Bill Medley
After a lifetime of accolades and awards including being inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame as part of hitmakers the Righteous Brothers, you would think Bill Medley would be ready to wind it down a bit and just enjoy the fruits of a highly successful career. In fact, the opposite is true.
The Grammy winner behind evergreen hits like “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling,” “Unchained Melody” and “(I’ve Had) The Time Of My Life” is still reaching for new horizons and uncharted territories musically, as evidenced by his brand new country album, Straight From The Heart, out now. On the new project, produced by Fred Mollin, Medley lends his iconic baritone to some pure country classics alongside hitmakers like Michael McDonald, Vince Gill, Keb’ Mo’ and Shawn Colvin. The album feels like a homecoming of sorts for the singer, who found the stories in the songs mirrored his own life in many ways and made the recording a labor of love for the lifelong country fan.
“Making this album was kind of the perfect storm,” he tells MusicRow. “I’m 84 now and have always wanted to do a country album. I had some guys come and ask me to do this record, kind of as a tribute to the singers and songwriters, and I told them I’d love to do it. I’ve actually been doing country some off and on… in 1968 I left the Righteous Brothers for six years and the first album I tried to do was a country album, and the record company found out I was doing it and made me stop.
“This album, oddly enough, is the story of my life,” he continues. “I mean ‘Sunday Morning Comin’ Down’—if you’ve ever been divorced and gotten the blues, and you are out walking around and see families having lunch or breakfast—it’s very moving. So I’ve lived this album, and that’s why it was so important for me to do it. I also wanted to do it for my grandson and great grandchildren, an album that showed their grandpa’s heart and how he really feels.”
Medley is no stranger to the country world, having visited Nashville with Kenny Rogers in 1978, and later touring with Rogers, Alabama and Loretta Lynn at various times throughout his career and creating lifelong relationships within the country music community. He even earned an ACM Nomination for Top New Male Vocalist of the Year in the 1980’s, so indulging in his deep-seated love for country was easy for the legendary vocalist. What wasn’t easy, however, was selecting which songs would make the cut on Straight From The Heart.
“I think it was subconscious, the fact that I kind of picked out songs that I’ve lived,” admits Medley.”Obviously it was tough, and I was obviously afraid to do a lot of those songs… I almost had to be talked into it because those are great singers. On Kenny’s ‘Sweet Music Man’—it sounds like he wrote that song about me, about an old guy who had hit records and is out trying to find his fans. And to do ‘He Stopped Loving Her Today,’ it took a lot of nerve to do that one, you have to be pretty stupid to try and do that, and I just love the song! I mean George Jones was just one of the great singers…he’s just phenomenal. Waylon Jennings, Johnny Cash and Willie Nelson—I just want to pay tribute to all those guys, so I think the best thing you can do is songs that touch you.
“Listen, I’m not a country singer—I was raised in California and my dad was a Texan,” he explains. “So when I do these songs I just do songs that feel comfortable to my voice and my heart. I’d love for this album to do well because I’d love to go out and perform all these songs.”
Each song on the highly-personal collection represents a meaningful memory or connection to Medley’s life. He kicks off the album with a collaboration with iconic vocalist Michael McDonald on “Cryin Time,” a powerful blend of soul and harmony that’s one of several collabs on the project. Medley also recruited buddy Keb’ Mo’ for “(Since You’ve) Gone)”, a version of the 1950’s hit seeping with remorse and regret. “Keb and I wrote a song together awhile back he recorded and he’s been a real dear friend for a long time. He’s a wonderful gentleman and a great singer, songwriter and guitar player, and he’s one of the first guys I wanted to call to see if he wanted to do this,” says Medley. “I think he did a phenomenal job on the track.”
Medley also joins forces with Vince Gill on the bluesy, nostalgic “These Days,” which came together after Medley originally hoped Gill would simply add some guitar work to the track. Interestingly, Medley and Gill were both nominated for New Male Artist of the Year at the Academy of Country Music Awards back in 1985, which Gill ultimately won.
“I did the entire album to honor singers and songwriters that I admire, and I think Vince Gill is one of the greatest singers and songwriters of all time. He writes perfectly for my voice, and I was just thrilled to have him come along on this project. It’s fun to sing with these guys that you admire. It’s like an out of body experience. I’m 84—I guess I should be used to it, but I never get tired of singing with great singers.”
