Kelsea Ballerini performs at Nissan Stadium on Thursday, June 6 during the 2019 CMA Music Festival in downtown Nashville. Photo: Courtesy CMA
BOBBY KARL WORKS THE ROOM
Chapter 621
It looks like the 2019 CMA Fest is going to be one for the record books, and I don’t mean attendance.
The record I’m talking about is, “Wettest CMA Fest in history.”
On opening day on Thursday (June 6), it drizzled lightly all day long. This did not deter the merry makers on Music Row, where SunTrust’s annual Hot Dog Day had a capacity crowd. Nor did it deter the downtown concert goers from grooving to the sounds.
Billy Currington performs at the Chevy Riverfront Stage on Thursday, June 6 during the 2019 CMA Music Festival in downtown Nashville. Photo: Courtesy CMA
Billy Currington launched the festivities at Riverfront Park at 10 a.m. with “Don’t It.” Also that morning, Miranda Lambert held her Mutt March puppy parade downtown. She was joined by Dan Smyers of Dan + Shay, plus her new hubby, Brendan McLoughlin, and roughly 1,000 pet lovers.
Pictured (L-R): Beverly June Hughes, Miranda Lambert, Dan Smyers, Abby Smyers at the #MuttNationMarch. Photo: Facebook/Miranda Lambert
Inside the mercifully dry Music City Center, Miranda once again staged her dog-adoption booth at Fan Fair X. I have a feeling that this venue’s indoor stages are going to be particularly popular this year.
Tens of thousands donned plastic ponchos to brave the rain that fell throughout most of the debut show that night at Nissan Stadium. Many others trouped into the East Bank venue with no rain gear at all.
Following the National Anthem performance by students from the Nashville School of the Arts, Sarah Trahern and Mayor David Briley declared the Fest officially open. Enduringly great legend Tanya Tucker kicked things off with “It’s a Little Too Late.”
Tanya’s daughters Presley Tucker and Layla Laseter sang backup for their mom. So did Brandi Carlile, who co-produced Tanya’s new album with Shooter Jennings. She harmonized splendidly on the legend’s affecting new single, “The Wheels of Laredo,” and the two women duetted on the set-closing “Delta Dawn.”
Tanya did a splendid job, which was all the more admirable since she was stepping in at the last minute to substitute for Marty Stuart. Just hours before showtime, Marty cancelled, citing a “personal family matter” as the cause.
Tanya Tucker performs with Brandi Carlile at Nissan Stadium on Thursday, June 6 during the 2019 CMA Music Festival in downtown Nashville. Photo: Courtesy CMA
By the time Kane Brown hit the stage, it was pouring rain. He sang from the heart on the ballad “Homesick,” which was a standout tune of his set. Everyone sang along during his finale, “Good As You.”
From this point on, the concert was characterized by interminable waits between acts. Midland performed its latest, “Mr. Lonely” on a pocket stage in the midst of the crowd.
Midland performs at Nissan Stadium on Thursday, June 6 during the 2019CMA Music Festival in downtown Nashville. Photo: Courtesy CMA
Next up was Kelsea Ballerini. She opened with “Peter Pan” and hit a high point with a stomping treatment of “I Miss Me More.” The set closer was another highlight, her “This Feeling” collaboration with surprise guests The Chainsmokers. Kelsea and Thomas Rhett will be cohosting the Aug. 4 ABC-TV special about the fest. This will be their second year in this role.
When it wasn’t raining, it was drizzling. But the fan enthusiasm never flagged. We were ever so glad to be high and dry in the CMA Hospitality Suite.
The schmoozing there was cranked up to 10, no matter who was on stage below us. R.J. Curtis, Neal Spielberg, Debbie Linn, Joe Galante, Dennis Banka, Chuck Aly and JoAnn Berry were working the room.
Zach Farnum arrived with Randy Travis. After we embraced, Randy’s wife Mary reported that the Country Music Hall of Famer had spent two hours in the Fan Fair hall, meeting and greeting throngs of folks that afternoon.
