Gabby Barrett
Gabby Barrett‘s journey from the American Idol finals to country radio success could be the epitome of the lyrics featured in one of her songs, “Jesus and My Mama”: I don’t break and I don’t bend.
Barrett recently performed an acoustic rendition of the song, which she wrote at age 16, during a visit to the MusicRow Magazine offices in Nashville. The song showcased her soulful voice, which can be velvety and full, or piercing and grainy when called for, soaring over the crunchy guitar work.
“That’s a fun one to open shows with, because you see the girls with their cups, holding them up like, ‘Yeah!!'”
Pennsylvania native Barrett began perfecting that unique vocal style at age 9, when she joined a gospel choir.
“That group of women really helped carve my voice and helped show me what I was capable of doing with singing,” Barrett said. “I really like R&B, and you also get a lot influence from what your parents play around the house when you are young, so I grew up loving country, too.”
From age 11-16, she and her family sacrificed so Barrett could pursue her musical ambitions, “grinding it out” on the touring circuit (“like getting the power pulled at my house because we were putting all the money into singing…that kind of grind,” she recalls candidly), before she was scouted to compete on American Idol at age 17.
Though Barrett placed third on Season 16 of American Idol and soon began working with Red Light Management’s Tom Lord, she found that television success doesn’t always translate easily—or quickly—with Nashville labels.
“I think there are times the town is a bit jaded,” Lord said. “Tons of people have come off of these shows and have knocked on the doors in town. Understandably so, the labels wanted to see what she could do outside of the show.”
Eager to prove that she had artistry and songwriting talent to match her attention-grabbing voice, Barrett began working on music in the midst of a grueling post-Idol tour in 2018. Barrett would perform three or four days on the tour, then book red eye flights back to Nashville to work on writing for a day or two, before returning to the Idol tour for another three-four day run.
“She challenged the stigma a bit,” Lord said. “She’d be on the road, then in the writing room and working on mixes.”
One of those writing sessions resulted in her breakthrough “I Hope,” a sultry song that takes the all-too-nice story of forgiving an ex-lover and wishing them well, and turns it on its head with a surprising, satisfying twist, as Barrett sings, I hope she’s wilder than your wildest dreams/She’s everything you’re ever gonna need…And then I hope she cheats.
“I Hope” currently sits in the Top 20 on the Billboard Country Airplay Chart. She penned the song alongside Zachary Kale and Jon Nite; Kale and Ross Copperman produced the track.
“I wrote from a point of view of being in high school relationship that was bad and hopefully I’ve grown from that,” Barrett says. “I feel like everyone has gone through these types of emotions, people who haven’t gotten over it.”
MusicRow Magazine owner/publisher Sherod Robertson and Warner Music Nashville’s Gabby Barrett.
Barrett and her team decided to not wait on labels, and put out “I Hope” independently. Once outlets such as CMT, Radio Disney and SiriusXM jumped on board, Lord says the phones started ringing. In June 2019, Barrett announced she’d inked a label deal with Warner Music Nashville, with the label’s radio promo team engaging to further push “I Hope” to radio.
While “I Hope” stakes its claim on the upper regions of the Country Airplay chart, Barrett also released “The Good Ones,” inspired by her now-husband (the couple wed in October 2019) and fellow Idol finalist Cade Foehner.
“When I was on American Idol, we were secretly dating and the people that knew would ask, ‘How is your boyfriend doing?’ And I’d say, ‘He’s good. He’s a good one, a keeper.’ So when I got to the writing room, I knew I had written a song about the bad ones but I was like, ‘There are still good ones out there, because I found mine.'”
The sweet, elegant piece with the lilting melody is made all the more touching by the the accompanying music video, which shares the story of a young woman in a wheelchair, who hopes to be able to dance with her boyfriend. Throughout the video, the boyfriend is shown crafting a a project, which turns out to be a harness swing for the young woman to use so they can dance together.
“I wanted to make it really special and pull on the heartstrings a bit. I wanted to make it a 360-degree turn from the [“I Hope”] video,” Barrett says. “My cousin has autism and my nephew has cerebral palsy and I just wanted people to know that they feel left out, but that there is still a possibility for you to be loved the same as anyone, no matter what deficiency you have. I just wanted to reaffirm people with that message for the video.”
