Dasha Wows Sold-Out Exit/In With Dynamic Vocals & Captivating Narratives

Dasha. Photo: Acacia Evans

At the start of 2024, Dasha played an opening slot at The Basement in front of just over 100 people, not knowing she was on the cusp of her breakout year. Thursday night (Nov. 14), she got to celebrate her monumental year in front of a sold-out crowd at Nashville’s Exit/In, as part of her “Dashville, U.S.A. Tour.” The spectacular night marked the Warner Records artist first headlining Nashville show.

In front of an already buzzing crowd, singer-songwriter Steinza played on stage with just his guitar accompanying him. He serenaded the crowd with his own original tunes such as “Tricked,” “Visions Of You,” “The Former” and more, and offered unreleased track “High And Dry” before ending his soulful set with “Taste The Dirt.”

To keep the party going, the crowd was treated to a DJ set while waiting. Line dancing lessons were also in play, turning the Exit/In into its own honky tonk. The lessons capped off with everyone doing Dasha’s viral line dance to “Austin,” turning up the anticipation even more.

With a pink neon sign illuminating the room, it became time for Dasha to hit the stage. Instantly receiving love from the crowd, the country-pop sensation started off with the fiery “What Happens Now?” the title track of her sophomore album. She then treated the fans to “Heartbreaker From Tennessee,” which was just released on Friday (Nov. 15).

Taking a moment to take in the scene, Dasha expressed her gratitude for everyone being there before going into “Ain’t No Friend Of Mine,” with the crowd bopping along. Before heading into the next tune, Dasha wanted to queue the venue in on the making of What Happens Now? that released in September.

“While I was writing this, I realized that I have some patterns I need to break. I do this thing where I love going back to my exes,” Dasha quipped. “A lot of songs on this album are about realizing that.”

With her guitar in hand, she began catchy tune “Leaving Don’t Mean Goodbye,” before singing a girls-night-out anthem “Way Too Drunk.” Bringing her magnifying stage presence back to the forefront, she wowed the room with “Run Like Hell” before surprising them with an unreleased track, during where she borrowed a fan’s cowboy hat.

“A lot of this album is based out of this horrible heartbreak I went through,” she shared. “I learned a lot about myself, about the world, about life… I realized the way that people treat you is a reflection of how they’ve been treating themselves.” To demonstrate this message, back in the center of the stage with her guitar, Dasha performed powerful story song “Even Cowboys Cry,” in awe as the crowd spontaneously shined their cell phone lights.

To keep the soft, acoustic moment going, her band exited the stage as she went into “42,” her personal favorite on her sophomore project, where she let her vocals power through the room. Steinza was then welcomed back on stage where the two performed “Drown Me” together, a song they co-wrote with Taylor Fernandez.

Continuing her pattern of being vulnerable with the crowd, Dasha went on to explain the story behind “Talk Of The Town,” a tune about everyone in her small hometown of San Louis Obispo, California knowing about a relationship she was trying to keep under wraps.

Turning the energy back up, she performed upbeat tracks “King Of California” and “Share This City” before treating the attentive crowd to another unreleased tune, “Not At This Party,” making the crowd eager for her next album. As the night was winding down, Dasha, and the Exit/In, still had a lot more to give. Playfully dancing into the words, Dasha took control of the stage for “Bye Bye Bye,” interacting flawlessly with her fans, before going into recent fan favorite “Didn’t I?”

“Nashville: are you guys ready?” Dasha exclaimed as she looked around the still-full room. The band lead everyone into her breakout, viral hit single “Austin,” with every single person fully in tune. After singing part of the song from stage, Dasha hopped over the barricade and went into the crowd to lead everyone in a giant line dance session. The intimate and spectacular moment with the crowd left everyone on a high, and further solidified her star power.

Dasha completed her “Dashville, U.S.A. Tour” on Friday in Atlanta. She will wrap up the year performing on numerous stops of the “iHeartRadio Jingle Ball Tour.”

Tim McGraw Notches 49th No. 1 Hit

Photographer

Tim McGraw has earned his 49th No. 1 hit song with “One Bad Habit,” written by Tony Lane, Aaron Eshuis and Marc Beeson, and produced by Byron Gallimore and McGraw.

