Industry Ink: ACM, Big Loud, Stephen Wilson Jr.

ACM LEVel Up 2024 Cohort Kicks Off Programming

Pictured (L-R): Kortney Toney, ACM Manager of Programming & Community Engagement; David Steele Ewing, Nashville History Tour CEO; Kenyon Glenn; Lizzy Stone; Jackie Ebnet; David Hawkins; Alexes Aiken; Nathan Pyle; Haley Fairman; Lacey Hayes; Gator Pizer; Bryan Webb; Damon Whiteside, ACM CEO; Tommy Moore, ACM VP of Artist & Industry Relations, Board Administration & Governance

The Academy of Country Music’s LEVel Up: Lift Every Voice program’s 2024 cohort commenced the two-year professional development and enrichment curriculum at the Academy’s headquarters in Nashville on Thursday (Jan. 25).

Opening their course was a deep dive into Music City’s remarkable and diverse history with noted Nashville historian and curator, tour guide, writer and founder of the acclaimed Instagram account @thenashvilleiwishiknew, David Steele Ewing. The cohort also met with Academy leadership and staff and learned about the upcoming 59th ACM Awards, the work of philanthropic partner ACM Lifting Lives and more.

 

Big Loud Video Team Celebrates Hardy’s Becoming The Crow Short Film

Pictured (L-R): Katie Fiore (Video Production Manager, Big Loud Records), Justin Clough (Director), Morgan Sweat (Video Commissioner, Big Loud Records), Jay Miller (Video Editor, Big Loud Records)

The video team responsible for Hardy‘s new short film, Becoming The Crow, recently celebrated their accomplishments at the film’s Nashville screening.

The 22-minute film, directed by Justin Clough, follows Hardy through two days in his monumental 2023. The first day spotlights his album release shows in Los Angeles on Jan. 23, where he played both The Troubadour and The Roxy in one single night. The second part follows him on Oct. 26, where he kicked off a sold-out three-night run at The Municipal Auditorium right here in Music City.

 

Stephen Wilson Jr. & Team Celebrate Sold-Out Headline Show

Pictured (L-R, back row): Buster Phillips (UTA), Brian Hill (UTA), Brett Saliba (UTA), Alicia Jones (ALJ Management), Stephen Wilson Jr., Scott Clayton (UTA), Seth England (Big Loud), Ali Matkosky (Big Loud); (L-R, middle row): Dan Merker (Exit/In), Jordy Dettmer (Range MP), Alyson Estes (Exit/In), Stacy Blythe (Big Loud); (L-R, front row): Jess Spear (Exit/In), Teagan Proctor (Exit/In)/ Photo: Brayln Kelly

Nashville-based singer-songwriter Stephen Wilson Jr. played his first headline show at Nashville’s Exit/In to a sold-out crowd on Friday, Jan. 19. His team gathered backstage to celebrate the achievement.

Following the release of his highly successful debut double album Søn Of Dad, Wilson Jr. also recently announced his first headline tour, immediately selling out a number of shows including at New York City’s Mercury Lounge.

Chase McDaniel Shares His Origin Story On New EP

Photo: Courtesy of Big Machine Records

Chase McDaniel released his debut EP, Blame It All On Country Music, today (Jan. 26) via Big Machine Records.

The six-track EP includes a handful of previously released tracks like “Your Daughter” as well as two new songs including “Somebody Like Me,” all of which were co-written by the rising artist. The project’s final track “Somebody Like Me,” brings the conversation of feeling lost in the struggle of mental health to the forefront.

The title track of the collection is an origin story wrapped up into a love letter to country music that references legends such as Willie Nelson, George Strait and Johnny Cash, along with honky-tonk imagery and a nod to the “Chattahoochie” guitar riff. Penned by McDaniel alongside Clay Barker, Justin Holt and track producer Jerry Jacobs, the rowdy tune tells listeners how much country music has shaped him and his life.

