Weekly Register: Zach Bryan & Kacey Musgraves Stay Atop The Country Songs Chart

Zach Bryan and Kacey Musgraves‘ “I Remember Everything” stays at No. 1 on the country streaming songs chart this week with 20 million new streams, adding to 177 million ATD according to Luminate data.

Elsewhere on the chart, Morgan Wallen‘s “Last Night” holds No. 2 with 14 million streams, adding to 968 million ATD, while Bryan’s “Something In The Orange” bides at No. 3 with 13 million new streams, adding to a billion ATD. Wallen’s “Thinkin’ Bout Me” moves up to No. 4 with 12 million streams, adding to 414 million ATD, and Luke Combs‘ cover of “Fast Car” shifts to No. 5 with 11 million new streams, adding to 459 million ATD.

On the country albums chart, the top five remain the same this week.

Wallen’s One Thing At A Time persists at the top with 72K in total consumption (2.1K album only/90 million song streams). Bryan’s self-titled collection claims No. 2 again with 53K (848 album only/67 million song streams), followed by Wallen’s Dangerous: The Double Album at No. 3 with 37K (442 album only/48 million song streams). Bryan’s American Heartbreak takes No. 4 again with 30K (1.4K album only/37 million song streams), and Taylor Swift‘s Speak Now (Taylor’s Version) notches No. 5 with 28K (7.8K album only/27 million song streams).

Nate Smith Slates Headlining ‘World On Fire Tour 2024′

Nate Smith. Photo: Matthew Berinato

Nate Smith will hit the road on his 21-city “World On Fire Tour 2024” early next year.

Smith will be joined by Dylan Schneider for the first 20 stops in the tour, and Aidan Canfield will open the final show of the tour. The “World On Fire Tour” will begin on Jan. 4 in Athens, Georgia, and will include stops in Boston, New York, Chicago, Salt Lake City, Los Angeles, Vancouver and more.

Smith has been on tour with Thomas Rhett over the summer and will join Cole Swindell in the fall. After his “World On Fire” headlining tour, Smith will join Morgan Wallen on his “One Night At A Time 2024” tour in multiple stops, including Nashville, Denver, Kansas City, Las Vegas and more. He will also be making his return to Stagecoach Festival next year following his debut at the event in 2023.

After breaking into the country charts in 2023 with his multi-week No. 1 hit “Whiskey On You,” Smith’s current single “World On Fire” has reached top 20 at country radio. His debut self-titled album, released in April of 2023, became the largest album debut from a new artist this year and the largest full-length debut since 2020. The album hit No. 6 on the Billboard Country Albums chart as well as No. 30 on the all-genre Billboard Top 200.

Tickets for most shows will be available on Friday, Oct. 20 at 10 a.m. local time, with a pre-sale exclusively for Smith’s fan club beginning Tuesday, Oct. 17 at 10 a.m. local time.

Exceleration Music Teams With Rounder Records Founders On New Venture

Pictured (L-R): Amy Dietz (Exceleration), John Burk (Exceleration), Glen Barros (Exceleration), Bill Nowlin (Down The Road), John Virant (Down The Road), Ken Irwin (Down The Road), Charles Caldas (Exceleration), Marian Levy (Down The Road), Dave Hansen (Exceleration). Photo: Joshua Black Wilkins

Exceleration Music has formed a strategic partnership with the pioneering founders of Rounder Records for a new venture, Down The Road.

The partnership brings together the expertise of the original leadership team who founded Rounder Records in 1970—Ken Irwin, Marian Leighton Levy and Bill Nowlin, along with the label’s first and long-standing President/CEO John Virant—with Exceleration Music’s partners and leadership team. Irwin, Levy, Nowlin and Virant led Rounder Records together for 40 years, steering their roster to over 40 Grammy wins during that time.

Exceleration Music is a company formed by global music industry leaders Glen Barros (former CEO of Concord Music Group), John Burk (Grammy-winning producer and former president of Concord Records), Amy Dietz (former GM of Ingrooves), Charles Caldas (former CEO of Merlin) and Dave Hansen (Executive Chairman of Merlin and former GM of Epitaph), to invest in the future of independent labels and artists. Established in 2020, Exceleration offers personalized solutions to entrepreneurs seeking capital to achieve growth as well as those trying to achieve liquidity or an honorable exit.

The new venture, called Down The Road, will focus on the historic depth and breadth of Americana music, including releases from banjo master Tony Trischka (with a lead single featuring Billy Strings), 21-time IBMA-winning bluegrass group Blue Highway and Dervish, the leading contemporary performers of Irish traditional music. The label will also reissue 14 catalog titles produced by the Rounder Records co-founders in recent years.

“Ken, Marian, Bill and John epitomize what it means to be an indie,” says Exceleration’s Barros. “They have always followed their heart and instincts in recording what they know and love. This formula led to many hundreds of culturally important and often incredibly successful recordings. And while doing this, they’ve also continually supported the indie and musical communities in which they work. We are so grateful that they’re joining the Exceleration family and very much look forward to helping them build upon their incredible legacy.”

