Chris Stapleton plays Bridgestone Arena. Photo: Thomas Falcone
Chris Stapleton brought his “All-American Road Show” to Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on Friday (Aug. 9) and Saturday night (Aug. 10) and showcased some of the best musicianship that Music City has to offer.
The singer, who has won 10 Grammys, 16 CMA and 19 ACM Awards, was in top form when he stepped on stage. The crowd was warmed up with music from Country Music Hall of Famer Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives, who were truly fabulous playing Stuart’s classics in the country music songbook. Nikki Lane crushed her opening spot of her and her band’s “biggest show ever,” playing several fan-favorites that got everyone buzzing.
Backstage at Chris Stapleton’s Bridgestone Arena show. Photo: Thomas Falcone
Stapleton’s “All-American Road Show” stage was the perfect setting to display his once-in-a-generation talent. The floor, covered in Persian rugs, was lined with Edison bulbs in the front. Above the band was a glowing lantern that looked like a disco ball, and behind them were shelves of lighting and a large cork triangle, flanked by swooping velvet curtains.
When it came time for him to play, he and his band walked out with no bells and whistles, leading the crowd to roar. He took off with his Grammy-winning “White Horse,” following it with “Nobody to Blame” and “Second One to Know.”
Stapleton then took some time to address the crowd, directing fans to pass their signs to the side of the stage to be signed, so that everyone could see. The humble performer let everyone know that he wasn’t going to be talking much—not that anyone expected him to, as he’s been known to let the music do the talking. He shared his gratitude and got on with the show.
Stapleton and his stellar band treated Nashville to a string of beloved hits from albums Starting Over as well as From A Room: Volume 1 and Volume 2, the history-making Traveller and his 2023 project Higher. Fans swooned to his expertly-crafted love songs like “Millionaire,” “Think I’m in Love With You,” “Starting Over,” “Joy of My Life” and “You Should Probably Leave”—all of which featured the love and musical partnership between him and wife Morgane. The audience nodded their heads as the couple blasted out his rockers “Hard Livin’,” “Might as Well Get Stoned” and “Arkansas.”
Chris Stapleton plays Bridgestone Arena. Photo: Thomas Falcone
A highlight of the night came when Stapleton commanded the stage with just an acoustic guitar. The arena wailed when he broke out his 2013 classic, “What Are You Listening To?” which he introduced as his “first song [he had] on the radio that peaked at No. 46.”
He invited Morgane back out for another special moment. The two performed “Where Rainbows Never Die,” a song from his SteelDrivers days that was written by Mike Henderson, who passed away last year.
The last 45 minutes of the show were a feast for the senses. Stapleton showed off his virtuoso pipes on “Cold,” and got the arena partying on a mash-up of “Free Bird” and “The Devil Named Music.” He touched 20,000 hearts with his iconic “Traveller,” gave the same hearts a good ache with “Fire Away” and held a feel-good sing-along with “Broken Halos.”
In the ultimate grand finale, Stapleton sang his 14-time Platinum mega-hit “Tennessee Whiskey.” Fans wouldn’t let him off the hook so soon, though, leading to a two-song encore of “Whiskey and You” and “Outlaw State of Mind.”
BrickHouse Entertainment Partners Unite With Vere Music To Form Joint Venture
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L–R, back row): Paige Heinemann, Chase Swayze, Caleb Gauntt, Rusty Harmon and Ron Smith; (L–R, front row): Annie Harsch and Kaylin Townsend
BrickHouse Entertainment Managing Partners Scott Brickell, Ron Smith and Chase Swayze have united with Vere Music Founder & President Rusty Harmon, who previously managed Hootie & The Blowfish, to form a new artist development, marketing and label joint venture called Hit and Run Music.
Based in Nashville, Hit and Run Music plans to serve independent artists across all genres. All projects will be distributed through ADA, part of the Warner Music Group family of companies. The venture’s flagship act Micah Christopher dropped his debut single, “That’s Who Jesus Is,” in June and is set to release a new EP in February.
“Today’s music industry is ever-evolving,” says Harmon. “Artists have more freedom and access than ever before. But with that freedom there is still a need for marketing, distribution and execution of a strategy. Hit and Run Music and Vere have combined to provide the elements needed for a successful career. We are excited about this new model and the team we have assembled.”
