In 2018, Tucker Beathard had recently gotten out of a record deal and was determined to make music on his own terms. He teamed up with a group of his favorite co-writers, and poured his frustrations and musical ambitions into a hefty batch of songs. The result was Nobody’s Everything, the first in a two-part album project that served as his freedom song, the chance to record music he felt fully represented him as an artist.
That project caught the attention of another label, Warner Music Nashville, and he signed with the label in January of last year.
“Before I signed, I had 20-something songs recorded, and I told them, “Look, this is what you’re signing up for, take it or leave it.’ That’s what made them want to sign me, which was cool. They just let me do my thing.”
Now he’s set to finish what he started, with his latest project KING, the culmination of that 20-song project.
KING centers on a boisterous country-rock vibe, throbbing with propulsive energy on tracks like the opener, “Better Than Me.” And for Beathard, that was the idea.
“A catchy guitar riff, just upbeat rock, and one that just sets the tone. When I make an album, I think about set lists for live shows. ‘Better Than Me’ is an all-around just a perfect opening one, in my opinion, just to hook you and lock it in, and just in your face, to set the tone for it.”
“Paper Town” captures a risk-it-all attitude, the tale of two kids in search of acceptance and freedom.
“I’ve always loved that song and talking about just the attitude of feeling like you’re bigger than a town. They are just like, ‘Man, let’s say screw this town.’ It’s just definitely a different substance lyrically and sonically, it definitely brought a different feel to it.”
The son of country songwriter Casey Beathard (known for hits such as Kenny Chesney’s “Don’t Blink” and Eric Church’s “Like Jesus Does”), Tucker grew up entrenched in Nashville’s songwriting scene, and connects with that essence of “Paper Town,” as it ponders whether a change of scenery would be the right move, especially as an artist whose own work veers more toward punk rock than straight-forward country.
“I ask myself that question every day, because it’s tough when you’re doing your own thing and when you have a tough time fitting in. Where do you go when it doesn’t fit in a specific category or box? I think it’s always natural to feel like you don’t fit in somewhere when you’re not easily accepted somewhere. It’s like a chip on your shoulder, and that’s definitely a personal song that stems from just that feeling, for sure.”
Instead, he’s synthesized his penchant for country wordplay and his need to wrap those in slabs of hard-driving rock, and welcomed his father Casey as a co-writer on four of the album’s songs, including “You Would Think” and “You On.”
“Me and my dad, we’re totally different, as far as writing, our preferences and styles. When I started getting into writing, I realized that a lot of the songwriting format and style that was naturally ingrained in me is that ‘three chords, and the truth’ attitude.’ When we started writing together, I was even surprised myself sometimes of how great it was and how well we work together. He loves writing with me because sometimes I bring a fresher thing that he didn’t think about to the table, and I love writing with him because he’s just one of the best writers in town, to say the least.”
Fans will be familiar with “Faithful,” as Tucker first began sharing acoustic renditions of the song on social media back in 2015. Now, the song takes on a full-fledged coat of earthy-rock sheen.
“That might be the oldest song on this record,” he says. “Through my journey through the music business, and getting out of a signed deal before, and just sitting on that song for so long, I’ve recorded it multiple times, but I’ve never had the opportunity to release it. I just kept thinking of ways to keep it exciting.”
But for all of the album’s devil-may-care swagger, it quietly concludes in “I Ain’t Without You,” a tribute to Tucker’s late brother, Clayton Beathard, who was tragically killed at age 22 during an altercation at a Nashville bar in December 2019. KING is a tribute to Clayton’s middle name.
Tucker and his father co-wrote KING‘s stunning and hopeful closing track just weeks after his brother Clayton’s passing.
“it was a product of just everything that I was starting to learn and grow in during that event pretty much. To be honest, I’ve always been scared of not being the first person to go in my family, just because I’ve always been scared of not being able to handle the weight of an event like that. I knew I wasn’t strong enough, and then it happened and I found out pretty quick that I wasn’t necessarily wrong about me personally not being strong enough to get through that. But honestly, I learned the strength and power of Jesus Christ in that moment. The whole situation made me think about the idea of, ‘I’m strong enough to get through this, but not without you.’
