ASCAP Takes Over 6th & Peabody For CMA Fest Showcase

Jennifer Hart. Photo: Erik Philbrook/ASCAP
ASCAP took over 6th & Peabody on Friday (June 6) to showcase its rising artists during CMA Fest and underscore ASCAP’s ongoing efforts to champion music creators at every stage of their careers. The lineup featured Remy Garrison, Jordan Fletcher, Beck & Call, Jennifer Hart, Maddie Lenhart, Mara Connor, Josh David and Blackwater Draw.
WME Wraps CMA Fest Events

Dasha with WME Agents at the Chevy Riverfront Stage. Photo: Jon Plarr
WME wrapped its CMA Fest events with over 240 performances from 119 WME clients throughout the week.
WME kicked off the week with its annual Losers Live concert series at Losers Bar & Grill in Midtown. Spanning three nights, the event featured a dynamic mix of artists, including Rodney Atkins, Lee Brice, Easton Corbin, Priscilla Block, Craig Morgan, Matt Stell, Payton Smith, Meghan Patrick and more. On June 4, WME Partners Becky Gardenhire, Aaron Tannenbaum, Jay Williams and Joey Lee were recognized at Billboard’s 2025 Country Power Players event. WME client Ashley McBryde served as co-host of the CMA Fest primetime TV special, taped at Nissan Stadium throughout the week. Across downtown, Lanie Gardner, Ashley Cooke, Mark Wills and so many more lit up official CMA Fest Stages.
Wasserman Music Hosts First Annual CMA Fest Party

Wasserman Music Staff. Photo: Kurt Heinecke
Wassmerman Music hosted its first annual CMA Fest party this year. The organization saw 20 of its artists showcased throughout the weekend, including Wynonna Judd’s Girls Night Out at Ascend Amphitheater featuring Noah Cyrus, The War and Treaty, and Madeline Edwards, Blake Shelton headlining Saturday at Nissan Stadium, plus additional showcases by Max McNown, Sam Barber, Margo Price, Abbey Cone, Cameron Whitcomb, Waylon Wyatt and more.
Joe Nichols Celebrates Platinum Certifications At Fan Club Party

Pictured (Left Photo): Joe Nichols Day-to-Day Manager Mike Nash; Joe’s daughter Ashelyn Nichols-Stewart; Joe Nichols; RIAA SVP of Media Relations, Gold + Platinum Program Erin Burr; Brown Sellers Brown’s Director of Artist Relations Kendra Whitehead / Pictured (Right Photo): Joe Nichols, Brown Sellers Brown Founder Benny Brown
Joes Nichols recently celebrated his four RIAA-Platinum Certifications for his singles “Sunny and 75,” “Yeah,” “Brokenheartsville” and “Gimmie That Girl.” Additionally, he received a double-Platinum certification for “Tequila Makes Her Clothes Fall Off.”
Nichols gave away an official Platinum plaque to one member of the audience and one to his long-time label head, Benny Brown.
“I’m grateful to the RIAA for this honor, and to everyone I’ve worked with over the years but, sales and streams are really about my fans and how they’ve reacted to the music,” says Nichols. “That support honestly means the world to me and is what inspires me every day. So, being presented with these plaques at my fan party made it extra special, and I love that we organized an extra plaque for me to give away to one of the fans in a lucky draw. Tonight, I’m feeling pretty darn lucky myself, too.”
Clay Walker’s ‘She Won’t Be Lonely Long’ Receives Double-Platinum Certification

Clay Walker’s 2009 single, “She Won’t Be Lonely Long,” has been certified double-Platinum by the RIAA, with over two million sales and streaming equivalents.
Walker recently released “Cowboys In Heaven” and has more new music to be announced soon. The Texas native recently appeared on the Drifting Cowboy Podcast, discussing his career and influences like George Jones and Merle Haggard as well as his upcoming role as Randy Travis in his feature biopic.
CMHOFM Hosts CMT Next Women Of Country Showcase

Pictured (L-R): Lanie Gardner, Kat Luna, Alexandra Kay, Dasha and Mōriah. Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum hosted a showcase on Friday (June 6) featuring Dasha, Lanie Gardner, Alexandra Kay, Kat Luna and Mōriah. The showcase featured artists involved in CMT’s Next Women of Country franchise, which launched in 2013 and highlights up-and-coming country artists.
