Argentine Musician Noel Schajris Teams With Jennifer Nettles On New Bilingual Track

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Noel Scharis & Jennifer Nettles. Photo: María José Govea

Jennifer Nettles has teamed up with Argentine singer-songwriter and pianist Noel Schajris on a new duet, “Love’s Still Here,” which is sung in both English and Spanish.

The new track released by ONErpm’s Nashville and Latin offices premiered on the Latin Music Awards, and is part of the bilingual 10-song Spanish and English album Timeless that will be released in 2024. The duet is the first time Schajris and Nettles have joined forces on a collaboration. An accompanying video for “Love’s Still Here” was filmed in Atlanta under the direction of Sergio (Teco) Allard.

YouTube video

“The title of the first single ‘Love’s Still Here’ is very appropriate for today’s times to emphasize love and timeless music,” says Schajris. “What an honor to unveil this magical project on the Latin AMAs stage with my sister Jennifer Nettles! Thank you, Jennifer, for sharing your voice with me on this adventure.”

Nettles adds, “I’m absolutely thrilled to finally offer this very special project to the world! And to do it for the first time at the Latin American Music Awards is a dream. Collaborating with Noel, it was so organic; as if I had been singing and writing with him forever.”

Timeless Track List:
1. Love’s Still Here
2. Spark
3. Yeah Babe
4. Falling for You
5. Fue un Placer Conocerte
6. Que No Te Asuste El Amor
7. Time to Let It Go
8. Space Between the Words
9. Cada Día, Cada Vez
10. Timeless

Musicians On Call To Host 25th Anniversary Celebration

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Kelsea Ballerini, Rondal Richardson

Musicians on Call (MOC) will host its “Anthems of Healing” 25th anniversary celebration on May 22 at Marathon Music Works in Nashville.

The evening will be hosted by Amber Anderson and Kelly Sutton from Amazon Music’s Country Heat Weekly. During the event, Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Kelsea Ballerini will be presented with the Music Heals Golden Ukulele, for her decade as a volunteer musician for the organization.

Senior Entertainment and Donor Relations Liaison for the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee Rondal Richardson will also be honored. He will receive the Leadership in Music Golden Ukulele for his decade of support towards the organization. He has served on MOC’s Advisory Council and has led fundraising efforts.

Two longtime MOC volunteers will also be honored. Raffaella Braun will receive the Vivek J. Tiwary Volunteer Guide Golden Ukulele, and Sarah Harralson will be presented with the Michael Solomon Volunteer Musician Golden Ukulele.

“An idea that came about during a hospital concert in New York City 25 years ago has evolved into an organization that, while headquartered here in Nashville, has created remarkable moments of joy and healing for hospital patients all over the country. This night is about celebrating the people and songs that have made those moments possible,” shares Musicians On Call President & CEO Pete Griffin. “Kelsea and Rondal have significantly impacted our mission and the patients we serve. Having such legendary artists join us to honor them and our organization is the perfect way to mark this milestone.”

Performances and appearances from Trisha Yearwood, Wynonna Judd, Charles Esten, Tiera Kennedy, Tigirlily Gold and Ballerini are also scheduled.

“Anthems of Healing” Host Committee members include Hal Cato (Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee), Todd Cline, Jay and Christi DeGeare, Mitch Glazier (Recording Industry Association of America), HCA Healthcare, Milton & Denice Johnson, Pam & Rick Leet, Diane Pearson (City National Bank), Dan Rogers (Grand Ole Opry), Todd & Sarah Rubin, Catherine Cate Sullivan, Vanderbilt Health and Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt.

Companies interested in purchasing a sponsorship table for the event can reach out to partnerships@musiciansoncall.org.

