George Strait. Photo: Peggy Sirota
Traditional country music asserts its lasting appeal in this week’s DISClaimer column.
There’s not a pop-country note to be sounded in the new tracks by Josh Turner, Joe Nichols, Brett Young, Jeannie Seely or Jamey Johnson. Towering over them all is King George. That’s right: all-time hit monarch George Strait has the Disc of the Day.
We turn to folk music for our DISCovery Award as John Lomax III officially becomes the oldest artist to ever nab this prize.
JEANNIE SEELY / “Suffertime”
Writers: Bill West/Dottie West; Producer: Steve Wariner; Label: Cheyenne Records
– With the retirement of Wanda Jackson, Jeannie Seely becomes the oldest still-active female country artist. That’s not a put down; she’s proud of it. She’s still hosting her Sundays With Seely on Sirius/XM and performing on the Opry regularly. In fact, she has now sung on the show more times than anyone in history. The 84-year-old legend recorded this homage to her late dear friend Dottie West at historic RCA Studio B with West’s discovery Steve Wariner producing. Seely and Wariner take West’s 1966 heartache song in a groovy, bluesy direction. An instant country classic.
MADDIE & TAE / “Free Like”
Writers: Casey Brown/Deric Ruttan/Maddie Font/Parker Welling; Producer: Josh Kerr; Label: Mercury Nashville
– Delightful. It’s a bouncing, bopping, merry kiss-off tune with saucy attitude in abundance. Twin-harmony vocals and snappy beats are the hallmarks of this rockin’ little ditty.
JOSH TURNER / “Somewhere With Her”
Writers: Josh Miller/Rhett Akins/Will Bundy; Producer: Kenny Greenberg; Label: MCA Nashville
– Languid and dreamy. He’s not paying attention because he’s lost in a romantic reverie. Do not operate heavy machinery while listening.
DYLAN MARLOWE / “Devil On My Shoulder”
Writers: Beau Bailey/Dylan Marlowe/Kyle Fishman/Rocky Block; Producer: Joe Fox; Label: Sony Music Nashville
– This breakup isn’t going well for him. No matter what he tries to get over her, “it ain’t doing jack.” Pleading and insistent. Very hooky, although a tad over produced and mucho electronic.
GEORGE STRAIT / “Three Drinks Behind”
Writers: Benjamin Gaither/Jeff Silvey/Kim Williams; Producers: Chuck Ainlay, George Strait, Tony Brown; Label: MCA Nashville
– I dig the chugging rhythm and mellow melody of this barroom ditty. Delivered with a smile from a Country Music Hall of Famer who can still knock it out of the park. Put this mini masterpiece on repeat pronto.
TIERA KENNEDY / “Cry”
Writers: Cameron Bedell/Jared Scott/Justin Timberlake/Scott Storch/Tiera Kennedy/Timothy Mosley; Producer: Cameron Bedell; Label: TK
– This sprightly tune is already being used in a McDonald’s commercial. Kennedy will officially release it as her new single next week. It is quite pert, catchy and attractive. The song samples Justin Timberlake’s pop hit “Cry Me a River,” so he gets a songwriter credit.
JOE NICHOLS / “Bottle It Up”
Writers: Dan Isbell/Josh Kear/Paul Sikes; Producers: Derek George, Mickey Jack Cones; Label: Brown Sellers Brown
– It turns out that I’m not the only who’s into this peerless country vocalist: Post Malone has proclaimed himself a fan. This good humored, twanging tempo tune is one more reason to applaud our enduring favorite.
JOHN LOMAX III / “I Was Born 10,ooo Years Ago”
Writer: Public Domain; Producer: Matthew “Buster” Allen; Label: Orchard
– Lomax is a member of the distinguished American folk-music family. At age 80, he is releasing his very first album. It’s chock full of traditional tunes, including this hearty, amusing old boasting song, produced with just acoustic-guitar accompaniment. Smiles all around.
BRETT YOUNG / “Goodnight Into Good Morning”
Writers: Brett Young/Jimmy Robbins/Jon Nite; Producer: Jimmy Robbins; Label: BMLG Records
– He’s always so good with romantic material. This swirling, spinning, sensuous outing is a love-at-first-sight come-on with undeniably hypnotic appeal. Hit bound.