Lord said, “When the idea started floating around, there were some of us who were like, ‘We want to be cautious with this, it’s a little different twist,’ and Gabby just felt firm on this and she said this felt like a story she wanted to tell. That speaks to the courage she has on her creativity and direction. She has a strong maturity and awareness, and there was an amazing reaction to the video.”
Most recently, Barrett released another song inspired by her relationship with Foehner, the track “Hall of Fame,” which she wrote alongside Trannie Anderson, Adam Doleac and Zachary Kale.
Gabby Barrett with MusicRow Magazine staffers.
Carly Pearce Previews Sophomore Album, Shows Depth And Vulnerability
/by LB CantrellPictured (L-R): Big Machine Records’ Clay Hunnicutt, Big Machine Label Group’s Scott Borchetta, Carly Pearce, Big Machine Label Group’s Allison Jones, Morris Higham’s Kyle Quigley, CAA’s Marc Dennis. Photo: Sonni Young / Remedy Creative
To a crowd full of industry friends and fans, Carly Pearce showed off her skill as a musical communicator when she previewed her self-titled, sophomore album Tuesday night (Feb. 11) at the Analog at the Hutton Hotel. The 13-song project releases on Friday (Feb. 14) on Big Machine Records.
BMLG’s President and CEO, Scott Borchetta introduced Pearce. “Tonight is such a great girl power story,” he said. “For those of you who don’t know her story, it’s incredible. It’s about survival, it’s about perseverance, it’s about ‘I’m going to figure out how to do this.'”
Pearce previewed a handful of tracks from the new record, in addition to her top 20 hit, “Hide The Wine,” and her first No. 1, “Every Little Thing.”
“This is a really special night for me,” Pearce said. “I have wanted to share this music with you guys for so long. I’m so proud.”
Lee Brice, her duet partner on the No. 1 song on MusicRow‘s CountryBreakout Radio Chart, “I Hope You’re Happy Now,” came out to support Pearce and sing his part of the soaring collaboration. Pearce’s husband Michael Ray joined her on another duet on the project called “Finish Your Sentences,” co-written by Thomas Rhett, Kelsea Ballerini, Jesse Frasure and Ashley Gorley.
Of the sampling Pearce played, several captured the refreshing emotional rawness that embodied “Every Little Thing,” including “Halfway Home,” a tune Pearce penned with Jimmy Robbins and Laura Veltz about the heartache that comes with breaking up with somebody. Her co-writers Sam Ellis and Natalie Hemby captured it yet again with “It Won’t Always Be Like This,” a song about persevering through the tough times and savoring the good. Pearce’s vocal delivery, and depth as a songwriter, on both tracks exemplified her skill as a country music communicator.
Another track, “Lightning In A Bottle,” penned by Hannah Ellis and Anna Vaus, captured Pearce’s romantic side, much like her Hillary Lindsey, Gordie Sampson and Troy Verges-penned jam “Closer To You.”
Apparently, the Carly Pearce album was the last full record that songwriter/producer busbee produced before he passed away in September of 2019. busbee’s wife flew to Nashville to be at Pearce’s show, and Pearce presented her with a plaque and spoke emotionally about her work with the visionary producer, and said that she had dedicated the record to him.
“I just feel grateful for my time with him, and I feel like it’s my duty to carry on his legacy and be just a small part that gets to keep these songs going and just cherish these little moments of music he created.
“I forever want each and every one of you to listen to this record and hear busbee’s heart in it because his heart was all over this and I will forever be grateful to busbee,” Pearce said.
