Rising singer-songwriter Lakelin Lemmings will release her self-titled debut album on July 24 via Quartz Hill Records. She dropped the latest track from the project, “He Ain’t Coming Back,” last week.
Lemmings co-wrote 15 of the 16 tracks on the new album, which was produced by Ash Bowers. The project captures the heart, confidence, vulnerability, and youthful spirit that have earned Lemmings a dedicated fan base and industry-wide attention, including for her debut single “Get Around Boy.”
Born and raised in a musical family, Lemmings began singing at age six and grew up listening to Dolly Parton, Reba McEntire, Loretta Lynn, Lee Ann Womack, Miranda Lambert and Carrie Underwood, alongside a heavy helping of 90’s pop. She signed her first Nashville publishing deal at just 17, and has since amassed more than 300,000 followers across her socials. Releases from her debut EP Get Around Boy, “Keep the Faith,” “Parking Lot” and “19 and Single,” have broadened her reach and set her up to release her upcoming self-titled debut.
Last weekend, Lemmings brought her energy to the KSON NASCAR Country concert in San Diego as part of the historic race at Coronado. While there, she spent time with the active Navy Seals and visited with military families, NASCAR drivers and more.
Lakelin Lemmings Track Listing:
1. “American Dreamin’” (Neal Coty, Lakelin Lemmings, Ash Bowers)
2. “Bad Boy Good” (Lakelin Lemmings, Ash Bowers, Mike Mobley)
3. “Get Around Boy” (Lakelin Lemmings, Mike Mobley, Ash Bowers)
4. “There Goes the Cowboy” (Lakelin Lemmings, Ash Bowers, Neal Coty)
5. “I Ain’t for Everybody” (Lakelin Lemmings, Ash Bowers, Mike Mobley)
6. “He Ain’t Coming Back” (Lakelin Lemmings, Tim Owens, Nathan Woodard, Ash Bowers)
7. “Tell Me More” (Lakelin Lemmings, Keesy Timmer, Ash Bowers)
8. “I Remember Us” (Lakelin Lemmings, Janelle Arthur, Adam Wheeler & Helene Cronin)
9. “19 & Single” (Neal Coty, Ash Bowers, Lakelin Lemmings)
10. “What Are We Doing” (Neal Coty, Lakelin Lemmings, Ash Bowers)
11. “Parking Lot” (Lakelin Lemmings, Ash Bowers, Tiffany Goss)
12. “I’m Over You” (Lakelin Lemmings, Neal Coty, Ash Bowers)
13. “Life of Mine” (Lakelin Lemmings, Jaron Boyer, Matt Gorman, John Stephens, Dan Marshall, Kaylin Roberson)
14. “Break Up Songs” (Lakelin Lemmings, Brent Loper, Nathan Woodard)
15. “I Drive a Truck” (Lakelin Lemmings, Tim Owens, Nathan Woodard, Ash Bowers)
16. “Keep the Faith” (Jaron Boyer, Lori McKenna, Phil Barton)
Jake Hess Inks With Prescription Songs In Joint Venture With 7Hills Music & David ‘Messy’ Mescon
/by Madison HahnenJake Hess
Songwriter, artist and musician Jake Hess has signed with Prescription Songs, in a joint venture with 7Hills Music and producer David “Messy” Mescon.
The Georgia native grew up in a Gospel music family, bleeding into his songwriting today. Since moving to Nashville, he has built a strong presence in the country music community and has upcoming cuts with Chase Matthew and Dalton Davis. He regularly writes with Mescon, Matt Mulhare, Phil Morgan, Seth Michael and Will Terry, among others.
“Prescription’s global reach, plus 7Hills’ Georgia roots, made perfect sense for a guy whose musical tapestry has been woven by several influences, but still has a yearning to create something that feels like home,” says Hess. “This team doesn’t just want me in the building, they want me to feel like an important part of a bigger picture. I believe we’re going to accomplish great things together.”
“From the first time I met Jake, I was drawn to both his talented songwriting skills and the kind of person he is,” shares 7Hills Music Founder and Prescription Songs A&R consultant Hannah Montgomery Bay-Schuck. “His unique ability to connect through songwriting, paired with his focused work ethic, makes him someone people naturally want to create with. We’re so excited to welcome him to 7Hills and Prescription Songs and can’t wait to see what we build together.”
