Tenille Townes Parts Ways With Sony Music Nashville

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Tenille Townes. Photo: Robert Chavers

Award-winning singer-songwriter Tenille Townes has parted ways with Sony Music Nashville. She revealed the news in a TikTok posted on this week.

“I have decided to fly free from my record label,” Townes said in the video. “It’s a big shift for me. We’ve been working together for over seven years now.

“I want the freedom to write and record whatever music I want to make, share it with you guys and put it out into the world,” she shared. “Making this decision to fly free means that I can do that now.”

@tenilletownes Entering my freedom era… will you guys come with me? #independentartist ♬ original sound – Tenille Townes

Townes, a 17-time Canadian Country Music Award Winner, began singing at age five in her rural Canadian hometown, Grande Prairie, Alberta, and penned her first song by age 14. She moved to Nashville in 2013 to pursue her music career and signed with Sony Music Nashville in 2018.

She released her debut album with the label, The Lemonade Stand, in 2020. It was named Country Album of the Year at the 50th JUNO Awards, and produced two No. 1 hits in Canada with “Jersey on The Wall (I’m Just Asking)” and “Somebody’s Daughter,” which is certified Gold in the U.S. She followed that project up with her 2023 album Masquerades.

Townes was named New Female Artist of the Year at the 2019 ACM Awards, and she took home another trophy that year for Music Event of the Year with a collaboration with Miranda Lambert and other female artists, “Fooled Around And Fell In Love.”

Looking ahead, Townes will release music as an independent artist. She will head out on her headlining “The Thing That Brought Me Here Tour” in October and November.

Townes is managed by Shopkeeper Management, booked by WME and published by Big Yellow Dog Music.

Kira Lynn Partners With Muserk

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Muserk’s Paul Goldman, Kira Lynn and Muserk’s Marc Driskill

Singer-songwriter Kira Lynn has signed a worldwide co-publishing and administration agreement with Muserk.

An Edmonton, AB Canada native, Lynn grew up on the stage dancing competitively, studying musical theater, piano, guitar and voice. After earning her degree in Canada, Lynn moved to Nashville to pursue her dream of becoming a songwriter and performer.

“We are so proud to welcome Kira to our roster at Muserk. She’s such an impressive songwriter and combines that talent with a great voice, work ethic and vision that makes her so much fun to work with. We are so excited to be part of the impact she is going to have with her music,” says Muserk CEO/Founder Paul Goldman.

“I have known Kira for awhile and am a big fan of her and her music. I am absolutely thrilled to be part of her team and to help expand her music’s reach,” adds Marc Driskill, Music Development in Nashville for Muserk.

Lynn says, “Timing is everything! I have been writing and recording music most of my life, but over the past couple of years, I have been focused on launching my cereal bar, Wanna Spoon in 12 South. Paul, Marc and the Muserk team are the right partners for me at the right time in my career, and I am so excited to join them!”

Mason Ramsey Teases Upcoming Album With New Single

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Mason Ramsey offers a glimpse into his upcoming album, I’ll See You In My Dreams, with new single “Come Pick Me Up” releasing today (Aug. 23). The single, co-written by Ramsey and producer Dan Fernandez, showcases his distinctive vocals and nostalgic sound.

“This album is a huge introduction into who I am as an artist, and ‘Come Pick Me Up’ is a glimpse into the project as a whole,” explains Ramsey. “This song in particular is about a girl I was interested in over the summer, and it was one of those songs that just kind of wrote itself. It’s a classic love song.”

Ramsey, the youngest country artist signed to a major label in almost 20 years, has continued to make waves on the scene with releases, “Blue Over You” and “Shake Shake (All Night Long)” both garnering millions of streams shortly after release. His upcoming project aims to reflect his growth as a songwriter, performer and singer since his viral Walmart-yodeling days.

Most recently showcasing his growth at Spotify House and on stage with Lana Del Rey, Ramsey has already released three EPs, earned a Gold-certified single, and gained over 450 million global streams to date.

