Josh Turner. Photo: David McClister
Whether you’re a die-hard country music fan or not, Josh Turner‘s catchy classics, such as “Why Don’t We Just Dance” and “Your Man,” have most likely found their way to your ears.
With five No. 1 hits and 5.2 billion global streams to date, Turner has kept toes tapping for over two decades with his quintessential country tunes and hopes his 10th studio album, This Country Music Thing, has that same effect upon its release tomorrow (Aug. 16). The MCA Nashville artist recently sat down with MusicRow to discuss the making of the new collection.
His work seems to wash a wave of nostalgia over fans in the same way that records like Ralph Stanley’s A Distant Land To Roam: Songs Of The Carter Family, among others, wash over him. All kinds of music filled the Hannah, South Carolina native’s house growing up, and he began favoring the country format at a young age.
“When I started listening to my parents’ record collection, I didn’t know what a genre was,” recalled Turner. “Looking back, I’ve realized that all of the records I really gravitated towards were country—I was just too young to know it, and it’s shown me that my heart has always been in country music.”
The Grand Ole Opry member is constantly looking for new ways to craft traditional country music, as he tends to get bored easily.
“It can be done, I’ve seen [different ideas implemented] time and time again. I think having a [longtime] producer like Kenny Greenberg to help bring ideas to life is always helpful,” Turner tells MusicRow. “It also comes with experience and having a vision/plan before heading into the studio. I try to be prepared so that I can let my voice and the music lead the way once we get in there.”
On this new album, he and Greenberg revived a few old tunes that had been filed away, one of them being the title track. After reviewing a list of songs compiled by Turner, Greenberg came back with his favorites—”This Country Music Thing” being the first. Turner had penned it solo a while back and felt that it could be interpreted as arrogant. But Greenberg loved how it reflected the songsmith’s career thus far and had a vision, so they went for it and paid homage to greats like John Anderson, Randy Travis and Dolly Parton by incorporating their renowned hits.
Another one that was dusted off is “Whirlwind,” which Turner wrote with Mark Narmore and had tried to include on a previous project. He laughs when describing its initial worktape, which incorporated anticipatory, Wizard of Oz-like sounds, that was eventually nixed and has since been altered with an emphasis on the fiddle portion.
“Line for line, it’s just a super clever song and a fun one to sing. We’re talking about possibly adding it into live shows.”
The closing track, “Unsung Hero,” is the only other number to Turner’s writing credit, as the rest are all outside cuts.
“You never know what a record is going to consist of. There’s been times in the past where I’ve written eight of the 11,” he noted. “I wrote a lot for this record, and three old songs made the cut and none of the new stuff did. We let the best ones rise to the top, no matter who wrote them.
“There’s something spiritual about songs where they either have power or they don’t, and it’s crazy to watch certain ones rise to the top and achieve success and others sit on a shelf for years until they’re discovered one day.”
For Turner to cut an outside song, the musicality has to remain interesting and stand the test of time. If it passes that test, he’ll take a closer look at the lyrics, evaluating its message and analyzing how it was written, before determining if its the right track for him.
Previously-released singles “Heatin’ Things Up,” “Down In Georgia” and “Somewhere With Her” as well as “Pretty Please,” which features his wife Jennifer, and “Two Steppin’ On The Moon” checked all those boxes. Written by Matt Dragstrem, Chase McGill and John Pierce, “Two Steppin’ On The Moon” is accompanied by a fun visual that takes place at a Texas-style honky-tonk in space with appearances by Anderson, Travis and Greenberg. The video, which Turner developed with Peter Zavadil, will be unveiled alongside the full album tomorrow and further showcases his creativity and devotion to traditional country elements.
“Yes this is a traditional country record, but there’s a lot of variety that I think will keep listeners engaged,” he concluded. “I always hope that somebody is moved or inspired by my work, and wants to do great things after hearing it because I remember what it felt like listening to my heroes growing up.”
Turner is currently on his “Greatest Hits Tour” and will continue to share This Country Music Thing and more live with crowds across the nation until mid-November.
Josh Turner Further Explores ‘This Country Music Thing’ On 10th Studio Album [Interview]
/by Liza AndersonJosh Turner. Photo: David McClister
Whether you’re a die-hard country music fan or not, Josh Turner‘s catchy classics, such as “Why Don’t We Just Dance” and “Your Man,” have most likely found their way to your ears.