JOSH ROSS & JULIA MICHAELS / “Want This Beer”
Writers: Hillary Lindsey/Julia Michaels/Michael Hardy/Zach Abend; Producers: Matt Geroux, Zach Abend; Label: Core Entertainment
– Moody and kinda dizzy, the ballad is a pop confection in the throats of two highly expressive vocalists. Be careful you don’t get a bloody nose when the thing ends with a sudden wall of silence in mid lyric.
DENETIA / “Gettin’ Over”
Writers: Brad Allen Williams/Denitia Odigie; Producer: Brad Allen Williams; Label: County Road
– Her sweet voice. Some twinkling steel guitar notes and the toe-tapping beats make this working-gal’s lament sound deceptively jaunty. Her songwriting seems to be growing more assured and authentically country as the months roll by.
JAMEY JOHNSON / “What A View”
Writers: Jamey Johnson/Randy Houser/Rob Hatch/Dallas Davidson; Producer: The Kent Hardly Playboys; Label: Big Gassed Records
– This drops tomorrow as Johnson’s new single, and it’s dandy. The swaying, breezy vibe evokes a Caribbean idyll, as well as classic Strait. Jamey remains a masterful country singer, and has never sounded warmer or more engaging than he does here. Essential listening.
Lauren Daigle Slates ‘Sessions’ Collection For August
/by Lorie HollabaughLauren Daigle
Lauren Daigle is offering fans a special new collection of reimagined versions of some of her songs on Sessions, due out on Aug. 16.
Recorded live in front of an audience, the eight tracks mark the debut release of recordings captured at SiriusXM, which were previously only heard during the original performances. The Apple Music performances will also be available now for the first time across all streaming platforms. Sessions includes her rendition of Joe Cocker’s “You Are So Beautiful,” two new versions of her recently Gold-certified hit “Thank God I Do,” her current single, “Be Okay” and the first new recording of her six-time Platinum smash “You Say.”
“I love that we’re able to share versions of these songs that people might not have heard before,” shares Daigle. “I think it’s what makes them special. I also thought it’d be cool to add something a little different, something we’ve never done before, so I thought what better, more poignant song is there than Joe Cocker’s ‘You Are So Beautiful.’ It’s up there on my list of all-time favorites.”
In a first for Daigle, Sessions will also be available on numbered limited-edition vinyl variant in addition to digital platforms.
Daigle recently wrapped the long-awaited European leg of “The Kaleidoscope Nights Tour” including sold-out performances in London, Manchester and Amsterdam. The tour will make its debut in the U.S. on July 29 in Columbus, Ohio with stops in Amphitheaters across the states including Colorado Springs and Santa Barbara before wrapping Sept. 5 in Honolulu.
Sessions Track List:
Side A (SiriusXM)
1. “Thank God I Do” – Written by Lauren Daigle, Jason Ingram, Alecia Moore, Jeffrey Bhasker and Nathaniel Ruess
2. “You’re All I’ll Take With Me” – Written by Lauren Daigle, Grant Pittman and Daniel Sauls
3. “Be Okay” – Written by Lauren Daigle and Ellie Holcomb
4. “These Are The Days” – Written by Lauren Daigle, Natalie Hemby, Jason Ingram and Mike Elizondo
Side B (Apple Music)
5. “You Say” – Written by Lauren Daigle, Mike Elizondo and Natalie Hemby
6. “You Are So Beautiful” – Written by Billy Preston and Bruce Carleton Fisher
7. “21 Days” – Written by Lauren Daigle, Mike Elizondo and Natalie Hemby
8. “Thank God I Do” – Written by Lauren Daigle, Jason Ingram, Alecia Moore, Jeffrey Bhasker and Nathaniel Ruess
Nominees Revealed For 2024 IBMA Momentum & Industry Awards
/by Lorie HollabaughThe nominees for this year’s International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) Momentum Awards and Industry Awards have been revealed. Both award ceremonies will take place during IBMA World of Bluegrass Business Conference, set for Sept. 24–28 in Raleigh, North Carolina.
The IBMA Momentum Awards will be held on Sept. 25. These honors recognize both musicians and bluegrass industry professionals who, in the early stages of their careers, are making significant contributions to or have significantly influenced bluegrass music. The Mentor Award is presented to a bluegrass professional who has made a significant impact on the lives and careers of newcomers in the bluegrass format. Nominees are chosen through a multi-stage process by committees comprised of established musicians and industry leaders in the bluegrass community.
