Zac Brown Band, Lady A To Headline New Moon Crush Weekend In Orlando

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Zac Brown Band and Lady A are set to headline the “Moon Crush “Sunshine Live” event presented by The Marriott Vacation Club April 23-24 in Orlando.

Colbie Caillat, Drake White, The Castellows and Nashville Yacht Club Band will also perform during the intimate two-night music getaway at Grande Lakes Orlando, a luxury resort destination featuring Marriott’s Lakeshore Reserve, The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes and JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes.

Intimately designed for just 4,000 guests, “Sunshine Live” will transform a green space adjacent to Marriott’s Lakeshore Reserve into an open-air music venue featuring Topeka’s signature reserved Cove seating and hospitality. At the heart of the music experience are Topeka’s signature Coves – reserved, semi-private spaces that give each group its own home base for the shows. Guests can sit together, come and go without losing their spot, and order food and drinks from their phones for delivery directly to their Cove in minutes.

Owners across The Marriott Vacation Clubs portfolio, including Marriott Vacation Club, Sheraton Vacation Club and Westin Vacation Club, will receive special early access to ticket packages and experiences as part of their ownership.

“Live music has an incredible ability to bring people together, and that fits naturally with the way people think about their most memorable vacations,” says Mike Flaskey, President and Chief Operating Officer of Marriott Vacations Worldwide. “This collaboration gives us an opportunity to create something guests can plan an entire weekend around: great artists, a remarkable Orlando setting and meaningful time with the family and friends who matter most.”

“Moon Crush is a new category of music festival where guests can enjoy world class artist performances in an intimate no line environment where everyone is a VIP,” adds Andy Levine, CEO of Topeka. “Guests can spend the day enjoying the resort amenities available across the Grande Lakes Orlando campus and then enjoy a short walk to the venue where your reserved space is already waiting for you. Order food and drinks from your phone, and we bring it to you, so you don’t have to miss a moment of music or connection with your favorite people. That’s Live Music Made Easy.”

Reba Celebrates 25th Anniversary Of Her Hit Sitcom With 7th Music Capsule ‘I’m A Survivor – EP’

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Reba McEntire’s seventh music capsule, I’m A Survivor – EP, out now, celebrates the star’s beloved hit sitcom, Reba. 

The show’s theme song was written by Phillip White and Shelby Kennedy, and produced by Tony Brown and McEntire. The track was originally featured on her Greatest Hits, Volume III: I’m A Survivor album in 2001. This is the first time the version made for Reba is being released. The show was McEntire’s first role in series TV.

McEntire is also offering the I’m A Survivor – EP music capsule on a 7-inch vinyl, which will be shipped on Dec. 11. Reba is streaming on Hulu and Hulu on Disney+.

McEntire has delivered one music capsule a month since April. Dropping One Night In Tulsa, Hurt Like That, Ain’t Gonna Keep It Waitin’, Ring Ring, Tourist, and Could Have Been Raining, each EP pairs a new release with songs spanning her five-decade career.

I’m A Survivor – EP Track List
1. “I’m A Survivor (Official Show Theme Song)
2. “I’m A Survivor”
3. “I’m A Survivor (Acoustic Version)
4. “I’m A Survivor (Lafemmebear Remix)

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Brothers Osborne & Cody Johnson Team For Disc Of The Day

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Brothers Osborne & Cody Johnson. Photo: Nick Swift

This listening session rocked my world.

I absolutely flipped over the new sounds offered by Kacey Musgraves, Lady A, Brett Young, Wesko, Sheryl Crow, Jamie O’Neal, and the Brothers Osborne/Cody Johnson collab, which narrowly edges out the others for the Disc of the Day award.

Duking it out for the DISCovery Award were Max McNown, Summer Overstreet and our winner, Cassidy Daniels.

Happy Halloween from DisClaimer.

SUNNY BLACK / “Does to Me”
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Label: Atlantic Outpost
– Black stakes his claim as a romancer on this straightforward country slow-dance gem. Performed with finesse and warmth.

