Trey Lewis is set to release his new album Troublemaker on March 1, marking his debut project with River House Artists.
On New Year’s Day (Jan. 1), Lewis surprised fans by dropping “Pretty Hungover,” a song from the new record. Produced by Lewis and Jacob Rice, Troublemaker features 14 tracks. With a raw and honest delivery, the singer-songwriter paints a vivid picture of love, life and all the ups and downs that come with it.
“I’ve been a troublemaker my whole life. This is a batch of songs that speaks to me and I hope there is something for everyone to relate to here,” says Lewis. “We all start off in different places in life and struggle is real, but so is victory and love. I am grateful for our team and their efforts to make this the best album it can be.”
The surprise release of the song “Pretty Hungover” and its video follows the previous release of “Mine Never Could,” which was released in December. Lewis also recently scored his first major-label single as a songwriter with Cole Swindell’s “Three Feet Tall,” a song that tells the personal experience of how Lewis’ parents’ divorce affected him as a young boy.
He became a household name in 2020 with his viral hit, “Dicked Down in Dallas,” which hit No. 1 on iTunes and has garnered more than 360 million streams to date. The career-launching hit was followed by “Single Again,” which also reached the top of the iTunes chart.
Troublemaker Track Listing:
“Drunk In A Bar” (Justin Wilson, Matt Rogers, Chris DeStefano)
“Could’ve Been Me” (Dawson Edwards, Alex Maxwell, Joe Collins)
“Wishin’ I Was Fishin’” (Joybeth Taylor, Matt McKinney, Tate Howell, Jared Hampton)
“Up Yours” (Lee Thomas Miller, John Pierce, Ben Stennis)
“Girl Problem” (Seth Ennis, Joe Fox, Trea Landon)
“Outlaw Us” (David Lee Murphy, Rhett Akins, Michael Carter)
“Sounds Like Money To Me” (JT Harding, Brice Long, Matt McKinney)
“Pretty Hungover” (Tommy Karlas, Kyle Coulahan, Davis Corley)
“Always You” (Ben Hayslip, Matt McKinney, Jacob Rice)
“Troublemaker” (Trey Lewis, Kyle Coulahan, Davis Corley)
“What I’m Doin’” (Trey Lewis, Jake Rose, Stone Aielli)
“I’m A” (Craig Wiseman, Chris Stevens, Brad Warren, Brett Warren)
“Mine Never Could” (Matt Jenkins, Zachary Kale, Deric Ruttan)
“I Quit” (Trey Lewis, Matt McVaney, Jordan Walker)
‘Bluegrass Nights At The Ryman’ Series To Kick Off June 13
/by Lorie Hollabaugh“Bluegrass Nights at the Ryman,” the annual concert series presented by Springer Mountain Farms, will return to Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium this summer for its 30th year on Thursdays starting June 13 through July 25.
The series will kick off with Del McCoury Band, followed by Steep Canyon Rangers with Lindsay Lou, The Earls of Leicester, Della Mae with Rob Ickes & Trey Hensley and Dailey & Vincent, leading up to the final night with a performance from Country Music Hall of Fame Member Ricky Skaggs.
Season passes include all six shows and are on sale now for both renewing and new passholders. Single tickets go on sale Feb. 23. For more information, click here. All shows begin at 7:30 p.m. and will be preceded by a 6 p.m. pre-show “Pickin’ on the Plaza” event, sponsored by Springer Mountain Farms and Farm Bureau Health Plans, on the Ryman’s PNC Plaza. The event will feature live music from local bluegrass artists and bands presented by WSM Radio.
“Bluegrass Nights at the Ryman” was first introduced in 1994, after the venue underwent renovation and reopened its doors after sitting vacant for nearly two decades following the Grand Ole Opry’s relocation. The first of what would become the annual series featured Bill Monroe and Alison Krauss. Now 30 years later, the Ryman continues to celebrate the bluegrass contributions to music history and honors Monroe’s legacy with a life-size statue on site, unveiled in 2017.
Endurance Music Group Elevates Lauren Funk To VP Of Publishing
/by Liza AndersonLauren Funk. Photo: Ed Rode
Endurance Music Group (EMG) has elevated Lauren Funk to newly created position of Vice President of Publishing, effective immediately.
Funk joined EMG from Big Yellow Dog Music, where she spent seven years on the creative team working with Grammy winners Maren Morris, Meghan Trainor, Josh Kear, Daniel Tashian and more. She began her tenure as an intern in 2014, and was hired as Creative Manager upon graduation from Belmont University. In the following years, she secured cuts with artists including Little Big Town, Blake Shelton, Josh Turner, Alan Jackson, Dustin Lynch and more. In 2022, Funk was a member of the inaugural class of the CMA’s Women’s Leadership Academy, a professional development program and group coaching experience for high-performing women in the country music industry.
