
Ashley Gorley and Chris DeStefano. Photo: Tin Pan South
Nashville’s Tin Pan South attendees had plenty of options for the 6 p.m. show last night (March 27). Phil Barton, Cameron Bedell, Seth Ennis, Alyssa Micaela and Liz Rose occupied Analog at the Hutton Hotel; and Gary Burr, Sarah Buxton, Charles Esten and Georgia Middleman were across town at the TRUE Music Room and Bar at the Cambria Hotel.
ASCAP songwriters Chris DeStefano, Ashley Gorley and Chase Rice came together at 3rd & Lindsley to share some of their many hits between them. Hit-maker Gorley kicked the round off with his Jon Pardi hit “Dirt On My Boots” on the keyboard. He went on to play a sampling of his nearly 40 No. 1 hits, including: Thomas Rhett’s “T-Shirt” and “Marry Me,” Luke Bryan’s “Play It Again,” Billy Currington’s “Do I Make You Wanna” and Blake Shelton’s “I Lived It.”

Chase Rice. Photo: Tin Pan South
The very talented vocalist and instrumentalist, DeStefano, kept the crowd entertained with his performing chops, playing some of his hits like Morgan Evan’s “Kiss Somebody,” Luke Bryan’s “Kick The Dust Up,” Dan + Shay’s “From The Ground Up” and Carrie Underwood’s “Something In The Water.” DeStefano also performed both Underwood’s part and Ludacris’ rap in the 2018 Superbowl theme, “The Champion,” and did a swankier version of Brett Eldredge’s “Don’t Ya.”
Rice kept up with the A-list songwriters playing his radio hits “Ready Set Roll,” “Gonna Wanna Tonight,” “Eyes On You” as well as his Florida Georgia Line smash “Cruise.” He also displayed his chops as a lyricist in “Three Chords & The Truth” and “Jack Daniels & Jesus.”

Pictured (L-R): Mark Trussell, Natalie Hemby, Hannah Ellis, Nick Wayne, Josh Kerr. Photo: Instagram / Natalie Hemby
As for the 9 p.m. show, attendees could treat themselves at The Local with some Natalie Hemby, Hannah Ellis, Josh Kerr and Nick Wayne; or they could hear some tunes from Corey Crowder, Ernest K, Jared Mullins, RaeLynn and some special guests—including NEEDTOBREATHE’s Bear Rinehart—at the Listening Room Cafe.

NEEDTOBREATHE’s Bear Rinehart. Photo: Tin Pan South
SESAC songwriters Rob Hatch, Cary Barlowe, Craig Campbell, and Josh Hoge performed some originals at the Analog at The Hutton Hotel. Hatch kicked off the night with “Goodnight Kiss” (Randy Houser) and later performed hits like “I Don’t Dance” (Lee Brice) and “If Heaven Wasn’t So Far Away” (Justin Moore). Barlowe performed “American Honey” (Lady Antebellum), “It Don’t Hurt Like It Used To” (Billy Currington) and Chris Young’s new single, “Raised on Country.” Campbell performed a new song that has yet to be released, along with “Outskirts of Heaven” and “Fish.” Josh Hoge also performed his Chris Young hits like “I’m Comin’ Over” and “Hangin’ On.”

Pictured (L-R, front row): SESAC Manager, Creative Services, Lydia Schultz; Craig Campbell; SESAC VP Creative Services Shannan Hatch; Rob Hatch; (L-R, back row): SESAC Manager, Creative Services, ET Brown; Josh Hoge; Cary Barlowe; SESAC SVP Creative Operations Sam Kling
NASH 103.3 occupied 3rd & Lindsley’s 9 p.m. show and featured songs from busbee, Ryan Griffin, Carly Pearce, Emily Shackelton and some special guests. All the songwriters were connected by at least one thing: busbee, and his new development company, Altadena. The man himself played some of his hits and told some stories about them, including: “H.O.L.Y.” (Florida Georgia Line), “My Church” (Maren Morris) and “Try” (P!nk). He later tapped Pearce for Carrie Underwood’s half of the Keith Urban duet “The Fighter.”
Pearce showed off her skilled vocals on her radio hits “Closer To You” and “Hide The Wine,” as well as her co-written hits “Every Little Thing” and “If My Name Was Whiskey.”

