Nate Smith. Photo: Nicki Fletcher
Music industry members gathered at Cross-Eyed Critters at The Graduate Hotel on Monday (March 4) to celebrate two chart-toppers from breakout country star Nate Smith.
Smith was there with co-writers Lindsay Rimes and Russell Sutton to celebrate the singer’s first ever No. 1 hit, “Whiskey On You.” Smith and Rimes were also joined by Ashley Gorley and Taylor Phillips to celebrate “World On Fire,” Smith’s second No. 1 that held its position for an impressive 10 consecutive weeks.
Pictured (L-R): Ashley Gorley, Lindsay Rimes, Nate Smith, Taylor Phillips. Photo: Larry McCormack
First, it was time to celebrate “Whiskey On You.” ASCAP Vice President of Nashville Membership Mike Sistad started off the toast. “Nate I know there was a lot of challenges to get to this place, leaving Nashville and going back to California. We are glad you came back to Nashville. It’s a big deal to have a No. 1 but it’s an even bigger deal to have your first No. 1,” Sistad said.
He then handed it over to BMI Executive Director, Creative, Nashville, Shannon Sanders, who spoke about BMI affiliates Rimes and Sutton. “Lindsey is a highly skilled writer and producer. He has many top 10 hits under his belt. But today, this guy’s effort is celebrating his second No. 1 as a songwriter,” Sanders said. “Russell, in 2022 scored his first No. 1 with Elvie Shane’s ‘My Boy,’ In 2023, he won his first BMI award, and now in 2024, he’s scored his second No. 1. Russell, the forecast for your future is bright.”
Sony Music Publishing Nashville CEO Rusty Gaston and Droptine President Jim Catino also all offered their congratulations for the writers. This was Catino’s first No. 1 song as a publisher.
The mic was then turned over to the writers. Sutton started off by giving a background of how the song came to be, sharing that Smith showed up to a writing retreat at Catino’s lake house having just been broken up with. “The beautiful thing about retreats us that [we have a lot of time]. That song took us eight or nine hours to write. If we were in town, we would have left it after four or five hours—maybe we would have come back to it, maybe not. But we were stuck in a house together, where we had to finish it.
“That day we stumbled upon something special,” Sutton continued. “[Nate] deserves everything that is happening for him right now. It is the absolute definition of good karma.”
Rimes then took to the mic to show his gratitude. “To have found a great singer, a great artist, a great writer, a great friend and someone I can connect with creatively is amazing. It’s more than any writer or producer could ask for.” He said, “This song was amazing, I’m super proud of it. The first one is always special.”
Pictured (L-R): MusicRow’s LB Cantrell, Lindsay Rimes, Nate Smith, Russell Sutton, MusicRow’s Madison Hahnen
When Smith spoke, he talked a lot about the people who have supported his journey to country music stardom. “It’s so good to see everybody in here. I see all my friends, my family and the people that have believed in me since day one during my first writes in town,” he shared. “Thank you to Sony Publishing, Core Entertainment, my record label and everybody who has been involved in this song. Thank you from the bottom of my heart—it has changed my life and I love singing it every night.”
Next it was time to celebrate the dynamic, 10-week No. 1, “World On Fire.” Sistad and Sanders came back up to offer their congratulations.
Warner Chappell A&R Manager Benji Amaefule then came up to toast the writers. “Ashley, you’re the Michael Jordan of songwriting. Taylor is the new Kobe Bryant. Lindsey and Nate, y’all have created a world with your songs,” he said. “You’re inspiring a whole new generation of writers of fans.”
Gaston, Tape Room President Blain Rhodes and Sony Music Nashville EVP of Promotion and Artist Development Steve Hodges also gave their congratulations.
Phillips was the first writer to speak about “World On Fire.” He complimented each writer, sharing that Gorley had been an important mentor and friend in his career, before turning to Smith. “I met you a few years ago and I remember it like yesterday,” Phillips said. “I believed in you then, I believe in you now… You are one of the best, most talented people in this world—I’ll speak that behind closed doors and I’ll speak it to your face. I love you, I’m proud of you you deserve the absolute world.”
