Needtobreathe
Rock band Needtobreathe released their ninth studio album, Caves, last week, hailing it as their most ambitious project to date.
When they set out to create the project a few months back, band members Bear Rinehart, Seth Bolt, Josh Lovelace, Tyler Burkum and Randall Harris, stole away to a serene mountaintop cabin in Utah. There, in the company of each other, they did most of the writing for the album over the course of a couple weeks. They fostered their personal friendships while out west, clearing the way for the album to take shape.
“It started in Utah. We met and we thought we were making demos, so we didn’t put a lot of pressure on the recording part. It wasn’t a real studio, it was a house,” explains Rinehart.
“It was about reconnecting as people first,” he says. “We were getting to have these conversations late at night that we don’t have as much anymore.”
Lovelace remembers, “We’d get up in the morning and we’d work all day. Then, when most people clock out and go home to do their own thing, we were like, ‘Now is the time to invest in our friendships.’”
In the cabin’s living room—surrounded by mountain views—the band brought ideas to each other, workshopped and recorded what would become Caves.
“We honestly got back [home] and were like, ‘Woah, this sounds like a record. Maybe we can use a lot of this,” explains Rinehart. “On this one, there was no [deadline for] the album to come out or any of that. It was more, ‘We’re going to work on this until we feel like it’s finished.’ That’s a huge luxury to have in music. That’s what we see as success—the ability to have that creative freedom.”
In a two-part documentary series, A World Without A Mirror – The Making of CAVES, the band shares insight into the Utah trip. One of the greatest benefits of that time away came with one of the biggest challenges of creating art: the listener’s reaction.
“You’re making something that no one is hearing along the way,” says Rinehart. “You’re trying to image there’s 10,000 people there—what does this feel like? You’re trying to remind yourself of that the whole way through.”
Burkum adds that chasing the live performance feeling of the music is an inspiration. He says, “[The music is] going to go through so many different iterations, but that’s a very life-giving thing: to keep your eye on the prize and get excited about those songs.”
As a band that’s spent nearly two decades on the road in front of crowds, from opening for Taylor Swift to selling out arenas, Needtobreathe wanted to write an album with the live shows in mind. They stacked this album with old friends and new, and blended genres through featured artists.
“We have Foy Vance who we’ve been friends with for a long time. He’s one of the greatest artists making music now—maybe ever,” says Lovelace. “Then we have our new friends in Old Dominion and Carly Pearce.
“For Old Dominion, we met them at an event we did and realized that we’re a lot alike. They had been listening to our band and we’d been watching them. We also had our friends, Judah & The Lion, who we’ve known forever,” Lovelace adds.
Needtobreathe will kick off “The Caves World Tour” in October with their friends Judah & The Lion.
“It’s fun to do things with people that you admire and respect,” continues Lovelace. “We play a song called ‘Waste of Time’ with Old Dominion. It’s really fun. On the record it’s three and a half minutes, but when we’re playing [it live], it’s like 11 minutes long right now and it keeps getting longer and longer. It’s a jam.”
Whether fans listen to the album or hear it played live on tour, Bolt says, “I hope when people hear it, they hear a group of people are just really inspired to do what they do.”
Needtobreathe feels grateful heading with their ninth studio album out. With a couple thousand live shows under their belt, they are determined to make each song, album and tour as special as the one before.
“It’s a really special thing to make this much music with people you grew up with and experience life with,” says Bolt. “I remember early on when we were making our first and second records, you’d hear people say, ‘A lot of bands don’t make it past their second record or their third record.’ So to be making the ninth one just feels very extraordinary.”
Caves is available to stream on all platforms, and tickets to “The Caves World Tour” are on sale online.
Travis Tritt Announces Solo Acoustic Tour For 2024
/by Steven BoeroTravis Tritt. Photo: Alexis K. Behnkendorf
Country artist Travis Tritt has unveiled his “Travis Tritt Solo Acoustic Tour 2024.”
With a career spanning over three decades, Tritt’s tour promises an intimate experience, as fans will have the rare opportunity to witness his musical prowess in a stripped-down and personal setting.