Carly Pearce Tracklist:
1. “Closer To You” | Hillary Lindsey, Gordie Sampson, Troy Verges
2. “Call Me” | busbee, Emily Shackelton, Phillip Sweet, Jimi Westbrook
3. “I Hope You’re Happy Now (Carly Pearce and Lee Brice)” | Carly Pearce, Luke Combs, Randy Montana, Jonathan Singleton
4. “Dashboard Jesus” | Victoria Banks, Sara Haze, Emily Shackelton
5. “Halfway Home” | Carly Pearce, Jimmy Robbins, Laura Veltz
6. “Heart’s Going Out Of Its Mind” | Carly Pearce, Joe Ginsberg, Laura Veltz
7. “Finish Your Sentences (Carly Pearce and Michael Ray)” | Kelsea Ballerini, Jesse Frasure, Ashley Gorley, Thomas Rhett
8. “It Won’t Always Be Like This” | Carly Pearce, Sam Ellis, Natalie Hemby
9. “Lightning In A Bottle” | Hannah Ellis, Anna Vaus
10. “Love Has No Heart” | Sara Haze, Shane McAnally, Trevor Rosen
11. “Woman Down” | Shane McAnally, Jimmy Robbins, Laura Veltz
12. “You Kissed Me First” | Josh Kear, Hillary Lindsey, Gordie Sampson
13. “Greener Grass” | Hillary Lindsey, Jonny Price, Ben West
Paul English, Drummer For Willie Nelson, Passes Away At 87
/by Robert K OermannPaul English (L) pictured with Willie Nelson (R) from the 1985 album Willie Nelson – Me & Paul
Paul English, one of the most colorful characters in country music, died on Wednesday, Feb. 12, at age 87.
English was Willie Nelson’s drummer and constant companion for many years. He cut a striking “devil” figure with his goatee, black clothes and crimson-lined satin cape.
He had an equally individualistic personality. Paul English was feared as Willie’s “enforcer,” a bodyguard who packed a gun and wasn’t shy about using his fists.
The drummer was born in Vernon, Texas, in 1932. When he first met Willie in 1955, he was a former boxer involved in gangland activities and working as a pimp.
He joined Willie’s band in 1966, and the two were inseparable from then on. He later shared drumming duties in the band with his brother, Billy English. Paul English was so close to the superstar that Willie named one of his daughters “Paula” in his honor.
Willie Nelson immortalized his friend in his song “Me and Paul.” It first appeared on the 1971 LP Yesterday’s Wine. In that same year, the “Yesterday’s Wine” / “Me and Paul” single climbed to #62 on the country charts.
“Me and Paul” gained further fame when it was included on the million-selling, landmark 1976 LP Wanted: The Outlaws. Next, Willie placed it on his 1981 Greatest Hits collection. It finally achieved prominence on the country hit parade as a 1985 single that made it to #14.
Willie Nelson also wrote 1973’s “Devil in a Sleepin’ Bag” about Paul English. That song appeared on the critically acclaimed LP Shotgun Willie.
The drummer’s signature cape is now on display in the Country Music Hall of Fame’s “Outlaws & Armadillos” exhibit.
Paul English is survived by three sons, Evan, D.W. and Paul Jr. No funeral arrangements have been announced.
Storme Warren Recognized With BMI’s Ambassador Award
/by Lorie Hollabaugh(L-R): 2017 BMI Icon Bob DiPiero, Ashley McBryde, Storme Warren, Jeffrey Steele, Chris Janson and BMI’s David Preston. (Photo: Nathan Zucker)
BMI presented the BMI Ambassador Award last night (Feb. 11) to veteran broadcaster Storme Warren during an event held in their Nashville offices. Warren was presented the award in recognition of his continuous support and promotion of Nashville’s vibrant songwriting community.
“We are excited to celebrate a very special and unique 25-year relationship between BMI and Storme Warren, who has consistently and fiercely spotlighted the magical force that makes this community so special… the songwriter,“ said David Preston, Senior Director, Creative, Nashville. “As Storme’s career evolved from presenting GAC’s Headline Country to becoming the host of the popular The Highway morning show on Sirius XM, one thing has remained constant: his unwavering love of songwriters and the ability to highlight their talent.”
Warren, who has actively supported BMI since 1993, has played a critical role in the success of various BMI events and initiatives, and has used his platform as a forum for songwriters to publicly highlight their craft while providing an outlet for fans to hear the stories behind their favorite hits. The event featured comments by BMI’s David Preston, along with BMI Icon Bob DiPiero and BMI songwriters Chris Janson and Ashley McBryde. The evening also included a speech and special performance of Rascal Flatts‘ “Every Day” by former BMI Songwriter of the Year Jeffrey Steele.
