MusicRow’s 2024 Artist Roster Issue, released on June 18, offers a wealth of resources for industry professionals and features ASCAP songwriter and Big Loud Records/Songs & Daughters/Pigasus Records recording artist Hailey Whitters on its cover.
This annual edition contains a six-part company directory, complete with client rosters and up-to-date contact information as well as an indispensable Artist Grid which connects artists to their team members in Label, Management, Talent Agency and Publicity categories.
Inside, MusicRow chats with industry titan Mike Curb to discuss the 60th anniversary of Curb Records, his early career and journey to Nashville. In the six decades since its inception, the company has achieved an impressive 435 No. 1 hits, garnered over 1,500 top 10 songs and charted over 4,500 total records.
Elsewhere, top managers Daniel Miller of Fusion Music, Charly Salvatore of Underscore Works and Juli Griffith of PunchBowl Entertainment come together to discuss the ever-changing currents of the music industry and the technological advancements within it.
When asked about lessons they apply to managing their life both inside and out of the music business, the managers shared insights on the importance of the people around them.
“You’ve got to surround yourself with great people,” explains Salvatore. “In your work life, you’ve got to surround yourself with great artists that you want to work with and build your company with great people who you want to help grow. The same goes for your personal life, you need great people who push you and make you better.
“I agree. You have to have people around you that complement your life,” adds Griffith. “I have so little spare time that I can’t deal with anyone who takes away from my life. You need those people in your world that help you out and make life better, because you often have so little time for yourself that it needs to be worthwhile.”
Elsewhere in the print issue, MusicRow explores the exciting new development Nashville Yards, and chats with the minds behind the project including Pinnacle’s Andy Moats, CAA’s Jeff Krones, Southwest Value Partners’ Cary Mack and AEG Presents’ Mike DuCharme.
“There are so many great venues in Nashville, and we hope to be thought of in the same breath as them,” says DuCharme of the developing new music venue inside Nashville Yards, The Pinnacle. “We want this to feel like home to everyone in Nashville and beyond—a home that comes with all the appeal that a bespoke, purpose-built music venue can offer. It is going to lead to people traveling here to see their favorite act, in a great venue, in a wonderful city where they want to spend the weekend.”
In another editorial feature, MusicRow delves into PR strategy with Sacks & Co.’s Executive Vice President Asha Goodman. She shares what it takes to get a team behind an artist and establish credibility with new talent.
“What you constantly have to do is to put yourself in the shoes of who the audience is for that person and try to figure out how to reach those people,” Goodman explains. “Not every piece of music is for everyone, but I think that as long as an artist has a real perspective, a real point of view and real authenticity within their art, it becomes very easy to become passionate about it.”
The Artist Roster issue also takes a look at the impact of Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter album on the industry and the featured artists that have been championed because of it. Rising singer-songwriter Tiera Kennedy sheds light on her experience as a collaborator on the project.
Single copies of MusicRow’s 2024 Artist Roster print issue are available for purchase at musicrow.com for $50, and are included with yearly MusicRow subscriptions.
BREAKING: Kelly Bolton Joins Warner Records
/by Liza AndersonKelly Bolton. Photo: Courtesy of Jessica Amerson
Kelly Bolton has joined Warner Records as VP of A&R.
Working out of Nashville, Bolton will collaborate closely with Co-Chairman & CEO Aaron Bay-Schuck on signing, developing and cultivating country artists for the Los Angeles-based label. She will report directly to EVP/Head of A&R Karen Kwak.
Bolton most recently spent five years at Ashley Gorley’s Tape Room Music, where she rose from VP of Creative to SVP, A&R. She built a roster of 15 songwriters, overseeing creative and artist strategy for the company. Throughout her tenure, Tape Room Music earned 25 country No. 1s, while Gorley personally notched a staggering 40 No. 1s. Bolton’s prior career stops also include Big Deal Music, where she signed and developed talent in both Nashville and Los Angeles, as well as Black River Entertainment, where she launched her career in publishing over a decade ago. During her three years with Black River, Bolton was instrumental in guiding the career of Kelsea Ballerini, among others.
