Photo: Jadon Lee Denton
This is bluegrass-music week.
What’s that you say? You don’t hear much bluegrass in the clubs right now? That’s because Nashville let the genre’s annual convention slip through its fingers in 2013. It now takes place in Raleigh, NC.
So that’s where you’ll hear wall-to-wall, real country music all this week, and the IBMA’s annual awards show takes place there tonight.
In this column’s roundup of current bluegrass CDs. Irene Kelley takes home a Disc of the Day award, and the DisCovery prize goes to Mickey Galyean & Cullen’s Bridge.
MERLE MONROE/This Town
Writer: Roger Miller; Producers: Tim Raybon, Daniel Grindstaff & Stephen Burwell; Publisher: Sony/ATV Tree, BMI; Pinecastle (track)
– Ya gotta love the band name. The wry, downbeat song is taken at a lightning tempo, but somehow all five members keep pace, both instrumentally and vocally, complete with harmonies. The banjo and fiddle playing are exemplary, in particular. What the group lacks in vocal distinctiveness is compensated by crisp perfectionism. Vocalist/bassist Tim Raybon is the brother of Shenandoah’s lead singer Marty Raybon, and the two formerly performed as a country duo (1997’s “Butterfly Kisses”).
STEVEN CURTIS CHAPMAN & RICKY SKAGGS/Dive
Writer: SCC; Producers: Brent Milligan/Steven Curtis Chapman; Publishers: Primary Wave Brian/BMG Rights/Sparrow Song/CapitolCMG, BMI; SCSEE (track)
– CCM superstar Chapman hails from Kentucky, and he saluted his rural roots with a 2013 collection titled Deep Roots. The bluegrass community welcomed him by making it a No. 1 album in the genre. Deeper Roots is the follow-up, and this lead-off single enters the bluegrass top-20 this month. He’s aided on the choppy, uptempo, inspirational tune by Bluegrass and Country Hall of Famer Ricky Skaggs.
LARRY STEPHENSON & RONNIE BOWMAN/Two Ol’ Country Boys Like Us
Writers: Stephenson/Bowman; Producers: Ben Surratt/Stephenson; Publishers: Lee Dawn/Eclipse Music/Whenever You’re Around, BMI; Whysper Dream
– The Larry Stephenson Band is storming the bluegrass charts with this, a vocal and songwriting collaboration with stellar ‘grass vocalist Ronnie Bowman. It’s a light-hearted, midtempo jaunt about downhome friendship. The other songs are equally topnotch, since they boast authors such as Boudleaux & Felice Bryant, Ernest Tubb, Randy Van Warmer, Kostas and Donna Ulisse. The album is titled 30, because this year marks the band’s 30th anniversary.
DALE ANN BRADLEY/Hard Way Every Time
Writer: Jim Croce; Producer: Dale Ann Bradley; Publishers: BMG Gold, no PRO listed; Pinecastle
– Bradley is a five-time Female Vocalist IBMA winner, and she’s competing for that prize again this year. She’s also a member of the Grammy-nominated, all-female band Sister Sadie, which is nominated for IBMA Vocal Group and Album of the Year. Her new solo album’s title tune and lead single enters the top-10 on the field’s popularity chart this month. It’s a rippling, lilting, folkie tune that looks back at tough times as learning experiences. It comes from the pen of one of the great pop troubadours of the 1970s.
MICKEY GALYEAN & CULLEN’S BRIDGE/No Candy In My Bluegrass
Writers: Rick Pardue; Producers: Mickey Galyean/Cullen’s Bridge; Publisher: Mitchell River, BMI
– These mountaineers have the goods. This is hard-core, straight-from-the-heart, unapologetic, pure bluegrass. The single has blasted into the top-5 on the Bluegrass Unlimited Chart, and it is a defiant, statement-of-purpose anthem for traditionalism. I am completely into these guys. The album is appropriately titled Songs From the Blue Ridge, and I heartily recommend it.
IRENE KELLEY/Bluegrass Radio
Writers: Irene Kelley/Jerry Salley; Producer: Kelley; Publisher: Shiny Stuff/Very Jerry, BMI/SESAC; Mountain Fever
– This Nashvillian is the hottest bluegrass act heading into this week’s IBMA convention. Her album, Benny’s TV Repair, sits at No. 1. This single has already topped the chart in Bluegrass Today and seems poised to repeat the feat in Bluegrass Unlimited (where it currently sits at No. 3). She’s also the subject of a laudatory feature in the new issue of BU. “Bluegrass Radio” sounds so sweet and Appalachian that she might as well be a mountain angel. Heavenly, heavenly, heavenly.