“Jake is not only a fantastic artist and songwriter, but an even better human!” adds Prescription Songs Nashville A&R Sophia Battaglia. “I’m such a fan of everything he does and feel so lucky to be a part of his creative journey. I look forward to watching him thrive, and am thrilled to welcome him to RX songs!”
“Jake Hess is one of the most talented, genuine, and capable songwriters of today,” shares Mescon. “He will be a key in crafting the future of country music.”
Hess recently performed at Prescription Songs’ CMA Fest Takeover showcase on June 6 at Tin Roof Broadway.
Academy Of Country Music Unveils Special Award Honorees For 19th ACM Honors
/by Lauryn SinkThe Academy of Country Music has unveiled the special honorees to be celebrated at the 19th annual ACM Honors, set for Aug. 19 at The Pinnacle in Nashville.
Carly Pearce returns to host for the sixth time, alongside new co-host Parker McCollum.
Brett James and The Carter Family will each be honored posthumously with the ACM Poet’s Award. This award recognizes a country music songwriter whose work has had an enduring impact on shaping the country music genre with exceptional lyrical and musical contributions.
Bill Anderson and Mike Curb will each be honored with the ACM Icon Award, inspired by Cliffie Stone, which honors a country music artist, duo/group, or industry leader whose multifaceted contributions across songwriting, recording, production, touring, film, television, literary works and philanthropic efforts have positively impacted the country music genre and community.
Kacey Musgraves will be honored with the ACM Spirit Award. Inspired by 20-time ACM Award recipient Merle Haggard, this award is presented to an honoree that exemplifies Merle’s dedication to country music and passion for storytelling through music and performance.
Scott Zolke will be honored with the ACM Service Award, inspired by Mae Boren Axton. This award recognizes a country music artist, duo/group, or industry leader that has served the Academy of Country Music.
Eric Church will be honored with the ACM Lifting Lives Award, honoring the contributions of Gary Haber, known as a business manager and past president of ACM Lifting Lives. This award is presented to a country music artist, duo/group, or industry professional who is devoted to improving lives through the power of music, has a generosity of spirit, and is committed to serving others. It is voted on by the ACM Lifting Lives Board of Directors.
Leslie Fram will be honored with the ACM Lift Every Voice Award. This award is presented to a country music artist, duo/group, industry leader or affiliate/partner who plays a pivotal role in elevating underrepresented voices throughout the country music genre, transcending demographics and geography.
C2C: Country to Country will be honored with the ACM International Award, inspired by Jim Reeves. This award is presented to a country music artist, group or industry leader for outstanding efforts in expanding country music’s influence worldwide. Landman will be honored with the ACM Film Award, inspired by Tex Ritter, which honors a television series, television movie, or feature film released within the past calendar year that prominently showcases Country Music.
These winners join previously announced ACM Artist-Songwriter of the Year winner Ella Langley and ACM Songwriter of the Year winner Jessie Jo Dillon. Additional awards will be announced at a later date.
Tickets go on sale on June 26.
Kirbi Inks With Curb Records (Curb/Word)
/by Lauryn SinkKirbi. Photo: Courtesy of Curb Records (Curb/Word)
Kirbi has inked with Curb Records (Curb/Word).
Originally from Florence, Alabama, Kirbi discovered her love for singing at age 11 and began performing in churches and local events. First garnering attention on Season 28 of NBC’s The Voice, she has collaborated with award-winning producers and songwriters, including Smith Curry, and has written with Tommy Sims.
“Since I was little and figuring out the kind of artist I wanted to be,” she shares. “Curb records has been my dream label. I can not wrap my mind around the fact that I am now an official Curb/Word artist!”
Ablaze Entertainment, Kirbi’s longtime management team, adds “We are thrilled to partner with Curb Records on this next chapter. It was never a question about ‘if’ she was going to get signed, it was simply a matter of when. God created Kirbi to be worldwide and bring his voice to her generation.”
Kirbi is currently in the studio recording new music expected to release later this year.
Lakelin Lemmings’ Self-Titled Debut Set For July
/by Lorie HollabaughRising singer-songwriter Lakelin Lemmings will release her self-titled debut album on July 24 via Quartz Hill Records. She dropped the latest track from the project, “He Ain’t Coming Back,” last week.
