Zac Brown Band’s New Project, ‘The Owl,’ Set For September Release

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The Zac Brown Band has set Sept. 20 as the release date of their upcoming new studio album, The Owl, via BMG. A new digital single from the album, “Leaving Love Behind,” is out now and available across all streaming platforms.

Zac Brown Band is currently touring its summer 2019 “The Owl Tour,” in support of the upcoming new album. Both the tour and album title are inspired by the lore surrounding the great horned owl, which can see perfectly at night, making it a reliable guide even during dark times. The new project reveals a deeper side of the band as they explore new sounds through unexpected collaborations with producers and writers across different facets of the music world including Skrillex, Andrew Watt, Jason “Poo Bear” Boyd, Max Martin, Benny Blanco and Ryan Tedder, among others.

“We’ve been working tirelessly on this album over the past couple years, ensuring every detail is perfect,” said Zac Brown. “We are always pushing ourselves as musicians by blurring genre boundaries and incorporating all kinds of music we are personally inspired by, elevating what we are capable as a group. This album will have something for everyone…The Owl is exciting, raw, and unexpected. We couldn’t be prouder of what we’ve accomplished on this record and can’t wait to finally share it with the fans.”

The Owl follows the band’s 2017 studio album, Welcome Home, which won the British Country Music Association Award for International Album of the Year. A three-time Grammy-winning band, Zac Brown Band has sold more than 30 million singles, nine million albums, have achieved 15 No. 1 radio singles and is the second act in history to have topped both Country Airplay and Mainstream Rock Songs charts.

Corey Kent Signs With Combustion Music

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Pictured (L-R): Jason Turner (Keller Turner Andrews & Ghanem, PLLC), Kenley Flynn (Combustion Music), Corey Kent, Chris Farren (Combustion Music) , Chris Van Belkom (Combustion Music)

Corey Kent has signed an exclusive publishing agreement with Combustion Music.

The Oklahoma-born artist, previously performing as Corey Kent White, began touring throughout the country at an early age. Shortly after college graduation, Corey wrote his first No. 1, William Clark Green’s “Hit You Where It Hurts.” He previously released the EP Making Noise in 2014, followed by Long Way in 2016.

“From the minute we met Corey we knew we had to work with him,” said Combustion Music Senior Creative Director Kenley Flynn. “His positive energy, work ethic and talent spoke for themselves. Combustion couldn’t be happier about this new partnership and look forward to bringing Corey’s music to the country fans nationwide.”

“I’ve always been really impressed with the things that the folks at Combustion have accomplished,” said Kent. “They’re incredibly efficient & effective. I’m stoked to have such a great team & humbled to be joining a roster of such fantastic writers/artists.”

Kent is set to release the first of three 3-song EPs on Friday, July 26. From The West Part 1 will feature the recently released, “End of the Trail,” along with two brand new songs.

Weekly Chart Report (7/26/19)

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Click here or above to access MusicRow’s weekly CountryBreakout Report.

In Pictures: Country Music Association Hosts CMA EDU Summit In Nashville

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The 2019 CMA EDU Summit Sunday, July 20 – Tuesday, July 23 at the CMA offices in Nashville. Photo: Hunter Berry/CMA

The Country Music Association hosted its sixth annual CMA EDU Executive Summit in Nashville July 21-23. Leadership officers of CMA EDU collegiate chapters are invited each year to attend the two-and-a-half-day event, which exposes college students to the Country Music industry through professional development and networking opportunities.

CMA EDU includes 14 universities nationwide with thousands of collegiate members. This year’s summit welcomed 48 members from 11 chapters, representing Belmont University, Clemson University, North Carolina State University, University of Alabama, University of Central Florida, University of South Carolina, University of Miami, Middle Tennessee State University, University of Southern Indiana, University of Tennessee-Knoxville and Vanderbilt University.

