Ashley McBryde. Photo: Katie Kauss
Happy Leap Year Day.
This only happens every four years, but thank goodness Dierks Bentley, Lee Brice, Jordan Davis and Kameron Marlowe don’t wait that long between releases. All of them shine on this week’s playlist.
So do such and up-and-comers as Erin Kirby and Emily Ann Roberts. Along with Brice, they were contenders for the Disc of the Day award. But it goes to a woman who has always been a superstar in my eyes, Ashley McBryde.
This week’s DISCovery Award winner is new Nashvillian Thunderstorm Artis. Welcome, bro.
ERIN KIRBY / “Pick My Own Flowers”
Writers: Erin Kirby/Phil Barton/Thomas Finchum; Producer: Frank Legeay; Label: InDent
– I encountered this youngster’s music at a Song Suffragettes showcase this week. Her new single is a slap of country soul. Her fiery vocal essays an independent-woman lyric that hits a homerun. This scores huge in both the writing and the performance departments.
DIERKS BENTLEY / “American Girl”
Writer: Tom Petty; Producer: Jon Randall; Label: Valory
– This is the lead track from Petty Country: A Country Music Celebration of Tom Petty. Unlike so many country “tributes” to pop acts, this one makes a great deal of sense. Petty was always kinda “country” to my ears, and Bentley’s rocking, fiddle-and-banjo bedecked arrangement of this 1994 classic supports that opinion. The sound and the song are splendid.
GEORGE BIRGE / “Cowboy Songs”
Writers: Michael Tyler/George Birge/Lalo Guzman/Matt McGinn; Producers: Lalo Guzman/Matt McGinn; Label: RECORDS Nashville
– Birge has landed a slot on this year’s CRS New Faces showcase, thanks to his breakout hit “Mind On You.” That song’s follow-up is a moody, mid-tempo swirl of sound. He yearns for a gal who only dances to hardcore country tunes, especially Waylon. The mix wisely underplays the electric-rock instrumentation in favor of his earnest vocal.
LEE BRICE & FOR KING & COUNTRY / “Checking In”
Writers: Garrett Jacobs/Kenneth Cooper Hart/Michael Farren; Producer: Ben Glover; Label: Curb Records
– Heart-tugging and tearful, this beautifully written ballad explores the pain and regret of a father-son relationship. They leave phone messages for one another, but don’t connect often enough. Now it’s too late, because the dad has passed and the son aches for that communication. From the soundtrack of an upcoming movie titled Unsung Hero.
ENRIQUE IGLESIAS & MIRANDA LAMBERT / “Space In My Heart”
Writers: Simon Wilcox/Carlos Paucar/Enrique Iglesias/Nolan Lambroza/Ross Golan; Producers: Carlos Paucar/Mark Taylor; Label: Sony Music Latin
– The King of Latin Pop meets the most awarded ACM artist in history on this gorgeous, romantic, lilting little piece of heaven. The love song’s airy production is just beautiful, and their two voices sound like a country match of perfection. “There’s a space in my heart, and it’s just your shape,” they sigh together. Absolutely play this.
KENNY CHESNEY / “Thinkin’ Bout”
Writers: Kyle Fishman/Tucker Beathard; Producers: Buddy Cannon/Kenny Chesney; Label: Blue Chair Records/Warner Music Nashville
– It’s time to let go of the relationship, but it sure is hard. Chesney dips into his baritone register for most of the outing, which gives this a smooth, dreamy and contemplative vibe. Drowsy listening.
EMILY ANN ROBERTS / “Devils Wears Denim”
Writers: Autumn McEntire/Emily Ann Roberts/Trent Willmon; Producer: Trent Willmon; Label: Starstruck Records
– I love country story songs, especially the dark ones. She falls for a devastatingly handsome cowboy who turns out to be a venomous bigamist. When she discovers his duplicity, he mysteriously vanishes. Daddy taught her how to bury a snake, it seems. Roberts delivers it in her east Tennessee drawl that is utterly captivating. This charmer is a richly deserving addition to this year’s CMT Next Women of Country cast.
KAMERON MARLOWE / “Quit You”
Writers: James McNair/John Pierce/Kameron Marlowe; Producer: Dann Huff; Label: Columbia Nashville
– He kicks cigarettes and cuts back on his drinking because now he’s addicted to her. His hearty voice exudes love and warmth throughout this performance. Yet another demonstration of why Marlowe remains one of my ultra favorite young male country voices.
