The New Faces of Country Music Class of 2024, including George Birge, Megan Moroney, Conner Smith, Dillon Carmichael and Corey Kent. Photo: Courtesy of CRB/CRS/Kayla Schoen
To end Country Radio Seminar (CRS) 2024, five breakout artists added their names to the history of the New Faces of Country Music showcase.
The annual showcase features five emerging artists who have achieved notable country radio success during the qualification period, which spanned from Nov. 1, 2022, to Oct. 31, 2023, for the 2024 show. The event has served as a pivotal moment in the careers of established country hitmakers since its inception in 1970. On Friday (March 1), Corey Kent, George Birge, Conner Smith, Dillon Carmichael and Megan Moroney added their names to the list.
Corey Kent. Photo: Courtesy of CRB/CRS/Kayla Schoen
RCA Nashville’s Kent was the first artist to take the stage. Before he performed, an introductory video played detailing his journey from Oklahoma to Music City to chase his musical dreams, but it also showed the detour that led him and his young family to Texas, where Kent took a job pouring concrete for a while.
Now, a few years after his music took off and he and his family moved back to Nashville, Kent has celebrated a Platinum-certified No. 1 hit with “Wild As Her,” which he gratefully played to the country radio industry members in the audience. Kent’s set also included his 2020 single “Gold.”
“I believe that tomorrow isn’t guaranteed and what you’re doing today matters,” Kent said when introducing his Gold-certified hit “Something’s Gonna Kill Me.” “You’re either getting busy living or getting busy dying.” Before he left the stage, Kent played his brand new radio single “This Heart,” and the radio tastemakers in the room ate it up.
George Birge. Photo: Courtesy of CRB/CRS/Kayla Schoen
Next up was RECORDS Nashville’s Birge. His introductory video also shared a bit about his journey working as a songwriter until breaking through as an artist in recent years. He also took the opportunity to share his gratitude for country radio, thanking them for changing his life and sharing photos with programmers.
Birge kicked off his set with a new song, “Hard on the Bottle.” The Texan also played a few more new songs, including “Damn Right I Do” and his next radio single, “Cowboy Songs.”
“I’ve been dreaming about this day for a long time and damn, it’s good to be here tonight,” Birge said before launching into his first No. 1, “Mind On You,” which topped country radio charts as 2024 began, while also cracking the all-genre Billboard Hot 100.
Conner Smith. Photo: Courtesy of CRB/CRS/Kayla Schoen
The Valory Music Co.’s Smith was the next artist to take the stage. His video included footage of the Nashville native singing country covers while growing up, using a broom as a mic stand and yelling out the words to Montgomery Gentry and Kenny Chesney songs.
Smith kicked off his set with the title track of his recently released new album, “Smoky Mountains,” as well as two new songs “Heatin’ Up” and “Roulette On The Heart,” a duet with Hailey Whitters that is set to be his next single.
“Thank you for giving me the opportunity to be on this stage. It means more than y’all know,” Smith said before playing his top-10-and-rising single “Creek Will Rise,” which brought radio tastemakers to their feet.
Dillon Carmichael. Photo: Courtesy of CRB/CRS/Kayla Schoen
Riser House Records’ Carmichael was next up. His video was the best, showcasing the humor he’s become known for. In an episode of “CRS Cribs,” Carmichael took the audience on a tour of his bus—but come to find out, it was actually his tour-mate Justin Moore‘s bus. The video ends with Carmichael welcoming viewers to “CRS Cribs” of his truck.
He kicked off his set with “Raised Up Wrong,” before making everyone laugh again with “Tiny Little Fiddle.” After performing his top 25 single “Son Of A,” Carmichael brought some radio programmers to their feet with “Drinkin’ Problems.”
“What an opportunity this is,” Carmichael said. “Thank y’all so much for giving us a chance. I do understand the gravity of this.”