That passion is evident on tracks like his duet with Shawn Colvin on the haunting Hank Williams classic “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry,” a tune Medley tried to pay homage to by letting the simple aching beauty of the song shine through.
“With all the songs, I tried to stay away from how they did it and just try to do my version. With the Hank, the song is such a great song. Sometimes singers try to take a great song and make it greater, and I think that’s a huge mistake. All you can do is your best—just sing the song.”
At this stage Medley has climbed just about every musical mountain in his career, and he continues to perform with Bucky Heard as The Righteous Brothers, but he hopes to share some of the songs from Straight From The Heart with fans on the road as well, should the opportunity arise.
“I’ve actually done everything that I’ve wanted to do and some of the stuff that I didn’t think I could do or should,” Medley says, laughing, “but I don’t know what else I’d still like to accomplish, other than I would really love to be able to perform this album at some point on tour. If I do another one of these albums, I would love to work with Chris Stapleton—I think his voice and my voice would be really interesting together.
“Other than that, I have a wonderful family and friends. I’m losing a lot of my great friends, just getting to that age, so I want to keep walking forward. People say ‘when are you going to retire?’ And I say, ‘I gotta get a job first.’ This isn’t a job—this is a 15-year-old boy’s dream. So as long as I can keep going onstage and audiences are still there, I want to keep doing that.”
Dr. Valerie Cordero Named Executive Director Of W.O. Smith Music School
/by Lorie HollabaughDr. Valerie Cordero. Photo: Hannah Qi Photography
Dr. Valerie Cordero has been appointed the new Executive Director of the W.O. Smith Music School.
Dr. Cordero holds a Ph.D. in ethnomusicology from UCLA and moved to Nashville in 2012. She joins W.O. Smith after 15 years at Families for Depression Awareness, where she most recently served as Co-Executive Director. Dr. Cordero spearheaded fundraising and marketing initiatives at FFDA, while also working on a national level to promote accessible and culturally-sensitive mental health care. A well-known advocate, she has been highlighted in Reader’s Digest, Better Homes & Gardens and New York Magazine’s The Cut, and has delivered presentations at various conferences throughout the U.S.
“Valerie’s extensive experience in nonprofit management and profound understanding of the significance of music education make her an exceptional choice to lead W.O. Smith Music School,” says Greg Hill, Chair of the Board of Directors. “Her passion and expertise, coupled with our amazing staff and volunteers, will ensure that our students thrive for years to come.”
“I am honored to become a part of the school’s incredible legacy,” says Cordero. “My hope is to further magnify our impact so that we reach—and advocate for—even more underserved youth and families.”
In her new position Cordero follows Jonah Rabinowitz, who led W.O. Smith for nearly 30 years, shaping it into a thriving institution that provides life-changing music education to Nashville’s underserved youth. Under his leadership, the school broadened its impact, established a solid financial foundation and reinforced its position as a key pillar in the city’s cultural and educational scene.
As W.O. Smith Music School begins this new chapter, the Board of Directors and staff embrace Dr. Cordero’s vision to grow programming, enhance community partnerships and continue offering transformative opportunities for students.
Weekly Register: Zach Bryan Nabs No. 5 On Country Album Charts
/by John Nix ArledgeZach Bryan. Photo: Courtesy of Shore Fire Media
Morgan Wallen maintains the top spot on the country albums and streaming songs charts this week, according to Luminate data. His 2023 album One Thing At A Time accrued 39K in total consumption (1.1K album only and 49 million song streams) and his newest track “I’m The Problem,” keeps the No. 1 position on the songs chart with 14 million streams.
Also on the albums chart, Wallen’s Dangerous: The Double Album remains at the No. 2 position earning 27K in total consumption, Post Malone’s F-1 Trillion is at No. 3 with 24K in total consumption, Jelly Roll’s Beautifully Broken at No. 4 with 18K and, new in the top five this week, Zach Bryan‘s American Heartbreak with 18K.
On the songs chart, Shaboozey holds the No. 2 spot with “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” earning 12 million streams adding to one billion, Wallen’s “Love Somebody” at No. 3 with 11 million streams, Post Malone’s “I Had Some Help” remains at No. 4 with 11 million streams and Wallen rounds out the list at No. 5 with “Smile” garnering 9 million streams.