THUNDERSTORM ARTIS / “Don’t Let Me Let You Go”
Writers: Dakota Striplin/Phoebe Kathleen Scott/Thunderstorm Artis; Producer: Mykyl; Label: Thunderstorm Artis
– His gripping, passionate, raspy tenor voice is instantly ear catching. There’s an R&B flavor to this conflicted-love ballad that builds from a light whisper to a searing, powerful shout. Promising in the extreme. Please send more. Artis is a veteran of The Voice TV competition.
ASHLEY McBRYDE / “The Devil I Know”
Writers: Ashley McBryde/Bobby Pinson/Jeremy Stover; Producer: Jay Joyce; Label: Warner Music Nashville
– I reviewed this nearly a year ago as the title tune of her album. Now it is her new single, so those words bear repeating: “Snarling electric guitar, slapped percussion, nervous acoustic strumming, chant-like support vocals and wild audio frothing make this a heart-stopping listening experience. The lyric is just as riveting—she’s a bar fly who resists changing her wayward ways. This woman rules.” I love it that she was introduced at Warner’s CRS showcase yesterday as, “The incomparable Ashley McBryde.” Amen to that.
DOLLY PARTON & MELISSA MANCHESTER / “Midnight Blue”
Writers: Melissa Manchester/Carole Bayer Sager; Producer: Melissa Manchester; Label: Green Hill Productions
– Manchester’s 1975 classic gets a fabulous revival thanks to extraordinary harmonic embellishments by Parton. Enchanting from first note to last. There’s also a music video. Miss this audio delight at your peril.
JORDAN DAVIS / “Good News Sold”
Writers: Cole Taylor/Jacob Davis/Jordan Rowe; Producer: Paul DiGiovanni; Label: MCA Nashville
– Wistful and thoughtful. “If good news sold, things wouldn’t seem so bad,” he sings in a hushed, sweet manner. This award-winning man always turns in quality work.
CRS 2024 Day Two: AI Town Hall, Research Presentation, Artist Interview & More
/by Madison HahnenDay two of Country Radio Seminar (CRS) took place Thursday (Feb. 29) at the Omni Nashville Hotel. Below are some of the highlights from yesterday’s programming.
AI Interactive Town Hall
Pictured (L-R): Buzz Knight, Zena Burns, Fred Jacobs, Mike McVay
As a follow up to last year’s CRS roundtable regarding artificial intelligence, day two kicked off with “AI Interactive Townhall: Reflecting on a Year of Growth and Learning and Looking Forward to What’s Ahead.” The panel included Founder and CEO of Buzz Knight Media Buzz Knight, Jacobs Media’s Fred Jacobs, President of McVay Media Mike McVay and Futuri’s Zena Burns.
Key themes of the panel included advancements in AI, lessons learned, industry adaptation, ethical considerations and regulations, and future prospects and learning needs.
CRS Research Presentation: On Air Personalities
“But They Have a Great Personality: On Air Talent And Their Roles on All Platforms” CRS Research Presentation
timThis year’s CRS research presentation, presented by Smith Geiger Group, was “But They Have a Great Personality: On Air Talent And Their Roles on All Platforms.” The study focused on the impact and influence of on-air personalities across terrestrial, satellite and digital service provider platforms.
Questions explored in the presentation included what audiences seek in their listening experiences, the distinctiveness of personalities as a competitive advantage, the relevance of “live and local” content and how personality-driven approaches resonate across different life forms in country music consumption.
‘The Artist Interview’ With Lainey Wilson & Trisha Yearwood
Lainey Wilson & Trisha Yearwood
Sponsored by ASCAP, this year’s artist interview featured a conversation between two-time CMA Female Vocalist of the Year Trisha Yearwood and Grammy winner Lainey Wilson.
CRS Honors Kane Brown & Tim Leary
Kane Brown receives CRB Artist Humanitarian Award
The annual CRS Honors returned this year with two presentations, hosted by CRB President Kurt Johnson and CRB Executive Director RJ Curtis. The first was to country star Kane Brown receiving the CRB Artist Humanitarian Award. WIRK/West Palm Beach morning personality Tim Leary was presented with the Tom Rivers Humanitarian Award. Both recipients were honored for their outstanding humanitarian and professional achievements.
