Sturgill Simpson To Celebrate 10th Anniversary Of 2014 Album With Reissue

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Sturgill Simpson is reissuing his album, Metamodern Sounds In Country Music, in celebration of its 10th anniversary on May 10.

Originally released on May 13, 2014, the album marked a career breakthrough for Simpson personally and proved to be a shift-maker within the larger country music genre. The new edition features a reimagined album cover and vinyl package, pressed on 180g black vinyl with an “old-style” tip-on jacket. For more information, click here.

The album was recorded live-to-tape in four dates and features Simpson alongside his original band—bassist Kevin Black, guitarist Laur Joamets and drummer Miles Miller. In 2014, he shared, “Myriad worldly offerings—religion, drugs and more—all claim to be the omnipotent universal truth, but in my experience, love is the only certainty. That’s what this record is about.”

Metamodern Sounds In Country Music has been included on best-of-the-year lists by publications such as The New York Times, Rolling Stone, The Village Voice’s Pazz & Jop, NPR Music, American Songwriter, Stereogum, Los Angeles Times, Pitchfork, Paste, KCRW, The Washington Post, Nashville Scene and more.

Bobby Bones Hosts Star-Studded Seventh Annual ‘Million Dollar Show’

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Bobby Bones & The Raging Idiots. Photo: Libby Carper.

Bobby Bones & The Raging Idiots celebrated a sold-out seventh annual Million Dollar Show at the Ryman Auditorium Wednesday night (April 3), raising over $215,000 for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Sam Hunt. Photo: Libby Carper.

In addition to performances from Bones & The Raging Idiots, the show featured Sam Hunt, Jon Pardi, Megan Moroney, Ben Rector, Ian Munsick, Nate Smith, Mat Kearney, Edwin McCain, Grace Bowers and Lauren Watkins.

Fans were also treated to surprise appearances throughout the night. Rock band Lit performed their hits “My Own Worst Enemy” and “Miserable.” Country band Turnpike Troubadours hit the stage with “Diamonds & Gasoline” and “Good Lord Lorie.”

The last performance of the night was Bones bringing pop superstar Post Malone onto the stage for his unofficial Ryman debut. Post Malone treated the crowd to a cover of Hank William’s “Honky Tonk Blues” and his current single “Stay.”

Since 2014, Bones and The Bobby Bones Show have raised over $24.8 million to help kids fight cancer and life-threatening diseases.

Lit and Bobby Bones. Photo: Libby Carper.

Post Malone and Bobby Bones. Photo: Libby Carper.

Marcus King Delves Into Some Dark Corners On New ‘Mood Swings’ Project

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Marcus King. Photo: JM Collective

Marcus King‘s aptly titled new album Mood Swings, produced by Rick Rubin, is out now via American/Republic Records.

Though it drew on some of King’s darkest moments, the project became a beacon of hope for the young artist as he created it, offering a bit of refuge for anyone going through similar issues in their lives. Despite its often bleak subject matter, which draws on King’s challenges with mental health and times when he was truly on the brink and considering taking his own life, Mood Swings is an album with a message of hope. Rubin helped King find a new personal and sonic approach and inspired him to shift his perspective on the new album.

“He helped me view mental health as a writing partner in a way,” recalls King. “I’ve learned it can give me that creative spark.”

King debuted album track, “Delilah” a piano driven classic rocker, early on The Tonight Show and again this week on The Kelly Clarkson Show. He is being inducted into the South Carolina Entertainment and Music Hall of Fame on April 25 at Furman University’s McAlister Auditorium, and kicks off a tour beginning in May 2025. King will also perform at the Grand Ole Opry on April 12.

Mood Swings Track List:
1. Mood Swings
2. F*ck My Life Up Again
3. Soul It Screams
4. Save Me
5. Hero
6. Delilah
7. Inglewood Motel (Halestorm)
8. This Far Gone
9. Bipolar Love
10. Me Or Tennessee
12. Cadillac

Payton Smith Joins The Familie

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Payton Smith. Photo: Taylor Kelly

Payton Smith has signed with The Familie for management representation.

