DISClaimer Single Reviews: Trisha Yearwood Wins Disc Of The Day

Trisha Yearwood

DISClaimer celebrates indie acts today.

Among the listening session’s highlights were Colbie Caillat, Mon Rovia, Ricochet, Bizz Bigsby and DisCovery Award winners Eric Lee and Casey Chestnutt (who tied for the prize). All of them are on independent labels. So bravo for that.

The Disc of the Day honor belongs to the enduringly divine Trisha Yearwood.

ERIN ENDERLIN & RANDY HOUSER / “When You Look at Me”
Writers: Tanja Struyck-Fogleman/Brent Fogleman/Erin Enderlin; Producer: Jay Clementi; Label: SWS
– This stirring ballad captures the complex emotions of a soldier experiencing PTSD. Enderlin’s excellent performance is shadowed by softly weeping steel guitar and Houser’s aching vocal harmony. The ear-catching song is a product of an organization called “SongwritingWith:Soldiers” that pairs Music Row tunesmiths with veterans. Recommended.

TRISHA YEARWOOD / “The Mirror”
Writers: Trisha Yearwood/Leslie Satcher/Bridgette Tatum; Producer: Trisha Yearwood & Chad Carlson; Label: Virgin/Gwendolyn
– The title tune of Yearwood’s forthcoming (July 18) album is an awesome slab of sound. She gazes at the image in her mirror and is startled to see a strong, beautiful, brave woman instead of a wimp. The collection is the first one that the singer has co-written and co-produced. Watch for this superstar on the NBC telecast of the Macy’s 4th of July Firework show from New York City. She’ll introduce the album on the TODAY show on the 18th, then perform and do an album signing at the Opry the next day. If you haven’t already jumped on this, get tix now, because she’s also starring in the Hall of Fame’s tribute show to Linda Ronstadt with James Taylor, Rodney Crowell, Patti Scialfa and Emmylou Harris on July 22.

CONOR CLEMMONS / “Double Standard”
Writers: Alysa Vanderheym/Griffin Palmer/Devin Dawson; Producer: Parker Mathews & Derek Drye; Label: CC
– It’s an uptempo roadhouse rouser with lotsa instrumental twang. The “double” in the title of course refers to the strength of the booze in the bar.

OLD DOMINION / “Man Or the Song”
Writers: Brad Tursi, Trevor Rosen, Matthew Ramsey, Ross Copperman, Shane McAnally; Producer: Old Dominion & Shane McAnally; Label: Sony Music Nashville
– It’s a gentle meditation on the nature of fame, the life of a professional picker and the passage of time. The mood is light and tuneful, but there’s a seriousness of intent here that makes it deeply personal. These talented guys just don’t know how to make a bad record.

BIZZ BIGSBY / “Here In This Town”
Writers: Bizz Bigsby/Phil Hughley; Producer: Gtar Phil; Label: BB
– Bigsby is the son of Nashville R&B icon Jimmy Church, and he sang lead in his dad’s band in his youth. The singer-songwriter describes his sound as “Urban Americana.” His debut single is a moody, bluesy ballad that decries the destruction of North Nashville by interstate highway construction, but vows that “a rose in the concrete” will rise, survive and thrive. Because the human spirit cannot be conquered.

RICOCHET / “Daddy’s Money”
Writers: Bob DiPiero/Mark D. Sanders/Steve Seskin; Producer: Eric Kupper; Label: Encore
– The ‘90s hit-making group returns with a thumping, jet-fueled disco remix of its 1996 smash. The song is still as clever as the dickens, so clear the dance floor.

TANNER ADELL / “Snakeskin”
Writers: Tanner Adell/Akil King/Michael Lotten/Stephen McGregor/Josh Miller/Will Weatherly/Anthony Germaine White; Producers: Di Genius, Will Weatherly & Tanner Adell; Label: TA
– She offers this sing-song-y ditty in a high soprano while a jaunty band strums along. Adell performs on July 15 at BMI’s rooftop concert series.

