Country-music veterans mix attractively with newcomers this week.
On the established-stars side, we have Vince Gill, Toby Keith and Sammy Kershaw on hand. Among the baby acts, we find Waterloo Revival, Logan Mize and DisCovery Award winner Cherie Oakley.
The Disc of the Day honor gets divided like an awards show. The Female winner is Cam. The Male prize goes to Logan Mize. The Group du jour is Old Dominion.
Happy listening.
LOGAN MIZE/Thinking About You
Writers: Daniel Tashian/Troy Verges; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Big Yellow Dog
– This sounds like a summer hit to me. The infectious tempo is gripping, the melody is delightful, the production is layered complexity and the performance is loaded with warmth. Pop-country nirvana.
TOBY KEITH/That’s Country Bro
Writers: Toby Keith/Bobby Pinson; Producers: Toby Keith/Bobby Pinson/Reid Shippen; Publisher: none listed; Show Dog
– As always, he sings with macho authority. This time around, he’s giving you kiddies a lesson in what’s country. The rhythm is as relentless as the litany of classic stars’ names and song titles. If you ask me, this tragically diluted format could use a lecture like this. Pay attention, people.
CAM & DIPLO/So Long
Writers: Diplo/Cam/Sam Hunt; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; RCA
– Charming. She provides the sweetly sexy vocal, and he provides the beats. Ebullient and joyful ear candy.
KEITH URBAN/We Were
Writers: Ryan Tindell/Jeff Hyde/Eric Church; Producers: Dann Huff/Keith Urban; Publishers: none listed; Capitol Nashville
– Lilting nostalgia, set in a swirly melody and produced with pop panache. Notch up another mega hit on the belt of the reigning Entertainer of the Year.
OLD DOMINION/Some People Do
Writers: noen listed; Producers: none listed; Publishers: none listed; RCA;
– The band executes an excellent change of pace with this ballad of regret, remorse and self recrimination. A plea for forgiveness and reconciliation that hits the heart hard.
CHERIE OAKLEY/Work It
Writers: Cherie Oakley/Mark Oakley/David Fanning; Producer: Dann Huff; Publishers: Cherie Oakley/MV2 Entertainment, ASCAP/BMI; CO
– It’s a peppy, female-empowerment banger with crunchy beats and a slight soul-sister vocal vibe. Shake your groove thang.
VINCE GILL/A Letter To My Mama
Writer: Vince Gill; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; MCA
– He still gets me every time. This heart-in-throat ballad is a love letter from a son to his mother that’s packed with truth and emotion. A master at work.
LADY ANTEBELLUM/What If I Never Get Over You
Writers: Sam Ellis/Jon Green/Ryan Hurd/Laura Veltz; Producer: Dann Huff; Publishers: Universal/Happy Rock/Dalmatian/Songs of Universal/hurdjamz/Big Music Machine/Never Veltz So Good, BMI; BMLG
– Very densely produced with vocal layer programmed upon vocal layer in a synth wash. The song can take it, because it’s solidly constructed with a memorable tune and spot-on lyrics. A promising re-invention of this hit-making trio.
SAMMY KERSHAW/Grillin’ and Chillin’
Writers: Casey Beathard/Scooter Carusoe; Producer: Sammy Kershaw; Publishers: none listed; Cleopatra
– It’s an Applebee’s commercial jingle that’s also a country, country, country ditty. Smiley, if disposable.
DEE JAY SILVER & WATERLOO REVIVAL/Getaway Driver
Writers: George Birge/Jason Massey/Corey Crowder; Publishers: none listed; Producers: none listed; Reven8te Nashville
– Country’s favorite mix master teams up with this up-and-coming group for a sunny outing. Lightweight but enjoyably harmless.
New Montgomery Gentry Project ‘Outskirts’ Set For June 14 Release
/by Lorie HollabaughMontgomery Gentry’s new seven-track EP, Outskirts, is slated for release on June 14 via Average Joes Entertainment. Those pre-ordering the album, produced by Noah Gordon and Shannon Houchins, will instantly receive the new song “King of the World” featuring guitar virtuoso Steve Vai.
“‘King of the World’ is the way I want to live my life when I grow up,” said Eddie Montgomery. “When I found out that guitar God, Steve Vai, was into it…that made it the s**t. Wow, still can’t believe Steve Vai is playing on one of my songs!!”