The War & Treaty gave a stirring live performance to accompany the “In Memoriam” segment to honor industry colleagues who have passed. The session ended with the announcement of the 2024 Country Radio Hall of Fame inductees, including on-air personalities Cody Alan (SiriusXM) and the duo Pat & Tom (KNCI/Sacramento), alongside off-air luminaries Mike Moore (WKHX/Atlanta), Jim Robertson (retired, KIKK/Houston, WOGK/Gainesville/Ocala) and Meg Stevens (WUBL/Atlanta).
Bob Kingsley’s Acoustic Alley With Emily Weisband, Jason Aldean, Keith Urban & More
Keith Urban
Established by the late Bob Kingsley, the Bob Kingsley Acoustic Alley spotlights Nashville’s top songwriters. Hosted by Fitz Country Top 40 Host Fitz and sponsored by Skyview Networks, the event featured three rounds of performers.
Round 1 featured Rhett Akins, Emily Weisband and JT Harding. Round 2 saw John Morgan, Scooter Carusoe, Brent Anderson and Jason Aldean. The event ended with a performance by country superstar Keith Urban. Radio Ink also revealed their annual Top 30 Country PDs.
BBR Music Group Decades Party
HunterGirl
Day two ended with the BBR Music Group Decades Party. The slate of star-studded performances featured hits from the ’70s, ’80s, ’90s and beyond. Hosted by Blair Garner, the night was a true celebration of the music that defines a generation.
Performers included Jason Aldean, John Morgan, HunterGirl, Blanco Brown, Brooke Eden, The Frontmen, Frank Ray and more.
Chayce Beckham Launches New ‘Bad For Me Tour’ March 9
/by Lorie HollabaughChayce Beckham. Photo: Matthew Simmons
Chayce Beckham will kick off his new headlining “Bad For Me Tour” on March 9 in Australia.
The tour will visit the states as well, with stops in Ft. Worth, Asheville, Charlotte, Stillwater, Sacramento and more through October. The upcoming tour will give fans a sneak peek into Beckham’s soon-to-be-announced debut project.
“I have a brand new show, and I’m beyond thrilled to be back on the road and touring again this year,” says Beckham. “With a new set and new music coming very soon, I’m itching to get in front of some crowds and sing these songs with my band. I’m really proud of the work we’ve done to create this experience for the fans of country music.”
Beckham has more to celebrate as his entirely self-penned, RIAA-certified Platinum hit single “23” that earns over 4.6 million on-demand streams per week is surging toward the top five at country radio. One of only three singles on the country radio chart in 2023 that was self-written by the artist, his smash debut “23” has become an anthemic staple in his live shows, having racked up over 358 million on-demand streams and topping numerous viral charts, including No. 1 on iTunes All-Genre and Country charts.
Upcoming “Bad For Me Tour” Dates:
3/9 – Toowoomba, Australia – Meatstock Festival (Toowoomba City Centre
3/16 – Bendigo, Australia – Meatstock Festival (Bendigo City Centre)
3/23 – Alpine, CA – Country Fest
3/28 – Rootstown, OH – Dusty Armadillo
4/4 – Catoosa, OK – Track 5
4/5 – Pocola, OK – Choctaw Casino
4/6 – Manhattan, KS – The Hat
4/11 – Ft Worth, TX -Tannahill’s Tavern and Music Hall
4/12 – Grant, OK – Choctaw Casino
4/13 – Stillwater, OK – Tumbleweed Dance Hall
4/19 – Vancouver, BC – Coastal City Country Fest
5/2 – Columbus, OH – The Bluestone
5/3 – Warrendale, PA – Jergels
5/4 – Winchester, VA – Shenandoah Valley Apple Blossom Festival (Discovery Museum)
5/9 – Schenectady, NY – Frog Alley
5/10 – Binghampton, NY – Touch of Texas
5/11 – Jordan,NY – Kegs Canalside
5/16 – Asheville, NC – Salvage Station
5/17 – Barco, NC – Morris Farm
5/18 – Charlotte, NC – Coyote Joe’s
5/23 – Bishop, CA – Mule Days
5/24 – Apple Valley, CA – HillTop Tavern and Inn
6/6 – Fargo, ND – Happy Harry’s Ribfest @ Fargo Dome
6/9 – Greenwood Village, CO – Fiddlers Green Amphitheatre/KYGO
6/18 – Alexandria, VA – The Birchmere
6/21 – Buffalo, NY – Taste of Country (Sahlen Field)
6/27 – Cadott, WI – Country Fest 2024
6/29 – Brainerd, MN – Lakes Jam
7/12 – Rhinelander, WI – Hodag Country Festival
7/18 – Ankeny, IA – The District at Prairie Trail
7/19 – New Berlin, IL – Danenberger Family Vineyards
8/9 – Oro Station, Ontario – Boots and Hearts
8/16 – Montréal, Québec – Parc Jean-Drapeau/ Lasso Fest
10/20 – Sacramento, CA – Discovery Park
Carly Pearce Shares Title Track From Forthcoming Album ‘Hummingbird’
/by Lorie HollabaughPhoto: Courtesy of Big Machine Records
Carly Pearce has announced that her fourth Big Machine Records studio album, Hummingbird, will be released on June 14. She shared the stirring title track from the forthcoming project today (March 1).