Hudson Westbrook Unveils Summer 2025 Tour Dates
/by Madison HahnenHudson Westbrook. Photo: Kelsey Runge
Hudson Westbrook will hit the road this summer for a slew of headline shows.
The shows will begin on June 13 in Chicago, making stops in Louisville, Minneapolis, Houston and more for an 11-date run. His trek will also include a stop at Nashville’s Marathon Music Works on July 23.
“With every new city we visit, I’m realizing how much I love touring,” says Westbrook. “Seeing you guys sing just the few songs we have out word for word back to me and the band is so surreal, and I feel lucky to meet you guys and get to know you at our merch table every night. Thank you for the support, we’ve got more coming this year – we’re just getting started.”
Alongside the headline dates, Westbrook will also join Parker McCollum for three dates on his “What Kinda Man Tour,” including a stop at Red Rocks Amphitheater. He will also make festival appearances at Tailgates N’ Tallboys, Rock The South, Rock The Country and more.
Currently on his “Take Your Time Tour,” Westbrook has had to upgrade several venues due to demand, playing to over 63,000 fans in the last nine months from headline shows alone. He has also garnered over 200 million global streams in just 10 months.
Tickets for all headline shows for summer 2025 are on sale now.
Hudson Westbrook 2025 Summer Tour Dates:
June 7 – Little Elm, TX – Craft Brew & Que Festival
June 12 – Bloomington, IL – Tailgates N’ Tallboys
June 13 – Chicago, IL – Joe’s on Weed Street
June 14 – Hastings, MI – Rock The Country
June 19 – Cullman, AL – Rock The South
June 20 – Memphis, TN – Graceland Soundstage
June 21 – Little Rock, AR – Rock The Country
June 28 – Lubbock, TX – Cotton Fest
July 10 – Louisville, KY – Mercury Ballroom
July 11 – Ashland, KY – Rock The Country
July 12 – Reading, PA – Bulls, Bands, & Barrels
July 16 – Iowa City, IA – Wildwood
July 17 – Des Moines, IA – Val Air Ballroom
July 18 – Sioux Falls, SD – Rock The Country
July 19 – Minneapolis, MN – Varsity Theater
July 23 – Nashville, TN – Marathon Music Works
July 25 – Charlotte, NC – Underground
July 26 – Anderson, SC – Rock The Country
July 31 – Morrison, CO – Red Rocks Amphitheater*
Aug. 1 – West Valley City, UT – Maverick Center*
Aug. 2 – Missoula, MT – Big Sky Brewing Amphitheater*
Aug. 8 – Houston, TX – 713 Music Hall
Aug. 9 – Graham, TX – Graham Summer Concert Series
Aug. 14 – Sedalia, MO – Missouri State Fair
Aug. 15 – Omaha, NE – The Astro Amphitheater
Aug. 16 – Imperial, NE – Chase County Fair
Aug. 23 – Portales, NM – Roosevelt County Fair
Aug. 28 – Midland, TX – Horseshoe Amphitheater
Aug. 30 – LaGrange, TX – Fayette County Fair
*Supporting Parker McCollum
Katie Fagan Named President Of Mom+Pop Nashville
/by LB CantrellKatie Fagan. Photo: Kevin D. Fagan
Katie Fagan has joined Mom+Pop Music as President of its Nashville office. She comes to the independent label after a 14-year stint at Prescription Songs, where she served as the Head of A&R in Nashville for the last eight years.
In her new role, Fagan will oversee the continuing development of the company’s roster, and expand M+P’s global footprint, searching for talent worldwide while overseeing the strategic vision for M+P in Nashville. She has first-hand experience creating a footprint in Nashville, having opened Prescription’s first office outside of Los Angeles.
“Katie has proven herself an important voice and advocate for creatives in the Americana, folk and alt-country spaces. No one is better suited to reinforce and grow Mom+Pop’s presence in Nashville and globally as we broaden our industry aesthetic,” says Michael Goldstone, Founder of M+P.
“I am thrilled to join Goldie and Thad at Mom+Pop Music and expand their well-known reputation for artistic integrity and artist development in Nashville,” Fagan shares. “Their vision for Mom+Pop aligns perfectly with my thinking, and it is an honor to learn even more from them as we develop a presence here.”