“There’s a lot of things that I think I am, that I wouldn’t or couldn’t be without [Clay]. It was just a truth that I was starting to see, and more than ever, and my dad was the only one that could relate to that, and understand where I was coming from, because we were dealing with that tragedy together. I realized pretty quickly that was a song that would make this whole album feel full circle and just put the stamp on this whole book, so to speak, that I wanted to release.”
Mere months after his brother’s passing, tours began shuttering as the COVID-19 pandemic intensified. But for Tucker, being forced to stop touring ended up as a blessing.
“I’m glad that I didn’t have to just jump right back into the swing of things, because, it just definitely helped having time to just be with family, grieve and get through a lot of the emotional stuff. I definitely miss playing, but it’s been great.”
Tour or no tour, Beathard is thankful to have finally released the long-awaited project, one where he can offer every facet of his artistry.
“I’m always going for uniqueness when putting together a project,” he says. “I think a lot of people won’t even know what you’d call it, but as long as they know it’s me, and they can’t find that anywhere else, then that’s what I’m going for.”
SESAC, RMLC Announce New Agreement
/by Jessica NicholsonThe agreement rolls forward rates and terms from the prior license, including a blanket license fee of 0.2557% of net revenue, and an all-talk rate of .0575% of revenue. As before, the agreement applies to stations’ over-the-air broadcasts, simulcast streams and HD signals.
The RMLC represents the vast majority of the nation’s radio stations, and SESAC represents more than 1 million songs and some 30,000 songwriters, composers and music publisher affiliates.
SESAC President and COO Kelli Turner said, “As a performing rights organization, we remain focused on bringing value to our songwriters and publishers—which has become increasingly important during these uncertain times. We appreciate the RMLC’s cooperation to once again reach an agreement that will enhance the livelihoods of the creative community.”
RMLC Chairman Ed Atsinger said, “We are pleased to carry forward the terms of the prior agreement with SESAC, which is an efficient path forward for both sides in a music licensing landscape that has become increasingly complex.”
Kane Brown Joins Elite Circle With Latest Chart Milestone
/by Jessica NicholsonKane Brown. Photo: Matthew Berinato
Kane Brown has earned the best country EP debut of 2020, with his Mixtape Vol. 1 project (which released Aug. 14) entering Billboard‘s Top Country Albums chart at No. 2, with more than 22,000 in consumption units. The seven-song collection’s on-demand streams total earns the year’s highest first-week marks since Sam Hunt’s Southside album debut.
Brown currently has three projects in the Top 20, including Mixtape Vol. 1, the Platinum-certified Experiment and the 2x multi-Platinum Kane Brown. Brown joins Garth Brooks, Chris Stapleton, Florida Georgia Line and Kacey Musgraves as the only artists to accomplish this feat since 2017, when the Billboard Country chart first reflected total consumption, blending traditional album sales, track equivalent albums, and streaming equivalent albums.
Mixtape Vol. 1 includes pop collaborations with Swae Lee and Khalid on his current Top 40 hit “Be Like That,” and with John Legend on “Last Time I Say Sorry.” The EP also includes the timely inspirational message “Worldwide Beautiful,” which released two days after the music industry observed Blackout Tuesday in June.
Avenue Beat, Lindsay Ell, Louis York Set For Virtual Concert To Encourage Voter Registration
/by Lorie HollabaughAvenue Beat, Lindsay Ell, Maggie Rose, Aubrie Sellers, Louis York, The Cadillac Three, Natalie Prass and Eric Slick of Dr. Dog, and the Nashville Action Committee (chaired by writer/producer Alex Kline) are hosting “Get Your Vote On!,” a free virtual concert on August 30 to encourage nonpartisan voter registration and activation. Get Your Vote On! will broadcast live on nugs.net on Sunday, August 30, at 6 p.m. ET.
“The right to vote isn’t just a right, it’s a privilege. I feel personally obligated to raise my voice and encourage others to become active in this year’s election,” said Rose. “I’m honored to stand alongside each of these amazing artists, and the Nashville Action Committee, to encourage and empower voter engagement — not only in Nashville, but nationwide.”
