Industry Ink: LeAnn Rimes, Dylan Scott, Randy Rogers Band, Mackenzie Carpenter

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LeAnn Rimes To Play ‘One-Night-Only’ Show At The London O2

Grammy Award-winning and multi-Platinum-selling artist LeAnn Rimes will play a special U.K. show at The London O2 during her first on UK soil in six years next spring. Marking the end of Rimes’ “The Story… So Far Tour,” this will be her biggest U.K. show to date on May 8, 2024.

“Performing at London’s O2 Arena is the stuff of dreams, I’m so excited!! I love the U.K. and can’t wait to make my return and reunite with all my fans,” says Rimes. “Come and join me for one special night!”

For more information, click here.

 

Dylan Scott Celebrates Platinum Certification For ‘Can’t Have Mine’

Pictured (L-R): Curb’s Jeff Tuerff, Curb’s Bryan Stewart, Ciara Shortridge, Mike Curb, Dylan Scott, KP Entertainment’s Kerri Edwards, RIAA’s Jackie Jones, Curb’s RJ Meacham, Benson Curb and Colt Murski

Curb Records’ Dylan Scott recently celebrated his current radio smash, “Can’t Have Mine,” achieving RIAA Platinum certification, marking eight million RIAA-certified units over seven singles and one album.

This is Scott’s fourth RIAA certification this year, with “Can’t Have Mine” recently certified Gold as well as his No. 1 single “New Truck” certified Gold and first No. 1 single “My Girl” certified triple-Platinum.

 

Randy Rogers Band Raises Over $300,000 At Annual RRB Golf Jam

Randy Rogers & band member. Photo: Brooke Cooper

Texas music mainstays Randy Rogers Band hosted their 14th RRB Golf Jam this fall, after returning last year from a two-year hiatus. This year, the band raised over $300,000 to support Connections Individual and Family Services, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering youth, connecting families and building futures one youth and one family at a time.

Held Oct. 29 at River Crossing Golf Club in Spring Branch, Texas, this year’s RRB Golf Jam saw concert performances from Lone Star State natives Rogers, Mike Ryan and William Beckmann, while Wade Bowen and William Clark Green popped up for special guest performances. Sponsored by Tito’s Vodka and presented by Bud Light, the golf tournament also hosted a silent and live auction with all proceeds donated to the nonprofit.

“I am so proud to see the continued support from everyone who came out for the 14th annual RRB Golf Jam this year. Our hope is to make as much of an impact as we can here in New Braunfels. Seeing our community come together in this way and help each other is truly inspiring,” Rogers shares.

 

Mackenzie Carpenter Unveils New Single With Mural In Nashville’s 12 South

Pictured (L-R): The Valory Music Co.’s Ashley Sidoti, Big Machine Label Group’s Macy Kaiser, The Valory Music Co.’s Athena Puharic, Mackenzie Carpenter, Big Machine Label Group’s Scott Borchetta, The Valory Music Co.’s George Briner, Big Machine Label Group’s Quinn Kaemmer, The Valory Music Co.’s Laura Moxley, Big Machine Label Group’s Darielle Schroeder, Big Machine Label Group’s Allison Jones and The Valory Music Co.’s Chris Palmer

Mackenzie Carpenter unveiled her new mural in Nashville’s beloved 12 South neighborhood, in honor of her latest single “Country Girls (Just Wanna Have Fun).”

Carpenter had friends and family spilling in the streets to celebrate, all excited to support the rising star and her Cyndi Lauper-inspired country remake. Painted by Rachyl LaGrone with Murals By Loba, the mural adds another photo op for locals and tourists alike while supporting local businesses and artists.

Visit the mural at 2803 12th Ave. S., Nashville Tennessee 37212.

Cannery Hall To Reopen In January With New Slate Of Shows

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Cannery Hall will reopen in January following the venue’s renovation, becoming one of Nashville’s largest independent music venue.

