Marcus King. Photo: JM Collective
As a widely-respected musician in multiple genres, one may not expect Marcus King to struggle much with negative emotions or mental health issues.
The South Carolina-born singer-songwriter garnered a Grammy nomination for his 2020 solo debut album El Dorado, and in addition to packing venues on his own, he’s performed alongside Chris Stapleton, Greta Van Fleet and Nathanial Rateliff.
This spring, King released another album Mood Swings, produced by the iconic Rick Rubin, which explored some of the singer’s darkest moments. The album earned instant critical acclaim with its sonic landscape of the soul, country, blues, rock and Americana sounds, as well as its raw subject matter about times King was truly on the brink and considering taking his own life.
“You’ve either got to let it do something positive or it’s just gonna destroy you from the inside out,” he tells MusicRow. “It’s just like anything else, like childhood traumas, bad memories or heartbreak—all these things that all of us who write music use, subconsciously or not, to write music. I’ve learned to allow my mental health to be a more or less a writing partner for me.”
King shares that as he’s progressed in his career, and life, he’s learned to leave the sharp edges of truth in his songwriting when it comes to darkness instead of filtering it with ambiguity.
“I’ve always written about it, but I’ve been a little more cryptic with it. I’ve always been more inclined to use metaphor and not speak about it directly. With my latest record, I spoke about it more directly.”
King is in a new place now, having put into place life changes to help support his mental health. Like a lot musicians and touring personnel, King knows all too well the darker colors that life on the road can paint in a person’s psyche. He’s chosen to be vocal about his experience, which has led to profound mental health awareness for his fans and peers.
“Some days you wake up in the bunk and the bunk is completely blacked out. You don’t know what time it is. It’s really easy to fall into a depressive state,” King shares. “I’m touring right now, the winter is coming and I’m fighting off a cold—it’s real easy just to stay in bed and to let that depression get you in a headlock. But it’s important to get up and do something.”
To support himself on the road, King likes to explore the cities he’s in, check out local restaurants and learn about the culture of the places he gets to perform in. He also says that exercise has been critical to his routine.
Photo: Fletcher Moore
“These are all the things that everybody talks about, I guess. Really, having your boys out here, having good community and finding joy in the simpler things in life is what makes me happy,” King shares. “I really enjoy coming off the gig and watching a slasher film with my band on the bus. I used to go out and really get tore up, but not anymore.”
Another life change that King has made has been sobriety, which can prove extremely difficult in a live music setting. A study by Tulane University estimates that 56% of industry professionals struggle with substance use.
“I’ve never had a hard time not starting. I’ve just had a hard time not stopping,” King says when asked how he maintains a sober environment for himself. “I don’t mind having it around. I kind of watch [people drinking] inquisitively, as a matter of fact. To watch somebody enjoy a few drinks responsibly—I can’t even fathom that concept. It’s just not part of my journey right now. I get along better without it.”
To help facilitate spaces for fans and crew struggling to be around alcohol and substances, King has partnered with Stand Together to bring 1 Million Strong on his “Mood Swings The World Tour.” The partnership has brought to life 1 Million Strong lounges—a space for fans in recovery, those who are sober and their allies to connect and find community before and during the show—in select cities, as well as mocktails options to enhance the sober party experience.
“It’s been really touching to meet people who tell me [my show was] their first sober concert experience. Having a sober space where it’s not an exclusive thing—there’s nothing really crazy going on, we’re just not drinking over here—it’s great. It’s like smoking or non-smoking section at Pizza Hut.”
Marcus King. Photo: Fletcher Moore
While sobriety is important to King’s mental health, he never wants to come across as judgemental about it.
“I’ve always enjoyed the idea of just being quietly sober. I don’t need to push my ideas on anybody, but it works for me and it might work for you,” he says. “I don’t want to tell people how to live when they come to my shows, I want people to have as much freedom and openness to do whatever they want, but I just know what I like to do and what I don’t like to do anymore. Having space like [1 Million Strong creates] is paramount.”
In addition to working with 1 Million Strong, King also recently launched the Curfew Fellowship Fund alongside his friend Charles Hedgepath to support musicians who are battling challenges with mental health and addiction.
