Pictured: Jennifer Wayne, Naomi Cooke, Natalie Stovall. Photo: Runaway June/Instagram
Following Thursday’s (May 14) announcement that Hannah Mulholland would be leaving Runaway June, the BBR Music Group trio that Mulholland helped found in 2015, it has been revealed that vocalist, fiddle player and songwriter Natalie Stovall is joining the group, which also includes Naomi Cooke and Jennifer Wayne.
Runaway June announced the new group member via Instagram, saying, “Everyone meet the newest member of Runaway June, @nataliestovall!! We couldn’t be more excited for the future and we can’t wait to perform again soon. We love you all more than words could ever express and we thank you for the outpouring of kindness, love and support in these wild, crazy times. It has kept us going, kept us positive and motivated to give more, go further, push harder. We are ecstatic to share this new chapter with Natalie and cannot wait for you all to adore her as much as we do. See you all as soon as possible and in the meantime please stay home & healthy! We miss and love you!! ?”
Stovall previously fronted Natalie Stovall and the Drive, known for the 2014 single “Baby Come On With it.” The group released their self-titled EP in 2015, followed by the EP Heartbreak in 2016. Stovall began performing professionally at age 10, and made her Grand Ole Opry debut at age 12. Along the way, she also performed at the White House as part of a segment on the Oprah Winfrey Show. Stovall also competed on Season 13 of NBC’s The Voice, and was on Blake Shelton’s team.
Stovall added on her on Instagram account, “Let the adventure begin!!! ❤️? I am SO excited to finally let y’all in on what’s been going on!!! I am joining Runaway June!!! Y’all know I always keep you on your toes ? I think all of our lives looked a little different just a couple of months ago. But this has been one of the easiest and most obvious choices I’ve made thus far in my music journey. I LOVE making music in band setting and I’m so excited to get to create and perform and spread joy with @runawayjuneofficial !!! As soon as we can, we will be out there on the road coming your way. And in the meantime, we will be creating music for you to hear! Much love. ✨✨✨”
With Mulholland, Runaway June released the debut project Blue Roses last year and celebrated a hit single with “Buy My Own Drinks.” With that hit, they became the first all-female trio in more than 16 years to earn a Top 5 hit at country radio.
The trio spent much of 2019 on the road opening for Carrie Underwood’s Cry Pretty Tour 360 and in February, were part of CRS’ New Faces of Country Music class of 2020.
Small Business Administration Releases PPP Loan Forgiveness Application
/by Sherod RobertsonOn Friday, May 15, the Small Business Administration (SBA) released the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Loan Forgiveness Application and instructions.
The released documents instruct borrowers how to apply for forgiveness of their PPP loans, consistent with the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act). According to a statement, the SBA will also issue regulations and guidance in the near future to further assist borrowers as they complete their applications, and to provide lenders with guidance on their responsibilities.
The form and instructions include several measures to reduce compliance burdens and simplify the process, such as:
• Options for borrowers to calculate payroll costs using an “alternative payroll covered period”
• Flexibility to include eligible payroll and non-payroll expenses paid or incurred
• Step-by-step instructions on how to perform calculations
• Implementation of statutory exemptions from loan forgiveness reduction
• Addition of a new exemption from the loan forgiveness reduction for borrowers who have made a good-faith, written offer to rehire workers that was declined
The PPP was created by the CARES Act to provide forgivable loans to small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Click here to view the application and instructions on the SBA website.
Deluge Music Signs Johnny Gates
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured: Top Row: Emily Dryburgh, Creative Director; Mark Friedman, President. Bottom Row: David Robkin, Managing Member and Johnny Gates
Deluge Music has signed Johnny Gates to a global publishing deal.
The former frontman for Los Angeles rock band Runaway Saints (a trio that spent time working in Nashville early in their career), Gates appeared on NBC’s The Voice before returning to Nashville.
“Johnny is a global talent who deserves a chance for music lovers all over the world to hear what we fell in love with here at Deluge Music,” says Deluge Music President Mark Friedman.
“Johnny has the talent, experience and poise of both a star and a professional. His music defies genres and zip codes. I’m proud to work beside him – and excited to build this next era with him!” says Deluge Music’s Creative Director Emily Dryburgh.