Carly Pearce. Photo: Remedy Creative
Shackelton played her Lauren Alaina testimonial single, “Doin’ Fine,” as well as a flirty new Runaway June cut with the lyric, I know the way to unbreak your heart.
Shackelton also played a song she wrote in 2011, “Dashboard Jesus,” and said that one of her favorite artists had finally decided to cut it this year. Carly Pearce took up the second verse, revealing that she was that artist. She also revealed that she had had the song on hold while in a record deal in 2011, and was thrilled when the song was still available eight years later.

busbee, Carly Pearce, Emily Shackelton. Photo: Remedy Creative

Pictured (L-R): The Sisterhood Band’s Ruby Stewart and Alyssa Bonagura, Gordon Kennedy, Josh Kear. Photo: Tin Pan South

Charles Esten, Sarah Buxton, Gary Burr and Georgia Middleman. Photo: Tin Pan South

Gordon Kennedy. Photo: Tin Pan South

RaeLynn. Photo: Libby Oellerich

Ashley Gorley. Photo: Tin Pan South

The Sisterhood Band. Photo: Tin Pan South

Maggie Rose. Photo: Tin Pan South
Kane Brown Teams With Becky G For Spanish Remix Of “Lost In The Middle Of Nowhere”
/by Lorie HollabaughPhoto: Alex Alvga
Kane Brown has released a Spanish remix of “Lost in the Middle of Nowhere,” featuring singer/actress Becky G.
A new concept video of the remix directed by Alex Alvga and produced by Ryan Huffman has also been released that includes a Matrix-like beginning that transports the audience, Brown, and Becky G into one tropical and one rustic location (dance moves included).
“Lost in the Middle of Nowhere” has already garnered over 22 million on-demand streams and reunites Brown with Lauren Alaina, his duet partner on the 4X Platinum smash “What Ifs” as a co-writer. Alaina and Brown penned the tune with Jon Nite and Jesse Frasure.
“When I named my album Experiment, one of the things that was important to me was to not feel limited sonically in what I could do, including the types of instruments and collaborations,” said Brown. “I’m a country artist, but I have a range of influences. I didn’t feel pressured to keep it in a certain box because of the way my fans have always been there for me, which has led to some amazing chances to branch out and work with people I admire throughout a range of genres including Becky G.”
“It was so much fun to work with my friend Kane Brown on this remix, a fusion of what he and I love most; country and Reggaeton,” said Becky G.
Buddy And Julie Miller Announce First Collaborative Album In A Decade
/by LB CantrellJulie and Buddy Miller
Renowned Americana artists Buddy and Julie Miller have announced the release of their new album, Breakdown on 20th Ave. South—their first record together since 2009’s Written in Chalk. The 12-song LP will release on June 21 on New West Records.
The couple will celebrate the release of Breakdown on 20th Ave. South on June 26 at Nashville’s City Winery. Tickets are available now.
Breakdown on 20th Ave. South was named after the Miller’s studio in Nashville. The leading single, “Spittin’ on Fire,” is out now, and physical singles became available at record stores today (March 29). Release dates for more upcoming physical singles will be announced in the coming weeks. Fans can pre-order Breakdown on 20th Ave. South now.
Breakdown on 20th Ave. South track listing:
1. “Breakdown on 20th Ave. South
2. “Feast of the Dead”
3. “Everything Is Your Fault”
4. “Unused Heart”
5. “I’m Gonna Make You Love Me”
6. “Till the Stardust Comes Apart”
7. “Underneath the Sky”
8. “Spittin’ on Fire”
9. “Secret”
10. “War Child”
11. “Thoughts at 2am”
12. “Storm of Kisses”
Weekly Chart Report (3/29/19)
/by Alex ParryClick here or above to access MusicRow’s weekly CountryBreakout Report.
Thomas Rhett Reveals Track List For Upcoming Album ‘Center Point Road’
/by LB CantrellThomas Rhett unveiled details today of his upcoming fourth studio album, Center Point Road ahead of its May 31 release. The 16-track album will include collaborations with Little Big Town, Kelsea Ballerini and Jon Pardi, and every song was co-written by Thomas Rhett. Center Point Road was produced by Rhett, alongside Dann Huff, Jesse Frasure and Julian Bunetta.