Steve Buchanan had his new management client in tow, new Sony signee and Thursday’s Broadway stage standout Colin Elmore. He’s a singer-songwriter who hails from central Missouri, a region that has previously given us Porter Wagoner, Jan Howard, Don Warden and other greats. Long, tall Colin writes for Steve’s ex, publisher Ree Guyer, and is working with producer Marshall Altman.
Meanwhile, suite denizens Heather McBee, Becky Brenner, Jeremy Bradford, Brett Woolcott, Steve O’Brien, Ellen May and Sherod Robertson kept an eye on the weather and an ear on the music. Larry McCormick, Lauren Tingle, Cindy Watts, Jason Kempin and an international press corps kept tabs, too.
Brothers Osborne performs at Nissan Stadium on Thursday, June 6 during the 2019 CMA Music Festival in downtown Nashville. Photo: Courtesy CMA
Here’s one reason to have hope for the country genre: The music of Brothers Osborne. Lead singer T.J. Osborne is a natural-born frontman, as well an expressive vocalist. Brother John Osborne’s guitar work is up there with the finest. The siblings came out with guns blazing in the one-two volley of “Stay a Little Longer” and “Shoot Me Straight.”
Their surprise guests were Brooks & Dunn. T.J. and Ronnie Dunn swapped vocals on “Hard Working Man.” Then Kix Brooks was joined by Ashley McBryde. Ashley, Kix and Ronnie took “You’re Gonna Miss Me When I’m Gone” out for a harmony-drenched spin. The Osbornes closed with that ultimate set closer, “It Ain’t My Fault.”
Brooks and Dunn and Ashley McBryde perform at Nissan Stadium on Thursday, June 6 during the 2019 CMA Music Festival in downtown Nashville. Photo: Courtesy CMA
This music evidently connected with the heavens, because the rain eased up around 11 p.m. But due to the long delays between acts, there were still two headliners left to play.
Rascal Flatts performed mostly classics. Fans went wild for “I Like the Sound of That,” “Life Is a Highway,” “Praying for Daylight” and more.
“This rain ain’t gonna stop us,” proclaimed the group’s Joe Don Rooney. “We’re going to party all night long.” By that time, it was after midnight and raining again.
Florida Georgia Line closed the night with country-boy charm and guest appearances by Morgan Wallen and HARDY. “Cruise,” “Meant to Be,” “Up Down,” “This Is How We Roll” and other faves rocked the soaked fans.
“You can’t keep a bunch of hard-headed rednecks from standing in the rain,” observed T.J. Osborne.
By Friday morning, the rain had become a downpour. Due to lightning and thunder in the area, the opening of the downtown outdoor venues was delayed. Flash-flood warnings were posted. Forecasters were predicting a deluge for that night’s Nissan show. Like I said, this will be one for the record books.
Rascal Flatts perform at Nissan Stadium on Thursday, June 6 during the 2019 CMA Music Festival in downtown Nashville. Photo: Courtesy CMA
Florida Georgia Line performs at Nissan Stadium on Thursday, June 6 during the 2019 CMA Music Festival in downtown Nashville. performs at Nissan Stadium on Thursday, June 6 during the 2019 CMA Music Festival in downtown Nashville. Photo: Courtesy CMA
Brandi Carlile and Tanya Tucker perform at Nissan Stadium on Thursday, June 6 during the 2019 CMA Music Festival in downtown Nashville. vperforms at Nissan Stadium on Thursday, June 6 during the 2019 CMA Music Festival in downtown Nashville. Photo: Courtesy CMA
Kane Brown performs at Nissan Stadium on Thursday, June 6 during the 2019 CMA Music Festival in downtown Nashville. Photo: Courtesy CMA
Pictured (L-R): Sony Music Nashville’s Ed Rivadavia (VP Digital Strategy), Liz Cost (Artist Team Lead), Maverick Management’s Marne McLyman, Kix Brooks, Ronnie Dunn, Sony Music Nashville’s Lauren Thomas (Director of National Promotion), Arista Nashville’s Josh Easler (VP Promotion), Sony Music Nashville’s Scott Stachelski (VP Finance). Photo: John Shearer
Lil Nas X, Little Big Town, Midland, Trisha Yearwood Rock Spotify House At CMA Fest Day One
/by LB CantrellPictured (L-R): Karen Fairchild, Cameron Duddy, Lil Nas X, Phillip Sweet, Mark Wystrach, Jess Carson, Jimi Westbrook. Photo: Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for Spotify
Spotify returned to Ole Red, in Nashville for the second year in a row to celebrate Spotify House at CMA Fest with a jam packed opening day that included a welcome brunch featuring country music trio Midland, surprise appearances by Trisha Yearwood, Little Big Town and Rascal Flatts, as well as a performance by the country-trap artist who has caused quite a stir for his collaboration with Billy Ray Cyrus, Lil Nas X.