The “Travis Tritt Solo Acoustic Tour 2024” is set to kick off on March 1, 2024, at Belmont University’s Fisher Center for the Performing Arts in Nashville, Tennessee. Over the course of the tour, Tritt will visit prestigious venues across the nation, including the North Charleston Performing Arts Center in Charleston, South Carolina, The Carolina Opry in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina and Saenger Theatre in Mobile, Alabama. He will also put on an underground performance inside The Caverns’ cave music venue in Pelham, Tennessee.
Tritt has achieved numerous milestones, boasting seven Platinum or higher-certified albums and 30 million in career album sales. He has been honored with two Grammy Awards, four CMA Awards, a Billboard Music Award for Top New Artist, and the esteemed distinction of becoming a member of the world-renowned Grand Ole Opry. Tritt has made over 40 appearances on the Hot Country Songs chart, including five No. 1 hits and twenty top 10 singles.
His chart-toppers include “Help Me Hold On,” “Anymore,” “Can I Trust You with My Heart,” “Best of Intentions” and “It’s A Great Day To Be Alive.” Tritt’s influence on the country music landscape solidifies him as a member of “The Class of ’89,” alongside Garth Brooks, Clint Black and Alan Jackson, who reshaped the genre in the ’90s.
He also recently released his debut gospel project, Country Chapel.
Tickets for the tour are on sale now. For more information, click here.
Needtobreathe Digs Deep With Ninth Studio Album ‘Caves’ [Interview]
/by Caela GriffinNeedtobreathe
Rock band Needtobreathe released their ninth studio album, Caves, last week, hailing it as their most ambitious project to date.
When they set out to create the project a few months back, band members Bear Rinehart, Seth Bolt, Josh Lovelace, Tyler Burkum and Randall Harris, stole away to a serene mountaintop cabin in Utah. There, in the company of each other, they did most of the writing for the album over the course of a couple weeks. They fostered their personal friendships while out west, clearing the way for the album to take shape.
“It started in Utah. We met and we thought we were making demos, so we didn’t put a lot of pressure on the recording part. It wasn’t a real studio, it was a house,” explains Rinehart.
“It was about reconnecting as people first,” he says. “We were getting to have these conversations late at night that we don’t have as much anymore.”
Lovelace remembers, “We’d get up in the morning and we’d work all day. Then, when most people clock out and go home to do their own thing, we were like, ‘Now is the time to invest in our friendships.’”
“We honestly got back [home] and were like, ‘Woah, this sounds like a record. Maybe we can use a lot of this,” explains Rinehart. “On this one, there was no [deadline for] the album to come out or any of that. It was more, ‘We’re going to work on this until we feel like it’s finished.’ That’s a huge luxury to have in music. That’s what we see as success—the ability to have that creative freedom.”
In a two-part documentary series, A World Without A Mirror – The Making of CAVES, the band shares insight into the Utah trip. One of the greatest benefits of that time away came with one of the biggest challenges of creating art: the listener’s reaction.
“You’re making something that no one is hearing along the way,” says Rinehart. “You’re trying to image there’s 10,000 people there—what does this feel like? You’re trying to remind yourself of that the whole way through.”
Burkum adds that chasing the live performance feeling of the music is an inspiration. He says, “[The music is] going to go through so many different iterations, but that’s a very life-giving thing: to keep your eye on the prize and get excited about those songs.”
As a band that’s spent nearly two decades on the road in front of crowds, from opening for Taylor Swift to selling out arenas, Needtobreathe wanted to write an album with the live shows in mind. They stacked this album with old friends and new, and blended genres through featured artists.
“We have Foy Vance who we’ve been friends with for a long time. He’s one of the greatest artists making music now—maybe ever,” says Lovelace. “Then we have our new friends in Old Dominion and Carly Pearce.
“For Old Dominion, we met them at an event we did and realized that we’re a lot alike. They had been listening to our band and we’d been watching them. We also had our friends, Judah & The Lion, who we’ve known forever,” Lovelace adds.
Needtobreathe will kick off “The Caves World Tour” in October with their friends Judah & The Lion.
“It’s fun to do things with people that you admire and respect,” continues Lovelace. “We play a song called ‘Waste of Time’ with Old Dominion. It’s really fun. On the record it’s three and a half minutes, but when we’re playing [it live], it’s like 11 minutes long right now and it keeps getting longer and longer. It’s a jam.”
