Pictured (L-R, back row): Big Loud Publishing’s Mike Giangreco, Sony Music Publishing’s Rusty Gaston, Back Blocks Music’s Rakiyah Marshall, Boom Music Group’s Shaina Botwin, Warner Chappell’s BJ Hill, BMI’s Leslie Roberts, Studio Bank’s Kari Barnhart, ASCAP’s Duane Hobson, Big Loud’s Drew Magid, Big Loud’s Seth England; (L-R, front row): Jimmy Robbins (Producer), Jordan Minton (BMI), Ashley Cooke (BMI), Mark Trussell (ASCAP). Photo: Larry McCormack for BMI
Monday Night Brewing Preservation Co. was buzzing with industry members on Wednesday afternoon (Aug. 14) who were there to toast Ashley Cooke on her first No. 1 hit, “Your Place.”
BMI’s Leslie Roberts and BMI’s MaryAnn Keen pose with Ashley Cooke and songwriters after presenting her with a custom Taylor 210e DLX guitar for her first No. 1 as a BMI songwriter. Photo: Larry McCormack for BMI
Hosted by BMI, the packed room raised a beer glass to Cooke, her co-writers Jordan Minton and Mark Trussell and producer Jimmy Robbins for creating only the second country radio chart-topper performed by a female this year.
BMI’s Leslie Roberts emceed the event. She spoke about affiliates Minton and Cooke. “It’s been said that luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity,” Roberts said. “Ashley has put so much work in and she’s ready to roll.”
ASCAP’s Duane Hobson was on hand to speak about Trussell and Robbins. He highlighted each of their talents and work ethic.
Roberts invited Back Blocks Music’s Rakiyah Marshall to speak. She is Cooke’s manager and publisher who has been working with the artist since 2020. Marshall thanked the entire village around Cooke, her co-writers and Robbins. She got emotional when speaking about the trust Cooke has placed in her as her flagship artist.
“I want to thank Ashley,” Marshall said. “You were the first. You’re the brain child behind Back Blocks. Everything that has happened to this point has happened because of you.”
Publishers of “Your Place” including Sony Music Publishing’s Rusty Gaston, Warner Chappell’s BJ Hill and Boom Music Group’s Shaina Botwin were on hand to give remarks, as was Big Loud head Seth England. All recognized the village around Cooke and her co-writers. Studio Bank’s Kari Barnhart shared that a donation had been made to Soles4Souls in honor of “Your Place.”
Pictured (L-R): MusicRow’s LB Cantrell, Jimmy Robbins, Jordan Minton, Ashley Cooke, Mark Trussell and MusicRow’s Sherod Robertson. Photo: Larry McCormack for BMI
When Robbins took the mic, he shared stories of working with Cooke and her team. “It’s been absolutely amazing working together,” he said. “Sometimes a producer’s job is to make a bad song sound good. For this one, I had to take a great song and stay out of its way. You wrote such a great song.”
“The longer I do this the more that I realized that we can do the best job we possibly can to make good stuff, but there are so many people that we rely on for our songs to be heard,” Trussell shared. “Thank you to everyone who works their butts off for me.”
Minton spoke about Cooke’s clear vision for her artistry, and what a pleasure it is to write with her. “You’re a dream artist for a songwriter,” he said. “You understand your artistry so well. I’m so lucky to be part of it.”
When it was time to hear from the woman of the hour, she individually thanked each member of her village.
“When I look back on my first No. 1, I’ll think about the times that we spent on radio tour when I was running on Dunkin’ Donuts and a dream,” she said. “I’m truly beyond honored to be here with you guys. Thank you to the community of Nashville and everyone who had a hand in this. It means the world.”
Paul Cauthen Slates ‘Black On Black’ For October
/by John Nix ArledgeRising artist Paul Cauthen is set to release his new album, Black on Black, on Oct. 25 via Anemoia Records/Atlantic Records.
Today (Aug. 19), to tease the new record, Cauthen released the track “Sweetheart from the Trailer Park” from the project, and announced headline shows in Los Angeles, Portland, Seattle and more for the fall.
