Royce Risser
The Familie, a sports and music agency, has arrived in Nashville with the addition of two new hires.
Royce Risser, previously EVP of Promotion at Universal Music Group, has been hired as The Familie’s Head of Nashville and EVP of Country Music. He will be leading the company’s expansion into Music City. Additionally, The Familie has added artist manager Chase Berlin to the team.
As The Familie prepares to make Nashville its national headquarters, Risser will be overseeing and executing Nashville office operations. He will also be leading the development of The Familie’s new country division. The Familie’s roster currently includes artists such as Machine Gun Kelly, Avril Lavigne, Jaden Hossler, Games We Play and sombr.
Steve Astephen, Co-founder and CEO at The Familie, says, “We’ve been eyeing Nashville as the home for our new HQ since 2019, and Risser was the missing link we’d been waiting for. He’s a veteran on Music Row, has worked with most of the top names in country and is the perfect person to not just open a Familie office in Nashville, but to truly make us a Nashville firm. We’re thrilled to have him.”
Risser’s over three decades of experience includes a significant stint leading all promotion efforts at UMG Nashville. Risser played an integral role in the release of over 200 No.1 singles for artists such as George Strait, Vince Gill, Reba McEntire, Luke Bryan, Keith Urban, Chris Stapleton, Sam Hunt, Eric Church, Carrie Underwood, Dierks Bentley, Jon Pardi, Brothers Osborne, Jordan Davis, Parker McCollum, Lee Ann Womack, Gary Allan, Josh Turner, Sugarland, Billy Currington, Kip Moore, Lady Antebellum, Little Big Town, the Mavericks, David Lee Murphy, Trisha Yearwood, Marty Stuart, Wynonna Judd, Mark Chesnutt, Tracy Byrd and many more.
“It’s been immediately clear to me that The Familie does things differently,” he shares. “I appreciate the team’s non-transactional approach to management, thoughtfully building artist brands and legacies through collaboration and a vast network of cross-industry alliances. Steve Astephen could easily be the smartest, most connected person I’ve ever met and can’t wait to work alongside him in this role. I know this team will be a refreshing addition to the Nashville scene while also integrating with and honoring the history and pedigree of Music Row. I’m absolutely fired up and honored to be at the helm of The Familie’s arrival in Nashville.”
Berlin, The Familie’s first artist manager in Nashville, will work under Risser to sign and develop promising country artists and build out the genre’s division for the company. He began his music industry career at WME before joining The AMG as an artist manager, working with artists like Kat & Alex and Jordan James.
Boots In The Park Festival To Expand To New Mexico In May
/by Lorie HollabaughThomas Rhett, Chris Young, Chris Janson and more are set to perform at the Boots In The Park festival, which has expanded to Balloon Fiesta Park in Albuquerque, New Mexico and will take place on Saturday, May 18.
Boots In The Park, which initially kicked off in California in 2017, has since expanded its footprint to various venues throughout California and Arizona, with additional states to be announced soon. The addition of Balloon Fiesta Park adds a new dimension to the festival, offering attendees in the Albuquerque area a day filled with music and entertainment.
“The Boots In The Park family is thrilled to extend our roots to New Mexico” says Steve Thacher, Boots In The Park Founder. “As we continue to grow, this new market allows us to explore fresh horizons and build a unique relationship with the community of Albuquerque, adding a touch of New Mexico charm to our festival experience.”
Other performers on tap for the festival include Kameron Marlowe, Dylan Schneider, Leaving Austin and resident DJ Luwiss Lux. The new venue will also provide a diverse range of activities for festival-goers, from line dancing to interactive art installations, along with craft food from local vendors, stocked bars and more. Tickets go on sale Jan. 19. For more information, click here.
Nominations Open: MusicRow’s 11th Annual Rising Women On The Row
/by LB CantrellMusicRow will honor six deserving businesswomen during its 11th annual Rising Women on the Row ceremony on March 19, 2024 at the Omni Nashville Hotel. The breakfast event will recognize the selected Nashville music industry professionals who have become substantial contributors and visionary leaders.
Nominations for the Rising Women on the Row Class of 2024 are now closed.
Submissions will be considered only through the official nomination process, which closes Wednesday, Jan. 17. Candidates nominated in previous years will need to be resubmitted. Multiple nominations do not increase likelihood of being selected, but you may nominate as many individuals as you like with separate forms. Self-nominations are welcome.