Americana Music Association Unveils Nominees For 2024 Americana Honors & Awards

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Pictured (L-R): Kaitlin Butts, Michael Trotter Jr. and Tanya Trotter of The War And Treaty, Sierra Ferrell, Monique Ross and Chauntee Ross of SistaStrings, NMAAM’s Dion Brown, MNRK Music Group’s Gina Miller, Americana Music Association’s Jed Hilly, Amanda Fields, Megan McCormick and Ethan Ballinger. Photo: Tibrina Hobson/Getty Images for Americana Music Association

The Americana Music Association unveiled the nominees for the 23rd annual Americana Honors & Awards today (May 7) at the National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM) in Nashville.

Hosted by MNRK Music Group Senior Vice President & General Manager and Americana Music Association Board member Gina Miller, the event was streamed live on WMOT Roots Radio 89.5 and featured performances by SistaStrings, The War And Treaty, Megan McCormick with Amanda Fields and Ethan Ballinger as well as Kaitlin Butts and Sierra Ferrell.

The winners will be announced during the Americana Honors & Awards ceremony on Wednesday, Sept. 18 at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium. The event is the hallmark event of AmericanaFest, which is set for Sept. 17-21. A full list of categories and nominees for this year’s Americana Honors & Awards is below:

ALBUM OF THE YEAR:
Rustin’ In The Rain, Tyler Childers; produced by Tyler Childers and The Food Stamps
Brandy Clark, Brandy Clark; produced by Brandi Carlile
Trail of Flowers, Sierra Ferrell; produced by Eddie Spear and Gary Paczosa
The Past Is Still Alive, Hurray for the Riff Raff; produced by Brad Cook
Weathervanes, Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit; produced by Jason Isbell

ARTIST OF THE YEAR:
Tyler Childers
Charley Crockett
Sierra Ferrell
Noah Kahan
Allison Russell

DUO/GROUP OF THE YEAR:
Black Pumas
Larkin Poe
The Milk Carton Kids
Turnpike Troubadours
The War And Treaty

EMERGING ACT OF THE YEAR:
Kaitlin Butts
Wyatt Flores
Charles Wesley Godwin
The Red Clay Strays
Jobi Riccio

INSTRUMENTALIST OF THE YEAR:
Grace Bowers
Maddie Denton
Jamie Dick
Megan McCormick
Joshua Rilko

SONG OF THE YEAR:
“In Your Love,” Tyler Childers; written by Geno Seale and Tyler Childers
“Dear Insecurity,” Brandy Clark (feat. Brandi Carlile); written by Brandy Clark and Michael Pollack
“American Dreaming,” Sierra Ferrell; written by Melody Walker and Sierra Ferrell
“Jealous Moon,” Sarah Jarosz; written by Daniel Tashian and Sarah Jarosz
“Right Back To It,” Waxahatchee (feat. MJ Lenderman); written by Katie Crutchfield

11th Annual iHeartCountry Festival Brings Star-Studded Lineup To Austin

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Jason Aldean performing at iHeartCountry Festival 2024. Photo: Todd Owyoung for iHeartRadio

The 11th annual iHeartCountry Festival, presented by Capital One, took place on Saturday (May 4) at Moody Center in Austin, Texas with a star-studded lineup of Jason Aldean, Keith Urban, Jelly Roll, Old Dominion, Lady A, Riley Green, Ashley McBryde, Brothers Osborne and Walker Hayes.

Old Dominion performing with Ashley Cooke at iHeartCountry Festival 2024. Photo: Todd Owyoung for iHeartRadio

Hulu served as the event’s official streaming destination and streamed performances live exclusively to all Hulu subscribers at no additional cost. iHeartCountry radio stations also broadcasted the event live in their local markets and on iHeartRadio’s website.

Old Dominion kicked off the festival by performing “Song For Another Time” and “Hotel Key,” among others. The group also brought out Ashley Cooke for “Can’t Break Up Now,” a duet they recorded with Megan Moroney.

McBryde had the crowd singing along to “Blackout Betty,” “One Night Standards,” “Light On In The Kitchen” and “The Devil I Know.” Brothers Osborne took the stage for a career-spanning set including “Stay A Little Longer,” “Ain’t My Fault” and “Break Mine.”