“Hit and Run Music is a great way for artists to pair marketing strategy and distribution in a nontraditional way,” Swayze adds. “Our structure allows artists to focus on writing and recording great music while our team implements marketing strategies and grows their career. The label landscape is changing and I am excited about this new venture.”
The team can be reached at Caleb@brickent.com.
JUST IN: Big Loud Records Elevates Eric England
/by Liza AndersonEric England. Photo: Chris Hornbuckle
Big Loud Records has elevated Eric England to SVP, Insights & Analytics, effective immediately.
England joined the label in September of 2021 and established the Insights & Analytics department as VP. His team is at the helm of the independent label’s data-forward methodology implemented across the roster and its releases. With a PhD from Virginia Tech, England previously spent time at Ohio State University, The Kraft Heinz Company and Mars Petcare before entering the music industry.
“Eric and his team’s strategic implementation of data throughout every aspect of our business over the last three years has amplified our success immensely,” share Big Loud COO Austen Adams and CEO/Partner Seth England. “His innovative, outside perspective on our industry makes Big Loud better, and we’re honored to continue growing with him.”
“Big Loud’s ingenuity and originality have made a significant impact on the industry,” says England. “I’m grateful for the past three years of growth and collaboration, and I look forward to continuing this journey together.”
Conner Smith Signs With New Management
/by LB CantrellPictured (L-R): Chris Kappy, Conner Smith and Jake Kinney. Photo: Jacob Powers
Conner Smith has signed a new management agreement with Jake Kinney at his newly-launched Pioneer Artists in a strategic partnership with Chris Kappy at Make Wake Artists.
“This is a very exciting time and step for me, as I get to partner with Pioneer and Make Wake heading into this next chapter of my career,” shares Smith. “My favorite part of this industry is the people I get to share the pursuit of this dream with. The shared alignment and excitement between Jake, Kappy and me is an inspiring and rare thing to find!”
“Conner is both an incredible artist and person,” says Kinney. “His dedication to his craft, music, fans, and show is something I have long admired, so partnering with him as the flagship artist on Pioneer is a tremendous honor. Kappy has been a mentor and friend ever since I had the dream of embarking into music. Calling him a partner is a dream come true and I’m excited about what we’ll all accomplish together.”
Smith released his debut album Smoky Mountains at the top of the year. The project contains breakout hits “Creek Will Rise” and “I Hate Alabama,” as well as his current single “Roulette On The Heart” featuring Hailey Whitters. He was included on the star-studded country track list for Twisters with “Steal My Thunder” featuring Tucker Wetmore and recently released an intimate Smoky Mountains Sessions project.
“Make Wake is honored to be part of the Conner Smith team,” says Kappy. “His dedication to his craft as an artist is fun to watch and to be a part of his management team is an honor. Jake is a future superstar in our genre and his innate ability and instincts are second to none. We are excited for the next steps of Conner’s journey.”
This fall, Smith will launch “The Storyteller Tour,” and he will join select dates on Luke Bryan’s “Farm Tour” in September.
Smith, a Valory Music Co. recording artist, is represented by Aaron Tannebaum and Alex Collignon at WME and signed to Home Team Publishing/Warner Chappell.
Reach Music Acquires Select Assets From Wyatt Durrette’s Catalog
/by LB CantrellWyatt Durrette. Photo: Brooke Stevens
Reach Music Publishing Inc. has acquired select publishing assets and songwriter shares from the catalog of multi-Platinum songwriter Wyatt Durrette.
The deal includes interests in 29 of Durrette’s compositions, including his interest in songs he co-wrote with Zac Brown such as the nine-time Platinum hit “Chicken Fried” and the band’s “Toes” and “Whatever It Is,” as well as his share of Luke Combs‘ Diamond-certified “Beautiful Crazy.”
Reach Music also has global administration rights for its share of these acquired rights. The company will co-administer these rights with Durrette’s longtime publisher Richard Blackstone of Blackstone Entertainment.
“This is a thrilling moment to have concluded an acquisition agreement with Wyatt Durrette, an A-level award winning songwriter,” shares Michael Closter, President/Founder and Owner of Reach Music. “Reach Music has been the publishing administrator for Zac Brown for 12 years, and we’ve always been familiar with Wyatt Durrette and his incredible works with Zac Brown Band starting with ‘Chicken Fried’, as well as his more recent works with Luke Combs. This marks Reach’s largest acquisition in the country space, and we couldn’t be more excited than to have done this deal with Wyatt.”