The project was recorded in September of 2017 and marks a return to the duo’s signature southern rock sound. Among the standout tracks on the new album are the title track, which touts the virtues of small town living and common core values, Montgomery’s version of Merle Haggard’s “What Am I Going To Do With The Rest Of My Life,” and Gentry’s take on the Darrell Scott classic “You’ll Never Leave Harlan Alive.” Writers contributing to the new project include Ashley Gorley, Darrell Scott, Dallas Davidson, Rodney Clawson, and more.
Eddie Montgomery of Montgomery Gentry continues to tour coast to coast sharing new music with fans nationwide. Montgomery is performing a special Underground Fan Club party presented by Wrangler at Acme Feed and Seed during CMA Fest in Nashville on June 4.
Outskirts Track List:
1. Outskirts (Dallas Davidson, Rodney Clawson, Ashley Gorley)
2. River Take Me (Darrell Scott)
3. What Am I Gonna Do With The Rest Of My Life (Merle Haggard)
4. Never Been Nothin’ Else (Dallas Davidson, Bobby Pinson)
5. You’ll Never Leave Harlan Alive (Darrell Scott)
6. King Of The World/feat. Steve Vai (Troy Jones)
7. Joe’s Six-Pack (Jeremy Stover, Jesse Frasure, Travis Denning)
Joe Litvag Joins Blackbird Presents As Partner And President Of Live Entertainment
/by LB CantrellJoe Litvag. Photo: Rob Rauffer
Blackbird Presents has announced the addition of industry veteran Joe Litvag as a Partner and the President of Live Entertainment.
In this newly created position, Joe will oversee Blackbird’s full slate of live entertainment projects and will lead the development of new live event ventures for the company. Specifically, he will focus on expanding and diversifying major concert events, music festivals & tours, and music-driven content projects. Joe will work closely with Blackbird Presents’ CEO Keith Wortman, based at the company’s headquarters in New York City.
“Joe’s deep experience in creating, building and executing a range of business plans and projects in the live music industry is extraordinary. The respect and admiration he has across our industry makes him the ideal person to lead Blackbird Presents in our next phase of growth,” said Wortman. “I’m thrilled to welcome him to the team.”
Blackbird Presents is in the midst of producing the 4th annual Outlaw Music Festival Tour in partnership with Willie Nelson. The Festival features artists including Nelson, Phil Lesh & Friends, The Avett Brothers, Robert Plant, Bonnie Raitt, Luke Combs and many more. Blackbird Presents has also produced large scale broadcast events honoring Kenny Rogers and Merle Haggard.
“After meeting Keith and the team at Blackbird Presents, I knew I’d found the right place to start the next chapter in my career,” Litvag said. “Their business is built on their exceptional personal relationships with artists, managers and agents, and it’s refreshing to see such a wonderfully simple yet unique approach to its rapidly expanding portfolio: Focus on iconic artists, put their music and legacy front-and-center, and celebrate them in a first-class way. I’m thrilled to join Keith to create many more incredible music moments for artists and their fans, to grow this incredibly talented team, and to watch Blackbird Presents flourish in the coming years.”
Litvag joins Blackbird Presents after most recently working as Senior Vice President at AEG Presents for the last fifteen years. Prior to his time at AEG Presents, Litvag spent ten years at Contemporary Productions/SFX Entertainment/Clear Channel Entertainment where he rose to Vice President of Concerts.
Joe Litvag Joins Blackbird Presents As Partner And President Of Live Entertainment
/by LB CantrellJoe Litvag. Photo: Rob Rauffer
Blackbird Presents has announced the addition of industry veteran Joe Litvag as a Partner and the President of Live Entertainment.
In this newly created position, Joe will oversee Blackbird’s full slate of live entertainment projects and will lead the development of new live event ventures for the company. Specifically, he will focus on expanding and diversifying major concert events, music festivals & tours, and music-driven content projects. Joe will work closely with Blackbird Presents’ CEO Keith Wortman, based at the company’s headquarters in New York City.
“Joe’s deep experience in creating, building and executing a range of business plans and projects in the live music industry is extraordinary. The respect and admiration he has across our industry makes him the ideal person to lead Blackbird Presents in our next phase of growth,” said Wortman. “I’m thrilled to welcome him to the team.”
