Amy Grant is releasing a new 18-track project, Lead Me On Live 1989, on Oct. 6 featuring unreleased songs from the Fort Worth, Texas stop of her “Lead Me On Tour” in 1989.
The album was originally recorded during the tour and also includes a few songs from the 20th anniversary edition of the original Lead Me On album.
Pulled from the vault 34 years later, this is the first time fans will have the opportunity to experience all the songs from Grant’s biggest tour up to that point in her career. Prior to her global pop-star success with Heart In Motion, 1988-1989 was a time of incredible audience growth for Grant, and found her pulling out all the stops for an unparalleled experience.
“When I first heard the recordings from 1989 from the ‘Lead Me On Tour,’ the thing that bowled me over was just what a talented band I had on the road,” says Grant. “I have loved every band configuration I’ve ever had on the road and all are so special to me, but there was something unique about that group of players and singers during the ‘Lead Me On Tour.’
“First of all, there were so many of us on the stage and so many types of instrumentation like harmonica solos, flute solos, saxophone, mandolins, lots of keyboards and stacks of vocals, it just felt like one big family reunion every night. The size and scope of the production and the big experience we were trying to create also made this tour very special. The energy of the crowd felt like an infinite number eight with energy coming from us on stage, it circling through the audience and then coming back to us and it brought back so many amazing memories. I’m so grateful we captured that moment in time.”
Lead Me On Live 1989 will be available digitally as well as on a two-CD collection. iTunes will have the album for pre-ale with track “Wait For The Healing” available, starting Sept. 15. All-new merch, fan packs and bundles for the project will also be available. Additionally, the salvageable film footage from the 1989 Fort Worth show that has been “in the vault” will finally see the light of day on YouTube and social media platforms in the forms of music videos, shorts, reels and more. For more information, click here.
This fall, Grant will hit the road starting Sept. 20 performing her hits along with selections from the Lead Me On Live 1989 project. On Nov. 26, Grant and her long-time friend and collaborator Michael W. Smith will begin their “2023 Christmas Tour.”
Lead Me On Live 1989 Track Listing:
1. “Love Of Another Kind”
2. “Wait For The Healing”
3. “Shadows”
4. “Everywhere I Go”
5. “All Right”
6. “Saved By Love”
7. “1974”
8. “Stay For A While”
9. “Emmanuel”
10. “El Shaddai”
11. “Lead Me On”
12. “Find A Way”
13. “Band Intros”
14. “I Love You”
15. “Wise Up”
16. “Fight”
17. “Angels”
18. “Say Once More”
Norbert Nix Exits Triple Tigers, Kevin Herring & Annie Ortmeier Named Co-Presidents
/by LB CantrellKevin Herring, Annie Ortmeier and George Couri. Photo: Jesse Lendzion
Norbert Nix has exited his position as President of Triple Tigers, the label home to Scotty McCreery, Russell Dickerson and Jordan Fletcher.
Triple Tigers’ Kevin Herring and former UMG exec. Annie Ortmeier have become Co-Presidents of the label, reporting to George Couri, Triple Tigers Co-Founder and Triple 8 Management Co-Founder.
“Triple Tigers 2.0 is here,” Couri shares. “I look forward to stepping into a more active role, as well as having Kevin and Annie form a dual attack in the worlds of both radio and streaming & digital. Kevin’s radio singles batting average here is unmatched in the industry, and Annie comes from leading streaming and digital strategies at the biggest label in the business. With our company intentionally focused on maintaining a very small group of artists who benefit from dedicated attention, there will be tremendous impact on our roster.”
Herring took his post at Triple Tigers in 2017, overseeing all radio promotion efforts for the label. He previously served as Sr. VP of Promotion at Warner Music Nashville, and VP of Promotion at Lyric Street Records. “I am very proud and honored to be entrusted with a leadership role at Triple Tigers,” he says. “This is an amazing group of people and artists who are dedicated to making world class country music and lifting up the artists, songwriters, format and community.”
Ortmeier formerly served as Sr. VP of Streaming Marketing at UMG, where she was responsible for both audio and video streaming marketing strategy for all the label’s artists. She joined UMG in 2013. She shares, “I am excited to be joining George, Kevin and the team at Triple Tigers. I have admired Triple Tigers and the incredible success they have had thus far, and am looking forward to being able to build upon that success with Scotty, Russell, Jordan and the team!”
Nix has launched an artist development company, VISCYRL. He announced his signing of Wisconsin-native Sawyer Utah in July.
Congratulate Herring via kevin@tripletigers.com and Ortmeier via annie@tripletigers.com. Reach Couri via george@triple8mgmt.com and Nix at norbert@viscyrl.com.
