Daniel Tashian Honored At BMI Pop Awards

Earlier this month, Daniel Tashian earned an award for his work as a co-writer and co-producer of the Jonas Brothers’ 2023 single “Waffle House.”

“It was an honor to be among only a few Nashville folks at the BMI Pop Awards this year, and I wouldn’t have been there were it not for Jon Bellion, Ido Zmishlany, Gregory Hein, Johnny Simpson, Pete Nappi and the Jonas Brothers,” says Tashian. “It’s lovely to be recognized by the community and I don’t take it lightly. Thank you BMI for looking after my songs.”

Over the past few years, Tashian has produced Grammy-nominated albums Kacey Musgraves‘ Deeper Well and Sarah Jarosz’s Polaroid Lovers, Brittney Spencer’s My Stupid Life, Rainbow Kitten Surprise’s Love Hate Music Box, Leon Bridges’ Leon and more.

Brad Paisley Kicks Off ‘Truck Still Works World Tour’; Makes Red Rocks Debut

Last week, Brad Paisley kicked off his “Truck Still Works World Tour” with three sold-out shows, including his debut at Red Rocks Amphitheater in Morrison, Colorado. The first leg of the tour is slated to run through August with Walker Hayes as the special guest along with Avery Anna, Mae Estes and Alexandra Kay sharing the opening slot.

Maddie & Tae Perform On ‘Today’

Yesterday (May 27), Maddie & Tae performed “Chasing Babies And Raising Dreams” on Today. The track is from their recently released album, Love & Light.

Natalie Hemby Performs At CMHOFM For ‘Poets And Prophets’

This weekend, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum hosted a program with songwriter Natalie Hemby for its in-depth interview series Poets and Prophets. The series highlights songwriters who made significant contributions to country music. The event was moderated by museum writer-editor Allison Moorer and featured a performance from Hemby. The program was filmed and will premiere at a later date as part of the museum’s Live at the Hall digital programs series, available to stream on the museum’s website.

Hemby has cataloged hundreds of songs, including Labrinth’s “Jealous”; Lady Gaga’s “I’ll Never Love Again” and “Always Remember Us This Way,” both from the 2018 film A Star Is Born; Little Big Town’s “Pontoon” and “Tornado”; Miranda Lambert’s “Automatic,” “Bluebird” and “White Liar”; Justin Moore’s “You Look Like I Need a Drink” and Kacey Musgraves’s “Rainbow.” Hemby is a member of the Highwomen, and has released two solo records.

CalledOut Music Inks With Integrity Music

British-Nigerian artist, songwriter and producer based in Birmingham, England, Samuel Nwachukwu, who goes by CalledOut Music has inked with Integrity Music. Born in Nigeria, he relocated to the UK at age 12 and launched his solo career in 2016 with the debut single “Working on Me.”

“CalledOut brings a unique and much-needed voice to today’s landscape,” shares Gilbert Nanlohy, A&R, Integrity Music. “His heart for Afrocentric pop and devotional music resonates across cultures. His clear sense of mission excites us most: to create music that draws people closer to God. He’s a gifted songwriter, producer, artist and collaborator at heart, with a vision to contribute meaningfully to the Church and artists worldwide. As a global team based in the UK and US, we believe his music and message will deeply connect with audiences in the U.S. and beyond, and we’re thrilled to partner with him in this next chapter.”

“This partnership with Integrity Music is an exciting opportunity to be part of the incredible work God is already doing through music around the world,” adds CalledOut. “I’m especially passionate about future collaborations, partnerships and the chance to serve as a bridge between Africa and the rest of the world—sharing stories, sounds and songs that inspire worship and unity across many different cultures.”

CDX Records Signs Chuck Thomas To Distribution Deal

Chuck Thomas has signed an exclusive distribution deal with CDX Records.

“As soon as we heard Chuck Thomas, we knew he was something special,” says Joe Kelly, President of CDX Records. “He’s got that rare combination of authenticity, grit, and heart that defines real country music. We’re beyond excited to welcome him to the CDX family and can’t wait to show the world what’s coming. The future looks incredibly bright for Chuck—and for CDX Records.”

“It’s official! I’ve teamed up with the incredible promotion and distribution crew to bring “Working On a Good Night” to the world,” states Thomas. “Huge thanks to Southern Latitude Music Publishing, CDX Nashville and the amazing Joe Kelly for believing in the music and making this possible. I can’t wait to see what all we can accomplish.”

Nick Autry has inked a global publishing deal with Spirit Music Nashville.