The 2024 Class of Rising Women on the Row will be announced in the coming weeks, along with event details. Tickets will open in the coming weeks as well.
Past honorees include—2023: Stacy Blythe, Martha Earls, Beth Hamilton, Jackie Jones, Brittany Schaffer, Anna Weisband; 2020/2022: Jen Conger, JoJamie Hahr, Mandy Morrison, Missy Roberts, Jennie Smythe, Stephanie Wright; 2019: Janine Ebach, Kelly Janson, Meredith Jones, Lenore Kinder, Sandi Spika Borchetta, Jennifer Turnbow; 2018: Faithe Dillman, Leslie DiPiero, Becky Gardenhire, Lynn Oliver-Cline, Annie Ortmeier, Janet Weir; 2017: Tatum Allsep, Virginia Bunetta, Kerri Edwards, Kella Farris, Laura Hutfless, Juli Newton-Griffith; 2016: Abbey Adams, Amanda Cates, Cris Lacy, Leslie Roberts, Risha Rodgers; 2015: Kele Currier, Tiffany Dunn, Dawn Gates, Jensen Sussman, Lou Taylor; 2014: Julie Boos, Caryl Atwood, Ebie McFarland, Alicia Pruitt, Kelly Rich; 2013: Cyndi Forman, Cindy Hunt, Beth Laird, Cindy Mabe, Brandi Simms; 2012: Shannan Hatch, Mary Hilliard Harrington, Heather McBee, Denise Stevens, Carla Wallace.
Chase McDaniel Inks Publishing Deal With Hang Your Hat Music & Concord Music Publishing
/by Madison HahnenPictured: (L-R, back row): Emily Baldridge (HYH), Melissa Spillman (CMP), Matt Turner (CMP), Courtney Allen (CMP); (L-R, front row): Jake Gear (HYH), Chase McDaniel, Brad Kennard (CMP). Photo: Sam Shelton
Virginia native Chase McDaniel has signed a worldwide publishing deal with Hang Your Hat Music and Concord Music Publishing. The deal includes the writer’s full catalog, which includes cuts with Logan Crosby, Reid Haughton, Emily Ann Roberts, Clayton Mullen and more, as well as all future work.
Hang Your Hat Music was founded by two-time ACM Songwriter of the Year Hillary Lindsey, and is in a joint venture with Concord Music Publishing.
“Hang Your Hat is so thrilled to welcome Chase to the roster,” says Jake Gear, Executive Vice President of Hang Your Hat Music. “He’s established a network of close writer/artist collaborators based on his songcraft as a topliner. He’s a well of ideas with incredible work ethic and ability to craft a memorable melody and lyric that’s feels fresh—all which makes him a valuable addition to any room. We’re excited to get to work!”
“Concord couldn’t be prouder to partner yet again with Hang Your Hat and to work with Chase,” adds Brad Kennard, SVP A&R at Concord Music Publishing in Nashville. “He’s a focused and determined craftsman, who represents the best of Nashville’s next generation of hit-makers.”
After graduating from Virginia Tech with a degree in finance, McDaniel moved to Nashville to pursue songwriting. He has quickly cemented himself as a rising talent, bringing fresh ideas and strong toplining to every writing session.
“It’s a dream come true to have the opportunity to work with such great creative teams,” says McDaniel. “I’m super grateful to Hillary, Jake and Emily [Baldridge] for taking a chance on me. Looking forward to the next chapter!”
Josh Abbott Band Starts New Chapter With Upcoming LP
/by Lorie HollabaughJosh Abbott Band. Photo: Eric Morales
The Josh Abbott Band is releasing their seventh studio album, Somewhere Down The Road, on Jan. 26 via their Pretty Damn Tough label. The group has shared a new single from the project, “She’ll Always Be,” a sweet, poetic nod to Josh Abbott’s eternally free-spirited six-year-old daughter.
Produced by Dwight A. Baker, Somewhere Down The Road is the Josh Abbott Band’s first full-length LP since 2020’s The Highway Kind. It also marks the first effort from the band’s newly reconfigured lineup, including longtime members Eddie Villanueva (drums), Austin Davis (banjo), David Fralin (keys) and Jimmy Hartman (bass) as well as recent additions Adam Hill (fiddle) and guitarists Cale Richardson and Kris Farrow. The album represents the very beginning of a new chapter for the Lone Star band.