“Sweetheart from the Trailer Park” comes one the heels of the recently released “Hot Damn” and forthcoming title track “Black on Black.” These new songs mark a pivotal time for the Cauthen, who brought out Lana Del Rey to duet “Unchained Melody” during his Stagecoach performance and scored a feature on Shaboozey’s track “Last of my Kind” from his recent album Where I’ve Been, Isn’t Where I’m Going.
Black on Black was largely recorded at Rosewood Studios in Cauthen’s hometown of Tyler, Texas with collaborator Jason Burt and crafted during the artist’s tour across North America on his motorcycle and tour bus.
Cauthen, affectionately known as “Big Velvet” for his smooth baritone voice, grew up singing in the church choir. He steadily made himself known throughout the country and Americana genres as a part of the duo Sons of Fathers before taking his career solo with debut album, My Gospel. Since then, he has released two more albums Room 41 and Country Coming Down and toured across the world sharing stages with Margo Price, Orville Peck, Elle King, Midland, Cody Jinks and more.
Paul Cauthen’s Black On Black Track List:
1. “Black on Black”
2. “Ridin’ the Line”
3. “Angels & Heathens”
4. “Hot Damn”
5. “Speaking in Cursive”
6. “Everybody Get in Line”
7. “Bet on Me”
8. “Lavender Jones”
9. “Innocent”
10. “Black Roses”
11. “Sweetheart From the Trailer Park”
12. “To Whom Do You Belong”
‘Face The Fight Night At The Opry’ To Feature Trace Adkins, Craig Morgan
/by Lorie HollabaughThe Grand Ole Opry and presenting sponsor Humana are teaming up with Face the Fight on Sept. 10 for World Suicide Prevention Day, to help increase awareness and education about veteran suicide prevention.
Launched in June 2023 by founding partners the Humana Foundation, Reach Resilience and USAA, Face the Fight is an initiative to bring organizations together to reduce the veteran suicide rate. Avid military supporters and Opry members Trace Adkins and Craig Morgan as well as Coffey Anderson are set to perform during the special evening.
“We are proud to partner with the Grand Ole Opry to shed light on the crisis in veteran communities and increase awareness of Face the Fight,” says George Renaudin, Humana’s President of Medicare and Medicaid. “As a member of Face the Fight, we’ve been working with many others to grow this impactful initiative and find meaningful ways to help reduce veteran suicide while removing systemic barriers for veterans and military members. The strides made in the first year alone are remarkable, and I believe events like this will only help ensure those who have served our country have access to the care they need and enable more people to learn about Face the Fight and support it.”
BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville Signs Lanie Gardner
/by LB CantrellPictured (L-R): Jonathan Craig (Left Right), Peter Strickland (BMG), Katie Kerkhover (BMG), Lanie Gardner, Jon Loba (BMG) and Quinn Bauducco (BMG). Photo: Kevin Grace
Lanie Gardner has signed a record deal with BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville.
The breakout act first captured national attention with her viral rendition of Fleetwood Mac’s “Dreams,” which claimed a spot at No. 25 on the Billboard Rock charts. Gardner has raked in millions of views across her socials and streaming platforms since the with her country-rock sound. Recently, she was featured on the Twisters soundtrack in addition to landing a collaboration with David Guetta, signing a publishing deal with Big Machine Music and hitting the road with Jelly Roll and ZZ Ward.
“Lanie is exactly the kind of artist we look for when adding to our incredible roster—unique, exciting, an insatiable work ethic, and a heart that matches her art. We are so excited to help execute her vision,” says JoJamie Hahr, EVP, Recorded Music at BMG Nashville.
Radio Hall Of Fame Reveals 2024 Legends Of Radio Inductees
/by Madison HahnenThe Museum of Broadcast Communications has announced the selection of eight Legends inductees into the Radio Hall of Fame. The selection recognizes the talents and efforts of on-air personalities, programmers and operators who have contributed to the radio industry and have since passed away.
This year’s Legend inductees include Chuck Blore (On-Air Personality), Alan Colmes (On-Air Personality), Charlie Douglas (On-Air Personality), Jim Ladd (On-Air Personality), Maria Martin (Journalist), Byron McGregor (On-Air Personality), Percy Sutton (Executive) and Rusty Walker (Programming Executive and On-Air Personality).