“The Curfew Foundation is named after our buddy that took his own life. His nickname was Curfew, and he’s actually the person I wrote ‘Goodbye Carolina’ for,” King says. “We wanted to create an open space for artists to be able to speak with one another openly about their mental health journeys in an effort to de-stigmatize it as it relates to our business.”
While still in development, the foundation raises funds for various causes close to King’s heart and will develop a support system for musicians from all walks of life who are battling challenges with mental health and addiction.
As a very respected musician, often a special guests that the best of the best bring out to impress crowds with his virtuoso guitar-slinging and one-of-one voice, King is doing commendable work shedding light on his struggles. His status as a “cool kid” who speaks about and supports his mental health has undoubtedly impacted many.
“I definitely never thought of myself as one of the ‘cool kids,'” King sums with a laugh. “But it’s nice to be doing something that I would actually want people to model themselves after. I’ve never felt that before.”
Industry Ink: Ashley McBryde, Matthew West, T. Graham Brown, More
/by Lorie HollabaughAshley McBryde Helps Opry Go Pink For Fight Against Breast Cancer
Opry Member Ashley McBryde Flips Switch to Turn Opry Barn Pink. Photo: Chris Hollo
Grand Ole Opry member Ashley McBryde flipped the switch on the Opry’s signature barn backdrop on Oct. 23 for the 16th annual Opry Goes Pink celebration, turning it pink for the night.
Additional performers during the evening included Tasha Layton and Victoria Shaw as well as Opry members T. Graham Brown, Rhonda Vincent and Jon Pardi. The Grand Ole Opry and Susan G. Komen joined together for the night in the fight against breast cancer with Opry Goes Pink, presented by Humana and sponsored by Vanderbilt Health, and $5 from every ticket sold will be donated to Susan G. Komen to aid in the fight against breast cancer.
Matthew West Celebrates Latest Chart-Topper With ‘Don’t Stop Praying’
Pictured (L-R): The Story House Collective’s Ashley Chiappetta, Maggie Laws, Matthew West, Sara Brigman and Grace Becker
Singer-songwriter Matthew West recently celebrated his No. 1 single “Don’t Stop Praying.” West also released his 13th studio album of the same name on Oct. 4.
Featuring 12 tracks all penned by West, the project adds to the over 250 songwriting cuts West has penned across his career. An eight-time author, West has notched 35 No. 1s as an artist and songwriter combined and has received five Grammy nominations and a Primetime Emmy nomination. He’ll embark on his 17-stop “Don’t Stop Praying Tour” this fall and winter.
T. Graham Brown Surprised With No. 1 Plaque For From Memphis To Muscle Shoals
Pictured (L-R): Producer/Songwriter Billy Lawson; Opry Associate Producer, Talent Gina Keltner; T. Graham Brown; Sheila Brown; T. Graham Brown’s Manager Cole Johnstone and Opry SVP/Executive Producer Dan Rogers. Photo: Chris Hollo
T. Graham Brown was surprised during Opry Goes Pink night with a special presentation commemorating his first No. 1 album, From Memphis to Muscle Shoals.
The album debuted at No. 1 on the iTunes Top Blues Album Chart and entered the Top 10 of the iTunes Country Albums Chart upon its release. It features collaborations with artists such as Bettye LaVette, Sam Moore, Delbert McClinton, Dwight Yoakam, Eddie Floyd, Little Anthony, Randy Houser, Sammy Hagar, Tanya Tucker, Wynonna and Zach Williams. In addition to its chart success, the 14-song collection has garnered over one million on-demand streams.
Patsy & Emmy Russell Chat On Got It From My Momma Podcast
Pictured (L-R): Beverly Keel (Change The Conversation), Patsy Russell, Leslie Fram (CTC), Jennifer Vickery Smith (host), Emmy Russell and Tracy Gershon (CTC)
Jennifer Vickery Smith’s Got It From My Momma podcast recorded live earlier this week with Loretta Lynn’s daughter Patsy Russell and her daughter Emmy Russell, who reflected on what it was like growing up with the country icon and her lasting legacy. The free event took place at BMI Nashville.
Just prior to her acoustic performances of “Skinny” and “The House That Built Me,” Emmy revealed that she and her fiancée Tyler are expecting their first child.
