Third Annual ‘Breland & Friends’ Coming To Ryman Auditorium In March

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Platinum 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

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Rock 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

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Zach 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

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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.”

Wyatt Flores Makes Grand Ole Opry Debut

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Wyatt 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

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Nate 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’

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Breakout 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.

YouTube video

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.

“The Lucky 2.0 Tour” Dates:
April 19- Dothan, AL – The Plant
April 26- Wilmington, NC – Greenfield Lake Amphitheater
May 3- Waukee, IA – Vibrant Music Hall
May 17-St. Augustine, FL – St. Augustine Amphitheatre
July 12- Spokane, WA – Spokane Pavilion
July 19- Saratoga, CA – The Mountain Winery Amphitheatre
July 26- Aspen, CO – Belly Up

Charley Crockett To Paint Raw, Real Portraits Of America With New Project

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Charley Crockett. Photo: Ryan Vestil

Charley Crockett is gearing up for the release of his new album, $10 Cowboy, due out April 26 via Son of Davy/Thirty Tigers.

On the new project, Crockett identifies a universal thread running through the troubled streets of America today as people battle to just exist in a country that has always promised more. The album was produced by Crockett and his longtime collaborator Billy Horton. Penned over a two-month period as the artist wound his way across the United States on the back of a tour bus, the tracks offer raw, personal, vivid portraits of a country in transition.

“This material is written at truck stops, it’s written at casinos, it’s written in the alleys behind the venues, it’s written in my truck parked up on South Congress in Austin,” explains Crockett. “A ramblin’ man like me, a genuine transient, is in a pretty damn good position to have something to say about America.”

“A $10 Cowboy is a country singer who made himself on a street corner in America,” he continues. “But the cowboy way, the cowboy mindset, that applies to anyone who doesn’t feel free, who feels fenced in and bound to something. Being out on the road gives you a first-hand experience of how different kinds of Americans see themselves as going through some kind of great struggle. The roughneck working the oil and gas fields in West Texas. The single mother raising kids by herself. The young man working a street corner because he thinks it’s his only option. I would be dishonest if I said I couldn’t see the thread. Each of ’em feel invisible. I am struck by the battles they are fighting internally, and the ways they have been entrapped by what America says they are.”

Luke Combs & More To Perform At 66th Annual Grammy Awards

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Luke Combs. Photo: Jeremy Cowart

Luke Combs has been added to the lineup of performers for the 66th annual Grammy Awards along with Burna Boy and Travis Scott.

They join previously announced acts Billie Eilish, Dua Lipa and Olivia Rodrigo, and more will be announced in the coming days and weeks.

Combs, Burna Boy and Scott are all up for awards this year. Combs’ “Fast Car” cover is up for Best Country Solo Performance. Burna Boy’s I Told Them… is nominated Best Global Music Album along with “City Boys” for Best African Music Performance, “Alone” for Best Global Music Performance and “Sittin’ On Top Of The World” for Best Melodic Rap Performance. Scott’s Utopia has scored a nomination for Best Rap Album.

The 66th annual Grammy Awards will take place on Sunday, Feb. 4 at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.

Billy Currington & Kip Moore To Hit The Road Together On Spring Tour

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Country stars Billy Currington and Kip Moore have announced a spring 2024 amphitheater tour. Larry Fleet and Redferrin will be support for the tour.

Currington has accumulated 12 No. 1 hits in his career, including “People Are Crazy” and “Good Directions.” The singer is known for his energetic live shows as well as being able to connect with the audience through his emotion laden lyrics. Currington recently released two new songs “City Don’t” and “Anchor Man,” and has more music on the way.

Moore has toured the world earning acclaim and a rabid fanbase, consistently selling out headlining shows internationally with huge followings. He recently released his fifth studio album Damn Love, and went out on his “Damn Love World Tour” in 2023. Moore will also be on the road with Hardy this year for the “Quit!! Tour.”

Tickets go on sale this Friday (Jan. 26) at 10 a.m. local time.

Tour Dates:
April 26 – Atlanta, GA – Cadence Bank Amphitheatre at Chastain Park #
April 27 – Orange Beach, AL – The Wharf Amphitheater #*
May 3 – Portsmouth, VA – Atlantic Union Bank Pavilion #*
May 4 – Simpsonville, SC – CCNB Amphitheatre at Heritage Park #*
May 11 – Youngstown, OH – Youngstown Foundation Amphitheatre #*
May 17 – Tuscaloosa, AL – Mercedes-Benz Amphitheater #+
May 18 – Nashville, TN – Ascend Amphitheater #+
June 14 – Sterling Heights, MI – Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre *+
June 21 – Bridgeport, CT – Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater *+
June 22 – New York, NY – The Rooftop at Pier 17 *+

# = with Kip Moore
* = with Larry Fleet
+ = with Redferrin