MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart Features CMA Winners

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Jelly Roll accepts the award for New Artist of the Year at The 57th annual CMA Awards.

Some recently-crowned CMA Awards winners appear on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart this week.

Tracy Chapman, who wrote the titanic hit “Fast Car,” sits at No. 3. Luke Combs‘ cover of Chapman’s enduring song won both Song and Single of the Year at last week’s CMA Awards.

Chris Stapleton, who took home the Male Vocalist of the Year trophy, is at No. 11 on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart for his charting single “White Horse.”

New Artist of the Year Jelly Roll (Jason DeFord) maintains his position at No. 4 this week on the chart, as his songs “Need A Favor,” “Save Me” and “Wild Ones” continue to rise up the charts.

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.

In Pictures: Dreamy Draw Music Festival Makes Debut In Old Town Scottsdale

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Midland performing at the inaugural Dreamy Draw Music Festival. Photo: Kassidy Pine

The Dreamy Draw Music Festival made its debut in Old Town Scottsdale, Arizona over Nov. 3-4.

Margo Price performing at the inaugural Dreamy Draw Music Festival. Photo: Kassidy Pine

The two-day event featured some of the best country, folk, Americana, roots and rock music acts spread across the grassy grounds of the Scottsdale Civic Center, including headliners Midland and Lord Huron as well as Luke Grimes, Margo Price, Trampled by Turtles, Breland, Hailey Whitters and Watchhouse, among others. A percentage of proceeds were donated back to the festival’s nonprofit partner Scottsdale Arts.

Each of the three Dreamy Draw stages provided fans with intimate spaces to watch perfromances while enjoying the comfort of shaded grassy lawns, tree lined areas and sunsets. Attendees also had the option to purchase a one-of-a-kind VIP artist package with amenities such as a private lounge with comfortable seating and a dedicated premium bar.

The Bronco Stage’s Friday (Nov. 3) lineup included Nat Myers, Stephen Wilson Jr., Price and Midland, while the Stampede Stage consisted of The Senators, Grady Spencer & The Work, Emily Nenni, Whitters and Grimes. Additionally, the Poncho Stage provided Matt Farris, Logan Crosby, Chase Wright, Country Night and Breland.

On Saturday (Nov. 4), JD Clayton and American Aquarium took the Bronco Stage along with Trampled by Turtles and Lord Huron. The Stampede Stage starred Taylor Glasheen, Steely Dead, Mighty Popular, Watchhouse and Jamestown Revival, and the Poncho Stage included American Hustler, Logan Halstead, Nolan Taylor, Evan Honer and Will Worden.

Local food and drinks as well as regional fashion vendors like Cave and Post Trading Co. showcasing Arizona’s bold style accompanied the performance lineup.

Luke Grimes performing at the inaugural Dreamy Draw Music Festival. Photo: Kassidy Pine

Hailey Whitters performing at the inaugural Dreamy Draw Music Festival. Photo: Kassidy Pine

Stephen Wilson Jr. performing at the inaugural Dreamy Draw Music Festival. Photo: Kassidy Pine

Ashley McBryde Extends ‘The Devil I Know Tour’

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Ashley McBryde has added over 30 dates to her “The Devil I Know Tour,” presented by Ariat.

She’ll kick off the second leg on Feb. 22 in Charleston with more dates scheduled across the U.S. through June 2024, including stops in Phoenix, Las Vegas, Orlando, St. Louis, Fort Worth, Detroit, and more. Kasey Tyndall, Harper O’Neill, Corey Kent, Meg McRee, Will Jones, Bella White and JD Clayton will open the 2024 dates. The Trybe presale begins tomorrow (Nov. 14), while public sales begin this Friday (Nov. 17). For more information, click here.

A longtime fan of Ariat, McBryde and the brand have partnered since 2018. “It has been exciting to watch Ashley’s career grow over the past five years, and we couldn’t be more proud to support her headlining tour,” says Susan Alcala, VP Partnership Marketing, Ariat.

McBryde is currently on the first leg of “The Devil I Know Tour” presented by Ariat, with nine more dates in 2023 before a soon-to-be sold-out return to the U.K. and Ireland at the top of the year.