“Everybody has those things that make them who they are—my papaw raised me on the classics and I felt their beat in my DNA. From sneaking in to play in smokey bars, the memories/mistakes I made on crazy nights, to chasing the dream of singing my own songs in Nashville, I can blame it all on country music,” shares McDaniel. “This EP is a little bit of a mosaic of who I am, each song was written about a thought, situation or mood I’ve experienced or observed. It’s a brief introduction—and I look forward to sharing even more.”

Blame It All On Country Music Track Listing:
1. “Blame It All On Country Music” (Chase McDaniel, Clay Barker, Jerry Jacobs, Justin Holt)
2. “Relapse” (Chase McDaniel)
3. “Your Daughter” (Chase McDaniel, Jerry Alan Jacobs)
4. “Drop Your Tailgate” (Chase McDaniel, Jerry Alan Jacobs)
5. “Project” (Chase McDaniel, Jerry Alan Jacobs)
6. “Somebody Like Me” (Chase McDaniel, Jerry Alan Jacobs)

Warner Chappell Releases New Music From The Chattahoochies

Singer-songwriters Audra Mae, Summer Overstreet and Kree Harrison, known as The Chattahoochies, are releasing a new single, “Talladega 10.” Warner Chappell is acting as the independent label for the release.

Oklahoma born Mae has released three solo albums and worked on collaborations with artists across all genres, including penning songs for AVICII, Jazmine Sullivan, Miranda Lambert, The Chainsmokers, Christina Aguilera, Demi Lovato, Kelly Clarkson and Little Big Town, among others.  As the great-grand niece of Judy Garland, she comes by her talent honest.

Texas-born Harrison, known for her run on season 12 of American Idol, has two solo records, countless songwriting credits, an impressive touring resume and has lent her voice to albums by Kacey Musgraves and Eli Young Band.

Tennessean Overstreet, daughter of Paul Overstreet, grew up in a musical family. Her songs have been recorded by Jake Owen, Priscilla Block, Jade Eagleson, Tyler Rich featuring Marie-Mai, Avenue Beat and various artists for the TV show Nashville.

The sassy country trio has already amassed a fan base on TikTok with 470.6K followers, 3.5 million likes and 36.3K followers on Instagram. They are working closely with Warner Chappell on their project coming in 2024, and with WME on multiple shows and festivals this year.

MacKenzie Porter’s ‘Nobody’s Born With A Broken Heart’ Slated For April

Country singer-songwriter MacKenzie Porter will release her Big Loud Records debut album six years in the making, Nobody’s Born With A Broken Heart, on April 26.

Porter previews the 19-track album with four new songs out today, including “Easy To Miss,” “Pay Me Back In Change,” “Young At Heart” and the album’s title track. She queues up the album with her first few takes on life’s many inevitable heartbreaks, including the uptempo “Easy To Miss,” where Porter grapples with the uphill battle of getting over a breakup. Written by Hillary Lindsey, Emily Warren and Will Weatherly, the song is paired with a new video, out everywhere today.

YouTube video

“Nobody’s born with a broken heart,” shares Porter. “We all start with the naivety and innocence of youth, but then life happens. There are so many circumstances and events in a lifetime that can slowly chip away at your heart, and in the end you’re this beautiful, imperfect, cracked, mess. But isn’t that what living really is? If you didn’t have the grit, would you really know the grace? This is what this record is about. These songs are those moments in my life.”

On the album’s biographical title track, Porter turns her storytelling inward. Throughout the breezy number, she details her journey from innocence to being gradually wrecked by the weight of the world—and becoming the better for it. Co-writing the ballad with Luke Niccoli, Lydia Vaughan and Parker Welling, the intimate lyrics acknowledge life’s equilibrium with pain and joy.

On “Pay Me Back In Change,” Porter aches for the debts she’s owed to be payed back in change, instead of apologies and empty promises. And on the Tofer Brown, Lauren Hungate and Emily Weisband-penned “Young At Heart” Porter yearns for the bright-eyed, ambitious person she was before she became worn down by life’s many challenges.

