Pictured (L—R): Garrett Davis, Hudson Plachy, Brad O’Donnell and Matt Reed
Singer-songwriter Claire Leslie has signed with Capitol Christian Music Group. In celebration of the signing, Leslie is releasing her debut single, “Original.”
Leslie has increased her following by 630% on her socials by teasing new songs and demos over the past two months. Her content strategy and unique sound have helped her audience grow, reaching over two million views on vertical content before her first major label debut.
“We couldn’t be more excited to have Claire be part of the Capitol CMG family,” shares Garrett Davis, A&R, Capitol Christian Music Group. “From the first time our team met Claire, we knew she was special and that we wanted to be a part of bringing her music to the world. She’s infectious, caring, and a bright spot in an industry that needs it. I can’t wait for people to hear what she has to say.”
“Capitol is my absolute dream label,” shares Leslie. “I have to pinch myself daily, like, ‘Is this real life?’ It still doesn’t feel quite real. The entire team at Capitol is incredibly supportive and feels like my second family. What excites me the most is that they share my vision and are enthusiastic about experimenting with me to bring a fresh creative perspective to this industry.”
“I think more than ever, it’s easy to feel pressure to conform to what society says and fit into a box,” she continues. “At 22 years old, this is something I find that I’m reminding myself of daily—I have to consciously decide to be confident in my skin before stepping out the door. Understanding the person that God made me to be and finding security in that has been crucial. But there is a beauty in embracing our uniqueness and staying true to ourselves.”
Ashland Craft Makes Grand Ole Opry Debut
/by Lorie HollabaughAshland Craft makes Grand Ole Opry debut. Photo: Chris Hollo / Grand Ole Opry
Ashland Craft made her debut on the Grand Ole Opry last week, and was surprised by an old friend to make the experience all the more memorable.
Pictured (L-R): Leo33’s Chris Fabiani, Soar Entertainment’s Carrie Lelwica, Leo33’s Natalie Osborne, Ashland Craft, Leo33’s Meg Goggins, Dusty Cantrell and Daniel Lee. Photo: Randy Shaffer (Vibe Entertainment)
Grand Ole Opry member and friend Ashley McBryde surprised Craft backstage and also introduced the rising artist as she entered the legendary circle for the first time. The two have previously toured together and co-written several times, making the surprise even more special. Additionally, the invitation for Craft to perform at the Opry was extended by Cody Johnson, whom she previously joined on tour.
“I am beyond honored and thrilled to have made my debut at the Grand Ole Opry,” shares Craft. “Receiving an invitation from Cody Johnson, someone I truly respect and have listened to for so long, made the moment even more special. I’ve dreamed of performing on that stage since I was a little girl, and sharing this incredible experience with my family, my friends from back home, my friends in town and my team was truly unforgettable.”
Craft’s recent releases including “Wrong Kind of Keepin’ Me Up,” “Hooker” and “Night Owl” have solidified her place as one of country’s rising new voices. She recently signed a record deal with independent record label Leo33, and is set to go on tour with Tucker Wetmore this fall.
John Morgan Inks With Rich MGMT
/by Liza AndersonPictured (L–R): Rich MGMT’s Brendan Rich, John Morgan and Rich MGMT’s Chase Miller. Photo: Rich Polk
Singer-songwriter John Morgan has signed with Rich MGMT. Established in 2023 by Brendan Rich, the boutique management firm’s roster also includes Matt Stell, George Birge and Darren Kiely.
Morgan is currently climbing the charts for the first time as an artist with “Friends Like That (feat. Jason Aldean),” which he co-wrote alongside Brent Anderson, Will Bundy and Lydia Vaughan. The tune also marks his first country radio single via Night Train Records/BBR Music Group, following his debut EP. Morgan plans to take his music to various venues across the nation while supporting Nate Smith on his “Through The Smoke Tour” this fall.
The North Carolina native has previously scored a number of hits as a writer, including Aldean and Carrie Underwood’s ACM Single of the Year and Grammy-nominated No. 1 “If I Didn’t Love You,” chart-topper “Trouble With A Heartbreak” and top-five track “That’s What Tequila Does” as well as songs recorded by Jon Pardi, Dustin Lynch, Thomas Rhett and more.
“I am so excited and proud to sign the one-of-a-kind artist-songwriter that is John Morgan,” shares Rich. “My team and I are so looking forward to continuing to build on his momentum across radio, streaming and touring. We align with John on so many levels—core values, strategic direction, goals—and we can’t what to see where this takes us in the future!”
Additionally, Rich MGMT has added Jordan Policastri as Digital Coordinator. Policastri can be reached at Jordan@richmgmt.co.
Shaboozey Scores First No. 1 On Billboard Country Airplay Chart
/by Lorie HollabaughShaboozey. Photo: Daniel Prakopcyk
Shaboozey has scored his first No. 1 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart with his breakthrough single “A Bar Song (Tipsy).”