Dasha recently released her single “Not at This Party” in early 2025. Last year, Gardner released her self-written debut album, A Songwriter’s Diary, and is featured on Thomas Rhett’s recent single, “What Could Go Right.” Kay released her debut album, All I’ve Ever Known, in 2023, and plans to release a follow-up record in 2025. Luna released her first solo EP, That Girl, earlier this year. Mexican-American musician and actress Mōriah wrote and produced her 2022 EP, Curtain Call, and in 2024 released English and Spanish versions of her single, “Hasta Mañana.”
Turnpike Troubadours Appears On CBS Mornings
Turnpike Troubadours appeared this past weekend on CBS Mornings’ “Saturday Sessions” in support of their widely acclaimed new album, The Price of Admission. The band delivered a powerful three-song performance, featuring album standouts “Heaven Passing Through,” “Nothing You Can Do” and “On The Red River.” In conversation with Anthony Mason, lead singer Evan Felker also spoke about the band’s origins, their creative process and the passion that continues to drive them.
Watch the full interview here.
SOLID Hosts Annual Music Row Madness Fundraiser

SOLID’s Community Outreach Chairs Layne Faltinsky and Leigh Ferro. Photo: Morgan Jergens
The Society of Leaders in Development (SOLID) held its competitive fundraising event, Music Row Madness, at Eastside Bowl on May 17 benefitting its 2025 SOLID Shares partners. This year, teams from FBMM, CAA, Maverick, Curb, Reliant, UTA and Found Sound Media bowled to support nonprofits Thistle Farms, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Special Olympics, Hope On The Row and Equal Access, raising nearly $9,000.
“It’s truly a privilege to raise significant contributions each year for such deserving causes, all while cultivating community and having a blast doing it,” says SOLID President, Zach Green. “Our accomplished, driven board of directors continues to up the ante on our programming, and I applaud all of the participants and our hard working volunteers who made this fundraiser a success.”
After an evening of bowling and fundraising, Flood, Bumstead, McCready & McCarthy (FBMM) took the top spot on the podium.
Women Of Country Hosts Inaugural CMA Fest Networking Breakfast

Pictured (L-R): Equal Access (EA)’s Tiffany Provenzano, EA artist Valerie Ponzio, The Women Of Country Founder Nicole Marchesi, EA’s Chantrel Reynolds, EA artist Julie Williams. Photo: John Joseph.
The Women of Country hosted its inaugural CMA Fest Women’s Networking Breakfast on June 7. The event was created as an opportunity for their large community of female artists and industry members to connect and refresh during their busy CMA Fest weekend. Presented by Studio Bank and Memoir Residential, the event had approximately 150 attendees.
Partnering with ASCAP, Equal Access and Lucky Money Entertainment, the event included performances from Jillian Dawn, Camille Parker, Jenna Paulette, Valerie Ponzio, Jenna Feeney and Julie Williams.
The Women of Country looks to make the event an annual tradition.
Caroline Owens Inks With Main Attraction Management

Caroline Owens.
Caroline Owens has signed an exclusive booking contract with Main Attraction Management.
The Billy Blue Records and Billy Blue Publishing artist is set to release her debut project later this year.
“We are honored to represent such a shining talent,” shares Laura Mainer of Main Attraction Management. “Caroline’s authenticity and presence light up every room she walks into. She brings a rare emotional honesty to her performances that stays with you long after the last note. We can’t wait to help bring her music to audiences across the country during the 2026 touring season.”
Bandit Lites Adds Three To Team

Pictured (L-R): Zach Bell, Lane Gill, Shane Mullet
Bandit Lites has added three people to its teams including Zack Bell as Production Fabrication Coordinator, Lane Gill as Production Fabrication Technician and Shane Mullet as Lighting Technician. Bell and Gill join the Nashville team, while Mullet will join the headquarters in Knoxville.
“Shane brings several years of experience and an industry-specific education to the table,” says Client Representative/Production Manager Giff Swart. “In addition to being a lighting tech through his college education, he has toured and worked events as a freelance technician. He has a positive attitude and friendly demeanor. These are all very important traits for the types of events we produce.”
“Zach and Lane are the definition of work ethic,” adds Jake Tickle, Bandit Lites VP of Business and Innovation. “I consistently challenge them to invent better ways to store, transport and repair and they always rise to the challenge. These gentlemen are a remarkable team and bring energy to everything they touch.”