Attendees participated in several trainings on topics ranging from communications and brand management to teamwork and conflict led by CMA Foundation Executive Director Tiffany Kerns, CMA EDU Coordinator Kate Kaltenbach, CMA Senior Director of Strategic Partnerships Emily Evans and Noteflight Managing Director John Mlynczak. Both current CMA EDU officers and alumni enjoyed a mixer and welcome reception, featuring a performance by CMA KixStart artist Jameson Rodgers. Students learned the ins and outs of the industry while building their network. CMA Chief Executive Officer Sarah Trahern welcomed the students and provided a look into the history of CMA, as well as her own personal career path. Tree Vibez Music stopped by to talk about songwriting and publishing in a panel featuring General Manager Leslie DiPiero, Songwriter/Producer Corey Crowder, Tour Manager/Creative Director Adam Romaine and Creative Director Emily Peacock. 

Music industry leadership group SOLID (Society Of Leaders In Development) partnered with CMA EDU again this year to host a summer networking mixer at BMI, which closed with a keynote address from duo Thompson Square. 

(L-R): Cindy Watts (Tennessean Country Music reporter), Caylee Hammack (Universal Music Group Nashville artist), Mary Hilliard Harrington (Red Light Management Senior Manager and CMA Board President Elect), Cindy Mabe (UMG Nashville President), Sarah Trahern (CMA Chief Executive Officer) and Cyndi Forman (Universal Music Publishing Group Vice President Creative) gather following a panel discussion at the CMA EDU Executive Summit at the CMA office in Nashville. Photo: Hunter Berry/CMA

CMA EDU alumni spoke about their transition from college into the industry, which featured Old Dominion Production Assistant Anna Blake Atkinson, Warehouse West Entertainment Creative Manager Samantha Gutman and Spotify Global Strategic Marketing Coordinator Siri Yelamanchili.

Monument Records artist Teddy Robb performed an acoustic set and participated in a Q&A session. Monument Records Senior Vice President of Marketing and Operations Katie McCartney and Monument Records Marketing Manager Nathan Pyle led an interactive workshop offering industry perspective to students. The students also engaged in a conversation with Joe’s Bar Co-Owner/Promoter and CMA Board Member Ed Warm, in addition to giving presentations and engaging in strategic planning for the upcoming academic year.

Tennessean Country Music reporter Cindy Watts closed out this year’s summit, moderating an artist panel featuring Universal Music Group Nashville artist Caylee Hammack, UMG Nashville President Cindy Mabe, Red Light Management Senior Manager and CMA Board President Elect Mary Hilliard Harrington and Universal Music Publishing Group Vice President Creative Cyndi Forman.

Historical Marker Unveiling Celebrates Influence Of CCM Music On Nashville

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Michael W. Smith and Amy Grant reveal the historical marker honoring Belmont Church, Koinonia Coffeehouse and Contemporary Christian Music (CCM)(GMA/Mickey Bernal)

Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith, Gospel Music Association President Jackie Patillo, and Nashville Mayor David Briley were among those who celebrated the installation of a new historical marker at 1000 16th Ave. S. on Thursday (July 25) in Nashville. The marker honors the decades of musical influence the genre of Contemporary Christian Music, Belmont Church, and Koinonia Coffeehouse have had on the city of Nashville.

“The Gospel Music Association is thankful for our colleagues at Curb/Word Entertainment, Capitol Christian Music Group, and Provident Music Group for their financial support for the historical marker and dedication to serving our community in this way,” commented GMA President & Executive Director, Jackie Patillo. “We are also honored to receive the resolution from the Metro Council, on behalf of the CCM and Gospel industry based here, which honors the 50th year of the Dove Awards and we want to urge the community to consider attending the awards on October 15th at Lipscomb’s Allen Arena.”

“Gospel and Contemporary Christian Music have played a big, but sometimes unsung, role in Nashville’s creative evolution and in our being known worldwide as Music City,” said Nashville Mayor David Briley. He continued, “It’s fitting that we honor the impact these musicians, singers, songwriters, producers, engineers and others have had on listeners around the world.”

District 8 Councilwoman Nancy VanReece and Nashville Metro Historical Society Historian Jessica Reeves were also on hand for the celebration.