“I’ve known Kelly for years, and her ear for talent is impeccable. She’s widely admired not only in the Nashville artist and songwriter community, but throughout the industry,” says Bay-Schuck. “Her addition to the team enables us to have boots on the ground in Music City with the advantage to actively engage, sign and develop new artists hands-on. The potential to make a major impact is limitless.”
“I’m excited for this new role, and I’m honored to have the ability and latitude to take these artists to a mainstream label. It’s a unique position. Living and working in Nashville and helping artists reach a global platform is the best of both worlds,” shares Bolton. “I’d like to thank Aaron, Tom [Corson], Karen and the entire team for this incredible opportunity.”
She can be reached at Kelly.Bolton@warnerrecords.com.
Country Breakthrough Tanner Adell Signs Record Deal
/by LB CantrellPictured (L-R, front row): Amber Grimes (Executive Vice President/General Manager at LVRN), Tanner Adell, Justice Baiden (Head of A&R at LVRN) and Carlon Ramong (Creative Director at LVRN); (L-R, second row): Junia Abaidoo (Head of Touring & Operations at LVRN) and Tunde Balogun (CEO of LVRN). Photo: Noah Tidmore
Country riser Tanner Adell has signed a record deal with Love Renaissance (LVRN) out of Atlanta. She joins LVRN’s roster that includes R&B and hip-hop artists 6LACK, Summer Walker, DVSN, SPINALL, TxC and more.
Adell has been turning heads in the music industry since 2021 with her blend of country lyricism, pop vocal stylings and hip-hop rhythms. She released her debut mixtape, Buckle Bunny, last summer, and recently had a meteoric career moment with her feature on Beyoncé‘s Cowboy Carter album.
With her signing, Adell hopes to continue to diversify the country music scene and inspire the next generation of country-fusion artists.
She shares, “The members of LVRN are all real people who have my back and truly understand who I am. They have been able to embrace the intricate details of my artistic identity in a way I haven’t experienced before. I could tell right away that LVRN had a firm grasp on my musicality and knew exactly how we were going to collaborate to take my career to the next level.”
Justice Baiden, Head of A&R at LVRN, says, “It’s rare these days to be wowed and instantly connect to an artist. Tanner is a generational talent who will change how people feel, perceive, and digest country music. We believe in the stories she tells and her ability to relate to the everyday person; she will touch a global audience. Our decision to support her journey reflects how we at LVRN came into the business and how we see things: fearless, rebellious, loving, Renaissance!”
Amber Grimes, LVRN Executive Vice President/General Manager, adds, “Given our profound affinity for storytelling, we were determined to collaborate with Tanner. She has a jaw-dropping story waiting to be shared through her songwriting. We are thrilled to welcome Tanner to our family, amplify her narrative, and continue to cultivate her success as an artist. Our commitment to nurturing talent and supporting artistic integrity extends across all genres.”
Adell is represented by Wide Eyed Entertainment for management and WME for booking. She is signed to UMPG Nashville for publishing.
Corey Kent Slates Sophomore Album & Headlining Tour For September
/by Lorie HollabaughCorey Kent plans to release his sophomore album, Black Bandana, on Sept. 6 via Sony Music Nashville before hitting the road on his “Black Bandana Tour” later in the month.
The Platinum-selling artist gave fans a taste of the project today (June 21) with the release of “Never Ready,” a track he wrote alongside Austin Goodloe, Joybeth Taylor and Lydia Vaughan that finds the father of three reflecting on the moments in life you can never truly be ready for—whether it is the birth of your child or the loss of a parent.
“There are a few virtues that I live my life by. They have guided me in the toughest and darkest of times. One being unwavering hope…believing if the odds are one in a million, you’ll be the one,” Kent shares regarding the forthcoming collection. “Another being relentless perseverance…when everyone else quits, you stay the course. This album embodies those virtues. We all have our battles to fight. Our people to love and protect. It ain’t always easy. When the going gets tough and you feel like waving the white flag, I hope this record inspires you to raise a black bandana instead.”
