Trent Dabbs
Trent Dabbs was tuned into Nashville’s local music scene way before the stylish ABC drama Nashville started using his songs.
His long list of credits include founding member of Tenn Out of Tenn, a collective of Nashville singer-songwriters that launched in 2005 and spawned a documentary and a 10-year anniversary show at the Ryman. He’s in a duo with Amy Stroup called Sugar & the Hi-Lows and they’ve opened a number of tour dates for Kacey Musgraves. On the business side, he and his wife, Kristen Dabbs, run a label called Ready Set Records.
As for Nashville, his songs on the show include “Undermine” (written with Musgraves), “Don’t Throw Dirt on My Grave Just Yet,” “Shine” and others. He also co-wrote six songs, including the title track, for Ingrid Michaelson’s 2014 album, Girls Chase Boys.
Now he’s returning with his 10th solo pop project in 12 years, The Optimist. (He’s partnered with Postmates to have it delivered directly to Nashville fans on release date.) During a lunch break at Edgehill Café, Dabbs chatted about the new music, co-writing in Nashville, and why he’s reluctant to compare his career to anyone else’s.
MusicRow: I was listening to The Optimist this week and I was thinking that you have a real eye for detail. Some writers are always looking into themselves for material, but you seem to be very observant, and drawing on that for inspiration. Is that a fair assessment?
Trent Dabbs: Yes, that’s definitely a fair assessment. Most of it is little narratives on Nashville and friends around me. I had almost two albums worth of music. But when Amy and I got back from the UK tour with Kacey, I started realizing that a lot of my songs aren’t literal—and [those kind of songs] really connect with people. And what’s my fear with doing literal songs, you know?
So I had one album that was literal and one that wasn’t. I couldn’t make my mind up, so I started from scratch and called Daniel Tashian. We wrote for a week and a half, and then recorded it the next week. The worst thing an artist can have is time on their hands, because they second-guess everything. So I thought it would be cool to give fans a Polaroid that seemed like a moment in time.
You’re known for connecting people, but with so many people moving here, are you having a harder time with that?
I feel like I’m just getting introduced a little faster, you know? I’ll still reach out to someone who I feel like has a fresh sound that I might not be familiar with, but want to work with or write with. And then they’ll introduce me to someone else. For that Nashville Indie Spotlight compilation on iTunes, we held the release party at our office because I was like, “Well, I don’t know more half of these people and I need to meet them.’ I guess the best way to do it is through a party. So I’m looking at all these people who are insanely talented, and a much younger age.
And you can’t pretend that they aren’t here.
No, I’d rather work with them. I was working on a song the other day with a girl who’s amazing, and I said, “This one has kind of a Sundays/Cranberries feel” and she was like, “Who?” (laughs)
But did she make references that you didn’t get?
Totally. I told her to send me a playlist of a couple of songs that she was into, and I was like, “Well, these are great. I’m a fan of this now.”
Let’s talk about co-writing. What do you get out of that experience? It’s a big question.
Yeah, it’s like a novel. I guess when I can see the connection happening with someone I respect, that’s my favorite thing in the world. It’s what I wake up for. I can recall certain times where it happens, but it’s that point in a co-write when I hear their voice match some melody that I have. And I feel like millions of people can hear it—and even if they don’t, I feel like they could. That’s what does it. … There’s really nothing better than writing with an artist who has something they’re excited about, with something started. Or I’ll have something started. But I’m not a big fan of waiting for it to show up.
I wanted to talk about about Nashville, because you’ve had several songs on that show.
And the show must go on! When the first season started and “Undermine” was on there, that was both amazing and hilarious because Hayden and Charles [a.k.a. “Juliette” and “Deacon”] were writing in the bed of a truck, and then went skinny-dipping, and I’m like, “I’ve never had that in a co-write.” (laughs)
What sort of traits does it really take to have a successful career in the real Nashville?
You have to be driven and be kind. A lot of the people that have been here since we moved here are still doing what they’re doing for those reasons. They didn’t burn bridges, even when they could have. People root for those people as well. And also that “comparison is the thief of joy” thing. Don’t get caught comparing because you’ll just drown. Just do what you love and do it with your heart.
I think of that all the time. For a lot of people, most everyone, that would hinder their writing processes, or their releases. If you start comparing yourself to other people, it’s going to be a lose-lose. I’ve always surrounded myself with people who inspire me, which I’ve been fortunate enough to do.
