Cross Canadian Ragweed To Unite With Turnpike Troubadours For Oklahoma Residency

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Cross Canadian Ragweed. Photo: Jim Wright

Country-rock band Cross Canadian Ragweed will unite with the Turnpike Troubadours for a four-night run at Oklahoma State University’s Boone Pickens Stadium, marking the venue’s first concert event. Taking place April 10–13, the stint will also include performances by The Great Divide, Mike McClure Band, Stoney LaRue and Jason Boland & The Stragglers.

The group released a total of 10 albums from 1998 until 2010, and toured with ZZ Top, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Sammy Hagar, Jonny Lang, Robert Earl Keen and Dierks Bentley. Additionally, their music has been featured in commercials, television shows and films.

“The thing that sticks out the most to me about Ragweed was all the people that we met. People that I’m still friends with, from Portland, Oregon, to Ybor City, Florida and from New York to San Diego. That’s why there’s a part of me that never wants to quit doing this. I’m nostalgic for that. I think that everybody should have a little nostalgia in their life,” says Cody Canada of Cross Canadian Ragweed. “So, let’s get together, and let’s make sure that we sound really good and let’s make people smile. Let’s make ourselves smile, and let’s make McClure and Jason and Stoney and the Turnpike boys smile too.”

He adds, “I knew people wanted a reunion. I had no idea it would be this big. I’m beside myself with all of this love. We won’t disappoint you.”

“We are excited to bring the first-ever concert to Boone Pickens Stadium this spring and look forward to hosting this fantastic Oklahoma-based lineup in the home of the Cowboys,” expresses Chad Weiberg, Director of Athletics for Oklahoma State University. “We are grateful to the team at Doussan Music Group for helping make this happen. This show will benefit OSU’s NIL efforts, and will also be a great event for our student-athletes, student body, alumni, fans and the community of Stillwater.”

“I’ve been in the business for 31 years. I’ve been part of some major projects, and I have never witnessed anything like this before, and the show is still six and half months away,” shares Russell Doussan, President of Doussan Music Group. “I was part of the Guns N’ Roses reunion tour, I did their stadium show in New Orleans, and this is beyond that.”

Adrien Nuñez Signs With WME

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Pictured (L–R, back row): Doug Neff, Braeden Rountree, Carlile Willett, Michael Coughlin and Adam Fisher; (L–R, front row): Moira McCravey, Sloane Logue, Adrien Nunez, Dillon Goldberg and Carrie Murphy. Photo: Kara Lusk

Singer-songwriter Adrien Nuñez has signed with WME for exclusive representation.

Nuñez grew up in Brooklyn, New York and played guard on the University of Michigan basketball team. He came onto the music scene earlier this year with his viral hit “Low Road.” The track accumulated over 50 million views across all platforms in the first weekend and nearly eight million streams in the first month.

“I’m very excited to partner with the agents at WME,” shares Nuñez. “What drew me to the company was their team-centric approach and the successful careers they have been able to build from the early stages.”

“We’re absolutely thrilled to partner with someone as incredibly talented and multifaceted as Adrien. There’s no limit to what he can achieve!” says Braeden Rountree, Partner at WME.

Nuñez just released his latest tune “Minnesota.” A TikTok posted by the singer with a preview snipped has already gained nearly eight million views. He will also support Dasha and Avery Anna for select dates on their respective tours later this year.

He is managed by Dillon Goldberg with FNGRPRNT.

IEBA Celebrates Winners At 2024 Honors & Awards Ceremony

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Pictured (L-R): David Kells, Keith Levy, Stacy Vee, Sonia Grover, Kiely Mosiman, Lacy Hayes and Chuck Morris. Photo: Ed Rode

IEBA honored the best in live entertainment at its Honors & Awards Ceremony on Tuesday night (Oct. 8), capping off its annual conference in Nashville.

Eric Church and Louis Messina. Photo: Ed Rode

The IEBA Industry Awards, which were emceed this year by comedian Dusty Slay, celebrate those who work tirelessly behind the scenes of the concert business. Categories are voted on by IEBA members.

