Dan + Shay. Photo: Robby Klein
This is an all-male edition of DISClaimer.
Every other contender here is a Black country stylist. One of them, Scoot Teasley, is our DISCovery Award winner. I don’t know much about him. I think he’s from Georgia, and he looks very young. I do know I’d sign him in a heartbeat.
As for our White guys, there’s no question but that Dan + Shay are this week’s Disc of the Day prize winners.
KEITH URBAN/ “Straight Line”
Writers: Keith Urban/Chase McGill/Jerry Flowers/Greg Wells; Producers: Keith Urban/Greg Wells; Label: Capitol Records Nashville
– This zippy rocker puts pedal to the metal on an open-highway “road” song. Packed with positivity and frothing energy. It ain’t all that “country,” but it sure is fun.
BLANCO BROWN/ “Sunshine Shine”
Writer: Bennie Amey III; Producer: Blanco Brown; Label: Wheelhouse Records/BMG
– Brown is probably the best at fusing hip-hop with country. Probably because he can actually sing. This dancefloor ditty in praise of moonshine has cool hand claps, sampled bass loops, electronic blips and a pleasant, repeated, mellow hook. I remain a fan.
DAN + SHAY/ “Bigger Houses”
Writers: Dan Smyers/Andy Albert/Jordan Minton/Jordan Reynolds; Producers: Dan Smyers/Scott Hendricks; Label: Warner Music Nashville
– The title to the duo’s new album has a classic-country sentiment: Money can’t buy happiness. The delicate, pristine production laced with acoustic guitar supports a softly sincere Shay Mooney lead vocal with a gentle Dan Smyers baritone harmony. A gorgeous little record.
THE KENTUCKY GENTLEMEN/ “Leave Right Now”
Writers: Brandon Campbell/Derek Campbell/JD Walker/Nicholas Autry; Producers: JD Walker/Nicholas Autry; Label: KG
– These twin brothers normally inhabit the dance floor, but on their new single they adopt a slow, sensuous groove. The production starts off kind of spare and cheeesy sounding, then adds layers of percussion and vocal harmonies to achieve a romantic, dim-the-lights jam. Seductive.
CHRIS YOUNG/ “Double Down”
Writers: Derek George/Monty Criswell/Tyler Reeve; Producer: Chris Young; Label: RCA Records Label Nashville
– It’s a barroom stomper with twang guitar and thumping percussion in praise of getting it on by drinking doubles and painting the town neon-red.
WILLIE JONES/ “Omg”
Writers: Will Adams; Producer: Willie Jones; Label: The Penthouse
– The single remains “Dive Bar,” but just in time for Super Bowl LVIII Jones drops his relaxed version of halftime-show performer Usher’s 2010 oldie “Omg.” Jones is in his third year hosting his Apple Music series “The Cross Road Radio Show.” These programs illustrate how country and hip-hop intertwine.
LUKE GRIMES/ “God And A Girl”
Writers: Tucker Beathard/Dillon James/Jason Nix; Producers: Dave Cobb; Label: Mercury/Range/UMG Nashville
– The Yellowstone star has repeatedly proved that he’s a for-real country artist. This new track throws a spotlight on his resonant baritone voice. It’s a slo-o-o-o-ow romantic ballad that could use a little more waltz-time lilt and a little less plodding.
CARLOS WASHINGTON’S STEEL HORSE SWING/ “Party On Piedra Lumbre’
Writers: Carlos A Washington; Producer: Ernie Martinez; Label: CW
– Not to be confused with the Atlanta Falcons running back, this Carlos Washington is a western-swing cowboy revivalist, following in the footsteps of Bob Wills, Hank Thompson and Asleep at the Wheel. This track has a solid groove, punctuated by horn blasts, sizzling steel and jazzy fiddle. Washington’s confident vocal delivery is totally in the pocket. The rancher and former rodeo bull rider has recently signed with Nashville’s Flaming Tortuga label and is preparing new sounds for the second quarter of ‘24.
WILLIAM MICHAEL MORGAN/ “Not Letting Go”
Writers: William Michael Morgan/Dan Huston/Sam Banks; Producer: Keith Stegall; Label: ONErpm
– This neo-traditionalist has a honky-tonk delivery to die for. The ballad is also bolstered by a flawless, tasteful, eloquent, steel-embellished production by Stegall. This is country music the way it was meant to be performed.