Artist Updates: Eric Paslay, Maren Morris, Chris Janson, Tegan Marie
/by Jessica NicholsonEric Paslay’s Latest Single Inspires “Angel Visits”
Eric Palsay visits Ronald McDonald House in Raleigh, North Carolina on July 10.
EMI Records Nashville artist Eric Paslay is bringing to life the inspirational sentiments of his new radio single, “Angels In This Town.” The entertainer has been making visits with those in need during each tour stop. Thus far, the visits include: the Norfolk, Nebraska fire department; Boys and Girls Club of Austin, Texas, and Toronto; a Habitat for Humanity build in Virginia Beach, Virginia; and the Ronald McDonald House at WakeMed in Raleigh, North Carolina. Upcoming unannounced visits are planned throughout the rest of 2016.
“As we tour around the country, I’m so thrilled to be doing what we’ve decided to call ‘Angel Visits,'” says Paslay. “We’re stopping by different organizations where the employees and volunteers are truly creating miracles and impacting other people’s lives in the best way. The least I can do is go and thank them personally. Good vibes are contagious, and I hope by visiting places like local fire departments, Habitat for Humanity builds, children’s hospitals and so many others, we inspire positivity in each community and beyond. It’s a real honor for me to be around folks who are doing such good in the world.”
Get the story behind the song “Angels In This Town” below:
Maren Morris Teams With Wayfair.com and Nashville Designer Lori Paranjape
Maren Morris may be a fan of soul-stirring music and classic cars, but she also has an affinity for interior style. The “80s Mercedes” singer has collaborated with online home furnishings and decor site Wayfair and Nashville interior designer Lori Paranjape. The team redesigned Morris’ East Nashville backyard and corresponding curated decor shop, which is available through Aug. 22.
The team created three outdoor living areas, including cabana lounge, fire pit area, and a patio dining spot. The vibe is accented with metallics and an iron chandelier.
“The Wayfair team is thrilled to work with Maren Morris at such an exciting time in her career as a country musician,” said Jane Carpenter, head of public relations for Wayfair. “As one of the world’s largest online destinations for the home, Wayfair is committed to helping people achieve a look and feel that captures their individual style and needs. To transform Maren’s backyard into a functional outdoor living space, we collaborated with the very talented Lori Paranjape who was able to create a relaxing setting where Maren can kick back when she’s not out on the road.”
Watershed Festival Adds Chris Janson, Aaron Tippin
Photo: Chris Janson/Instagram
The fifth annual Watershed Festival has added to its star power, as Chris Janson and Aaron Tippin have been added to the talent lineup for Weekend Two, slated for Aug. 5-7.
Superstars Jason Aldean, Eric Church and Keith Urban are slated to headline the music and camping festival both weekends (July 29-31 and Aug. 5-7). The event’s Next From Nashville stage will include Bailey Bryan, Jordan Davis, Russell Dickerson, Seth Ennis, Ryan Hurd, LANco, Jon Langston, Aaron Lewis, Steven Lee Olsen, Royal Bliss, Runaway June, Aubrie Sellers, Lucie Silvas, Rae Soloman, Tara Thompson, Aaron Watson and Brett Young. For the full lineup and official artist schedule, visit watershedfest.com.
Rising Artist Tegan Marie To Perform At U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team Game
Tegan Marie
After her rendition of Florida Georgia Line’s “H.O.L.Y.” went viral, and accumulated more than 14 million views in three weeks, 12-year-old singer Tegan Marie has been added to perform the national anthem on Friday night (July 22) as U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team plays its final game before leaving for the 2016 Olympics in Brazil. The game, played against Costa Rica, will take place in Kansas City, Kansas, and will broadcast live on ESPN.
Blackberry Smoke Plan New Album For Oct. 14
/by Craig_ShelburneBlackberry Smoke
Blackberry Smoke will release a new album, Like an Arrow, on Oct. 14 on 3 Legged Records via Thirty Tigers.
Their prior project, 2015’s Holding All the Roses, was released on Rounder Records and debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s country albums chart.
“This album is the self-produced culmination of 15 years of trying to plant our flag in the musical landscape. We couldn’t be more proud of it, ” said lead vocalist and guitarist Charlie Starr.
The five-piece band also consists of Richard Turner (bass, vocals), Brit Turner (drums), Paul Jackson (guitar, vocals), and Brandon Still (keyboards).
The band is managed by Vector Management and booked through CAA’s Nashville office.