“We’re cultivating a sanctuary for diverse musical talent and fans alike,” shared Brent Hyams, General Manager of Cannery Hall. “Our eclectic opening lineup is a testament to the breadth of artists we will support, spanning genres from country to pop, and EDM to folk. There’s a stage for every story and a sound for every soul at Cannery Hall.”

Among the lineup for the new year is SunSquabi, Walker & Royce, Chance Peña, Western Dreamland, Tape B, Lilly Hiatt, Logan Halstead and more.

Cannery Hall now offers easy tour bus parking and a new backstage with world-class green room facilities. The major investments to modernize and upgrade Cannery Hall were done thoughtfully to preserve the unique character of the 140-year-old building and highlight Nashville’s musical history. Cannery Hall will host a Grand Opening event in the spring, after the first wave of shows.

Click here to see the Cannery Hall calendar.

Wyatt Flores Shares ‘Life Lessons’ On Latest Project

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Singer-songwriter Wyatt Flores has released his new project, Life Lessons.

The Stillwater, Oklahoma native navigates the pressure of perfectionism and the beauty of learning from every misstep on the new EP. Throughout the collection, Flores contemplates the price of following dreams, highlights the struggles and importance of mental health and reassures his fan base with the promise that no one is alone.

“Life Lessons is a series of stopping points in the timeline of my early career,” says Flores. “From carefree to caring so much you wind up feeling alone. From being a nobody to being a somebody who you don’t even know. From never moving to holding on by a thread. This is the story of my pursuit of happiness while looking out the rearview.”

Flores has amassed nearly 180 million streams over the last two years, and continues to trek across the country on his “Times Are Getting Hard Tour,” which will hit Denver, Houston, Atlanta, Dallas and two Ryman Auditorium shows opening for Charles Wesley Godwin in Nashville to end 2023.

Life Lessons Track Listing:
1. “Orange Bottles” (Wyatt Flores, David DeVaul)
2. “Life Lessons” (Wyatt Flores, Ben Wagner, Kaitlyn Kilian)
3. “Wildcat” (Wyatt Flores, David DeVaul)
4. “3/13” (Wyatt Flores, Isaac Gibson)
5. “West of Tulsa” (Wyatt Flores, Chris Gelbuda, Billy Montana)
6. “Holes” (Wyatt Flores, Tyler Woodward)
7. “Astronaut” (Wyatt Flores, David DeVaul, Andrew Sevener)

Mae Estes Signs With Big Machine Records

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Pictured (L-R, back row): Big Machine Label Group’s Megan Joyce, Big Machine Records’ Kris Lamb, Big Machine Label Group’s Mike Rittberg, Big Machine Label Group’s Allison Jones, Big Machine Records’ Clay Hunnicutt, Plaid Flag Music’s Kendall Warren; (L-R, front row): Big Machine Label Group’s Scott Borchetta, Mae Estes

Singer-songwriter Mae Estes has signed with Big Machine Records and WME. Estes has also released her new single, “Thinkin’ ‘Bout Cheatin’ (Recycled)” today (Nov. 17) as she begins her next chapter, and is also celebrating her 30th birthday.

The Hope, Arkansas native got her start at age seven, performing the national anthem at a rodeo, and subsequently every rodeo and sporting event she competed in after that. Finally moving to Nashville in 2015, she eventually landed a publishing deal with Plaid Flag Music.

“Thinkin’ ‘Bout Cheatin’ (Recycled)” re-introduces the theme of temptation in a fresh style—portraying even more raw emotion than its earlier studio version. A nod to a sentimental track, “Recycled,” Estes is releasing updated versions of her previously-released tracks along with signing to Big Machine Records. She recently released the “Die In A Bar (Acoustic)” and “Die In A Bar (Recycled),” with “Run (Recycled)” and “Town Left Me (Recycled)” set for release Dec. 1.

