Ian Harrison Signs With UTA

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Pictured (L-R, back row): OTR Management’s Zach Beebe, UTA’s Matthew Morgan, Nick Barnes and Brandi Brammer; (L-R, front row): UTA’s Lance Roberts, Rainier Entertainment’s Laurel Kittleson-Cobb, Ian Harrison and UTA’s Elisa Vazzana. Photo: Courtesy of UTA

Singer-songwriter Ian Harrison has signed with UTA for worldwide representation in all areas.

The Columbus, Ohio native grew up listening to country and folk music. At 18, Harrison began to develop his skills as a songwriter along with his own sound and style.

After competing on season 22 of NBC’s The Voice and working with Gwen Stefani and John Legend, Harrison released two singles, “Keep You With Me” and “Wish I Had.” He now resides in Nashville where he continues to write and make music.

Lady A Named Home For Good Project Ambassadors

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Lady A. Photo: Alysse Gafkjen

Lady A has been named Cornerstone Building Brands’ 2024 Home For Good Project Ambassadors.

By joining forces with Lady A’s Dave Haywood, Charles Kelley and Hillary Scott, Cornerstone Building Brands hopes to bring more awareness to the affordable housing crisis.

Continuing its commitment to building stronger, more sustainable communities, Cornerstone Building Brands is also renewing its eight-year partnership with Habitat for Humanity, pledging to donate half a million dollars in building products and facilitating home builds as well as volunteer efforts to help build and remodel affordable housing across North America. This year, the company is donating vinyl siding, windows, metal roofing and accessories. The Home For Good project is expected to support approximately 100 Habitat for Humanity builds in 2024.

“We’re delighted to be part of sharing the incredible work the Home For Good project does,” says Scott. “Everyone deserves a safe, warm place for their family to call home. So, this project to help more people from all walks of life achieve their dream of having a home of their own truly resonates with us. We’re so proud to be partnering with Cornerstone Building Brands this year!”

“We are thrilled to team up with Lady A and renew our partnership with Habitat for Humanity through our Home For Good project,” says Rose Lee, President & CEO, Cornerstone Building Brands. “Making homeownership more accessible for families at all income levels is central to our company’s vision and purpose of positively contributing to the communities where people live, work and play.”

Cornerstone Building Brands has donated more than $3.4 million in products and resources to help build or remodel more than 720 homes in 135 communities since the inception of the Home For Good project in 2016.

Tyler Hubbard Slates Sophomore Project ‘Strong’ For April

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Tyler Hubbard has set a release date for his upcoming sophomore album Strong, out April 12 via EMI Nashville. “Wish You Would” from the project dropped today (Feb. 16.)

The Georgia native’s 13-track album includes songs by Jesse Frasure, Ashley Gorley, Corey Crowder, Jessie Jo Dillon and more. Songs like “Vegas” stamp the vulnerability of love at first sight, while “American Mellencamp” is heartfelt fun. “Take Me Back” and “Park” offer views of hometown reminiscence, while “‘73 Beetle” is an ode to fatherhood, family and dream-filled aspirations. The title track is an ode to long-lasting relationships that keep life moving forward.

Hubbard’s current single “Back Then Right Now” is currently top 20 and climbing at country radio, and follows the two-times Platinum chart-topper “Dancin’ In The Country” and Platinum No. 1 single “5 Foot 9”—both from his debut solo album Tyler Hubbard, which has garnered more than one billion streams since its release in 2023.

Hubbard’s announcement comes on the heels of his nomination at the iHeartRadio Music Awards for Favorite Debut Album. Fans can hear songs from Strong and more when Hubbard supports Kane Brown’s “In The Air Tour” this year, which kicks off in March.