Smith debuted on the music scene in 2019, garnering over 50 million streams with his first single “Like I Knew You Would.” He crafted each track of his debut project, and was named a 2021 MusicRow Next Big Thing and CMT Listen Up artist. “Like I Knew You Would” reached No. 7 on Spotify’s Hot Country chart for the year.

In late 2022, Smith inked a deal with Combustion Masters, and under the production of Combustion’s Chris Farren, unveiled “Missed The Boat” in early 2023. His debut album, What Colors Your Wild, was released last year and earned coveted spots on playlists such as Apple’s New In Country, Spotify’s New Music Friday Country, Tidal’s Country Waves, Rising: Country and Amazon Music’s Breakthrough Country, accumulating 3 million streams.

“I am so excited to be working with Payton Smith. I believe Payton is one of the most talented singers, songwriters, and musicians Nashville has to offer and I am fired up to share his talent with the world. 2024 is going to be a big year for Payton Smith,” shares Chase Berlin, artist manager at The Familie.

“I could not be more excited to sign with The Familie as my new management team,” says Payton. “I believe their approach and vision to managing an artist is exactly what I need for my career and I am so excited to get to work. It is fitting that my new EP is called Up From Here. Chase, Royce [Risser], Steve [Astephen], Nano [Tissera] and the whole team… let’s get after it!”

Industry Ink: Cooper Alan, SOURCE, Brandy Clark, Bandit Lites

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Cooper Alan Earns First No. 1 On SiriusXM The Highway

Photo: Matthew Berinato

Rising country artist Cooper Alan has earned his first No. 1 song on SiriusXM’s The Highway with his track “Take Forever (Hally’s Song).” The tune appears on Alan’s latest EP Take Forever, released last year.

“I’ve jammed to the Highway in my car for years now.” says Alan. “It’s an honor to have my music played on there and I’m so grateful to the fans for giving me my first number one song! It’s a moment I’ll never forget. Excited to release a bunch of new music the rest of this year!”

 

SOURCE Members Gather For ‘Blurred Lines: Creating Boundaries in a Boundaryless Business’

Pictured (L-R): Ashley Hertzog Embry (SOURCE Programming Co-Chair and Hearts Bluff VP of Acquisitions), Beth Barcus (Porter’s Call Co-Executive Director and Counselor), Sara Knabe (Big Loud Senior VP of A&R), Emily Shackelton. Photo: Courtesy of SOURCE.

Members of SOURCE recently gathered at the CMA building for the panel “Blurred Lines: Creating Boundaries in a Boundaryless Business.” The discussion was moderated by SOURCE Programming Co-Chair Ashley Hertzog Embry and featured Big Loud Senior VP of A&R Sara Knabe, singer-songwriter Emily Shackelton and Porter’s Call Co-Executive Director and Counselor Beth Barcus.

The conversation centered around each woman’s journey in the music industry and setting boundaries, struggles to say “no” and finding work-life balance. “If it’s a ‘maybe’ it’s a ‘no’,” Knabe shared during the panel. “That’s helped me … and being okay with that allows me to set up boundaries for my personal time and work.”

 

Brandy Clark Completes Americana NYU Artist-In-Residence

Brandy Clark. Photo: Courtesy of The Americana Music Foundation.

Grammy-winning artist Brandy Clark completed her NYU Americana Artist-In-Residence program at New York University, in partnership with the Americana Music Foundation. In her residency, she mentored university students, providing insights and sharing her experience as an artist and songwriter.

Recently Clark gave a performance of “Songs That Made Me Want To Write Songs” at the university. Phil Galdston, Director of Songwriting at NYU, also hosted a Q&A with Clark in front of students.