With five No. 1 hits and 5.2 billion global streams to date, Turner has kept toes tapping for over two decades with his quintessential country tunes and hopes his 10th studio album, This Country Music Thing, has that same effect upon its release tomorrow (Aug. 16). The MCA Nashville artist recently sat down with MusicRow to discuss the making of the new collection.
His work seems to wash a wave of nostalgia over fans in the same way that records like Ralph Stanley’s A Distant Land To Roam: Songs Of The Carter Family, among others, wash over him. All kinds of music filled the Hannah, South Carolina native’s house growing up, and he began favoring the country format at a young age.
“When I started listening to my parents’ record collection, I didn’t know what a genre was,” recalled Turner. “Looking back, I’ve realized that all of the records I really gravitated towards were country—I was just too young to know it, and it’s shown me that my heart has always been in country music.”
The Grand Ole Opry member is constantly looking for new ways to craft traditional country music, as he tends to get bored easily.
“It can be done, I’ve seen [different ideas implemented] time and time again. I think having a [longtime] producer like Kenny Greenberg to help bring ideas to life is always helpful,” Turner tells MusicRow. “It also comes with experience and having a vision/plan before heading into the studio. I try to be prepared so that I can let my voice and the music lead the way once we get in there.”
On this new album, he and Greenberg revived a few old tunes that had been filed away, one of them being the title track. After reviewing a list of songs compiled by Turner, Greenberg came back with his favorites—”This Country Music Thing” being the first. Turner had penned it solo a while back and felt that it could be interpreted as arrogant. But Greenberg loved how it reflected the songsmith’s career thus far and had a vision, so they went for it and paid homage to greats like John Anderson, Randy Travis and Dolly Parton by incorporating their renowned hits.
Another one that was dusted off is “Whirlwind,” which Turner wrote with Mark Narmore and had tried to include on a previous project. He laughs when describing its initial worktape, which incorporated anticipatory, Wizard of Oz-like sounds, that was eventually nixed and has since been altered with an emphasis on the fiddle portion.
“Line for line, it’s just a super clever song and a fun one to sing. We’re talking about possibly adding it into live shows.”
The closing track, “Unsung Hero,” is the only other number to Turner’s writing credit, as the rest are all outside cuts.
“You never know what a record is going to consist of. There’s been times in the past where I’ve written eight of the 11,” he noted. “I wrote a lot for this record, and three old songs made the cut and none of the new stuff did. We let the best ones rise to the top, no matter who wrote them.
“There’s something spiritual about songs where they either have power or they don’t, and it’s crazy to watch certain ones rise to the top and achieve success and others sit on a shelf for years until they’re discovered one day.”
For Turner to cut an outside song, the musicality has to remain interesting and stand the test of time. If it passes that test, he’ll take a closer look at the lyrics, evaluating its message and analyzing how it was written, before determining if its the right track for him.
Previously-released singles “Heatin’ Things Up,” “Down In Georgia” and “Somewhere With Her” as well as “Pretty Please,” which features his wife Jennifer, and “Two Steppin’ On The Moon” checked all those boxes. Written by Matt Dragstrem, Chase McGill and John Pierce, “Two Steppin’ On The Moon” is accompanied by a fun visual that takes place at a Texas-style honky-tonk in space with appearances by Anderson, Travis and Greenberg. The video, which Turner developed with Peter Zavadil, will be unveiled alongside the full album tomorrow and further showcases his creativity and devotion to traditional country elements.
“Yes this is a traditional country record, but there’s a lot of variety that I think will keep listeners engaged,” he concluded. “I always hope that somebody is moved or inspired by my work, and wants to do great things after hearing it because I remember what it felt like listening to my heroes growing up.”
Turner is currently on his “Greatest Hits Tour” and will continue to share This Country Music Thing and more live with crowds across the nation until mid-November.
CMHOFM Promotes Four Staff Members
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L–R): Haley Houser, Aaron Helvig, Dana Romanello and Joe Bridges
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum has promoted Aaron Helvig to Director of School & Music Programs, Dana Romanello to Director of Museum Sales, Joe Bridges to Director of Security and Haley Houser to Associate Director to the CEO.
