Lauren Daigle Celebrates New RIAA Certifications
Pictured (L-R): Leigh Holt (Manager, maddjett), Steve Bartels (Founder, Music Bartels), Lauren Daigle, Caren Siedle (CEO Centricity Music), Michele Ballantyne (RIAA President & COO), Andrew Lambeth (VP, Sales & Promotions, Centricity Music). Photo: Ashley Wright.
Grammy-winning artist Lauren Daigle celebrated two new RIAA certifications before her show at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena last weekend. Her 2018 album Look Up Child was certified double Platinum. She also received a Gold certification for her track “Thank God I Do,” released in 2023.
Jackie DeShannon Featured In CMHOFM ‘Poets And Prophets’ Program
Pictured (L-R): Dickey Lee, Don Schlitz, Buzz Cason, Jackie DeShannon, Michael Gray (Vice President of Museum Services), Mark D. Sanders. Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
Last weekend, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum (CMHOFM) featured singer-songwriter Jackie DeShannon for their “Poets and Prophets” series. The series highlights songwriters who made significant contributions to country music. Moderated by CMHOFM’s Vice President of Museum Services Michael Gray, the program featured DeShannon discussing her journey as well as video clips of DeShannon performing with Country Music Hall of Fame members including Johnny Cash, Glen Campbell, Willie Nelson and more.
This program was filmed and will premiere at a later date as part of the museum’s “Live at the Hall” digital programs series, available to stream on the museum’s website.
Sixth Annual ‘Daryle Singletary Keepin’ It Country Jam’ Raises $88,000
Pictured (L-R): Josh Bleidt (Concerts 4 A Cause), Holly Singletary, Taylor Stanford (Y’all 106.7.), Ron Allan (Y’all 106.7.). Photo: Courtesy of 2911 Media.
The sixth annual “Daryle Singletary Keepin’ It Country Jam” took place in February and raised $88,597.06. The event featured performances from Neal McCoy, Tyler Farr, Lee Greenwood, The Malpass Brothers, Andy Griggs, Craig Campbell, Jenna LaMaster, John Morgan, Duke Henry and Robert Bacon, along surprise performances from Richard Sterban of The Oak Ridge Boys and Collin Raye. All proceeds from the event went to the Daryle Singletary Memorial Trust.
“I can’t thank all the artists, managers, sponsors, and fans that came out to support what Daryle loved so much – traditional country music,” says Holly Singletary. “Each year, it seems that more and more people learn about what we are doing in Daryle’s honor and want to help. This can only continue with everyone’s support. Next year, we have already set the date for February 11th at the Nashville Palace, so I hope everyone plans to come out!”
Concord Music Publishing & Stax Records Hosts Stax Music Academy Songwriting Workshop
Pictured (L-R): Brad Kennard (SVP A&R Nashville, Concord Music Publishing, Cory Henry, Matt Megan (Director, A&R Research, Concord Music Publishing), Jeremy Yohai (SVP A&R NYC, Concord Music Publishing). Photo: Rubenstein PR.
Concord Music Publishing and Stax Records hosted their fourth annual Stax Music Academy Songwriting workshop last week. The workshop hosted eight students from Stax Music Academy to Concord’s office in Nashville. The students got a tour of the office the went into a workshop hosted by Grammy-winning artist, composer, producer and multi-instrumentalist Cory Henry, Concord Music Publishing’s Brad Kennard (SVP A&R Nashville), Jeremy Yohai (SVP A&R NYC) and Matt Megan (Director, A&R Research).
The attendees in the workshop wrote a new song based off a brief presented by the team. The workshop concluded with a presentation of the songs and feedback from Henry and the Concord team.
Carter Vintage Guitars Celebrates Opening Of New Location In Nashville
Carter Vintage Guitars Showroom. Photo: Courtesy of Reed PR.
Carter Vintage Guitars celebrated the grand opening of their new Nashville location last Thursday (April 4). The new location is located at the Antiques building at Somera Road’s Paseo South Gulch. The event featured performances by Marcus King, DJ Barricade Babes and Daves Highway.
