Dalton Dover. Photo: Jim Wright
Our Black country artists have the discs to beat this week.
Brittney Spencer, Dalton Dover and Brei Carter all vied for the Disc of the Day award. Carter has the dance tune, and Spencer has the feel-good bopper. But Dalton Dover has the most traditional country voice going for him, and he gets the nod.
On a day dominated by newer country acts, Warner entry Redferrin wins the DISCovery Award. His full name is Blake Redferrin. He hails from White House, Tennessee and has the drawling accent to prove it.
RYAN JEWEL / “Same Bar, Different Town”
Writers: Ryan Jewel/Lauren McLamb/Blaine Younger; Producers: John Hansbrough & Ryan Jewel; Label: Ryan Jewel
– A nice, beefy, resonant production backs a honky-tonk baritone with a well-crafted tune. He’s a little bit pitch-y in spots, but not enough to mar the performance. As a songwriter, I’d call him much more than promising.
COREY KENT / “This Heart”
Writers: Thomas Archer/Blake Bollinger/Jacob Hackworth/Michael Tyler; Producer: Chris Farren; Label: Sony
– Heartache on the hoof. In a pleading tenor, he describes the pain of missing her and vents his anger on his heart that won’t heal. A pulsating rhythm track amps up the energy, and sizzling electric guitars infuse the mood.
REDFERRIN / “Doin’ Life”
Writers: Blake Redferrin/Jarrod Ingram/Blake Hubbard; Producers: Redferrin/The 720; Label: Warner
– It’s rough out there, folks. Redferrin sings the existential blues in a wailing tenor that pretty much outlines the pitfalls and difficulties. The moody track with its low-thump percussion is mixed up a tiny bit too high, so you have strain to discern the lyrics. As if to show a little mercy, the backing sounds ease off and the final chorus is crystal clear.
BRITTNEY SPENCER / “I Got Time”
Writers: Brittney Spencer/Emily Reid/Jessica Cayne/Nate Campany; Producer: Daniel Tashian; Label: Elektra
– Jaunty, catchy, cute and endearing. She’s worked hard all week and is ready to chill with her besties. Dance all night? Yes, please. Spencer’s debut album, My Stupid Life, dropped last Friday. Do yourself a favor and listen to the title tune, as well as this bopper.
LACY J. DALTON / “Summerland”
Writer: Lacy J. Dalton; Producers: none listed; Label: StarVista
– Dalton posted 20+ country hits in the 1980s, and she still sounds fine. This song was written to comfort her mother as she lay dying. A rippling mandolin accompanies the singer as she carries us onto the river that leads us over to the other side. Warm and reassuring.
KAMERON MARLOWE & ELLA LANGLEY / “Stranger”
Writers: Kameron Marlowe/Ella Langley/Will Bundy/Chase McGill; Producer: Dann Huff; Label: Sony
– He’s a very powerful vocalist, but Langley keeps up with Marlowe on this power ballad. Sparks fly.
DALTON DOVER / “Take Me Home Country Roads”
Writers: Bill Danoff/John Denver/Taffy Nivert; Producer: Matthew McVaney; Label: Mercury
– He remains one of our finest young country voices. Think again, if you think you’ve heard this oldie often enough. Dover’s slowed-down, gentle, caressing, thoughtful reading of the lyric brings a whole new dimension to the song. This man has the goods. A loud, “Amen” from this corner.
MITCHELL TENPENNY / “Breaking My Heart”
Writers: Ashley Gorley/Chase McGill/Jordan Schmidt/Mitchell Tenpenny; Producers: Mitchell Tenpenny/Jordan Schmidt; Label: Riser House/Columbia Nashville
– The song isn’t much, but the production and performance make a fine pop-country sound.
BILLY GILMAN & RHONDA VINCENT / “That’s Bluegrass to Me”
Writers: Billy Gilman/Dan Murph/Philip Douglas; Producers: none listed; Label: Pinecastle
– Gilman’s country voice lends itself surprisingly well to bluegrass here, and the presence of the genre’s queen doesn’t hurt. The song’s lyric drops legendary names from the genre effortlessly.