Lemmings co-wrote 15 of the 16 tracks on the new album, which was produced by Ash Bowers. The project captures the heart, confidence, vulnerability, and youthful spirit that have earned Lemmings a dedicated fan base and industry-wide attention, including for her debut single “Get Around Boy.”
Born and raised in a musical family, Lemmings began singing at age six and grew up listening to Dolly Parton, Reba McEntire, Loretta Lynn, Lee Ann Womack, Miranda Lambert and Carrie Underwood, alongside a heavy helping of 90’s pop. She signed her first Nashville publishing deal at just 17, and has since amassed more than 300,000 followers across her socials. Releases from her debut EP Get Around Boy, “Keep the Faith,” “Parking Lot” and “19 and Single,” have broadened her reach and set her up to release her upcoming self-titled debut.
Last weekend, Lemmings brought her energy to the KSON NASCAR Country concert in San Diego as part of the historic race at Coronado. While there, she spent time with the active Navy Seals and visited with military families, NASCAR drivers and more.
Lakelin Lemmings Track Listing:
1. “American Dreamin’” (Neal Coty, Lakelin Lemmings, Ash Bowers)
2. “Bad Boy Good” (Lakelin Lemmings, Ash Bowers, Mike Mobley)
3. “Get Around Boy” (Lakelin Lemmings, Mike Mobley, Ash Bowers)
4. “There Goes the Cowboy” (Lakelin Lemmings, Ash Bowers, Neal Coty)
5. “I Ain’t for Everybody” (Lakelin Lemmings, Ash Bowers, Mike Mobley)
6. “He Ain’t Coming Back” (Lakelin Lemmings, Tim Owens, Nathan Woodard, Ash Bowers)
7. “Tell Me More” (Lakelin Lemmings, Keesy Timmer, Ash Bowers)
8. “I Remember Us” (Lakelin Lemmings, Janelle Arthur, Adam Wheeler & Helene Cronin)
9. “19 & Single” (Neal Coty, Ash Bowers, Lakelin Lemmings)
10. “What Are We Doing” (Neal Coty, Lakelin Lemmings, Ash Bowers)
11. “Parking Lot” (Lakelin Lemmings, Ash Bowers, Tiffany Goss)
12. “I’m Over You” (Lakelin Lemmings, Neal Coty, Ash Bowers)
13. “Life of Mine” (Lakelin Lemmings, Jaron Boyer, Matt Gorman, John Stephens, Dan Marshall, Kaylin Roberson)
14. “Break Up Songs” (Lakelin Lemmings, Brent Loper, Nathan Woodard)
15. “I Drive a Truck” (Lakelin Lemmings, Tim Owens, Nathan Woodard, Ash Bowers)
16. “Keep the Faith” (Jaron Boyer, Lori McKenna, Phil Barton)
Kenny Chesney Slates New LP ‘Silver Sands Marina’ For Fall
/by Lorie HollabaughKenny Chesney is gearing up for the release of his 21st album, Silver Sands Marina, on Sept. 25 via HEY NOW Records. He’s offering fans a second taste of the upcoming new project with the title track, available today (June 24).
Chesney produced the new album with Buddy Cannon, and the debut single from the collection, “Carry On” became the first independent single and only the third ever to lock out the country radio reporting panel in its first week. The album epitomizes everything the superstar embodies: positive vibes, good humor, long drives, moments and memories that last a lifetime, tossing away what pulls you down, and a sense of how sweet life truly is.
Songwriters contributing to the new project include Matraca Berg, Shane McAnally, Brett James, Jessie Jo Dillon, Tenille Townes and Adam Wright, and special guests Colbie Caillat, Lily Meola and Megan Moroney appear as well.
“I love everything about music, but especially how it makes you feel,” Chesney explains. “It can crack open a tough moment, lift you up, blow you up and make you laugh harder than anything. When I started thinking about all the things music can be, a few songs came in – and Silver Sands Marina, as it now exists, took shape. Some great players, guests who really fit the songs, but especially some places I’ve never gone.”
Chesney returns to TalkShopLive on July 15 to dig into the recording process for the new album, what he hopes people take from it, and what he’s learned about music’s power to bring people together and transform even the toughest moments.
