Industry Ink: Miranda Lambert, Nashville SC, Levi Foster, Natalie Madigan

Miranda Lambert Celebrates Birthday With $7,100 Raised For Metro Animal Care & Control

Boots from the flash sale at Miranda Lambert’s Casa Rosa. Photo: Cassondra Teach

Miranda Lambert celebrated her 40th birthday on Friday (Nov. 10) by raising over $7,000 for Metro Animal Care & Control (MACC). More than 70 pairs of cowboy boots were featured in a flash sale at Casa Rosa, Lambert’s Tex-Mex venue in downtown Nashville, and sold out in 60 minutes.

“I wanted to do something fun on my birthday that also helped the pups, and this was an opportunity for my boot-loving, mutt-loving fans to get something great and give something great at the same time,” shares Lambert. “MACC is the only open intake shelter in Nashville and MuttNation is proud to support them. So if you’re looking to adopt or foster, remember to check out the great pets at MACC, or visit your local shelter.”

 

Nashville Soccer Club & Sony Music Publishing Announce Second Songwriters Event

In partnership with Sony Music Publishing, Nashville Soccer Club will hold its second writers’ round this Friday (Nov. 17) at the GEODIS WeHo Club in GEODIS Park.

Those to be featured in the round include songwriters Madeline Merlo (“Champagne Night”), Cole Taylor (“Sippin’ On Fire”), Neil Medley (“Made For You”) and MusicRow’s 2023 Breakthrough Songwriter of The Year Trannie Anderson (“Heart Like A Truck.”)

Tickets are available here.

 

Banner Music Signs Levi Foster

Pictured (L-R, back row): JP Hagan, Sabrina Stewart, Zach Green, Camilla Kleindienst and Daniel Kleindienst; (front row): Levi Foster

Banner Music has signed Levi Foster to an exclusive publishing and production agreement, in partnership with Middleground Music.

The Lynchburg, Virginia native has been performing since he was 15 and has opened for Ricky Skaggs, Ashley McBryde and Vince Gill.

“I’m overjoyed to be bringing Levi into the Banner family. His craft has already raised so many eyebrows in town as people hear his incredible nostalgic voice juxtaposed with modern, vibrant showmanship that’s unlike anything you’ve heard before,” shares Zach Green, Creative Director of Banner Music. “His songwriting is thoughtful, evocative and timeless. It’s only a matter of time before Levi Foster is a household name, and I look forward to watching him grow as a champion and fan!”

“I’m very grateful to have signed a publishing and production agreement with Banner Music where the people are so down to earth, wholesome and hardworking,” says Foster.

Foster’s solo-written debut single “Bright Leaf,” will be released in December 2023.

 

Endurance Music Group Celebrates New Natalie Madigan Album

Pictured (L-R): EMG’s Courtney Kruckeberg, Carrie Wilkins, Mark Ahlberg, Natalie Madigan, EMG’s Michael Martin, Alannah Schwartz, Shelter Music’s Sam Fly and Will Hoffman.

Endurance Music Group (EMG) recently celebrated the release of songwriter-artist Natalie Madigan‘s new album, No Feeling is Final, with an intimate show at The Oak Room at Nelson’s Greenbrier Distillery on Nov. 2.

The album is based on the principles of yin and yang and explores the interconnectivity of dark and light. The first six songs represent yin: the darker, internal emotions of pain, heartbreak, immaturity, rage and sadness. The following six songs represent yang, encompassing the lighter feelings of freedom, happiness, growth, security and meditative joy.

Priscilla Block Announces Headlining ‘Hey Jack Tour’

Platinum artist Priscilla Block has announced her new headlining “Hey Jack Tour,” which is set to kick off in San Diego, California on Feb. 7.

Named after her latest release, the trek will continue throughout North America, and include stops at C2C Festival in the United Kingdom as well as the CMC: Rocks Festival in Australia in March. Ryan Larkins will support as a special guest. For more in formation, click here.

