Adam Craig. Photo: Haley Crow
Adam Craig’s recent successes, both as a songwriter and an artist, are a testament to determination and the strong love of a good family. He’s also another example of why Nashville is famously called a “Ten-Year Town.”
He moved to Nashville in 2004. Six years later, Craig got his first bit of success—Jason Aldean, included Craig’s song “Church Pew or Bar Stool” on an album. The cut led Craig to a publishing deal with Sony/ATV.
“I remember when I signed that publishing deal, they put you with every writer in town and you write 150 or 200 songs a year for the next three years,” he told MusicRow during a recent visit.
Craig was putting in hours and the creativity, but couldn’t get any songs recorded by major artists. Finally, during a visit to his family’s home in Washington over the holidays in 2013, he told his mother he was considering quitting music.
“I said, ‘Maybe this isn’t in the cards. Maybe I’m not supposed to be doing this. I’m seeing people who have moved to town have success just instantly.’ She had this stoic look on her face and she said, ‘You’ve been given a gift and it’s your responsibility to share it with as many people as possible. So get your butt back to Nashville, work harder, smile, and do the damn thing.’”
Craig took her advice and made the trip back to Music City to make one more big attempt. 2014 officially marked his 10th year in town.
“That first week, my publisher calls and it’s like, ‘Jason Aldean just cut another song and Dustin Lynch and a few indies.’ It was a good first week. The next week, I get another call—Montgomery Gentry, Love and Theft, Swon Brothers, Parmalee, they’re all cutting my songs. I got like 20 cuts in January 2014.”
His biggest hit was yet to come, when Parmalee released “Close Your Eyes” to country radio; the track would reach the Top 3.
Adam Craig with MusicRow Magazine owner/publisher Sherod Robertson. Photo: Haley Crow
“I was talking to Ash Bowers, who I used to play guitar for. He used to be on Broken Bow Records, and he suggested we set up a meeting to go over to Broken Bow, just to say hello and thank them for releasing the song. Benny [Brown] was the head of the label at the time.”
He went and met with the label staff. “I remember Benny looked at me and said, ‘Well, obviously I like your songs. Can you sing?’ So I did three songs, not knowing if I was pitching songs to his artists or if I was pitching myself as an artist.”
One week later, he had a deal with Broken Bow Records.
“I had almost quit months earlier, and last year, I had my first Top 40,” he marvels. His latest single, “If You’re Lucky,” was penned by Jessi Alexander and Chase McGill.
“I was blown away that these two writers that I had never really hung out with could write a song that hit me so hard and sounded like a song that was written about Washington and the crazy, stupid stuff I did growing up there.”
Adam Craig with MusicRow Magazine staffers.
Lauren Daigle Earns Most Shazamed Performance At Billboard Music Awards
/by Jessica NicholsonLauren Daigle. Photo: NBC/YouTube
Lauren Daigle‘s performance of “You Say” at the recent Billboard Music Awards was the most Shazamed moment of the night, according to Apple Music. The CCM crossover star earned 25 percent of all Shazams for the evening. Daigle also earned wins in all three CCM categories in which she was nominated, taking home Top Christian Artist, Top Christian Song (“You Say”) and Top Christian Album (Look Up Child).
The Jonas Brothers‘ performance of a medley of tunes, including “Jealous,” “Cake By The Ocean” and their latest, “Sucker,” was the No. 2 most-Shazamed, followed by Dan + Shay‘s collaboration with Tori Kelly on Dan + Shay’s Grammy-winning hit “Speechless.”
On The Row: Adam Craig Shares New Music, Talks Determination
/by Jessica NicholsonAdam Craig. Photo: Haley Crow
Adam Craig’s recent successes, both as a songwriter and an artist, are a testament to determination and the strong love of a good family. He’s also another example of why Nashville is famously called a “Ten-Year Town.”
He moved to Nashville in 2004. Six years later, Craig got his first bit of success—Jason Aldean, included Craig’s song “Church Pew or Bar Stool” on an album. The cut led Craig to a publishing deal with Sony/ATV.
“I remember when I signed that publishing deal, they put you with every writer in town and you write 150 or 200 songs a year for the next three years,” he told MusicRow during a recent visit.