“Our customers are the reason the Carter brand has grown to what it is today, and we wanted to show our gratitude for their support and loyalty by focusing on every detail of the customer experience with the grand opening celebration,” says Ben Montague, Co-founder and CEO of The North American Guitar, which merged with Carter Vintage Guitars in 2022. “We celebrated the foundation Walter and Christie built for Carter Vintage Guitars and the exciting future the business has in the new showroom. We’re honored that the Carters have passed the baton to our team to carry on the store’s legacy in this new location.”
ONErpm Signs Britnee Kellogg
/by Liza AndersonPictured (L-R, back row): ONErpm’s Tim Wipperman and Angela Chamberlain; (L-R, front row): ONErpm’s Shelby Kennedy, Britnee Kellogg and ONErpm’s Kyle Dembek. Photo: Brooke Christopher
Record label and distribution company ONErpm has signed Nashville singer-songwriter Britnee Kellogg.
The former American Idol contestant developed a love for country music at the age of six, after attending a Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash concert. Now a 39-year-old mother of three, she aims to craft songs that resonate with others.
Kellogg previously released “She’s Come a Long Way,” which celebrates women who have overcome adversity. Her new single “Hell in a Handbag” approaches that same theme with a different lens. Produced by Autumn McEntire and Jared Conrad and written by Tori Tullier, Alyssa Micaela and Olivia Rudeen, the tune is set for release this Friday (April 12).
“We know how fortunate we are to work with Britnee. Her songs express a point of view we rarely get to hear today,” says Shelby Kennedy, Director of A&R, ONErpm Nashville. “At ONErpm, we believe ‘unique deserves unique,’ and that is why we are extremely excited to work with such a strong new talent.”
Additionally, Kellogg is booked by The Kinkead Entertainment Agency, and has shared the stage with artists such as Blake Shelton, Eric Paslay, Kane Brown, Keith Urban, Lee Brice and Little Big Town. She is currently performing across nation, while writing and recording new music.
Elvie Shane Signs With WME For Global Representation
/by Madison HahnenElvie Shane. Photo: Nathan Chapman
Singer-songwriter Elvie Shane has signed with WME for global representation in all areas. Shane’s agent team will include Becky Gardenhire, Jon Folk, Doug Neff, Lance Alleman and Caleb Fenn. They will work on bookings for touring, brand partnerships, digital, TV and film.
“We’ve been watching Elvie’s artistry grow over the last few years and were blown away when we heard a few early tracks off the new album,” says Gardenhire. “We are excited about the opportunity to get Elvie in front of audiences where his impactful songs will resonate and grow his fan base.”
Named a 2024 Artists to Watch by the Nashville Scene, the BBR Music Group/Wheelhouse Records artist emerged into the country music scene in 2021 with his Platinum certified No. 1 single “My Boy.” His debut album Backslider garnered the attention of multiple best-of lists.
Shane is currently gearing up for the release of his sophomore album Damascus, releasing April 19. The project includes already released tracks “Baptized,” “Jonesin’,” “Forgotten Man” and “Pill.”
Tofer Brown Extends Deal With Concord Music Publishing [Exclusive]
/by LB CantrellTofer Brown
Hit songwriter-producer Tofer Brown has extended his partnership with Concord Music Publishing.
Brown is a producer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist whose catalog boasts over 150 recorded songs, including Jon Pardi’s three times-Platinum “Night Shift,” Little Big Town’s double-Platinum single “Wine, Beer, Whiskey” and Lady A’s “Ocean,” as well as over 100 sync placements across TV and film. The multi-genre creator has had songs cut by artists including Walker Hayes, Lauren Daigle, Jason Mraz, Tim McGraw, Keith Urban, Matt Nathanson, Tyler Hubbard, Carly Pearce and many others.
Currently, Brown is on the country charts as a co-writer of “Can’t Break Up Now” by Old Dominion and Megan Moroney, which the two recently performed on the CMT Music Awards. He is also a co-writer and producer on Ruelle’s “War of Hearts” that just crossed 150 million streams on Spotify.
“There’s a lot of great publishers in Nashville, but Concord has always embraced my desire to want to work in multiple genres and different styles,” he tells MusicRow. “They understand sync and pop, and working with global artists. I’ve always appreciated their understanding that there’s more music outside of Nashville, too. As much as they celebrate this town, they know there’s more beyond.”
