Warner Music Nashville Holds Second ‘WMN: On Deck’ Event
Pictured (L–R, back row): Warner Music Nashville’s Jamie Younger, Ben Kline, Cris Lacy, Stephanie Wright and Stephanie Davenport; (L–R, front row): Warner Music Nashville’s Patrick Sabatini, Victoria Mason, Make Wake Artists’ HB Riordan, The Castellows, Drew Parker, Make Wake Artists’ Chris Kappy, Jarrod Holley and Warner Music Nashville’s Patrick Worstell. Photo: David Bradley
Warner Music Nashville held its second “WMN: On Deck” event last week at its offices.
The function, formerly known as “Pickin’ On The Patio,” showcased The Castellows and Drew Parker. Freshie Imports, Goo Goo Cluster and Daddy’s Dogs served as the sponsors for the “WMN: On Deck” installment.
AIMP Nashville Hosts ‘Sync In Sports’ Panel
Pictured (L–R): Anthem Entertainment’s Courtney Crist, Peermusic’s Kendall Lettow, Big Loud’s Paul Logan, Fox Sports’ Stephanie Urcheck, The Score’s John Adams, Me Gusta Music’s Trina Smith-Dort, CBS Sports’ Taylor Ralph, SESAC’s ET Brown and Sony Playstation’s Alex Hackford
Association of Independent Music Publishers (AIMP) Nashville hosted a panel titled “Sync In Sports” at The Basement East on Tuesday (May 28).
Moderated by Big Loud’s Paul Logan, the panel consisted of The Score’s John Adams, Sony Playstation’s Alex Hackford, CBS Sports’ Taylor Ralph and Fox Sports’ Stephanie Urcheck speaking to AIMP members and guests about all aspects of licensing and clearance at their respective companies.
Chris Tomlin Celebrated Gold-Certified Single ‘Holy Forever’
Pictured (L–R): Piedmonte & Co.’s Makayla Symmonds, Anthony Piedmonte, Capitol Christian Music Group’s Brad O’Donnell, Chris Tomlin, Capitol Christian Music Group’s David Slyvester and Hudson Plachy. Photo: Nathan Blaine
Chris Tomlin was surprised by Capitol Christian Music Group and his management team with a plaque for his RIAA Gold-certified single “Holy Forever.”
The song became Tomlin’s 21st career No. 1 last year. With more than 160 million streams to date, “Holy Forever” has garnered Grammy and Billboard Music Award (BBMA) nominations, and is currently up for Worship Song of the Year at the 2024 K-Love Fan Awards.
Allison Russell Completes Americana Artist Residency At NYU
Allison Russell completes time as the Americana Artist-In-Residence at New York University (NYU)
Allison Russell recently completed her time as the Americana Artist-In-Residence at New York University (NYU). The residency is a part of the partnership between the Americana Music Foundation and NYU Steinhardt, home of the school’s music department.
Throughout the residency, Russell worked closely with undergraduate and graduate students, sharing her experience as a collaborator, creator and citizen of the music community. She also sought to provide guidance on developing and accessing creativity as well as the importance of remaining open to opportunities that may not always take the obvious path. Her visit concluded with an intimate, candid conversation with songwriting majors.
Drew Holcomb And The Neighbors Exceed 500 Million Global Streams
Pictured (L–R): Ellie Holcomb, Samantha Steele, Nathan Dugger, Drew Holcomb, Ian Miller, Rich Brinsfield, Will Sayles, Paul Steele and Morgan Combs
Drew Holcomb and The Neighbors exceed 500 million global streams this month. To celebrate the milestone, the band’s management team presented them with a plaque commemorating the achievement at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium after they wrapped the latest leg of their spring U.S. headlining tour with two sold-out shows.
The group has spent the past year on the road supporting their ninth full-length studio album, Strangers No More. The project features their first Americana chart-topper, “Find Your People.” The single peaked at No. 2 on TikTok’s popular chart and broke into the top 50 on the TikTok Billboard chart.
ACM & BMAC Celebrate Completion Of Inaugural OnRamp Program With Showcase
/by Liza AndersonPictured: OnRamp inaugural class members with Willie “Prophet” Stiggers (Co-Founder & Chair, BMAC), Stephanie Davenport (VP of A&R, Warner Music Nashville), Wendy Moten (Event Host, Singer-Songwriter–Time Jumpers), Kortney Toney (Manager, Programming & Community Engagement, ACM) and Tommy Moore (Chief of Staff and VP, Artist & Industry Relations, Board Administration & Governance, ACM). Photo: Courtesy of ACM
The Academy of Country Music and the Black Music Action Coalition (BMAC) celebrated the completion of their inaugural OnRamp professional development program with a showcase at Nashville’s 3rd & Lindsley on Wednesday (May 29).
