Dan + Shay Add 30 New Dates To ‘Heartbreak On The Map Tour’

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Dan + Shay have extended their upcoming “The Heartbreak On The Map Tour,” adding 30 new dates to the bill.

The newly-announced dates, beginning July 18, will feature support from Jake Owen and Dylan Marlowe, and will include stops in Cincinnati, St. Louis, Charleston, Charlotte, Dallas, Phoenix and more through Sept. 21.

The tour is named for the duo’s song “Heartbreak On The Map,” the third track and early fan favorite on the duo’s fifth studio album, Bigger Houses, which was released last September. Tickets to the newly-announced stops will be available starting with presales beginning today. Additional presales will run throughout the week ahead of the general on-sale beginning Feb. 23.

The first leg of the tour, featuring support from Ben Rector and Hailey Whitters, is set to kick off on Feb. 29 in Greenville, S0uth Carolina, just days after Dan + Shay make their coaching debut on season 25 of NBC’s The Voice.

“The Heartbreak On The Map Tour” Newly Added Dates:
Thursday, July 18 – Cincinnati, OH – Riverbend Music Center
Friday, July 19 – Noblesville, IN – Ruoff Music Center
Saturday, July 20 – St. Louis, MO – Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre
Thursday, July 25 – Toronto, ON – Budweiser Stage
Friday, July 26 – Syracuse, NY – Empower Federal Credit Union Amphitheater at Lakeview
Saturday, July 27 – Gilford, NH – BankNH Pavilion
Thursday, Aug. 1 – Clarkston, MI – Pine Knob Music Theatre
Friday, Aug. 2 – Burgettstown, PA – The Pavilion at Star Lake
Saturday, Aug. 3 – Bristow, VA – Jiffy Lube Live
Friday, Aug. 9 – Cuyahoga Falls, OH – Blossom Music Center
Saturday, Aug. 10 – Wantagh, NY – Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater
Sunday, Aug. 11 – Bangor, ME – Maine Savings Amphitheater
Thursday, Aug. 15 – Charleston, SC – Credit One Stadium
Friday, Aug. 16 – Charlotte, NC – PNC Music Pavilion
Saturday, Aug. 17 – Raleigh, NC – Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek
Thursday, Aug. 22 – West Palm Beach, FL – iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre
Friday, Aug. 23 – Tampa, FL – MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre
Saturday, Aug. 24 – Alpharetta, GA – Ameris Bank Amphitheatre
Thursday, Aug. 29 – Rogers, AR – Walmart AMP
Friday, Aug. 30 – Dallas, TX – Dos Equis Pavilion
Saturday, Aug. 31 – Woodlands, TX – The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
Thursday, Sept. 5 – Phoenix, AZ – Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre
Friday, Sept. 6 – Chula Vista, CA – North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre
Thursday, Sept. 12 – Ridgefield, WA – RV Inn Style Resorts Amphitheater
Friday, Sept. 13 – Bend, OR – Hayden Homes Amphitheater
Saturday, Sept. 14 – Mountain View, CA – Shoreline Amphitheatre
Sunday, Sept. 15 – Stateline, NV – Lake Tahoe Harveys Outdoor Arena
Thursday, Sept. 19 – Nampa, ID – Ford Idaho Center Amphitheater
Friday, Sept. 20 – West Valley City, UT – Utah First Credit Union Amphitheater
Saturday, Sept. 21 – Denver, CO – Fiddlers Green Amphitheater

Carson Wallace Signs With Red Light Management

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Pictured (L-R): Enzo DeVincenzo, Red Light Management; Carson Wallace; Anthony DeVincenzo, Red Light Management. Photo: Sean O’Halloran

Singer-songwriter Carson Wallace has signed with Enzo and Anthony DeVincenzo at Red Light Management.

The 20-year-old California native grew up in a small town of a thousand people in Springville, California—just outside of the Sierra Nevada mountains—and the Western lifestyle had a big impression on Wallace growing up. He picked up the piano at the age of four and started playing guitar by seven. His uncle, songwriter Marv Green, captivated Wallace at an early age, and created an event called “Nashville Nights,” which brought hit songwriters to his small town. With coaching and wisdom from his uncle, Wallace made the leap to Nashville to make a name for himself.

Wallace released his first singles “Lonely Look Like,” “Ghost In My Chevy” and more last year. The newcomer has already amassed over one million streams with his few initial releases, and is cultivating an avid fanbase across his growing social platforms. He recently inked a global publishing deal with Hardy‘s Relative Music Group in partnership with Sony Music Publishing.