“For me, Center Point Road really symbolizes what it was like to grow up in Hendersonville,” explained Rhett. “First dates, first football games, first heartbreak, first kisses, success and failures. I really feel like that road shaped who I am today, and it felt fitting because the record, for the most part, is pretty nostalgic. Songs like ‘Almost,’ ‘That Old Truck’ and especially ‘Center Point Road,’ really describe who I was as a kid and teenager, and who I’ve become as an adult.”
Center Point Road is available for pre-order now.
Center Point Road Track List:
1. “Up” | Thomas Rhett, Jesse Frasure, Ashley Gorley, Shane McAnally
2. “Don’t Threaten Me With A Good Time (featuring Little Big Town)” | Thomas Rhett, Karen Fairchild, Jesse Frasure, Ashley Gorley, Ray Charles McCullough II, Jeremy Reeves, Ray Romulus, Jonathan Yip
3. “Blessed” | Thomas Rhett, Sean Douglas, Joe Spargur
4. “Look What God Gave Her” | Thomas Rhett, Rhett Akins, Julian Bunetta, JKash, Ammar Malik, John Henry Ryan
5. “Center Point Road (featuring Kelsea Ballerini)” | Thomas Rhett, Jesse Frasure, Amy Wadge, Cleve Wilson
6. “That Old Truck” | Thomas Rhett, Julian Bunetta, Kamron Kimbro, Ryan Tedder
7. “VHS” | Thomas Rhett, Jesse Frasure, Ashley Gorley, Amy Wadge
8. “Notice” | Thomas Rhett, Sean Douglas, Jesse Frasure, Ashley Gorley
9. “Sand” | Thomas Rhett, Jesse Frasure, Michael Hardy
10. “Beer Can’t Fix (featuring Jon Pardi)” | Thomas Rhett, Julian Bunetta, Zach Skelton, Ryan Tedder
11. “Things You Do For Love” | Thomas Rhett, Jesse Frasure, Ashley Gorley, Luke Laird, Josh Osborne
12. “Remember You Young” | Thomas Rhett, Jesse Frasure, Ashley Gorley
13. “Don’t Stop Drivin’” | Thomas Rhett, Zach Crowell, Ashley Gorley, Josh Miller
14. “Barefoot” | Thomas Rhett, Rhett Akins, Matt Dragstrem, Josh Miller
15. “Dream You Never Had” | Thomas Rhett, Rhett Akins, Jesse Frasure, Ashley Gorley
16. “Almost” | Thomas Rhett, Jesse Frasure, Ashley Gorley, Amy Wadge
DISClaimer: Jake Owen “Sounds Better Than Ever,” Dee White’s Intriguing New Track
/by Robert K OermannIn this column of gender parity in country, the choices are clear. Jake Owen continues his recent winning ways by nailing down the Disc of the Day honor. Dee White is totally the obvious choice as the DisCovery Award winner.
MICKEY GUYTON/Hold On
Writers: Mickey Guyton/Karen Kosowski/Victoria Banks; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Mercury
– Magical. Her hushed, throaty alto eases into the song with the intimacy of a midnight prayer. As the song builds, her performance becomes a soaring shout of strength and reassurance. I remain a huge fan.
TONY JACKSON/Country Road
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; DDS
-Let’s face, James Taylor is more “country” than most of today’s Nashville artists. This revival of his 1971 classic goes down smoothly. Mellow and welcome.
KASSI ASHTON/Pretty Shiny Things
Writers: Ashton/Emily Landis; Producer: Luke Laird; Publishers: none listed; MCA Nashville
– Ya gotta love this gritty, expressive, soulful voice. The lyric about a pill-popping beauty is a grabber. Sing on, sister.
BROOKS & DUNN and BRETT YOUNG/Ain’t Nothing ‘Bout You
Writers: Tom Shapiro/Rivers Rutherford; Producers: Dann Huff/Brett Young; Publisher: none listed; Arista
– The duo’s 2001 chart topper becomes an r&b groover in this cool collaboration. Horns, even. Be careful not to hit your head when the ending slams on the brakes abruptly.
CAYLEE HAMMACK/Family Tree
Writers: Hammack/Troy Verges/Gordie Sampson; Producers: Mickey Reaves/Caylee Hammack; Publishers: Universal/Sounds Like Chet/Songs of Universal/Low Z/1217 Songs/Still Working for the Woman/Kobalt, BMI/ASCAP; Capitol
– It’s an odd sonic combination. The lyrics are full of vivid, countrified details, but the track is thoroughly pop. I also could have done without the gang-chorus “whoa-hoas.”
REBA McENTIRE/Freedom
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Big Machine
– As you might expect from the title, it’s a blood-stirring tempo anthem of power and victory. This gal knows her way around a song.
DEE WHITE/Wherever You Go
Writers: none listed; Producer: Dan Auerbach/David Ferguson; Publisher: none listed; Easy Eye/Warner Music Nashville