Director of School & Music Programs, Helvig guides curriculum-based programs for school audiences, as well as programs that serve schools, community organizations and museum visitors. Among his team’s responsibilities is the museum’s flagship education program, Words & Music, which brought songwriting to over 10,000 participants in 2023. Prior to his promotion, Helvig held the position of associate director of music programs at the museum. He holds a bachelor’s degree in music education and a master’s degree in music from Northern Arizona University.
Romanello will oversee sales strategies, visitation revenue and develop guest experience offerings in her role as director of museum sales. In addition, she represents the museum within the tourism community, focusing on serving and expanding national and international audiences. Since joining the museum in 2014, Romanello has served in multiple roles, most recently as associate director of museum sales. She previously worked with Skaggs Family Records and American Country Countdown with Kix Brooks. She has a bachelor’s degree in communications with a concentration in public relations and a minor in music from Marshall University.
Bridges joined the museum in 2018 and most recently served as associate director of security. With 30 years of security management experience, Bridges previously worked as regional operations manager for a security company. He also served for four years active duty in the U.S. Army as a paratrooper in the 1st Ranger Battalion and the 82nd Airborne Division with overseas deployments. He has an associate’s degree in applied science from Nashville State Community College.
Associate Director to the CEO, Houser facilitates and stewards relationships with board members, artists, government officials and museum supporters; organizes and executes quarterly board meetings, committee meetings and other events; and provides strategic council and coordinates special projects and initiatives for the CEO’s office. She also serves in the leadership of the museum’s Employee Experience Committee, planning social and informational events for museum staff. Houser joined the museum in 2013 and most recently served as executive assistant to the CEO. She holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Georgia College & State University.
Industry Ink: Dolly Parton, Shaboozey, Avery Anna, Equal Access
/by Lorie HollabaughDolly Parton Surprised With Six New RIAA Awards
Danny Nozell and Dolly Parton
Several of Dolly Parton’s Sony Music catalog titles recently received new certifications from the RIAA. Parton and her manager Danny Nozell were surprised with the plaques commemorating the honors for “Islands In The Stream” (three-times Platinum single); “9 to 5” (three-times Platinum single); “Jolene” (three-times Platinum single); “Coat Of Many Colors” (Gold single); Jolene (Gold album) and Super Hits (Gold album).
Shaboozey Gets Plaque For ‘A Bar Song (Tipsy)’
Shaboozey and team
Shaboozey recently received a plaque for his summer smash “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” in celebration of going No.1 at country radio. His Empire team, including Founder / CEO Ghazi and co-manager Abas Pauti were on hand for the celebration at Outside Lands.
Avery Anna Celebrates ‘Narcissist’ Platinum On Stage At Opry
Pictured (L-R): James Marsh (Director of Radio Accounts, Warner Music Nashville), Cris Lacy (Co-Chair/Co-President, Warner Music Nashville), Jackie Jones (SVP Artist and Industry Relations, RIAA), Tina Crawford (33 Creative Management), Avery Anna, David Fanning (33 Creative Management), Mary Catherine Rebrovick (VP Publicity, Warner Music Nashville), Rohan Kohli (VP A&R, Warner Music Nashville), Patrick Worstell (Director Artist Development, Warner Music Nashville)
Avery Anna celebrated her platinum success on stage at the Grand Ole Opry Tuesday evening (Aug. 13). Following a three-song set, SVP of Artist and Industry Relations at the Recording Industry Association of America Jackie Jones invited members of Avery’s label and management teams to the stage to surprise her with a plaque commemorating the viral hit “Narcissist” as her very first Platinum single. “Narcissist” has earned nearly 200 million streams worldwide.
MLC Hosts mtheory’s Equal Access Development Program
The MLC staffers with Equal Access program members
The Mechanical Licensing Collective hosted the Equal Access program at their Nashville office on Aug. 14. The mtheory initiative is designed to empower artists and managers from underrepresented demographics in country music. The MLC’s CEO Kris Ahrend provided an in-depth overview of the various ways creators get paid when their music is streamed, with a focus on The MLC’s role in collecting and distributing digital audio mechanical streaming royalties to songwriters in the U.S.
DISClaimer Single Reviews: Kelsea Ballerini ‘Beautifully’ Previews Upcoming Album
/by Robert K OermannKelsea Ballerini. Photo: John Russo
We have a lot of fresh-sounding tracks in this week’s DISClaimer roundup.
