Pictured (L-R): House Majority Leader William Lamberth (R-44), Luke Bryan, Governor Bill Lee, Chris Janson, RIAA CEO/Chairman Mitch Glazier & State Senate Majority Leader Jack Johnson (R-27). Photo: Getty Images for Human Artistry Campaign
Just months since its introduction on Jan. 10, the bipartisan Ensuring Likeness Voice and Image Security (ELVIS) Act was signed into law today (March 21) by Tennessee Governor Bill Lee at lower Broadway honky-tonk Robert’s Western World in Nashville.
The ELVIS Act establishes protections for every person’s unique voice and likeness against unauthorized artificial intelligence (AI) deepfakes and voice clones. The act will officially go into effect on July 1 and will update the state’s existing right of publicity to address these fundamental human protections.
Pictured (L-R): Wendy Morten, House Majority Leader William Lamberth (R-44), Drew Baldridge, Governor Bill Lee, Natalie Grant, RIAA CEO/Chairman Mitch Glazier, Harper Grace, Matt Maher, Tennessee Entertainment Commission Chair Gebre Waddell & Recording Academy Chief Advocacy & Public Policy Officer Todd Dupler. Photo: Getty Images for Human Artistry Campaign
“Fittingly named after one of the world’s most iconic voices, the ELVIS Act marks a history-defining moment—protecting us all from irresponsible and unethical AI. The Human Artistry Campaign applauds this strong, bipartisan effort to stop unauthorized AI-generated deepfakes and voice clones that steal essential parts of our individuality,” shared Dr. Moiya McTier, Human Artistry Campaign Senior Advisor. “The life’s work and irreplaceable contributions of the creative community to our culture deserve safeguards that allow AI technology to be used responsibly without violating anyone’s rights or appropriating their art.”
“From Beale Street to Broadway, to Bristol and beyond, Tennessee is known for our rich artistic heritage that tells the story of our great state. As the technology landscape evolves with artificial intelligence, I thank the General Assembly for its partnership in creating legal protection for our best-in-class artists and songwriters,” said Governor Lee.
Several Nashville artists were in attendance to celebrate the signing of the ELVIS Act, including Luke Bryan, Chris Janson, Natalie Grant, Bernie Herms, Matt Maher, Maggie Rose, Wendy Moten, Drew Baldridge, Harper Grace and more.
Luke Bryan speaks about the ELVIS Act. Photo: Getty Images for Human Artistry Campaign
“What an amazing precedent to set for the state of Tennessee,” Bryan shared with the crowd of music makers and executives. “The leaders of this are showing artists who are moving here following their dreams that our state protects what we work so hard for, and I personally want to thank all of our legislators and people who made this bill happen. It’s hard to wrap your head around what is going on with AI, but I know the ELVIS Act will help protect our voices.”
Janson shared, “It’s a pleasure to be here today. If it weren’t for moving to this town and busking up and down the street begging for a gig, I would not be where I am today. It takes real leadership, and it takes a real team coming together to protect us. I came here wanting a voice, wanting to be heard and to sing in a Lower Broadway honkytonk. Do you know what that means to a kid from the Midwest or South Florida or all of these other cities around the world? It means they made it, and now we need to protect our voices from AI-generated deepfakes using our voices, our dreams. I love what I do, I’m so grateful for my job, and I’m grateful for leadership who cares. Thank you for passing the ELVIS Act today.”
State Senate Majority Leader Jack Johnson (R-27) and House Majority Leader William Lamberth (R-44) shepherded the ELVIS Act to unanimous General Assembly passage (93-0 vote in the House of Representatives and 30-0 in the Senate). Throughout the process, country artist Lindsay Ell, five-time Dove Awards Female Vocalist of the Year Natalie Grant, BMI Awards-winning songwriter/producer/Evanescence co-founder David Hodges, nine-time Grammy Awards-nominated Contemporary Christian artist Matt Maher, singer/actor/author Chrissy Metz, hit songwriter/NSAI Board Member Jamie Moore, RIAA SVP of Public Policy Jessie Richard and legendary Christian artist Michael W. Smith spoke to the potential harms of unchecked AI deepfakes and voice clones.