SongwritingWith:Soldiers Named Wounded Warrior Project Partner
SongwritingWith:Soldiers has been named a community partner by Wounded Warrior Project. Together, WWP along with SongwritingWith:Soldiers and its other partners will provide a broader and more complete range of services to build a trusted network of support to greatly improve the lives of warriors, their families and caregivers.
“War and service take a heavy toll. Coming home shouldn’t be more difficult, but too often it is for those we serve,” shares WWP CEO Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Walt Piatt. “Our community partners form a passionate and impactful network, driving real change. Together, we are not only improving the quality of life for veterans and their loved ones, but we are also saving lives and empowering others to do the same—providing a road home for everyone.”
Andrew Ellis Promoted At Bandit Lites
Bandit Lites has promoted Andrew Ellis to Project Manager. Ellis began his live events education early, working as a theater tech with various theatre companies in both high school and college.
Upon earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Show Production from Full Sail University, he met Jake Tickle, Bandit Lites VP of Business and Innovation during an educational outreach event. Tickle hired Ellis as a freelance lighting technician in 2018 before he joined full time in 2021. While at Bandit, Ellis served as a tech and crew chief on several tours including Rob Thomas, Alanis Morrisette, Shinedown, Jason Aldean, Breaking Benjamin, Stick Figure and The Marley Brothers.
NMPA Honors Over 150 Songwriters At Annual Gold & Platinum Nashville Gala
/by LB CantrellNMPA President and CEO David Israelite gives welcoming remarks at the annual Gold & Platinum Gala in Nashville. Photo: Tony Sarria, Courtesy of NMPA
The National Music Publishers Association (NMPA) held its annual Gold & Platinum Gala last night (Oct. 24) at the Country Music Hall of Fame. A newer event on the Nashville calendar, this year’s gala brought over 500 songwriters, artists, managers and creator advocates together.
NMPA Male Songwriter of the Year Ashley Gorley. Photo: Tony Sarria, Courtesy of NMPA
The event honored over 150 Gold, Platinum and multi-Platinum certified songwriters as certified by the RIAA in the past year, specifically the July 2023 – June 2024 eligibility period. Throughout the night, NMPA team members recognized songwriters from Gold to Diamond, calling them to the stage for a photo with their plaque. As writers made their way to the stage, with their song playing over the loud speakers, the publishers and peers in the crowd hooped and hollered and patted them on the back.
Those that were present to receive plaques included Chris DeStefano, Laura Veltz, Jonathan Singleton, Dustin Lynch, Taylor Phillips, Nicolle Galyon, Ryan Hurd, Jordan Schmidt, Renee Blair, Charles Kelley and many more. A special moment came when TK Kimbrell and Scotty Emerick accepted awards on behalf of Toby Keith.
NMPA Female Songwriter of the Year Jessi Alexander. Photo: Tony Sarria, Courtesy of NMPA
Between plaque presentations, the room was treated to performances from artist honorees. Hailey Whitters performed her delightful “Everything She Ain’t,” Bailey Zimmerman charmed with “Fall In Love” and “Rock And A Hard Place,” Breland impressed with “For What It’s Worth” and “Same Work” and Jordan Davis captivated with “Next Thing You Know” and “Buy Dirt.”
The evening also honored perennial hitmakers who had an incredible year. With six certifications for songs including “The Way I Talk,” “Gone Girl,” “Don’t Think Jesus,” “5 Leaf Clover” and “You, Me, And Whiskey,” Jessi Alexander took home Top Female Songwriter of the Year.
The Top Male Songwriter went once again to Ashley Gorley who achieved an astounding 26 certifications for hits by Lee Brice, Dan + Shay, Morgan Wallen and more. He picked up the same honor at last year’s gala.
Jordan Davis performs at the annual Gold & Platinum Gala in Nashville. Photo: Tony Sarria, Courtesy of NMPA
Hailey Whitters performs at the annual Gold & Platinum Gala in Nashville. Photo: Tony Sarria, Courtesy of NMPA
Breland performs at the annual Gold & Platinum Gala in Nashville. Photo: Tony Sarria, Courtesy of NMPA
Bailey Zimmerman performs at the annual Gold & Platinum Gala in Nashville. Photo: Tony Sarria, Courtesy of NMPA
Dylan Gossett Lets His Performing Power Shine At Ryman Auditorium Debut
/by Madison HahnenDylan Gossett during his Ryman Auditorium performance. Photo: Jessie Addleman
Just six months after his sold-out show at Exit/In, Dylan Gossett stepped onto the historic Ryman Auditorium stage to headline for the first time Wednesday night (Oct. 23) in front of another sold-out crowd as part of his “The Back 40 Tour.”