BREAKING: Grammy Awards Add Best Traditional Country Album, Reveals 2026 Key Dates & Changes
/by Madison HahnenLainey Wilson poses with her Grammy. Photo: Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for The Recording Academy
The 68th annual Grammy Awards will take place Feb. 1, 2026 at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, streaming live on CBS and on demand on Paramount+. Nominations for the 2026 ceremony will be revealed on Nov. 7, 2025, with final round voting taking place Dec. 12- Jan. 5.
The Grammy Awards have also added Best Traditional Country Album to its 2026 awards ballot, the only new music category being added for the 68th annual awards (Best Album Cover, which is awarded to Art Directors, was also added). The existing Best Country Album category will now be named Best Contemporary Country Album.
Best Traditional Country Album will join Field 5, which currently has 13 categories. Four of those categories recognize country, while the others celebrate American roots, Americana, bluegrass, blues, folk and regional roots music. The goal for the newly added Best Traditional Country Album is to recognize artists such as Charley Crockett, Sierra Ferrell, Colter Wall and Noeline Hoffman, who fall outside the realm of mainstream country. Each of these artists have been previously nominated in Americana and American roots categories.
For a new category to be considered for the awards, proposals are sent to the Recording Academy’s Awards & Nominations committee, and then voted on by the Board of Trustees.
“Country music has evolved in a major way over the past decade, with traditional country experiencing a massive resurgence, growing in popularity and volume,” says Recording Academy CEO, Harvey Mason Jr. “Traditional country has a timeless, distinct sound that’s inspired generations of musicians throughout the years. It’s an important part of the country music story and deserves to be celebrated and recognized with intention. This action by our members now opens the door for us to celebrate more artists and a wider range of music. By adding this new category and renaming the Country Album Category, we’re creating more space for all the diverse artists who are shaping the future of country music.”
Part of the description for the new category was provided to Billboard below:
“This category recognizes excellence in albums of traditional country music, both vocal and instrumental. Traditional country includes country recordings that adhere to the more traditional sound structures of the country genre, including rhythm and singing style, lyrical content, as well as traditional country instrumentation such as acoustic guitar, steel guitar, fiddle, banjo, mandolin, piano, electric guitar, and live drums. It also includes sub-genres such as Western, Western Swing, and Outlaw country.”
In addition to Best Traditional Country Album, the Recording Academy has also made several changes to its process, in effect for the 68th Annual Awards. The full Grammy Rule Book can be found here.
“The Academy’s top priority is to represent the music people that we serve each year,” says Mason Jr. “That entails listening carefully to our members to make sure our rules and guidelines reflect today’s music and allow us to accurately recognize as many deserving creators as possible. As we kick off another exciting Grammy Season, we look forward to celebrating the amazing power of music and its ability to bring so many people together.”
Grammy Award Field & Category Updates:
General Field
Eligibility for Best New Artist has been expanded to include artists who have been previously nominated in Album Of The Year, but whose contributions fell below the current 20 percent playing time threshold. This update allows acts who were credited as featured artists on projects that were Grammy nominated for Album Of The Year in a previous awards cycle to be eligible for Best New Artist consideration.
Country Field
The existing Best Country Album Category has been renamed Best Contemporary Country Album, and a new Category, Best Traditional Country Album, has been added.
Classical Field
In Classical Categories, composers and lyricists/librettists are now eligible for Grammy recognition alongside all other key creative personnel including artists, producers and engineers on winning albums.
Packaging Field
The existing Best Recording Package and Best Boxed or Special Limited Edition Package Categories have been combined into one single Category: Best Recording Package. A new Category, Best Album Cover, has also been added.
The physical product eligibility requirement for Best Recording Package, Best Album Notes and Best Historical Album has also been expanded to be more representative of today’s marketplace. This change ensures that physical album packages sold directly to fans through an artist’s or label’s website are eligible for Grammy consideration.
Additionally, the Craft Committee serving in this field is transitioning from a regional to a national model.
Key dates for the 68th Annual Grammy Awards season:
Aug. 31, 2024 – Aug. 30, 2025
Product Eligibility Period
July 7, 2025 – Aug. 22, 2025
Media Company Registration Period
July 16, 2025 – Aug. 29, 2025
Online Entry Period
Oct. 3, 2025 – Oct. 15, 2025
First Round Voting
Nov. 7, 2025
Nominees Announced for the 68th Annual Grammy Awards
Dec. 12, 2025 – Jan. 5, 2026
Final Round Voting
Feb. 1, 2026
68th Annual Grammy Awards, broadcasting live on the CBS Television Network and streaming live and on demand on Paramount+.
