NMPA Appoints Chris Barkley As SVP, Government Affairs

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Chris Barkley

The National Music Publishers’ Association (NMPA) has appointed seasoned political strategist Chris Barkley as Senior Vice President of Government Affairs.

Barkley has spent over two decades working in high-ranking positions on Capitol Hill beginning in the House of Representatives and spending the majority of his career in the United States Senate. He most recently spent time as Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy for Senator Mitt Romney (R-UT), advising on all policy and legislation as well as supporting his role on the Whip Team. He helped negotiate several of the biggest bipartisan legislative deals in recent years. He previously was Policy Director for the Senate Republican Policy Committee under Senator John Barrasso (R-WY).

“Chris joins NMPA with invaluable expertise from years of insight aiding policymakers and finding consensus to move critical legislation. Having him lead NMPA’s lobbying strategy across all facets of government will be hugely valuable to music creators,” says NMPA President & CEO David Israelite. “As AI and other evolving technologies threaten the value of music, it is more important than ever to have a strong voice in government on behalf of songwriters. As a critical advisor on influential committees and for senior lawmakers, his knowledge is virtually unmatched when it comes to understanding what it takes to make big things happen.”

“Songwriters face more government regulation than anyone else in the music industry. There is much work to be done to allow publishers and creators to achieve the full value of their work. My experience across Capitol Hill has primed me for this opportunity and I’m thrilled to advocate for people whose work I respect and admire,” shares Barkley.

Barkley’s career also includes time serving as Senior Policy Advisor to Senator Ben Sasse (R-NE), as well as Deputy Staff Director of the Senate Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee. He also previously worked in Senator Tom Coburn’s (R-OK) office as well as the U.S. House Committee on Government Reform. Since 2022, Barkley has been an adjunct professor at the University of Pennsylvania Carey School of Law.

Redferrin Ferments Debut EP ‘Old No. 7’ For February

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Warner Music Nashville artist Redferrin is prepping his debut EP Old No. 7 for release on Feb. 16.

Made in Tennessee just like the famous Jack Daniels Old No. 7 blend, the edgy country singer-songwriter co-wrote and co-produced each of the seven tracks on the whiskey-inspired collection.

“It feels good to finally be releasing a project rather than singles,” says Redferrin. “I got to be super hands-on and craft the stories the way I wanted them to be told, and it’s very special to me. I’m excited for people to really get a feel for who I am and what kind of music I make.”

He has unveiled the personal track “Doin’ Life,” which he wrote alongside Jarrod Ingram and Blake Hubbard.

“‘Doin’ Life’ is one of the most vulnerable songs I have released,” shares the artist. “I’ve battled with depression in the past and have lost friends to suicide, so it was really important to me to tell this story and put this song out into the world. Music kept me going through the hard times and I hope that someone comes across this song right when they need it too.”

Additionally, Redferrin will join Niko Moon on tour this year with more dates to be announced. He will also play his first-ever headlining hometown show at Nashville’s Exit/In just before the EP drop on Feb. 15.

Old No. 7 Track Listing:
1. “Jack and Diet Coke” (Blake Redferrin, Jake Saghi, Kevin Bard)
2. “Lose Her For Nothin'” (Blake Redferrin, Cooper Bascom, Rose Falcon)
3. “Miss Summer” (Blake Redferrin, Chris Loocke, Michael Tyler)
4. “Just Like Johnny” (Blake Redferrin, Micah Wilshire)
5. “Doin’ Life” (Blake Redferrin, Jarrod Ingram, Blake Hubbard)
6. “She’s Like Whiskey” (Blake Redferrin, Jake Saghi)
7. “Champagne In The Morning” (Blake Redferrin, Tawgs Selter, Jacob Hackworth)

Barbara Mandrell To Release ‘Precious Memories: 20 Hymns & Gospel Classics’ Digitally

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Barbara Mandrell is releasing her album Precious Memories: 20 Hymns & Gospel Classics digitally for the first time in celebration of the album’s 35th anniversary, on March 15.