Many music advocacy organizations have applauded Lee’s signing of the ELVIS Act, including A2IM, ARA, BMAC, MAC, NSAI, NMPA, the Recording Academy, RIAA, SAG-AFTRA and SONA, all of which are members of the Human Artistry Campaign.
Jenna Paulette To Release ‘The Girl I Was: Red Dirt Deluxe’
/by Lorie HollabaughJenna Paulette is gearing up for the release of her new expanded album, The Girl I Was: Red Dirt Deluxe, on March 29 via Leo33.
A celebration of the project that led Paulette to embark on a journey of self-discovery and redemption following a toxic relationship, The Girl I Was: Red Dirt Deluxe was produced by Will Bundy. The new deluxe edition features four reimagined renditions of tunes “Anywhere the Wind Blows,” “Slow Drawl,” “Country in the Girl” and “The Girl I Was,” along with the 16 original tracks that fans have streamed nearly 32 million times.
“I wore this dress tonight because it is from ‘The Girl I Was’ music video, and we are releasing a deluxe version of the record called The Girl I Was: Red Dirt Deluxe,” said Paulette on Instagram. “It’s going to be a bridge between what is coming in new music and what you’ve heard on the record, some reimagined versions of some of your favorite songs and a very raw version of ‘The Girl I Was.’ I hope y’all love it.”
Paulette is currently on the road with Aaron Watson as part of his “The Armadillo Dance Hall Tour,” and recently performed the national anthem at both the National Finals Rodeo and The American Rodeo.
The Girl I Was (Red Dirt Deluxe) Track Listing:
*New Tracks
1. “Home on The Range” – Intro
2. “Fiddle and a Violin” (Ashley McBryde, Ryan Tyndell, Jeremy Spillman)
3. “Anywhere the Wind Blows” (Jenna Paulette, Rhett Akins, Will Bundy, Jeb Gipson)
4. “Slow Drawl” (Jenna Paulette, Will Bundy, Jeb Gipson)
5. “One Two-Step Away” (Jenna Paulette, Rhett Akins, Brice Long)
6. “You Ain’t No Cowboy” (Jenna Paulette, Rhett Akins, Will Bundy)
7. “Country in the Girl” (Jenna Paulette, Smith Ahnquist, Jeb Gipson)
8. “Bless Her Heart” (Jenna Paulette, Heather Morgan, Will Bundy, Jeb Gipson)
9. “Pretty Ugly” (Jenna Paulette, Parker Welling, Will Bundy, Jeb Gipson)
10. “Sun Keeps Comin’ Back Up” (Jenna Paulette, Jordan Reynolds, Jordan Minton, Mark Trussell)
11. “Truck Boy” (Jenna Paulette, Jessie Jo Dillon, Will Bundy, Jeb Gipson)
12. “We Know How to Friday Night” (Jenna Paulette, Casey Beathard, Bobby Pinson)
13. “The Girl I Was” (Jenna Paulette, Jessie Jo Dillon, Will Bundy, Jeb Gipson)
14. “Make the World a Small Town” (Jenna Paulette, Dustin Christensen)
15. “Stop and Smell the Horses” (Jenna Paulette, Jamie Davis)
16. “Home on the Range” – Outro
17. “Anywhere the Wind Blows (Red Dirt Version)” (Jenna Paulette, Rhett Akins, Will Bundy, Jeb Gipson)*
18. “Slow Drawl (Red Dirt Version)” (Jenna Paulette, Will Bundy, Jeb Gipson)*
19. “Country in the Girl (Red Dirt Version)” (Jenna Paulette, Smith Ahnquist, Jeb Gipson)*
20. “The Girl I Was (Red Dirt Stripped)” (Jenna Paulette, Jessie Jo Dillon, Will Bundy, Jeb Gipson)*
Lily Rose Slates New EP ‘Runnin’ Outta Time’ For May
/by Lorie HollabaughRose co-write each track on the new EP, which is packed with Saturday-night energy and Sunday-morning reflection, and serves as a soundtrack for the intense push and pull in her life and a potent reminder of how important it is to take a breath and focus on the things that matter most.
