Gavin DeGraw. Photo: Matthew Berinato
In a music industry increasingly captivated by the concept of legacy and reinvention, Grammy-nominated artist Gavin DeGraw has returned to his roots with Chariot 20. Released last month, this new edition reimagines DeGraw’s celebrated debut album, Chariot, more than 20 years after its original impact.
The full-circle moment came after DeGraw, who has made Nashville home, signed with the Music City office of Sony Music late last year. His management company is also in town, and he’s seen success as a bar owner on the iconic lower Broadway with Nashville Underground.
“I first came here on tour around 2003 when Chariot was originally released. My granddad used to tell us when we were kids, ‘If I were you, Nashville’s where I’d be,'” DeGraw tells MusicRow, sharing that his grandfather was an avid watcher of Hee Haw and a fan of country music. “Finally making it here felt natural, and it’s been a welcoming place. Nashville appreciates real musicianship and songwriting, even if it’s not strictly country, and that’s what drew me in.”
DeGraw felt so at home in the country music capital of the world that he aligned with renowned Nashville producer Dave Cobb to bring Chariot 20 to life. The partnership brought them back together again after Cobb helmed production on DeGraw’s 2022 Face the River album.
“I consider that album my best record to date,” DeGraw says. “So when Chariot 20 came up, there wasn’t much a debate on [who should produce it]. I like Dave’s style of production, his taste and that he has an opinion. His natural instincts align so strongly with what I want to hear.”
2003’s Platinum-certified Chariot included career songs for DeGraw like “I Don’t Want to Be,” “Chariot” and “Follow Through,” which initially launched his career with raw emotion and memorable hooks.
More than a simple revival, Chariot 20 explores DeGraw’s journey of artistic growth and self-refinement, revisiting a pivotal chapter in his career. This project is a reflection of his evolution over two decades, transforming familiar tracks with a deeper understanding of his own artistry.
“The timing was utterly perfect [for Chariot 20]. It felt like a great opportunity to feature something that I was proud of and a moment that changed my life, while also showcasing my growth as an artist and how my sound and my taste have evolved. There’s a bit more confidence and refinement in what I want to communicate sonically.”
When DeGraw initially connected with Cobb to start talking about Chariot 20, they agreed not to listen to the original project during the process, so they could make sure the songs were fresh takes.
“I wanted space in the production—fewer tracks, more breathing room. I wanted sparseness,” DeGraw shares. “Early on, you can tend to overproduce. It’s the ‘kitchen sink’ approach where you have 152 tracks. I learned to trust the melody and the groove. Don’t smother it.”
And let the melodies speak for himself, he did. With a voice that has only gotten more refined with age and a sense of personal maturity that is gained after an additional two decades of life, DeGraw delivers such beloved hits as “I Don’t Want to Be” with confidence in himself and his musical impact.
“I still am as fond of that song right now as the day that I wrote it. It was the first one to change my life and open doors for my career. Seeing people still connect with it, whether it’s at karaoke or just sharing how it impacted them, is a huge honor. It makes me feel like I did something that mattered.”
Beyond its refreshed versions of well-loved songs, Chariot 20 includes two previously unreleased tracks, “Get Lost” and “Love Is Stronger (Alright),” written during the original Chariot sessions. These new additions provide a unique glimpse into DeGraw’s early creative process and emphasize the lasting power of his songwriting.
“They just felt like they belonged to that era. Even though they’re different from each other, they fit the overall vibe of Chariot. It felt right to give them a place on this project.”
He hopes the new tracks, as well as older gem “Meaning,” latch onto fans when they listen to Chariot 20.
“‘Meaning’ is really special. ‘Get Lost’ is a newer one, but I love it. ‘Love is Stronger’ is very important and some of my better songwriting,” DeGraw says.
“Some of these new recordings lean more toward the way we do them live, but no one has been able to capture them the way Dave Cobb has,” he adds. “I’m enjoying playing them out on the road.”
With Chariot 20, DeGraw offers a blend of reverence for the past and insights from his journey over the years, giving fans the chance to experience Chariot anew. This release stands as a testament to DeGraw’s resilience and growth, allowing listeners to reconnect with his music on fresh, meaningful terms.