She has released the first digital track, “Where Could I Go (But to the Lord),” from the timeless album of heartfelt renditions of gospel classics. Produced by Tom Collins, Precious Memories: 20 Hymns & Gospel Classics returns Mandrell to her roots, highlighting her deep connection with gospel music. The digital release of this collection includes the standards “The Old Rugged Cross,” “Blessed Assurance” and “In the Garden,” among others.

“When I recorded this album in 1989, I chose a group of songs that I grew up listening to and singing,” says Mandrell. “They are songs that I still cherish to this day. It’s an honor and thrill to think that 35 years later, this music will have the opportunity to touch a new generation of fans. I’m so thankful the folks at Gaither believe in this record as much today as I did back then.”

The first single will be featured on Gaither Radio on Pandora and Amazon, as well as Apple Music’s Front Porch Country Gospel collections, in addition to a number of label playlists on online platforms. It will be featured on the Gaither Music TV YouTube channel and highlighted on the Gaither Facebook page.

Track List for Precious Memories: 20 Hymns & Gospel Classics:
1. I Love To Tell The Story
2. Old Rugged Cross
3. Farther Along
4. Power In The Blood
5. Pass Me Not O Gentle Savior
6. Just A Little Talk With Jesus
7. I Need Thee Every Hour
8. Peace In The Valley
9. Just A Closer Walk With Thee
10. He Keeps Me Singing
11. Have Thine Own Way Lord
12. It Is No Secret (What God Can Do)
13. Softly And Tenderly
14. When We All Get To Heaven
15. Sweet Hour Of Prayer
16. In The Garden
17. Where Could I Go (But To The Lord)
18. Let Me Live
19. Blessed Assurance
20. Precious Memories

Colbie Caillat Signs Global Deal With Downtown Music Publishing

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Colbie Caillat. Photo: David “Doc” Abbott

Colbie Caillat has signed a global music publishing deal with Downtown Music Publishing.

The deal will cover Caillat’s full catalog and all future releases, including debut album, Coco, multi-Platinum singles,”Bubbly,” “Realize” and “Lucky” and her country solo album Along The Way, featuring collaboration “I’ll Be Here” with Sheryl Crow.

Caillat shot to fame in 2007 with her three-time Platinum debut album Coco, which hit No. 5 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums chart upon release and included the six-time Platinum single “Bubbly” and double Platinum “Realize.”  She has won two Grammys and received five Grammy nominations, boasts over 15 billion streams worldwide and has eight No. 1 and top 10 singles across her catalog.

Throughout her career Caillat has collaborated with Crow, Taylor Swift, Jason Mraz, Brad Paisley and Gavin DeGraw, among others. Following her Grammy-winning duet with Mraz, the four-time Platinum “Lucky” in 2008, Caillat released her second studio album, the Platinum-selling Breakthrough, which became the singer’s first album to debut at No. 1 on the Billboard album chart. The album features two double Platinum hits, “I Never Told You” and “Fallin’ For You.” Other Platinum hits include “Brighter Than the Sun” and “Try.”

“Downtown Music Publishing takes great pride in being able to represent some of the world’s most talented songwriters, with Colbie Caillat one such exceptional talent,” says Jedd Katrancha, CCO of Downtown Music Publishing. “It is an honor to be working alongside Colbie and her team to maximize publishing opportunities across her highly respected and in-demand catalog.”

Caillat’s latest album Along The Way, released in October 2023 via her own imprint Blue Jean Baby Records, was distributed via Downtown Artist & Label Services who, alongside Downtown Music Publishing, will continue to work with Caillat and her team across distribution on future releases.

“My experience working with Downtown over the past year has been amazing and I’m grateful it will now also include their publishing team,” says Caillat. ‘Their creativity and passion for artists and songwriters goes above and beyond. I look forward to this exciting new chapter of working alongside the best in the business.”

Ashley Anne Signs With WME For Global Representation

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Pictured (L-R, front row): Lindsey Dodge (WME), Adam Fisher (WME), Ashley Anne, Dillon Goldberg (FNGRPRNT), Janelle Flint (WME); (L-R, back row): Chloe Schueler (WME), Carlile Willett (WME), Jon Folk (WME), Braeden Rountree (WME), Moira McCravey (WME)

Rising singer-songwriter Ashley Anne has signed a global representation deal with WME. The deal includes support in the company’s various departments, including touring, brand partnerships, digital and client strategy.