Track “True North” was co-written by Rose, Trannie Anderson, Hillary Lindsey, and David Garcia, and cleverly takes the negative connotation of the age-old saying “when it all goes south” and flips it into the place full of nostalgic embrace – home. The lyrics travel to Rose’s picturesque home state of Georgia, and place the listener in the shotgun seat of a southern escape, driven by the idea of slowing down life and revisiting your roots to reconnect your center.
“Parking Lot” sees Rose adding her uniquely geared vocal to a fresh party anthem that instantly evokes a memory of your favorite coming of age moments. The lyrics transport listeners to the carefree moments of their youth, when everything surrounded that small town gravel hub. Rose name checks Keith Urban in her own 2009 memory in the nostalgic track, and showcases the very foundations of her love for country music, helping us relive our own “parking lot” stories of the life lived outside the painted lines that your parents never knew about, but you can’t ever forget.
“All I’ve ever wanted to do is write and perform songs just like these,” shares Rose. “In my opinion, these six songs are the most honest and accurate to who I am as an artist, and it doesn’t happen without a creative village that believes I have something special to say to the world. It’s been a minute since I’ve released music, so it’s SO good to finally say that my songs ‘True North’ and ‘Parking Lot’ are out now, and my new EP Runnin’ Outta Time is available on May 10. I can’t wait for y’all to hear what I’ve been working on.”
Runnin’ Outta Time Track List:
1. “The Goal” (Lily Rose, Paul DiGiovanni, Trannie Anderson, Seth Ennis)
2. “Back Pew” (Lily Rose, Emily Weisband, Andy Albert, Paul DiGiovanni)
3. “Parking Lot” (Lily Rose, Lindsay Rimes, John Pierce)
4. “True North” (Lily Rose, Trannie Anderson, Hillary Lindsey, David Garcia)
5. “Two Flowers” (Lily Rose, Blake Pendergrass, Paul DiGiovanni)
6. “Runnin’ Outta Time” (Lily Rose, Lydia Vaughan, Blake Pendergrass, David Garcia)
NSAI Announces Newest Todd Givens Scholarship Recipient
/by Lorie HollabaughDaniella Spadini
NSAI’s 2023 Todd Givens Memorial Scholarship has been awarded to Daniella Spadini, a 24-year-old pop and country singer-songwriter from rural northern California.
Since graduating from Berklee College of Music and moving to Nashville in 2022, Spadini has taken part in ASCAP’s 2022 Harold Adamson Songwriters Workshop, and was voted one of the “Best of 2023 Tin Pan South Songwriting Seminar,” an annual NSAI educational program, and performed during a sold-out round at the legendary Bluebird Cafe.
“Todd was an integral part of the NSAI staff and the Nashville songwriter community before his premature death in 2018, he was a dear friend and part of the crew of for many years,” says NSAI Executive Director Bart Herbison, “so I personally choose the recipient of this honor every year. Todd would have loved this choice because Daniella is super-talented, has an infectious personality and her promise is unlimited. She is one of the best emerging artist-songwriters we know at NSAI.”
Scholarship recipients receive a complimentary membership, NSAI event attendance and very special attention from the NSAI creative team to help them navigate their career goals. Spadini will receive this honor during the annual NSAI Member Awards presented by Regions Bank, taking place at 3rd & Lindsley on April 4 as part of Tin Pan South week in Nashville.
Dan Rogers Elevated To Sr. VP & Executive Producer Of The Grand Ole Opry
/by LB CantrellDan Rogers. Photo: Chris Hollo
Opry Entertainment Group has promoted Dan Rogers to Senior Vice President & Executive Producer of the Grand Ole Opry from his current position as Vice President & Executive Producer.