To open up the night, country singer James Tucker treated fans to his crafty and soul-stirring original songs, including “Parts Of Me,” “The Light” and “October.” After amping everyone up with his opening three tracks, he flawlessly covered Tyler Childers’ “Whitehouse Road,” before singing two songs he wrote for his wife, “Stay Home Tonight” and “Take Me As I Am.”
Dylan Gossett during his Ryman Auditorium performance. Photo: Jessie Addleman
With the audience fully engaged, Tucker began to perform his unreleased “Raised Us,” which he wrote in his grandparents home while sheltering from the recent hurricanes. After the emotional performance, Tucker ended his set showing off his vocals with “Those Days” and “Man I Am,” before leading a sing along to Bob Dylan’s “All Along The Watch Tower” to end his set.
Anticipation was buzzing around the auditorium as fans eagerly awaited Gossett to take the stage. When the lights went out, the singer’s band led a short jam session before the Big Loud Texas/Mercury Records singer appeared with his guitar and opened the night with “Stronger Than A Storm,” off the soundtrack for Twisters.
After addressing the crowd, Gossett pulled out his signature Texas sound with “Lone Ole Cowboy.” A roar of approval ripped through the room, and the singer-songwriter paused to take in the moment.
“This might be one of the most special shows we’ve ever played,” he said. “This is our first time ever playing here at the Ryman, and it sure is special. Thank you all for being here and selling this place out. It blows our minds.” The heartfelt moment set Gossett up to go into the track that started it all for him, “To Be Free.”
Dylan Gossett during his Ryman Auditorium performance. Photo: Jessie Addleman
Entertainment was already at a high, but Gossett turned it up just a little bit more by pulling out his harmonica for “Tree Birds,” which had everyone singing and clapping along. After “If I Had A Lover” and “No Better Time,” Gossett treated attendees to an unreleased song.
“We wrote this song earlier in the year when we were touring in the spring. We were in a sprinter van that wasn’t too big in the back,” Gossett explained. “We couldn’t really fit a guitar back there, so we went to Guitar Center and found the cheapest, smallest, portable guitar, and we wrote some songs on it in the back of that van.” The crowd approved of the track “Song About You,” once again proving the songwriting power of the breakout artist.
The next track was a special one to Gossett, as he wrote it about his wedding day. After serenading with “Beneath Oak Trees,” he played another unreleased track, “Back 40,” which pays homage to his hometown and old job.
“Flip A Coin” had every single person singing along and another unreleased track, “Hanging On,” was well-liked, too. Gossett then led the ultimate country music jam session inside the Mother Church with a stunning cover of Johnny Cash’s “Folsom Prison Blues.”
Pictured (L-R): Brett Saliba (UTA), Patch Culbertson (Big Loud Records), Jon Randall (Big Loud Texas), Sara Knabe (Big Loud Records), Tyler Arnold (Mercury Records), Matthew Morgan (UTA), Sam Katz (Homebase Management), Chloe Brake (Mercury Records), Miranda Lambert (Big Loud Texas), Justin Hill (UTA), Shawn McSpadden (Range Media Partners Nashville), Dylan Gossett, Federico Morris (Range Media Partners), Jake Levensohn (Mercury Records), Matt Graham (Range Media Partners), Candice Watkins (Big Loud Records), Alex Coslov (Mercury Records), Mario Vazquez (Mercury Records), Kelsey Miller (Mercury Records) and Lucy Bartozzi (Big Loud Records). Photo: Jessie Addleman
A soul-stirring performance of “Finally Stop Dreaming” kept the attention of the dedicated audience, which Gossett capitalized on by playing fan-favorite “Better Winds.”
As the night was winding down, Gossett took one more chance to thank the Nashville crowd for an amazing night. “I wasn’t playing or pursuing music like I thought I should last year. I was just working my job until I found the Lord had different plans for me. I’m not much of a talker if y’all can’t tell,” he quipped. “But thank y’all very much from the bottom of my heart.” He topped off the speech with his viral, newly RIAA-certified Platinum hit “Coal,” bringing the whole building to their feet.
