Chris Young. Photo: John Shearer
Vintage artists vie with contemporary country acts today in DISClaimer.
Wade Hayes, Sawyer Brown and Billy Dean are still singing fine. But so are Brian Kelley, Gabby Barrett and Chris Young. Mr. Young easily takes home a Disc of the Day award for his stunning “Right Now” performance.
Lizzie No is one of three Black country stylists in today’s column. She competes for a DISCovery Award alongside Jessie G and The Castellows. In a tough, all-female contest, The Castellows earn the honor.
BRITTNEY SPENCER/ “Night In”
Writers: Brittney Spencer/Jessica Cayne/Summer Overstreet; Producer: Daniel Tashian; Label: Elektra
– It’s a delightfully catchy pop track with Brittney coyly suggesting that she’d rather curl up on the couch, get high with friends and chill as a “home girl” instead of doing another night on the town. The beats are crunchy and the personality is charming.
CHRIS YOUNG / “Right Now”
Writers: Chris Young/Chris DeStefano/Josh Hoge/Paul DiGiovanni; Producers: Chris Young/Chris DeStefano; Label: Sony Music Nashville
– Magnificent. He’s carrying a torch so hot that the whole track smolders. While percussion throbs and guitars cry, one of our greatest current country singers yearns for her in a lonely well of desire. Play it again.
SAWYER BROWN / “Nashville Cat”
Writer: Mark Miller; Producers: Mark Miller/Blake Shelton; Label: Curb Records
– The band is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year with a documentary titled Get Me to Stage on Time and a forthcoming album. The latter’s advance track is this characteristic rocker asking an “uptown girl” for a lively date. A classic Sawyer Brown bopper.
REYNA ROBERTS / “One Way Street”
Writers: Natalie Stovall/Reyna Roberts/Aaron Wagner; Producer: Aaron Wagner; Label: Empire
– This track from her new Bad Girl Bible collection finds Roberts singing at the tippy-top of her vocal range on a somewhat slogging, aimless ballad. She can do better, and has.
BILLY DEAN / “Never Back Down”
Writers: Billy Dean/Hugh Van Landingham/Cody Van Landingham; Producer: none listed; Label: BD
– This has been announced as Florida governor Ron DeSantis’ presidential campaign theme song. It’s a flag-waving string of phrases calling for everyone to rise up who is “tired of the same old crowd.” Oh, I almost forgot: The track has “USA, USA, USA” chanting, too.
LIZZIE NO / “Annie Oakley”
Writer: Lizzie No; Producers: Lizzie No/Graham Richman/Patrick Dillett; Label: Thirty Tigers/Miss Freedomland
– She is a Black Opry showcaser and a folk-music podcaster with a new album titled Halfsies that drops on Jan. 19. Its single is a road song that questions both the journey and the destination. Acoustic guitar strumming accompanies her languid vocal at first, and then the track builds in complexity and intensity. Drums pound the creation home. Definitely worth a listen.
BRIAN KELLEY / “Trucks, Ducks, Bucks & Beer”
Writers: none listed; Producer: Dann Huff; Label: Big Machine
– This one is an upbeat outdoor sportsman’s anthem about huntin’ and fishin.’ It is also his best vocal performance to date.
GABBY BARRETT / “You’re My Texas”
Writers: Gabby Barrett/Miranda Lambert/Hillary Lindsey; Producers: Ross Copperman/Gabby Barrett; Label: Warner
– Utterly enchanting. Her dreamy performance is saturated with romance and comfort. Wafting background-vocal sighs and steady, chopping guitar licks color the ballad’s production, while the lyric conjures pastoral images. Highly recommended.
WADE HAYES / “Old Country Still Rocks”
Writer: Wade Hayes; Producer: Wade Hayes; Label: Conabor
– Wade sings the praises of Willie, Waylon, Haggard, Bocephus, Brooks & Dunn, Loveless, Diffie, Travis, Strait, Tritt, Chesnutt and other vintage stylists on this snappy country rocker with stuttering guitar and scampering fiddle.
JESSIE G & GRETCHEN WILSON / “Like My Whiskey”
Writers: Jessica Goergen/Matthew Hundley; Producers: Jessie G/Gretchen Wilson; Label: MusicCred
– Jessie is Gretchen’s protégée. The older star urged Jessie to move from Oregon to Music City and has been guiding her progress. Their debut collaboration is a pile-driving country rocker in praise of wild times. “I like my men like I like my whiskey,” they warble over and over again as the band kicks up dust.
