Tay Keith
In the ever-evolving world of hip-hop, few producers have captured the zeitgeist like Tay Keith. A Grammy-nominated, three-time BMI Producer of the Year, the Memphis-born producer has redefined success by bridging the gap between his hometown’s trailblazing rap scene and the global stage.
He began making music in middle school, teaching himself to rap, produce and DJ while eagerly collaborating with anyone willing to join in the creative process.
“My mom was married and her husband [at the time] was DJing. That’s what exposed me to it,” Tay tells MusicRow from his state-of-the-art new studio in Nashville. “I went to my dad’s house on the weekends, and my brothers and the neighbors would record music on the computer. I said, ‘One day I’m going to get me a mic and do this shit.’ And that’s what I did.”
The journey began right there in Memphis, with Tay producing tracks for local stars like Yo Gotti, Blac Youngsta and Moneybagg Yo. Songs such as “Gang Gang” and “Birthday” established his reputation locally, as did his work with another Memphis breakout BlocBoy JB, with Tay producing “Shoot” and “Rover” for the rapper. His meteoric rise, however, came in 2018 when global hitmaker Drake, whose father lived in Memphis for a time, joined BlocBoy JB on “Look Alive.”
“[BlocBoy JB] started paying me like $15 or $20 for beats and to record him when we were in high school, so he was the only one who was investing in it. When I got to college, we started putting in more work together and it worked.”
The track catapulted Tay to international fame and opened the door to more collaborations with Drake, culminating in the chart-topping single “SICKO MODE” with Travis Scott, which earned him his first Grammy nomination and an RIAA Diamond certification—all while Tay was finishing college at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU), just an hour south of Nashville.
“It felt good, especially when people started asking for pictures,” Tay says when asked about his newfound notoriety on campus, and in the music world. “It didn’t phase me too much. I just kept doing what I do and staying grounded.”
Even as his career soared, he remained committed to personal growth, earning his degree in 2018. That milestone marked him as the first in his family to graduate college—a testament to his determination and ability to juggle academic and professional success during the same year his work topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart. When he walked across the stage at the commencement ceremony, the face of his graduation cap listed the hits he had produced by the ripe age of 22.
Tay Keith and MusicRow’s LB Cantrell at his studio in Nashville
“I had to something to prove as a first generation grad,” he shares. “Both of my parents had a trade education: my momma got a GED and went to cosmetology school, and my daddy was a locksmith. They really helped me and pushed me to go to school and better myself in education. My graduation from college was special for them.”
Since then, Tay has continued to dominate the charts, crafting hits like Drake and J. Cole’s “First Person Shooter,”Drake’s “Rich Flex” and “For All the Dogs” and Beyoncé’s “Before I Let Go.” From the U.K. rap scene to Jennifer Lopez’s latest album, his production prowess knows no bounds.
Notably, he has played a pivotal role in Sexyy Red’s rise to stardom, serving as her executive producer on EP In Sexyy We Trust, which spawned hits like “Get It Sexyy” and “U My Everything,” as well as her smash “Pound Town.” Under Tay’s guidance, Sexyy Red has garnered critical acclaim and commercial success, earning multiple Black Entertainment Television (BET) Award nominations in 2024.
In addition to his chart-topping hits, Tay is reshaping Nashville’s music landscape through his Drumatized studio and record label—the second Black-owned studio in the city. With monthly music camps that merge hip-hop and country music, Drumatized fosters collaboration and innovation. These camps, including a recent series in partnership with Apple Music, SMACK and Prescription Songs, have helped break new ground in cross-genre creativity.
Drumatized and Prescription Songs camp
“I work all over, but Nashville is the headquarters. This is what we’re building,” Tay says. “We’re trying to bring our world here, and it’s been a challenge, but we’ve been staying consistent and networking.
“Beyond me, it’s also my team. My producers, my manager, the A&R people and assistants—everybody is helping make this shit work,” he adds of Drumatized’s Nashville presence. “They’re hungry. I represent them, but they also represent me and my brand. I appreciate my team for going so hard. I love what I’m creating as far as my team and the impact we’re making here.”