LUKAS NELSON / “American Romance”
Writer: Lukas Nelson; Producer: Shooter Jennings; Label: Sony
– The title tune of Nelson’s album is a plaintive ode to his troubled homeland and soul. Very poetic and very beautiful. Don’t stop here. The rest of his collection’s tracks are equally sublime. This fellow is a major songsmith.

MON ROVIA / “Running Boy”
Writers: Andrew Lowe/Cooper Holzman/Eric Cromartie/Jonathon Lindo/Scott McCannell/Tyler Martelli; Producer: Cooper Holzman, Tyler Martelli, Scott McCannell & Junia-T; Label: MR
– This Liberia-born Tennessee troubadour is touring internationally and has become a favorite at the Newport Folk Festival. His new single is a rippling acoustic outing that finds him caught between his wanderlust and his quest for peace. Gently persuasive.

COLBIE CAILLAT & MITCHELL TENPENNY / “Realize”
Writers: Colbie Caillat/Jason Reeves/Mikal Blue; Producer: Jimmy Robbins & Eric Arjes; Label: Blue Jean Baby
– Caillat reimagines her Platinum 2008 pop hit as a country duet with gritty “blue-eyed soul” stylist Tenpenny. The result is audio heaven. Their vocals are magic, and so is the echoey steel backing.

ERIC LEE & RISSI PALMER / “For Who You Are”
Writer: Eric Lee; Producer: Eric Lee; Label: EL
– Palmer has long established herself as a solo country artist, but it turns out that she is just as ear-opening and revelatory as a duet partner. Hearty country troubadour Eric Lee pens a hooky tune and sings in a resonant baritone that she compliments beautifully throughout the track. Lee has previously charted in MusicRow and is the writer behind successful ad campaigns. This is an advance track for an album by him due later this year.

CASEY CHESTNUTT / “Uninvited Guest”
Writers: Jeff Stevens/Marv Green; Producer: Josh Leo; Label: Clearwater/ONErpm
– Casey is the son of that pluperfect honky-tonk stylist Mark Chestnutt. His debut single reveals a classic-country vocal stylist on a barroom weeper that sounds exactly like a last-call jukebox lament. Highly recommended.

COLT GRAVES / “We Both Lie”
Writers: Colt Graves/Jeff Calvert/Deacon Crisman/Mitchel Douglas/Jake Parshall/David Tarter; Producer: Jake Parshall; Label: MCA Nashville
– The relationship is kaput, but they’re trapped together emotionally in the bed “We Both Lie” in. The sound is hip-hop influenced country-pop with a minimum melody. Kentuckian Graves is the grandson of Bluegrass Music Hall of Famer Josh Graves.

Discover Sooner Taps Emma Kiefer As Next Publisher Writer Experience Mentor

Emma Kiefer

Discover Sooner has announced the next round of its Publisher Writer Experience featuring Emma Kiefer, Director of A&R at Group Projects, a music publishing and artist management joint venture between Warner Chappell and Red Light Management.

The Publisher Writer Experience is a three-month interactive mentoring program that gives rising artists and songwriters exclusive one-on-one access to top music professionals. Designed to fast-track industry relationships and unlock meaningful career opportunities, the program has helped past participants go on to write at major publishers.

Kiefer holds an honors dual degree from Boston College and Berklee College of Music. Prior to joining Group Projects in 2024, she was A&R Manager at Boom Music Group, where she worked with writers such as Jacob Hackworth, Micah Carpenter, Rodney Clawson, Chris Tompkins  and Jimmy Robbins. Her work helped land major cuts with Morgan Wallen, Luke Bryan, Megan Moroney, Bailey Zimmerman and Tucker Wetmore.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Emma as our next mentor for the Publisher Writer Experience,” says Nancy Deckant, Founder and CEO of Discover Sooner. “She brings not only deep industry knowledge but genuine passion. Her work with writers has shaped her just as much as she’s helped shape theirs.”

Applications are open now for the program, and early bird deadline is July 6, with the final deadline July 13. More information is available here.

