Pictured (L-R): Stevie Frasure, Lylette Pizarro, Ben Vaughn, Jesse Frasure, Spencer Nohe, Lynn Hazan and Phil May attend Frasure’s “Return to Calm Springs Listening Experience” in partnership with Rhythm House, Influence Media Partners and Warner Chappell at Soho House Nashville. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Influence Media Partners
Influence Media Partners and Warner Chappell Music Nashville have partnered with CMA Award-winning and Grammy-nominated songwriter, producer and DJ Jesse Frasure.
The companies are investing in Frasure’s full publishing catalog, encompassing more than 160 songs, with chart-topping hits such as “Dirt on My Boots” by Jon Pardi, “One Mississippi” by Kane Brown and “What’s Your Country Song” by Thomas Rhett, along with Frasure’s future works.
The deal was led by Frasure’s longtime collaborator, Warner Chappell Music Nashville President & CEO, Ben Vaughn, alongside Influence Media Founder & Co-Managing Partner, Lylette Pizarro.
“I’ve always been interested in surrounding myself with innovative thinkers in this business that have a fresh approach to the music industry. We knew from the moment we met Lylette, Lynn [Hazan], Rene [McLean] and the Influence team that this would be a perfect fit,” shares Frasure. “Finding partners that were not just interested in my catalog, but a continued creative relationship was huge for us. I believe Influence will be integral in championing songwriters like myself in and out of Nashville for years to come. I’m very grateful to Ben Vaughn and Spencer Nohe at Warner Chappell, Derek Crownover, Stevie Frasure and Vanna Moua for connecting the dots and making this partnership happen.”
Vaughn shares, “Jesse is a mega-talent and trendsetter in the Nashville songwriting community, and we’ve been lucky to work alongside him for several years now. He’s multi-talented as a writer, publisher and producer who’s always ahead of the curve and looking for the next great musical moment. His undeniable talent and relentless work ethic have landed him some of the biggest collaborations in country music, and with the support of Influence Media and our entire Warner Chappell Music Nashville team, the best is yet to come.”
Frasure, a multiple CMA Award and two-time BMI Songwriter of the Year winner, has written with and for artists such as Kacey Musgraves, Faith Hill, Tim McGraw, Kelsea Ballerini and more. Along with writing for Jay-Z’s Roc Nation, Frasure has co-written 22 No. 1 songs and produced an additional eight No. 1 songs for artists across genres. He recently nabbed the Song of the Year trophy for Cole Swindell’s “She Had Me at Heads Carolina” at the 2023 ACM Awards.
Last week, Frasure released his latest album, Return to Calm Springs, the sequel to his first debut instrumental EP Calm Springs, which he released under his artist name Telemitry in 2020. Frasure celebrated his album release and new partnership on Monday (Sept. 18) with a private listening event hosted by Influence Media, Warner Chapell Music and Rhythm House at Soho House Nashville.
In addition to the deal with Frasure, Influence Media has invested in several other country hitmakers, including Platinum-certified superstar Blake Shelton, ACM-winning singer-songwriter Nicolle Galyon, Grammy-winner Chris Tompkins and more.
“Jesse Frasure is the ultimate multi-hyphenate—songwriter, producer, artist, DJ, tastemaker and influencer—truly a rare, gifted breed,” says Pizarro. “His work is rooted in country but has a proven track record of reaching far wider audiences. We’re proud to have the opportunity to partner with Jesse & Stevie, their wonderful team at Rhythm House, and Ben & his amazing team at Warner Chappell Nashville—not only to become a co-custodian of his catalog but to support him as he redefines the future.”
Thomas Rhett Scores 21st No. 1 With ‘Angels (Don’t Always Have Wings)’
/by Liza AndersonCountry star Thomas Rhett has scored his 21st No. 1 on the Country Aircheck/MediaBase chart and 19th No. 1 on Billboard’s Country Airplay chart with “Angels (Don’t Always Have Wings)”
Written by the multi-Platinum artist alongside Julian Bunetta, Teddy Swims and Josh Thompson, the smash single was first heard on Rhett’s sixth studio album Where We Started with the title “Angels.” The hitmaker then released the newer, amplified version to radio.
The news comes ahead of his 20 Number Ones release on Sept. 29, featuring a limited edition vinyl collection as well as a special box set bundle.
“I feel like I’ve been pretty known for love songs throughout my career, but I think we did a good job of portraying love from a different perspective on this one, so that makes it really special for me. This is really an ode to my wife, and on a grander scale, this is for that person in everybody’s life that has stuck with them through thick and thin,” says Rhett. “So thank you to all those people. It’s really cool to have been celebrating 20 number ones this year and now to be celebrating my 21st career number one is crazy. I’m just really humbled and grateful and can’t wait for the next ten years.”
He is also currently on the road for his “Home Team Tour 23,” hitting a total of 40 cities in 27 states.