Strong Track Listing:
1. Wish You Would (Tyler Hubbard, Corey Crowder and Chris LaCorte)
2. Park (Tyler Hubbard, Jesse Frasure, Ashley Gorley and Canaan Smith)
3. A Lot With A Little (Tyler Hubbard, Casey Brown and Parker Welling)
4. Night Like That (Tyler Hubbard, Andy Albert and Jordan Schmidt)
5. Take Me Back (Tyler Hubbard, Corey Crowder and Chris LaCorte)
6. Back Then Right Now (Tyler Hubbard, Jessie Jo Dillon, David Garcia and Geoff Warburton)
7. Vegas (Tyler Hubbard, Andy Albert and Jordan Schmidt)
8. Turn (Tyler Hubbard, Casey Brown and Josh Miller)
9. American Mellencamp (Tyler Hubbard, Jaren Johnston and Jordan Schmidt)
10. BNA (Tyler Hubbard, Chase McGill and Jordan Schmidt)
11. Summer Talkin’ (Tyler Hubbard, Jessie Jo Dillon, Jesse Frasure and Ashley Gorley)
12. ‘73 Beetle (Tyler Hubbard)
13. Strong (Tyler Hubbard, Matt Dragstrem and Josh Miller)

Lady A & Carly Pearce Among Lineup For Big Machine Label Group CRS Luncheon

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The lineup has been announced for Big Machine Label Group’s Country Radio Seminar (CRS) Luncheon on March 1. The event is slated for 12 p.m. in the Omni Nashville Hotel’s Broadway Ballroom.

This year’s lineup includes Lady A, Mackenzie Carpenter, Jackson Dean, Riley Green, Greylan James, Chris Janson, Brian Kelley, Carly Pearce and surprise special guests.

“Our CRS Luncheon concert has become one of my favorite presentations of the year,” says Scott Borchetta, Chairman & CEO, Big Machine Label Group. “Our artists always shine and attendees always tell us it’s one of their can’t-miss shows of the year. This year will be no exception as everyone will be bringing their A game and we have a couple of incredible surprises on tap. Don’t miss it!”

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.

Kane Brown Tops The MusicRow Radio Chart With ‘I Can Feel It’

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Kane Brown‘s “I Can Feel It” tops the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart this week, moving Luke Combs‘ “Where The Wild Things Are” to No. 2 after six weeks at the top.

“I Can Feel It” interpolates Phil Collins’ iconic drum solo and single “In the Air Tonight.” The two artists are credited as co-writers on the song alongside Gabe Foust and Jaxson Free.

Next month, Brown will kick off his “The Air Tour.” Hitting 29 cities across North America, the trek will end with five major stadium shows, including returning to Fenway Park in Boston, where he recently made history as the first Black artist to sell-out a headlining show there in the venue’s over 100 year history.

“I Can Feel It” 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.

JC Coffey Joins Magnolia Music Group As Director Of Audience Platforms

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JC Coffey

Industry veteran JC Coffey has joined Magnolia Music Group as Director of Audience Platforms, a newly created role.

Magnolia Music Group is home to country star Randy Houser, who is coming off a big year that included a headline tour, feature film appearances in Killers of the Flower Moon and The Hill as well as the release of his song “Cancel.” Houser plans to share more new music in 2024.

“I have been passionate about Randy Houser’s music since the moment I heard his voice,” says Coffey. “I could not be happier to take on this new role and hit the ground running with this amazing team.”

“JC’s passion, work ethic and multi-dimensional thinking will help propel the continued growth of Magnolia,” says Nick Hartley, Houser’s manager.

Coffey can be reached at jc@magnoliamusicgroup.com.

Charlie Cook To Exit Cumulus

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Charlie Cook

Charlie Cook will exit his positions as Vice President of Country Music for Cumulus, Programming Operations Manager for Cumulus Nashville’s five-station cluster and as the Program Director for both 95.5 Nash Icon (WSM-FM) and 103.3 Country (WKDF). His last day is May 31.