Brinley Addington Renews With Spirit Music Nashville

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Pictured (L-R, back row): AJ Burton, Vice President, Spirit Music Nashville/Fluid Music Revolution; Andy Hodges, Creative Coordinator, Spirit Music Nashville; Mike Fiorentino, Director of A&R/Production, Spirit Music Nashville; Matt Cottingham, Lewis Brisbois; and Kennedy Murphy, Creative Coordinator, Spirit Music Nashville; (L-R, front row): Frank Rogers, Chief Creative Officer, Spirit Music Group/Chief Executive Officer, Spirit Music Nashville; Brinley Addington; and Kara Jackson, Senior Creative Director, Spirit Music Nashville. Photo: Courtesy of Spirit Music Group

Brinley Addington has renewed his publishing deal with Spirit Music Nashville.

Addington has had songs recorded by artists such as Ryan Hurd, Darius Rucker, Chris Janson, Brantley Gilbert, Parmalee, Tyler Farr, Kameron Marlowe and more. He notched his first No. 1 single with Hurd and Maren Morris‘ double-Platinum, Grammy and CMA-nominated duet “Chasing After You.” Addington was also named one of Spotify’s Hot Country Standout Songwriters of the Year for 2021.

“Spirit Music is thrilled and honored to partner with Brinley Addington as he continues to build on an impressive track record of songwriting successes,” says Frank Rogers, Chief Creative Officer of Spirit Music Group and CEO of Spirit Music Nashville. “The next few years are going to be a fun ride with Brinley!”

“I’m excited to start this new chapter with the incredible group of people at Spirit Music Nashville,” says Addington. “Spirit has been a great partner and publishing home for me, and I look forward to building on the strong foundation we’ve created these last four years. Big thanks to Frank, Kara [Jackson], Kennedy [Murphy] and the whole team for believing in me and giving me the opportunity to keep working toward the goals we’ve set.”

Big Machine Label Group & CreatiVets Release ‘Veteran’s Day Special, Vol. IV’ Collection

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Big Machine Label Group and CreatiVets have released a new Veteran-penned Veteran’s Day Special, Vol. IV collection in honor of Veteran’s Day and in celebration of their ongoing partnership and the nonprofit’s 10-year anniversary.

The album includes 10 new tracks, all penned by veterans through the CreatiVets organization with 10 featured artists on the album, including Dillon Carmichael, Love and Theft, Lance Carpenter and more.

“I am immensely proud of the journey we’ve embarked on over the past decade,” shares CreatiVets Co-Founder & Executive Director, Richard Casper. “Our mission has always been to amplify the voices of our brave veterans, and this year, on November 10th, we are celebrating our 10-year milestone by releasing 10 poignant songs. Each track is a testament to the resilience, experiences, and stories of our veterans. We believe that through music, we can foster understanding and healing, and we invite everyone to join us in this celebration of a decade of dedication, artistry, and unity.”

CreatiVets has helped more than 1,000 combat Veterans since its founding in 2013, with more than 400 Veterans participating in its songwriting programs to date. The organization’s main goal is to end Veteran suicide by offering alternative ways to cope with trauma, using the arts as a therapeutic cornerstone in the road to recovery.

Serving as a connector for opportunities that magnify CreatiVets within the entertainment space since 2020, Big Machine Label Group continues to contribute to CreatiVets’ operational initiatives through Scott and Sandi Borchetta‘s Music Has Value Fund and Big Machine Music, which serves as the co-publisher for CreatiVets.

Veteran’s Day Special, Vol. IV Track List:
1. “Back To Me (featuring Kenny Foster)” – (Kenny Foster, Tremain Davidson, Dustin Jones, Chris Rafetto)
2. “Live With It (featuring Johnny and Heidi)– (Johnny Bulford, Heidi Raye, Richard Casper, Brett Gillan, Meghan Patrick, Marc Silvestri, Jody Thompson)
3. “Just Keep Breathing (featuring Dillon Carmichael)” – (Dillon Carmichael, Richard Casper, Denis Oliverio, Dave Pittenger)
4. “Boots On The Ground (featuring Garrett Jacobs)”– (Garrett Jacobs, Chris Ferrara, Jerry Majetich, Josh Roberts)
5. “Nasariyah (featuring David Borne and Chris Ferrera” – (David Borne, Richard Casper, Chris Ferrara, Eric Killeen)
6. “Good Morning, Vietnam (featuring Jordan Fletcher) – (Jordan Fletcher, Robert Arthur, Jim Van Den Heuvel, Len Erickson)
7. “I’d Change Everything (featuring Love and Theft)” – (Eric Gunderson, Stephen Liles, Richard Casper, Brett Gillan, Rich Stinson)
8. “The Man I Love To Hate (featuring Eric Burgett)” – (Eric Burgett, Charlie Merritt, Bryan Pitman, David Quinones)
9. “Don’t Come Home (featuring Lance Carpenter)” – (Lance Carpenter, Chris Bickel, Nate Kenyon, Drew Swedenborg)
10. “What Keeps Me Around (featuring Dylan Brady)” – (Dylan Brady, Seth Cole, Lonnie Lee Fowler, Miguel Vasquez)