SCOOT TEASLEY/ “This Truck Still Misses You”
Writers: Scoot Teasley/Mason Thornley/Jon Stark; Producer: Chris Utley; Label: STM/Hollow Point Music Group
– This pulses with throbbing heartache energy. It also announces the birth of a major new country stylist. Teasley’s throaty, range-y vocal is stunning. The rocking production brims with excitement. Who is this guy, and where has he been all of our lives?
TYLER BRADEN/ “Devil You Know”
Writers: Sam Martinez/Graham Barham/Zack Dyer/Jon Robert Hall; Producer: Sam Martinez; Label: Warner Music Nashville
– This fiery country rocker advises us to stand up for ourselves. Don’t back down, and don’t mistake kindness for weakness. The rock track screams with guitars and chanted backing vocals.
DISClaimer Single Reviews: Dan + Shay Deliver ‘Delicate, Pristine Production’
/by Robert K OermannDan + Shay. Photo: Robby Klein
This is an all-male edition of DISClaimer.
Every other contender here is a Black country stylist. One of them, Scoot Teasley, is our DISCovery Award winner. I don’t know much about him. I think he’s from Georgia, and he looks very young. I do know I’d sign him in a heartbeat.
As for our White guys, there’s no question but that Dan + Shay are this week’s Disc of the Day prize winners.
KEITH URBAN/ “Straight Line”
Writers: Keith Urban/Chase McGill/Jerry Flowers/Greg Wells; Producers: Keith Urban/Greg Wells; Label: Capitol Records Nashville
– This zippy rocker puts pedal to the metal on an open-highway “road” song. Packed with positivity and frothing energy. It ain’t all that “country,” but it sure is fun.
BLANCO BROWN/ “Sunshine Shine”
Writer: Bennie Amey III; Producer: Blanco Brown; Label: Wheelhouse Records/BMG
– Brown is probably the best at fusing hip-hop with country. Probably because he can actually sing. This dancefloor ditty in praise of moonshine has cool hand claps, sampled bass loops, electronic blips and a pleasant, repeated, mellow hook. I remain a fan.
DAN + SHAY/ “Bigger Houses”
Writers: Dan Smyers/Andy Albert/Jordan Minton/Jordan Reynolds; Producers: Dan Smyers/Scott Hendricks; Label: Warner Music Nashville
– The title to the duo’s new album has a classic-country sentiment: Money can’t buy happiness. The delicate, pristine production laced with acoustic guitar supports a softly sincere Shay Mooney lead vocal with a gentle Dan Smyers baritone harmony. A gorgeous little record.
THE KENTUCKY GENTLEMEN/ “Leave Right Now”
Writers: Brandon Campbell/Derek Campbell/JD Walker/Nicholas Autry; Producers: JD Walker/Nicholas Autry; Label: KG
– These twin brothers normally inhabit the dance floor, but on their new single they adopt a slow, sensuous groove. The production starts off kind of spare and cheeesy sounding, then adds layers of percussion and vocal harmonies to achieve a romantic, dim-the-lights jam. Seductive.
CHRIS YOUNG/ “Double Down”
Writers: Derek George/Monty Criswell/Tyler Reeve; Producer: Chris Young; Label: RCA Records Label Nashville
– It’s a barroom stomper with twang guitar and thumping percussion in praise of getting it on by drinking doubles and painting the town neon-red.
WILLIE JONES/ “Omg”
Writers: Will Adams; Producer: Willie Jones; Label: The Penthouse
– The single remains “Dive Bar,” but just in time for Super Bowl LVIII Jones drops his relaxed version of halftime-show performer Usher’s 2010 oldie “Omg.” Jones is in his third year hosting his Apple Music series “The Cross Road Radio Show.” These programs illustrate how country and hip-hop intertwine.
LUKE GRIMES/ “God And A Girl”
Writers: Tucker Beathard/Dillon James/Jason Nix; Producers: Dave Cobb; Label: Mercury/Range/UMG Nashville
– The Yellowstone star has repeatedly proved that he’s a for-real country artist. This new track throws a spotlight on his resonant baritone voice. It’s a slo-o-o-o-ow romantic ballad that could use a little more waltz-time lilt and a little less plodding.