Megan Moroney. Photo: Courtesy of CRB/CRS/Kayla Schoen
Sony Music Nashville/Columbia Records’ Moroney was the last artist to perform, but it didn’t matter—everyone was eagerly awaiting the breakout star’s time in the spotlight. After a video of her reading mean Tweets about herself, Moroney hit the stage singing the title track of her 2023 album “Lucky.”
She lured audience members in with her climbing radio single “I’m Not Pretty,” and impressed them with her well written new release “No Caller ID.”
“Thank y’all so much for the support of me and my songs,” Moroney said before playing “Girl In The Mirror.” She ended her set and the 2024 CRS New Faces showcase with her two-times Platinum No. 1 breakout hit “Tennessee Orange,” leaving the crowd on their feet.
Twelve6 Marks Five Years In Business With Promotions, Signings & Radio Success
/by LB CantrellPictured (L-R): Alaina Maggart, Travis Myatt and Willow Belenski. Photo: Alex Hall
Music and entertainment company Twelve6 is celebrating five years in business with promotions, recent signings and extensions.
Catering to songwriters and producers in all facets of their career, the company is lead by Travis Myatt, who has been promoted to President and General Manager. Additionally, Willow Belenski has been elevated to Project Manager, Twelve6 Entertainment, and Alaina Maggart has been promoted to Creative Manager, Twelve6 Publishing.
“The last five years of my life have been poured into Twelve6, and I feel we are a reflection of each other. I’m honored to lead such an outstanding staff and roster of writers who understand the work it takes to be successful as an independent,” shares Myatt.
Jared Keim, Michael Lotten and the Between The Pines joint-venture have extended with Twelve6, and the company recently signed Jason Gantt, Carson Beyer and Abbie Callahan. They join other Twelve6 writers including Trevor Rosen of Old Dominion, Jerry Flowers, Emma Klein and Roman Alexander.
Twelve6 Publishing hosts the catalog of Rosen, which include 12 No. 1 songs, as well as hit songs including “Kinfolks” (Sam Hunt) written in-part by Flowers, “Party Mode” (Dustin Lynch) written in-part by Flowers, Alexander and Keim, and most recently, the Warren Zeiders Platinum-certified No. 1 debut single “Pretty Little Poison,” written in-part by Keim.
The company has also grown on the artist development and masters side under Twelve6 Entertainment. It’s home to flagship artist Alexander and most recent launch Beyer, with more artists to be announced.
“Twelve6 has found its niche in capturing young artists’ visions, and developing them into fully rounded careers ready to take the next step into stardom,” shares Myatt. “It is fully our intention to take what we have helped develop for our artists and partner with institutions that can take them to the next level.”
Twelve6 was founded by Heidi Hamels, with the help of Tom Becci, and is co-owned by Hamels and Dan Goodfellow.
“When I started Twevle6 five years ago, I knew it had to begin with the right people,” says Hamels. “With the help of Tom Becci and the support of Dan Goodfellow, I can confidently say we have found that in Travis, Alaina, Willow, and the incredibly talented roster we’ve all helped to cultivate. I am so proud of their efforts and look forward to championing our continued success.”
“It has been an honor for me to be a part of Twelve6—allowing me to slightly pull back the curtain and see some of the inner workings of creating music,” adds Goodfellow. “Congratulations to our extremely talented team for the first five years and it’s exciting to think what the future will bring.”
Grand Ole Opry Promotes Three In Programming Staff
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): Nicole Judd, Gina Keltner and Audrey McGrady. Photos: Chris Hollo for Grand Ole Opry
The Grand Ole Opry has promoted three on its Programming staff, including Nicole Judd, Audrey McGrady and Gina Keltner.
Judd has been promoted to Grand Ole Opry Associate Producer, Show Development, and will contribute to the development and production of all Opry shows, plus serve as a programming liaison with various teams including publicity, marketing, operations and finance. She will lead programming initiatives and events, including with partners WSM Radio, SiriusXM and other outlets. Judd has been with the company 17 years, most recently as Opry Marketing Manager.
