Maui Songwriters Fest Raises $130K For Fire Victims
Old Dominion with festival organizers at Maui Songwriters Festival
The 2024 Maui Songwriters Festival wrapped at the the Ritz-Carlton Maui on Jan. 13, following another successful year. Among those helping to raise funds for this year’s event were Old Dominion, Elle King, Chase Rice and more. $130,000 was raised to aid those impacted by the fires that ravaged Hawaii.
Storme Warren served as auctioneer at the VIP benefit, where a Martin Guitar painted by artist Thomas Arvid with Canter Negra Tequila (OD’s Tequila) signed by the members of Old Dominion was auctioned off for $35,000.
Lucky Money Entertainment Promotes Two
Callie Ethridge, Cassidy Best
Lucky Money Entertainment CEO Sarah Morey has promoted two team members. Callie Ethridge has been elevated to Chief Operating Officer, and Cassidy Best has been promoted to Vice President of Lucky Money Live. Ethridge joined the company alongside Morey in June 2022.
“I am beyond thankful for the community that has grown around Lucky Money,” says Morey. “We focus on people and songs, and it has been incredible to see what those two things can accomplish. I am thrilled to be working closely alongside both Callie and Cassidy as Lucky Money continues to grow. They each bring important skill sets and passion to their roles and go above and beyond to serve our clients.”
High Mountain Breezes Ink With PLA Media
Pictured (L-R): High Mountain Breezes’ Founder Bruce Tarletsky, Chris Leuzinger, Bob Bullock and Jimmy Mattingly. Drawing by Matt Doyle.
The High Mountain Breezes have signed with PLA Media. The group is compiled of behind-the-scenes heros, the rarely recognized yet legendary songwriters, producers and players who tour, create and write for country music royalty.
The HMB family has worked with the greats, including Alabama, Tanya Tucker, Pam Tillis, Garth Brooks, Emmylou Harris, George Jones, Shania Twain, Reba McEntire and many more. After years of dedication to the music of others, the creatives behind the High Mountain Breezes have set out to share their own music with the world and have racked up over 400,000 Spotify streams so far.
Shake ‘Em Up Music Celebrates 25th Anniversary
Shar’n Clark
Shake ‘Em Up Music, an independent music publishing company in Nashville, is celebrating 25 years of service in the publishing community. The company has represented placements of songs with artists including George Strait, Reba, John Michael Montgomery, Sara Evans, Blake Shelton, The Oak Ridge Boys, Wild Feathers and other projects. Shake ‘Em Up Music has had TV placements with Criminal Minds, Amazon Prime’s Jack Ryan, Diagnosis Murder, Good Morning America, Fox Sports, CMT’s Cowboy U and more.
Shar’n Clark, Shake ‘Em Up Founder/CEO says, “As we commemorate 25 years in the music industry, we reflect with immense pride on the incredible journey shared with our artists and collaborators. This anniversary is a testament to the talent and dedication of everyone who has been part of the Shake ‘Em Up Music family. We eagerly anticipate the future and remain committed to our mission of supporting and promoting exceptional musical talent.”
Luke Bryan Closes Out Crash My Playa 2024
/by Liza AndersonLuke Bryan performs during his Crash My Playa 2024 concert vacation. Photo: Alive Coverage for Playa Luna Presents
Luke Bryan closed out his ninth annual Crash My Playa concert vacation in Riviera Cancún, Mexico this past weekend.
Luke Bryan performs with Eddie Montgomery during his Crash My Playa 2024 concert vacation. Photo: Alive Coverage for Playa Luna Presents
Starting on Wednesday (Jan. 17), the four-day event returned to the Moon Palace Cancún resort and treated fans to daily pool parties, nightly concerts and late-night celebration sets.
This year’s beach bash featured headlining performances by Jon Pardi and Jelly Roll as well as two headlining shows by Bryan, who was joined by Dierks Bentley and Eddie Montgomery on Saturday night (Jan. 20) for the finale show “Luke & Friends.”