“In much the same way that Carly Pearce and Lainey Wilson put in an incredible amount of time, effort, and perseverance to find their way to the top, Mae Estes has been doing the same, following in a lot of those same footsteps,” says Scott Borchetta, CEO & Chairman, Big Machine Label Group. “I’m so excited for her hard work to pay off and for the world to discover Mae!”

“I believe I have a God-given purpose to create music for complete strangers, making us both feel seen and like we belong to something bigger than ourselves. The opportunity to work with an absolute powerhouse like BMLG and getting my music to as many people as possible is a dream come true to say the least,” shares Estes. “I’ve always believed that hard work beats talent, when talent doesn’t work hard and I’m unbelievably grateful to have joined BMLG—a team that not only supports and believes in what I do (exactly as I authentically do it), but will also match the work ethic and passion. I was often told to ‘find my champions’ in this industry and after years of searching, I’m incredibly grateful to have found champions in Scott Borchetta and Allison Jones.”

Estes will close out the year with a host of performances at the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas before joining Jackson Dean on his “Head Full Of Noise Tour” that kicks off Jan. 12.

In Pictures: Lauren Watkins Wraps ‘The Heartbreak Supper Club’ Residency

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Lauren Watkins performs at the Springwater Supper Club & Lounge during “The Heartbreak Supper Club” residency. Photo: Lily Nelson

Up-and-coming country star Lauren Watkins wrapped her three-night residency, “The Heartbreak Supper Club,” on Tuesday (Nov. 14).

Lauren Watkins and Ashley Monroe hug after performing at the Springwater Supper Club & Lounge during “The Heartbreak Supper Club” residency. Photo: Lily Nelson

The Big Loud Records/Songs & Daughters artist took the Springwater Supper Club & Lounge stage alongside special guests Ashley Monroe and Carter Faith, the latter of which duets with her on recent release “Cowboys on Music Row,” for the first and second shows on Oct. 17 and Oct. 31. She then brought her last show to lower Broadway’s Barstool Nashville, where she performed with label-mate Jake Worthington, her duet partner on new track “Fly On The Wall.”

Today (Nov. 17), Watkins unveiled the full second installment of her debut project, Introducing: The Heartbreak. The six-track collection features “Cowboys on Music Row,” which she wrote with Monroe, Faith, her sister Caroline Watkins, Jessie Jo Dillon and Lauren Hungate, and “Fly On The Wall,” co-written by Watkins, Andy Sheridan and The Warren Brothers. Other Introducing: The Heartbreak collaborators include Nicolle Galyon, Rodney Clawson, David Garcia and more.

Lauren Watkins and Carter Faith perform at the Springwater Supper Club & Lounge during “The Heartbreak Supper Club” residency. Photo: Brayln Kelly

Lauren Watkins and Jake Worthington perform at Barstool Nashville during “The Heartbreak Supper Club” residency. Photo: Lily Nelson

Lauren Watkins performs at Barstool Nashville during “The Heartbreak Supper Club” residency. Photo: Lily Nelson

The Frontmen Release New Project ‘Familiar Faces’

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The Frontmen, (Richie McDonald, Tim Rushlow and Larry Stewart) have released a new six-song compilation, Familiar Faces, via BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville.

“We’re excited to finally get to share our new music with the world,” says McDonald. “Seems we’ve been working towards this moment for the better part of fifteen years. I guess good things do come to those who wait.”

Produced by Mickey Jack Cones, the new collection includes features three originals, as well as three Lonestar, Little Texas and Restless Heart No. 1s, re-recorded Frontmen-style. The trio tag-team lead vocals throughout the EP. The original songs on the project include the new track “I Need You,” alongside previously-released songs “It Was Always You” and “Left Their Mark.” Classic tunes on the EP include Lonestar’s “Amazed (The Frontmen Edition),” Little Texas’ “God Blessed Texas (The Frontmen Edition)” and Restless Heart’s “I’ll Still Be Loving You (The Frontmen Edition).”