ACM Opens 2024 Membership Application & Renewal Window
/by Caela GriffinThe Academy of Country Music opened its window to become a member or renew membership today (Sept. 12) through Monday, Oct. 23 at 7 p.m. CT.
Applications must be submitted online during this membership window to qualify to obtain or maintain voting eligibility for the 59th Academy of Country Music Awards in 2024. Accepted and active members gain access to a suite of benefits including early access to tickets for ACM events, discounts on industry partner events, industry data insights, monthly educational and networking events, and more.
For more information and to apply online, click here.
“The Academy of Country Music is coming off another markedly successful year with the ACM Awards in May and a heartfelt ACM Honors show at the Ryman last month, set to return to FOX next Monday night for a primetime TV special. Coupled with a renewed commitment to greater inclusivity and equity in our country music community through several forward-thinking professional development programs, record-setting fundraising and grant disbursement from ACM Lifting Lives, and many new opportunities in development, membership in the Academy has never been more essential,” says Daniel Miller, Chair of the ACM Membership Committee. “Now is an exciting time to engage with the Academy and we encourage prospective members to apply and our current membership to renew this fall for 2024. Thanks to our committee members for recruiting our largest and most diverse membership class yet.”
The 2023 membership application and renewal cycle last year saw the ACM reach record-high levels, surpassing all existing benchmarks since organization membership numbers were tracked. This milestone was announced days before the official grand opening of the Academy’s new Nashville headquarters in the Wedgewood Houston neighborhood, cementing the celebrated trade organization’s official move to Music City after nearly six decades on the west coast and creating an instant hub for the industry and country community as Nashville continues its vibrant growth.
A multi-platform recruitment and awareness campaign with a “Vote | Lead | Change” catchline will run in the weeks ahead. ACM members can cast votes for the ACM Awards, which celebrate excellence across the industry and reach millions of fans all over the world, through a pioneering partnership with Amazon’s Prime Video. Members also gain admission and access to an invaluable programming and development lineup, including exclusive events, panels, and initiatives, as well as the acclaimed quarterly magazine TEMPO.
The ACM also boasts a long-standing history as a welcoming organization for all, including a community-leading commitment towards creating a more inclusive environment for underrepresented groups in country music, from the boardroom to the stage, and invites applicants to join us as we work towards change.
Conner Smith Slates “Creek Will Rise Tour” For Fall & Winter
/by Caela GriffinPhoto: Courtesy of Conner Smith
Rising singer-songwriter Conner Smith has announced his North American headline “Creek Will Rise Tour” with special guests Lauren Watkins and John Morgan.
Smith will be bring his high energy and charisma on 20 dates, kicking off Nov. 2 in Athens, Georgia, and wrapping Jan. 27, 2024 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.
“Nothing about this job beats the moments you have with your fans, gathered together around a shared love for country music,” says Smith. “This tour is a step up for us and something I’ve dreamed of for a while. As a fan myself of both Lauren Watkins and John Morgan, I can’t wait to see them perform night after night.”
Fan presale begins today (Sept. 12) and public on-sale starts Friday (Sept. 15) at 10 a.m. For more information, click here.
The Nashville-raised Smith captured the live energy of the tour’s namesake “Creek Will Rise” during a sold-out home state shows earlier this year.
Music Biz 2024 To Take Place May 13-16
/by Liza AndersonThe Music Business Association (Music Biz) has announced that the Music Biz 2024 conference will take place May 13-16 at the JW Marriott Nashville.
The 2023 conference brought together over 2,100 attendees from more than 800 companies across 30 countries to hear expert viewpoints on the latest trends and technology, seek out new business partnerships and celebrate those who are innovating the ways the industry operates.
Registration rates remain the same as 2023 for in-person ticket holders. Music Biz has also open discounted hotel registrations at the JW Marriott Nashville for $299 per night.
There is a limited number of meeting rooms and suite options for companies looking to host private conversations with their partners or showcases on-site during the conference. Companies interest in booking can contact Jessicca Garcia, Music Biz Events Manager, at jessicca.garcia@musicbiz.org.
In 2024, Music Biz will continue to source the educational program from industry professionals, as the association determines the program tracks and conversations most relevant to the industry in the coming months. The Call for Presentations will begin early next month and wrap on Friday, Dec. 8. Full criteria and submission forms for this year’s process will be announced soon.
For more Music Biz 2024 information, click here.
Amy Grant To Release Vault Project ‘Lead Me On Live 1989’
/by Lorie HollabaughAmy Grant is releasing a new 18-track project, Lead Me On Live 1989, on Oct. 6 featuring unreleased songs from the Fort Worth, Texas stop of her “Lead Me On Tour” in 1989.