He has now made history as the first artist with a single to break the top 10 across all four charts: Country Airplay, Pop Airplay, Adult Pop Airplay and Rhythmic Airplay. The triple-Platinum hit also recently became his first chart-topper on the Billboard Hot 100, making it the second-ever single by a Black artist to top both the Billboard Hot 100 and Country Songs charts.
This week marks “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” 12th among the Billboard Hot 100 top five, and the tune still holds No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. Amassing nearly 900 million streams, it has landed in the top 10 in several countries and became the first independent single to reach No. 1 on the Australian Recording Industry Association charts this year.
Additionally, the rising star will hit the road on his “Where I’ve Been, Isn’t Where I’m Going Fall Tour” next month. He also plans to support Jelly Roll on the “Beautifully Broken Tour 2024” later this fall.
Anthony Priwer Joins Brown Sellers Brown
/by Madison HahnenAnthony Priwer. Photo: Courtesy of Brown Sellers Brown
Anthony Priwer has joined Brown Sellers Brown as Publicity Manager.
Reporting directly to VP of Publicity Natalie Kilgore, Priwer will support in building and strengthening strategic media and key industry relationships for all artists on the two label imprints, Quartz Hill Records and Stone Country Records.
He brings 25 years of experience to his new position, with time in public relations, television, radio, live performance and music retail. Priwer most recently served as Account Supervisor for Dalton (previously the Bradford Group), where he led local, national and international PR campaigns. Before moving to Music City, he worked in his home country of Australia as Supervising Producer for Today Tonight and Senior Producer for Sydney radio station 2UE.
“I first met Anthony through his PR agency work, and was impressed with his ability to craft compelling story pitches that resonate with target media,” says Kilgore. “He’s a great fit for BSB’s newly-created Publicity Manager role, and for continuing to grow the audience for this music that our whole team is so passionate about.”
“What most excites me about joining Quartz Hill and Stone Country Records is that their music was already on high rotation at my house,” shares Priwer. “I look forward to working with media and other partners to help that music find its way into even more country fans’ lives—and hearts.”
He is already on the job and can be reached at anthony@brownsellersbrown.com.
Big Loud Records Promotes Jess Anderson
/by John Nix ArledgeJess Anderson. Photo: Brayln Kelly Smith
Big Loud Records has promoted Jess Anderson to Sr. Director, Media.
“Jess continues to remain a powerful force in spearheading our Publicity department,” share Big Loud CEO/Partner Seth England and SVP, Marketing Candice Watkins. “We’re grateful for her leadership in executing brilliant campaigns for our artists and organization, and for her exemplary collaboration with our independent publicity partners. It’s our honor to recognize Jess with this well-deserved promotion.”
Having worked with the Big Loud roster since late 2018, Anderson joined the label in-house in 2021 and assisted in creating its internal Publicity department as Director, Media Relations in 2022.
During her time with Big Loud, she’s spearheaded and supported campaigns for Morgan Wallen’s Dangerous: The Double Album, Hardy’s A Rock and The Mockingbird & The Crow, Ernest’s Flower Shops: The Album, Stephen Wilson Jr.’s Søn Of Dad, Charles Wesley Godwin’s Family Ties, the entire Hixtape trilogy and introductory campaigns for Dylan Gossett, MacKenzie Porter, Lauren Watkins and the label’s latest addition, Kashus Culpepper, among others.
Before joining Big Loud, the University of Oklahoma graduate spent time at Sweet Talk Publicity, The Press House and Big Machine Label Group.
Taylor Phillips Moves Into Top 10 On Top Songwriter Chart
/by Madison HahnenTaylor Phillips
Taylor Phillips has entered the top 10 on this week’s MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart, sitting at No. 7 with “I Am Not Okay,” “Love You Again” and “This Town’s Been Too Good To Us.”
Zach Bryan remains in the No. 1 spot with “28,” “American Nights,” “Bass Boat,” “Better Days,” “Boons,” “Funny Man,” “I Remember Everything,” “Mechanical Bull,” “Nine Ball,” “Northern Thunder,” “Oak Island,” “Pink Skies,” “Sandpaper,” “The Great American Bar Scene” and “The Way Back.” Ashley Gorley holds 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), Jessi Alexander (No. 4) and Hunter Phelps (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.
Claire Leslie Signs With Capitol Capitol Christian Music Group
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L—R): Garrett Davis, Hudson Plachy, Brad O’Donnell and Matt Reed
Singer-songwriter Claire Leslie has signed with Capitol Christian Music Group. In celebration of the signing, Leslie is releasing her debut single, “Original.”
Leslie has increased her following by 630% on her socials by teasing new songs and demos over the past two months. Her content strategy and unique sound have helped her audience grow, reaching over two million views on vertical content before her first major label debut.
