Pictured (L-R): ASCAP songwriter Kevin Kadish, Morgan Wallen, BMI songwriter Ben Burgess. Photo: Steve Lowry
Big Loud Records artist Morgan Wallen celebrated the success of his second No. 1 single and three-week chart-topper “Whiskey Glasses,” during a party at Nashville’s The Sutler Saloon on Monday (July 29).
“It’s worth pointing out not only the quality of the song, but how hard Big Loud worked to get this song up there. In this format, it’s really hard to keep a song at No. 1 longer than a week, so for them to keep it for three weeks just shows the quality of the song and how hard they were willing to work,” BMI’s Josh Tomlinson said.
The single follows Wallen’s Platinum-certified debut single “Up Down.”
“This is a special day for me,” Wallen said. “I have to give so much credit to my family. They’ve always made every sacrifice. I don’t know if that’s because God let them see something in me that I never saw, but huge shout out to my family. And to Big Loud for believing in me from the day I walked in the door. I remember playing a few mediocre songs fro them, but I felt a connection and they believed in me, and what I was trying to do. I don’t feel like I work for a company, I work with my friends.”
ASCAP and BMI, to honor the song’s writers Kevin Kadish (ASCAP) and Ben Burgess (BMI), hosted the shindig. “Whiskey Glasses” marked Burgess’ very first No. 1 song.
Pictured (L-R): Warner Chappell’s Travis Carter, BMI’s Josh Tomlinson, BMI songwriter Ben Burgess, Endurance Music Group’s Michael Martin, Morgan Wallen, ASCAP’s Beth Brinker, Big Loud’s Seth England, ASCAP songwriter Kevin Kadish, Big Loud’s Joey Moi, Sony/ATV’s Dane Schmidt, Sony/ATV’s Josh Van Valkenburg. Photo: Steve Lowry
“The first time I met Ben was at a write,” Wallen said of Burgess. “I was like, ‘Man, this guy has lost his mind and I want to hang out.’ We’ve been boys since we met. You are a special person not only as a creator but also a friend. Kevin and I don’t know each other that well, but your talent and passion for what you do is obvious. I appreciate you letting me be a part of this song.”
Kadish, who is well known for penning hits including Meghan Trainor’s smash “All About That Bass,” celebrated his very first No. 1 country song.
“Whiskey Glasses” is from Wallen’s debut project If I Know Me, which was produced by Joey Moi and has been a mainstay in the Top 5 best-selling country albums in recent weeks.
Among those celebrating were ASCAP’s Beth Brinker, Warner Chappell’s Travis Carter, BMI’s Josh Tomlinson, Endurance Music Group’s Michael Martin, Big Loud’s Seth England and Joey Moi, Sony/ATV’s Dane Schmidt, and Sony/ATV’s Josh Van Valkenburg. Pinnacle Bank and Taylor Guitars were also on hand to celebrate the event.
“I can’t really put it into words but I’m going to, Burgess said. “To everyone with a dream and a vision and a goal. You are going to hear no a million times and then you are going to hear it another million times. I feel like I’m proof right now, and Mo, and Kadish, no matter how many times they say it, it only takes one yes and a prayer. I don’t want anyone to give up or to feel like their songs aren’t as good as ‘Whiskey Glasses,’ because they are. I believe in y’all. To all the underdogs in the room…”
Back Row (L-R): Big Loud Records’ Brittani Koster, Big Loud’s Joey Moi, Big Loud Records’ Nikki Wood, Big Loud Records’ Patch Culbertson, Big Loud Records’ Candice Watkins, Big Loud Records’ Ali Matkosky, Big Loud Records’ Dave Kirth, Big Loud’s Troy “Tracker” Johnson, Big Loud Records’ Tyler Waugh. Front Row (L-R): Big Loud Records’ Stacy Blythe, Big Loud Records’ John D’Amico, BMI songwriter Ben Burgess, Morgan Wallen, ASCAP songwriter Kevin Kadish, Big Loud Records’ Brianne Deslippe, Big Loud’s Seth England
He added that the song has a personal connection, partly inspired by his late father, Steve Burgess. “We lost him in January and it’s been hell but this is so sweet because when we wrote this song, we were like, ‘Whiskey Glasses.’ We wrote the hook and were like ‘What do we do for the verse? How do we start this?’ I remember pops used to wake up in the morning after one too many and he’d be on the couch looking at me like, [sings] ‘Pour Pappy….’ I told Kadish and he made that hook around it. I know pops is on this and will be there forever. I remember he heard it on SiriusXM even before it really got to Dallas radio and he was over the moon. He would have loved everyone in this room. Shout out to mama over there with big ole tears, she supported me all the way.”
