday, Jan. 27.
Brandi Carlile Wraps Triumphant Ryman Run
Pictured (L-R:) Phil Hanseroth (Bass), Brandi Carlile, Tim Hanseroth (Guitar) and Chrissy Hall (Director of Concerts, Ryman Auditorium). Photo: Steve Lowry
Brandi Carlile wrapped her sold out, six-night residency at the Ryman Auditorium on Jan. 21. The run of shows from Jan. 14-16 and 19-21 featured different special guests each night including Tanya Tucker, Sheryl Crow, Kim Richey, Lucie Silvas, Natalie Hemby, Lori McKenna and Courtney Barnett. Carlile peppered the shows with fan favorites like her Grammy-winning “The Joke,” early works such as “The Story” as well as covers of Joni Mitchell’s “A Case of You,” Bonnie Tyler’s “Total Eclipse of the Heart” and Madonna’s “Like a Prayer.”
SESAC Hosts First Bluebird Songwriter Series of 2020
(L-R): SESAC’s Zach Green, Lyla Joyce, Alicia Witt, Larry McCoy, Hadley Park, SESAC’s Lydia Schultz
SESAC hosted its first SESAC Presents Songwriter Series of 2020 at the Bluebird Café on Tuesday, Jan. 21, featuring a round of talented affiliate songwriters including Lyla Joyce, Alicia Witt, Larry McCoy, and Hadley Park.
Kelsea Ballerini took to social media yesterday (Jan. 22) to announce she will release her third studio album, Kelsea, on March 20. The album will be available for pre-order on Friday (Jan. 24). “Homecoming Queen” was released as the lead single from the project, while Ballerini has hinted that a new song, titled “LA,” is set to also release Friday.
Kelsea follows Ballerini’s 2017 release Unapologetically, which yielded chart-toppers including “Miss Me More” and “Legends.” When she debuted in 2015 with her album The First Time, Ballerini became the only female artist in country music history to reach No. 1 with her first three consecutive singles, including “Love Me Like You Mean It,” “Dibs,” and “Peter Pan.”
https://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/10142505/Kelsea-Ballerini-album-cover.png440715Jessica Nicholsonhttps://musicrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.pngJessica Nicholson2020-01-23 14:05:192020-01-23 14:05:19Kelsea Ballerini Sets Release Date For Third Album, ‘Kelsea’
Pictured L-R: Katie Flynn, Creative Director, Spirit Music Nashville; Michelle Davey, Director of Administration/Office Manager, Spirit Music Nashville; Clay Hatton, Administrative Assistant, Spirit Music Nashville; Neil Thrasher; Brian Bradford, VP of Administration and Operations, Spirit Music Nashville; Frank Rogers, Chief Executive Officer, Spirit Music Nashville; and Derek Wells, Sr. Director of A&R/Production, Spirit Music Nashville.
Neil Thrasher, known for penning songs including Kenny Chesney’s seven-week No. 1 “There Goes My Life,” Rascal Flatts’ four-week No. 1 “Fast Cars and Freedom,” and Jason Aldean’s “Fly Over States,” has inked a deal with Spirit Music Nashville. The new contract covers future works and does not include Thrasher’s back catalog.
“I am super excited to be part of the Spirit family! Frank, the staff, the vibe, and the energy that everyone has, is very inspiring,” Thrasher said. “Can’t wait to get this new venture going and cranking out some new tunes! Let’s do this!”
“Neil Thrasher is a badass,” said Frank Rogers, CEO, Spirit Music Nashville. “His songs have helped shape the sound of country radio, built artist careers and made stadiums sing along. And the amazing part is…he’s just getting started! We could not be more excited to welcome Neil to the Spirit Music family. This is going to be fun!”
In 2013, Thrasher earned ASCAP’s Country Song of the Year for Randy Houser’s “How Country Feels.” In 2010, he earned the Gospel Music Association Dove Awards’ Country Song of the Year for Jason Crabb’s “Somebody Like Me.”
Thrasher is the latest hit songwriter added to Spirit Music Nashville’s roster, as the company has over the past several months inked deals with David Garcia, Jeremy Bussey, Bobby Hamrick, Brinley Addington, Abe Stoklasa, and a joint venture with Derek Wells.
