DISClaimer Single Reviews: ‘A Lot To Fall In Love With’ This Americana Week

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Tyler Childers, Allison Russell (Photo: Dana Trippe) and The Shindellas (Photo: Ezelle Franklin)

It’s Americana Week here in Music City, so let’s dive right in.

There’s a lot to fall in love with in this stack of sounds. So much so that we have three Disc of the Day winners. The male winner is the exploding Tyler Childers. Allison Russell takes home the female award. The Group du jour is The Shindellas.

Our DISCovery Award goes to Carter Faith. Looking forward to more from her. 

ALLISON RUSSELL / “The Returner”
Writers: Allison Russell/Drew Lindsay/JT Nero; Producers: Allison Russell/Dim Star; Label: Fantasy
– The title tune of this gifted artist’s latest collection is a slow groove that’s equal parts gospel, folk and soul. The lyric of surrender and inspiration glows with mysticism and is drenched in sisterly harmony vocals. This album is essential. Russell’s social activism was saluted with the Seigenthaler Free Speech Award at the Americana Awards on Wednesday eve.

BUDDY & JULIE MILLER / “I’ll Never Live It Down”
Writer: Julie Miller; Producer: Buddy Miller; Label: New West Records
– In The Throes drops tomorrow (Sept. 22) as the latest album from these enduring Americana icons. It features celeb guests such as Emmylou Harris, Regina McCrary, Larry Campbell and Gurf Morlix. On this focus track, Buddy goes solo with spare guitar-percussion backing. The drawling ballad is steeped in sadness and the heartbreak of a broken relationship. He will perform tomorrow at Musicians Corner in Centennial Park on a stellar bill that also includes Rodney Crowell, The Secret Sisters, The Wild Feathers and the North Mississippi Allstars. The sounds commence at 3 p.m. 

BRANDY CLARK / “Come Back to Me”
Writers: Brandy Clark/Shane McAnally/Trevor Rosen; Producer: Brandi Carlile; Label: Warner Records
– The track ripples and rolls with folkie verve. Clark, as always, sings like a beacon of truth. The message is a lovely, releasing farewell with a promise that the one leaving can always return home. This goddess of song showcases at City Winery today (Sept. 21) at the Northern Lights Music show presented by Brandi Carlile & Tracy Gershon.

DALE WATSON / “That’s Where The Money Goes”
Writer: Dale Watson; Producer: none listed; Label: Cleopatra Records
– Of course he should have been a country superstar years ago, but let’s not go into that again. As it is, he’s an Americana founding father. Watson’s new Starvation Box collection features this working-class lament that’s a deep-South blues tune with a Johnny Cash attitude. I remain a devoted fan. 

JOY OLADOKUN / “Taking Things For Granted”
Writer: Olubukola Oladokun; Producer: Joy Oladokun; Label: Amigo/Verve Forecast/Republic Records
– This Nashvillian’s latest, Proof of Life, confirms her as one of our great communicators of hope and insight. This upbeat track explores a child’s loss of innocence and the persistence of the spirit. Oladokun sings with a mixture of resignation, indignation and intellect. A classic, true troubadour. 

CHARLEY CROCKETT / “The Man from Waco”
Writers: Charley Crockett/Bruce Robison/Kullen Fuchs/Taylor Grace; Producer: Bruce Robison; Label: Son of Davy/Thirty Tigers
– This Texas treasure is a prolific record maker and a force of nature as a performer. This is the title tune of his current album, a cowboy saga of murder and its haunting aftermath. Also, check out his music video for the moody “I’m Just a Clown.”

THE GOODWIN BROTHERS / “Everyday Thing”
Writers: Dwight Liles/Tom Paden; Producer: Jonathan Goodwin; Label: Pinecastle Records
– This Lexington, Kentucky band is billed as “bluegrass/Americana,” which is suitable, since the Americana genre has always embraced all kinds of acoustic sounds. The group’s Have You Noticed album is being promoted via a charming video of this lilting ode to simple living and country pleasures. Sweetly inviting.

CARTER FAITH / “Cowboy Forever”
Writers: Carter Faith/Lauren Hungate/Tofer Brown; Producer: Tofer Brown; Label: CF
– She sings in a deceptively delicate soprano. As the heartache song progresses, a tense power emerges, and she breaks into falsetto and back with ease. The minor-key track echoes with a neo-western vibe, and the whole thing is a highly involving audio ride. Faith showcases tonight at 8 p.m. at The Basement East in Nashville. 