His work extends beyond production. Tay’s influence as an honorary professor at MSTU and his dedication to mentoring young talent position him as a leader shaping the next generation of music creators. Through initiatives like the Drumatized camps and his hands-on approach with emerging artists, he continues to expand his legacy.
Drumatized and SMACK camp
As for his next personal goal, Tay wants a plaque on the wall for his first country No. 1.
“I’ve been working with a lot of different country artists. Reyna Roberts and I have a lot of songs together. I’ve worked with Kane Brown. Ernest was one of the first people in Nashville to embrace me as a Black hip-hop producer, and Bailey Zimmerman has been good friend to me.”
As his influence grows, so does Tay’s commitment to pushing boundaries. From producing tracks that define eras to fostering diversity and inclusion in Nashville’s music industry, he is more than a producer—he’s a visionary charting a course for the future of music.
Julia Minichiello Inks With River House Artists
/by Madison HahnenPictured (L-R, back Row): River House Artists’ Lynn Oliver-Cline, Lance Houston and Zebb Luster. (L-R, front row): River House Artists’ Kayla Adkins, Julia Minichiello, Odyssey Entertainment’s Nicole Kasper and Abby Coleman.
Pop artist Julia Minichiello has signed an artist development and distribution deal with River House Artists.
Hailing from Canton, Massachusetts, the 23 year old has been making waves in Nashville. With a degree in marketing from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, Minichiello blends her musical talent with strategic marketing skills. She saw her breakthrough moment when she won the #Sing2gether TikTok contest hosted by Universal Pictures and Illumination Entertainment with her performance of “Girl on Fire.” This earned her a performance slot at the Sing 2 premiere in Los Angeles and led to a guest appearance on The Kelly Clarkson Show.
Her influences consist of artists such as Gracie Abrams, Lewis Capaldi and Noah Kahan. With her genre-bending style, alongside her vocal power, her music has resonated with her over 290,000 followers on TikTok and Instagram.
“Julia’s artistry and vocal ability blow away our entire team,” shares River House Artists’ Zebb Luster. “She truly has the total package! Her refreshing sound is something that stands out and something the young generation of music listeners need. We are blessed to be a part of her journey.”
In addition to her new signing, Minichiello also released her debut song “Always Know The Exits” today (Dec. 6). Co-written alongside Lukas Scott and Sara Bares, the tune combines clever lyricism with irresistible pop melodies. The song connects to anyone who has ever gone through the complexities of love, showcasing the tension between the want to connect and the need to protect oneself.
“My favorite thing is when a song calls out such specific thoughts and emotions that I’ve always felt alone in experiencing, which makes me feel so seen. I hope ‘always know the exits’ is exactly that for people,” says Minichiello. “I also want to give a huge shoutout to Sara Bares and Lukas Scott for helping make this song everything it is. We initially weren’t completely sold on the song when we wrote the beginning, and it had a different production vibe. Once we found people connected with a very stripped and organic version that I posted on social media, we quickly realized that the lyrics should be the main focus, and we turned it into something we loved.”
Minichiello is managed by Odyssey Entertainment Group.
Tom Baldrica Retiring From Midwest Communications
/by Lorie HollabaughTom Baldrica
Longtime Nashville record label exec and current Midwest Communications Corporate Country Brand Strategist Tom Baldrica has announced his final day on the air and at Midwest/Hibbing, Minnesota will be Dec. 13.
Baldrica joined BNA Records in 1993 as the Southeast Region Promotion Manager in Atlanta, and in 1997, was promoted to VP/National Promotion for BNA and relocated to Nashville. In 2006 he was elevated to VP/Marketing for Sony Music Nashville, and in 2010, he joined Average Joe’s Entertainment as President of the label. In 2012, Baldrica returned to northern Minnesota and ran the Show Dog Universal Promotion team until 2014. A year later he returned to his radio roots, when Midwest Communications created the Corporate Country Brand Strategist position for him.
“I am retiring from a full-time job, but I am not finished creating,” says Baldrica. “I’ve got a few things up my sleeve and I’m always willing to talk about an interesting project. So, if any of my longtime radio and records friends have any ideas where I could be of assistance, just send up the Bat Signal! A small town kid from Northern Minnesota could’ve never imagined a career as rewarding and fulfilling as this one. I am so grateful for the people I’ve met, the opportunities I’ve been given, and the countless memories made by the music. What a BAT-tastic ride it has been!”