The album was originally recorded during the tour and also includes a few songs from the 20th anniversary edition of the original Lead Me On album.
Pulled from the vault 34 years later, this is the first time fans will have the opportunity to experience all the songs from Grant’s biggest tour up to that point in her career. Prior to her global pop-star success with Heart In Motion, 1988-1989 was a time of incredible audience growth for Grant, and found her pulling out all the stops for an unparalleled experience.
“When I first heard the recordings from 1989 from the ‘Lead Me On Tour,’ the thing that bowled me over was just what a talented band I had on the road,” says Grant. “I have loved every band configuration I’ve ever had on the road and all are so special to me, but there was something unique about that group of players and singers during the ‘Lead Me On Tour.’
“First of all, there were so many of us on the stage and so many types of instrumentation like harmonica solos, flute solos, saxophone, mandolins, lots of keyboards and stacks of vocals, it just felt like one big family reunion every night. The size and scope of the production and the big experience we were trying to create also made this tour very special. The energy of the crowd felt like an infinite number eight with energy coming from us on stage, it circling through the audience and then coming back to us and it brought back so many amazing memories. I’m so grateful we captured that moment in time.”
Lead Me On Live 1989 will be available digitally as well as on a two-CD collection. iTunes will have the album for pre-ale with track “Wait For The Healing” available, starting Sept. 15. All-new merch, fan packs and bundles for the project will also be available. Additionally, the salvageable film footage from the 1989 Fort Worth show that has been “in the vault” will finally see the light of day on YouTube and social media platforms in the forms of music videos, shorts, reels and more. For more information, click here.
This fall, Grant will hit the road starting Sept. 20 performing her hits along with selections from the Lead Me On Live 1989 project. On Nov. 26, Grant and her long-time friend and collaborator Michael W. Smith will begin their “2023 Christmas Tour.”
1. “Love Of Another Kind”
2. “Wait For The Healing”
3. “Shadows”
4. “Everywhere I Go”
5. “All Right”
6. “Saved By Love”
7. “1974”
8. “Stay For A While”
9. “Emmanuel”
10. “El Shaddai”
11. “Lead Me On”
12. “Find A Way”
13. “Band Intros”
14. “I Love You”
15. “Wise Up”
16. “Fight”
17. “Angels”
18. “Say Once More”
George Strait & Chris Stapleton Extend Stadium Shows Into 2024
/by Lorie HollabaughGeorge Strait and Chris Stapleton are extending their run of stadium shows into 2024 with nine new dates. Little Big Town will join them for the extended run of one-off stadium dates next year.
In addition to summer shows in Indianapolis, Jacksonville, Ames, Charlotte, East Rutherford, Salt Lake City, Detroit and Chicago, Strait will also supersize his longstanding “Strait to Vegas” show with a December date at Las Vegas’ Allegiant Stadium to mark the 37th installment of the engagement.
Tickets to all shows except Jacksonville will be available Sept. 22. Tickets to the Jacksonville show go on sale Oct. 20. American Express Card Members can purchase tickets before the general public Sept. 15-21. For more information, click here.
“I’ve always said we have the best fans in the world, and to see so many of them show up for these shows just makes us want to keep bringing them more,” shares Strait. “I’ve also missed performing in Las Vegas during NFR, so I’m happy to see that show come together in 2024. See you soon!”
George Strait & Chris Stapleton 2024 Stadium Shows:
May 4 – Indianapolis, Ind. || Lucas Oil Stadium
May 11 – Jacksonville, Fla. || EverBank Stadium
May 25 – Ames, Iowa || Jack Trice Stadium
June 1 – Charlotte, N.C. || Bank of America Stadium
June 8 – East Rutherford, N.J. || MetLife Stadium
June 29 – Salt Lake City, Utah || Rice Eccles Stadium
July 13 – Detroit, Mich. || Ford Field
July 20 – Chicago, Ill. || Soldier Field
Dec. 7 – Las Vegas, Nev. || Allegiant Stadium
SMACKSongs Promotes Lee Krabel To Sr. VP Of Publishing
/by LB CantrellLee Krabel. Photo: Lance Wilson
SMACKSongs has promoted Lee Krabel to Senior Vice President of Publishing, effective immediately.
Since joining the company in 2016 as Creative Director, Krabel has played a pivotal role in shaping the company’s creative direction and fostering an environment where songwriters can thrive over the years.