THE CASTELLOWS / “A Little Goes a Long Way”
Writers: Eleanor Balkcom/Lily Balkcom/Powell Balkcom/Natalie Hemby; Producer: Trina Shoemaker; Label: Warner
– This sister trio will drop its debut EP in February. This is its title tune, a lilting, breezy outing showcasing the blonde Georgia siblings’ pitch-perfect harmony singing. Their musical goodness also shines on the bopping, nostalgic “No. 7 Road,” which is now airing on CMT.
Exclusive Clip From June Carter Cash Documentary Shows Off Her Songwriting Prowess
/by LB CantrellA still of June Carter Cash featured in June, streaming on Paramount+ 2024. Photo: Urve Kuusik/Courtesy of Sony Music Entertainment/Paramount+
June Carter Cash‘s songwriting genius is explored in the new documentary about her life, June.
In an exclusive clip secured by MusicRow, the documentary highlights that, contrary to some of the public’s belief, June was the architect behind husband Johnny Cash‘s iconic hit “Ring of Fire.” She co-wrote the tune with Merle Kilgore, and in addition to it becoming one of Johnny’s biggest songs, it became one of the most recognizable country songs of all time.
Produced by Sandbox Productions, Sony Music Vision and Maxine Productions, and directed by Emmy-winner Kristen Vaurio, June shines an important spotlight on the history of country music and the mark the Carter and Cash families made on the genre before diving into June’s complex life.
In addition to being a prolific songwriter, June is a five-time Grammy Award-winning singer, comedian, musician, actor and author. She opened for Elvis and even appeared onscreen with Robert Duvall and Jane Seymour, but is at times overshadowed by her iconic husband. The documentary seeks to highlight her legendary story and impact on music and culture.
June features rare and never-before-seen archival material revealing her extraordinary life’s work, paired alongside one-of-a-kind interviews with the monumental woman herself. The film also includes sit-down conversations with her family, admirers and friends, including Dolly Parton, Reese Witherspoon, Kacey Musgraves and Willie Nelson, among many others.
June will premiere on Paramount+ this Tuesday (Jan. 16) in the U.S. and Canada, and this Wednesday (Jan. 17) in the U.K., Australia, Latin America, Brazil, Italy, France, Germany, Switzerland and Austria.
Jelly Roll Testifies Before Congress Urging Anti-Fentanyl Legislation
/by Liza AndersonJelly Roll. Photo: Ashley Osborn
On Wednesday (Jan. 10), breakout star Jelly Roll (Jason DeFord) testified before Congress at a Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee hearing and urged lawmakers to pass legislation against the supply and distribution of fentanyl.
“I’m guessing most of you didn’t have ‘Jelly Roll testifies at Senate Banking Committee’ on your ’24 bingo card,” said Committee Chair Sherrod Brown. “But few speak and sing as eloquently, as openly, as—shall we say—viscerally about addiction as Mr. DeFord,” he continued. “There’s a reason why Americans flock to his music and his concerts. He has a connection with people based on shared pain, shared challenges, shared hope.”
Jelly Roll spoke in support of the FEND Off Fentanyl Act, a sanctions and anti-money laundering bill to help combat the country’s fentanyl crisis by targeting opioid traffickers devastating American communities. The legislation passed in the Senate last July but has yet to make it through the House. Jelly Roll urged lawmakers to usher it further.
“At every concert I perform, I witness the heartbreaking impact of fentanyl,” shared the Grammy nominee. “I see fans grappling with this tragedy in the form of music, that they seek solace in music and hope that their experiences won’t befall others.
“These people crave reassurance that their elected officials actually care more about human life than they do about ideology and partisanship,” he added. Jelly Roll noted that he has no political alliance, as his right to vote has been restricted as a result of his criminal history, and later discussed his time as drug dealer and personal situations where he has witnessed addiction.
“I was a part of the problem. I am here now standing as a man that wants to be a part of the solution.”
Carlene Carter To Headline ‘Transatlantic Sessions Tour’
/by Madison HahnenCarlene Carter
Country/Americana star Carlene Carter will headline the 2024 “Transatlantic Sessions Tour” in the UK this February. The tour will hit eight cities and run from Feb. 2- Feb. 11.
The Transatlantic Sessions was first produced as multiple live television sessions on BBC starting in 1995. Since then, the sessions have turned into a ticketed live event that treks along the UK. The tour will begin in Glasgow for two dates, and then will travel through Edinburgh, Gateshead, Buxton, Bristol, Liverpool and Birmingham, before wrapping up in London.
Carter, daughter of June Carter Cash and Carl Smith, has been active in the music scene for more than 40 years. Starting off as a singer in The Carter Family at age 17, she has released a total of 11 albums. Carter has also racked up several award wins, including Top New Female Vocalist from the Academy of Country Music, and a Grammy for Best Country Vocal Performance, Female. Most recently, Carter is featured in exclusive interviews in Paramount’s June, a documentary about the singer’s mother.
