Blake Shelton Releases Powerful Music Video For “God’s Country”
Blake Shelton released the music video for his anthemic new single, “God’s Country,” today (April 12).
Directed by Grammy award-winning director Sophie Muller, the compelling video was shot in Shelton’s home state of Oklahoma and features the wide spanning land of the midwest.
“Well I can tell you one thing for damn sure, Oklahoma is God’s country; so that’s where we shot the music video for the song,” said Shelton. “We spent four days shooting there in and around Tishomingo, getting connected to the land, the environment and the spirit of the music. As I’ve said before, I was born in Oklahoma and I’ll be buried there and Sophie Muller, who’s a well-known video director, really captured the countryside in a stark and vivid way.”
Written by Devin Dawson, Michael Hardy and Jordan M. Schmidt, Shelton debuted “God’s Country” during the ACM’s Sunday night (April 7).
Dierks Bentley And Five Year Old Son Knox Are “Living” In Official Music Video Out Today
Dierks Bentley unveiled the official music video for his new single “Living” today (April 12). Filmed in Nashville and starring his son Knox Bentley, longtime director and collaborator Wes Edwards sets the song’s uplifting lyrics to Bentley’s unexpected daily life off the road through the five year old’s eyes.
“’Living’ certainly celebrates life’s big moments and adventures, but for me it’s even more about being intentional and present in everyday moments,” said Bentley. “Knox is at that age where he can still find the biggest joy in the smallest things, and that childlike appreciation for life is the spirit I wanted to bring to this video to remind us of difference between just being alive and actually living.”
Country Newcomer Hardy World Premieres Rough-And-Tumble “Rednecker” Music Video
Big Loud Records/Tree Vibez Music artist HARDY released the official music video for his blue-collar anthem, “Rednecker.” The music video for his debut single, world premiering today (April 12) across all digital platforms.
Directed by Justin Clough, the video was shot on a farm in Cottontown, TN, and features familiar faces, including some of HARDY’s songwriting collaborator and friends, Brett Tyler, Joe Clemmons and Benjy Davis.
Caylee Hammack To Premier Video For “Family Tree” Tomorrow (April 13)
Caylee Hammack
Capitol Records Nashville’s Caylee Hammack will premiere the official music video for “Family Tree” tomorrow (April 13) on CMT, before being available with all partners on Monday (April 15)
Hammack’s debut video was directed by Dano Cerny (Elle King, The Chainsmokers, The Roots), and weaves together imagery from her small-town South Georgia upbringing and personal tokens from her past.
“I created this song about the people I love with the people I love, it’s been pretty special to have my Nashville family help me shed light on my Georgia family,” said Hammack. “I think this video really goes above and beyond in translating the song into a true visual experience. Welcome to the family, y’all!”
Radio Host Fitz Joins 98.9 FM The Bull, Signs With CAA
/by LB CantrellFitz. Photo: Tyler Austin
Radio host Fitz will soon return to Seattle radio as the host of Hubbard Radio’s The Bull 98.9 FM, which was brokered by agent and former radio programmer, Michael Bryan. Fitz has also recently signed to CAA.
Most recently, Fitz was the host of the highly-rated “Fitz in the Morning” show on The Wolf 100.7 FM, where he spent the past 12 years as one of the most-recognized personalities in the Seattle-Tacoma area. In addition to his local Seattle morning show, his programs “The Hit List with Fitz,” “The Fitz Show,” and “Nashville Minute” are syndicated on hundreds of radio stations across North America by Sun Broadcast Group. Fitz was also voted “Best Radio Personality” for eight consecutive years by NBC KING 5 television viewers.
“I am beyond excited to announce my new partnership with Michael Bryan and my new family at CAA,” said Fitz. “I’ve known Michael for many years and have always been impressed with his industry instincts. I’m looking forward to the opportunity to create, expand and experiment in the entertainment industry. The sky is the limit.”
Fairground Saints To Make Grand Ole Opry Debut
/by Jessica NicholsonFairground Saints
Trio Fairground Saints will make their Grand Ole Opry debut May 31.
The trio, which includes Elijah Edwards, Meg McAllister and Mason Van Valin, recently released their Marshall Altman-produced debut EP Magic on March 8, via a joint venture between Sony Music Nashville and The Orchard.
“When we moved to Nashville playing the Grand Ole Opry was such a major goal for us,” enthused the band. “When our team told us we were going to have our debut we immediately high-fived each other. We have been on such an amazing music journey and the country music fans and Nashville have been such a huge part of that. This moment is truly a dream come true.”
The trio recently returned from a string of performances during C2C in the U.K. Since returning stateside, the band has been wrapping production on their full-length album and touring on select dates with Scotty McCreery, Josh Abbott, and their own Southern California headlining shows. They will open tour dates for Sara Evans and the Barker Family Band starting in May.