ALISON BROWN & STEVE MARTIN / “Foggy Morning Breaking”
Writers: Alison Brown/Steve Martin; Producers: Alison Brown/Garry West; Compass Records
– I can’t remember the last time I heard a country instrumental this enchanting. Brown is a three-finger banjo wonder, capable of dazzling runs and groovy time signatures. Martin keeps pace in clawhammer banjo style while Stuart Duncan (fiddle), Sierra Hull (mandolin), Chris Eldridge (guitar) and Todd Phillips (bass) get their licks in. If you need a feel-good, pick-me-up, look no further. 

TYLER CHILDERS / “In Your Love”
Writers: Tyler Childers/Geno Seale; Producers: Tyler Childers/The Food Stamps; Label: Hickman Holler/RCA Records
– This guy’s new Rustin’ In The Rain album is an all-genre sales sensation and his new arena tour has sold out everywhere, including two nights at Madison Square Garden, Red Rocks and Rupp Arena as well as two nights next April at Bridgestone. The penetrating country singer-songwriter is becoming a total rock star without any radio support. Americana Highways calls him, “one of the most talented and important musical forces in American music.” Amen to that. The brilliantly acted video for this love song has stirred some controversy since it depicts two male coal miners who fall in love until one is felled by black lung. If you are not on this man’s express train to stardom, get on board now. 

NATHANIEL RATELIFF & THE NIGHT SWEATS / “Tight Rope”
Writer: Leon Russell; Producer: none listed; Label: Stax
– These soulful Americana faves take Leon Russell’s 1972 pop hit out for a welcome revival spin. Goody goody. 

THE SHINDELLAS / “Ooh La La”
Writers: Claude Kelly/Chuck Harmony (Louis York); Producers: Claude Kelly/Chuck Harmony (Louis York); Label: Weirdo Workshop/Thirty Tigers
– The “girl group” sound of the ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘80s is not dead. It lives on in the delicious sound of this Nashville trio. They swing lightly to the groove-soaked beats of this sunny love ditty, alternating solo vocal step-outs with creamy harmonies. As fizzy and sweet as a soda-fountain concoction. There’s a video out now, and you’ll find it on the group’s new album, Shindo, which drops Oct. 20. Can’t wait that long? The Shindellas’ Americana showcase is Saturday (Sept. 23) at 7 p.m. at The Basement East. 

JESSI COLTER / “Standing on the Edge of Forever”
Writer: Jessi Colter; Producer: Margo Price; Label: Appalachia Record Co.
– Legendary Colter teams up with Americana darling Margo Price on her new album, dropping Oct. 27. Its title track is out now, and it’s an echoey rocker with beats to spare. Three of its other tunes will be vocal collabs with Price, and that’s something to look forward to, since she is a fine harmony vocalist. 

CMA Foundation Honors Music Teachers Of Excellence

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Little Big Town, backed by Charlie Worsham, performs at the 2023 Music Teachers of Excellence ceremony at the Belmont University Fisher Center for the Performing Arts. Photo: Nathan Zucker/CMA

The CMA Foundation held its seventh Music Teachers of Excellence ceremony earlier this week at the Belmont University Fisher Center for the Performing Arts in Nashville.

The event honored 30 music teachers—10 teachers from Metro Nashville Public Schools, 10 from districts across the state of Tennessee and 10 from across the U.S. Honorees were selected for their commitment to bringing a high-quality music program to their students and the impact they have had on their school community through music.

The War And Treaty performs at the 2023 Music Teachers of Excellence ceremony at the Belmont University Fisher Center for the Performing Arts. Photo: John Russell/CMA

The evening celebration included a red carpet, dinner with over 20 artists from the country community and performances throughout the night.

Lauren Daigle spoke about the impact she felt as a child growing up in a family of educators before performing her song “Valuable.” Little Big Town took the stage to perform “Rich Man” while Caitlyn Smith brought the house down with her song “Dreamin’s Free.” The War And Treaty closed the night with their song “Yesterday’s Burn.” Michael Trotter of The War And Treaty also gave a heartfelt speech honoring music teachers as “protectors” and emphasizing the many roles they play in a child’s life.

