Charles Wesley Godwin. Photo: Louie Nice
Warner Chappell Music has signed country-folk singer-songwriter Charles Wesley Godwin to a global publishing deal.
With two critically acclaimed albums, Godwin has built a dedicated fan base of over one million monthly listeners on Spotify, and recently reached the milestone of 100 million worldwide streams across his entire catalog.
After signing a record deal with Big Loud recently, Godwin will release his third album and major label debut, Family Ties, on Sept. 22. He’s currently out on the road playing headlining shows in addition to supporting Zach Bryan on his “The Burn, Burn, Burn Tour.” Godwin will also join Luke Combs on his 2024 “Growin’ Up And Gettin’ Old Tour,” which kicks off April 12 at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Of the deal, Godwin shares, “Happy to announce that I’ve partnered with Warner Chappell Music! It’s been a true pleasure getting to know Ben Vaughn, Spencer Nohe, and the entire WCM staff. I’m grateful for their support and look forward to working together.”
Vaughn, President and CEO of Warner Chappell Music Nashville, shares, “Do yourself a favor and go see a Charles Wesley Godwin show, it will make you an instant lifelong fan. Born and bred in West Virginia, Godwin brings an undeniable energy to the stage when singing the songs that he’s so expertly crafted, and all of us at Warner Chappell couldn’t be happier to represent him at this exciting time in his career.”
Nohe, Senior Director of A&R at Warner Chappell Music Nashville, adds, “Charles is a rare and unique talent who we are thrilled to partner with. He’s a prolific songwriter with an electric live show and loyal fan base that will only continue to grow. Thank you to the legends at True Grit for everything throughout this process. We’re grateful to be a part of Team CWG!”
Boy Named Banjo Slates Latest Album ‘Dusk’ For September
/by Lorie HollabaughBoy Named Banjo is set to release their major label debut album Dusk on Sept. 29 via Mercury Nashville. Along with the announcement, the band has shared their new single “Lonely In This Town” as well as a new video for the song.
“I’ve always felt like ‘Lonely In This Town’ is best enjoyed driving with the windows down in your car,” shares Boy Named Banjo’s Barton Davies. “The music feels uplifting and euphoric with the three-part harmonies and steady groove, but then the lyrics come in and give the complete opposite vibe. It’s almost like you’re lonely but you’re happy about it. I love that duality in the song.”
Produced by longtime collaborator Oscar Charles, Dusk‘s nine tracks run the gamut from late-night, fall-in-love party anthems to stripped-down meditations. The songs grapple with lust and longing, hope and heartbreak, and the band’s performances blur the lines between Music Row and Laurel Canyon with lush harmonies and bold cinematic arrangements.
Boy Named Banjo will kick off their coast-to-coast “Dusk Til Dawn Tour” on Sept. 14 in Atlanta, with a local stop at the Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival in Franklin, Tennessee on Sept. 23 and dates in Louisville, San Diego, Savannah, Charleston, Birmingham, Brooklyn and more through Dec. 2. Audiences will be treated to performances from their extensive catalog and new music from Dusk, in addition to their recent anthem “What Keeps Me Going.”
Dusk Track Listing:
1. “Something ‘Bout A Sunset”
2. “Heart Attack”
3. “Feel For You (Dusk)”
4. “Young Forever”
5. “Whiskey Dreams”
6. “Mama, I’m Misbehavin'”
7. “Goodbyes Are Sad”
8. “Lonely In This Town”
9. “Opposite Directions”
Austin Signs With Round Hill Music
/by Liza AndersonPictured (L-R): Round Hill’s Mike Whelan, Lindsay Will, Austin and Round Hill’s Taylor Antle. Photo: Courtesy of Jody Chappell
Country singer-songwriter Austin has signed an exclusive publishing deal with Round Hill Music.
The Kentucky native first gained success as half of the duo SixForty1—opening for Brantley Gilbert, Eli Young Band, Michael Ray, Walker Hayes and Muscadine Bloodline and amassing millions of streams.
Austin is managed by Morris Higham, and is currently prepping for the release of his Matt Geroux-produced debut solo project.
“Austin is an incredible writer, artist and one of the hardest workers in town,” says Round Hill Sr. Director of A&R Lindsay Will. “He’s spent years crafting his artistry and his upcoming project is going to turn some heads. We’ve always wanted to work together and now is the perfect time. I cannot be more excited for Round Hill to be part of his career.”
“I couldn’t be happier with the home I’ve found with Round Hill,” adds Austin. “From the first time meeting Lindsay, I knew this was the perfect fit and I can’t thank the team enough for believing in my artistry. This is just the beginning.”
Zac Brown Band Makes History With 14th Sell-Out At Fenway Park
/by Lorie HollabaughZac Brown Band. Photo: Tyler Lord
Zac Brown Band made history last weekend at Fenway Park with their show on August 19, selling out the iconic stadium for the 14th time and marking the Park’s 100th concert.