Yearwood performed her newly released single, “Every Girl In This Town” and was there to remind the crowd, “There are a lot of cool chicks making music right now.”
Pictured: Trisha Yearwood performs at Spotify House during CMA Fest at Ole Red on June 06, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. Photo: Brett Carlsen/Getty Images for Spotify
Spotify House started the day with an exclusive welcome brunch and panel discussion on the rooftop of Ole Red featuring a lively conversation with Spotify’s Head of Artist & Label Marketing, Nashville, Brittany Schaffer, Spotify’s Global Head of Communications, Dustee Jenkins, and country trio Midland.
Spotify also announced an exclusive new podcast with Midland which lead singer, Mark Wystrach, humorously described as “a discovery and an adventure, jump on board… but get life insurance first.”
Pictured (L-R): Head Of Global Communications and Public Relations at Spotify, Dustee Jenkins, Mark Wystrach, Cameron Duddy, and Jess Carson of musical group Midland. Photo: Frederick Breedon/Getty Images for Spotify
Throughout the day and night, fans lined up around the block to catch performances by country music artists Maddie & Tae, Tenille Townes, Lauren Alaina, Mitchell Tenpenny, Jameson Rodgers, Rodney Atkins, Dylan Scott, Noah Schnacky, Morgan Wallen and HARDY. Rascal Flatts performed their new hit song, “Back to Life” and had everyone singing along to “Life Is A Highway,” Little Big Town played several of their biggest hits including “Boondocks.”
Pictured: Joe Don Rooney, Gary LeVox, and Jay DeMarcus of Rascal Flatts. Photo: Frederick Breedon/Getty Images for Spotify
Hunter Hayes returned for a second year to perform his hits, “One Shot,” “Somebody’s Heartbreak” and “Yesterday’s Song.” Midland then took the stage for a roaring good time performing their new single from their upcoming album, “Mr. Lonely.”
Pictured: Hunter Hayes. Photo: Brett Carlsen/Getty Images for Spotify
The most anticipated performance of the night came from breakout music star Lil Nas X, who has taken the music world by storm with “Old Town Road.” The crowd went wild when he took the stage with surprise guest Billy Ray Cyrus and sang along to the chart-topping hit.
Pictured (L-R): Chaka Zulu; Head of Artist & Label Marketing-Nashville at Spotify, Brittany Schaffer; Lil Nas X; Billy Ray Cyrus; Global Head of Country Music at Spotify, John Marks. Photo: Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for Spotify
Pictured: Little Big Town. Photo: Brett Carlsen/Getty Images for Spotify
Pictured: Head of Artist & Label Marketing-Nashville at Spotify, Brittany Schaffer and Lauren Alaina. Photo: Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for Spotify
Pictured: Global Head of Country Music at Spotify, John Marks and Mitchell Tenpenny. Photo: Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for Spotify
Pictured: Jameson Rodgers. Photo: Brett Carlsen/Getty Images for Spotify
Pictured: Head of Artist & Label Marketing-Nashville at Spotify, Brittany Schaffer and Tenille Townes. Photo: Brett Carlsen/Getty Images for Spotify
Pictured: Lil Nas X, Cameron Duddy of Midland, and Mark Wystrach of Midland. Photo: Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for Spotify
Dwight Yoakam, LOCASH, Cassadee Pope Slated To Play A Taste Of Colorado Music Festival
/by LB CantrellThe Downtown Denver Partnership, producers of A Taste of Colorado, have revealed the music lineup for the 36th annual festival, including country artists Dwight Yoakam, LOCASH, and Cassadee Pope. Colorado’s largest music and food festival will include over 30 national and regional musical artists featured throughout the three-day Labor Day weekend (Aug. 31 – Sept. 2, 2019).