“Songwriters put into words what we can’t. It’s impossible to imagine living life without what you all do for a living,” said Warren in his acceptance speech. “To all of you who are here, to BMI, and to my team, thank you for this friendship. Whether you’ve written 500 songs or you’re still struggling to write your first one, please don’t stop writing because your stories make up our book and I don’t want our book to end.”
Keith Urban, Dierks Bentley, Thomas Rhett To Headline Watershed Festival’s Ninth Year
/by Lorie HollabaughThe three-day, two stage camping festival will also include performances on the main stage by Kelsea Ballerini, Billy Currington, Travis Denning, Russell Dickerson, Lindsay Ell, Gone West Ft. Colbie Caillat, HARDY, Randy Houser, and Jon Pardi.
“Watershed, to me, is all about the annual anticipation of a great weekend with 26,000 friends, in one of the most beautiful settings on Earth,” said Brian O’Connell, President of Live Nation Country Touring. “I feel like it is a privilege to not only get to go, but to share it with so many ‘Shedders that have been there since day one. These artists, that setting, and the ‘Shedders make Watershed more than just a festival, it’s a true rite of passage for country music fans, and I am so proud to host this event every year. Here is to year nine being the best Watershed Festival yet!”
Passes go on sale Friday, Feb. 21 at 10 a.m. PT at watershedfest.com.
Industry Ink: Russell Dickerson, Billy Blue Records, Womens Music Business Association
/by Lorie HollabaughRussell Dickerson Celebrates Gold
Pictured (L-R): Norbert Nix (Triple Tigers), Russell Dickerson, John Dennis (Dennis Entertainment) Photo Credit: Kailey Dickerson
Russell Dickerson recently celebrated an RIAA Gold Certification for his debut album Yours, just months after earning his third Gold certification for his most recent No. 1 single, “Every Little Thing.” The smash single has amassed over 175,000,000 worldwide streams to date. Following the tremendous success of his singles “Yours” and “Blue Tacoma,” Dickerson now has three Gold singles in his discography, the first two already reaching multi-platinum and Platinum status.
“I’m blown away by the constant love of this army aka #RDFam that has supported me on this entire ride,” said Dickerson. “What an amazing way to close out the Yours album with a big ole GOLD celebration!!!”
Alan Bibey & Grasstowne Join Billy Blue Records Roster
Jerry Salley and Ed Leonard (Billy Blue Records, standing L-R), Alan Bibey (seated)
Alan Bibey & Grasstowne have signed with Billy Blue Records. Bibey has a reputation as one of the most technically gifted mandolinists in bluegrass and acoustic music. He was an original member of ground-breaking bands, The New Quicksilver, IIIrd Tyme Out, and BlueRidge. For the last 12 years, he has fronted his own Alan Bibey & Grasstowne, and in 2019, Bibey was voted IBMA Mandolin Player Of The Year. He has been voted SPBGMA Mandolin Performer Of The Year six times, including in 2020.
“Bluegrass veteran, Alan Bibey, is easily one of the very best mandolin players in our genre of all time,” says Jerry Salley, A&R/Creative Director for BBR. “It is an honor to have the opportunity to work with such a talent and with his incredible band, Grasstowne, one of the top groups in our industry.”
Womens Music Business Association Hosts Spotify’s Brittany Schaffer
2020 WMBA Officers pictured with speaker Brittany Schaffer. (L-R): Emily Boardman, Kelsey Wise, Brittany Schaffer (Spotify), Kaleigh Imbriale, Lauren Simon, Dana Dickie, Nina Schollnick.
The WMBA started the year on a high note with Brittany Schaffer, Spotify’s Head of Artist and Label Marketing for Nashville, as the featured speaker at their January Membership Meeting. Eighty members of WMBA gathered at ASCAP on Jan. 28 to learn about Schaffer’s experience as a lawyer in the music industry and how she transitioned to her current role at Spotify.
Warner Music Group To Revamp Nashville Offices
/by Jessica NicholsonJohn Esposito, Chairman & CEO, Warner Music Nashville said, “The heartbeat of our music community has long been on Music Row and we have found it an important part of our identity and soul. We’re excited to continue our longstanding presence on The Row in a new, more creative atmosphere.”