BREI CARTER & ELEKTROHORSE / “Boots Get to Talking”
Writers: Brei Carter/Elektrohorse/Floyd Holloway/Ray Seay; Producer:Elektrohorse; Label: BC
– Country singer Carter turns herself over to her noted DJ Elektrohorse, who gives this ditty a definite dancefloor vibe. He leaves enough room in his beats for her sprightly vocal and an accompanying harmonica workout. Get up and shake it.
ELVIE SHANE / “What Do I Know”
Writers: Dan Couch/Elvie Shane/Jon Sherwood/Oscar Charles; Producer: Oscar Charles; Label: BBR/Wheelhouse
– The sound is a little dark and foreboding, but the blue-collar lyric lifts it up. As usual, he’s a beacon of creative individuality. Well worth your spins.
Georgia Webster Shows Off Her Mastery Of Storytelling During Headline Debut
/by Madison HahnenGeorgia 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
/by Lorie HollabaughDolly 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)’
/by Liza AndersonWhile 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
/by Lorie HollabaughA 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’
/by LB CantrellLuke 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.
Day 1 CRS 2024 Advance Agenda Details Released
/by Madison HahnenTim Foisset, Chairman of the Digital Music Summit, shares, “This year’s Digital Music Summit will reflect how closely all aspects of our business—from streaming to social to radio to press—work together. I’m proud of the agenda team for working so hard to build an informative and actionable day for everyone who works to break artists and songs, both digitally and beyond.”
Below is the full schedule.
Registration for CRS 2024 is open.
On The Row: Conner Smith Preps For Debut Album Release
/by LB CantrellConner Smith. Photo: Luke Hutcherson
Leading up to his full-length debut album release on Friday (Jan. 26), Conner Smith dropped by the MusicRow offices this week to give a preview of a few songs.
The album, titled Smoky Mountains, is a 12-song project that includes Smith’s Gold-certified “Take It Slow,” viral hit “I Hate Alabama,” top-15-and-climbing single “Creek Will Rise” and more. Smith co-wrote all but one song on the Zach Crowell-produced album, and feels that he has truly found his sound with the effort.
Pictured (L-R): MusicRow‘s Liza Anderson, Madison Hahnen, John Nix Arledge and LB Cantrell; Conner Smith; Homestead’s Brad Belanger; MusicRow‘s Sherod Robertson and Robert K. Oermann. Photo: Shelby Paul
He had some time to put into the collection. After entering his publishing deal when he was only 16, Smith was signed to The Valory Music Co. a few years later in 2019. Just as he was getting started, his momentum was forced to slow down due to the pandemic. Though disappointing for Smith, he’s come out the other side grateful for time spent slowing down and working on his craft.
“I’ve always been in love with the storytelling of country music,” he said. “I’ve dedicated my life to trying to figure out how to be a songwriter, and how to capture those same emotions that I felt as a kid growing up in this town. Country music shaped so much of my life.”
For the MusicRow team, Smith played samplings of Smoky Mountains such as the moody duet with Hailey Whitters “Roulette On The Heart,” the electrifying attention-grabber “Heatin’ Up,” the romantic story-song “Meanwhile In Carolina” and his infectious runaway hit “Creek Will Rise.”
To celebrate the album’s release, Smith will play a sold-out show at Nashville’s Brooklyn Bowl on Friday night. Then he will head to Tuscaloosa, Alabama for the last date of the “Creek Will Rise Tour.” Smith will also play the iconic New Faces of Country Music Show at the upcoming Country Radio Seminar (CRS).
Smith is signed to Big Machine Label Group (The Valory Music Co.), managed by Homestead/Red Light, published by Warner Chappell Music/Home Team Music/Miller Crow Music and booked by WME.
‘Revolutionary Love: A Concert To Benefit Thistle Farms’ Set For March
/by Lorie HollabaughThistle Farms, the international nonprofit justice enterprise serving women survivors of trafficking, prostitution and addiction, is hosting “Revolutionary Love,” a benefit concert at the Ryman Auditorium on March 19 in honor of International Women’s Day. The show will feature the Fisk Jubilee Singers, along with special guests.
“Our story of revolutionary love began almost 30 years ago with a single house to provide sanctuary and safety for women survivors—and challenged ourselves to do it lavishly,” says Becca Stevens, Founder and President of Thistle Farms. “Today, we are an international movement for women’s freedom rooted in the belief that love is the most powerful force for change in the world. That is what revolutionary love is all about, and this gathering will be a celebration of that idea.”