CARLOS WASHINGTON’S STEEL HORSE SWING/ “Party On Piedra Lumbre’
Writers: Carlos A Washington; Producer: Ernie Martinez; Label: CW
– Not to be confused with the Atlanta Falcons running back, this Carlos Washington is a western-swing cowboy revivalist, following in the footsteps of Bob Wills, Hank Thompson and Asleep at the Wheel. This track has a solid groove, punctuated by horn blasts, sizzling steel and jazzy fiddle. Washington’s confident vocal delivery is totally in the pocket. The rancher and former rodeo bull rider has recently signed with Nashville’s Flaming Tortuga label and is preparing new sounds for the second quarter of ‘24.
WILLIAM MICHAEL MORGAN/ “Not Letting Go”
Writers: William Michael Morgan/Dan Huston/Sam Banks; Producer: Keith Stegall; Label: ONErpm
– This neo-traditionalist has a honky-tonk delivery to die for. The ballad is also bolstered by a flawless, tasteful, eloquent, steel-embellished production by Stegall. This is country music the way it was meant to be performed.
SCOOT TEASLEY/ “This Truck Still Misses You”
Writers: Scoot Teasley/Mason Thornley/Jon Stark; Producer: Chris Utley; Label: STM/Hollow Point Music Group
– This pulses with throbbing heartache energy. It also announces the birth of a major new country stylist. Teasley’s throaty, range-y vocal is stunning. The rocking production brims with excitement. Who is this guy, and where has he been all of our lives?
TYLER BRADEN/ “Devil You Know”
Writers: Sam Martinez/Graham Barham/Zack Dyer/Jon Robert Hall; Producer: Sam Martinez; Label: Warner Music Nashville
– This fiery country rocker advises us to stand up for ourselves. Don’t back down, and don’t mistake kindness for weakness. The rock track screams with guitars and chanted backing vocals.
Kacey Musgraves Finds A ‘Deeper Well’ For Fifth Studio Album Out In March
/by Liza AndersonGrammy-winning songstress Kacey Musgraves will release her fifth studio album, Deeper Well, on March 15 via Interscope/MCA Nashville. Both the title track and its accompanying video are available now.
Musgraves co-produced all 14 tracks and co-penned most of them with longtime collaborators Daniel Tashian and Ian Fitchuk, while reuniting with Shane McAnally and Josh Osborne for the contemplative tune “The Architect.” Inspired by the energy of New York City’s Greenwich Village and its rich musical history, she recorded a large part of the album at the legendary Electric Lady Studios.
“I was seeking some different environmental energy, and Electric Lady has the best mojo. Great ghosts,” notes Musgraves.
With a perceptive eye for life’s subtle nuances, she turns often unnoticed moments into songs that resonate with listeners. On the recently released, almost folky title track, the artist surveys her life and priorities—distinguishing what feeds her, what drains her and examining what’s left behind on the way to empowerment.
Additionally, Musgraves achieved her first No. 1 entry on the Billboard Hot 100 chart with her and Zach Bryan‘s duet “I Remember Everything.” The track marks the first country music duet to reach this feat since Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers‘ “Islands In The Stream.” “I Remember Everything” also just won Best Country Duo/Group Performance at the 66th annual Grammy Awards on Sunday (Feb. 4), making Musgraves the only artist in history to receive a Grammy for Best Country Album, Best Country Song, Best Country Solo Performance and Best Country Duo/Group Performance.
Deeper Well Track Listing:
1. “Cardinal”
2. “Deeper Well
3. “Too Good to be True”
4. “Moving Out”
5. “Giver / Taker”
6. “Sway”
7. “Dinner with Friends”
8. “Heart of the Woods”
9. “Jade Green”
10. “The Architect”
11. “Lonely Millionaire”
12. “Heaven Is”
13. “Anime Eyes”
14. “Nothing to be Scared Of”
Leo33 Signs Country Riser Jenna Paulette
/by LB CantrellPictured (L-R, front row): Wildrose Projects’ Helena Capps, Leo33’s Katie Dean, Jenna Paulette and Leo33’s Daniel Lee; (L-R, back row): Leo33’s Chris Fabiani, Meg Goggins, Natalie Osborne, Tracy Gibson and Dusty Cantrell. Photo: Katie Kauss
New independent record label Leo33 has signed up-and-comer Jenna Paulette to its artist roster. She joins Zach Top as the label’s second signing.