The IBMA Industry Awards will follow on Sept. 26, and recognize outstanding work in categories including Broadcaster of the Year, Event of the Year, Graphic Designer of the Year, Liner Notes of the Year, Writer of the Year, Sound Engineer of the Year, Photographer of the Year and Songwriter of the Year. Nominees in each category are selected by specially-appointed committees comprised of bluegrass professionals who possess significant knowledge of that field. The recipient of each award is determined by the Panel of Electors, an anonymous group of veteran bluegrass professionals selected by IBMA’s Board of Directors. The IBMA Distinguished Achievement Awards will also be presented during the Industry Awards ceremony.
Both events will include lunch and music by this year’s recipients. For more information, click here.
2024 IBMA Momentum Award Nominees:
Band
DownRiver Collective
Jackson Hollow
JigJam
Jake Leg
The Price Sisters
Industry Involvement
Katie Kirchner
Austin Scelzo
Joe Dan Cornett
Josh Ulbrich
Mary Beth Martin
Instrumentalist
Anthony Howell
Wyatt Ellis
Bailey Warren
Gibson Davis
Sam Stage
Steven Moore
Dylan McCarthy
Mentor
Louisa Branscomb
Scott Napier
Tony Watt
Rick Lang
Ruth McLain Smith
Vocalist
Ali Vance
Adam Miller
Heather Berry Mabe
Carly Greer
Caroline Owens
2024 IBMA Industry Award Nominees:
Writer of the Year
Stacy Chandler
Garret K. Woodward
David Menconi
Craig Havighurst
Bill Amatneek
Event of the Year
Bluegrass in La Roche
La Roche-sur-Foron, France
Doc at 100
Various locations
Earl Scruggs Music Festival
Mill Spring, North Carolina
High Mountain Hay Fever
Westcliffe, Colorado
Industrial Strength Bluegrass Festival
Wilmington, Ohio
Sound Engineer of the Year
Ben Surratt
Clay Miller
David Glasser
Dewey Boyd
Scott Barnett
Songwriter of the Year
Carley Arrowood
David Stewart
Jerry Cole
Milan Miller
Rick Faris
Broadcaster of the Year
Barb Heller
Cindy Baucom
Matt Hutchinson
Michelle Lee
Peter Thompson
Graphic Designer of the Year
Gina Dilg
Grace van’t Hof
Hannah Tatum Norris
Heather Moulder
Rebekah Speer
Liner Notes of the Year
Daniel Mullins
Industrial Strength Bluegrass – Southwestern Ohio’s Musical Legacy [Expanded Vinyl Edition]
Daniel Mullins
Lonesome State of Mind – Blue Highway
Ted Olson
Nothing But Green Willow – The Songs of Mary Sands and Jane Gentry – Martin Simpson and Thomm Jutz
Photographer of the Year
Jay Strausser
Jeff Fasano
Jeromie Stephens
Laci Mack
Madison Thorn
DISClaimer Single Reviews: George Strait ‘Knocks It Out Of The Park’
/by Robert K OermannGeorge Strait. Photo: Peggy Sirota
Traditional country music asserts its lasting appeal in this week’s DISClaimer column.
There’s not a pop-country note to be sounded in the new tracks by Josh Turner, Joe Nichols, Brett Young, Jeannie Seely or Jamey Johnson. Towering over them all is King George. That’s right: all-time hit monarch George Strait has the Disc of the Day.
We turn to folk music for our DISCovery Award as John Lomax III officially becomes the oldest artist to ever nab this prize.
JEANNIE SEELY / “Suffertime”
Writers: Bill West/Dottie West; Producer: Steve Wariner; Label: Cheyenne Records
– With the retirement of Wanda Jackson, Jeannie Seely becomes the oldest still-active female country artist. That’s not a put down; she’s proud of it. She’s still hosting her Sundays With Seely on Sirius/XM and performing on the Opry regularly. In fact, she has now sung on the show more times than anyone in history. The 84-year-old legend recorded this homage to her late dear friend Dottie West at historic RCA Studio B with West’s discovery Steve Wariner producing. Seely and Wariner take West’s 1966 heartache song in a groovy, bluesy direction. An instant country classic.