JJ Lawhorn Signs Administrative Deal With ole
/by Craig_ShelburnePicured (L-R): Shellien Kinsey, Creative Admin. Manager, ole; Brooke Antonakos, VP of Creative, Red Creative Group; Songwriter/Producer Jeremy Stover; JJ Lawhorn; John Ozier VP of Creative, ole; Mike Whelan, Sr. Creative Director, ole; Ben Strain, Creative Director, ole; Emily Mueller-Olson, Creative Manager, ole
JJ Lawhorn and New Kid on the Block Entertainment LLC have entered an agreement with ole. The independent rights management company will provide exclusive administrative rights for Lawhorn’s music.
Lawhorn is a country singer-songwriter discovered on YouTube by Jeremy Stover, an ole songwriter and producer. In 2016, Lawhorn released his EP Rural Route, which was produced by ole’s Jeremy Stover and Andrew Petroff.
New Kid on the Block Entertainment LLC is a music publishing and management venture created by Stover and artist manager Pete Hartung.
“JJ Lawhorn is an inspiring American success story,” said John Ozier, Vice President, Creative of ole. “His talents have led to a quick rise, and all of us at ole believe his career has plenty of room to grow. We’re glad to be a part of this exciting next stage, working in tandem with ole’s own Jeremy Stover and New Kid on the Block Entertainment.”
“ole’s presence in Nashville keeps growing and growing,” says Lawhorn. “I feel like together with their talented people and New Kid on the Block Entertainment, we’re a perfect match.”
Industry Ink: BMI Celebrations & Signings
/by Jessica NicholsonBMI, UMPG Celebrate Andrew Dorff’s Chart-Topping Catalog
Pictured (L-R): Front Row: BMI’s Phil Graham and Jody Williams, Andrew Dorff, UMPG’s Kent Earls. Back Row: BMI’s Bradley Collins, business manager Anna Marsh, UMPG’s Cindi Forman, Missy Roberts, BMI Songwriter Steve Dorff, BMI’s Leslie Roberts, UMPG’s Travis Gordon and Ron Stuve. Photo: Steve Lowry
Nashville industry executives from BMI and Universal Music Publishing Group Nashville gathered Thursday night (July 21) at the private dining room of Park Café to celebrate BMI songwriter Andrew Dorff’s number one hit with Kenny Chesney’s “Save It For A Rainy Day.” Dorff was also awarded with four Million-Air Awards, honoring one million radio spins each of “Somebody’s Heartbreak,” “Neon Light,” “My Eyes” and “Save It For A Rainy Day.”
Dorff is an accomplished songwriter, with cuts by Blake Shelton, Old Dominion and Martina McBride.
BMI Welcomes Kalie Shorr As New Affiliate Member
Pictured (L-R): Cassetty Entertainment’s Helena Capps and Todd Cassetty, BMI’s Leslie Roberts, BMI songwriter Kalie Shorr, writerslist’s Christy DiNapoli and Nicole Wyatt
Singer-songwriter and Sirius XM “Highway Find” Kalie Shorr visited BMI’s Nashville office recently to officially affiliate with the company as a BMI writer. Shorr is on board with writerslist for publishing, CAA for booking, Flood Bumstead McCready & McCarthy for business management and Cassetty Entertainment for management.
BMI Celebrates Carter Winter’s Sophomore Project
Pictured: (L-R): BMI songwriter Tommy Cecil, manager Zach Beebe, BMI’s Bradley Collins, BMI singer-songwriter Carter Winter, producer Mark Bright, producer Chad Carlson, and APA’s Jim Butler.
BMI’s writer-publisher lobby turned into the site of celebration for the release of BMI songwriter Carter Winter’s sophomore album The Whiskey In Me. Produced by producers Chad Carlson and Mark Bright, the album features Spotify New Boots playlist entry “Lipstick on My Bottle.”
Carter treated the crowd of industry executives, family and friends to two songs off the album and a litany of stories about the making of the record. Producers and collaborators also spoke, all in high support of Carter and his work.
Weekly Chart Report (7/22/16)
/by Troy_StephensonClick here or above to access MusicRow‘s weekly CountryBreakout Report.
Brantley Gilbert Brings “The Weekend” To Country Radio
/by Jessica NicholsonBrantley Gilbert
Brantley Gilbert‘s new single, “The Weekend,” premiered Friday (July 22) on more than 140 iHeartCountry stations and on iHeartRadio’s digital and streaming services. The song’s official radio impact date is Aug. 8.
The Valory Music Co. artist co-wrote “The Weekend” with first-time collaborator Andrew DeRoberts. The song is the first track from Brantley’s upcoming album.
