Chase Rice To Open Cocktail & Bourbon Lounge In Cleveland

Chase Rice’s I Hate Cowboys cocktail & bourbon lounge

Chase Rice will expand his hospitality ventures portfolio later this month with the opening of I Hate Cowboys, a cocktail and bourbon lounge adjacent to his popular Welcome to the Farm venue in the Flats East Bank entertainment district of Cleveland, Ohio.

Inside Chase Rice’s I Hate Cowboys cocktail & bourbon lounge

The 2,400 square foot establishment is set to open on March 16. Rice’s new venture is again in collaboration with Forward Hospitality Group, Rice’s partner for both the Cleveland location of Welcome to the Farm as well as a second iteration in St. Pete, Florida.

I Hate Cowboys takes its name from Rice’s popular song featured on his recent critically acclaimed album, I Hate Cowboys & All Dogs Go To Hell. The venue blends the rugged allure of a classic western-style bar with the refinement of a modern cocktail lounge.

Guests at I Hate Cowboys can expect a selection of rare bourbons and tequilas, alongside crafted cocktails and canned beers. The food menu features select items including a bison tartare, bone marrow, kale Caesar, a smash burger and the venue’s signature fried chicken.

“The I Hate Cowboys album honored the rebellious spirit of the American West that I fell in love with during my travels over the past few years, and this lounge concept felt like the perfect way to bring a celebration of that way of life to even more people,” says Rice, who again played an integral part of the design process for the venue. “We’ve had so much fun bringing my Tennessee Farm to y’all at Welcome to the Farm, and can’t wait to introduce this new space next door that represents another side of me.”

Inside Chase Rice’s I Hate Cowboys cocktail & bourbon lounge

Inside Chase Rice’s I Hate Cowboys cocktail & bourbon lounge

Sac Song & Wine Series To Return In May

The Sac Song & Wine Series will return to Miner’s Leap Winery in California for a second year starting May 17.

The series will take place once a month on Friday evenings through October, and bring writers from Nashville to share the stories behind some of country’s biggest hits.

The first show will feature songwriters Lee Thomas Miller and Wendell Mobley. Future shows will include performances by Scooter Carusoe, JT Hodges, D. Vincent Williams, Eric Paslay, Chris Lindsey, Aimee Mayo and more. Additional featured songwriters will be announced soon.

Tickets are on sale now. For more information, click here.

Sac Song & Wine Series Dates:
May 17 – Wendell Mobley & Lee Thomas Miller
June 21 – Scooter Carusoe & JT Hodges
Aug. 9 – D. Vincent Williams & TBA
Sept. 20 – Eric Paslay & TBA
Oct. 11 – Chris Lindsey & Aimee Mayo

Josh Montgomery Inks Publishing Deal With Warner Chappell Music

Pictured (L-R): Ben Vaughn (WCM), Josh Montgomery, Benji Amaefule (WCM)

Multi-genre songwriter and producer Josh Montgomery has signed a global publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music.

Montgomery has collaborated with artists across various genres including country, rock, pop and EDM. Collaborators include Jessie Murph, Tyler Halverson, Graham Barham, Jax and Dasha. Recently Montgomery contributed to the title track of Ashley Kutcher’s House On The Water album.

“I’ve been a fan of Josh’s music for years and can’t wait to see who he’ll collaborate with to shape the next generation of country music,” says Benji Amaefule, Manager, A&R, Warner Chappell Music.

“It is a tremendous honor and privilege to have a champion like Warner Chappell in my corner. I’m committed to serving the inspiring songwriters and artists that keep this amazing city running,” says Montgomery. 

Sarah Buxton Signs With SMACKSongs

Pictured (L-R): Robin Palmer, Carly Sater, Jeremy Groves, Sarah Buxton, Jim Landers, Lee Krabel and Sam Sarno

Songwriter Sarah Buxton has signed an exclusive publishing deal with SMACKSongs.

The Lawrence, Kansas native has established herself as a powerhouse songwriter over the last two decades with a catalog that includes chart-toppers such as “Stupid Boy” and “Put You In A Song” by Keith Urban, “Sundaze” by Florida Georgia Line, “Don’t Let Me Be Lonely” by The Band Perry and “Fix” by Chris Lane. Buxton joins SMACK after stints at Tom Leis Music, Big Loud Publishing and Downtown/Concord.

“Sarah is a generational talent and a perfect fit for our roster. I can’t wait to see what Sarah, Jeremy, and the rest of the SMACK team can accomplish together the next few years,” says Lee Krabel, Sr. VP of Publishing.

“I’ve never felt more at home with a group of writers and publishers than I feel here at SMACK, and I am thrilled to get to start creating,” says Buxton.