Durrette was represented in the transaction by Adam Ritholz and John Brill of Ritholz Levy Fields LLP. Reach Music was represented in the transaction by Jeff Sacharow of The Sacharow Firm, P.C.
Drake White Slates New Album ‘Low Country High Road’ For September
/by Lorie HollabaughDrake White. Photo: Zack Knudsen
Drake White is releasing a new full-length album, Low Country High Road on Sept. 20.
To celebrate the announcement of the new 13-track collection, White has released “Faith,” a blues-and-gospel-tinged single co-written by White alongside Jonathan Singleton. He has already released two offerings from the new project with the wisdom-laden “Life, Love and War” and mischievous country rock anthem “10lbs of S#!T.”
White has crisscrossed the country on his “The Bridge Tour,” joining Jamey Johnson for select dates, and his 2024 run is currently set to finish Sept. 28 in Lakeland, Florida.
Low Country High Road Track List:
1. “Low Country High Road” (Drake White, Rob Snyder, Jonathan Singleton)
2. “Keep It Movin’” (Drake White, Jonathan Singleton)
3. “Miracles” (Drake White, Ryan Larkins)
4. “10 Lbs of S#!T” (Drake White, Matt Kozial, Kelli Johnson)
5. “The Last Time” (Drake White, Jamey Davis, Justin Parker)
6. “Everyday Yours” (Drake White, Allison Veltz Cruz, Randy Montana)
7. “Faith” (Drake White, Jonathan Singleton)
8. “Life, Love and War” (Drake White, Erik Dylan, Andy Sheridan)
9. “Wildflower” (Drake White)
10. “This Hat” (Drake White, Shane Minor, Monty Criswell)
11. “Hometown Healing” (Drake White, Jacob Lutz)
12. “Tequila Mockingbird” (Drake White, Marcus Hummon)
13. “Stompin’ Ground” (Drake White, Jonathan Singleton, Ross Copperman)
Warren Zeiders Plots ‘The Relapse Tour’ For 2025
/by Lorie HollabaughWarren Zeiders. Photo: Austin Screws
Warren Zeiders will hit the road on “The Relapse Tour” next year, with Tyler Braden serving as support.
The Warner Records artist will visit his largest venues to date as a headliner on the 23-stop run, which includes shows in Nashville, Atlanta, Charlotte, Pittsburgh, St. Augustine, Richmond and more. “The Relapse Tour” will kick off in Nashville on March 27 after Zeiders’ previously-announced European headlining journey. For more information, click here.
Throughout the fall of 2023 and spring of this year, he sold over 150,000 tickets across 55 sold-out shows in the U.S. and Canada on his “Pretty Little Poison Tour,” and earned his first No. 1 at country radio with its namesake.
Additionally, Zeiders plans to release the Relapse album this month. The project features his single “Betrayal” and the title track, which has already amassed more than 43.3 million U.S. streams since its June release. Ahead of his headlining dates, Zeiders will continue to play major festivals and join Jelly Roll on “The Beautifully Broken Tour.”
UMG & Meta Expand Global Agreement
/by Liza AndersonUniversal Music Group (UMG) and Meta have expanded their global, multi-year agreement with the goal of further evolving the creative and commercial opportunities for UMG artists and Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG) songwriters across Meta’s global network of platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, Messenger, Horizon, Threads and, for the first time, WhatsApp.
The expanded agreement builds upon the strategic framework the two companies established with their 2017 landmark deal, which ushered in a new era of collaboration between the music industry and Meta, known then as Facebook. Under the 2017 agreement, UMG became the first major music company to license its recorded work and music publishing catalogs across Facebook’s programs, leading it to become music’s first fully-licensed partner among the major social media platforms.
The companies have since worked together to explore new emergent channels and creative ways for licensed music to thrive within the entire Meta ecosystem, including Facebook, Instagram, virtual reality experiences across Meta Quest and Horizon, User Generated Content (UGC), live streaming and more. This new deal extends monetization opportunities for UMG with short form video, and aims to carve new paths by licensing music for WhatsApp.
“We are thrilled to announce our renewal with Universal Music Group, and Universal Music Publishing Group, both of whom are innovators for music on social media, especially with regard to Meta’s family of apps,” says Tamara Hrivnak, VP of Music & Content Business Development, Meta. “This partnership builds on the recognition that music can help connect us and bring fans, artists and songwriters closer together, not only on established platforms such as Instagram and Facebook, but also in new ways on WhatsApp and more. We’re extremely grateful to the Universal team, and look forward to growing our partnership in the future.”