Kelsea Ballerini Meets Fans At ‘Baggage Claim’ To Celebrate Album Release
/by Madison HahnenSpotify and Kelsea Ballerini present Baggage Claim: an Exclusive Listening of Patterns by Kelsea Ballerini at The Carlyle in New York City. Photo: Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Spotify
Kelsea Ballerini celebrated the release of her newest album Patterns with an exclusive Spotify listening event, “Baggage Claim,” last Thursday (Oct. 24) at the Carlyle Hotel in New York City.
Kelsea Ballerini and Cassie Dilaura speak onstage during Spotify presents Baggage Claim: an Exclusive Listening of Patterns by Kelsea Ballerini at The Carlyle in New York City. Photo: Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Spotify
Ballerini invited her top Spotify listeners in the area to hear the album before its release, and participated in a Q+A session. She also performed the previously-released “Two Things.”
“I would argue that this is the most love-filled record I’ve ever made,” Ballerini said of Patterns. “I think the presence of love in every song is at the forefront.
“There’s a lot on it,” she added. “If you want a friendship song it’s there. If you want a falling in love song, it’s there. If you want like, ‘I’m gonna ram my head through a wall because I’m so frustrated at someone’ songs. Obviously, it’s there, there’s a couple of those.”
When asked about the process of making the album, Ballerini reflected, “This is the most pressure I’ve ever put on myself to make a record because I felt so grateful that there were new ears on my music, but then I also wanted to honor the people who had been on board since ‘Love Me Like You Mean It.’”
“How Much Do You Love Me” intrigued fans right away, and Ballerini clued them in on the behind the scenes of the track. “This song is the softest song on the album. I remember writing it downstairs on guitar and Chase [Stokes] was like ‘what’s that?’ And I was like, this is a love song.”
Spotify and Kelsea Ballerini present Baggage Claim: an Exclusive Listening of Patterns by Kelsea Ballerini at The Carlyle in New York City. Photo: Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Spotify
Spotify and Kelsea Ballerini present Baggage Claim: an Exclusive Listening of Patterns by Kelsea Ballerini at The Carlyle in New York City. Photo: Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Spotify
Spotify and Kelsea Ballerini present Baggage Claim: an Exclusive Listening of Patterns by Kelsea Ballerini at The Carlyle in New York City. Photo: Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Spotify
Steven Curtis Chapman, More Set For Chosen Road’s ‘Mountain Aid’ Benefit
/by Lorie HollabaughBluegrass hitmakers and native Appalachians Chosen Road have brought together a star-studded lineup for “Mountain Aid: Music For Healing, Strength For Tomorrow,” a benefit concert for relief efforts in Appalachia set for Nov. 14 in Johnson City, Tennessee.
The concert at Freedom Hall Civic Center will feature performances by Steven Curtis Chapman, Brandon Heath, Point of Grace, Jason Crabb, Darin & Brooke Aldridge, Sean Dietrich (Sean of the South), the Jason Lovins Band, TaRanda Greene and event organizers Chosen Road.
“Chosen Road is thrilled to help bring ‘Mountain Aid’ to life,” shares group co-founder Jonathan Buckner. “When we heard how many of our friends and neighbors in Western North Carolina and East Tennessee were affected, we knew we had to take action. Our dear friends in the Jason Lovins Band agreed, and they stepped up in a special way to help make this event possible.
“We’re so grateful for their support, as well as for all the amazing artists who are graciously lending their time and talents for a night to remember. These mountains and the people who call them home have shaped our music and we owe so much to them. Our prayer is that ‘Mountain Aid’ will not only help raise funds and bring hope for those in need but will, most importantly, make an eternal impact in Appalachia.”
With a goal of supporting and bringing hope to communities affected by Hurricane Helene, all proceeds from “Mountain Aid” will benefit Samaritan’s Purse, a nondenominational Christian organization providing spiritual and physical aid to hurting people around the world since 1970. Tickets are $20 (children 2 and under admitted free) and can be purchased here.
SESAC Music Group Acquires HAAWK
/by Liza AndersonRyan Born
SESAC Music Group has acquired Helping All Assets With Knowledge (HAAWK), a media software and services company that specializes in copyright management and monetization for independent music, film, television and video catalogs.