Hayes performed his hits “AA,” “Fancy Like” and more in addition to debuting his new limited time men’s collection with JCPenney. Urban stole the show with smashes such as “Somebody Like You,” “Blue Ain’t Your Color” and “Wasted Time” as he went out into the mass of Moody Center to sing with fans.

Green kept the party going with “Damn Good Day To Leave” and “Hell Of A Way To Go.” The artist sang “Worst Way,” released last month, and brought it back to 2018 with his first country radio No. 1, “There Was This Girl.” Sweet photos of Green and his grandpa flashed on the screen behind him as he concluded with “I Wish Grandpas Never Died.”

Lady A launched their set with hit “Hey Bartender.” The trio also performed fan favorites “American Honey,” “We Owned The Night” and “Need You Now.” Just when fans thought they were finished, the group came back out for an encore performance of “What If I Never Get Over You.” Jelly Roll stepped onstage to sing his first chart-topper “Son Of A Sinner,” “Need A Favor” and more. He ended by thanking his fans and iHeartRadio for changing his life and performing his hit single “Save Me,” which he recorded with Lainey Wilson.

Aldean closed out the event with “My Kind Of Party,” “Trouble With A Heartbreak” as well as “Let Your Boys Be Country,” and took it all the way back to 2005 with “Hicktown.” He even brought out John Morgan for their collaboration “Friends Like That,” before wrapping with “She’s Country.”

Additionally, the Daytime Village at the iHeartCountry Festival featured performances from Green, Hayes, Cooke, Chris Lane, Chase Matthew and Kelsey Hart. St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital was the benefiting charity partner of iHeartCountry Festival. At this year’s event, a patient was able to experience the festival backstage with performers.

Jelly Roll performing at iHeartCountry Festival 2024. Photo: Daniel Cavazos for iHeartRadio

Additional Performers Revealed For 59th Annual ACM Awards

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The Academy of Country Music (ACM), in partnership with Prime Video and Dick Clark Productions, has revealed additional performers for the 59th Academy of Country Music Awards.

Hosted by 16-time ACM Award-winning legend Reba McEntire, the awards show will stream live on Prime Video from Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas on Thursday, May 16 at 7 p.m.

Making his debut on the ACM Awards stage, Post Malone joins a lineup that includes 2022 New Male Artist of the Year Parker McCollum, along with duets featuring Kelsea Ballerini with Noah Kahan, Nate Smith with Avril Lavigne and Blake Shelton with Gwen Stefani. Previously announced artists Jason Aldean, Kane Brown, Jelly Roll, Cody Johnson, Miranda Lambert, Thomas Rhett, Chris Stapleton, Lainey Wilson, and McEntire will join these new additions on stage.

The events will kick off with Live from the ACM Awards: ACM New Artist Winners Celebration on May 14 at 8 p.m., Live from the ACM Awards: Backstage with Kelly & Amber on May 15 at 8 p.m., followed by the official ACM Red Carpet on Prime Video and the Amazon Music Channel on Twitch on May 16.

Throughout the night, radio personality Bobby Bones will host “Backstage with Bobby Bones,” featuring artist interviews and special moments from the show.

The 59th Academy of Country Music Awards is produced by Dick Clark Productions. Raj Kapoor serves as Executive Producer and Showrunner, alongside Co-Executive Producer Patrick Menton. Damon Whiteside is the Executive Producer for the Academy of Country Music, and Barry Adelman holds the same role for DCP. Additionally, John Saade continues to serve as consulting producer for Amazon MGM Studios.

In collaboration with Prime Video, ACM Awards made history in 2022 as the first major awards ceremony to exclusively livestream. Following the success of the 2023 show, the event returns to Frisco, TX, for the second consecutive year.