Blackbird Presents is in the midst of producing the 4th annual Outlaw Music Festival Tour in partnership with Willie Nelson. The Festival features artists including Nelson, Phil Lesh & Friends, The Avett Brothers, Robert Plant, Bonnie Raitt, Luke Combs and many more. Blackbird Presents has also produced large scale broadcast events honoring Kenny Rogers and Merle Haggard.
“After meeting Keith and the team at Blackbird Presents, I knew I’d found the right place to start the next chapter in my career,” Litvag said. “Their business is built on their exceptional personal relationships with artists, managers and agents, and it’s refreshing to see such a wonderfully simple yet unique approach to its rapidly expanding portfolio: Focus on iconic artists, put their music and legacy front-and-center, and celebrate them in a first-class way. I’m thrilled to join Keith to create many more incredible music moments for artists and their fans, to grow this incredibly talented team, and to watch Blackbird Presents flourish in the coming years.”
Litvag joins Blackbird Presents after most recently working as Senior Vice President at AEG Presents for the last fifteen years. Prior to his time at AEG Presents, Litvag spent ten years at Contemporary Productions/SFX Entertainment/Clear Channel Entertainment where he rose to Vice President of Concerts.
Weekly Chart Report (5/17/19)
/by Alex ParryClick here or above to access MusicRow’s weekly CountryBreakout Report.
Weekly Chart Report (5/17/19)
/by Alex ParryClick here or above to access MusicRow’s weekly CountryBreakout Report.
DISClaimer: Logan Mize Offers A “Summer Hit”
/by Robert K OermannCountry-music veterans mix attractively with newcomers this week.
On the established-stars side, we have Vince Gill, Toby Keith and Sammy Kershaw on hand. Among the baby acts, we find Waterloo Revival, Logan Mize and DisCovery Award winner Cherie Oakley.
The Disc of the Day honor gets divided like an awards show. The Female winner is Cam. The Male prize goes to Logan Mize. The Group du jour is Old Dominion.
Happy listening.
LOGAN MIZE/Thinking About You
Writers: Daniel Tashian/Troy Verges; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Big Yellow Dog
– This sounds like a summer hit to me. The infectious tempo is gripping, the melody is delightful, the production is layered complexity and the performance is loaded with warmth. Pop-country nirvana.
TOBY KEITH/That’s Country Bro
Writers: Toby Keith/Bobby Pinson; Producers: Toby Keith/Bobby Pinson/Reid Shippen; Publisher: none listed; Show Dog
– As always, he sings with macho authority. This time around, he’s giving you kiddies a lesson in what’s country. The rhythm is as relentless as the litany of classic stars’ names and song titles. If you ask me, this tragically diluted format could use a lecture like this. Pay attention, people.
CAM & DIPLO/So Long
Writers: Diplo/Cam/Sam Hunt; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; RCA
– Charming. She provides the sweetly sexy vocal, and he provides the beats. Ebullient and joyful ear candy.
KEITH URBAN/We Were
Writers: Ryan Tindell/Jeff Hyde/Eric Church; Producers: Dann Huff/Keith Urban; Publishers: none listed; Capitol Nashville
– Lilting nostalgia, set in a swirly melody and produced with pop panache. Notch up another mega hit on the belt of the reigning Entertainer of the Year.
OLD DOMINION/Some People Do
Writers: noen listed; Producers: none listed; Publishers: none listed; RCA;
– The band executes an excellent change of pace with this ballad of regret, remorse and self recrimination. A plea for forgiveness and reconciliation that hits the heart hard.
CHERIE OAKLEY/Work It
Writers: Cherie Oakley/Mark Oakley/David Fanning; Producer: Dann Huff; Publishers: Cherie Oakley/MV2 Entertainment, ASCAP/BMI; CO
– It’s a peppy, female-empowerment banger with crunchy beats and a slight soul-sister vocal vibe. Shake your groove thang.
VINCE GILL/A Letter To My Mama
Writer: Vince Gill; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; MCA
– He still gets me every time. This heart-in-throat ballad is a love letter from a son to his mother that’s packed with truth and emotion. A master at work.
LADY ANTEBELLUM/What If I Never Get Over You
Writers: Sam Ellis/Jon Green/Ryan Hurd/Laura Veltz; Producer: Dann Huff; Publishers: Universal/Happy Rock/Dalmatian/Songs of Universal/hurdjamz/Big Music Machine/Never Veltz So Good, BMI; BMLG
– Very densely produced with vocal layer programmed upon vocal layer in a synth wash. The song can take it, because it’s solidly constructed with a memorable tune and spot-on lyrics. A promising re-invention of this hit-making trio.