Produced by Pearce, Shane McAnally and Josh Osborne, Hummingbird marks Pearce’s debut as a co-producer and fully represents her new musical chapter. The project includes her Grammy-nominated, top 20-and-rising single “We Don’t Fight Anymore” featuring Chris Stapleton, which is now officially RIAA Gold-certified.
“I have lived a lot of life in the last few years,” says Pearce. “Entering a new decade has brought a lot of maturity, growth, heartache and healing. I am still a work in progress, but these songs represent my honesty, playfulness and openness to keep growing.”
Pearce hits the road this week with upcoming performances at the Country to Country (C2C) Festival in the United Kingdom. Starting March 14, she’ll join Tim McGraw as direct support on all dates of his 2024 arena “Standing Room Only Tour.”
Hummingbird Track Listing:
1. “Country Music Made Me Do It” | Carly Pearce, Shane McAnally, Josh Osborne
2. “Truck on Fire” | Carly Pearce, Justin Ebach, Charles Kelley
3. “Still Blue” | Carly Pearce, Natalie Hemby, Josh Osborne
4. “Heels Over Head” | Carly Pearce, Shane McAnally, Josh Osborne
5. “We Don’t Fight Anymore” featuring Chris Stapleton | Carly Pearce, Pete Good, Shane McAnally
6. “Rock Paper Scissors” | Carly Pearce, Nicolle Galyon, Jordan Reynolds
7. “Oklahoma” | Carly Pearce, Nicolle Galyon, Shane McAnally, Jordan Reynolds
8. “My Place” | Carly Pearce, Lauren Hungate, Jordan Reynolds
9. “Things I Don’t Chase” | Robyn Dell’Unto, Kat Higgins, Ava Supplesa
10. “Woman to Woman” | Carly Pearce, Tofer Brown, Lauren Hungate
11. “Fault Line” | Carly Pearce, Nicolle Galyon, Shane McAnally, Jordan Reynolds
12. “Pretty Please” | Carly Pearce, Shane McAnally, Josh Osborne
13. “Trust Issues” | Carly Pearce, Nicolle Galyon, Jordan Reynolds
14. “Hummingbird” | Carly Pearce, Nicolle Galyon, Shane McAnally, Jordan Reynolds
Thomas Rhett & Morgan Wallen Stay Atop MusicRow Radio Chart
/by LB Cantrell“Mamaw’s House,” Thomas Rhett‘s collaboration with Morgan Wallen, marks its second week at No. 1 on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart this week.
Rhett and Wallen co-wrote the song with Matt Dragstrem and Chase McGill, and it is included on Rhett’s retrospective 20 Number Ones collection.
“Mamaw’s House” currently sits at No. 6 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart and No. 5 on the Mediabase chart.
Click here to view the latest edition of the MusicRow Weekly containing the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart.
Range Media Partners Signs Tanya Tucker & Opens Nashville Office
/by Liza AndersonPhoto: Courtesy of Range Media Partners
Range Media Partners has signed Country Music Hall of Famer Tanya Tucker in addition to opening a new Nashville office in the Wedgewood-Houston neighborhood.
The country icon has garned 40 top 10 hits and headlined events across the nation, including a Super Bowl halftime show. In 2019, Tucker’s While I’m Livin’ took home the Grammy for Best Country Album, while its single “Bring My Flowers Now” won Best Country Song. Her most recent project, Sweet Western Sound, was released in June of last year.