TobyMac’s Gotee Records Signs Terrian
/by Jessica NicholsonGotee Records has added new artist Terrian to its label roster.
Terrian joined TobyMac‘s Diverse City band in 2017 and has been part of the last two Hits Deep tours.
Terrian’s debut song, “God With Us,” was produced by Chuck Butler (Tauren Wells, India Arie) and co-written by Terrian. She is featured on TobyMac’s “Scars (Stereovision Remix),” which released last week. Terrian is also featured on Stu G‘s The Beatitudes Project.
TobyMac, Joey Elwood and Todd Collins launched Gotee Records in 1992. The label’s roster currently includes Cochren & Co., Aaron Cole, Finding Favour, Hollyn, Ryan Stevenson and more.
Hal Ketchum Diagnosed With Alzheimer’s And Dementia
/by Eric T. ParkerHal Ketchum. Photo: Pete Lacker
In a heartfelt social media post on Sunday, April 14, the family of Hal Ketchum revealed the singer is struggling with Alzheimer’s and dementia.
The Grand Ole Opry member’s wife Andrea announced the singer is otherwise healthy and happy, enjoying time with his family and friends amongst speculation as to why his touring schedule has stopped.
Ketchum has had ongoing health struggles, having been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis 20 years ago. Ahead of his I’m The Troubadour album release in 2014 for Music Road Records, it was revealed Ketchum had spent the last several years living in a cabin in Wimberley, Texas, where he was focusing on his health, which had suffered from bouts of paralysis and blindness due to his illness.
The note from Ketchum’s family is below:
SNG Music Signs Lee Starr
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured L-R: SNG’s Creative Director, Aubrey Schwartz; Lee Starr; SNG’s Managing Partner, Gary Reamey
SNG Music has signed songwriter/producer Lee Starr to a worldwide publishing deal.
Originally from Texarkana, Arkansas, Starr began playing in clubs as a working musician in Austin, Texas, before arriving in Nashville in 2014. As a producer/songwriter, Starr has been working with artists including Elvie Shane and Drew Green.
“Lee’s a hard working multi-talented musician, writer and producer,” says the company’s Managing Partner, Gary Reamey. “We’re glad he’s chosen to be part of our SNG Music family.”
“I’m beyond excited to have Lee on our SNG team,” adds Creative Director, Aubrey Schwartz. “He brings a refreshing take on songwriting along with an incredible work ethic. I look forward to helping support his journey as a songwriter.”
SNG Music began in 2014. The company’s roster also includes Carson Chamberlain, Marty Dodson, Mark Nesler, Wyatt McCubbin, Gary Reamey, Zarni de Vette and songwriter emeritus, Bobby Fisher.
Brantley Gilbert Announces 2019 Not Like Us Tour
/by Jessica NicholsonBrantley Gilbert will begin his upcoming 2019 Not Like Us Tour in June in Cincinnati, Ohio. Joining Gilbert are Michael Ray and Lindsay Ell. Brantley and Ell recently collaborated on the single “What Happens In A Small Town,” which reached the Top 25 on the country charts.
Brantley is also in the studio preparing his upcoming album for The Valory Music Co.
“I’m trying to open things up, but keep bringing the intensity,” Gilbert says. “I think Michael really gets how guys feel, and rolls into a sound that’s all his own, and Lindsay, man, the only thing better than the way she sings is the way she plays that guitar! I am really fired up to be bringing both these folks out on the road this fall, because I know they’re gonna give the BG Nation something that’s gonna lift’em up, throw’em down, and make them glad they got there early.”
Citi is the official presale credit card of the Brantley Gilbert: Not Like Us Tour. For Citi presale details visit citientertainment.com. Live Nation is the official promoter of the 2019 Not Like Us Tour.
BRANTLEY GILBERT: 2019 NOT LIKE US TOUR
featuring Michael Ray and Lindsay Ell
June 20: Cincinnati, Ohio @ Riverbend Music Center
Aug. 22: Bangor, ME @ Darling’s Waterfront Pavilion
Aug. 23: Gilford, NH @ Bank of New Hampshire Amp.
Aug. 24: Hartford, Conn. @ Xfinity Theater
Aug. 30: Darien Center, NY @Darien Lake Amphitheater
Aug. 31: Pittsburgh, Pa. @ KeyBank Pavilion
Sept. 20: St. Louis, Mo. @ Hollywood Casino Amphitheater
Sept. 21: Indianapolis, Ind. @ Ruoff Home Mortgage Music Center
Sept. 27: Jacksonville, Fla. @ Daily’s Place
Sept. 28: Tampa, Fla. @ MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amp.