“One Bad Habit” is McGraw’s 36th chart-topper at Mediabase, and extends his lead for the most weeks at No. 1 to 77 weeks. The country icon has also extended his record for the longest span between his first No. 1 and his most recent to 30 years and six months.

The track is McGraw’s 94 entry at Billboard Hot Country Songs. On Country Airplay, it extends his record for the most top five singles with 55, and ties him for the all-time lead for most top 10 singles with 61.

Joe Fox Enters Top 15 On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart

Joe Fox

Joe Fox has secured a spot in the top 15 on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart. “Boys Back Home,” “Breakin’ In Boots” and “Single Again” help him into the No. 15 spot this week.

Zach Bryan holds the No. 1 for the second consecutive week with “28” and “Pink Skies.” Ashley Gorley moves into No. 2 with “Fix What You Didn’t Break,” “I Am Not Okay,” “I Had Some Help,” “Liar,” “Losers,” “Love Somebody,” “Park,” “This Town’s Been Too Good To Us” and “Whiskey Whiskey.”

Chris Stapleton (No. 3), Jessie Jo Dillon (No. 4) and Charlie Handsome (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.

Phil Vassar, Chapel Hart, More Among 2024 Christmas 4 Kids Concert Lineup

The lineup has been announced for the annual Christmas 4 Kids (C4K) benefit concert, taking place at 7 p.m. on Nov. 25 at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium.

This year’s show will feature performances by Phil Vassar, Darryl Worley, Chapel Hart, Ty Herndon and Jamie O’Neal.

All proceeds will benefit Christmas 4 Kids, the nonprofit organization that has provided underprivileged children in Middle Tennessee with Christmas shopping sprees for over 40 years. The funds raised will give nearly 500 kids a day-long shopping excursion that includes a chauffeured trip aboard an entertainer’s luxury tour bus, dinner and a party hosted by Santa. The buses will journey to Walmart, where the children will receive new winter coats and $175 to spend however they choose.

“We’ve got a great group of artists this year who have stepped up to help us raise money to provide a night to remember for nearly 500 low-income kids in Middle Tennessee,” says Linda O’Connell, C4K President. “This is the 42nd year we’ve been able to give kids a Christmas to remember!”

Tickets are available now. For more information, click here.

Musicians On Call Welcomes First Chief Development Officer

Belinda Dinwiddie Havron

Musicians On Call (MOC), the nonprofit organization that brings live and recorded music to the bedsides of patients, families and caregivers in healthcare environments, has added Belinda Dinwiddie Havron as its first Chief Development Officer.

With 37 years of experience as a nonprofit executive, Havron has raised millions of dollars for philanthropic causes, from operational funding to planned gifts, including raising $60 million in capital and special project funding. In her previous role with the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, she worked with families and corporations to create charitable funds raising millions of dollars for community nonprofits, endowments and planned gifts.

At MOC, Havron will direct all fundraising initiatives, overseeing revenue from individuals, corporate partners, events, grants and other revenue streams.

“Belinda has been a treasured member of the Musicians On Call community for many years, and we could not be more thrilled to have her join our mission in this new and critical role,” says Pete Griffin, MOC President & CEO. “Her incomparable reputation in Nashville and decades of experience helping charities grow and thrive will be invaluable as we build the future of our organization. I know with her leadership we will see great success in expanding our programs to new communities.”

Righteous Brother Bill Medley Takes Country Turn On New LP ‘Straight From The Heart’

Bill Medley

Bill Medley of the Grammy-winning duo The Righteous Brothers will release his first new album in over a decade, Straight From The Heart, on Feb. 14.

Produced by Fred Mollin, the 12-track collection will shine a new light on Medley’s unmistakable baritone as he covers country ballads alongside some of the industry’s biggest stars including Vince Gill, Michael McDonald, Keb’ Mo’ and Shawn Colvin. In celebration of the album announcement, Medley released a second single from the album, “(Since You’ve) Gone [ft. Keb’ Mo’],” a rendition of the 1950’s classic which was originally recorded by country singer Ferlin Husky, and went on to become a 10-week chart-topper and Husky’s second career No. 1. The single follows the previously released “These Days (ft. Vince Gill)” from the new project.