Zac Brown Band. Photo: Tyler Lord
The band took to the stage in front of a sold-out crowd playing their hits along with covers from Pink Floyd’s “Wish You Were Here” to Radiohead’s “Creep” and Eric Clapton’s “Layla.” The encore put each band member in the spotlight with a rapid fire succession of country hits such as “Mountain Music,” “All My Ex’s Live In Texas,” “Family Tradition,” “Friends In Low Places,” “Boot Scootin’ Boogie” and more. King Calaway opened the show and joined ZBB onstage for their song “When I Get Home,” produced by Brown.
Last Friday, Zac Brown Band released a live performance video of “The Weight,” honoring late guitarist and singer-songwriter Robbie Robertson. The band’s “From The Fire Tour” will pick back up Sept. 2 and 3 with back-to-back sold-out dates in Gilford, New Hampshire.
Warner Chappell Music Signs Charles Wesley Godwin
/by LB CantrellCharles Wesley Godwin. Photo: Louie Nice
Warner Chappell Music has signed country-folk singer-songwriter Charles Wesley Godwin to a global publishing deal.
With two critically acclaimed albums, Godwin has built a dedicated fan base of over one million monthly listeners on Spotify, and recently reached the milestone of 100 million worldwide streams across his entire catalog.
After signing a record deal with Big Loud recently, Godwin will release his third album and major label debut, Family Ties, on Sept. 22. He’s currently out on the road playing headlining shows in addition to supporting Zach Bryan on his “The Burn, Burn, Burn Tour.” Godwin will also join Luke Combs on his 2024 “Growin’ Up And Gettin’ Old Tour,” which kicks off April 12 at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Of the deal, Godwin shares, “Happy to announce that I’ve partnered with Warner Chappell Music! It’s been a true pleasure getting to know Ben Vaughn, Spencer Nohe, and the entire WCM staff. I’m grateful for their support and look forward to working together.”
Vaughn, President and CEO of Warner Chappell Music Nashville, shares, “Do yourself a favor and go see a Charles Wesley Godwin show, it will make you an instant lifelong fan. Born and bred in West Virginia, Godwin brings an undeniable energy to the stage when singing the songs that he’s so expertly crafted, and all of us at Warner Chappell couldn’t be happier to represent him at this exciting time in his career.”
Nohe, Senior Director of A&R at Warner Chappell Music Nashville, adds, “Charles is a rare and unique talent who we are thrilled to partner with. He’s a prolific songwriter with an electric live show and loyal fan base that will only continue to grow. Thank you to the legends at True Grit for everything throughout this process. We’re grateful to be a part of Team CWG!”
Weekly Register: Oliver Anthony Earns Top Country Streaming Song Debut
/by Liza AndersonOliver Anthony
Oliver Anthony‘s “Rich Men North Of Richmond” earns the top debut on the country streaming songs chart this week, scoring the No. 3 slot with 17 million streams according to Luminate data.
Morgan Wallen‘s “Last Night” rests at No. 1 with 23 million new streams, adding to 816 million ATD. Luke Combs‘ “Fast Car” cover bides at No. 2 with 18 million streams, adding to 343 million ATD. Zach Bryan‘s “Something In The Orange” drops to No. 4 with 15 million new streams, adding to 889 million ATD, and Bailey Zimmerman‘s “Religiously” remains at No. 5 with 12 million streams, adding to 160 million ATD.
There is no movement among the top five on the country albums this week.
Wallen’s One Thing At A Time reigns at No. 1 with 94K in total consumption (3.7K album only/114 million song streams). Taylor Swift‘s Speak Now (Taylor’s Version) takes No. 2 again with 61K (23K album only/49 million song streams). Wallen’s Dangerous: The Double Album rests at No. 3 with 44K (765 album only/56 million song streams). Bryan’s American Heartbreak continues to claim the No. 4 slot with 35K (2.1K album only/42 million song streams), and Swift’s Red (Taylor’s Version) stays at No. 5 with 29K (7.5K album only/28 million song streams).
Jenna Paulette Makes Grand Ole Opry Debut
/by LB CantrellJenna Paulette. Photo: Chris Hollo for Grand Ole Opry
Country singer-songwriter Jenna Paulette made her Grand Ole Opry debut Friday night (Aug. 18).
Paulette grew up on a ranch in Texas inspired by the music of George Strait, Reba McEntire, Gene Autry, The Chicks and Miranda Lambert. Her upbringing lent itself to the blend of toughness and sensitivity that shows up in her music.
Jess Ogden, Taylor Morton, Jenna Paulette, Emily Miller, Taylor McAdams. Photo: Wes Walker
Paulette settled in Nashville in 2015, where she struck up a relationship with hit songwriter Ashley Gorley. His mentorship ultimately led to her publishing deal with Sea Gayle Music in June 2021. Now having written with Will Bundy, Rhett Akins and Jessie Jo Dillion, as well as having opened for Parmalee, John Michael Montgomery, Clay Walker and Aaron Watson, Paulette released her debut album, The Girl I Was, in March to critical acclaim.
For her Opry debut, Paulette pulled out “Country In The Girl” and “The Girl I Was.”