Paulette is a native of Lewisville, Texas, whose roots run deep in the agricultural industry. In addition to being a working cowgirl, Paulette is a member of the CMT Next Women of Country Class of 2022 and an Apple Music’s Country Riser of the Month selectee.
She released her debut album, The Girl I Was, in early 2023, and has amassed over 30 million on-demand streams. Alongside Leo33, Paulette is set to release her first taste of new music on March 1 with “Darlin’,” a tune she co-wrote with Jess Cayne and Matthew Morrisey.
“I’m thrilled to be part of the Leo33 family and collaborate with a label that values authenticity in addition to creativity. This partnership marks a new chapter in my career and I can’t wait to share more music and stories with my fans,” Paulette shares of the signing.
Katie Dean, the Head of Leo33, shares, “Jenna’s authenticity and commitment to storytelling aligns perfectly with Leo33’s vision of fostering innovative music. We’re excited to support Jenna in her artistic endeavors and provide a platform for her unique voice to reach a broader audience.”
Paulette is currently on the road with Aaron Watson as part of his “The Armadillo Dance Hall Tour,” and just played to a packed crowd at the Mercury Lounge in New York City. Additional upcoming stops include Washington, D.C., Pittsburgh, Tampa, Atlanta and more.
Wyatt Ellis Inks With WME
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R, front row): Bobby Cudd (WME), Jay Williams (WME), Wyatt Ellis, Neil Mason (Red Light Management), Tom Lord (Red Light Management); (L-R, back row): Moira McCravey (WME), Carter Green (WME), Alison Auerbach (Alison Auerbach Public Relations), Erin Morris Huttlinger (Morris Public Relations)
Bluegrass artist Wyatt Ellis has signed with WME for global representation.
In his two short years on the scene, Ellis has been invited to perform on stage with artists such as Billy Strings, Dierks Bentley, Peter Rowan, Sam Bush, Bryan Sutton, Dailey & Vincent and Marty Stuart.
Ellis’ debut album Happy Valley was released last Friday (Feb. 2). On release day, Happy Valley was the cover of Spotify’s New Grass Playlist with the track “Blue Smoke” featuring Stuart in the No. 1 spot on the same playlist. Other tracks receiving prominent playlisting include “Get Lost,” “Blue Smoke” and “Grassy Cove.”
Ellis is also represented by Red Light Management’s Neil Mason and Tom Lord, as well as Morris Public Relations and Alison Auerbach P.R. for public relations and artist development. Andrea Roberts with the Andrea Roberts Agency is handling radio promotion.
“Wyatt is an extraordinary talent. He embraces tradition with his artistry while captivating a new generation of bluegrass fans,” share his representatives from WME. “His future is very bright, and we’re excited to have him at WME and be a part of his journey.”
“Wyatt is a breath of fresh air, and we are thrilled to be working with him,” comments Mason. “He is traditional and progressive, young, but seasoned well beyond his years. Wyatt has quickly made a ton of noise in the bluegrass and country scene, jamming with the likes of Billy Strings, Dierks Bentley, Del McCoury and many more, as well as performing at Eric Clapton’s Crossroads Guitar Fest, MerleFest, and the Grand Ole Opry, all in recent months.”
New Mountain Capital Closes Majority Growth Investment In BMI
/by Lorie HollabaughNew Mountain Capital, an investment firm with over $45 billion in assets under management, has completed its previously announced acquisition of BMI.
As part of the transaction, and in recognition of the creativity of the songwriters, composers and publishers they represent, BMI’s former shareholders will be allocating $100 million of the proceeds of the sale to affiliates. The allocation of those funds is expected to be made this spring, and while not a distribution of royalties, will be in keeping with BMI’s distribution methodologies, which are based on performance levels over a set period of time.