Whether fans listen to the album or hear it played live on tour, Bolt says, “I hope when people hear it, they hear a group of people are just really inspired to do what they do.”
Needtobreathe feels grateful heading with their ninth studio album out. With a couple thousand live shows under their belt, they are determined to make each song, album and tour as special as the one before.
“It’s a really special thing to make this much music with people you grew up with and experience life with,” says Bolt. “I remember early on when we were making our first and second records, you’d hear people say, ‘A lot of bands don’t make it past their second record or their third record.’ So to be making the ninth one just feels very extraordinary.”
Caves is available to stream on all platforms, and tickets to “The Caves World Tour” are on sale online.
BMI Honors Billy F Gibbons With 2023 Troubadour Award
/by LB CantrellPictured (L-R): BMI’s Mason Hunter, BMI’s Clay Bradley, Troubadour Billy F Gibbons, BMI’s Mike O’ Neill and BMI’s Mike Steinberg. Photo: Erika Goldring for BMI
As AmericanaFest week falls on Nashville, a throng of its community members gathered at BMI’s office on Music Row on Monday night (Sept. 15) to celebrate Billy F Gibbons, a founding member of ZZ Top, who received the organization’s Troubadour Award.
The prestigious accolade recognizes a songwriter who has made a profound impact on the creative community as their craft continues to set the pace for generations to follow. Last night, Gibbons joined an esteemed class of past Troubadour Award recipients including John Hiatt, John Prine, Robert Earl Keen and Lucinda Williams.
Pictured (L-R): Chris Isaak, Lucinda Williams, Billy F Gibbons, Robert Earl Keen and Elle King. Photo: Erika Goldring for BMI
BMI’s President and CEO Mike O’ Neill alongside Nashville’s VP of Creative Clay Bradley presented the award to Gibbons after a night of music and memories.
“BMI has been fortunate enough to have Billy as part of our family for decades and his contributions to ZZ Top’s enduring success has solidified their status as rock legends,” Bradley said. “His songwriting and artistic style transcends through many decades which was on full display last night.”
BMI’s lobby had been transformed to a warm, cozy reception hall for the occasion, complete with orange uplighting on the walls, fresh picked flowers on the tables and linens that looked like burlap. We feasted on an autumnal meal of baked chicken, mashed potatoes and carrots, with a yummy salad and delicious cookie butter shooter for dessert. The atmosphere was that of a celebratory homecoming for the Americana creatives and business folk, who went from table to table to mingle.
Pictured (L-R): Keith Urban and Billy F Gibbons. Photo: Erika Goldring for BMI
When it came to the music, Gibbons was treated to selections from a wide array of artists. Chris Isaak rocked out on “Sharped Dress Man,” Elle King teased on “Gimme All Your Lovin’,” Kingfish brought the house down with “Waitin’ for the Bus” and Keith Urban touched hearts with “Rough Boy.” Past Troubadour recipient Robert Earl Keen thrilled the crowd with an awesome rendition of “La Grange.”
The evening also included congratulatory videos from longtime friends and collaborators such as Eric Clapton, Jimmie Vaughan and Van Wilks along with Bill Bentley, George Gruhn, Greg Voros and Tom Bukovac, who spoke on Gibbons’ distinct style. Renowned radio host Eddie Trunk gave a commemorative speech that highlighted the career behind ZZ Top’s chief songwriter that spans more than 50 years.
When Gibbons accepted the honor, he spoke about Nashville embracing him. “I really feel like part of the community. I’ve been coming to Nashville for 45 years,” he said. “Thank you so much!”
Industry Ink: Scotty McCreery, ‘Spreading Hope,’ Bill Anderson, More
/by Lorie HollabaughScotty McCreery Strikes Gold With ‘It Matters To Her’
Pictured (L-R): Triple Tigers’ Laura Hostelley, Triple 8 Management’s Allison Bostrom, Triple Tigers’ Raffaella Braun, RIAA’s Jackie Jones, Triple Tigers’ Kevin Herring, Scotty McCreery, Triple Tigers’ Annie Ortmeier, Triple 8 Management’s Scott Stem, Triple 8 Management’s George Couri and Grand Ole Opry’s Dan Rogers. Photo: Chris Hollo
Scotty McCreery celebrated his latest hit “It Matters to Her” going Gold during his recent Grand Ole Opry appearance on Sept. 14. Written by McCreery, Rhett Akins and Lee Thomas Miller, the song captures lessons learned during the artist’s first four years of marriage to wife, Gabi.