Oct. 10: Alpharetta, Ga. @ Ameris Bank Amphitheater
Oct. 11: Charlotte, NC @ PNC Music Pavilion
John Paul White Releases New Solo Album, ‘The Hurting Kind’
/by LB CantrellGrammy-award winner John Paul White released his new solo album, The Hurting Kind, today (April 12) via Single Lock Records, the independent record label White founded in 2013 with Ben Tanner and Will Trapp. A video for the track “I Wish I Could Write You A Song,” was also released today.
The former The Civil Wars half will kick off his U.S. tour tonight (April 12) with a record release show in his hometown of Florence, AL before making stops at New York’s famed Bowery Ballroom, Washington DC’s Union Stage, The Troubadour in Los Angeles and more.
White sought out classic writers like Bill Anderson and Bobby Braddock to collaborate with. “Coming out of each and every one of these situations, I got a resounding thumbs-up that I was on that right track,” said White of the collaborations. “I didn’t need anybody else’s approval after that.”
The Hurting Kind was recorded at Sun Drop Sound, White’s new home studio that he converted from an old, turn-of-the-century home in the historic district of Florence, AL, and at legendary FAME Studios in Muscle Shoals, AL. The record was co-produced with Ben Tanner (Alabama Shakes) and features additional contributions from a core group of musicians including Jon Radford (Leigh Nash, Odessa) and Reed Watson on drums, Pat Bergeson (Chet Atkins, Emmylou Harris) on electric guitar, Jon Estes (Robyn Hitchcock, Kesha) and David Hood (Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section) on bass and Lillie Mae (Jack White) on fiddle, plus guest vocals from Lee Ann Womack and background vocals from Erin Rae and The Secret Sisters.
“I approached this album differently on the songwriting side before I ever got into the studio,” said White. “I really wanted there to be a torch song quality to it, the classic timeless quality. To not be afraid of the big note, and not be afraid of the drama.”
The Hurting Kind Track Listing:
1. “The Good Old Days”
2. “I Wish I Could Write You a Song”
3. “Heart Like a Kite”
4. “Yesterday’s Love”
5. “The Long Way Home”
6. “The Hurting Kind”
7. “This Isn’t Gonna End Well” (featuring Lee Ann Womack)
8. You Lost Me
9. James
10. My Dreams Have All Come True
The Hurting Kind is available to stream and purchase now. For White’s touring information, visit johnpaulwhite.com/tour.
SOLID Raises Record-Breaking $58,000 For Big Brothers Big Sisters
/by LB CantrellPictured (L -R, front row): Emily Grabowski, Victoria Chaitoff, Johnny Cloherty; (L-R, middle row): Amanda Quinton, Jordan Lipsey, Ashley White, Ammie Sortor; (L-R, back row): Collin Trudan, Luke Pierce, Erin Pettit, Avery King, Ellen Larson. Photo: Erika Rock.
Society Of Leadership In Development (SOLID)’s 9th annual Music Row Madness, hosted by Topgolf, made history this week, raising more than $58,000 for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Middle Tennessee (BBBSMT). The evening broke records for both organizations for the second year in a row, pulling in more money than any single event for BBBSMT and marking SOLID’s most successful fundraiser in over 20 years—breaking 2018’s record of $52,000.
“An event of this scale and impact would not be possible without the unwavering support of our music community, and we are so grateful,” said Victoria Chaitoff, chair of SOLID’s Community Outreach committee. “We could not have accomplished such an enormous feat without the efforts of each player, spectator, business that donated items for the silent auction, partner at BBBSMT and amazing staff member at Topgolf. Not to mention, of course, the entirety of SOLID, its executive board and our tireless committee.”
“We are incredibly proud that Music Row Madness 2019 marks another record-breaking year in the history of our organizations and that we could donate more than $58,000 to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Middle Tennessee,” added co-chair Ashley White.
Pictured (L-R): Victoria Chaitoff (Warner Music Group), Jeff Jastrow (NBC Sports), Jake Kiley (CAA), Ben Haley (WORKS Entertainment), Austin Johnson (Tennessee Titans), Luke Pierce (WORKS Entertainment), Laura Carnell (BBBS), Ashley White (Rebel Engine).
With more than 200 industry members in attendance, spanning labels, agencies, publishers, management companies and more, the event included a competitive golf round as well as a silent auction and raffle. Morris Higham’s “Fore The Kids” and the team from Flood Bumstead McCready & McCarthy placed third and second respectively with their massive fundraising efforts, while Team WORKS (WORKS Entertainment) led the pack with nearly $15,000. The funds raised from the event will sponsor approximately 40 big/little matches for an entire year, allowing BBBSMT to conduct background checks on volunteers, recruit and train members and provide ongoing support.