“We are thrilled to build upon the hugely successful rebrand of last year’s festival with this sensational and diverse music lineup for 2019. There is definitely something for everyone as we touch on many generations and genres of music,” said Sharon Alton, Vice President of Downtown Experience at the Downtown Denver Partnership.
A special pre-sale VIP ticket offer begins Friday, June 14 at 10 a.m.—Monday, June 17 at 9:59 a.m. for $99. Regular priced tickets for The Capitol VIP Experience go on-sale June 17 at 10:00 a.m.. Tickets can be purchased at www.axs.com.
New Music Roundup: Ryan Hurd, GONE WEST, Rachel Wammack, Chase Rice
/by Lorie HollabaughRyan Hurd Releases New ‘Summer’ Tune
Ryan Hurd is releasing new music, “Her Name Was Summer,” and making his debut on the Chevy Riverfront Stage during CMA Music Festival on Sunday, June 9 in Nashville. The new tune was written by Hurd with Aaron Eshuis and Mike Walker. “Her Name Was Summer” is the romantic counter punch to Hurd’s current single “To A T,” which continues to climb the country radio charts.
GONE WEST Contemplates ‘What Could’ve Been’
GONE WEST is releasing their first single “What Could’ve Been” today. GONE WEST members include Grammy-winning singer/songwriter Colbie Caillat, songwriter Jason Reeves, Hawaiian Music Award winner Justin Kawika Young and Grammy, ACM and CMT nominee Nelly Joy. GONE WEST produced and wrote the track with Jamie Kenney. The foursome play CMA Fest for the first time this week, appearing at Chevy Riverfront Stage on Sunday, June 9.
Rachel Wammack Debuts ‘Something People Say’
Rachel Wammack has a new single out today,“Something People Say.” The new tune, co-written by Wammack with Sam Ellis and Derrick Southerland, is being released in the midst of a whirlwind week of performances and appearances for Wammack around the CMA Fest.
“It’s been an incredible week and it’s not even over,” says Wammack. “I’ve seen people I met on the road this past year and made new friends I know I will be seeing again in the future. It’s connecting with music lovers from all of the country, and the world, that makes this week so memorable.”
Chase Rice Reveals New Single ‘Lonely If You Are’
Chase Rice is back at it with a new single, “Lonely If You Are,” which he announced from the stage of Ascend Amphitheater at CMA Fest last night (June 6).
“‘Lonely If You Are’ starts out simply with just an acoustic guitar, which is a different sound for me than what people might be used to, but it also goes back to how I started in Nashville—when it was just me with a guitar writing songs,” explains Rice of the Chris DeStefano-produced song. “Lyrically, it’s telling this special girl that even though we might not officially be together right now, ‘go ahead—have a good time with your friends… but when that all fades away, give me a call. I’ll be there.’ I wrote this song with Lindsay Rimes and Hunter Phelps, and it’s been the front-runner to follow ‘Eyes On You’ since the day we wrote it, so I can’t wait for the fans to hear this one.”
Bobby Karl Works The Room: 2019 CMA Fest Day One
/by Bobby KarlKelsea Ballerini performs at Nissan Stadium on Thursday, June 6 during the 2019 CMA Music Festival in downtown Nashville. Photo: Courtesy CMA
BOBBY KARL WORKS THE ROOM
Chapter 621
It looks like the 2019 CMA Fest is going to be one for the record books, and I don’t mean attendance.