I’ll See You In My Dreams Track Listing:
1. I’ll See You In My Dreams (Dan Fernandez, Mason Ramsey)
2. Blue Over You (Dan Fernandez, Mason Ramsey)
3. All The Way To Memphis (Dan Fernandez, Mason Ramsey)
4. Come Pick Me Up (Dan Fernandez, Mason Ramsey)
5. Joy (Dan Fernandez, Mason Ramsey)
6. The Woman From Havana (Dan Fernandez, Mason Ramsey)
7. Lies, Lies, Lies (Dan Fernandez, Mason Ramsey)
8. How Do I Know If I’m In Love (Dan Fernandez, Mason Ramsey)
9. Something You Can Hold (Dan Fernandez, Mason Ramsey)
10. Cowboys Always Come Home (Dan Fernandez, Mason Ramsey)
11. Prettiest Girl at the Dance (Dan Fernandez, Mason Ramsey)
12. Trouble Is (Dan Fernandez, Mason Ramsey)
13. Family Pictures (Dan Fernandez, Mason Ramsey)
14. All I See Is You (Dan Fernandez, Mason Ramsey)

Lainey Wilson Stays At No. 1 On The MusicRow Radio Chart

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Lainey Wilson sits at No. 1 on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart again this week with “Hang Tight Honey.”

The track is included on her new album Whirlwind, which released today (Aug. 23). It was written by Wilson, Driver Williams, Jason Nix and Paul Sikes.

This week, Wilson and Spotify invited some of her top fans out to the Nashville Farmers’ Market for their “Whirlwind Market,” celebrating the new album. Attendees enjoyed offerings from local vendors and heard a sneak preview of the new music.

“Hang Tight Honey” currently sits at No. 14 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart and No. 11 on the Mediabase chart.

Click here to view the latest edition of the MusicRow Weekly containing the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart.

Ryman Auditorium Unveils Fall ‘Sidewalk Sessions’ Performers

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The Ryman Auditorium has revealed the dates and performers for its fall 2024 “Sidewalk Sessions.”

Beginning on Sept. 5, up-and-coming artists will perform on the PNC Plaza before select shows for nine weeks. These events are free and open to the public, and will feature drinks at the outdoor bar and giveaways from the Ryman Shop. Hiller, Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU), New Belgium Brewing and Torchy’s Tacos will serve as this year’s sponsors.

The event will kick off approximately two hours before the Ryman ticketed concert begins. The Ryman Shop will also be open for all guests. For more information, click here.

Sidewalk Sessions Artist Lineup on PNC Plaza Stage:
Sept. 5 – Manny Alexander
Sept. 12 – Drew Dixon
Sept. 20 – Zac Hart
Sept. 23 – Kennedy Taylor
Oct. 3 – Abby Blake
Oct. 10 – Brooks Huntley
Oct. 17 – Landon Smith
Oct. 24 – Matthew Welde
Nov. 7 – Sam Jones & the Wretched Pews

Industry Veteran Ken Biddy Passes

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Ken Biddy

Industry veteran Herbert Kenneth “Ken” Biddy passed away on Tuesday, Aug. 21 after battling cancer and congestive heart failure.

Growing up the Woodstock, Georgia area, Ken worked as a bouncer, a rock-a-billy artist manager and carpet layer before landing jobs at Lockheed and Ken Stanton Music. It was his love of music that led Ken to Nashville in 1983, where he and partners Jimmy Long and Myron Cantrell formed Copperfield Music Group and signed the Chuck Wagon Gang. During their time with Copperfield, the band won the TNN/Music City News Award for Country Gospel Group of the Year on four occasions.

Ken expanded his business into the country field by securing country cuts by Montgomery Gentry, Lee Ann Womack, LeAnn Rimes, Jeff Carson, Kenny Rogers and others. Dedicated to nurturing songwriters, songs from his catalog often appeared in film and television.

In July of 1991, Ken met another music executive Shelia Shipley while having drinks at Sunset Grill. Introduced by Shelia’s best friend and personal assistant, Lori Evans, they went on their first date a week later. They married in February of 1992 and spent 32 years together as husband and wife until his passing.

Ken had five children, including Crystal Milligan, Dena Biddy Bryant, Daniel Biddy, Amanda Biddy and Michael Shipley, as well as many grandchildren.

A gathering of family and friends will be held this Sunday (Aug. 25) from 3 p.m.–6 p.m. as well as on Monday (Aug. 26) from 12:30 p.m.–2:30 p.m. at Woodlawn-Roesch-Patton Funeral Home & Memorial Park, followed by a Celebration of Life Service at 2:30 p.m. A graveside service will also take place on Monday at 3:30 p.m. at Woodlawn Memorial Park.