“When we hit the road this winter on the Blackout Tour, we were rolling through the Midwest, South Dakota, Oklahoma, Minnesota, and you see how hard people work—and how much they need to let it go when they get to Friday! All those people coming out to the shows and rocking hard; they meant business. I wanted to write a song that matched that intensity to kick back even harder than you work. That’s where ‘The Weekend’ comes from: all those people who came out and threw it down with us,” Gilbert said.
Warner/Chappell Extends Deal With Bobby Campbell
/by Craig_ShelburnePictured: Front row (L-R): Will Overton, Bobby Campbell, Ben Vaughn. Back row: BJ Hill, Alison Junker, Matt Michiels, Alicia Pruitt, Ryan Beuschel, Travis Carter. *Old Fashioned mixed by B.J. Hill
Warner/Chappell Nashville has extended its worldwide publishing agreement with producer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Bobby Campbell.
Campbell’s work as a producer has been featured in national television commercials for Coca-Cola, Glade, and Belvita, and he has written songs for 98 Degrees and James Durbin.
A regular in the Nashville pop country circuit since relocating there in 2010, Campbell works out of his Safari Studio in East Nashville.
Exclusive: Trent Dabbs Sees The Bright Side In ‘The Optimist’
/by Craig_ShelburneTrent Dabbs
Trent Dabbs was tuned into Nashville’s local music scene way before the stylish ABC drama Nashville started using his songs.
His long list of credits include founding member of Tenn Out of Tenn, a collective of Nashville singer-songwriters that launched in 2005 and spawned a documentary and a 10-year anniversary show at the Ryman. He’s in a duo with Amy Stroup called Sugar & the Hi-Lows and they’ve opened a number of tour dates for Kacey Musgraves. On the business side, he and his wife, Kristen Dabbs, run a label called Ready Set Records.
As for Nashville, his songs on the show include “Undermine” (written with Musgraves), “Don’t Throw Dirt on My Grave Just Yet,” “Shine” and others. He also co-wrote six songs, including the title track, for Ingrid Michaelson’s 2014 album, Girls Chase Boys.
Now he’s returning with his 10th solo pop project in 12 years, The Optimist. (He’s partnered with Postmates to have it delivered directly to Nashville fans on release date.) During a lunch break at Edgehill Café, Dabbs chatted about the new music, co-writing in Nashville, and why he’s reluctant to compare his career to anyone else’s.
Trent Dabbs: Yes, that’s definitely a fair assessment. Most of it is little narratives on Nashville and friends around me. I had almost two albums worth of music. But when Amy and I got back from the UK tour with Kacey, I started realizing that a lot of my songs aren’t literal—and [those kind of songs] really connect with people. And what’s my fear with doing literal songs, you know?
So I had one album that was literal and one that wasn’t. I couldn’t make my mind up, so I started from scratch and called Daniel Tashian. We wrote for a week and a half, and then recorded it the next week. The worst thing an artist can have is time on their hands, because they second-guess everything. So I thought it would be cool to give fans a Polaroid that seemed like a moment in time.
You’re known for connecting people, but with so many people moving here, are you having a harder time with that?
I feel like I’m just getting introduced a little faster, you know? I’ll still reach out to someone who I feel like has a fresh sound that I might not be familiar with, but want to work with or write with. And then they’ll introduce me to someone else. For that Nashville Indie Spotlight compilation on iTunes, we held the release party at our office because I was like, “Well, I don’t know more half of these people and I need to meet them.’ I guess the best way to do it is through a party. So I’m looking at all these people who are insanely talented, and a much younger age.
And you can’t pretend that they aren’t here.
No, I’d rather work with them. I was working on a song the other day with a girl who’s amazing, and I said, “This one has kind of a Sundays/Cranberries feel” and she was like, “Who?” (laughs)
But did she make references that you didn’t get?
Totally. I told her to send me a playlist of a couple of songs that she was into, and I was like, “Well, these are great. I’m a fan of this now.”
Let’s talk about co-writing. What do you get out of that experience? It’s a big question.
Yeah, it’s like a novel. I guess when I can see the connection happening with someone I respect, that’s my favorite thing in the world. It’s what I wake up for. I can recall certain times where it happens, but it’s that point in a co-write when I hear their voice match some melody that I have. And I feel like millions of people can hear it—and even if they don’t, I feel like they could. That’s what does it. … There’s really nothing better than writing with an artist who has something they’re excited about, with something started. Or I’ll have something started. But I’m not a big fan of waiting for it to show up.