LONESOME RIVER BAND/Little Magnolia
Writers: Adam Wright/Milan Miller; Producer: Lonesome River Band; Publishers: Songs From the Stillhouse/Wrightone, SESAC/BMI; Mountain Home
– It’s an upbeat waltz, so I was hooked from the opening notes of this heartache tune. The twin-brother harmonies of Brandon Rickman and Jesse Smathers are electrifying. The song is at No. 14 and is taken from the Lonesome River Band’s current Outside Looking In CD. Group leader Sammy Shelor is the key to the band’s flawless grooves and is a five-time winner of IBMA Banjo Player of the Year honor.
GENA BRITT/Over and Over
Writers: Eli Johnson/Kevin KcKinnon; Producer: Gena Britt; Publisher: Top O Holston, BMI; Pinecastle (track)
– Chronicle is the solo debut of this sweet-singing banjo player. On it, Britt collaborates with such top talents as Brooke Aldridge, Alecia Nugent, Marty Raybon, Charli Robertson (of Flatt Lonesome) and her Grammy and IBMA nominated Sister Sadie bandmates Dale Ann Bradley, Deanie Richardson and Tina Adair. The set kicks off with this zippy, high-lonesome, heartbreak train tune. Promising.
UNSPOKEN TRADITION/Dark Side of the Mountain
Writers: paula Breedlove/Brad Davis: Producers: Unspoken Tradition/Scott Barnett; Publishers: PaulaJon, Brad Davis, ASCAP/BMI; Mountain Home
– This spent six months on the bluegrass charts this year. It’s a haunting, graveside tune bolstered by slightly gritty, bluesy vocals and a minor-key melody. With their edgy vocals and passionate instrumental attack, Unspoken Tradition is a band to watch. The CD is titled Myths We Tell Our Young.
LONELY HEARTSTRING BAND/The Other Side
Writers: Lonely Heartstring Band; Producer: Bridget Kearney; Publishers: Lonely Heartstring, BMI; Rounder (track)
– This Boston band definitely pushes at the bluegrass boundaries. It is an acoustic act, but draws from pop, folk, jam-band and even classical influences. The vocals here are soft and mesmerizing. The instrumentation is accomplished, improvisational and experimental. The lyric expresses youthful hope in a time of political distress. Challenging, beautiful and altogether wonderful. The CD that contains this is titled Smoke & Ashes. It will dazzle and delight you. It’s definitely going into my repeat-play stash.
Pop/R&B Singer Conor Matthews Signs With Altadena/Warner Records
/by Jessica NicholsonNashville-based pop/R&B singer-songwriter Conor Matthews has inked a deal with Warner Records, in conjunction with Altadena, the music company founded by hit producer-songwriter busbee.
Matthews is the first pop artist to sign with Altadena through the partnership with Warner and has released his first major label single, “Too Late.”
Conor explains, “I wrote “Too Late” on a midnight flight back to my city – hadn’t seen this girl in forever and was hoping she was still around. When you haven’t spoken to an ex in a long time you start wondering how they feel and if they feel the same way about you, and if it’s too late to come through.”
Matthews was born in Illinois and moved to Nashville after graduating high school. A chance encounter led to a publishing deal with Keith Urban and Warner Chappell Music. At first, Matthews seemed intent on a career as a country songwriter, until a friend introduced him to the world of pop and R&B by way of Justin Timberlake’s music. Matthews forged a tight-knit, Los Angeles-based songwriting and production crew and began work on his project.
busbee adds, “As much as I admire Conor’s natural abilities as a vocalist, a songwriter, and an entertainer, I can’t help but admire his work ethic, his intense desire to win, and the way he treats those around him even more. I couldn’t be more excited to partner with Aaron Bay-Schuck [CEO/Co-Chairman], Tom Corson [COO/Co-Chairman], and the entire Warner Records family as we bring Conor’s music to the world.”
DISClaimer: Irene Kelley Is Tops With “Bluegrass Radio”
/by Robert K OermannPhoto: Jadon Lee Denton
This is bluegrass-music week.
What’s that you say? You don’t hear much bluegrass in the clubs right now? That’s because Nashville let the genre’s annual convention slip through its fingers in 2013. It now takes place in Raleigh, NC.