“I am thankful to my fans and my team anytime a song of mine is certified Gold,” shared McCreery. “I don’t take it for granted. But, to be presented a Gold album plaque for ‘It Matters to Her’ on the Grand Ole Opry stage is something I will always treasure.”
Levi Hummon, Lewis Brice, More To Play ‘Spreading Hope’ Benefit
The “Spreading Hope With Keith Griner” concert series has announced its next benefit at 3rd & Lindsley on Sept. 26. The lineup includes Levi Hummon, Lewis Brice, Noah Thompson and Ryan Griffin. Tickets are available in advance and at the door with all proceeds to be donated directly to Hope On The Row, a local nonprofit serving Nashville’s unhoused.
Hope On The Row will also be on site taking donations including lightly used clothing, new socks and new personal essentials (shampoo, toothbrushes, women’s hygiene, etc). The concert will be live-streamed for free via Phierce Productions on Volume.com, with opportunities to donate as well. So far, “Spreading Hope” has raised over $25,000 for Hope On The Row through over 200 artist performances.
CMHOF Hosts Conversation With Bill Anderson
Pictured (L-R): Mark Wills, E. W. “Bud” Wendell, Jeannie Seely, Bill Anderson, Paul Kingsbury and Dan Rogers. Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
“Whisperin’ Bill” Anderson, Jeannie Seely, E. W. “Bud” Wendell and Mark Wills came together for an intimate conversation about the Opry and Anderson’s long, storied association with the show. The program, which was hosted in support of the exhibition “Bill Anderson: As Far as I Can See,” was led by Paul Kingsbury, the museum’s Senior Director of Editorial & Interpretation.
As of July 2023, Anderson has the longest tenure of any cast member in the Grand Ole Opry’s history — 62 years. The program was filmed and will premiere at a later date as part of the museum’s Live at the Hall digital programs series, available to stream on the museum’s website. Visitors will have through Sept. 24 to visit the “Bill Anderson: As Far as I Can See” exhibit.
Old Dominion’s Brad Tursi Performs At Music Row Build Porch Party
Pictured (L-R): Brad Tursi, Penny Gattis, Mark Brown, Elissa Brown, Pete Robinson, Alissa Robinson, Sherry Stinson, Kurt Denny and Johnny Haffner
Mark and Elissa Brown and Pete and Alissa Robinson recently hosted a porch party benefiting the Habitat for Humanity Music Row Build. Guests enjoyed dinner from chef Johnny Haffner and a performance from Old Dominion band member Brad Tursi.
Chris Keaton Partners With DownTown Mystic
Robert Allen. Photo: Mark Maryonavich
Chris Keaton has formed an alliance with singer-songwriter and producer Robert Allen and the 100-plus titles in the DownTown Mystic music publishing catalog.
Among the collection are “Way To Know,” “Think A Little Louder” and “Can’t Let Go.” Allen’s songs have been featured on CMT’s Tobacco Wars (“Backdoor”), Inside Fame on Darius Rucker (“Losing My Mind”), Urban Cowboy The Rise and Fall Of Gilley’s (“Everything”) and
“I am grateful for the opportunity that Robert has shared with me to represent this outstanding catalog,” states Keaton. “These are songs that can change people’s lives.”
Allen adds, “I look forward to reuniting with Chris and expanding the DownTown Mystic Rock and Roll footprint in Music City and beyond.”
Riley Green To Host Album Release Show In Downtown Nashville
/by Steven BoeroPhoto: Courtesy of BMLG Records
Multi-Platinum hitmaker Riley Green has announced a special one-night-only release show for his forthcoming album, Ain’t My Last Rodeo, on Oct. 12. Green will take the party out of the honky-tonk and into the streets of Nashville to celebrate with family, friends and maybe even a few surprise guests at Walk of Fame Park.