“Glen, John, Amy, Dave and Charles are building a visionary and critical organization for independent labels and their artists,” shares Rounder Records’ Virant. “We are thrilled to have the opportunity to join them and the rest of the Exceleration team. We intend to continue our tradition of nurturing and supporting artists based in roots music traditions of the past into the future.”

For Exceleration Music, the announcement follows news of a substantial expansion as they acquied leading independent distribution and music services company Redeye, as well as Yep Roc and Sundazed (Redeye’s in-house labels), and Redeye’s publishing company Riff City Sounds. Redeye will distribute Down The Road, alongside their ongoing relationships with several of the world’s top independent labels including Beggars Group, Domino, New West and Saddle Creek. Company founders Glenn Dicker and Tor Hansen are both former employees of Rounder Records, working under Irwin, Levy, Nowlin and Virant before founding Redeye in 1996.

George Jones Tribute Show Has One-Day-Only Showing In Theaters Today

The “Still Playin’ Possum: Music & Memories of George Jones” tribute concert event will premiere in a theater presentation for one day only today (Oct. 17) in association with Fathom Events.

The concert was filmed on April 25 in Huntsville, Alabama in front of a sold-out crowd at the Von Braun Center, with some of country’s biggest stars paying homage to the country legend. 10 years after his passing in 2013, music lovers can now witness the power of song as artists ranging from Jelly Roll (“Bartender’s Blues”), Brad Paisley (“He Stopped Loving Her Today”), Tanya Tucker (“The Grand Tour”), Dierks Bentley (“Why Baby Why”), Sam Moore (“Blues Man”), Travis Tritt (“The Race Is On”), Jamey Johnson (“Who’s Gonna Fill Their Shoes”) and more bring their interpretation of Jones’ hits to life on the big screen.

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Tickets are on sale through the Fathom Events website and participating theater box offices. A complete list of theater locations are available at fathomevents.com.

“It is still hard to believe that George is gone. He was loved by so many artists and fans. We may not have him here in person, but we have his music to keep his memory alive,” says Nancy Jones. “Filming this night was something special. The love for George was overwhelming!”

Dolly Parton To Perform Halftime Show At Cowboys Thanksgiving Day Game

Dolly Parton

Dolly Parton will perform in Texas at AT&T Stadium on Thanksgiving Day for The Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Kickoff Halftime Show, during the matchup between the Dallas Cowboys and the Washington Commanders.

The Dallas Thanksgiving Day game, airing on CBS, has become the most-watched regular season game of the year, drawing 42 million viewers last year. Parton will perform her biggest hits as well as songs from her new Rockstar album, out Nov. 17. The Thanksgiving Day game marks the official start of one of the longest-running annual fundraisers of its kind that has been a Cowboys tradition for 27 years. The halftime show puts a national spotlight on the need of millions during the holiday season, rallying for donations to The Salvation Army’s iconic Red Kettle Campaign, which began in 1891.

“Wow! What an honor to get to kick off The Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Campaign with the halftime show during the Dallas Cowboys game this Thanksgiving,” Parton shares. “Those Red Kettles have long been a symbol of hope for our friends and neighbors who are facing hard times. My goal is to encourage everyone who can to donate and support their neighbors in need. Every small act of generosity helps, and together, we can all love our neighbors this holiday season and beyond.”

“Dolly’s contagious energy and positive spirit are just what we need to support The Salvation Army’s enormous effort to make this holiday bright for millions of individuals and families in need,” adds Charlotte Jones, Executive Vice President and Chief Brand Officer for the Dallas Cowboys and former National Advisory Board Chairperson for The Salvation Army. “Dolly’s music has a way of inspiring hope, and we’re thrilled to have her on our national stage to spotlight the campaign this year.”

The Red Kettle Campaign is especially needed now to meet the increasing needs of millions of families living in the U.S. As the nation’s largest private provider of social services, The Salvation Army works to provide Christmas gifts, food, shelter and rent and utility assistance to millions of people struggling this holiday season and beyond. Funds raised in 2022 supported services for nearly 24 million people living in America.

Brother Elsey Signs With River House Artists

Brother Elsey

Brother Elsey has signed with River House Artists. The indie rock quartet has also released two new tracks, “Passing Through” and “Babylon,” available now.

The band, comprised of brothers Brady Stabelin (vocals and guitar), Beau Stabelin (bass) and Jack Stablein (lead guitar) as well as honorary kin Dalton Thomas (drums), is named for the brothers’ great-grandfather, Elsey. Hailing from Detroit, they’ve climbed the ranks one self-written song, self-produced EP, and self-booked tour at a time, and are heading out on a fall tour with opening slots for Boy Named Banjo and co-headlining dates with Charleston-bred indie rock band Susto.

“We are excited to start this new era of Brother Elsey with music we’ve never been more proud to share,” says Brady Stablein. “This feels like an arrival of sorts and we’re so happy to have signed with River House Artists to help bring our story and our songs to fruition. ‘Passing Through’ and ‘Babylon’ are just the start.”