“Last April, I let Allison Warren, Brian Philips and John Dimick know of my intentions to find a new challenge,” Cook says. “They asked me to give them a year. Well, here we are almost a year later and it’s time for me to move away from an experience that I have loved for something new and different. Thanking everyone inside Cumulus and in Nashville would fill these pages so I look forward to personally thanking everyone over the next few months.”

Cook began his radio career in 1972 at WSDS in Ypsilanti, Michigan. In the ’70s, he spent time at KLAK in Denver, WWVA in Wheeling and WHN in New York. In 1980, he joined KHJ in Los Angeles, flipping the station to country. Cook then went to KLAC before joining McVay Media in 1983 as SVP of Country Programming, where he consulted more than 40 country stations over the next 12 years.

In 1996, Cook joined Cumulus Media’s Westwood One as VP, Programming/Formats. 10 years later he joined Cumulus as VP of Programming for the company’s 67 country stations. Cook received the ACM Service Award at the 2023 ACM Honors for his dedication to the format. He was inducted into the Country Radio Hall of Fame in 2011, and received the ACM Service Award at the 2023 ACM Honors as the organization’s longest-serving board member.

“Charlie Cook’s accomplishments and awards are the stuff of Nashville legend,” says Philips. “He is of course, in character, irreplaceable. I foresee a future where we will always rely on his wise counsel. He represents the gold standard among Cumulus employees. We are deeply grateful for his immeasurable contributions.”

“Charlie has been a vital part of the Cumulus, and specifically the WKDF/WSM-FM, families for the past nine years. He has helped shape and drive the format of both 103.3 Country and 95.5 Nash Icon, bringing joy and entertainment to countless listeners. He is not only a talented professional, but also a loyal friend and a passionate music lover. We cannot thank him enough for his years of service, dedication and creativity. We wish him the very best in whatever adventures are ahead. He will be greatly missed, but never forgotten,” shares Warren.

A job posting for Cumulus Nashville’s Music & Brand Content Manager (Station Program Director) is open now.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Anne Wilson’s New Track Is ‘Beautifully Written’

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Anne Wilson. Photo: Robby Klein

Country music is rocking this week.

Hardy, Kylie Frey, Chase Matthews, Anne Wilson, Nate Smith and Darci Lynne are amping up the volume. And from their ranks come both of this week’s award winners.

Nailing down her first Disc of the Day award is Anne Wilson, who combines her Christian music background with country storytelling on “God and Country.” The DISCovery Award goes to Kylie Frey.

Perhaps it is no coincidence that both performers have been named to this year’s class of CMT’s Next Women of Country. Carter Faith was in last year’s class, and she is represented this week by her fine duet with Sam Williams on a Tammy Wynette classic.

DARCI LYNNE/ “Push Our Luck”
Writers: Darci Lynne/Maggie McClure/Shane Henry; Producers: The Imaginaries/Maggie McClure/Shane Henry; Label: DL
– Muddy production and compressed vocals do her no favors. Her singing is sprightly and assured on the country-rock number. This youngster won as a ventriloquist on America’s Got Talent in 2018 and has been touring successfully ever since. She reportedly has more than seven million followers on social media.

SAM WILLIAMS & CARTER FAITH/ “’Til I Can Make It On My Own”
Writers: George Richey/Billy Sherrill/Tammy Wynette; Producers: Nathan Sexton/Ben Roberts; Label: Mercury Nashville
– It’s a magnificent country classic. These two youngsters bring complimentary vocal personalities to their duet performance of it. Both ache with believability. The song was originally a No.1 hit for its co-writer Tammy Wynette in 1976. Its revival is well-timed since Wynette was honored with a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award this month.

ANNE WILSON/ “God And Country”
Writers: Anne Wilson/Jeff Pardo/Matthew West/Trannie Anderson; Producers: Jeff Pardo/Jonathan Smith; Label: Sparrow (SPR)
– The single might be “Rain in the Rearview,” but this advance track from the Christian-music star’s country album debut is a spectacular show-stopper. The production rocks splendidly, she sings her face off and the lyric is a beautifully written series of contrasting images. Absolutely play this. Wilson is in this year’s class of CMT’s Next Women of Country.