Nashville Podcast Network Adds ‘The TouchUp With Tarryn Feldman & Mari Brown’
/by Lauryn SinkThe Nashville Podcast Network has added The TouchUp with Tarryn Feldman & Mari Brown to its lineup.
The beauty-meets-humor podcast, featuring celebrity makeup and hair artists Feldman and Brown, who are best known for their work with top names in country music, TV, and pop culture, launches today (June 11) with new episodes dropping every Wednesday everywhere podcasts are heard.
The launch episode features Caroline Bryan, wife of Luke Bryan, Brittney Kelley, owner of Tribe Kelley and wife of country artist Brian Kelley, and Danielle Bradbery.
“I’ve always wanted this network to spotlight voices that represent the creative and personal heartbeat of Nashville,” says Bobby Bones, founder of the Nashville Podcast Network. “Tarryn and Mari have great chemistry, industry experience, and a real way of connecting with people—not just in the beauty chair, but now through the mic. This show’s a perfect fit for what we’re building.”
“This podcast coming to life on Bobby’s network feels like the perfect next chapter,” says Feldman. “Mari and I have spent years getting people ready for the spotlight. Now, we’re flipping the script and sharing the behind-the-scenes—the glam, the giggles, the grind, the good stuff.”
The Nashville Podcast Network is also home to The BobbyCast, Feeling Things With Amy & Kat, In The Vet’s Office with Dr. Josie Horchak, Sore Losers, Get Real with Caroline Hobby and Movie Mike’s Movie Podcast with Mike Deestro.
BMI Foundation Presents the Dolly Parton Songwriters Award to Audrey Ketter
/by Lauryn SinkBMI Foundation Trustee and BMI Vice President, Creative, Clay Bradley and 2025 Dolly Parton Songwriters Award Recipient Audrey Ketter. photo: Erika Goldring for BMI
The BMI Foundation presented Flagstaff-based singer-songwriter Audrey Ketter with this year’s Dolly Parton Songwriters Award at the CMA Fest Ryman & BMI Block Party in Nashville on June 5th.
Established in 2015, the Dolly Parton Songwriters Award is an annual, national competition open to aspiring songwriters with a monetary prize of $10,000 for the best original song entry in the genres of Americana, blues, bluegrass, contemporary Christian, country, folk and roots. Ketter’s winning song “Golden Road” was selected from over 400 submissions by a panel of music industry experts.
“I’m so honored to be receiving the 2025 Dolly Parton Songwriters Award for my song ‘Golden Road,’” said Ketter. “I wrote ‘Golden Road’ about relationships that last throughout time, which I was able to watch in my grandparents’ and my parents’ lives, and I really hope that it resonates with you too. I want to say a huge thank you to BMI, the BMI Foundation and of course, Dolly Parton, for this huge opportunity.”
Surprising Ketter with her salutations, Parton said, “Congratulations to Audrey on being celebrated for her songwriting. Her song ‘Golden Road’ is a beautiful song that will touch many people, like it has me. Songwriting has always been my first love, and I have been with BMI since I published my first song as a very young girl. They have always been so supportive of me as well as all the young writers that come to town. I want to thank BMI for their support of the songwriters’ award named in my honor. We all wish you the very best Audrey and we look forward to hearing your songs throughout the years.”
Ketter wrote her first song at age five, and at eighteen is now releasing her debut album Close to Home. After graduating from high school, Ketter plans to pursue a degree in Commercial Music at Grand Canyon University.
Industry Ink: ASCAP, WME, Wasserman Music, Joe Nichols, Clay Walker, CMHOFM, More
/by Lauryn SinkASCAP Takes Over 6th & Peabody For CMA Fest Showcase
Jennifer Hart. Photo: Erik Philbrook/ASCAP
ASCAP took over 6th & Peabody on Friday (June 6) to showcase its rising artists during CMA Fest and underscore ASCAP’s ongoing efforts to champion music creators at every stage of their careers. The lineup featured Remy Garrison, Jordan Fletcher, Beck & Call, Jennifer Hart, Maddie Lenhart, Mara Connor, Josh David and Blackwater Draw.