Gorley shared his experience co-writing the hit when he spoke. “I was the guest—they all knew each other before I jumped in. It was a great first day first experience,” he said. “Nate is the nicest guy in the world. He’s very thankful and amazing. It’s so fun to be a part of [the success of] someone that talented. He doesn’t take it for granted.”
Rimes and Smith once again shared their thanks to the village behind the historic success of “World On Fire” before toasting to the crowd of collaborators and friends.
Second Annual ‘Groceries With Dignity & Comedy Without’ Benefit Set For April
/by Lorie HollabaughBrad Paisley and Kimberly Williams-Paisley will present the second annual “Groceries With Dignity & Comedy Without,” alongside Nationwide, on April 21 at Zanies in Nashville.
Featuring Paisley, John Crist, Dusty Slay and friends, the evening will benefit The Store, the free-referral based grocery store that aims to empower low-income individuals and families in the Nashville area. Founded by the famous couple, the nonprofit operates with the mission of allowing people to shop for their basic needs in a way that protects dignity and fosters hope, regularly serving over 400 households per week.
Last year’s inaugural event raised $100,000 dollars, and starred comedians Kevin Nealon and Nate Bargatze, actress Bonnie Hunt and The Groundlings.
Tickets are available now. For more information, click here.
Ole 60 Inks With UTA
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured: UTA’s Alec Vidmar, Elisa Vazzana, Justin Hill, Matthew Morgan, Buster Phillips, Ole 60’s Aden Wood, Ryan Laslie, Jacob Ty Young, Colby Clark, Whale Tale Management’s Davis Danziger, Ty Little and lawyer Matt Cottingham. Photo: Courtesy of UTA
Country band Ole 60 has signed with UTA for worldwide representation in all areas.
Group members Aden Wood, Ryan Laslie, Jacob Ty Young, Colby Clark, Dustin “Catfish” Fuqua and Jarrett Davis all hail from Kentucky. Last week, their EP Three Twenty Four was the No. 1 country album on Apple Music and on the iTunes charts, and track “Smoke & A Light” was recently No. 1 on Spotify’s Viral 50 for the United States.
Additionally, Ole 60 will serve as direct support for Dylan Gossett on select dates of his “No Better Time Tour,” and support Charles Wesley Godwin on several of his upcoming shows. They will also continue to be represented by Whale Tale Management’s Davis Danziger, Wales Toney and Ty Little as well as lawyer Matt Cottingham.
DISClaimer Single Reviews: Cody Johnson Delivers A ‘Masterful Country Performance’
/by Robert K OermannCody Johnson. Photo: Chris Douglas
“Sophisticates” might make fun of it, but I love country music’s unabashed sentimentality.
And I have two absolute gems of that sort in today’s stack of sounds. Cody Johnson wins the Disc of the Day prize for his tale of an old farmer who won’t sell his land to a developer because the property holds so much emotional weight for him. Taking home the DISCovery Award is Jay Allen. He is reminding us to lead with love at all times, because time is precious. I stand with both sentiments.
One of the coolest things about last week’s Country Radio Seminar is that it debuted a bounty of new sounds from our stars. Keith Urban, Chris Stapleton, Garth Brooks & Ronnie Dunn, Carly Pearce and Darius Rucker all came calling. So did dozens of others. What a banquet of music it was.
BO BICE / “Ramblin’ Gamblin’ Man”
Writer: Bob Seger; Producers: Randall Deaton, Gary Nichols & Jimmy Nutt; Label: Lonesome Day
– The American Idol alumnus gives this 1969 Bob Seger classic a bluegrass-y spin. The picking is hot, and Bice’s southern-rock vocal is raw and edgy. But as a major Seger fan, I’ll take the original, thanks.
CHRIS STAPLETON / “Mountains Of My Mind”
Writer: Chris Stapleton; Producers: Chris Stapleton/Dave Cobb/Morgane Stapleton; Label: Mercury Nashville
– It’s just that marvelous voice, singing to his own acoustic-guitar accompaniment. The moody folk ballad unspools a lyric of loneliness and existential angst. Captivating listening.