Gossett and his band left the stage, but no one in the Ryman’s pews hit the door. After chanting for more, the singer-songwriter came back on stage for an encore performance. He ended the shining night with a rock and roll style cover of The Animal’s “House Of The Rising Sun,” before closing with his own “Somewhere Between.”
Gossett’s “The Back 40 Tour” continues until Nov. 23 with stops scheduled for Atlanta, Toronto, Chicago and more.
Industry Veteran Ron Pateras Passes
/by LB CantrellRon Pateras
Longtime talent buyer and event producer Ron Pateras passed away on Oct. 18 after a battle with cancer. He was 59.
Pateras started his career as a concert promoter in 1985 at Ravinia Festival in Highland Park, Illinois. He joined the Chicago-based Jam Productions in 1995, where he remained for 24 years.
In 2019, Pateras joined Neste Live! in Nashville. He served on the IEBA Board of Directors and was part of Leadership Music’s class of 2022. Pateras was nominated for the ACM Don Romeo Talent Buyer of the Year in 2023 and was named IEBA Corporate Buyer of the Year in 2017.
The Ron Pateras IEBA Scholarship has been established in his honor.
An Open House Celebration of Life will be held for Pateras at the Live Nation Nashville office (410 Chestnut St., Nashville, TN 37203) on Nov. 14 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Dolly Parton Named As 2024 Peace Through Music Award Recipient
/by Liza AndersonDolly Parton
Dolly Parton has been named as this year’s Peace Through Music Award recipient by the Recording Academy and U.S. Department of State, and will be recognized tonight (Oct. 25) during an event at the Grammy Museum in Los Angeles.
The accolade honors an American music industry professional, artist or group who has played an invaluable role in cross-cultural exchanges and whose music work advances peace and mutual understanding globally. The recipient is determined through a nomination process, with U.S. embassies from around the world submitting nominations to be considered by a selection committee represented by Recording Academy members, U.S. Department of State leadership, music industry professionals and academia. The recommended honorees are approved by the Recording Academy CEO, then presented to the Assistant Secretary of State for Educational & Cultural Affairs, who makes the final decision.
While her selection as this year’s honoree is based on her music and public persona, Parton has shown immense dedication to serving others through many initiatives, including her Imagination Library, which provides under served children from the hills of Appalachia to the outback of Australia the opportunity to learn through reading, and through her support of public health, most recently around the COVID-19 vaccine, which reached millions of Americans as well as people worldwide.
“Over the course of her career, Dolly Parton has been committed to enriching communities across the globe, and it’s a privilege to celebrate her dedication to service with the Peace Through Music Award today,” says Harvey Mason Jr., Recording Academy CEO. “We are grateful to partner with the Department of State on the Global Music Diplomacy Initiative, which represents an important part of the Academy’s work to support music people across the globe.”
“Dolly Parton represents the best of America—her excellence in music, her servant’s heart in giving back to those in need and her unique ability to always bring people together,” states Lee Satterfield, Acting Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy & Public Affairs. “On behalf of the American people and Secretary of State [Antony] Blinken, we are honored to celebrate all of her contributions to people around the world with the Peace Through Music Award in partnership with the Recording Academy.”
“To say that I was honored to accept the Peace Through Music Award from the Recording Academy and the U.S. State Department would be putting it mildly,” Parton shares. “I was very touched and moved by that. If I have been an inspiration in any way through some act of kindness or through some music that I have written, well, that makes me feel like I have done my job properly. Thanks again for such a great honor.”
Her acceptance video is available below.
Brenda Lee Releases AI-Assisted Spanish Version Of ‘Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree’
/by Lorie HollabaughA Spanish version of Brenda Lee’s iconic holiday classic, “Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree,” has been released today for the first time, thanks to AI technology.
“Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree” was first recorded 66 years ago, and last holiday season, was the No. 1 song in the U.S. for three weeks, topping the Billboard Hot 100 chart more than half a century after it was recorded and released in 1958 by the then 13-year-old star.