“I’ve always had a deep love and appreciation for country music and at its core, a pure country ballad is the blues,” says Medley. “Straight From The Heart allowed me to pay tribute to the incredible country singers and writers that I admire, and at the same time, honor who I am in my soul. Working alongside artists like Vince Gill, Keb’ Mo’, Michael McDonald and Shawn Colvin on this album was truly magical.”

YouTube video

After his trip to Nashville with Kenny Rogers in 1978, Medley began a lifetime of relationships and experiences with the country music community, including earning an ACM nomination for Top New Male Vocalist of the Year in 1985. The Rock & Roll Hall of Famer went on to open for Loretta Lynn, toured with Alabama and spent time with iconic artists like Johnny Cash, Glen Campbell and Kris Kristofferson, among many others.

Straight From The Heart Track List:
1. “Crying Time” (ft. Michael McDonald)
2. “The Dance”
3. “Please Help I’m Falling”
4. “Sunday Morning Coming Down”
5. “(Since You’ve) Gone” [ft. Keb’ Mo’]
6. “Lay Down Beside Me”
7. “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry” (ft. Shawn Colvin)
8. “Whenever You Come Around”
9. “He Stopped Loving Her Today”
10. “Sweet Music Man”
11. “These Days” (ft. Vince Gill)
12. “Let It Be Me”

Megan Moroney Takes Georgia Theatre Stage For Spotify Champions Event

Megan Moroney during Spotify Champions event. Photo: Mary Caroline Russell/Oust for Spotify

Megan Moroney took the Georgia Theatre stage in Athens, Georgia on Friday (Nov. 15) ahead of the University of Georgia-University of Tennessee, Knoxville football game for a Spotify Champions event.

Lily Rose & Mackenzie Carpenter. Photo: Moses Robinson/Getty Images for Spotify

“Being in Athens the weekend of the Georgia-Tennessee game at the Georgia Theatre is something that I will never forget,” she shared. “Thank you Spotify, and thank you to my fans for showing up for me! I love y’all and I loved tonight!”

Hosted by Lily Rose, the function also featured a performance by Mackenzie Carpenter and sets from DJ Sir Foster as well as a Spotify Champions-branded jersey customization station. Moroney, Rose and Carpenter led the crowd in the “Calling the Dawgs” chant, with groups like the UGA Spike Squad pumping everyone up from the stands. Additionally, each student in attendance was gifted a free month of Spotify Premium for Students.

“There’s a special energy that you find in football stadiums and concert halls—people of all backgrounds coming together for a shared experience,” expressed Rose. “It was truly an honor to kick off this big rivalry weekend with Spotify, and the energy at the Georgia Theatre was electric.”

“Georgia and Tennessee are known for their deep roots in Southern music and passionate football fans, and this past weekend in Athens with Spotify was proof of both! The energy here was incredible,” said Carpenter. “There was definitely a rivalry in the air, but music always unites us, and I loved sharing mine with y’all.”

Megan Moroney & Mackenzie Carpenter. Photo: Mary Caroline Russell/Oust for Spotify

Nicole Rhodes Promoted At Big Yellow Dog Music

Nicole Rhodes

Nicole Rhodes has been promoted to Senior Director, Sync at Big Yellow Dog Music.

The Belmont University graduate started with Big Yellow Dog Music as an intern in 2018 before joining the team full-time in 2019. Rising from Director, Sync to Senior Director, in her new role she will focus on continuing the success of the company’s writers/artists, creating new relationships across all mediums of sync and finding new talents for the roster.

During her time at Big Yellow Dog, Rhodes has secured placements for the Sync team including HBO MAX promos, Walmart campaigns, Grey’s Anatomy, All American, the film Didi and the main title theme for Netflix’s The Perfect Couple.

“Nicole has a passion for songs that she knows can be synced, while delivering quality at the same time,” says Big Yellow Dog co-owner and CEO Carla Wallace. “When we had the opportunity to work with Sue Jacobs for the Netflix series Perfect Couple, she delivered the hit Meghan Trainor song ‘Criminals’ for the main title theme. We all work together as a team at Big Yellow Dog Music but knowing the value of the catalog and keeping your eye on the gems is a talent. We are excited to continue our journey with Nicole!”