“I can’t think of a better way to kick off the year,” says Bryan. “Jon and Jelly Roll came out and just blew everyone away with their sets, and it was so fun to watch. On Saturday night I’m pretty sure I was having more fun than anyone out there! Being able to have a set list that is more off the cuff and spontaneous is one of my favorite nights on stage.
“Dierks and I always have fun singing together and then to top it with a legend like Eddie Montgomery was just something I have always wanted to do. I could not have asked for a better group of artists and friends to have down here with us.”
In keeping with tradition, Dustin Lynch hosted his infamous, all-day pool party. Additionally, Ernest, Jon Langston, Mitchell Tenpenny, Ashley Cooke, Avery Anna, Lily Rose, Zach Top, Bailey Zimmerman and DJ Rock took the stage throughout the four days.
Luke Bryan performs with Dierks Bentley during his Crash My Playa 2024 concert vacation. Photo: Alive Coverage for Playa Luna Presents
Luke Bryan performs with Jon Pardi during his Crash My Playa 2024 concert vacation. Photo: Alive Coverage for Playa Luna Presents
Dustin Lynch during his pool party at Luke Bryan’s Crash My Playa 2024 concert vacation. Photo: Alive Coverage for Playa Luna Presents
Luke Bryan performs with Jelly Roll and Ernest during his Crash My Playa 2024 concert vacation. Photo: Alive Coverage for Playa Luna Presents
Lily Rose performs during Luke Bryan’s Crash My Playa 2024 concert vacation. Photo: Alive Coverage for Playa Luna Presents
Kameron Marlowe To Embark On ‘Strangers Tour’ In April
/by Lorie HollabaughKameron Marlowe will embark his new “Strangers Tour 2024” in April.
The 13-date trek is named after Marlowe’s new single with Ella Langley, “Strangers,” set for release this Friday (Jan. 26). The dates include stops in Fort Worth, Portland, Columbus, Fort Myers and more through May 23. Special guests for the new tour will be announced soon. The new journey will begin after Marlowe wraps his “I Can Lie Tour” on March 1.
Tickets will be available for presale tomorrow (Jan. 24) exclusively on Spotify. Coinciding with the “Strangers” release, general tickets sales will begin Friday. For more information, click here.
In 2023, the artist played over 30 headline dates in 2023, 21 of which sold out 1500-2000 capacity rooms. In addition to his 2024 headlining shows, he will also join Lainey Wilson for the Australian leg of her “Country’s Cool Again Tour” for multiple nights down under.
Jelly Roll, Lainey Wilson & Hardy To Headline Faster Horses 2024 Festival
/by Lorie HollabaughThe Faster Horses Festival is returning to the Michigan International Speedway for its 11th year in July with a star-studded 2024 lineup, including first-time headliners Jelly Roll, Lainey Wilson and Hardy.
Taking place in Brooklyn, Michigan on July 19 through 21, the festival’s Main Stage will host performances by Sawyer Brown, Ashley Cooke, Jackson Dean, Old Dominion, Ernest, Tigirlily Gold, Riley Green, Tyler Hubbard, Cody Johnson, Alexandra Kay, Shane Smith & The Saints, DJ Rod Youree and Zach Top.
Faster Horses will also continue to introduce fans to rising acts, bringing a stacked lineup to its “Next From Nashville” stage. Trending newcomers set to play are Tanner Adell, Avery Anna, Graham Barham, Sadie Bass, Annie Bosko, Aidan Canfield, Jade Eagleson, HunterGirl, Samantha McKaige, Meg McRee, Josh Ross, Austin Williams, Anne Wilson, Stephen Wilson Jr. and Jake Worthington.
Faster Horses fans will have the option to purchase tickets including general admission and VIP options, as well as high end suites here. Three-day festival passes and camping for the one-of-a-kind experience will go on-sale beginning Feb. 9 at FasterHorsesFestival.com.
Third Annual ‘Breland & Friends’ Coming To Ryman Auditorium In March
/by Madison HahnenPlatinum artist Breland has announced the return of “Breland & Friends” for March 26 in Nashville. Now returning for its third year, the event will take place at the Ryman Auditorium.