“I’m so extremely grateful and excited to be working with the amazing people at WME,” says Anne. “They are wholeheartedly the kindest of people and I am blessed to have them be apart of my team.”

Alongside the signing, Anne has also released her debut EP, Dear Dolly, today (Jan. 19). The EP includes the singer’s viral hit “She Ain’t Texas.” Since moving to Nashville at 18, Anne has earned herself the reputation of a natural storyteller and has connected with listeners through her heartfelt and relatable lyrics.

“Ashley is both a dynamic artist and an incredible storyteller,” shares Anne’s team at WME. “We are huge fans of her authenticity and looking forward to supporting her career journey across WME.”

Dear Dolly Track Listing:
1. Dear Dolly
2. Mary Jane’s Been Talkin’ (interlude)
3. Never Learned How To Sew
4. Prayed Harder
5. American Dream

Chase Matthew To Remind Us That ‘We All Grow Up’

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Photo: Courtesy of Warner Music Nashville

Chase Matthew will share his new EP, We All Grow Up, on Feb. 16.

Co-writing four of the six songs on the EP, the Warner Music Nashville artist opens up throughout the collection. Claiming the country lifestyle with determination, his sound straddles the line between down-home and downtown with a take-it-or-leave-it identity.

“This project has been a blast to put together. Each one of these songs makes you feel something,” shares Matthew. “‘We All Grow Up’ feels reminiscent. ‘Small Town Shit’ might make you feel like a hometown badass. ‘Darlin” is one of my favorites because I’ve been in that situation before. I’ve had a great time working on this one with some great friends. Can’t wait for y’all to hear it!”

We All Grow Up Track Listing:
1. “We All Grow Up” (Chase Matthew, Alex Maxwell, Jake Angel, Will Pattat)*
2. “Darlin'” (Chase Matthew, Alex Maxwell, Hunter Huff, Ciaran Wilkie)*
3. “Makin’ You Miss Me” (Chase Matthew, Alex Maxwell)+
4. “I Don’t Carolina” (Michael Rotundo, Adam Ernst, Rose Falcon, Brian Bunn)^
5. “Small Town Shit” (Jaxson Free, Jessie Jo Dillon, Taylor Phillips, Daniel Ross)#
6. “Dirt Road Does” (Chase Matthew, Brock Berryhill, Jaxson Free, Dylan Marlowe, Taylor Phillips)**

* Produced by Alex Maxwell & Jake Angel
+ Produced by Alex Maxwell
^ Produced by Austin Shawn
# Produced by Alex Maxwell & Jake Angel, Co-Produced by Daniel Ross
** Produced by Austin Shawn & Brock Berryhill

‘Belmont At The Opry’ To Celebrate 50 Years Of Music Business Excellence

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Pictured (L-R, top row): Trisha Yearwood, Tyler Hubbard and Hailey Whitters; (L-R, bottom row): Nicolle Galyon, Ashley Gorley and Hillary Lindsey

Belmont University will take over the Grand Ole Opry during “Belmont at the Opry,” taking place on April 9. The event will celebrate the 50th year of Belmont’s pioneering music business program.

“We are thrilled to team up with the Opry for this momentous occasion, celebrating 50 years of Music Business at Belmont,” says Brittany Schaffer, Dean of the Mike Curb College of Entertainment & Music Business. “This program started as a partnership between Belmont and Music Row, and it is a joy to honor that legacy by highlighting the diverse accomplishments of our talented alumni on country music’s most famous stage.”

The lineup features some of Belmont’s most notable alumni. Country acts Trisha Yearwood, Tyler Hubbard and Hailey Whitters will take the stage. In addition, there will be a songwriter’s round featuring Ashley Gorley, Hillary Lindsey and Nicolle Galyon.

Launched in 1973, Belmont’s music business program has created a legacy within the industry. With support from former University President Dr. Herbert Gabhart, program-founder and professor Bob Mulloy, industry executive Cecil Scaife and Mike Curb, the program has graduated more than 6,000 alumni throughout its 50 years. Specialized programs include audio engineering technology, songwriting, creative & entertainment industries, film and more, totaling 11 undergraduate and two graduate programs.

