WHY&HOW Adds To Artist Roster [Exclusive]

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Tyler Halverson & Cameron Sacky

Tyler Halverson and Cameron Sacky Band have joined the artist roster at Bruce Kalmick’s management firm WHY&HOW. The company’s Patrick Farr will oversee all things Halverson, and Allie Petko and Eddie Kloesel will handle the Cameron Sacky Band.

“As WHY&HOW has continued to grow over the last year, we are proud of the incredible artists we’ve added to the roster. Tyler and Cameron embody so much of what we look for in an act; a unique sound, work ethic and excitement to partner with us on a new approach to the business,” says Kalmick. “WHY&HOW is a family, and we are thrilled to welcome Tyler and Cameron into ours. We are cooking up some exciting things with them, and look forward to what’s next!”

Halverson, who cites such artists as Garth Brooks, George Strait, Taking Back Sunday and The Used as influences, has made an impact with his self-described “western amerijuana music.” He began making his own melodies at a young age and has turned heads with independent releases “Beer Garden Baby,” “Mac Miller” and “Your Bar Now,” going on to amass millions of streams.

Hailing from San Marcos, Texas, the Cameron Sacky Band’s self-titled 2021 debut EP has collected tens of millions of streams and helped propel the band to notoriety. Represented by The Neal Agency for booking, they recently played at the inaugural Cattle Country Music Festival, co-founded by Kalmick, as well as a sold-out show at the lauded Gruene Hall in their home state. The group is set to release their first full-length album, Quicksand, later this year.

CmdShft Adds & Elevates Team Members

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CmdShft, the invite-only boutique distribution, technology and label services company, has added Pierre Schrambach and Alexa Ryncavage to its team in addition to elevating Eva Gilleland and Morgan Mills.

CmdShft was founded in 2018 by Jarrod Cooper and Sonny Findley, and has since sought to expand its services with a pro-artist emphasis on independence, honesty and transparency.

“In an ever-evolving industry, we truly understand the value of innovation and fresh perspectives,” says Cooper. “We’re thrilled to expand our team with new talent who share our entrepreneurial spirit and mindset. As we grow, it will further help us continue to disrupt the status quo and champion our artists in creative ways.”

Schrambach joins the company as Operations Coordinator, reporting to Director of Operations Brittain Clay, after spending time at SMACKSongs, Home Team Publishing and G Major Management. Ryncavage arrives as Digital Marketing Manager following stints at Red Light Management, AristoPR, Media Whisper, Sony Music Nashville and Country Radio Seminar (CRS).

Gilleland has risen from Marketing Coordinator to Marketing Manager. Prior to CmdShft, she served as Manager of Marketing & Creative Services at The Artist Management Group. Both Gilleland and Ryncavage will report to Mills, who has advanced from Director of Marketing to CMO.

“Adding to the team is something that I want to see over the next couple of years,” Mills shares. “One major factor that differentiates us is we develop our own technology internally. If we discover an area where we can be more efficient, we automate it. That is what keeps us lean, yet our team growing even more is inevitable at this point.”

Habitat For Humanity’s Music Row Build To Host ‘Homes For Hope’ Dinner

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Habitat for Humanity of Greater Nashville’s 2023 Music Row Build with Riley Green as Artist Advocate

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Nashville’s Music Row Build (MRB) will host a “Homes for Hope” dinner at Mangia in Berry Hill on Aug. 27 at 7 p.m. to support this year’s build, which is slated for Oct. 12 in the Village by the Creek community.

Individual tickets are available for $250, along with various table packages. For more information, click here.

“We have more exciting news forthcoming about this year’s anchor sponsor, a potential Opry show and so much more. The need for affordable housing in Nashville is critical, and the Mangia night will be fun and raise money for a great cause,” says Penny Gattis, MRB Chair. “The music community was instrumental in helping Habitat in its early days, and we remain committed to finding a way for more working Nashvillians to live where they work.”

Additionally, “A Band Of Brothers And Friends” benefit show was held at The Vinyl Lounge in Nashville earlier this month to help raise money for this year’s build. The MRB aims to establish a fund that contributes annually to a future Habitat homeowner as well as broader initiatives and goals, such as building an entire neighborhood that provides affordable housing to those who work in the music industry.

“The uncertainty and cost of housing deeply affects musicians and those who work in the music industry, who are not only the face but also the brand of Nashville,” Gattis adds.

