Brett Eldredge. Photo: Greg Noire
After spending some time off the grid, reflecting and creating, Brett Eldredge is ready to release a new collection of music for the first time in almost three years.
The time spent alone drew out some of the most vulnerable music Eldredge has released, starting with a song about reflecting on a lost love, called “Gabrielle.” The single is the first taste of his album Sunday Drive, due out July 10 via Warner Music Nashville. The Paris, Illinois native recorded the project with Grammy-winning duo Daniel Tashian and Ian Fitchuk at Shirk Studios in Chicago. Tashian and Fitchuk also co-wrote “Gabrielle” alongside Eldredge, which is the first song he recorded for the new project.
“They’re incredible people and incredible creators, so it’s a really special song to be the first single,” Eldredge tells MusicRow. “It’s a very good indicator of what the album holds and the depths of the record, and the distinct sound of the record. From the intro of the piano and everything, it’s pretty powerful.
“[‘Gabrielle’] is very personal, it’s very honest,” Eldredge says. “I got the feeling of like, ‘Wow, I feel like I’ve known this song for a long time.’ This whole album has that sentiment, and that sense of warmth.”
Chicago’s influence comes through on the music that Eldredge has released thus far from Sunday Drive. The piano-driven “Gabrielle” has a jazz flavor that works really well with Eldredge’s rich vocal tone. Further, a tune he wrote with Ross Copperman, “Crowd My Mind,” really stands up as another piano-led ballad, with an intimate blues vibe.
His “Where The Heart Is,” written with Jessie Jo Dillon and Tyler Johnson, encourages a message of human connection. The tune, occasionally backed by beautiful string sections, feels particularly timely given the chaotic times we are faced with.
“What in the world are we all doing here,” Eldredge sings. “What do we see, what do we see, when we look in the mirror? ‘Cause I’m just lookin’, lookin’ for somethin’ true. And I believe that I might find it, maybe I’ll find it in you. Just show me where the heart is.”
As far as releasing new music in the wake of the social distancing era brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, Eldredge is optimistic that the music will connect, despite the limited promotion opportunities for in-person meetings, and a radio tour.
“I know one thing for certain is in tough times we always have music and I’ve got some really special music to get out there and I think it’ll help us,” Eldredge says. “Any way that we can all connect more with ourselves and with each other in these tough times, and if music can help with that a lot, I’d love to play a little part in that. That’s what I go to in these times, I go listen to music.
“I’m going to push forward and get this music out there and I’m excited to hopefully be an escape for some people in tough times, and also be encouraging and some optimism. We’re all going to push on through and come out the other side together. It’s going to be all right.”
Sunday Drive is available for pre-order here, while “Crowd My Mind,” “Where the Heart Is” and “Gabrielle” are available for download and streaming now.
Weekly Register: Gabby Barrett At No. 1
/by Jessica NicholsonGabby Barrett. Photo: Robby Klein
Warner Music Nashville artist Gabby Barrett has plenty to celebrate. Her debut single “I Hope” is the current No. 1 single on country radio, topping both the Billboard Country Airplay Chart and the Mediabase/Country Aircheck chart this week.
The feat makes Barrett the first solo female to have a debut single reach No. 1 since 2017, when Carly Pearce’s “Every Little Thing” topped the country radio charts.
Barrett’s “I Hope” also retains its lead on the on-demand country song streaming chart, with 8.3 million streams this week, according to Nielsen Soundscan.
The Top 5 Country On-Demand Streaming Songs this week are:
Charlie Daniels, Journey Home Project Join Code Of Vets To Aid Veterans During COVID-19 Pandemic
/by Lorie HollabaughCharlie Daniels and his veterans non-profit The Journey Home Project are joining forces with another non-profit, Code of Vets, to aid former U.S. servicemen and women who are suffering amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Their collective mission is a call to action to seek public donations for vets suffering from economic hardships as well as those who have contracted the virus.
In pre-COVID-19 times, Code of Vets assisted veterans with mental health crisis, unemployment, housing and transportation, among others, but they are now encountering dire situations they never expected. Pressing issues for vets include being unable to pay bills due to layoffs, a spike in food assistance requests, being unable to afford basic needs such as water, electricity, gas, an increase in veteran suicides, being unable to afford room or board due to job loss, no access to rent, mortgage, car payment relief or deferred payment programs, and being unable to reach the VA (by phone/in-person) for necessary mental health appointments.
“We are operating under emergency conditions with this alarming spike of veterans in crisis,” explains Code of Vets Founder Gretchen Smith. “Please donate to assist with basic needs like food, housing and utilities. Our veterans matter. Every dollar matters. It is on us to take care of our own.”