“The 2024 award winners represent the very best in live entertainment, showcasing an unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation,” says IEBA’s Executive Director Pam Matthews. “Their remarkable achievements have set the standard for our industry, and we are honored to celebrate their contributions.”

The event also commemorated the induction of two new IEBA Hall of Fame members: Red Rocks Amphitheatre and pioneering concert promoter Louis Messina. Messina was interviewed by his friend and client, Eric Church, for the conference keynote earlier in the day.

IEBA 2024 Awards Winners:
Club of the Year: Troubadour
Casino of the Year: Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino (Hollywood, Florida)
Theater of the Year: (tie) Ruth Eckerd Hall and Orpheum Theatre Rick Hansen (Minneapolis)
Arena of the Year: Barclays Center – Corey Humpage
Amphitheater of the Year: Hollywood Bowl
Fair/Expo of the Year: Minnesota State Fair – Nate Dungan and Theresa Weinfurtner
Festival of the Year: Bourbon & Beyond Del Williams
Club Buyer of the Year: Sonia Grover, First Avenue
Casino Buyer of the Year: Andrew Saunders, Hard Rock/Seminole Gaming
Special Events/Corporate Buyer of the Year: EastCoast Entertainment (ECE) Mark Letson and Brad Strouse
International Buyer of the Year: Jim Cressman, Invictus Entertainment
Fair/Expo Buyer of the Year: Lacey Hayes, Romeo Entertainment Group
Festival Buyer of the Year: Stacy Vee, Goldenvoice
Venue Executive of the Year: David Kells, Bridgestone Arena
Music & Entertainment Industry Educator of the Year: Chuck Morris, Colorado State University
Agent of the Year: Keith Levy, Wasserman Music
Promoter of the Year: Rich Shaefer, AEG Presents
Young Professional of the Year: Kiely Mosiman, Wasserman

Position Music Puts Boots On The Ground In Nashville With Chandler Thurston Hire [Exclusive]

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Chandler Thurston

Tyler Bacon, President & CEO of Position Music, has hired Chandler Thurston as a new member of the A&R team. Thurston is the first A&R hire for the independent publisher and label’s new Nashville location.

Thurston will be working out of Position Music’s Nashville office on Music Row, which is currently under construction and projected to open in 2025. The location includes eight offices and two studios.

Headquartered in Los Angeles, Position Music is home to artists, songwriters and producers such as Cannons, Tinashe, Erik Ron, Joe Kearns, John “Feldy” Feldman, Austin Powerz, Khalid Yassein, Jordan Suaste, NoMBe, Elohim, Kyle Dion, Ryan Oakes, Layto, Hunter Metts, Welshly Arms, ¿Téo?, Judah & The Lion, Jack LaFrantz, Fantastic Negrito, Yonatan Watts, Dru “Falconry” DeCaro, Sam Tinnesz and more.

“Over the past year and a half, Tyler Bacon and myself have made several trips to Nashville looking for the right creative executive to launch our new office,” shares Mark Chipello, Partner/Head of A&R, Position Music. “We have built Position Music for over 25 years now and Tyler started his career in Nashville before that, so it’s incredibly important to us to enter the Nashville writing and publishing ecosystem in a way that truly brings value and service to the community.

“As I met with people and explained what we are looking to accomplish, I began to hear one name recommended over and over—Chandler Thurston,” he adds. “Chandler is an immensely-respected publisher who deeply cares about songwriters and their craft. We are excited to see how Chandler has already impacted our existing roster of writers while also working hard on developing a roster of new signings. I have the utmost confidence in Chandler and love how aligned our vision is for how we want to build the future together.”

Before joining Position Music, Thurston served as Senior Creative Director at Anthem Entertainment, where he worked with a roster of talent that included Jordan Davis, Jamie Paulin, Luke Preston, Joey Hyde, Shane Profitt and Meghan Patrick. Prior to Anthem, he worked in A&R at Major Bob Music.