00Jessica Nicholsonhttps://musicrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.pngJessica Nicholson2020-01-23 13:57:262020-01-23 13:57:26Spirit Music Nashville Signs Neil Thrasher
Pictured (L-R): Joe Carter, Carter and Company; Tiffany Bearden, Evolution PR; Karen Waldrup; Tyler Middleton, Graffam Middleton; Mike Taliaferro, Carter & Company. Photo: Victoria Metzger
Country singer and social media star Karen Waldrup announced she has signed with Carter & Company for exclusive management representation. The singer-songwriter has amassed a substantial following on social media, with 600,000 social media followers across multiple platforms. Her online videos have been viewed over 350 million times.
“I couldn’t be more excited to work with Joe [Carter] and Mike [Taliaferro],” says Waldrup. “They are really open minded and creative and I know this is going to be a great partnership for many years to come.”
“We are so thrilled to be working with Karen Waldrup,” says Carter. “Karen’s work ethic has allowed her to build a strong musical foundation and has opened up unlimited options for continued success in this new streaming world of country music. We look forward to collaborating and building a future with her.”
Waldrup’s debut album JUSTIFIED, was produced by multi-award winner GarthFundis (Trisha Yearwood, Alabama) and funded solely through fan participation via an Indiegogo campaign. Waldrup recently released her most vulnerable single to date, “Me Again” featuring William Michael Morgan.
00LB Cantrellhttps://musicrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.pngLB Cantrell2020-01-23 11:16:232020-01-23 11:16:23Karen Waldrup Signs Management Deal With Carter & Company
Industry exec Casadie Pederson has launched Muse Creative Management, which will focus on artist management, A&R services, and songwriter catalog and calendar management.
Pederson’s roster includes Jason Blaine and Samara Young, as well as songwriters Tina Parol, Danick Dupelle and Jimmy Thow. The company will continue to offer creative services, including working as Big Machine Music Publishing’s Canadian songplugger and consultant, as well as A&R services such as song sourcing and project management.
“Over the last few years, working with songwriters and artists in a creative capacity has been something that has brought me excitement and purpose”, says Pederson. “Over the last two months of 2019, I really started to think about the ‘2020 Vision’ and how I wanted the next decade to look. I realized what brought me the most joy was creating relationships with creative people, helping to fuel their creative fires and then helping those songs come to life whether that is pitching their material to others or getting their message out into the world. I spent a lot of time thinking of the word “muse” after a client mentioned it to me and so was born this concept and new chapter.”
The upcoming 62nd Annual Grammy Awards will feature a special segment highlighting the huge success of “Old Town Road.” “Old Town Road All-Stars” will feature current nominees Lil Nas X and Billy Ray Cyrus joined by BTS, Diplo, Mason Ramsey, and other surprise guests. Over the past year, the hit has been the subject of numerous mixes and mashups, which inspired the one-of-a-kind performance filled with special guests.
The show will also feature a special tribute to longtime Grammy executive producer Ken Ehrlich, and to acknowledge the importance of music education in schools to the Recording Academy, Grammy Museum and Ehrlich, artists associated with Ehrlich’s 40-year career will gather to perform “I Sing The Body Electric” from the film Fame. The performance will feature current nominees Camila Cabello, Gary Clark Jr. and John Legend joined by Debbie Allen, Joshua Bell, Common, Misty Copeland, Lang Lang, Cyndi Lauper, Ben Platt, and The War And Treaty.
“To bring high-caliber artists like Camila Cabello, Cyndi Lauper, Common, Misty Copeland, Debbie Allen, Ben Platt, Gary Clark Jr., Joshua Bell, and Lang Lang together on one stage fulfills a dream of mine,” said Ehrlich, who is completing his 40th and final Grammy Awards as producer. “To be able to do this on the Grammy stage makes it unforgettable for me.”