McGrady has been promoted to Grand Ole Opry Talent Manager. In her role, McGrady manages all talent-related show advancement for Opry shows and contributes to numerous aspects of show production and programming strategy with the Opry programming and artist relations team. McGrady has been with the Opry since 2017.
Keltner has risen to Grand Ole Opry Associate Producer, Talent. In her new role, Keltner will book 220+ Opry shows per year and other events and initiatives, totaling more than 2,000 artist bookings annually. Keltner is marking her 25th year with the Opry.
“Nicole, Gina, and Audrey are all uniquely equipped to excel in these roles and keep the Opry building toward its momentous 100th year next year and into its second century,” says Grand Ole Opry Executive Producer Dan Rogers. “Just as importantly, like so many of their fellow staff members, these women genuinely love the Opry and what it means to Nashville and to the people who make and love music.”
Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival To Celebrate 10th Anniversary In September
/by Liza AndersonPilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival will make its way back to The Park at Harlinsdale Farm in Franklin, Tennessee on Sept. 28-29 for its milestone 10th anniversary.
Known for its genre-blending bills of country, rock, folk, pop and more, the festival has featured well-known acts such as Beck, Brandi Carlile, Cage The Elephant, Chris Stapleton, Daryl Hall and John Oates, Dave Matthews Band, Eddie Vedder, Foo Fighters, Jason Isbell, Justin Timberlake, Keith Urban, Lionel Richie, Sheryl Crow, The Avett Brothers, The Black Keys, The Decemberists, The Killers, Walk The Moon, Weezer and Willie Nelson.
Last year’s sold-out event starred headliners Zach Bryan and The Lumineers, and included performances by Hailey Whitters, Tigirlily Gold and The War And Treaty, among others.
Fans can sign up for alerts regarding lineup information, ticket sales and other details surrounding the special 2024 Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival. For more information, click here.
Industry Brings The Party To Barstool Nashville For George Birge’s No. 1 ‘Mind On You’
/by Liza AndersonPictured (L-R, back row): ASCAP’s Mike Sistad, SESAC’s Lydia Schultz Cahill, Records Nashville’s Josh Easler and BMI’s MaryAnn Keen; (L-R, front row): Michael Tyler, George Birge, Jaron Boyer and Colt Ford. Photo: Larry McCormack for ASCAP
Industry members brought the party to Barstool Nashville to commemorate George Birge‘s first-ever No. 1 hit “Mind On You” on Thursday (Feb. 29). Birge co-wrote the Ash Bowers-produced tune alongside Michael Tyler, Colt Ford and Jaron Boyer.
Attendees were met with joyous energy as they entered the colorfully lit venue. As the honorees made their way up to the stage, ASCAP’s Mike Sistad got the celebration started by welcoming everyone, thanking the partners involved and acknowledging the presence of radio friends visiting for Country Radio Seminar (CRS). He also took a moment to acknowledge the uniqueness of Nashville’s No. 1 parties and the magnitude of scoring a country radio No. 1. Sistad finished by congratulating Birge and expressing ASCAP’s pride in being a part of his team.
BMI’s MaryAnn Keen was up next and shifted the focus to Ford, who notched his third chart-topper with “Mind On You.” Keen recalled his past work, and the memories she associates with it, before congratulating the writers. SESAC’s Lydia Schultz Cahill then took the mic to talk about Boyer and Tyler. She made note of the multiple cuts the two have had with well-known artists, and reminisced on the first conversation she had with Boyer regarding Birge and the single. After praising the creatives, Cahill thanked Gibson, who gifted the creators custom guitars.