“We’re thrilled to be teaming up with HeadCount and to have an array of acts — that range from country to soul to indie rock to pop — all come together to play this event,” said Kline. “We believe our voices are heard loudest at the ballot boxes and I think it’s only fitting that the voices of these artists will help thousands more in America be heard.”
In addition to signing on for a three-song set, Rose reached out to streaming platform nugs.net (which broadcasted her multi-cam, 4K “Help Myself” Virtual Release Party show in May) about serving as streaming partner for Get Your Vote On!.
“They responded passionately about our cause, and were very excited about the lineup and immediately signed on to stream the event,” Kline shares. “I couldn’t have dreamed up a better partnership.”
Fireflight’s "Unbreakable" Certified Gold
/by Lorie HollabaughFireflight
Rockers Fireflight have achieved Gold status for their 2007 chart-topping single “Unbreakable.” With digital single sales surpassing 500,000 units, “Unbreakable” is the title track from the band’s bestselling 2008 Flicker Records release, and was also featured on NBC’s Bionic Woman in 2007.
Fireflight’s Dawn Michele (vocals), Wendy Drennen (bass), Glenn Drennen (guitars) and Justin Cox (guitars), signed to RockFest Records last year. The foursome is readying their highly anticipated RockFest debut, which is slated for release this Fall.
With a Grammy nomination to their credit, 26 million views on VEVO, nine No. 1 Christian rock singles, seven Dove Award nominations, and more than 400,000 albums sold, Fireflight has built a fiercely devoted following, transcending both Christian and mainstream rock. Bursting onto the scene with their 2006 Flicker Records debut, The Healing Of Harms, the band’s discography also includes Unbreakable (2008) and For Those Who Wait (2010). The group’s Essential Records debut, Now, was the top-selling Christian rock album of 2012, while Fireflight’s independently released INNOVA (2015) yielded two No. 1 singles, joining such career-defining hits as “Waiting,” “The Hunger,” “Unbreakable” and “Stay Close,” among others.
Ryan Griffin Unveils Track List For New EP ‘Name On It’
/by Lorie HollabaughRyan Griffin has revealed the artwork and track list for his upcoming major label debut, Name On It. The six-song EP features tracks all co-written by Griffin with writers like Nicolle Galyon, Emily Weisband, Josh London, and more, each inspired by personal stories of his own.
Griffin has previewed the EP with recent releases “Down,” “One Prayer Left,” “Going Going Gone,” his debut single “Right Here Right Now,” and the EP’s title track, which all feature stories of love, faith, gratitude and good times. Produced by Mark Trussell, Jason Massey and busbee, Name On It is due everywhere Aug. 28.
Moving to Music City at 17 after growing up on his family’s farm in Florida, Griffin first found success as a songwriter, penning songs like Kelsea Ballerini’s Platinum-selling hit “Dibs.” Featured as a SiriusXM Highway Find, he has racked up more than 20 million streams in the U.S. with his independently released tracks, including the infectious “Woulda Left Me Too,” “Best Cold Beer” and “Play It By Heart.”
Singer-Songwriter Justin Townes Earle Dies At 38
/by Robert K OermannJustin Townes Earle. Photo: Joshua Black Wilkins
Americana music star Justin Townes Earle died yesterday (Aug. 23) at age 38.
Earle was a singer, songwriter, recording artist and producer who released eight albums and won awards from the Americana Music Association. He was the son of celebrated singer-songwriter Steve Earle and the nephew of critically acclaimed Nashville tunesmith Stacy Earle.
Born in Nashville in 1982, Justin Townes Earle was raised by his mother, Carol Ann Hunter. He began performing in local clubs as a teenager, including weekly gigs at Springwater. He also played in the rock band The Distributors and in an acoustic group called The Swindlers.
He joined his father’s road band The Dukes when he was 20. He can be heard on Steve Earle’s 2003 live album Just an American Boy.
But both father and son agreed that Justin should chart his own course as an artist and not be tied to his father’s stardom.