NSAI Reveals Performers For Seventh Annual Nashville Songwriter Awards

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Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI), in conjunction with presenting partner City National Bank, has unveiled the first round of performers set to take the stage at the seventh annual Nashville Songwriter Awards.

The event will be held at Ryman Auditorium on Sep. 24 and will feature performances from artists such as Mackenzie Carpenter, Ashley Cooke, Jamey Johnson, Amanda Shires, Nate Smith, Josh Turner and Lee Ann Womack. Along with these artists, songwriters Kurt Allison, Kelley Lovelace, Randy Montana, Patrick Murphy, Austin Nivarel, Joe Ragosta, Rob Ragosta, Neil Thrasher and Dave Turnbull are also set to join the celebration.

Honorees Alan Jackson and Buddy Cannon will be celebrated with special segments at the ceremony, along with the presentation of a new Legendary Song award, chosen by NSAI’s professional songwriting members.

Other honors to be presented include the Songwriter and Songwriter-Artist of the Year awards, the peer-voted Song of the Year honor and the “10 Songs I Wish I’d Written” awards.

Tickets will be available for purchase at Ryman.com beginning at 10:00 a.m. CST on July 26.

Old Dominion To Receive Angels Among Us Award At 2024 St. Jude Country Cares Seminar

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Old Dominion and St. Jude patient Maelin-Kate in 2024

Details have been revealed for the 35th annual Country Cares Seminar, the yearly gathering of music artists and industry professionals who lend their voice and platform to raise funds and awareness for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

This year’s event will take place on Oct. 21–22 at the Peabody Hotel in Memphis. Country hitmaker Jon Pardi will kick off things with a performance at the famed Graceland. Multi-Platinum singer-songwriter Megan Moroney will help close out the event with a performance at the Angels Among Us dinner, followed by a set from reigning ACM and CMA Group of the Year Old Dominion, which will include a special duet with Alabama frontman and Country Cares Founder, Randy Owen.

Old Dominion will also receive the 2024 Angels Among Us Award for their commitment and service to the mission of St. Jude. The band first attended the Country Cares Seminar in 2016 after signing to RCA Nashville, and has since participated in seven #ThisShirtSavesLives campaigns, played Bobby Bones & The Raging Idiots’ “Million Dollar Show,” lent their songs to support fundraising, performed at numerous fundraising events and spent time with patients.

The honor adds Old Dominion to a group of past Angels Among Us Award recipients including Owen, Brothers Osborne, Scotty McCreery, Florida Georgia Line, Lady A, Jake Owen, Brad Paisley and Darius Rucker.

“It’s truly humbling to be awarded the Angels Among Us honor by St. Jude,” says Old Dominion’s Matthew Ramsey. “The patients and families of St. Jude inspire us deeply. By uniting with fellow artists and country radio fans, we want to help make sure that no family receives a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food so they can focus on helping their child live. Supporting such a remarkable mission is a privilege, and we are thankful to be part of it.”

With over 350 radio and music partners, Music Gives to St. Jude Kids is one of the most successful music fundraising events in the United States. The country music industry helps to raise more than $70 million annually to accelerate St. Jude’s research and treatment that helps children with cancer and other life-threatening diseases.

Date Set For 10th Annual Charlie Daniels Patriot Awards Dinner

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Charlie Daniels and David Corlew

The 10th annual Charlie Daniels Patriot Awards Dinner is set for Sept. 11 at City Winery Nashville.

The awards dinner is a program of The Charlie Daniels Journey Home Project, which supports military veterans and their families. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the program, co-founded by the late Daniels and his longtime manager, David Corlew. Through fundraising events, the organization supports the efforts of other nonprofit organizations providing services to U.S. veterans and first responders. TCDJHP has raised more than $4 million for these organizations.

“It’s hard to believe it has been 10 years since Charlie and I began this journey to set up our foundation in support of military and veterans,” says Corlew. “Charlie remains with us in spirit, as it was his dedication and love for our troops that got all of this started. Now, in 2024, we continue our commitment to support veterans in Charlie’s honor.”