Pictured (L-R): Colt Ford, George Birge, Reid Mounts and Michael Tyler during “Mind On You” No. 1 party. Photo: Larry McCormack for ASCAP
Sistad reclaimed the floor to introduce Peermusic’s Michael Knox. Knox detailed his history with Boyer, Tyler and Ford, and brought everyone’s attention to the impressive feat that “Mind On You” achieved, as it was both Birge and Records Nashville’s first single. “This is amazing stuff, and it’s awesome to soak this in,” he stated. “I want y’all to remember this, because this kind of where I was with [Jason] Aldean—starting out with a new artist while building a new team and a new home.” Knox ended by applauding the writers and voicing his admiration for Birge’s passion, and Average Joes Entertainment’s Mike Wadsworth stepped up to speak. He first extended his congratulations, and moved on to describe the significant level on which songs communicate. Wadsworth then zeroed in on the specific communication level of “Mind On You” and the hard work of everyone who gave it life.
Next up was Records Nashville’s Josh Easler, who expressed his gratitude for all of the attendees, those who helped host and plan the event, as well as the radio personel who stepped away from CRS to celebrate the milestone moment. After saluting the writers, Easler shared some facts about Records Nashville and its development with the crowd. He went on to thank Records Co-Founder & Partner Barry Weiss, who was present along with a few of their New York team members. He made note of Weiss’ belief in the song, and continued his thanks by acknowledging the work of both Records’ New York and Music City staff while recognizing individual contributors such as Executive Vice President Joe Fisher in addition to each team involved. Easler stated his appreciation for Birge’s wife Kara and all of the sacrifices his family has made and gave specific examples of the strong relationships Birge has built, before presenting the artist with a plaque.
Tyler was the first of the songsmiths to take the floor and addressed each of his co-writers. He thanked Boyer for conceptualizing “Mind On You” and reflected on the moment he first shared the idea. Tyler made his longtime admiration of Ford’s work known and dove into all of the efforts made by Birge to get the song to where it is today. “I’ve had some No. 1s by now, but this is by far my favorite and the most special,” he said. “The sky is the limit, and I can’t wait to keep it going.”
Emotional sincerity flooded Ford’s voice as he detailed his friendship with Birge and recounted meeting Tyler and Boyer. He recounted writing the smash single, and thanked everyone who had done right by the track along with his Average Joes Entertainment team and those who put in the hard work and made sacrifices behind the scenes. “I’m lucky to be able to do this with one of my best friends and two other guys who have become great friends,” finished Ford.
Boyer started by thanking God for allowing them to write country music for a living. He shared that he felt the song “was a hit when [they] walked out of the room that day” and recognized the work that Birge and the Records Nashville team put into it. “I love George, and I’m so proud of him,” stated Boyer. “He’s going to have plenty more No. 1s.”
Last, but not least, the artist himself shared his overwhelming gratitude for all of the support he and his first hit have received and gave thanks to those on the “Mind On You” remix as well as his teams, family and country radio. “It’s just been so special to see this song take off and do what it’s done,” said Birge. “This is something I’ve dreamed about my entire life,” he continued. “I fell in love with country radio at five years old in my dad’s truck. I wanted to learn how to tell stories like [the ones on the radio], and started writing songs as soon as I was old enough to play guitar.
“To move to this town not knowing anybody while chasing a dream and have three guys, who were all already No. 1 songwriters, bet on me when I didn’t have a record deal or a publishing deal and say ‘Hey, I want to write with you because I believe in you is awesome,” Birge concluded with tear-brimmed eyes. “Don’t quit, because it’s worth it.”
He and his collaborators then treated everyone to a special “Mind On You” performance, and welcomed fellow artists Erin Kinsey and Matt Stell to the stage to close out the party with a surprise set.
Chayce Beckham Claims No. 1 Spot On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart
/by Madison HahnenChayce Beckham. Photo: Matthew Simmons
Fast-rising artist Chayce Beckham has taken the No. 1 spot this week on MusicRow‘s Top Songwriter Chart. With his solo-written track “23” dominating the country music charts, Beckham finds himself on top.
Ashley Gorley claims the No. 2 spot this week with seven tracks on the chart including “World On Fire,” “Young Love & Saturday Nights,” “Last Night,” “Thinkin’ Bout Me,” “Truck Bed,” “Bulletproof” and “This Town’s Been Too Good To Us.” Zach Bryan sits at No. 3 this week with “I Remember Everything” and “Hey Driver.”