Nick Boyd Inks With Ern’s Cadillac Music & Jordan Schmidt Via Big Loud Publishing
/by Lauryn SinkPictured (L-R): Kimberly Gleason, Mike Giangreco, Jude Warren, Jordan Marcus, Nick Boyd, ERNEST, Jordan Schmidt and Dane Schmidt. Photo: Jessie Addleman
Nick Boyd has signed a publishing deal with ERN’s Cadillac Music and Jordan Schmidt via Big Loud Publishing.
Hailing from Rock Island, Illinois, Boyd grew up inspired by the sounds of the Eagles, Michael Jackson, Justin Timberlake, Garth Brooks and more. He attended Belmont University, where he won the Curb College Country Music Showcase and earned a spot in Belmont’s School of Music’s Commercial Showcase. Signing a publishing deal with Liz Rose Music in 2019, Boyd has earned cuts including “Drinks Can Drink” and “TV On” by Cody Lohden, ATLUS’s “Spare Key,” “California Fit In Tennessee” by Tayler Holder and Brody Clementi’s “Act Like You Don’t.”
“The day I stepped foot in the building, I felt right at home,” Boyd shares. “I couldn’t be more excited to work with ERNEST, Jordan Schmidt and the rest of the Cadillac Music/Big Loud Publishing team. In a town with a million great songs, champions like them make the difference.”
“I started hearing Nick’s songs about a year or so ago,” says ERN’s Cadillac Music Founder and CEO ERNEST. “He has been writing great ones with my guy Cody Lohden and just became a name we’d see time and time again right by an outstanding song. When Jordan Schmidt called me and asked if he wanted to do this together, it made perfect sense to me. Jordan, a longtime friend and collaborator in town, has over a decade of hits as a writer and producer. So, combining his experience with a topliner / spark plug like Nick seemed like a no brainer. I love getting to know talent in this town. There is no shortage of it and Nick Boyd is no exception.”.
“Nick is a beast of a writer and a beauty of a human,” shares Schmidt. “I can’t wait for Nashville to see what we see in him!”
Matt Shay Joins Make Wake Artists
/by Madison HahnenMatt Shay. Photo: Rebecca Ward
Matt Shay has joined Make Wake Artists as the company’s first General Manager. In his role, he will lead a team of nearly 50 employees that offer in-house marketing, tour strategy, content planning, merchandise development and more.
“I’ve long admired what Kappy has built with Make Wake, and from the inside, it’s even more impressive.” says Shay. “The depth of the staff, the strength of the leadership team, and the range of services spanning merchandise, digital, label services, publicity, brand partnerships, writer/producer management and beyond create a truly robust platform for artists to build long-term careers. Kappy is a visionary founder, and he and the team have created a culture and infrastructure that is one of one in this business. I’m thrilled to be joining Make Wake and to help build on this incredible foundation as we take the company and its artists into the next chapter.”
Shay has more than 30 years of experience in the music industry, with a background in artist management, A&R, record label leadership and film and TV production. Most recently, he founded ARTIST MGMT and previously served as President of C3 Management, where he managed artists including The Head And The Heart, Modest Mouse, Mt. Joy, Jack Harlow, Future and The Strokes.
Before moving into management, he spent 10 years at RCA Music Group, rising to SVP of A&R/Marketing and General Manager of Black Seal, working with artists such as Pearl Jam, Maroon 5 and Alicia Keys. He joins Make Wake along with artists from his current roster, Bella McCormick and Chris Ryan.
“I met Matt five years ago and we hit it off right away,” adds Chris Kappy, Founder of Make Wake Artists. “He understood my vision and respected that I wanted to do things differently because everyone told me what I was doing wasn’t ‘how things are done here.’ Matt brings that ethos to Make Wake. I wasn’t looking for someone who would simply agree with everyone. I needed a forward-thinking leader who could challenge conventions and continue to move us forward. Our culture is thriving, and adding him to the organization is a win for our team, our artists, and the future of Make Wake.”
Cary Barlowe Inks With Warner Chappell Music & Cornman Music
/by Madison HahnenPictured (L-R): BJ Hill (WCM), Julie Hess (WCM), Cary Barlowe, Chris Owen (Cornman) and Nate Lowery (Cornman). Photo: Courtesy of WCM
Grammy nominated songwriter Cary Barlowe has signed a global publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music Nashville and Cornman Music.