“I can’t follow that,” Kadish commented. “I don’t have the swagger. Ben and I have been through it, we’ve written so many songs together over 10 years. To finally get one that people really connected with is amazing to us. This is super special to me because Ben is like my brother.
“Thank you to Big Loud, I don’t even know how you did this. The song was on an EP, it wasn’t the single and then you went and made a record and I thought that was the life of the song, which was fine. I was just glad somebody cut it. Then I got a call from someone who said it was going on the record. Then someone said after ‘Up Down’ went No. 1, they said ‘Whiskey Glasses’ is going to be the next single. Then Jake was talking to someone at Big Loud and said, ‘Oh, the save rate is through the roof on this song, that is a No. 1.’ I was like, ‘What the hell is a save rate?’ Later my wife and I were at an awards show and the person we were sitting next to said, ‘Yeah, I got Morgan Wallen’s next single,’ and I was like, ‘I’m not sure that you do…’ I’m so blessed to be here. This is not wasted on me. This is just amazing to have people show up for a song. That’s incredible. Morgan, good lord you can sing.”
Wallen and company are already back at radio with his next single, “Chasin’ You” which has become the most-added single of the week, with 40 stations already playing the track.
Submissions Now Open For MusicRow’s 2019 ‘Publisher Issue’ Print Magazine
/by LB CantrellNew submissions for the upcoming MusicRow Publisher Issue print magazine are now being accepted through Aug. 16.
The issue includes a publisher directory with contact information in addition to exclusive editorial pertaining to Nashville music publishers. To submit your company for consideration, complete and submit this form. For questions, please contact LB Rogers at lbrogers@musicrow.com or 615-349-2171.
To reserve ad space in the 2019 Publisher issue, contact srobertson@musicrow.com. Rate card information is available here.
Subscribe to MusicRow here to make sure you don’t miss the annual Publisher Issue.
Toby Keith Celebrates Show Dog Years On New Greatest Hits Collection
/by Lorie HollabaughToby Keith is releasing a collection of his biggest hits from his Show Dog label this Fall on Toby Keith Greatest Hits: The Show Dog Years.
Out Oct. 25, the collection features more than a dozen hits and four new tracks including “Don’t Let The Old Man In,” his current single “That’s Country Bro,” (which he recently performed live on NBC’s Today, the CMT Music Awards and The Voice finale), “American Ride (Official Remix)” featuring DJ KO, and “Back In The 405,” a co-write with Colt Ford that celebrates a hometown girl’s return.
From the viral smash “Red Solo Cup” and rousing “Made In America,” to the wrenching “She Never Cried In Front Of Me” and mournful “Cryin’ For Me (Wayman’s Song),” to “Hope On The Rocks” and “Don’t Let The Old Man In” (from the soundtrack of the Clint Eastwood film The Mule), the album is a chronicle of Keith’s self-directed creativity over the past decade.
“Well, folks, here it is,” Keith remarks in the album liner notes. “The Show Dog years’ biggest hits. I know it’s long overdue, but we put them all in one big pile. Twenty-five years went by fast, but I’m very blessed to have this wonderful career. Still kickin’ it, too. See ya out there on the road.”
DISClaimer: The Highwomen, Hailey Whitters Top New Tracks
/by Robert K OermannWe have kids, veterans and everyone in between on today’s DISClaimer playlist.
The juveniles are Mason Ramsey and Gabby Barrett. The vets are Tanya Tucker, Billy Currington and the Randy Rogers Band.
In the catbird seat as the easy DISCovery Award winners are The Highwomen. I don’t know whether this is a one-off collaboration or something more permanent, but whatever it is, I’m in.
Two Big Loud artists go head to head for the Disc of the Day prize, Morgan Wallen and Hardy. But in another blow for country female empowerment, both are bested by Hailey Whitters.