HAAWK provides full-service administration of YouTube’s Content ID system and Facebook’s Rights Manager platforms, including Instagram, serving a broad range of record labels, publishers and music rightsholder clients. The company will now operate alongside Audio Salad as part of the artist and label distribution services segment of SESAC Music Group’s Music Services division, with headquarters remaining in Los Angeles under the leadership of CEO Ryan Born, who founded the company in 2017.
“This is truly a dream come true. HAAWK already leads the way in providing unmatched opportunities and increased royalty revenue for our clients across YouTube, Facebook, and social video platforms. By partnering with SESAC Music Group, we’re opening the door to even greater possibilities, enabling us to scale globally and offer more advanced royalty collection and administration services to our clients,” says Born.
“HAAWK’s mission aligns with SESAC Music Group in delivering maximum value and transparency to music creators. Their leadership and technology strengthen our services for independent labels and publishers worldwide,” shares John Josephson, Chairman & CEO, SESAC Music Group.
Luke Combs, Jelly Roll & Keith Urban To Headline Tortuga Music Festival 2025
/by Liza AndersonLuke Combs, Jelly Roll and Keith Urban will headline Rock the Ocean’s 12th annual Tortuga Music Festival, in partnership with Live Nation, taking place April 4–6 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Other acts slated to perform include Gary Allan, Rodney Atkins, Artikal Sound System, Bumpin Uglies, Ashland Craft, Jordan Davis, Gavin DeGraw, Wyatt Flores, Gashi, Caylee Hammack, Ezra Ray Hart (ft. Mark McGrath, Kevin Griffin, Emerson Hart), Cody Jinks, Corey Kent, Marcus King, Ludacris, Parker McCollum, John Morgan, Megan Moroney, Angie K, Drew Parker, Meghan Patrick, Restless Road, DJ Rock, Lily Rose, Shaboozey, Dee Jay Silver, The Original Wailers, Wheeland Brothers and Yelawolf.
The festival will also feature emerging acts, such as Abby Anderson, Avery Anna, Bayker Blankenship, Karley Scott Collins, Kashus Culpepper, Denitia, Jade Eagleson, Mae Estes, Thomas Edwards, Lanie Gardner, Noah Hicks, Jenna LaMaster, Bryce Leatherwood, Lauren Watkins and Charlie Worsham, on the Next From Nashville Stage.
Additionally, Tortuga Music Festival will continue to support ocean conservation and sustainability. Fans will be able to explore the Rock the Ocean’s Conversation Village while on-site to learn more about the work of the organization and how to get involved. To date, the festival has raised almost five million dollars for ocean conservation initiatives.
Tickets go on sale next Friday (Nov. 1) at 9 a.m. CT. For more information, click here.
Gavin DeGraw Takes A Journey Back In Time Through His Breakout Album [Interview]
/by LB CantrellGavin DeGraw. Photo: Matthew Berinato
In a music industry increasingly captivated by the concept of legacy and reinvention, Grammy-nominated artist Gavin DeGraw has returned to his roots with Chariot 20. Released last month, this new edition reimagines DeGraw’s celebrated debut album, Chariot, more than 20 years after its original impact.
The full-circle moment came after DeGraw, who has made Nashville home, signed with the Music City office of Sony Music late last year. His management company is also in town, and he’s seen success as a bar owner on the iconic lower Broadway with Nashville Underground.
“I first came here on tour around 2003 when Chariot was originally released. My granddad used to tell us when we were kids, ‘If I were you, Nashville’s where I’d be,'” DeGraw tells MusicRow, sharing that his grandfather was an avid watcher of Hee Haw and a fan of country music. “Finally making it here felt natural, and it’s been a welcoming place. Nashville appreciates real musicianship and songwriting, even if it’s not strictly country, and that’s what drew me in.”
DeGraw felt so at home in the country music capital of the world that he aligned with renowned Nashville producer Dave Cobb to bring Chariot 20 to life. The partnership brought them back together again after Cobb helmed production on DeGraw’s 2022 Face the River album.
“I consider that album my best record to date,” DeGraw says. “So when Chariot 20 came up, there wasn’t much a debate on [who should produce it]. I like Dave’s style of production, his taste and that he has an opinion. His natural instincts align so strongly with what I want to hear.”
2003’s Platinum-certified Chariot included career songs for DeGraw like “I Don’t Want to Be,” “Chariot” and “Follow Through,” which initially launched his career with raw emotion and memorable hooks.