“I am incredibly excited to be in this new role and am looking forward to helping Position Music establish itself in Nashville,” says Thurston. “Tyler and Mark have created a business model that truly values creatives and it’s an honor to be a part of this innovative team as we prepare to make our mark on Music Row. Can’t wait to get to work!”

River House Artists Adds Mike Lohmeier & Lukas Scott To Publishing Roster

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Pictured (L–R): Hailey Rama, Kayla Adkins, Mike Lohmeier, Zebb Luster, Emily Boardman and Lynn Oliver-Cline

River House Artists has signed producers and songwriters Mike Lohmeier and Lukas Scott to worldwide publishing deals.

Pictured (L–R): Kayla Adkins, Lynn Oliver-Cline, Lukas Scott, Emily Boardman, Zebb Luster and Hailey Rama

“Both Mike and Lukas are incredible additions to our roster. Aside from their talents and accolades in the world of production, each of them holds the value for the craftsmanship of lyrical composition in high esteem,” says Kayla Adkins, Creative Director, River House Artists. “Both have a raw talent lyrically and sonically that brings an artist’s vision to life. They bring indispensable versatility to our roster and fill a void we didn’t know we had.”

After graduating from Belmont University in 2016, Lohmeire and two friends formed 1Mind, the production trio responsible for penning French Montana and Swae Lee’s 2017 hit “Unforgettable.” His affiliation with the breakout tune landed him in Los Angeles, California, producing records for Wiz Khalifa, Cordae, Mike Stud, Vory, Tory Lanez, PnB Rock, Young Dolph, Biig Piig and more. Since relocating to Nashville last year, Lohmeire been collaborating with creators like Dylvn, Reid Haughton, Austin Snell, Julia Minichiello, Kyndal Inskeep, MalachiIi, Sydney Cubit, Austin Mahone, Zach Seabaugh, David J, Knox, Spencer Jordan, Nicolette Hayford, Anna Hamilton, Joe Clemmons, Kathleen Reagan, Ryan Charles, Abbie Callahan and Whitney Duncan, among others.

Scott attended Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU), where he earned a degree in music business and audio production. He has since been writing and producing music with a wide range of Nashville-based artists, including fellow River House Artists roster members Austin Snell and Knox as well as Gabby Mooney, David J, Ray Fulcher and more.

Industry Ink: Jordan Davis, Spintel, BMI, SongwritingWith:Soldiers, Clarence Tilton

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Jordan Davis Surprises Mitchell Tenpenny With Donation To His 10Penny Fund

Mitchell Tenpenny and Jordan Davis during the “Damn Good Time Tour” sold-out show at the Coca-Cola Coliseum in Toronto

Jordan Davis surprised tour-mate Mitchell Tenpenny during his sold-out “Damn Good Time” date in Toronto with a check for $200,000 to support The 10Penny Fund—an organization Tenpenny started after losing his father to cancer.

 

Mike Snow Joins Spintel As Director, Business Development & Strategic Partnerships

Mike Snow

Radio airplay analytics company Spintel has hired promotion vet Mike Snow as Director, Business Development & Strategic Partnerships. In his new role, Snow will help Spintel expand into formats outside of country and Christian and contribute to the continuing development of the many features the company has coming.

Snow began his career at Capitol Records’ college radio department during the mid-’90s alternative music explosion. He transitioned to commercial radio promotion at Capitol in 1997 and later at MCA Records, TVT Records and Atlantic Records. He then established his own music promotion and marketing firm. Snow played a role in launching the careers of artists like Coldplay, Bruno Mars and Pitbull, and contributed to the ongoing success of Foo Fighters, Blink-182, T.I., Shinedown and Radiohead, among others. Snow will be based in Dallas and can be reached at mike@spintel.io.