HUESTON / “Living Fast”
Writers: Brandon Sammons/Cory Hueston; Producer: BSAMZ; Label: Silver Wings/UMG
– This pop banger showcases a charismatic vocalist with a hypnotic, mystic vibe. While electronics throb around him, he wanders in a landscape of wasted youth.
CARLY PEARCE / “Hummingbird”
Writers: Carly Pearce/Nicolle Galyon/Shane McAnally/Jordan Reynolds; Producers: Shane McAnally/Josh Osborne/Carly Pearce; Label: Big Machine Records
– Swirling and dreamy. Is she a great artist? Yes. Is this well written? Yes. Is this a hooky playlist item? Maybe not. It sounds more like a lovely album track.
JAY ALLEN / “No Present Like The Time”
Writers: Jay Allen/Micah Wilshire/Nate Kenyon; Producer: Micah Wilshire; Label: ONErpm
– Cherish your loved ones while you have them here and near. The lyric is a beautiful sentiment; the rippling production is eloquent; his vocal is a thing of warmth and comfort. A brilliant record in all respects. Allen was a 2022 contestant on The Voice.
DARIUS RUCKER / “Never Been Over”
Writers: Darius Rucker/John Osborne/Lee Thomas Miller; Producers: Ross Copperman; Label: Capitol Records Nashville
– This extremely well written song is an ode to enduring romance and lifelong commitment. Rucker’s voice is a warm glass of brandy.
GEORGIA WEBSTER / “Delusional”
Writers: Georgia Webster/Austin Goodloe/Joybeth Taylor/Lydia Vaughan; Producer: King Henry; Label: Sony Music Nashville
– Her processed, double-tracked vocal and the machine percussion mark this as pop music. Artificial intelligence must have had a hand in this.
GARTH BROOKS & RONNIE DUNN / “Rodeo Man”
Writers: Ronnie Dunn/Phil O’Donnell; Producers: Ronnie Dunn/Garth Brooks; Label: Harbor/Big Machine
– A hit-bound, rocking romp. It will come as no surprise to reveal that Dunn is the better country singer.
TENILLE TOWNES / “As You Are”
Writers: David Pramik/Tenille Townes/Mags Duval; Producer: Ryan Hadlock; Label: Columbia Nashville
– The Canadian country awards champ delivers a languid ballad with strummy guitar backing that builds into a fierce shout of passion and then descends into a broken whisper.
DRAYTON FARLEY / “Norfolk Blues”
Writer: Drayton Farley; Producer: Sadler Vadenk; Label: Hargrove Records
– This Alabama singer-songwriter has the goods. His rolling rumbler gives a country-rock edge to the age-old working-man blues. I’m in. Welcome to the dance, pal.
CODY JOHNSON / “Dirt Cheap”
Writer: Josh Phillips; Producer: Trent Willmon; Label: CoJo Music/Warner Music Nashville
– A masterful country performance on every level. The tug-at-your-heartsrings lyric is powerful enough, but Johnson’s delivery kicks it into another realm. A superstar at work.
KEITH URBAN / “Messed Up As Me”
Writers: Jessie Jo Dillon/Shane McAnally/Michael Lotten/Rodney Clawson; Producers: Keith Urban/Dann Huff; Label: Capitol Records Nashville
– A welcome change of pace. Urban turns up his contemplative side. It does not rock out relentlessly, but draws just as much potency from its back beats. A winner.
Nate Smith & Crew Celebrate Two Dynamic No. 1 Hits
/by Madison HahnenNate Smith. Photo: Nicki Fletcher
Music industry members gathered at Cross-Eyed Critters at The Graduate Hotel on Monday (March 4) to celebrate two chart-toppers from breakout country star Nate Smith.
Smith was there with co-writers Lindsay Rimes and Russell Sutton to celebrate the singer’s first ever No. 1 hit, “Whiskey On You.” Smith and Rimes were also joined by Ashley Gorley and Taylor Phillips to celebrate “World On Fire,” Smith’s second No. 1 that held its position for an impressive 10 consecutive weeks.