“I can’t begin to describe my excitement to be back in Nashville and having this opportunity with Deluge Music,” Gates said. “I created some amazing memories in this town, but the story always felt a little unfinished. So, I’m beyond grateful to Mark, David [Robkin] and Emily for giving me this chance to finish what I started here in Nashville. Deluge has such a family vibe, and I’m just really pumped to be a part of the crew!”
Shore Fire Media Promotes Two
/by Jessica NicholsonEvenson, Lefkowitz
Shore Fire Media has promoted Nashville’s Andrea Evenson and Brooklyn’s Max Lefkowitz to Senior Account Executives. Evenson and Lefkowitz have both been with the company since 2015 and were previously Account Executives.
“Andrea has been a driven publicist since she began her career at Shore Fire nearly five years ago,” says Shore Fire Senior Vice President Mark Satlof. “Her creativity and thorough, thoughtful approach to all of her campaigns make for a winning combination and we are happy to announce her promotion to Senior Account Executive.”
“In his time at Shore Fire, Max has proven equally adept at working with household name-level and developing artists, all of whom benefit from his pluck and resourcefulness,” says Shore Fire Senior Vice President Matt Hanks. “We’re so excited to see him continue to grow as he takes on a greater leadership position here.”
Shore Fire Media (a division of Dolphin Entertainment) has teams in New York, Los Angeles, and Nashville, representing recording artists, songwriters, music producers, record labels, music industry businesses, venues, trade organizations, authors, comedians, social media personalities and cultural institutions.
Kip Moore To Premiere New Documentary On Outside TV
/by Lorie HollabaughKip Moore‘s new documentary 7 Days At The Rock is set to premiere on Outside TV on May 28.
The short film offers an unfiltered glimpse into the weeks leading up to the release of his album Wild World, due out May 29, as Moore spent time in self-isolation at his remote rock climbing facility, BedRock, in Red River Gorge, Kentucky. Moore reflects on the current times, shifting gears in light of the pandemic while recording his In The Wild Sessions acoustic series and shares some personal reflection.
7 Days At The Rock will be available to watch on Outside TV on May 28 at 8 p.m. CT on all major streaming platforms and devices including The Roku Channel and Samsung TV Plus.
“7 Days At The Rock came around really organically leading up to the release of this record,” said Moore. “This is a unique moment in time for all of us that none of us will ever forget and so it felt right to kind of reflect on everything that is going on, as well as shed some light into the process of releasing Wild World. I also really wanted ‘Red White Blue Jean American Dream’ to be the next look into the album.”
Moore also premiered a new track “Red White Blue Jean American Dream” today. The track, the only outside cut on the album, was penned by written by Jimi Bell, Barton Davies, Luke Dick, and Philip Lammonds.
Scott Stevens Inks With Verge Records
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured L to R: Jeff Tobias (ONErpm A&R), Ken Madson (ONErpm GM), Emmanuel Zunz (ONErpm Founder), Scott Stevens, Mickey Jack Cones (Verge Records President/COO), Pete Hartung (L3 Entertainment), Joey Gonzales (L3 Entertainment) and Cody Villalobos (L3 Entertainment) | Photo Credit: Cody Villalobos
Scott Stevens has signed with Verge Records. Stevens’ first single, “Country Soul Survivor,” will be released May 29 on all platforms.
Stevens is a self-declared “groovethusiast” who blends rhythm, soul and lyrics into one. His artistry recently caught the ear of Mickey Jack Cones, president and COO of Verge Records, who signed him immediately.
“Scott has that laid back ‘Matthew McConaughey meets Brad Pitt’ type of star swagger about him, personally and musically,” said Cones. “You pair that with his soulful, impassioned vision for who he is as an artist, and you get a legend in the making.”
Stevens is managed by Pete Hartung, president of L3 Entertainment. Stevens spent the last year creating and defining his sound, and L3 helped Stevens find a home with Verge.
“It’s time to show the world a style that’s being described as ‘Mick Jagger meets Eric Church,’” said Hartung, “through a sound Scott calls ‘Country Groove Rock.’”
“I can’t wait to release music with Verge and have my first single coming out at the end of this month,” Stevens declares. “These guys are all heart and sauce and that’s all I ever wanted to be a part of. They’re not afraid to push genres, and it’s more about the music. Watch us work!”