More Added To Lineup For Randy Travis Texas Tribute

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“A Texas Heroes & Friends Tribute to Randy Travis” has announced additional performers for the upcoming star-studded show at the Texas Trust CU Theatre in Grand Prairie, Texas this Wednesday (Nov. 15).

Paul Overstreet, Asleep at the Wheel‘s Ray Benson, Casey Donahew, Pecos & The Rooftop‘s Pecos Hurley, Mike Ryan, Jon Wolfe, Rosie Flores, Waylon Payne, Jolie Holliday and Sonny Burgess have all joined the lineup for the tribute show, which will be filled with many of Travis’ 23 No. 1 hits performed live by some of his musical heroes and friends specifically from or greatly associated with the Texas music scene.

Texas has been close to Travis’ heart since he was a boy, learning about the cowboy lifestyle from his father in rural North Carolina. He always had a special connection with Texas fans and primarily resided in nearby New Mexico in the ’90s. In the 2010s, Travis and his wife Mary moved to a ranch in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, where they now call home, and have had a deep rooted relationship with the Lone Star State, its culture and its music ever since.

A portion of the proceeds from the evening will be donated to the Randy Travis Foundation. The foundation is focused on stroke and aphasia awareness and supporting music education in schools.

Previously announced performers include Clay Walker, Cody Jinks, Joe Nichols, Neal McCoy, War Hippies, Braxton Keith, Jacob Tolliver, Whey Jennings, Casey Chesnutt and Garrett Miles. Also, Travis’ original touring band will back all of the artists on some of his most enduring songs. For more information, click here.

Sanctus Real’s Chris Rohman Signs With Curb | Word Music Publishing

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Pictured (L-R): Curb | Word’s Jonathan Mason; Sanctus Real Manager Mikel McClellan; Chris Rohman; Curb | Word’s Trevor Mathieson

Sanctus Real’s Chris Rohman has signed a publishing deal with Curb | Word Music Publishing.

As a teenager, Rohman asked his father to teach him a few guitar chords after hearing local alternative rock radio. After learning to play songs from artists like Tom Petty and Weezer, Rohman and some friends eventually formed their own band, Sanctus Real. Over 25 years later, Rohman has amassed a catalog of music that spans decades and continues to encourage a growing audience.

Rohman writes and self-produces for Sanctus Real, as well numerous other artists. He recently produced Sanctus Real’s “What Christmas Means To Me,” that was just released.

“It has been a joy working alongside this iconic band for many years as we’ve watched them see overwhelming success at both Christian radio and on digital streaming platforms,” shares Curb | Word Entertainment’s VP, Christian A&R and Publishing, Jonathan Mason. “We are proud to step into this new season together.”

“I’ve been blessed to live through many seasons with Sanctus Real and at this point I can relate to the old saying, ‘the best is yet to come,’” shares Rohman. “I’m so grateful for the good people at Curb | Word whom I’ve called friends for many years to now become my publishing partners.”

Rohman joins Sanctus Real front man Dustin Lolli, who is also signed as a songwriter to Curb | Word Music Publishing.

Gabby Barrett To Release ‘Chapter & Verse’ In February

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Photo: Robby Klein

Gabby Barrett is set to release her sophomore album, Chapter & Verse, on Feb. 2, and has already unveiled one of the tracks, “Growin’ Up Raising You.”

This new project is the multi-Platinum artist’s most autobiographical work to date as it finds her taking greater creative control than ever before, having co-written and co-produced “Glory Days,” her current chart-climbing single, as well as “Cowboy Back.”

Barrett deepens the emotional scope of her songwriting, creating a personal portrait of her experience as a wife and mother of two children, with her third baby due early next year. To that end, the album’s title refers to the chapters and verses within each book of the Bible as well as the still-unfolding chapters in her marriage, family, career and overall journey through life.