“These Legends of Broadcasting may have passed on, but their legacy and what they meant to the radio industry will never die,” says Dennis Green, Co-Chair of the Radio Hall of Fame. “The Radio Hall of Fame Nominating Committee is honored to award Hall of Fame Inductions to each of these individuals. May their contributions be a lasting tribute and inspiration for generations of broadcasters to emulate for years to come.”
Kraig Kitchin, Co-Chair of the Radio Hall of Fame, adds “Our Nominating Committee recognizes the history of our medium and the countless individuals who contributed to the dominant influence of radio for so many decades. Each of these individuals left an indelible mark on the audiences they connected with and the businesses that they were associated with. We’re grateful for their talents, and only regret that they were not able to receive this special recognition while alive.”
These eight Legend inductees, among other class of 2024 Radio Hall of Fame inductees, will be recognized in an induction ceremony on Sept. 19 at the Omni Nashville. Lon Helton will serve as the Master of Ceremonies. Tickets are on sale now.
WMOT Opens New East Nashville Satellite Studio At Riverside Revival
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): Jessie Scott, Val Hoeppner, Brianna Healy, Beverly Keel and Mark Brynes. Photo: Kristen Drum
WMOT, MTSU’s flagship public radio station, has opened a satellite studio in Music City at Riverside Revival, a nonprofit music and events venue on the Boedecker Campus in east Nashville.
Last week, leaders from the station, MTSU and Riverside Revival helped formally open the 800-square foot space at 1610 Porter Rd., which will be home for on-air shifts, live in-studio performances and production of WMOT specialty shows.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony was carried out live over WMOT radio and the web by way of a video livestream, produced and directed by the crew that helped build out the space and that will facilitate audio and video content from the new room. The ceremony was followed by a live broadcast of WMOT’s series Words & Music featuring a performance and interview with country artist Sunny Sweeney and Program Director Jessie Scott.
“Being in Nashville is crucial for the future success of WMOT as the largest Americana radio station in the United States,” says Executive Director Val Hoeppner. “The satellite broadcast and production studio will allow us to better serve our music community by providing a Nashville base for in-studio performances…it will allow us to be where the artists are.”
The studio was made possible in part through a partnership with Nashville’s Boedecker Foundation and its collaborative campus. Opened in 2020, the campus serves as a modern, affordable space to allow nonprofit organizations to connect and build community. As a NIVA (National Independent Venue Association) music venue, it has played host to Brittany Howard, Margo Price and Emmylou Harris, among others.
“The Boedecker Foundation is endlessly grateful to partner with WMOT. Our shared commitment to advancing community well-being through music and education contributed to a seamless, albeit a bit long, alignment,” says BOE Foundation’s Executive Vice President Brianna Healy. “Establishing a studio for WMOT on our campus is a shared dream, years in the making. We are eager to collaborate further.”
“This marks a new chapter for WMOT,” says MTSU College of Media and Entertainment Dean Beverly Keel. “This satellite studio will allow artists who are touring through Nashville to stop in our studio and have important conversations about their music. I am so proud of all that WMOT has accomplished. It is a national success story in the world of public radio stations, and this new studio will allow that good work to continue.”
Willie Nelson To Share Latest Album ‘Last Leaf On The Tree’ In November
/by Lorie HollabaughWillie Nelson will release his new studio album, Last Leaf on the Tree, on Nov. 1. The collection features Willie’s rendition of Tom Waits’ “Last Leaf,” which is available now.
The project marks his 76th solo studio album and 153rd album overall, according to Texas Monthly‘s interactive All Willie Nelson Albums Ranked list, as well as his first time working with his son Micah in the producer’s chair.
Micah discussed his “sculptor’s approach to the album, stating, “It’s an approach that I really love and have used a lot over the years—just throwing the clay down and stepping back, then maybe adding a little more, and then maybe shaving down here, and kind of building the tracks that way.