Rogers will add new executive producer roles on additional upcoming domestic and international broadcasts, many related to the Opry’s 100th milestone next year. He will continue to oversee all programming aspects of the iconic Opry’s more than 200 performances annually and executive producer responsibilities for the Opry’s weekly Opry Live broadcast and live stream.
“We are thrilled to recognize Dan’s incredible impact on the Grand Ole Opry,” says Patrick Moore, CEO of Opry Entertainment Group. “Under his leadership, the Opry had a record-breaking number of artist debuts, with more diverse representation than ever before. Dan’s distinct vision for the Opry and the relationships he has built with Opry members and across the industry will be important as we approach the Opry’s 100th celebration in 2025.”
A native of Xenia, Illinois, Rogers received a B.S. in communication from the University of Evansville and an M.S.Ed. in educational psychology from Eastern Illinois University. He began his work with the Grand Ole Opry as an intern in 1998.
After being named Vice President & Executive Producer in 2019, Rogers led the Opry through COVID-19. He was the Executive Producer of the Opry’s album Opry Unbroken: Empty Room, Full Circle containing tracks recorded during the pandemic when the Opry played on to a worldwide livestream and radio audience despite not having a live audience in the Opry House.
Rogers also executive produced the NBC television special Grand Ole Opry: 95 Years Of Country Music and Dolly Parton’s 50th Opry anniversary special, also on NBC, and consulted on 2023’s inaugural People’s Choice Country Awards and Christmas at the Opry network broadcasts. He created, wrote, produced and co-hosted the radio series That Summer as well as additional specialty programs for WSM Radio and was a writer/production assistant on the syndicated radio show America’s Opry Weekend. He co-authored the Opry’s book Backstage At The Grand Ole Opry and authored an Opry-centric country music trivia book. Prior to his current Opry role, he worked in Opry areas including marketing, communication and strategic partnerships.
“My entire journey at the Opry has been in partnership with fellow staff members, treasured Opry members and guest artists, the country music industry and other partners who revere the Opry’s past and are passionately excited about paving a road toward its future together,” Rogers says. “I’m thrilled to continue our work in this new role, especially on the eve of the Opry’s 100th year when country music is making such a sustained and marked impact globally. Let’s roll.”
Alabama To Kick Off ‘Roll On II North America Tour’
/by Lorie HollabaughAlabama will kick off their 2024 “Roll On II North America Tour” tomorrow (March 23) in Thackerville, Oklahoma.
The 20-city tour, presented by Kenworth, will visit arenas, amphitheaters and festivals around the country through Nov. 9. The journey will feature special guests at select shows including The Marshall Tucker Band, Diamond Rio, Jamey Johnson, Bellamy Brothers, Lee Greenwood and more. For more information, click here.
“I look forward to singing ‘Mountain Music,’ ‘Tennessee River,’ ‘Feels So Right’ and so many more,” says Alabama’s Randy Owen. “It’s just a matter of just getting up on stage and enjoying it. We can’t wait to see the fans who made it all possible.”
Earlier this year, the group also announced that June Jam XVIII will take place June 1 at the VFW Fairgrounds in Fort Payne, Alabama. Owen and fellow band member Teddy Gentry plan to unveil this year’s talent lineup in the coming weeks. Last year’s event drew nearly 11,000 fans and raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for charity efforts throughout the state.
Victoria Chaitoff To Exit Warner Music Nashville
/by LB CantrellVictoria Chaitoff
After almost nine years with the label, Director of Publicity Victoria Chaitoff will exit Warner Music Nashville in April.
Chaitoff will graduate with her Master of Business Administration at New York University in a few months and plans to stay in New York to lead marketing and communications for a tech consulting firm.
She began at Warner Music Nashville as an assistant and was promoted to Director of Publicity in 2021. Throughout her tenure, Chaitoff executed both artist press strategy and corporate communications and led many of the label’s major philanthropy and community engagement initiatives.