Additionally, he will kick off the tour in Paso Robles, California on Sept. 21 and travel across both the U.S. and U.K., with stops in New York, Boston, Atlanta, Wichita, Charlotte, Dublin, London and more into early 2025. Braxton Keith, Kaitlin Butts, Max McNown, Karley Scott Collins and Lauren Watkins are set to join on select dates.
“For us, the black bandana has been what we’ve picked up in times when everyone thought we should wave a white flag to surrender,” says Kent. “I’ve spent a lot of years raising my black bandana high and letting ’em know that I wasn’t giving up that easy. I’m so excited to still be doing what I love and can’t wait to get on the road this fall and see all those black bandanas waving back at me.”
Tickets for the “Black Bandana Tour” are available now. For more information, click here.
Warren Zeiders & Co-Writers Celebrate First No. 1 At Country Radio
/by Madison HahnenPictured (L-R, back row): Studio Bank’s Kari Barnhart, Warner Chappell’s Bethany Mako, SMACKSongs’ Lee Krabel, Twelve6’s Travis Myatt, BMI’s MaryAnn Keen, Country Aircheck’s Chuck Aly, SESAC’s Lydia Cahill, Warner Music Nashville’s Kristen Williams, Warner Records’ Co-Chairman, CEO Aaron Bay-Schuck; (L-R, front row): Ryan Beaver, Warren Zeiders, Jared Keim and Ross Copperman. Photo: Steph Sorenson
Warren Zeiders celebrated his first No. 1 at country radio, “Pretty Little Poison,” on Tuesday (June 18) with a party at Halls Chophouse in Nashville.
Written by Zeiders, Ryan Beaver and Jared Keim, and produced by Ross Copperman, the track hit No. 1 on both Country Aircheck’s Mediabase Country chart and Billboard’s Country Airplay chart the week of Feb. 26. The single also marks the first chart-topper for Beaver and Keim.
The Platinum-certified tune has amassed over 380 million global streams, peaked in the top 25 on Billboard’s Hot 100 and earned the Warner Records artist a CMT Music Award for Breakthrough Male Video of the Year.
During the celebration, hosted by BMI and SESAC, all three writers and Copperman spoke about the song. Along with BMI’s MaryAnn Keen, who emceed the event, there to speak was SESAC’s Lydia Cahill, SMACKSongs’ Lee Krabel, Twelve6 Entertainment’s Travis Myatt, Warner Chappell’s Bethany Mako, Studio Bank’s Kari Barnhart, Country Aircheck’s Chuck Aly, Warner Chappell’s Bethany Mako, Warner Music Nashville’s Kristen Williams and Warner Records’ Co-Chairman & CEO Aaron Bay-Schuck.
Barnhart presented a special donation on behalf of the song’s crew to The Bridge House, which helps youth out of homelessness and empowers them to live a life that will change a life.
BMI also presented Zeiders and Beaver with a custom Taylor 210-dlx guitar. To congratulate Keim, SESAC gifted him a custom-wrapped Gibson guitar.
Additionally, Zeiders recently released his latest single “Relapse” and is currently on the road for his “Pretty Little Poison Tour.” In August, he will join Jelly Roll as direct support for “The Beautifully Broken Tour” before launching his first European headlining tour in 2025.
CRB Inducts Class Of 2024 Into Country Radio Hall Of Fame
/by Liza AndersonPictured (L–R): Tom Mailey of Pat & Tom, Jim Robertson, Meg Stevens, Mike Moore and Cody Alan. Photo: Kayla Schoen
Country Radio Broadcasters (CRB) inducted the Class of 2024 into the Country Radio Hall of Fame on Wednesday night (June 19) during a special dinner ceremony at the Virgin Hotel in Nashville.