“For a long period of time I wanted to write hooky three-minute songs that would sound good on the radio, but now I’m writing from the heart more than I ever have,” shares Abbott. “This record came from getting back to who I really am as a songwriter, and there was a lot of exorcizing some of the demons from my past.”
Over the weekend, the band played a pair of shows at Billy Bob’s in Fort Worth. They’ll head out on the road for their “Somewhere Down The Road Tour” next month.
The Familie To Establish Nashville HQ, Led By Royce Risser
/by LB CantrellRoyce Risser
The Familie, a sports and music agency, has arrived in Nashville with the addition of two new hires.
Royce Risser, previously EVP of Promotion at Universal Music Group, has been hired as The Familie’s Head of Nashville and EVP of Country Music. He will be leading the company’s expansion into Music City. Additionally, The Familie has added artist manager Chase Berlin to the team.
As The Familie prepares to make Nashville its national headquarters, Risser will be overseeing and executing Nashville office operations. He will also be leading the development of The Familie’s new country division. The Familie’s roster currently includes artists such as Machine Gun Kelly, Avril Lavigne, Jaden Hossler, Games We Play and sombr.
Steve Astephen, Co-founder and CEO at The Familie, says, “We’ve been eyeing Nashville as the home for our new HQ since 2019, and Risser was the missing link we’d been waiting for. He’s a veteran on Music Row, has worked with most of the top names in country and is the perfect person to not just open a Familie office in Nashville, but to truly make us a Nashville firm. We’re thrilled to have him.”
Risser’s over three decades of experience includes a significant stint leading all promotion efforts at UMG Nashville. Risser played an integral role in the release of over 200 No.1 singles for artists such as George Strait, Vince Gill, Reba McEntire, Luke Bryan, Keith Urban, Chris Stapleton, Sam Hunt, Eric Church, Carrie Underwood, Dierks Bentley, Jon Pardi, Brothers Osborne, Jordan Davis, Parker McCollum, Lee Ann Womack, Gary Allan, Josh Turner, Sugarland, Billy Currington, Kip Moore, Lady Antebellum, Little Big Town, the Mavericks, David Lee Murphy, Trisha Yearwood, Marty Stuart, Wynonna Judd, Mark Chesnutt, Tracy Byrd and many more.
“It’s been immediately clear to me that The Familie does things differently,” he shares. “I appreciate the team’s non-transactional approach to management, thoughtfully building artist brands and legacies through collaboration and a vast network of cross-industry alliances. Steve Astephen could easily be the smartest, most connected person I’ve ever met and can’t wait to work alongside him in this role. I know this team will be a refreshing addition to the Nashville scene while also integrating with and honoring the history and pedigree of Music Row. I’m absolutely fired up and honored to be at the helm of The Familie’s arrival in Nashville.”
Berlin, The Familie’s first artist manager in Nashville, will work under Risser to sign and develop promising country artists and build out the genre’s division for the company. He began his music industry career at WME before joining The AMG as an artist manager, working with artists like Kat & Alex and Jordan James.
Elvie Shane To Release Sophomore Album ‘Damascus’ In April
/by Madison HahnenSinger-songwriter Elvie Shane will release his sophomore album Damascus on April 19.
The BBR Music Group/Wheelhouse Records artist says, “Damascus is a record that aims to pick a fight with what holds people down. Normal every day Blue Collar America…my people. These are not all my stories, but they are all stories I believe to be true. But ‘What do I Know.’”
Filled with compassion and honesty, Damascus is Shane’s most daring work yet. He takes pieces of stories of the people he has met on his path and puts them all together in one project. This album highlights the stories that are often not told and a chance for those to shine. Shane co-wrote all the songs on the project, which was produced by his frequent collaborator Oscar Charles. Damascus will also feature two collaborations, with Jenna McClelland and Little Big Town both being featured.
Listeners have already gotten a taste of what the project will sound like, with the releases of “Baptized,” “Jonesin,” “Forgotten Man,” “Pill” and “What Do I Know.”
Since his breakout in the country scene with his No. 1 hit “My Boy,” Shane has garnered over 372 million career streams. Shane is also set to hit the road this February on his 10-stop “The Damascus Acoustic Stories Tour,” kicking off in his home state of Kentucky.