Reach Baldrica at bnabatman@gmail.com.
The MLC’s Distributor Unmatched Recordings Portal Surpasses 100 Partners
/by Liza AndersonThe Mechanical Licensing Collective (The MLC)’s Distributor Unmatched Recordings Portal (DURP) has now surpassed 100 partners.
These partners serve customers in over 20 countries, and include music distributors Believe, CD Baby, DistroKid, Empire, ONErpm, The Orchard and TuneCore.
Since its launch, the DURP has sought to provide The MLC with an efficient and effective way to identify independent, self-administered songwriters who are not yet receiving their digital audio mechanical royalties. Distributor partners receive access to a portion of The MLC’s public data that pertains specifically to sound recordings they have distributed to help them identify their customers who own those recordings, and may also be entitled to receive a share of the unmatched mechanical royalties The MLC has accumulated for the songs embodied in those recordings. Participating distributors can then notify their customers about the unclaimed royalties associated with their sound recordings and potentially encourage them to become members and register their songs with The MLC, so that they can receive the unmatched royalties associated with their work.
Distributors that provide publishing administration services can also offer these additional services to their customers, enabling those customers to engage their distributor to collect their mechanical royalties from The MLC on their behalf.
Through the DURP, millions of dollars in previously unmatched royalties have been identified and distributed to these songwriters.
“Surpassing 100 distributor partners worldwide is a testament to the value the DURP provides to independent creators and their distributors,” says Dae Bogan, Head of Third-Party Partnerships, The MLC. “By simplifying the process of identifying and claiming unmatched royalties, we’re helping ensure every dollar reaches its rightful owner.”
“The DURP is a first-of-its-kind initiative that was born out of Dae’s well-known and long-held passion for serving and empowering independent music creators,” adds Kris Ahrend, CEO, The MLC. “This initiative is a great example of The MLC’s willingness to collaborate with other companies in the industry to find new and innovative ways to fulfill our mission of ensuring that songwriters and their partners receive the digital audio mechanical royalties they have earned.”
Brooks & Dunn & Kacey Musgraves’ ‘Neon Moon’ Shines Platinum
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L–R): RIAA’s Mitch Glazier, Kix Brooks, Kacey Musgraves, Ronnie Dunn and RIAA’s Erin D. D. Burr. Photo: Hunter Berry/CMA
Brooks & Dunn and Kacey Musgraves were recently recognized for their collaboration on the duo’s 1992 single “Neon Moon,” which has officially been certified Platinum by the RIAA.
Featured on Brooks & Dunn’s first Reboot project, Musgraves co-produced the reimagined track with Dann Huff. The pair recently dipped back into the vault to curate a new set of collaborations on Reboot II, and announced dates for the first leg of their “Neon Moon Tour.”
Additionally, Musgraves released her fifth studio album, Deeper Well, earlier this year, which marked her largest-selling debut and her fifth No. 1 debut on the Top Country Albums chart. The collection also landed at No. 1 on the Top Album Sales chart.
Dasha Named MTV’s December Global Push Artist [Exclusive]
/by Madison HahnenDasha.
MTV Push has named Dasha as their Global Push Artist for December.
The singer-songwriter released her debut country album, What Happens Now?, earlier this year. The project received praise for its relatability, storytelling and raw emotion. Featured on the album is the viral hit “Austin (Boots Stop Workin’)”, amassing more than 10 billion views on TikTok and receiving Platinum certification in the U.S., along with 17 other countries.
Dasha’s global success has come from her honest and pure approach to making music. This year, she was awarded the People’s Choice Country Award for Female Song of 2024, and has been nominated for numerous other awards.
As part of the MTV Push program, Dasha sat down with MTV to discuss her artistry, musical influences and journey so far, including a performance of her hit “Austin (Boots Stop Workin’),” which will premier today (Dec. 6) at 5 p.m. EST. Dasha also performed “Bye Bye Bye” off the deluxe edition off What Happens Now?, which will go live at 12 p.m. EST today.