Block wrote “Hey, Jack” alongside Randy Montana, Jeremy Stover and Dave Cohen. The single is a mid-tempo heartbreak that has the artist desperately seeking a quick remedy in the mysterious Jack.

YouTube video

“This release is something that we’ve worked really hard on,” says Block. “From writing the song, to filming the video—It’s been such a creative time for me. This is the start of a new era and I couldn’t be more excited about it!”

“Hey Jack Tour” Dates:
*Festival
Feb. 7 – Moonshine Beach – San Diego, CA
Feb. 8 – Troubadour – West Hollywood, CA
Feb. 9 - Buck Owen’s Crystal Palace – Bakersfield, CA
Feb. 10 – The Fremont Theater – San Luis Obispo, CA
Feb. 15 – Showbox – Seattle, WA
Feb. 16 – Wonder Ballroom – Portland, OR
Feb. 17 – Knitting Factory – Spokane, WA
Feb. 23 – Tannahill Tavern & Music Hall – Fort Worth, TX
Feb. 24 – The Hall – Little Rock, AR
March 8-10 – C2C: Country to Country Festival – United Kingdom*
March 15-17 – CMC: Rocks Festival – Willowbank, Australia*
April 18 – The Pageant – Saint Louis, MO
April 19 – The Intersection – Grand Rapids, MI
April 20 – Roxian Theatre – McKees Rocks, PA
April 25 – The Paramount – Huntington, NY
April 26 – Paradise Rock Club – Boston, MA
April 27 – 9:30 Club – Washington, D.C.
May 2 – The Georgia Theatre – Athens, GA
May 3 – The Windjammer – Isle of Palms, SC
May 4 – The Ritz – Raleigh, NC

Rising Artist Lecade Inks With 10th Street Entertainment & WME

Pictured (L-R): 10th Street Entertainment’s Libby Tisler, Scott Frazier, Chris Nilsson and Lecade

Singer-songwriter Lecade (Cade Brinkley) has signed with 10th Street Entertainment for management as well as WME for booking.

He also recently shared his new single “Next Town Over,” which was released on Nov. 10 and marks his debut track with Big Machine Records.

The 20-year-old artist from Hattiesburg, Mississippi mixes country melodies with a unique blend of hip-hop beats. He started releasing music independently on his socials in early 2022 with his debut single “No Good,” which has racked up 3.7 million streams. He followed with the album Chasing Ghosts and singles “When I’m Gone” and “Sober Me Up.” Lecade’s total number of streams are currently over 100 million, with 2.3 million monthly listeners on Spotify alone.

“From the moment I heard Lecade’s voice, I was hooked,” says Scott Frazier, Sr. VP, 10th Street Entertainment. “I had the same reaction as I did when I discovered Bailey Zimmerman, who was releasing music the same way. Once Cade and I met and discussed his vision as an artist, I was confident we could bring him to a global audience. Everyone at the company is excited to be a part of this musical journey.”

“10th Street has an exceptional reputation for breaking artists, so it was a no brainer for me when Scott Frazier reached out,” says Lecade. “Everyone should have guys like these in [their] corner.”

“We’re thrilled to have Lecade join the WME family and be a part of the exciting opportunities unfolding for him,” shares Kevin Meads, Partner, WME. “He brings a unique and fresh sound to country music, and we’re eager to share his talents with fans of all genres.”

UTA Signs Charlie Worsham

Pictured (L-R): Greg Janese (UTA), Scott Clayton (UTA), Nick Barnes (UTA), Charlie Worsham, Josh Garrett (UTA), Justin Hill (UTA), Matt Shay (MGMT – Friends at Work), Dani Reis (MGMT – Friends at Work), Jaime Nabrynski (MGMT – Friends at Work). Photo: Courtesy of UTA

UTA has signed singer-songwriter-musician Charlie Worsham for worldwide representation in all areas.