Madeline Edwards, Lindsay Ell, Filmore, Alex Hall and Frank Ray also took the stage to share how music education impacted their lives and how the CMA Foundation is supporting music and arts education in schools across the country. A student group from schools across Middle Tennessee who made up the CMA Foundation Youth Choir emerged behind the audience for a surprise performance and powerful rendition of “We Are Nashville.”

2023 Music Teachers of Excellence Award Recipients (in alphabetical order):
Alicia Engram – Eagle View Elementary School, Metro Nashville Public Schools, Antioch, TN
Ann Marie Morris – Cole Elementary School, Metro Nashville Public Schools, Antioch, TN
Ashley Harris – Spring Station Middle School, Williamson County Schools, Spring Hill, TN
Briana Vogt – Franklin High School, Williamson County Schools, Franklin, TN
Corey Graves – Tony A. Jackson Middle School, Forney Independent School District, Forney, TX
Crystal Briley – University Park Creative Arts School, Charlotte-Mecklenburg School District, Charlotte, NC
DaJuana “Dee” Hammonds – Hull-Jackson Montessori School, Metro Nashville Public Schools, Nashville, TN
Danielle Leigh Taylor – Tusculum Elementary School, Metro Nashville Public Schools, Nashville, TN
Elaina Gallas – Edmondson Elementary School, Williamson County School District, Brentwood, TN
Elizabeth Carter – Snowden School, Memphis-Shelby County Schools, Memphis, TN
Eric Songer – Chaska Middle School West, Eastern Carver County School District, Chaska, MN
Ethan Chessin – Camas High School, Camas School District, Camas, WA
Frank Zimmerer – Antioch High School, Metro Nashville Public Schools, Antioch, TN
Garrett Doo – Smyrna High School, Rutherford County Schools, Smyrna, TN
Jacqueline Hanna – Glenview Elementary School, Metro Nashville Public Schools, Nashville, TN
Jason Glashauser – South Clinton Elementary School, Clinton City School District, Clinton, TN
Kacee Sanders – DuPont Hadley Middle School, Metro Nashville Public Schools, Old Hickory, TN
Kate Affainie – Granbery Elementary School, Metro Nashville Public Schools, Brentwood, TN
Kristina Waugh – Rossview High School, Clarksville-Montgomery County School System, Clarksville, TN
Mandy Funderburk – Meigs Academic Magnet School, Metro Nashville Public Schools, Nashville, TN
Matthew Trevino – Roan Forest Elementary School, North East Independent School District, San Antonio, TX
Dr. Nita L. Smith – Isaiah T. Creswell Middle Magnet School of the Visual and Performing Arts, Metro Nashville Public Schools, Nashville, TN
Nora Hernández – Monroe Elementary Language Academy, Garden Grove Unified School District, Fountain Valley, CA
Patrick Bourn – Franklin Elementary School, Franklin Special School District, Franklin, TN
Rose Hellmers – Ravenwood High School, Williamson County Schools, Brentwood, TN
Ryan Mack – P.S. 10 Magnet School of Math, Science, and Design Technology, NYC DOE District 15, Brooklyn, NY
Shawna Longo – Durban Avenue Elementary School, Hopatcong Borough Schools, Hopatcong, NJ
Sherie Grossman – Mt. Juliet High School, Wilson County Schools, Mt. Juliet, TN
Stephanie San Roman – Oswego High School, Oswego Community Unit School District 308, Oswego, IL
Stephen Lawrence-Carroll – North Atlanta High School, Atlanta City School District, Atlanta, GA

Industry Ink: Stephen Wilson Jr., Anne Wilson, BMI, ACM

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Stephen Wilson Jr. Celebrates Debut Double Album At Blue Room

Pictured (L-R): Shawn McSpadden (Range Media Partners), Seth England (Big Loud Records), Craig Wiseman (Big Loud Records), Stephen Wilson Jr., Alicia Jones (ALJ Management), Brett Saliba (UTA), Jordy Dettmer (Range Media Partners)

Stephen Wilson Jr. celebrated his sold-out album release show at The Blue Room at Third Man Records in Nashville on Monday night (Sept. 18). The performance included an appearance from Hailey Whitters, who joined Wilson Jr. for a rendition of their duet “American Gothic.”

He released his debut double album søn of dad via Big Loud Records last week.