Condolences can be shared with Shelia Shipley Biddy at shelia@musichealthalliance.com.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Jackson Dean Shows Off ‘Terrific Singing & Dynamite Lyric’

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Jackson Dean. Photo: Sean Hagwell

DISClaimer has some real audio goodies for you today.

So many, in fact, that it’s hard to know where to shine the spotlight the brightest. Four records raced neck and neck for the Disc of the Day award. Three of them are collaborations—Post Malone & Tim McGraw, Kameron Marlowe & Marcus King and David Nail & Aubrie Sellers. Any of them are worthy of the crown. But for ultimate creativity and sheer drive, I’m going with the solo outing by Jackson Dean, “Heavens to Betsy.”

Black country artists continue to thrive. Today’s column features new music by Ashlie Amber, Sacha and newcomer Tae Lewis. He would have nailed a DISCovery Award were it not for the sensational solo debut of Brad Tursi, who takes home the prize.

BRAD TURSI / “Parallel Love”
Writer: Brad Tursi; Producers: Brad Tursi, Dan Isbell; Label: Sony Music Nashville
– This is a delightful twang fest, full of funky thump and hillbilly harmony. The title tune of Tursi’s debut solo album is a toe-tapping, innocent-sounding ode to love in the countryside that will have you smiling from ear to ear. Absolutely play this. The Old Dominion member stages his first solo Opry appearance tomorrow evening (Aug. 23).

JOSH TURNER / “Two Steppin’ On The Moon”
Writers: Chase McGill/John Pierce/Matt Dragstrem; Producer: Kenny Greenberg; Label: MCA Nashville
– Rolling and pleasurable, it’s another of his swirly, romantic, lost-in-love odes. Turner debuted it on the TODAY show on Monday and launched its music video on CMT last Friday.

SACHA / “High Life”
Writers: Chris Loocke/Emma-Lee/Jaden Michaels/Sacha Visagie; Producer: Eric Arjes, Jimmy Robbins; Label: Sony Music Canada
– She is somewhat better known in her native Canada, but this artist’s profile is trending upward in the U.S., thanks to “Hey Mom I Made It.” Now comes this merry, feel-good ditty about being high on life. “I ain’t drinkin’ I ain’t smokin’/Now the only thing I’m tokin’ is them big puffy clouds in the sky,” she sings while the track burbles contentedly along. The candy-colored music video reveals her to be an able skateboard surfer.

KAMERON MARLOWE & MARCUS KING / “High Hopes”
Writers: Brad Tursi/Josh Osborne/Trevor Rosen; Producer: Dann Huff; Label: Columbia Nashville
– King’s torrid guitar work kicks off this slow-blues jam. Marlowe’s blue-eyed soul vocal wails the hurtin’ lyric to get you in a downbeat honky-tonk mood. Then King’s spine-tingling tenor comes in and the two begin to harmonize splendidly. As they swap swamp sounds, King lets fly with more deep-fried licks. A sensational record.

TAE LEWIS / “When I Grew Up”
Writers: Jacob Frish/Paul Krieg/Tae Lewis; Producer: none listed; Label: Origins Records
– The chorus takes awhile to get to the punch line. But this guy has vocal talent to spare, so he sells this lyric of redemption with panache. He tosses the bottle away and holds his head high. Origins Records is a new label devoted to Black country talent, and this guy and an artist named David Junior are their flagship signees. Bon voyage!

WARREN ZEIDERS / “Intoxicated”
Writers: Bart Butler/Benjy Davis/Mark Holman/Randy Montana/Warren Zeiders; Producer: Mike Elizondo; Label: Warner Records
– Zeiders’ debut Warner album, Relapse, will drop tomorrow. Its latest preview and new single maintains the youngster’s rock-country fusion style with a smoldering-hot stomper about being drunk on love.

DAVID NAIL & AUBRIE SELLERS / “Why”
Writer: David Nail; Producers: David Nail, Reed Pittman; Label: DN
– This man was born to sing. This expressive performance questions why he makes a relationship so rocky and troubled. The track ripples and sighs around his superb vocal with soprano contributions by Sellers. The song was originally intended as a track for a 2013 Universal album that was never released. This is its poetic new version.

JAMES HOUSE / “What Do You Say”
Writer: James House; Producer: James House; Label: JH
– The loping “western” vibe churns along while House’s rasping tenor beckons her for a bluesy night on the town. Kinda hypnotic and retro cool.