3G Productions Expands With Nashville Location

West Coast-based live event production services and systems integration provider 3G Productions LLC has acquired Main Light’s 70,000-square-foot location in Nashville.

“The Nashville market has been a key focus as we execute our strategy of growing into a national full-service production company,” says 3G Productions CEO Keith Conrad. “With the acquisition of Main Light’s Tennessee branch, we get a world-class production warehouse, an experienced team of experts in the local market and a wealth of best-in-class lighting equipment. This move enables us to better support our budding client base in the region while adding new clients looking for high-quality, one-stop-shop production services.”

3G Productions has taken over Main Light’s Antioch neighborhood building, its full inventory and all seven employees. Main Light still maintains ownership and operations of its three locations in Wilmington, Delaware, Teterboro, New Jersey, and headquarters in Las Vegas, all of which will continue to operate with a sole focus on dry-hire lighting rentals. 3G will continue to support Nashville’s local dry-hire clients, with the added benefit of also being able to furnish them with video, audio and rigging gear.

Post Malone Opens Bar On Lower Broadway

Photo: Sam Calderon

Post Malone’s Bar, Posty’s, is officially open on lower Broadway in partnership with TC Restaurant Group. The 26,000-square-foot venue boasts six bars and three stages and will offer a variety of experiences across its three floors.

Posty’s main floor features three bars, a VIP lounge, live music stage and a gift shop. An entrance to Posty’s on 3rd Avenue focuses on quick stop counter dining, while its lower-level artist lounge offers karaoke and privacy. The rooftop patio offers views of Nashville’s skyline.

The full-service dining room will offer guests a variety of dishes from sandwiches, salads, BBQ ribs and more. The Roadside entrance off 3rd Avenue, will feature a late-night dine-in counter for quick handhelds like a Hot Chicken Sandwich, grilled cheese and late night snacks.

Most recently, Malone released his debut country album, F-1 Trillion, which landed at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart. This spring, he headlined Coachella before hitting the road on his “Big Ass Stadium Tour”, following his record-breaking “F-1 Trillion Tour” last fall.

For more information on the bar, click here. 

SOURCE Hosts Panel On AI, Music & Creator Rights

Pictured (L-R): Lili McGrady, President of Humanable; Bart Herbison, Executive Director of the Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI); Ashley Hertzog Embry, SOURCE Nashville Program Chair; Aileen Crowley, Co-President of Sureel and Ken Gay, Co-Founder of Monarrch.

SOURCE Nashville brought together music industry leaders, members of the tech world and legal experts for a “Real Talk on Artificial Intelligence: The Music Industry’s Response to AI” panel at the CMA offices on June 26.

The sold-out event addressed one of the most pressing issues facing the creative community today: the rise of generative AI and how it impacts ownership, attribution and compensation for music creators.

The panel was moderated by Bart Herbison, Executive Director of the Nashville Songwriters Association International, and featured innovators at the forefront of AI rights management including Lili McGrady, President of Humanable, a new certification company offering a trademark seal for music created without the use of generative AI; Aileen Crowley, Co-President of Sureel, an AI attribution platform helping creators control how their intellectual property is used and monetized by AI systems; and Ken Gay, Co-Founder of Monarrch, a generative rights management company pioneering real-time AI royalties for style and likeness usage.

Herbison opened with insight into Tennessee’s ELVIS Act, the landmark legislation passed in 2024 that now protects voice, likeness and image against unauthorized AI use. He also discussed federal efforts like the proposed NO FAKES Act, aimed at ensuring nationwide protections for artists. With AI-generated songs now produced at a rate of over 800,000 per day, the panel was a timely and necessary conversation that not only educated attendees but equipped them with tools to act.

“This is not about ‘picking a side’ that you think is wholly right or wrong,” said SOURCE Nashville Program Chair Ashley Hertzog Embry. “It’s about acknowledging the nuance of this very complicated matter, and having choices about how to respond.”