Tickets for the night of song and stories at the Ryman will go on sale Feb. 2, with VIP pre-sale opening on Jan. 31, and can be purchased through the Ryman Auditorium’s website at ryman.com or by visiting thistlefarms.org. All proceeds from the special show will benefit Thistle Farms.
“We invite the community to join us on March 19 at the Ryman Auditorium and share in song and story,” says Tasha Kennard, CEO of Thistle Farms. “Guests will experience uplifting performances by the Fisk Jubilee Singers and special guests, hear stories from graduates of Thistle Farms’ residential program, and explore what it means to practice revolutionary love in support of survivors of trafficking and exploitation.”
Thistle Farms in Nashville has been on a mission since 1997 to change the way people see, understand and support systems that exploit women—including addiction, incarceration, poverty and trafficking. Thistle Farms does this by ensuring access to safe and supportive housing, meaningful employment and a lifelong community of support.
DISClaimer Single Reviews: Dalton Dover ‘Brings A Whole New Dimension’ To Country Classic
/by Robert K OermannDalton Dover. Photo: Jim Wright
Our Black country artists have the discs to beat this week.
Brittney Spencer, Dalton Dover and Brei Carter all vied for the Disc of the Day award. Carter has the dance tune, and Spencer has the feel-good bopper. But Dalton Dover has the most traditional country voice going for him, and he gets the nod.
On a day dominated by newer country acts, Warner entry Redferrin wins the DISCovery Award. His full name is Blake Redferrin. He hails from White House, Tennessee and has the drawling accent to prove it.
RYAN JEWEL / “Same Bar, Different Town”
Writers: Ryan Jewel/Lauren McLamb/Blaine Younger; Producers: John Hansbrough & Ryan Jewel; Label: Ryan Jewel
– A nice, beefy, resonant production backs a honky-tonk baritone with a well-crafted tune. He’s a little bit pitch-y in spots, but not enough to mar the performance. As a songwriter, I’d call him much more than promising.
COREY KENT / “This Heart”
Writers: Thomas Archer/Blake Bollinger/Jacob Hackworth/Michael Tyler; Producer: Chris Farren; Label: Sony
– Heartache on the hoof. In a pleading tenor, he describes the pain of missing her and vents his anger on his heart that won’t heal. A pulsating rhythm track amps up the energy, and sizzling electric guitars infuse the mood.
REDFERRIN / “Doin’ Life”
Writers: Blake Redferrin/Jarrod Ingram/Blake Hubbard; Producers: Redferrin/The 720; Label: Warner
– It’s rough out there, folks. Redferrin sings the existential blues in a wailing tenor that pretty much outlines the pitfalls and difficulties. The moody track with its low-thump percussion is mixed up a tiny bit too high, so you have strain to discern the lyrics. As if to show a little mercy, the backing sounds ease off and the final chorus is crystal clear.
BRITTNEY SPENCER / “I Got Time”
Writers: Brittney Spencer/Emily Reid/Jessica Cayne/Nate Campany; Producer: Daniel Tashian; Label: Elektra
– Jaunty, catchy, cute and endearing. She’s worked hard all week and is ready to chill with her besties. Dance all night? Yes, please. Spencer’s debut album, My Stupid Life, dropped last Friday. Do yourself a favor and listen to the title tune, as well as this bopper.
LACY J. DALTON / “Summerland”
Writer: Lacy J. Dalton; Producers: none listed; Label: StarVista
– Dalton posted 20+ country hits in the 1980s, and she still sounds fine. This song was written to comfort her mother as she lay dying. A rippling mandolin accompanies the singer as she carries us onto the river that leads us over to the other side. Warm and reassuring.
KAMERON MARLOWE & ELLA LANGLEY / “Stranger”
Writers: Kameron Marlowe/Ella Langley/Will Bundy/Chase McGill; Producer: Dann Huff; Label: Sony
– He’s a very powerful vocalist, but Langley keeps up with Marlowe on this power ballad. Sparks fly.