Opening the show, sponsored by Crown Royal, will be “Ain’t My Last Rodeo Tour” supporting act Ella Langley.
With the new album being heavily inspired by Green’s experiences, values, pastimes and love of family—and named after a poignant track on the album, “My Last Rodeo,” which he wrote solo following one of the final conversations he had with his late Grandaddy Buford, proceeds for the Oct. 12 album release event will go to the newly-minted Buford Bonds Charitable Fund. Green’s philanthropic endeavor, created in honor of his late grandfathers, Buford Green and Lendon Bonds (the inspirations behind fan favorite “I Wish Grandpas Never Died”) will provide resources for a variety of charities, including those supporting veterans in an effort to further honor the impact the two had on Green’s life and career.
“We’ve been playing some of these new songs out on the road this summer and I’m excited to finally share them all with the fans,” says Green. “My grandaddies were huge inspirations on me, my songwriting and what is most important to me. It means a lot to honor them by raising money for and supporting some great charities that they would have been proud to support.”
The Oct. 12 concert will mark the first time the Alabama native has headlined Nashville since his sold-out Ascend Amphitheater show in July 2022.
The anticipated 12-track album will be released on Oct. 13 and includes numerous previously-released songs including a cover of Tim McGraw’s “Damn Country Music” and the singer’s current top 25-and-climbing single “Different ‘Round Here (feat. Luke Combs).”
For more information, click here.
Ain’t My Last Rodeo Track Listing:
“Damn Country Music” – (Jessi Alexander, Cary Barlowe, Josh Thompson)
“They Don’t Make ‘Em Like That No More” – (Riley Green, Chris Lindsey, Aimee Mayo)
“Mississippi Or Me” – (Riley Green, Tyler Reeve, Josh Thompson)
“Different ‘Round Here (feat. Luke Combs)” – (Riley Green, Randy Montana, Jonathan Singleton)
“Ain’t Like I Can Hide It” – (Riley Green, Chris Dubois, Bobby Pinson)
“Copenhagen In A Cadillac (feat. Jelly Roll)” – (Riley Green, Erik Dylan, Wyatt McCubbin)
“Damn Good Day To Leave” – (Riley Green, Erik Dylan, Jonathan Singleton, Nick Walsh)
“My Last Rodeo” – (Riley Green)
“Workin’ On Me” – (Riley Green, Rhett Akins, Randy Montana)
“Raised Up Right” – (Riley Green, Jeremy Bussey, Chris Dubois, Lynn Hutton)
“God Made a Good Ol’ Boy” – (Riley Green, Erik Dylan, Wyatt McCubbin, Jonathan Singleton)
“Ain’t My Damn To Give” – (Tucker Beathard, Ben Simonetti, Jonathan Singleton)
Weekly Register: Tyler Childers Takes Top Country Album Debut
/by Liza AndersonTyler Childers
Tyler Childers‘ Rustin’ In The Rain takes the title of top debut on the country albums chart this week, entering at No. 4 with 38K in total consumption (25K album only/17 million song streams) according to Luminate data.
Zach Bryan‘s self-titled project persists at No. 1 with 95K (2.4K album only/118 million song streams). Morgan Wallen‘s One Thing At A Time takes No. 2 once again with 78K (2.2K album only/97 million song streams), while his Dangerous: The Double Album rises to No. 3 with 39K (508 album only/50 million song streams). Taylor Swift‘s Speak Now (Taylor’s Version) remains at No. 5 with 33K (9.4K album only/31 million song streams).
On the country streaming songs chart this week, Bryan and Kacey Musgraves‘ “I Remember Everything” continues to claim the top spot with 27 million new streams, adding to 87 million ATD. Wallen’s “Last Night” rests at No. 2 with 19 million streams, adding to 897 million ATD, as Luke Combs‘ cover of “Fast Car” moves to No. 3 with 15 million new streams, adding to 406 million ATD. Bryan’s “Something In The Orange” climbs to No. 4 with 14 million streams, adding to 946 million ATD, while Oliver Anthony‘s “Rich Men North Of Richmond” shifts down to No. 5 with 13 million new streams, adding to 88 million ATD.