I wanted to talk about about Nashville, because you’ve had several songs on that show.
And the show must go on! When the first season started and “Undermine” was on there, that was both amazing and hilarious because Hayden and Charles [a.k.a. “Juliette” and “Deacon”] were writing in the bed of a truck, and then went skinny-dipping, and I’m like, “I’ve never had that in a co-write.” (laughs)
What sort of traits does it really take to have a successful career in the real Nashville?
You have to be driven and be kind. A lot of the people that have been here since we moved here are still doing what they’re doing for those reasons. They didn’t burn bridges, even when they could have. People root for those people as well. And also that “comparison is the thief of joy” thing. Don’t get caught comparing because you’ll just drown. Just do what you love and do it with your heart.
I think of that all the time. For a lot of people, most everyone, that would hinder their writing processes, or their releases. If you start comparing yourself to other people, it’s going to be a lose-lose. I’ve always surrounded myself with people who inspire me, which I’ve been fortunate enough to do.
Dierks Bentley, “Somewhere On A Beach” Writers Share The Stage
/by Craig_ShelburnePictured (L-R): Michael Tyler, Alexander Palmer, Dierks Bentley, Josh Mirenda, Dave Kuncio, Jaron Boyer. Photo: Ed Rode
With Dierks Bentley and all five songwriters in attendance at the No. 1 party for “Somewhere on a Beach,” the venue South got a little crowded on Wednesday afternoon (July 20).
However, that didn’t stop the stage from hosting a rotating cast of characters — all familiar faces on the Row.
ASCAP’s Beth Brinker spoke on behalf of songwriters Dave Kuncio and Josh Mirenda. BMI’s Bradley Collins introduced Alexander Palmer, primarily a pop songwriter who has roots in Germany but lives in Los Angeles. SESAC’s Shannan Hatch praised Jaron Boyer and Michael Tyler.
Moving onto the publishers, Michael Knox and Kim Wiggins raved about peermusic’s Boyer and Tyler. Cornman Music’s Brett James and Warner/Chappell’s Ryan Beuschel testified for Mirenda. and BMG Nashville’s Kos Weaver spoke on Palmer’s behalf.
Ron Cox of Avenue Bank, Mike Harris of UMG Nashville, Bill Mayne of Country Radio Broadcasters and Sherod Robertson of MusicRow all made remarks from the stage celebrating Bentley and the songwriters.
About 30 minutes into the party, producers Ross Copperman and Arturo Buenahora Jr. addressed the audience with good-natured comments. Copperman explained how excited he was for the songwriters to have the experience and Buenahora name-checked Shea Fowler of Cornman Music for submitting the song, and talked about how grateful he is for Bentley’s support of the Nashville songwriting community.
Boyer and Tyler have been roommates over the last few years, sharing rent and insults along the way. Boyer spoke about sharing the moment with his closest friends, while Tyler remembered two years ago when they were putting their money together just to eat at Firehouse Subs.
Palmer said he was proud to share his first country cut with these particular songwriters, while Kuncio gave a shoutout to Bentley and Copperman for knocking the performance out of the park. Kuncio is based in Los Angeles and thanked Nashville for making him feel appreciated.
Mirenda joked that the preceding No. 1 speeches were the shortest ones he’s ever heard. “I used to crash No. 1 parties,” he admitted, “and I’d be in the back going, ‘Come on….’” After the laughter, he thanked God, his wife, his parents and family and many others. He pointed out Dan Keen, a music business staple who discovered Mirenda as a fledgling songwriter at Belmont University. During his comments, he dryly stated that songwriting was a far better option than going to medical school, which was his backup plan.
At long last, Bentley stepped to the front of the stage for a few comments.
He listed friends and colleagues like Buenahora for actively finding the right songs to record. “I’m not just looking for hits. I’m trying to find songs that are hits for me,” Bentley said. “So, there’s a lot of songs that I’m a fan of, but I pass on them because they’re not right for me, but I really loved that song.” He said he knew the song was a good fit when his manager Mary Hilliard Harrington, his publicists at The GreenRoom PR and his wife Cassidy Black all liked it.
Bentley acknowledged UMG Nashville Chairman/CEO Mike Dungan and the support from Capitol Records Nashville. “They let me put out any song I want to as a single. I have such a great relationship with them and I have from the very beginning. That’s probably why my career has taken 15 years on the slow road because I have put out some songs that probably weren’t the right choices for singles at times. But, you know, it’s a real community, and a real process of talking things back and forth, and they’re willing to let me try it.”