Craig was putting in hours and the creativity, but couldn’t get any songs recorded by major artists. Finally, during a visit to his family’s home in Washington over the holidays in 2013, he told his mother he was considering quitting music.
“I said, ‘Maybe this isn’t in the cards. Maybe I’m not supposed to be doing this. I’m seeing people who have moved to town have success just instantly.’ She had this stoic look on her face and she said, ‘You’ve been given a gift and it’s your responsibility to share it with as many people as possible. So get your butt back to Nashville, work harder, smile, and do the damn thing.’”
Craig took her advice and made the trip back to Music City to make one more big attempt. 2014 officially marked his 10th year in town.
“That first week, my publisher calls and it’s like, ‘Jason Aldean just cut another song and Dustin Lynch and a few indies.’ It was a good first week. The next week, I get another call—Montgomery Gentry, Love and Theft, Swon Brothers, Parmalee, they’re all cutting my songs. I got like 20 cuts in January 2014.”
His biggest hit was yet to come, when Parmalee released “Close Your Eyes” to country radio; the track would reach the Top 3.
Adam Craig with MusicRow Magazine owner/publisher Sherod Robertson. Photo: Haley Crow
“I was talking to Ash Bowers, who I used to play guitar for. He used to be on Broken Bow Records, and he suggested we set up a meeting to go over to Broken Bow, just to say hello and thank them for releasing the song. Benny [Brown] was the head of the label at the time.”
He went and met with the label staff. “I remember Benny looked at me and said, ‘Well, obviously I like your songs. Can you sing?’ So I did three songs, not knowing if I was pitching songs to his artists or if I was pitching myself as an artist.”
One week later, he had a deal with Broken Bow Records.
“I had almost quit months earlier, and last year, I had my first Top 40,” he marvels. His latest single, “If You’re Lucky,” was penned by Jessi Alexander and Chase McGill.
“I was blown away that these two writers that I had never really hung out with could write a song that hit me so hard and sounded like a song that was written about Washington and the crazy, stupid stuff I did growing up there.”
Adam Craig with MusicRow Magazine staffers.
On The Row: Adam Craig Shares New Music, Talks Determination
/by Jessica NicholsonAdam Craig. Photo: Haley Crow
Adam Craig’s recent successes, both as a songwriter and an artist, are a testament to determination and the strong love of a good family. He’s also another example of why Nashville is famously called a “Ten-Year Town.”
He moved to Nashville in 2004. Six years later, Craig got his first bit of success—Jason Aldean, included Craig’s song “Church Pew or Bar Stool” on an album. The cut led Craig to a publishing deal with Sony/ATV.
“I remember when I signed that publishing deal, they put you with every writer in town and you write 150 or 200 songs a year for the next three years,” he told MusicRow during a recent visit.
Craig was putting in hours and the creativity, but couldn’t get any songs recorded by major artists. Finally, during a visit to his family’s home in Washington over the holidays in 2013, he told his mother he was considering quitting music.
“I said, ‘Maybe this isn’t in the cards. Maybe I’m not supposed to be doing this. I’m seeing people who have moved to town have success just instantly.’ She had this stoic look on her face and she said, ‘You’ve been given a gift and it’s your responsibility to share it with as many people as possible. So get your butt back to Nashville, work harder, smile, and do the damn thing.’”
Craig took her advice and made the trip back to Music City to make one more big attempt. 2014 officially marked his 10th year in town.
“That first week, my publisher calls and it’s like, ‘Jason Aldean just cut another song and Dustin Lynch and a few indies.’ It was a good first week. The next week, I get another call—Montgomery Gentry, Love and Theft, Swon Brothers, Parmalee, they’re all cutting my songs. I got like 20 cuts in January 2014.”
His biggest hit was yet to come, when Parmalee released “Close Your Eyes” to country radio; the track would reach the Top 3.
Adam Craig with MusicRow Magazine owner/publisher Sherod Robertson. Photo: Haley Crow
“I was talking to Ash Bowers, who I used to play guitar for. He used to be on Broken Bow Records, and he suggested we set up a meeting to go over to Broken Bow, just to say hello and thank them for releasing the song. Benny [Brown] was the head of the label at the time.”