Previously announced performers include Aerosmith, Camila Cabello, Brandi Carlile, Billie Eilish, Kirk Franklin, Ariana Grande, H.E.R., Jonas Brothers, DJ Khaled, John Legend, Lizzo, Demi Lovato, Meek Mill, Roddy Ricch, Rosalía, Run-D.M.C., Blake Shelton, Gwen Stefani, Tanya Tucker,Tyler, The Creator, Charlie Wilson, and YG. Hosted by Alicia Keys, the show will air live from STAPLES Center on CBS on Sunday, Jan. 26.
https://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/10142844/63-Grammys-Ratio.jpg11521728Lorie Hollabaughhttps://musicrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.pngLorie Hollabaugh2020-01-23 10:08:012020-01-23 10:08:01Lil Nas X, Billy Ray Cyrus To Perform In ‘Old Town Road’ All-Star Medley On Grammys
Dolly Parton, Lee Greenwood, Lonestar, Collin Raye, T.G. Sheppard, Drew Baldridge, Abby Anderson, Artimus Pyle Band, Eric Lee Beddingfield, Red Mountain Bluegrass Band, Brad and Maisy Stella, Taylon Hope, and Scott Bass are set to perform at the upcoming Dustin J. Wells Foundation’s Gift of Music concert benefiting the W.O. Smith Music School. The event will be held at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium on Jan. 30, starting at 7 p.m. CT.
The Dustin J. Wells Foundation honors the memory of Dustin Jack Wells, who was killed in a car accident in 2005. His family set up the foundation in his memory, and funds are used for the purpose of reaching out to others in Dustin’s honor. Tickets for The Gift of Music Concert are available online starting Jan. 24. The event is also the featured entertainment for The Crown Council, a group of dental teams gathering in Nashville for their 25th Annual Event.
A portion of the proceeds from this year’s concert will go to the Scott Hamilton CARES Foundation, an organization dedicated to changing the future of cancer by funding advanced, innovative research that treats the cancer while sparing the patient.
https://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/10142505/unnamed-2-34.jpg353593Lorie Hollabaughhttps://musicrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.pngLorie Hollabaugh2020-01-23 09:26:082020-01-23 09:26:08Dolly Parton, Abby Anderson, Lonestar Set To Perform At Gift Of Music Benefit Concert
Pictured (L-R): Zach Crowell, Chris Janson, Ashley Gorley. Photo: Steve Lowry
“He will be the Entertainer of the Year.”
That was Warner Music Nashville’s CEO John Esposito‘s exclamation during the recent party held for Chris Janson, as the singer-songwriter started off the new decade with very “Good Vibes,” celebrating his third No. 1 single on country radio.
BMI-affiliated writer Janson co-wrote the track with ASCAP-aligned writers Zach Crowell and Ashley Gorley. The song marks Gorley’s 45th No. 1 hit (he has since added two more chart-toppers to that tally), and Crowell’s 11th as a writer. Crowell and Janson co-produced the track.
BMI’s David Preston and ASCAP’s Mike Sistad led the festivities, which were held at BMI’s Nashville office, and also included congratulatory remarks from Anthem’s Tim Hunze, Round Hill Music’s Penny Gattis, Spirit Music’s Frank Rogers and Tape Room Music’s Blain Rhodes. Pinnacle Bank and First Horizon Bank were also on hand to celebrate the writers.
During the shindig, Esposito surprised Janson with the news that “Good Vibes” has now been certified Gold by the RIAA.
“I really love this guy,” Espo said. “I wish I had his energy, and I gotta lot of energy, but I gotta tap into some more of that. He’s amazing.”
Pictured (L-R): Cris Lacy, Tom Starr, Heather Propper, Tom Martens, Zach Crowell, James Marsh, Chris Janson, Chad Schultz, Ashley Gorley, Matt Signore, Taylor Aretz, Ben Kline, John Esposito. Photo: Steve Lowry
“Good Vibes” was the first single released from Janson’s recent album Real Friends. Appropriately, congratulatory video clips were shown from some of Janson’s real friends, including Kid Rock, Dallas Davidson, Charles Esten, members of The Cadillac Three, Dierks Bentley’s Hot Country Knights, and Bass Pro Shops founder/CEO Johnny Morris.
Producer-songwriter Crowell was short on words to the crowd, simply saying, “I love everybody. This is all good. Thank you.”
Gorley added, “This song on this day was just Chris top to bottom as far as the vibe and everything—no pun intended, there. Everything just seemed to fit and a a lot of that has to do with Zach coming in with the production and the title and everybody just catching the groove. Without Chris’ energy, the song would not happen and I’m just happy to be part of this album and the previous one, and hopefully we’ll do some more in the future.”