WME Wraps CMA Fest Events
Dasha with WME Agents at the Chevy Riverfront Stage. Photo: Jon Plarr
WME wrapped its CMA Fest events with over 240 performances from 119 WME clients throughout the week.
WME kicked off the week with its annual Losers Live concert series at Losers Bar & Grill in Midtown. Spanning three nights, the event featured a dynamic mix of artists, including Rodney Atkins, Lee Brice, Easton Corbin, Priscilla Block, Craig Morgan, Matt Stell, Payton Smith, Meghan Patrick and more. On June 4, WME Partners Becky Gardenhire, Aaron Tannenbaum, Jay Williams and Joey Lee were recognized at Billboard’s 2025 Country Power Players event. WME client Ashley McBryde served as co-host of the CMA Fest primetime TV special, taped at Nissan Stadium throughout the week. Across downtown, Lanie Gardner, Ashley Cooke, Mark Wills and so many more lit up official CMA Fest Stages.
Wasserman Music Hosts First Annual CMA Fest Party
Wasserman Music Staff. Photo: Kurt Heinecke
Wassmerman Music hosted its first annual CMA Fest party this year. The organization saw 20 of its artists showcased throughout the weekend, including Wynonna Judd’s Girls Night Out at Ascend Amphitheater featuring Noah Cyrus, The War and Treaty, and Madeline Edwards, Blake Shelton headlining Saturday at Nissan Stadium, plus additional showcases by Max McNown, Sam Barber, Margo Price, Abbey Cone, Cameron Whitcomb, Waylon Wyatt and more.
Joe Nichols Celebrates Platinum Certifications At Fan Club Party
Pictured (Left Photo): Joe Nichols Day-to-Day Manager Mike Nash; Joe’s daughter Ashelyn Nichols-Stewart; Joe Nichols; RIAA SVP of Media Relations, Gold + Platinum Program Erin Burr; Brown Sellers Brown’s Director of Artist Relations Kendra Whitehead / Pictured (Right Photo): Joe Nichols, Brown Sellers Brown Founder Benny Brown
Joes Nichols recently celebrated his four RIAA-Platinum Certifications for his singles “Sunny and 75,” “Yeah,” “Brokenheartsville” and “Gimmie That Girl.” Additionally, he received a double-Platinum certification for “Tequila Makes Her Clothes Fall Off.”
Nichols gave away an official Platinum plaque to one member of the audience and one to his long-time label head, Benny Brown.
“I’m grateful to the RIAA for this honor, and to everyone I’ve worked with over the years but, sales and streams are really about my fans and how they’ve reacted to the music,” says Nichols. “That support honestly means the world to me and is what inspires me every day. So, being presented with these plaques at my fan party made it extra special, and I love that we organized an extra plaque for me to give away to one of the fans in a lucky draw. Tonight, I’m feeling pretty darn lucky myself, too.”
Clay Walker’s ‘She Won’t Be Lonely Long’ Receives Double-Platinum Certification
Clay Walker’s 2009 single, “She Won’t Be Lonely Long,” has been certified double-Platinum by the RIAA, with over two million sales and streaming equivalents.
Walker recently released “Cowboys In Heaven” and has more new music to be announced soon. The Texas native recently appeared on the Drifting Cowboy Podcast, discussing his career and influences like George Jones and Merle Haggard as well as his upcoming role as Randy Travis in his feature biopic.
CMHOFM Hosts CMT Next Women Of Country Showcase
Pictured (L-R): Lanie Gardner, Kat Luna, Alexandra Kay, Dasha and Mōriah. Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum hosted a showcase on Friday (June 6) featuring Dasha, Lanie Gardner, Alexandra Kay, Kat Luna and Mōriah. The showcase featured artists involved in CMT’s Next Women of Country franchise, which launched in 2013 and highlights up-and-coming country artists.
Dasha recently released her single “Not at This Party” in early 2025. Last year, Gardner released her self-written debut album, A Songwriter’s Diary, and is featured on Thomas Rhett’s recent single, “What Could Go Right.” Kay released her debut album, All I’ve Ever Known, in 2023, and plans to release a follow-up record in 2025. Luna released her first solo EP, That Girl, earlier this year. Mexican-American musician and actress Mōriah wrote and produced her 2022 EP, Curtain Call, and in 2024 released English and Spanish versions of her single, “Hasta Mañana.”