So that’s where you’ll hear wall-to-wall, real country music all this week, and the IBMA’s annual awards show takes place there tonight.
In this column’s roundup of current bluegrass CDs. Irene Kelley takes home a Disc of the Day award, and the DisCovery prize goes to Mickey Galyean & Cullen’s Bridge.
MERLE MONROE/This Town
Writer: Roger Miller; Producers: Tim Raybon, Daniel Grindstaff & Stephen Burwell; Publisher: Sony/ATV Tree, BMI; Pinecastle (track)
– Ya gotta love the band name. The wry, downbeat song is taken at a lightning tempo, but somehow all five members keep pace, both instrumentally and vocally, complete with harmonies. The banjo and fiddle playing are exemplary, in particular. What the group lacks in vocal distinctiveness is compensated by crisp perfectionism. Vocalist/bassist Tim Raybon is the brother of Shenandoah’s lead singer Marty Raybon, and the two formerly performed as a country duo (1997’s “Butterfly Kisses”).
STEVEN CURTIS CHAPMAN & RICKY SKAGGS/Dive
Writer: SCC; Producers: Brent Milligan/Steven Curtis Chapman; Publishers: Primary Wave Brian/BMG Rights/Sparrow Song/CapitolCMG, BMI; SCSEE (track)
– CCM superstar Chapman hails from Kentucky, and he saluted his rural roots with a 2013 collection titled Deep Roots. The bluegrass community welcomed him by making it a No. 1 album in the genre. Deeper Roots is the follow-up, and this lead-off single enters the bluegrass top-20 this month. He’s aided on the choppy, uptempo, inspirational tune by Bluegrass and Country Hall of Famer Ricky Skaggs.
LARRY STEPHENSON & RONNIE BOWMAN/Two Ol’ Country Boys Like Us
Writers: Stephenson/Bowman; Producers: Ben Surratt/Stephenson; Publishers: Lee Dawn/Eclipse Music/Whenever You’re Around, BMI; Whysper Dream
– The Larry Stephenson Band is storming the bluegrass charts with this, a vocal and songwriting collaboration with stellar ‘grass vocalist Ronnie Bowman. It’s a light-hearted, midtempo jaunt about downhome friendship. The other songs are equally topnotch, since they boast authors such as Boudleaux & Felice Bryant, Ernest Tubb, Randy Van Warmer, Kostas and Donna Ulisse. The album is titled 30, because this year marks the band’s 30th anniversary.
DALE ANN BRADLEY/Hard Way Every Time
Writer: Jim Croce; Producer: Dale Ann Bradley; Publishers: BMG Gold, no PRO listed; Pinecastle
– Bradley is a five-time Female Vocalist IBMA winner, and she’s competing for that prize again this year. She’s also a member of the Grammy-nominated, all-female band Sister Sadie, which is nominated for IBMA Vocal Group and Album of the Year. Her new solo album’s title tune and lead single enters the top-10 on the field’s popularity chart this month. It’s a rippling, lilting, folkie tune that looks back at tough times as learning experiences. It comes from the pen of one of the great pop troubadours of the 1970s.
MICKEY GALYEAN & CULLEN’S BRIDGE/No Candy In My Bluegrass
Writers: Rick Pardue; Producers: Mickey Galyean/Cullen’s Bridge; Publisher: Mitchell River, BMI
– These mountaineers have the goods. This is hard-core, straight-from-the-heart, unapologetic, pure bluegrass. The single has blasted into the top-5 on the Bluegrass Unlimited Chart, and it is a defiant, statement-of-purpose anthem for traditionalism. I am completely into these guys. The album is appropriately titled Songs From the Blue Ridge, and I heartily recommend it.
IRENE KELLEY/Bluegrass Radio
Writers: Irene Kelley/Jerry Salley; Producer: Kelley; Publisher: Shiny Stuff/Very Jerry, BMI/SESAC; Mountain Fever
– This Nashvillian is the hottest bluegrass act heading into this week’s IBMA convention. Her album, Benny’s TV Repair, sits at No. 1. This single has already topped the chart in Bluegrass Today and seems poised to repeat the feat in Bluegrass Unlimited (where it currently sits at No. 3). She’s also the subject of a laudatory feature in the new issue of BU. “Bluegrass Radio” sounds so sweet and Appalachian that she might as well be a mountain angel. Heavenly, heavenly, heavenly.