ASHLIE AMBER / “What You Deserve”
Writers: Christian Stalnecker/Taylor Acorn; Producers: Ashlie Amber Harris, Victor “Vdub” Wilson; Label: AA
– The melody isn’t much, but her double-tracked vocal gives it a little heft. The pace is plodding and the production lacks imagination, but the whole thing is listenable in a lulling sort of way.

POST MALONE & TIM MCGRAW / “Wrong Ones”
Writers: Austin Post/Charlie Handsome/Ernest Keith Smith/James McNair/Louis Bell/Luke Combs; Producers: Charlie Handsome, Louis Bell; Label: Mercury Records/Republic Records
– Post Malone’s just-released, 27-track country album is packed with celebrities, and the massive successes of “I Had Some Help” (with Morgan Wallen) and “Pour Me a Drink” (with Blake Shelton) are illustrations of how fine his collaborations can be. His F1-Trillion collection also features him alongside Luke Combs (“Guy for That”), Dolly Parton, Brad Paisley, Hank Jr., Jelly Roll, Billy Strings, Ernest, Chris Stapleton, Lainey Wilson (“Nosedive”), Hardy and Sierra Ferrell. The album kicks off with this raucous barroom duet with Tim McGraw. The snarly, bluesy vibe suits both voices just fine. Malone (Austin Richard Post) is on fire: He also has the chart-topping “Fortnight” pop duet with Taylor Swift from her The Tortured Poets Department album.

JACKSON DEAN / “Heavens To Betsy”
Writers: Benjy Davis/Driver Williams/Jackson Dean; Producer: Luke Dick; Label: Big Machine Records
– This soulful guy has a new lyric video for this wonderful story song about a man who speaks to a loved one from beyond the grave. As if his terrific singing and the dynamite lyric aren’t enough, the spectacular production has froth and foam and tempo, tempo, tempo. Electrifying in every way.

Rosie & The Revival Rev Up For ‘Soundchecks And Tape Decks’ Release

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Rosie & the Revival are stepping out on their own to drop their debut album, Soundchecks and Tape Decks, tomorrow (Aug. 23).

The industry member supergroup is comprised of Wyatt Beard, Nick Buda, Jon Conley,  Kenny Greenberg, Harmoni Kelley and Danny Rader, all of whom have enjoyed careers producing, playing for other artists and songwriting. Rosie & the Revival came together touring with Kenny Chesney, and after getting together to jam during extended soundchecks and then writing some originals, they decided to hunker down and formally capture the chemistry.

The project features five covers, including AC/DC’s band-naming “Whole Lotta Rosie,” and six originals from a band who has recorded and toured with artists including Grammy-winners Bonnie Raitt, Shelby Lynne, Willie Nelson, the Allman Brothers, Chris Stapleton, Steve Earle, Merle Haggard and Taylor Swift. Designed to create a song cycle that delivers on the Revivals’ vast experience and set of influences, the collection also evokes a time when freeform album rock radio was a place where people could hear all kinds of music tied together by creative intention.

“It was really a way to have fun when we were doing soundchecks with Kenny Chesney,” admits guitarist/producer Greenberg. “We were in Tampa a few years ago, and just started calling out songs. Suddenly, we’d been there almost two hours. Everyone up here takes music very seriously, but this was just a blast. And the more we did it, the more fun we had.”

“We can play a lot of different things,” adds multi-instrumentalist/vocalist Conley. “But at our core, Soundchecks and Tape Decks is who we are as musicians, writers, producers. Writing for this turned out to be great, it really focused us as a band. But getting to record songs by everyone from Tom Petty to the Meters to the Stones? When you can find that kind of musical alignment, you start to really understand the engine that drives this band.”

To celebrate the release, No Shoes Radio aired an exclusive interview with the band earlier this week announcing the project, with album tracks “Just Getting Started,” “Wait A Minute” and “Keep It Coming” in regular rotation on the channel all week.