She joins their roster of both established and emerging artists, writers and producers such as Midland, Hailey Whitters, Luke Grimes, Yola, Ryan Bingham, Geoff Warburton, Russell Dickerson, Brent Cobb, Dylan Gossett, Stephen Wilson Jr., Shaboozey and Drayton Farley as well as Jack Harlow, Saweetie, Cordae, Pentatonix and more.
In the new office, Nashville-based industry veterans Shawn McSpadden and Will Lowery will be joined by Co-Founder & Managing Partner Jack Minihan, who has relocated from Los Angeles. Co-Founder Matt Graham, who has led the company’s growth within the country genre, and artist manager and Head of Touring Kyle Wilensky will also split their time between Music City and Los Angeles.
The office will also be home to Range Sports’ Head of Football Kyle Strongin, who represents around 40 NFL players including Brock Purdy of the San Francisco 49ers. Additionally, the Nashville space will be shared with Get Engaged Media, which focuses on brands and entertainment, and has worked with country talent such as Cole Swindell, Kane Brown, Parker McCollum and Chris Young.
Mark Your Calendar—March 2024
/by Madison HahnenSingle/Track Release Dates:
Riley Green
March 1
Carly Pearce/Hummingbird/Big Machine Records
Lonestar/You Make Loving Fun
Sarahbeth Taite/Pretty Good Living
Rachel Lipsky/I Don’t Give A/Riot South
Cory Singer/Long Time Coming/Heart Songs Music Group
ElectraQueens/In My Dreams/Heart Songs Music Group
March 4
Corey Kent/This Heart/RCA Records Label Nashville
Lucie Tiger/Hummingbird/2120 Music
Adam Wayne/The Grain Belt
March 8
Chris Janson/Whatcha See Is Whatcha Get/Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment
Lauren Freebird/My Love/Heart Songs Music Group
March 11
Michael Lee/Loving Me Comes Easy To You/Private Label Artists
Kaleb Sanders/Be Better
Bradley Gaskin/Accidentally Drunk/30A Life Records
C. Thomas Howell/Whiskey Demon/Palamino Productions
Tiffany Woys/I’m Your Woman
Scotty Hasting/I’m America/Black River Entertainment
March 15
RaeLynn/Funny Girl
Brian Falduto/Why’d You Come In Here Lookin’ Like That/Heart Songs Music Group
Madison Olivia/User/Heart Songs Music Group
March 18
Riley Green/Damn Good Day To Leave/Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment
Larry Fleet/Things I Take For Granted/Big Loud Records
Six One Five Collective/Brothers Of The Highway/Six One Five Collective
March 25
Rusty Gear/Pretend You Know Me/Chickahominy Marsh Records
Album/EP Release Dates:
Beyoncé
March 1
Trey Lewis/Troublemaker/River House Artists
Peytan Porter/Grown
Wyatt Putman/My Kinda Country
March 8
Luke Grimes/Luke Grimes/Mercury Nashville/Range Music
Sawyer Brown/Desperado Troubadours/Curb Records
March 13
David Malloy/Mirror/Creative People
March 15
Kacey Musgraves/Deeper Well/Interscope/MCA Nashville
The Black Crowes/Happiness Bastards/Silver Arrow Records
Luke Dick/Lockeland/Virgin Music
March 22
Kenny Chesney/Born/Blue Chair Records/Warner Music Nashville
Chris Young/Young Love & Saturday Nights/Sony Music Nashville
Cody Jinks/Change The Game/Late August Records/The Orchard
Brothers Osborne/Break Mine/EMI Records Nashville
Steven Champion/Tonight Ain’t The Day/Average Joe’s Entertainment
March 29
Beyoncé/Act II/Parkwood Entertainment/Columbia
Sheryl Crow/Evolution/The Valory Music Co.
Hardy/Hixtape Vol. 3: Difftape/Big Loud Records
Dylan Scott/Livin’ My Best Life (Still)/Curb Records
Josh Ross/Complicated/Mercury Nashville/Universal Music Canada
Aaron Lewis/The Hill/The Valory Music Co.