CASSIDY DANIELS / “Ain’t No Jukebox”
Writers: Cassidy Daniels/Kenny Whitmire/Lee Starr; Producer: John Osborne; Label: Country Road Records
– Snappy rhythms, saucy lyrics, smart attitude. She sings like a hillbilly angel and dishes up kiss-off lines like the devil. Cool guitar riffs wrap up the whole country-rock package. I’m in.

LADY A / “Bigger Picture”
Writers: Andy Albert/Devin Dawson/Paul Sikes/Trannie Anderson; Producer: Jay Joyce; Label: Lady A Entertainment
– Awesome & eloquent. Hillary sings lead on a song that says there’s a higher power at work that you can’t see while you’re going through the pain and grief of life. The lyric seems extra poignant in the wake of Charles’ cancer diagnosis.

SUMMER OVERSTREET / “Call Me Candy”
Writers: Gina Venier/Savana Santos/Summer Overstreet; Producer: Savana Santos; Label: Baby Bird Records
– This is evidently about illicit, barroom-pickup sex. The cool, spare production is a groove, and you can’t beat the sweet/tart quality of her performance. Summer has penned hits for Tucker Wetmore (”3-2-1”) and Lainey Wilson (”Phone Keys Wallet”) and was a nominee for MusicRow’s Breakthrough Songwriter award this year. Papa Paul was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame this month.

BRETT YOUNG / “Me Holdin’ On”
Writers: Mark Nesler/Todd Smith/Tony Martin; Producer: Jimmy Robbins; Label: Blue Highway Records
– The echoey, swirling, rhythm-saturated production is brilliant. Brett’s furry, throaty, warm, and involving vocal is an enveloping comfort as he delivers a heart-piercing lyric about being reminded of a love that has ended. A hooky ear worm if I’ve ever heard one.

BOTTOMLAND / “Colder”
Writers: Cannon Brand/Jared Hampton/Tate Howell; Producer: Will Braun; Label: Sony Music Nashville
– Heartbreak, served in a plodding track and with a listless vibe. Pass.

KACEY MUSGRAVES / “Weekend In Texas”
Writers: Ilsey Juber/Kacey Musgraves/Shane McAnally; Producers: Daniel Tashian, Kacey Musgraves; Label: Lost Highway
– This delightful Lone Star State travelogue boasts a dandy Tex-Mex production with touches of Latin, spaghetti-western, and rockabilly flavors. She’s getting over a heartbreak by heading for a tequila-for-breakfast getaway. You’ll want to ride along.

JULIA COLE & BRELAND / “Loving Someone Like That”
Writers: Daniel Breland/Julia Cole/Mason Sacks; Producers: Josh Ronen, Julia Cole; Label: broke
– Falling in love with a loser has never sounded better. These two harmonize splendidly.

BROTHERS OSBORNE & CODY JOHNSON / “Born and Raised Hell”
Writers: John Osborne/Kendell Marvel/Lee Thomas Miller; Producer: Jay Joyce; Label: MCA
– Two superstar acts. One slammin’ country-rock track. Thousands applaud. Both TJ and Cody sing their faces off while John churns out guitar magic and tenor vocal harmonies. LOVE this single.

SHERYL CROW / “Pick You Up”
Writers: Jeff Trot/Sheryl Crow; Producers: Jeff Trott, Sheryl Crow; Label: Old Green Barn Productions
– The title tune of the Rock & Roll Hall of Famer’s new collection is a loping, swingin’ ode to friendship. Whatever happens, she’s got your back. Love it that she uses her lowest also range as well as leaping into soprano vocal breaks. Delicious listening. Catch this legendary singer-songwriter on the road with Kenny Chesney and Eric Church in 2027.

MAX McNOWN & CARLY PEARCE / “Not Falling Out”
Writers: Hillary Lindsey/Jamie Kenney/Max McNown/Scott Harris; Producer: Jamie Kenney; Label: Fugitive Recordings
– Tuneful and charming. They vow to keep falling in love over and over. These two sing splendidly together, and the lilting, mid-tempo production groove is enchanting.