“Gretchen Smith and the folks at Code of Vets cover the guys below the radar, the ones with immediate needs and no place to turn, with a rapid deployment type response to veterans in desperate circumstances,” says Daniels. “These are the same veterans who put their lives on the line to protect our freedom. Our nation is pretty distracted by the coronavirus pandemic we’re all dealing with, but the need in the veterans world goes on, and the urgent need for funds is truly critical. I would ask you to join The Journey Home Project in supporting Code of Vets in providing for the needs of our most worthy citizens.”
Donations can be made at codeofvets.com.
Adam Doleac Releases ‘Famous’ EP
/by Jessica NicholsonAdam Doleac. Photo: Jessica Steddom
Arista Nashville’s Adam Doleac has released his new EP Famous, which includes his SiriusXM The Highway two-week No. 1 hit “Famous,” as well as “Whiskey’s Fine,” which hit the SiriusXM The Highway’s Top 5. The project was produced by Jason Gantt, Lindsay Rimes and Andy Skib.
“These songs and the inspiration behind them go back as far as five years and some only a few months ago. So for people to finally get to see how they all come together as one body of work is the coolest thing for me,” said Doleac. “This is my first Arista Nashville EP since signing with Sony Music Nashville, and I couldn’t be more thrilled to be able to share this music that means so much to me with all my fans.”
Famous Track List:
1. Famous (Adam Doleac/Bobby Hamrick/Andy Skib)
2. Neon Fools (Adam Doleac/Thomas Finchum/Andy Skib)
3. I Choose Lonely (Adam Doleac/Jason Sellers/Paul Jenkins)
4. SOLO (Adam Doleac/Jason Gantt/Chris Gelbuda)
5. Mom and Daddy’s Money (Adam Doleac/AJ Babcock/Pete Good)
6. Whiskey’s Fine (Adam Doleac/Monty Criswell)
One World Together At Home Special Raises $127 Million In Support Against COVID-19 Pandemic
/by Lorie HollabaughThe One World: Together At Home global broadcast event held over the weekend that included performances by Paul McCartney, Elton John, Stevie Wonder, Shawn Mendes, Taylor Swift, Kacey Musgraves, Keith Urban, Lady Antebellum and many more has raised $127 million in commitments to date in support of healthcare workers in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.
Corporate partners and philanthropists announced their support for the COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund for the World Health Organization, powered by the UN Foundation, during the broadcast, and donations to the fund will support WHO’s work around the world, the vaccine development alliance Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) and UNICEF. The Together At Home effort will also aid over 100 additional local and regional charities that will also receive funds, including Education Cannot Wait, Direct Care, Feeding America and United Way, among others.
Global Citizen together with Lady Gaga presented the historic eight-hour globally promoted special that featured dozens of superstars and celebrities and garnered unprecedented worldwide distribution, reaching billions. More than 60 global broadcast networks, across more than 175 countries, nine digital platforms and hundreds of affiliates, celebrated and supported brave healthcare workers doing life-saving work on the front lines. One World: Together At Home kicked-off with a six-hour digital stream that was followed by a two-hour broadcast special.
Black Diamond Row Music Publishing Inks Deal With Dean Dillon
/by Jessica NicholsonPhoto ID (L to R): Sheryl Steinmeyer, Dean’s manager; Angela Gutierrez, Founder of Black Diamond Row; Dean Dillon; Adolfo Gutierrez, Managing Director
Songwriter Dean Dillon has signed an exclusive publishing deal for his future works with Black Diamond Row Music Publishing.
Between 1979 and 1981, Dillon released 12 singles for RCA Records, with three of his songs reaching the Top 30 on the country charts, including his rendition of “Nobody In His Right Mind Would’ve Left Her,” which later became a No. 1 hit for George Strait. Between 1979 and 1983, as an artist Dillon charted eight times and broke the Top 30 with “I’m Into The Bottle (To Get You out of My Mind).”
Dillon has since become one of music’s most iconic songwriters. He has written more than 76 songs recorded by George Strait, including 19 radio singles and 11 No. 1 hits. Those hits include “The Chair,” “If I Know Me,” “Easy Come, Easy Go,” “Oceanfront Property,” “Unwound,” “She Let Herself Go,” and “Marina Del Ray,” among many others.