The Secret Sisters/Mind, Man, Medicine/New West Records
Industry Events:
March 8 – 10
C2C Festival
March 19
MusicRow‘s 11th Rising Women on the Row
March 25
AIMP Nashville Awards
2024 Country Radio Hall Of Fame Honorees Announced
/by LB CantrellCountry Radio Broadcasters (CRB) has revealed the 2024 Country Radio Hall of Fame inductees, including on-air personalities Cody Alan (SiriusXM) and the duo Pat & Tom (KNCI/Sacramento), alongside off-air luminaries Mike Moore (WKHX/Atlanta), Jim Robertson (retired, KIKK/Houston, WOGK/Gainesville/Ocala) and Meg Stevens (WUBL/Atlanta).
The honorees were announced during the CRS Honors at CRS 2024. They will be inducted at the Country Radio Hall of Fame Induction and Dinner on June 19 at the Virgin Hotel Nashville. More information on the event, including date, time and ticket information, will be released closer to the event.
“On behalf of the selection committee, congratulations to the well-deserving Country Radio Hall of Fame Class of 2024. These professionals stand out in so many ways and are a great example of distinguished broadcasters who have positively affected the lives of so many in the country radio and music community,” shares Joel Raab, the CRB’s Country Radio Hall of Fame Committee Chairman.
The Country Radio Hall of Fame is dedicated to the recognition of individuals who have made significant contributions to the radio industry over a 20-year period, 15 of which must be in the country format.
CRS 2024 Day One: ‘Y’all Means All,’ Warner Music Nashville, Country Heat & More
/by Madison HahnenCountry Radio Seminar kicked off Wednesday (Feb. 28) at the Omni Nashville Hotel. Below are some of the highlights from yesterday’s programming.
‘Y’all Means All Diversity Breakfast’ Kicks Off CRS Week
Pictured (L-R): Jaye Albright, Frank Ray, Jon Loba, Lily Rose, Mia McNeal
CRS week kicked off with the “Y’all Means All: Diversity Breakfast.” Hosted by CMA’s Sr. Dir., Industry Relations & Inclusion Mia McNeal, the event showed attendees how to promote diversity in their companies, and encouraged minority groups to aim for positions of power.
The panel also included retiree Jaye Albright, artist Frank Ray, BMG’s Jon Loba and artist Lily Rose.
Warner Music Nashville Showcases Talent At Luncheon & Performance
Pictured (L-R, back row): Chase Matthew, Warren Zeiders, Cody Johnson. (L-R, front row): Austin Snell, Ashley McBryde, Bailey Zimmerman
Warner Music Nashville hosted the first label group luncheon of the week. The label’s SVP, Radio & Commercial Partnerships Kristen Williams served as the emcee, and performances included artist’s current and upcoming radio singles including Bailey Zimmerman‘s “Where It Ends,” Warren Zeider‘s “Pretty Little Poison,” Ashley McBryde‘s “The Devil I Know,” Austin Snell‘s “Pray All The Way Home,” Chase Matthew‘s “Love You Again,” Cody Johnson‘s “The Painter” and more.
The lunch also featured a surprise performance from Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani with their new single “Purple Irises” and previous No. 1 “Nobody But You.” Dan + Shay also performed “Bigger Houses” via video screen from their “Heartbreak on the Map Tour” rehearsals.
Amazon Music Brings The Heat With Lady A, Chayce Beckham, Ella Langley & More
Lady A
Amazon Music hosted their annual “Amazon Music Presents: Country Heat” on day one of CRS. Performers included Chayce Beckham, Ella Langley, Dylan Marlowe, Josh Ross and a closing set by country stars Lady A.
Megan Moroney Hosts Girls Night Out
Pictured (L-R): Jackie Stevens (Nights W/Elaina), Paige Elliott (Columbia Nashville), Elaina Smith (Nights W/Elaina) , Anna Widmer (Columbia Nashville), Solid Entertainment’s Kimsey Kerr, Megan Moroney, Lauren Thomas, (Columbia Nashville), Becky Bennett (Westwood One), Christy Garbinski (Columbia Nashville), Marci Braun (WUSN), Lisa Owen (Columbia Nashville), Sabrina Sergio (Audacy).
Sony Music Nashville’s Megan Moroney hosted a Girls Night Out at White Limozeen. Attendees enjoyed Moroney-themed drinks and an acoustic performance from the star.
Kelly Ford Celebrates Kick Off Of Backstage Country
Pictured (L-R): Conner Smith, Jackson Dean, Lady A’s Charles Kelley, Kelly Ford, Lady A’s Hillary Scott, John Reynolds (Beasley Media Group), Lady A’s Dave Haywood, Mackenzie Carpenter, Rob Koblasz (Key Networks), John Shomby (Backstage Country), Tim Closson (Key Networks), Chase McDaniel and Justin Chase (Beasley Media Group).