The 34-year-old handled most of the instrumental work himself, playing more than two dozen instruments, from guitars and pianos to “sticks and branches, logs and dead leaves.” He also illustrated the album cover and helped create animation for the “Last Leaf” video alongside his wife, Alexandra Dascalu Nelson, in addition to identifying tracks by younger generations of songwriters that suited his father’s voice and personality, including Flaming Lips’ “Do You Realize??,” Beck‘s “Lost Cause” and Sydney Lyndella Ward‘s “If It Wasn’t Broken.”
Willie’s longtime harmonica player Mickey Raphael recommended the late Warren Zevon’s “Keep Me In Your Heart.” He also sings two songs written by longtime friend Neil Young, “Are You Ready For The Country” and “Broken Arrow,” while Keith Richards is represented with “Robbed Blind.”
Additionally, an exclusive version of Last Leaf on the Tree that includes a limited-edition lithograph created by Micah will be available for purchase upon the album’s release. For more information, click here.
Last Leaf on the Tree Track Listing:
1. Last Leaf (Tom Waits, Kathleen Brennan)
2. If It Wasn’t Broken (Sydney Lyndella Ward)
3. Lost Cause (Beck David Hansen)
4. Come Ye (Nina Simone)
5. Keep Me In Your Heart (Warren Zevon, Jorge Calderon)
6. Robbed Blind (Keith Richards)
7. House Where Nobody Lives (Tom Waits)
8. Are You Ready For The Country? (Neil Young)
9. Do You Realize?? (Wayne Coyne, Steven Drozd, Michael Ivins, David Fridmann)
10. Wheels (Micah Nelson)
11. Broken Arrow (Neil Young)
12. Color Of Sound (Willie Nelson & Micah Nelson)
13. The Ghost (Willie Nelson)
Industry Ink: Post Malone, Luke Combs, Kameron Marlowe, Sina Hall
/by Liza AndersonPost Malone Celebrates Grand Ole Opry Debut
Pictured (L–R): Grand Ole Opry’s Jordan Pettit, Jenn Tressler, Post Malone, Grand Ole Opry’s Gina Keltner and Dan Rogers. Photo: Danielle Piazza
Post Malone made his Grand Ole Opry debut on Wednesday (Aug. 14) in front of a sold-out crowd and was joined onstage by Vince Gill, John Michael Montgomery, Brad Paisley, Lainey Wilson and The War And Treaty.
He followed the debut with the unveiling of his first country album, F-1 Trillion, out today (Aug. 16).
Luke Combs Commemorates Five Years As An Opry Member
Grand Ole Opry’s Dan Rogers and Luke Combs celebrating Combs’ fifth Opry anniversary. Photo: Chris Hollo for Grand Ole Opry
Luke Combs commemorated the fifth anniversary of his Opry induction on Tuesday (Aug. 13). He was welcomed into the Opry family by Joe Diffie and Vince Gill before the eyes of a sold-out audience in the summer of 2019.
Additionally, Combs was surprised with five new plaques celebrating historic certifications, including two Diamond certifications for “When It Rains It Pours” and “Hurricane”—making him first artist to earn three RIAA Diamond-certified country singles.
Kameron Marlowe Strikes Gold With ‘Steady Heart’
Pictured (L-R): Sony Music Nashville’s Lauren Zimmerman, Red Light Management’s Kaitlin Madewell, Sony Music Nashville’s Jen Way, Randy Goodman, Kameron Marlowe, Sony Music Nashville’s Taylor Lindsey, Margaret Tomlin, Caryl Atwood and Steve Hodges. Photo: Adam Davis
Sony Music Nashville surprised Kameron Marlowe with a plaque to celebrate the Gold certification of his song “Steady Heart” earlier this week.
“Steady Heart,” which is featured on Marlowe’s debut album We Were Cowboys, is the latest addition to his list of RIAA-certified singles, including Platinum (U.S.) and Gold (Australia) song “Giving You Up” and Gold tracks “Girl On Fire” and “Burn ‘Em All.”
CMA Presents Sina Hall With 2024 Jo Walker Meador International Award
Pictured (L-R): Milly Olykan, Sina Hall, Meredith Goucher and Sarah Trahern. Photo: Drew Noble/CMA
The Country Music Association presented the first of its 2024 international honors on Wednesday (Aug. 14).