LoCash To Launch ‘Hometown Home Tour’ This Month

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LoCash. Photo: Josh Beech

LoCash plans to launch their “Hometown Home Tour” on May 31 in Lebanon, Oregon at the Lebanon Strawberry Festival.

The tour is named after the duo’s new single, “Hometown Home,” a tribute to putting down roots in the very place that raised you. LoCash, made up of Preston Brust and Chris Lucas, wrote the song with Zach Abend and Andy Albert. “Hometown Home” marks the first release on the pair’s Galaxy Label Group.

LoCash will visit 34 cities on the new tour, including St. Louis, Orlando, Sioux Falls, Hilton Head Island and more, through Oct. 19. They also plan to join Kane Brown on select dates of his “In The Air Tour.” For more information, click here.

Industry Ink: Taylor Vaughn, Lena Stone, Hayefield

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Taylor Vaughn Joins Full Coverage Communications As Vice President

Taylor Vaughn. Photo: Courtesy of Full Coverage Communications

Full Coverage Communications has hired Taylor Vaughn as Vice President. Vaughn brings 15 years of music and entertainment industry experience with her to the new role. She has worked on campaigns for artists such as Stephen Sanchez, Greta Van Fleet and more, as well as film soundtracks for Spider-Man: Across The Spiderverse, Space Jam: A New Legacy and more. Based in Los Angeles, Vaughn will be working with the company’s full roster in her new role, including Tim McGraw and Carly Pearce.

“We are so pleased to welcome Taylor to our team. She has extraordinary PR vision and leadership skills that will be a driving force as our business evolves and grows,” says Full Coverage Communications President Kristen Foster.

 

Lena Stone Launches Catalyst Co.

Lena Stone. Photo: Lydia Gritters

Lena Stone has launched a boutique artist development firm, Catalyst Co. The company intends to help artists, creators and brands establish their identity and offer innovative problem-solving. Catalyst Co. has already worked with Peyton Gilliland, Bobby Watson, Remy Garrison, Dan Harrison and Onoleigh.

Stone’s background includes time as a recording artist as well as roles with Song Suffragettes and Song Factory Music Publishing.

“I am so proud to officially share Catalyst Co. with the Nashville community. I have always been passionate about independent artists, and I am deeply grateful to the artists who have trusted me to help them on their journeys since I founded Catalyst Co. last February. I believe there has never been a better time to make music, and I’m excited to see what the future holds,” shares Stone.

 

Hayefield Signs With Rise Music Group

Hayefield. Photo: Courtesy of Perk PR

Genre-bending band Hayefield has signed with Rise Music Group for exclusive management representation.

The group’s debut EP Trees was produced by Adam Ernst and Austin Shawn, who has worked with Bailey Zimmerman and Chase Matthew. Hayefield has spent time on the road with Austin Meade, Riley Green, Muscadine Bloodline, Hayden Coffman, Trey Lewis and more.

“I’ve been a genuine fan of these guys for years,” shares Tanner Louis, CEO/Artist Manager, Rise Music Group. “The band’s authentic blend of country and pop-punk influences ignites an infectious energy at every show… Hayefield is going to make some NOISE in music city, no doubt about that!”

The Neal Agency Signs Zach John King

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Pictured (L-R): Hyphen Media Group’s Matt Reed, TNA’s Ryan Beuschel, Zach John King, TNA’s Evan Kantor and TNA’s Kolby Vetter. Photo: Kelly Littlefield

Rising artist Zach John King has signed with The Neal Agency (TNA) for booking. The firm joins King’s existing team that includes Matt Reed at Hyphen Media Group for management and artist development, Boom Music Group for publishing and Cmdshft for distribution.

With over five million career streams accumulated across only five singles released so far, the Fayetteville, Georgia native’s music fuses country, Americana and indie rock. King garnered three million views on demos and work tapes on TikTok before his first official release, showing true interest from fans. He is set to release his first EP, Wannabe Cowboy, on May 24.