WESKO / “Feel Something”
Writers: KK Johnson/Sam Backoff/Wesley Holmes; Producer: Ryan Gore; Label: Underscore Works Recordings/Warner Records
– This lifted me out of my chair. It’s kinda masochistic. “I just wanna cry…bleed…feel the pain…go insane.” But here’s the thing: He’s a helluva singer, and the production is a propulsive pleasure. A single with tension, passion, power, and irresistible magnetism. This artist has released nothing but gems and is batting 1,000.

HARDY / “Man in the Box”
Writers: Chase McGill/David Garcia/Hunter Phelps/Michael Hardy; Producers: David Garcia, HARDY; Label: Big Loud Records
– This is an 8-minute song cycle, flowing through multiple melodies and tempi. The enigmatic lyrics describe equally multiple personalities and moods. Highly creative. Fascinating listening. Catch Hardy at the new venue The Truth in WeHo. He’s there tonight and tomorrow for his “Hardy Halloween” tour stop.

JAMIE O’NEAL / “Tammy Wynette Kind of Pain”
Writers: Brandy Clark/Mark Narmore/Shelley Skidmore; Producer: none listed; Label: JO
– Jamie was a standout on the star-studded, PBS Tammy tribute TV special last Friday with her torrid, torchy performance of this brilliant ballad. The whole “Great Performances” show is worth your time, and it’s now available on YouTube.

SMACK Elevates Marissa Loar To Vice President Of Management

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Marissa Loar.

SMACK has elevated Marissa Loar to Vice President Of Management.

Loar began her career at SMACK as an intern in 2016 and has risen through the ranks, serving as Artist Management Coordinator before advancing to Day-to-Day Manager for artists including Walker Hayes, Kylie Morgan and Jenna Davis. Loar played an integral role in the success of Hayes’ multi-Platinum track “Fancy Like.”

In her new role, Loar will continue to guide the careers of SMACK’s current management clients while spearheading the future direction of the company’s management division.

“Marissa makes everything she touches better. She’s been doing that here since she was an intern, and she’s a huge reason SMACK is what it is today,” says Robert Carlton, President at SMACK. “I’m better at my job for having worked alongside her all these years, and I know I’m not the only one who would say that. Now she has the authority to do it on a bigger scale – to sign who she believes in and grow this division her way.”

“Having spent nearly 10 years growing alongside SMACK, it’s incredibly meaningful to step into this role at a company that has always felt like home,” says Loar. “I’m proud of everything we’ve built and accomplished together, and I’m grateful to Robert, Shane, and the entire SMACK family for believing in me and giving me the opportunity to help shape what’s next. I’m hungry to build on that success, discover and develop new talent, and grow a team that will take SMACK Management to even greater heights.”

Thomas Rhett, Zach Top & Jon Pardi To Headline Country Thunder Wisconsin 2027

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Jon Pardi, Zach Top and Thomas Rhett are set to headline Country Thunder Wisconsin in Twin Lakes July 15-18.

Hudson Westbrook will kick the weekend off Thursday night with his Country Thunder headlining debut. Also on the lineup are Carly Pearce, Ernest, Cameron Whitcomb, Blake Whiten, John Morgan, Tracy Lawrence, The Band Perry and Phil Vassar.

The four-day festival will also feature a lineup of emerging artists including sets from Carter Faith, Jacob Hackworth, Colton Dawson, Anna Graves, Belle Frantz, Hunt Pipkin, Presley Barker, and SJ McDonald. Fans can also the enjoy the Buckin’ Thunder Pro Bull Riding Event, along with a wide range of food, drinks, shopping and more.

“Coming off an incredible 30th anniversary, we’re excited to keep that momentum going with another unforgettable year at Country Thunder Wisconsin,” says Troy Vollhoffer, CEO of Country Thunder.“From Jon Pardi and Zach Top to Thomas Rhett, we’ve brought together powerhouse headliners, along with an incredible mix of Country legends, fan favorites, and rising stars like Hudson Westbrook. We can’t wait to welcome everyone back to Twin Lakes next summer!”

