DISClaimer Single Reviews: Hannah Dasher Creates A ‘Fabulous Sonic Slab’

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Hannah Dasher. Photo: Jeremy Ryan

Is it just me, or is there more new blood in country music than ever these days?

Vying for our attention this week are such up-and-comers as Ashley Cooke, Warren Zeiders, Nate Smith, War Hippies, Hannah Dasher, Dylan Marlowe and Elvie Shane. The Disc of the Day contenders are Cooke, Shane, Chase Rice, Lukas Nelson & Lainey Wilson, Sam Hunt and our winner, Hannah Dasher.

We have no actual newcomers today, but I would like to point out the presence of at least three previous DisCovery Award winners—Nate Smith, War Hippies and Hannah Dasher.

CHASE RICE / “Bad Day to Be a Cold Beer”
Writers: Blake Pendergrass/Chase Rice/John Byron/Justin Thomas; Producer: Oscar Charles; Label: BBR
– Announcing THE drinking song of 2023. This rollicking romper is a working man’s anthem, a party-hearty banger and a kick-butt production all wrapped up in hillbilly delight. Turn it up.

NATE SMITH / “World On Fire”
Writers: Ashley Gorley/Lindsay Rimes/Nate Smith/Taylor Phillips; Producer: Lindsay Rimes; Label: Arista Nashville
– The metaphor doesn’t really work for me, but even if the lyrics are nonsense, this is a spectacularly charismatic vocal performance. The track is molten-rock hot.

HANNAH DASHER / “(I’m the One That Taught Him) That Thing You Like”
Writers: Hannah Dasher/Brandon Hood/Wynn Varble; Producers: none listed; Label: HD
– Witty, bluesy and twanging. She takes the new girlfriend aside to let her know just how intimately she knows the boy on this unreleased track. A fabulous sonic slab. I remain a massive fan.

DYLAN MARLOWE / “Dirt Road When I Die”
Writers: Dylan Marlowe/Joe Fox; Producer: Joe Fox; Label: Sony Music Nashville
– Downbeat, borderline depressing and a little confusing. Okay, after we take you down that dirt road, what do you want us to do with your body? Bury it? Burn it? Leave it out in the sun in the back of that pickup truck?

ASHLEY COOKE / “Your Place”
Writers: Ashley Cooke/Jordan Minton/Mark Trussell; Producer: Jimmy Robbins; Label: Big Loud Records/Back Blocks Music
– This lady sure can write ‘em and sing ‘em. This track from her forthcoming (July 21) debut album sets some definite boundaries for her ex. Her current situation is none of his damn bizness. This is an artist you need to be listening to.

WARREN ZEIDERS / “Pretty Little Poison”
Writers: Ryan Beaver/Jared Keim/Warren Zeiders; Producer: Ross Copperman; Label: Warner Records
– This is his upcoming album’s title tune and lead single. He sings it with passion, but the track drags and the song’s tone is unrelentingly monochromatic.

LUKAS NELSON & POTR WITH LAINEY WILSON / “More Than Friends”
Writer: Lukas Nelson; Producers: Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real; Label: 6 Ace Records
– His Sticks and Stones album drops tomorrow and the record-release party is tonight at The Nashville Palace. This track from it is a boatload of pleasure—two great voices, one funky country band and a hearty, good-time song. What’s not to love? Lukas gets better and better with each release, and Lainey blends with him perfectly as the icing on this cake. A breezy summer outing.

DIAMOND RIO / “The Kick”
Writers: Carson McKee/Dana Williams/Daniel Thomas Truman/James W. Olander/Marty Roe/Micah Schweinsberg; Producer: James W. Olander; Label: Rio Hot Records
– An instrumental! This is a country category that seems to have died years ago, but leave it to Diamond Rio to revive it with this sizzling jam. Drummer Brian Prout and multi-instrumentalist Gene Johnson have retired after 33 years in the band. Their replacements, Micah Schweinsberg and Carson McKee, more than keep pace with group mainstays Dan Truman (keyboards), Jimmy Olander (lead guitar), Dana Williams (bass) and Marty Roe (rhythm guitar) on this lively outing. A welcome return.