Turnpike Troubadours Appears On CBS Mornings
Turnpike Troubadours appeared this past weekend on CBS Mornings’ “Saturday Sessions” in support of their widely acclaimed new album, The Price of Admission. The band delivered a powerful three-song performance, featuring album standouts “Heaven Passing Through,” “Nothing You Can Do” and “On The Red River.” In conversation with Anthony Mason, lead singer Evan Felker also spoke about the band’s origins, their creative process and the passion that continues to drive them.
Watch the full interview here.
SOLID Hosts Annual Music Row Madness Fundraiser
SOLID’s Community Outreach Chairs Layne Faltinsky and Leigh Ferro. Photo: Morgan Jergens
The Society of Leaders in Development (SOLID) held its competitive fundraising event, Music Row Madness, at Eastside Bowl on May 17 benefitting its 2025 SOLID Shares partners. This year, teams from FBMM, CAA, Maverick, Curb, Reliant, UTA and Found Sound Media bowled to support nonprofits Thistle Farms, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Special Olympics, Hope On The Row and Equal Access, raising nearly $9,000.
“It’s truly a privilege to raise significant contributions each year for such deserving causes, all while cultivating community and having a blast doing it,” says SOLID President, Zach Green. “Our accomplished, driven board of directors continues to up the ante on our programming, and I applaud all of the participants and our hard working volunteers who made this fundraiser a success.”
After an evening of bowling and fundraising, Flood, Bumstead, McCready & McCarthy (FBMM) took the top spot on the podium.
Women Of Country Hosts Inaugural CMA Fest Networking Breakfast
Pictured (L-R): Equal Access (EA)’s Tiffany Provenzano, EA artist Valerie Ponzio, The Women Of Country Founder Nicole Marchesi, EA’s Chantrel Reynolds, EA artist Julie Williams. Photo: John Joseph.
The Women of Country hosted its inaugural CMA Fest Women’s Networking Breakfast on June 7. The event was created as an opportunity for their large community of female artists and industry members to connect and refresh during their busy CMA Fest weekend. Presented by Studio Bank and Memoir Residential, the event had approximately 150 attendees.
Partnering with ASCAP, Equal Access and Lucky Money Entertainment, the event included performances from Jillian Dawn, Camille Parker, Jenna Paulette, Valerie Ponzio, Jenna Feeney and Julie Williams.
The Women of Country looks to make the event an annual tradition.
Caroline Owens Inks With Main Attraction Management
Caroline Owens.
Caroline Owens has signed an exclusive booking contract with Main Attraction Management.
The Billy Blue Records and Billy Blue Publishing artist is set to release her debut project later this year.
“We are honored to represent such a shining talent,” shares Laura Mainer of Main Attraction Management. “Caroline’s authenticity and presence light up every room she walks into. She brings a rare emotional honesty to her performances that stays with you long after the last note. We can’t wait to help bring her music to audiences across the country during the 2026 touring season.”
Bandit Lites Adds Three To Team
Pictured (L-R): Zach Bell, Lane Gill, Shane Mullet
Bandit Lites has added three people to its teams including Zack Bell as Production Fabrication Coordinator, Lane Gill as Production Fabrication Technician and Shane Mullet as Lighting Technician. Bell and Gill join the Nashville team, while Mullet will join the headquarters in Knoxville.
“Shane brings several years of experience and an industry-specific education to the table,” says Client Representative/Production Manager Giff Swart. “In addition to being a lighting tech through his college education, he has toured and worked events as a freelance technician. He has a positive attitude and friendly demeanor. These are all very important traits for the types of events we produce.”
“Zach and Lane are the definition of work ethic,” adds Jake Tickle, Bandit Lites VP of Business and Innovation. “I consistently challenge them to invent better ways to store, transport and repair and they always rise to the challenge. These gentlemen are a remarkable team and bring energy to everything they touch.”
Marcus Hummon Signs With Salinger Songs
/by Lorie HollabaughMarcus Hummon
Grammy-winning songwriter and composer Marcus Hummon has signed with Salinger Songs, the activist music publishing fund.
With a diverse body of work that includes No. 1 country hits, musical theater productions, and operatic scores, Hummon brings a rare, multidimensional talent to the Salinger family. The partnership also extends to Salinger Songs’ sister company, Salinger Theatrical, where Hummon’s work as a composer continues to expand. Hummon’s wide-ranging discography features songs recorded by Rascal Flatts, The Chicks, Tim McGraw, Sara Evans, Wynonna Judd and many others in the country and Christian genres. Additionally, he has written several operas, six musicals, and scored several films.