Pictured (L-R): Ashley Gorley, Lindsay Rimes, Nate Smith, Taylor Phillips. Photo: Larry McCormack
First, it was time to celebrate “Whiskey On You.” ASCAP Vice President of Nashville Membership Mike Sistad started off the toast. “Nate I know there was a lot of challenges to get to this place, leaving Nashville and going back to California. We are glad you came back to Nashville. It’s a big deal to have a No. 1 but it’s an even bigger deal to have your first No. 1,” Sistad said.
He then handed it over to BMI Executive Director, Creative, Nashville, Shannon Sanders, who spoke about BMI affiliates Rimes and Sutton. “Lindsey is a highly skilled writer and producer. He has many top 10 hits under his belt. But today, this guy’s effort is celebrating his second No. 1 as a songwriter,” Sanders said. “Russell, in 2022 scored his first No. 1 with Elvie Shane’s ‘My Boy,’ In 2023, he won his first BMI award, and now in 2024, he’s scored his second No. 1. Russell, the forecast for your future is bright.”
Sony Music Publishing Nashville CEO Rusty Gaston and Droptine President Jim Catino also all offered their congratulations for the writers. This was Catino’s first No. 1 song as a publisher.
The mic was then turned over to the writers. Sutton started off by giving a background of how the song came to be, sharing that Smith showed up to a writing retreat at Catino’s lake house having just been broken up with. “The beautiful thing about retreats us that [we have a lot of time]. That song took us eight or nine hours to write. If we were in town, we would have left it after four or five hours—maybe we would have come back to it, maybe not. But we were stuck in a house together, where we had to finish it.
“That day we stumbled upon something special,” Sutton continued. “[Nate] deserves everything that is happening for him right now. It is the absolute definition of good karma.”
Rimes then took to the mic to show his gratitude. “To have found a great singer, a great artist, a great writer, a great friend and someone I can connect with creatively is amazing. It’s more than any writer or producer could ask for.” He said, “This song was amazing, I’m super proud of it. The first one is always special.”
Pictured (L-R): MusicRow’s LB Cantrell, Lindsay Rimes, Nate Smith, Russell Sutton, MusicRow’s Madison Hahnen
When Smith spoke, he talked a lot about the people who have supported his journey to country music stardom. “It’s so good to see everybody in here. I see all my friends, my family and the people that have believed in me since day one during my first writes in town,” he shared. “Thank you to Sony Publishing, Core Entertainment, my record label and everybody who has been involved in this song. Thank you from the bottom of my heart—it has changed my life and I love singing it every night.”
Next it was time to celebrate the dynamic, 10-week No. 1, “World On Fire.” Sistad and Sanders came back up to offer their congratulations.
Warner Chappell A&R Manager Benji Amaefule then came up to toast the writers. “Ashley, you’re the Michael Jordan of songwriting. Taylor is the new Kobe Bryant. Lindsey and Nate, y’all have created a world with your songs,” he said. “You’re inspiring a whole new generation of writers of fans.”
Gaston, Tape Room President Blain Rhodes and Sony Music Nashville EVP of Promotion and Artist Development Steve Hodges also gave their congratulations.
Phillips was the first writer to speak about “World On Fire.” He complimented each writer, sharing that Gorley had been an important mentor and friend in his career, before turning to Smith. “I met you a few years ago and I remember it like yesterday,” Phillips said. “I believed in you then, I believe in you now… You are one of the best, most talented people in this world—I’ll speak that behind closed doors and I’ll speak it to your face. I love you, I’m proud of you you deserve the absolute world.”
Gorley shared his experience co-writing the hit when he spoke. “I was the guest—they all knew each other before I jumped in. It was a great first day first experience,” he said. “Nate is the nicest guy in the world. He’s very thankful and amazing. It’s so fun to be a part of [the success of] someone that talented. He doesn’t take it for granted.”
Rimes and Smith once again shared their thanks to the village behind the historic success of “World On Fire” before toasting to the crowd of collaborators and friends.
Dolly Parton & Rachel Parton George To Share Family Recipes In New Cookbook
/by Lorie HollabaughDolly Parton and her sister Rachel Parton George are sharing their cherished family recipes and hosting tips in a new book, Good Lookin’ Cookin,’ out Sept. 17 via Ten Speed Press.