Additional performers on the tour include Joshua Burnside, Kim Carnie, Allison de Groot and Tatiana Hargreaves, and a house band led by Aly Bain and Jerry Douglas.
Tickets for all tour dates are available for purchase.
“Transatlantic Sessions Tour” 2024 Dates:
February 2 – Glasgow – Glasgow Royal Concert Hall
February 4 – Glasgow – Glasgow Royal Concert Hall
February 5 – Edinburgh – Usher Hall
February 6 – Gateshead – The Glasshouse
February 7 – Buxton – Opera House
February 8 – Bristol – Beacon
February 9 – Liverpool – Liverpool Philharmonic
February 10 – Birmingham – Symphony Hall
February 11 – London – Royal Festival Hall
Fair Trade Services Announces Executive Promotions
/by Lorie HollabaughDarren Elrod & James Rueger
Christian music executive Darren Elrod has been promoted to President of independent label Fair Trade Services (FTS). The label has also promoted James Rueger to Chief Creative Officer, and both executives will report to Founder & CEO Jeff Moseley.
Fair Trade Services is home to multi-Platinum and Gold-selling artists including MercyMe, Phil Wickham, CeCe Winans, Micah Tyler, Anthony Brown & Group TherAPy, The Afters and more.
Elrod joined the FTS team three years ago as COO. With more than 20 years in the industry, he served as COO at Provident Label Group prior to FTS. In his expanded role, Elrod will oversee all aspects of business, financial and marketing matters while continuing to manage day-to-day activities.
“I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity and excited about the future,” says Elrod. “We have such an incredible roster of artists at Fair Trade Services and this company exists to serve these artists well. I look forward to continuing this work with Jeff, James and the rest of the team.”
Rueger has been with FTS since 2005. He initially joined as A&R Manager, leading to his previous role of Sr. VP of A&R. Now as Chief Creative Officer, Rueger will oversee all A&R aspects and creative-related objectives for both recorded music and music publishing businesses.
“I’ve been fortunate enough to spend 19 years at Fair Trade Services working alongside and advocating for our gifted, passionate artists and songwriters,” Rueger says. “They are incredible music makers, and I’m as excited as I’ve ever been to continue the journey with them.”
“Darren and James have consistently exhibited excellence in their respective areas of responsibility for our company,” says Moseley. “This is public recognition of what our artists and managers have already known. They—along with our amazing team—have continued to deliver for our roster of artists for many years. Their promotions are well-deserved and strengthen Fair Trade Services for the years ahead.”
DISClaimer Single Reviews: Chris Young Delivers Smoldering New Track
/by Robert K OermannChris Young. Photo: John Shearer
Vintage artists vie with contemporary country acts today in DISClaimer.
Wade Hayes, Sawyer Brown and Billy Dean are still singing fine. But so are Brian Kelley, Gabby Barrett and Chris Young. Mr. Young easily takes home a Disc of the Day award for his stunning “Right Now” performance.
Lizzie No is one of three Black country stylists in today’s column. She competes for a DISCovery Award alongside Jessie G and The Castellows. In a tough, all-female contest, The Castellows earn the honor.
BRITTNEY SPENCER/ “Night In”
Writers: Brittney Spencer/Jessica Cayne/Summer Overstreet; Producer: Daniel Tashian; Label: Elektra
– It’s a delightfully catchy pop track with Brittney coyly suggesting that she’d rather curl up on the couch, get high with friends and chill as a “home girl” instead of doing another night on the town. The beats are crunchy and the personality is charming.
CHRIS YOUNG / “Right Now”
Writers: Chris Young/Chris DeStefano/Josh Hoge/Paul DiGiovanni; Producers: Chris Young/Chris DeStefano; Label: Sony Music Nashville
– Magnificent. He’s carrying a torch so hot that the whole track smolders. While percussion throbs and guitars cry, one of our greatest current country singers yearns for her in a lonely well of desire. Play it again.
SAWYER BROWN / “Nashville Cat”
Writer: Mark Miller; Producers: Mark Miller/Blake Shelton; Label: Curb Records
– The band is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year with a documentary titled Get Me to Stage on Time and a forthcoming album. The latter’s advance track is this characteristic rocker asking an “uptown girl” for a lively date. A classic Sawyer Brown bopper.
REYNA ROBERTS / “One Way Street”
Writers: Natalie Stovall/Reyna Roberts/Aaron Wagner; Producer: Aaron Wagner; Label: Empire
– This track from her new Bad Girl Bible collection finds Roberts singing at the tippy-top of her vocal range on a somewhat slogging, aimless ballad. She can do better, and has.