“When I first met Carson, you could see and hear the raw talent that he possesses,” says Anthony DeVincenzo. “Fast forward two years, his work ethic and ability to build relationships is unmatched. He knows his vision and he certainly knows what he wants to say. Enzo and I are excited to see what the future holds.”

“I could not be more excited to announce my partnership with the DeVincenzo brothers! Their competitive drive, tenacity, and most importantly their genuine passion for my music and career left me no doubt about working with them,” says Wallace.

Riser House Entertainment Elevates Three Promotion Team Members

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Pictured (L-R): Jeff Davis, Roger Fregoso and Nathan Cruise

Riser House Entertainment has elevated Jeff Davis to Vice President of Promotion, Roger Fregoso to National Director of Promotion and Nathan Cruise to Senior Regional Director of Promotion, effective immediately. All three will retain their regions, East, West and Central, respectively.

Riser House Entertainment is a full-service record label, artist management and music publishing company founded by President Jennifer Johnson and Chairman Matt Swanson. Riser House Records, the company’s in-house label co-founded by country artist Mitchell Tenpenny, features a roster of established and rising acts including Tenpenny, Dillon Carmichael, Meghan Patrick, Lanco and more.

“Jeff Davis’ enthusiasm and passion is unmatched! His leadership and commitment to elevate Riser House and our artists inspires me daily,” says Johnson.

“I am deeply honored and grateful for the opportunity to serve as VP of Promotion at Riser House,” shares Davis. “I extend my sincere thanks to Jennifer, Matt and our entire Riser House team for their unwavering belief and support! Roger and Nathan have also both demonstrated tremendous leadership and dedication, and I am confident that we will continue to elevate our artists and music to the next level.”

Nominees Revealed For 2024 AIMP Country Awards

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The Association for Independent Music Publishers (AIMP) has revealed the final nominees for its 2024 AIMP Country Awards.

Sponsored by Spotify, the awards will take place at the Ryman Auditorium on Monday, April 1 at 7 p.m. Storme Warren will serve as host for the members-only event.

“We are happy to present our 9th AIMP award show at the historic Ryman. Thanks to Spotify for being our title sponsor again this year,” says Ree Guyer, Owner, Wrensong Entertainment. “From the list of nominees, it looks like it will be another year of celebrating Nashville’s best independent writers and publishers.”

The 2024 AIMP Awards will recognize songwriters, publishers and songs in various categories, including Rising Songwriter of the Year, Rising Artist-Writer of the Year, Artist-Writer of the Year, Song Champion of the Year, Publisher’s Pick of the Year, Song of the Year, Songwriter of the Year, Publisher of the Year and the AIMP Nashville Most Streamed Song.

The final voting period opens on Feb. 23 and closes at 5 p.m. CT on March 1. To vote, you must have been an AIMP member on or before Jan. 31, 2024. For any questions regarding voter eligibility and category requirements, email aimpnashville@gmail.com.

2024 AIMP Award Final Nominees:

AIMP Rising Songwriter of the Year:
Christian Stalnecker – Independently Published by Reservoir Media
Jaxson Free – Independently Published by Goat Island Sound
John Byron – Independently Published by Big Loud Publishing
Josh Melton – Independently Published by Ebach Entertainment
Rocky Block – Independently Published by Big Loud Publishing
Ryan Larkins – Independently Published by CAM Creative
Travis Wood – Independently Published by Creative Nation Music

AIMP Rising Artist-Writer of the Year:
Dylan Marlowe – Independently Published by Play It Again Entertainment
George Birge – Independently Published by Big Machine Music
Hannah Ellis – Independently Published by Curb Word Entertainment
Mae Estes – Independently Published by Plaid Flag Music and Kobalt Music Publishing
Meg McCree – Independently Published by Hang Your Hat Music and Concord Music Publishing

AIMP Artist-Writer of the Year:
Corey Kent – Independently Published by Combustion Music
Dylan Scott – Independently Published by Curb Word Entertainment
Hardy – Independently Published by Relative Music Group
Jordan Davis – Independently Published by Anthem Entertainment
Morgan Wallen – Independently Published by Big Loud Publishing
Russell Dickerson – Independently Published by Concord Music Publishing

