Pictured (L-R, top row): Bobby Talley, Senior Vice President, Operations; Jacob Reiser, President, Global Touring; Jared Gibo, CEO and Todd Stepp, Senior Vice President, Global Marketing. (L-R, bottom row): Kyle Burnside, Executive Vice President, Global Touring and Mike Deckard, Senior Vice President, Events.
Specialty live entertainment company LiveCo will increase its presence in the faith space both in the U.S. and internationally by merging recent acquisitions Transparent, Premier and Rush Concerts into the newly created TPR.
The rapidly-expanding Christian and gospel audience currently enjoys the fourth-fastest U.S. growth rate of any genre according to Luminate Data service. Artists associated with TPR include Brandon Lake, Elevation Worship, Hillsong Worship and Phil Wickham, all of whom placed in the top five of airplay on Spotify in the first half of 2024 for the genre. TPR’s roster also includes Anne Wilson, Cece Winans, Chris Tomlin, Forrest Frank, Gaither Vocal Band, Jeremy Camp, MercyMe, Tauren Wells, We the Kingdom and many more.
“We are already the leaders in faith, and this move positions our company to better capitalize on this category’s accelerating live entertainment potential,” says LiveCo President and CEO Chuck Steedman. “The unveiling of TPR allows us to seamlessly streamline the experience for artists, agents, managers, and venues, delivering the artists that fans most want to see.”
Jared Gibo, who will serve as CEO of the new TPR endeavor, says, “Our joint volume from the combination of Transparent, Premier and Rush will not only keep us No. 1 in faith but also a top 10 overall worldwide promoter. Our ability to give our clients the best live event experience will be substantially boosted by our combined resources. The management team members of TPR are the demonstrated best in the industry in their respective areas and are focused on providing the highest level of service to our clients.”
TPR will promote over 1,000 events globally in 2025. Its executive management team includes President of Global Touring, Jacob Reiser; Executive Vice President, Global Touring, Kyle Burnside; Senior Vice President, Global Marketing, Todd Stepp; Senior Vice President, Events, Mike Deckard and Senior Vice President, Operations, Bobby Talley.
With the creation of TPR, Transparent Productions founder and CEO Tim Taber has been promoted to the LiveCo management team as Chief Strategy Officer. Premier Productions CEO Michael Pugh was also promoted to LiveCo as Chief Operating Officer.
In his new role, Taber, a 35-year live entertainment veteran, will focus on revenue generation and growth-oriented initiatives. Pugh, a 20-year live entertainment veteran, will focus on LiveCo’s day-to-day operations while also interacting with the operating companies to drive cross-company advances in sponsorship, technology, marketing and artist/agent relationships.
Wynonna Judd Releases New Double Album ‘Back To Wy: Live’
/by Lorie HollabaughWynonna Judd has released Back To Wy: Live, a double album that features tunes performed on her “Back To Wy Tour.” The project is available now on all streaming platforms as well as on double vinyl.
The tracks include “I Saw The Light,” “No One Else On Earth,” “Only Love” and “Tell Me Why.” The initial run of the “Back To Wy Tour” was well-received and expanded due to high demand from fans along with a newfound fan base. The second leg of the journey kicks off today (Sept. 6).
“What the fans and I shared on the first leg of the ‘Back To Wy Tour’ was so special you almost had to be there to believe it,” the artist says. “I am so thrilled to share this live album and use it as my time capsule to never forget those moments.”
Back To Wy: Live Track Listing:
Wynonna (Disc 1)
Tell Me Why (Disc 2)
LiveCo Creates Global Faith-Based Promotion Company TPR
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R, top row): Bobby Talley, Senior Vice President, Operations; Jacob Reiser, President, Global Touring; Jared Gibo, CEO and Todd Stepp, Senior Vice President, Global Marketing. (L-R, bottom row): Kyle Burnside, Executive Vice President, Global Touring and Mike Deckard, Senior Vice President, Events.
Specialty live entertainment company LiveCo will increase its presence in the faith space both in the U.S. and internationally by merging recent acquisitions Transparent, Premier and Rush Concerts into the newly created TPR.