Beasley Media Group, Key Networks, Big Machine Label Group and Country Insider hosted a private party at Big Machine Brewery & Distillery to celebrate the debut of Backstage Country, hosted by Kelly Ford. Ford, based in Nashville, is country music’s fastest-growing nationally syndicated radio show from Beasley Media Group and Key Networks. Each week, she hosts the show alongside some of today’s hottest country artists.
Those who came out to celebrate include Conner Smith, Jackson Dean, Lady A‘s Charles Kelley, Kelly Ford, Lady A‘s Hillary Scott, John Reynolds (Beasley Media Group), Lady A’s Dave Haywood, Mackenzie Carpenter, Rob Koblasz (Key Networks), John Shomby (Backstage Country), Tim Closson (Key Networks), Chase McDaniel, Justin Chase (Beasley Media Group) and Dennis Green (Key Networks).
DISClaimer Single Reviews: Ashley McBryde Shares Her ‘Heart-Stopping Listening Experience’
/by Robert K OermannAshley McBryde. Photo: Katie Kauss
Happy Leap Year Day.
This only happens every four years, but thank goodness Dierks Bentley, Lee Brice, Jordan Davis and Kameron Marlowe don’t wait that long between releases. All of them shine on this week’s playlist.
So do such and up-and-comers as Erin Kirby and Emily Ann Roberts. Along with Brice, they were contenders for the Disc of the Day award. But it goes to a woman who has always been a superstar in my eyes, Ashley McBryde.
This week’s DISCovery Award winner is new Nashvillian Thunderstorm Artis. Welcome, bro.
ERIN KIRBY / “Pick My Own Flowers”
Writers: Erin Kirby/Phil Barton/Thomas Finchum; Producer: Frank Legeay; Label: InDent
– I encountered this youngster’s music at a Song Suffragettes showcase this week. Her new single is a slap of country soul. Her fiery vocal essays an independent-woman lyric that hits a homerun. This scores huge in both the writing and the performance departments.
DIERKS BENTLEY / “American Girl”
Writer: Tom Petty; Producer: Jon Randall; Label: Valory
– This is the lead track from Petty Country: A Country Music Celebration of Tom Petty. Unlike so many country “tributes” to pop acts, this one makes a great deal of sense. Petty was always kinda “country” to my ears, and Bentley’s rocking, fiddle-and-banjo bedecked arrangement of this 1994 classic supports that opinion. The sound and the song are splendid.
GEORGE BIRGE / “Cowboy Songs”
Writers: Michael Tyler/George Birge/Lalo Guzman/Matt McGinn; Producers: Lalo Guzman/Matt McGinn; Label: RECORDS Nashville
– Birge has landed a slot on this year’s CRS New Faces showcase, thanks to his breakout hit “Mind On You.” That song’s follow-up is a moody, mid-tempo swirl of sound. He yearns for a gal who only dances to hardcore country tunes, especially Waylon. The mix wisely underplays the electric-rock instrumentation in favor of his earnest vocal.
LEE BRICE & FOR KING & COUNTRY / “Checking In”
Writers: Garrett Jacobs/Kenneth Cooper Hart/Michael Farren; Producer: Ben Glover; Label: Curb Records
– Heart-tugging and tearful, this beautifully written ballad explores the pain and regret of a father-son relationship. They leave phone messages for one another, but don’t connect often enough. Now it’s too late, because the dad has passed and the son aches for that communication. From the soundtrack of an upcoming movie titled Unsung Hero.
ENRIQUE IGLESIAS & MIRANDA LAMBERT / “Space In My Heart”
Writers: Simon Wilcox/Carlos Paucar/Enrique Iglesias/Nolan Lambroza/Ross Golan; Producers: Carlos Paucar/Mark Taylor; Label: Sony Music Latin
– The King of Latin Pop meets the most awarded ACM artist in history on this gorgeous, romantic, lilting little piece of heaven. The love song’s airy production is just beautiful, and their two voices sound like a country match of perfection. “There’s a space in my heart, and it’s just your shape,” they sigh together. Absolutely play this.