Written by Barrett, Jon Nite, Zach Kale and Jimmy Robbins, “Growin’ Up Raising You” touches on the fear and hope of new motherhood. Co-produced by Barrett alongside Ross Copperman, the song sets that outpouring to a backdrop of soaring strings, tender harmonies and an intertwining of acoustic, electric and pedal steel guitar.

“‘Growin’ Up Raising You’ is a very sensitive song for me,” shares Barrett. “I’m only 23–I don’t have all the answers to everything, and I haven’t gotten everything figured out. I’m doing the best that I can while trying to raise other people to be the best people they can be. I feel so blessed to be able to have three little lives that I can help to flourish while I’m also trying to figure out life myself.”

Singer-Songwriter Lecade Inks With Big Machine Records

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Pictured (L-R, back row): Big Machine Records’ Kris Lamb, Big Machine Label Group’s Allison Jones, Big Machine Label Group’s Andrew Kautz, Big Machine Label Group’s Mike Rittberg, Big Machine Records’ Clay Hunnicutt; (L-R, front row): Big Machine Label Group’s Scott Borchetta, Lecade. Photo: Courtesy of Big Machine Label Group

Singer-songwriter Lecade has signed with Big Machine Records. He has released a taste of new music to come with the brand-new track “Next Town Over.”

Written by Jacob Durrett, Gavin Lucas, Andrew Stoelzing and Geoff Warburton and produced by Austin Shawn, “Next Town Over” is a small town breakup song that contemplates what’s new with an ex and what their new—and maybe better—life is like now.

The 20-year-old has never been north of Tennessee, and was heavily influenced by his small-town southern surroundings and back roads. Lecade originally gained attention on TikTok and his music is influenced by a variety of artists including Machine Gun Kelly, Kid LaRoy, Drake, Tim McGraw, Johnny Cash and his own father, who performs at dive bars and legendary honky tonks like Tootsies.

“I am very proud to announce the addition of Lecade to the Big Machine!” shares Big Machine Label Group Founder and CEO Scott Borchetta. “His unique approach to songwriting and recording is on the sharp edge of what’s happening in real time.”

“I’m super excited to be a part of Big Machine team they have such an outstanding track record with breaking new artists, I can’t wait to see what we accomplish together,” says Lecade. “I’m excited for people to hear ‘Next Town Over,’ I hope y’all guys enjoy it.”

Warner Records & Charly Salvatore’s Underscore Works Create Joint Venture

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Pictured (L-R): Wesko, Charly Salvatore, Aaron Bay-Schuck, Isaac Green, Dipper. Photo: Courtesy of Warner Records

Warner Records and Underscore Works, the Nashville-based management company founded by industry veteran Charly Salvatore, have come together to launch the joint venture Underscore Works Recordings.

The new label will focus on discovering and developing country talent. Its flagship artists are up-and-coming acts Dipper and Wesko.

“Together with Charly, we’ve already seen incredible success with Warren Zeiders—a newcomer to the scene who has quickly made a big impact. The Underscore team shares the same dedication we have when it comes to artist development and building meaningful and lasting careers, making it a no brainer to expand our partnership so we can support even more special artists. Dipper and Wesko are two genuinely talented, hard-working musicians with bright futures ahead, and we look forward to collaborating with underscore to bring even more great music to fans around the world,” share Warner Records’ Co-Chairman & CEO Aaron Bay-Schuck and Co-Chairman & COO Tom Corson.

Salvatore adds, “Aaron, Tom and the entire world-class Warner Records team have an amazing track record when it comes to breaking new acts and, more importantly, sustaining that momentum. They’ve been incredible partners with Warren, and there’s no one else I’d want to be running alongside as we take this exciting next step in the Underscore Works journey. With a deep passion for developing emerging artists, I’m thrilled to embark on this new chapter with remarkable talents like Dipper and Wesko, who are destined to captivate the world’s stage.”

Dipper is a native of College Station, Texas, who first rose onto the scene by posting covers and original songs on TikTok. He recently released his debut EP, Evergreen, featuring his first single, “She’s Got Wings.” Dipper has been featured on multiple buzzworth playlists and recently signed a global publishing deal with Bailey Zimmerman, The Core Entertainment and Warner Chappell Music.

Hailing from Kenansville, North Carolina, Wesko has spent the last four years playing gigs with his band and writing dozens of songs all while working a grueling full-time job as a foreman for an erosion control company and taking a full course load at the University of Mount Olive. Wesko has connected with a local audience in North Carolina as well as a growing group of fans on social media via his network of other country musicians and singer-songwriters including Evan Honer and Sam Barber.