Pictured (L–R): CRB’s RJ Curtis, Scott Borchetta and CRB/CRS’s Kurt Johnson. Photo: Kayla Schoen
With Blair Garner serving as Master of Ceremonies, the event celebrated the storied careers of this year’s six inductees, which included on-air personalities Cody Alan as well as duo Pat & Tom and off-air luminaries Mike Moore, Jim Robertson and Meg Stevens.
Additionally, Scott Borchetta, Chairman & CEO of Big Machine Label Group, was honored with the 2024 CRB President’s Award. This award is bestowed upon individuals who have demonstrated exceptional dedication and played a vital role in shaping the success of Country Radio Seminar (CRS) and its mission to advance the country radio format.
Nominations are now being accepted for the Country Radio Hall of Fame Class of 2025, which will be revealed during the forthcoming CRS in February. To submit a nomination, click here.
On The Row: Reid Haughton Details New Album & Musical Growth
/by John Nix ArledgeReid Haughton
Up-and-coming artist Reid Haughton recently stopped by the MusicRow office to play a few tunes and discuss his recent album.
The Haleyville, Alabama native grew up singing and playing guitar in church. After graduating high school, he attended Auburn University, where his talent as a performer blossomed. After impressing River House Artist’s VP/GM Zebb Luster at a Riley Green concert in 2019, Haughton moved to Nashville to begin his music career.
Pictured (L-R): MusicRow’s Madison Hahnen and LB Cantrell, Reid Haughton, MusicRow’s Sherod Robertson, John Nix Arledge and Liza Anderson
Since then, Haughton has been on the road playing shows across the country with the likes of Whiskey Myers and 49 Winchester while honing his skills as a songwriter. He debuted his self-titled EP, produced by Grammy-winning guitarist Sadler Vaden, in May of last year and recently followed up with his first full-length project titled Higher Than 9, on May 17.
“When I first started writing songs I was honestly trying to mimic Luke Combs. He and Eric Church are the two people I was thinking about a lot,” explained Haughton. “Being on the road is what led to my current sound, really. We were in Indianapolis playing 8 Seconds Saloon with Aaron Watson and my now-wife and I were sitting in the van, freezing cold. I was about to go on in 10 minutes and we were listening to Marcus King. Afterwards, she looked at me and said, ‘Why don’t you play the type of music you love?’ It was like a light went off in my head–when I got home, I started writing.”
Haughton treated the MusicRow crew to several tracks off of his recent album such as “Man Made Money” and “Mendoza Line,” which he co-wrote with Luke Preston.
“For us it really all comes back to being on the road. Nowadays, it feels like we are the last of a dying breed–playing on the road.
Pictured (L-R): Reid Haughton & MusicRow’s Sherod Robertson
We know how to play music with our hands and we don’t run tracks. To each their own, but we are going out there and playing music the best we can, and we aren’t worried about anything else.”
Before performing his final track, “The Crow,” written by Scott Stepakoff, Nicolette Hayford and Aaron Eshuis, he reminisced about hearing the song for the first time early in his career and thinking that if he ever got the chance, he would cut the song. Four years later, he proudly sang the track to close out the special visit.
Additionally, Haughton took the Hard Rock Stage during this year’s CMA Fest, and will visit Illinois, Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky and more on upcoming tour stops.
In This Issue: MusicRow’s 2024 Artist Roster Features Visionary Industry Leaders
/by MusicRow StaffMusicRow’s 2024 Artist Roster Issue, released on June 18, offers a wealth of resources for industry professionals and features ASCAP songwriter and Big Loud Records/Songs & Daughters/Pigasus Records recording artist Hailey Whitters on its cover.
This annual edition contains a six-part company directory, complete with client rosters and up-to-date contact information as well as an indispensable Artist Grid which connects artists to their team members in Label, Management, Talent Agency and Publicity categories.