BILLY DEAN / “Never Back Down”
Writers: Billy Dean/Hugh Van Landingham/Cody Van Landingham; Producer: none listed; Label: BD
– This has been announced as Florida governor Ron DeSantis’ presidential campaign theme song. It’s a flag-waving string of phrases calling for everyone to rise up who is “tired of the same old crowd.” Oh, I almost forgot: The track has “USA, USA, USA” chanting, too.
LIZZIE NO / “Annie Oakley”
Writer: Lizzie No; Producers: Lizzie No/Graham Richman/Patrick Dillett; Label: Thirty Tigers/Miss Freedomland
– She is a Black Opry showcaser and a folk-music podcaster with a new album titled Halfsies that drops on Jan. 19. Its single is a road song that questions both the journey and the destination. Acoustic guitar strumming accompanies her languid vocal at first, and then the track builds in complexity and intensity. Drums pound the creation home. Definitely worth a listen.
BRIAN KELLEY / “Trucks, Ducks, Bucks & Beer”
Writers: none listed; Producer: Dann Huff; Label: Big Machine
– This one is an upbeat outdoor sportsman’s anthem about huntin’ and fishin.’ It is also his best vocal performance to date.
GABBY BARRETT / “You’re My Texas”
Writers: Gabby Barrett/Miranda Lambert/Hillary Lindsey; Producers: Ross Copperman/Gabby Barrett; Label: Warner
– Utterly enchanting. Her dreamy performance is saturated with romance and comfort. Wafting background-vocal sighs and steady, chopping guitar licks color the ballad’s production, while the lyric conjures pastoral images. Highly recommended.
WADE HAYES / “Old Country Still Rocks”
Writer: Wade Hayes; Producer: Wade Hayes; Label: Conabor
– Wade sings the praises of Willie, Waylon, Haggard, Bocephus, Brooks & Dunn, Loveless, Diffie, Travis, Strait, Tritt, Chesnutt and other vintage stylists on this snappy country rocker with stuttering guitar and scampering fiddle.
JESSIE G & GRETCHEN WILSON / “Like My Whiskey”
Writers: Jessica Goergen/Matthew Hundley; Producers: Jessie G/Gretchen Wilson; Label: MusicCred
– Jessie is Gretchen’s protégée. The older star urged Jessie to move from Oregon to Music City and has been guiding her progress. Their debut collaboration is a pile-driving country rocker in praise of wild times. “I like my men like I like my whiskey,” they warble over and over again as the band kicks up dust.
THE CASTELLOWS / “A Little Goes a Long Way”
Writers: Eleanor Balkcom/Lily Balkcom/Powell Balkcom/Natalie Hemby; Producer: Trina Shoemaker; Label: Warner
– This sister trio will drop its debut EP in February. This is its title tune, a lilting, breezy outing showcasing the blonde Georgia siblings’ pitch-perfect harmony singing. Their musical goodness also shines on the bopping, nostalgic “No. 7 Road,” which is now airing on CMT.
ACM To Host Songwriters Round Showcasing OnRamp Program Members
/by Lorie HollabaughPhoto: Courtesy of ACM
The Academy of Country Music is hosting an OnRamp Songwriters Round at Jackalope Brewing Company in Nashville’s Wedgewood Houston neighborhood on Jan. 17 that will showcase four members of the professional development program’s inaugural class: Tylar Bryant, Larysa Jaye, Tae Lewis and Nick Tabron.
The Songwriters Round is set to take place from 4 p.m.-6 p.m. and is free to attend. RSVPs are being accepted here.
This event follows other shows highlighting members of the OnRamp program, including a 50th anniversary of hip-hop showcase at The Basement in September and a performance showcase in collaboration with BMI at The Bluebird Cafe in December.
OnRamp is a partnership between the ACM and Black Music Action Coalition (BMAC) focused on improving inclusivity and equity within Music City that aims to empower the next generation of leaders early in their careers by granting access to informational panels, professional development opportunities, mentorship, industry exposure and more. Additionally, each participant receives a monthly stipend for one year. Half of the OnRamp inaugural class are artists and the other half come from across the industry, ranging from attorneys to audio engineers and publicists to business managers.
Legends Of Music Row Music Festival To Return To Key West
/by Lorie HollabaughThe Legends of Music Row Music Festival will return for its second run April 4-6 at Coffee Butler Amphitheater in Key West, Florida.