The new album arrives on the heels of global success for Porter, notching six No. 1s across the U.S., Canada and Australia, earning 873 million global on-demand streams and headlining her first tour.

Nobody’s Born With A Broken Heart Tracklist:
1. “Easy To Miss” (Hillary Lindsey, Emily Warren, Will Weatherly)*
2. “Young At Heart” (Tofer Brown, Lauren Hungate, Emily Weisband)
3. “Bet You Break My Heart” (Mark Holman, Chris Tompkins, Travis Wood)
4. “Pay Me Back In Change” (Emma Klein)
5. “Rough Ride For A Cowboy” (MacKenzie Porter, Lauren Hungate, Luke Niccoli, Lydia Vaughan)
6. “Coming Home To You” (Tofer Brown, Lauren Hungate, Caroline Watkins, Emily Weisband)
7. “Strong Things” (MacKenzie Porter, John Byron, Jacob Durrett, Lauren LaRue)
8. “Confession” (MacKenzie Porter, Emma-Lee, Karen Kosowski)
9. “Wrong One Yet” (Blake Pendergrass, Josh Thompson, Lauren Watkins)
10. “Pickup” (MacKenzie Porter, Will Bundy, Lydia Vaughan)
11. “Nightingale” (MacKenzie Porter, Mark Trussell, Parker Welling)
12. “Have Your Beer” (MacKenzie Porter, Jason Massey, Lydia Vaughan, Parker Welling)
13. “Sucker Punch” (MacKenzie Porter, Tommy English, Nick Long)
14. “Walk Away” (MacKenzie Porter, Chris DeStefano, Jon Nite)
15. “Foreclosure” (Jared Hampton, Harper O’Neill, Vinnie Paolizzi, Ash Ruder)
16. “Less Is More” (Devin Dawson, Zachary Kale, Jon Nite)
17. “Along Those Lines” (Rocky Block, Blake Pendergrass)
18. “Chasing Tornadoes” (Emily Landis, Jamie Moore, Lainey Wilson)
19. “Nobody’s Born With A Broken Heart” (MacKenzie Porter, Luke Niccoli, Lydia Vaughan, Parker Welling)

All songs produced by Joey Moi
*Co-produced by Jacob Durrett and David Garcia

Brandy Clark, Jelly Roll & More To Perform At 2024 MusiCares Person Of The Year Event

MusiCares has announced the star-studded lineup for their 2024 Person of the Year tribute concert. This year, the benefit will honor Grammy-winning artist Jon Bon Jovi, founding member of rock band Bon Jovi.

The tribute will be held on Feb. 2 at the Los Angeles Convention Center. Attendees will start off with a reception, followed by dinner and the concert. Performers will pay tribute to Bon Jovi’s legacy and impact in music.

Country music stars Brandy Clark, Jelly Roll, Shania Twain and Lainey Wilson are all scheduled to perform at the event. Additional performers include Bon Jovi, Damiano David, Melissa Etheridge, Goo Goo Dolls, Jason Isbell, Marcus King, Bruce Springsteen and The War And Treaty. Comedian Jim Gaffigan will host the event, with presenters Gayle King and Kylie Minogue.

“I’m looking forward to seeing these talented musicians take the stage for the MusiCares gala. I’m honored they are able to be with us for such a wonderful night,” shares Bon Jovi.

“Jon Bon Jovi is a rock and roll trailblazer, influencing countless artists over the years. MusiCares is honored to pay tribute to him as our 2024 Person of the Year. Bon Jovi has also lent his life’s work to philanthropic efforts that align with the health and human services mission of MusiCares, forever changing the lives of those in need,” says Laura Segura, Executive Director of MusiCares. “The goal of the Person of the Year gala is to raise funds for MusiCares’ vital services throughout the year and to celebrate the philanthropy and impact of music legends.”