Ben Vaughn, President/CEO, WCM Nashville said, “We’re thrilled to have our own building entirely dedicated to WCM, and still right near our friends at WM Nashville. A welcoming space for writers to create and clients to come experience the best music from WCM writers, it’ll allow us to collaborate in an artistic environment all our own.”
Sugarland Reveals 2020 Tour, Welcomes All-Female Opener Lineup
/by Lorie HollabaughSugarland is heading back out on the road this Summer for their There Goes The Neighborhood Tour 2020 with special guests Mary Chapin Carpenter and Tenille Townes, as well as Danielle Bradbery on select dates.
The tour will kick off in Toronto on June 4 and hit 26 cities including Dallas, Phoenix, Milwaukee, Cincinnati, and more before wrapping in Charlotte on Aug. 1. Citi is the official presale credit card of the There Goes The Neighborhood Tour, and Citi cardmembers will have access to purchase presale tickets through Citi Entertainment.
Sugarland will also release a special collection of tracks on their Bigger, Louder, Live EP on Big Machine Records on Feb. 28. The live versions honor their sixth studio album BIGGER as Jennifer Nettles and Kristian Bush prepare to record some new music later this year.
There Goes The Neighborhood Tour 2020:
June 4 – Toronto, ON / Budweiser Stage *^
June 5 – Syracuse, NY / St. Joseph’s Health Amphitheater at Lakeview *^
June 6 – Hartford, CT / Xfinity Theatre *^
June 12 – The Woodlands, TX / Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion presented by Huntsman *^
June 13 – Dallas, TX / Dos Equis Pavilion *^
June 14 – Austin, TX / Germania Insurance Amphitheater *^
June 18 – Albuquerque, NM / Isleta Amphitheater *^
June 19 – Phoenix, AZ / Ak-Chin Pavilion *^
June 20 – Chula Vista, CA / North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre *^
June 25 – Wheatland, CA / Toyota Amphitheatre *^
June 26 – Mountain View, CA / Shoreline Amphitheatre *^
June 27 – Irvine, CA / FivePoint Amphitheatre *^
July 2 – Aurora, IL / River Edge Park ^
July 3 – Prior Lake, MN / Mystic Lake Casino Amp ^
July 10 – Mansfield, MA / Xfinity Center *^
July 11 – Camden, NJ / BB&T Pavilion *^
July 12 – Wantagh, NY / Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater *^
July 16 – Holmdel, NJ / PNC Bank Arts Center *^
July 18 – Bangor, ME / Darling’s Waterfront Pavilion *^
July 19 – Gilford, NH / Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion *^
July 23 – Burgettstown, PA / S&T Bank Music Park *~
July 24 – Clarkston, MI / DTE Energy Music Theatre *~
July 25 – Milwaukee, WI / American Family Insurance Amphitheater *~
July 30 – Cincinnati, OH / Riverbend Music Center +^
July 31 – Alpharetta, GA / Ameris Bank Amphitheatre *^
August 1 – Charlotte, NC / PNC Music Pavilion +^
* Mary Chapin Carpenter
^ Tenille Townes
~ Danielle Bradbery
+ Special guest to be announced
Tim McGraw Exits Sony Music Nashville
/by Jessica NicholsonTim McGraw has exited Sony Music Nashville, which has been confirmed by MusicRow Magazine’s sources. The news was first reported by Billboard.
McGraw, along with wife Faith Hill, inked a multi-album agreement with Sony in 2017, joining the Sony imprint Columbia Nashville. He teamed with Hill to release the duets album The Rest of our Life that same year.
Prior to signing with Sony, McGraw had been with Big Machine, where he released the albums Damn Country Music, Sundown Heaven Town, and the Gold-certified Two Lanes of Freedom. His Damn Country Music album included the Lori McKenna-penned track “Humble and Kind,” which earned a CMA Award for Song of the Year in 2016, as well as a Grammy for Best Country Song, and an American Music Award for Favorite Country Song. The song was certified 2x multi-Platinum by the RIAA.
Most recently, the superstar released the tracks “Neon Church” and “Thought About You,” and is set to release the album, Here on Earth.