More than a simple revival, Chariot 20 explores DeGraw’s journey of artistic growth and self-refinement, revisiting a pivotal chapter in his career. This project is a reflection of his evolution over two decades, transforming familiar tracks with a deeper understanding of his own artistry.
“The timing was utterly perfect [for Chariot 20]. It felt like a great opportunity to feature something that I was proud of and a moment that changed my life, while also showcasing my growth as an artist and how my sound and my taste have evolved. There’s a bit more confidence and refinement in what I want to communicate sonically.”
When DeGraw initially connected with Cobb to start talking about Chariot 20, they agreed not to listen to the original project during the process, so they could make sure the songs were fresh takes.
“I wanted space in the production—fewer tracks, more breathing room. I wanted sparseness,” DeGraw shares. “Early on, you can tend to overproduce. It’s the ‘kitchen sink’ approach where you have 152 tracks. I learned to trust the melody and the groove. Don’t smother it.”
And let the melodies speak for himself, he did. With a voice that has only gotten more refined with age and a sense of personal maturity that is gained after an additional two decades of life, DeGraw delivers such beloved hits as “I Don’t Want to Be” with confidence in himself and his musical impact.
“I still am as fond of that song right now as the day that I wrote it. It was the first one to change my life and open doors for my career. Seeing people still connect with it, whether it’s at karaoke or just sharing how it impacted them, is a huge honor. It makes me feel like I did something that mattered.”
Beyond its refreshed versions of well-loved songs, Chariot 20 includes two previously unreleased tracks, “Get Lost” and “Love Is Stronger (Alright),” written during the original Chariot sessions. These new additions provide a unique glimpse into DeGraw’s early creative process and emphasize the lasting power of his songwriting.
“They just felt like they belonged to that era. Even though they’re different from each other, they fit the overall vibe of Chariot. It felt right to give them a place on this project.”
He hopes the new tracks, as well as older gem “Meaning,” latch onto fans when they listen to Chariot 20.
“‘Meaning’ is really special. ‘Get Lost’ is a newer one, but I love it. ‘Love is Stronger’ is very important and some of my better songwriting,” DeGraw says.
“Some of these new recordings lean more toward the way we do them live, but no one has been able to capture them the way Dave Cobb has,” he adds. “I’m enjoying playing them out on the road.”
With Chariot 20, DeGraw offers a blend of reverence for the past and insights from his journey over the years, giving fans the chance to experience Chariot anew. This release stands as a testament to DeGraw’s resilience and growth, allowing listeners to reconnect with his music on fresh, meaningful terms.
Chase Rice Drops Surprise ‘Fireside Sessions’ Project
/by Lorie HollabaughFireside Sessions cover art brings together I Hate Cowboys & All Dogs Go To Hell and Go Down Singin’ cover images, uniting Rice with his late father.
Chase Rice has released a surprise Fireside Sessions collection featuring all 25 songs from his albums I Hate Cowboys & All Dogs Go To Hell and Go Down Singin’, as live, single-take versions.
Rice announced the new project during his debut performance at Nashville’s famed Bluebird Cafe’. The new live combo album highlights Rice’s co-writers including Lori McKenna, Jackson Dean, Hunter Phelps, Randy Montana and more as featured artists.
“The cool part about tonight, and why we put this together, is because the I Hate Cowboys record and the Go Down Singin’ record were the start of a whole new part of my life and my career. It was no longer chasing whatever was popular; it was finally just writing songs that I cared about, writing them on guitar—which is how I started writing songs—and then Oscar Charles producing the last two albums together. We wanted to finalize all that by coming together tonight,” Rice shared while unveiling the surprise project during the special writers’ round featuring Charles plus fellow collaborators Blake Pendergrass, John Byron and Jonathan Sherwood.
“We’re going to drop the Fireside Sessions album tonight which is featuring all these songwriters, and songwriters on both albums, and it’s going to be all of us just playing guitar like you’re seeing tonight, and that’s going to be the finalization of this chapter.”
The Fireside Sessions album art brings together the cover images from each of the preceding albums, uniting Rice and his late father as grown men for the first time, and bringing to life the lyric from album closer “You In ‘85” which Rice describes as the overarching theme of this multi-album musical chapter: “So if I could have one thing it’d be us man to man / A couple Coors Banquets in hand.”