With a shared commitment to protecting human creators and artistry, while ensuring that artists and songwriters are compensated fairly, Meta and UMG plan to continue to address unauthorized AI-generated content and other things that could affect artists and songwriters through their multifaceted partnership.
“Since our landmark 2017 agreement, Meta has consistently demonstrated its commitment to artists and songwriters by helping to amplify the importance music holds across its global network of engaged communities and platforms, creating new opportunities and applications where music amplifies and leads engagement and conversations,” notes Michael Nash, Chief Digital Officer & EVP, UMG. “We are delighted that Meta shares our artist-centric vision for respecting human creativity and compensating artists and songwriters fairly. We look forward to continuing to work together to address unauthorized AI-generated content that could affect artists and songwriters, so that UMG can continue to protect their rights both now and in the future.”
Chris Stapleton Brings Two Nights Of Great Music To Bridgestone Arena
/by LB CantrellChris Stapleton plays Bridgestone Arena. Photo: Thomas Falcone
Chris Stapleton brought his “All-American Road Show” to Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on Friday (Aug. 9) and Saturday night (Aug. 10) and showcased some of the best musicianship that Music City has to offer.
The singer, who has won 10 Grammys, 16 CMA and 19 ACM Awards, was in top form when he stepped on stage. The crowd was warmed up with music from Country Music Hall of Famer Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives, who were truly fabulous playing Stuart’s classics in the country music songbook. Nikki Lane crushed her opening spot of her and her band’s “biggest show ever,” playing several fan-favorites that got everyone buzzing.
Backstage at Chris Stapleton’s Bridgestone Arena show. Photo: Thomas Falcone
Stapleton’s “All-American Road Show” stage was the perfect setting to display his once-in-a-generation talent. The floor, covered in Persian rugs, was lined with Edison bulbs in the front. Above the band was a glowing lantern that looked like a disco ball, and behind them were shelves of lighting and a large cork triangle, flanked by swooping velvet curtains.
When it came time for him to play, he and his band walked out with no bells and whistles, leading the crowd to roar. He took off with his Grammy-winning “White Horse,” following it with “Nobody to Blame” and “Second One to Know.”
Stapleton then took some time to address the crowd, directing fans to pass their signs to the side of the stage to be signed, so that everyone could see. The humble performer let everyone know that he wasn’t going to be talking much—not that anyone expected him to, as he’s been known to let the music do the talking. He shared his gratitude and got on with the show.
Stapleton and his stellar band treated Nashville to a string of beloved hits from albums Starting Over as well as From A Room: Volume 1 and Volume 2, the history-making Traveller and his 2023 project Higher. Fans swooned to his expertly-crafted love songs like “Millionaire,” “Think I’m in Love With You,” “Starting Over,” “Joy of My Life” and “You Should Probably Leave”—all of which featured the love and musical partnership between him and wife Morgane. The audience nodded their heads as the couple blasted out his rockers “Hard Livin’,” “Might as Well Get Stoned” and “Arkansas.”
Chris Stapleton plays Bridgestone Arena. Photo: Thomas Falcone
A highlight of the night came when Stapleton commanded the stage with just an acoustic guitar. The arena wailed when he broke out his 2013 classic, “What Are You Listening To?” which he introduced as his “first song [he had] on the radio that peaked at No. 46.”
He invited Morgane back out for another special moment. The two performed “Where Rainbows Never Die,” a song from his SteelDrivers days that was written by Mike Henderson, who passed away last year.
The last 45 minutes of the show were a feast for the senses. Stapleton showed off his virtuoso pipes on “Cold,” and got the arena partying on a mash-up of “Free Bird” and “The Devil Named Music.” He touched 20,000 hearts with his iconic “Traveller,” gave the same hearts a good ache with “Fire Away” and held a feel-good sing-along with “Broken Halos.”
In the ultimate grand finale, Stapleton sang his 14-time Platinum mega-hit “Tennessee Whiskey.” Fans wouldn’t let him off the hook so soon, though, leading to a two-song encore of “Whiskey and You” and “Outlaw State of Mind.”
Luke Combs Enters Top 10 On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart
/by Madison HahnenLuke Combs. Photo: Zack Massey
Luke Combs has re-entered the top 10 on this week’s MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart. Sitting at No. 9 this week, Combs is credited as a songwriter on “Ain’t No Love In Oklahoma,” “Guy For That” and “Remember Him That Way.”