BILLY CURRINGTON/Details
Writers: Mark Trussell/Nicolle Galyon/Stephen Lee Olsen; Producer: Mark Trussell; Publishers: WB/Future Heartbeat/Mark Trussell/Warner-Tamerlane/A Boy Named Ford/Slo Circus/Roc Nation/Songs of Rhythm House Red, ASCAP/BMI; Mercury Nashville
– Pleasant and craftily worded, but in one ear and out the other.
MORGAN WALLEN/Chasin’ You
Writers: Morgan Wallen/Craig Wiseman/Jamie Moore; Producer: Joey Moi; Publishers: none listed; Big Loud
– The “Whiskey Glasses” man confirms his stardom with this softly aching performance of a love memory that continues to haunt him. This guy is way cool.
HAILEY WHITTERS/The Days
Writers: Hailey Whitters/Hillary Lindsey/Ben West; Producer: Jake Gear; Publisher: Carnival Music; HW
– The slappin’ beats and echoey audio atmosphere are superb, and the song craftsmanship is even more so. “Instead of counting up the days/I just wanna make them count.” Amen, sister. This brilliant artist/writer is being criminally overlooked by the mainstream country industry. Can I get another amen?
BILLY RAY CYRUS & JOHNNY MCGUIRE/Chevys and Fords
Writers: Johnny McGuire/Jordan Walker/Rodney Clawson/Ben Hayslip; Producer: Mickey Jack Cones; Publishers: none listed; BBR
– Formerly of the duo Walker McGuire, Johnny has a terrific country-rock voice with an ear-catching “edge.” The blue-collar lyric is a dandy. And it sure doesn’t hurt his cause that he’s collaborating with America’s No. 1 artist.
HARDY/Rednecker
Writers: Andy Albert/Jordan Schmidt/Michael Wilson Hardy; Producer: none listed; Publishers: Kobalt/Downtown/Warner Chappell, no performance rights listed; Big Loud
– Pretty dang funny. This pushes every bro-country trope over the edge of parody and into the realm of delightful wackiness. Also: The first country song with the masterpiece lyric, “I piss where I want.”
TANYA TUCKER/Hard Luck
Writers: none listed; Producers: Brandi Carlile/Shooter Jennings; Publishers: none listed; Fantasy
– As spicy and saucy as tabasco, this takes a page or two from her bad-girl-image book. The track rumbles along like chugging steam engine and The Texas Tornado turns in a personality-packed vocal performance. Love this. Love her.
MASON RAMSEY/Twang
Writers: Brian Kelley/Jordan Schmidt/Hunter Phelps/Ernest K. Smith; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Big Loud/Atlantic
– From Walmart to the “Old Town Road,” this 12-year-old is on his way to …. someplace.
THE HIGHWOMEN/Redesigning Women
Writers: none listed; Producer: Dave Cobb; Publisher: none listed; Elektra/Low Country Sound
– There’s strength in numbers. Just ask Natalie Hemby, Amanda Shires, Maren Morris and Brandi Carlile, collectively recording under this billing. Their fun-loving, girl-power tune has a video featuring everyone from Wynonna to Tanya Tucker. The more the merrier. Proved it again with Dolly at the Newport Folk Festival last Saturday.
RANDY ROGERS BAND/I’ll Never Get Over You
Writers: none listed; Producer: Dave Cobb; Publishers: noen listed; Thirty Tigers
– A Texas two-stepper with a decided bounce in the beat. As always, tuneful and accomplished, but I’d shop around for a stronger song.
GABBY BARRETT/I Hope
Writers: none listed; Producer: Ross Copperman; Publishers: none listed; Warner Music
– She’s a teenager, but sounds strikingly mature as a vocalist on this torrid, vengeful tale. Next time, try producing this former American Idol competitor with a lot less pop gloss and echoey audio compression.
Jordan Davis Celebrates Second No. 1 Single, “Take It From Me”
/by Jessica NicholsonJacob Davis, Jordan Davis, and Jason Gantt perform “Take It From Me.” Photo: Ed Rode.
Jordan Davis celebrated his second No. 1 hit, “Take It From Me,” during a party hosted by ASCAP and BMI at Nashville venue Ruby on July 30. Jordan penned the track alongside his brother and fellow singer-songwriter Jacob Davis, as well as Jason Gantt. The song marked the first No. 1 single as a writer for both Jacob Davis and Gantt.
“Take It From Me,” produced by Paul DiGiovanni, is from Davis’ debut album Home State, released via MCA Nashville.