Pictured (L-R): UTA’s Ashley Jackson, Christina Jones, Kaleb Tooker, Haley Fairman, Liam Keitz, Cassie Trimble.
“SOLID never ceases to impress, but last night’s record-shattering fundraising event still leaves me speechless,” said SOLID’s two-term President, Johnny Cloherty. “I am humbled to serve an organization that attracts such talented and passionate people, without whom events like this would never be possible.”
To learn more about SOLID, visit solidnashville.org.
Keith Urban Offers Recording Of ACM Performance Cover, “Burden”
/by LB CantrellKeith Urban in the studio recording “Burden.” Photo: Keith Urban/Facebook
This past Sunday (April 7) on the 54th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards, Keith Urban took to the stage to deliver an emotionally charged and impassioned performance of “Burden,” originally written and recorded by Irish singer-songwriter Foy Vance. He was later crowned Entertainer of the Year.
“We played at the 02 in London and Ed (Sheeran) came out to see us play,” explains Urban. “We talked about Foy (Vance), who’s an incredible musician and songwriter. The next day, I had a day off in London, so I got on my bike and put my headphones on and road around London for like two hours listening to Foy non-stop.”
“And when I got back to Nashville, I realized that I had never seen him play live – he must be fantastic – so I jumped on YouTube and heard this song “Burden” and just fell in love with him. I thought, ‘I’d love to be able to do a version of the song – the way that I was feeling it in my heart.’”
Recorded in Nashville with co-producer Dave Cobb, the song is a “beautifully written, minimalist prayer” that Urban says spoke to him. “Like the paint that’s drying on a heart that’s broke. Let me carry your burden.”
“It’s not like this is my brand new single, it’s just a song that moved me and a recording that I hope some other people might like.”
“Burden” can now be streamed here.
Video Roundup: Blake Shelton, Dierks Bentley, HARDY, Caylee Hammack
/by LB CantrellBlake Shelton Releases Powerful Music Video For “God’s Country”
Blake Shelton released the music video for his anthemic new single, “God’s Country,” today (April 12).
Directed by Grammy award-winning director Sophie Muller, the compelling video was shot in Shelton’s home state of Oklahoma and features the wide spanning land of the midwest.
“Well I can tell you one thing for damn sure, Oklahoma is God’s country; so that’s where we shot the music video for the song,” said Shelton. “We spent four days shooting there in and around Tishomingo, getting connected to the land, the environment and the spirit of the music. As I’ve said before, I was born in Oklahoma and I’ll be buried there and Sophie Muller, who’s a well-known video director, really captured the countryside in a stark and vivid way.”
Written by Devin Dawson, Michael Hardy and Jordan M. Schmidt, Shelton debuted “God’s Country” during the ACM’s Sunday night (April 7).
Dierks Bentley And Five Year Old Son Knox Are “Living” In Official Music Video Out Today
Dierks Bentley unveiled the official music video for his new single “Living” today (April 12). Filmed in Nashville and starring his son Knox Bentley, longtime director and collaborator Wes Edwards sets the song’s uplifting lyrics to Bentley’s unexpected daily life off the road through the five year old’s eyes.
“’Living’ certainly celebrates life’s big moments and adventures, but for me it’s even more about being intentional and present in everyday moments,” said Bentley. “Knox is at that age where he can still find the biggest joy in the smallest things, and that childlike appreciation for life is the spirit I wanted to bring to this video to remind us of difference between just being alive and actually living.”
Country Newcomer Hardy World Premieres Rough-And-Tumble “Rednecker” Music Video
Big Loud Records/Tree Vibez Music artist HARDY released the official music video for his blue-collar anthem, “Rednecker.” The music video for his debut single, world premiering today (April 12) across all digital platforms.
Directed by Justin Clough, the video was shot on a farm in Cottontown, TN, and features familiar faces, including some of HARDY’s songwriting collaborator and friends, Brett Tyler, Joe Clemmons and Benjy Davis.
Caylee Hammack To Premier Video For “Family Tree” Tomorrow (April 13)
Caylee Hammack
Capitol Records Nashville’s Caylee Hammack will premiere the official music video for “Family Tree” tomorrow (April 13) on CMT, before being available with all partners on Monday (April 15)
Hammack’s debut video was directed by Dano Cerny (Elle King, The Chainsmokers, The Roots), and weaves together imagery from her small-town South Georgia upbringing and personal tokens from her past.
“I created this song about the people I love with the people I love, it’s been pretty special to have my Nashville family help me shed light on my Georgia family,” said Hammack. “I think this video really goes above and beyond in translating the song into a true visual experience. Welcome to the family, y’all!”