Chris Tomlin To Release ‘Live From Good Friday’ Album

Photo: Makayla Symmonds

Chris Tomlin is set to release a new album, Live From Good Friday, on March 15, ahead of his sold-out eighth annual “Good Friday Nashville” concert.

The 11-track project features live recordings from his past “Good Friday Nashville” performances at Bridgestone Arena. Among them is Grammy-nominated, six-week No. 1 single “Holy Forever,” which has garnered more than 140 million streams. The live album also includes “How Great Is Our God,” “Good Good Father” and more.

This year’s “Good Friday Nashville” lineup consists of Duck Dynasty‘s Willie Robertson as well as Kari Jobe and Anne Wilson. In keeping with the evening’s annual tradition, surprise guest appearances will also be made.

Additionally, Tomlin will kick off his “Holy Forever World Tour” on April 18.

Live From Good Friday Track Listing:
1. “Good Good Father”/”Great Are You Lord”
2. “Ephesians 1:20-23 (feat. Pastor Darren Whitehead)”
3. “Holy Forever (with Jenn Johnson & Brian Johnson)”
4. “How Great Is Our God”
5. “Our God”
6. “Is He Worthy”
7. “At The Cross (Love Ran Red)”
8. “Whom Shall I Fear (God Of Angel Armies) (feat. George Mhondera)”
9. “Always”
10. “Precious Love”
11. “It Is Well”

Maggie Rose Sets ‘No One Gets Out Alive’ Release For April

Singer-songwriter Maggie Rose is slated to release her new studio album No One Gets Out Alive on April 5 via Big Loud Records. This will be Rose’s first project on the label.

Giving listeners a taste of whats to come, Rose shared two tracks off the record, “No One Gets Out Alive” and “Mad Love.” She also shared the music video for the title track, directed by Nikki Fletcher.

YouTube video

“‘No One Gets Out Alive’ as a title sounds ominous on its own, but the song isn’t hopeless at all. So many events have reminded me that time isn’t guaranteed, and that I’m right where I need to be. I want people to hear the urgency in the song and stop dwelling on what they’re missing out on—the present is all you have, so make the most of it,” Rose shares of the title track.

Co-writers featured on the album include Natalie Hemby, Sunny Sweeney, Jordan Leigh Meredith, K.S. Rhoads and more.

Along with the record, Rose will also be gearing up for her “No One Gets Out Alive” headlining tour this spring. The tour will kick-off in St. Louis and will make stops in Nashville, Philadelphia, Charleston and more before wrapping up in Evanston, Illinois.

“No One Gets Out Alive Tour” Dates:
April 19 – St. Louis, MO @ Delmar Hall
April 20 – Covington, KY @ Madison Live
May 10 – Nashville, TN @ Brooklyn Bowl Nashville
May 16 – Chattanooga, TN @ Barrelhouse Ballroom
May 17 – Asheville, NC @ The Grey Eagle Music Hall
May 18 – Louisville, KY @. Headliners Music Hall
May 23 – Virginia Beach, VA @ Elevation 27
May 24 – Annapolis, MD @ Rams Head On Stage
May 26 – Alexandria, VA @ The Birchmere
May 29 – Philadelphia, PA @ World Café Live
May 30 – Cleveland, OH @ Beachland Ballroom & Tavern
May 31 – Columbus, OH @ A&R Music Bar
June 1 – Indianapolis, IN @ HI-FI Indianapolis
June 8 – Lexington, KY @ The Burl
June 20 – Charleston, SC @ Charleston Pour House
June 21 – Atlanta, GA @ Terminal West
June 22 – Elkin, NC @ The Reeves Theater & Café
June 28 – Memphis, TN @ 1884 Lounge
June 29 – Evanston, IL @ SPACE

Carly Pearce Plots ‘Hummingbird 2025 U.K./EU Tour’

Photo: Courtesy of Carly Pearce

Carly Pearce has announced that she will head overseas next year on her new headlining “Hummingbird 2025 U.K./EU Tour,” which will kick off Feb. 9 in Stockholm, Sweden.

The 14-city tour will include stops in Oslo, Copenhagen, Hamburg, Amsterdam, London, Manchester and more before wrapping on Feb. 28 in Dublin.

A ticket presale for the Official Carly Pearce Fan Club will start this coming Monday (March 11), with general sales beginning Wednesday (March 13). For more information, click here.

The journey is named after Pearce’s fourth studio album, Hummingbird, out June 14 via Big Machine Records. The collection features the newly released title track as well as “We Don’t Fight Anymore” featuring Chris Stapleton. She will also join Tim McGraw on his “Standing Room Only Tour” next week.

Johnny Mercer Foundation Songwriters Project To Take Place At Belmont University

Belmont University. Photo: Garrett Ohrenberg/Belmont University

The 18th annual Johnny Mercer Foundation Songwriters Project will take place at Belmont University this June.