Throughout the evening, attendees thanked Chris but also his wife and manager Kelly Lynn Janson for their teamwork.
“If I’m thanking Chris, I’m thanking Kelly in the same breath,” Gorley said. “And Cris Lacy and Warner because everything is a team effort with Chris [Janson]. He’s very thankful for that inspiration just as a creative person.”
“This has by far been my favorite No. 1 party that I’ve been part of,” Janson told the crowd. Speaking to Espo, Janson said, “The reason I signed with Warner Brothers was because of you and Cris Lacy. One reason we signed is the first person you thanked is my wife. That means everything to us. Thank you for respecting her the way you do. It means a lot…we are a team. We built this together. It’s hard to get a record deal and to get the right record deal—and I’ve been through three, I would know. I finally got one that worked and my ears on songs comes straight from Kelly and Cris. That’s where it starts.
“I’m so humbled to stand in front of a crowd to accept a third No. 1. It was not that long ago that Kelly and I were sitting at home going, ‘If we could just get one No. 1, it would change our life.’ We got one, and then it was like, ‘If we could get two No. 1s…’ and then we got it. Then it’s that pivotal moment of having a third No. 1. It’s so important because you feel like you’re turning a page and putting a key in the lock and it’s finally opening…We wake up every day and we pray over our kids and we pray over our career and we speak these things. We prayed over ‘Good Vibes’ from the [beginning]. She spoke it, she spoke it, we wrote it down. You don’t have to be a Christian or religious to understand or experience the miracles that can happen in the world, but trust me, babies are born, it’s a miracle. Songs going No.1, it’s a different type of miracle. We all did it together.”
He went on to thank several members of his label and management team individually, including BrianJones (WME), and label execs including James Marsh, Chad Schultz, Taylor Aretz, Tom Martens, Victoria Chaitoff, Wes Vause, Matt Signore, Heather Propper, and Tom Starr (who recently won a battle with cancer over the past year).
“Talk about a ‘good vibe,’” Janson said. “He still worked this record when I know he didn’t feel like it and probably frankly didn’t want to get out of bed. Thank you so much—that’s a whole other level.”
Janson ended by also offering thanks to country radio.
“The one thing that pays the songwriter is country music radio, the one thing I always wanted to be on is country music radio and I am so proud to be on country music radio. This is a No. 1 song because of country music radio, so thank you.”
Pictured (L-R): Mike Sistad (ASCAP), Brian Rhodes (Tape Room), Zach Crowell, Chris Janson, Ashley Gorley, Penny Gattis (Round Hill), John Esposito (Warner Music Nashville), David Preston (BMI), Frank Rogers (Spirit Music), Tim Hunze (Anthem). Photo: Steve Lowry
https://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/10142505/Good-Vibes-3.jpg6981000Jessica Nicholsonhttps://musicrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.pngJessica Nicholson2020-01-22 16:46:012020-01-22 16:46:01Chris Janson Starts Off 2020 With “Good Vibes,” Celebrating A No. 1 Hit And Gold Single
Chaz Cardigan Inks Label Deal With Capitol Records/Loud Robot
/by Jessica NicholsonChaz Cardigan. Photo: Alexander Kalyk
Nashville-based artist Chaz Cardigan has inked a label deal with Capitol Records/Loud Robot, and has released his new single, “Not OK!” Cardigan is managed by Nashville’s Hard 8/Working Group. Loud Robot is the new label from J.J. Abrams’ production company Bad Robot.
Chaz and Todd Clark (Elle King, Noah Kahan, The Score) penned “Not OK!” while Cardigan produced the track and played every instrument. Jamie Lidell (Lianne La Havas, Hailee Steinfeld) provided additional production.
“Not OK!” is an infectious celebration of human imperfection. Cardigan explains, “I started going to therapy last September, and it made me reflect on where certain tendencies of mine came from. ‘Not OK!’ is about realizing that some of these things are just a part of me—and that it’s all right, because everybody’s got something broken about them.”
Cardigan grew up in Kentucky and is a classically trained pianist who taught himself to play guitar, bass and drums. He moved to Nashville at age 17 and began producing as part of a hip-hop collective called The Diatribe. He released his full-length debut in 2017.