Hunter Phelps (No. 4) and Tracy Chapman (No. 5) round out this week’s top five.
The weekly MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart uses algorithms based upon song activity according to airplay, digital download track sales and streams. This unique and exclusive addition to the MusicRow portfolio is the only songwriter chart of its kind.
Click here to view the full MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart.
Winners Revealed For 2024 CRS/Country Aircheck Awards
/by LB CantrellThe winners of the 2024 CRS/Country Aircheck Awards were announced on Friday night (March 1) at the annual New Faces of Country Music dinner.
Broken Bow was awarded with the Platinum Label of the Year honor, and the label group’s Chris Loss was named Label Streaming Specialist and Stoney Creek’s Mary Forest Campbell took home the Regional Promotion award. Big Machine received the honor of Gold Label of the Year.
Triple Tigers also received a few awards, with the company’s Raffaella Braun winning SVP-VP/National Promotion and Mackenzie Cooper taking home New Face of Country (Professional).
Nashville station WSIX took home several awards, including Medium Market Station of the Year.
GrassRoots Promotion’s Nancy Tunick won this year’s Independent Promotion Executive award.
2024 CRS/Country Aircheck Award Winners:
Station
KKBQ/Houston (Large Market)
WSIX/Nashville (Medium Market)
KUZZ/Bakersfield (Small Market)
Platinum Label: Broken Bow
Gold Label: Big Machine
OM/PD
Marci Braun, WUSN/Chicago (Large Market)
Gator Harrison, WSIX/Nashville (Medium Market)
Nikki Thomas, WXBQ/Johnson City, TN (Small Market)
APD/MD
Angie Ward, WUBL/Atlanta (Large Market)
Ryan McKiddy, WSIX/Nashville (Medium Market)
Brook Stephens, KZPK/St. Cloud, MN (Small Market)
SVP-VP/National Promotion: Raffaella Braun, Triple Tigers
Label Streaming Specialist: Chris Loss, BMG/BBRMG
Director/National Promotion: Donna Hughes, UMGN
Market Manager/GM: Dan Endom, WSIX/Nashville
Personality/Show
Lauren “Lo” Sessions, KKBQ/Houston (Large Market)
Brooke Taylor, WSIX/Nashville (Medium Market)
Bill Black & Shelby Mitchell, Bill & Shelby, WKSJ/Mobile, AL (Small Market)
National Personality/Show
Storme Warren, The Storme Warren Show, The Big 615 (Daily)
Amy Brown, Women of iHeartCountry, iHeartMedia (Weekly)
National Programmer/Curator: Monta Vaden, The Big 615, TuneIn
Regional Promotion: Mary Forest Campbell, Stoney Creek
Independent Promotion Executive: Nancy Tunick, GrassRoots Promotion
New Face of Country (Professional): Mackenzie Cooper, Triple Tigers
CRS New Faces 2024 Showcase Highlights Five Talented Artists
/by LB CantrellThe New Faces of Country Music Class of 2024, including George Birge, Megan Moroney, Conner Smith, Dillon Carmichael and Corey Kent. Photo: Courtesy of CRB/CRS/Kayla Schoen
To end Country Radio Seminar (CRS) 2024, five breakout artists added their names to the history of the New Faces of Country Music showcase.
The annual showcase features five emerging artists who have achieved notable country radio success during the qualification period, which spanned from Nov. 1, 2022, to Oct. 31, 2023, for the 2024 show. The event has served as a pivotal moment in the careers of established country hitmakers since its inception in 1970. On Friday (March 1), Corey Kent, George Birge, Conner Smith, Dillon Carmichael and Megan Moroney added their names to the list.
Corey Kent. Photo: Courtesy of CRB/CRS/Kayla Schoen
RCA Nashville’s Kent was the first artist to take the stage. Before he performed, an introductory video played detailing his journey from Oklahoma to Music City to chase his musical dreams, but it also showed the detour that led him and his young family to Texas, where Kent took a job pouring concrete for a while.