Justin Townes Earle issued an EP titled Yuma in 2007 and his first full-length album, The Good Life, in 2008. His style at the time was low-key and poetic, with a bluesy tinge. His second CD, 2009’s Midnight at the Movies, led to his being named Emerging Artist of the Year at the 2010 Americana Music Awards. The record was nominated as Album of the Year and he also received an Artist of the Year AMA nomination.
He came into his own as an artist with 2010’s Harlem River Blues. More fully produced with R&B influences than his earlier efforts, the record made him an Americana star. Its title tune was named Song of the Year at the AMA’s 2011 awards show, where Justin Townes Earle was also again nominated as Artist of the Year.
He performed “Harlem River Blues” on Late Night with David Letterman with Jason Isbell backing him on guitar. The singer-songwriter also appeared at Bonnaroo, MerleFest and the Grand Ole Opry.
In 2012, he produced Unfinished Business, an album by rockabilly legend Wanda Jackson. He wrote one of its songs and sang a duet with her on the collection.
Like his father, Justin Townes Earle experienced periodic setbacks due to substance-abuse issues. But his disc output continued steadily with 2012’s Nothing’s Gonna Change the Way You Feel About Me Now, 2014’s Single Mothers, 2015’s Absent Fathers and 2017’s Kids in the Street.
In 2017, he toured with the acclaimed Canadian group The Sadies serving as his opening act and backing band.
Justin Townes Earle turned a promising artistic corner with his 2019 album The Saint of Lost Causes. Its character-driven songs touched on social issues and brought new depth to his rootsy style. He toured in support of the record until the onset of the coronavirus pandemic in March.
Justin Townes Earle married his wife Jean Marie in 2013. They became parents to daughter Etta in 2017.
No cause of death has been announced. Funeral arrangements are also unknown at press time.
Industry Ink: Runaway June, Georgia Thunderbolts, Jay Clementi
/by Lorie HollabaughSong Suffragettes Welcome Runaway June To Aug. 24 Show
The Song Suffragettes partnered with the Women’s Suffrage Centennial
Georgia Thunderbolts Ink With Mascot Records
Pictured (L-R): Richard Young (Kentucky Headhunters), Zach Everett (Georgie Thunderbolts), T.J. Lyle (Georgia Thunderbolts), Ron Burman (Mascot Records), Logan Tolbert (Georgia Thunderbolts), Riley Couzzourt (Georgia Thunderbolts), Bristol Perry (Georgia Thunderbolts), Fred Young (Kentucky Headhunters)
Southern rock group The Georgia Thunderbolts have signed with Mascot Records. The band has also signed a management deal with Richard Young of Kentucky Headhunters fame. Additionally, United Talent Agency will represent the Thunderbolts for North American bookings. The band’s first record, a self-titled EP, The Georgia Thunderbolts, is being released today (Aug. 21). A new single from the album, “So You Wanna Change the World,” is also out today with an accompanying video.
“The Georgia Thunderbolts are very excited to be signed to such a wonderful team as Mascot Records,” says Thunderbolts lead singer T.J. Lyle. “It truly is an honor for us. We wanted to work with a label who understands us for who we are and what we can bring to the table. We found that in the Mascot Records family.”
Jay Clementi Joins SongwritingWith: Soldiers As Music Director
“I have been writing with SW:S since 2012 and proud to be a lead songwriter for the past two years,” said Clementi. “It’s truly an honor to take my commitment to the organization to the next level as Music Director, and I’m thrilled to work with Mary and Kristin to expand our programs for veterans and their families.”
Luke Bryan, Wife Caroline Join Jockey International As Brand Ambassadors
/by Jessica NicholsonLuke Bryan and his wife Caroline are the new brand ambassadors for Jockey International, Inc. in their new campaign “There’s Only One Jockey.”
“This partnership with Jockey, and why I’m so proud of it, it just feels like such a natural combination of what our family is about,” said Luke. “Jockey is such a strong family company and we’re excited to be partnered with such a successful company for so many years. The clothes Jockey makes, the comfort and quality, and how they stand behind it, is so important to us.”
“What I love about Jockey the most is their classic white T-shirt because girls can rock it, and boys can, too,” said Caroline. “I have some that I just tie on the side and throw on a hat and cute shoes, and you’re good to go. It’s easy.”