At SMACK, Krabel runs point on an array of talented songwriters, including Josh Jenkins, Ross Copperman, Scott Stepakoff, Tigirlily Gold, McCoy Moore and Clara Park. In his new role, he will continue to oversee SMACK’s entire roster of songwriters, manage the creative staff, book writing sessions, pitch songs, and identify and sign new and promising writers.
“This is well deserved! Lee has been a huge part of the success of SMACK for the past 7 years and helped grow the team to what it is today,” says SMACK President, Robert Carlton. “I’m excited to see what this next chapter has in store. With Lee here, I know our writers will always be in good hands.”
Krabel shares, “The writers and staff at SMACK continue to build one of the best independent publishers in the world. I’m very thankful that Shane [McAnally], Robin [Palmer] and Robert continue to believe in me to be a part of this great team. It feels like we are just getting started and I can’t wait to see where SMACK grows from here.”
Congratulate Krabel at lee@smacksongs.com.
Kelsea Ballerini To Headline Homecoming Arena Show In Knoxville
/by Lorie HollabaughKelsea Ballerini is heading back home to East Tennessee for a one-night-only concert, “The Homecoming Show,” on Nov. 2 at Thompson-Boling Arena in Knoxville.
Ingrid Andress and Georgia Webster will serve as support for the special date, which will be Ballerini’s first headlining arena show and a bucket list moment for the entertainer.
“Throughout the last decade and four albums, there has been a consistent ode to my hometown. Whether it be lyrically like in ‘Half of My Hometown’ or celebrating milestone moments in venues like my high school, the Tennessee Theater or the Civic Center, it’s always been incredibly important to me to go back to the place that let me go to chase my dream. Playing Thompson-Boling has been on my bucket list since I was a little kid watching my favorite musicians come through town and is the perfect place to celebrate such a bookmark year and kick off a new level of touring,” says Ballerini.
Tickets go on sale to her fan club on tomorrow (Sept. 13), and general sales start on Friday (Sept. 15). For more information, click here.
Her latest single “If You Go Down (I’m Goin’ Down Too)” is currently in the top 15 at country radio and climbing, and she’s set to to perform “Penthouse (Healed Version)” at MTV’s Video Music Awards.
Seth Alley Re-ups With Endurance Music Group
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): EMG’s President Michael Martin and Senior Creative Director Lauren Funk, Alley’s son Malcolm, Seth Alley, EMG’s Senior Vice President Mark Ahlberg and Creative Director Courtney Kruckeberg
Songwriter and producer Seth Alley has renewed his exclusive publishing deal with Endurance Music Group.
A native of Sparta, Tennessee, Alley moved to Nashville in 2011 to further his emerging career as a country artist, signing his first record deal in 2013. In the past few years with Endurance, Alley has transitioned into a producer role, working across multiple genres including pop, rock, and country.
Alley has three cuts on country-rocker Nate Smith‘s recent album, Nate Smith (Deluxe), and co-wrote David Morris‘ anthemic hit “Does He Know About Us.” In the pop and sync spaces, Alley is working with Rayelle, Sam Tinnesz, Tina Parol, Matt Bronleewe, and Que Parks. He has had recent cuts with Matt Stell, Skeez, New Medicine, Jake Banfield, and more, and frequently co-writes with Jake Rose, CJ Solar, Heath Warren, James McNair, Nick Wayne, and David J, among others.
Sawyer Brown Announces ‘Get Me To The Stage On Time’ Documentary
/by Steven BoeroSawyer Brown. Photo: Courtesy of Shore Fire Media
In honor of Sawyer Brown’s 40th anniversary, the band is releasing Get Me To The Stage On Time, a documentary of how a Nashville outlier changed the country genre by turning 15 minutes of fame into 40 years.
Sawyer Brown blazed a trail with explosive live performances and chart-topping songs in the ’90s with genre-staple hits like “Some Girls Do” (1992), “Thank God for You” (1993), “Step That Step” (1985) and more are synonymous with pushing the group and the genre forward.
Executively produced by Blake Shelton, Get Me To The Stage On Time is a behind-the-scenes look at millions of miles, 24 albums, 6,000 shows and gratitude for the legions of loyal fans, even when Nashville counted them out. Featuring interviews with Shelton, Dolly Parton, Dierks Bentley and more, the documentary tells a David and Goliath story that transcends musical genres.
The documentary will premiere on Sunday, Oct. 1 at the Nashville Film Festival at the Franklin Theatre in Franklin, Tennessee. Following the film’s premiere, Sawyer Brown will perform live on the Franklin Theatre stage with several surprise guests. For more information, click here.
Get Me To The Stage On Time is the first of many announcements–including a Shelton-produced album–to come from the band as they celebrate their 40th anniversary.