The cookbook offers tips for hosting events all year long, including twelve multi-course menus of recipes for New Year’s Day, Easter, Mother’s Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas and more. Filled with more than 80 dishes as well as photos of the sisters, the book also notes how much butter or whipped cream goes into a “Dolly Dollop,” what condiment is almost always on the Parton family table and what special dish Rachel makes at Dolly’s request every year for her birthday.
Featured recipes include country ham and biscuits, barbecue spare ribs, family favorite meatloaf, slaw of many colors, watermelon fruit salad, mac and cheese and strawberry shortcake.
“I love good cooking, but not as much as I love my sister Rachel,” says Dolly. “So, getting to combine the two was a joy beyond belief for me. I do believe you’re going to love all these great recipes, and I think you’re gonna have as much fun reading these stories and things that we put together for you as we did. I can’t wait to get this book in your hands, and for you to get this food on your table.”
“This book has always been a dream of mine,” shares Rachel. “Cooking with my sister Dolly, looking through favorite recipes and recalling stories has been great fun. Through the years, we’ve washed many dishes, cleaned up plenty of spills and shared a lot of laughter. And somehow, we always manage to end up with good lookin’ cookin’! Everyone knows Dolly as a great singer-songwriter–and she is–but she’s also very creative in the kitchen. I’m so excited to share this book with you so you can experience that yourself!”
Good Lookin’ Cookin’ was written with Maurice Miner and will also be available as an audiobook, read by both women, via Penguin Random House Audio.
Reservoir Signs Kings Of Leon
/by Liza AndersonKings Of Leon
Reservoir Media, Inc. has signed three-time Grammy-winning rock group Kings Of Leon to a publishing deal that includes their new album, Can We Please Have Fun, out May 10 via Capitol Records.
The multi-Platinum band—made up of brothers Caleb, Nathan and Jared Followill and their cousin Matthew Followill—has released eight projects since their 2003 debut and collectively sold more than 20 million albums and nearly 40 million singles worldwide.
Kings Of Leon has had five singles on Billboard‘s Hot 100 chart and seven of their studio albums on Billboard’s Top 200 chart, scoring their first No. 1 album debut with the release of 2016’s Walls, as well as two chart-toppers at modern rock radio. The foursome has also toured all over the world, taking the stages of top venues and headlining festivals such as Bonnaroo, Lollapalooza, Austin City Limits (ACL) and Glastonbury.
Last month, they released the forthcoming collection’s lead single, “Mustang,” along with its music video, and announced their “Can We Please Have Fun World Tour.”
“It is an honor to bring my fellow Nashvillians Caleb, Nathan, Jared and Matthew to Reservoir,” says John Ozier, Reservoir Executive Vice President of Creative. “As incredible musicians and forward thinkers, Kings Of Leon have cemented themselves as one of this generation’s greatest rock groups, and we’re excited to support the next chapter of their legacy: Can We Please Have Fun.”
“Expanding our catalog with new music from Kings Of Leon is a golden opportunity for Reservoir to work alongside one of the greatest rock bands of recent times,” adds Rell Lafargue, Reservoir President & COO. “We look forward to working with the band through the rollout of Can We Please Have Fun and as they embark on their international tour to bring this excellent rock record to their fanbase worldwide.”
Rising Women On The Row Tickets Close TOMORROW
/by LB CantrellTickets for MusicRow‘s Rising Women on the Row breakfast will close tomorrow, Friday (March 8). The annual event will take place March 19 at the Omni Nashville Hotel, beginning at 8:30 a.m. Tickets will not be sold at the door.
This year, honorees are Tiffany Kerns, Taylor Lindsey, Sloane Cavitt Logue, Halie Hampton Mosley, Melissa Spillman and Candice Watkins. Read more about the honorees here.
City National Bank, CMT Next Women of Country and Loeb & Loeb are Presenting Sponsors for the 2024 Rising Women on the Row.
Industry veteran Kerri Edwards will be this year’s featured speaker. Presented by CMT Next Women of Country, singer-songwriter Carter Faith will be the special performer at the event.