Zach Bryan remains in the No. 1 spot for the fifth consecutive week with “28,” “American Nights,” “Bass Boat,” “Better Days,” “Nine Ball,” “Oak Island,” “Pink Skies,” “Sandpaper” and “The Way Back.” Ashley Gorley stays at No. 2 with “Bulletproof,” “Cowgirls,” “I Am Not Okay,” “I Had Some Help,” “This Town’s Been Too Good To Us,” “Whiskey Whiskey” and “Young Love & Saturday Nights.”
Josh Phillips (No. 3), Chris Stapleton (No. 4) and Jessi Alexander (No. 5) round out this week’s top five.
The weekly MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart uses algorithms based upon song activity according to airplay, digital download track sales and streams. This unique and exclusive addition to the MusicRow portfolio is the only songwriter chart of its kind.
Click here to view the full MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart.
Industry Ink: Whiskey Myers, Aaron Lewis, Sac Song & Wine Series, Country Music Cruise
/by LB CantrellWhiskey Myers Celebrate Five New RIAA Certifications
Pictured (L–R, seated): Fox & Friends’ Lawrence Jones, Steve Doocy, Rachel Campos-Duffy and Brian Kilmeade with Whiskey Myers’ Cody Cannon and John Jeffers; (L–R, standing): Cody Tate, Jamey Gleaves, Jeff Hogg and Tony Kent. Photo: Khris Poage
Whiskey Myers has added five more RIAA plaques to their shelf, with tracks “Stone” and “Bury My Bones” going Platinum, and “Reckoning,” “Bar, Guitar and a Honky Tonk Crowd” and “Lonely East Texas Nights” going Gold.
The genre-bending band was presented with the new hardware during an appearance on the Fox & Friends All-American Summer Concert Series on Friday (Aug. 9). Whiskey Myers performed two Platinum-certified tunes “Bury My Bones” and “Broken Window Serenade” during their set as well as fan-favorite “Die Rockin’” plus “John Wayne” and “Feets” from their latest album, Tornillo.
Aaron Lewis Named A Pandora Billionaire
Aaron Lewis. Photo: Courtest of Absolute Publicity
During a sold-out stop in Pelham, Tennessee at The Caverns, Aaron Lewis was awarded with a Pandora Billionaires Plaque. The achievement marks over one billion Pandora streams for the country rocker. Lewis’ music will now be played on Pandora’s Country Billionaires station.
Earlier this year, he dropped his latest solo album, The Hill, via The Valory Music Co. The project topped the iTunes Country and All Genres chart upon its release and debuted at No. 2 on Billboard‘s Top Country Albums Chart.
Sarah Buxton & D. Vincent Williams Perform At Sac Song & Wine Series
Pictured (L–R): D Vincent Williams, Sarah Buxton and Sac Song & Wine Founder & Producer Randi Moody
The Sac Song & Wine Series returned to Miner’s Leap Winery in Clarksburg, California on Friday (Aug. 9). Songwriters Sarah Buxton and D. Vincent Williams performed some of their biggest hits as well as some unreleased music they are working on during the special night.
In its second year, the Sac Song & Wine Series brings hit songwriters from Nashville out to The Golden State to perform. Eric Paslay and Jay Allen will play the series on Sept. 20, while Chris Lindsey and Aimee Mayo will take over on Oct. 11.
Country Music Cruise Forms Partnership With Country Music Hall Of Fame And Museum
The Country Music Cruise and parent company StarVista LIVE have developed a new charitable relationship with the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Beginning in January 2025, the cruise will feature fundraising and promotional activities such as a live auction and an exclusive cocktail party. All funds raised will directly support the nonprofit museum’s mission.
“We’ve had at least one Country Music Hall of Fame member perform on the Country Music Cruise every year since we started sailing in 2014, and our cruisers absolutely love their music and their presence on board,” says Mike Jason, President, StarVista LIVE. “This affiliation is a very natural way for us to support the mission of the museum.”
“For more than 55 years, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum has relied on the generous support of the music community, including people from all over the world who appreciate the music’s beauty and cultural significance,” shares Ben Hall, Vice President of Development, Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. “We are grateful for the support of the Country Music Cruise and StarVista LIVE for helping the museum continue its work to preserve and share the history of this enduring art form.”