– Intriguing. There’s something in this youngster’s voice that draws you closer. The song beckons us to the open road to the accompaniment of harmonica, banjo, guitar and gentle percussion. Very, very promising.
JAKE OWEN/That’s On Me
Writers: Laura Veltz/Benjy Davis/Matt Dragstrem; Producer: Joey Moi; Publisher: none listed; Big Loud
– His voice sounds better than ever on this sexy, romantic groove tune. The song is super well written, and the production swings and sways in all the right places.
LANCO/Rival
Writers: Brandon Lancaster/Tripp Howell; Producer: Jay Joyce; Publishers: none listed; Arista
– It’s a stomper with hooks on top of hooks. Joyce’s production, as usual, is an audio delight with beats, electronic crunches, jangling guitars and other ear-catching elements. This talented band always specializes in fabulous ear worms.
ABBY ANDERSON/Good Lord
Writers: Abby Anderson/Josh Kerr/Jordan Minton; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Black River
– A not-too-country, three-minute, uptempo love song. Brainless radio fodder.
Industry Ink: Music Health Alliance, Chris Janson, James McMurtry
/by Lorie HollabaughKix Brooks, Desmond Child, Luke Dick, Jamie Floyd Team To Aid Music Health Alliance
Kix Brooks, Jamie Floyd and Luke Dick at “The First And The Worst” benefitting Music Health Alliance. Photo: Katie Kauss
The fifth annual “The First And The Worst” brought together Country Music Hall of Fame inductee and radio personality Kix Brooks, alongside fellow songwriters Desmond Child, Sandy Knox, Luke Dick, Laura Veltz, and Jamie Floyd to perform the very first and very worst songs they’ve ever written, alongside some of their top hits.
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s Peter Cooper hosted the evening, which aids Music Health Alliance. Over the past five years, the event has raised more than $500,000 for the Music Health Alliance organization.
Highlights from the evening of first and worst songs from Nashville’s most esteemed talents included Dick’s slang song “TTYL,” Floyd’s “I Have No Neck,” Brooks’s “Deny, Deny, Deny,” and Child’s “Rock Hard” originally written with Paul Stanley and Diane Warren. The Crappy-award winning song of the night went to Veltz for her audience favorite, “Little Dipper.” And the night wouldn’t be complete without performances of the writers’ biggest hit songs – including “Kill A Word” (Dick), “The Blade” (Floyd), “Red Dirt Road” (Brooks), “Speechless” (Veltz) and “Livin’ On A Prayer” (Child).
“In 5 years we’ve seen the best songwriters in the world compete for the title of the worst song ever written and in the process we’ve raised over a half-a-million dollars to enable access to healthcare to keep the music playing for all genres of music across the nation,” said Music Health Alliance Founder and CEO, Tatum Allsep. “It was a spectacular night to say the least and we are grateful.”
Desmond Child, Luke Dick, Tatum Allsep (Music Health Alliance Founder and CEO), Kix Brooks, Jamie Floyd, Laura Veltz, Shelia Shipley Biddy (Music Health Alliance COO), Sandy Knox and Peter Cooper at “The First And The Worst” benefitting Music Health Alliance. Photo: Katie Kauss
Chris Janson And WMN Team Raise A Glass To ‘Fix A Drink’ Success
Chris Janson and his team stopped by Warner Music Nashville this week to celebrate the RIAA Gold certification of “Fix A Drink.” The song was Janson’s second No. 1 hit and first from his sophomore album, Everybody. Janson’s current single “Good Vibes” is currently rising up the charts.
The busy entertainer heads to Atlanta this Saturday (March 30) where he will join George Strait for his massive, one-night-only show at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
James McMurtry Inks With New West Records
James McMurtry has signed with New West Records. The songwriter is currently writing songs for a new album to be released in Fall 2019 on the Nashville-based record label.
“I first became aware of James McMurtry’s formidable songwriting prowess while working at Bug Music Publishing in the ’90s,” says New West President John Allen. “He’s a true talent. All of us at New West are excited at the prospect of championing the next phase of James’ already successful and respected career.”