LONESOME RIVER BAND/Little Magnolia
Writers: Adam Wright/Milan Miller; Producer: Lonesome River Band; Publishers: Songs From the Stillhouse/Wrightone, SESAC/BMI; Mountain Home
– It’s an upbeat waltz, so I was hooked from the opening notes of this heartache tune. The twin-brother harmonies of Brandon Rickman and Jesse Smathers are electrifying. The song is at No. 14 and is taken from the Lonesome River Band’s current Outside Looking In CD. Group leader Sammy Shelor is the key to the band’s flawless grooves and is a five-time winner of IBMA Banjo Player of the Year honor.
GENA BRITT/Over and Over
Writers: Eli Johnson/Kevin KcKinnon; Producer: Gena Britt; Publisher: Top O Holston, BMI; Pinecastle (track)
– Chronicle is the solo debut of this sweet-singing banjo player. On it, Britt collaborates with such top talents as Brooke Aldridge, Alecia Nugent, Marty Raybon, Charli Robertson (of Flatt Lonesome) and her Grammy and IBMA nominated Sister Sadie bandmates Dale Ann Bradley, Deanie Richardson and Tina Adair. The set kicks off with this zippy, high-lonesome, heartbreak train tune. Promising.
UNSPOKEN TRADITION/Dark Side of the Mountain
Writers: paula Breedlove/Brad Davis: Producers: Unspoken Tradition/Scott Barnett; Publishers: PaulaJon, Brad Davis, ASCAP/BMI; Mountain Home
– This spent six months on the bluegrass charts this year. It’s a haunting, graveside tune bolstered by slightly gritty, bluesy vocals and a minor-key melody. With their edgy vocals and passionate instrumental attack, Unspoken Tradition is a band to watch. The CD is titled Myths We Tell Our Young.
LONELY HEARTSTRING BAND/The Other Side
Writers: Lonely Heartstring Band; Producer: Bridget Kearney; Publishers: Lonely Heartstring, BMI; Rounder (track)
– This Boston band definitely pushes at the bluegrass boundaries. It is an acoustic act, but draws from pop, folk, jam-band and even classical influences. The vocals here are soft and mesmerizing. The instrumentation is accomplished, improvisational and experimental. The lyric expresses youthful hope in a time of political distress. Challenging, beautiful and altogether wonderful. The CD that contains this is titled Smoke & Ashes. It will dazzle and delight you. It’s definitely going into my repeat-play stash.
Chris Janson Packs Ryman Auditorium With ‘Real Friends’ For Sold-Out Show
/by Haley CrowChris Janson. Photo: Zachary A. Sinclair
Chris Janson celebrated his second sold-out, headlining show last night (Sept. 25) at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium. The energetic singer brought the packed crowd to their feet with fan favorites as well as songs from his upcoming album Real Friends, including his current single “Good Vibes.” Janson also welcomed special guest Jamey Johnson to the stage for a rendition of Merle Haggard’s “Footlights,” while Charles Esten joined him for a chorus of his 2x Platinum No. 1 smash “Buy Me A Boat.”
Pictured (L-R): Chris Janson and Jamey Johnson. Photo: Zachary A. Sinclair
Pictured (L-R): Charles Esten and Chris Janson. Photo: Zachary A. Sinclair
Janson co-wrote and co-produced all 13 tracks on his upcoming third project for Warner Music Nashville, which is set to release Oct. 18. The album’s title track is a collaboration with labelmate Blake Shelton, and was penned alongside Brad Clawson, Greylan James and Mitch Oglesby. Other writers on the album include Ashley Gorley, Kelly Roland, Shy Carter, Zach Crowell, Tom Douglas and more. Real Friends is available now for pre-order here.
Janson recently announced his Real Friends Tour, which will take him coast to coast playing 22 dates this fall. For tickets and more information, click here.
Chris Janson. Photo: Zachary A. Sinclair
Pictured (L-R): John Esposito (Chairman & CEO, WMN), Chris Janson, Ben Kline (EVP/GM, WMN), and Matt Signore (COO, WMN). Photo: Zachary A. Sinclair
Photo: Zachary A. Sinclair
Brett Young, Maddie & Tae Head To CAA
/by Jessica NicholsonBrett Young and duo Maddie & Tae have signed deals with Creative Artists Agency (CAA) for booking representation, joining from WME.
Maddie & Tae are currently on the road opening for fellow CAA artist Carrie Underwood‘s Cry Pretty Tour 360, which hits Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on Friday evening (Sept. 27).