She shared the bill with Carrie Underwood, Dustin Lynch, Herb Alpert and Riders In The Sky. After her performance, Paulette and her team celebrated at an after party in The Circle Room at the Opry, sponsored by her Justin Boots and Lone River Ranch Water partners. There was an edible boot cake, Lone River Ranch Water cookies, Texas state cookies and Grand Ole Opry circle cookies, as well as food from Texas staple Whataburger.
Gorley, Swift & Chapman Reign On The MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart
/by Caela GriffinAshley Gorley, Taylor Swift, Tracy Chapman
The songwriters filling the top 10 on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart are led once again by Ashley Gorley.
With writing credits on ten tracks, including songs by Morgan Wallen, Parmalee, Dan + Shay and more, Gorley notches his second consecutive week atop the chart on this run.
Taylor Swift takes the No. 2 spot with six songs from her Speak Now (Taylor’s Version) album contributing to her ranking. Following at No. 3, Tracy Chapman cinches another week among the industry’s top songwriters with her solely written “Fast Car.”
Jordan Schmidt holds this week’s No. 4 slot ahead of Ryan Vojtesak at No. 5. Chase McGill, John Byron, Jason DeFord, Jessi Alexander and Julian Bunetta hold the remaining top 10 spots for another week.
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.
Zach Bryan To Release Self-Titled Album This Friday
/by Liza AndersonSinger-songwriter Zach Bryan plans to reveal his new self-titled project this Friday (Aug. 25) via Warner Records.
The 2023 ACM New Male Artist of the Year shared the track listing, which includes collaborations with The War And Treaty, Sierra Ferrell, Kacey Musgraves and The Lumineers, in an Instagram post.
Bryan’s “Something In The Orange” recently notched 65 consecutive weeks on Billboard‘s Hot 100, making it the the longest-charting country single for a male artist on the chart. The quadruple-Platinum track is featured on his Platinum-certified debut album American Heartbreak, which remained in the U.S. top 10 for over a year after its initial release.
Originally from Oklahoma, the Navy veteran mixes classic folk melody and outlaw elements to tell his story through a unique sound all his own. To date, he has collected 6.3 billion global streams and 11 total RIAA song and album certifications.
Bryan is currently hitting the road on his headlining journey, “The Burn, Burn, Burn Tour.” He visits Oakland, California tonight (Aug. 21) and Los Angeles on Wednesday (Aug. 23), before stopping in Glendale, Arizona on the album’s release day.
Tyler Braden Shares One-Take Covers On New Project
/by Lorie HollabaughTyler Braden is sharing his fan-favorite, stripped-down “One Song, One Take” covers on his new five-track project, One Take Sessions: Vol. 1, out now on all streaming platforms.
The impetus for the collection comes from Braden’s popular live performance videos on YouTube, in which he’s tackled everything from post-grunge covers to his own stadium-ready anthems. The performances have earned him nearly 100,000 subscribers, and have always been exclusive to YouTube – until now.
“The ‘One Song, One Take’ videos started during quarantine as a way to try and bring back the live music feel while we couldn’t actually play live music or go to shows,” explains Braden. “If I messed up the take, it went up anyways because that’s how a live show works. No re-dos. When we saw how it was received on YouTube, it only made sense to elevate the videos a little for a limited run and include the band. We had a lot of fun, and I’m excited that people will be able to listen to them anytime they want now. May even do some more down the road!”
One Take Sessions: Vol. 1 follows Braden’s Neon Grave EP, released earlier this year. The Warner Music Nashville had a hand in penning all six cuts on the project, including one solo credit.
Braden has already accumulated more than 230 million global streams, and his debut single “Try Losing One” hit No. 1 on SiriusXM The Highway’s Hot 30 Countdown. The gritty country rocker has also toured with Brooks & Dunn, Dierks Bentley and Mitchell Tenpenny this year, and is currently supporting Luke Bryan on select dates of his “Country On Tour.”
Wynonna To Launch ‘Back To Wy Tour’ This Fall
/by Lorie HollabaughWynonna Judd. Photo: Jim Wright
Wynonna Judd will kick off her 15-city theatre tour, “Back To Wy,” on Oct. 26 in Indianapolis.
The tour will feature songs off Wynonna’s first two solo albums—Wynonna (1992) and Tell Me Why (1993)—performed track by track, front to back, followed by a finale of her other hits along with The Judds classics.
“Getting to share this tour with the fans who have been with me for 40 years, means the world to me. Deep diving into my first two solo albums, Wynonna and Tell Me Why, track by track, will be a trip down memory lane. As I sit and listen to these two records, I’m flooded with the memories that surrounded that time in my life. The fans held me up and supported me through that season of change in 1992, and I now see ‘herstory’ repeating itself. This music healed me then and is healing me now. The circle of life continues…”
The trek will include stops across the U.S. in San Antonio, Dallas, Louisville, Austin, Oklahoma City and more before wrapping up in Knoxville at the Tennessee Theatre on Friday, Dec. 1. Fan club presale tickets will be available on Aug. 22, and general sales start Aug. 25 on Wynonna.com. A variety of different VIP packages and experiences including premium tickets, commemorative laminate and concert ticket as well as a special cocktail set.