The first OnRamp class consisted of 20 Black members of the Nashville music community who range from artists to industry professionals.
The showcase was hosted by singer-songwriter Wendy Moten, and featured performances by OnRamp class members, including Jasmine Bavaro, Tylar Bryant, Larysa Jaye, The Kentucky Gentlemen, NBC’s The Voice season 25 contestant Tae Lewis, Roz Malone, Daisha McBride, Qualls and Nick Tabron. Additionally, class members Kim Albritton, Chasidy Lauderdale, Nina Owens, DeDe West and Amari Young worked behind-the-scenes on the evening’s production.
Established in 2023, the OnRamp program centers around improving inclusivity and equity within Music City while empowering the next generation of leaders in the early stages of their careers by providing access to professional development opportunities, community mentorship, industry exposure and more. Each participant is given a $1,000 monthly stipend, and matched with mentors in the music business who specialize in the specific field of the industry they aspire to pursue.
Throughout the year, members performed at venues across Nashville, such as The Basement, The Bluebird Cafe and more, while also participating in industry-led workshops on marketing, songwriting/publishing, agency, live events and networking.
Archives Nashville Hosts CMA Fest Artist Closet Sale
/by Lorie HollabaughThe Archives Nashville, a digital archiving and storage company specializing in musicians’ wardrobes, will host its inaugural Artist Tag Sale during this year’s CMA Fest, June 6-9.
The sale will provide fans an exclusive opportunity to shop from their favorite artists’ closets, with a portion of the proceeds supporting the CMA Foundation’s mission to provide students with access to high-quality music education and equip educators with the resources needed to sustain programs. The Artist Tag Sale will be held at Fan Fair X in Nashville’s Music City Center from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on June 6 through 8 and 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on June 9.
Fans will have the chance to browse and purchase wardrobe items from a star-studded lineup of artists including Lauren Alaina, Jason Aldean, Brothers Osborne, Luke Combs, Jordan Davis, Tyler Hubbard, Tiera Kennedy, Miranda Lambert, Ashley McBryde, Parker McCollum, Jelly Roll and Bailey Zimmerman.
“We are excited to bring this unique shopping experience to CMA Fest and support the CMA Foundation’s incredible work,” shares The Archives founder and longtime celebrity stylist Tiffany Gifford. “Fans will have the chance to own a piece of their favorite artists’ wardrobe while contributing to a cause that nurtures the next generation of musicians and educators.”
With the vast wardrobe musicians acquire over the years, Gifford realized there were no viable wardrobe archiving solutions, so she created The Archives to help clients not only store their wardrobe safely and securely, but to offer a digital solution to keep things organized, searchable and accessible to her clients. The Archives functions by taking inventory and digital photos of the wardrobe to be archived, giving teams the option to store pieces in their facilities or integrate their system into current storage locations. RFID tracking programmed into each piece allows for tracking movement of each garment with the online inventory showing all pieces and their location while allowing movement as needed.
Clients are able to see specific movement of wardrobe between closets to take current inventory in case of loss or damage; ensure proper storage of all garments and accessories to preserve valuable and noteworthy pieces; quickly search and filter wardrobe from garment attributes, events worn, and style details; more easily curate garment displays for museums and private companies or personal showings; and monetize select pieces by making them available for rent through the platform.
Alli Walker Signs With Sony Music Publishing Nashville
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): Sony Music Publishing’s Tom Luteran, Vector Management’s Brad Turcotte, Alli Walker, Sony Music Publishing’s Rusty Gaston and Aubrey Landon. Photo: Caylee Robillard
Rising singer-songwriter Alli Walker has signed with Sony Music Publishing Nashville.
In addition to the signing, the Prince Edward Island native has released her latest single, “Dirt On Us,” which she co-wrote with Jon Nite and the track’s producer Lindsay Rimes. Walker has amassed more than 700,000 social media followers, and over 10 million views with her viral song “The Whiskey’s Gone.”
“Alli is a creative force, and her energy and passion for songwriting is unstoppable. It’s exciting to see how much she’s already accomplished as both a songwriter and artist, and we’re proud to be supporting her on this journey,” says Rusty Gaston, CEO, Sony Music Publishing Nashville.