Hosted by broadcaster Storme Warren, this year’s event will include honoring families of Fallen Heroes of 9/11, The Patriot Award Ceremony and the new Prestigious Giving Heart Award. Warren has been named as an honoree in the 2024 awards. Special guest speakers include Mark “OZ” Geist, a member of the Annex Security Team that fought the Battle of Benghazi, Libya, from Sept. 11 to Sept. 12, 2012; now a security and military consultant, and Bernie Kerik, consultant and former police officer who was the 40th Commissioner of the New York Police Department.

Honorees for 2024 include Warren, Kerick and Tom Higgins, Head of General Services at Fiserv Incorporated. The Giving Heart Award, which was created in 2023, will be given to Shepherd’s Men, comprised of active or retired servicemen and civilian volunteers who raise awareness and funds for the SHARE Military Initiative (SHARE) at Shepherd Center in Atlanta.

Jordan Davis To Perform At Country Music Hall Of Fame & Museum’s Nightfall At The Hall

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Jordan Davis is set to perform at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s 12th Annual Nightfall at the Hall Celebration on Sept. 16.

Presented by Maverick Nashville, the Nightfall celebration is exclusively for the museum’s Troubadour members, a community of leaders ages 21-45 who collaborate with other like-minded professionals in supporting their community and the museum.

Prior to Davis’ performance, student artist Miley Henderson will perform “Lavender Blue,” a song she wrote with guidance from museum staff as part of the museum’s flagship educational program, Words & Music. The 17-year-old from Clarksville, Tennessee, participated in the museum’s summer intermediate-to-advanced songwriting camp this year.

Currently headlining his “Damn Good Time Tour” while also serving as direct support for Luke Combs on select “Growin’ Up and Gettin’ Old Tour” dates, Davis is currently at work on his new album, and is set to release “I Ain’t Sayin’,” his first single off the new project, this week.

Nominees Revealed For 55th Annual GMA Dove Awards

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The Gospel Music Association has announced the nominees for the upcoming 55th Annual GMA Dove Awards. Brandon Lake is this year’s top nominee with a whopping 16 nods, including for Artist of the Year.

Jeff Pardo is also a leader in nominations, receiving 11, with Chris Brown, Chandler Moore and Jonathan Smith each receiving 10. CeCe Winans and Naomi Raine lead the female nominees with five nominations each.

Nominees were announced earlier this morning on SiriusXM The Message by GMA Dove Awards host, Tauren Wells. The awards, presented in partnership with the Cantinas Arts Foundation, will be held Oct. 1 at the Allen Arena in Nashville, and will air exclusively on TBN and TBN+ Friday, and simulcast on SiriusXM The Message, on Oct. 4 at 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. ET. A re-broadcast will air on TBN and TBN+ Friday, Oct. 11.

“I love this moment each year when we get to announce our nominees,” says GMA President Jackie Patillo. “The Dove Awards are about spreading the message in our music with the world and honoring the work of the amazing artists, songwriters, producers, and film & TV creators in our great community. I’m thrilled for this year’s nominees and can’t wait to celebrate in October.”

The theme for the 55th Annual GMA Dove Awards is Unite The Song. “Unite the song is a heart cry for God’s people to come together in unity,” adds Wells. “We get to come together out of our individual corners, from each different stream within the church, to unite around this one song, holy holy holy is the Lord God Almighty.”

A full list of nominations can be found below. Voted on by the GMA Professional Membership, this year’s nominees were chosen from over 2,500 submitted entries. Final round voting will run Aug. 1 through Aug. 8.

2024 GMA Dove Award Nominees:

Song of the Year Presented by MultiTracks.com:
– “All Things” (Writer: Kirk Franklin)
– “Firm Foundation (He Won’t)” (Writers: Cody Carnes, Austin Davis, Chandler Moore)
– “Holy Forever” (Writers: Chris Tomlin, Brian Johnson, Jenn Johnson, Jason Ingram, Phil Wickham)
– “I Believe It (The Life Of Jesus)” (Writers: Jon Reddick, Daniel Carson, David Leonard, Jess Cates, Jonathan Smith)
– “More Than Able” (Writers: Chandler Moore, Ben Fielding, Steven Furtick, Naomi Raine)
– “Praise” (Writers: Chris Brown, Brandon Lake, Chandler Moore, Steven Furtick, Pat Barrett, Cody Carnes)
– “Praise You Anywhere” (Writers: Brandon Lake, Ben Fielding, Jacob Sooter, Hank Bentley)
– “Thank God I Do” (Writers: Lauren Daigle, Jason Ingram, P!nk, Jeffrey Bhasker, Nate Ruess)
– “This Is Our God” (Writers: Phil Wickham, Steven Furtick, Brandon Lake, Pat Barrett)
– “Trust In God” (Writers: Chris Brown, Steven Furtick, Brandon Lake, Mitch Wong)