He also co-wrote “Tennessee Whiskey,” which was first recorded by David Allan Coe and later became a hit for George Jones in 1983 and in recent years became a 6x Platinum, signature recording for Chris Stapleton. He also penned several hits for artists including the late Keith Whitley (“Homecoming ’63” and “Miami, My Amy”), Kenny Chesney (“A Lot of Things Different” and “A Chance”), Pam Tillis (“Spilled Perfume” and “All The Good Ones Are Gone”), Toby Keith (“A Little Too Late,” and “Get My Drink On”) and the late Vern Gosdin (“Is It Raining At Your House” and “Set ‘Em Up, Joe”), among others.
Dillon was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2002 and earned the BMI Icon Award in 2013. He also earned three CMA Triple Play Awards (in 1995, 1996 and 1998).
“Dean Dillon is one of the most respected songwriters in the Nashville community,” says Angela Gutierrez, Founder of Black Diamond Row. “He has had a very successful career and will be valuable to the continued growth of BDR and all our songwriters.”
Nashville-based music publishing company Black Diamond Row launched in 2015; the roster also includes Kevin Brandt and Jordan Rainer.
Cumulus Media Names Paul Williams As Director, Programming For Westwood One Nashville
/by Jessica NicholsonPaul Williams
Cumulus Media has appointed Paul Williams to Director of Programming for Westwood One Nashville. Williams is based in Nashville, and reports to Brian Philips, EVP, Content & Audience, Cumulus Media.
In this role, Williams oversees the marketing, content, and operations for Westwood One’s award-winning, nationally syndicated country programming, including: The Ty Bentli Show, The Blair Garner Show, Nights With Elaina, American Country Countdown, Country Countdown USA, Country Gold, and With Elaina.
Williams was most recently Vice President of Marketing & Artist Development for Reviver Entertainment Group in Nashville. He had previously served as an executive at RCA Label Group Nashville and as Operations & Marketing Director for the nationally syndicated Kidd Kraddick Show. Prior to that, he programmed KPLX-FM in Dallas, TX, and spent six years as a liaison to national radio at Universal Studios Orlando radio broadcast center.
“As the largest audio network in the country, Westwood One is committed to bringing high-quality content to our quarter of a billion listeners,” said Suzanne Grimes, EVP Marketing, Cumulus Media and President, Westwood One. “Paul has the perfect suite of capabilities to build on that promise and take our programming to the next level.”
“Paul brings energy, pure radio instincts, great relationships, music taste, and a wealth of big brand-building experience in entertainment,” said Philips. “We’ve set him up to rally the team and build business for Westwood One Nashville.”
“I can’t wait to step into this role and lead the dedicated, talented people of Westwood One Nashville,” said Williams. “I’m eager to contribute to the innovative future of our Nashville-based brands, content, and marketing.”
Shawn Parr Returns With New Nationally Syndicated Weekday Show
/by Lorie HollabaughShawn Parr is returning to radio on a new nationally syndicated weekday show, Shawn Parr’s Across the Country, on June 1 in markets across the U.S.
The four-hour localized country program from Key Networks features Parr’s trademark warmth, wit and love for country music, and is available for stations Monday-Friday via FTP delivery. The show is customized to air anywhere in a station’s lineup between 6am-midnight, mornings, middays, afternoons or nights.
Parr is one of country radio’s most familiar voices with nearly 30 years in country radio, including 10 years as a nationally syndicated on-air host. Based in the Music City, Parr is widely known for his work as the voice of The Academy of Country Music Awards, The Golden Globes, American Music Awards, and many other national TV specials.
“Key Networks is excited to bring Shawn Parr back to country radio. His track record, enthusiasm, relationships and humanity make us proud to be working together,” said Jim Higgins, President & COO, Key Networks.
“My entire career has always been about the country listeners and they will lead the way with this show as well! Teaming up with Key Networks is like a dream come true,” said Parr. “Together we have worked so hard to get this show on the air and trust me when I say I am fired up and can’t wait for you to feel the energy Across The Country!”
Industry Ink: Lucky Bird Media, Manuel, Maddie & Tae
/by Lorie HollabaughDonica Elliott Flies To Lucky Bird Media
Couture Safety During COVID-19
Manuel.
Western couture designer Manuel has joined the fight against the spread of COVID-19 by creating face masks with his own designs to donate to hospitals, first responders and delivery drivers. He’s accepting donations to be able to purchase more fabric to make more masks, and they can be sent to: Manuel American Designs, 2804 Columbine Place, Nashville, TN 37204.
Maddie & Tae To Appear On ‘Say Yes To The Dress’
Maddie & Tae. Photo: Carlos Ruiz
Following the release of their sophomore album The Way It Feels last week via Mercury Nashville, Maddie & Tae will appear on TLC’s series Say Yes To The Dress: Atlanta on Saturday, April 17.