The record I’m talking about is, “Wettest CMA Fest in history.”
On opening day on Thursday (June 6), it drizzled lightly all day long. This did not deter the merry makers on Music Row, where SunTrust’s annual Hot Dog Day had a capacity crowd. Nor did it deter the downtown concert goers from grooving to the sounds.
Billy Currington performs at the Chevy Riverfront Stage on Thursday, June 6 during the 2019 CMA Music Festival in downtown Nashville. Photo: Courtesy CMA
Billy Currington launched the festivities at Riverfront Park at 10 a.m. with “Don’t It.” Also that morning, Miranda Lambert held her Mutt March puppy parade downtown. She was joined by Dan Smyers of Dan + Shay, plus her new hubby, Brendan McLoughlin, and roughly 1,000 pet lovers.
Pictured (L-R): Beverly June Hughes, Miranda Lambert, Dan Smyers, Abby Smyers at the #MuttNationMarch. Photo: Facebook/Miranda Lambert
Inside the mercifully dry Music City Center, Miranda once again staged her dog-adoption booth at Fan Fair X. I have a feeling that this venue’s indoor stages are going to be particularly popular this year.
Tens of thousands donned plastic ponchos to brave the rain that fell throughout most of the debut show that night at Nissan Stadium. Many others trouped into the East Bank venue with no rain gear at all.
Following the National Anthem performance by students from the Nashville School of the Arts, Sarah Trahern and Mayor David Briley declared the Fest officially open. Enduringly great legend Tanya Tucker kicked things off with “It’s a Little Too Late.”
Tanya’s daughters Presley Tucker and Layla Laseter sang backup for their mom. So did Brandi Carlile, who co-produced Tanya’s new album with Shooter Jennings. She harmonized splendidly on the legend’s affecting new single, “The Wheels of Laredo,” and the two women duetted on the set-closing “Delta Dawn.”
Tanya did a splendid job, which was all the more admirable since she was stepping in at the last minute to substitute for Marty Stuart. Just hours before showtime, Marty cancelled, citing a “personal family matter” as the cause.
Tanya Tucker performs with Brandi Carlile at Nissan Stadium on Thursday, June 6 during the 2019 CMA Music Festival in downtown Nashville. Photo: Courtesy CMA
By the time Kane Brown hit the stage, it was pouring rain. He sang from the heart on the ballad “Homesick,” which was a standout tune of his set. Everyone sang along during his finale, “Good As You.”
From this point on, the concert was characterized by interminable waits between acts. Midland performed its latest, “Mr. Lonely” on a pocket stage in the midst of the crowd.
Midland performs at Nissan Stadium on Thursday, June 6 during the 2019CMA Music Festival in downtown Nashville. Photo: Courtesy CMA
Next up was Kelsea Ballerini. She opened with “Peter Pan” and hit a high point with a stomping treatment of “I Miss Me More.” The set closer was another highlight, her “This Feeling” collaboration with surprise guests The Chainsmokers. Kelsea and Thomas Rhett will be cohosting the Aug. 4 ABC-TV special about the fest. This will be their second year in this role.
When it wasn’t raining, it was drizzling. But the fan enthusiasm never flagged. We were ever so glad to be high and dry in the CMA Hospitality Suite.
The schmoozing there was cranked up to 10, no matter who was on stage below us. R.J. Curtis, Neal Spielberg, Debbie Linn, Joe Galante, Dennis Banka, Chuck Aly and JoAnn Berry were working the room.
Zach Farnum arrived with Randy Travis. After we embraced, Randy’s wife Mary reported that the Country Music Hall of Famer had spent two hours in the Fan Fair hall, meeting and greeting throngs of folks that afternoon.
Steve Buchanan had his new management client in tow, new Sony signee and Thursday’s Broadway stage standout Colin Elmore. He’s a singer-songwriter who hails from central Missouri, a region that has previously given us Porter Wagoner, Jan Howard, Don Warden and other greats. Long, tall Colin writes for Steve’s ex, publisher Ree Guyer, and is working with producer Marshall Altman.