Vince Gill, Rascal Flatts, Carly Pearce Added To Nashville Honors Gala
/by Jessica NicholsonThe T.J. Martell Foundation has revealed the performers for its upcoming 2020 Nashville Honors Gala, set for Feb. 24 at the Omni Hotel Nashville Hotel. Vince Gill, Rascal Flatts, CeCe Winans, Carly Pearce, Michael Ray, and Wade Hayes will be performing to honor this year’s honorees.
Amy Grant will be honored with the Tony Martell Outstanding Entertainment Achievement Award, while Morris Higham Management’s Clint Higham will receive the Chairman’s Award.
Dr. Jordan Berlin, Assoc. Director for Clinical Research and Director of Phase I Research at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center will be honored with the Medical Research Advancement Award, while Patrick G. Emery, CEO of Hall| Emery will receive the Spirit of Nashville Award. Community builders Jim and Laurie Seabury will be the recipients of the Lifetime Humanitarian Award; Jim is Chairman/CEO of Enterprise Solutions, while Laurie is a current and former Chairwoman/Board member for several charities.
This year’s even will be co-chaired by entertainment exec Steve Buchanan as well as Sweet Talk Publicity President/Owner Jensen Sussman.
In Pictures: Lady Antebellum, Lauren Alaina, Brandi Carlile, SESAC
/by Lorie HollabaughLady A Honored With St. Jude Angels Among Us Award
Photo By Getty/Brett Carlse
Lady Antebellum was honored during the celebration of the 31st year of Country Cares for St. Jude Kids as the 2020 recipients of the prestigious Randy Owen Angels Among Us Award. Recognizing individuals who have made exceptional and lasting contributions to St. Jude, the award was presented to Lady A last Friday (Jan. 18) by Alabama lead singer
For over a decade, Lady Antebellum has supported the lifesaving mission of St. Jude in a multitude of ways, including raising funds and awareness through their own philanthropic organization LadyAID, performing in benefits, participating in the This Shirt Saves Lives campaign, spending time with patients, and more. Last year, they co-hosted the first St. Jude Presents: Curated event, convening industry members to raise more than $650,000 for the hospital.
Lauren Alaina Launches That Girl Was Me Tour With Multiple Sold-Out Stops
Devin Dawson and HARDY join Lauren Alaina on stage to perform “One Beer” on opening night of Lauren’s That Girl Was Me Tour in Nashville. Photo Credit: Katie Kauss
Lauren Alaina kicked off her headlining That Girl Was Me Tour with special guest Filmore with back-to-back sold-out nights at Nashville’s Exit / In (Jan. 15-16) followed by a sold-out show at 8 Seconds Saloon in Indianapolis (Jan. 18). Opening night also saw surprise guests Devin Dawson and HARDY join Lauren on stage for a performance of the trio’s “One Beer.” The That Girl Was Me Tour continues this weekend in Columbia, MO.; Rosemont, IL and Warrendale, PA., before heading to New York City’s Bowery Ballroom. While in NYC, Lauren will also stop by NBC’s TODAY Show to perform her current single “Getting Good” on Monday, Jan. 27.
Brandi Carlile Wraps Triumphant Ryman Run
Pictured (L-R:) Phil Hanseroth (Bass), Brandi Carlile, Tim Hanseroth (Guitar) and Chrissy Hall (Director of Concerts, Ryman Auditorium). Photo: Steve Lowry
Brandi Carlile wrapped her sold out, six-night residency at the Ryman Auditorium on Jan. 21. The run of shows from Jan. 14-16 and 19-21 featured different special guests each night including Tanya Tucker, Sheryl Crow, Kim Richey, Lucie Silvas, Natalie Hemby, Lori McKenna and Courtney Barnett. Carlile peppered the shows with fan favorites like her Grammy-winning “The Joke,” early works such as “The Story” as well as covers of Joni Mitchell’s “A Case of You,” Bonnie Tyler’s “Total Eclipse of the Heart” and Madonna’s “Like a Prayer.”
SESAC Hosts First Bluebird Songwriter Series of 2020
(L-R): SESAC’s Zach Green, Lyla Joyce, Alicia Witt, Larry McCoy, Hadley Park, SESAC’s Lydia Schultz
SESAC hosted its first SESAC Presents Songwriter Series of 2020 at the Bluebird Café on Tuesday, Jan. 21, featuring a round of talented affiliate songwriters including Lyla Joyce, Alicia Witt, Larry McCoy, and Hadley Park.