“Noche Buena y Navidad” was created under the production of four-time Latin Grammy-winning producer, Auero Baqueiro, keeping the original music and backing vocals while replacing Lee’s original lead vocals with a newly-translated Spanish vocal created using a new AI vocal model derived from her voice that was fully approved by Lee. The result is a new version of the cherished holiday tune that sounds as if 13-year-old Brenda Lee was in the booth singing it for the first time.
“I am so blown away by this new Spanish version of ‘Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree,’ which was created with the help of AI,” says Lee. “Throughout my career, I performed and recorded many songs in different languages, but I never recorded ‘Rockin’’ in Spanish, which I would have loved to do. To have this out now is pretty incredible and I’m happy to introduce the song to fans in a new way.”
The track’s new vocal was created with the help of SoundLabs AI’s MicDrop, a cutting-edge AI audio plug-in which allows a user to transform their voice into another voice or instrument. In partnership with UMG, SoundLabs is creating official ultra-high fidelity vocal models for artists, using their own voice data for training while giving them full artistic approval and control of the output. Earlier this year, Universal Music Group (UMG) entered into a groundbreaking strategic partnership with SoundLabs, which was founded by producer, composer, software developer and electronic artist BT.
“Noche Buena y Navidad” is the first collaboration with a UMG artist to be released and marks the first time that a music company has used ethically-trained AI to release a new language version of a classic song, created responsibly with the artist’s involvement and authorization.
“We are thrilled to work with Brenda Lee to making ‘Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree’ the first classic song translated responsibly into another language with the power of AI,” says UMe President & CEO Bruce Resnikoff. “We are also very excited about the possibilities of this emerging technology and look forward to harnessing its capabilities to introduce new material created by and approved by our artists.”
“The minute you hear Brenda Lee’s iconic voice on ‘Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree’ you know it’s the official start of Christmas,” says UMG Nashville Chair & CEO Cindy Mabe. “The global hits has touched people all over the world and kept this young 13-year-old spirit of Christmas captured in a time capsule. We are all so excited for this new Spanish version created with the help of AI from that legendary voice and approved by Brenda Lee herself to help celebrate this enduring, timeless classic.”
Thomas Rhett Tops The MusicRow Radio Chart With ‘Beautiful As You’
/by John Nix ArledgeThomas Rhett tops the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart this week with his song “Beautiful As You.”
The track is a part of his seventh studio album About A Woman, and was written by Rhett, Jacob Kasher Hindlin, John Henry Ryan, Julian Bunetta, Alexander Izquierdo, Joshua Emanuel Coleman and Zaire Kelsey.
Last month, Rhett announced his upcoming “Better In Boots Tour” slated for June 2025. This 30-city run will see the singer visit St. Louis, Buffalo, Virginia, Philadelphia and more through September.
“Beautiful As You” currently sits at No. 12 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart and No. 9 on the Mediabase chart.
Click here to view the latest edition of the MusicRow Weekly containing the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart.
Drew Baldridge Partners With BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville On New Single, Inks With New Management
/by John Nix ArledgeDrew Baldridge has released his latest single, “Tough People,” following the success of his historic No. 1 hit, “She’s Somebody’s Daughter.” The track, written with Adam Sanders, Jordan Walker and Luke Combs, marks the beginning of his new partnership with BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville who will provide support for the single at country radio. “Tough People,” was released via Stoney Creek Records, will officially go for adds on Nov. 4.
“This song means so much to me,” explains Baldridge. “Our world is full of tough people fighting to stay ahead every day. But for me, it’s my story about not giving up on my dreams. I had to risk everything to make ‘She’s Somebody’s Daughter’ a hit. It was definitely a tough time for me, but our team kept our heads down, worked hard, and pulled out a win—hard work pays off, good beats evil and tough times make tough people.”
Additionally, Baldridge has inked with Left | Right Management for representation. Helping guide Baldridge into the next phase of his career is President John Meneilly, along with Jay King. Alex Goodman and Hannah McElroy will oversee day-to-day management.
“From the moment I met Drew, I knew I wanted to be an advocate for everything he stood for,” says Meneilly. “Then he played ‘Tough People’ for me and Jay King, and we wouldn’t stop calling him until he agreed to let us represent him!”