The Koinonia Celebration Concert will be held on Saturday, July 27 at 6:30 p.m. featuring artists and songs from the celebrated era including Dogwood, Fireworks and more at the Koinonia Coffeehouse (1000 16th Avenue South). The concert is open to the public on a first come basis.

On July 16, the Nashville Metropolitan Council included a reading of a resolution celebrating 50 years of the Gospel Music Association (GMA)’s Dove Awards, acknowledging the impact of the upcoming unveiling of the historical marker and thanking GMA for collaborating with three major CCM record companies to fund the historical marker.

Other Metro historical markers have been created to honor well known locations such as Ryman Auditorium, Holy Trinity Episcopal Church and Belmont Mansion, or markers are based on events such as the Battle of Nashville or the East Nashville Fire. Some markers honor its most famous leaders and creative people such as Revolutionary War General Thomas Overton, dancer Albertine Walker, and Poet Laureate Randall Jarrell.

(Front row, L-R): Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith and Brown Bannister. (Back row, L-R): Lanier Ferguson, Gary Pugh, Jackie Patillo, Nancy VanReece, Mayor David Briley, Steve Chapman, Annie Chapman and Scott Brickel. (GMA/Mickey Bernal)

DISClaimer: Eli Young Band’s “Break It In” Tops New Releases

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Country music is back.

Luke Combs is the hottest guy in town, which tickles me no end. This week, he is joined by knockout performances from Jon Pardi, Chris Young and Cody Johnson, all of whom are wonderfully country, country and country.

The Disc of the Day belongs to the Eli Young Band. But there are plenty of other fine listening experiences in this stack of sounds.

Not the least of these is “On Paper” by newcomer Faren Rachels. I was first exposed to her during the CMA Music Fest and loved her live act. The single, which has been out for several months, demonstrates that she is just as potent in the recording studio. Give the lady a DisCovery Award.

By the way, Luke Combs took her on tour with him this year.

KASSI ASHTON/Field Party
Writers: none listed; Producer: Luke Laird; Publisher: none listed; UMG
– Please explain to me in what way this is a country-music performance/artist/song.

MIRANDA LAMBERT/It All Comes Out In The Wash
Writers: Miranda Lambert/Liz Rose/Hillary Lindsey; Producer: Jay Joyce; Publisher: none listed; RCA
– Her personality comes through wonderfully, although you’ll wear yourself out trying to find a melody.

TREA LANDON/Get The Girl
Writers: Justin Wilson/Paul Jenkins/Brandon Ratcliff/Pete Good; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Warner Music
– Very romantic. He has a warm, winning singing voice, and the song is loaded with nifty lyric details. I think I hear stardom.

KENNY CHESNEY/Tip of My Tongue
Writers: Kenny Chesney/Ross Copperman/Ed Sheeran; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Warner Music
-Like swinging in a hammock in the summer sun.

JON PARDI/Me and Jack
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Capitol
– This bops and rocks with plenty of drawling wit. You’ll tap yer toes and smile, I guarantee. Love the stuttering guitar as well as the boozer-loser lyric.

RACHEL WAMMACK/Something People Say
Writers: Rachel Wammack/Sam Ellis/Derrick Southerland; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; RCA
– This lady continues to impress with every note she sings. This is an acoustic ballad with simple piano accompaniment, but it is written and performed so beautifully that it seems practically symphonic. Love this. Love her.

CHRIS YOUNG & LAUREN ALAINA/Town Ain’t Big Enough
Writers: Chris Young/Cary Barlowe/Corey Crowder/Shay Mooney; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; RCA
– Soaring and stirring and sensational. Chris totally rules as a country vocal stylist, and the rhythmic undertow is inescapable. So nice I played it twice.

CODY JOHNSON/Nothin’ On You
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Warner Music
– It’s a hold-her-tight slow dance with the lights down low. Plus, she’s nekkid.

FAREN RACHELS/On Paper
Writers: none listed; Producers: Aaron Goodvin/Sammy Mitchell; Publishers: none listed; FR
– Wow. She sings with immense authority, and the song packs a wallop. “He don’t look good on paper/But he looks good on me.” Somebody make this gal a star.