He went and met with the label staff. “I remember Benny looked at me and said, ‘Well, obviously I like your songs. Can you sing?’ So I did three songs, not knowing if I was pitching songs to his artists or if I was pitching myself as an artist.”
One week later, he had a deal with Broken Bow Records.
“I had almost quit months earlier, and last year, I had my first Top 40,” he marvels. His latest single, “If You’re Lucky,” was penned by Jessi Alexander and Chase McGill.
“I was blown away that these two writers that I had never really hung out with could write a song that hit me so hard and sounded like a song that was written about Washington and the crazy, stupid stuff I did growing up there.”
Adam Craig with MusicRow Magazine staffers.
Jessi Vaughn Promoted To Manager/A&R At Warner/Chappell Music
/by Lorie HollabaughJessi Vaughn has been promoted to Manager, A&R/Digital at Warner/Chappell Music. The appointment will expand on Vaughn’s previous role as A&R Strategy Coordinator, while she continues to develop new and existing songwriters through branding and marketing, and works closely with the global digital team to maximize opportunities between Nashville writers and digital partners.
Vaughn has been with WCM since 2016, having previously served as A&R Strategy Assistant and Administrative Assistant. She received a Bachelor of Business Administration from Belmont University, where she also independently managed successful songwriters in Nashville.
“It’s been wonderful to watch Jessi grow and connect with songwriters in a meaningful way,” said Ben Vaughn (no relation), President & Chief Executive Officer at Warner/Chappell Nashville. “She has tremendous creative instincts, and is passionate about our songwriters’ long-term development. We look forward to seeing her continue to progress in her career.”
“I am extremely grateful to Ben and the entire Warner/Chappell Nashville team for helping me explore my passion over the past three years,” said Jessi Vaughn. “They’ve shown great confidence in me as I’ve learned how to navigate the ever-changing creative and digital space. I’m excited to continue to build new relationships, learn new strategies, and create opportunities that champion our incredible songwriters.”
Jessi Vaughn Promoted To Manager/A&R At Warner/Chappell Music
/by Lorie HollabaughJessi Vaughn has been promoted to Manager, A&R/Digital at Warner/Chappell Music. The appointment will expand on Vaughn’s previous role as A&R Strategy Coordinator, while she continues to develop new and existing songwriters through branding and marketing, and works closely with the global digital team to maximize opportunities between Nashville writers and digital partners.
Vaughn has been with WCM since 2016, having previously served as A&R Strategy Assistant and Administrative Assistant. She received a Bachelor of Business Administration from Belmont University, where she also independently managed successful songwriters in Nashville.
“It’s been wonderful to watch Jessi grow and connect with songwriters in a meaningful way,” said Ben Vaughn (no relation), President & Chief Executive Officer at Warner/Chappell Nashville. “She has tremendous creative instincts, and is passionate about our songwriters’ long-term development. We look forward to seeing her continue to progress in her career.”
“I am extremely grateful to Ben and the entire Warner/Chappell Nashville team for helping me explore my passion over the past three years,” said Jessi Vaughn. “They’ve shown great confidence in me as I’ve learned how to navigate the ever-changing creative and digital space. I’m excited to continue to build new relationships, learn new strategies, and create opportunities that champion our incredible songwriters.”
Industry Ink: Sony Music Nashville, Change The Conversation, Young Entertainment Professionals
/by Jessica NicholsonSony X Seaforth
Pictured (L-R): RCA Nashville SVP, Promotion Dennis Reese; SMN SVP, Legal & Business Affairs Angie Magill; Seaforth’s Mitch Thompson; SMN Chairman & CEO Randy Goodman; Seaforth’s Tom Jordan; SMN EVP, Promotion & Artist Development Steve Hodges; SMN VP, Sales & Streaming Caryl Atwood; SMN Director, Marketing Jen Way; SMN EVP, A&R Jim Catino. Photo: Hunter Berry
Sony Music Nashville duo Seaforth debuted new songs during an industry showcase on Monday evening at Nashville’s 12th & Porter. On April 12, the Australian-born duo released their debut EP Love That. The duo’s Tom Jordan and Mitch Thompson co-wrote all four songs on the EP and co-produced the project with award-winning producer Dann Huff (Keith Urban, Thomas Rhett). They are currently on the road with Sony label-mate Kane Brown.