Kelsea Ballerini Sets Release Date For Third Album, ‘Kelsea’
/by Jessica NicholsonKelsea Ballerini took to social media yesterday (Jan. 22) to announce she will release her third studio album, Kelsea, on March 20. The album will be available for pre-order on Friday (Jan. 24). “Homecoming Queen” was released as the lead single from the project, while Ballerini has hinted that a new song, titled “LA,” is set to also release Friday.
Kelsea follows Ballerini’s 2017 release Unapologetically, which yielded chart-toppers including “Miss Me More” and “Legends.” When she debuted in 2015 with her album The First Time, Ballerini became the only female artist in country music history to reach No. 1 with her first three consecutive singles, including “Love Me Like You Mean It,” “Dibs,” and “Peter Pan.”
Spirit Music Nashville Signs Neil Thrasher
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured L-R: Katie Flynn, Creative Director, Spirit Music Nashville; Michelle Davey, Director of Administration/Office Manager, Spirit Music Nashville; Clay Hatton, Administrative Assistant, Spirit Music Nashville; Neil Thrasher; Brian Bradford, VP of Administration and Operations, Spirit Music Nashville; Frank Rogers, Chief Executive Officer, Spirit Music Nashville; and Derek Wells, Sr. Director of A&R/Production, Spirit Music Nashville.
Neil Thrasher, known for penning songs including Kenny Chesney’s seven-week No. 1 “There Goes My Life,” Rascal Flatts’ four-week No. 1 “Fast Cars and Freedom,” and Jason Aldean’s “Fly Over States,” has inked a deal with Spirit Music Nashville. The new contract covers future works and does not include Thrasher’s back catalog.
“I am super excited to be part of the Spirit family! Frank, the staff, the vibe, and the energy that everyone has, is very inspiring,” Thrasher said. “Can’t wait to get this new venture going and cranking out some new tunes! Let’s do this!”
“Neil Thrasher is a badass,” said Frank Rogers, CEO, Spirit Music Nashville. “His songs have helped shape the sound of country radio, built artist careers and made stadiums sing along. And the amazing part is…he’s just getting started! We could not be more excited to welcome Neil to the Spirit Music family. This is going to be fun!”
In 2013, Thrasher earned ASCAP’s Country Song of the Year for Randy Houser’s “How Country Feels.” In 2010, he earned the Gospel Music Association Dove Awards’ Country Song of the Year for Jason Crabb’s “Somebody Like Me.”
Thrasher is the latest hit songwriter added to Spirit Music Nashville’s roster, as the company has over the past several months inked deals with David Garcia, Jeremy Bussey, Bobby Hamrick, Brinley Addington, Abe Stoklasa, and a joint venture with Derek Wells.
Karen Waldrup Signs Management Deal With Carter & Company
/by LB CantrellPictured (L-R): Joe Carter, Carter and Company; Tiffany Bearden, Evolution PR; Karen Waldrup; Tyler Middleton, Graffam Middleton; Mike Taliaferro, Carter & Company. Photo: Victoria Metzger
Country singer and social media star Karen Waldrup announced she has signed with Carter & Company for exclusive management representation. The singer-songwriter has amassed a substantial following on social media, with 600,000 social media followers across multiple platforms. Her online videos have been viewed over 350 million times.
“I couldn’t be more excited to work with Joe [Carter] and Mike [Taliaferro],” says Waldrup. “They are really open minded and creative and I know this is going to be a great partnership for many years to come.”
“We are so thrilled to be working with Karen Waldrup,” says Carter. “Karen’s work ethic has allowed her to build a strong musical foundation and has opened up unlimited options for continued success in this new streaming world of country music. We look forward to collaborating and building a future with her.”
Waldrup’s debut album JUSTIFIED, was produced by multi-award winner Garth Fundis (Trisha Yearwood, Alabama) and funded solely through fan participation via an Indiegogo campaign. Waldrup recently released her most vulnerable single to date, “Me Again” featuring William Michael Morgan.