Influence Media & Warner Chappell Partner With Jesse Frasure On New Deal [Exclusive]
/by LB CantrellPictured (L-R): Stevie Frasure, Lylette Pizarro, Ben Vaughn, Jesse Frasure, Spencer Nohe, Lynn Hazan and Phil May attend Frasure’s “Return to Calm Springs Listening Experience” in partnership with Rhythm House, Influence Media Partners and Warner Chappell at Soho House Nashville. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Influence Media Partners
Influence Media Partners and Warner Chappell Music Nashville have partnered with CMA Award-winning and Grammy-nominated songwriter, producer and DJ Jesse Frasure.
The companies are investing in Frasure’s full publishing catalog, encompassing more than 160 songs, with chart-topping hits such as “Dirt on My Boots” by Jon Pardi, “One Mississippi” by Kane Brown and “What’s Your Country Song” by Thomas Rhett, along with Frasure’s future works.
The deal was led by Frasure’s longtime collaborator, Warner Chappell Music Nashville President & CEO, Ben Vaughn, alongside Influence Media Founder & Co-Managing Partner, Lylette Pizarro.
“I’ve always been interested in surrounding myself with innovative thinkers in this business that have a fresh approach to the music industry. We knew from the moment we met Lylette, Lynn [Hazan], Rene [McLean] and the Influence team that this would be a perfect fit,” shares Frasure. “Finding partners that were not just interested in my catalog, but a continued creative relationship was huge for us. I believe Influence will be integral in championing songwriters like myself in and out of Nashville for years to come. I’m very grateful to Ben Vaughn and Spencer Nohe at Warner Chappell, Derek Crownover, Stevie Frasure and Vanna Moua for connecting the dots and making this partnership happen.”
Vaughn shares, “Jesse is a mega-talent and trendsetter in the Nashville songwriting community, and we’ve been lucky to work alongside him for several years now. He’s multi-talented as a writer, publisher and producer who’s always ahead of the curve and looking for the next great musical moment. His undeniable talent and relentless work ethic have landed him some of the biggest collaborations in country music, and with the support of Influence Media and our entire Warner Chappell Music Nashville team, the best is yet to come.”
Frasure, a multiple CMA Award and two-time BMI Songwriter of the Year winner, has written with and for artists such as Kacey Musgraves, Faith Hill, Tim McGraw, Kelsea Ballerini and more. Along with writing for Jay-Z’s Roc Nation, Frasure has co-written 22 No. 1 songs and produced an additional eight No. 1 songs for artists across genres. He recently nabbed the Song of the Year trophy for Cole Swindell’s “She Had Me at Heads Carolina” at the 2023 ACM Awards.
Last week, Frasure released his latest album, Return to Calm Springs, the sequel to his first debut instrumental EP Calm Springs, which he released under his artist name Telemitry in 2020. Frasure celebrated his album release and new partnership on Monday (Sept. 18) with a private listening event hosted by Influence Media, Warner Chapell Music and Rhythm House at Soho House Nashville.
In addition to the deal with Frasure, Influence Media has invested in several other country hitmakers, including Platinum-certified superstar Blake Shelton, ACM-winning singer-songwriter Nicolle Galyon, Grammy-winner Chris Tompkins and more.
“Jesse Frasure is the ultimate multi-hyphenate—songwriter, producer, artist, DJ, tastemaker and influencer—truly a rare, gifted breed,” says Pizarro. “His work is rooted in country but has a proven track record of reaching far wider audiences. We’re proud to have the opportunity to partner with Jesse & Stevie, their wonderful team at Rhythm House, and Ben & his amazing team at Warner Chappell Nashville—not only to become a co-custodian of his catalog but to support him as he redefines the future.”
Zach Bryan Leads Another Week On The MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart
/by Caela GriffinZach Bryan leads another week on MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart, propelled by the success of his self-titled album.
Of the 16 songs from the album, Bryan wrote 11 of tracks by himself, and co-wrote the remaining five.
Ashley Gorley holds the No. 2 spot with Tracy Chapman in No. 3 for the second week. Jordan Schmidt has moved up to the No. 4 this week and Ryan Vojtesak rejoins the top five in the No. 5 spot.
The weekly MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart uses algorithms based upon song activity according to airplay, digital download track sales and streams. This unique and exclusive addition to the MusicRow portfolio is the only songwriter chart of its kind.
Click here to view the full MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart.
Luke Grimes’ ‘Pain Pills Or Pews’ EP Slated For October
/by Lorie HollabaughMercury Nashville / Range Music artist Luke Grimes is gearing up for the release of his new eight-song EP, Pain Pills Or Pews, on Oct. 20.
Grimes penned six of the songs on the new Dave Cobb-produced project, which fans can now pre-save. Fans can get a new taste of the EP with the track “Burn,” which will be released Sept. 22.