“I’m so excited to join the Sony Publishing family,” shares Walker. “The second I walked through their doors, it truly felt like home. I am so lucky to get to write alongside their amazing roster of talented songwriters and work with their incredibly passionate staff!”
The MLC To Host Upcoming Webinar Focused On Company Data Platforms
/by Madison HahnenThe MLC will host a webinar titled “Exploring the Use of The MLC’s Data: A Showcase of Three Companies” on June 5.
The webinar will explore how ClicknClear, Jaxsta and ONErpm all utilize The MLC’s data platforms in their solutions and operations and how the platforms can be used throughout the music industry.
The MLC started their public database of music ownership data in accordance with the Music Modernization Act for almost 36 million songs. Anyone can search, review and share song date free of charge. In addition to the database, the company also has an array of data programs including the Bulk Data Access Subscription, Public Search API and the Distributor Unmatched Recordings Portal (DURP). All the data programs are accessible to a wide range of music companies worldwide.
The “Exploring the Use of The MLC’s Data: A Showcase of Three Companies” webinar will take place on June 5 at 5 p.m. CST. Registration is open now.
WME To Ring In CMA Fest With ‘Losers Live’ Outdoor Concert Series
/by Liza AndersonWME plans to ring in CMA Fest with “Losers Live,” a free outdoor concert series at Losers Bar & Grill in Nashville’s midtown, taking place Monday (June 3)–Wednesday (June 5).
Headliner Randy Houser will kick off the series on Monday alongside Zach Top, Tigirlily Gold, Mackenzie Carpenter and The Chattahoochies.
Brantley Gilbert is set to headline on Tuesday. Others slated to take the stage include Bryan Martin, Elvie Shane, The Castellows and Vincent Mason.
Wrapping the series on Wednesday will be headliner Mark Chesnutt as well as Jackson Dean, Maddox Batson, Sadie Bass and Lanie Gardner.
Doors will open at 5 p.m. each night.
Shenandoah Kicks Off 50-City ‘Two Dozen Roses Tour’
/by Lorie HollabaughShenandoah is kicking off their 2024 “Two Dozen Roses Tour” today (May 31) in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.
The new 50-city tour pays homage to the band’s 1989 smash hit, 35 years after the song peaked at No. 1 on the Billboard Country chart. The first leg of the trek includes festival appearances at Country Thunder Bristol with Cody Johnson and Country Thunder Saskatchewan with Nickelback and Luke Combs. In the fall, the group will embark for its first-ever Canadian tour, performing over 10 dates alongside Sawyer Brown.
Shenandoah released a newly-recorded version of “Two Dozen Roses” featuring Combs, which rose to the top of the iTunes All Genre and Country charts—marking their first chart topper in 30 years.
“What has happened in the last year and a half with ‘Two Dozen Roses’ has been unbelievable,” says lead singer Marty Raybon. “To even believe that it’s bigger today than when we first released it in 1989 shows the power of songs that stand the test of time. It’s certainly one of the biggest things going on in our world right now, so it only makes sense to call the tour ‘Two Dozen Roses.'”
For more information, click here.
Shaboozey Shares Stories That Shaped His Artist Journey On ‘Where I’ve Been, Isn’t Where I’m Going’
/by Lorie HollabaughShaboozey
Shaboozey‘s new 12-track, genre-bending album, Where I’ve Been, Isn’t Where I’m Going, is out today (May 31) via Empire.
The project includes the focus track “My Fault” featuring Noah Cyrus, as well as his newly-Platinum certified song of the summer “A Bar Song (Tipsy),” which currently sits at No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 and peaked at No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs Chart. With that milestone, Shaboozey and Beyoncé have made history as the first two Black artists to lead the chart with back-to-back No. 1s. The song has also amassed over 300 million streams and landed in the top 10 in several countries across the world with No. 1s in Canada, Sweden, Denmark and the UK’s Big 40.
Where I’ve Been, Isn’t Where I’m Going charts a cinematic road trip through the wilds of the American west, pushing further into the country/folk-inspired sound Shaboozey has explored in recent years. “Let It Burn,” the haunting heartbreak track “Anabelle” and western sing-along “Vegas” were the first tracks released from the album, giving fans a taste of the artist’s range and talents.