Young recently released his The Acoustic Sessions EP on Sept. 13 via BMLG Records, and celebrated his smash hit “In Case You Didn’t Know” reaching 5x Platinum status.
BMI Announces Quarterly Showcase For Nashville’s Pop Music Community
/by Jessica NicholsonThe show allows songwriters, artists and producers to introduce themselves and play 90 seconds of one track. Unlike typical showcases and songwriter rounds, this showcase aims to highlight full track productions. Participants will also be given the opportunity to have their song distributed via a playlist link following the event to attendees.
“Show & Tell is a great way for us to help raise the profile of the diverse talent coming out of Nashville right now,” says Spencer Nohe, Director, Creative, Nashville. “It’s a new opportunity for songwriters, producers, and artists to showcase their full production value and network with industry professionals in the creative community. It’s an exciting time to be living in our city!”
Nohe is BMI Nashville’s latest member of the Creative team. He is a graduate of Belmont University and spent nine years in A&R for Word Entertainment/Warner Music Group and Curb|Word Entertainment. Since joining the BMI team, Nohe has worked with writers in the pop, country and Christian genres and assisted in booking BMI’s various festival stages and local showcases, including the perennial-favorite 8 Off 8th showcase.
Bethel Music’s Kalley Steps Into Solo Spotlight With Double EP Debut In October
/by Lorie HollabaughBethel Music worship collective singer/songwriter Kalley is set to release her new two-EP debut Oct. 25. Created in the aftermath of last year’s California wildfires, the alt-pop/electronic Faultlines Vol. 1 and Faultlines Vol. 2 reaffirm Kalley’s trust in the God who doesn’t run from disaster.
Produced by LaeL (Anberlin, Number One Gun), Faultlines Vol. 1 is hallmarked by six songs of breakthrough and unbridled expectation. Highlights include the upbeat opener/lead single, “Oasis,” and the joyful “In The Middle,” as well as “Alabaster Heart.” A live version of “Alabaster Heart” will be available October 4, along with an accompanying video.
The introspectively-focused Faultl
Co-writer of the popular praise anthem “Ever Be,” which was nominated for a 2017 Dove Award for Worship Song of the Year, Kalley’s “Every Crown” is featured on Bethel Music’s latest Dove-nominated, best-selling compilation VICTORY. She is slated to be part of “The VICTORY Tour,” hitting 10 cities across the country this fall.
Celebration Of Life Set For Donnie Fritts
/by LB CantrellDonnie Fritts. Credit: Allister Ann
[Updated, Sept. 26]: A celebration of life for late musician/actor/songwriter Donnie Fritts has been set for Oct. 3, 2019 at Norton Auditorium in Florence, Alabama. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. and the event will begin at 7 p.m. No RSVP is required.
[Original post, Aug. 28, 2019]: Legendary Muscle Shoals musician, songwriter and actor Donnie Fritts passed away on Tuesday (Aug. 27). Born in Florence, Alabama on Nov. 8, 1942, Fritts died at the age of 76 after a lengthy battle with health issues.
The keyboard player for Kris Kristofferson for more than 20 years, Fritts had roles in a number of films, including Pat Garrett & Billy the Kid and Convoy, as well as the 1976 version of A Star Is Born. His most recent on-screen role was in the 2012 film Jayne Mansfield’s Car, written and directed by Billy Bob Thornton.
Fritts was also a well-known songwriter and had songs were recorded by artists including Waylon Jennings, Dolly Parton, Ray Charles and Dusty Springfield, among others. Among his iconic songs were “We Had it All,” “Breakfast In Bed” and “You’re Gonna Love Yourself In The Morning.”
Fritts released his first album, Prone To Lean, in 1974. His second project, 1998’s Everybody’s Got A Song, featured guest appearances by Willie Nelson, Kris Kristofferson, Dan Penn, Spooner Oldham, Waylon Jennings, Delbert McClinton, Tony Joe White, Leroy Parnell and John Prine. In 2008, Fritts released his third and final album, One Foot in the Groove.
The Alabama native was inducted into the Alabama Music Hall of Fame in 2008.
Memorial services for Fritts have not yet been announced.
Industry Pics: Miranda Lambert, Sheryl Crow, Scott Borchetta, Andrew Combs
/by Jessica NicholsonMiranda Lambert Celebrates ‘Wildcard’ With Label Team
Miranda Lambert celebrated with her Sony Music Nashville team at Nashville’s Exit/In, following a private preview performance of tracks from her upcoming seventh solo project Wildcard, which releases Nov. 1.