Change The Conversation, Women’s Audio Mission Support Female Studio Creators
Pictured : Producer/engineer Jordan Hamlin, producer Linda Perry, producer/engineer Gena Johnson and Tracy Gershon, co-founder of Change the Conversation
More than 200 women from around the world attended a weekend audio arts conference, WAMCon Nashville, sponsored by Change the Conversation and Women’s Audio Mission.
The organization is necessary for females aiming to network and build careers in the audio space, given that less than five percent of the people creating music through various studio work are women.
WAMCon Nashville featured interactive workshops covering topics from studio recording and mixing techniques to songwriting, guided by award-winning female producers and engineers like Linda Perry (P!nk, Adele, Alicia Keys), Emily Lazar (David Bowie, Foo Fighters, Beck), Shani Gandhi (Alison Krauss, Old Crow Medicine Show, Jewel), Simone Torres (Cardi B, Sia, Dua Lipa, Usher, Sean Garrett), Gena Johnson (Brandi Carlile, Kacey Musgraves), Jordan Brooke Hamlin (Indigo Girls, Lucy Wainwright Roche), Jennifer Decilveo (Andra Day, Beth Ditto), and Melissa Peirce (Carrie Underwood, Garth Brooks, Reba McEntire).
Change the Conversation founders Tracy Gershon and Beverly Keel also spoke at the event with Ann Mincieli, owner of Jungle City Studios and engineer for Alicia Keys.
“While female artists including Ariana Grande, Halsey and Lady Gaga have dominated the charts in 2019, women throughout the music industry still remain hugely underrepresented,” said WAM Executive Director Terri Winston. “Programs like WAMCon Nashville, featuring some of the country’s most talented audio engineers and music professionals, are designed to inspire and grow the next generation of successful female producers and engineers and address this disparity. Nashville is country music’s creative hub and we look forward to bringing our program to its thriving music community.”
Young Entertainment Professionals, SOLID, Belmont University Lead Discussion On Music And Mental Health
Pictured (L-R): Dave Barnes, Hayley Williams, Kelly Clague, Al Andrews, Charlie Worsham. Photo: Amy Wolff
Nashville’s Young Entertainment Professionals (YEP) partnered with Belmont University and SOLID on April 24 to host a collaborative panel discussion tackling the struggles and importance of mental health within the entertainment industry.
Shifting the stigma about mental health, panelists held open conversation to a packed-out BMI lobby including mental health expert Al Andrews, hit songwriter and artist Dave Barnes, country recording artist Charlie Worsham, EM.CO’s (Tim McGraw) Kelly Clague, and recording artist and frontwoman of Paramore, Hayley Williams.
Photo Credit: Mackenzie Baker
Industry Ink: Sony Music Nashville, Change The Conversation, Young Entertainment Professionals
/by Jessica NicholsonSony X Seaforth
Pictured (L-R): RCA Nashville SVP, Promotion Dennis Reese; SMN SVP, Legal & Business Affairs Angie Magill; Seaforth’s Mitch Thompson; SMN Chairman & CEO Randy Goodman; Seaforth’s Tom Jordan; SMN EVP, Promotion & Artist Development Steve Hodges; SMN VP, Sales & Streaming Caryl Atwood; SMN Director, Marketing Jen Way; SMN EVP, A&R Jim Catino. Photo: Hunter Berry
Sony Music Nashville duo Seaforth debuted new songs during an industry showcase on Monday evening at Nashville’s 12th & Porter. On April 12, the Australian-born duo released their debut EP Love That. The duo’s Tom Jordan and Mitch Thompson co-wrote all four songs on the EP and co-produced the project with award-winning producer Dann Huff (Keith Urban, Thomas Rhett). They are currently on the road with Sony label-mate Kane Brown.