MADDIE & TAE / “Free Like”
Writers: Casey Brown/Deric Ruttan/Maddie Font/Parker Welling; Producer: Josh Kerr; Label: Mercury Nashville
– Delightful. It’s a bouncing, bopping, merry kiss-off tune with saucy attitude in abundance. Twin-harmony vocals and snappy beats are the hallmarks of this rockin’ little ditty.
JOSH TURNER / “Somewhere With Her”
Writers: Josh Miller/Rhett Akins/Will Bundy; Producer: Kenny Greenberg; Label: MCA Nashville
– Languid and dreamy. He’s not paying attention because he’s lost in a romantic reverie. Do not operate heavy machinery while listening.
DYLAN MARLOWE / “Devil On My Shoulder”
Writers: Beau Bailey/Dylan Marlowe/Kyle Fishman/Rocky Block; Producer: Joe Fox; Label: Sony Music Nashville
– This breakup isn’t going well for him. No matter what he tries to get over her, “it ain’t doing jack.” Pleading and insistent. Very hooky, although a tad over produced and mucho electronic.
GEORGE STRAIT / “Three Drinks Behind”
Writers: Benjamin Gaither/Jeff Silvey/Kim Williams; Producers: Chuck Ainlay, George Strait, Tony Brown; Label: MCA Nashville
– I dig the chugging rhythm and mellow melody of this barroom ditty. Delivered with a smile from a Country Music Hall of Famer who can still knock it out of the park. Put this mini masterpiece on repeat pronto.
TIERA KENNEDY / “Cry”
Writers: Cameron Bedell/Jared Scott/Justin Timberlake/Scott Storch/Tiera Kennedy/Timothy Mosley; Producer: Cameron Bedell; Label: TK
– This sprightly tune is already being used in a McDonald’s commercial. Kennedy will officially release it as her new single next week. It is quite pert, catchy and attractive. The song samples Justin Timberlake’s pop hit “Cry Me a River,” so he gets a songwriter credit.
JOE NICHOLS / “Bottle It Up”
Writers: Dan Isbell/Josh Kear/Paul Sikes; Producers: Derek George, Mickey Jack Cones; Label: Brown Sellers Brown
– It turns out that I’m not the only who’s into this peerless country vocalist: Post Malone has proclaimed himself a fan. This good humored, twanging tempo tune is one more reason to applaud our enduring favorite.
JOHN LOMAX III / “I Was Born 10,ooo Years Ago”
Writer: Public Domain; Producer: Matthew “Buster” Allen; Label: Orchard
– Lomax is a member of the distinguished American folk-music family. At age 80, he is releasing his very first album. It’s chock full of traditional tunes, including this hearty, amusing old boasting song, produced with just acoustic-guitar accompaniment. Smiles all around.
BRETT YOUNG / “Goodnight Into Good Morning”
Writers: Brett Young/Jimmy Robbins/Jon Nite; Producer: Jimmy Robbins; Label: BMLG Records
– He’s always so good with romantic material. This swirling, spinning, sensuous outing is a love-at-first-sight come-on with undeniably hypnotic appeal. Hit bound.
JOSH ROSS & JULIA MICHAELS / “Want This Beer”
Writers: Hillary Lindsey/Julia Michaels/Michael Hardy/Zach Abend; Producers: Matt Geroux, Zach Abend; Label: Core Entertainment
– Moody and kinda dizzy, the ballad is a pop confection in the throats of two highly expressive vocalists. Be careful you don’t get a bloody nose when the thing ends with a sudden wall of silence in mid lyric.
DENETIA / “Gettin’ Over”
Writers: Brad Allen Williams/Denitia Odigie; Producer: Brad Allen Williams; Label: County Road
– Her sweet voice. Some twinkling steel guitar notes and the toe-tapping beats make this working-gal’s lament sound deceptively jaunty. Her songwriting seems to be growing more assured and authentically country as the months roll by.
JAMEY JOHNSON / “What A View”
Writers: Jamey Johnson/Randy Houser/Rob Hatch/Dallas Davidson; Producer: The Kent Hardly Playboys; Label: Big Gassed Records
– This drops tomorrow as Johnson’s new single, and it’s dandy. The swaying, breezy vibe evokes a Caribbean idyll, as well as classic Strait. Jamey remains a masterful country singer, and has never sounded warmer or more engaging than he does here. Essential listening.