The rapidly-expanding Christian and gospel audience currently enjoys the fourth-fastest U.S. growth rate of any genre according to Luminate Data service. Artists associated with TPR include Brandon Lake, Elevation Worship, Hillsong Worship and Phil Wickham, all of whom placed in the top five of airplay on Spotify in the first half of 2024 for the genre. TPR’s roster also includes Anne Wilson, Cece Winans, Chris Tomlin, Forrest Frank, Gaither Vocal Band, Jeremy Camp, MercyMe, Tauren Wells, We the Kingdom and many more.
“We are already the leaders in faith, and this move positions our company to better capitalize on this category’s accelerating live entertainment potential,” says LiveCo President and CEO Chuck Steedman. “The unveiling of TPR allows us to seamlessly streamline the experience for artists, agents, managers, and venues, delivering the artists that fans most want to see.”
Jared Gibo, who will serve as CEO of the new TPR endeavor, says, “Our joint volume from the combination of Transparent, Premier and Rush will not only keep us No. 1 in faith but also a top 10 overall worldwide promoter. Our ability to give our clients the best live event experience will be substantially boosted by our combined resources. The management team members of TPR are the demonstrated best in the industry in their respective areas and are focused on providing the highest level of service to our clients.”
TPR will promote over 1,000 events globally in 2025. Its executive management team includes President of Global Touring, Jacob Reiser; Executive Vice President, Global Touring, Kyle Burnside; Senior Vice President, Global Marketing, Todd Stepp; Senior Vice President, Events, Mike Deckard and Senior Vice President, Operations, Bobby Talley.
With the creation of TPR, Transparent Productions founder and CEO Tim Taber has been promoted to the LiveCo management team as Chief Strategy Officer. Premier Productions CEO Michael Pugh was also promoted to LiveCo as Chief Operating Officer.
In his new role, Taber, a 35-year live entertainment veteran, will focus on revenue generation and growth-oriented initiatives. Pugh, a 20-year live entertainment veteran, will focus on LiveCo’s day-to-day operations while also interacting with the operating companies to drive cross-company advances in sponsorship, technology, marketing and artist/agent relationships.
Country Duo Heartwreckers Ink Publishing Deal With BMG
/by John Nix ArledgePictured (L-R): Jackie Martinez Marushka, James Stewart, Matt Cottingham, Scott Siman, Brock Butler and Ryan Garrett, Joe Carter, Keith Lazorchak, Mike Taliaferro, Chris Oglesby, Amy Scott and Camryn Clark. Photo: Paula Nelson
Heartwreckers, a new country duo consisting of Texas natives Brock Butler and Ryan Garrett, have signed a publishing deal with BMG.
Earlier this summer, the duo released their debut EP, Shut Up And Drink, following their performances opening the 28th Annual Key West Songwriters Festival Presented by BMI, supporting Denmark’s “Nashville Nights Spring Tour ‘24” and the UK’s Buckles & Boots Music Fest. Butler and Garrett then hit the road supporting Tim McGraw on his “Standing Room Only Tour” and performed stadium shows in Chicago, Kansas City and more.
“I’m looking forward to the world discovering Heartwreckers’ music,” says EM.Co’s Scott Siman, McGraw’s manager and the publishing partner for Heartwreckers. “Brock and Ryan are each powerhouses on their own, and together their writing and performing just goes to another level.”
McGraw, also a publishing partner for the duo, agrees. “The guys were awesome on the tour this year and I’m thrilled we could partner up with BMG Publishing,” he says.
“Ryan and Brock are strong vocalists and performers in a live setting but what sets these two apart as Heartwreckers is their depth of talent as songwriters,” adds Chris Oglesby, VP, Publishing, BMG Nashville. “They have tapped into what connects with listeners; there’s a rawness and vulnerability that balances the ‘in your face’ truth-telling songs they’re becoming known for. They understand their craft and are dedicated to growing as artists and writers. We couldn’t be more thrilled to partner with Scott, Tim and team EM.Co on what I believe will be an enduring career.”
Shut Up And Drink, produced by Andrew Baylis, features five tracks that earned Heartwreckers spots on Spotify’s New Music Friday Country, Country and Next From Nashville playlists. The duo rounded off the summer with features on The Paul Finebaum Show, in Hook & Barrel Magazine, Toledo Blade and Today’s Country Magazine.