McMurtry joins New West’s singular roster of all-stars including Steve Earle, Rodney Crowell, John Hiatt, Aaron Lee Tasjan, Buddy Miller and dozens more.
Natalie Hemby, Ashley Gorley, busbee, Liz Rose Share Songs On Tin Pan South Night Two
/by LB CantrellAshley Gorley and Chris DeStefano. Photo: Tin Pan South
Nashville’s Tin Pan South attendees had plenty of options for the 6 p.m. show last night (March 27). Phil Barton, Cameron Bedell, Seth Ennis, Alyssa Micaela and Liz Rose occupied Analog at the Hutton Hotel; and Gary Burr, Sarah Buxton, Charles Esten and Georgia Middleman were across town at the TRUE Music Room and Bar at the Cambria Hotel.
ASCAP songwriters Chris DeStefano, Ashley Gorley and Chase Rice came together at 3rd & Lindsley to share some of their many hits between them. Hit-maker Gorley kicked the round off with his Jon Pardi hit “Dirt On My Boots” on the keyboard. He went on to play a sampling of his nearly 40 No. 1 hits, including: Thomas Rhett’s “T-Shirt” and “Marry Me,” Luke Bryan’s “Play It Again,” Billy Currington’s “Do I Make You Wanna” and Blake Shelton’s “I Lived It.”
Chase Rice. Photo: Tin Pan South
The very talented vocalist and instrumentalist, DeStefano, kept the crowd entertained with his performing chops, playing some of his hits like Morgan Evan’s “Kiss Somebody,” Luke Bryan’s “Kick The Dust Up,” Dan + Shay’s “From The Ground Up” and Carrie Underwood’s “Something In The Water.” DeStefano also performed both Underwood’s part and Ludacris’ rap in the 2018 Superbowl theme, “The Champion,” and did a swankier version of Brett Eldredge’s “Don’t Ya.”
Rice kept up with the A-list songwriters playing his radio hits “Ready Set Roll,” “Gonna Wanna Tonight,” “Eyes On You” as well as his Florida Georgia Line smash “Cruise.” He also displayed his chops as a lyricist in “Three Chords & The Truth” and “Jack Daniels & Jesus.”
Pictured (L-R): Mark Trussell, Natalie Hemby, Hannah Ellis, Nick Wayne, Josh Kerr. Photo: Instagram / Natalie Hemby
As for the 9 p.m. show, attendees could treat themselves at The Local with some Natalie Hemby, Hannah Ellis, Josh Kerr and Nick Wayne; or they could hear some tunes from Corey Crowder, Ernest K, Jared Mullins, RaeLynn and some special guests—including NEEDTOBREATHE’s Bear Rinehart—at the Listening Room Cafe.
NEEDTOBREATHE’s Bear Rinehart. Photo: Tin Pan South
SESAC songwriters Rob Hatch, Cary Barlowe, Craig Campbell, and Josh Hoge performed some originals at the Analog at The Hutton Hotel. Hatch kicked off the night with “Goodnight Kiss” (Randy Houser) and later performed hits like “I Don’t Dance” (Lee Brice) and “If Heaven Wasn’t So Far Away” (Justin Moore). Barlowe performed “American Honey” (Lady Antebellum), “It Don’t Hurt Like It Used To” (Billy Currington) and Chris Young’s new single, “Raised on Country.” Campbell performed a new song that has yet to be released, along with “Outskirts of Heaven” and “Fish.” Josh Hoge also performed his Chris Young hits like “I’m Comin’ Over” and “Hangin’ On.”
Pictured (L-R, front row): SESAC Manager, Creative Services, Lydia Schultz; Craig Campbell; SESAC VP Creative Services Shannan Hatch; Rob Hatch; (L-R, back row): SESAC Manager, Creative Services, ET Brown; Josh Hoge; Cary Barlowe; SESAC SVP Creative Operations Sam Kling
NASH 103.3 occupied 3rd & Lindsley’s 9 p.m. show and featured songs from busbee, Ryan Griffin, Carly Pearce, Emily Shackelton and some special guests. All the songwriters were connected by at least one thing: busbee, and his new development company, Altadena. The man himself played some of his hits and told some stories about them, including: “H.O.L.Y.” (Florida Georgia Line), “My Church” (Maren Morris) and “Try” (P!nk). He later tapped Pearce for Carrie Underwood’s half of the Keith Urban duet “The Fighter.”
Pearce showed off her skilled vocals on her radio hits “Closer To You” and “Hide The Wine,” as well as her co-written hits “Every Little Thing” and “If My Name Was Whiskey.”
Carly Pearce. Photo: Remedy Creative
Shackelton played her Lauren Alaina testimonial single, “Doin’ Fine,” as well as a flirty new Runaway June cut with the lyric, I know the way to unbreak your heart.