The Oak Ridge Boys Announce Farewell Tour
/by LB CantrellPictured (L-R): Richard Sterban, Duane Allen, William Lee Golden and Joe Bonsall. Photo: Brandon Wood / Indie Bling Studios
The Oak Ridge Boys are celebrating their 50th anniversary as a group this October. To commemorate the occasion, the Country Music Hall of Famers will hit the road on their “American Made: Farewell Tour.”
The tour will celebrate the momentous accomplishments of the Grammy-winning group’s Duane Allen, Joe Bonsall, William Lee Golden and Richard Sterban.
“We are doing a farewell tour because we owe it to our fans to say goodbye,” shares Golden. “They have always been there for us through the good times and the bad. I will always be thankful to every person who came out to a show, bought a t-shirt, played our music, and overall, loved us enough to spend their hard-earned money whenever they could. This tour is for you!”
“I want to thank God for 50 years of singing with three of my best friends and for the fans who have been there for us,” shares Sterban. “This is a celebration and we hope to see you there.”
The group originally formed as the Oak Ridge Quartet on the ’40s, becoming popular in southern gospel during the ’50s. They changed their name to The Oak Ridge Boys in the early ’60s, with Golden joining in ’65 and Allen in ’66. They remained a gospel group until the mid-1970s, when they changed their image and concentrated on country music. Sterban joined the hit-making line-up in ’72 and Bonsall in ’73.
“I was 25 years old in 1973 when I joined The Oak Ridge Boys,” shares Bonsall. “I am 75 years old in 2023 and I am STILL an Oak Ridge Boy. It has been and still IS an amazing ride.”
Throughout their career, The Oak Ridge Boys have sold over 41 million units worldwide. In addition to their awards and accolades in country music, the Oaks have garnered five Grammy Awards, nine GMA Dove Awards and two American Music Awards. In addition to the Country Music Hall of Fame, they are members of the Grand Ole Opry, the Gospel Music Hall of Fame and the Vocal Group Hall of Fame.
The Oaks have achieved 17 No. 1 hits, including “Leaving Louisiana In The Broad Daylight,” “Bobbie Sue,” “Trying To Love Two Women,” “(I’m Settin’) Fancy Free,” “American Made” and the unforgettable “Elvira.”
“For all of my career I have always been a planner, sometimes planning two or three years in advance, what we will do, where we will go, and when we record,” says Allen. “As we celebrate 50 years of being together, just as you see us, we will, also, begin our ‘American Made: Farewell Tour.’ I don’t know how long the tour will last, but we hope to return to as many parts of the country as we can. Thank you so much for these 50 years. For me, it’s 57 1/2 years. I have given you the best part of my life and you have rewarded me with a wonderful career. Thank you, our dear fans. Thanks to God for His divine guidance. Thank you to our wonderful organization. Thank you to all the supporting companies who represent us. And thank you to our families.”
The Oak Ridge Boys Upcoming Tour Dates:
SEP 20 – The Mansion Theatre for the Performing Arts / Branson, Mo.
SEP 21 – The Mansion Theatre for the Performing Arts / Branson, Mo.
SEP 22 – Capital Region MU Health Care Amphitheater / Jefferson City, Mo.
SEP 23 – Dixie Carter Performing Arts Center / Huntington, Tenn.
SEP 28 – Norsk Hostfest Great Hall of the Vikings / Minot, N.D.
SEP 29 – Chester Fritz Auditorium / Grand Forks, N.D.
SEP 30 – Swiftel Center / Brookings, S.D.
OCT 01 – Deadwood Mountain Grand / Deadwood, S.D.
OCT 04 – The Mansion Theatre for the Performing Arts / Branson, Mo.
OCT 05 – The Mansion Theatre for the Performing Arts / Branson, Mo.
OCT 06 – Ameristar Casino Hotel Kansas City / Kansas City, Mo.
OCT 07 – Richard Drake’s Party Barn / Powderly, Texas
OCT 11 – The Mansion Theatre for the Performing Arts / Branson, Mo.
OCT 12 – The Mansion Theatre for the Performing Arts / Branson, Mo.
OCT 13 – Arlington Music Hall / Arlington, Texas
OCT 14 – Arlington Music Hall / Arlington, Texas
OCT 18 – The Mansion Theatre for the Performing Arts / Branson, Mo.