Worsham, a Mississippi native, grew up surrounded by a wide range of genres and musical influences. He moved to Nashville in 2007 and joining the band Kingbilly, where one of his bandmates was Brothers Osborne member John Osborne. When that group went their separate ways, Worsham secured a solo recording deal with Warner Music Nashville that led to a series of critically acclaimed projects.

Worsham recently released his latest project, the 5-track EP Compadres. The EP was produced by Jaren Johnston, and features Luke Combs, Lainey Wilson, Dierks Bentley, Elle King and Kip Moore.

In addition to creating his own music, Worsham has contributed both as a vocalist and instrumentalist to projects from Eric Church, Brandy Clark, Vince Gill, Kacey Musgraves, Hailey Whitters, Marty Stuart, Carrie Underwood and Keith Urban, among others. He continues to tour as part of Dierks Bentley’s band, and he was most recently nominated for the CMA Award for Musician of the Year. He was honored in 2022 with the ACM Award for Acoustic Guitar Player of the Year.

Worsham is also the host of Pickers Radio on Apple Music Country, celebrating the liner note legends who create the magic behind your favorite records.

Jason Saenz Signs JV Publishing Deal With Demolition Music & Gravity Gone Music

Pictured (L-R): Shane Barrett (Song Plugger/Creative Consultant), Alyssa Brunson (A&R Manager), Amanda Cooksey (A&R Manager), Adam Epstein (Head of A&R), Jason Saenz (Staff Songwriter), Jon D’Agostino (President/Staff Songwriter), Michael August (General Manager/Staff Songwriter), Stephanie Greene (Gravity Gone Music), Aaron Steinberg (Associate at Shackelford Law)

Jason Saenz has signed an exclusive joint venture publishing agreement with Demolition Music Publishing and Gravity Gone Music.

Saenz has had cuts with Little Big Town, Gavin DeGraw, Scotty McCreery, Brandy Clark, Madeline Merlo, Lauren Weintraub, Kassi Ashton, Muscadine Bloodline, Sophia Scott/Iggy Azalea, Shawn Hook, Fly By Midnight, Rozes, Banners and more.

“Jason is a brilliant songwriter who connects with anyone he’s in the room with,” says President of Demolition Music Jon D’Agostino. “He’s a rare combination of musician, lyricist, producer, and good human being. We’re very excited to partner with him and Stephanie Greene to create music that will cross over many genres.”

“I’m thrilled to partner with the Demolition team who shares my vision and believes in Jason as much as I do. I can’t wait to see what we can do together,” Gravity Gone Music’s Greene adds.

“I’ve always felt at home with the entire Demolition crew so Stephanie and I are just so excited we can make it official now,” says Saenz.

Oliver Anthony To Set Out On Global Tour

Oliver Anthony

Oliver Anthony, the overnight national sensation behind “Rich Men North of Richmond,” will go out on his first headlining international tour next year. The “Out of The Woods Tour” will span more than 40 dates with shows in six countries.

Anthony made headlines this year when he became the first artist in history to debut at No. 1 on the Billboard charts without previously having a song on the charts. Nominated for two awards at the upcoming Billboard Music Awards, Anthony is the first living male songwriter to chart 13 songs simultaneously in Billboard’s Top 50 Digital Song Sales.

“Rich Men North of Richmond” has been streamed more than 200 million times across streaming platforms and YouTube. Five of Anthony’s other songs have made iTunes’ top 10 list, with “I’ve Got to Get Sober” reaching No. 3 and “Ain’t Gotta Dollar” claiming No. 2 as well as taking the No. 1 spot on Spotify’s Viral 50 list.

“It’s been challenging understanding what my purpose is and what I’m supposed to do with the opportunity I’ve been given. I don’t deserve one bit of any of this,” Anthony says.

“In 2024, I feel compelled to connect with other lost souls like me. The people battling sobriety, depression, debt, divorce. The ones being taxed to death but ignored. The blue-collar and middle-class families who can’t get ahead because the system in place is getting ahead instead, at their expense.”