Since joining EMG in 2021, she has been instrumental in the signing and/or retention of award-winning, multi-Platinum songwriter Jordan Schmidt, hit songwriter Scooter Carusoe and acclaimed singer-songwriter and producer Jake Rose. She will continue to manage the company’s relationships with its roster of hitmakers, including Records artist Matt Stell, songwriters and producers Seth Alley and Paul Sikes, among others, while identifying and signing promising new talent.
“I’m so proud to work with Lauren. It has been incredible to witness her growth as a creative leader and experience the impact she has made on the writers and artists at Endurance over the past couple of years. Her passion for the song and the songwriter is vital for the health of our creative industry, and we are lucky to have her on our team,” says Michael Martin, EMG President.
“The last two years at Endurance Music Group have been nothing short of amazing, and I am thrilled to take on this new role. I am so proud to work alongside our songwriters and creative team, who inspire me every day,” Funk adds. “I am beyond thankful to Michael Martin for his leadership, passion, and encouragement. I know 2024 is going to be our best year yet!”
CRS 2024 Research Presentation To Focus On Impact Of On-Air Personalities
/by Madison HahnenCountry Radio Seminar (CRS), taking place Feb. 28 – March 1, has announced the focus of their annual research presentation.
This year’s presentation, “…But They Have A Great Personality: On Air Talent And Their Role On All Platforms,” will focus on the impact and influence on on-air personalities. This will include various radio platforms including terrestrial, satellite and Digital Service Providers (DSPs).
Scheduled for Feb. 29, CRS will explore questions around what audiences prefer in their on-air hosts, how unique personalities offer an advantage, the dispersement of local and top-quality talent and more. CRS has partnered with the Smith Geiger Group for the presentation. As a highly praised research group, the Smith Geiger Group has worked with CMA, The Recording Academy, ESPN, Google, NPR, Facebook, Paramount, and more.
Cole Phillips Signs With Why&How, Records Nashville
/by Liza AndersonCole Phillips
Cole Phillips has signed management representation and record deals with Why&How and Records Nashville.
The 18-year-old Oklahoma native drew significant attention with his breakout song, “Drinking Alone,” which went viral on TikTok and has amassed 15 million audio streams in the United States.
Phillips is a self-taught singer-songwriter and guitarist whose musical influences range from Zac Brown, Zach Bryan, Cody Jinks and David Allan Coe to Metallica and Nirvana. He developed a passion for music early in life, crediting his parents for exposing him to various genres, and has carved his own path with an evolving and distinctive sound of stripped-back instrumentation and authentic vocals.
“Cole has a remarkable ability to capture emotion and storytelling beyond his 18 years. His debut song, ‘Drinking Alone,’ gained organic virality, resonating deeply with a broad audience. That kind of talent can’t be taught,” shares Bruce Kalmick, Founder & CEO, Why&How. “We are thrilled to be collaborating with the Records Nashville team to champion such an enthusiastic and gifted musician, and can’t wait to see what we build together in the years ahead.”
“Cole Phillips is the real deal. His music is authentic and honest. From the moment we heard him, we wanted to work together. The whole team at Records Nashville is thrilled to partner with Cole as well as Bruce’s team at Why&How,” says Josh Easler, EVP of Promotion & Commercial Strategy, Records Nashville.
This year, Phillips has plans for multiple live shows and the release of his forthcoming debut album.
Weekly Register: Luke Combs Takes Back Top Five Slot On Country Songs Chart
/by Liza AndersonLuke Combs‘ cover of “Fast Car” takes back its No. 5 slot this week on the country streaming songs chart with 8.9 million new streams, adding to 571 million ATD, according to Luminate data.
Zach Bryan and Kacey Musgraves‘ “I Remember Everything” continues to rule at the top with 18 million streams, adding to 393 million ATD, while Morgan Wallen‘s “Last Night” stays right behind at No. 2 with 12.1 million new streams, adding to 1.130 billion ATD. Bryan’s “Something In The Orange” bides at No. 3 with 12 million streams, adding to 1.152 billion ATD, and Wallen’s “Thinkin’ Bout Me” holds No. 4 with 10 million new streams, adding to 546 million ATD.
On the country albums chart, Wallen’s One Thing At A Time remains at No. 1 with 64K in total consumption (2.7K album only/78 million song streams). Zach Bryan returns to No. 2 with 41K (3.7K album only/48 million song streams), as Wallen’s Dangerous: The Double Album jumps to No. 3 with 33K (926 album only/42 million song streams). Taylor Swift‘s Speak Now (Taylor’s Version) moves to No. 4 with 28K (9.7K album only/24 million song streams), while Bryan’s American Heartbreak rises to No. 5 with 27K (1.7K album only/33 million song streams).