Artist of the Year:
– Anne Wilson
– Brandon Lake
– CeCe Winans
– For King + Country
– Lauren Daigle

New Artist of the Year Presented by Cantinas Foundation:
– Charity Gayle
– Forrest Frank
– Josiah Queen
– Seph Schlueter
– Terrian

Rap/Hip Hop Recorded Song of the Year:
– “Love Like That” by Hulvey (ft. Torey D’Shaun, Alex Jean)
– “IGWT” by Jon Keith, KB
– “Miracles” by KB, Lecrae
– “In the Light” by Wande
– “Hard Work God First” by Zauntee

Pop/Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year:
– “Strong” by Anne Wilson
– “Any More” by Cain
– “Good Day” by Forrest Frank
– “The Prodigal” by Josiah Queen
– “Counting My Blessings” by Seph Schlueter

Bluegrass/Country/Roots Recorded Song of the Year:
– “Praying Woman” by Anne Wilson (ft. Lainey Wilson)
– “If I Got Jesus” by Ben Fuller
– “Tell The Devil” by Joseph Habedank
– “Man On The Middle Cross” by Rhett Walker
– “Lookin’ For You” by Zach Williams (ft. Dolly Parton)

Traditional Gospel Recorded Song of the Year:
– “I Believe God” by Jekalyn Carr
– “God Is (Radio Edit)” by Melvin Crispell III
– “When I Think (Live)” by Ricky Dillard
– “In My Name” by Smokie Norful
– “Burdens Down (Live)” by Tasha Cobbs Leonard

Gospel Worship Recorded Song of the Year Presented by CCLI:
– “That’s My King” by CeCe Winans
– “Lead Us Again” by Doe
– “All Yours” by Kierra Sheard (ft. Anthony Brown)
– “Fill The Room” by Michael Bethany
– “The Story I’ll Tell (Live)” by Naomi Raine

Worship Recorded Song of the Year Presented by CCLI:
– “Praise You Anywhere” by Brandon Lake
– “Firm Foundation (He Won’t) [Live]” by Cody Carnes
– “Praise” by Elevation Worship (ft. Brandon Lake, Chris Brown, Chandler Moore)
– “Trust In God” by Elevation Worship (ft. Chris Brown)
– “I Believe” by Phil Wickham

Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year:
– Coat Of Many Colors by Brandon Lake
– Jesus Music by Cain
– Unsung Hero: The Inspired By Soundtrack by For King + Country
– Lauren Daigle by Lauren Daigle
– Joy In The Morning (Horizon Edition) by Tauren Wells

Feature Film of the Year:
– Journey To Bethlehem
– Ordinary Angels
– Sound of Freedom
– The Blind
– Unsung Hero

Television Series of the Year:
– Chasing Cain
– God. Family. Football.
– Jonathan & Jesus
– The Wingfeather Saga
– When Calls the Heart

Gospel Worship Album of the Year:
– More Than This by CeCe Winans
– The Maverick Way Complete by Maverick City Music
– Overflow by Michael Bethany
– Cover The Earth (Live in New York) by Naomi Raine
– The Journey by Todd Dulaney

Spanish Language Recorded Song of the Year Presented by Secuencias.com:
– “Tantas Historias” by Christine D’Clario
– “Donante de Sangre” by Daddy Yankee
– “Danza” by KB, Niko Eme, Cardec Drums
– “Amén” by Nacho (ft. Gilberto Daza, Alex Zurdo)
– “Babel” by Un Corazón

Southern Gospel Recorded Song of the Year:
– “Until We Fly Away” by Ernie Haase & Signature Sound
– “Make the Morning Worth the Midnight” by Gaither Vocal Band
– “Here Come Jesus” by Jeff & Sheri Easter (ft. Mo Pitney)
– “Sheaves (Dedicated to Isabel)” by Karen Peck & New River
– “Unstoppable God” by Kingsmen

Phil O’Donnell Signs With Kobalt

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Pictured (L–R, back row): Kobalt’s Stephanie Cox and Morgan Brasfield; (L–R, front row): Kobalt’s Kevin Lane and Phil O’Donnell

Singer-songwriter, producer and musician Phil “Philbilly” O’Donnell has signed a worldwide publishing deal with Kobalt.