Pictured: Miranda Lambert (front row). Back row (L-R): RCA Nashville SVP Promotion Dennis Reese, Sr. Director Marketing Jennifer Way, Director Sales/Streaming Alaina Vehec, VP Creative Services Tracy Fleaner and SVP Sales/Streaming Caryl Atwood.
Sheryl Crow, Big Machine’s Scott Borchetta Celebrate Sold-Out Ryman Shows
Sheryl Crow and Big Machine Label Group President/CEO Scott Borchetta celebrated Crow’s two sold-out consecutive shows at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium this week. Crow’s latest album Threads (Big Machine) entered at No. 1 on the Americana/Folk albums chart. Crow surprised the Ryman audience with guest appearances from Maren Morris, Amanda Shires, Natalie Hemby, Jason Isbell and Emmylou Harris.
Scott Borchetta and Sheryl Crow. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images
Andrew Combs Celebrates Album Release Party
SESAC’s ET Brown celebrated with SESAC affiliate Andrew Combs at Fort Houston in Nashville on Friday (Sept. 20), as Combs feted the release of his fourth album, Ideal Man (New West Records).
Combs will launch a headlining tour in his hometown of Dallas on Oct. 9, with his five-piece band. He will also co-headline a European tour with fellow Nashville artist Erin Rae.
SESAC’s ET Brown and artist-writer Andrew Combs
Big Loud Records Signs Ernest
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (L-R): Scott Safford (Safford Motley, PLC), Seth England (Partner, Big Loud), Lloyd Aur Norman (Vp Of Special Projects & Strategic Management, Big Loud), Patch Culbertson (VP of A&R, Big Loud), Ernest, Blue (Ernest’s Puppy), Ryan Kroon (Artist Manager, Big Loud), Kevin “Chief” Zaruk (Partner, Big Loud), Candice Watkins (VP of Marketing, Big Loud Records), Austen Adams (COO, Big Loud)
Big Loud Records has signed singer-songwriter Ernest to its roster.
The Nashville native has had songs recorded by Jake Owen, Chris Lane and Florida Georgia Line, who chose “Dig Your Roots” as the title track of their 2016 project.
Ernest will also be managed by Big Loud, with Ryan Kroon overseeing day-to-day management. Ernest is working on his debut project, which will be produced by Joey Moi and will release the track “I Think I Love You” on Oct. 4.
“I’m super blessed to call Big Loud my team. They’re like family to me, and I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else,” shares Ernest of the signing. “We share the same vision, and most importantly, they let me be ME. I’m a very eccentric person and they encourage me to really dig in to everything that makes me unique.”
“We are longtime fans of Ernest and his songwriting. Over the past few years, we’ve watched him develop his vision and channel his creative flow,” says Big Loud partner Kevin “Chief” Zaruk. “He’s truly a one-of-a-kind artist and we cannot wait to introduce the world to Ernest and his music.”
Ernest will be part of two tours this fall and winter, including Mason Ramsey’s How’s UR Girl & How’s UR Family Pt. 2, which launches Oct 2 in Athen, Georgia. He will also be on Chris Lane’s Big, Big Plans Tour, launching Nov. 7 in Morgantown, West Virginia.
Average Joes Entertainment’s Sam Grow Inks With Brad Austin Management
/by Lorie Hollabaugh(L-R:) Sam Grow, Brad Austin, Manager/Brad Austin Management; Joe Barrick, Tour Manager
Average Joes Entertainment artist Sam Grow has signed a management deal with Brad Austin Management. Grow is booked by WME in Nashville.
Austin launched his new management venture after departing his position last month as Forever Media Corporate Dir./Programming, where he was responsible for overseeing 11 stations in Maryland, Delaware and New Jersey including WXCY in Wilmington, Delaware. He spent over 27 years in radio and media, and had also served as PD at Cumulus Country WTNR/Grand Rapids.
“We’re looking to take a fresh management approach with Sam,” said Austin. “When I first met Sam four years ago, I instantly knew there was something special about him – a rare mix of incredible vocal, writing and performance. Nobody can out hustle Sam and his crew, and they love every minute of it. We’ve quite literally only scratched the surface of Sam Grow and his music, and he’s got a new champion now who will work as hard for him as he does for himself and his team.”
Brad Austin can be contacted at brad@bradaustinmanagement.com.