Chaitoff can be reached at vcchaitoff@gmail.com.
Parker McCollum Notches Fourth No. 1 On MusicRow Radio Chart
/by LB CantrellParker McCollum tops the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart this week with “Burn It Down,” marking his fourth No. 1 on the chart.
McCollum co-wrote “Burn It Down” with Hillary Lindsey, Liz Rose and Lori McKenna. It appears on his 2023 album Never Enough. The country star is currently out on the road on his “Burn It Down Tour.”
“Burn It Down” currently sits at No. 7 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart and No. 4 on the Mediabase chart.
Click here to view the latest edition of the MusicRow Weekly containing the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart.
Jordan Davis & NeedToBreathe To Team Up For ‘CMT Crossroads’
/by Madison HahnenCountry star Jordan Davis and Grammy-nominated rock band NeedToBreathe are slated to team up for the latest installment of CMT Crossroads. The taping will take place on April 5 at UT Austin.
The two will also collaborate for a performance at the 2024 CMT Music Awards. This will mark Davis’ debut on the awards’ main stage, where he is also nominated for Video of the Year and Male Video of the Year for “Next Thing You Know.”
NeedToBreathe are returning to the CMT Music Awards stage after performing “I Wanna Remember” with Carrie Underwood in 2021.
MusicRow’s 2024 Rising Women On The Row Gathers Community In Fellowship
/by LB CantrellKerri Edwards speaking at MusicRow‘s 11th annual Rising Women on the Row event. Photo: Ed Rode
MusicRow Magazine staged its 11th annual Rising Women on the Row breakfast on Tuesday (March 19), honoring its 2024 class of Tiffany Kerns, Taylor Lindsey, Sloane Cavitt Logue, Halie Hampton Mosley, Melissa Spillman and Candice Watkins.
Leslie Fram speaking at MusicRow‘s 11th annual Rising Women on the Row event. Photo: Ed Rode
With over 600 Nashville music business members filling the Omni Nashville Hotel, City National Bank, CMT Next Women of Country and Loeb & Loeb served as Presenting Sponsors for the beloved event.
Industry veteran Kerri Edwards shared wisdom as the featured speaker for the function. The prominent manager and Founder/President of KP Entertainment was interviewed by MusicRow Owner/Publisher Sherod Robertson. The two spoke about what drives Edwards and her feelings about the strength of our community.
Presented by CMT Next Women of Country, singer-songwriter Carter Faith was this year’s special performer. CMT’s Leslie Fram introduced the talented singer, who was part of CMT’s 2023 Next Women of Country class, a franchise that has given a platform to 125 female acts throughout its 10-year history.
Faith performed a new tune, “Late Bloomer,” which she will release tomorrow (March 22).
The 2024 Rising Women on the Row breakfast was full of fellowship, support and love from all who were in the room. Read a full recap of the event here.
Rising Women on the Row. Photo: Ed Rode
Rising Women on the Row. Photo: Ed Rode
Rising Women on the Row. Photo: Ed Rode
Rising Women on the Row. Photo: Courtesy of Halie Hampton Mosley
Rising Women on the Row. Photo: Ed Rode
Rising Women on the Row. Photo: Ed Rode
Rising Women on the Row. Photo: Ed Rode
Rising Women on the Row. Photo: Ed Rode
JUST IN: ELVIS Act Is Signed Into Law
/by LB CantrellPictured (L-R): House Majority Leader William Lamberth (R-44), Luke Bryan, Governor Bill Lee, Chris Janson, RIAA CEO/Chairman Mitch Glazier & State Senate Majority Leader Jack Johnson (R-27). Photo: Getty Images for Human Artistry Campaign
Just months since its introduction on Jan. 10, the bipartisan Ensuring Likeness Voice and Image Security (ELVIS) Act was signed into law today (March 21) by Tennessee Governor Bill Lee at lower Broadway honky-tonk Robert’s Western World in Nashville.