AIMP Songwriter of the Year:
Ernest – Independently Published by Big Loud Publishing
Hardy – Independently Published by Relative Music Group
John Byron – Independently Published by Big Loud Publishing
Jordan Schmidt – Independently Published by Endurance Music Group
Morgan Wallen – Independently Published by Big Loud Publishing
Tracy Chapman – Independently Published by Purple Rabbit Music Publishing

AIMP Song Champion of the Year:
Ciara Shortridge – VP, Country Publishing/A&R (Curb Word Music)
Courtney Allen – Sr. Director, A&R (Concord Music Publishing)
Laurel Kittleson-Cobb – A&R Consultant (Rainier Entertainment)
Sara Knabe – SVP, A&R (Big Loud Music)
Sarah Schumacher – Sr. Creative Director, Country Publishing (Curb Word Music)
Tim Hunze – VP, Publishing (Big Machine Music)

AIMP Publisher Pick of the Year:
“98 Braves” – Travis Wood, John Byron, Josh Miller; independently published by Creative Nation Music, Big Loud Publishing, Concord Music Publishing; performed by Morgan Wallen
“Buried” – Brandy Clark, Jessie Jo Dillon; independently publishing by Big Machine Music; performed by Brandy Clark
“Girl In The Mirror” – Jessie Jo Dillon, Matt Jenkins, Megan Moroney; independently published by Big Machine Music, Madfun Entertainment; performed by Megan Moroney
“Good With Me” – Walker Hayes, Shane McAnally, Scott Stepakoff; independently published by SMACKSongs; performed by Walker Hayes
“The Mockingbird & The Crow” – Michael Hardy, Jordan Schmidt, Brett Tyler; independently published by Relative Music Group, Endurance Music Group, Combustion Music; performed by Hardy
“You Don’t Want That Smoke” – Tucker Beathard, Jimi Bell; independently published by Little Louder Music; performed by Bailey Zimmerman

AIMP Song of the Year:
“98 Braves” – Travis Wood, John Byron, Josh Miller; independently published by Creative Nation Music, Big Loud Publishing, Concord Music Publishing; performed by Morgan Wallen
“Fast Car” – Tracy Chapman; independently published by Purple Rabbit Music Publishing; performed by Luke Combs
“Heart Like A Truck” – Dallas Wilson, Lainey Wilson, Trannie Anderson; independently published by Riser House Music Publishing; performed by Lainey Wilson
“Human” – Travis Meadows, Tony Lane; independently published by Songs of Mighty Isis, It’s Killer Music, She and I and Kobalt Music Publishing; performed by Cody Johnson
“Next Thing You Know” – Jordan Davis, Josh Osborne, Chase McGill, Greylan James; independently published by Anthem Entertainment; performed by Jordan Davis
“Tennessee Orange” – Ben Williams, David Fanning, Megan Moroney, Paul Jenkins; independently published by Major Bob Music, 33 Creative; performed by Megan Moroney

Top Independent Music Publishers of the Year:
Big Loud Publishing
Big Machine Music
Concord Music Publishing
Relative Music Group
Roundhill Music
Taperoom Music

Brandon Lake & Sadie Robertson Huff To Host 11th Annual K-Love Fan Awards

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Brandon Lake & Sadie Robertson Huff

Brandon Lake and Sadie Robertson Huff have been tapped to host the 11th annual K-Love Fan Awards on Sunday, May 26 at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville.

The weekend of the awards will also consist of the Friday night (May 24) kick-off concert headlined by MercyMe with Cain and Consumed by Fire as well as the Sunday morning worship service led by Elevation Worship. More details will be released at a later date.

Tickets for the 2024 K-Love Fan Awards are on sale now, with travel packages still available. For more information, click here.

Grand Opening Set For Friends In Low Places Bar

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Country superstars Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood will celebrate the grand opening of their new bar, Friends In Low Places, on March 7. Located at 411 Broadway, the 54,715 square foot, four-floor venue will become the largest honky-tonk on Lower Broadway.

“If you are one of the lucky ones who come to this town and receive its many blessings, don’t you owe something to Nashville?” shares Brooks. “Garth Brooks owes a lot to Music City.”

Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood

The first and second floor will feature an elevated experience of a traditional honky-tonk. It will include the largest LED screens on Broadway as well as the newest sound and lighting technology, all of which was installed by Brooks’ road crew. The custom built stage for musicians will sit in the heart of the building, and will feature the Circle G emblem, which Brooks used to perform in Central Park. The first floor will offer two bars, seating and a dance floor. On the second, guests can find an additional two bars, a place to overlook the stage downstairs and sliding glass windows overlooking Broadway.