This year’s star studded line-up includes Avery Anna, Caitlyn Smith, Chase Rice, Dalton Dover, Drake White, Josh Groban, The War And Treaty and Walker Hayes. The event has been known to bring out superstar surprise guests, including Dierks Bentley, Keith Urban, Nelly, Sam Hunt and Thomas Rhett in previous years.
“Breland & Friends” raises funds for the Oasis Center, an organization dedicated to helping middle Tennessee’s at-risk youth. The event has raised over $300,000 so far in its three years.
In addition to the annual event, Breland also announced he will be releasing Breland & Friends: Vol. 1 (Live). The album will feature six live collaborations from the inaugural event. The album will be available across streaming platforms this Friday (Jan. 26).
Tickets for “Breland & Friends” go on sale this Friday (Jan. 26) at 10 a.m. CST.
Breland & Friends: Vol. 1 (Live) Track List:
1. “Praise the Lord (feat. Thomas Rhett) [Live from the Ryman]”
2. “High Horse (feat. Nelly) [Live from the Ryman]”
3. “Told You I Could Drink (feat. Charles Kelley) [Live from the Ryman]”
4. “Beers on Me (feat. Dierks Bentley) [Live from the Ryman]”
5. “My Truck (feat. Sam Hunt) [Live from the Ryman]
6. “Alone at the Ranch (feat. Seaforth) [Live from the Ryman]”
Brenda Lee’s ‘Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree’ Hits 1 Billion Streams On Spotify
/by Lorie HollabaughRock and Roll and Country Music Hall of Famer Brenda Lee’s iconic holiday hit “Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree” has achieved a new milestone, hitting one billion streams on Spotify, a first for Lee.
The festive traditional Christmas hit broke multiple records this past holiday season, spending most of the season at No. 1 on Spotify’s Top 50 U.S. chart.
“What a year and holiday season it was for me personally, and for ‘Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree,'” says Lee. ” I am so thankful that Spotify listeners propelled this holiday classic to one billion streams—that just blows my mind! It takes geniuses like the writer (Johnny Marks) and musicians to create a song with such longevity and I couldn’t be more grateful people are still listening to ‘Rockin’.”
In December, the song became Lee’s third Billboard Hot 100 No. 1, and her first since 1960. By hitting the No. 1 spot, Lee now holds the record for the longest gap between an artist’s first and most recent week at No. 1. It also made her the oldest woman to top the Hot 100, surpassing previous record-holders Cher (“Believe”) and Mariah Carey (“All I Want for Christmas is You”).
Zach Bryan Leads First MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart Of 2024
/by LB CantrellZach Bryan. Photo: Trevor Pavlik
After topping MusicRow‘s Top 100 Songwriters of 2023 list, Zach Bryan sits at No. 1 on the first MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart of 2024.
Bryan currently has seven songs on the country charts, with most being solo writes. His charting songs include “I Remember Everything,” “Hey Driver,” “Tourniquet,” “Spotless,” “Sarah’s Place,” “East Side of Sorrow” and “El Dorado.”
Ashley Gorley starts 2024 at No. 2 on the chart, with charting hits by Morgan Wallen, Chris Young, Nate Smith, Hardy, Dan + Shay, Chris Janson and Dylan Scott.
Chayce Beckham (No. 3), Randy Montana (No. 4) and Jelly Roll (No. 5) round out the top five.
The weekly MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart uses algorithms based upon song activity according to airplay, digital download track sales and streams. This unique and exclusive addition to the MusicRow portfolio is the only songwriter chart of its kind.
Click here to view the full MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart.
Industry Ink: Maui Songwriters Festival, Lucky Money Entertainment, More
/by Lorie HollabaughMaui Songwriters Fest Raises $130K For Fire Victims
Old Dominion with festival organizers at Maui Songwriters Festival
The 2024 Maui Songwriters Festival wrapped at the the Ritz-Carlton Maui on Jan. 13, following another successful year. Among those helping to raise funds for this year’s event were Old Dominion, Elle King, Chase Rice and more. $130,000 was raised to aid those impacted by the fires that ravaged Hawaii.