“Our partnership with New Mountain charts an incredibly exciting new course for BMI and our songwriters, composers and publishers,” says Mike O’Neill, who will remain President & CEO of BMI. “New Mountain shares our vision to build value for our affiliates and invest in their future success. With their support, advanced level of innovation and resources, we are now in the best possible position to accelerate our growth plan and explore new opportunities to benefit our creative community.”
Pete Masucci, Managing Director at New Mountain, states, “We are thrilled to officially begin our partnership with BMI. We believe in BMI’s mission and the music creators they represent, and we are looking forward to helping BMI build on their momentum to deliver maximum value to their affiliates.”
“Mike O’Neill and his team have set a dynamic path forward for BMI,” says Mike Oshinsky, Director at New Mountain. “We are excited to help modernize the performing rights space and support BMI’s mission of serving songwriters, composers and publishers and growing their royalty distributions for the long-term.”
Bon Jovi To Open New Bar On Nashville’s Lower Broadway This Spring
/by Lorie HollabaughRendering of JBJ’s Nashville
Jon Bon Jovi and his band are joining the growing list of stars opening new bars in downtown Nashville, as they prepare to open JBJ’s Nashville this spring.
Pictured (L-R): Eric Russell, David Bryan, Jon Bon Jovi, Tara and Josh Joseph visiting the JBJ’s Nashville site. Photo: Katie Larson/Big Plan Holdings
Located at 405 Broadway, JBJ’s will be the tallest and second largest bar by square footage, boasting 37,000 square feet. The building’s design aligns the city’s Broadway Historic Preservation Overlay, aiming to ensure a blend of the past’s charm with an innovative future. The space will feature entrances on both Broadway and 4th Avenue as well as two outdoor rooftop decks with panoramic views and more.
The project, spearheaded by Josh and Tara Joseph‘s Big Plan Holdings, seeks to create a place that respects the legacy of music while continuing to carry the torch of Nashville’s history.
“We’re looking forward to having a place in Nashville that we call home,” says Bon Jovi. “When Big Plan Holdings and the team of Josh and Tara Joseph asked us if we were interested, it wasn’t because we were just another rock band, it was because we are a band with deep roots in Nashville. We have had wonderful times in Nashville recording several albums and working with some of the finest people in all the music business. I can’t wait to toast all of Broadway and get to know our neighbors!”
“We feel it will be great to disrupt downtown Nashville in a positive way. Partnering with Jon was natural for many reasons, and we could not be more excited for Nashville and all its great visitors,” state the owners.
The announcement of the new venture coincides with the lead singer’s recognition as MusiCares’ 2024 Person of the Year and the band’s 40th anniversary.
Craig Morgan Sworn In As Warrant Officer In Army Reserve
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): CW3 William R. Green, Karen Greer, WO1 Craig Morgan Greer and John Clement. Photo: Nate Griffin
Craig Morgan received his appointment to Warrant Officer 1 in the Army Reserve on Saturday (Feb. 3) at Huntsville, Alabama’s Redstone Arsenal.
The swearing-in took place with Chief Warrant Officer 3 William R. Green, along with John Clement (Deputy State Director/Military Advisor, U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn) and Morgan’s wife, Karen Greer, officiating the ceremony while surrounded by family and friends.
Having previously served 17 years in the Army and Army Reserve with the 101st and 82nd Airborne Divisions, the country star returned to service last year. He was again sworn-in to the Army Reserve on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry on July 29.
Following his swearing-in as Warrant Officer 1, Morgan then traveled to Orlando where he performed the national anthem in uniform at 2024’s NFL Pro Bowl on Sunday (Feb. 4) from Camping World Stadium.
In addition to his service in the Army Reserve, Morgan has continued to tour and release new music including his EP Enlisted.
BMI Unveils 2024 Key West Songwriters Festival Lineup
/by Madison HahnenReturning for its 28th year, the Key West Songwriter’s Festival, presented by BMI, has revealed their 2024 lineup. This year’s event will be taking place May 1-5 in Key West, Florida.