DALTON DOVER / “Take Me Home Country Roads”
Writers: Bill Danoff/John Denver/Taffy Nivert; Producer: Matthew McVaney; Label: Mercury
– He remains one of our finest young country voices. Think again, if you think you’ve heard this oldie often enough. Dover’s slowed-down, gentle, caressing, thoughtful reading of the lyric brings a whole new dimension to the song. This man has the goods. A loud, “Amen” from this corner.
MITCHELL TENPENNY / “Breaking My Heart”
Writers: Ashley Gorley/Chase McGill/Jordan Schmidt/Mitchell Tenpenny; Producers: Mitchell Tenpenny/Jordan Schmidt; Label: Riser House/Columbia Nashville
– The song isn’t much, but the production and performance make a fine pop-country sound.
BILLY GILMAN & RHONDA VINCENT / “That’s Bluegrass to Me”
Writers: Billy Gilman/Dan Murph/Philip Douglas; Producers: none listed; Label: Pinecastle
– Gilman’s country voice lends itself surprisingly well to bluegrass here, and the presence of the genre’s queen doesn’t hurt. The song’s lyric drops legendary names from the genre effortlessly.
BREI CARTER & ELEKTROHORSE / “Boots Get to Talking”
Writers: Brei Carter/Elektrohorse/Floyd Holloway/Ray Seay; Producer:Elektrohorse; Label: BC
– Country singer Carter turns herself over to her noted DJ Elektrohorse, who gives this ditty a definite dancefloor vibe. He leaves enough room in his beats for her sprightly vocal and an accompanying harmonica workout. Get up and shake it.
ELVIE SHANE / “What Do I Know”
Writers: Dan Couch/Elvie Shane/Jon Sherwood/Oscar Charles; Producer: Oscar Charles; Label: BBR/Wheelhouse
– The sound is a little dark and foreboding, but the blue-collar lyric lifts it up. As usual, he’s a beacon of creative individuality. Well worth your spins.
Pureplay Entertainment Opens Nashville Office [Exclusive]
/by Madison HahnenPictured (L-R): Dan McClung, Hannah Martin Eason, Joseph Martin
Film, television and digital production hub Pureplay Entertainment is expanding its operations to Nashville, in partnership with Music City’s own Hannah Martin Eason and Joseph Martin.
“I’ve known Hannah and Joseph since the beginning of their careers in LA over a decade ago; their work ethic and passion for Nashville stories make them exceptional partners,” says Dan McClung, CEO Pureplay Entertainment. “They have an organic love for country music and a deep understanding of the industry, which is invaluable as we tell stories from this perspective to a wider audience.”
Martin Eason began her career as an Agent Trainee at WME before transitioning to The Academy of Country Music, where she lead ACM Lifting Lives. She also spent time at The HQ, where she ran day-to-day communications for Carrie Underwood’s brand partnerships and charitable initiatives. In addition to her work at Pureplay, Martin Eason also holds a current role as Director of Communications for a venture capital firm. Her knowledge and expertise run a wide range, and she has direct experience working with country superstars such as Darius Rucker, Lee Brice, Garth Brooks, Trisha Yearwood, Hunter Hayes, Keith Urban, Little Big Town and Lady A.
Martin also has an impressive range of industry knowledge. He started in college as a Creative Executive to Sam Haskell as Haskell was launching Magnolia Hill Productions. He then held a position at Berman Braun (now Whalerock Industries) before transitioning into the music industry, where he worked as a Agent Trainee at WME. Martin eventually became a Music Agent at CAA, where he worked with Brett Eldredge, Jelly Roll, Tim McGraw, Maren Morris, Keith Urban, Brett Young and more. In addition to his work at Pureplay, he is also head of sales for a technology company.
“We really admire what Dan has built over the past 8 years,” share the two. “We’re so excited that this partnership has brought us back to our roots and we can now lean into all the pieces of our background, from music to VC and tech — to come full circle into business development for Pureplay.”
McClung founded Pureplay Entertainment in 2016. By supporting major studios such as Amazon and Sony, producing documentaries and other films, and developing compelling content with impressive talent, Pureplay is dedicated to telling authentic stories.
The latest project is currently in post-production. Written in the Sand features Nashville locals Courtney Grace and singer-songwriter JT Hodges to tell the feel-good story of a community rebuilding after a hurricane. They also have plans to release a country music documentary later this year.
Pureplay Entertainment has also signed with WME for representation.