Storme Warren served as auctioneer at the VIP benefit, where a Martin Guitar painted by artist Thomas Arvid with Canter Negra Tequila (OD’s Tequila) signed by the members of Old Dominion was auctioned off for $35,000.
Lucky Money Entertainment Promotes Two
Callie Ethridge, Cassidy Best
Lucky Money Entertainment CEO Sarah Morey has promoted two team members. Callie Ethridge has been elevated to Chief Operating Officer, and Cassidy Best has been promoted to Vice President of Lucky Money Live. Ethridge joined the company alongside Morey in June 2022.
“I am beyond thankful for the community that has grown around Lucky Money,” says Morey. “We focus on people and songs, and it has been incredible to see what those two things can accomplish. I am thrilled to be working closely alongside both Callie and Cassidy as Lucky Money continues to grow. They each bring important skill sets and passion to their roles and go above and beyond to serve our clients.”
High Mountain Breezes Ink With PLA Media
Pictured (L-R): High Mountain Breezes’ Founder Bruce Tarletsky, Chris Leuzinger, Bob Bullock and Jimmy Mattingly. Drawing by Matt Doyle.
The High Mountain Breezes have signed with PLA Media. The group is compiled of behind-the-scenes heros, the rarely recognized yet legendary songwriters, producers and players who tour, create and write for country music royalty.
The HMB family has worked with the greats, including Alabama, Tanya Tucker, Pam Tillis, Garth Brooks, Emmylou Harris, George Jones, Shania Twain, Reba McEntire and many more. After years of dedication to the music of others, the creatives behind the High Mountain Breezes have set out to share their own music with the world and have racked up over 400,000 Spotify streams so far.
Shake ‘Em Up Music Celebrates 25th Anniversary
Shar’n Clark
Shake ‘Em Up Music, an independent music publishing company in Nashville, is celebrating 25 years of service in the publishing community. The company has represented placements of songs with artists including George Strait, Reba, John Michael Montgomery, Sara Evans, Blake Shelton, The Oak Ridge Boys, Wild Feathers and other projects. Shake ‘Em Up Music has had TV placements with Criminal Minds, Amazon Prime’s Jack Ryan, Diagnosis Murder, Good Morning America, Fox Sports, CMT’s Cowboy U and more.
Shar’n Clark, Shake ‘Em Up Founder/CEO says, “As we commemorate 25 years in the music industry, we reflect with immense pride on the incredible journey shared with our artists and collaborators. This anniversary is a testament to the talent and dedication of everyone who has been part of the Shake ‘Em Up Music family. We eagerly anticipate the future and remain committed to our mission of supporting and promoting exceptional musical talent.”
Wyatt Flores Makes Grand Ole Opry Debut
/by LB CantrellWyatt Flores during his Grand Ole Opry debut.
Buzz-worthy country newcomer Wyatt Flores made his Grand Ole Opry debut Saturday night (Jan. 20).
Flores, an Oklahoma native, has been turning heads from fans and industry members alike over the last year. He released his debut album Life Lessons in November via Island Records. The project, including instant fan-favorites such as “Holes,” “West of Tulsa,” “Orange Bottles” and the title track, garnered wide acclaim, leading to Flores’ over 200 million career streams.
Pictured (L-R): Losing Sleep’s William Dyer, Wyatt Flores, CAA’s Jacob Lapidus and Losing Sleep’s Braden Milford
He has been named as part of Spotify’s Hot Country Artist To Watch 2024, Amazon’s Breakthrough Artist of the Year and CMT’s Listen Up list, in addition to other artist-to-watch lists.
During his Opry debut, Flores performed his fan favorite “Holes” as well as his unreleased “Milwaukee,” which he announced during his set will be available everywhere this Friday (Jan. 26).
Flores will now set out to support the collection on the road, bringing his rollicking, energy-filled live show to new audiences across the country and overseas on the “Life Lessons Tour.”