Warner Chappell Music & Space Colonel Publishing Sign Joey Green
/by Lorie HollabaughJoey Green. Photo: Brofoto Productions
Warner Chappell Music and Space Colonel Publishing have signed NBC’s The Voice season 15 contestant Joey Green to a global publishing deal.
Green has released eight albums throughout his career, his latest being Heart Lessons, which he debuted while opening for Lainey Wilson in November at Billy Bob’s Texas in Fort Worth. Heart Lessons blends rock, soulful country and ’90s alternative sounds. Multiple singles released from his last two albums have landed Green spots on Spotify’s New Music Friday, Fresh Finds Country and New Music Nashville playlists, among others.
The singer-songwriter has shared the stage with other artists including Parker McCollum, Eli Young Band, Randy Rogers, Kevin Fowler, Sean McConnell, Sam Riggs and Giovannie & The Hired Guns. Green was also a part of the 2023 “Texas Music Takeover Tour,” where he performed with Pat Green, Koe Wetzel, Vaden Todd Lewis of Toadies, Casey Donahew, Cody Canada and Wade Bowen.
“Joey Green has been a top-tier songwriter for years, and I am beyond excited to have him join our team,” says Beau Bedford, Partner, Producer & Songwriter at Space Colonel Publishing.
Zach Top’s Debut Album ‘Cold Beer & Country Music’ On Tap For April
/by Lorie HollabaughZach Top
Leo33’s rising country artist Zach Top is set to release his debut album for the new label, Cold Beer & Country Music, on April 5.
Earlier this week, Top earned the No. 1 most added song at country radio with his debut single, “Sounds Like The Radio.” Top co-wrote every song on the new album, and producer/songwriter Carson Chamberlain worked with Top to bring the album to life as sole producer on the project. Other writers contributing to the album include Paul Overstreet, Mark Nesler, Tim Nichols and more.
“Creating Cold Beer & Country Music has been an incredible journey,” shares Top. “This album is a labor of love, a reflection of my roots, and a celebration of the timeless spirit of country music.”
Hailing from Sunnyside, Washington, Top’s upbringing on a ranch listening to classic country laid the foundation for his artistic passion. Fans can catch him on the road this year with Brothers Osborne as well as Lainey Wilson on their respective tours.
Cold Beer & Country Music Track Listing:
“Sounds Like The Radio” (Zach Top, Carson Chamberlain, Wyatt McCubbin)
“Cold Beer & Country Music” (Zach Top, Carson Chamberlain)
“Cowboys Like Me Do” (Zach Top, Carson Chamberlain, Roger Springer)
“There’s The Sun” (Zach Top, Carson Chamberlain, Wyatt McCubbin)
“Dirt Turns To Gold” (Zach Top, Carson Chamberlain, Paul Overstreet)
“The Kinda Woman I Like” (Zach Top, Carson Chamberlain, Michael White)
“Lonely For Long” (Zach Top, Carson Chamberlain, Mark Nesler)
“Bad Luck” (Zach Top, Carson Chamberlain, Mark Nesler)
“Use Me” (Zach Top, Carson Chamberlain, Tim Nichols)
“Ain’t That A Heartbreak” (Zach Top, Carson Chamberlain, Paul Overstreet)
“I Never Lie” (Zach Top, Carson Chamberlain, Tim Nichols)
“Things To Do” (Zach Top, Carson Chamberlain, Mark Nesler)
Wolf Mahler Inks Publishing Deal With Sea Gayle Music
/by Madison HahnenPictured (L-R): Kim Wiggins (Sea Gayle), Chris DuBois (Sea Gayle), Sam Ribler (Sea Gayle), Brandon Gregg (Sea Gayle), Dennis Lord (The Law Office of Dennis Lord), JD Groover (Sea Gayle), Wolf Mahler, Allison Barrett (NSAI), Lisa Vo (NSAI), Amanda Flynn Phillips (NSAI), Jill Moody (NSAI), Maxwell Trotter (NSAI), Emily Mack (NSAI), Bart Herbison (NSAI)
Nashville native Wolf Mahler has signed a publishing deal with Sea Gayle Music. Mahler was discovered by Sea Gayle Music’s Sr. Creative Director/A&R JD Groover at a NSAI pitch to publisher event.
“I am truly excited to start this journey with Wolf. I knew it from the first song that this guy has something special to offer Music Row. His story and journey are incredible, and they match his ability, work ethic and talent,” says Groover.
While growing up in Nashville, Wolf’s parents—Michael and Angela Mahler of the group Wild Horses—had a record deal at Sony Music. Wolf was frequently spending time being homeschooled on a tour bus, and would watch his parents from the wings of Wildhorse Saloon. Eventually, the family moved to Texas, where Wolf spent his high school years honing his athletic ability in track & field. In high school, he won four Junior Olympic titles. He went on to receive an athletic scholarship at The University of Texas, winning five All-American titles and even qualifying for the Olympic Trials during his time at the school.