“We are beyond proud to welcome Marcus Hummon to the roster of Salinger Songs! I’ve long been a fan of his masterful songwriting, and, through Salinger Theatrical, we’re excited to support his extraordinary work in theater and opera. Marcus is truly someone who can do it all.” says Chris Keup, CEO of Salinger Songs.
“I’m very excited to be writing for Chris and Salinger Songs,” adds Hummon. “I’ve long admired Chris’s own work in pop, rock, and theater, and love the eclectic approach to songwriting that he and the company embrace. Debby and I go back more than 20 years—she placed my very first hit song. She’s always had some of the best ears in the business.”
Blake Shelton To Headline The Smoke Show BBQ & Country Music Roundup
/by Lorie HollabaughBlake Shelton. Photo: Robby Klein
The full artist lineup for The Smoke Show at Balloon Fiesta Park in Albuquerque on Aug. 9 has been announced.
Blake Shelton is set to headline the country festival, which will also feature performances by Dylan Scott, Tanya Tucker, Neon Union, Abby Anderson and Frank Ray.
“The energy we felt at Boots In The Park proved how strong the country music community is in Albuquerque,” says Steve Thacher, CEO of Activated Events. “We’re excited to bring that same passion back with The Smoke Show and a lineup that reflects the heart and soul of the genre.”
Fans can expect a full-sensory experience at The Smoke Show BBQ & Country Music Roundup, which brings together the best local BBQ vendors, premium whiskies, a Texas-sized selection of craft beers, and classic country fun with line dancing, competitive cornhole tournaments, and interactive art installations. Tickets are available at abqsmokeshow.com.
Sony Music Publishing Nashville Launches New Podcast
/by LB CantrellSony Music Publishing Nashville has launched Thank A Songwriter, a new podcast that celebrates the artistry and impact of songwriters shaping country music and beyond.
Hosted by Sony Music Publishing Nashville CEO Rusty Gaston, the debut episode of the podcast features part one of an in-depth conversation with multi-award-winning songwriter Ashley Gorley. It will release tomorrow (June 12), the day of Gorley’s induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.
In this episode, Gorley reflects on his expansive journey as a songwriter, as well as the significance of his induction. Future episodes will showcase a wide range of acclaimed SMP songwriters across genres, where they will share their stories, influences and the personal truths that fuel their creativity.
“We’re thrilled to launch Thank A Songwriter and honored to welcome the legendary Ashley Gorley as our first featured guest ahead of his well-deserved induction into the Songwriters Hall Of Fame,” Gaston says. “We couldn’t be more excited to commemorate Ashley’s prestigious honor, and we are so lucky to be a part of his journey.”
Of the induction, Gorley shares, “It’s writers and people like that voting for this. It’s a different kind of thing than some of the other awards, so this one definitely, so far in my career, means the most to me. That I would even be in the same breath as the people getting up there means the most to me.”
Listeners will be able to tune into the first episode here.
Elizabeth Nichols’ Debut ‘Tough Love’ Set To Drop June 20
/by Lorie HollabaughRising newcomer Elizabeth Nichols is gearing up for the release of her debut EP, Tough Love, due out June 20 via PULSE Records.
The seven-song project will include her viral hit “I Got a New One,” which shot to No. 1 on the iTunes Country chart and No. 2 on the iTunes All Genre chart after receiving the “Kellyoke treatment” on The Kelly Clarkson Show, with the cover and Nichols’ response capturing the internet’s attention. In the following four days, the single gained 462% in streaming, debuted at No. 25 on Billboard‘s Emerging Artist Chart, and is in the Top 45 of Spotify’s Viral Charts in the US, Australian, Norway, Canada, Ireland and New Zealand.
Tough Love also includes her recently released ballad “Somebody Cooked Here” and the buzzed-about “Mama,” which has garnered more than a million on-demand streams in the U.S. alone and is also on the Spotify Viral 50 U.S. chart. Her videos featuring “Mama” have accrued over 7.5 million views and 630,000 likes across social media platforms.
“This collection of songs represents a lot of different facets of myself and seasons of life. It contains the first country song I’ve ever written (“Ain’t County”) as well as some of my more recent—it’s been cool putting it all together and seeing where I started and where I am now in my writing,” shares Nichols. “One thing that is a constant throughout is that I don’t want to shy away from the hard truths—sure, some of the lyrics might ruffle a few feathers, but it’s all born out of love albeit sometimes more often than not, tough love.”