“Life Lessons” Tour Dates + C2C
1/25/24 – Tampa, FL – Crowbar
1/26/24 – Orlando, FL – The Abbey
1/27/24 – Gainesville, FL – Vivid Music Hall
1/30/24 – Charleston, SC – Music Farm
2/1/24 – Columbia, SC – The Senate
2/2/24 – Athens, GA – Georgia Theatre
2/3/24 – Beech Mountain, NC – Beech Mtn Resort
2/8/24 – Nashville, TN – Brooklyn Bowl
2/9/24 – Pineville, KY – Bell Theatre
2/10/24 – Lexington, KY – Bulls, Bands, & Barrels
2/12/24 – Indianapolis, IN – The Hi-Fi
2/13/24 – St. Louis, MO – Old Rock House
2/15/24 – Kansas City, MO – The Truman
2/16/24 – Tulsa, OK – Cain’s Ballroom
2/21/24 – Oxford, OH – Brick Street Bar
2/22/24 – Detroit, MI – Majestic Theatre
2/23/24 – Toronto, ON – Horseshoe Tavern
3/2/23 – Rotterdam, NL – Ahoy Rotterdam (C2C Netherland)
3/3/24 – Berlin, DE – Verti Music Hall (C2C Berlin)
3/5/24 – Hamburg, DE – Kent Club
3/6/24 – Frankfurt, DE – Das Bett
3/8/24 – London, UK – O2 Arena (C2C London)
3/10/24 – Glasgow, UK – Ovo Hydro (C2C Glasgow)
3/16 – Gonzalez, LA – Louisiana Saturday Night
3/19/24 – Des Moines, IA – Wooly’s
3/21/24 – Lincoln, NE – Bourbon Theatre
3/22/24 – Cheyenne, WY – Lincoln Theatre
3/23/24 – Hays, KS – Fox Theatre
3/28 – Knoxville, TN – Mill & Mine
3/29 – Asheville, NC – The Orange Peel
4/21 – Georgetown, TX – Two Step Inn
4/26 – Indio, CA – Stagecoach
5/10 – Morrison, CO – Red Rocks
‘World On Fire’ Scores Sixth Week At No. 1 On Country Radio
/by Madison HahnenNate Smith. Photo: Matthew Berinato
Nate Smith has earned a sixth consecutive week at No. 1 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart with his smash hit “World On Fire.”
Following Carrie Underwood and Bailey Zimmerman, Smith is only the third artist ever to have a six-week No. 1 with their first two singles on the Billboard Country Airplay chart. He is also the first artist to have back-to-back, multi-week No. 1s on the chart with their first two singles since Luke Combs.
“World On Fire” is off of the singer’s self-titled album, released in 2023. The album hit the Top 10 on Billboard’s Country albums chart and Top 30 on the Billboard Top 200. The song has amassed over 150 million global streams.
Last week, Smith was nominated for Best New Artist (Country) for the 2024 iHeart Radio awards. He also recently shared a clip on TikTok of new music in the works, which has been viewed over four million times.
Smith is currently on his “World On Fire” tour, and will hit the road with Morgan Wallen later in the year. He will also be returning to Stagecoach, after making his debut at the festival last year.
Megan Moroney Announces ‘The Lucky 2.0 Tour’
/by Madison HahnenBreakout country star Megan Moroney has announced “The Lucky 2.0 Tour.” Logan Crosby will join as the support.
This tour comes on the heels of her two sold-out 2023 headline tours, “The Pistol Made of Roses Tour” and “The Lucky Tour.” Both tours saw the singer’s fan base grow rapidly, as gave them an energetic show each night. This is the singer’s second rollout in 2024, as she released her new single “No Caller ID” last Friday (Jan. 19). The song has already accumulated over 2.5 million global streams.
Moroney will also be on the road supporting Kenny Chesney this summer on the “Sun Goes Down” tour, and is scheduled to play festivals Two Step Inn, Patriotic Festival and Boots and Hearts.
Tickets for “The Lucky 2.0” will go on sale this Friday (Jan. 26) at 10 a.m. local time.
April 26- Wilmington, NC – Greenfield Lake Amphitheater
May 17-St. Augustine, FL – St. Augustine Amphitheatre
July 19- Saratoga, CA – The Mountain Winery Amphitheatre
July 26- Aspen, CO – Belly Up