“This album means the world to me, it’s a reflection of my journey and the stories that shaped me,” says Shaboozey. “Growing up in Virginia, music was our way of speaking truths and finding joy, and I tried to capture that in every track. It’s a blend of all my experiences, the highs, the lows, and everything in between. I hope when y’all listen, you feel that same connection and authenticity. It’s not just an album, it’s a piece of my soul, and I’m grateful to share it with you.”
The Nigerian-American hitmaker just finished a run of three sold-out performances in New York, Nashville and L.A., and hit the stage at Stagecoach with a solo set along with guest appearances with fellow performers Diplo and The Chainsmokers. He appeared on Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter project with features on the Billboard Hot 100 charting tracks “Spaghettii” and “Sweet Honey Buckiin,’” and has gained more than 32 million monthly listeners.
Where I’ve Been, Isn’t Where I’m Going Track List:
1. Horses & Hellcats
2. A Bar Song (Tipsy)
3. Last Of My Kind ft. Paul Cauthen
4. Anabelle
5. East Of The Massanutten
6. Highway
7. Let It Burn
8. My Fault ft. Noah Cyrus
9. Vegas
10. Drink Don’t Need No Mix ft. BigXthaPlug
11. Steal Her From Me
12. Finally Over
Tucker Wetmore Signs With UMG Nashville In Partnership With Back Blocks Music
/by Liza AndersonPictured (L–R, back row): UMG Nashville’s Lori Christian, Rob Femia, Serling Rooks Hunter McKoy Worob & Averill LLP’s T.D. Ruth, Lewis Brisbois’ Matt Cottingham and UMG Nashville’s Jake Gear; (L–R, front row): UMG Nashville’s Mike Harris, Cindy Mabe, Tucker Wetmore, Back Blocks Music’s Rakiyah Marshall and Autumn Ledgin. Photo: Chris Hollo
Tucker Wetmore has signed a record deal with UMG Nashville in partnership with Back Blocks Music.
With nearly 200 million career streams, Wetmore has made waves with tunes “Wine Into Whiskey,” “What Would You Do?” and “Wind Up Missin’ You,” which will impact country radio June 10 via the label’s EMI Records Nashville imprint. He is also slated to have two tracks featured on the forthcoming Twisters soundtrack, “Already Had It” and “Steal My Thunder (with Conner Smith).”
In addition to his headlining shows, Wetmore recently supported Kameron Marlowe on the “Strangers Tour,” and is set to make appearances at Spotify House and the UMG Nashville Takeover during CMA Fest next week. He will also join Luke Bryan for his “Farm Tour 2024” in September.
“I’m honored to continue working with Tucker as he expands his team with the brilliant minds at UMG,” shares Rakiyah Marshall, Back Blocks Music Founder & CEO. “What Tucker and our Back Blocks team have built together in less than three years has been incredible, but it’s just the beginning. I am blown away by the character, talent and work ethic that make up who Tucker is as an artist and human, and am so thankful to be on this ride with the newest UMG Nashville artist.”
“The world has only seen a glimpse of what Tucker is going to do for country music,” says Cindy Mabe, UMG Nashville Chair & CEO. “His strong connection to his purpose shines a light on what has helped build him: his family, his faith, his team and his fans. Representing country music from the pacific northwest, Tucker’s distinctive sound, soulful lyrics and his instantly likable personality bring the perfect ingredients to nurture and grow a lasting career. UMG Nashville is so honored to work with Tucker, Rakiyah and Back Blocks Music in building the next era of country music history.”
“Before I moved to Nashville, I sat down and made a list of goals for myself and for the last four years, I have been working toward them every single day,” shares Wetmore. “Today I have checked off one of the biggest I set for myself… signing a record deal. My new family at UMG Nashville checked all of my boxes. The drive, dedication, love and respect we all have for each other outside of music is the real reason why I’m so proud to now call them partners, along with my team at Back Blocks Music. With the fire that has already been started, I couldn’t pick better people to pour gasoline on it. I couldn’t be more excited and confident about this next chapter in my career. I love you all, thank you for continuing to make my dreams come true. God is so good.”
Nate Smith’s ‘Bulletproof’ Tops The MusicRow Radio Chart
/by John Nix ArledgeNate Smith tops the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart this week with his gritty track “Bulletproof.”
The song, written by Ashley Gorley, Ben Johnson and Hunter Phelps, appears on Smith’s EP Through The Smoke.