Change The Conversation, Women’s Audio Mission Support Female Studio Creators
Pictured : Producer/engineer Jordan Hamlin, producer Linda Perry, producer/engineer Gena Johnson and Tracy Gershon, co-founder of Change the Conversation
More than 200 women from around the world attended a weekend audio arts conference, WAMCon Nashville, sponsored by Change the Conversation and Women’s Audio Mission.
The organization is necessary for females aiming to network and build careers in the audio space, given that less than five percent of the people creating music through various studio work are women.
WAMCon Nashville featured interactive workshops covering topics from studio recording and mixing techniques to songwriting, guided by award-winning female producers and engineers like Linda Perry (P!nk, Adele, Alicia Keys), Emily Lazar (David Bowie, Foo Fighters, Beck), Shani Gandhi (Alison Krauss, Old Crow Medicine Show, Jewel), Simone Torres (Cardi B, Sia, Dua Lipa, Usher, Sean Garrett), Gena Johnson (Brandi Carlile, Kacey Musgraves), Jordan Brooke Hamlin (Indigo Girls, Lucy Wainwright Roche), Jennifer Decilveo (Andra Day, Beth Ditto), and Melissa Peirce (Carrie Underwood, Garth Brooks, Reba McEntire).
Change the Conversation founders Tracy Gershon and Beverly Keel also spoke at the event with Ann Mincieli, owner of Jungle City Studios and engineer for Alicia Keys.
“While female artists including Ariana Grande, Halsey and Lady Gaga have dominated the charts in 2019, women throughout the music industry still remain hugely underrepresented,” said WAM Executive Director Terri Winston. “Programs like WAMCon Nashville, featuring some of the country’s most talented audio engineers and music professionals, are designed to inspire and grow the next generation of successful female producers and engineers and address this disparity. Nashville is country music’s creative hub and we look forward to bringing our program to its thriving music community.”
Young Entertainment Professionals, SOLID, Belmont University Lead Discussion On Music And Mental Health
Pictured (L-R): Dave Barnes, Hayley Williams, Kelly Clague, Al Andrews, Charlie Worsham. Photo: Amy Wolff
Nashville’s Young Entertainment Professionals (YEP) partnered with Belmont University and SOLID on April 24 to host a collaborative panel discussion tackling the struggles and importance of mental health within the entertainment industry.
Shifting the stigma about mental health, panelists held open conversation to a packed-out BMI lobby including mental health expert Al Andrews, hit songwriter and artist Dave Barnes, country recording artist Charlie Worsham, EM.CO’s (Tim McGraw) Kelly Clague, and recording artist and frontwoman of Paramore, Hayley Williams.
Photo Credit: Mackenzie Baker
Sheryl Crow, Kesha Guest On Lukas Nelson & Promise Of The Real’s Upcoming Album
/by Lorie HollabaughLukas Nelson & Promise of the Real’s upcoming effort, Turn Off The News (Build A Garden), their second album for Fantasy Records, features a host of special guests and collaborators including Margo Price, Sheryl Crow, Willie Nelson, Micah Nelson, Kesha, Shooter Jennings, Randy Houser, Lucius, Madison Ryann Ward, Hunter Elizabeth and Neil Young.
Due June 14, the album was recorded at Shangri-La in Malibu and the Village Studios in West L.A. and was co-produced by Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real and John Alagia, who helmed the group’s previous effort in 2017. The band churned out the project quickly, recording 30 original songs during brief breaks between tours and tracking straight to analog tape, keeping overdubs to a minimum while focusing on the live performances.
“We wanted these songs to be fun and upbeat,” says Nelson, “but we also wanted to have something to say. Rock & roll began as a countercultural movement, so in the true spirit of rock & roll, we’re trying to encourage a lifestyle where people can be active in their local communities, rather than glued to a device. We listen to so many artists – the Byrds, Tom Petty, Al Green, Neil Young, Little Feat, J.J. Cale – and this album carries forth something they all represented, the idea of turning off the news and doing something constructive. It’s a statement about how you can live your life with your heart leading the way.”