SESAC Celebrates Community & Creativity At 2024 Nashville Music Awards

Pictured (L-R): Sam Kling, Scott Jungmichel, Jaron Boyer, Shannan Hatch, ET Brown and Lydia Cahill pose as Boyer accepts the Songwriter of the Year award at the 2024 SESAC Nashville Music Awards. Photo: Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for SESAC

It’s officially Awards Week in Music City. First on the agenda was the 2024 SESAC Nashville Music Awards, thrown at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum on Sunday night (Nov. 17).

More than 400 songwriters and publishers socialized in the Museum’s beautiful event hall, which overlooks the Nashville skyline. The performing rights organization spared no expense decorating the space, arranging moody purple lighting and a gorgeous stage area with the SESAC logo prominently displayed. Guitar art by Nashville artist Rob Hendon decorated the hall, and elegant florals punctuated the room.

Megan Moroney poses at 2024 SESAC Nashville Awards. Photo: Katie Kauss

In addition to the red carpet, there was a fun, collage-style photo booth for attendees to enjoy. It had clippings of SESAC affiliates’ hits of the past year, lyrics and photos. To snack on were offerings of Philly cheesesteak bites, tater tos, cheddar rolls, sandwich sliders, a roast-flavored dish with vegetables and mashed potatoes, a mac and cheese stand, fresh charcuterie and more, and the drinks were flowing. It was a celebration to get the week started.

SESAC Chief Creative Officer Sam Kling welcomed the crowd, sharing the company’s gratitude for their affiliates. He then turned it over to SVP, Head of Nashville Creative Shannan Hatch to host the evening. Hatch recognized some of the accomplishments that SESAC affiliates had achieved over the past year, such as Victoria Shaw going into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame and various songwriters being nominated for ACM, CMA and other awards.

Senior Director of Creative Services, ET Brown, appeared to recognize winners in the Americana genre, including Sierra Ferrell, Ed Jurdi, Gordy Quist, Rachael Price, Seth Avett, Scott Avett and Bob Crawford.

Soon after, Brown’s fellow Senior Director of Creative Services Lydia Cahill joined them on stage to start presenting the country awards to the PRO’s top performers. Each songwriter and publisher announced joined the executives on stage while their song played over the speakers and their peers hooped and hollered for them. The songs that were awarded are listed below.

Megan Moroney served as one of the night’s performers, enchanting the crowd with her new single “Am I Okay?” She was also the recipient of the SESAC Spotlight Award in recognition of her recent achievements, including critical acclaim of her latest album, a new headlining tour to begin in 2025, three CMA Award nominations and more.

“A lot of dreams have come true the past few years, and I’ve gotten to do some fun and exciting things, but there’s nothing more fulfilling than writing songs,” Moroney said. “I love songwriting so much and I love my songwriting friends. It fills my soul.”

Song of the Year co-writers Jared Keim, Warren Zeiders and Ryan Beaver pose at 2024 SESAC Nashville Awards. Photo: Katie Kauss

Warren Zeiders performed his smash hit “Pretty Little Poison” alongside co-writers Jared Keim and Ryan Beaver. The song was then named SESAC’s Song of the Year.

The SESAC Songwriter of the Year went to Jaron Boyer, who co-wrote hits “Let Your Boys Be Country” recorded by Jason Aldean and “Mind On You” performed by George Birge. To honor this achievement, Gibson created a custom guitar, and Jostens provided a one-of-a-kind ring for Boyer.

“I almost retired from songwriting a couple years ago and some good friends helped me not quit,” Boyer said, naming some peers and publishers that helped him along the way. “I first need to thank Jesus Christ. None of us would be here if it wasn’t for him.”

Warner Chappell Music took home the title of Publisher of the Year, after winning multiple awards throughout the night.