Tickets for Rising Women on the Row are now closed. Tickets will not be sold at the door, as the event is sold out.
Sponsorship Tables include premium seating for 10 guests as well as recognition in event materials (see details at the purchasing link).
For any questions regarding the event, contact LB Cantrell at lbcantrell@musicrow.com.
BREAKING: Shari Roth Joins Big Loud Records As VP, Multi-Format Radio
/by LB CantrellShari Roth. Photo: Caleb Donato
Big Loud Records has added Shari Roth to its awarded radio promotions staff. She joins as VP, Multi-Format Radio, effective immediately.
Specializing in formats including but not limited to Americana, AC, AAA and more, Roth adds expertise to the label’s promotion efforts amidst the continued expansion of Big Loud’s endeavors adjacent to country music.
Roth most recently served as National Director of Radio Accounts at Warner Music Nashville for eight years. She also spent time at Big Machine Label Group, and as Associate Program Director/Music Director at WYNY/NY. The George Washington University graduate and New Jersey native is based out of Chicago.
“After beginning our radio promotion careers almost 20 years ago together, I can’t express how full circle this reunion feels,” shares SVP, Radio Promotion Stacy Blythe. “We’ve grown up in this business together, and Shari has always been a trusted and respected friend and colleague. She is a relationship expert, ready to super serve our partners across radio formats nationwide and relentlessly champion our artists, which makes her the perfect person for this critical position. I’m honored to have her on our team.”
JUST IN: MCA Nashville Names Miranda McDonald As VP, Promotion
/by Liza AndersonMiranda McDonald
MCA Nashville has named Miranda McDonald as VP, Promotion.
In her new role, she will now lead the MCA Nashville Promotion staff and oversee all radio initiatives for the label imprint’s roster including Kassi Ashton, Jordan Davis, Vince Gill, Sam Hunt, Kacey Musgraves, Parker McCollum, Reba McEntire, Catie Offerman, George Strait and Josh Turner.
McDonald began her career as a radio host and reporter for CMT Radio followed by time with The Valory Music Co. In 2012, she joined MCA Nashville as Director, Promotion where she played a key part in breaking artists such as Davis, Hunt and McCollum at radio. Most recently, McDonald served as VP, National Promotion for UMG Nashville covering radio initiatives across Capitol Records Nashville, EMI Records Nashville, MCA Nashville and Mercury Nashville.
“When you put Miranda’s leadership skills and experience together with the MCA team and their iconic roster–a lot of great things will happen,” says UMG Nashville EVP & COO Mike Harris. “I couldn’t be happier for Miranda to take on this new role as I know she is going to crush it.”
McDonald adds, “To quote the great Rodney Atkins, ‘these are my people, this is where I came from.’ In all seriousness, I’m thrilled to continue working alongside this amazing roster and team at the imprint that has been the cornerstone of my career for over a decade now.”
Craig Campbell To Honor Influences With New Album ‘Class Of ’89’
/by Lorie HollabaughCraig Campbell is paying homage to the songs and influences that helped shape him as an artist with his forthcoming album, Class Of ’89, out April 19 via Grindstone Recordings.
For the project, he reinvented six classic country tracks that are special to him, including “Killin’ Time,” “Too Cold At Home” and “On The Other Hand.” Additionally, the album cover was taken by a local photographer in Campbell’s hometown of Lyons, Georgia after he won his first talent show singing another featured track, “Be My Baby Tonight.”
“Killin’ Time was the first album (cassette) I ever bought with my own money. That album changed my life,” he recalls. “‘Too Cold At Home’ is a song we played every show. That song became a staple for us, and the fans got to where they expected us to play it. And ‘On The Other Hand’ was the first song my wife ever heard me sing. She didn’t even really know me at the time but she says that’s the moment I landed on her radar!
“I have been dreaming of recording this album for as long as I can remember,” continues Campbell. “These songs are some of the reasons I fell in love with country music in the first place. Every song on this album has a story, and each one of those stories shaped me into the country singer I am today. There will never be anyone that can do these songs as good as the originals, but at the very least I hope I made them proud.”