BLAKE SHELTON & GWEN STEFANI/ “Purple Irises”
Writers: Gwen Stefani/Jakob Hazell/Niko Rubio/Svante Halldin; Producer: Scott Hendricks; Label: Warner Music Nashville
– This is pop music, but whenever Blake’s voice is emphasized it comes back down to earth. Mind you, that isn’t often enough.

DYLAN MARLOWE/ “You Did It Too”
Writers: Dallas Davidson/Dylan Marlowe/Joe Fox; Producer: Joe Fox; Label: Sony Music Nashville
– The dobro-laced track is spare and empty, which places the focus firmly on his country boy vocal. The autobiographical lyric defends his wrong-side-of-the-tracks lifestyle against haters who talk trash about his hillbilly culture.

KACEY MUSGRAVES/ “Deeper Well”
Writers: Daniel Tashian/Ian Fitchuk/Kacey Musgraves; Producers: Daniel Tashian/Ian Fitchuk/Kacey Musgraves; Label: Interscope Records/MCA Nashville
– Her lilting, double-tracked vocal explores a failed relationship while acoustic guitars ripple around her. Echoey and enchanting. Different sounding, and different is good.

LARRY CORDLE/ “How Could I Love Her So Much”
Writer: Hugh Mofatt; Producer: Larry Cordle; Label: Mighty Cord Records
– Cordle is a Kentucky Music Hall of Fame member who has made his mark as a hit country songwriter and a hit bluegrass artist. This 1983 Johnny Rodriguez oldie has long been one of my favorite country songs. Its revival as a bluegrass track is an audio delight. Twin fiddles, rippling banjo, fleet-fingered guitar picking, sizzling mandolin, and high-lonesome vocal harmonies—what’s not to love?

SCOTTY McCREERY/ “Love Like This”
Writers: Aaron Eshuis/Frank Rogers/Scotty McCreery; Producers: Frank Rogers/Aaron Eshuis/Derek Wells; Label: Triple Tigers
– The ode to fatherhood is right on the money in every department. Great production of its shifting tempos. Tight songwriting. And, as always, he sings flawlessly.

KYLIE FREY/ “Miss Thang”
Writers: Adam Hood/Brent Cobb/Kylie Frey; Producers: Trent Willmon/Paul Worley; Label: Deep Frey’d Music
– Rampaging and rocking, yet country to the core. The new Next Women of Country participant bites into this lyric with fierce commitment while the track froths and foams around her.

NATE SMITH/ “Bulletproof”
Writers: Ben Johnson/Hunter Phelps/Ashley Gorley; Producer: Lindsay Rimes; Label: RCA Records Nashville
– “World on Fire” was No. 1 for eight weeks. “Whiskey on You” sold Platinum. Smith’s new single moans about heartbreak, noting that booze doesn’t help a bit, because her memory is “bulletproof” despite the “shots.” Electric guitars grind and scream in the background.

CHASE MATTHEW/ “Small Town Shit”
Writers: Daniel Ross/Jessie Jo Dillon/Jaxson Free/Taylor Phillips; Producers: Alex Maxwell/Daniel Ross/Jake Angel; Label: Chase Matthew Music/Warner Music Nashville
– Hip-hop beats infuse his recitation of backwoods country cliches. It wears out its welcome pretty quickly.

HARDY/ “Rockstar”
Writers: Michael Hardy/Jacob Durrett/Blake Pendergrass; Producers: Joey Moi/Hardy/Jacob Durrett; Label: Big Loud Records/Big Loud Rock
– Zesty, hard rocking and delightfully tongue-in-cheek. I love his wry, wise-ass attitude.

Darius Rucker To Share New Memoir ‘Life’s Too Short’ In May

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Photo: Courtesy of Dey Street Books

Darius Rucker plans to share his journey so far in Life’s Too Short: A Memoir by Darius Rucker, out May 28 via Dey Street Books.