 

Anne Wilson Surprised With Platinum Plaque For “My Jesus”

Pictured (L-R): CCMG’s Josh Bailey, David Gutekunst, Brad O’Donnell, Anne Wilson, Hudson Plachy, Karrie Dawley, Kenny Rodgers. Photo: Anna Moos

Anne Wilson was surprised by her Capitol Christian Music Group team celebrating her debut single “My Jesus” being certified Platinum by the RIAA. The breakout ballad has continued to fuel Wilson’s career as it notched over one million units sold and counting, with numerous awards and accolades as well.

Wilson’s momentous week continued with her debut performance during the ACM Honors show, where she graced the Ryman stage alongside Jordan Davis to perform the double-Platinum, ACM Award-nominated No. 1 song, “Buy Dirt.”

 

BMI Wraps Rooftop On The Row Series With Old Crow Medicine Show, JD Clayton

BMI team with Old Crow Medicine Show and JD Clayton. Photo: Erika Goldring

BMI hosted the final installment of its signature Rooftop On The Row series Tuesday night (Sept. 19), with Old Crow Medicine Show and JD Clayton playing for a capacity crowd on top of BMI’s Nashville location. Serving as the official kickoff to AmericanaFest, attendees enjoyed more than three hours of free entertainment, music and drinks during the entertainment packed evening.

“Our Rooftop On The Row series is one of BMI’s most highly anticipated events and we couldn’t have asked for a better way to conclude this year than with Old Crow Medicine Show and JD Clayton,” says BMI’s Nashville AVP Creative, Mason Hunter. “Since its launch in 2016, this series has been a staple moment in the early stages of many affiliates’ careers including Dylan Marlowe, Morgan Wallen and The War And Treaty. BMI looks forward to carrying on with this tradition by continuing to offer a unique Music City experience for our talent.”

 

ACM Opens Recruitment for Spring 2024 Internship Program

The Academy of Country Music is recruiting for its Spring 2024 internship program. Selected candidates will work in an area ranging from marketing, graphic design, and event planning to finance, publicity & PR, strategic partnerships, and more, as well as assist in the planning and execution of the 59th Academy of Country Music Awards in spring 2024.

Internships start in January and run through the end of May. All roles will be based in Nashville, and will be primarily in person, working out of the Academy’s Music City headquarters. Positions will require a minimum of one week of travel surrounding the 59th ACM Awards, with the potential for additional travel as needed for individual roles. Candidates may receive credit for their participation and will be paid for the internship. Positions are available in the following areas of focus:

ACM Lifting Lives
Artist & Industry Relations
Creative & Content
Events
Finance & Operations
Graphic Design
Marketing
Media Archives
Programming & Community Engagement
Publicity & PR
Strategic Partnerships

All students are encouraged to apply by sending a resume and cover letter as an attachment to internships@acmcountry.com by Friday, October 20, 2023. Applicants should be sure to indicate their preferred area(s) of focus in their cover letter.

Tauren Wells To Host 54th Annual GMA Dove Awards

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Tauren Wells

Tauren Wells has been tapped to host the upcoming 54th annual GMA Dove Awards on Oct. 17 at Nashville’s Allen Arena.

The eight-time winner and 17-time nominee will also be performing on the show, which is already sold out. Fans can tune in to the broadcast exclusively on TBN and the TBN app on Oct. 20 at 7 p.m. CT and 9 p.m. CT, with an encore presentation on Oct. 27 at 7 p.m. CT and 9 p.m. CT.

Wells is a celebrated Platinum-selling musician, preacher, public speaker and father, with eight GMA Dove Awards (including Contemporary Christian Artist of the Year and New Artist of the Year), 10 Grammy nominations and a Billboard Music Award nomination. He has also achieved six No. 1s, more than 330 million career video views and over 1.1 billion global streams to date and counting.

The theme for the 54th annual GMA Dove Awards is Joyful Echo. Isaiah 42:12 from The Message says, “Make God’s glory resound, echo His praises from coast to coast.”

“I’m excited and honored to be hosting this year’s GMA Dove Awards – truly such a special celebration of Christian and gospel music,” says Wells. “What Joyful Echo makes me think of is the writer in scripture that says one generation will tell another of the greatness of God. That essentially the goodness of God will be echoed from one generation to another,” he continues. “What joy it brings the believer to be able to tell those coming from behind us how great, how good, how awesome God is. It’s also cool to note that as you declare God’s praises and sing of His goodness, it reverberates throughout history the greatest of our God.”