“Being here with MTV Push and this whole year under my belt, it’s been so fast-paced but it feels good,” shared Dasha. “I feel like I’ve kind of learned how to balance that a bit more. I’m still learning, trust me, but I’m just, I feel more confident in who I am and more genuine than I ever have in myself and I think that’s the secret to, you know, being a long-lasting artist.”
Made by MTV’s Music & Talent US & International teams, MTV Push draws fans across the globe to a new music artist every month through live performances, exclusive broadcast premieres of music videos, interviews, video content and more. Previous MTV Push artists have included Lizzo, Billie Eilish, Khalid, Doja Cat, Brockhampton, H.E.R., Lil Tecca, Jack Harlow, Yungblud, Bazzi, Chloe x Halle, SZA, Jorja Smith, Lauv, among many others.
The War And Treaty’s New LP ‘Plus One’ Set For Valentines Day
/by Lorie HollabaughThe War And Treaty will release their fourth full-length album, Plus One, on Feb. 14 via Mercury Nashville.
On Plus One, husband and wife duo Michael and Tanya Trotter double down on the palpable sense of togetherness that has always fueled their music, offering up 18 life-affirming songs aimed at providing a shared experience of hope and healing and joy.
The project includes “Love Like Whiskey,” a portrait of a love strong enough to overcome any obstacle co-written by the Trotters and Miranda Lambert; “Called You By Your Name,” a breakneck-paced rallying cry influenced by the Black gospel tradition of shout music; “Drink From Me,” featuring guitarist Billy Strings; “Can I Get An Amen,” which they performed at the People’s Choice Country Awards and new track “Carried Away,” which is out now, among others.
Mainly produced by Michael and recorded at the legendary FAME Studios in Muscle Shoals, Plus One marks The War And Treaty’s follow-up to their Lover’s Game LP, which included standout track “Blank Page” which nabbed a Grammy nomination for Best American Roots Song. To create the new album, the duo dreamed up a singular sound touched with elements of gospel, bluegrass, country, soul, symphonic pop, folk-rock and more in collaboration with producers like Jonathan Singleton, John Shanks and Jesse Frasure.
The War And Treaty has been hot on the road this year, performing with Chris Stapleton and Zach Bryan on a variety of dates, as well as an opening slot with The Rolling Stones. They have also performed on NBC Macy’s Fourth of July Special, at the National Memorial Day Parade and recently performed at the 98th Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. In March, they are set to embark on the “Plus One Tour,” a 30+ city tour across the U.S.
Plus One Track Listing:
1. “Love Like Whiskey” (Michael Trotter Jr., Tanya Trotter, Jesse Frasure and Miranda Lambert)
2. “Skyscraper” (Michael Trotter Jr. and Tanya Trotter)
3. “Can I Get An Amen” (Michael Trotter Jr., Tanya Trotter and Jonathan Singleton)
4. “Called You By Your Name” (Michael Trotter Jr. and Tanya Trotter)
5. “Stealing A Kiss” (Michael Trotter Jr. and Tanya Trotter)
6. “Teardrops In The Rain” (Michael Trotter Jr. and Tanya Trotter)
7. “Leads Me Home” (Michael Trotter Jr. and Tanya Trotter)
8. “Carried Away” (Michael Trotter Jr.)
9. “Drink From Me” ft. Billy Strings (Michael Trotter Jr. and Tanya Trotter)
10. “Reminisce” (Michael Trotter Jr.)
11. “Save Me” (Michael Trotter Jr.)
12. “Love Is On Fire” (Michael Trotter Jr., Tanya Trotter and Jonathan Singleton)
13. “I Can’t Let You Go” (Michael Trotter Jr. and Tanya Trotter)
14. “Home” (Michael Trotter Jr.)
15. “Love Light” (Michael Trotter Jr.)
16. “Mr. Fun” (Michael Trotter Jr.)
17. “Tunnel Vision” (Michael Trotter Jr. and Tanya Trotter)
18. “The Glorious Ones” (Michael Trotter Jr.)
Morgan Wallen’s ‘Love Somebody’ Tops MusicRow Radio Chart
/by John Nix ArledgeMorgan Wallen takes the No. 1 spot on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart again with his hit “Love Somebody.”