“Since our first Navy / USO shows over 12 years ago, I’ve always felt there was something special about the three of our voices together,” says Rushlow. “Getting the chance to finally show what we sound like collectively is a thrill. I love the authenticity and honesty in this music. Mickey Jack climbed aboard and became the fourth member as we all collaborated on this project. These songs have been impacting audiences in concert for a while, so we’re very excited to see it released.”

“To have this opportunity to share brand new music with music fans all over the world is just amazing,” adds Stewart. “Tim, Richie and I have created a bond in music that we can’t wait to share with country music fans of all ages. These new songs mean a lot to us and hope fans everywhere enjoy our latest new single release ‘I Need You’ along with the new re-records of our big hits on the Familiar Faces EP.”

The trio will appear on iHeartRadio’s Bobby Bones Show on Monday, Nov. 20 to discuss the project with Bones and his crew.

Familiar Faces Track Listing:
1. I Need You
2. I’ll Still Be Loving You (The Frontmen Edition)
3. It Was Always You
4. God Blessed Texas (The Frontmen Edition)
5. Left Their Mark
6. Amazed (The Frontmen Edition)

Jelly Roll & Lainey Wilson Return To The Top Of The MusicRow Radio Chart

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Jelly Roll & Lainey Wilson

Jelly Roll‘s collaboration with Lainey Wilson, “Save Me,” has returned to the top of the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart this week, after just two weeks.

The tune was written by Jelly Roll and David Ray Stevens, and appears on Jelly Roll’s Whitsitt Chapel album, which earned the biggest country album debut in Billboard Consumption chart history when it was released this summer.

Jelly Roll and Wilson were both recently nominated for Grammy Awards, including for Best Country Duo/Group Performance for “Save Me.” Click here to read more about the Grammy nominations.

“Save Me” currently sits at No. 4 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart and No. 3 on the Mediabase chart.

Click here to view the latest edition of the MusicRow Weekly containing the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart.

Eric Church, Whiskey Myers, More Among Inaugural Cattle Country Music Festival Lineup

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Eric Church, Whiskey Myers and Koe Wetzel are set to headline the inaugural Cattle Country Music Festival in Gonzales, Texas April 12-14.

Cattle Country will bring together some of the best acts representing Americana, red dirt, soul, rock and beyond, in a setting that celebrates music, wine, spirits and culinary experiences in one place. The event’s lineup features over 25 acts including Tanya Tucker, Tracy Lawrence, Chase Rice, Kaleo, Hailey Whitters, Colbie Caillat, Breland, The War And Treaty, Randy Rogers Band, Shane Smith & The Saints, Sublime with Rome and more.

Situated along a 400-acre ranch appropriately dubbed The Boot, Cattle Country will offer attendees a unique festival experience with swimming, wine and spirits tastings and more, as they enjoy live country music. A signature element of Cattle Country includes the Come and Take It Lounge, an upscale oasis where guests can sample some of the best wines from across the world, bespoke culinary offerings curated by multiple Texas chefs, craft cocktails and more. The Come and Take It Lounge will also feature yard games and sporting events on big screens, all set along the Guadalupe River.

For more information, click here.

BREAKING: Warner Chappell Music Promotes BJ Hill To Sr. VP, A&R

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BJ Hill

Warner Chappell Music (WCM) has promoted longtime A&R executive BJ Hill to Senior Vice President, A&R.

Throughout his career, Hill has worked with the industry’s most prominent songwriters, including Nicolle Galyon, Jordan Reynolds, Charles Kelley and Dave Haywood of Lady A and Dan Smyers and Shay Mooney of Dan + Shay. He also currently supports a host of up-and-coming talent, such as the720, Zack Dyer and Sophia Scott.