Toby Keith Celebrates Solo Writes On New ‘100% Songwriter’ Project

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Toby Keith is releasing a new package of his most iconic, solo-written songs, 100% Songwriter, on Nov. 3 via Mercury Nashville/UMe.

Available on vinyl and via DSPs, the project includes many fan favorites in one package, including “Should’ve Been A Cowboy,” “He Ain’t Worth Missin’,” “Wish I Didn’t Know Now,” “Who’s That Man?” and many more, all penned by Keith alone.

Another track on 100% Songwriter, the newly RIAA certified quadruple Platinum “Courtesy of the Red, White And Blue (The Angry American),” has its handwritten lyrics featured alongside Keith’s Takamine American Flag guitar and digital version of the song’s video in the traveling Songwriters Hall of Fame exhibit “The Power Of A Song.” The exhibit will be installed at Belmont University from Sept. 28 to May 9.

Keith will be honored as the Country Icon at next week’s inaugural People’s Choice Country Awards, airing from Nashville on NBC.

100% Songwriter Track List:
1. Should’ve Been A Cowboy, from Toby Keith
2. He Ain’t Worth Missin’, Toby Keith
3. Wish I Didn’t Know Now, Toby Keith
4. Who’s That Man?, Boomtown
5. Big Ol’ Truck, Boomtown
6. Does That Blue Moon Ever Shine On You, Blue Moon
7. Country Comes To Town, How Do You Like Me Now?!
8. You Shouldn’t Kiss Me Like This, How Do You Like Me Now?!
9. Courtesy Of The Red, White and Blue (The Angry American), Unleashed
10. Who’s Your Daddy?, Unleashed
11. Stays In Mexico, Greatest Hits 2
12. Honkytonk U, Honkytonk U
13. Crash Here Tonight, White Trash With Money

Billy Strings, The War & Treaty Among Americana Honors & Awards Winners

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Billy Strings speaks onstage for the 22nd Annual Americana Honors & Awards at Ryman Auditorium. Photo: Erika Goldring/Getty Images for Americana Music Association

Another Americana Honors & Awards ceremony is in the books, with Tyler Childers taking home the night’s coveted Album Of The Year award for his project Can I Take My Hounds to Heaven? at this year’s 22nd annual event.

During the awards, which took place last night (Sept. 20) at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, Billy Strings received the Artist Of The Year nod—celebrating back-to-back wins in the category—and The War And Treaty also notched their second trophy for Duo/Group of the Year, as well.

Margo Price performs onstage for the 22nd Annual Americana Honors & Awards. Photo: Erika Goldring/Getty Images for Americana Music Association

Bonnie Raitt‘s “Just Like That” took home Song of the Year honors during the ceremony, and S.G. Goodman was named Emerging Act of the Year. Instrumentalist of the Year went to SistaStrings, comprised of sisters Chauntee and Monique Ross.

Highlights from the evening included Patty Griffin accepting the Lifetime Achievement Award for Songwriting from presenter Sarah Silverman. Allison Russell was given the Spirit of Americana/Free Speech in Music Award from John Seigenthaler and local lawmakers Gloria Johnson, Justin Jones and Justin Pearson, putting her in the same company with Joan Baez, Jackson Browne, Johnny Cash and Mavis Staples, who have all formerly received the award.

Michael Trotter Jr. and Tanya Trotter of The War And Treaty backstage at the 22nd Annual Americana Honors & Awards. Photo: Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for Americana Music Association

The Avett Brothers and Nickel Creek were also honored with Trailblazer Awards during the evening by two-time Americana Music Association Artist of the Year Brandi Carlile and Kacey Musgraves, respectively. Soul singer-songwriter Bettye Lavette was also recognized for her 60-year body of work with the Legacy Award, presented by the National Museum of African-American Music during the special evening.

“I marvel at the talented musicians of our community who consistently surpass expectations and come together to highlight the importance of authenticity, friendship, and unity,” said Executive Director of the Americana Music Association, Jed Hilly, of the evening. “It is a privilege for me to be a part of this exceptional evening where we celebrate the well-deserved accomplishments of this incredible genre.”

PBS will broadcast ACL Presents: The 22nd Annual Americana Honors, a special episode of Austin City Limits featuring performance highlights from the show, on Nov. 25.