Shackelton also played a song she wrote in 2011, “Dashboard Jesus,” and said that one of her favorite artists had finally decided to cut it this year. Carly Pearce took up the second verse, revealing that she was that artist. She also revealed that she had had the song on hold while in a record deal in 2011, and was thrilled when the song was still available eight years later.
busbee, Carly Pearce, Emily Shackelton. Photo: Remedy Creative
Pictured (L-R): The Sisterhood Band’s Ruby Stewart and Alyssa Bonagura, Gordon Kennedy, Josh Kear. Photo: Tin Pan South
Charles Esten, Sarah Buxton, Gary Burr and Georgia Middleman. Photo: Tin Pan South
Gordon Kennedy. Photo: Tin Pan South
RaeLynn. Photo: Libby Oellerich
Ashley Gorley. Photo: Tin Pan South
The Sisterhood Band. Photo: Tin Pan South
Maggie Rose. Photo: Tin Pan South
Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan, Former MLB Player Adam LaRoche To Open New Nashville Steakhouse
/by Jessica NicholsonJason Aldean and Luke Bryan are involved in another restaurant concept soon to open in Nashville. Both singers are partnering with former MLB player Adam LaRoche for the new Nashville E3 Chophouse, which is set to open later this year at the corner of Wedgewood Avenue and 21st Avenue (1628 21st Ave. S.).
The 13,000-square-foot, three-story restaurant will include space for dinner, private events and a rooftop bar.
The flagship E3 Chophouse opened in 2013 in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. Jeff LaRoche oversees operations for both the Nashville and Colorado chophouses. Steve Perdue will serve as general manager for the Nashville operation.
The all-natural (no antibiotic or steroid-enhanced) beef served at the E3 Chophouse comes from the Fort Scott, Kansas-based E3 Ranch, owned and operated by Adam and Jenn LaRoche.
According to a release, Aldean, Bryan and LaRoche met while filming the hunting show, Buck Commander.
“Jason and Luke jokingly talked for years about opening an E3 Chophouse in Nashville, and over time those talks became more serious,” said Adam LaRoche. “This is the town they call home, and they’re directly involved in the development and design of the restaurant. It’s come a long way from Luke wearing the E3 hat I made as a novelty many years ago, and we are humbled and excited to bring the restaurant to Music City.”
Both Aldean and Bryan already have restaurants open on Nashville’s Lower Broad, including Jason Aldean’s Kitchen + Rooftop Bar, and Bryan’s 32 Bridge Food + Drink.
Interior shot.
The Ty Bentli Show To Debut In United Kingdom
/by Jessica NicholsonThe United Kingdom’s Bauer media is set to launch the first nationwide country music radio station in the UK, Country Hits Radio, with The Ty Bentli Show as the only American radio show included. Ty Bentli and his co-hosts Chuck Wicks and Tricia “TJ” Jenkins will entertain fans during the afternoon drive time in the UK.
Country Hits Radio launches on April 5, 2019 via DAB in top markets London, Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds, South Yorkshire, Lancashire, Humberside, Tyne & Wear, Teesside, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Tayside, Inverness and Ayr. The Ty Bentli Show joins a lineup of presenters that includes Jennie Longdon, Baylen Lenoard, and Una Healy (of The Saturdays).
Bentli said, “Every trip I’ve taken to Europe, I’ve sat for hours with a notepad and an AM/FM headset listening to radio at a table or park and taking notes with a fantasy in my head that maybe someday I’d have the chance to be a presenter in the UK. Not only will I now be living that dream, I get to do it in a way that’s never been done! Bauer is spreading COUNTRY across the UK and I can’t wait to take our UK listeners behind-the-scenes to understand what makes their favorite artists tick, while also sharing hilarious moments, real-life insecurities and triumphs of our daily experiences as they intertwine with the Music City, and the stars that make the country music we play!”