Casadie Pederson Launches Muse Creative Management
/by Jessica NicholsonCasadie Pederson
Industry exec Casadie Pederson has launched Muse Creative Management, which will focus on artist management, A&R services, and songwriter catalog and calendar management.
Pederson’s roster includes Jason Blaine and Samara Young, as well as songwriters Tina Parol, Danick Dupelle and Jimmy Thow. The company will continue to offer creative services, including working as Big Machine Music Publishing’s Canadian songplugger and consultant, as well as A&R services such as song sourcing and project management.
Lil Nas X, Billy Ray Cyrus To Perform In ‘Old Town Road’ All-Star Medley On Grammys
/by Lorie HollabaughThe upcoming 62nd Annual Grammy Awards will feature a special segment highlighting the huge success of “Old Town Road.” “Old Town Road All-Stars” will feature current nominees Lil Nas X and Billy Ray Cyrus joined by BTS, Diplo, Mason Ramsey, and other surprise guests. Over the past year, the hit has been the subject of numerous mixes and mashups, which inspired the one-of-a-kind performance filled with special guests.
The show will also feature a special tribute to longtime Grammy executive producer Ken Ehrlich, and to acknowledge the importance of music education in schools to the Recording Academy, Grammy Museum and Ehrlich, artists associated with Ehrlich’s 40-year career will gather to perform “I Sing The Body Electric” from the film Fame. The performance will feature current nominees Camila Cabello, Gary Clark Jr. and John Legend joined by Debbie Allen, Joshua Bell, Common, Misty Copeland, Lang Lang, Cyndi Lauper, Ben Platt, and The War And Treaty.
“To bring high-caliber artists like Camila Cabello, Cyndi Lauper, Common, Misty Copeland, Debbie Allen, Ben Platt, Gary Clark Jr., Joshua Bell, and Lang Lang together on one stage fulfills a dream of mine,” said Ehrlich, who is completing his 40th and final Grammy Awards as producer. “To be able to do this on the Grammy stage makes it unforgettable for me.”
Previously announced performers include Aerosmith, Camila Cabello, Brandi Carlile, Billie Eilish, Kirk Franklin, Ariana Grande, H.E.R., Jonas Brothers, DJ Khaled, John Legend, Lizzo, Demi Lovato, Meek Mill, Roddy Ricch, Rosalía, Run-D.M.C., Blake Shelton, Gwen Stefani, Tanya Tucker, Tyler, The Creator, Charlie Wilson, and YG. Hosted by Alicia Keys, the show will air live from STAPLES Center on CBS on Sunday, Jan. 26.
Dolly Parton, Abby Anderson, Lonestar Set To Perform At Gift Of Music Benefit Concert
/by Lorie HollabaughThe Dustin J. Wells Foundation honors the memory of Dustin Jack Wells, who was killed in a car accident in 2005. His family set up the foundation in his memory, and funds are used for the purpose of reaching out to others in Dustin’s honor. Tickets for The Gift of Music Concert are available online starting Jan. 24. The event is also the featured entertainment for The Crown Council, a group of dental teams gathering in Nashville for their 25th Annual Event.
A portion of the proceeds from this year’s concert will go to the Scott Hamilton CARES Foundation, an organization dedicated to changing the future of cancer by funding advanced, innovative research that treats the cancer while sparing the patient.
Chris Janson Starts Off 2020 With “Good Vibes,” Celebrating A No. 1 Hit And Gold Single
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (L-R): Zach Crowell, Chris Janson, Ashley Gorley. Photo: Steve Lowry
“He will be the Entertainer of the Year.”
That was Warner Music Nashville’s CEO John Esposito‘s exclamation during the recent party held for Chris Janson, as the singer-songwriter started off the new decade with very “Good Vibes,” celebrating his third No. 1 single on country radio.
BMI-affiliated writer Janson co-wrote the track with ASCAP-aligned writers Zach Crowell and Ashley Gorley. The song marks Gorley’s 45th No. 1 hit (he has since added two more chart-toppers to that tally), and Crowell’s 11th as a writer. Crowell and Janson co-produced the track.
BMI’s David Preston and ASCAP’s Mike Sistad led the festivities, which were held at BMI’s Nashville office, and also included congratulatory remarks from Anthem’s Tim Hunze, Round Hill Music’s Penny Gattis, Spirit Music’s Frank Rogers and Tape Room Music’s Blain Rhodes. Pinnacle Bank and First Horizon Bank were also on hand to celebrate the writers.