“The Shut Up And Drink EP is a collection of stories written about our personal experiences,” explains the duo. “The songs are true stories about making the best out of any situation, all while dealing with the struggles of heartbreak, mental health and addiction.”
Lakeview & Gravel Road Partner With Riser House
/by Madison HahnenPictured (L–R, back row): Brandon Perdue, Megan Schultz, Sofia Barbetta and Matt Woodson. (L–R, front row): Anthony Martini, Luke Healy, Jesse Denaro and Jennifer Johnson. Photo: Shannon Bradley
Country-rock duo Lakeview has announced a strategic partnership with Riser House Entertainment alongside the duo’s record label Gravel Road. Under the deal, Gravel Road and Riser House will combine resources and focus on expanding the band’s music.
“Lakeview embodies the independent spirit, so it’s an honor to support Jesse and Luke as they smash traditional boundaries,” shares Anthony Martini, Founder, Gravel Road. “Gravel Road is a home where country artists can rewrite the rules, and I’m excited to add Riser House to the team as we blaze this new path.”
“We are thrilled to partner with Gravel Road and Lakeview,” adds Jennifer Johnson, President, Riser House Entertainment. “From the moment I heard Lakeview’s music and met Jesse and Luke, I knew we had to be involved. They deliver genuine country storytelling with a raw, gritty rock edge. There’s no doubt—they’re the arena rock of country music.”
Lakeview’s self-titled debut album is slated for release on next Friday (Sept. 13). The duo currently has two singles receiving radio airplay, “Money Where Your Mouth Is (featuring Gideon)” and “What I Know Now.” They will also be touring arenas this fall with Breaking Benjamin, Staind and Daughtry.
Luke Combs’ Category 10 Venue To Open In November
/by LB CantrellRendering of Luke Combs’ Category 10. Photo: Courtesy of Category 10/Opry Entertainment Group
Luke Combs and Opry Entertainment Group are scheduled to open his highly-anticipated Category 10 venue this November.
The bar, restaurant and live music entertainment venue is beginning the search for staff in management positions and as well as for front of house, back of house, retail and security roles. They will host a three-day hiring event from Monday, Sept. 30 to Wednesday, Oct. 2 from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. each day. The event will be held at One Fourteen, adjacent to Category 10, located at 114 2nd Avenue North in Nashville. Click here for more information about the hiring event.
Located at 120 Second Avenue North, Category 10 is slated to be the largest and most versatile entertainment complex in Nashville’s downtown entertainment district. The three-story venue features five entertainment experiences, including areas called The Honky-Tonk, Hurricane Hall, The Still, 5 Leaf Clover Sports Bar and The Eye.
Fancy Hagood Shares ‘Losing Game’ From Upcoming Sophomore Album
/by Lorie HollabaughFancy Hagood is gearing up for the release of his sophomore album, American Spirit, on Oct. 25. In conjunction with the album announcement, he’s sharing his latest single, “Losing Game,” a country love song about the rush of jumping headfirst into romance with someone you know isn’t quite right.
American Spirit aims to be a testament to Hagood’s journey towards resilience, healing and growth. The project features guest vocals from Michelle Branch and Sean and Sara Watkins of Nickel Creek as well as songs produced by John Osborne, Jarrad K, and Jeremy Lutitio and co-written with Caitlyn Smith, Mindy Smith, Sean McConnell, Mary Steenburgen and more.
The tracks run through the complex emotions of being alive, from grief for loved ones lost on single “Good Grief,” to remembering that pain is a human experience that can’t be avoided on “Through.”
“I knew after Southern Curiosity had been well-received by this community that I wanted to go pedal to the metal and really go back to my roots and that original dream of wanting to be a country artist,” explains Hagood.“It’s like I’m sitting at a table where I don’t have to explain myself, and I just wish I could invite the younger versions of myself to this moment to say, ‘Look, we’re doing it, and it feels really good.’
Hagood has been named a member of CMT’s 2024 Listen Up Class and was nominated for GLADD’s Outstanding Breakthrough Music Artist Award. Earlier this summer, he released his own five-song EP, Smothered, Covered & Fried, featuring collaborations with She Returns From War, Jamie Wyatt, TJ Osborne, The Kentucky Gentlemen and Brooke Eden.