Barlowe has written songs for some of country music’s biggest artists, including Carrie Underwood, Tim McGraw, Little Big Town, Kelsea Ballerini, Dan + Shay and Rascal Flatts.
Originally a member of the Rick Rubin-produced rock band Luna Halo, Barlowe has built a successful career as a songwriter across multiple genres. His work has also been featured on Nashville. A North Carolina native, he has written nine No. 1 songs for TobyMac, including “Made to Love,” “Feel It,” and “City On Our Knees,” which won the 2010 Dove Award for Gospel Song of the Year.
Barlowe has also co-written several No. 1 country hits, including Lady A’s “American Honey,” Dustin Lynch’s “Where It’s At,” Florida Georgia Line’s “Sun Daze” and Billy Currington’s “It Don’t Hurt Like It Used to.” His songwriting success earned him SESAC Songwriter of the Year in 2015 and SESAC Song of the Year in 2017.
More recently, he co-wrote Chris Young and Kane Brown’s No. 1 hit “Famous Friends” and worked with Chris Young on “Raised on Country.” He also co-wrote Taylor Swift’s “Untouchable.”
“So excited to be a part of the Cornman Music and Warner Chappell family,” says Barlowe. “Thankful to get to work with my friends!”
“Cary doesn’t just write hits, he pushes the musical boundaries in all the cool directions,” shares BJ Hill, SVP, A&R, Warner Chappell Music Nashville. “The entire Warner Chappell team is thrilled to be championing his songs.”
“We are excited to be working with Cary,” adds Nate Lowery, General Manager, VP Creative, Cornman Music. “His attitude and his passion for great songs make a perfect addition to the Cornman and Warner Chappell family.”
Abbie Callahan Plots First Headline Tour
/by Madison HahnenAbbie Callahan. Photo: Catherine Powell
Abbie Callahan will kickoff her first headline tour, “The OptiMYSTIC Tour,” on Aug. 22 in Pullman, Washington.
The tour will also visit Virginia, Massachusetts and New York, with tickets available this Friday (June 26). Callahan will also make appearances at Clay County Fair, Elray’s Live & Dive and Stomp & Holler Festival, before supporting Willow Avalon on select dates.
She will also release her new single, “OptiMYSTIC” this Friday (June 26). Callahan co-penned the tune alongside Emma Klein and Nell Maynard.
“I wrote ‘OptiMYSTIC’ for anyone who has struggled to find their place within religion or spirituality,” shares Callahan. “I was raised Catholic, but over the years I’ve explored many different expressions of faith. I’ve always been deeply interested in the bigger questions surrounding purpose, faith, and what happens after our time on earth. For a long time, I felt like I was making ‘mistakes’ through the lens of the religion I grew up in, when in reality, many of those experiences were simply part of growing up and learning who I am. Ultimately, I’ve come to believe that leading with kindness, generosity, compassion, and acceptance matters most. To me, this song reflects that journey and the peace I’ve found in that perspective, and I hope listeners connect with it as much as I do.”
“The OptiMYSTIC Tour” Dates:
Aug. 22 — National Lentil Festival — Pullman, WA
Aug. 27 — The Southern Café & Music Hall — Charlottesville, VA
Aug. 29 — Jason Russell House Museum — Arlington, MA
Aug. 31 — Mercury Lounge — New York, NY
Tim McGraw Returns To Vegas This Fall
/by Lorie HollabaughTim McGraw. Photo: Robby Klein
Tim McGraw is returning to The Colosseum at Caesars Palace this fall for a five-night limited engagement Oct. 23-24 and Nov. 4, 6 and 7.
The special, only-in-Vegas shows will offer fans a rare chance to experience McGraw perform in an intimate setting, featuring his chart-topping hits and fan favorites spanning more than 30 years of his career. Tickets go on sale Friday (June 26), with presale beginning today (June 23).
McGraw’s career includes over 103 million records sold, 49 No. 1 singles, and 19 No. 1 albums. He ranks second in No. 1 country albums in the U.S. behind only George Strait, and has scored a No. 1 album and No. 1 single in four straight decades. Two of his singles, the Grammy-winning “Live Like You Were Dying” and genre-busting “Over & Over” with Nelly, have spent 10 and 11 weeks respectively at No. 1.