This year’s headliners consist of Country Music Hall of Famer Dean Dillon, Brian Kelley, Jon Pardi, Kip Moore, Jenee Fleenor of the Wood Box Heroes and The War And Treaty. Other artists performing include Tracy Byrd, Ernest, Randy Houser, Craig Morgan, Phil Vassar, Drake Milligan, Ward Davis and Jim “Moose” Brown, with more acts to be announced soon.
The three-night musical event will also feature a VIP ticket experience offering exclusive access to the Kick-Off Party on April 3, Dillon’s Late Night Guitar Pull and special seatings.
“There’s nothing like a live country music show, especially when it’s in such a beautiful environment and intimate venue that allows you to absorb and enjoy the experience. Showcasing country music in a unique, Florida Keys style was the driving force behind Legends Key West,” says Sheryl Steinmeyer, Festival Organizer. “There’s something incredible and magical about what we’re creating here. Country music fans have traditionally been underserved in South Florida and we’re excited to build upon the success of the first Legends festival, bringing in even more amazing and talented artists in 2024.”
The event will be hosted by Storme Warren, who will also conduct charity auctions during each evening’s intermission. Exclusive items will be up for bid benefitting Adaptive Sports Center, a therapeutic recreation program for those with disabilities as well as a local, to-be-named charity.
For ticket information, click here.
Hardy’s ‘Becoming The Crow’ Takes Viewers Behind The Scenes Of A Breakout Year
/by Madison HahnenFive-time ACM award winner Hardy is set to release his new short film, Becoming The Crow, tonight (Jan. 11) at 8 p.m. EST. The film will be available via YouTube, and there will be a sold-out screening at Nashville’s Green Hills Cinema.
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.
Becoming The Crow includes interviews with Hardy, his band and touring mates, frequent producing collaborators Joey Moi and David Garcia, CEO/Co-Founder of Big Loud Seth England, manager Troy “Tracker” Johnson and more.
After releasing The Mockingbird & The Crow in early 2023, Hardy has added over four billion career streams, and has dominated his own lane fusing country and rock music. More Hardy news is expected to be revealed soon.
Jelly Roll, Post Malone, More Among Lineup For 2024 ‘Reportin’ For Duty’ Benefit
/by Lorie HollabaughThe second annual “Reportin’ For Duty” benefit show is set for Feb. 17 at Humble Baron At Nearest Green Distillery in Shelbyville, Tennessee.
Last February, friends of the late Leslie Jordan came together to honor his life of service with a heartfelt evening of performances benefitting EB Research Partnership (EBRP), an organization close to Jordan’s heart that is dedicated to funding research to treat and cure Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB). The tradition continues next month with 100% of concert proceeds going to EBRP to fund innovative and life-saving research projects.
This year’s “Reportin’ For Duty” event will feature intimate performances from Post Malone, EBRP Co-Founder Eddie Vedder, The War And Treaty, Jelly Roll, Jake Wesley Rogers and Dan Spencer.
Over the last decade, EBRP has made remarkable strides, including helping to accelerate the first two EB treatments approved by the FDA in 2023. Founded in 2010 by a group of dedicated parents along with Jill and Eddie Vedder of Pearl Jam, EB Research Partnership is the largest nonprofit funding research aimed at finding a cure for Epidermolysis Bullosa. EB is a life-threatening genetic skin disorder that affects children from birth. Children with EB are often called “Butterfly Children,” lacking critical proteins that bind the skin together. With skin as fragile as a butterfly’s wings, they experience constant pain, severe blisters, disfigurement and internal and external wounds that may never heal. EBRP’s goal is to cure EB by 2030 and create a blueprint that can impact thousands of other rare diseases.
Purchase tickets for “Reportin’ For Duty” or donate to the cause here.
Kidd G Kicks Off New Year With Opry Debut
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): Allison Jones, Big Machine Label Group; Mike Bachta, Hard 8 Working Group; Kidd G; Matthew Morgan, United Talent Agency; Athena Puharic, BMLG. Photo: Nick Rau for Big Machine Label Group
Kidd G kicked off his New Year by making his Grand Ole Opry debut on Friday, Jan. 5.
Kidd G performs at the Grand Ole Opry. Photo: Nick Rau for Big Machine Label Group
The Valory Music Co./Geffen Records signee was the Opry’s first artist debut of 2024. The rising star has surpassed 1.5 million monthly Spotify listeners, and his tracks have seen radio play across the globe, reaching new peaks on playlists including Amazon Music’s Country Heat (peaked at No. 2) and Spotify’s Hot Country (peaked at No. 3).
In 2021, Kidd G released his major label debut, Down Home Boy, which generated over 41 million streams on Spotify. His new EP, If We Were a Love Song, is out now on all platforms.