American Spirit Track Listing:
1. “Ever Really Ready”
2. “Isn’t That Life (feat. Michelle Branch)”
3. “Losing Game”
4. “Savior Self”
5. “Good Grief”
6. “Through”
7. “American Spirit”
8. “Navy Blue”
9. “The Chase (feat. Watkins Family Hour)”
10. “Soulmates”
11. “Fly Away”
Maddox Batson Releases New Single After Signing With Warner Records
/by Liza AndersonNewly-signed Warner Records artist Maddox Batson has released his latest single, “X’s.”
“‘X’s’ was inspired by a concert I went to with a couple of my friends. When I walked in, the security immediately wrote with a Sharpie a big ole’ X on my right hand because I was under 18. The next day when I was in the studio, one of my co-writers noticed some of the Sharpie was still on my right hand—and we came up with the song name. We all loved it and the rest is history,” says Batson.
Born just north of Nashville, Tennessee and raised in Birmingham, Alabama, the 14-year-old singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist infuses elements of classic country, southern rock and pop together to create his own sound. He gained traction earlier this year with “Tears In The River,” which amassed 21 million global streams, and “I Wanna Know.” Batson recently landed a massive cut as a songwriter, co-writing Lana Del Rey and Quavo’s single “Tough.” He also became became the youngest artist to ever play Nashville’s iconic Whiskey Jam, reaching a capacity crowd during CMA Fest.
Later this month, Batson will host his “Maddox Batson & Friends” headlining show at the White House Pumpkin Patch in White House, Tennessee in addition to joining Gabby Barrett on tour for select dates.
Post Malone & Blake Shelton Hit No. 1 On The MusicRow Radio Chart
/by John Nix ArledgePost Malone rises to the No. 1 spot on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart this week with “Pour Me A Drink” featuring Blake Shelton.
The track comes off of his recently-released album, F-1 Trillion, and was written by Post, John Byron, Louis Bell, Rocky Block, Charlie Handsome and Jordan Dozzi.
Post’s “F-1 Trillion Tour” is kicking off this weekend in Salt Lake City with support from Muscadine Bloodline and will come to a close near the end of October with big stops in Boston’s Fenway Park and Nashville’s Nissan Stadium, among others.
“Pour Me A Drink” currently sits at No. 10 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart and No. 7 on the Mediabase chart.
Click here to view the latest edition of the MusicRow Weekly containing the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart.
Muscadine Bloodline Tapped For Post Malone’s ‘F-1 Trillion Tour’
/by Lorie HollabaughMuscadine Bloodline. Photo: Jay Siske
Muscadine Bloodline has landed the support slot on Post Malone‘s upcoming “F-1 Trillion Tour,” which kicks off this weekend in Salt Lake City.
The tour will run through the end of October with stops in Boston, Charlotte, Virginia Beach, Atlanta, Austin and more, with a Nashville Nissan Stadium show set for Oct. 19.
The announcement comes on the heels of the duo’s latest album, The Coastal Plain, which released last month. Drawing deeply from their personal histories, they craft narratives reminiscent of the people and landscapes of their southern Alabama upbringing across the album’s 14 tracks, blending classic country, roots and gospel influences.
Since forming in 2015, the duo has also achieved success with their 2016 Platinum-certified single, “Porch Swing Angel,” which has garnered over 100 million streams on Spotify to date, made their Grand Ole Opry debut, performed sold-out shows across the country and joined Eric Church, Turnpike Troubadours and Cody Johnson on the road.
Radio Veteran Steve Kaspar Passes
/by LB CantrellSteve Kaspar
Steve Kaspar, the Owner and CEO of KFAV-FM, KWRE-AM and Kaspar Broadcasting of Missouri, passed away on Wednesday (Sept. 4) after a sudden trip to the emergency room. He was 71.
KFAV is a MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart panelist.
In addition to Kaspar’s work in radio, he was also an accomplished musician and songwriter. He was known as a believer in community, a passionate pet lover and a proud patriot.
Kaspar is survived by his wife of 45 years, Pat; three sons Ryan, Alex and Trevor; daughter-in-law Lafayette; granddaughters Lillian and Olivia and brothers Russell and Vic Kaspar.
Funeral arrangements and a special radio memorial service are pending.