When it came to extending his partnership with the Concord team in Music City, it was a no-brainer for Brown.
“I love my whole team. Brad Kennard came into the picture [when I was at Razor & Tie]. He’s great,” Brown says. “Jen Hubbard has been so crucial to understanding a lot of my stuff outside of Nashville.” Brown adds, “I’ve also gotten the pleasure of working with Courtney Allen, who is the champion of all champions for Nashville songwriters.”
In addition to his deal extension, Brown will continue working with Concord on his JV Chromatic Music, the company he established in 2022 that focuses on the development and mentorship of talent from all genres and skillsets. Its roster includes songwriter Lauren Hungate, a co-writer on Bailey Zimmerman’s buzzy new single “Holy Smokes.”
Brown connected with Hungate during the pandemic when he set up a platform on Instagram for new songwriters to submit their music to him for constructive feedback due to the lack of opportunities for in-person writer rounds, meetings and networking opportunities. Of the over 500 songs he received, Hungate’s material was the cream of the crop.
“I’ve always had such a strong desire for mentoring and bringing up the next generation,” Brown says. “Lauren is crushing it. She has been building her network at lightning speed because of how unbelievably good she is and how great she is with people.”
Eric Church Opens Chief’s
/by LB CantrellEric Church performs during his “To Beat The Devil” Residency in celebration of Chief’s grand opening. Photo: Anthony D’Angio
After three years of anticipation, Eric Church and AJ Capital Partners’ Founder and CEO Ben Weprin have opened their six-story bar, music venue and restaurant, Chief’s.
Chief’s. Photo: Wade Hall Photography, Courtesy of Chief’s
The historic building at 200 Broadway is an incredibly-detailed and thoughtfully-decorated homage to Church and his music. In addition to tons of memorabilia from the Chief himself’s career—like an entire floor plastered in concert posters and plenty of photos highlighting his history—there is so much evidence of the people, places and things that inspire the country icon. The stairwell is painted in Tar Heel blue in honor of his home team. The windows are adorned in stained glass art depicting his musical heroes. There are song lyrics, inside jokes and love letters to his fans—the Church Choir—everywhere.
Each floor has its own soul. The first floor, with its more than 4,000 concert posters covering every surface, includes a stage and DJ booth and is called Chief’s Tavern. Floor two, the Friendly Shadows Dueling Piano Bar, maintains a swankier vibe.
The venue taps into Church’s Carolina roots in partnership with Rodney Scott, whose Whole Hog BBQ—part of the Pihakis Restaurant Group—occupies the fifth and sixth floors, overlooking downtown with its “Hell of a Q” rooftop location.
Chief’s. Photo: Wade Hall Photography, Courtesy of Chief’s
The heart of the building, floors three and four, make up the 400-capacity Neon Steeple performance space, where you’re able to watch a performance from floor three’s dance floor or floor four’s dark, wooden church pews. This is the main space that Church intends to showcase artists and music he believes in.
“When I came to Nashville in search of a place to play my songs, nowhere on this strip would have me. I went to Fiddle & Steel in Printers Alley and found my tribe,” Church shared about the original neon sign that illuminates the theater balcony. “So, when we started building this, it was designed to be a place to bring original music back to the heart of historic Broadway.”
On opening weekend of Chief’s, Church gave his first of 19 residency shows. In a journey chronicling his life and career, Church Choir members were treated to a nearly two-hour set just for them.
Eric Church performs during his “To Beat The Devil” Residency in celebration of Chief’s grand opening. Photo: John Shearer for Getty Images
“I wanted a place I play songs that didn’t make albums—and this is the only place I’ll do a lot of these songs and share a lot of these stories. It’s a conversation in a place only for the people there,” he says.
Chief’s also houses a studio for broadcasting, inclusive of Eric Church Outsiders Radio on SiriusXM, with the capability of hosting broadcasts by various media partners. With street-level windows, the studio provides fans from around the world with a behind-the-scenes experience with a front-row view of broadcasting in action.
Ultimately, it’s clear that every detail behind the design, execution, venue management, food and drink options and musical capabilities has been thought of. The establishment stands out on lower Broadway as an entertainment destination that will stand the test of time.