Inside, MusicRow chats with industry titan Mike Curb to discuss the 60th anniversary of Curb Records, his early career and journey to Nashville. In the six decades since its inception, the company has achieved an impressive 435 No. 1 hits, garnered over 1,500 top 10 songs and charted over 4,500 total records.
Elsewhere, top managers Daniel Miller of Fusion Music, Charly Salvatore of Underscore Works and Juli Griffith of PunchBowl Entertainment come together to discuss the ever-changing currents of the music industry and the technological advancements within it.
When asked about lessons they apply to managing their life both inside and out of the music business, the managers shared insights on the importance of the people around them.
“You’ve got to surround yourself with great people,” explains Salvatore. “In your work life, you’ve got to surround yourself with great artists that you want to work with and build your company with great people who you want to help grow. The same goes for your personal life, you need great people who push you and make you better.
“I agree. You have to have people around you that complement your life,” adds Griffith. “I have so little spare time that I can’t deal with anyone who takes away from my life. You need those people in your world that help you out and make life better, because you often have so little time for yourself that it needs to be worthwhile.”
Elsewhere in the print issue, MusicRow explores the exciting new development Nashville Yards, and chats with the minds behind the project including Pinnacle’s Andy Moats, CAA’s Jeff Krones, Southwest Value Partners’ Cary Mack and AEG Presents’ Mike DuCharme.
“There are so many great venues in Nashville, and we hope to be thought of in the same breath as them,” says DuCharme of the developing new music venue inside Nashville Yards, The Pinnacle. “We want this to feel like home to everyone in Nashville and beyond—a home that comes with all the appeal that a bespoke, purpose-built music venue can offer. It is going to lead to people traveling here to see their favorite act, in a great venue, in a wonderful city where they want to spend the weekend.”
In another editorial feature, MusicRow delves into PR strategy with Sacks & Co.’s Executive Vice President Asha Goodman. She shares what it takes to get a team behind an artist and establish credibility with new talent.
“What you constantly have to do is to put yourself in the shoes of who the audience is for that person and try to figure out how to reach those people,” Goodman explains. “Not every piece of music is for everyone, but I think that as long as an artist has a real perspective, a real point of view and real authenticity within their art, it becomes very easy to become passionate about it.”
The Artist Roster issue also takes a look at the impact of Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter album on the industry and the featured artists that have been championed because of it. Rising singer-songwriter Tiera Kennedy sheds light on her experience as a collaborator on the project.
Single copies of MusicRow’s 2024 Artist Roster print issue are available for purchase at musicrow.com for $50, and are included with yearly MusicRow subscriptions.
Shelby Lynne To Explore ‘Consequences Of The Crown’ On Comeback Album
/by Lorie HollabaughShelby Lynne will release her new album, Consequences Of The Crown, on Aug. 16 via Monument Records. She shared the project’s track “Butterfly” today (June 21.)
Produced by Lynne, Karen Fairchild, Ashley Monroe and Gena Johnson, Consequences Of The Crown is her first new album since returning to Nashville after 25 years away. Lynne explores the complexities of humanity across the 12 genre-blending tracks, as she chronicles experiences of heartbreak and loss as well as the growth that comes with both. The album also features contributions from Waylon Payne, Jedd Hughes, Angaleena Presley, Carter Faith, Meg McRee and Ben Chapman.
“I am going where it feels right to take a step,” says Lynne. “Breathing. Feeling the power of this music I lived for a time, another chapter in my life. I am grateful to be alive. I am grateful to you for listening to my life. This is the moment. We all wear a crown of consequences.”
The collection includes previously-released tracks “Over and Over” and “But I Ain’t,” which serves as a bridge between her past and present work, interpolating “Dreamsome,” a song from her album, I Am Shelby Lynne, which just celebrated its 25th anniversary. In honor of the I Am Shelby Lynne anniversary, a special reissue of the album was released last month via Monument Records.
Dasha To Embark On First Headlining Tour
/by Madison HahnenDasha. Photo: Adam Budd
Dasha will embark on her first headlining tour, “Dashville, USA,” this summer.