Lauren Daigle, Brett Young, The Band Perry To Headline The Maui Songwriters Festival In January

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The 12th Annual Maui Songwriters Festival is set to take place Jan.6-9 at The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua featuring headliners Lauren Daigle, Brett Young, and The Band Perry.

The 2027 lineup also includes Drake White, Chris DeStefano, Trannie Anderson, Jon Nite, Jimmy Robbins, and more. Hosted by radio personality Katie Neal of Katie & Company, the Maui Songwriters Festival showcases the artistry of songwriting through performances that celebrate the stories, experiences, and inspiration behind today’s biggest hits.

“Music has a remarkable ability to bring people together, and we’re honored to once again welcome the Maui Songwriters Festival to Kapalua,” says Melissa Lee, Hotel Manager at The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua. “The festival embodies the spirit of connection, storytelling, and shared experiences that align seamlessly with our commitment to creating meaningful moments for our guests and community.”

A silent auction will also be held during the events that will benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of Maui, with proceeds supporting youth programs across Maui. Festival packages, accommodations and ticket information are available at mauisongwritersfestival.com.

Eclipse Music Group Acquires Harding Road Catalog

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Eclipse Music Group has acquired the Harding Road catalog from ERNEST Entertainment.

The acquisition includes songs from the early catalog of multi-Platinum, award-winning songwriter and recording artist HARDY including “Up Down,” recorded by Morgan Wallen featuring Florida Georgia Line, and “Some Girls,” recorded by Jameson Rodgers.

“We’re thrilled to welcome this incredible body of work into the Eclipse Music Group catalog,” says Penny Gattis, Partner at Eclipse Music Group.

“HARDY has become one of the defining songwriters of his generation, and these early songs represent the foundation of an extraordinary career. It’s especially meaningful to complete this transaction with friends, and we’re grateful to Jonathan Watkins for bringing this opportunity to us,” adds Kurt Locher, Founder/Principal.

“First, a thank you to Kurt and Penny for championing this sale and getting us to a deal,” says Jonathan Watkins, Owner/President of Ernest Entertainment Inc. “I want to say how proud I am of HARDY, whose incredible work ethic, dedication and talent as a writer has clearly set him apart — he wrote more in his time with us than most writers ever will, and it shows in every song. Grateful as well to my business partner in Watsky Music for bringing Michael to the table, and to Kobalt Music and Stephanie Cox for being so instrumental in helping HARDY break through as a writer. I’m thrilled that Eclipse Music is now taking the catalog forward, excited to continue exploiting the many terrific songs still waiting to be discovered.”

The Harding Road catalog will continue to be administered by Kobalt.

John R. Ouellette handled the transaction on behalf of Harding Road. Matthew Beckett of Milom Horsnell Crow Kelley Beckett Shehan PLC represented Eclipse Music Group in the transaction.

Mack Geiger’s Debut Album ‘Dying in This House’ Due In November

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RECORDS Nashville/Columbia Records artist Mack Geiger is set to release his debut album, Dying In This House, on Nov. 6. Geiger is offering another taste of the new album with the new track “How It Ends,” out now.

“Dying In This House channels a broken man’s walk through loneliness, heartache, denial, but also glimmers of hope,” shares Geiger. “I’ve always been drawn to songs which painted pictures. I feel like this album does that. Furthermore, songs that explore brokenness, because despite our constant endeavor to achieve outside flawlessness, each one of us experience battles that push us further than we can bend.

“Amidst the ballads are moments of remembrance of who the character is” he continues. “Grounding that sparks motivation and pride to push forward. Opportunity to dust yourself off and just get back in the ring. A collage of work with Keith Stegall and Jared Adlam bringing 12 tracks onto a canvas. Dying In This House. Country music.”

Geiger has solo writing credits across Dying In This House on “Jesus & Jones,” “Pouring,” “Nothing Like Grandma,” “Mess Of Blues,” “You Don’t Deserve Me,” “Walk A Straight Line,” “String By,” and the album’s title track. The album also features songs penned by Rodney Clawson, Will Bundy,  Bart Butler, Seth Ennis, Tim Nichols, Tony Martin, Mark Nesler, and more.