As Prescription’s Head of A&R, Fagan worked closely with artists such as Anderson East, Maggie Rose, Nick Bailey, Soaky Siren, JT Daly, Sarah Hudson and Cirkut and Frenship, among others. She also worked with numerous top 10 multi-Platinum hits from songwriters on Prescription, landing placements throughout the years for artists such as Lana Del Rey, Chris Stapleton, Noah Kahan and Ethel Cain. Fagan signed Joy Oladokun, who turned heads with her critically-acclaimed album Proof of Life, as well as Malibu Babie, who co-produced Nicki Minaj’s hit “Super Freaky Girl” and Megan Thee Stallion’s single “Her.”
An Indiana native, Fagan’s musical passion led her to Los Angeles, landing an internship in A&R at Warner Chappell Music Publishing. In 2011, she joined Prescription as an assistant to Dr. Luke, which led to her ultimately ascending to Head of A&R at the company.
Fagan currently serves as a co-founder of The Other Nashville Society (TONS), which supports musicians and industry professionals in building community outside of commercial country music in Nashville, and now boasts over 1,500 members. She is also a She Is The Music Songwriting and Publishing Committee member, which helps open top-level opportunities for female creators, and has served as a Chapter Governor of The Recording Academy Board/Nashville since 2023.
Formed in 2008, Mom+Pop has released music from artists like MGMT, Magdalena Bay, Courtney Barnett, Beach Bunny, Flume, Orion Sun, Caamp and others. Mom+Pop was awarded 2023 A2IM’s Libera Award for Label of the Year and has been recognized on Billboard’s Independent Label Power List multiple times. Independent and globally self-distributed, M+P has a team of 25 people with offices in New York, Los Angeles, London and now Nashville.
Bill Medley Lends His Blue-Eyed Soul To Some Country Classics On New Album ‘Straight From The Heart’ [Interview]
/by Lorie HollabaughBill Medley
After a lifetime of accolades and awards including being inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame as part of hitmakers the Righteous Brothers, you would think Bill Medley would be ready to wind it down a bit and just enjoy the fruits of a highly successful career. In fact, the opposite is true.
The Grammy winner behind evergreen hits like “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling,” “Unchained Melody” and “(I’ve Had) The Time Of My Life” is still reaching for new horizons and uncharted territories musically, as evidenced by his brand new country album, Straight From The Heart, out now. On the new project, produced by Fred Mollin, Medley lends his iconic baritone to some pure country classics alongside hitmakers like Michael McDonald, Vince Gill, Keb’ Mo’ and Shawn Colvin. The album feels like a homecoming of sorts for the singer, who found the stories in the songs mirrored his own life in many ways and made the recording a labor of love for the lifelong country fan.
“Making this album was kind of the perfect storm,” he tells MusicRow. “I’m 84 now and have always wanted to do a country album. I had some guys come and ask me to do this record, kind of as a tribute to the singers and songwriters, and I told them I’d love to do it. I’ve actually been doing country some off and on… in 1968 I left the Righteous Brothers for six years and the first album I tried to do was a country album, and the record company found out I was doing it and made me stop.
“This album, oddly enough, is the story of my life,” he continues. “I mean ‘Sunday Morning Comin’ Down’—if you’ve ever been divorced and gotten the blues, and you are out walking around and see families having lunch or breakfast—it’s very moving. So I’ve lived this album, and that’s why it was so important for me to do it. I also wanted to do it for my grandson and great grandchildren, an album that showed their grandpa’s heart and how he really feels.”
Medley is no stranger to the country world, having visited Nashville with Kenny Rogers in 1978, and later touring with Rogers, Alabama and Loretta Lynn at various times throughout his career and creating lifelong relationships within the country music community. He even earned an ACM Nomination for Top New Male Vocalist of the Year in the 1980’s, so indulging in his deep-seated love for country was easy for the legendary vocalist. What wasn’t easy, however, was selecting which songs would make the cut on Straight From The Heart.
“I think it was subconscious, the fact that I kind of picked out songs that I’ve lived,” admits Medley.”Obviously it was tough, and I was obviously afraid to do a lot of those songs… I almost had to be talked into it because those are great singers. On Kenny’s ‘Sweet Music Man’—it sounds like he wrote that song about me, about an old guy who had hit records and is out trying to find his fans. And to do ‘He Stopped Loving Her Today,’ it took a lot of nerve to do that one, you have to be pretty stupid to try and do that, and I just love the song! I mean George Jones was just one of the great singers…he’s just phenomenal. Waylon Jennings, Johnny Cash and Willie Nelson—I just want to pay tribute to all those guys, so I think the best thing you can do is songs that touch you.