Tickets for the tour go on sale this Friday (Nov. 17).

“Out of The Woods 2024 Tour” Dates:
Feb. 1 – Stockholm, SE – Cirkus
Feb. 2 – Oslo, NO – Sentrum Scene
Feb. 5 – Utrecht, NL – TivoliVredenburg
Feb. 7 – Glasgow, UK – Barrowlands
Feb. 8 – Manchester, UK – Albert Hall
Feb. 10 – London, UK – O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire
Feb. 12 – Belfast, UK – Ulster Hall
Feb. 13 – Dublin, IE – Vicar St.
Feb. 21 – Nashville, TN – Ryman Auditorium
Feb. 22 – Nashville, TN – Ryman Auditorium
Feb. 29 – Plant City, FL – The Florida Strawberry Festival (on sale Dec 7 8AM ET)
March 2 – Jupiter, FL – Abacoa Amphitheater
March 3 – Estero, FL – Hertz Arena
March 8 – Alexandria, LA – Rapides Parish Coliseum
March 9 – Brandon, MS – The Brandon Amphitheater
March 16 – Queensland, AUS – CMC Rocks QLD 2024 (on sale now)
April 4 – Ft. Worth, TX – Billy Bob’s Texas
April 5 – Round Rock, TX – Round Rock Amp
April 6 – Lubbock, TX – Cook’s Garage
April 12 – Tupelo, MS – Cadence Bank Arena
April 13 – Jonesboro, AR – First National Bank Arena
April 19 – Albany, GA – Albany Civic Center
April 20 – Savannah, GA – Bulls, Bands & Barrels
April 26 – Greensboro, NC – Greensboro Coliseum Complex
April 27 – Duluth, GA – Gas South Arena
May 3 – Huntington, WV – Mountain Health Arena
May 4 – Beaver Dam, KY – Beaver Dam Amphitheater
May 10 – Corbin, KY – The Corbin Arena
May 11 – Pikeville, KY – Appalachian Wireless Arena
May 17 – Doswell, VA – Atlantic Union Bank at the SERVPRO Pavilion
June 14 – Marion, IL – MTN Dew Park
June 15 – Camdenton, MO – Ozarks Amphitheater
June 16 – Council Bluffs, IA – Westfair Amphitheater
June 22 – Canandaigua, NY – CMAC
June 28 – Pittsburgh, PA – Stage AE Outdoors
July 19 – Cullman, AL – Rock The South (on sale now)
Aug. 16 – Lewisburg, WV – State Fair of West Virginia
Aug. 21 – Put-In-Bay, OH – Bash on the Bay (on sale now)
Aug. 23 – Indianapolis, IN – Everwise Amphitheater at White River State Park
Aug. 24 – Saginaw, MI – Dow Event Center
Sept. 1 – Palmer, AK – Alaska State Fair
Sept. 13 – Allegan, MI – Allegan County Fair

Weekly Register: Jimmy Buffett Earns Top Country Album Debut

The late Jimmy Buffett‘s Equal Strain On All Parts, which he recorded earlier this year prior to his passing, earns the top debut on the country albums chart this week, landing at No. 2 as well as No. 6 on the all-genre chart with 53K in total consumption (51K album only/2.9 million song streams) according to Luminate data.

Morgan Wallen‘s One Thing At A Time rests at No. 1 with 64K (1.9K album only/80 million song streams), while Zach Bryan‘s self-titled collection shifts to No. 3 with 45K (3.3K album only/54 million song streams). Wallen’s Dangerous: The Double Album moves to No. 4 with 35K (385 album only/45 million song streams, and Cody Johnson‘s Leather takes No. 5 with 30K (7.7K album only/27 million song streams).

The top five on the country streaming songs chart stays the same yet again this week.