KENNY CHESNEY / “Thinkin’ Bout”
Writers: Kyle Fishman/Tucker Beathard; Producers: Buddy Cannon/Kenny Chesney; Label: Blue Chair Records/Warner Music Nashville
– It’s time to let go of the relationship, but it sure is hard. Chesney dips into his baritone register for most of the outing, which gives this a smooth, dreamy and contemplative vibe. Drowsy listening.
EMILY ANN ROBERTS / “Devils Wears Denim”
Writers: Autumn McEntire/Emily Ann Roberts/Trent Willmon; Producer: Trent Willmon; Label: Starstruck Records
– I love country story songs, especially the dark ones. She falls for a devastatingly handsome cowboy who turns out to be a venomous bigamist. When she discovers his duplicity, he mysteriously vanishes. Daddy taught her how to bury a snake, it seems. Roberts delivers it in her east Tennessee drawl that is utterly captivating. This charmer is a richly deserving addition to this year’s CMT Next Women of Country cast.
KAMERON MARLOWE / “Quit You”
Writers: James McNair/John Pierce/Kameron Marlowe; Producer: Dann Huff; Label: Columbia Nashville
– He kicks cigarettes and cuts back on his drinking because now he’s addicted to her. His hearty voice exudes love and warmth throughout this performance. Yet another demonstration of why Marlowe remains one of my ultra favorite young male country voices.
THUNDERSTORM ARTIS / “Don’t Let Me Let You Go”
Writers: Dakota Striplin/Phoebe Kathleen Scott/Thunderstorm Artis; Producer: Mykyl; Label: Thunderstorm Artis
– His gripping, passionate, raspy tenor voice is instantly ear catching. There’s an R&B flavor to this conflicted-love ballad that builds from a light whisper to a searing, powerful shout. Promising in the extreme. Please send more. Artis is a veteran of The Voice TV competition.
ASHLEY McBRYDE / “The Devil I Know”
Writers: Ashley McBryde/Bobby Pinson/Jeremy Stover; Producer: Jay Joyce; Label: Warner Music Nashville
– I reviewed this nearly a year ago as the title tune of her album. Now it is her new single, so those words bear repeating: “Snarling electric guitar, slapped percussion, nervous acoustic strumming, chant-like support vocals and wild audio frothing make this a heart-stopping listening experience. The lyric is just as riveting—she’s a bar fly who resists changing her wayward ways. This woman rules.” I love it that she was introduced at Warner’s CRS showcase yesterday as, “The incomparable Ashley McBryde.” Amen to that.
DOLLY PARTON & MELISSA MANCHESTER / “Midnight Blue”
Writers: Melissa Manchester/Carole Bayer Sager; Producer: Melissa Manchester; Label: Green Hill Productions
– Manchester’s 1975 classic gets a fabulous revival thanks to extraordinary harmonic embellishments by Parton. Enchanting from first note to last. There’s also a music video. Miss this audio delight at your peril.
JORDAN DAVIS / “Good News Sold”
Writers: Cole Taylor/Jacob Davis/Jordan Rowe; Producer: Paul DiGiovanni; Label: MCA Nashville
– Wistful and thoughtful. “If good news sold, things wouldn’t seem so bad,” he sings in a hushed, sweet manner. This award-winning man always turns in quality work.
Brothers Osborne To Release ‘Break Mine’ EP In March
/by Lorie HollabaughBrothers Osborne is gearing up for the release of their new Break Mine EP on March 22 via EMI Records Nashville.
The four-song project includes two new tracks, “Break Mine” and “Get To Movin’ Again,” along with two songs featured on their 2023 Grammy-nominated, self-titled album.
“This one is for the fans,” says TJ Osborne. “Every time we release an album, our fans are asking for more music, faster. We heard that, and held some special songs back from our last project so we could release them now. We also wanted to include a couple of the tracks from Brothers Osborne that we thought deserved some more of the spotlight. We can’t wait to play these songs on the road for you all this spring.”
Brothers Osborne also recently confirmed their 35-date “Might As Well Be Us Tour.” The trek includes shows in Atlanta, New Orleans, Philadelphia, Las Vegas, Chicago and more with support from Stephen Wilson Jr., The Cadillac Three, Zach Top, Jackson Dean, Madeline Edwards and Caylee Hammack.
Break Mine EP Track Listing:
1. “Break Mine”
2. “We Ain’t Good At Breaking Up”
3. “Back Home”
4. “Get To Movin’ Again”