“Listen, I’m not a country singer—I was raised in California and my dad was a Texan,” he explains. “So when I do these songs I just do songs that feel comfortable to my voice and my heart. I’d love for this album to do well because I’d love to go out and perform all these songs.”
Each song on the highly-personal collection represents a meaningful memory or connection to Medley’s life. He kicks off the album with a collaboration with iconic vocalist Michael McDonald on “Cryin Time,” a powerful blend of soul and harmony that’s one of several collabs on the project. Medley also recruited buddy Keb’ Mo’ for “(Since You’ve) Gone)”, a version of the 1950’s hit seeping with remorse and regret. “Keb and I wrote a song together awhile back he recorded and he’s been a real dear friend for a long time. He’s a wonderful gentleman and a great singer, songwriter and guitar player, and he’s one of the first guys I wanted to call to see if he wanted to do this,” says Medley. “I think he did a phenomenal job on the track.”
Medley also joins forces with Vince Gill on the bluesy, nostalgic “These Days,” which came together after Medley originally hoped Gill would simply add some guitar work to the track. Interestingly, Medley and Gill
“I did the entire album to honor singers and songwriters that I admire, and I think Vince Gill is one of the greatest singers and songwriters of all time. He writes perfectly for my voice, and I was just thrilled to have him come along on this project. It’s fun to sing with these guys that you admire. It’s like an out of body experience. I’m 84—I guess I should be used to it, but I never get tired of singing with great singers.”
That passion is evident on tracks like his duet with Shawn Colvin on the haunting Hank Williams classic “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry,” a tune Medley tried to pay homage to by letting the simple aching beauty of the song shine through.
“With all the songs, I tried to stay away from how they did it and just try to do my version. With the Hank, the song is such a great song. Sometimes singers try to take a great song and make it greater, and I think that’s a huge mistake. All you can do is your best—just sing the song.”
At this stage Medley has climbed just about every musical mountain in his career, and he continues to perform with Bucky Heard as The Righteous Brothers, but he hopes to share some of the songs from Straight From The Heart with fans on the road as well, should the opportunity arise.
“I’ve actually done everything that I’ve wanted to do and some of the stuff that I didn’t think I could do or should,” Medley says, laughing, “but I don’t know what else I’d still like to accomplish, other than I would really love to be able to perform this album at some point on tour. If I do another one of these albums, I would love to work with Chris Stapleton—I think his voice and my voice would be really interesting together.
“Other than that, I have a wonderful family and friends. I’m losing a lot of my great friends, just getting to that age, so I want to keep walking forward. People say ‘when are you going to retire?’ And I say, ‘I gotta get a job first.’ This isn’t a job—this is a 15-year-old boy’s dream. So as long as I can keep going onstage and audiences are still there, I want to keep doing that.”
Industry Ink: Ashley Cooke, Ringo Starr, Eli Young Band, More
/by Lorie HollabaughAshley Cooke Wraps Milestone Week With Help From Joe Jonas, Jordan Davis, More
Pictured (L-R): Beth Cooke, Ashley Cooke, Dennis Cooke, Hillary Lambert (Director of Marketing, Big Loud Records), Seth England (Partner / CEO, Big Loud), Rakiyah Marshall (Founder/CEO Back Blocks Music), Stacy Blythe (EVP of Radio Promotion, Big Loud Records), Sara Knabe (SVP of A&R, Big Loud Records) and Candice Watkins (SVP of Marketing, Big Loud Records). Photo: Brayln Kelly Smith
Ashley Cooke capped off a milestone week with a performance of “All I Forgot” featuring Joe Jonas at the Country Radio Seminar New Faces 2025 Show on Feb. 21. To celebrate the song’s release, Cooke electrified the crowd by inviting the superstar to stage for the song’s debut live performance.
The surprises didn’t stop there—earlier in the week, Cooke took the stage to a packed house at Nashville’s Brooklyn Bowl for a headlining show featuring a lineup of special guests including Jordan Davis, Nate Smith and Emily Weisband. Adding to the night’s highlights, Cooke’s team at Big Loud Records surprised her on stage with a Gold plaque for her No. 1 single, “Your Place.”