SAMMY KERSHAW/Grillin’ and Chillin’
Writers: Casey Beathard/Scooter Carusoe; Producer: Sammy Kershaw; Publishers: none listed; Cleopatra
– It’s an Applebee’s commercial jingle that’s also a country, country, country ditty. Smiley, if disposable.
DEE JAY SILVER & WATERLOO REVIVAL/Getaway Driver
Writers: George Birge/Jason Massey/Corey Crowder; Publishers: none listed; Producers: none listed; Reven8te Nashville
– Country’s favorite mix master teams up with this up-and-coming group for a sunny outing. Lightweight but enjoyably harmless.
DISClaimer: Logan Mize Offers A “Summer Hit”
/by Robert K OermannCountry-music veterans mix attractively with newcomers this week.
On the established-stars side, we have Vince Gill, Toby Keith and Sammy Kershaw on hand. Among the baby acts, we find Waterloo Revival, Logan Mize and DisCovery Award winner Cherie Oakley.
The Disc of the Day honor gets divided like an awards show. The Female winner is Cam. The Male prize goes to Logan Mize. The Group du jour is Old Dominion.
Happy listening.
LOGAN MIZE/Thinking About You
Writers: Daniel Tashian/Troy Verges; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Big Yellow Dog
– This sounds like a summer hit to me. The infectious tempo is gripping, the melody is delightful, the production is layered complexity and the performance is loaded with warmth. Pop-country nirvana.
TOBY KEITH/That’s Country Bro
Writers: Toby Keith/Bobby Pinson; Producers: Toby Keith/Bobby Pinson/Reid Shippen; Publisher: none listed; Show Dog
– As always, he sings with macho authority. This time around, he’s giving you kiddies a lesson in what’s country. The rhythm is as relentless as the litany of classic stars’ names and song titles. If you ask me, this tragically diluted format could use a lecture like this. Pay attention, people.
CAM & DIPLO/So Long
Writers: Diplo/Cam/Sam Hunt; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; RCA
– Charming. She provides the sweetly sexy vocal, and he provides the beats. Ebullient and joyful ear candy.
KEITH URBAN/We Were
Writers: Ryan Tindell/Jeff Hyde/Eric Church; Producers: Dann Huff/Keith Urban; Publishers: none listed; Capitol Nashville
– Lilting nostalgia, set in a swirly melody and produced with pop panache. Notch up another mega hit on the belt of the reigning Entertainer of the Year.
OLD DOMINION/Some People Do
Writers: noen listed; Producers: none listed; Publishers: none listed; RCA;
– The band executes an excellent change of pace with this ballad of regret, remorse and self recrimination. A plea for forgiveness and reconciliation that hits the heart hard.
CHERIE OAKLEY/Work It
Writers: Cherie Oakley/Mark Oakley/David Fanning; Producer: Dann Huff; Publishers: Cherie Oakley/MV2 Entertainment, ASCAP/BMI; CO
– It’s a peppy, female-empowerment banger with crunchy beats and a slight soul-sister vocal vibe. Shake your groove thang.
VINCE GILL/A Letter To My Mama
Writer: Vince Gill; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; MCA
– He still gets me every time. This heart-in-throat ballad is a love letter from a son to his mother that’s packed with truth and emotion. A master at work.
LADY ANTEBELLUM/What If I Never Get Over You
Writers: Sam Ellis/Jon Green/Ryan Hurd/Laura Veltz; Producer: Dann Huff; Publishers: Universal/Happy Rock/Dalmatian/Songs of Universal/hurdjamz/Big Music Machine/Never Veltz So Good, BMI; BMLG
– Very densely produced with vocal layer programmed upon vocal layer in a synth wash. The song can take it, because it’s solidly constructed with a memorable tune and spot-on lyrics. A promising re-invention of this hit-making trio.
SAMMY KERSHAW/Grillin’ and Chillin’
Writers: Casey Beathard/Scooter Carusoe; Producer: Sammy Kershaw; Publishers: none listed; Cleopatra
– It’s an Applebee’s commercial jingle that’s also a country, country, country ditty. Smiley, if disposable.