There’s the clear, folk acoustic style of Gillian Welch & David Rawlings, the “outlaw” rowdiness of Gavin Adcock and the retro, soul-rock stew of Jeremie Albino. Adcock, Albino and Kayley Green are all making their debuts in the column, and talented newcomers are always welcome here. The DISCovery Award goes to Gavin Adcock.
Established hit-makers Thomas Rhett, Walker Hayes and McBride & The Ride are here as well. So is Kelsea Ballerini, who wins the Disc of the Day prize with her insightful “Sorry Mom.”
KAYLEY GREEN / “Shadow of a Cowboy”
Writers: Kayley Green/Jon Nite/Ross Copperman/Ben Williams; Producer: Ross Copperman; Label: Sony Music Nashville
– The drum machine and processed production are a little off-putting. But she sings her face off with an attractive purr and soulful range on a hurtin’ relationship lyric. Plus the melody is yummy. All in all, a marvelous debut.
WALKER HAYES / “Ball Player”
Writers: Walker Hayes/Ben Hayslip/Rhett Akins/Ross Copperman; Producers: Ben Johnson, Danny Majic; Label: Monument Records/RCA Records
– It’s a fatherhood song, addressed to a baseball-playing son with words of wisdom. He wants the boy to know that he’s loved whether he strikes out or hits a home run. Released just in time for the Little League World Series.
FANCY HAGOOD / “Good Grief”
Writers: Fancy Hagood/Jeremy Lutito; Producer: Jeremy Jutito; Label: Fancy Haygood Enterprises
– A cool, breezy track underlies a gentle reflection on the nature of grief. In a tender, tenor vocal performance, he tries to find acceptance and even joy as he thinks about the loved one he has lost. Very affecting.
KELSEA BALLERINI / “Sorry Mom”
Writers: Jessie Jo Dillon/Alysa Vanderheym/Hillary Lindsey/Karen Fairchild/Kelsea Ballerini; Producers: Kelsea Ballerini, Alysa Vanderheym; Label: Black River Entertainment/Big Machine Music
– Yeah, she’s been drinking and smoking and having sex. But beyond all the mistakes, escapades and disagreements, she’s become a woman her mother can be proud of. Beautifully done, from the exquisite production to her lilting, conversational vocal. This mid-tempo gem is drawn from her upcoming, female-centric album Patterns. I, for one, cannot wait to hear the rest of it.
JEREMIE ALBINO / “I Don’t Mind Waiting”
Writers: Jeremie Albino/Dan Auerbach/Pat McLaughlin; Producer: Dan Auerbach; Label: Easy Eye Sound
– The band lays down a Southern, neo-soul groove while his throaty, charismatic voice pleads for love. A retro romp, complete with horns and organ, that’s a pure audio pleasure. Also check out his rumbling road tune “Rolling Down the 405.” Both tunes will be found on his album, Our Time in the Sun, due Nov. 1.
THOMAS RHETT / “After All the Bars Are Closed”
Writers: Jacob Kasher Hindlin/John Byron/Thomas Rhett/Jaxson Free/Julian Bunetta; Producers: Dann Huff, Julian Bunetta; Label: The Valory Music Co.
– Here’s another preview of Rhett’s forthcoming album. Finger snaps, plucked guitar notes and relaxed, romantic singing are the hallmarks of this mellow ode to budding love.
PRISCILLA BLOCK / “Hell Out of a Hometown”
Writers: Priscilla Block/David Garcia/Hillary Lindsey/Summer Overstreet; Producers: David Garcia, Dave Cohen; Label: UMG Nashville/InDentRecords
– Her small town is suddenly claustrophobic and confining. She can’t drive around alone, seek anonymity in a bar or find solace at a church in a place everybody knows your name. He’s ruined the community she used to love. As usual, this woman’s singing and songwriter are first rate. This rolling thumper just confirms her greatness.
KENT BLAZY / “This One’s for You”
Writer: Kent Blazy; Producer: Kent Blazy; Label: Kent Blazy
– Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame member Blazy is on a mission to release a new album each year. His new one is titled My Life So Far, and it is his best-produced to date. You can “drop the needle” anywhere on it and be entertained. On this passionate country rocker, he salutes a buddy and bandmate from his Kentucky youth. Blazy has vocal and guitar chops to spare.