Funded by a grant through the foundation, the program welcomes aspiring songwriters, ages 18-30, to Belmont to strengthen their skills and hone their craft. In aspects such as lyric writing and melody composition, it aims to provide participants with personalized guidance and feedback to help them reach their full potential as songwriters. Participants will then finish the program with a closing concert showcasing their work.

This year’s master teachers include composer Craig Carnelia (Working, Sweet Smell of Success), songwriter and producer Stephen Bray (The Color Purple) as well as CCMA Artist of the Year and Belmont University songwriting instructor Victoria Banks.

“The relocation and reimagining of the program in the songwriting capital of the world, will allow participants to benefit from the expertise and experience that only Nashville can provide,” says Jonathan Brielle, Executive Vice President, Johnny Mercer Foundation. “We had a great run at Northwestern University for the last 17 years and are so grateful to its staff for helping facilitate this program.”

“Over the years we’ve always encouraged our songwriting students to attend the Johnny Mercer summer program, and several did,” says Drew Ramsey, Songwriting Co-Chair, Belmont University. “We had been exploring summer camp opportunities to host at Belmont and had just cemented a new relationship with the Songwriters Hall of Fame, which Johnny Mercer founded. So, when the Johnny Mercer Foundation contacted us about hosting their summer Songwriters Project, the timing couldn’t have been better and seemed meant to be. Our synchronous vision for nurturing young songwriters exemplifies our shared commitment to help shape the future of music.”

Applications are open now through April 5, with final notifications sent May 13. For more information, click here.

Alli Walker Signs With RECORDS Nashville

Pictured (L-R): Joe Fisher (EVP/A&R, RECORDS Nashville), Brad Turcotte (Manager), Alli Walker, Laurel Kittleson-Cobb (A&R, RECORDS Nashville), Josh Easler (EVP/Promo & Commercial Strategy, RECORDS Nashville) Photo: Helena Akhtar

Marking another milestone in her rising career, Alli Walker has signed a record deal with RECORDS Nashville.

“I’ve been grinding for 15 years as an independent artist and beyond excited to add incredible team members and join forces with RECORDS Nashville,” says Walker. “I’m thrilled to hit the ground running! I’m so grateful to collaborate with such a talented team that believes in me and my vision who can elevate my music to new heights and help me connect with a broader audience!”

Known for her storytelling and unique pop/rock country sound, the Prince Edward Island native has already gained over 700,000 social media followers. She has also garnered over 10 million views on viral track “The Whiskey’s Gone,” as well as securing partnerships with Nike and Google.

“The RECORDS Nashville team is always looking for artistry that stands out, and Alli Walker does just that. We are excited to get started amplifying what she is already having success with,” shares Josh Easler, EVP/Promotion & Commercial Strategy, RECORDS Nashville.

To celebrate her deal, Walker has released her newest song “I Like Big Trucks.” The singer’s twist on “Baby Got Back” was co-written with Stuart Walker, Madison Kozak, Thomas (Tawgs) Salter and Anthony Ray (aka Sir Mix-a-Lot). 

Shelby Lynne Signs With Monument Records & Teams Up With Karen Fairchild

Pictured (L-R): Katie McCartney, Shelby Lynne, Karen Fairchild and Shane McAnally. Photo: Robert Chavers

Singer-songwriter and musician Shelby Lynne has signed with Monument Records and teamed up with Karen Fairchild, who will serve as her manager and producer as well as a collaborator, for the next phase of her career.

The label will reissue Lynne’s I Am Shelby Lynne album on April 5 in celebration of the project’s 25th anniversary, with a limited edition vinyl release to come early this summer. Lynne made the move back to Music City in 2018, and is currently finishing her latest studio album with Fairchild, Ashley Monroe and Gena Johnson. More details are set to be announced soon.

“It’s good to be back in Nashville. Being back in this city has lit me up. I’ve come full circle, and I can’t wait to share what we’ve been working on,” expresses Lynne.

Released in April 1999, I Am Shelby Lynne served as a major turning point for Lynne, leading her Best New Artist win at the 43rd Grammy Awards. She also took home Top New Female Vocalist at the 26th ACM Awards, and has been featured in multiple movies and television shows in addition to performing alongside Willie Nelson, Sheryl Crow, Kris Kristofferson, Lyle Lovett, her sister Allison Moorer and more.

“Artists like Shelby Lynne come once in a lifetime. Her impact on artists and fans alike, including me, has been deep and wide. I’m so proud to be a part of bringing her artistry back to the forefront with new music,” says Shane McAnally, Monument Records Co-President.

“It feels important to reintroduce Shelby Lynne’s genius to a fresh wave of artists and fans. I’m blown away by her profound knowledge of music and the enormity of her talent. Shelby’s uniqueness lies in her extraordinary capacity to delve into human pain and beauty through her powerful voice and storytelling,” adds Fairchild.