Meanwhile, suite denizens Heather McBee, Becky Brenner, Jeremy Bradford, Brett Woolcott, Steve O’Brien, Ellen May and Sherod Robertson kept an eye on the weather and an ear on the music. Larry McCormick, Lauren Tingle, Cindy Watts, Jason Kempin and an international press corps kept tabs, too.
Brothers Osborne performs at Nissan Stadium on Thursday, June 6 during the 2019 CMA Music Festival in downtown Nashville. Photo: Courtesy CMA
Here’s one reason to have hope for the country genre: The music of Brothers Osborne. Lead singer T.J. Osborne is a natural-born frontman, as well an expressive vocalist. Brother John Osborne’s guitar work is up there with the finest. The siblings came out with guns blazing in the one-two volley of “Stay a Little Longer” and “Shoot Me Straight.”
Their surprise guests were Brooks & Dunn. T.J. and Ronnie Dunn swapped vocals on “Hard Working Man.” Then Kix Brooks was joined by Ashley McBryde. Ashley, Kix and Ronnie took “You’re Gonna Miss Me When I’m Gone” out for a harmony-drenched spin. The Osbornes closed with that ultimate set closer, “It Ain’t My Fault.”
Brooks and Dunn and Ashley McBryde perform at Nissan Stadium on Thursday, June 6 during the 2019 CMA Music Festival in downtown Nashville. Photo: Courtesy CMA
This music evidently connected with the heavens, because the rain eased up around 11 p.m. But due to the long delays between acts, there were still two headliners left to play.
Rascal Flatts performed mostly classics. Fans went wild for “I Like the Sound of That,” “Life Is a Highway,” “Praying for Daylight” and more.
“This rain ain’t gonna stop us,” proclaimed the group’s Joe Don Rooney. “We’re going to party all night long.” By that time, it was after midnight and raining again.
Florida Georgia Line closed the night with country-boy charm and guest appearances by Morgan Wallen and HARDY. “Cruise,” “Meant to Be,” “Up Down,” “This Is How We Roll” and other faves rocked the soaked fans.
“You can’t keep a bunch of hard-headed rednecks from standing in the rain,” observed T.J. Osborne.
By Friday morning, the rain had become a downpour. Due to lightning and thunder in the area, the opening of the downtown outdoor venues was delayed. Flash-flood warnings were posted. Forecasters were predicting a deluge for that night’s Nissan show. Like I said, this will be one for the record books.
Rascal Flatts perform at Nissan Stadium on Thursday, June 6 during the 2019 CMA Music Festival in downtown Nashville. Photo: Courtesy CMA
Florida Georgia Line performs at Nissan Stadium on Thursday, June 6 during the 2019 CMA Music Festival in downtown Nashville. performs at Nissan Stadium on Thursday, June 6 during the 2019 CMA Music Festival in downtown Nashville. Photo: Courtesy CMA
Brandi Carlile and Tanya Tucker perform at Nissan Stadium on Thursday, June 6 during the 2019 CMA Music Festival in downtown Nashville. vperforms at Nissan Stadium on Thursday, June 6 during the 2019 CMA Music Festival in downtown Nashville. Photo: Courtesy CMA
Kane Brown performs at Nissan Stadium on Thursday, June 6 during the 2019 CMA Music Festival in downtown Nashville. Photo: Courtesy CMA
Pictured (L-R): Sony Music Nashville’s Ed Rivadavia (VP Digital Strategy), Liz Cost (Artist Team Lead), Maverick Management’s Marne McLyman, Kix Brooks, Ronnie Dunn, Sony Music Nashville’s Lauren Thomas (Director of National Promotion), Arista Nashville’s Josh Easler (VP Promotion), Sony Music Nashville’s Scott Stachelski (VP Finance). Photo: John Shearer
BMLG Records Celebrates 10-Year Anniversary, Record-Breaking Achievements
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R, back row): BMLG’s Andrew Kautz, Brett Young, Lady Antebellum, Riley Green; (L-R, front row): BMLGR’s Jimmy Harnen, Danielle Bradbery, BMLG’s Scott Borchetta, BMLG’s Sandi Spika Borchetta. Photo: Seth Hellman for BMLG Records
BMLG Records commemorated 10 years of success Tuesday (6/5) at the Big Machine Store & Distillery with a brunch celebrating the label’s milestone anniversary.