ELI YOUNG BAND/Break It In
Writers: Benji Davis/Brandon Day/Daniel Ross/Michael Whitworth; Producer: Dann Huff; Publishers: none listed; Valory
– Very, very cool. Your truck, your guitar, your blue jeans, your boots, your baseball glove all seem just great when they are new. Then you break ‘em in, and they are even better. Your heart’s like that, too. Churning and burning and brilliant. I believe I just heard a fifth No. 1 record for these talented fellows.

Mitchell Tenpenny And Seaforth Announce Anything She Says Tour

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Sony Music Nashville’s Mitchell Tenpenny is celebrating Christmas in July by announcing his headlining tour, featuring label-mates Seaforth. Named after their recently released song collaboration, the Anything She Says Tour kicks off Oct. 10 in Nashville and will hit 14 cities across the country before wrapping Dec. 15 in New York City.

“So excited to get to do my own tour with my homies Seaforth,” said Tenpenny. “Can’t wait to see y’all out there—it’s gonna be a party!”

The rising duo (Tom Jordan, Mitch Thompson) and Tenpenny’s collaboration, “Anything She Says,” was co-written with Andy Albert and Jordan Schmidt. The tune is available now at all streaming platforms and digital retailers.

YouTube video

 

Anything She Says Tour:
Oct. 10 | Marathon Music Works – Nashville, TN
Oct. 12 | Rams Head Live – Baltimore, MD
Oct. 19 | Dallas Bull – Tampa, FL
Oct. 25 | Georgia Theatre – Athens, GA
Oct. 27 | House of Blues – Lake Buena Vista, FL
Oct. 31 | Upstate Concert Hall – Clifton Park, NY
Nov. 01 | Starland Ballroom – Sayreville, NJ
Nov. 02 | Turning Stone Resort Casino – Verona, NY
Nov. 22 | Coyote Joe’s – Charlotte, NC
Nov. 23 | Blind Horse Saloon – Greenville, SC
Dec. 04 | House of Blues – Anaheim, CA
Dec. 08 | Ace of Spades – Sacramento, CA
Dec. 14 | Royal Oak Theatre – Royal Oak, MI
Dec. 15 | Webster Hall – New York, NY

Tickets for the Anything She Says Tour are on sale Aug. 2.

BREAKING: Rusty Gaston To Lead Sony/ATV Nashville

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Rusty Gaston

Rusty Gaston has been tapped to lead Sony/ATV Music Publishing’s Nashville division, sources tell MusicRow. The move follows Troy Tomlinson‘s move to head up UMPG Nashville.

An official start date has not been determined at this time. Gaston founded THiS Music in 2006 with partners Tim Nichols and Connie Harrington.

This is a developing story…

Industry Ink: Hot Chelle Rae, Forrest Finn, Bart Butler, Lalo

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Hot Chelle Rae Inks With ICM Partners

Hot Chelle Rae has signed with ICM Partners for worldwide representation in all areas. The band will be represented by a team of agents led by Mike Hayes and Scott Mantell. Hot Chelle Rae formed in Nashville in 2005 and their debut album, Lovesick Electric, was released in 2009.

In 2011, the group gained widespread attention for their triple platinum single “Tonight Tonight” and their double platinum single “I Like It Like That.” Combined, the songs have sold more than 4 million copies and have totaled approximately 80 million YouTube video views. Following a several-year hiatus, Hot Chelle Rae has been back in the studio, teasing new music due out this year along with worldwide tour plans.

 

Forrest Finn Joins MV2 Roster

Pictured (L-R, back row): Molly Shehan (Partner, Milom Horsnell Crow Kelley Beckett Shehan PLC), Nicole Sherrill (Creative Director, MV2), Lindsey Parrish (Digital Marketing Manager, MV2), Lauren Davis (Artist Management, Contract Administration, MV2), Ben Strain (Creative Director, MV2), Lydia Shultz (Manager, Creative Services, SESAC); (L-R, front row): Mike Whelan (Senior Creative Director, MV2), Forrest Finn, Tony Harrell (General Manager, MV2)

Forrest Finn has signed an exclusive publishing agreement with MV2. The songwriter/producer and Belmont University alum graduated in 2018 with a degree in songwriting. Born and raised in Ipswich, Massachusetts, he moved to Nashville in 2014 to attend Belmont and pursue his love for music. “We are so excited to welcome Forrest Finn to our MV2 family,” said General Manager Tony Harrell. “He is at the start of an amazing career, and we can’t wait to work with him and watch him grow.”