Bentley thanked the label’s radio promotion staff, ASCAP, Copperman (who is also a frequent co-writer), the guys in his band, and particularly the songwriters.
“Since I’ve started working with Arturo and Ross again, I’ve had less songs as a songwriter than I did before,” Bentley said with a laugh. “Going backwards! No, it’s only because we’re looking for the best songs that exist and I don’t care who’s name is on it. But what I will say is that what’s so unique about this song is these five guys. It’s tapping into the new generation of songwriters and the up-and-comers and the great stories and a lot of first singles in country. Just to be part of this and hear the stories, it’s so inspiring for me.”
Hillary Scott & The Scott Family Preview ‘Love Remains’ Album With Harmony, Healing
/by Jessica NicholsonPhoto: Ashley Mae Wright /Courtesy of The GreenRoom PR
Lady Antebellum’s Hillary Scott turns pain and loss into healing on the upcoming gospel project Love Remains, a collaboration with her musically talented family, which releases July 29 on EMI Nashville.
On Wednesday evening (July 20) at Nashville event space The Bell Tower, the family’s close-knit performance effortlessly made a tightly-packed gathering of approximately 200 industry executives, artists, songwriters, and publishers feel relaxed and intimate. The family shared harmonies and stories for approximately half the tracks included on the intensely personal project.
Hillary Scott & The Scott Family includes her mother, singer-entertainer Linda Davis, who released five solo albums of her own, and is perhaps best known for her enduring 1993 duet “Does He Love You,” with Reba. Hillary’s 16-year-old sister Rylee, and her father, songwriter and businessman Lang Scott, are also in the ensemble.
A true family affair, also onstage that evening were Hillary Scott’s husband Chris Tyrell (who played on Love Remains), and their nearly 3-year-old daughter Eisele.
Pictured (L-R): Rylee, Hillary, Linda and Lang Scott. Photo: Ashley Mae Wright/ Courtesy of The GreenRoom PR
Love Remains began in 2011, after Hillary’s grandfather W.M. Scott Jr., passed after a battle with leukemia. While the family recordings were originally intended to be a collection of hymns sent to thank family and friends for their support, the family’s musical synergies escalated the recordings into an album, guided by legendary musician, singer and songwriter Ricky Skaggs.
Calling him the “pastor of this project,” Scott welcomed Skaggs to the stage that evening to offer mandolin and vocals on “The Faithful Love of Jesus,” which Scott said featured Steven Curtis Chapman’s vocals on the album.
Calling the song one of her personal favorites, Hillary said the lyrics were “pure and true,” and recalled how the melodies and words conjured a certain inspiration. “I thought, ‘What would Bonnie Raitt do to a worship song?’” Hillary said.
Hillary recalled how she sent out to a small number of publishers a letter that discussed her grandfather’s character and legacy. Writers took her words and crafted them into the track “Safe Haven.” “It was important to have a song about him on this record,” Scott told the crowd.
Hillary’s younger sister Rylee displayed stunning confidence as she took the lead on the track, “Your Unfailing Love,” sharing the stage with Skaggs while he assisted on mandolin and harmonies. The track was penned by songwriters Glenn Warren and Worley Max.
Several in the industry crowd could be seen wiping tears after the family gathered for a rendition of the album’s title track “Love Remains,” penned by Tom Douglas and Jim Daddario. The song chronicles the natural changes family experiences over decades, and the steadfast bond that holds them together.
Ricky Skaggs and Hillary Scott. Photo: Ashley Mae Wright/ Courtesy of The GreenRoom PR
Love Remains took on even more personal meaning with the addition of “Thy Will,” the project’s lead single, inspired by the confusion, pain, and ultimate decision to trust, that Hillary experienced after her second pregnancy ended in miscarriage in fall 2015.
She offered a quiet but powerful live rendition of the song during the album preview event, and thanked co-writers Emily Weisband and Bernie Herms. “I feel like we were a pass-through of something bigger, and I’m glad we were allowed to be part of this,” said Scott.
The family rejoined for a “sister song,” a rendition of “The River,” featuring Hillary, Linda, Rylee and Cheryl White. “This will be an animal to do live, because we had so many singers stacked on the studio track,” said Hillary. She needn’t have worried; the track’s up-tempo grove and soulful harmonies filled the room, and included an appropriate snippet of “Down To The River To Pray.”
Altogether, the Scott Family showcased another chapter in the long-held tradition of close-knit family music intertwined in both country and gospel music.