The tour will kick off on Aug. 12 in Stockholm, Sweden before making stops in London, New York City, Minneapolis as well as Nashville’s Exit/In and more before wrapping up in Atlanta on Nov. 15. Tickets are on sale now. For more information, click here.
Additionally, Dasha will release her new song “Didn’t I” on July 12 via Warner Records. She first debuted the song on the platform stage at Nissan Stadium during CMA Fest.
To date, the pop-country sensation has amassed over 10 billion views on TikTok, largely attributed to her viral hit “Austin.” The track is currently at No. 5 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and peaked at No. 19 on the Billboard Hot 100. She also peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard Emerging Artists chart with her album What Happens Now?, which also made it to No. 117 on the Billboard 200.
Dasha has recently performed at the 2024 CMT Awards, Stagecoach, Hangout Music Festival and more in addition to making her Grand Ole Opry debut last Saturday (June 15).
“Dashville, USA” Tour Dates:
August 12- Stockholm, SE- Nalen
August 14- St. Polten, AT- Frequence Festival
August 16- Hasselt Kiewit, BE- Pukkelpop
August 17- Stradbally, IE- Electric Picnic
August 19- London, UK- Scala
August 21- Amsterdam, NL- Melkweg
August 23- Reading, UK- Reading Festival
August 24- Leeds, UK- Leeds Festival
October 8- New York, NY- Bowery Ballroom
October 9- Boston, MA- Brighton Music Hall
October 14- Denver, CO- Bluebird Theater
October 15- Salt Lake City, UT- Soundwell
October 18- San Luis Obispo, CA- SLO Brew Rock
October 19- Los Angeles, CA- The Roxy
November 5- Minneapolis, MN- Fine Line Music Cafe
November 8- Cincinnati, OH- Top Cat’s
November 9- Grand Rapids, MI- The Stache
November 11- Toronto, ON- Opera House
November 13- Indianapolis, IN- Hi-Fi
November 14- Nashville, TN- Exit In
November 15- Atlanta, GA- The Masquerade – Hell
Roman Alexander Inks With Warner Chappell Music & Twelve6 Entertainment
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): Sara Latimer (WCM), Benji Amaefule (WCM), Ben Vaughn (WCM), Melanie Wetherbee (Red Light), Roman Alexander, Travis Myatt (Twelve6), Alaina Maggart (Twelve6), Dan Goodfellow (Twelve6), and Willow Belenski (Twelve6). Photo: Courtesy of WCM
Singer-songwriter Roman Alexander has signed a global publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music and Twelve6 Entertainment. Alexander released his latest single, “Sad Song Summer,” today (June 21).
A Missouri native, Alexander moved to Nashville to pursue music shortly after high school graduation. In 2020, he released his first EP, Between You And Me, which featured the single “Cocktail Conversations” that amassed over seven million streams. A year later, he was named one of Spotify’s Hot Country Artists to Watch and went on to release multiple singles, including “Missouri On My Mind” and “She Was Mine” from his latest EP, Songs From A Breakup, which helped him rack up over 76 million global streams.
Alexander is currently one of the longest-running independent artists on Spotify’s Hot Country playlist, and the rising country star’s single “Between You & Me” with Ashley Cooke has garnered over 31 million streams on Spotify alone and reached the top 10 on Rolling Stone’s Trending 25 chart. Alexander has collaborated with Jared Keim, Jerry Flowers and more, and co-wrote “Party Mode” with Dustin Lynch. Additionally, he’s opened for Sam Hunt, Old Dominion and Billy Currington, among others.
“I have had the pleasure of working with Roman over the past five years and watched him develop into an artist and a man worthy of the career he so tirelessly pursues,” says Travis Myatt, President & General Manager, Twelve 6 Entertainment. “Roman’s talent and work ethic exceed each other, and with our new partners at WCM adding a lens of focus to his writing, Roman is poised for great successes in the coming months.”