McGraw’s Here on Earth tour launches July 10 with openers Midland and Ingrid Andress, and includes two stadium shows with Luke Combs.
McGraw has expanded his portfolio of business ventures recently, partnering with Snap Fitness for the TRUMAV line of boutique fitness centers in 2018, and launching the book Grit & Grace: Train the Mind, Train the Body, Own Your Life in November 2019. He also teamed with historian Jon Meacham to co-write Songs of America: Patriotism, Protest and the Music That Made a Nation.
Industry Ink: Main Street Media, Country Music Hall of Fame And Museum, One Country
/by Jessica NicholsonWSM General Manager Chris Kulick Resigns To Launch New Venture
Chris Kulick. Photo: Chris Hollo
Chris Kulick recently resigned from his role as WSM General Manager to help launch a new venture, Main Street Media. He will serve as New Business Development Sales Manager for Main Street Media.
“I am grateful for the 18 cumulative years I spent with Gaylord Entertainment, Ryman Hospitality, and WSM. I would like to thank the CEO, Colin Reed, and all of the great people I met for treating me so well throughout the years. I wish that great company all the best,” Kulick says. “I am very excited to have the opportunity to work with the owner of Main Street Media, Dave Gould. From the day I met Dave, I felt a special chemistry that I believe will allow us to continue to grow Main Street Media’s vision, while allowing me to bring my unique skill set to the daily operations.”
“We are very excited that Chris is joining the Main Street team. With his vast experience, he is going to be a tremendous help as we work on new ways to share information with our readers and bring more value to local advertisers,” Dave Gould, co-owner of Main Street Media, says.
Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s Troubadour Advisory Council Adds New Members
The Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum’s Troubadour Advisory Council, comprised of talented and dedicated young professional leaders in the Nashville community, has added four new members, including Beth Neil (Content Marketing Specialist, Asurion), Weston Newman (Associate, Goodpasture Gray), Spencer Nohe (Director, Creative, BMI) and Torianne Valdez (Program Manager, Musicians On Call).
These newly appointed council members will work closely with the Troubadour Advisory Council leadership team comprised of Council Chairman Mary Lauren Teague (Owner/Manager, Dotted i Entertainment), Corporate Relations Team Co-Leader Jeremy Bradford (Finance, Universal Music Group Nashville), Corporate Relations Team Co-Leader Katie Cline Moore (Business Manager, Wiles+Taylor & Co., P.C.), Events Team Co-Leader Patrick Thomas (President, Silverfish Media) and Events Team Co-Leader Emilee Warner (Community Volunteer).
One Country Teams With Numana To Benefit Nashville’s Second Harvest Food Bank
One Country has teamed with hunger relief non-profit Numana to host their first meal packing event in Nashville, on Feb. 15 at Cross Point Church (299 Cowan Street). The event aims to donate 250,000 meals to Nashville’s Second Harvest Food Bank.
The event, which will run from noon-4 p.m. CT, marks One Country’s first meal packing event since launching One Country Give, the company’s charitable division, in 2019. One Country is looking for volunteers within Nashville and surrounding areas to help give back. Attendees can sign up for two-hour shifts (either 12-2 p.m. or 2-4 p.m.), where they will be packing meals, enjoying live music, giveaways and more. Season 17 The Voice winner Jake Hoot and Season 9 The Voice contestant Barrett Baber will be on hand to perform for volunteers and help pack meals throughout the day.To register, visit onecountrygive.com/
On The Row: Gabby Barrett On Her Journey From ‘American Idol’ To A Radio Hit
/by Jessica NicholsonGabby Barrett
Gabby Barrett‘s journey from the American Idol finals to country radio success could be the epitome of the lyrics featured in one of her songs, “Jesus and My Mama”: I don’t break and I don’t bend.
Barrett recently performed an acoustic rendition of the song, which she wrote at age 16, during a visit to the MusicRow Magazine offices in Nashville. The song showcased her soulful voice, which can be velvety and full, or piercing and grainy when called for, soaring over the crunchy guitar work.
“That’s a fun one to open shows with, because you see the girls with their cups, holding them up like, ‘Yeah!!'”
Pennsylvania native Barrett began perfecting that unique vocal style at age 9, when she joined a gospel choir.