The third floor will be the private event space for the venue. With the ability to accommodate up to 250 guests, the space will mimic the inviting atmosphere of Brook and Yearwood’s home, featuring a double sided fireplace and patio.

The Oasis Rooftop will offer a beach theme with 10 foot palm trees. Featuring retractable garage doors, an open-air patio and two full bars, The Oasis will be the largest rooftop on the street.

As for food, the menu will be crafted by Yearwood herself. Recipes will be inspired by her own Trisha’s Southern Kitchen, as well as her cookbooks. The venue plans to serve food on all four floors from 11 a.m – 9 p.m every day.

“I can’t imagine there being a Garth honky-tonk without Trisha Food!” says Yearwood. “I’m honored to get to be a part of something so exciting and so big, and to work alongside the love of my life doing it. The whole team at Friends In Low Places is incredible!”

Friends in Low Places was brought to life by EOA Architects and R.C. Mathews Contractor. The venue plans to be open seven days a week, from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. The opening of Friends in Low Places will also include a police substation in partnership with the MNPD.

Kane Brown, Jelly Roll, More Set For CRS Paddle Royale Ping Pong Tournament

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The Paddle Royale Ping Pong Tournament will return to Country Radio Seminar (CRS) on Feb. 28 in the Omni Nashville Hotel’s Legends D-G on the second floor.

The 16-player event has grown each year, with over 800 in attendance in 2023. This year’s tournament will feature players Kane Brown, Jelly Roll, Sam Hunt, Russell Dickerson, Tyler Hubbard and returning Champion Chris Lane, along with industry executives Kurt Bardella, Johnny Chiang, Michelle Kammerer, Annie Ortmeier, Jackie Tigue, Jay Williams, Kristen Williams and more to be announced.

Tennessee Titans play-by-play man Mike Keith will come back to call the action, with Rob Stone and Holly Hutton from Audacy WYCD/Detroit serving as sideline reporters. The “Prime Ministers of Pong” George Couri and Tim Roberts will lead the event, which will follow “Amazon Music Presents: Country Heat.” Doors open at 8:30 p.m. and the tournament starts at 9 p.m.

“This is the true test of success in the music business,” says Roberts. “We serve it up, care about spins, and we don’t settle for anything less than No. 1!”

Couri adds, “No music, no panels. Just getting our industry together to have fun and get silly. This thing gets bigger every year, and we are going to make the spectacle of it all even bigger this time.”

CRS 2024 will take place Feb. 28-March 1. Online registration is now closed, and will reopen on-site at the Omni Nashville Hotel. For more information, click here.

Josh Jenkins Signs With Young Guns Publishing

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Pictured (L-R): Laurie Gore, Young Guns Publishing Creative/Admin Assistant; Jason Turner, Keller Turner Andrews & Ghanem, PLLC; Laura Alexander, Young Guns Publishing SVP, Creative; Josh Jenkins; Molly Shehan, Milom Crow Kelley Beckett Shehan PLC; Will Hamrick, Young Guns Publishing CEO. Photo: Mary Craven Photography

SESAC Songwriter of the Year and CMA Song of the Year award winner Josh Jenkins has signed a world-wide exclusive publishing deal with Young Guns Publishing.

Jenkins co-wrote the viral, six-time Platinum smash hit “Fancy Like,” recorded by Walker Hayes, which spent more than 10 weeks at No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart, reached Top 5 on Billboard’s Hot 100, and ruled every country sales and streaming chart for several weeks.

He is also a co-writer on the 2022 CMA Song of the Year “Buy Dirt,” performed by Jordan Davis and Luke Bryan, and is a co-writer on Davis’ current single “Tucson Too Late.” His songs have been recorded by other artists such as Jake Owen, Dustin Lynch, Randy Houser and more. Additionally, Jenkins is the lead singer of the band Green River Ordinance, who have had several records top the Billboard Heatseekers chart throughout his 15-year tenure, along with many songs placed in TV/film.

“We are beyond grateful to welcome Josh Jenkins to Young Guns Publishing,” shares Laura Alexander, Young Guns Publishing SVP, Creative. “Josh is a songwriter I have admired since meeting him nearly 10 years ago. Josh is respected and admired for being a family man, a champion of fellow writers and a true friend to so many in our community. In a lot of ways, it’s his quality relationships that lend to him writing such meaningful, relatable songs. Will [Hamrick], myself and the entire Young Guns family cannot wait to hear the music to come, and we’re thankful we get to watch Josh continue to build on the incredible successes he’s already achieved.”