Ringo Starr Shines At Opening Of New ‘Beats & Threads’ Exhibit
Pictured (L-R): Linda Chambers, Co-Founder and CEO, Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum; Sterling Chambers Hawker, Martin Nolan, Co-Founder/Executive Director, Julien*s Auctions, Britt Chambers-Hawker, Director of Museum & Artist Relations; Ringo Starr, Barbara Bach; Gary Astridge, author, “Beats & Threads” and Darren Julien, Co-Founder/Exective Director, Julien*s Auctions. Photo: Royce DeGrie for Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum
Music icon Ringo Starr recently celebrated the opening of his “Beats & Threads” exhibit at the Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum during a private press event and ribbon cutting. The exhibit, which features Starr’s curated drum kits, sticks and snares, personal documents and era-defining style pieces that made music and fashion history, officially opened to the public on Feb. 20.
“Thank you to the Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum; Linda, Britt, also Gary and Scotty and Martin and Darren of Julien’s who made all this possible,” says Starr. “These items hold so many wonderful memories for me and I couldn’t think of a more appropriate place to share them with the world than at this special museum here in Nashville. I’ve been having a great time being here—in January I played the Ryman and released my new record Look Up.”
Eli Young Band Debuts ‘Nothing On The Wild’ On ‘TODAY’
Pictured (L-R): Jeffrey East, Chris Thompson, James Young, Jenna Bush Hager, Justin Sylvester, Mike Eli, Jon Jones and Eric Arjes
The Eli Young Band joined NBC’s TODAY with Jenna & Friends on Feb. 20 for the exclusive worldwide debut of their newest independent release, “Nothing On The Wild.” Written by Mike Eli, Matt McVaney and Matt Rogers, “Nothing On The Wild” marks the band’s second single, following “What Do Lonely People Do.”
Global Songwriters Connection To Host 12th Annual Spring Mixer
The Global Songwriters Connection is having its 12th Annual Spring Mixer on March 27 at the CMA Event Room/SESAC. The GSC Publisher and Songwriter of the Year presentation will be held at 5:30 and the event is free from 5-7 p.m. Click here for more information.
Lee DeWyze Performs For ‘A Complete Unknown’ Celebration
Lee DeWyze performs during A Complete Unknown launch party. Photo: 2025 Searchlight Pictures
Lee DeWyze recently gave a special performance during the launch party for the Bob Dylan biopic A Complete Unknown, celebrating the film’s upcoming digital release. A longtime Dylan fan, DeWyze performed “Blowin’ In The Wind,” “Make You Feel My Love” and songs from his No, 1 album Gone For Days at the Sunset Marquis in West Hollywood. The special performance followed Lee’s recent national TV performance of his single “Devil In The Details” on The Kelly Clarkson Show.
Joel Crouse Inks With Electric Feel Entertainment
/by John Nix ArledgePictured (L-R): Austin Rosen (CEO, Electric Feel), Joel Crouse, John Bradley (A&R Country, Electric Feel), Chandler Nicole Sherrill (Senior Director, Creative, Electric Feel); Photo: Taylor Stanford
Singer-songwriter Joel Crouse has signed with Electric Feel Entertainment.
Crouse, a Massachusetts native, moved to Nashville when he was only 17, looking to make a name for himself in Music City. Since, he has opened for notable artists such as Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran on “The Red Tour” and co-written on Sheeran’s track “On My Way.” Crouse’s latest album WasteLAnd was released in August 2020.
“Super excited to be working with the incredible team at Electric Feel,” says Crouse. “When John Bradley called me last year about joining their roster, I was honored. The level of talent from the creatives to the administration there is so inspiring to be around. I really enjoy making music in different genres and Austin Rosen has built that infrastructure throughout his company. I’ve been in town for 15 years and have been looking for a diverse company like this to partner with. Can’t wait to see where the future takes me with Electric Feel at my side. I’m very thankful.”
Other artists included on Electric Feel’s roster are Post Malone, Quavo and the Kid Laroi, as well as songwriters and producers such as Louis Bell, Billy Walsh, Nick Mira, El Guincho and more. The company’s catalog is home to more than 19 Diamond records, 625 Platinum records, 450 billion streams and over 40 tracks inducted into the Spotify Billions Club.