ASCAP’s Evyn Mustoe Johnston celebrated ASCAP writers Jacob Davis and Jordan Davis, while BMI’s MaryAnn Keen feted BMI writer Jason Gantt.
Gantt thanked Bob DiPiero for teaching him when he first moved to Nashville in 2000. “I got a job as an assistant engineer on a Bob DiPiero tracking session and a few months later, the main engineer just bailed and I became the main engineer. I’ve loved learning from you by being around you. During that time, I never told him I wanted to be a songwriter or that I write songs, because I was too scared to do that. In walks Leslie DiPiero one day and I guess she saw something in me. She started setting me up on co-writes, and I got to know everyone at Sony. Everyone there treats me so well. In 2014, I met Jacob Davis and we started writing songs. I love anytime I get to write with you because I love teaching you things all the time when we write,” he joked.
Jacob Davis thanked his family, publishers, and supporters, before offering gratitude to his co-writers. “I’m going to say something about my brother. I remember growing up and being five or six years old and my parents always told me, ‘Watch baby Jordan. Keep an eye on baby Jordan.’ I always had baby Jordan’s back and I always took pride in that. It’s come full circle and it’s a sweet thing. I can honestly say that I’ve never taken more pride than to watch baby Jordan have this success.…this is the best, dude.”
Pictured (L-R): Producer Paul DiGiovanni, Anthem Entertainment’s Gilles Godard, Wrensong Entertainment’s Abbe Nameche, ASCAP songwriter Jacob Davis, ASCAP’s Evyn Mustoe Johnston, ASCAP songwriter and MCA Nashville recording artist Jordan Davis, Anthem Entertainment’s Tim Hunze, Rezonant Music’s Tim Wipperman, BMI songwriter Jason Gantt, BMI’s MaryAnn Keen, Love Monkey Music’s Bob DiPiero, Sony/ATV Music Publishing’s Josh Van Valkenburg, and UMG Nashville’s Mike Dungan. Photo: Ed Rode.
CMA’s Brandi Simms, Anthem Entertainment’s Gilles Godard, Wrensong Entertainment’s Abbe Nameche, Anthem Entertainment’s Tim Hunze, Rezonant Music’s Tim Wipperman, Love Monkey Music’s Bob DiPiero, Sony/ATV Music Publishing’s Josh Van Valkenburg and UMG Nashville’s Mike Dungan were in attendance. First Tennessee Bank was also on hand to celebrate.
“I never dreamed about any of this stuff,” Jordan Davis told the crowd of industry well wishers. “But I had people who got behind me and pushed me. I needed that at the time, to show what we could do and what could be done. And writers in this town accepted me when I wasn’t writing good songs like this. They continued to stick with me, instead of throwing me out and sticking someone else in that third slot, which I know happens.
“Thank you Brian Wright and Stephanie Wright for bringing me into the best damn record label in Nashville. They took a chance on a guy who had no business signing a record deal. I didn’t, and they took a shot. I’m grateful for that and I’ve worked very hard to show that I am worthy of it, but that starts with y’all believing in me. I didn’t think it would happen, but everybody believed in me and I can’t think you enough for that.
“Jason and Jacob, this was a goal of ours to have this and it’s unreal. Paul, thank you so much for making this record sound a whole lot better than it should. This song was a fight, a gloves off, fist brawl [to reach the No. 1 slot]. We were at No. 2, and I knew were going to celebrate the song either way. There were too many people who worked their butts off. Whether it was a No. 1, a No. 2, or honestly even if it was a No. 8, there were people who knew how special this song was to me and I can’t explain how people got behind it and wanted this for me and knew it was so special to me and my brother and my family.”
Brett Young’s New Caliville Collection To Debut At Kohls In October
/by Lorie HollabaughPhoto Credit: Kohl’s
Brett Young is teaming up with Kohls for a new Caliville clothing collection and will also help highlight Levi’s denim styles during the back-to-school season, spotlighting his favorite go-to jeans and Levi’s fits in a multi-dimensional new marketing campaign. Brett Young’s Caliville collection will debut at Kohl’s beginning in October 2019.
Inspired by Young’s California roots and career in Nashville, the Caliville collection will feature a selection of short sleeve and long sleeve graphic tees, fleece, flannels, and joggers, ranging from $25 to $60. Caliville apparel will be available in more than 750 Kohl’s stores and on Kohls.com.