 

Bandit Lites Ups Craig Richter To Project Manager & Designer

Craig Richter. Photo: Courtesy of Bandit Lites.

Full-service design, management and production company Bandit Lites has promoted Craig Richter to Project Manager & Designer. In his new role, Richter will plan, direct and coordinate with Bandit’s clients to ensure the goals and objectives are accomplished within defined budget and time frames.

“One of the best things I have always liked about working at Bandit is the stability and ability to grow through the company,” says Richter. “When I was touring, I liked having the stability of knowing I always had work once a tour was coming to an end and a place to ‘go home to.’ I had always heard Michael Strickland talk about wanting his employees to have a career at Bandit not just look at it like a job, so once I felt that it was time to come off the road, I approached Bandit about taking the next step in my career here, they were extremely helpful and excited about taking this next step with me.”

Dustin Lynch Launches ‘Killed The Cowboy Tour’ With Sold-Out Ryman Show

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Dustin Lynch during his headline debut at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium. Photo: Jack Owens

Dustin Lynch launched his 18-date “Killed The Cowboy Tour” by selling out his headlining debut at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium on Tuesday night (April 2) alongside opener Skeez.

Dustin Lynch during his headline debut at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium. Photo: Jack Owens

The Tullahoma native added the biggest production he’s ever brought on the road to the historic stage with a setlist curated from Killed The Cowboy, including his current single and collaboration with Jelly Roll, “Chevrolet,” as well as selections from his batch of nine No. 1s like “Stars Like Confetti,” “Small Town Boy” and “Good Girl,” during which he gave a special shoutout to his mom who was in the audience, as it’s her favorite song.

“We’ve been saying this for weeks. Literally, a bunch of times every day we’ve looked at each other on the bus and we’re like, ‘We’re headlining the Ryman!’ Not only that, you guys SOLD OUT the Ryman for us! That’s awesome,” shared Lynch from the stage. “Thank you for spending your hard-earned money to be here with us tonight. That does not go unnoticed. A lot of our families are here tonight, and we get to support our families because you support our songs, our music and our concerts–and we love you for it. Thank you very much for that.”

Keeping the celebration going post-show, Lynch hosted an official after-party at PBR Nashville, where he tried his hand at guest bartending, popped up behind the DJ booth and even had a line dance dedicated by the bar staff to album track “Honky Tonk Heartbreaker.”

The trek will make stops in Charlotte, Minneapolis, Boston, St. Louis and more before it wraps next month.

Additionally, Lynch is up for Performance of the Year for the CMT Campfire Sessions‘ performance of “Thinking ‘Bout You (feat. MacKenzie Porter)” at the 2024 CMT Music Awards, taking place this Sunday (April 7) in Austin, Texas.

Kenny Chesney’s ‘Take Her Home’ Reaches No. 1 On MusicRow Radio Chart

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Kenny Chesney‘s smooth ballad “Take Her Home” has reached the No. 1 spot on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart this week, climbing from No. 2 to No. 1.

The track appears on Chesney’s Born album and was written by Hunter Phelps, Michael Hardy and Zach Abend.

Chesney is gearing up to hit the road on his upcoming “Sun Goes Down 2024 Tour.” Joined by Zac Brown Band, Megan Moroney and Uncle Kracker, the tour will kick off at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida on April 20.

“Take Her Home” currently sits at No. 12 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart and No. 12 on the Mediabase chart.

Click here to view the latest edition of the MusicRow Weekly containing the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart.

Colt Ford In ICU Following A Heart Attack

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Colt Ford: Photo: Goldy

Country-rap maverick Colt Ford had a heart attack after a show in Gilbert, Arizona on Thursday (April 4). He is now in the Intensive Care Unit at the Banner Desert Medical Center in Mesa, Arizona, and his condition is stable but critical.