Hailing from Autryville, North Carolina, Autry spent his teenage years as a touring drummer before heading to music city to kick off his illustrious career as a producer, songwriter and engineer. His engineer work was featured on the Grammy-nominated James Cotton project Cotton Mouth Man, and he has engineered 20+ No. 1 hit country songs for Carrie Underwood, Sam Hunt and Chris Young, among others.

“Nick’s multifaceted talent mixed with his unbeatable work ethic makes him a true privilege to work with,” says Andy Hodges, Creative Director, Spirit Music Nashville. “We all can’t wait for the many successes to come for Nick.”

As a songwriter, he has had cuts with Rvshvd, Willie Jones, Brit Taylor and more. He also co-wrote on and produced the chart topping Billboard comedy album for Bobby Bones and The Raging Idiots that features Garth Brooks, Kelsea Ballerini and more.

In 2010, Autry was named General Manager of Sound Stage, where he works with Dolly Parton, Keith Urban and many more. He also mentors aspiring engineers and producers through his time at Sound Stage.

“I’m absolutely thrilled and honored to be on a roster with some of my heroes and some of my best friends,” shares Autry. “The team at Spirit has proven they’re second to none and I can’t believe how lucky I am to get to work with them.”

Aaron Goodvin is opening a powerful new chapter in his life and career with the release of the title track from his upcoming new EP, Drinkin’ Hand, set for release June 20.

The deeply personal new single “Drinkin’ Hand,” out now, chronicles Goodvin’s path to sobriety and was written with Mary Kutter and Andrew Capra about a year into his recovery. It captures the raw, day-to-day reality of learning to live without alcohol, and Capra produced the track live in the room during the writing session, capturing its immediacy and heart in real time.

“I was still very deep in the process of what that all means and finding a new way to live,” says Goodvin. “It’s been the most crazy, tough and amazing journey. Sobriety is spilling over into my artistry because that’s who I am and that’s what I’m going through and that’s what being an artist is supposed to be. I hope the lyrics ring true with people in recovery, or anyone who loves someone who is.”

Goodvin has 13 CCMA Award nominations including a win for Songwriter of the Year, a JUNO nomination, two No. 1s, six Top 10s (including the double-Platinum international hit “Lonely Drum”) and north of 100 million streams. He is also a sought-after songwriter, penning hits for Luke Bryan, Jon Pardi, Cole Swindell and more.

Drinkin’ Hand Track List:
1. “Said No Redneck Ever” (Aaron Goodvin, Brent Baxter, Trea Landon)
2. “Country Dance” (Catt Gravitt, Skip Black, Aaron Goodvin)
3. “Written All Over It” (Aaron Goodvin, Phillip Lammonds)
4. “Your Time to Stay” (Aaron Goodvin, Forrest Finn, Lauren McLamb)
5. “Drinkin’ Hand” (Aaron Goodvin, Andrew Capra, Mary Kutter)
6. “Not Too Much to Hat” (Megan Conner, Aaron Goodvin, Skip Black)

Kenny Chesney kicked off his Las Vegas residency over the weekend at The Sphere.

Chesney kicked off the show with “Beer In Mexico,” a longtime fan-favorite. From the technicolor immersion of cell phones in an aquatic tank in “Welcome to the Fish Bowl,” a song Chesney wrote 15 years ago to take on the invasiveness of social media, to the multi-dimensional midway carnival of “Til It’s Gone” and the swirl of tiles featuring images from the “Noise” video, Chesney saw an audience dancing and clapping with stadium-sized abandon. Drawing on songs never performed live, including “One Lonely Island” and “Seven Days,” the show also creates an intimacy never before seen in Chesney’s massive stadium concerts.

“It’s overwhelming a little,” Chesney said, “beyond the visuals, which build and move, the fans are so close – even in the 400 section – that you’re consumed by all of it when you look up. But it makes you feel so alive to have everyone right there, rocking, singing and almost beyond being in the moment.”

The first night, Kelsea Ballerini surprised the crowd for performances of their No. 1 hit, “Half Of My Hometown,” “You & Tequila” and an impromptu duet of “She Thinks My Tractors Sexy.”

Grace Potter also arrived for the weekend shows, to perform the Grammy-nominated “You & Tequila” with Chesney.

There were also special guests attending the show inside the sphere, including Lainey Wilson, Denver Broncos coach Sean Payton, Kansas City Chiefs coach Andy Reid and Minnesota Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell.

“Having friends stop by, having friends get up on stage,” Chesney says, “this is about creating a whole new experience for No Shoes Nation. Something that could only happen here – a venue built around this groundbreaking technology – I’m so grateful so many members of No Shoes Nation were willing to travel to the desert to experience this with us. It’s strange in the best way: the intensity, the immersion, the way songs come to life almost literally.”

Limited tickets are available for select remaining dates.