Amy Grant & Vince Gill To Release New Christmas Album
/by LB CantrellAmy Grant & Vince Gill. Photo: Robby Klein
Vince Gill and Amy Grant, who have captured our hearts for the last 13 holiday seasons with their “Christmas at the Ryman” residency, are bringing their magic to a new album. When I Think Of Christmas will be released on Sept. 13 via MCA Nashville.
The album contains remastered versions of nine of the duo’s holiday favorites, plus two new recordings. Included are Grant’s “Tennessee Christmas” and “Breath of Heaven,” which was originally recorded on her Home for Christmas ranked in Billboard’s Top 25 greatest holiday albums of all time, as well as Gill’s “O Holy Night” and “I’ll Be Home for Christmas.” The two new recordings are Grant’s version of the album’s title track and “Til the Season Comes Round Again,” a duet from the couple.
“Christmas music is a portal to wonder and awe, to nostalgia and ‘remember when,’ to hope and how-we-wish-it-could-be,” says Grant. “And because we return to the same playlists year after year, those songs have become the backdrop for our collective memories of gathering, of family, of gift giving, of celebration and solitude. I’ve recorded a lot of Christmas music over the years, and I’m excited to add two new songs to this collection, especially the song Vince and I close our Christmas concerts with, ‘‘Til The Season Comes Round Again.’ I hope these new songs find a place on playlists, whether it’s during the holiday season or all year ‘round.”
Gill adds to his wife’s reflections, “There’s nothing in the world that I love more than watching my girl shine, and she might shine the brightest when she does Christmas music. We have shared stages together for over 30 years, and I’ve loved every note of it. I hope everyone enjoys this collection of songs and hearing Amy shine.”
Grant and Gill will return for their 14th annual “Christmas at the Ryman” residency beginning Nov. 29 and running through Dec. 21. The full list of dates are below and tickets are available now at Ryman.com.
When I Think Of Christmas Track list:
Side A
1. When I Think Of Christmas – Amy Grant (NEW)
2. The Christmas Song – Vince Gill
3. Winter Wonderland – Amy Grant
4. I’ll Be Home For Christmas – Vince Gill
5. It’s The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year – Amy Grant
6. Do You Hear What I Hear – Vince Gill
Side B
7. Tennessee Christmas – Amy Grant
8. O Come All Ye Faithful – Vince Gill
9. Breath Of Heaven (Mary’s Song) – Amy Grant
10. O Holy Night – Vince Gill
11. ‘Til The Season Comes Round Again – Amy Grant & Vince Gill (NEW)
2024 “Christmas at the Ryman” Dates:
Nov. 29 at 7:30 PM
Nov. 30 at 3:00 PM & 7:30 PM
Dec. 1 at 3:00 PM & 7:30 PM
Dec. 15 at 7:30 PM
Dec. 17 at 7:30 PM
Dec. 18 at 7:30 PM
Dec. 20 at 3:00 PM & 7:30 PM
Dec. 21 at 3:00 PM & 7:30 PM
Lauren Watkins To Release ‘The Heartbroken Record’ On Vinyl Next Month
/by Liza AndersonPhoto: Courtesy of Big Loud Records/Songs & Daughters
Lauren Watkins will release her full-length debut album, The Heartbroken Record, on vinyl next month.
“This is a record that calls out being a ‘record;’ we knew we had to make the official vinyl a moment,” she says.
To celebrate the vinyl’s unveiling on Aug. 23, Watkins has slated a special show and signing at The Groove in Nashville for that same day. She also recently shared a video performing the title track at the record store.
“My granddad used to love playing records,” recalls the rising songstress. “I have a memory of him playing albums on his record player around Christmas time and those underscoring the soundtrack to so many good times. Then, my dad bought me my own record player when I was a teenager, and I just fell in love–listening to an artist’s project how they intended for you to, hearing the little imperfections and scratches that give each record its own character. Vinyl feels like the purest form of listening to me; I just love how real it makes an album feel.
“I believe in albums,” she continues. “I believe in listening to them how the artist laid them out, and this gives listeners that experience. The first time I heard my own album on vinyl was so surreal and full circle. I can’t wait for you to hear it how I always hoped you would.”