Additional, SOURCE has announced that tickets are on sale now here for the upcoming 22nd SOURCE Nashville Hall of Fame Awards hosted by Brenda Lee and Jeannie Seely with Mandy Barnett at the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum on Aug. 26.

Johnny Dailey Performs At GM Spring Hill’s Manufacturing Celebration

Johnny Dailey

Endurance Music Group artist Johnny Dailey performed at GM Spring Hill Manufacturing in a celebration recognizing the plant’s advancements in electric vehicle production and honoring its 4,000 dedicated employees and contractors.

Dailey paid tribute to the hardworking audience with his new song, “Factory Man,” an anthem to the blue-collar men and women who represent his roots as a craftsman and former steelworker. The track will be featured on Dailey’s upcoming album, Name On My Shirt, produced by Frank Liddell and Eric Masse.

“​It was an honor to share ​songs from my new record with the GM factory​ employees in Spring Hill,” says Dailey. “I grew up in the trades, so it​ really hits home ​to play in front of the people who keep this country running and ​to offer something back​ to them through ​my music. I’m excited to continue sharing these songs with the hardworking men and women all across our country.”

The celebration marked the launch of two new electric Cadillacs to the made-in-Tennessee lineup: the Cadillac VISTIQ, affectionately known as the “baby Escalade,” and the Cadillac LYRIQ-V, touted as the fastest Cadillac ever. GM Spring Hill is the only auto plant in the U.S. building gas and electric vehicles side-by-side on the same assembly line. The site has gained national exposure for its manufacturing flexibility and agility due to its ability to flex to market demand.

Industry Ink: Sam Hunt, Erin Enderlin, MŌRIAH, More

Sam Hunt Plays Boots In The Park Festival

Steve Thacher, Sam Hunt.

Ahead of his performance at Boots In The Park Norco on June 28th, Sam Hunt met up with Steve Thacher, CEO of Activated Events.

 

Erin Enderlin Debuts New SongwritingWith:Soldiers Song At The Opry

Pictured (L-R): veteran co-writers, Brent Fogleman and Tanja Struyck-Fogleman, Erin Enderlin, Jay Clementi (Music Director, Songwriting With:Soldiers. Photo: Grand Ole Opry, photos by Chris Hollo

Erin Enderlin debuted a powerful new song live at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville on June 28 with her veteran co-writers in attendance. Co-written by veteran couple Tanja Struyck-Fogleman and Brent Fogleman at a SongwritingWith:Soldiers and Boulder Crest Foundation couples retreat, “When You Look At Me” offers an honest look at the invisible struggles that go on inside people, in this instance a couple who are both combat veterans.

“When You Look At Me,” performed by Enderlin featuring Randy Houser, will be available on YouTube on July 4 as part of SongwritingWith:Soldiers’ new music programming.

“Writing ‘When You Look at Me’ through SongwritingWith:Soldiers wasn’t just about music—it was about being seen and heard in a way we hadn’t been before,” share veterans Tanja Struyck-Fogleman and Brent Fogleman. “Behind the smiles we wear is a struggle most can’t see, but Erin helped us give it a voice. She didn’t just write with us—she truly listened. That song became part of our healing. It didn’t take away the pain, but it helped us carry it with more strength, more pride, and a little less silence. We hope it reminds others that it’s okay not to be okay—and that even in the hardest moments, there’s a better way to struggle.”

 

Mōriah Performs National Anthem, Prior to Jake Paul v. Julio César Chávez Jr Fight

Pictured: Ana Bárbara and MŌRIAH.

Mōriah performed the national anthem before Jake Paul v. Julio César Chávez Jr fight on June 28. She stood beside Ana Bárbara who sang Mexico’s National Anthem.

In a show of love and unity, Mōriah invited Bárbara to stand with as she sang the last line in the U.S National Anthem: “home of the brave.”

 

Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce Names Nine New Board Members


Nine business leaders from diverse industry sectors have joined the Board of Directors of the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce for Fiscal Year 2025. C. Wright Pinson, MD, President, Vanderbilt Health Affiliated Network, will serve another term as Chairman of the Board of Directors.