The raw, heartfelt memoir tells the award-winning artist’s life story through the lens of the music that made him, including songs by everyone from Frank Sinatra and Stevie Wonder to R.E.M., Kiss and Prince in addition to his own music with Hootie & the Blowfish and as a solo artist.

Multiple decades into his career, Rucker recounts the ascent of his band and wild tales of his road-hardened life filled with stumbles, missteps and battles with demons that ultimately results in triumph.

“If I look back at my life and try to see into my past, everything seems blurry,” he says. “But then I lean in and start to hear something. Melodies. Chords. Harmonies. Lyrics. This book is the story of my life as told through 23 songs that took me away, soaring, starting at ground level, living in a poor but happy home, never wanting for much more, enjoying what I had, even when times got tough, because I had my escape, my refuge, my music.”

Raised by a single mother in Charleston, Rucker co-founded Hootie & the Blowfish with three classmates at the University of South Carolina in 1986. What began as a party band playing frat houses and dive bars quickly became a global rock-pop phenomenon through their double Diamond-certified debut album Cracked Rear View, featuring hit songs “Only Wanna Be With You,” “Let Her Cry” and “Hold My Hand.”

While remaining with the group, Rucker has charted a pioneering path as a solo country artist with Diamond-certified hit “Wagon Wheel” as well as “Alright” and “Don’t Think I Don’t Think About It.” Throughout the years, he has shared the stage and mic with the likes of David Crosby, Al Green, Bob Dylan, Willie Nelson, Bruce Springsteen, Neil Young, Adele, Taylor Swift and more. This past year, Rucker was inducted into the Music City Walk of Fame, recognized with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and honored with the CMA Foundation Humanitarian Award. He also released his first solo project in six years, Carolyn’s Boy.

UMG Nashville Unveils Silver Wings Records With Flagship Artist Hueston

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Pictured (L-R, back row): UMG Nashville’s Lori Christian, Lackey McDonald’s Aaron Rice and UMG Nashville’s Chelsea Blythe; (L-R, front row): UMG Nashville’s Rob Femia, Mike Harris, Cindy Mabe, Hueston, UMG Nashville’s Charlene Bryant and RYCA Music’s Ryan Casassa. Photo: Chris Hollo

UMG Nashville has signed singer-songwriter and producer Hueston to the newly created Silver Wings Records.

Silver Wings Records is a distribution arm designed to support independent artists and creators.  powered by Virgin Music Group’s global distribution network, Silver Wings creates custom campaign services for independent acts and offers various options for developing and enhancing campaigns. The new arm has its own staff overseen by UMG Nashville SVP of Business Development & Strategy Charlene Bryant.

Formerly the frontman of indie/alternative duo The Blancos, Hueston is sharing his sound and storytelling skills as solo artist through his own label Young Hueston, LLC with distribution by Silver Wings Records. He pulls inspiration from both his professional and personal journeys overcoming depression and addictions, and starting a new chapter in life. The artist plans to release new music in the coming weeks.

“The independent artist community has rapidly grown and been a driving force in expanding the creative growth culture in Nashville’s music and entertainment,” says UMG Nashville Chair & CEO Cindy Mabe. “UMG Nashville has seen the need to provide resources to grow, sustain and support the independent creator community. Once I met Hueston and felt his music and what he was striving to do as an independent artist, I knew it was time to build the investment. Hueston and his team of collaborators have vision and direction and are building their own path around his soulful, emotional voice and his ability to mix darkness and light into his gift of music. It changes people. Like Hueston’s music, Silver Wings Records is intended to bridge and open the world of creativity to Nashville collaborators and country music artists.”

“I’m looking forward to starting this next chapter of my career with the team at UMG Nashville,” shares Hueston. “Cindy, Charlene, Chelsea and Hannah saw the vision from the very first meeting and I automatically knew it was going to be a great fit.”