Bryan and Kacey Musgraves‘ “I Remember Everything” remains at No. 1 with 18 million new streams, adding to 255 million ATD. Wallen’s “Last Night” holds No. 2 with 12 million streams, adding to 1.025 billion ATD, with Bryan’s “Something In The Orange” coming right behind at No. 3 with 12 million new streams, adding to 1.053 billion ATD. Wallen’s “Thinkin’ Bout Me” persists at No. 4 with 11 million streams, adding to 461 million ATD, and Luke Combs‘ cover of “Fast Car” holds No. 5 with nine million new streams, adding to 500 million ATD.

Industry Ink: WMN, Jake Worthington, Spencer Crandall, Shy Carter

Warner Music Nashville Holds Partner Luncheon

Pictured (L-R): Cris Lacy (Co-Chair & Co-President, WMN); Ben Kline (Co-Chair & Co-President, WMN); Avery Anna, Matt Schuster, Chase Matthew and Kristen Williams (SVP Radio, WMN). Photo: Alan Poizner

Warner Music Nashville (WMN) hosted its ninth annual partner luncheon featuring Avery Anna, Chase Matthew and Matt Schuster last Wednesday (Nov. 8). The three up-and-coming artists performed for a packed audience of radio and streaming guests at Nashville’s Riverside Revival, where Bailey Zimmerman also made a surprise guest appearance.

 

Jake Worthington Wins Two-Fold At The Texas Country Music Awards

Jake Worthington with his TCMA trophies

Big Loud recording artist Jake Worthington took home two trophies at Sunday night’s (Nov. 12) Texas Country Music Awards at Billy Bob’s Texas. The Lone Star state native was awarded Male Artist of the Year and Country Album of the Year for his debut, self-titled album.

“I just want to thank everybody here,” shared Worthington from the stage. “I believe in country music with all my heart. It’s about the only thing that ever made any sense to me. Walking through Billy Bob’s today, there’s so many people here that I have been inspired by, and I’m honored to be amongst everybody here. Here’s to the honky tonker, here’s to believer of country music, and here’s to every single one of us here tonight.”

Adding to the monumental evening, Worthington’s steel guitar player Adam Goodale also took home the win for Steel Guitar Player of the Year.

 

ACM & Spencer Crandall Join Ashley To Support Gilda’s Club Middle Tennessee

Pictured (L-R, top row): ACM Manager of Strategic Partnerships Becca Fisher, ACM Lifting Lives Senior Manager Taylor Wolf, Gilda’s Club Middle Tennessee Director of Marketing & Communications Meghan Lamb and Ashley Community &Engagement Marketing Specialist Rebecca Peech; (L-R, bottom row): Gilda’s Club Middle Tennessee President & CEO Harriet Schiftan and Spencer Crandall. Photo: Kenzie Leigh Photography

The Academy of Country Music and Ashley—one of the top furniture, mattress and home furnishing brands—partnered together with Gilda’s Club Middle Tennessee to celebrate the organization’s 25th anniversary on Saturday (Nov. 11), with the help of country music artist Spencer Crandall.

At Saturday’s event, Crandall played music for those in attendance and interacted with those on site, including those receiving support from Gilda’s as well as friends of Gilda’s. Ashley donated $10,000 in furniture to furnish and decorate Gilda’s offices, including the complete revamp of the new support group room, which has been designed to meet the immediate needs of individuals navigating the challenges of cancer.

“Our 25th Anniversary Fall Festival was a spectacular event attended by hundreds of people facing cancer and their loved ones, community supporters, and volunteers. We are honored to be celebrating a quarter-century of providing cancer support at no charge to anyone in Middle Tennessee,” says Gilda’s Club Middle Tennessee President & CEO Harriet Schiftan. “This event was made possible by the support of community sponsors ACM Lifting Lives and Ashley. Their contributions have played a vital role in ensuring that cancer support remains accessible to all. Spencer Crandall not only lifted spirits with his original songs but also became a part of the Gilda’s family.”