Big Machine Label Group President/CEO Scott Borchetta joined BMLGR President/BMLG EVP Jimmy Harnen to welcome staff and VIP partners to the event, celebrating accomplishments
BMLG Records boasts record-breaking sales, 31 No. 1 singles with 39 Top 10 hits, and over 50 accolades from the Grammys, CMA, ACM, CMT, Billboard, American Music Awards and more. The label is home to two of the five most-downloaded country singles of all time: Florida Georgia Line’s “Cruise” and The Band Perry’s “If I Die Young.”
Pictured (L-R, back row): BMLGR’s Andrew Thoen, BMLGR’s Michelle Kammerer, Brett Young, Lady Antebellum, Riley Green, BMLGR’s Cherylynne Nader, BMLGR’s Andi Brooks;(L-R, front row): BMLG’s Andrew Kautz, BMLGR’s Liz Santana, BMLGR’s Madeline Farr, BMLGR’s Jimmy Harnen, Danielle Bradbery, BMLG’s Scott Borchetta, BMLG’s Sandi Spika Borchetta, BMLGR’s Stella Prado, BMLGR’s Matthew Hargis. Photo: Seth Hellman for BMLG Records
Big Loud Celebrates CMT Music Awards At FGL House Bash
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R, back row): Troy “Tracker” Johnson (Manager), Lloyd Norman (VP Of Special Projects & Strategic Management, Big Loud), Joey Moi (Partner) Kevin “Chief” Zaruk (Partner), Morgan Wallen, Seth England (Partner), Clay Hunnicutt (President, Big Loud Records), HARDY; (L-R, front row) Jeremy Groves (Manager), Stacy Blythe (VP Of Promotion, Big Loud Records), Chris Lane, Craig Wiseman (Partner), Mackenzie Porter, Candice Watkins (VP Of Marketing, Big Loud Records), Patch Culbertson (VP Of A&R)
Big Loud hosted its annual after-party at FGL House on Nashville’s lower Broadway Wednesday night (June 5) to celebrate the 2019 CMT Music Awards. The label continued toasting to an already exciting week, claiming the No.1 song on the Billboard Country Airplay and Country Aircheck/Mediabase charts, as well as the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart this week with Morgan Wallen‘s “Whiskey Glasses,” and the No. 1 most-added new track at country radio with Jake Owen‘s “Homemade.”
Pictured (L-R, back row): Joey Moi (Partner) Kevin “Chief” Zaruk (Partner), Morgan Wallen, Seth England (Partner), Clay Hunnicutt (President, Big Loud Records), HARDY; (L-R, back row): Chris Lane, Craig Wiseman (Partner), Mackenzie Porter
Luke Combs Releases New EP ‘The Prequel’
/by LB CantrellLuke Combs. Photo: David Bergman for Sony Records Nashville
Luke Combs’ highly anticipated new five-song EP, The Prequel, is out today (June 7) via River House Artists/Columbia Nashville. In celebration of the release, Combs will host his Second Annual Bootleggers Fan Club Party today in Nashville. Fans can stream the event live via Combs’ Facebook, Twitter and YouTube pages starting at 12:00 p.m. CT.
Produced by Scott Moffatt, all five songs on the EP were co-written by Combs, including lead single, “Beer Never Broke My Heart, which debuted at No. 2 on Billboard’s Country Streaming Songs chart with 11 million streams—setting the record for the best first week of streaming ever for a country song. The song also recently set the record for most adds on the Mediabase/Country Aircheck chart with 149 adds and debuted at No. 15 on Billboard’s Country Airplay chart—the top entrance by any artist since September 2012 and Combs’ highest debut to date.