“It was evident from our initial meeting with Zach that the music he’s creating, his drive to succeed and his overall artistic vision are the perfect match for the type of artistry we strive to represent at The Neal Agency,” share TNA’s Ryan Beuschel, Evan Kantor and Kolby Vetter. “We couldn’t be more excited to work with Zach and continue building his career.”

“I’m incredibly honored to be a part of such a powerhouse team. I feel like the size and intentionality of TNA matches my vision for building an artistic foundation that will last,” shares King. “It’s inspiring to see my name amongst some of the biggest artists in the world, and pushes me to work even harder at building my career.”

In addition to King, TNA’s roster also includes Palmer Anthony, Cory Asbury, Cameron Sacky Band, Aidan Canfield, Ashland Craft, Ernest, Riley Green, Hardy, Preston James, Ella Langley, John Morgan, Chase Rice, Josh Ross, Seaforth, Nate Smith, Morgan Wallen, Ole 60, Lauren Watkins, Anne Wilson, Jake Worthington and Bailey Zimmerman, along with the entertainment brand Whiskey Jam.

BMI Holds 28th Annual Key West Songwriters Festival [See Photos]

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BMI songwriters Palmer Anthony, Clayton Mullen and Hayley Payne entertain listeners at the Ocean’s Edge Resort at the Key West Songwriters Festival, presented by BMI. Photo: Carol Tedesco for BMI

Publishers and songwriters are returning back to Nashville after a week in the sun for the 28th annual Key West Songwriters Festival, presented by BMI. The five-day festival featured over 250 multi-genre creators perform their favorite hits at 50 different venues on the island, provided by Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association and Rams Head Presents.

Pictured (L-R): BMI’s Mason Hunter, BMI’s President & CEO Mike O’Neill, Cole Swindell, BMI’s Clay Bradley and BMI’s Leslie Roberts gather before the Coffee Butler Amphitheater show at the Key West Songwriters Festival, presented by BMI. Photo: Carol Tedesco for BMI

BMI songwriters arrived at the Nashville airport on Wednesday morning (May 1) where they were greeted with the “Lift Off to the Kickoff” event in Delta’s sky club. The festival officially commenced with the “Sunset Pier Kick Off Party” hosted by Storme Warren, where Kristen McNamara, the Heartwreckers and headliner Dylan Marlowe took the stage.

Then festival attendees were off the rounds, hearing music from songwriters such as Tim Nichols, Jeffrey Steele, Jacob Hackworth, Shane Profitt, Jack Ingram, Bridgette Tatum, Guthrie Trapp and more.

On Thursday (May 2), rounds featured songwriters such as Renee Blair, Cameron Bedell, Dax, Jeff Garrison, Liz Rose, Joe Fox, Fancy Hagood and many more. That night, a sold-out crowd gathered at the Coffee Butler Amphitheater for Mackenzie Carpenter, Restless Road and headliner Cole Swindell.

Lily Rose brings the crowd to the Duval Street Show at the Key West Songwriters Festival, presented by BMI. Photo: Carol Tedesco for BMI

Friday (May 3) brought rounds featuring songwriters Ben Chapman, Lori McKenna, Meg McRee, Brad Rempel, Laci Kaye Booth, Harper Grace and more.

On Saturday (May 4), after the “Bloody Mary Bash” with Robert Earl Keen or yoga with Emma Klein, the Key West Woman’s Club hosted hourly rounds at the Hellings Curry Museum with Rebecca Lynn Howard, Megan Linville, Twinnie and Emma Zinck. Then the Texas Heritage Songwriters Association and the Texas Music Office presented the Texas Showcase at the San Carlos Institute hosted by Ingram and Rose. To end the night, festival-goers flocked to Duval Street to catch Kaleb Sanders, Lily Rose and Dallas Davidson for the free street show.