Turn Off The News (Build A Garden) arrives on the heels of the group’s high-profile collaboration with Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper on 2018’s blockbuster film and soundtrack, A Star Is Born. Lukas not only co-wrote and co-produced much of the film’s multi-platinum, Oscar-winning soundtrack, he also worked closely with Cooper in crafting the lead character’s (Jackson Maine) musical persona. And in a classic case of art imitating life, Nelson and Promise of the Real appear in the movie too, performing as Maine’s backing band just as they’ve performed with Neil Young for years. Just recently, Lukas, Gaga and Cooper won the BAFTA Award for Film Music, one of the many accolades bestowed on the acclaimed project since its release.
On May 16, Lukas Nelson and Promise of the Real will open for The Who at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena, and the following day will headline their first-ever performance at the legendary Ryman Auditorium, which sold out in a matter of days. Upcoming tour highlights include two sold-out shows at San Francisco’s Fillmore Auditorium, multiple gigs on the Outlaw Music Festival Tour, a return engagement at the Newport Folk Festival, domestic and international dates with Neil Young, and summer stadium shows opening for the Zac Brown Band.
Sheryl Crow, Kesha Guest On Lukas Nelson & Promise Of The Real’s Upcoming Album
/by Lorie HollabaughLukas Nelson & Promise of the Real’s upcoming effort, Turn Off The News (Build A Garden), their second album for Fantasy Records, features a host of special guests and collaborators including Margo Price, Sheryl Crow, Willie Nelson, Micah Nelson, Kesha, Shooter Jennings, Randy Houser, Lucius, Madison Ryann Ward, Hunter Elizabeth and Neil Young.
Due June 14, the album was recorded at Shangri-La in Malibu and the Village Studios in West L.A. and was co-produced by Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real and John Alagia, who helmed the group’s previous effort in 2017. The band churned out the project quickly, recording 30 original songs during brief breaks between tours and tracking straight to analog tape, keeping overdubs to a minimum while focusing on the live performances.
“We wanted these songs to be fun and upbeat,” says Nelson, “but we also wanted to have something to say. Rock & roll began as a countercultural movement, so in the true spirit of rock & roll, we’re trying to encourage a lifestyle where people can be active in their local communities, rather than glued to a device. We listen to so many artists – the Byrds, Tom Petty, Al Green, Neil Young, Little Feat, J.J. Cale – and this album carries forth something they all represented, the idea of turning off the news and doing something constructive. It’s a statement about how you can live your life with your heart leading the way.”
Turn Off The News (Build A Garden) arrives on the heels of the group’s high-profile collaboration with Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper on 2018’s blockbuster film and soundtrack, A Star Is Born. Lukas not only co-wrote and co-produced much of the film’s multi-platinum, Oscar-winning soundtrack, he also worked closely with Cooper in crafting the lead character’s (Jackson Maine) musical persona. And in a classic case of art imitating life, Nelson and Promise of the Real appear in the movie too, performing as Maine’s backing band just as they’ve performed with Neil Young for years. Just recently, Lukas, Gaga and Cooper won the BAFTA Award for Film Music, one of the many accolades bestowed on the acclaimed project since its release.
On May 16, Lukas Nelson and Promise of the Real will open for The Who at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena, and the following day will headline their first-ever performance at the legendary Ryman Auditorium, which sold out in a matter of days. Upcoming tour highlights include two sold-out shows at San Francisco’s Fillmore Auditorium, multiple gigs on the Outlaw Music Festival Tour, a return engagement at the Newport Folk Festival, domestic and international dates with Neil Young, and summer stadium shows opening for the Zac Brown Band.
Cassadee Pope To Take CMT’s Next Women Of Country Tour Overseas
/by Lorie HollabaughPhoto credit: Justin Aharoni
Cassadee Pope is set to bring the CMT Next Women of Country tour outside of the country for the first time ever with dates across the U.K. later this month.
Pope played to sold-out crowds last weekend in New York, Boston, and Washington DC on the headlining CMT Next Women of Country Tour, and will embark on the final U.S. leg of her own tour this Thursday in Evansville, Indiana.
She will hit several festivals on tour this summer in support of her recently-released album Stages (produced by longtime collaborator Corey Crowder), with stops at the Bayou Country Superfest, Comstock Windmill Festival, The Country Fest, Country LakeShake Festival, and Faster Horses.