 

Shy Carter Unites Latin Business Leaders At Music Row Mixer

Shy Carter with Truth Management Projects’ Hope Szymczak and Missi Gallimore, TLACC Board members, Encore Bank staff and community business leaders

On Thursday (Nov. 9), the Tennessee Latin American Chamber of Commerce (TLACC) and Encore Bank presented the first Music Row Mixer, featuring special guest, Warner Music Nashville (WMN) and Truth Management Project artist Shy Carter.

Carter delivered an intimate performance of his new song, “Jesus At The Taco Truck,” both in English and Spanish, along with “One Call Away”—a song he co-wrote with Charlie Puth. The event marked the first collaborative mixer between country music and the Latíne C-suite and entrepreneur community put together by the TLACC board.

“Shy Carter knocked it out of the park, delivering soulful performances during our intimate gathering last week hosted by our friends at Encore Bank on Music Row,” says Jackie Marushka, TLACC Board member. “Hearing Shy sing in English and Spanish just blew everyone away. Shy has a huge new fan base within the Latin American business and entrepreneur community. Welcome, Shy!”

Charles Van Dyke Rises To VP Of Promotions At Provident Entertainment

Charles Van Dyke

Charles Van Dyke has been promoted to Vice President of Promotions at Provident Entertainment.

Van Dyke has worked in the industry since 2005. He has been with Provident Entertainment for the last nine years, working with artists including Brandon Lake, Cain, Casting Crowns, Dolly Parton, H.E.R., Matthew West, Steven Curtis Chapman, Tauren Wells, Zach Williams and many others. His career has included breaking new artists, achieving numerous No. 1s and creating marketing campaigns for new releases. Additionally, Van Dyke has also been an adjunct professor at Belmont University, his alma mater, since 2009.

“I am thrilled to announce Charles as the new VP of Promotions at Provident Entertainment,” says Holly Zabka, the company’s President. “Provident’s unwavering belief in the impact and power Christian and gospel radio plays in support of our songs and artists will benefit from Charles’ unique leadership, as well as his years of radio expertise and deep relationships.”

In his new role, Van Dyke will lead the radio promotions team for both Provident and RCAI artist divisions.

Stephen Kirk & Jenna Andrews Team With Warner Chappell To Sign Morgan Johnston & Tyler Jordan

Stephen Kirk, Tyler Jordan, Morgan Johnston, Jenna Andrews

Songwriters-producers Stephen Kirk of Sixteen Sound and Jenna Andrews of Jennasis Music have signed Morgan Johnston and Tyler Jordan in a joint venture partnership with Warner Chappell.

Kirk has written and produced for BTS (“Butter,” “Permission to Dance”), Jessie Murph (Platinum “Always Been You,” “Pray”) and Dixie D’Amelio, and has over 3.6 billion streams, 8.4 billion TikTok views and 9.6 million Shazams cumulatively. He is also in a band Sunset West with his brother signed to Virgin Records. Kirk discovered Jordan in Nashville through a close friend and found Johnston at a writers round in Nashville.

Andrews has worked as a producer, A&R/creative consultant, songwriter, arranger and executive producer. She served as the vocal producer on BTS’ Grammy-nominated global smash, “Dynamite,” as well as the South Korean superstars’ chart-topping smash “Butter” and collaborated with Ed Sheeran on writing “Permission to Dance.”

Jordan grew up in Possum Kingdom, South Carolina, where he began singing, then picked up guitar and banjo before he was a teenager, performing and writing with influences including Garth Brooks, Keith Urban, Eric Church and Stevie Nicks. Jordan has written with Walt Aldridge Jr., Gary Baker, Jenna Andrews, Mickey Guyton, Mark Nesler and more.

Johnston moved to Nashville in 2016 from her hometown of Sandwich, Massachusetts. She was part of ASCAP’s GPS Program, Class of 2020. She has written with writers including Jessie Murph, Kyle Schlienger, Kaylin Roberson, Mark Narmore and more, and opened for Lainey Wilson, Dustin Lynch, Sawyer Brown and more.