Sunday (May 5), the last day of the festival, launched with the inaugural “Sunday Songs: Music & Mimosas” at Williams Hall where Chuck Cannon, Elisha Hoffman, Rebecca Lynn Howard, Tommy Sims and BMI’s Shannon Sanders performed renowned gospel songs. The night concluded with the “All Star Encore” at the Key West Theater featuring David Fanning, Earl Bud Lee, Danny Myrick, Taylor Phillips, Alana Springsteen, Shawna Thompson and more.

Proceeds from the Key West Songwriters Festival benefit the BMI Foundation, a nonprofit founded in 1985 that supports music education and creation through various grants and scholarships, along with Michelle’s Foundation, a Key West-based nonprofit that helps children and families in need. The event also benefits CreatiVets.

Liz Rose plays crowd-favorite songs and invites BMI songwriters to join her on stage at Blue Heaven showcase during the Key West Songwriters Festival, presented by BMI. Photo: Carol Tedesco for BMI

BMI songwriters Harper Lee, Sheena Brook and Sonia Leigh perform an intimate set at the La Te Da Cabaret during the Key West Songwriters Festival, presented by BMI. Photo: Carol Tedesco for BMI

Festival-goers gather at Williams Hall for Sunday songs showcase with Tommy Sims, Elisha Hoffman, Rebecca Lynn Howard, and Chuck Cannon, hosted by BMI’s Shannon Sanders at the Key West Songwriters Festival, presented by BMI. Photo: Carol Tedesco for BMI

Dallas Davidson headlines the Duval Street Show at the Key West Songwriters Festival, presented by BMI. Photo: Carol Tedesco for BMI

Pictured (L-R): BMI’s Bruce Esworthy, Mason Hunter, Mike O’Neill, Leslie Roberts, Clay Bradley, Mitch Ballard, Nina Carter, Shannon Sanders, Liz Fischer, MaryAnn Keen and Dan Spears celebrate the kickoff to the Key West Songwriters Festival, presented by BMI. Photo: Carol Tedesco for BMI

Tommy Sims and Chuck Cannon play for a packed house at the Key West Theater during the Key West Songwriters Festival, presented by BMI. Photo: Carol Tedesco for BMI

BMI songwriters Cameron Bedell, Alee, and Fancy Hagood perform in a round sponsored by White Claw at the Key West Songwriters Festival, presented by BMI. Photo: Carol Tedesco for BMI

Jaxson Free, Schmitty and Thomas Edwards debut new songs for the crowd at the Key West Songwriters Festival, presented by BMI. Photo: Carol Tedesco for BMI

Jackson Nance and Jeff Garrison kick off the day at Rams Head Southernmost during the Key West Songwriters Festival, presented by BMI. Photo: Carol Tedesco for BMI

Weekly Register: Shaboozey Stays Atop The Country Streaming Songs Chart

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Shaboozey. Photo: Daniel Prakopcy

Shaboozey‘s “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” stays atop the country streaming songs chart this week with 32 million new streams, adding to 66 million ATD, according to Luminate data.

Zach Bryan and Kacey Musgraves‘ “I Remember Everything” remains at No. 2 with 16 million streams, adding to 706 million ATD, while Morgan Wallen‘s “Last Night” ascends to No. 3 with 11.6 million new streams, adding to 1.35 billion ATD. Bryan’s “Something In The Orange” sits at No. 4 with 11.5 million streams, adding to 1.37 billion ATD, and Beyoncé‘s “Texas Hold ‘Em” tumbles down to No. 5 with 11 million new streams, adding to 222 million ATD.

On the country albums chart, Wallen’s One Thing At A Time returns to No. 1 with 69K in total consumption (1.3K album only/87 million song streams). Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter slides down to No. 2 with 52K (6.7K album only/56 million song streams), followed by Wallen’s Dangerous: The Double Album at No. 3 with 40K (348 album only/52 million song streams). Bryan’s self-titled collection claims No. 4 again with 36K (2.4K album only/44 million song streams), as his American Heartbreak rests at No. 5 with 29K (718 album only/37 million song streams).