“This building is a lot like the songs I write … they’re mine until I release them, and then they’re not mine anymore, they’re yours,” shares Church.
In Pictures: Tortuga Music Festival Hosts 11th Annual Event
/by Liza AndersonTortuga Music Festival 2024.
Rock The Ocean’s Tortuga Music Festival hosted its 11th annual event in Fort Lauderdale, Florida this past weekend (April 5-7), in partnership with Live Nation.
Lainey Wilson headlining Tortuga Music Festival 2024.
Since its inception in 2013, the festival has raised nearly five million dollars for over 100 nonprofit organization dedicated to saving oceans and marine life as well as research in the United States, Bahamas, South Africa and Asia.
Headlined by Lainey Wilson, Hardy and Jason Aldean, the 2024 event brought over 40 acts to the Sunshine State.
On Friday (April 5), the festival kicked off with Shwayze, Boys II Men, Teddy Swims and Ashley McBryde taking the Sunset Stage. Recent CMT Music Award winner Warren Zeiders graced the Main Stage and invited Swims to perform a special rendition of “Tennessee Whiskey.” Turnpike Troubadours then serenaded the crowd as the sun went down, and Wilson closed out opening night with tracks from her Grammy-winning Bell Bottom Country album.
The Sunset Stage consisted country artist Russell Dickerson as well as rockstar Bret Michaels of Poison, who sang “Your Mama Don’t Dance” and “Nothing But a Good Time” in addition to a surprise cover of “Sweet Home Alabama” with Cooper Alan, on Saturday (April 6). The Main Stage lineup included Michael Franti & Spearhead, Old Dominion and Hardy, who wrapped the second day with his genre-blending sound.
To round out the weekend, the Wheeland Brothers took the Sunset Stage along with legendary ’90s group TLC and country-folk singer Charles Wesley Godwin on Sunday (April 7). Country stars Brian Kelley and Bailey Zimmerman sang to the sea of attendees from the Main Stage, and Aldean brought the 2024 event to an end with “My Kinda Party” and “Lights Come On,” accompanied by Zimmerman.
This year’s Tortuga Music Festival also showcased emerging talent such as Sadie Bass, Annie Bosko, The Castellows, Kolby Cooper, Logan Crosby, Hannah Ellis, Dylan Gossett, HunterGirl, Greylan James, Meg McRee, Peytan Porter, Josh Ross, Austin Snell, Anne Wilson and Stephen Wilson Jr. on the Next From Nashville Stage.
Bret Michaels and Cooper Alan performing at Tortuga Music Festival 2024.
Hardy headlining Tortuga Music Festival 2024.
The Black Opry’s Julie Williams and Roberta Lea performing at Tortuga Music Festival 2024.
Peytan Porter performing at Tortuga Music Festival 2024.
Jason Aldean headlining Tortuga Music Festival 2024.
Industry Ink: Lauren Daigle, Jackie DeShannon, Daryle Singletary, More
/by Madison HahnenLauren Daigle Celebrates New RIAA Certifications
Pictured (L-R): Leigh Holt (Manager, maddjett), Steve Bartels (Founder, Music Bartels), Lauren Daigle, Caren Siedle (CEO Centricity Music), Michele Ballantyne (RIAA President & COO), Andrew Lambeth (VP, Sales & Promotions, Centricity Music). Photo: Ashley Wright.
Grammy-winning artist Lauren Daigle celebrated two new RIAA certifications before her show at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena last weekend. Her 2018 album Look Up Child was certified double Platinum. She also received a Gold certification for her track “Thank God I Do,” released in 2023.
Jackie DeShannon Featured In CMHOFM ‘Poets And Prophets’ Program
Pictured (L-R): Dickey Lee, Don Schlitz, Buzz Cason, Jackie DeShannon, Michael Gray (Vice President of Museum Services), Mark D. Sanders. Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
Last weekend, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum (CMHOFM) featured singer-songwriter Jackie DeShannon for their “Poets and Prophets” series. The series highlights songwriters who made significant contributions to country music. Moderated by CMHOFM’s Vice President of Museum Services Michael Gray, the program featured DeShannon discussing her journey as well as video clips of DeShannon performing with Country Music Hall of Fame members including Johnny Cash, Glen Campbell, Willie Nelson and more.