Initially shared in June, the 17-track collection amassed more than 36 million on-demand streams upon release. Watkins plans to perform the tunes at various venues this fall while supporting Morgan Wallen, Maddie & Tae and Corey Kent on tour.
Noah Kahan, The War And Treaty, More Among 2024 Americana Honors & Awards Lineup
/by Lorie HollabaughThe performers have been announced for the 23rd annual Americana Honors & Awards, taking place on Sept. 18 at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium.
This year’s lineup includes Blind Boys of Alabama, Brandy Clark with SistaStrings, Charles Wesley Godwin, Dave Alvin, Dwight Yoakam, Fantastic Negrito, Hurray for the Riff Raff, Jobi Riccio, Kaitlin Butts, Larkin Poe, The Milk Carton Kids, Noah Kahan, Sarah Jarosz, Shelby Lynne, Sierra Ferrell, Turnpike Troubadours, The War And Treaty, Waxahatchee with MJ Lenderman and Wyatt Flores.
In addition to the six member-voted awards, the 2024 Lifetime Achievement Awards will be presented during the evening to Lynne, Blind Boys of Alabama, Alvin, Yoakam, Don Was and Rev. Gary Davis.
The ceremony is the hallmark event of AmericanaFest, which is set for Sept. 17–21. The awards will also be filmed for broadcast on PBS in November.
Dylan Scott Plots ‘I Owe You One Tour’ For August
/by Lorie HollabaughDylan Scott. Photo: Cameron Packee
Multi-Platinum artist Dylan Scott will launch his headlining “I Owe You One Tour” on Aug. 1.
Named after his recent single, the tour will visit Pennsylvania, Virginia, Minnesota, Oklahoma, Kansas, Alabama and more through Oct. 11. Tickets are on sale now at dylanscottcountry.com.
“I Owe You One,” was penned by Morgan Wallen, Ernest, Ashley Gorley and producer Mark Holman, and follows Scott’s deluxe album, Livin’ My Best Life (Still). Scott is set to release another new track, “You’d Think I Was A Cowboy,” soon.
He recently wrapped a direct support run with Cole Swindell on his “Win The Night Tour,” and will appear at various fairs and festivals throughout the remainder of the year.
Dylan Scott’s “I Owe You One Tour” Dates:
Aug. 1, 2024 in Elma, Wash. at Grays Harbor County Fairgrounds
Aug. 2, 2024 in Sweet Home, Ore. at Oregon Jamboree Music Festival
Aug. 10, 2024 in Bensalem, Pa. at Parx Casino
Aug. 12, 2024 in Harrisonburg, Va. at Rockingham County Fair
Aug. 16, 2024 in Osseo, Minn. at Corcoran Country Daze
Aug. 17, 2024 in Humboldt, Iowa at Humboldt County Dragway
Aug. 18, 2024 in Valparaiso, Ind. at Central Park Plaza
Aug. 21, 2024 in Marshfield, Wis. at Central Wisconsin State Fair
Aug. 22, 2024 in Mount Morris, Mich. at Genesee County Fair
Aug. 23, 2024 in Cedarburg, Wis. at Cedar Creek Park
Aug. 24, 2024 in Mahomet, Ill. at Mahomet Music Festival
Aug. 31, 2024 in Fort Bliss, Texas at Freedom Crossing at Fort Bliss
Sept. 1, 2024 in Norman, Okla. at Beats & Bites
Sept. 13, 2024 in Kettering, Ohio at Fraze Pavilion
Sept. 14, 2024 in White Marsh, Md. at Fields of Fire
Sept. 18, 2024 in Temecula, Calif. at Wilson Creek Winery
Sept. 20, 2024 in West Springfield, Mass. at The Big E Arena
Sept. 21, 2024 in Montclair, N.J. at The Wellmont Theater
Sept. 27, 2024 in Riverside, Iowa at Riverside Casino & Golf Resort
Sept. 28, 2024 in Garnett, Kan. at Cornstock Festival 2024
Oct. 10, 2024 in Montgomery, Ala. at Alabama National Fairgrounds
Oct. 11, 2024 in Hiawassee, Ga. at Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds
WHY&HOW Adds To Artist Roster [Exclusive]
/by LB CantrellTyler 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
/by Liza AndersonCmdShft, 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
/by Liza AndersonHabitat 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.