“Luke and Caroline are a great fit for the Jockey brand as their focus on family, dedication to caring for others and playful sense of humor align perfectly with our brand values,” said Chris Smith, senior vice president, DTC and chief brand officer, Jockey. “We’re proud to be able to partner with the Bryans and highlight the impact this all-American couple has on families and a younger generation, and reinforce ‘There’s Only One Jockey.’ It also doesn’t hurt that Luke has an affinity for the classic white Jockey T-shirt – an iconic staple in American culture.”
Tucker Beathard Forges Ahead On New Album ‘KING’
/by Jessica NicholsonIn 2018, Tucker Beathard had recently gotten out of a record deal and was determined to make music on his own terms. He teamed up with a group of his favorite co-writers, and poured his frustrations and musical ambitions into a hefty batch of songs. The result was Nobody’s Everything, the first in a two-part album project that served as his freedom song, the chance to record music he felt fully represented him as an artist.
That project caught the attention of another label, Warner Music Nashville, and he signed with the label in January of last year.
“Before I signed, I had 20-something songs recorded, and I told them, “Look, this is what you’re signing up for, take it or leave it.’ That’s what made them want to sign me, which was cool. They just let me do my thing.”
Now he’s set to finish what he started, with his latest project KING, the culmination of that 20-song project.
KING centers on a boisterous country-rock vibe, throbbing with propulsive energy on tracks like the opener, “Better Than Me.” And for Beathard, that was the idea.
“A catchy guitar riff, just upbeat rock, and one that just sets the tone. When I make an album, I think about set lists for live shows. ‘Better Than Me’ is an all-around just a perfect opening one, in my opinion, just to hook you and lock it in, and just in your face, to set the tone for it.”
“Paper Town” captures a risk-it-all attitude, the tale of two kids in search of acceptance and freedom.
“I’ve always loved that song and talking about just the attitude of feeling like you’re bigger than a town. They are just like, ‘Man, let’s say screw this town.’ It’s just definitely a different substance lyrically and sonically, it definitely brought a different feel to it.”
The son of country songwriter Casey Beathard (known for hits such as Kenny Chesney’s “Don’t Blink” and Eric Church’s “Like Jesus Does”), Tucker grew up entrenched in Nashville’s songwriting scene, and connects with that essence of “Paper Town,” as it ponders whether a change of scenery would be the right move, especially as an artist whose own work veers more toward punk rock than straight-forward country.
“I ask myself that question every day, because it’s tough when you’re doing your own thing and when you have a tough time fitting in. Where do you go when it doesn’t fit in a specific category or box? I think it’s always natural to feel like you don’t fit in somewhere when you’re not easily accepted somewhere. It’s like a chip on your shoulder, and that’s definitely a personal song that stems from just that feeling, for sure.”
Instead, he’s synthesized his penchant for country wordplay and his need to wrap those in slabs of hard-driving rock, and welcomed his father Casey as a co-writer on four of the album’s songs, including “You Would Think” and “You On.”
“Me and my dad, we’re totally different, as far as writing, our preferences and styles. When I started getting into writing, I realized that a lot of the songwriting format and style that was naturally ingrained in me is that ‘three chords, and the truth’ attitude.’ When we started writing together, I was even surprised myself sometimes of how great it was and how well we work together. He loves writing with me because sometimes I bring a fresher thing that he didn’t think about to the table, and I love writing with him because he’s just one of the best writers in town, to say the least.”
Fans will be familiar with “Faithful,” as Tucker first began sharing acoustic renditions of the song on social media back in 2015. Now, the song takes on a full-fledged coat of earthy-rock sheen.
“That might be the oldest song on this record,” he says. “Through my journey through the music business, and getting out of a signed deal before, and just sitting on that song for so long, I’ve recorded it multiple times, but I’ve never had the opportunity to release it. I just kept thinking of ways to keep it exciting.”
But for all of the album’s devil-may-care swagger, it quietly concludes in “I Ain’t Without You,” a tribute to Tucker’s late brother, Clayton Beathard, who was tragically killed at age 22 during an altercation at a Nashville bar in December 2019. KING is a tribute to Clayton’s middle name.