James Brownlow, Content Director for Country Hits Radio, said “Since we have the responsibility of launching the UK’s first-ever national country music radio brand, it was vitally important to everyone at Country Hits Radio that we pull together a team that could represent the current country music scene as well as authentically engage UK and world audiences with original, entertaining, and market-leading content. This vision led us directly to The Ty Bentli Show. After speaking to Ty and the team at Westwood One and Cumulus Media, we knew this was the right fit. Great Britain is going to have one brilliant country music party each weekday on their way home!”
“We’re delighted that Bauer Media recognized that by giving The Ty Bentli Show a featured role on Country Hits Radio channel, they are giving their UK audience a front-row seat to Nashville’s country music scene,” added Suzanne Grimes, EVP, Marketing for Cumulus Media and President, Westwood One “Ty’s unique interview style attracts the who’s who of country music, and we are excited to share the program with an entirely new audience of country music fans.”
CMA Expands Communications Team
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured: Catharine McNelly, Stephanie Shank
The Country Music Association has announced the promotion of Catharine McNelly to Senior Director of Communications, overseeing the organization’s media and communications efforts, while Stephanie Shank joins CMA’s Communications team as Manager of Production & Talent Relations.
McNelly advances to Senior Director of Communications from Director of Communications, a position she has held for over a year. In her new role, she will lead the Communications department, developing strategic media plans for CMA’s television properties and live events as well as organizational initiatives. Before joining CMA, McNelly worked for Columbia Records where she was a senior publicist, overseeing the campaigns of a diverse group of artists, including James Arthur, Leonard Cohen, Celine Dion, First Aid Kit, Calvin Harris, Rachel Platten, Natalie Prass, The Shins and Pharrell Williams. Prior to Columbia, McNelly worked at Atlantic Records, handling campaigns for Death Cab for Cutie, Flo Rida, Paramore, Portugal. The Man, Straight No Chaser, T.I., and the “Twilight” series soundtracks. A native of Alton, Illinois, she received a Communications and Media Studies degree from Fordham University in New York City.
“Catharine has been a valuable leader to the Communications team and has brought a spirit of collaboration, passion, innovation and media expertise to the role since joining CMA in 2017,” said Damon Whiteside, CMA Chief Marketing Officer. “She and her dedicated team will continue to develop new, more effective ways of driving CMA’s strategic communications initiatives including the CMA Foundation, while further supporting our organization’s growth and expansion.”
Shank has worked as a contractor for CMA since August 2018, assisting the Communications department with the execution of the CMA Awards, “CMA Country Christmas,” the Country Music Hall of Fame inductee press conference and more. In her new role as Manager of Production & Talent Relations, Shank will continue to work with the Communications team, serving as a production and planning liaison between internal departments and talent representatives. In addition to overseeing media production aspects, Shank will serve as the point person for talent and media at all CMA Events. Prior to CMA, she worked for FlyteVu where she managed publicity campaigns and organized talent interviews for Bumble, Cracker Barrel, Lyft and Tennessee Tourism. Before FlyteVu, Shank worked for dick clark productions in Los Angeles as Manager of Communications and Talent Relations, working on awards shows and television events including the American Music Awards, Academy of Country Music Awards, Billboard Music Awards, Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest, Golden Globe Awards and more. An Orange County, California native, she graduated from California State University, Fullerton with a degree in Communications: Entertainment Studies.
McNelly, whose team also includes Manager of Media Relations, Krista Dial, and Communications Coordinator, Lisa Valentine, reports to Whiteside. Reach her at cmcnelly@cmaworld.com. Shank reports to McNelly. Reach her at sshank@cmaworld.com.