Leaving his athletic days behind, Wolf moved back to Nashville to pursue his ultimate passion of songwriting.
“I am very thankful to Sea Gayle for giving me the opportunity to write songs professionally. It’s an honor and a privilege being on the roster of a company with their history of success, and getting to learn from their writers and creative team,” says Wolf.
Trey Lewis To Share New Album ‘Troublemaker’ In March
/by Lorie HollabaughTrey Lewis is set to release his new album Troublemaker on March 1, marking his debut project with River House Artists.
On New Year’s Day (Jan. 1), Lewis surprised fans by dropping “Pretty Hungover,” a song from the new record. Produced by Lewis and Jacob Rice, Troublemaker features 14 tracks. With a raw and honest delivery, the singer-songwriter paints a vivid picture of love, life and all the ups and downs that come with it.
“I’ve been a troublemaker my whole life. This is a batch of songs that speaks to me and I hope there is something for everyone to relate to here,” says Lewis. “We all start off in different places in life and struggle is real, but so is victory and love. I am grateful for our team and their efforts to make this the best album it can be.”
The surprise release of the song “Pretty Hungover” and its video follows the previous release of “Mine Never Could,” which was released in December. Lewis also recently scored his first major-label single as a songwriter with Cole Swindell’s “Three Feet Tall,” a song that tells the personal experience of how Lewis’ parents’ divorce affected him as a young boy.
He became a household name in 2020 with his viral hit, “Dicked Down in Dallas,” which hit No. 1 on iTunes and has garnered more than 360 million streams to date. The career-launching hit was followed by “Single Again,” which also reached the top of the iTunes chart.
Troublemaker Track Listing:
“Drunk In A Bar” (Justin Wilson, Matt Rogers, Chris DeStefano)
“Could’ve Been Me” (Dawson Edwards, Alex Maxwell, Joe Collins)
“Wishin’ I Was Fishin’” (Joybeth Taylor, Matt McKinney, Tate Howell, Jared Hampton)
“Up Yours” (Lee Thomas Miller, John Pierce, Ben Stennis)
“Girl Problem” (Seth Ennis, Joe Fox, Trea Landon)
“Outlaw Us” (David Lee Murphy, Rhett Akins, Michael Carter)
“Sounds Like Money To Me” (JT Harding, Brice Long, Matt McKinney)
“Pretty Hungover” (Tommy Karlas, Kyle Coulahan, Davis Corley)
“Always You” (Ben Hayslip, Matt McKinney, Jacob Rice)
“Troublemaker” (Trey Lewis, Kyle Coulahan, Davis Corley)
“What I’m Doin’” (Trey Lewis, Jake Rose, Stone Aielli)
“I’m A” (Craig Wiseman, Chris Stevens, Brad Warren, Brett Warren)
“Mine Never Could” (Matt Jenkins, Zachary Kale, Deric Ruttan)
“I Quit” (Trey Lewis, Matt McVaney, Jordan Walker)
Bonnaroo Releases 2024 Lineup
/by Madison HahnenThe annual music and arts festival Bonnaroo has revealed its 2024 lineup. The festival will take place June 13-16 this year in Manchester, Tennessee. With more than 10 stages, Bonnaroo attendees will experience a variety of music over the four days.
Thursday’s opening night features headliner Pretty Lights, and will also see performances by Bigxthaplug, Michigander, Ocie Elliott and more. Post Malone will headline Friday night, which also includes Maggie Rogers, Gary Clark Jr., Faye Webster, 49 Winchester, Bonny Light Horseman and more. Saturday will include Jon Batiste, Brittany Howard, The Teskey Brothers, Whyte Fang, Tanner Ursey and more before headliner Red Hot Chili Peppers ends the night. On Sunday, Fred Again will close out the four days after performances by Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, Goth Babe, Charles Wesley Godwin, Jake Wesley Rogers, Armand Hammer and more. Pretty Lights will also be performing a special sunrise set during the weekend.
This year is slated to have some special highlights for the festival. Bonnaroo has shared that Fred Again’s Sunday headline set will be the band’s only U.S. festival set in 2024. Attendees will also see a special edition of the famous SuperJam, featuring announced and unannounced special guests to create “Once More With Feeling(s) – The Dashboard Confessional Emo SuperJam.” Additional lineup announcements are forthcoming, including for the Where In the Woods stage and Late Night showcase.
A percentage of festival proceeds will go to the Bonnaroo Works Fund, a nonprofit organization that has contributed to more than 100 local, regional and national nonprofit partners benefiting the arts, education, environmental sustainability and social impact, with a direct focus on local reinvestment and asset building.
Pre-sale tickets will be available starting Jan. 11, with general admission following if tickets remain. Tickets include access to over 150 performances, access to the entire campground, access to over 150 food vendors, access official band and festival merchandise and more throughout the campground.