A multi-Platinum singer-songwriter from Athens, Georgia, Ford has notched several No. 1 hits. He co-wrote and originally recorded Jason Aldean’s “Dirt Road Anthem,” which has garnered over 927 million worldwide streams. Ford also recently notched another chart-topper as a co-writer on George Birge‘s “Mind On You.”

[Updated on Monday, April 8, 2024]: Ford remains in the ICU, with his condition steadily improving in a positive direction. At this time, his family is requesting privacy and appreciates continued thoughts and prayers.

Tin Pan South Night Two Features Ashley Gorley, Casey Beathard, Ingrid Andress, More

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Pictured (L-R): Billy Montana, Randy Montana, Tucker Beathard, Casey Beathard. Photo: Luke Lander

Tin Pan South continued Wednesday night (April 3) at bars and listening rooms across Nashville.

Ashley Cooke, Blake Pendergrass, Lily Rose and a special guest took on the early show at Anzie Blue, while Trannie Anderson, Jon Nite, Cole Swindell and Cole Taylor played at 3rd & Lindsley. Tony Arata, Brennley Brown, Lance Carpenter and Larry Gatlin played Station Inn. Casey Beathard, Tucker Beathard, Billy Montana and Randy Montana took on the Analog at Hutton Hotel.

Pictured (L-R): Tony Arata, Lance Carpenter, Brennley Brown, Larry Gatlin. Photo: Courtesy of NSAI.

Siedah Garrett, Josh Kear, Phil Vassar and Matthew West played the 6 p.m. show at The Listening Room before Ingrid Andress, Benjy Davis, Scotty McCreery and Chase McGill took over at 9 p.m.

Pictured (L-R): Benjy Davis, Scotty McCreery, Chase McGill, Ingrid Andress. Photo: Courtesy of NSAI.

LoCash, Willie Morrison, CJ Solar and Matt Willis took the stage at Hard Rock Cafe for the late show; while Ashley Gorley, Hardy and Josh Osborne played at 3rd & Lindsley.

Pictured (L-R): Locash, Matt Willis, CJ Solar. Photo: Luke Lander

Ethan Hulse, Morgan Myles, Jason Sever and Brian White closed out The Lounge at City Winery with some music; as did Micah Carpenter, Billy Dawson, Jacob Hackworth, Zach John King and Daniel Ross at Anzie Blue.

Pictured (L-R): Jason Sever, Morgan Myles, Brian White. Photo: Courtesy of NSAI.

Among the songwriters who will be featured at tonight’s rounds (April 4) are Tiera Kennedy, Karley Scott Collins, Adam Hambrick, Stephony Smith, Jerry Flowers, Terri Jo Box, Jim Collins, Brett James, Megan Conner, Casey Brown and many more. See the full schedule here.

Warner Chappell Music Unveils ‘Straight To The Heart’ Project

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Pictured (L-R): Warner Chappell’s Ben Vaughn, Jeff Stevens, Marv Green, Steve Bogard, Warner Chappell’s Alexa Morris and Kayce Russell. Photo: Courtesy of Warner Chappell Music.

Warner Chappell Music has unveiled its Straight To The Heart project, which aims to establish a new framework that makes it easier to release more demos from publishers’ catalogs.

The first five-track EP features demos behind hits recorded by George Strait and Kenny Chesney, including Strait’s “Carrying Your Love With Me,” written by Jeff Stevens and Steve Bogard, and “It Just Comes Natural,” penned by Marv Green and Jim Collins.

This project hopes to enhance distribution and revenue opportunities for songwriters in addition to how demos are released. Songwriters, publishers, distributors, artists and the American Federation of Musicians (AFM) have collaborated on the release of each demo.

“Straight To The Heart celebrates the creative journey behind each song but also opens up new opportunities for songwriters, publishers and fans to enjoy the original demo versions of their favorite songs,” shares Ben Vaughn, President & CEO, Warner Chappell Music Nashville. “We’ve collaborated with songwriters and partners to make these original versions available for the world to enjoy.”