“Bringing Caliville apparel exclusively to Kohl’s is a dream come true,” said Young. “To me, Caliville represents taking risks and chasing your dreams without letting anyone discourage you, and seeing this message and clothing line come full circle in so many ways is so much fun. I’m so happy this partnership will allow us to keep spreading that message.”
Exclusive: Maren Morris Signs With UMPG For Publishing Admin Deal
/by Jessica NicholsonGlobal music publisher Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG) has entered into a worldwide administration deal with superstar Maren Morris. Morris is currently self-published.
Morris said, “I have loved working with the staff at UMPG for a while just through the past years of writing with their songwriters, so to officially be in the UMPG family feels like coming home in a way. I am so looking forward to our partnership together and can’t wait for the songs to come!”
UMPG Chairman and CEO Jody Gerson said, “Maren is an extremely talented songwriter, artist and producer whose songs have the world singing along to every hit. Even more exceptional, she has successfully crossed genres, moving seamlessly between beloved country music superstar and topping pop charts. Maren has a bright and exciting future ahead, and we are thrilled to welcome her to UMPG’s creative global home.”
Added Troy Tomlinson, UMPG Nashville Chairman and CEO: “Maren displays fearlessness and energy in every lyric, every melody and every performance. UMPG is so happy to have the opportunity to represent a talent of her caliber and look forward to delivering outstanding creative opportunities.”
Morris’ recently-released sophomore album GIRL broke the record for the largest-ever debut streaming week for a country album by a female artist, with 23.96 million streams in its first week. The album debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart, while the Gold-certified title track—which is No. 1 on this week’s Billboard Country Airplay and Mediabase/Country Aircheck charts—achieved the highest debut on the Billboard Country Streaming Songs Chart by a female artist and the highest weekly streams ever by a female country artist.
Her debut single “My Church” is RIAA-certified double Platinum and earned Morris a Grammy for Best Country Solo Performance. Her Platinum-certified debut album HERO is also home to Platinum hits “80s Mercedes” and “I Could Use A Love Song,” as well as Gold-certified “Rich.”
Morris’ collaboration with fellow UMPG songwriters Zedd and Grey, “The Middle,” earned multiple Grammy nominations, reached No. 5 on Billboard Hot 100, spent six weeks at No. 1 at Top 40 Radio and five weeks at No. 1 at Hot AC radio.
Icon Entertainment Group Celebrates Opening Of Johnny Cash’s Kitchen & Saloon
/by Jessica NicholsonIcon Entertainment Group Founder Bill Miller was joined by members of both the Cash and Carter families, including John Carter Cash, Tommy Cash, Joanne Cash and Carlene Carter, on Wednesday morning (July 31) for the grand opening of Johnny Cash’s Kitchen & Saloon in downtown Nashville.
The restaurant is located at 121 Third Ave. S., and features food from longtime Nashville institution Swett’s, which has been in operation since 1954.
“We are thrilled and honored to introduce Johnny Cash’s Kitchen & Saloon to the world,” says Icon Entertainment Group Founder Bill Miller. “It’s one of the most unique venues anywhere, anchored by one of the biggest and most beloved personalities in the history of entertainment. Johnny’s legions of fans from around the world will be immersed in the hospitality and ambience they’d find if they had been to Johnny and June’s home for dinner.”
“I am thrilled about the new restaurant, Johnny Cash‘s Kitchen & Saloon,” says John Carter Cash. “Dad‘s favorite foods in the world are exactly what you will find on the menu. I remember my father and mother bringing me to Swett’s when I was but a small boy. Southern cooking was my father’s very life blood and tradition, and I firmly believe it does not get any better than this.”
“It has been a pleasure working with Bill and his team to train the staff at Johnny Cash’s Kitchen & Saloon,” says Swett’s owner David Swett. “We have enjoyed helping to put this restaurant together and know it will be a success for downtown Nashville.”
Icon Entertainment Group owns and operates the Johnny Cash Museum, Patsy Cline Museum, Nudie’s Honky Tonk, Music City Threads, House of Cards and Skull’s Rainbow Room in Nashville, Tenn. Coming in 2020 is the Sinatra Bar and Lounge to the Southern Turf building.