3. “Jonesin’” (feat. Jenna McClelland) (Elvie Shane, Oscar Charles, Ryan Tyndell, Jeremy Spillman)
4. “Baptized” (Elvie Shane, Luke Preston, Dan Couch, Oscar Charles)
5. “Forgotten Man” (Elvie Shane, Luke Preston, Dan Couch, Oscar Charles)
6. “Pill” (Elvie Shane, Lee Starr, Nick Columbia)
7. “215634” (Elvie Shane, Adam Wood, Ben Chapman)
9. “First Place” (feat. Little Big Town) (Elvie Shane, Adam Wood, Dan Couch, Jakob Miller)
10. “Winning Horse” (Elvie Shane, Dan Couch, Oscar Charles)
11. “Fan On High” (Elvie Shane, Driver Williams, Hayes Carll)
12. “Chicken Shit” (Elvie Shane, Jeremy Spillman, Ryan Tyndell, Oscar Charles)
13. “Does Heaven Have A Creek” (Elvie Shane)
Graham Barham Signs With Sony Music Nashville & Disruptor Records
/by Liza AndersonGraham Barham. Photo: Jesse DeFlorio
Singer-songwriter Graham Barham is starting 2024 by sharing the news of his signing with Sony Music Nashville and Disruptor Records as well as his latest single “Lights On Nobody’s Home,” out today (Jan. 5).
“I’m so grateful for the opportunity to work with the incredible teams at Sony Music Nashville and Disruptor,” he says. “It really is a blessing to partner with companies who have such a long history of developing artists and innovating musically. I couldn’t be more excited or grateful to have them in my corner.”
The Oak Ridge, Louisiana native draws inspiration from the imagery of his small hometown. He began singing in church when he was little, and had taught himself to play guitar and write music by the age of 10. At age 18, Barham made his way to Music City and began penning tunes for artists in town, working to hone a balance of compassion, honesty and humor in his songwriting, while pulling elements of classic country influences like George Strait and heavy hitters in the pop space.
Written by Barham, Beau Bailey, Will Bundy and Brad Clawson, “Lights On Nobody’s Home” is a playful take on drinking away heartbreak. The track is the first taste of all the new music the artist plans to release this year.
Additionally, Barham will join Adam Doleac on select dates of his “Wrong Side Of A Sunrise 2024 Tour” this spring.
‘Hello From The Hills’ Benefit Concert To Return To City Winery Nashville
/by Lorie HollabaughThe “Hello From The Hills” benefit concert, co-presented by The Hello in There Foundation and Hope in the Hills, will return to City Winery Nashville for its second annual event on Sunday, Jan. 28.
The Hello in There Foundation was founded by the family of John Prine in 2021 and aims to identify and collaborate with individuals and communities to offer support for people who are marginalized, discriminated against or, for any reason, are otherwise forgotten. Hope in the Hills is a nonprofit organization committed to combatting the opioid crisis and support recovery across Appalachia that was created by a group of local community members and members of music star Tyler Childers‘ team.
The event will feature acoustic performances from Childers, Wynonna Judd, Ben Folds, S.G. Goodman, Abby Hamilton, Gabe Lee, Lindsay Lou and Jeremy Short, among others, and will once again be hosted by NPR Mountain Stage’s Kathy Mattea.
“We’re honored to team up with our good friends at The Hello In There Foundation to start out this new year by spreading joy, empathy and healing during our gathering to share music, light and love,” says Dave Lavender, Board President, Hope in the Hills. “We know soon enough 2024 will take its lumps with some people talking about a world of ‘us and them,’ of dividing and conquering, of building more walls and fences to keep out neighbors. We humbly approach this event, this year and this work, walking in compassion and empathy knowing as John Prine once wrote, ‘Broken hearts and dirty windows/Make life difficult to see.’ It is in that seeing and hearing spirit, we come together to honor some amazing nonprofits doing the good and hard work of helping folks in need, and in their doing, teach us all how to daily water and nurture the tree of hope and forgiveness.”
“We’re thrilled to partner once again with Hope in the Hills for an incredible concert in support of nonprofits who are doing thoughtful, necessary work for people in need. These organizations truly embody the spirit of community care that John Prine shared with the world throughout his life,” adds Celine Thackston, Executive Director, The Hello in There Foundation.
The Hello in There Foundation and Hope in the Hills have selected three organizations to receive grants this year: MusiCares, which provides health and welfare services to the music community; Tennessee Justice for Our Neighbors, an organization that provides compassionate immigration legal services to those seeking humanitarian relief; and Musicians Recovery Network, which supports those struggling with addiction through the power of music, arts and spirituality.
Tickets will be available for presale starting this Wednesday (Jan. 10), with general sales following on Friday (Jan. 12). For more information, click here.