 

BMI Stage Rocks At Austin City Limits Music Festival

BMI Stage at Austin City Limits Music Festival. Photo: Erika Goldring/BMI

The BMI Stage returned to Zilker Park for the 2024 Austin City Limits Music Festival last weekend (Oct. 4-6). In its 21st year, the BMI Stage featured artists throughout the first weekend including Dexter & The Moonrocks, Deyaz, Marley Bleu, Mon Rovîa, Obed Padilla, Rett Madison, Sawyer Hill, Tanner Adell, Telescreens, Tyler Halverson and Vlad Holiday.

 

James House, Trent Willmon To Play SongwritingWith: Soldiers Round

Mary Gauthier, James House, Danny Myrick and Trent Willmon are set to take the stage at Chief’s on Broadway in Nashville on Monday, Oct. 14 for a SongwritingWith:Soldiers round. The night will benefit the local organization’s work supporting veterans and their families through collaborative songwriting programs at retreats across the country.

 

Clarence Tilton Inks With Ride Home Management

Clarence Tilton

Americana band Clarence Tilton has joined the Nashville-based management firm Ride Home.

Clarence Tilton is releasing a new single with Marty Stuart this Friday (Oct. 11) called “Fred’s Colt.” The track, written by the band’s frontman Chris Weber, tells the story of a Civil War-era Colt Dragoon passed down through generations of Weber’s family. The gun, inherited from the band’s great-great-grandfather Fred, carries with it themes of survival and westward expansion.

Brantley Gilbert’s Remaining Tour Dates To Benefit Hurricane Helene Relief

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Brantley Gilbert is supporting the communities affected by Hurricane Helene through his remaining “Off The Rails Tour” dates, donating a portion of the proceeds to benefit those impacted.

All tickets for the shows are now $15. An announcement will be made later regarding the distribution of proceeds. Additionally, Gilbert has called on his fan club to donate non-perishable food items at each stop. For more information, click here.

“The destruction we’ve seen of these communities affected by Hurricane Helene, knowing so many folks have not only lost their homes and their livelihoods, but also family members and friends, is heartbreaking,” he shares. “We’ve also seen people coming together to offer aid and support—something we as Americans are proud to do when our neighbors are struggling. Over the years, we’ve had the opportunity to perform in and around many of those communities, always receiving a warm welcome. Now, it’s our turn to give back and contribute to the recovery process.”

Luke Bryan Lands 31st Career No. 1 With ‘Love You, Miss You, Mean It’

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Luke Bryan‘s “Love You, Miss You, Mean It” has landed atop the Mediabase chart this week, marking his 31st career No. 1 and bringing his total career weeks at the top to 57.

Written by Rhett Akins, Ben Hayslip, Jordan Minton and Jacob Rice, the single is featured on Bryan’s eighth studio album, Mind Of A Country Boy. He performed the chart-topper on Good Morning America and The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon last week.

Additionally, Bryan wrapped his “Mind Of A Country Boy Tour” on Sunday (Oct. 6) at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines, Iowa, following the conclusion of his 15th annual “Farm Tour.” He has played over 50 shows this year, including festival appearances, two stadium concerts and two performances as part of his Crash My Playa concert vacation in Mexico. Crash My Playa will celebrate its 10th anniversary with the 2025 event, taking place Jan. 15–18.

Stephen Wilson Jr. Extends ‘Søn Of Dad Tour’ Into 2025

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Stephen Wilson Jr. Photo: Acacia Evans

Stephen Wilson Jr. will continue his headlining “Søn Of Dad Tour” with new dates slated for 2025.

“’Søn Of Dad Tour’ Spring Edition. Expedition sønknown,” Wilson Jr says. “Heading your way. It’s been a blessing to see this album do its work. Dad’s still out there, and it’s been real good to see and meet everyone at the shows. May we continue the conversation.”

The 2025 dates will kick off on Feb. 20 at the Plaza Theatre in Glasgow, Kentucky. The route will include stops in Cincinnati, Ohio as well as Toronto, Ontario and more before wrapping up at the Bijou Theatre in Knoxville, Tennessee.