Full List of Honorees:

“Pretty Little Poison”
Written by Jared Keim
Published by Warner Chappell Music, Twelve6 Sequoia
Recorded by Warren Zeiders

“We Don’t Fight Anymore”
Written by Pete Good
Published by Warner Chappell Music, King Pen Songs, SMACKWORKS Music
Recorded by Carly Pearce and Chris Stapleton

“Mind On You”
Written by Jaron Boyer, Michael Tyler
Published by Marlowe Sinclaire Songs, MTNoize, peertunes LTD, Melodies of CTM Outlander
Recorded by George Birge

“Tucson Too Late”
Written by Josh Jenkins
Published by Follow Me Where I Go, SMACKWORKS Music
Recorded by Jordan Davis

“Let Your Boys Be Country”
Written by Allison Veltz Cruz, Jaron Boyer
Published by Allison Veltz Sensations, Marlowe Sinclaire Songs, Hipgnosis Tunes, peertunes LTD, Songs of Porterfied Music
Recorded by Jason Aldean

“Love You Again”
Written by Casey Brown
Published by Track & Feels, Warner Chappell Music, Tape Room Tunes
Recorded by Chase Matthew

“Creek Will Rise”
Written by Chris LaCorte
Published by Card Tables Music, Concord Tunes, Hang Your Hat Hits
Recorded by Conner Smith

“I’m Not Pretty”
Written by Megan Moroney
Published by Georgiamo, Sony Music Publishing
Recorded by Megan Moroney

“Indifferent”
Written by Megan Moroney
Published by Georgiamo, Sony Music Publishing
Recorded by Megan Moroney

“Can’t Have Mine”
Written by Matt Alderman
Published by Aldysongs, Curb Congregation Songs
Recorded by Dylan Scott

“Glory Days”
Written by Seth Mosley
Published by M & M College Fund, Sony Music Publishing
Recorded by Gabby Barrett

“Wine Into Whiskey”
Written by Justin Ebach
Published El Chapo Music
Recorded by Tucker Wetmore

“Heartless Year”
Written by Ed Jurdi, Gordy Quist
Published by Three Pisces Music, Vitrolacaster Music
Recorded by The Band of Heathens

“Fox Hunt”
Written by Sierra Ferrell
Published by Abel Elba, Pulse Worldwide
Recorded by Sierra Ferrell

“Good Together”
Written by Rachael Price
Published Warner Chappell Music, 17 Lake Street Music
Recorded by Lake Street Dive

“Love Of A Girl”
Written by Seth Avett, Scott Avett, Bob Crawford
Published by First Big Snow Publishing, NemoIVMusic, Truth Comes True Publishing, Ramseur Family Fold Music
Recorded by The Avett Brothers

“American Dreaming”
Written by Sierra Ferrell
Published by Abel Elba, Pulse Worldwide
Recorded by Sierra Ferrell

“Orion’s Belt”
Written by Seth Avett, Scott Avett, Bob Crawford
Published by First Big Snow Publishing, NemoIVMusic, Truth Comes True Publishing, Ramseur Family Fold Music
Recorded by The Avett Brothers

Tracy Lawrence Unveils Mission:Possible Benefit Concert Lineup

Country music star Tracy Lawrence has revealed the lineup for his 19th annual Mission:Possible benefit concert, taking place Nov. 26 at Category 10 in Nashville.

Jamey Johnson and Meghan Patrick will take the stage alongside Lawrence with special guest Halfway To Hazard also set to join the evening.

Last year’s concert raised over $250,000, marking the largest amount ever raised through the annual show. The concert follows Lawrence’s annual Turkey Fry, held at the Nashville Fairgrounds. This year’s Thanksgiving tradition is aiming to exceed last year’s record of 1,400 turkeys fried.

Since its inception, Lawrence’s Mission:Possible initiative has fried over 10,000 turkeys, served more than 86,000 meals to the homeless throughout Middle Tennessee, donated over $1 million to the Nashville Rescue Mission and raised more than $2.5 million to advocate for those in need and expand its reach to aligned causes.

Last week, Lawrence revealed his new all-natural injectable marinade, now available for purchase on his website, with a portion of proceeds supporting Mission:Possible. The marinade will be sold at both the turkey fry and the benefit concert.

Tickets are still available for the 19th annual Mission:Possible benefit concert.