OCT 19 – The Mansion Theatre for the Performing Arts / Branson, Mo.
OCT 21 – Rome City Auditorium / Rome, Ga.
OCT 26 – The Mansion Theatre for the Performing Arts / Branson, Mo.
OCT 27 – The Mansion Theatre for the Performing Arts / Branson, Mo.
OCT 28 – Neewollah Celebration – Jim Halsey Auditorium / Independence, Kan.
NOV 01 – The Mansion Theatre for the Performing Arts / Branson, Mo.
NOV 02 – The Mansion Theatre for the Performing Arts / Branson, Mo.
NOV 03 – Brown County Music Center / Nashville, Ind.
NOV 04 – Crossroads Arena / Corinth, Miss.
NOV 08 – The Mansion Theatre for the Performing Arts / Branson, Mo.
NOV 09 – The Mansion Theatre for the Performing Arts / Branson, Mo.
NOV 11 – Grand Ole Opry / Nashville, Tenn.
NOV 15 – The Mansion Theatre for the Performing Arts / Branson, Mo.
NOV 16 – The Mansion Theatre for the Performing Arts / Branson, Mo.
NOV 21 – Vern Riffe Center for the Arts / Portsmouth, Ohio
NOV 24 – Honeywell Center / Wabash, Ind.
NOV 25 – Paramount Theatre / Anderson, Ind.
NOV 30 – Weldon Mills Theatre / Roanoke Rapids, N.C.
DEC 01 – Renfro Valley Barn Dance / Mount Vernon, Ky.
DEC 02 – Anderson Music Hall / Hiawassee, Ga.
DEC 07 – Firekeepers Casino / Battle Creek, Mich.
DEC 08 – Island Resort & Casino / Harris, Mich.
DEC 09 – Island Resort & Casino / Harris, Mich.
DEC 12 – Ryman Auditorium / Nashville, Tenn.
DEC 14 – Luther F. Carson Four Rivers Center / Paducah, Ky.
DEC 15 – Effingham Performance Center / Effingham, Ill.
DEC 16 – Crystal Grand Music Theatre / Wisconsin Dells, Wisc.
DEC 17 – Egyptian Theatre / Dekalb, Ill.
Concord Acquires Mojo Music & Media
/by Lorie HollabaughConcord has acquired the catalog of Mojo Music & Media, including the works of REO Speedwagon, KISS and Cheap Trick.
The Mojo catalog spans nine decades and comprises more than 30,000 songs, including 89 Billboard No. 1 hits, adding to Concord’s publishing portfolio of 800,000 songs.
Founded in 2018 by industry veterans Mark Fried, Peter Shane and Alan Wallis and supported since 2019 by funds managed by Crestline Investors Inc., Mojo quickly established itself as a significant player in the publishing arena. With an early focus on strategic acquisitions of culturally relevant songs, Mojo acquired more than 40 catalogs including those of 30-year Nashville independent HoriPro Entertainment (REO Speedwagon, KISS, Jerry Reed) and L.A.-based Emerald Forest (Sophie B. Hawkins, Brownstone, Lita Ford).
Building on this momentum, Mojo built a roster that includes Rick Nielsen (Cheap Trick) and Warren Cuccurullo (Missing Persons, Duran Duran), Bob Morrison (“Lookin’ For Love”), Sharon Vaughn (“My Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys”) and Larry Gatlin (“All The Gold In California”), as well as D.L. Byron (“Shadows Of The Night”), Jeffrey Cohen (“Freeway Of Love”), Earth Wind & Fire’s Al McKay (“September,” “Best Of My Love”), English Beat and General Public’s Dave Wakeling (“Save It For Later,” “Tenderness”), songwriter Jordan Reynolds (Dan + Shay), producer Jacknife Lee (Taylor Swift, Snow Patrol and Kodaline) and the estates of Johnny Burke (“Misty”), Bernie Wayne (“Blue Velvet”) and Johnny Russell (“Act Naturally”).