McBRIDE & THE RIDE / “No More Cryin’”
Writers: Josh Leo/Terry McBride; Producer: none listed; Label: Geffen
– This ‘90s hit-making band is celebrating its 35th anniversary with a live EP of some of its best-loved tunes. Original members Terry McBride, Ray Herndon and Billy Thomas kick up some serious dust on this lively rocker, which originally appeared on the soundtrack of the cult-favorite rodeo movie 8 Seconds.
GAVIN ADCOCK / “Run Your Mouth”
Writers: Gavin Adcock/Jack Rauton; Producer: Jay Rogers; Label: Thrivin Here Records LLC/Warner Music Nashville
– This bluesy, drawling stomper is loaded with sass, aggression and attitude. He sounds like a real country-music disrupter. Watch out for the surprise silent “breathing” passage in mid hell-raiser snarl. Adcock’s debut album, Actin’ Up Again, is 16 tracks of fire. Country music needs this guy to kick it in its pop pants.
NEON UNION / “Luck Don’t Live Around Here”
Writers: Chris DeStefano/Kelley Lovelace/Neil Thrasher; Producer: Jay DeMarcus; Label: Red Street Records, LLC
– Good things don’t come from good luck. They come from hard work, faith, love and “blood, sweat and tears.” That’s what the duo says on their stirring new anthem. It’s probably the team’s most commercial single to date.
GILLIAN WELCH & DAVID RAWLINGS / “Hashtag”
Writers: David Rawlings/Gillian Welch; Producer: David Rawlings; Label: Acony Records
– This folk duo hasn’t released any new music since winning a Grammy for its 2020 collection of covers All the Good Times. And it has been seven years since Welch and Rawlings have issued an album of original tunes. The wait will be over when their Woodland album drops this fall. In the meantime, here’s a preview, a gentle meditation on the passage of time, accented with sighing strings.
BREAKING: 2024 Inductees Revealed For Nashville Songwriters Hall Of Fame
/by LB CantrellThe Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame (NaSHOF) has announced its 2024 inductees, who will join the legendary body in November. David Bellamy, Al Anderson, Liz Rose, Dan Penn and Victoria Shaw make up this year’s class. Brad Paisley was the top-voted tunesmith in the Contemporary Songwriter/Artist category, but he is unable to attend the ceremony due to a scheduling conflict. He will be officially inducted next year as a member of the 2025 class.
The inductees were announced today (Aug. 15) by NaSHOF Board of Directors Chair Rich Hallworth and the organization’s Executive Director Mark Ford at a luncheon held in Nashville’s historic Columbia Studio A, which is part of Belmont University’s Mike Curb College of Entertainment & Music Business.
“Gathering for this occasion—to recognize and welcome the members of our incoming class—is always one of the highlights of our year,” shared Hallworth. “To this stellar group of songwriters, we say thank you for your songs and for your artistry. You are exceptional talents, and we will proudly honor you this fall, when you officially join your legendary peers in the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame.”
Anderson and Rose will be honored in the Contemporary Songwriter category. Penn and Shaw will go in the Veteran Songwriter category and Bellamy in the Veteran Songwriter/Artist category. The 2024 class will join the 241 previously-inducted members upon their formal induction during the 54th Anniversary Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Gala on Wednesday, Nov. 6, at the Music City Center.
Anderson’s songwriter credits include “Trip Around The Sun” (Jimmy Buffett & Martina McBride), “Unbelievable” (Diamond Rio) and “The Cowboy In Me” (Tim McGraw). Rose’s songbook features “White Horse” (Taylor Swift), “Crazy Girl” (Eli Young Band) and “Girl Crush” (Little Big Town). Penn’s hits include “Do Right Woman, Do Right Man” (Aretha Franklin), “The Dark End Of The Street” (James Carr) and “I’m Your Puppet” (James & Bobby Purify).
Shaw is best known for “The River” (Garth Brooks), “I Love The Way You Love Me” (John Michael Montgomery) and “Nobody Wants To Be Lonely” (Ricky Martin & Christina Aguilera). Bellamy recorded many of his own compositions as a part of the Bellamy Brothers, including “If I Said You Have A Beautiful Body (Would You Hold It Against Me),” “Old Hippie” and “Crazy From The Heart.”
Kacey Musgraves To Star In ‘Austin City Limits’ Milestone Season 50 Premiere
/by Lorie HollabaughKacey Musgraves performs on Austin City Limits
Kacey Musgraves will kick off Austin City Limits‘ epic 50th anniversary season on Sept. 28.