This program was filmed and will premiere at a later date as part of the museum’s “Live at the Hall” digital programs series, available to stream on the museum’s website.
Sixth Annual ‘Daryle Singletary Keepin’ It Country Jam’ Raises $88,000
Pictured (L-R): Josh Bleidt (Concerts 4 A Cause), Holly Singletary, Taylor Stanford (Y’all 106.7.), Ron Allan (Y’all 106.7.). Photo: Courtesy of 2911 Media.
The sixth annual “Daryle Singletary Keepin’ It Country Jam” took place in February and raised $88,597.06. The event featured performances from Neal McCoy, Tyler Farr, Lee Greenwood, The Malpass Brothers, Andy Griggs, Craig Campbell, Jenna LaMaster, John Morgan, Duke Henry and Robert Bacon, along surprise performances from Richard Sterban of The Oak Ridge Boys and Collin Raye. All proceeds from the event went to the Daryle Singletary Memorial Trust.
“I can’t thank all the artists, managers, sponsors, and fans that came out to support what Daryle loved so much – traditional country music,” says Holly Singletary. “Each year, it seems that more and more people learn about what we are doing in Daryle’s honor and want to help. This can only continue with everyone’s support. Next year, we have already set the date for February 11th at the Nashville Palace, so I hope everyone plans to come out!”
Concord Music Publishing & Stax Records Hosts Stax Music Academy Songwriting Workshop
Pictured (L-R): Brad Kennard (SVP A&R Nashville, Concord Music Publishing, Cory Henry, Matt Megan (Director, A&R Research, Concord Music Publishing), Jeremy Yohai (SVP A&R NYC, Concord Music Publishing). Photo: Rubenstein PR.
Concord Music Publishing and Stax Records hosted their fourth annual Stax Music Academy Songwriting workshop last week. The workshop hosted eight students from Stax Music Academy to Concord’s office in Nashville. The students got a tour of the office the went into a workshop hosted by Grammy-winning artist, composer, producer and multi-instrumentalist Cory Henry, Concord Music Publishing’s Brad Kennard (SVP A&R Nashville), Jeremy Yohai (SVP A&R NYC) and Matt Megan (Director, A&R Research).
The attendees in the workshop wrote a new song based off a brief presented by the team. The workshop concluded with a presentation of the songs and feedback from Henry and the Concord team.
Carter Vintage Guitars Celebrates Opening Of New Location In Nashville
Carter Vintage Guitars Showroom. Photo: Courtesy of Reed PR.
Carter Vintage Guitars celebrated the grand opening of their new Nashville location last Thursday (April 4). The new location is located at the Antiques building at Somera Road’s Paseo South Gulch. The event featured performances by Marcus King, DJ Barricade Babes and Daves Highway.
“Our customers are the reason the Carter brand has grown to what it is today, and we wanted to show our gratitude for their support and loyalty by focusing on every detail of the customer experience with the grand opening celebration,” says Ben Montague, Co-founder and CEO of The North American Guitar, which merged with Carter Vintage Guitars in 2022. “We celebrated the foundation Walter and Christie built for Carter Vintage Guitars and the exciting future the business has in the new showroom. We’re honored that the Carters have passed the baton to our team to carry on the store’s legacy in this new location.”
Weekly Register: Beyoncé Commands The Country Charts
/by Liza AndersonBeyoncé commands the country charts this week as her Cowboy Carter collection debuts at No. 1 on the country albums chart with 407K in total consumption (168K album only/291 million song streams), and claims four of the top five tracks on the country streaming songs chart, according to Luminate data.
Elsewhere on the country albums chart, Morgan Wallen‘s One Thing At A Time falls to No. 2 with 69K (1.5K album only/88 million song streams), while Zach Bryan‘s self-titled project tumbles to No. 3 with 39K (3.2K album only/46 million song streams). Wallen’s Dangerous: The Double Album descends to No. 4 with 38K (395 album only/50 million song streams), followed by Bryan’s American Heartbreak at No. 5 with 29K (837 album only/37 million song streams).