“I’m grateful to get to join Laura, Will and the entire crew at Young Guns Publishing,” shares Jenkins. “I love the songs coming out of this place and can’t wait to continue my songwriting journey with them.”

Josh Ross To Get ‘Complicated’ With New EP In March

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Up-and-coming country artist Josh Ross will release his new EP, Complicated, on March 29.

“Finally! I’m stoked to announce a body of work that showcases lyrically who I am as a person, and me sonically as a creative,” says Ross. “Like a lot of country fans, I listen to all types of music. I am drawn to different sounds and production depending on what the emotion of the song calls for, and I think that comes across in this EP. Complicated represents who I’m becoming as an artist, and I’m excited for y’all to hear it March 29.”

Produced by Matt Geroux, the eight-track collection features piano ballad “Matching Tattoos.” The UMG Nashville/Universal Music Canada artist co-wrote the track with Joe Fox, Mason Thornley and Brad Rempel, and shared it with fans on Friday (Feb. 16). “Matching Tattoos” follows previously released tunes “Single Again” and “Truck Girl.”

“‘Matching Tattoos’ is very personal to me. It is a song that comes from a real experience I went through a few years ago,” Ross notes. “I wrote this song on the Nickelback tour this past year and I hope y’all can connect to the emotion of the song as much as I do.”

He is currently traveling across Canada on his sold-out headlining journey, “The Trouble Tour,” and serving as support for Bailey Zimmerman‘s “Religiously. The Tour.” Ross will also make festival appearances at Stagecoach and Country Thunder, in addition to joining select dates of Luke Bryan‘s “Mind Of A Country Boy Tour” this summer.

Complicated Track Listing:
1. “Single Again” (Josh Ross, Joe Fox, Brad Rempel)
2. “Tell Me A Lie” (Cameron Bedell, Lauren McLamb, Johnny Clawson)
3. “Truck Girl” (Josh Ross, Johnny Gates, Mason Thornley, Jared Griffin)
4. “Complicated” (Josh Ross, Heath Warren, Mason Thornley, Matt Geroux)
5. “She Don’t Smoke” (Josh Ross, Joe Fox, Brad Rempel, Mason Thornley)
6. “Trouble” (Josh Ross, Mason Thornley)
7. “Burn Back” (Josh Ross, Mason Thornley, Sam Martinez, Benjamin Stoll)
8. “Matching Tattoos” (Josh Ross, Joe Fox, Brad Rempel, Mason Thornley)

Carter Vintage Guitars Announces Grand Opening Of New Nashville Location

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Paseo South Gulch

Carter Vintage Guitars will hold the grand opening of its new brick-and-mortar Nashville location on the top floor of the historic Antiques building at SomeraRoad’s Paseo South Gulch on Friday, March 1.

Since its inception by industry veterans Walter and Christie Carter in 2012, Carter Vintage Guitars has become a Nashville institution where visitors can admire, trade, consign, buy and sell vintage guitars and other fretted instruments. The company’s new location spans 12,500 square feet, housing over 2,000 guitars, a bigger authentication team and the newly reopened Carter Vintage Repair shop led by Greg Ellis. Other additions include an exclusive space for creatives called Carter Studios, a stage, rooms for private appointments, more lifestyle merchandise and expanded office space.

Approaching the guitar-clad doors, customers will be greeted by a new mural painted by artist Brian Law. Beyond the doors, a lobby housing merchandise and accessories precedes a long “Hall of Fame” with historic photos and memorabilia, paying homage to the history of the store, its founders, Cotten Music and music legends who are friends of the brand.

“After over a decade of success, Carter Vintage Guitars had outgrown our storied first home on 8th Avenue, and it had to be fate that another historically significant building was revitalized across the street around the same time,” says Ben Montague, Co-Founder & CEO of The North American Guitar, which merged with Carter Vintage Guitars in 2022. “Our new home in the Antiques building will allow us to offer the same incomparable customer experience, while displaying more inventory, improving capacity for authentication and repairs and supporting our talented team. We also now have the space to provide a destination for music experiences and support for the creative community that complements our core passion of buying and selling guitars.”

In addition to Carter Vintage Guitars instruments, the new retail floor will house inventory from The North American Guitar and Cotten Music, providing a physical home for the three merged brands under one roof.