“That group of women really helped carve my voice and helped show me what I was capable of doing with singing,” Barrett said. “I really like R&B, and you also get a lot influence from what your parents play around the house when you are young, so I grew up loving country, too.”
From age 11-16, she and her family sacrificed so Barrett could pursue her musical ambitions, “grinding it out” on the touring circuit (“like getting the power pulled at my house because we were putting all the money into singing…that kind of grind,” she recalls candidly), before she was scouted to compete on American Idol at age 17.
Though Barrett placed third on Season 16 of American Idol and soon began working with Red Light Management’s Tom Lord, she found that television success doesn’t always translate easily—or quickly—with Nashville labels.
“I think there are times the town is a bit jaded,” Lord said. “Tons of people have come off of these shows and have knocked on the doors in town. Understandably so, the labels wanted to see what she could do outside of the show.”
Eager to prove that she had artistry and songwriting talent to match her attention-grabbing voice, Barrett began working on music in the midst of a grueling post-Idol tour in 2018. Barrett would perform three or four days on the tour, then book red eye flights back to Nashville to work on writing for a day or two, before returning to the Idol tour for another three-four day run.
“She challenged the stigma a bit,” Lord said. “She’d be on the road, then in the writing room and working on mixes.”
One of those writing sessions resulted in her breakthrough “I Hope,” a sultry song that takes the all-too-nice story of forgiving an ex-lover and wishing them well, and turns it on its head with a surprising, satisfying twist, as Barrett sings, I hope she’s wilder than your wildest dreams/She’s everything you’re ever gonna need…And then I hope she cheats.
“I Hope” currently sits in the Top 20 on the Billboard Country Airplay Chart. She penned the song alongside Zachary Kale and Jon Nite; Kale and Ross Copperman produced the track.
“I wrote from a point of view of being in high school relationship that was bad and hopefully I’ve grown from that,” Barrett says. “I feel like everyone has gone through these types of emotions, people who haven’t gotten over it.”
MusicRow Magazine owner/publisher Sherod Robertson and Warner Music Nashville’s Gabby Barrett.
Barrett and her team decided to not wait on labels, and put out “I Hope” independently. Once outlets such as CMT, Radio Disney and SiriusXM jumped on board, Lord says the phones started ringing. In June 2019, Barrett announced she’d inked a label deal with Warner Music Nashville, with the label’s radio promo team engaging to further push “I Hope” to radio.
While “I Hope” stakes its claim on the upper regions of the Country Airplay chart, Barrett also released “The Good Ones,” inspired by her now-husband (the couple wed in October 2019) and fellow Idol finalist Cade Foehner.
“When I was on American Idol, we were secretly dating and the people that knew would ask, ‘How is your boyfriend doing?’ And I’d say, ‘He’s good. He’s a good one, a keeper.’ So when I got to the writing room, I knew I had written a song about the bad ones but I was like, ‘There are still good ones out there, because I found mine.'”
The sweet, elegant piece with the lilting melody is made all the more touching by the the accompanying music video, which shares the story of a young woman in a wheelchair, who hopes to be able to dance with her boyfriend. Throughout the video, the boyfriend is shown crafting a a project, which turns out to be a harness swing for the young woman to use so they can dance together.
“I wanted to make it really special and pull on the heartstrings a bit. I wanted to make it a 360-degree turn from the [“I Hope”] video,” Barrett says. “My cousin has autism and my nephew has cerebral palsy and I just wanted people to know that they feel left out, but that there is still a possibility for you to be loved the same as anyone, no matter what deficiency you have. I just wanted to reaffirm people with that message for the video.”
Lord said, “When the idea started floating around, there were some of us who were like, ‘We want to be cautious with this, it’s a little different twist,’ and Gabby just felt firm on this and she said this felt like a story she wanted to tell. That speaks to the courage she has on her creativity and direction. She has a strong maturity and awareness, and there was an amazing reaction to the video.”
Most recently, Barrett released another song inspired by her relationship with Foehner, the track “Hall of Fame,” which she wrote alongside Trannie Anderson, Adam Doleac and Zachary Kale.
Gabby Barrett with MusicRow Magazine staffers.