Beyoncé’s “Texas Hold ‘Em” tops the country streaming songs chart with 24 million new streams, adding to 164 million ATD. Her “II Most Wanted” collaboration with Miley Cyrus marks the chart’s top debut at No. 2 with 23 million streams, followed by her rendition of “Jolene” at No. 3 with 20 million streams. Bryan and Kacey Musgraves‘ “I Remember Everything” shifts down to No. 4 with 17 million new streams, adding to 636 million ATD, while Beyoncé and Post Malone‘s “Levii’s Jeans” premieres at No. 5 with 15 million streams.
Thomas Rhett To Host The 2024 CCMA Awards With MacKenzie Porter
/by Lorie HollabaughThomas Rhett is set to host the 2024 CCMA Awards presented by TD in Edmonton, AB on Sept. 14.
Rhett, who has 16 No.1 hits at Canadian country radio, will be joined by two-time CCMA Award winner and chart-topping Canadian country star and actor, MacKenzie Porter, to celebrate Canada’s biggest night in country music. Returning to Edmonton for the first time in 10 years and marking their eighth time in the city, the 2024 CCMA Awards presented by TD will broadcast live from Rogers Place in the heart of downtown Edmonton.
“We’re so excited to have Thomas Rhett, and MacKenzie Porter come together to host Canada’s biggest night in country music,” says Amy Jeninga, President, CCMA. “The indelible marks these two individuals have made on the country music landscape, not just in Canada but globally, showcase the universal appeal and talent within our community. Their collective presence on stage at Rogers Place will undoubtedly create a captivating experience for fans in Edmonton and those watching across the country, and we can’t wait to see the magic they bring.”
The show will air on Saturday Sept. 14 at 8:00 p.m. ET on CTV, CTV.ca and the CTV app. Canada’s Country Music Week 2024 kicks off in Edmonton on Sept. 11, culminating with the 2024 CCMA Awards. With CTV as the exclusive broadcast partner for the 42nd annual CCMA Awards presented by TD, Bell Media will deliver extensive multi-platform coverage and content across broadcast, radio, digital, and social media properties, including iHeartRadio Canada’s Pure Country.
Date Announced For 37th Annual Music Row Ladies Golf Tournament
/by Liza AndersonMRLGT 2023 Costume Contest winners, Team Warner Music Group
The 37th annual Music Row Ladies Golf Tournament (MRLGT) will take place on Monday, Aug. 12 at Old Natchez Country Club in Nashville.
All MRLGT proceeds will once again go to United Cerebral Palsy of Middle Tennessee. The tournament is one of Music Row’s longest-running charity events, and United Cerebral Palsy of Middle Tennessee’s largest annual fundraiser. Throughout its 37-year history, the MRLGT has raised a approximately $2.5 million total for the organization, supporting people with disabilities across Middle Tennessee in the form of wheelchair ramps, home modifications and medical equipment donations.
The tournament tradition of teams collaborating on themed costumes will also continue this year. Registration opens in June, with more details to be announced soon. For information about becoming a sponsor or contributor and more, reach out to MRLGTnash@gmail.com.
Amazon Music To Return As Exclusive Streaming Destination For Stagecoach 2024
/by Lorie HollabaughAmazon Music is returning as the exclusive streaming destination for this year’s sold-out Stagecoach Festival, set for April 26-28 at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California.
Fans from around the world will be able to enjoy sets from country’s biggest artists from the T-Mobile Mane Stage in the comfort of their own homes including sets from artists like Eric Church, Jelly Roll, Elle King, Post Malone, Willie Nelson & Family, Hardy and Bailey Zimmerman.
The Stagecoach livestream from Amazon Music will also include live interviews with Country Heat Weekly hosts Kelly Sutton and Amber Anderson, as well as country music personality Graham Bunn. The hosts will chat with some of the festival’s hottest artists from the exclusive Amazon Music backstage set to preview the performances fans can expect to see throughout the weekend. Fans can also purchase merchandise from a wide selection of artists performing at Stagecoach and listen to the Official Stagecoach playlist at Amazon.com/stagecoach.
Sponsored by American Express, e.l.f. SKIN, T-Mobile and Universal Pictures’ The Fall Guy, from 87North, the livestream will be available on the Amazon Music channel on Twitch and Prime Video, slated for a 4 p.m. PT start each day.