Travis Denning Drops Debut EP ‘Beer’s Better Cold’ Today
/by Lorie HollabaughTravis Denning
Travis Denning’s debut EP Beer’s Better Cold, is out today. The project’s six tracks, five of which Denning co-wrote, were produced by Jeremy Stover and include Denning’s first Top 5- and-climbing single “After A Few,” the sleek anthem about a couple whose passion could erupt at any moment.
Denning will celebrate the project’s release this week with an acoustic performance on The Outdoor Channel tonight at 7 p.m. ET as part of their “Country Outdoors LIVE” series, and as a guest onCMT’s “Hot 20 Countdown” tomorrow at 8 a.m. ET. Denning marked his debut EP release last night will a full-band performance of the collection live streamed to fans at home.
He’ll also be performing and sharing more details about the project across multiple platforms throughout the week including Taste Of Country’s “Happy Hour” today (May 15), Facebook Live with Country Rebel on May 18, Instagram Live on Country NOW on May 19, American Songwriter’s “Behind The Mic” on May 20, Facebook live with One Country on May 21, an Instagram live with Sounds Like Nashville on May 22, and more.
“I’m so pumped to finally have this music out,” said Denning. “We’ve poured a lot of passion, hours and life into these songs. I hope when people turn these songs up they hear that.”
BEER’S BETTER COLD EP Track Listing:
1. “Where That Beer’s Been”
(Rhett Akins, Travis Denning, Chris Stevens, Jeremy Stover)
2. “After A Few”
(Kelly Archer, Travis Denning, Justin Weaver)
3. “ABBY”
(Ashley Gorley, Matt Jenkins, Chase McGill)
4. “Tank Of Gas And A Radio Song”
(Travis Denning, Nathan Spicer, Shane Minor)
5. “Beer’s Better Cold”
(Scooter Carusoe, Travis Denning, Cole Taylor)
6. “Sittin’ By A Fire”
(Rhett Akins, Travis Denning, Jeremy Stover)
Mark Bright Parts Ways With Foundry Records
/by Lorie HollabaughMark Bright has parted ways with Foundry Records. The Grammy-winning producer, songwriter and publisher had signed on to oversee A&R for the label when it launched last fall. In October 2019, Foundry Records announced it had signed deals with Shenandoah and Austin Merrill.
“My work with Foundry has come to an end, but I value the time spent shepherding the new venture,” Bright says. “The creative community is a constantly changing landscape, and I’m moving on to new endeavors.”
Bright is a Texas native who has been a creative force in Nashville for nearly four decades. His production credits include Sting, Shakira, Steven Tyler, Vince Gill, Keith Urban, Brad Paisley, Reba McEntire, Billy Ray Cyrus, Luke Bryan, Blackhawk and Sara Evans. He began working with Carrie Underwood fresh off her American Idol win in 2005 and produced her first five albums, yielding 21 No. 1 hits and sales in excess of 60 million.
As a publisher, his songwriters had 44 songs recorded by major label artists. A songwriter himself, Bright’s credits include George Strait’s 60th No. 1 hit “Give it All We Got Tonight” and songs recorded by Shakira, Whitney Duncan and others.
Chris Colston Signs With The AMG
/by Lorie HollabaughChris Colston
Chris Colston has signed with Artist Management Group (the AMG) for exclusive management representation.
The Texas-based country singer is releasing his new single “First Tattoo” today, which was penned by Morgan Wallen and AJ Pruis, and is from Colston’s debut full-length album Bombs Away that will be available June 26.
Colston started playing drums at 7, and by the time he was 17, he had picked up a guitar, formed his first band and was touring around Texas. He became a staple in the Texas music scene with his first EP Gone and has opened shows for Casey Donahew, Whiskey Myers and Parker McCollum, among others. He currently averages more than 130 tour dates a year, and has accumulated three million streams across all platforms for his songs, which include his 2018 debut single “Gone,” and the recently-released “First Dirt Road” and “Bombs Away.”
“Sometimes it just takes one listen to know ‘this guy is the real deal,’” said Rob Beckham, CEO of the AMG. “Chris is a hard-working, salt-of-the-earth talent, and the music is rooted in Texas tradition – but has no boundaries. The AMG is proud to add another undeniable hitmaker to our artist roster.”