DEE JAY SILVER & WATERLOO REVIVAL/Getaway Driver
Writers: George Birge/Jason Massey/Corey Crowder; Publishers: none listed; Producers: none listed; Reven8te Nashville
– Country’s favorite mix master teams up with this up-and-coming group for a sunny outing. Lightweight but enjoyably harmless.
Amped Entertainment Signs Chris Lindsay
/by Jessica NicholsonBack row: KK Johnson, Missi Gallimore, Breanna Sill; Front Row: Bryan Simpson, Chris Lindsay, Eric Gallimore
Chris Lindsay has signed an exclusive publishing agreement with Amped Entertainment. Lindsay has written songs recorded by Taylor Swift, Kenny Chesney, Tim McGraw, Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban, Lonestar and more.
Amped Entertainment’s Missi Gallimore said, “I’ve been a fan of Chris’s as long as I’ve known him. We have had so much success together with Tim McGraw. Some of my favorite songs of all time are Chris Lindsay songs, so getting to not only be his friend but also his publisher is something I am so excited about.”
Lindsay said, “There is nothing like working with positive, talented and fearless people. I have admired Missi and the crew at Amped for a long time and I am so excited to get to work with them now.”
Lindsay joins Amped Entertainment’s growing roster of KK Johnson, lead singer of the band Track45, and Bryan Simpson.
Amped Entertainment Signs Chris Lindsay
/by Jessica NicholsonBack row: KK Johnson, Missi Gallimore, Breanna Sill; Front Row: Bryan Simpson, Chris Lindsay, Eric Gallimore
Chris Lindsay has signed an exclusive publishing agreement with Amped Entertainment. Lindsay has written songs recorded by Taylor Swift, Kenny Chesney, Tim McGraw, Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban, Lonestar and more.
Amped Entertainment’s Missi Gallimore said, “I’ve been a fan of Chris’s as long as I’ve known him. We have had so much success together with Tim McGraw. Some of my favorite songs of all time are Chris Lindsay songs, so getting to not only be his friend but also his publisher is something I am so excited about.”
Lindsay said, “There is nothing like working with positive, talented and fearless people. I have admired Missi and the crew at Amped for a long time and I am so excited to get to work with them now.”
Lindsay joins Amped Entertainment’s growing roster of KK Johnson, lead singer of the band Track45, and Bryan Simpson.
Industry Ink: Georgia Middleman, Gary Burr, Warehouse West Entertainment, Joshua Hedley
/by Jessica NicholsonFive-Year “Nashville To New York” Anniversary Show Set For May 21
On Tuesday, May 21, Gary Burr and Georgia Middleman will host a fifth year anniversary show called “Nashville To New York” at 3rd & Lindsley, in celebration of a show Burr and Middleman hold in Manhattan every three months, to bring hit songwriters to join them for an in-the-round show. The Nashville show will feature fellow writers Pat Alger, Gretchen Peters, Dennis Matkosky, Roger Cook, Matraca Berg, J.T. Harding, Jim Photoglo, Steve Diamond, Rivers Rutherford, Liz Longly, Don Henry, Marcus Hummon, Roxie Dean, Dave Berg, Jeff Hannah, John Scott Sherril and unannounced surprise guests. The event will be held May 21 at Nashville’s 3rd & Lindsley, beginning at 7:30 p.m. (doors open at 6 p.m.).
Warehouse West Entertainment Adds Creative Coordinator
Paige Kosinski
Warehouse West Entertainment has named Paige Kosinski to the newly-created role of Creative Coordinator. In her role, Kosinski will assist in meeting the creative and digital marketing needs of the company’s growing roster of artists, including Jordan Brooker, Alana Springsteen and Willie Shaw.
“I couldn’t be more excited about the opportunity to continue to learn and grow at Warehouse West Entertainment,” said Kasinski. “I am looking forward to working with this team that is so passionate about developing unique talent and fostering creativity.”
Commenting on the move, Warehouse West’s co-owner, Luke Wooten, said, “Since we launched in June of 2018, Paige has been an important part of the team and now we’re incredibly excited to have her in an expanded role. She’s our Swiss Army knife—a utility player—and our artists are lucky to have her in their corner.”
Joshua Hedley Launches Radio Show “The Grand Tour”
Third Man recording artist Joshua Hedley has launched “The Grand Tour,” his new show on online radio platform Gimme Country. As Gimme Country’s first premiere DJ, Joshua’s first episode aired Wednesday, May 15. Gimme Country is available at gimmecountry.com and has mobile apps for both iOS and Android.