“We couldn’t be more excited to have Claire be part of the Capitol CMG family,” shares Garrett Davis, A&R, Capitol Christian Music Group. “From the first time our team met Claire, we knew she was special and that we wanted to be a part of bringing her music to the world. She’s infectious, caring, and a bright spot in an industry that needs it. I can’t wait for people to hear what she has to say.”
“Capitol is my absolute dream label,” shares Leslie. “I have to pinch myself daily, like, ‘Is this real life?’ It still doesn’t feel quite real. The entire team at Capitol is incredibly supportive and feels like my second family. What excites me the most is that they share my vision and are enthusiastic about experimenting with me to bring a fresh creative perspective to this industry.”
“I think more than ever, it’s easy to feel pressure to conform to what society says and fit into a box,” she continues. “At 22 years old, this is something I find that I’m reminding myself of daily—I have to consciously decide to be confident in my skin before stepping out the door. Understanding the person that God made me to be and finding security in that has been crucial. But there is a beauty in embracing our uniqueness and staying true to ourselves.”
‘Take This Personally With Morgan Huelsman’ Premieres On Nashville Podcast Network
/by Lorie HollabaughTake This Personally with Morgan Huelsman, the latest addition to Bobby Bones’ Nashville Podcast Network, premieres today (July 29). Episodes will continue to drop each Monday on iHeartRadio and everywhere else listeners get their podcasts.
With Bones as Executive Producer, the new podcast hopes to guide listeners in becoming better, more confident humans who feel a little less lonely in the world. Huelsman, who serves as Digital Director and an on-air contributor on The Bobby Bones Show, will host honest conversations with experts and friends in each episode.
“Morgan always brings a unique and positive perspective to our morning show crew,” says Bones. “I’m thrilled to have her launch her own podcast on the network to continue to build her own audience and community.”
“I’m so excited for this podcast to finally be out in the world! It’s something I wish I would have had while going through my toughest seasons,” shares Huelsman. “If this podcast is able to help just one person feel less alone in this world, then I will have done my job.”
With 94 million downloads to date, the Nashville Podcast Network aims to give listeners an inside look at the lifestyle and pop culture in Nashville. Along with Take This Personally with Morgan Huelsman, the network is home to BobbyCast, which has nearly 37 million downloads, as well as 4 Things with Amy Brown, In The Vet’s Office with Dr. Josie Horchak, Sore Losers, Get Real with Caroline Hobby and Movie Mike’s Movie Podcast.
The War And Treaty Assembles Team Of Artists For ‘Celebrity Family Feud’ Debut
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L–R): Valerie June, Breland, Dom Flemons, Rissi Palmer, Tanya Trotter and Michael Trotter Jr.
The War And Treaty has assembled a team of fellow Americana and country artists for their Celebrity Family Feud debut, airing tomorrow (July 30) at 7 p.m. CT.
The husband-and-wife duo will be joined by Valerie June, Rissi Palmer, Breland and Dom Flemons as they compete against the legendary Earth, Wind & Fire.
“We wanted to use this time to speak to our country music genre and let them see a united front with Americana artists,” says Michael Trotter Jr. of The War And Treaty. “We also wanted Earth, Wind & Fire to look across at us and be proud that they’ve influenced artists of all genres, especially ones that look like them.”
The War And Treaty received their first-ever Grammy nominations this year, and followed nods from the Academy of Country Music, Country Music Association and CMT with a string of festival appearances at Stagecoach and CMA Fest, among others. The pair is also currently up for Duo/Group of the Year at the 23rd annual Americana Honors & Awards.
Kaileen Mangan Smith Joins Boom Music Group As Creative Manager
/by Liza AndersonKaileen Mangan Smith
Kaileen Mangan Smith has joined Boom Music Group as Creative Manager.
Smith comes to the publishing company from UMG Nashville, where she started her career in radio promotion as Royce Risser’s assistant in May 2018 and most-recently served as Director of Regional Promotion for the MCA imprint. She also previously spent time at Sony Music Nashville as Manager of Regional Promotion for the Arista team. While working in radio promotion, Smith contributed to the success of various No. 1 singles for artists like Jordan Davis, Sam Hunt, Parker McCollum and Ryan Hurd.
“I’ve known Kaileen for a few years now, and I’ve always admired her spirit and enthusiasm,” says Shaina Botwin, Vice President, Boom Music Group. “When I heard that she was wanting to make the leap into publishing, I knew she’d be a great fit for Boom. We’re all very excited to welcome her to the team!”
“I’m thrilled to join Joe [Fisher], Shaina and the talented songwriters at Boom,” shares Smith. “I have been itching to tap into the creative space, and feel so lucky to have the opportunity to learn and grow with this inspiring team.”