Since 1991, the funds raised from the gala have gone toward providing essential support for MusiCares programs and services assisting the music community in times of need. Services include physical and mental health, addiction recovery, preventive clinics, unforeseen personal emergencies and disaster relief.

“I am so proud of the work our MusiCares team is doing to support artists in need, whether its access to health care, mental health services or replacing a stolen guitar,” says Harvey Mason Jr., CEO of the Recording Academy and MusiCares. “I can’t wait to celebrate this impactful work, and to honor Jon Bon Jovi, a true music icon, and someone who represents the goodness of our music community.”

Past honorees include Berry Gordy, Smokey Robinson, Joni Mitchell, Fleetwood Mac and Dolly Parton.

The event will be produced by live event broadcast company Lewis & Clark, and Rob Mathes will be the evening’s musical director.

Tables and tickets are available for purchase. For more information, click here.

Georgia Webster Shows Off Her Mastery Of Storytelling During Headline Debut

Georgia Webster. Photo: Adam Budd

Rising country singer-songwriter Georgia Webster performed for a sold-out crowd at The Basement on Wednesday night (Jan. 24). The show was the singer’s first stop on her “Town Talks Tour,” and was also her first-ever headline show. The night was filled with extraordinary storytelling, catchy melodies and new music previews.

First up during the night was opener Dasha. The singer-songwriter came out on stage sporting a University of Tennessee crewneck, which instantly caught the attention of the crowd. She grabbed her guitar and started off with “King of California” and unreleased track “Share This City” from her debut country album, releasing Feb. 16. After welcoming the audience, Dasha shared a fun story about the next song, “Talk of the Town,” which was written with the guy it is about. Her strong lyricism kept shining through as she performed her newly released single “42.”

Dasha put her guitar down for the next track. As she started moving around the stage, the crowd instantly felt the depth of “Drown Me.” She continued her set with “Even Cowboys Cry” and fan-favorite “Olivia,” a song off her last album that originally was not on the set list for the night. Dasha shared that she received a request from someone to play the song that night, and texted her guitar player just two hours beforehand that they were going to add it. After taking a shot with the crowd and thanking everybody for coming, the singer ended her set with “Austin,” which had the room dancing along to the fun beat.

Georgia Webster. Photo: Adam Budd

When Webster took the stage for her headline show debut, she instantly had the support of the crowd with her. Walking out under red lights and guitar in hand, the audience was extremely enthusiastic. Webster started off her set with her hit track “Tell Your Mom,” which instantly got everyone dancing. During the chorus, she had stopped singing all together to hear the crowd singing along.

As she thanked the audience for coming to the show, she went into “Push & Pull,” where she really showed off her vocal ability. “This is just crazy that you guys came to see me,” Webster marveled. “I wrote ‘Push & Pull’ my sophomore year of high school, and it’s really full circle playing it for you guys now.”

When strumming the chords to the next tune, fans instantly got excited as they recognized “Tattoos,” a track about—thankfully—not getting a tattoo with her ex. Webster capped off the string of fan-favorites with “X’s.”

“I’ve been working on a lot of new music,” she shared. “And I want to play you guys a couple of songs tonight that I’ve been working on.” Webster then began to explain the story behind the next track “Delusional,” a song about a situationship breakup which is to be her next single. The lights turned green as the crowd soaked in the new lyrics. She also played more unreleased tracks, such as “Two Truths and a Lie” and “Jupiter,” both with catchy hooks and witty lyrics.

To start off the last part of the set, Webster covered “Linger” by The Cranberries. As she prepared to go into the next track, she checked in with the crowd and applauded Dasha for opening the show, as well as her own band. She then went into the namesake of the tour “Town Talks,” where she decided to sit down on stage for the intimate performance. The emotional song held the attention of the whole room.