The ELVIS Act establishes protections for every person’s unique voice and likeness against unauthorized artificial intelligence (AI) deepfakes and voice clones. The act will officially go into effect on July 1 and will update the state’s existing right of publicity to address these fundamental human protections.
Pictured (L-R): Wendy Morten, House Majority Leader William Lamberth (R-44), Drew Baldridge, Governor Bill Lee, Natalie Grant, RIAA CEO/Chairman Mitch Glazier, Harper Grace, Matt Maher, Tennessee Entertainment Commission Chair Gebre Waddell & Recording Academy Chief Advocacy & Public Policy Officer Todd Dupler. Photo: Getty Images for Human Artistry Campaign
“Fittingly named after one of the world’s most iconic voices, the ELVIS Act marks a history-defining moment—protecting us all from irresponsible and unethical AI. The Human Artistry Campaign applauds this strong, bipartisan effort to stop unauthorized AI-generated deepfakes and voice clones that steal essential parts of our individuality,” shared Dr. Moiya McTier, Human Artistry Campaign Senior Advisor. “The life’s work and irreplaceable contributions of the creative community to our culture deserve safeguards that allow AI technology to be used responsibly without violating anyone’s rights or appropriating their art.”
“From Beale Street to Broadway, to Bristol and beyond, Tennessee is known for our rich artistic heritage that tells the story of our great state. As the technology landscape evolves with artificial intelligence, I thank the General Assembly for its partnership in creating legal protection for our best-in-class artists and songwriters,” said Governor Lee.
Several Nashville artists were in attendance to celebrate the signing of the ELVIS Act, including Luke Bryan, Chris Janson, Natalie Grant, Bernie Herms, Matt Maher, Maggie Rose, Wendy Moten, Drew Baldridge, Harper Grace and more.
Luke Bryan speaks about the ELVIS Act. Photo: Getty Images for Human Artistry Campaign
“What an amazing precedent to set for the state of Tennessee,” Bryan shared with the crowd of music makers and executives. “The leaders of this are showing artists who are moving here following their dreams that our state protects what we work so hard for, and I personally want to thank all of our legislators and people who made this bill happen. It’s hard to wrap your head around what is going on with AI, but I know the ELVIS Act will help protect our voices.”
Janson shared, “It’s a pleasure to be here today. If it weren’t for moving to this town and busking up and down the street begging for a gig, I would not be where I am today. It takes real leadership, and it takes a real team coming together to protect us. I came here wanting a voice, wanting to be heard and to sing in a Lower Broadway honkytonk. Do you know what that means to a kid from the Midwest or South Florida or all of these other cities around the world? It means they made it, and now we need to protect our voices from AI-generated deepfakes using our voices, our dreams. I love what I do, I’m so grateful for my job, and I’m grateful for leadership who cares. Thank you for passing the ELVIS Act today.”
State Senate Majority Leader Jack Johnson (R-27) and House Majority Leader William Lamberth (R-44) shepherded the ELVIS Act to unanimous General Assembly passage (93-0 vote in the House of Representatives and 30-0 in the Senate). Throughout the process, country artist Lindsay Ell, five-time Dove Awards Female Vocalist of the Year Natalie Grant, BMI Awards-winning songwriter/producer/Evanescence co-founder David Hodges, nine-time Grammy Awards-nominated Contemporary Christian artist Matt Maher, singer/actor/author Chrissy Metz, hit songwriter/NSAI Board Member Jamie Moore, RIAA SVP of Public Policy Jessie Richard and legendary Christian artist Michael W. Smith spoke to the potential harms of unchecked AI deepfakes and voice clones.
Many music advocacy organizations have applauded Lee’s signing of the ELVIS Act, including A2IM, ARA, BMAC, MAC, NSAI, NMPA, the Recording Academy, RIAA, SAG-AFTRA and SONA, all of which are members of the Human Artistry Campaign.