Industry Ink: Dylan Scott, Mtheory, MTSU, Cadence Music, Ryan Wesley Smith
/by Lorie HollabaughDylan Scott Performs On Today Show
Pictured (L-R): Today’s Hoda Kotb, Dylan Scott and Today’s Jenna Bush Hager
Dylan Scott performed “I Owe You One” for Hoda Kotb and Jenna Bush Hager on Monday morning (Oct. 21) on the Today show. Scott is continuing to climb the Country Airplay charts with two singles, “This Town’s Been Too Good To Us” and “Boys Back Home” with Dylan Marlowe, and fans can catch him on his upcoming headlining “Country Till I Die Tour,” announced last week.
Jared Losow & Dirk Lemmenes Join Mtheory
Dirk Lemmenes and Jared Losow
Mtheory has hired Jared Losow as Senior Director of Tour Marketing and Dirk Lemmenes as Vice President of Client Relations. Previously the Co-Founder and Co-Owner of Barley MGMT, Losow will be based at Mtheory’s New York City office, while Lemmenes—formerly the COO, Chief of Staff and Management Lead for Zac Brown Band—will be based in Atlanta.
Before launching his own boutique management company Barely MGMT in 2023, Losow held marketing leadership positions at NYC live music institutions Le Poisson Rouge and Avant Gardner. He’s also held marketing and project management roles at In de Goot Entertainment, Relapse Records and the San Francisco Symphony.
With over two decades in artist management, operations, and business development, Lemmenes led organizational strategies and assembled and managed teams across marketing, finance, touring and other businesses for Zac Brown Band. Prior to that, his industry roles have included record store owner, music supervisor at MTV and booking agent. He has also written, recorded and toured with several independent bands himself.
Mic-Maker Lewitt Inc. Donates Equipment To MTSU
Photo: Jimmy Hart
Microphone designer and manufacturer Lewitt Inc. has donated cutting-edge microphones to MTSU’s College of Media and Entertainment along with a student discount to those who would like to purchase their gear. The equipment will serve as teaching tools for audio production students.
“We are incredibly thankful for the many contributions Lewitt has made to the Department of Recording Industry,” says Chair of MTSU’s Recording Industry Department, Michelle Conceison. “Their microphones cover a wide range, which is especially helpful for us since our students are learning skills across disciplines and record across genres with a wide musical spectrum.”
Macey Mac Inks With Cadence Music
Pictured (L-R, back row): Jim Tucker (Cadence), Rush Hicks (legal), Lauren Kilgore (legal) and Matt Tucker (Cadence); (L-R, front row): Macey Mac and Adam Box (Cadence)
Mississippi-born artist Macey Mac has signed with Cadence Music, a Nashville-based record label founded by Adam Box and Jim Tucker. Mac’s music is a testament to her Southern roots, weaving together elements of blues, gospel and country into a unique sound.
“Tiny but mighty! Her powerful voice is undoubtedly a force that will carry her, but it’s her authenticity that truly sets her apart,” says Box. “I believe her when she’s singing, and I’ve seen what happens in a room when she takes over. She’s fearless and willing to carve her own path, so that’s exactly what we are going to do.”
Ryan Wesley Smith Exits Big Future Music Group
Ryan Wesley Smith
Ryan Wesley Smith has announced he will be exiting Big Future Music Group, a company he co-founded in 2020. Smith was vital in the early signings of Abby Robertson, I Am They and Bayside Worship.
During his tenure at the label group, Big Future’s artists reached new heights with over 200 million in consumption and 50,000 album equivalents sold on their releases. Smith is currently working on a new venture launching early next year.
Marcus King Sheds Light On Mental Health Awareness [Interview]
/by LB CantrellMarcus King. Photo: JM Collective
As a widely-respected musician in multiple genres, one may not expect Marcus King to struggle much with negative emotions or mental health issues.
The South Carolina-born singer-songwriter garnered a Grammy nomination for his 2020 solo debut album El Dorado, and in addition to packing venues on his own, he’s performed alongside Chris Stapleton, Greta Van Fleet and Nathanial Rateliff.
This spring, King released another album Mood Swings, produced by the iconic Rick Rubin, which explored some of the singer’s darkest moments. The album earned instant critical acclaim with its sonic landscape of the soul, country, blues, rock and Americana sounds, as well as its raw subject matter about times King was truly on the brink and considering taking his own life.