Filmed last year ahead of Maddie Marlow’s November nuptials, tune-in as Marlow searches for the perfect bridesmaid dresses alongside her family and closest friends including bandmate Taylor Dye. Watch a preview of the new episode below on TLC’s Twitter page.
Teddy Robb Releases Debut EP
/by Jessica NicholsonTeddy Robb has released his debut self-titled EP via Monument Records. The five-track project includes the songs “Really Shouldn’t Drink Around You” (which has been streamed more than 50 million times), and his latest, “Good Love & Good Whiskey,” which was written by Jesse Frasure, Bart Butler, Chase McGill and Cary Barlowe.
Robb collaborated with producers Shane McAnally, Ben Fowler, and Matt McGinn on the new project.
Fred Foster founded Monument Records in 1958. Among the artists signed to the label were Roy Orbison (who recorded his iconic hit “Oh Pretty Woman” for the label), Jeannie Seely, Cindy Walker, Kris Kristofferson, Dolly Parton (who released her first two singles, “Dumb Blonde” and “Something Fishy” for the label in 1967), Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers, Connie Smith and Willie Nelson, among others. Monument was later sold, but Sony briefly revived the label in the mid-’90s, and released projects from Dixie Chicks and Little Big Town, before McAnally teamed with Sandbox Entertainment’s Jason Owen to revive the label again in 2017. Foster died in 2019.
“Teddy Robb” EP Track Listing:
Me On You
Good Love & Good Whiskey
Lead Me On
Really Shouldn’t Drink Around You
Tell Me How
Brett Eldredge Returns With Vulnerability And Richness, Sets New Album For July 10 [Interview]
/by LB CantrellBrett Eldredge. Photo: Greg Noire
After spending some time off the grid, reflecting and creating, Brett Eldredge is ready to release a new collection of music for the first time in almost three years.
The time spent alone drew out some of the most vulnerable music Eldredge has released, starting with a song about reflecting on a lost love, called “Gabrielle.” The single is the first taste of his album Sunday Drive, due out July 10 via Warner Music Nashville. The Paris, Illinois native recorded the project with Grammy-winning duo Daniel Tashian and Ian Fitchuk at Shirk Studios in Chicago. Tashian and Fitchuk also co-wrote “Gabrielle” alongside Eldredge, which is the first song he recorded for the new project.
“They’re incredible people and incredible creators, so it’s a really special song to be the first single,” Eldredge tells MusicRow. “It’s a very good indicator of what the album holds and the depths of the record, and the distinct sound of the record. From the intro of the piano and everything, it’s pretty powerful.
“[‘Gabrielle’] is very personal, it’s very honest,” Eldredge says. “I got the feeling of like, ‘Wow, I feel like I’ve known this song for a long time.’ This whole album has that sentiment, and that sense of warmth.”
Chicago’s influence comes through on the music that Eldredge has released thus far from Sunday Drive. The piano-driven “Gabrielle” has a jazz flavor that works really well with Eldredge’s rich vocal tone. Further, a tune he wrote with Ross Copperman, “Crowd My Mind,” really stands up as another piano-led ballad, with an intimate blues vibe.
His “Where The Heart Is,” written with Jessie Jo Dillon and Tyler Johnson, encourages a message of human connection. The tune, occasionally backed by beautiful string sections, feels particularly timely given the chaotic times we are faced with.
“What in the world are we all doing here,” Eldredge sings. “What do we see, what do we see, when we look in the mirror? ‘Cause I’m just lookin’, lookin’ for somethin’ true. And I believe that I might find it, maybe I’ll find it in you. Just show me where the heart is.”
As far as releasing new music in the wake of the social distancing era brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, Eldredge is optimistic that the music will connect, despite the limited promotion opportunities for in-person meetings, and a radio tour.
“I know one thing for certain is in tough times we always have music and I’ve got some really special music to get out there and I think it’ll help us,” Eldredge says. “Any way that we can all connect more with ourselves and with each other in these tough times, and if music can help with that a lot, I’d love to play a little part in that. That’s what I go to in these times, I go listen to music.
“I’m going to push forward and get this music out there and I’m excited to hopefully be an escape for some people in tough times, and also be encouraging and some optimism. We’re all going to push on through and come out the other side together. It’s going to be all right.”
Sunday Drive is available for pre-order here, while “Crowd My Mind,” “Where the Heart Is” and “Gabrielle” are available for download and streaming now.