Tickets for “Belmont at the Opry” are on sale now. 

Dolly Parton Celebrates Birthday With ‘Rockstar Deluxe’ Release

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Photo: Courtesy of Big Machine Records

Dolly Parton is celebrating her birthday this year by surprising fans with an expanded version of her Rockstar album, Rockstar Deluxe, which is available now on all streaming platforms.

Rockstar, Parton’s first-ever rock album, became her highest-performing album in sales during its debut week and racked up six No. 1s on the Billboard charts. The 39-song collection features an all-star roster of artists revisiting 21 classic rock tunes alongside 13 of Parton’s own original tracks. Rockstar also landed at No. 5 on Billboard‘s Top-Selling Country Albums of 2023 list.

Rockstar Deluxe includes nine additional tracks—five previously exclusive retail tracks and four that have never been released. Among the extra tunes are “Hit Me With Your Best Shot,” “Two Tickets To Paradise,” “Bridge Over Troubled Water” and “Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This).”

“It’s my birthday so I’m going to give you a present! I’m releasing four never-released songs for my birthday, to go with the Rockstar album, and a few others that you may have heard before that were not on the album,” says Parton. “I hope you enjoy them, and I hope you all have a happy birthday for me! LOL thanks for everything!”

Rockstar Deluxe Additional Tracks:
31. “Rockin’ It (Live)”
32. “Hit Me With Your Best Shot”
33. “Mama Never Said”
34. “Two Tickets To Paradise”
35. “Jolene (featuring Måneskin)”
36. “Stay Out Of My Bedroom”
37. “Bridge Over Troubled Water”
38. “The Entertainer”
39. “Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This)”

‘Where The Wild Things Are’ Spends Third Week At No. 1 On MusicRow Radio Chart

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Luke Combs is at No. 1 again on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart for the third consecutive week with “Where The Wild Things Are.”

Written by Randy Montana and Dave Turnbull, the song appears on Combs’ Gettin’ Old album.

Next month, Combs will compete for Best Country Solo Performance at the 66th annual Grammy Awards for his version of Tracy Chapman’s song “Fast Car.” In April, he will return to the road with his “Growin’ Up and Gettin’ Old” U.S. stadium tour, which sold over a million tickets in the first weekend on-sale.

“Where The Wild Things Are” currently sits at No. 8 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.

Phillip Lammonds To Ride Into Spring With ‘Cowboy Things’ Collection

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Singer-songwriter Phillip Lammonds is releasing a new album, Cowboy Things, on April 5. The title track is available now.

“Cowboy Things” was “pure, divine intervention,” according to Lammonds, and was inspired by his young son dressing up as a cowboy for Halloween. Tucking his wannabe-roper in that night—still dressed in his chaps made out of a fuzzy toilet seat cover from Walmart—Lammonds was inspired as soon as he heard his sleepy boy say, “Dad, the coolest things are cowboy things.”

The Lee Brice-produced project features heartfelt, plainspoken tracks from across Lammonds’ career. He boils the big picture down to bite-sized chunks of truth with help from buddies including Brice, Darius Rucker, ZZ Top’s Billy Gibbons and actor Bill Murray.

“This album is everything I can’t write for radio,” Lammonds admits with a laugh. “It feels like it [was recorded] in your den. I didn’t know that’s what we were doing, and I didn’t know that’s what would happen. But when it did happen, I guess I’d have to admit that I love it.”

Inspired by Randy Newman, Lynyrd Skynyrd and Bill Monroe, he began his career with a homespun Americana roots outfit called the Blue Dogs. During the ’90s, Lammonds traveled from South Carolina to Nashville for regular writing sessions. He eventually began scoring cuts with artists such as Kip Moore and Josh Turner and bluegrass acts like The Infamous Stringdusters and Steep Canyon Rangers.

Cowboy Things Track Listing:
“Love Is Love (feat. Darius Rucker)”
“Coffee Black”
“Supposed To Fall In Love”
“I’d Give Anything”
“Forever Ain’t That Far Away”
“What I’d Pay To Do”
“Train Of Sweet Tomorrow”
“Cowboy Things”
“Light At The End Of The Tunnel”
“Hell’s Kitchen”
“Salt”