CMA CEO Sarah Trahern and Vice President, International Relations & Development Milly Olykan presented CMA Board member and Semmel Concerts Entertainment GmbH’s Senior Project Manager/Head of International Booking Sina Hall with the 2024 CMA Jo Walker Meador International Award during its Board of Directors meeting in the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s Ford Theater.
This award recognizes outstanding achievement by an individual in advocating and supporting country music’s marketing development in territories outside the United States. Hall founded of Sound of Nashville and is also member of the CMA European Task Force. She is considered to be the driving force behind C2C Germany and an advocate for young artists making their way into the format.
Ashley Cooke Celebrates First No. 1 Hit ‘Your Place’
/by LB CantrellPictured (L-R, back row): Big Loud Publishing’s Mike Giangreco, Sony Music Publishing’s Rusty Gaston, Back Blocks Music’s Rakiyah Marshall, Boom Music Group’s Shaina Botwin, Warner Chappell’s BJ Hill, BMI’s Leslie Roberts, Studio Bank’s Kari Barnhart, ASCAP’s Duane Hobson, Big Loud’s Drew Magid, Big Loud’s Seth England; (L-R, front row): Jimmy Robbins (Producer), Jordan Minton (BMI), Ashley Cooke (BMI), Mark Trussell (ASCAP). Photo: Larry McCormack for BMI
Monday Night Brewing Preservation Co. was buzzing with industry members on Wednesday afternoon (Aug. 14) who were there to toast Ashley Cooke on her first No. 1 hit, “Your Place.”
BMI’s Leslie Roberts and BMI’s MaryAnn Keen pose with Ashley Cooke and songwriters after presenting her with a custom Taylor 210e DLX guitar for her first No. 1 as a BMI songwriter. Photo: Larry McCormack for BMI
Hosted by BMI, the packed room raised a beer glass to Cooke, her co-writers Jordan Minton and Mark Trussell and producer Jimmy Robbins for creating only the second country radio chart-topper performed by a female this year.
BMI’s Leslie Roberts emceed the event. She spoke about affiliates Minton and Cooke. “It’s been said that luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity,” Roberts said. “Ashley has put so much work in and she’s ready to roll.”
ASCAP’s Duane Hobson was on hand to speak about Trussell and Robbins. He highlighted each of their talents and work ethic.
Roberts invited Back Blocks Music’s Rakiyah Marshall to speak. She is Cooke’s manager and publisher who has been working with the artist since 2020. Marshall thanked the entire village around Cooke, her co-writers and Robbins. She got emotional when speaking about the trust Cooke has placed in her as her flagship artist.
“I want to thank Ashley,” Marshall said. “You were the first. You’re the brain child behind Back Blocks. Everything that has happened to this point has happened because of you.”
Publishers of “Your Place” including Sony Music Publishing’s Rusty Gaston, Warner Chappell’s BJ Hill and Boom Music Group’s Shaina Botwin were on hand to give remarks, as was Big Loud head Seth England. All recognized the village around Cooke and her co-writers. Studio Bank’s Kari Barnhart shared that a donation had been made to Soles4Souls in honor of “Your Place.”
Pictured (L-R): MusicRow’s LB Cantrell, Jimmy Robbins, Jordan Minton, Ashley Cooke, Mark Trussell and MusicRow’s Sherod Robertson. Photo: Larry McCormack for BMI
When Robbins took the mic, he shared stories of working with Cooke and her team. “It’s been absolutely amazing working together,” he said. “Sometimes a producer’s job is to make a bad song sound good. For this one, I had to take a great song and stay out of its way. You wrote such a great song.”
“The longer I do this the more that I realized that we can do the best job we possibly can to make good stuff, but there are so many people that we rely on for our songs to be heard,” Trussell shared. “Thank you to everyone who works their butts off for me.”
Minton spoke about Cooke’s clear vision for her artistry, and what a pleasure it is to write with her. “You’re a dream artist for a songwriter,” he said. “You understand your artistry so well. I’m so lucky to be part of it.”
When it was time to hear from the woman of the hour, she individually thanked each member of her village.