The Golden, Texas native returns for the show’s golden anniversary season in her third series appearance, performing a collection of songs from her latest project Deeper Well in the season premiere.
The landmark show’s 50th season will feature an all-star slate of returning favorites to celebrate the half-century milestone including Chris Stapleton, Juanes, Gary Clark Jr., Brittany Howard, Nickel Creek, Black Pumas, Maggie Rogers and The War And Treaty, along with debuts from Gracie Abrams, Jelly Roll and Jacob Collier.
“We are beyond proud to celebrate such a milestone in ACL’s growth and evolution,” says ACL Executive Producer Terry Lickona. “The talent for the first half of the season is testament itself to what defines Austin City Limits—an eclectic mix of authentic, original music captured in an intimate setting and shared worldwide. ACL brings together the past, present and future of music!”
ACL kicks off its yearlong 50th anniversary celebration with a trio of Austin-based events: the 10th Anniversary Austin City Limits Hall of Fame honoring Garth Brooks taping on Sept. 5; Austin City Limits 50th Birthday Bash on Oct. 17; and on Nov. 21, the taping of a primetime special, ACL Celebrates 50 Years, an all-star celebration featuring some of the brightest stars in the show’s 50-year history as they return to the ACL stage for the occasion, which will air on PBS in 2025. The anniversary events are open to the public and celebrate the city and community that plays a starring role in the series.
ACL airs weekly on PBS stations nationwide, and full episodes are available to stream online at pbs.org/austincitylimits immediately following the initial broadcast.
Season 50 Broadcast Lineup:
September 28 | Kacey Musgraves
October 5 | Gary Clark Jr. | Black Pumas
October 12 | Maggie Rogers | Gracie Abrams
October 19 | Jacob Collier | Nickel Creek
October 26 | Brittany Howard
November 2 | Jelly Roll | The War And Treaty
November 9 | Chris Stapleton
November 16 | Juanes
The second half of the season will be announced separately.
Christian Hayes Forms Team [Exclusive]
/by LB CantrellPictured (L–R, back row): UMPG’s Troy Tomlinson, Safford Motley PLC’s Scott Safford and UMPG’s Don Glista; (L–R, middle row): UMPG’s Cyndi Forman, Roxy King and Wildrose Projects’ Helena Capps; (front): Christian Hayes. Photo: Courtesy of UMPG
Country newcomer Christian Hayes has assembled his team, signing with WME for booking, UMPG for publishing and FBMM for business management. The ASCAP affiliate’s representation includes Safford Motley PLC’s Scott Safford for legal and Essential Broadcast Media for publicity.
Pictured (L–R, back row): WME’s John Showfety, Brian Jones, Jon Folk and Doug Neff; (L–R, front row): WME’s Lane Wilson, Christian Hayes, Wildrose Projects’ Helena Capps and WME’s Geoff Turner. Photo: Courtesy of WME
The group of experts join Hayes’ manager Helena Capps of Wildrose Projects, who discovered him on Instagram in September of 2023. Hayes was living in Rome, Georgia and working at an oil company when he posted a video singing his self-penned song “Leaving” to the platform. After a series of messages and music links, the two started working together. Hayes has since released the viral single “LILY,” which has amassed over two million streams, as well as recent release “Cheyenne.”
“Music has always been a part of my life and now, it always will be,” shares Hayes. “Not many people get to live out their passion and purpose and I’m beyond blessed to do so thanks to this amazing team we’ve built. I’m excited to start this journey alongside all of them!”
Hayes started writing at just seven years old when his Grandpa Jack gave him his first journal, in which he was encouraged to write poems, songs and feelings. He began playing guitar when he was eight and the rest is history. After picking up a copy of Guitar for Dummies at the local library, Hayes started leading worship at his church until he graduated from high school and enrolled in the US Navy Reserve. In college at the University of Alabama is where he feels his songwriting began to improve.
“After hearing ‘LILY,’ we were huge fans of Christian’s songwriting,” says Cyndi Forman, Senior VP, A&R atUMPG Nashville. “Once we heard him perform live, we knew we had something incredibly special on our hands. Christian’s approach to songwriting is unique yet fits right in at a time when genres are blending.”
Jon Folk, Partner at WME, shares, “We couldn’t be more excited to be working with Christian Hayes. He is such an incredible singer, songwriter and performer. We can’t wait to see the rest of the world discover such an amazing talent!”