Nichols recently wrapped as support on Wyatt Flores’ tour, and will be on the road this summer with Little Big Town and Russell Dickerson.
Tough Love Track List:
1. “I Got A New One” – Elizabeth Nichols, Jackson Foote
2. “Bible Belt” – Elizabeth Nichols
3. “Tough Love” – Elizabeth Nichols, Sarah Solovay
4. “Ain’t Country” – Elizabeth Nichols
5. “Somebody Cooked Here” – Elizabeth Nichols, Mags Duval
6. ”Mama” – Elizabeth Nichols, Steve Rusch
7. “Ain’t Country – Acoustic” – Elizabeth Nichols
Margo Price Slates New Album For August Release
/by Lauryn SinkMargo Price will release her newest record, Hard Headed Woman, on Aug. 29 via Loma Vista Recordings. The album’s lead single, “Don’t Let The Bastards Get You Down,” was released alongside the announcement.
The single was inspired by the message that Kris Kristofferson whispered to Sinéad O’Connor when she was booed on stage at a Bob Dylan anniversary concert. Co-written with Jeremy Ivey, Kris Kristofferson and Rodney Crowell, “Don’t Let The Bastards Get You Down” serves as a reminder to always keep fighting for justice and your beliefs.
Reunited with producer Matt Ross-Spang, recorded in the historic RCA Studio A, and featuring duets with Tyler Childers and Jesse Welles, Hard Headed Woman marks the first album that Price has made in Nashville, a town she has called home for more than 20 years.
“I always hope to do like Johnny Cash did, which is speak up for the common man and woman,” says Price. “But there have been so many threats and anger and vitriol over the years, when I am only coming from a place of love. So I made the decision to rebuild everything from the ground up. I hope this album inspires people to be fearless and take chances and just be unabashedly themselves, in a culture that tries as hard as it can to beat us into all being the same.”
Price will take the record on the road this summer and fall. Tour information is available here.
Hard Headed Woman Track List:
1. “Prelude {Hard Headed Woman}”
2. “Don’t Let The Bastards Get You Down”
3. “Red Eye Flight”
4. “Don’t Wake Me Up (feat. Jesse Welles)”
5. “Close To You”
6. “Nowhere Is Where”
7. “Losing Streak”
8. “I Just Don’t Give a Damn”
9. “Keep A Picture”
10. “Love Me Like You Used To Do (feat. Tyler Childers)”
11. “Wild At Heart”
12. “Kissing You Goodbye”
Hailey Whitters Announces Fall ‘Corn Queen Tour’
/by Lorie HollabaughHailey Whitters. Photo: Harper Smith
Hailey Whitters will launch her new headlining “Corn Queen Tour” in September in support of her new Corn Queen album.
The tour will kick off Sept. 4 with a performance at The Nashville Palace, followed by shows in Des Moines (in her home state of Iowa), Minneapolis, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, Chicago and more through Oct. 11.
To add some fun to the dates, Whitters will host a Corn Court contest at each stop where she’ll crown a Corn Queen & King at every date on the upcoming tour. Each winner will receive a backstage meet-and-greet with Whitters before the show for each winner and one guest, signed merch, a one-of-a-kind “Corn Queen” or “Corn King” sash and of course, a corn crown.
Last week Whitters released a video directed by Beth Brinker for the ethereal “White Limousine,” that tells the story of a small town girl with fantasies of the glitz and glamour of a faraway life. Corn Queen also features collaborations including “I Don’t Want You” with Charles Wesley Godwin, “DanceMor” featuring The Wilder Blue and “Prodigal Daughter” featuring Molly Tuttle.
“Corn Queen Tour” Dates:
9/4 – Nashville – The Nashville Palace
9/18 – Omaha – Slowdown
9/19 – Minneapolis – Fine Line
9/20 – West Des Moines – Val Air Ballroom
9/25 – Kansas City – Knuckleheads Saloon
9/26 – St. Louis – Old Rock House
9/27 – Lexington– The Burl
10/2 – Philadelphia – The Fillmore Philadelphia – The Foundry
10/3 – Washington, DC – 9:30 Club
10/9 – Warrendale – Jergel’s Rhythm Grille
10/10 – Indianapolis – HI-FI Indy
10/11 – Chicago – Joe’s on Weed Street