Tickets go on sale this Friday (Oct. 11) at 10 a.m. local time. For more information, click here.

Wilson Jr.’s 2024 run will make stops in Missouri this weekend, and later end the year with a show in Washington D.C. at Sixth & I on Dec. 14.

Last month, the singer released an acoustic version of “Father’s Søn” with Hardy. He also made his television debut earlier this year on Late Night With Seth Meyers, which was followed by more performances on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Later… with Jools Holand and CBS Saturday Morning. Additionally, Wilson Jr. has spent the year touring with Brothers Osborne, Hardy, The Cadillac Three and Joss Stone, and has been seen on stage at festivals like Stagecoach, Country Thunder and Tortuga, among others.

“Søn Of Dad Tour” 2025 Dates:
Feb. 20- Glasgow, KY – Plaza Theatre
Feb. 21- Huntington, WV – The Loud
Feb. 22- Pittsburgh, PA – Thunderbird Music Hall
March 6- Cincinnati, OH – Bogart’s
March 7- Columbus, OH – The Bluestone
March 8- Lansing, MI – Grewal Hall at 224
March 13- Detroit, MI – Saint Andrew’s Hall
March 14- Toronto, ON – Horseshoe Tavern
March 15- Buffalo, NY – Town Ballroom
March 27- Wichita, KS – TempleLive
March 28- Fayetteville, AR – George’s Majestic Lounge
April 10- Carrboro, NC – Cat’s Cradle
April 12- Knoxville, TN – Bijou Theatre

Leah Turner Releases Debut Collection ‘This Is Mi’

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Leah Turner has released her nine-song debut album This Is Mi on all digital platforms in the midst of Hispanic Heritage Month.

The new semi-autobiographical collection includes recent singles “Love Like Legends” and “Otra Vez,” both of which feature her longtime creative partner and the album’s producer, Alejandro Medina III. Other standout tracks include the late-2023 collab with Jerrod Niemann, “South of the Border,” and “Para Mi,” featuring two-time Latin Grammy-winner and celebrated Norteño/Tejano artist Michael Salgado.

Turner most recently released “Love Like Legends,” a mid-tempo track that paints the portrait of an epic, Johnny and June-type love with a Latin twist, and the sultry duet “Otra Vez.” The official video for “Love Like Legends” premiered with CMT on Paramount’s Times Square billboard in New York City on Sept. 19.

YouTube video

“This Is Mi is so special to me because it is my first full length album of my career, and it’s fully embracing my whole self,” says Turner. “I have been working on bringing western country and Mexican music together for five years, and to see all the blood, sweat, tears, and tequila finally coming together is so exciting for me. This sound has been in the making for a long time, and teaming up with Alejandro Medina III was the final ingredient to the sound!

“We worked many long hours and saw many sunrises getting it perfect! I hope when people hear this record they feel like Antonio Banderas and Salma Hayek in Desperado: sexy, legendary, free, and so inspired that they want it ‘otra vez’ (again). I want people to know country music is for everyone, and if you have a dream that may go against the grain, do it anyway. That’s what makes you stand out! Si se puede!”

This Is Mi Track List:
1. “South of the Border” (feat. Jerrod Niemann) (Leah Turner, Brett Boyett)
2. “Otra Vez” (feat. Alejandro Medina III) (Leah Turner, Alejandro Medina III)
3. “Para Mi” (feat. Micheal Salgado) (Leah Turner, Brett Boyett, Leslie Satcher)
4. “Not the Cowgirl” (Leah Turner, Brett Boyett, Leslie Satcher)
5. “American Made” (Leah Turner, Skip Black)
6. “Love like Legends” (feat. Alejandro Medina III) (Leah Turner, Alejandro Medina III)
7. “Burn” (Leah Turner, Alejandro Medina III, Carlos Cosme)
8. “This Is Mi” (Leah Turner, Alejandro Medina III)
9. “Love like Legends” (acoustic)