Known for his role as Kayce Dutton on the hit television series, Yellowstone, Grimes has been making music for years and is prepping his first major label project. After the release of his debut EP, he’ll be heading out on the road to perform the songs this fall. He is also set to perform for the first time at the Pilgrimage Music & Cultural festival this weekend in Franklin, Tennessee and will be returning to Stagecoach in April 2024 as well.
Pain Pills Or Pews Track Listing:
1. No Horse To Ride (Luke Grimes, Tony Lane, Jonathan Singleton)
2. Hold On (Foy Vance & Ilsey Juber)
3. Ghost Of Who We Were (Luke Grimes, Nicolle Gaylon, Rodney Clawson)
4. Where It’s Blue (Colton Venner)
5. Burn (Luke Grimes, Randy Montana, Josh Thompson)
6. Playing On The Tracks (Luke Grimes & Brent Cobb)
7. Oh Ohio (Luke Grimes, Jessi Alexander, Jon Randall)
8. Ain’t Dead Yet (Luke Grimes & Aaron Raitiere)
Parker McCollum Announced As Headliner For 2024 Gulf Coast Jam
/by Lorie HollabaughParker McCollum
Parker McCollum has been announced as the fourth headliner for the 12th annual Gulf Coast Jam Presented by Jim Beam in 2024.
As the final headliner on the Country On The Coast festival stage, the CMA New Artist of the Year nominee will join Jelly Roll (May 31), Cody Johnson (June 1) and Morgan Wallen (June 2) at the Panama City Beach festival May 30 – June 2.
“Parker has exploded onto the scene with hit music, sold-out shows and incredible industry recognition,” says Rendy Lovelady, Gulf Coast Jam Executive Producer. “Our Jammers will be in for a real treat when he hits the stage on night one next year.”
This year’s Gulf Coast Jam Presented by Jim Beam drew 30,000 fans from all 50 states and 13 countries to the Florida Panhandle. For more information, click here.
Grand Ole Opry To Celebrate Keith Whitley With Special Tribute Show
/by Lorie HollabaughThe Grand Ole Opry is honoring Keith Whitley on Oct. 14 with a special show, “I Wonder Do You Think Of Me: The Opry Remembers Keith Whitley.”
The show will feature performances and remembrances from Whitley’s widow Lorrie Morgan and his son Jesse Keith Whitley as well as Opry member and Country Music Hall of Famer Garth Brooks, who officially inducted Whitley into the Country Music Hall of Fame last year. Terri Clark and Ashley McBryde will perform as well, with additional artists to be announced soon.
Whitley was enjoying tremendous success and would’ve been surprised in the spring of 1989 with his dream of becoming an official Opry member. He passed away just three weeks before learning that he was to have reached that goal.
“Keith Whitley made an indelible mark on country music and our Opry family,” says Dan Rogers, Grand Ole Opry Vice President & Executive Producer. “Week after week, those who knew him still talk about him in our backstage hallways and many of those who have come along in the 34 years since his passing cite him as a key influence on their own musical styles. It’s going to be a great night of music as we bring several of those artists together to recall one of the greatest voices to have taken the Opry stage.”
The night will feature two shows and tickets are on sale now at (615) 871-OPRY and opry.com. Portions of the show will air as a Saturday night Opry Live later this year on the Circle Network as well as Circle All Access’ Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. The show can be heard on opry.com and wsmonline.com, SiriusXM Willie’s Roadhouse and the show’s flagship radio home, WSM Radio.
NOW OPEN: Applications For MusicRow’s 2024 N.B.T. Music Industry Directory
/by LB CantrellApplications are now open for MusicRow’s N.B.T. (Next Big Thing) Music Industry Directory. The final list will be featured in MusicRow‘s Touring/Next Big Thing print issue, which releases on Nov. 28.
MusicRow‘s N.B.T. Music Industry Directory showcases Nashville music business professionals who are rising through the ranks. This class of industry members occupy mid-level roles at their respective companies, and are on a trajectory of excellence to become future leaders in the Nashville music industry. Applicants should ideally have a minimum of 5 or more years experience in the music industry.
The Touring/Next Big Thing print edition also includes the annual Next Big Thing artists listing, with editorial features focused on the touring segment of our industry.
To apply for inclusion in this year’s edition of the N.B.T. Music Industry Directory, please click here to access the application form.
Please note that not all submissions are guaranteed to be listed in the directory. If you are submitting multiple candidates, you will need to click on SUBMIT at the bottom of the form before entering another candidate. Head shots can be sent to art@musicrow.com.
New submissions for the directory close on Wednesday, Sept. 27. For questions, email lbcantrell@musicrow.com.
To reserve ad space in the 2023/2024 Touring/Next Big Thing issue, contact srobertson@musicrow.com. Rate card information is available here.