New board members are Seth Bernstein, President and CEO of AllianceBernstein, Victor Berrios, President of Jani-King of Nashville & Memphis, Dr. Agenia Clark, President of Fisk University, Max Goldberg, Co-Founder of Strategic Hospitality, Paul Lawson, Vice President and General Manager for Turner Construction Company, Cary Mack, Managing Partner at Southwest Value Partners, Fahad Tahir, President & CEO of Ascension St. Thomas, Bob Valentine, CEO of Concord Music Group, and Carol Yochem, President of First Horizon Bank, Central Region. The newly elected Board Officers include Chancellor Daniel Diermeier, Vanderbilt University, as Vice Chair and Lee Blank, Regions Bank, as Secretary.

Retiring board members include Missy Acosta, Senior Vice President of Brand Experience, Delta Dental, Tim Adams, Regional Operating Officer and Senior Vice President, Ascension Saint Thomas, Lucinda “Cindy” Baier, former President and CEO, Brookdale Senior Living, Jeff Drummonds, CPA, CEO (retired), LBMC, PC, Terry Hardesty, Managing Partner (retired), Deloitte, Kolin Holladay, Shareholder, Polsinelli PC, Ken Levitan, Founder and Co-President, Vector Management, Barry Vandevier, Chief Operating Officer, Datacor.

“As Chairman, I’m honored to work alongside such a dynamic and forward-thinking group of leaders,” says Pinson. “This board will help position our region for long-term success by investing in innovation, advancing critical infrastructure, and supporting the kind of smart, sustainable growth that benefits both business and community.”

 

StarVista Live Presents $233,000 to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

Pictured (L-R): Scott Hinshelwood, St. Jude Director of Partner Support, Music and Audio Team; Benjamin Clark, St. Jude VP Finance; Craig Campbell, Campbell Entertainment; Mike Jason, President of StarVista LIVE.

StarVista Live’s recent sold-out 70s Rock & Romance Cruise raised a record $233,000 through live auctions for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital on the March voyage. Executives traveled to Memphis last week to present a check to the hospital.

Two acoustic guitars autographed by the artists performing on the seven-day cruise and two custom electric guitars autographed by members of the Night Ranger band were included in the auction. Additionally, the company shared messaging about St. Jude with music fans onboard via announcements from stage, a channel dedicated to St. Jude on in-cabin televisions and more.

Kinfolk Nashville Writers Camp Celebrates Black Music Month With Inaugural Songwriter Camp

Kinfolk Nashville Writers Camp.

Kinfolk, an Employee Resource Group of Warner Music Group, hosted its inaugural Kinfolk Nashville Writers Camp, a three-day songwriting and industry intensive designed to amplify Black voices.

Held June 24–26 primarily at Warner Chappell on Music Row, the camp brought together more than 50 artists, songwriters and producers across genres.

The guest lineup featured leading creatives and mentors, including Willie Jones, Ron Gilmore Jr., Shannon Sanders, Yung Lan, Derek Minor and Mimi McCarley.

Educational sessions included “Shifting Sounds,” a panel on Nashville’s evolving music scene, moderated by Joe Major (101.1 The Beat), with Benji Amaefule, Thalia Ewing and Shannon Sanders; “Master Class with Ron Gilmore Jr.,” the acclaimed producer and musician known for work with J. Cole and Lauryn Hill; “Music Publishing 101,” led by Oronde Jenkins (WMG), covering copyright law, publishing deals and royalties; and “Sync Licensing 101,” moderated by Chandel Shanklin (WMG), with panelists Derek Minor, John “JMo” Moses, John Mero, Ben Short and Mimi McCarley, diving into music for film, TV and games.

The camp invited hand-selected students from local HBCUs Tennessee State University and Fisk University to participate alongside industry professionals.