2023 Honors & Awards Winners:

Album of the Year: Can I Take My Hounds to Heaven?, Tyler Childers; Produced by Tyler Childers

Artist of the Year: Billy Strings

Duo/Group of the Year: The War And Treaty

Emerging Act of the Year: S.G. Goodman

Song of the Year: “Just Like That,” Bonnie Raitt; Written by Bonnie Raitt

Instrumentalist of the Year: SistaStrings

Bonnie Raitt performs onstage for the 22nd Annual Americana Honors & Awards. Photo: Erika Goldring/Getty Images for Americana Music Association

S.G. Goodman backstage at the 22nd Annual Americana Honors & Awards. Photo: Erika Goldring/Getty Images for Americana Music Association

SistaStrings’ Chauntee Ross and Monique Ross pose with Billy Strings backstage at the 22nd Annual Americana Honors & Awards. Photo: Erika Goldring/Getty Images for Americana Music Association

Russell Dickerson Signs With Range Media Partners

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Pictured (L-R): Matt Graham, Russell Dickerson, Shawn McSpadden, Jack Minihan

Russell Dickerson has signed with Range Media Partners’ Music Division.

Since debuting in 2011, Dickerson’s first four singles have reached No. 1 on Billboard’s Country Airplay chart, with “Yours” and “Blue Tacoma” reaching triple and double-Platinum status, and “Love You Like I Used To” and “Every Little Thing” reaching Platinum. Dickerson’s latest project, the summer-themed EP Three Months Two Streets Down, arrived in June and followed the late December release of the single “God Gave Me a Girl,” another top 10 hit at country radio.

The news follows the recent announcement of Nashville-based executives William Lowery and Shawn McSpadden joining Range Media Partners. McSpadden has been charged with growing the division’s already robust music division, talent roster and shared services department.

McSpadden shares, “I have watched Russell on the road over the years, and have always loved the spirit and energy that he brings to the stage. The first time we spoke, we had an immediate connection and both knew instantly that it was a match. We have hit the ground running with this dynamic partnership between Range and Russell—with a top 10 single and the ‘Big Wheels & Back Roads’ headlining tour, we’re just getting started!”

“Our connection and vision were aligned immediately,” Dickerson says of the partnership. “They are game-changers, power players and forward thinkers. I couldn’t be happier about building the future of my career alongside this incredible team.”

Dickerson returns to the road Sept. 21 in Philadelphia on his “Big Wheels & Back Roads Tour” set to begin later this month with openers Restless Road, Parmalee and Niko Moon. The tour will culminate with Dickerson’s first sold-out arena show in Estero, Florida.

Dickerson is signed to Triple Tigers Records and Concord Music Publishing.

Bailey Zimmerman, The Core Entertainment & Warner Chappell Music Sign Dipper

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Pictured (L-R): Light Cave Entertainment’s Eric Garcia, Warner Chappell’s Benji Amaefule, The Core Entertainment’s Chief Zaruk, Dipper, Warner Chappell’s Ben Vaughn, Bailey Zimmerman, The Core Entertainment’s Simon Tikhman, Underscore Works’ Charly Salvatore and Warner Chappell’s Bryce Sherlow

Bailey Zimmerman, The Core Entertainment and Warner Chappell Music have teamed up to sign country singer-songwriter Dipper to a global publishing deal.

He has also signed a management deal with Light Cave Entertainment and will be represented by Eric Garcia.

The College Station, Texas native first came to prominence by posting covers and original songs on TikTok. He dropped his debut single, “She’s Got Wings,” earlier this year, followed by songs “Evergreen” and “One Thing Figured Out.” Dipper’s latest releases include “Buzz On” and “Hated Myself.”

With over 34K monthly listeners, the rising artist has been featured on Spotify’s Fresh Finds Country, Next From Nashville and Young Nashville playlists, and took the Spotify House Fresh Finds stage at CMA Fest 2023.

“I’ve been watching Dipper for a couple years and have admired how much raw talent he has. I’m psyched to get to be a small part of his journey with our friends at Warner Chappell Music. We all believe in him so much,” says Zimmerman.