The last song of the night was Webster’s latest single release, “Attention,” which sent the crowd into a frenzy. A group of her fans planned a sweet surprise for Webster during the performance, where attendees held up signs that said “we would care” as she was playing, answering the lyrics in the song that repeatedly ask, “would you care then?” She was extremely grateful for the surprise, and thanked everyone who came out to the show.

More dates are to be announced for Webster’s “Town Talks Tour.”

‘Dolly Parton’s Pet Gala’ To Highlight Four-Legged Friends On The Runway

Dolly Parton‘s Pet Gala, a variety special presented by the music icon’s pet line Doggy Parton and CBS, is set to air Feb. 21 on CBS and stream on Paramount+. The special will feature musical performances and a runway of Doggy Parton fashion.

Parton will be joined on the pink carpet during the evening by co-host Jane Lynch, with runway correspondents Kelly Osbourne and Rachel Smith. The two-hour event will include performances of Parton classics such as “9 to 5,” “I Will Always Love You,” “Puppy Love” and “Jolene,” from the artist and Lainey Wilson, Carly Pearce, Chris Janson and KC of KC and The Sunshine Band. Additional performers will be announced at a later date.

The special guests strutting alongside their pets on the runway will include Iain Armitage, Drew Barrymore, Kristen Bell, Kristin Chenoweth, Margaret Cho, Neil Patrick Harris, Carson Kressley, Jim Nantz and Jessica Simpson, among others.

“I have hosted or co-hosted many shows throughout my career, but I have never been more excited about co-hosting a show than I am about being part of this pet gala! I love animals,” says Parton. “I’ve got all kinds, and of course, I’ve always had little dogs around, and big ones! We’re going to have some of all kinds and colors on the show, and there is nothing more fun to me than when little animals do what they do best, and I’m looking forward to it! There is so much fun stuff, and I know all the animal lovers out there are going to love this show.”

Morgan Wallen Shares Statement & ‘Spin You Around (1/24)’

While on a duck hunting trip last night (Jan. 25), country star Morgan Wallen shared a statement with fans disclosing regret surrounding a past record and artist management deal. He notified fans that a 10th anniversary edition of his EP Stand Alone was set to be released today (Jan. 26) without his consent.

“I’m writing y’all from a duck hunting trip because I want to fill you in on something happening tonight,” he states.

“Back in 2014, I went to Florida to try my hand at making original music and songwriting for the first time. This led to a recording deal with a local investor and an artist management deal that I deeply regret. Unfortunately, I signed both deals without any legal representation.

“We made 13 songs. Some were ok, most were terrible as I was just learning how to write in general and figuring it all out. I was not the only collaborator, so many of these songs were not my idea nor to my standards. We deemed five worthy-enough to make the Stand Alone EP which includes a fan-favorite, ‘Spin You Around.’

“Tonight, those colleagues I parted ways with almost 10 years ago plan to release a ’10th Anniversary’ edition of Stand Alone against my wishes and include eight unreleased songs, distributing it with the assistance of my former managers. For months I’ve been exploring every avenue possible to acquire the rights to this old music and keep the quality of my catalog consistent with songs I choose to release & believe in.

“It’s gross, greedy and an example of how the dark side of the music business can suck the soul out of artists.

“I want you to know this is NOT my new music and I don’t want to see this happen to anyone else. I cringe when I listen to these songs and I’m concerned my fans may mistakenly believe this is a new release by me. I begin recording my next project at the end of February. I’m feeling inspired creatively and super excited to make more music I’m proud of.”

In response to the unwanted release, Wallen has dropped a new version of the song, “Spin You Around (1/24),” which he recorded this week. He also shared that he created the re-recorded track’s artwork while hunting, and will be donating $100,000 from the Morgan Wallen Foundation to the Volunteer Lawyers & Professionals for the Arts (VLPA) program in hopes that young aspiring musicians read his story and know they should never have to give up their creative freedoms for an opportunity in the industry.