Now, a few years after his music took off and he and his family moved back to Nashville, Kent has celebrated a Platinum-certified No. 1 hit with “Wild As Her,” which he gratefully played to the country radio industry members in the audience. Kent’s set also included his 2020 single “Gold.”
“I believe that tomorrow isn’t guaranteed and what you’re doing today matters,” Kent said when introducing his Gold-certified hit “Something’s Gonna Kill Me.” “You’re either getting busy living or getting busy dying.” Before he left the stage, Kent played his brand new radio single “This Heart,” and the radio tastemakers in the room ate it up.
George Birge. Photo: Courtesy of CRB/CRS/Kayla Schoen
Next up was RECORDS Nashville’s Birge. His introductory video also shared a bit about his journey working as a songwriter until breaking through as an artist in recent years. He also took the opportunity to share his gratitude for country radio, thanking them for changing his life and sharing photos with programmers.
Birge kicked off his set with a new song, “Hard on the Bottle.” The Texan also played a few more new songs, including “Damn Right I Do” and his next radio single, “Cowboy Songs.”
“I’ve been dreaming about this day for a long time and damn, it’s good to be here tonight,” Birge said before launching into his first No. 1, “Mind On You,” which topped country radio charts as 2024 began, while also cracking the all-genre Billboard Hot 100.
Conner Smith. Photo: Courtesy of CRB/CRS/Kayla Schoen
The Valory Music Co.’s Smith was the next artist to take the stage. His video included footage of the Nashville native singing country covers while growing up, using a broom as a mic stand and yelling out the words to Montgomery Gentry and Kenny Chesney songs.
Smith kicked off his set with the title track of his recently released new album, “Smoky Mountains,” as well as two new songs “Heatin’ Up” and “Roulette On The Heart,” a duet with Hailey Whitters that is set to be his next single.
“Thank you for giving me the opportunity to be on this stage. It means more than y’all know,” Smith said before playing his top-10-and-rising single “Creek Will Rise,” which brought radio tastemakers to their feet.
Dillon Carmichael. Photo: Courtesy of CRB/CRS/Kayla Schoen
Riser House Records’ Carmichael was next up. His video was the best, showcasing the humor he’s become known for. In an episode of “CRS Cribs,” Carmichael took the audience on a tour of his bus—but come to find out, it was actually his tour-mate Justin Moore‘s bus. The video ends with Carmichael welcoming viewers to “CRS Cribs” of his truck.
He kicked off his set with “Raised Up Wrong,” before making everyone laugh again with “Tiny Little Fiddle.” After performing his top 25 single “Son Of A,” Carmichael brought some radio programmers to their feet with “Drinkin’ Problems.”
“What an opportunity this is,” Carmichael said. “Thank y’all so much for giving us a chance. I do understand the gravity of this.”
Megan Moroney. Photo: Courtesy of CRB/CRS/Kayla Schoen
Sony Music Nashville/Columbia Records’ Moroney was the last artist to perform, but it didn’t matter—everyone was eagerly awaiting the breakout star’s time in the spotlight. After a video of her reading mean Tweets about herself, Moroney hit the stage singing the title track of her 2023 album “Lucky.”
She lured audience members in with her climbing radio single “I’m Not Pretty,” and impressed them with her well written new release “No Caller ID.”
“Thank y’all so much for the support of me and my songs,” Moroney said before playing “Girl In The Mirror.” She ended her set and the 2024 CRS New Faces showcase with her two-times Platinum No. 1 breakout hit “Tennessee Orange,” leaving the crowd on their feet.
CMA Announces Return Of Women’s Leadership Academy
/by Madison HahnenThe Country Music Association (CMA) has announced the return of its Women’s Leadership Academy. The highly sought-out professional development program is an interactive coaching experience for high-performing, high-potential women leaders within country music.