During the shindig, Esposito surprised Janson with the news that “Good Vibes” has now been certified Gold by the RIAA.
“I really love this guy,” Espo said. “I wish I had his energy, and I gotta lot of energy, but I gotta tap into some more of that. He’s amazing.”
Pictured (L-R): Cris Lacy, Tom Starr, Heather Propper, Tom Martens, Zach Crowell, James Marsh, Chris Janson, Chad Schultz, Ashley Gorley, Matt Signore, Taylor Aretz, Ben Kline, John Esposito. Photo: Steve Lowry
“Good Vibes” was the first single released from Janson’s recent album Real Friends. Appropriately, congratulatory video clips were shown from some of Janson’s real friends, including Kid Rock, Dallas Davidson, Charles Esten, members of The Cadillac Three, Dierks Bentley’s Hot Country Knights, and Bass Pro Shops founder/CEO Johnny Morris.
Producer-songwriter Crowell was short on words to the crowd, simply saying, “I love everybody. This is all good. Thank you.”
Gorley added, “This song on this day was just Chris top to bottom as far as the vibe and everything—no pun intended, there. Everything just seemed to fit and a a lot of that has to do with Zach coming in with the production and the title and everybody just catching the groove. Without Chris’ energy, the song would not happen and I’m just happy to be part of this album and the previous one, and hopefully we’ll do some more in the future.”
Throughout the evening, attendees thanked Chris but also his wife and manager Kelly Lynn Janson for their teamwork.
“If I’m thanking Chris, I’m thanking Kelly in the same breath,” Gorley said. “And Cris Lacy and Warner because everything is a team effort with Chris [Janson]. He’s very thankful for that inspiration just as a creative person.”
“This has by far been my favorite No. 1 party that I’ve been part of,” Janson told the crowd. Speaking to Espo, Janson said, “The reason I signed with Warner Brothers was because of you and Cris Lacy. One reason we signed is the first person you thanked is my wife. That means everything to us. Thank you for respecting her the way you do. It means a lot…we are a team. We built this together. It’s hard to get a record deal and to get the right record deal—and I’ve been through three, I would know. I finally got one that worked and my ears on songs comes straight from Kelly and Cris. That’s where it starts.
“I’m so humbled to stand in front of a crowd to accept a third No. 1. It was not that long ago that Kelly and I were sitting at home going, ‘If we could just get one No. 1, it would change our life.’ We got one, and then it was like, ‘If we could get two No. 1s…’ and then we got it. Then it’s that pivotal moment of having a third No. 1. It’s so important because you feel like you’re turning a page and putting a key in the lock and it’s finally opening…We wake up every day and we pray over our kids and we pray over our career and we speak these things. We prayed over ‘Good Vibes’ from the [beginning]. She spoke it, she spoke it, we wrote it down. You don’t have to be a Christian or religious to understand or experience the miracles that can happen in the world, but trust me, babies are born, it’s a miracle. Songs going No.1, it’s a different type of miracle. We all did it together.”
He went on to thank several members of his label and management team individually, including Brian Jones (WME), and label execs including James Marsh, Chad Schultz, Taylor Aretz, Tom Martens, Victoria Chaitoff, Wes Vause, Matt Signore, Heather Propper, and Tom Starr (who recently won a battle with cancer over the past year).
“Talk about a ‘good vibe,’” Janson said. “He still worked this record when I know he didn’t feel like it and probably frankly didn’t want to get out of bed. Thank you so much—that’s a whole other level.”
Janson ended by also offering thanks to country radio.
“The one thing that pays the songwriter is country music radio, the one thing I always wanted to be on is country music radio and I am so proud to be on country music radio. This is a No. 1 song because of country music radio, so thank you.”
Pictured (L-R): Mike Sistad (ASCAP), Brian Rhodes (Tape Room), Zach Crowell, Chris Janson, Ashley Gorley, Penny Gattis (Round Hill), John Esposito (Warner Music Nashville), David Preston (BMI), Frank Rogers (Spirit Music), Tim Hunze (Anthem). Photo: Steve Lowry