The track was written by Wallen alongside John Byron, Ashley Gorley, Jacob Kasher Hindlin, Elof Loelv and Ryan Vojtesak, and was produced by Joey Moi and Charlie Handsome
In the upcoming 2024 Billboard Music Awards, Wallen has received 15 finalist entries in 13 categories, including five for “I Had Some Help” with Post Malone as well as a nod for Top Streaming Songs Artist. The awards will stream on Dec. 12 across Fox, Paramount+ and Amazon’s Fire TV channels.
“Love Somebody” currently sits at No. 11 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart and No. 6 on the Mediabase chart.
Click here to view the latest edition of the MusicRow Weekly containing the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart.
From Memphis To Music City: Superproducer Tay Keith Invests In Nashville [Interview]
/by LB CantrellTay Keith
In the ever-evolving world of hip-hop, few producers have captured the zeitgeist like Tay Keith. A Grammy-nominated, three-time BMI Producer of the Year, the Memphis-born producer has redefined success by bridging the gap between his hometown’s trailblazing rap scene and the global stage.
He began making music in middle school, teaching himself to rap, produce and DJ while eagerly collaborating with anyone willing to join in the creative process.
“My mom was married and her husband [at the time] was DJing. That’s what exposed me to it,” Tay tells MusicRow from his state-of-the-art new studio in Nashville. “I went to my dad’s house on the weekends, and my brothers and the neighbors would record music on the computer. I said, ‘One day I’m going to get me a mic and do this shit.’ And that’s what I did.”
The journey began right there in Memphis, with Tay producing tracks for local stars like Yo Gotti, Blac Youngsta and Moneybagg Yo. Songs such as “Gang Gang” and “Birthday” established his reputation locally, as did his work with another Memphis breakout BlocBoy JB, with Tay producing “Shoot” and “Rover” for the rapper. His meteoric rise, however, came in 2018 when global hitmaker Drake, whose father lived in Memphis for a time, joined BlocBoy JB on “Look Alive.”
“[BlocBoy JB] started paying me like $15 or $20 for beats and to record him when we were in high school, so he was the only one who was investing in it. When I got to college, we started putting in more work together and it worked.”
The track catapulted Tay to international fame and opened the door to more collaborations with Drake, culminating in the chart-topping single “SICKO MODE” with Travis Scott, which earned him his first Grammy nomination and an RIAA Diamond certification—all while Tay was finishing college at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU), just an hour south of Nashville.
“It felt good, especially when people started asking for pictures,” Tay says when asked about his newfound notoriety on campus, and in the music world. “It didn’t phase me too much. I just kept doing what I do and staying grounded.”
Even as his career soared, he remained committed to personal growth, earning his degree in 2018. That milestone marked him as the first in his family to graduate college—a testament to his determination and ability to juggle academic and professional success during the same year his work topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart. When he walked across the stage at the commencement ceremony, the face of his graduation cap listed the hits he had produced by the ripe age of 22.
Tay Keith and MusicRow’s LB Cantrell at his studio in Nashville
“I had to something to prove as a first generation grad,” he shares. “Both of my parents had a trade education: my momma got a GED and went to cosmetology school, and my daddy was a locksmith. They really helped me and pushed me to go to school and better myself in education. My graduation from college was special for them.”
Since then, Tay has continued to dominate the charts, crafting hits like Drake and J. Cole’s “First Person Shooter,”Drake’s “Rich Flex” and “For All the Dogs” and Beyoncé’s “Before I Let Go.” From the U.K. rap scene to Jennifer Lopez’s latest album, his production prowess knows no bounds.
Notably, he has played a pivotal role in Sexyy Red’s rise to stardom, serving as her executive producer on EP In Sexyy We Trust, which spawned hits like “Get It Sexyy” and “U My Everything,” as well as her smash “Pound Town.” Under Tay’s guidance, Sexyy Red has garnered critical acclaim and commercial success, earning multiple Black Entertainment Television (BET) Award nominations in 2024.
In addition to his chart-topping hits, Tay is reshaping Nashville’s music landscape through his Drumatized studio and record label—the second Black-owned studio in the city. With monthly music camps that merge hip-hop and country music, Drumatized fosters collaboration and innovation. These camps, including a recent series in partnership with Apple Music, SMACK and Prescription Songs, have helped break new ground in cross-genre creativity.