Summer Joy Roberts, Kyleigh Jehlicka. Photo: Samad Dimbie Jr

Shifting Sounds Industry Panel 1 (Benji Amaefule, Shannon Sanders, Thalia Ewing, Joe Major)

Sam Hayes. Photo: Samad Dimbie Jr.

Pictured (L-R): Oronde Jenkins, Jalen Miller, Johnny Reynolds, Chandel Shanklin, Jada Wilson, Benji Amaefule. Photo: Samad Dimbie Jr.

Hendrix Frankenreiter Signs with Group Projects, Red Light, Arrival Artists

Hendrix Frankenreiter.

Hendrix Frankenreiter has signed with Group Projects, in partnership with Red Light Management, for management and with Arrival Artists for booking representation.

The 22-year-old artist and surfer from Kauai, Hawaii, is set to release his debut EP this fall ahead of his 11-track solo-written and self-produced album that he is currently working on in Kauai. His debut single, “Wise Beyond Words,” is available now, offering an introspective glimpse into his musical journey. Frankenreiter is gearing up for a 2025 tour across Australia and Brazil, followed by extensive dates throughout Europe and the United States in early 2026.

“We always look for that undeniable spark of inspiration and excitement when discovering a new artist, and with Hendrix, we felt it immediately,” said Group Projects/Red Light Management’s Artist Manager Cooper Anstett. “His lyrics carry a deep wisdom, and his natural creative instinct shines through, resulting in music that feels both refreshing and original. We couldn’t be more excited and honored to partner with Hendrix to build a lifelong career.”

Arrival Artists Agent Maxx Lesnick shared, “From the first listen, it was obvious Hendrix has something unique. His authenticity comes through in every note, and his music is a true reflection of the culture and lifestyle he lives. We’re excited to be part of his journey to build something truly special.”

YouTube video

 

Josh Turner Joins Star-Studded Lineup For ‘A Capitol Fourth’

Josh Turner. Photo: David McClister

Josh Turner will join the star-studded lineup to celebrate the America’s 249th birthday on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol this July 4th as part of PBS‘ A Capitol Fourth celebration.

The multi-Platinum artist will light up the festivities with his classic hit “Firecracker,” from his 2007 album Everything Is Fine, and pay tribute to America’s service men and women with his powerful new song, “Unsung Hero.”

“I’m so honored to be performing at A Capitol Fourth in Washington, D.C. this year, especially my song ‘Unsung Hero’ as it’s really personal for me,” Turner says. “In December 2014, all of the Turner family had a get-together at my uncle’s house. I asked him if he would show me my granddaddy’s medals and papers. When I got to see them, it had a profound effect on me.

“I was made aware that he was an American hero and no one really knew about what he had been through,” he continues. “It was clear to me that he was the epitome of an unsung hero. I wrote the song on Aug 27, 2015, as a tribute to him. The fact that it ended up on a record 10 years later is mind blowing to me. I feel like there are so many others just like him that we don’t know about or have taken for granted. God bless all of our troops and veterans who have made the sacrifices necessary for us to enjoy the freedoms that we have.”

This July 4th, A Capitol Fourth celebrates 45 spectacular years as America’s national Independence Day tradition, broadcasting live from D.C. Beloved actor and television host Alfonso Ribeiro returns to host as the nation celebrates America’s 249th birthday, and the evening will feature all-star musical and patriotic performances from pop, country, R&B, classical and gospel artists including The Beach Boys, The Temptations, Lauren Daigle, Trombone Shorty, LOCASH, Yolanda Adams, Abi Carter and the National Symphony Orchestra.

The 45th anniversary A Capitol Fourth will also feature a celebration of the 250th anniversary of the Army, Navy and Marine Corps and the 2.8 million men and women of our all-volunteer armed forces defending our nation, culminating in a rousing Armed Forces Medley with the service branch color teams.

A Capitol Fourth airs live July 4 from 8-9:30 p.m. E.T. on PBS, as well as to our troops serving around the world on American Forces Network. The program will also be streaming on YouTube and pbs.org and available as Video on Demand for a limited time only, July 4-18.