Geiger’s star continues to rise as his breakout single “String By” has surpassed 104.5 million global streams, reached No. 3 on Spotify’s Viral 50 USA,  and reached the Top 40 on the Global Country Shazamchart. Geiger will continue his “When It’s Pouring Tour” across North America this November and December, including a return to the Grand Ole Opry on Nov. 7. In 2027, Geiger will return to his home country to tour Australia alongside Brooks & Dunn.

Dying in This House Track List:
1. “His and Hers” (Wyatt McCubbin, Seth Ennis, Rob Snyder)
2. “How Crazy Is That?” (Tim Nichols, Tony Martin, Mark Nesler)
3. “String By” (Mack Geiger)
4. “Dying In This House” (Mack Geiger)
5. “Just Called To Let You Know” (Mack Geiger, Jim Beavers, Bart Butler)
6. “You Don’t Deserve Me” (Mack Geiger)
7. “Nothing Like Grandma” (Mack Geiger)
8. “Walk A Straight Line” (Mack Geiger)
9. “How It Ends” (Mack Geiger, Rodney Clawson, Johnny Clawson, Will Bundy)
10, “Mess Of Blues” (Mack Geiger)
11. “Pouring” (Mack Geiger)
12. “Jesus & Jones” (Mack Geiger)

Cledus T. Judd Inks With Warner Chappell Music

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Pictured: Spencer Nohe (WCM), Phil May (WCM), Benji Amaefule (WCM), Austen Adams (WCM), Kayce Russell (WCM), Cledus T. Judd and Allen Mitchell (Reverie Ranch). Photo: Courtesy of WCM

Country comedian and recording artist Cledus T. Judd has signed with Warner Chappell Music.

The signing follows the release of his latest single, “Just Another Day In Parodies – Cease & Desist.”

Judd first entered the country music scene in the mid-1990s with tracks including “I Love NASCAR,” “My Cellmate Thinks I’m Sexy,” “How Do You Milk a Cow” and “If Shania Was Mine.” His catalog includes 12 albums along with dozens of singles and music videos. Over his career, Judd’s tracks have been recorded by Rascal Flatts, Montgomery Gentry and others. He has toured alongside Brooks & Dunn, Rascal Flatts and Toby Keith. Judd signed with Reliant Talent Agency earlier this year.

Neon Coast Taps Nikki Boon As Chief Creative Officer

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Nikki Boon. Photo: Courtesy of Neon Coast

Neon Coast has named Nikki Boon as Chief Creative Officer.

Boon has spent a decade with the company, working closely with Kane Brown and Nightly. She began her time there as Brown’s tour manager and has since played an integral part in earning his 14 chart-topping hits, 21 billion global streams and more. She was recently named one of five Executives on the Rise in Billboard’s annual country music issue.

In this new role, Boon will provide creative oversight and direction for every artist at Neon Coast, home to a multi-genre roster that also includes Restless Road, Randall King and Julia Cole. Boon also adds international strategy to her role, ahead of Nightly’s January 2027 Asia and Australia tour dates.

“Nikki’s creative thinking is second to none. She has a passion for our artists that you can feel in every conversation she has,” says Martha Earls, Founder and Owner of Neon Coast. “Nikki dreams bigger than anyone I know and has the rare ability to take an idea beyond the unexpected and see possibilities others can’t imagine. Bringing that vision, creativity, and unique perspective to every artist on our roster is one of the greatest ways we can invest in their success.”

“I’m so grateful to Kane, who showed me from his earliest days on the road how powerful a real connection with fans can be, to Nightly, who taught me every angle of what it takes to be an independent artist today, and to Martha Earls, who has always encouraged me and our whole team to dream big, chase ideas and go after our own big wins,” shares Boon. “In this new role, I’m excited to support each artist’s manager, building on what they’ve already created and finding new ways to connect with fans at home and around the world.”