“When I look back on my first No. 1, I’ll think about the times that we spent on radio tour when I was running on Dunkin’ Donuts and a dream,” she said. “I’m truly beyond honored to be here with you guys. Thank you to the community of Nashville and everyone who had a hand in this. It means the world.”
Justin Moore Slates New 12-Track LP ‘This Is My Dirt’ For October
/by Lorie HollabaughJustin Moore is gearing up for the release of his eighth studio album, This Is My Dirt, out Oct. 11 via The Valory Music Co. Moore’s new song “The Worst (ft. Randy Houser)” is out today (Aug. 16).
The project’s title track is currently top 10 and climbing at country radio, and the album also includes rowdy and reflective collaborations with fellow hitmakers Blake Shelton and Dierks Bentley. Moore co-wrote each track on the Jeremy Stover, Scott Borchetta and Paul DiGiovanni-produced album alongside regular collaborators including Stover, Casey Beathard, Chase McGill, DiGiovanni and more.
For the first time, Moore cut the record live in the studio with his full band instead of studio musicians. Now 40 with four kids, Moore still sings about “small town USA,” keeping true to his roots and honoring the military on This Is My Dirt. He also shares a few songs that encapsulate his current phase of life as both a dad and touring artist.
Moore and Houser will kick off the “Country Round Here Tonight Tour” on Sept. 5 in Charlotte and will visit Raleigh, Philadelphia, Houston and more, with a home-state stop at the Walmart AMP in Rogers, Arkansas.
This Is My Dirt Track List:
1. “This Is My Dirt” – (Justin Moore, Paul DiGiovanni, Randy Montana, Jeremy Stover)
2. “Put A Boot In It” – (Justin Moore, Will Bundy, Randy Montana, Jeremy Stover)
3. “The Worst (ft. Randy Houser)” – (Justin Moore, Chase McGill, Jeremy Stover)
4. “Glad To Be Here” – (Justin Moore, Paul DiGiovanni, Randy Montana, Jeremy Stover)
5. “Love Your Hometown” – (Justin Moore, Will Bundy, Randy Montana, Jeremy Stover)
6. “Beer Ain’t One (ft. Blake Shelton)” – (Justin Moore, Casey Beathard, Will Bundy, Joe London, Jeremy Stover)
7. “The Getting By” – (Justin Moore, Paul DiGiovanni, Randy Montana, Jeremy Stover)
8. “Redneck Love” – (Justin Moore, Paul DiGiovanni, Randy Montana, Jeremy Stover)
9. “Time’s Ticking (ft. Dierks Bentley)” – (Justin Moore, Will Bundy, Randy Montana, Jeremy Stover)
10. “F Word” – (Justin Moore, Paul DiGiovanni, Chase McGill, Jeremy Stover)
11. “Never Left Me” – (Justin Moore, Casey Beathard, Will Bundy, Jeremy Stover)
12. “You Know It’s Coming” – (Justin Moore, Chase McGill, Jeremy Stover)
Niko Moon Releases New EP ‘These Are The Days’
/by Lorie HollabaughPhoto: Grace Kirkman
Niko Moon has released his latest EP, These Are The Days, today (Aug. 16).
The four-song project includes the track “It’s All Good (feat. Michael Franti)” as well as songs Moon co-penned with Dallas Wilson, Bryce Vine and Moon’s wife Anna. Produced by Joshua Murty and Danny Majic, These Are The Days is the second independent collection released this year via Happy Cowboy Records.
“These Are The Days is a celebration of life lived simply,” Moon says. “Whether you’re out on the lake, a fire pit, or wherever you find peace of mind, I made this EP to be a soundtrack to good memories made, cause at the end of the day, that’s what life’s all about!”
Additionally, he is in the midst of touring and has announced more headlining dates for this fall, including a show at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium on Sept. 20.
These Are The Days Track Listing:
1. “These Are The Days” (Niko Moon, Danny Majic, David J, Joshua Murty, Dallas Wilson)
2. “It’s All Good (feat. Michael Franti)” (Niko Moon, Steph Jones, Aaron Zuckerman, Bryce Vine)
3. “Sound Of My Hometown” (Niko Moon, Anna Moon, Joshua Murty)
4. “Keep The Light On” (Niko Moon, Zach Abend, Ben Williams)