The lineup features more than 150 artists and songwriters. Jeffrey Steele, Liz Rose, Lori McKenna, Bob DiPiero, James Slater, Tommy Sims, Rebecca Lynn Howard, Wendell Mobley, Tyler Reeve and more will be playing throughout the week. The festival will also feature rising artists and songwriters such as Chase Matthew, Mia Mantia, Emma Zinck, Casey LeVasseur, Preston James, Jonathan Hutcherson and more.
The festival will kick off on Wednesday (May 1) with the “Sunset Pier Kickoff Party” featuring rising star Dylan Marlow and the Heartwreckers. Thursday (May 2) will feature a headline show at the Coffee Butler Amphitheater by country star Cole Swindell with support from Restless Road. The annual Main Stage Duval Street block party will feature a performance from renowned songwriter Dallas Davidson.
This year’s festival will also include new showcases such as the “Key West Women’s Club” all-female lineup and “Sunday Church” at Williams Hall.
“We look forward to enhancing this year’s festival as we engage more with the local community to provide first-time experiences and showcases,” says Kyle Muehlhauser, Co-Owner of the Key West Songwriters Festival and Rams Head Presents. “We always enjoy working closely with BMI to create a diverse group of storytellers and this lineup reflects that.”
The 28th Annual Key West Songwriters Festival is sponsored by Delta Air Lines, HD Radio, Texas Roadhouse and White Claw. Songwriters will have the opportunity to enjoy the “Lift Off to the Kickoff” event at BNA in Delta’s Sky Club as Delta Air Lines is the official airline for the festival.
More information and tickets for all shows are available now.
Lady Luck Songs & Yellow Mountain Music Publishing Sign Matt Warren
/by Liza AndersonPictured (L-R, back row): Lady Luck Songs’ Bob Squance and BMI’s MaryAnn Keen; (L-R, front row): Lady Luck Songs’ Kim Penz and Matt Warren
Lady Luck Songs and Yellow Mountain Music Publishing have teamed up to sign Matt Warren to an exclusive publishing deal.
The Nashville native started playing in bands and touring the country in 1996, and signed his first publishing deal in 2002 with House of Fame in Muscle Shoals, Alabama.
He has won multiple ASCAP Awards and earned cuts with Gary Allan, Darius Rucker, Robert Randolph & The Family Band, Andy Frasco & the U.N., Bucky Covington, Jim Lauderdale and more. Most notably, Warren co-wrote Allan’s “Every Storm (Runs Out Of Rain)” alongside the artist and Hillary Lindsey. The double-Platinum tune topped the country airplay charts and was nominated for Song of the Year at the 2014 ACM Awards.
“Matt was the first writer signed to Lady Luck in 2015 and we are thrilled to be working with him again,” says Kim Penz, Founder of Lady Luck Songs. “This is a full circle moment for all of us and we can’t wait to achieve more great things together!”
“I’m really excited to be working with Kim, Cliff [Audretch], Bob [Squance] and the whole Lady Luck staff,” says Warren. “It’s a little bit of a homecoming for me and it feels really good to be back. I’m super stoked for the good things coming!”
“We are very excited to partner with the Lady Luck team to help bring Matt’s incredible talent to the world,” adds Chuck Bowling, Co-Founder of Yellow Mountain Music Publishing.
SJ McDonald Signs With Major Bob Music
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R, back row): Emily Hasty (Creative Assistant), Bob Doyle (Owner/President), Graham Kothman (Creative Director); (L-R, front row): Matt Cottingham (Partner/Lewis Brisbois), SJ McDonald, Andy Friday (Head of Publishing). Photo: Courtesy of Major Bob Music
Songwriter SJ McDonald has signed a publishing agreement with Major Bob Music.
Hailing from Virginia, McDonald made the pivotal move to Nashville in 2017 to study songwriting at Belmont University. Her single “Break A Cowboy” garnered attention from several editorial playlists, and she actively collaborates and has scored cuts with fellow artists including Mackenzie Carpenter, Mae Estes and more.
“SJ’s name just kept coming up from great songwriters who we admire, and after we began booking co-writes with SJ we quickly discovered for ourselves why so many people love her,” says Andy Friday, Head of Publishing, Major Bob Music. “She keeps it country and she’s a perfect fit for Major Bob.”
Additionally, McDonald released her new single “Hummingbird” on Friday (Feb. 2).