Redferrin Sets ‘The Old No. 7 Tour’ For September
/by Lorie HollabaughRedferrin. Photo: Sean Hagwell
Redferrin is set to kick off his first major headlining journey, “The Old No. 7 Tour,” on Sept. 4 in Lakehead, California.
The Warner Music Nashville artist will visit over 35 cities on the trek, including Seattle, Los Angeles, Chicago, New York, Atlanta, St. Louis, Tuscaloosa, Boston and more, in support of his co-written and co-produced, Tennessee whiskey-inspired debut EP, Old No. 7, which has now amassed 120 million streams. General tickets go on sale tomorrow (Aug. 16) at 10 a.m. local time. For more information, click here.
“It’s tough to put into words how excited I am about ‘The Old No. 7 Tour,'” says Redferrin. “It’s been very rewarding to see people connecting to the songs. I’m sure thankful for everyone that’s come to a show so far this year and I hope to see y’all this fall on my first headlining run. We ’bout to have us a time!”
The 2024 Amazon Breakthrough Artist to Watch has surpassed 200 million global career streams to date with viral breakout hits like “Jack and Diet Coke” and current track “Just Like Johnny,” which continues to average 2.7 million streams a week.
Russell Dickerson Readies ‘Bones The EP’
/by Liza AndersonRussell Dickerson plans to release his latest body of work, Bones The EP, on Aug. 30.
Serving as an ode to the people and relationships that have shaped Dickerson, the five-song project centers around memories of late-night bonfires with friends, old flames, unknowingly significant conversations over cold beers and more. Credited as co-writer on every tune, the country star dropped the title track last month.
“Bones The EP is a nostalgic collection of songs that take me back to some of the best times of my life,” shares Dickerson. “Those nights that you don’t want to end with the people you love most. Relationships that didn’t work out and hurt at the time, but turned out for the best. I hope people hear these songs and get transported to a place with people they love.”
Additionally, he will head to Ireland next week to kick off his “Good Day To Have A Great Tour.”
Bones The EP Track Listing:
1. “What A Life” (Russell Dickerson, Ben Johnson, Hunter Phelps)
2. “Bones” (Russell Dickerson, Chase McGill, Chris LaCorte, Parker Welling)
3. “Miss You So (Letters To You)” (Russell Dickerson, Seth Ennis, Joe Fox, Alejandro Linares, Alexander James Pappas, Derek Thomas Doherty, Nathan Scot Barcalow, William Strohmeyer Jr.)
4. “Those Nights These Days” (Russell Dickerson, Seth Ennis, Jordan Reynolds)
5. “Cold Beer Conversation (Acoustic)” (Russell Dickerson, Casey Brown, Ryan Hurd, Brad Tursi)
Hardy, Ben Johnson & Dave Alan Johnson Producing ‘Music Row’ Docuseries
/by LB CantrellPictured (L-R): Hardy, Ben Johnson and Dave Alan Johnson
Country hitmaker Hardy, Grammy-nominated songwriter Ben Johnson and award-winning film and television writer/producer Dave Alan Johnson are executive producing a new docuseries focused on prolific songwriters and artists in country music today. The project is called Music Row.
Currently in production in Nashville, some of the creatives set to be featured include Cody Johnson, Ashley Cooke, Hunter Phelps and Ashley Gorley, among others. Through Exceleration Studio, Susana Zepeda serves as Producer on the unscripted series with Showrunner Dave Alan Johnson.
“Storytelling is the heart of country music, and it’s what makes the genre so special. It is magic to go from huge talent huddled in a small room to a stadium singing in unison,” shares Hardy. “This show has the best talent in the business with scores of hits and awards showing us how it’s done.”
“While the songs are sung, the songwriters and producers are often unsung,” adds Ben. “Hardy and I are thrilled to partner with Dave in finally showing people how some of their favorite songs were created.”
Music Row aims to give viewers a privileged look inside the making of tunes beloved by millions as well as the inner workings of one of the hottest industries across the globe.
“This show celebrates those who walk into a room with nothing and walk out with a piece of art, a song, that can move people around the world for generations,” shares Dave. “Hardy and Ben are among the best to ever do it, and it’s been a complete joy to learn from them—and all of their talented friends—how the wonder of what they do happens!”