“My nearly 30-year adventure in music publishing has always been about surrounding myself with the greatest songwriters, getting them paid, keeping them inspired, and elevating the power of their songs in pop culture so they vibrate forever,” says Fried, Mojo’s Co-Founder and CEO. “Concord has been on the same mission since its founding, and my partners and I feel like we’ve come full circle working with [Concord’s Chief Business Development Officer] Steve Salm, whom I’ve known and respected since his first days in the business, and other old friends at Concord to bring our catalogs together. I feel a deep responsibility to the artists, songs, and legacies we represent and I’m excited to see them continue to prosper in the hands of such capable and passionate caretakers.”
“We are delighted to have supported Mojo through their successful ramp up and aggregation of their catalogue. All aspects of our involvement with Mark and team have been outstanding. It is a great example of our desire to use our capital to build valuable asset platforms,” says Michael Guy, Chief Investment Officer of Crestline Europe.
“Mark Fried is a true original who’s repeatedly seen the value in songs and catalogs well before market trends, always putting songwriters first,” says Salm, Concord’s Chief Business Development Officer. “Over the last several decades, he’s built two premier independent catalogs with Mojo here and Spirit Music prior, winning the trust of some of the most legendary songwriters and artists. With Mojo, Mark, Pete, and Alan have assembled a stellar collection of incredible hits spanning genres, eras, and territories. The Mojo catalog is a perfect fit with Concord’s catalogs, and we’re honored by the trust they’ve now put in us.”
RIAA Reports New Milestone For 2023 Mid-Year U.S. Recorded Music Revenues
/by Lorie HollabaughThe Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) has released a new report revealing the industry has hit new revenue milestones after a decade of transformation, including data for mid-year 2023 reflecting the ninth consecutive year of growth.
Total revenues grew 9.3% at estimated retail value and marked an all-time, first-half high of $8.4 billion, as paid subscriptions remained the strongest driver, accounting for 78% of streaming revenues.
“This report describes a thriving, growing music ecosystem that continues to reach new heights and shape our culture,” says RIAA Chairman & CEO Mitch Glazier. “And it reflects the creative human genius and hard work of all the artists, songwriters, labels, publishers, and services who make the music happen and meet fans and audiences where they are in today’s forward looking and innovative music community.”
Statistics from the report on streaming reveal it remains the dominant form of music consumption in the U.S., responsible for 84% of total recorded music revenues in the U.S. and growing 10.3% to $7 billion. Paid subscriptions also grew even faster, topping 11% growth over the first half of this year. Over the past five years, the number of people paying for music subscriptions has more than doubled.
Physical formats have now reached their highest level since the first half of 2013, with total revenues up 5% over 2022 at $882 million. Vinyl is also still highly popular, reaching $632 million for the first half of 2023 and accounting for 72% of all physical music sales. The full report is available here.
Primary Wave Music Acquires Eddie Rabbitt Catalog
/by LB CantrellEddie Rabbitt
Primary Wave Music has acquired a stake in the music publishing catalog of award-winning singer-songwriter Eddie Rabbitt.
Throughout his prolific career, Rabbitt co-wrote a dozen No. 1 hits with all 12 of his songs earning BMI’s Million-Air status. Of the songs included in the deal are some of Rabbitt’s most notable compositions, such as the No. 1 crossover hit “I Love A Rainy Night,” and the top 10, Grammy-nominated song “Drivin’ My Life Away.”
“Eddie Rabbitt’s music has left a lasting impression in the Country Music community and beyond. We are thrilled to welcome the catalog of such an iconic performer and songwriter,” says Lexi Todd, Vice President, Business & Legal Affairs at Primary Wave Music.
Rabbitt began his career as a songwriter in the late 1960s, composing such hits as “Kentucky Rain” for Elvis Presley in 1970 and “Pure Love” for Ronnie Milsap in 1974. Later in the ’70s, Rabbitt helped to develop the crossover-influenced sound of country music prevalent in the ’80s with such hits as “Suspicions,” “I Love a Rainy Night” and “Every Which Way but Loose,” the theme from the film of the same title.
In 1977, the Academy of Country Music named Rabbitt its Top New Male Vocalist of the Year, and he received the BMI Burton Song of the Year award in 1980 for “Suspicions,” a song he penned with longtime writing partners David Malloy and Even Stevens.
Rabbitt died in 1998 of lung cancer and was inducted into that Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame that year.