Warner Music Nashville Signs Matt Schuster [Exclusive]

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Pictured (L-R): Eric Parker (Extended Play); Kristen Williams (WMN, SVP of Radio); Matt Cottingham (Lewis Brisbois); Patrick Sabatini (WMN, SVP of Legal & Business Affairs); Victoria Mason (WMN, SVP of Strategic Marketing & Analytics); Ben Kline (WMN, Co-Chair & Co-President); Matt Schuster; Shane Tarleton (WMN, EVP of Artist Development); Cris Lacy (WMN, Co-Chair & Co-President); Rohan Kohli (WMN, VP of A&R); Tim Foisset (WMN, SVP of Commercial Partnerships). Photo: Alan Poizner

Warner Music Nashville has signed rising singer-songwriter Matt Schuster to its roster.

Having moved to Nashville in late 2022, the Charleston, Illinois native has garnered over 130 million global streams independently over the last two years. Four of his releases have landed in the Top 200 of Spotify’s Country Global chart.

Schuster performed as part of the label’s Warner On Deck last night (Sept. 20), where his signing was announced on stage.

“Matt’s unique sound instantly drew us to him,” said Ben Kline, Warner Music Nashville Co-Chair & Co-President. “Add to that his skill as a songwriter and the fan reaction he invokes, and the result is a very special artist that we are excited to partner with.”

“Matt’s voice has a quality and a range that will stop anyone in their tracks,” continued Cris Lacy, Warner Music Nashville Co-Chair & Co-President. “There’s an instantaneous feeling that you’re hearing something material in a way you’ve never heard it before.”

In addition to his artistry, Schuster is already making his mark in the publishing world, locking in a cut on Bailey Zimmerman’s Religiously. The Album. with “Chase Her.”

As for his deal with WMN, Schuster says the label team made the perfect partner.

“They were obsessed with my music and how I make my music. I know with every artist, [Warner] is so intentional with them and respect how they work. It’s a true partnership where I feel like my opinion is very valued,” Schuster tells MusicRow.

To celebrate, he will release his major label debut track “Tell Me Tennessee” tomorrow (Sept. 22).

“I’m really excited for the new music, especially ‘Tell Me Tennessee.’ I feel like it will take us a lot of places and boost a lot of stuff. It all starts with music,” he says.

Schuster will join Ashley Cooke’s “Shot In The Dark Tour,” Dylan Scott’s “This Town’s Been Too Good To Us Tour” and Kameron Marlowe’s “I Can Lie Tour” this year. He is managed by Eric Parker and Extended Play Group, and signed to Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG) and WME.

Collen Mayer Named CEO Of Brad Paisley & Kimberly Williams-Paisley’s The Store

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Collen Mayer. Photo: Courtesy of The Store

The Store, a free referral-based grocery store co-founded by Brad Paisley and Kimberly Williams-Paisley in the Nashville area, has brought on Collen Mayer as CEO.

Mayer brings years of leadership experience in the non-profit space having worked with Safe Haven Family Shelter, Catholic Charities of Tennessee and United Way of Central Alabama.

“We are excited to have Collen join our team and lead our efforts to combat food insecurity in Nashville,” says John Schario, Board Chair for The Store. “Collen has a history of serving the Nashville community and we could not be prouder to have him part of our mission.”

In 2020, the Paisley’s partnered with Belmont University to spearhead The Store. Individuals and families in need are referred by nonprofit and government agencies for a term of one year. There is no charge to those referred or to the people and agencies that send them. They may shop for food to supplement their income during times of crisis and as they work toward self-sufficiency.

“I am excited to be leading The Store at such an important time in its growth,” says Mayer. “Nothing is more urgent in Nashville right now than ensuring that all of our neighbors have enough food to eat. The Store’s unique grocery store model ensures that people are able to choose the kinds of healthy, nutritious food that we all want to feed our families. The Store upholds the dignity of everyone who walks through our doors to receive food, and the agency connects caring volunteers to customers seeking healthy food.”

A philosophy of community empowerment means The Store aims to solve hunger issues in its community by developing programs to meet the needs of the community, including partnering with other organizations on issues of food security. The Store believes in cooperation and collaboration between organizations to better serve the population. With the support of additional programs at the Family Wellness Program at the Belmont Ministry Center, families can engage in therapy, counseling, cooking classes and several other services.

“Our work at The Store is just getting started,” Mayer continues. “Nashville is thriving right now but not everyone is benefiting from the city’s growth. It is morally unacceptable that in such a great city as Nashville, 1 in 7 people are still food insecure. The Store and its partners will not stop until every person in Nashville has access to the healthy food they want and need.”