“Excited to work with Joel — he’s a true creative and a seasoned veteran,” shares John Bradley, Country A&R at Electric Feel. “Not only does he write with the best, but he also has a gift for developing talent early on. And let’s not forget, he’s an incredible artist himself, shaping his own path to a bright future!”
Something Out West Signs With Big Machine Records
/by Lorie Hollabaugh(L-R, back row): Big Machine Label Group’s Mike Rittberg and Allison Jones, EM.CO’s Scott Siman, Big Machine Records’ Kris Lamb, EM.CO’s James Stewart, Big Machine Label Group’s Andrew Kautz, Megan Joyce and Julian Raymond. (L-R, front row): Something Out West’s Drew Arthur, Big Machine Label Group’s Scott Borchetta and Something Out West’s Chet Hanks. Photo: Nick Rau for Big Machine Records
New duo Something Out West, comprised of Drew Arthur and Chet Hanks, has signed with Big Machine Records.
Something Out West launched in California, where band members Arthur and Hanks became roommates at a pivotal time in their lives when both were embarking on a journey toward sobriety. This shared path resulted in both a deep friendship, as well as a musical and creative collaboration of late-night jams and songwriting sessions, and eventually moves to Nashville and the formation of their duo. With a blend of distinctive vocals, memorable melodies, and timeless lyrics, Something Out West honors the genre’s storytelling roots while embracing a fresh musical perspective full of contemporary influences.
“Drew and Chet are building a one of a kind sound and story with Something Out West, powered by their undeniable energy and creative connection,” says Big Machine Label Group Chairman & CEO Scott Borchetta. “We’re thrilled for them to join the Big Machine Records family and for the world to experience this fresh, dynamic duo.”
“We’re thrilled to partner with Big Machine and Scott Borchetta,” says Hanks. “The support they’ve shown for ‘Leaving Hollywood’ and the rest of the music has been incredible. Drew and I have been making music together for a long time, and we feel really proud to have a home at Big Machine for this upcoming project.”
The duo is currently in the studio with producer Julian Raymond working on their debut project slated for release later this year. Their debut song for the label, “Leaving Hollywood,” is set for release this Friday (Feb. 28.)
“I wrote ‘Leaving Hollywood’ five years ago, but it feels like the timing and the way we’re releasing it were always meant to be,” adds Arthur. “We’re excited for people to hear what we’ve been working on.”
Riley Green Enters Top 10 On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart
/by Madison HahnenRiley Green. Photo: Matthew Simmons on behalf of Gildan
Riley Green has entered the top 10 on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart. Both solo-penned “Don’t Mind If I Do” and “Worst Way” push the singer-songwriter to No. 8 this week.
Ashley Gorley remains in the No. 1 spot with “Fix What You Didn’t Break,” “I Had Some Help,” “Liar,” “Love Somebody,” “Park” and “This Town’s Been Too Good To Us.” Zach Bryan moves up to No. 2 with all solo-written tracks “Blue Jean Baby,” “Dear Miss” and “High Road.”
Charlie Handsome (No. 3), Taylor Phillips (No. 4) and Ernest (No. 5) round out this week’s top five.
The weekly MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart uses algorithms based upon song activity according to airplay, digital download track sales and streams. This unique and exclusive addition to the MusicRow portfolio is the only songwriter chart of its kind.
Click here to view the full MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart.
Josh Bailey Exits Capitol CMG To Launch New Venture
/by LB CantrellJosh Bailey
Josh Bailey has exited his executive position at Capitol Christian Music Group (Capitol CMG) after more than six years in leadership. He will start his own company.
Bailey joined Capitol CMG as Vice President and quickly rose to Senior Vice President, overseeing A&R and leading the label. During his tenure, the label achieved notable success, supporting artists like Anne Wilson, TobyMac, Tauren Wells, We The Kingdom and others, maintaining its market leadership with consistent streaming and radio success.
Previously, Bailey spent 14 years at Word Entertainment, helping develop and launch artists such as For King & Country and Francesca Battistelli.
Bailey’s new venture is a collaboration with other key industry executives, with details forthcoming.
“Leaving Capitol CMG was not an easy decision,” shares Bailey, “but I’m excited for what’s ahead. I’ll cherish my time from Capitol CMG, but am eager to pursue a new endeavor.”