The Prequel Track List:
1. “Beer Never Broke My Heart” (written by Luke Combs, Randy Montana, Jonathan Singleton)
2. “Refrigerator Door” (written by Luke Combs, Jordan Brooker)
3. “Even Though I’m Leaving” (written by Luke Combs, Wyatt B. Durrette III, Ray Fulcher)
4. “Lovin’ On You” (written by Luke Combs, Thomas Archer, Ray Fulcher, James McNair)
5. “Moon Over Mexico” (written by Luke Combs, Ray Fulcher, Dan Isbell, Jonathan Singleton)
The Prequel is available for streaming and purchasing here.
Weekly Chart Report (6/7/19)
/by Alex ParryClick here or above to access MusicRow’s weekly CountryBreakout Report.
Industry Ink: BMI, Montgomery Gentry, Country Now
/by Jessica NicholsonBMI Celebrates Third Annual Acoustic Brunch
Pictured (L-R): Alex Hall, BMI’s Josh Tomlinson, Twelve6 Entertainment’s Travis Myatt and BMI’s MaryAnn Keen. Photo: Nathan Zucker
On Wednesday (June 5), industry tastemakers gathered on the BMI Rooftop for the third annual Acoustic Brunch. The event serves as the kickoff for a marathon two weeks in Nashville centering on CMA Music Fest and Bonnaroo. The curated event kicked off with Monument recording artist Alex Hall and wrapped with Americana artist and award-winning guitarist Molly Tuttle.
Guests were treated to sponsored food and beverage from O’Charley’s, Bartles & Jaymes, High Brew Coffee, Topo Chico, Walker’s Feed Co., and Yee-Haw Brewing Company. Crown Royal was also on-site with their Purple Bag Project; the initiative invited attendees to create a care package in the signature purple Crown Royal bags for troops serving overseas. Delta Air Lines was also in attendance with a flight voucher giveaway.
Pictured (L-R): BMI’s Nina Carter and Molly Tuttle. Photo: Nathan Zucker
Eddie Montgomery Presents Check to Angie Gentry at Fan Club Party
Eddie Montgomery of Montgomery Gentry presented Angie Gentry, wife of the late MG member Troy Gentry, with a check for $2,500 to benefit The Troy Gentry Foundation at the band’s fan club party at Acme Seed & Feed earlier this week (on June 4) kicking off CMA Music Fest Week.
Former Sounds Like Nashville Editor Launches Country Now
Newly-launched country music website Country Now is being helmed by Editor-In-Chief Lauren Black. The site will include country music news, in addition to three segments highlighting top artists (The Profile), rising stars (Country Next) and The Pupdate, which features artists of all levels being interviewed while playing with puppies that are available for adoption through Nashville-based nonprofit Proverbs 12:10 Animal Rescue.
“I am thrilled to announce the launch of Country Now. I believe a platform like this is needed in the country music space now more than ever,” shares Black. “Fans need a trusted place to consume content about their favorite country stars and Country Now will deliver just that.”
Black co-founded the country news site CountryMusicIsLove in 2008 and sold it seven years later to major label UMG, when it was rebranded as Sounds Like Nashville. Black continued as Editor-in-Chief for the site for two and a half years. She also recently held country music journalism roles at Forbes.com and Answers.com.
2019 CMT Music Awards Brings In 2.7 Million Viewers
/by LB CantrellThe 2019 CMT Music Awards scored 2.7 million total viewers live + same day, a 29 percent increase from last year.
Ratings for the show were P18-49 = 1.24, up 49 percent and driven by the addition of MTV and its suite of brands. Looking at the same networks year-over-year (CMT, Paramount, TVLand) without MTV’s suite of brands, the show was up 8 percent P25-54 (1.15), and flat with total viewers. A near 60 percent increase was seen with P18-34 = .99 compared to .63 last year.
Social numbers through noon June 6 grew from the prior year by 150 percent, marking the No. 1 most social primetime program across broadcast and cable for the night, and the most in CMT Music Awards history.