Charles Wesley Godwin Sets Headlining Dates For April
/by Lorie HollabaughCharles Wesley Godwin. Photo: David McClister
Charles Wesley Godwin has announced the first round of dates for his 2024 headline tour.
The tour kicks off April 4 at The National in Richmond, and will coincide with his run on Luke Combs’ “Growin’ Up and Gettin’ Old” stadium tour beginning April 12 at American Family Field in Milwaukee. He’ll visit Charleston, Minneapolis, Toronto, Tucson and more through April 26.
Godwin released his Big Loud Records debut Family Ties in September 2023, which ended up on a number of best of 2023 year-end lists. His single “Family Ties” was included on Apple Music’s list of “The 100 Best Songs of 2023.” Godwin was Apple Music’s “Country Riser” pick in October and was was named part of CMT’s 2024 Listen Up class.
Charles Wesley Godwin 2024 Tour Dates
Jan. 18 – Wichita, Kan. – The Cotillion Ballroom
Jan. 19 – Oklahoma City, Okla. – Paycom Center*
Jan. 20 – Oklahoma City, Okla – Paycom Center*
March 22 – Cedar Rapids, Iowa – Club 5 at Alliant Energy Powerhouse
March 23 – Peoria, Ill. – Bulls, Bands, and Barrels
April 4 – Richmond, Va. – The National
April 5 – Charleston, S.C. – Charleston Music Hall
April 6 – Gainesville, Fla. – Heartwood Soundstage
April 7 – Fort Lauderdale, Fla. – Rock the Ocean’s Tortuga Music Festival
April 11 – Minneapolis, Minn. – Uptown Theater
April 12 – Milwaukee, Wis. – American Family Field^
April 13 – Madison, Wis. – The Sylvee
April 14 – Grand Rapids, Mich. – The Intersection
April 18 – Toronto, Ont. – Danforth Music Hall
April 19 –Buffalo, N.Y. – Highmark Stadium^
April 20 – Albany, N.Y. – Empire Live
April 25 – Solana Beach, Calif. – Belly Up
April 26 – Tucson, Ariz. – Rialto Theatre
April 28 – Indio, Calif. – Stagecoach Festival
May 3 – Jacksonville, Fla. – TIAA Bank Field^
May 10 – San Antonio, Texas – Alamodome^
May 17 – San Francisco, Calif. – Levi’s Stadium^
May 31 – Phoenix, Ariz. – State Farm Stadium^
June 7 – Salt Lake City, Utah – Rice-Eccles Stadium^
June 14 – Los Angeles, Calif. – SoFi Stadium^
June 20 – Filer, Idaho – HWY 30 Music Festival
June 22 – Columbus, Ohio – Buckeye Country Superfest
July 14 – Whitefish, Mon. – Under the Big Sky
July 19 – New York, N.Y. – MetLife Stadium^
July 26 – Washington D.C. – FedEx Field^
Aug. 2 – Cincinnati, Ohio – Paycor Stadium^
Aug. 3 – Brownstown, Ind. – Rock The Rind Music Fest
Aug. 9 – Houston, Texas – NRG Stadium^
Oct. 19 – Sacramento, Calif. – GoldenSky Festival
* supporting Turnpike Troubadours and Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit
^ supporting Luke Combs on Growin’ Up and Gettin’ Old Stadium Tour
Equal Access Applications Now Open For 2024-25 Cohort
/by Madison HahnenCMT and mtheory’s Equal Access program is now accepting applications for the 2024-25 cohort. CMT, the returning title sponsor, will announce the cohort this April in parallel with the 2024 CMT Music Awards. The deadline to apply is Jan. 26 at 5 p.m CST.
Entering its third year, the Equal Access program is designed to foster and support marginalized communities that are underrepresented in the country music genre. The program was first announced live at the 2022 CMT Music Awards by Gayle King. King called the program “a bold commitment towards ensuring an inclusive future for all voices in country music.”
Artists and management professionals selected to participate in the program receive funding, training and support through mtheory to navigate and grow through the country music scene. Current and past members of Equal Access include artists Angie K, Camille Parker, Denitia, Madeline Edwards, Miko Marks and Valerie Ponzio; and music management professionals Ahsaki LaFrance Chachere, Alex Evelyn, Roberto Martinez, Charlene Bryant, Kadeem Phillips and Marques Vance.
Applicants must be at least 18 years old and live in Nashville. To apply or for more information, visit Equal Access.