Drumatized and Prescription Songs camp
“I work all over, but Nashville is the headquarters. This is what we’re building,” Tay says. “We’re trying to bring our world here, and it’s been a challenge, but we’ve been staying consistent and networking.
“Beyond me, it’s also my team. My producers, my manager, the A&R people and assistants—everybody is helping make this shit work,” he adds of Drumatized’s Nashville presence. “They’re hungry. I represent them, but they also represent me and my brand. I appreciate my team for going so hard. I love what I’m creating as far as my team and the impact we’re making here.”
His work extends beyond production. Tay’s influence as an honorary professor at MSTU and his dedication to mentoring young talent position him as a leader shaping the next generation of music creators. Through initiatives like the Drumatized camps and his hands-on approach with emerging artists, he continues to expand his legacy.
Drumatized and SMACK camp
As for his next personal goal, Tay wants a plaque on the wall for his first country No. 1.
“I’ve been working with a lot of different country artists. Reyna Roberts and I have a lot of songs together. I’ve worked with Kane Brown. Ernest was one of the first people in Nashville to embrace me as a Black hip-hop producer, and Bailey Zimmerman has been good friend to me.”
As his influence grows, so does Tay’s commitment to pushing boundaries. From producing tracks that define eras to fostering diversity and inclusion in Nashville’s music industry, he is more than a producer—he’s a visionary charting a course for the future of music.
Alison Krauss & Union Station To Headline Earl Scruggs Music Festival 2025
/by Lorie HollabaughAlison Krauss & Union Station. Photo: Randee St Nicholas
Alison Krauss & Union Station featuring Jerry Douglas are set to headline the Earl Scruggs Music Festival’s fourth annual bluegrass gathering on Labor Day Weekend (Aug. 29-31).
The festival is returning to Tryon International Equestrian Center in Mill Spring, North Carolina, and tickets are on sale now, with on-site lodging options available at EarlScruggsMusicFest.com.
The first to be announced for next year’s Earl Scruggs Music Festival lineup, Alison Krauss and Union Station featuring dobro legend Douglas will also embark on the group’s first tour together in a decade in 2025 with a 73-stop voyage across the U.S. and Canada. They are also set to release new music next year.
Now entering its fourth year, Earl Scruggs Music Festival was established in partnership with WNCW 88.7 at Isothermal Community College and the Earl Scruggs Center located in Shelby, North Carolina.
NSAI To Launch New Program At Nashville State Community College In February
/by Liza AndersonThe Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) will launch a six-week course on the business side of songwriting and music industry careers at Nashville State Community College’s White Bridge campus on Feb. 11. Supported by the Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR), the program will also be available online.
“NSAI is excited to partner with Nashville State on this six-week program,” shares Bart Herbison, NSAI Executive Director. “We applaud TBR Chancellor Flora Tydings, Nashville State President Shanna Jackson and their teams for exploring innovative and affordable ways to bring knowledge about songwriting and associated music industry careers to students. Some of the very top industry professionals will be part of this journey only adding to its potential.”
Taking place from 5:30 p.m.–7 p.m. each week, the sessions will consist of: “Professional Songwriting 101 — An Overview,” featuring singer-songwriter and social media personality Kaylee Rose; “Songwriting — The Craft,” featuring Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame member Tom Douglas; “Songwriter and Artist Income Streams,” featuring KP Entertainment Founder/Manager Kerri Edwards; “Publishing and Record Deals,” featuring Big Machine Music President Mike Molinar and Sony Music Nashville Vice President, A&R Margaret Tomlin; “Songwriter Support Jobs;” and “A Day in the Life,” featuring two special guests.
“This innovative partnership, developed through TBR’s Center for Workforce Development, brings together Nashville State and the Nashville Songwriters Association International in a way that exemplifies what makes Tennessee’s workforce development special—the ability to harness our state’s unique cultural strengths and turn them into career opportunities,” says Tydings. “By bringing together industry leaders to teach the next generation, we’re not just offering a course—we’re opening doors to careers in one of Tennessee’s most iconic industries. This is workforce development at its most innovative and exciting!”
The course has a nominal fee of $145 for NSAI members and $245 for non-members (which includes a year-long NSAI membership). Space is limited. For more information regarding registration, click here.