Photo: Robby Klein
Since becoming the first contestant to win American Idol with original music in 2021, country artist Chayce Beckham has proved that staying true yourself as well as writing about and recording what’s real to you will always resonate with others and cultivate connection in various ways. Today (April 5), he released his debut album, Bad For Me, which is a testament to just that—exploring personal themes of substance abuse, guilt and remorse. Prior to its release, Beckham took some time to speak with MusicRow about how Bad For Me came to be.
Beckham is credited as a writer on nine of the candid collection’s 13 tracks, three of which he penned solo. The self-written trio includes “23,” the hit he performed on the singing competition that recently became his first No. 1 at country radio. The Platinum-certified tune’s accompanying visual is nominated for Breakthrough Male Video of the Year at the 2024 CMT Music Awards, taking place this Sunday (April 7). The singer-songwriter notes that the vision he had for the “23” video really came to life throughout its creation process.
“I didn’t want it represent just me in particular. The kid in the video is a younger version of me, but he’s also a version of so many other young men out there that are in similar situations. I’m really proud of it,” he says. “I try to make everything as authentic as possible, and I hope that by making that character [ambiguous], it makes more people feel something.”
Apart from “23,” the album was produced by Bart Butler, and includes lead track “Devil I’ve Been,” redolent number “Everything I Need” and smooth-sounding “Whiskey Country,” all of which Beckham co-wrote with John Pierce and Lindsay Rimes. The other two solo-writes, “Mama” and “Drink You Off My Mind,” were inked before Beckham entered the spotlight. Inspired by a wide range of influences across genres, the Apple Valley, California native always wanted to pursue music and taught himself how to play guitar. He started a band and began writing at the age of 19. He feels it’s easier to take risks when he writes alone, but has learned so much through collaborating with others. “You have to be open to writing different ways with other people in order to get some really cool songs.”
While Beckham genuinely loves every song on the album, one of his favorites is a co-write with Scooter Carusoe, “If I Had A Week,” which closes the project. “It’s a really special and true song about me being out here in Tennessee and missing my family,” he says. When came to crafting Bad For Me, Beckham had a lot of creative control and was able curate a soundtrack for “everyday people who are dealing with a lot.”
“I want to talk about stuff that’s relatable. I think a lot of people have this [idea] that their favorite artists or public figures have it all figured out, but everyone is human. We all hit bumps in the road, and for me, it’s those parts of life that make the good times stand out more.”
After he heard single “Waylon In ‘75,” written by Jon Randall, Brett James, Parker McCollum and Lee Thomas Miller, he knew he wanted to cut it due to its boldness. “It’s a little reckless and it’s high-energy, but it’s also real and raw. The first line definitely caught my attention, and I think the audacity of the song is something to be admired.”
One eye-catching title on the track listing is “Glitter,” inked by Joey Hendricks, Mark Trussell and Natalie Hemby, which Beckham says embodies everything he loves about country music with its steel guitar and melody while still being unique and interesting. The title track is another outside cut written by Joe Fox, Randy Montana and Tyler Chambers. The song’s honest, human elements about having the wherewithal to know what’s bad for you really spoke to Beckham and made him want to record it. In the end, he felt like “Bad For Me” summed up the relatability the record radiates.
“I hope that people relate to this album, and it gives them a little bit of comfort along with some rowdiness and fun,” he shares. “The whole message for me is don’t beat yourself up too bad, we’re all just people and we all have our faults.”
Beckham is currently on his “Bad For Me Tour,” and will join Luke Bryan for the “Mind Of A Country Boy Tour” this summer as well as McCollum for the “Burn It Down Tour” this fall.
Chayce Beckham Candidly Cultivates Connection With Debut Album [Interview]
/by Liza AndersonPhoto: Robby Klein
Since becoming the first contestant to win American Idol with original music in 2021, country artist Chayce Beckham has proved that staying true yourself as well as writing about and recording what’s real to you will always resonate with others and cultivate connection in various ways. Today (April 5), he released his debut album, Bad For Me, which is a testament to just that—exploring personal themes of substance abuse, guilt and remorse. Prior to its release, Beckham took some time to speak with MusicRow about how Bad For Me came to be.
Beckham is credited as a writer on nine of the candid collection’s 13 tracks, three of which he penned solo. The self-written trio includes “23,” the hit he performed on the singing competition that recently became his first No. 1 at country radio. The Platinum-certified tune’s accompanying visual is nominated for Breakthrough Male Video of the Year at the 2024 CMT Music Awards, taking place this Sunday (April 7). The singer-songwriter notes that the vision he had for the “23” video really came to life throughout its creation process.
“I didn’t want it represent just me in particular. The kid in the video is a younger version of me, but he’s also a version of so many other young men out there that are in similar situations. I’m really proud of it,” he says. “I try to make everything as authentic as possible, and I hope that by making that character [ambiguous], it makes more people feel something.”
Apart from “23,” the album was produced by Bart Butler, and includes lead track “Devil I’ve Been,” redolent number “Everything I Need” and smooth-sounding “Whiskey Country,” all of which Beckham co-wrote with John Pierce and Lindsay Rimes. The other two solo-writes, “Mama” and “Drink You Off My Mind,” were inked before Beckham entered the spotlight. Inspired by a wide range of influences across genres, the Apple Valley, California native always wanted to pursue music and taught himself how to play guitar. He started a band and began writing at the age of 19. He feels it’s easier to take risks when he writes alone, but has learned so much through collaborating with others. “You have to be open to writing different ways with other people in order to get some really cool songs.”