Tech Company FUGA Acquires Nashville-Based Platform Songspace
/by Jessica NicholsonSongspace’s software centralizes publishing assets including metadata, audio files, writer contacts, agreements and more, as well as identifying data gaps such as lyrics and accreditation.
Songspace works with over 250 publishers and labels including Kobalt, Reservoir Media, Downtown Music Publishing, Big Deal Music and Sentric, while FUGA’s 500+ clients including Ultra, Mom+Pop, and mtheory. The acquisition also grows FUGA’s presence in North America through Songspace’s base in Nashville, one of the three music capitals of the USA, alongside their existing office in New York.
Songspace CIO/CTO Darren Briggs said, “The combined strength and capabilities of the Songspace and FUGA teams and technologies position us to expand and enrich our agnostic products and services across the entire music IP and rights lifecycle.”
Songspace co-founder and Director of Engineering Christopher Igoe added, “I’m personally excited to deliver new features and improvements even faster while improving music metadata for all of our current and future clients.”
FUGA CEO Pieter van Rijn said, “New technology has the potential to revolutionize digital rights management for rightsholders, streamlining the ecosystem in a way which makes businesses more efficient and profitable. We are looking forward to significantly investing in Songspace’s excellent platform and creating synergies in the field of data transparency and matching, which will ultimately enable our clients to manage all rights data under one roof.”
Morgan Wallen Celebrates Three-Week No. 1 Hit “Whiskey Glasses”
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (L-R): ASCAP songwriter Kevin Kadish, Morgan Wallen, BMI songwriter Ben Burgess. Photo: Steve Lowry
Big Loud Records artist Morgan Wallen celebrated the success of his second No. 1 single and three-week chart-topper “Whiskey Glasses,” during a party at Nashville’s The Sutler Saloon on Monday (July 29).
“It’s worth pointing out not only the quality of the song, but how hard Big Loud worked to get this song up there. In this format, it’s really hard to keep a song at No. 1 longer than a week, so for them to keep it for three weeks just shows the quality of the song and how hard they were willing to work,” BMI’s Josh Tomlinson said.
The single follows Wallen’s Platinum-certified debut single “Up Down.”
“This is a special day for me,” Wallen said. “I have to give so much credit to my family. They’ve always made every sacrifice. I don’t know if that’s because God let them see something in me that I never saw, but huge shout out to my family. And to Big Loud for believing in me from the day I walked in the door. I remember playing a few mediocre songs fro them, but I felt a connection and they believed in me, and what I was trying to do. I don’t feel like I work for a company, I work with my friends.”
ASCAP and BMI, to honor the song’s writers Kevin Kadish (ASCAP) and Ben Burgess (BMI), hosted the shindig. “Whiskey Glasses” marked Burgess’ very first No. 1 song.
Pictured (L-R): Warner Chappell’s Travis Carter, BMI’s Josh Tomlinson, BMI songwriter Ben Burgess, Endurance Music Group’s Michael Martin, Morgan Wallen, ASCAP’s Beth Brinker, Big Loud’s Seth England, ASCAP songwriter Kevin Kadish, Big Loud’s Joey Moi, Sony/ATV’s Dane Schmidt, Sony/ATV’s Josh Van Valkenburg. Photo: Steve Lowry
“The first time I met Ben was at a write,” Wallen said of Burgess. “I was like, ‘Man, this guy has lost his mind and I want to hang out.’ We’ve been boys since we met. You are a special person not only as a creator but also a friend. Kevin and I don’t know each other that well, but your talent and passion for what you do is obvious. I appreciate you letting me be a part of this song.”
Kadish, who is well known for penning hits including Meghan Trainor’s smash “All About That Bass,” celebrated his very first No. 1 country song.
“Whiskey Glasses” is from Wallen’s debut project If I Know Me, which was produced by Joey Moi and has been a mainstay in the Top 5 best-selling country albums in recent weeks.
Among those celebrating were ASCAP’s Beth Brinker, Warner Chappell’s Travis Carter, BMI’s Josh Tomlinson, Endurance Music Group’s Michael Martin, Big Loud’s Seth England and Joey Moi, Sony/ATV’s Dane Schmidt, and Sony/ATV’s Josh Van Valkenburg. Pinnacle Bank and Taylor Guitars were also on hand to celebrate the event.