“We are so thrilled to have Brother Elsey with us at River House Artists,” says Lynn Oliver-Cline, Founder & Owner of River House Artists. “These new releases are a testament to the band’s unwavering dedication to their craft and their continuous pursuit of musical excellence. We can’t wait to help this band bring their music to a wider audience and continue to help nurture their exceptional talent.”

Music Health Alliance Offering Free Open Enrollment Assistance

Music Health Alliance (MHA), the nonprofit that has been providing healthcare advocacy and resources to the music community nationwide over the last decade, is offering free appointments for individuals, groups and seniors across the country to ensure they get the healthcare coverage they need during this year’s open enrollment window.

This service is available to any person who has worked in the music industry for three years or more. Spouses, legal domestic partners and dependent family members may also qualify. The Marketplace enrollment period starts Nov. 1 and ends on Jan. 15, and the Medicare enrollment period takes place now until Dec. 7.

During open enrollment, MHA healthcare advocates will meet by phone or Zoom with clients, advising and enrolling members of the music industry and their families in the best healthcare and/or Medicare plans that meet their needs and budget.

To book an open enrollment appointment with an MHA healthcare advocate, please email:

Erin for Individual/Family Health Insurance (info@musichealthalliance.com)
Bonita for Group Health Insurance (bonita@musichealthalliance.com)
Suzanne (for Shelia Shipley Biddy) Medicare Annual Enrollment (65+) (suzanne@musichealthalliance.com)

Appointments fill up quickly, so clients should book their appointments as soon as possible. In order to have 2024 coverage beginning Jan. 1, the enrollment process must be completed no later than Dec. 15.

Brad Paisley Announces ‘Son Of The Mountains World Tour 2024’

Brad Paisley. Photo: Jim Shea

Brad Paisley is set to launch his tenth overseas tour in Europe in early 2024.

Paisley’s “Son Of The Mountains World Tour 2024” will visit Iceland, Switzerland, Sweden, Norway, Scotland, England, Ireland and more, and will also include five Country to Country concerts. Tickets are available for all dates now, and special guests will be announced at a later date. For more information, click here.
The tour is named after his upcoming album Son Of The Mountains, due out around the time of the tour’s launch. Last month, Paisley released Son Of The Mountains: This First Four Tracks, which includes the previously-released songs “Same Here” featuring Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and “So Many Summers,” plus the newly-released title track and “The Medicine Will.”
Paisley has performed in concert for more than eight million fans across the globe since launching his career, and has headlined 17 U.S. tours.

Guy Clark, LLC Launched By Dylan Clark & Ellie Clark Morell

Guy Clark. Photo: Jim McGuire

Guy Clark‘s grandchildren, Dylan Clark and Ellie Clark Morell, have launched Guy Clark, LLC to oversee the legendary songwriter’s intellectual property, businesses and legacy.

The Grammy-winner, Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame member, Academy of Country Music Poet’s Award honoree and fearless writer died in 2016. Throughout his extraordinary career, Clark blazed a trail for original and groundbreaking artists including his good friends Rodney Crowell, Verlon Thompson, Steve Earle, Emmylou Harris, Vince Gill, Shawn Camp, Joe Ely, Terry Allen, Nanci Griffith, Robert Earl Keen and Lyle Lovett.

In 2016, Texas A&M University Press published Tamara Saviano’s biography on Clark, Without Getting Killed or Caught: The Life and Music of Guy Clark. Saviano also made a documentary film of the same name in 2021.

Guy Clark, LLC is managed by a board of directors that includes Dylan Clark, Saviano, Rodney Crowell, Verlon Thompson and Scott Robinson. Saviano is the Creative Manager of the company and will lead the day-to-day activities to expand and cultivate Guy’s legacy, to continue to bring the creative products developed by Clark to present and future fans and to manage intellectual property rights on his creative properties.

Sam Hunt Announces Arena-Headlining ‘Outskirts Tour’

Sam Hunt. Photo: Steven Alan Worster

Country superstar Sam Hunt will hit the road again next year on his headlining “Outskirts Tour 2024,” produced by Live Nation. The Grammy-nominated, Diamond-selling artist will begin his arena tour on Feb. 22, 2024 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and stop in Louisville, Nashville, Milwaukee, Green Bay and more throughout the trek.

Hunt will be joined on the road by artists Brett Young and Lily Rose. Fans can expect Hunt to perform new singles such as “Women In My Life,” “Start Nowhere,” “Water Under The Bridge” and his latest country radio single “Outskirts.”

Tickets will be available beginning through an artist pre-sale on Wednesday, Oct. 18 at 10 a.m. local time, and will be followed by additional pre-sales leading up to the general sale beginning Friday, Oct. 20 at 10 a.m. local time. The tour will also be offering a variety of VIP packages that include premium tickets, access to the Sam Hunt VIP Lounge, exclusive items and more.

Hunt is known for his surprise music drops every few months. On Friday (Oct. 20), he will release a new song titled “Came The Closest.”