Michael Gordon and Joe Lee at The AMG will jointly handle the day-to-day business for Colston.
“I’m very excited to be taking the next step in my career and working with AMG,” Colston said. “Becoming a national act is something I’ve always dreamed of, and I strongly believe this is the team that is going to make that dream a reality. Texas and Tennessee working together can make one hell of a punch. I can’t wait to see what the future holds.”
Natalie Stovall Joins Runaway June
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured: Jennifer Wayne, Naomi Cooke, Natalie Stovall. Photo: Runaway June/Instagram
Following Thursday’s (May 14) announcement that Hannah Mulholland would be leaving Runaway June, the BBR Music Group trio that Mulholland helped found in 2015, it has been revealed that vocalist, fiddle player and songwriter Natalie Stovall is joining the group, which also includes Naomi Cooke and Jennifer Wayne.
Runaway June announced the new group member via Instagram, saying, “Everyone meet the newest member of Runaway June, @nataliestovall!! We couldn’t be more excited for the future and we can’t wait to perform again soon. We love you all more than words could ever express and we thank you for the outpouring of kindness, love and support in these wild, crazy times. It has kept us going, kept us positive and motivated to give more, go further, push harder. We are ecstatic to share this new chapter with Natalie and cannot wait for you all to adore her as much as we do. See you all as soon as possible and in the meantime please stay home & healthy! We miss and love you!! ?”
Stovall previously fronted Natalie Stovall and the Drive, known for the 2014 single “Baby Come On With it.” The group released their self-titled EP in 2015, followed by the EP Heartbreak in 2016. Stovall began performing professionally at age 10, and made her Grand Ole Opry debut at age 12. Along the way, she also performed at the White House as part of a segment on the Oprah Winfrey Show. Stovall also competed on Season 13 of NBC’s The Voice, and was on Blake Shelton’s team.
Stovall added on her on Instagram account, “Let the adventure begin!!! ❤️? I am SO excited to finally let y’all in on what’s been going on!!! I am joining Runaway June!!! Y’all know I always keep you on your toes ? I think all of our lives looked a little different just a couple of months ago. But this has been one of the easiest and most obvious choices I’ve made thus far in my music journey. I LOVE making music in band setting and I’m so excited to get to create and perform and spread joy with @runawayjuneofficial !!! As soon as we can, we will be out there on the road coming your way. And in the meantime, we will be creating music for you to hear! Much love. ✨✨✨”
With Mulholland, Runaway June released the debut project Blue Roses last year and celebrated a hit single with “Buy My Own Drinks.” With that hit, they became the first all-female trio in more than 16 years to earn a Top 5 hit at country radio.
The trio spent much of 2019 on the road opening for Carrie Underwood’s Cry Pretty Tour 360 and in February, were part of CRS’ New Faces of Country Music class of 2020.
Keith Urban Honors Vanderbilt Medical Staff With Free Show At Stardust Drive-In Movie Theater
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured: Keith Urban performs at Stardust Drive-In Movie Theater on May 14. Photo: PFA Media
Keith Urban played a private concert for medical front-line workers Thursday night (May 14) at Stardust Drive-In Movie Theater, located nearly 40 miles outside of Nashville in Watertown, Tennessee.
The show lasted more than an hour, as Urban performed exclusively for more than 200 doctors, nurses, emergency medical technicians and staff from Vanderbilt Health (part of Vanderbilt University Medical Center), which has more than 140 locations throughout middle Tennessee and other states. The socially-distanced crowd included nearly 125 vehicles.
“To all of you guys here tonight, for everything that you’ve done, and continue to do, to all of your families, we say thank you – this concert is for all of you,” Urban said as he took to the stage.
“I did this to say thanks to the healthcare workers who are putting their lives on the line for us every day,” said Urban. “And performing in this environment, with everyone in their cars at a safe distance from one another, seems like an amazing opportunity for everybody to just let go and have fun….and I’m a musician, I HAVE TO PLAY!”
Pictured: Cars line up in preparation for Keith Urban’s private concert on May 14. Photo: PFA Media
Pictured: Keith Urban performs at Stardust Drive-In Theater on May 14. Photo: PFA Media
Pictured: Keith Urban performs at Stardust Drive-In Theater on May 14. Photo: PFA Media