“You’ve either got to let it do something positive or it’s just gonna destroy you from the inside out,” he tells MusicRow. “It’s just like anything else, like childhood traumas, bad memories or heartbreak—all these things that all of us who write music use, subconsciously or not, to write music. I’ve learned to allow my mental health to be a more or less a writing partner for me.”
King shares that as he’s progressed in his career, and life, he’s learned to leave the sharp edges of truth in his songwriting when it comes to darkness instead of filtering it with ambiguity.
“I’ve always written about it, but I’ve been a little more cryptic with it. I’ve always been more inclined to use metaphor and not speak about it directly. With my latest record, I spoke about it more directly.”
King is in a new place now, having put into place life changes to help support his mental health. Like a lot musicians and touring personnel, King knows all too well the darker colors that life on the road can paint in a person’s psyche. He’s chosen to be vocal about his experience, which has led to profound mental health awareness for his fans and peers.
“Some days you wake up in the bunk and the bunk is completely blacked out. You don’t know what time it is. It’s really easy to fall into a depressive state,” King shares. “I’m touring right now, the winter is coming and I’m fighting off a cold—it’s real easy just to stay in bed and to let that depression get you in a headlock. But it’s important to get up and do something.”
To support himself on the road, King likes to explore the cities he’s in, check out local restaurants and learn about the culture of the places he gets to perform in. He also says that exercise has been critical to his routine.
Photo: Fletcher Moore
“These are all the things that everybody talks about, I guess. Really, having your boys out here, having good community and finding joy in the simpler things in life is what makes me happy,” King shares. “I really enjoy coming off the gig and watching a slasher film with my band on the bus. I used to go out and really get tore up, but not anymore.”
Another life change that King has made has been sobriety, which can prove extremely difficult in a live music setting. A study by Tulane University estimates that 56% of industry professionals struggle with substance use.
“I’ve never had a hard time not starting. I’ve just had a hard time not stopping,” King says when asked how he maintains a sober environment for himself. “I don’t mind having it around. I kind of watch [people drinking] inquisitively, as a matter of fact. To watch somebody enjoy a few drinks responsibly—I can’t even fathom that concept. It’s just not part of my journey right now. I get along better without it.”
To help facilitate spaces for fans and crew struggling to be around alcohol and substances, King has partnered with Stand Together to bring 1 Million Strong on his “Mood Swings The World Tour.” The partnership has brought to life 1 Million Strong lounges—a space for fans in recovery, those who are sober and their allies to connect and find community before and during the show—in select cities, as well as mocktails options to enhance the sober party experience.
“It’s been really touching to meet people who tell me [my show was] their first sober concert experience. Having a sober space where it’s not an exclusive thing—there’s nothing really crazy going on, we’re just not drinking over here—it’s great. It’s like smoking or non-smoking section at Pizza Hut.”
Marcus King. Photo: Fletcher Moore
While sobriety is important to King’s mental health, he never wants to come across as judgemental about it.
“I’ve always enjoyed the idea of just being quietly sober. I don’t need to push my ideas on anybody, but it works for me and it might work for you,” he says. “I don’t want to tell people how to live when they come to my shows, I want people to have as much freedom and openness to do whatever they want, but I just know what I like to do and what I don’t like to do anymore. Having space like [1 Million Strong creates] is paramount.”
In addition to working with 1 Million Strong, King also recently launched the Curfew Fellowship Fund alongside his friend Charles Hedgepath to support musicians who are battling challenges with mental health and addiction.
“The Curfew Foundation is named after our buddy that took his own life. His nickname was Curfew, and he’s actually the person I wrote ‘Goodbye Carolina’ for,” King says. “We wanted to create an open space for artists to be able to speak with one another openly about their mental health journeys in an effort to de-stigmatize it as it relates to our business.”
While still in development, the foundation raises funds for various causes close to King’s heart and will develop a support system for musicians from all walks of life who are battling challenges with mental health and addiction.
As a very respected musician, often a special guests that the best of the best bring out to impress crowds with his virtuoso guitar-slinging and one-of-one voice, King is doing commendable work shedding light on his struggles. His status as a “cool kid” who speaks about and supports his mental health has undoubtedly impacted many.
“I definitely never thought of myself as one of the ‘cool kids,'” King sums with a laugh. “But it’s nice to be doing something that I would actually want people to model themselves after. I’ve never felt that before.”