Fireside Sessions Track List:
1. “Walk That Easy” (feat. William Reames, Barton Davies, Jonathan Sherwood, Oscar Charles)
2. “All Dogs Go To Hell” (feat. John Byron)
3. “Way Down Yonder” (feat. Hunter Phelps, John Byron, Blake Pendergrass)
4. “Key West & Colorado” (feat. Blake Pendergrass, John Byron, Hunter Phelps)
5. “Bench Seat”
6. “Life Part of Livin’”
7. “Bad Day To Be A Cold Beer” (feat. Blake Pendergrass, John Byron)
8. “Oklahoma” (feat. William Reames, Barton Davies, Jonathan Sherwood, Oscar Charles)
9. “I Walk Alone” (feat. Jaxson Free)
10. “Sorry Momma” (feat. Hunter Phelps)
11. “If I Were Rock & Roll”
12. “Goodnight Nancy” (feat. Oscar Charles, Barton Davies, William Reames, Jonathan Sherwood)
13. “I Hate Cowboys”
14. “For A Day” (feat. John Byron, Blake Pendergrass, Hunter Phelps)
15. “Go Down Singin’” (feat. Blake Pendergrass)
16. “Fireside” (feat. Jonathan Sherwood, Jackson Dean, Oscar Charles)
17. “That Word Don’t Work No More” (feat. Lori McKenna)
18. “Hey God It’s Me Again” (feat. Corey Crowder, Randy Montana)
19. “Oh Tennessee” (feat. Oscar Charles, Lori McKenna)
20. “Haw River” (feat. Blake Pendergrass)
21. “Arkansas” (feat. Rob Baird)
22. “Numbers” (feat. Ryan Tyndell, Jeff Hyde)
23. “If Drinkin’ Helped” (feat. Oscar Charles, Lori McKenna)
24. “Little Red Race Car” (feat. Jackson Nance, Heath Warren)
25. “You In ‘85”
Country Cares for St. Jude Kids Marks 35 Years, $1 Billion Raised
/by John Nix ArledgePictured (L-R): Brad Paisley & Randy Owen; Photo: Courtesy of ALSAC/St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
Country Cares for St. Jude Kids recently celebrated its 35th anniversary, announcing a milestone achievement of raising one billion dollars for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital since 1989. The announcement was made during an annual gathering in Memphis, Tennessee, that featured performances by Brad Paisley, Old Dominion, Jon Pardi and Megan Moroney.
Pictured: Old Dominion receives the Angels Among Us Award; Photo: Courtesy of ALSAC/St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Over the years, the program has raised funds and brought in monthly donors through radiothons, the “This Shirt Saves Lives” campaign, events and concerts. These initiatives help St. Jude cover its annual operating costs of nearly two billion dollars.
“What the country music community has been able to achieve through Country Cares is breathtaking. We are deeply honored and grateful for Randy Owen’s passion and dedication in answering the call from our founder Danny Thomas to get involved and for rallying fellow artists, radio stations and fans for over three decades to support St. Jude. Together, they have scaled new heights with this program, placing it among the very highest level of fundraising in our history,” explains Richard C. Shadyac Jr., President and CEO of ALSAC. “That is the power of country music and its fans, who inspire all of us to find ways to help one another and live charitably. Thanks to the support of this amazing community, St. Jude can continue to ensure that no family receives a bill from St. Jude for that treatment so they can focus on helping their child live.”
Pictured (L-R): Old Dominion, Megan Moroney and Randy Owen with St. Jude patients; Photo: Courtesy of ALSAC/St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Due to his contributions, a studio at St. Jude has been dedicated in honor of Randy Owen and his wife, Kelly. Owen helped initiate the Country Cares program and establish the Angels Among Us award, which recognizes country music professionals for their service to St. Jude. This year’s award was presented to Old Dominion, joining a list of past recipients including Brothers Osborne, Scotty McCreery, Lady A, Jake Owen and Paisley.
“It is an honor to have this studio named after us,” says Randy and Kelly. “For 35 years, we’ve had the privilege of sharing the story of St. Jude with the world and seeing the impact our efforts make through meeting patients and their families. I am grateful to serve this incredible mission.”
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.