“Trust me, when new music is ready, you’ll hear it directly from me,” concluded Wallen.

Elton John, Eric Church, Dolly, More Appear On New Glen Campbell Duets Project

A new project, Glen Campbell Duets – Ghost on the Canvas Sessions, reimagines Campbell’s history-making 2011 farewell album as a duet project featuring some of music’s biggest icons, including Elton John, Dolly Parton, Sting, Brian Wilson, Carole King and more.

Two new tracks from the album, “Hold On Hope (with Eric Church)” and “Nothing But The Whole Wide World (with Eric Clapton),” are out now.

Set for release April 19 via Big Machine Records and Surfdog Records, the project is the first of its kind. It was recreated completely as duets posthumously, blending the late Campbell’s original vocals with other artists to create a unique body of work that celebrates the Rhinestone Cowboy’s final ride. Ghost on the Canvas Sessions was created out of love for Campbell and his moving take on the conclusion of his life, and legends from all genres came together to work on the thought-provoking tribute.

Beloved by so many, a myriad of artists and musicians from all genres tendered their talents to this project including Dave Stewart (Eurythmics), Billy Corgan (Smashing Pumpkins), Chris Issak, Wendy Melvoin (Prince and the Revolution), Rick Neilsen (Cheap Trick), Steve Hunter (Lou Reed), The Dandy Warhols, Chris Chaney, Jason Faulkner Jr., Kim Bullard, Josh Freese (The Foo Fighters), Vinny Caliuta, Marti Rifkin, Dick Dale and Tim Pierce.

“I’ve always admired Glen Campbell’s guitar playing and loved his singing. I was moved recently when one of his final performances, during his illness, came on TV,” shares Eric Clapton. “When I was asked to sing and play with Glen on the song Jakob Dylan wrote, it all just felt right, and I am happy to be part of it.”

“It was really special to me to be able to be part of this project. Glen was so important to not just country music, but all of music. What a stallion!” adds Eric Church.

Campbell’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis in 2011 shocked the world, but gave people hope with the release of  his Ghost On The Canvas album and subsequent Goodbye Tour. Before succumbing to the disease in 2017, Campbell released the inspiring documentary Glen Campbell: I’ll Be Me, which followed Campbell and his family as they overcame the hardships throughout his farewell tour across the globe.

Glen Campbell Duets – Ghost on the Canvas Sessions Track List:
1. “There’s No Me… Without You (with Carole King)”
2. “Ghost On The Canvas (with Sting)”
3. “Hold On Hope (with Eric Church)”
4. “The Long Walk Home (with Hope Sandoval)”
5. “Nothing But The Whole Wide World (with Eric Clapton)”
6. “In My Arms (with Brian Setzer)”
7. “A Better Place (with Dolly Parton)”
8. “Strong (with Brian Wilson)”
9. “A Thousand Lifetimes (with Linda Perry)”
10. “It’s Your Amazing Grace (with Daryl Hall & Dave Stewart)”
11. “Any Trouble (with X)”
12. “I’m Not Gonna Miss You (with Elton John)”

Luke Combs Notches Four-Week No. 1 On MusicRow Chart With ‘Where The Wild Things Are’

Luke Combs At Nissan Stadium. Photo: Courtesy of David Bergman.

Luke Combs‘ “Where The Wild Things Are” has notched its fourth week at No. 1 on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart this week, making it Combs’ longest consecutive run at No. 1 on the MusicRow chart. His hit “The Kind Of Love We Make” spent four non-consecutive weeks at No. 1 in 2022.

“Where The Wild Things Are” is also Combs’ 20th MusicRow No. 1 as an artist, including collaborations. It was written by Randy Montana and Dave Turnbull and appears on Combs’ Gettin’ Old album.

Combs will perform on the annual Grammy Awards telecast on Feb. 4, where he is also up for an award for Best Country Solo Performance with “Fast Car.”

“Where The Wild Things Are” currently sits at No. 7 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.