While Beckham genuinely loves every song on the album, one of his favorites is a co-write with Scooter Carusoe, “If I Had A Week,” which closes the project. “It’s a really special and true song about me being out here in Tennessee and missing my family,” he says. When came to crafting Bad For Me, Beckham had a lot of creative control and was able curate a soundtrack for “everyday people who are dealing with a lot.”
“I want to talk about stuff that’s relatable. I think a lot of people have this [idea] that their favorite artists or public figures have it all figured out, but everyone is human. We all hit bumps in the road, and for me, it’s those parts of life that make the good times stand out more.”
After he heard single “Waylon In ‘75,” written by Jon Randall, Brett James, Parker McCollum and Lee Thomas Miller, he knew he wanted to cut it due to its boldness. “It’s a little reckless and it’s high-energy, but it’s also real and raw. The first line definitely caught my attention, and I think the audacity of the song is something to be admired.”
One eye-catching title on the track listing is “Glitter,” inked by Joey Hendricks, Mark Trussell and Natalie Hemby, which Beckham says embodies everything he loves about country music with its steel guitar and melody while still being unique and interesting. The title track is another outside cut written by Joe Fox, Randy Montana and Tyler Chambers. The song’s honest, human elements about having the wherewithal to know what’s bad for you really spoke to Beckham and made him want to record it. In the end, he felt like “Bad For Me” summed up the relatability the record radiates.
“I hope that people relate to this album, and it gives them a little bit of comfort along with some rowdiness and fun,” he shares. “The whole message for me is don’t beat yourself up too bad, we’re all just people and we all have our faults.”
Beckham is currently on his “Bad For Me Tour,” and will join Luke Bryan for the “Mind Of A Country Boy Tour” this summer as well as McCollum for the “Burn It Down Tour” this fall.
CMT & mtheory Select New Equal Access Cohort Members
/by LB CantrellPictured (L-R, back row): Justin Tomlinson, Carmen Dianne, Brittney Boston, Chris Housman and Julie Williams; (L-R, front row): CMT’s Leslie Fram, Becky Parsons and mtheory’s Cameo Carlson. Photo: @samwisemanphoto & Blk Creative Studio
CMT and management services company mtheory has selected six new candidates to participate in the Equal Access Development Program, an intensive artist and management training initiative designed to support underrepresented voices in country music.
The six participants chosen for this year’s Equal Access program include artists Carmen Dianne, Chris Housman and Julie Williams, as well as management professionals Brittney Boston, Justin Tomlinson and Becky Parsons.
As part of the Equal Access cohort, these new members will participate in the year-long program that offers rising artists and management professionals with funding, training and unprecedented access to industry leaders, helping to ensure a multi-faceted pipeline of diverse, creative talent in country music.
“It’s no secret that despite some marginal progress, the music industry, particularly the country genre, continues to struggle to support artists of color, LGBTQIA+ artists, and women across all aspects of the business,” shares Cameo Carlson, CEO, mtheory. “Equal Access is committed to continuing to raise the profiles of underrepresented artists within the country space, and to ensure that the infrastructure to assist those artists exists as well. The best way to help those whose stories have not been reflected in the genre is through a long-term commitment, one that Equal Access is able to make thanks to our incredible partners at CMT and their parent company, Paramount.”
Launched in April 2022, Equal Access is spearheaded by an all-female team, including mtheory’s Carlson, Tiffany Provenzano and Chantrel Reynolds alongside CMT’s Leslie Fram. Last year’s Equal Access participants included artists Angie K, Camille Parker and Denitia, and music management professionals Ahsaki-LaFrance Chachere, Alex Evelyn and Roberto Martinez. The inaugural 2022-23 Equal Access cohort included artists Madeline Edwards, Miko Marks and Valerie Ponzio, and music management professionals Charlene Bryant, Kadeem Phillips and Marques Vance. Over the past two years, Equal Access was instrumental in creating hundreds of country music industry connections for its members.
The newest cohort will make their debut on the red carpet at this year’s CMT Music Awards this Sunday (April 7) in Austin, Texas.
Fram, Sr. VP of Music & Talent at CMT, shares, “CMT, along with Paramount Global and its Content for Change initiative, is once again proud to partner with mtheory on one of the most dedicated, in depth programs committed to systemic change in country music. As with our equity initiatives CMT Equal Play and CMT Next Women of Country, it’s been extremely gratifying to watch the success of Equal Access and that of its participants, as they carve out their own signature paths as artists and managers in the country space. We look forward to welcoming this dynamic new group and supporting them across CMT and Paramount brands.”
Sturgill Simpson To Celebrate 10th Anniversary Of 2014 Album With Reissue
/by Lorie HollabaughSturgill 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,
Bobby Bones Hosts Star-Studded Seventh Annual ‘Million Dollar Show’
/by Madison HahnenBobby 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
/by Lorie HollabaughMarcus 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
/by Lorie HollabaughPayton 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
/by Madison HahnenCooper 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
/by Lorie HollabaughDustin 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
/by John Nix ArledgeKenny 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
/by LB CantrellColt 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.