“It’s an honor to work for a company that strives to do as much as possible for its songwriters. Ben Vaughn has brought us to the top, and our team is truly the best. Thank you to Guy [Moot] and Carianne [Marshall] for supporting us, and I look forward to continuing to work with the most talented songwriters in the world,” Hill shares.

Vaughn, President & CEO, Warner Chappell Music Nashville, says, “I’ve been lucky enough to work with BJ for over a decade, and he’s always been an unwavering supporter, resource, and friend to our songwriters and the whole Warner Chappell team. He has some of the best ears in the business, he’s a master of puns, and he can mix a drink with the best of them. It’s a true honor to announce his well-deserved promotion today.”

Hill started his tenure with Warner Chappell in 2002 as an Associate Catalog Manager. He then moved to the A&R department in 2005 where he has worked his way up the ranks over the past 18 years. Throughout his career, Hill has played a part in some of the biggest songs of our generation, including the eight-time RIAA-certified Platinum record “Tequila” by Dan + Shay and the 11-time RIAA-certified Platinum song “Need You Now” by Lady A. Other talented songwriters that Hill has worked closely with include Wendell Mobley, Matthew Ramsey and more.

CMA & CMA Foundation Announce New Hires, Promotions

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The Country Music Association and CMA Foundation have hired new staffers in newly-created positions across the CMA Event Operations, Insights and CMA Foundation teams as well as promoted several team members.

Ryan Nelson joins CMA as Senior Director, Event Operations; LeighAnn Rodd joins as Director, Insights; and Victoria Rutledge joins the CMA Foundation as Director, Major Gifts. CMA has also announced the promotion of Justin Randall to Senior Director, Information Technology and Megan Wise to Senior Director, Brand Partnerships.

Nelson was previously Senior Director, Global Recording & Concert/Event Production at Yamaha Corporation, where he oversaw onsite execution of events and streamlined worldwide recording and concert production. As Senior Director, Event Operations, he leads the CMA Event Operations team in planning and executing events including CMA Fest, CMA Awards and CMA Touring Awards. Nelson serves as the primary liaison between production, security, operations and staff leads for all events. He reports to Emily Evans, CMA Vice President, Business Strategy & Operations. Nelson can be reached at rnelson@cmaworld.com.

Rodd comes to CMA from her position as a Senior Associate Manager for Cracker Barrel, where she designed and executed strategic research initiatives to enhance the customer experience. In her role as Director, Insights, she leads projects that examine and report audience behaviors as well as identifies trends and key insights to inform decisions and articulate actionable recommendations. Rodd reports to Michael Farris, CMA Senior Director, Business Strategy & Insights. She can be reached at lrodd@cmaworld.com.

Prior to joining CMA, Rutledge was the Director of Development at NAMI Tennessee, where she worked with staff and development contractors to promote fundraising events as well as enhanced and sustained NAMI Tennessee operations. As Director, Major Gifts, she will oversee the nonprofit’s development and fundraising strategy, managing responsibility for building and advancing strong personal and professional relationships with the industry, partners and friends of CMA and the CMA Foundation that result in philanthropic support. Rutledge reports to Tiffany Kerns, CMA Foundation Executive Director. She can be reached at vrutledge@cmaworld.com.

Randall has been promoted to Senior Director, Information Technology after having been with CMA since 2014. In his new position, he will lead and mentor CMA’s Technology team, and drive the overall vision, strategy and execution to help shape the innovative technological direction of the organization. Randall reports to Amy Smartt, CMA Senior Vice President, Finance & Administration. Randall can be reached at jrandall@cmaworld.com.

Wise has risen to Senior Director, Brand Partnerships in her fifth year with the company. As Senior Director, she generates new long-term corporate alliances and sponsorships while also maintaining existing partner relationships for CMA’s primary events. Wise is also responsible for securing sponsor support for CMA’s ancillary events, campaigns and custom content. She reports to Kelly Striewski, CMA Senior Vice President, Marketing, Content & Communications Strategy. Wise can be reached at mwise@cmaworld.com.