Jade Eagleson Leads Winners, Tenille Townes Makes History At 2023 CCMAs
/by Lorie HollabaughJade Eagleson. Photo: Courtesy of the Canadian Country Music Association
Jade Eagleson was crowned the top winner of the evening at this year’s 41st annual Canadian Country Music Association Awards on Sept. 15, taking home both the coveted Entertainer of the Year award and Male Artist of the Year award during the ceremony.
Tenille Towns. Photo: Courtesy of the Canadian Country Music Association
Tenille Townes became the first artist to earn a fifth consecutive Female Artist of the Year nod, while James Barker Band notched their first win in Group or Duo of the Year and earned the TD Aeroplan Visa Fans’ Choice Award. Album of the Year went to Tim & The Glory Boys for their self-titled album, and Lindsay Ell scooped up the award for Single of the Year for “Right On Time.” Rising star Josh Ross rounded out the evening winning his first CCMA Award for Breakthrough Artist or Group of the Year.
Dean Brody was recognized during the evening as the Gary Slaight Music Humanitarian Award recipient and Brian Edwards and Jason McCoy were inducted into the 2023 Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame. The show also featured memorable performances from Eagleson, Hunter Brothers, Kyle McKearney, Madeline Merlo, Jess Moskaluke, Griffen Palmer and Meghan Patrick.
A full list of 2023 CCMA Award winners can be found at ccma.org.
Josh Ross. Photo: Courtesy of the Canadian Country Music Association
The Canadian Country Music Association also announced that Country Music Week 2024 and the 2024 CCMA Awards presented by TD will return to Edmonton next September for the first time in 10 years. Commemorating their eighth time in Edmonton, and the first return since 2014, the 2024 CCMA Awards will broadcast live from Rogers Place in the heart of downtown Edmonton. The CCMA and Bell Media have extended their broadcast and content partnership through Country Music Week 2024, with CTV remaining as the exclusive broadcaster of the 42nd Annual CCMA Awards presented by TD.
Telemitry Taps Into Retro Vibe On New Project ‘Return To Calm Springs’
/by Lorie HollabaughProducer, songwriter, publisher and DJ Telemitry (Jesse Frasure) has released a new instrumental album, Return To Calm Springs, available now.
The 12-track album from Frasure transports listeners to a balmy, martini-soaked Palm Springs night. Return To Calm Springs is a soundtrack that would have been perfect for a dinner party hosted by Marilyn Monroe or Frank Sinatra, taking the listener back decades to another classic era.
The album serves as the perfect way to romanticize daily moments, elevate social gatherings and the final aesthetic touch to any social media post. Whether “Shaken Not Stirred,” “Dinner with Dean” or “French 75,” each track has a way of transcending without distracting.
As Telemitry, Grammy-nominated Frasure spins at some of the hottest clubs and most exclusive parties for artists such as Drake, Lil Wayne and Nicki Minaj. He has toured internationally and has been the go-to call for artists like Thomas Rhett and Florida Georgia Line when they’ve needed to keep the party going on the road. In addition to remixing songs for artists like Miranda Lambert and Kidd G, Frasure has penned songs for internationally renowned DJ’s Marshmello and Steve Aoki as well. Over the course of his career, he has also amassed 20 No. 1s, countless singles and numerous cuts in the country, pop and Christian markets.
Brandi Carlile, Margo Price, More To Perform On Americana Honors & Awards
/by Lorie HollabaughThe performers and presenters have been announced for the 22nd annual Americana Honors & Awards, set for Wednesday, Sept. 20 at the Ryman Auditorium.
49 Winchester, Adeem the Artist, Allison Russell, Angel Olsen, The Avett Brothers, Bettye LaVette, Bonnie Raitt, Brandi Carlile, Brandy Clark, Hermanos Gutiérrez, Logan Ledger, Margo Price, Marty Stuart, The Milk Carton Kids, Nickel Creek, Noah Kahan, Patty Griffin, Rufus Wainwright, S.G. Goodman, Sunny War, The War And Treaty and William Prince are all set to perform on the awards ceremony.
Buddy Miller will again serve as musical director for the Americana All-Star Band, featuring Brady Blade, Catherine Popper, Fred Eltringham, Jen Gunderman, Jim Hoke, Larry Campbell and The McCrary Sisters.
Presenters on the show include Anthony Mason, Dom Flemons, Jessi Colter, Jim Lauderdale, Jonathan Taplin, Lyle Lovett, Pete Muller, Sarah Silverman, Shovels & Rope, Silas House, Steve Jordan, Teddy Thompson, Warren Zanes and William Bell.
The 2023 Honors & Awards will also include this year’s Lifetime, Trailblazer and Legacy Award Honorees; The Avett Brothers, George Fontaine Sr., Bettye LaVette, Patty Griffin and Nickel Creek.