“We are thrilled to announce the return of the Women’s Leadership Academy in 2024,” shares Tiffany Kerns, Senior Vice President, Industry Relations & Philanthropy. “With a commitment to delivering tailored, top-tier professional development, we are amazed by the evolution of this program since its inception in 2022. It’s been truly rewarding to witness the growth of a supportive community within the country music industry, empowering women to thrive together and fostering a robust alumni network. We are eager to welcome a new class this year!”
The CMA Women’s Leadership Academy is designed to offer professional development to rising female leaders, and gives participants leadership skills while promoting a culture of community among women. Participants are offered educational sessions, bi-monthly group coaching and more.
Those selected for this year’s program will form their individual goals before heading into group sessions. The program will be led by Executive Coaches Lisa Gamble of Gamble Coaching & Consulting LLC and Nicole Provonchee of Bright Blue Consulting. Gamble and Provonchee share decades of coaching experience as well as a passion for supporting women leaders throughout their journeys. Topics explored during coaching sessions will include personal branding, career mobility, DEI, conflict navigation, self-advocacy and negotiation in addition to self-promotion and influence.
To learn more and apply, click here.
Cody Johnson’s ‘The Painter’ Lands At No. 1
/by Lorie HollabaughCody Johnson has the No. 1 song at country radio this week with “The Painter.” The Gold-certified track was written by Benjy Davis, Kat Higgins and Ryan Larkins and has become the biggest streaming single of Johnson’s career, with 200 million global streams to date.
“The Painter” was the first single from Johnson’s new 12-track studio album Leather, released last fall. Johnson chose the song for the record because its story mirrors his relationship with his wife Brandi and her belief and support of his dreams and career. Since the release of Leather, many of the songs on the album have struck a chord with fans, including “Dirt Cheap,” which is Johnson’s latest single and has nearly 55 million global streams with an average of 3.4 million streams per week.
Johnson continues his headline “The Leather Tour” on March 15 in Indianapolis at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
The Black Crowes Sign With Spirit Music Group
/by John Nix ArledgePictured (L-R): Chris Robinson and Rich Robinson. Photo: Ross Halfin
Legendary rock band The Black Crowes, led by Chris Robinson and Rich Robinson, has signed a publishing administration agreement with Spirit Music Group. This deal encompasses the band’s acclaimed albums Warpaint and Before The Frost…Until the Freeze, along with their highly anticipated upcoming release, Happiness Bastards, set for launch on March 15.
“The Black Crowes have stood as one of rock music’s best bands in the past 30 years. With this new album and their upcoming tour, they prove to be even stronger than ever. Anyone who does not see their upcoming live shows is depriving themselves. I have a been a fan of their music from the beginning and couldn’t be more psyched to be part of the ride today,” shares Jon Singer, Chairman, Spirit Music Group, of the partnership.
Frank Rogers, Chief Creative Officer of Spirit Music Group, adds, “We could not be more excited to welcome Chris and Rich Robinson to the Spirit Music family. The Black Crowes are the epitome of rock and roll—kick-ass songs, records, attitudes and performances. It is an honor to partner with them and we can’t wait to help introduce the world to the next chapter in their already legendary career.”
The Black Crowes’ upcoming tenth studio album, Happiness Bastards, is a humble nod to their past and celebration of their future. Set for worldwide release on March 15, the album marks the Black Crowes’ first original music in 15 years and is produced by Grammy award-winning producer Jay Joyce. The project includes 10 new tracks, including the attitude-driven lead single “Wanting and Waiting,” and a special feature from Grammy-winning superstar Lainey Wilson.
Announced in tandem with their album, The Black Crowes unveiled their 2024 headline tour which sees them visit major markets in both North America and Europe. “The Happiness Bastards Tour” is set to kick off at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville on April 2 before wrapping up at the Mérida’s STONE & MUSIC Festival on June 9.
Celebrating 40 years since their inception, 30 million albums sold and accolades such as VH1’s 100 Greatest Artists of Hard Rock, The Black Crowes are primed to claim 2024 as their own.