“I can’t really put it into words but I’m going to, Burgess said. “To everyone with a dream and a vision and a goal. You are going to hear no a million times and then you are going to hear it another million times. I feel like I’m proof right now, and Mo, and Kadish, no matter how many times they say it, it only takes one yes and a prayer. I don’t want anyone to give up or to feel like their songs aren’t as good as ‘Whiskey Glasses,’ because they are. I believe in y’all. To all the underdogs in the room…”
Back Row (L-R): Big Loud Records’ Brittani Koster, Big Loud’s Joey Moi, Big Loud Records’ Nikki Wood, Big Loud Records’ Patch Culbertson, Big Loud Records’ Candice Watkins, Big Loud Records’ Ali Matkosky, Big Loud Records’ Dave Kirth, Big Loud’s Troy “Tracker” Johnson, Big Loud Records’ Tyler Waugh. Front Row (L-R): Big Loud Records’ Stacy Blythe, Big Loud Records’ John D’Amico, BMI songwriter Ben Burgess, Morgan Wallen, ASCAP songwriter Kevin Kadish, Big Loud Records’ Brianne Deslippe, Big Loud’s Seth England
He added that the song has a personal connection, partly inspired by his late father, Steve Burgess. “We lost him in January and it’s been hell but this is so sweet because when we wrote this song, we were like, ‘Whiskey Glasses.’ We wrote the hook and were like ‘What do we do for the verse? How do we start this?’ I remember pops used to wake up in the morning after one too many and he’d be on the couch looking at me like, [sings] ‘Pour Pappy….’ I told Kadish and he made that hook around it. I know pops is on this and will be there forever. I remember he heard it on SiriusXM even before it really got to Dallas radio and he was over the moon. He would have loved everyone in this room. Shout out to mama over there with big ole tears, she supported me all the way.”
“I can’t follow that,” Kadish commented. “I don’t have the swagger. Ben and I have been through it, we’ve written so many songs together over 10 years. To finally get one that people really connected with is amazing to us. This is super special to me because Ben is like my brother.
“Thank you to Big Loud, I don’t even know how you did this. The song was on an EP, it wasn’t the single and then you went and made a record and I thought that was the life of the song, which was fine. I was just glad somebody cut it. Then I got a call from someone who said it was going on the record. Then someone said after ‘Up Down’ went No. 1, they said ‘Whiskey Glasses’ is going to be the next single. Then Jake was talking to someone at Big Loud and said, ‘Oh, the save rate is through the roof on this song, that is a No. 1.’ I was like, ‘What the hell is a save rate?’ Later my wife and I were at an awards show and the person we were sitting next to said, ‘Yeah, I got Morgan Wallen’s next single,’ and I was like, ‘I’m not sure that you do…’ I’m so blessed to be here. This is not wasted on me. This is just amazing to have people show up for a song. That’s incredible. Morgan, good lord you can sing.”
Wallen and company are already back at radio with his next single, “Chasin’ You” which has become the most-added single of the week, with 40 stations already playing the track.
PRWeek Names BMLG’s Jake Basden To ’40 Under 40′ List
/by Jessica NicholsonJake Basden. Photo: Robby Klein
Jake Basden, Big Machine Label Group Senior Vice President of Publicity and Corporate Communications, has been named to PRWeek‘s annual 40 Under 40 list. Basden is the only music company PR executive named to the list, which also includes PR representatives from Nike, Procter & Gamble, Starbucks, Anheuser-Busch, PepsiCo, Facebook, Dunkin Brands, PayPal, CVS, and more.
“I have been blessed to work with some of the most singular artists in the genre, as well as helping realize the unique vision Scott Borchetta has for this company,” Basden says. “Scott’s leadership combined with the caliber of our artist roster makes you want to do more and reach higher.”
PRWeek writes, “Jake Basden joined Big Machine in 2011 as a publicist who could take the music label to the next level. The results speak for themselves.”
Basden was also named the Country Music Association’s Publicist of the Year in 2018. He oversees public relations strategies for over 25 artists and various corporate initiatives across all facets of entertainment. He has created campaigns for Jennifer Nettles’ potent, bold “I Can Do Hard Things” video, as well as the Academy Award-nominated Glen Campbell…I’ll Be Me documentary, and Steven Tyler’s debut solo album.
Before joining BMLG, Basden worked in the New York offices of Edelman—the world’s largest PR firm—where he was a Media Relations Director in the sports and entertainment practice.