Over the past two decades, O’Donnell has penned No. 1s for George Strait, Blake Shelton and Montgomery Gentry. His other writing and producing credits include work recorded by Cody Johnson, Chris Jansen, Craig Morgan, Josh Thompson, Dillon Carmichael, Drew Parker, Clay Walker, Tyler Booth, Aaron Watson, Craig Campbell and Gord Bamford.

“We are honored to represent Philbilly and his songs,” says Kevin Lane, Kobalt’s Senior Director, Creative. “Phil brings a professionalism to his songwriting that sets him apart. No one works harder or cares more about the integrity of the song more than he does. I look forward to seeing what we accomplish together!”

Miranda Lambert To Send ‘Postcards From Texas’ On New Album In September

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Photo: James Macari

Miranda Lambert plans to unveil her first Republic Records album, Postcards from Texas, on Sept. 13. She shares latest track “Alimony” today (July 24), officially setting the tone for the Lone Star State-inspired album.

Relocating to Austin’s Arlyn Recording Studios, the acclaimed artist united with fellow Texan and Grammy winner Jon Randall to produce the 14-track collection of ballads, rockers, acoustic numbers and steel guitar-soaked tunes. Drawing from Lambert’s childhood, “Alimony” aims to take fans to the dance floor.

Laughing, she notes, “My parents were private investigators in Dallas, Texas who worked a ton of divorce cases in highfalutin parts of town, so this wasn’t hard to write. I’d heard about it my whole life.”

YouTube video

Lambert penned the new song, as well as the unreleased “Looking Back on Luckenbach,” alongside Shane McAnally and Natalie Hemby.

“We were out in my barn; I was showing Shane and Natalie the horses, and I asked if he had any other titles,” she recalls. “He said he had one, and I was like, ‘What is it? Because your last one was ‘Looking Back on Luckenbach,’ which I didn’t think you could top. He said, ‘Well, ‘If you’re gonna leave me in San Antone, remember the Alamo-neeeee…’’ Natalie and I were like, ‘Alright, Shane! Stop showing off.’

“We went back to the house and got the guitars,” Lambert continues, “and I specifically was like, ‘I want a shuffle, man.’ I love to shuffle so much, and this record needed a shuffle! I knew I wanted one in my set, because I haven’t done one in a while—and everybody loves a shuffle.”

She and Randall rounded up electric guitarists Jedd Hughes and Ethan Ballinger, keyboardist Bukka Allen, bassist Rachel Loy and drummer Conrad Choucroun to help bring the track to life.

Now available for preorder, Postcards from Texas also features previously-released singles “Wranglers” and “Dammit Randy” as well as a collaboration with Parker McCollum and more.

Postcards from Texas Track Listing:
1. “Armadillo” (Aaron Raitiere, Jon Decious, Parker Twomey)
2. “Dammit Randy” (Miranda Lambert, Brendan McLoughlin, Jon Randall)
3. “Looking Back on Luckenbach” (Miranda Lambert, Shane McAnally, Natalie Hemby)
4. “Santa Fe (feat. Parker McCollum)” (Miranda Lambert, Jesse Frasure, Jessie Jo Dillon, Dean Dillon)
5. “January Heart” (Brent Cobb, Neil Medley)
6. “Wranglers” (Audra Mae, Evan McKeever, Ryan Carpenter)
7. “Run” (Miranda Lambert)
8. “Alimony” (Miranda Lambert, Natalie Hemby, Shane McAnally)
9. “I Hate Love Songs” (Miranda Lambert, Jack Ingram, Jon Randall)
10. “No Man’s Land” (Miranda Lambert, Luke Dick)
11. “Bitch On The Sauce” (Miranda Lambert, Jaren Johnston)
12. “Way Too Good At Breaking My Heart” (Miranda Lambert, Jon Randall, Jesse Frasure,
Jenee Fleenor)
13. “Wildfire” (Miranda Lambert, Jack Ingram, Jon Randall)
14. “Living On The Run” (David Allen Coe, Jimmy L. Howard)