Soundchecks and Tape Decks Track List:
1. “Just Getting Started” – Wyatt Beard, Jim “Moose” Brown & Jon Evans Conley
2. “Wait A Minute” – Danny Rader, Danny Myrick, Jon Evans Conley, Nick Buda, Kenny Greenberg & Wyatt Beard
3. “Whole Lotta Rosie” – Angus Young, Malcolm Young & Bon Scott
4. “Listen To Her Heart” – Tom Petty
5. “Keep It Coming” – Danny Rader, Danny Myrick, Kenny Greenberg, Nick Buda, Jon Evans Conley
6. “Ain’t Holding Back” – Wyatt Beard, Jim “Moose” Brown & Jon Evans Conley
7. “Chain Reaction” – Kenny Greenberg & Gary Nicholson
8. “Cissy Strut” – Arthur Neville, Joseph Modeliste, Jr., Leo Nocentelli & George Joseph Porter, Jr.
9. “Start Me Up” – Mick Jagger & Keith Richards
10. “Voodoo” – Kenny Greenberg, Nick Buda & Danny Myrick
11. “Already Gone” – Jack Tempchin & Robb Strandlund

Jake Owen & Keith Gale Launch GCE Records, Sign Styles

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Pictured (L-R, back row): Keith Gale (GCE), Kat Atwood (Music City Media), Kris Rochester (Run The Roost Ent.) and Josh Del (GCE); (L-R, front row): Kayla Parker (Music City Media), Styles, Amy Jackson (GCE) and Parker Fowler (GCE)

Multi-Platinum country star Jake Owen and industry veteran Keith Gale have launched Good Company Entertainment Records (GCE Records). The venture is an extension of their Good Company Entertainment, the home base for Owen’s artist management.

Based in Nashville, the independent label and artist services arm aims to provide all-encompassing services, offering independent newcomers and established artists the opportunity to leverage one-stop, turnkey resources and solutions.

“From music creation to release, we work closely alongside each artist to establish a plan specific to their needs,” shares Gale, Good Company Entertainment’s Managing Partner. “GCE Records is an alternative model to introduce artists and new music. Providing key services similar to that of the traditional record label, but dissimilar to the label structure in various facets, our artist partners and their teams have the creative freedoms to remain true to their unique brand of music that sets them apart.”

The first signing under the GCE Records imprint is hit songwriter and indie recording artist Styles, also known as Styles Haury. The Warner Chappell songwriter has celebrated a No. 1 hit with “Country On,” recorded by Luke Bryan, as well as cuts from Craig Morgan and Craig Campbell. Styles will release a self-titled, six-song EP on Friday, Aug. 30 with distribution from CmdShft.

“I’m swinging the bat as hard as I can, and with the GCE Records team behind me, I feel like I can stand in the batter’s box with a stronger chance to hit a home run,” says Styles.

“Our dedicated team has the passion and experience to position talented independents for a successful music release and garner momentum to take him or her to a meaningful tier level (perhaps a stair-step to a record deal) with a competitive edge in an ever-changing environment,” adds Gale.

Styles will follow the release of his self-titled EP with his sophomore GCE Records album, titled God’s Grocery (Isle 1), scheduled to drop in October.

UTA Establishes Christian Music Division

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Jonathan Roberts

UTA has established a new division dedicated to Christian music that will be led by Jonathan Roberts, who joined the agency in May.

The division aims to serve as an extension of UTA’s Heartland initiative, which was founded by Nick Barnes in 2020, and plans to tap into its music network and resources.

“UTA is deeply committed to the growth of the Christian music division,” says Scott Clayton, UTA Partner & Music Co-Head. “We are leveraging the full strength of the agency, bringing together agents who are inspired by the genre and its connection with fans.”

UTA has grown its roster of Christian artists to include newly-signed clients Brandon Lake and Phil Wickham, who are currently on their second sold-out “Summer Worship Nights Tour,” as well as Forrest Frank, Lecrae, Elevation Rhythm, Mosaic MSC, Bodie, Sam Rivera and Gio. Its clients received a total of 32 GMA Dove Award nominations this year in categories such as Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year, Rock/Contemporary Album of the Year, Feature Film of the Year, Worship Album of the Year, Children’s Recorded Song of the Year, Recorded Music Packaging of the Year, Short Form Music Video of the Year, Concept, Short Form Music Video of the Year and Christmas Recorded Song of the Year.

“We are witnessing an unprecedented moment in the music industry where Christian music is resonating with wider audiences,” shares Roberts. “UTA’s roster of Christian artists reflects the growing demand for the genre, and we are thrilled to be part of this exciting moment alongside these artists.”