Tucker and his father co-wrote KING‘s stunning and hopeful closing track just weeks after his brother Clayton’s passing.
“it was a product of just everything that I was starting to learn and grow in during that event pretty much. To be honest, I’ve always been scared of not being the first person to go in my family, just because I’ve always been scared of not being able to handle the weight of an event like that. I knew I wasn’t strong enough, and then it happened and I found out pretty quick that I wasn’t necessarily wrong about me personally not being strong enough to get through that. But honestly, I learned the strength and power of Jesus Christ in that moment. The whole situation made me think about the idea of, ‘I’m strong enough to get through this, but not without you.’
“There’s a lot of things that I think I am, that I wouldn’t or couldn’t be without [Clay]. It was just a truth that I was starting to see, and more than ever, and my dad was the only one that could relate to that, and understand where I was coming from, because we were dealing with that tragedy together. I realized pretty quickly that was a song that would make this whole album feel full circle and just put the stamp on this whole book, so to speak, that I wanted to release.”
Mere months after his brother’s passing, tours began shuttering as the COVID-19 pandemic intensified. But for Tucker, being forced to stop touring ended up as a blessing.
“I’m glad that I didn’t have to just jump right back into the swing of things, because, it just definitely helped having time to just be with family, grieve and get through a lot of the emotional stuff. I definitely miss playing, but it’s been great.”
Tour or no tour, Beathard is thankful to have finally released the long-awaited project, one where he can offer every facet of his artistry.
“I’m always going for uniqueness when putting together a project,” he says. “I think a lot of people won’t even know what you’d call it, but as long as they know it’s me, and they can’t find that anywhere else, then that’s what I’m going for.”
Round Hill Music Signs Songwriter/Publisher Collective 4 Horsemen Music
/by Jessica Nicholson4 Horsemen Music currently has the No. 1 single at Active Rock radio with Shinedown’s “Atlas Falls,” co-penned by Maloy, and are at No. 3 in the format with Daughtry’s “World On Fire” a collaboration with Frederiksen and Stevens.
Los Angeles native Frederiksen began his career as a musician in several signed alternative and rock bands in the ‘80s and ‘90s. Frederiksen came to prominence as a songwriter and producer when he caught the attention of legendary A&R rep John Kalodner who introduced him to his now longtime collaborators, Aerosmith. Frederiksen co-wrote and produced the band’s Just Push Play, which featured the massive hit “Jaded.” Frederiksen would go on to write with Def Leppard, Mick Jagger, Faith Hill, Sheryl Crow, Eminem, Pink, Daughtry, Ozzy Osbourne, Buckcherry and more. Now residing in Nashville, he is also the lead singer and guitar player for The Loving Mary Band who supports Steven Tyler, Gretchen Wilson and Mick Fleetwood.
Maloy is the founding member of the rock band The Nixons. He has worked with Daughtry, Tim McGraw, Skillet and Shinedown, and co-wrote Carrie Underwood’s No. 1 hit “Temporary Home.”
Daly’s songwriting credits include work with Keith Urban, Underwood, McGraw, Scott Stapp, Sixx:AM, Halestorm, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Backstreet Boys and Uncle Kracker’s international hit “Smile.” He also had five No. 1 hits including Kelly Clarkson’s “People Like Us,” Kip Moore’s “Beer Money” and Rascal Flatts’ “Stand.”
Stevens’s songwriting and production credits include work with such artists as Shinedown, Scott Stapp, American Authors, Halestorm, Nothing More, Highly Suspect, Daughtry and many more. Stevens’ career has included nine chart-topping Active Rock songs, 20 Top 5 hits and 28 Top 10 songs.
Josh Gruss, Founder and CEO of Round Hill Music said, “It’s a pleasure to have these fine gentlemen of songwriting prowess join the family at Round Hill Music. Marti has been my friend and partner at Sienna recording studios for many years now and it’s great to bring him even closer into the organization. Blair, Scott and Zac are amazing writers especially in the rock category and the four of them together make a killer, go to songwriting unit, with production chops to boot, and to weave them in with all the great artists we have at our record labels will surely result in great synergy. It’s amazing to announce this along with an active rock #1 for the partnership.”