 

Bart Butler And Lalo Find Their Mojo

Pictured (L-R): Butch Baker (Mojo SVP), Bart Butler (Co-Producer/Writer), Keithan Melton (Mojo Senior Creative Director) and Courtney Crist (Mojo Senior Creative Director)

Bart Butler has signed an exclusive multi-year worldwide publishing deal with Mojo Music And Media, continuing his longstanding partnership with the company.  The fast-growing independent publisher has also signed an exclusive long-term deal with rising songwriter/producer Lalo, it was announced today by Mojo SVP Butch Baker.

Butler has had a solid run of hits in recent years, writing and co-producing Jon Pardi’s breakthrough hits “Missin’ You Crazy,” “Up All Night,” “When I’ve Been Drinkin” and “What I Can’t Put Down,” as well as his 2016 No. 1 single “Heartache On The Dance Floor.” He also co-wrote Thomas Rhett’s chart-topper “Make Me Wanna” and Craig Campbell’s “See You Try.” Most recently, Butler co-produced Pardi’s third album, Heartache Medication, on which he co-wrote seven tracks. In addition to the songwriter deal, the new Butler/Mojo pact launches Camo Cowboy Music, a JV publishing company.  Mojo has also extended its association with Bill Butler Music.

Miranda Lambert, Maren Morris To Lead BMI’s Fifth Annual Maui Songwriters Festival

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BMI’s fifth annual Maui Songwriters Festival is set for Dec. 5-7. Miranda Lambert will return for a second year and will headline, with support from Maren Morris.

Randy Houser will return to the festival along with country rocker Lukas Nelson. Rounding out the lineup are country hitmaker Dustin Lynch, Kevin Griffin from Better Than Ezra, singer-songwriter Lucie Silvas, and local favorites Lily Meola and Tavana.

Top songwriters featured over the three-day festival include country music hitmakers Tim Nichols, Natalie Hemby, Luke Dick, and BMI ICON Bob DiPiero. Also joining the festival will be up-and-comers Kassi Ashton, Alex Hall and Roman Alexander.

“I had such a great time at BMI’s Maui Songwriters Festival last year and can’t wait to be part of it again this December,” says Lambert. “I love that we can all come together and celebrate songwriters in such a beautiful place.”

“I am thrilled to be returning to the Maui Songwriters Festival this year. I first attended two years ago and fell in love with the island,” added Morris. “BMI has such a great track record for bringing talent to this festival and it’s such a unique experience.”

“We are so excited to bring this stellar lineup of BMI songwriters to Maui to help celebrate our fifth year of the festival. We are even more thrilled to welcome back Miranda Lambert and Maren Morris who have embraced this event in such a special way,” says Mason Hunter, AVP, Creative, Nashville. “Attendees will be treated to an amazing collection of talent in the most beautiful setting, and we are so appreciative of the folks on Maui and their incredible hospitality.”

Adding a philanthropic element to the Maui Songwriters Festival presented by BMI, a portion of the proceeds will once again benefit Dorvin and Betty Leis Charities, Inc., the Maui Arts & Cultural Center and the BMI Foundation, dedicated to encouraging the creation, performance, and study of music through awards, scholarships, grants, and commissions.

In addition to being presented by BMI, the fifth annual Maui Songwriters Festival is supported by HD Radio, SunTrust Bank, Texas Roadhouse, Daou Vineyards & Winery, Goodfellow Family Foundation and Twelve6 Entertainment. Delta Air Lines is the official airline of the festival. Fairmont Kea Lani – Maui is the official lodging partner. Additional community sponsors include Wailea Resort Association, Maui Jim and Tommy Bahama.

For more, visit mauisongwritersfestival.com.