Smith recently teamed up with Avril Lavigne to debut their “Bulletproof” duet at the 2024 ACM Awards, which came shortly after Smith was named the New Male Artist of the Year. Currently, Smith is on the road performing at various festivals and supporting Morgan Wallen on his “One Night At A Time 2024 Tour” and is set to kick off his own “Through The Smoke Tour” in September.
“Bulletproof” currently sits at No. 11 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart and No. 10 on the Mediabase chart.
Click here to view the latest edition of the MusicRow Weekly containing the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart.
Industry Ink: ‘WMN: On Deck,’ AIMP Nashville, Chris Tomlin, More
/by Liza AndersonWarner Music Nashville Holds Second ‘WMN: On Deck’ Event
Pictured (L–R, back row): Warner Music Nashville’s Jamie Younger, Ben Kline, Cris Lacy, Stephanie Wright and Stephanie Davenport; (L–R, front row): Warner Music Nashville’s Patrick Sabatini, Victoria Mason, Make Wake Artists’ HB Riordan, The Castellows, Drew Parker, Make Wake Artists’ Chris Kappy, Jarrod Holley and Warner Music Nashville’s Patrick Worstell. Photo: David Bradley
Warner Music Nashville held its second “WMN: On Deck” event last week at its offices.
The function, formerly known as “Pickin’ On The Patio,” showcased The Castellows and Drew Parker. Freshie Imports, Goo Goo Cluster and Daddy’s Dogs served as the sponsors for the “WMN: On Deck” installment.
AIMP Nashville Hosts ‘Sync In Sports’ Panel
Pictured (L–R): Anthem Entertainment’s Courtney Crist, Peermusic’s Kendall Lettow, Big Loud’s Paul Logan, Fox Sports’ Stephanie Urcheck, The Score’s John Adams, Me Gusta Music’s Trina Smith-Dort, CBS Sports’ Taylor Ralph, SESAC’s ET Brown and Sony Playstation’s Alex Hackford
Association of Independent Music Publishers (AIMP) Nashville hosted a panel titled “Sync In Sports” at The Basement East on Tuesday (May 28).
Moderated by Big Loud’s Paul Logan, the panel consisted of The Score’s John Adams, Sony Playstation’s Alex Hackford, CBS Sports’ Taylor Ralph and Fox Sports’ Stephanie Urcheck speaking to AIMP members and guests about all aspects of licensing and clearance at their respective companies.
Chris Tomlin Celebrated Gold-Certified Single ‘Holy Forever’
Pictured (L–R): Piedmonte & Co.’s Makayla Symmonds, Anthony Piedmonte, Capitol Christian Music Group’s Brad O’Donnell, Chris Tomlin, Capitol Christian Music Group’s David Slyvester and Hudson Plachy. Photo: Nathan Blaine
Chris Tomlin was surprised by Capitol Christian Music Group and his management team with a plaque for his RIAA Gold-certified single “Holy Forever.”
The song became Tomlin’s 21st career No. 1 last year. With more than 160 million streams to date, “Holy Forever” has garnered Grammy and Billboard Music Award (BBMA) nominations, and is currently up for Worship Song of the Year at the 2024 K-Love Fan Awards.
Allison Russell Completes Americana Artist Residency At NYU
Allison Russell completes time as the Americana Artist-In-Residence at New York University (NYU)
Allison Russell recently completed her time as the Americana Artist-In-Residence at New York University (NYU). The residency is a part of the partnership between the Americana Music Foundation and NYU Steinhardt, home of the school’s music department.
Throughout the residency, Russell worked closely with undergraduate and graduate students, sharing her experience as a collaborator, creator and citizen of the music community. She also sought to provide guidance on developing and accessing creativity as well as the importance of remaining open to opportunities that may not always take the obvious path. Her visit concluded with an intimate, candid conversation with songwriting majors.
Drew Holcomb And The Neighbors Exceed 500 Million Global Streams
Pictured (L–R): Ellie Holcomb, Samantha Steele, Nathan Dugger, Drew Holcomb, Ian Miller, Rich Brinsfield, Will Sayles, Paul Steele and Morgan Combs
Drew Holcomb and The Neighbors exceed 500 million global streams this month. To celebrate the milestone, the band’s management team presented them with a plaque commemorating the achievement at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium after they wrapped the latest leg of their spring U.S. headlining tour with two sold-out shows.
The group has spent the past year on the road supporting their ninth full-length studio album, Strangers No More. The project features their first Americana chart-topper, “Find Your People.” The single peaked at No. 2 on TikTok’s popular chart and broke into the top 50 on the TikTok Billboard chart.