GIRLS NEXT DOOR / “What’s This Thing You’ve Got About Leaving”
Writers: TW Hale/Roger Murrah; Producers: TW Hale/Tom Harding; Label: Girls Next Door Music
– After an absence of 30+ years, Cindy Nixon Psanos, Diane Williams Austin, Tammy Stephens Smith and Doris King Merritt have reunited as the Girls Next Door. The quartet initially made some noise with a flurry of singles on MTM Records in the late ‘80s. The group’s comeback single is a lively, bopping, good-vibes ditty that vividly shows that their creamy harmony blend is as flawless as ever. Nicely done, all around.

SAM HUNT / “Outskirts”
Writers: Sam Hunt/Zach Crowell/Jerry Flowers/Josh Osborne; Producers: Chris LaCorte/Shane McAnally/Sam Hunt; Label: MCA Nashville
– Regret, nostalgia, reflection and mourning for the love he threw away. Singing with the throttle wide open, Hunt has seldom sounded better. The song displays very classy craftsmanship. Totally a winner.

WAR HIPPIES / “The Hangman”
Writers: Donald E. Reis III/Scoot Edward Brown; Producer: Donnie Reis; Label: War Hippies
– This is a duo of military combat vets. The song is a haunting western-outlaw ballad about two lovers who are strung up, side-by-side. Complete with gunshot and galloping-horse sound effects. Imaginative, indeed.

ELVIE SHANE / “Baptized”
Writers: Elvie Shane/Dan Couch/Luke Preston/Oscar Charles; Producer: Oscar Charles; Label: Wheelhouse Records
– Simmering with gospel passion, this ode to a deep and sensuous love is downright riveting. Shane is one of our most talented and distinctive newcomers. Lend the “My Boy” singer your ears once again.

Chuck Rhodes & Dr. Glenn Toby Launch The Entertainment Alliance

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Pictured (L-R): Chuck Rhodes, Dr. Glenn Toby. Photo: BMR Photography LLC

Chuck Rhodes and Dr. Glenn Toby have launched The Entertainment Alliance, a new full-service, multi-genre entertainment company headquartered in Nashville.

Headed up by Rhodes (CEO) and Dr. Toby (President), TEA will include an in-house label with global distribution via The Orchard, as well as management, publishing, booking and label services including social media and public relations.

TEA will also broker select movies, TV series, documentaries and subscription video-on-demand products. TEA’s A&R services are based in New York, with a satellite office in Atlanta. Flagship artists will be announced soon with an inaugural project release scheduled for later this year.

A native of Corpus Christi, Texas, Rhodes migrated to L.A. in the ’70s where he began his career as a keyboard player, working with Cher, Ray Charles and many more. Returning to the Lone Star state in the ’80s, he transitioned to radio and was part of the team that made KVIL the No. 1 A/C station in America. He then moved to Nashville to work with Irving Azoff and Jimmy Bowen at MCA Records. In 1990, he helped develop Giant Records with producer James Stroud and promotion executive Nick Hunter. The team went on to produce seven No. 1 singles with Clay Walker and launch the career of the late Daryle Singletary, who Rhodes worked with for 25 years. Rhodes has also worked with Loretta Lynn, Kenny Rogers, Charlie Daniels and the Beach Boys’ Brian Wilson. He currently also helms his production company, On the Rhodes Entertainment, and his record label/distribution company in partnership with Bob Frank Entertainment.

As founder/CEO of Glenn Toby Enterprises, Dr. Toby shepherds an international holding corporation with extensive ties in the real estate, technology, entertainment and sports communities. The list of artists, actors and athletes that the New York native has worked with include LL Cool J, Positive K, Rapper Saigon, Lance Reddick, Swizz Beatz, Damion Hall of Guy, actor Jason Mitchell, “Queen of House” Barbara Tucker, David Banner, and more. A noted philanthropist, Dr. Toby is also founder of The Book Bank Foundation which promotes literacy. Raised in Queens, Dr. Toby worked hard to overcome multiple challenges including homelessness. Over the years, his career expanded to encompass promoting, producing, contract negotiation, public speaking engagements and authoring books. He’s been honored with The Harvard Outstanding Man of the Year Vanguard Award, The National Urban League Leadership and Achievement Award, The Princeton University Excellence Award and has received the Congressional Proclamation of Honor.

“As we move forward with this new company, I am proudly and respectfully standing on the shoulders of those who have mentored me along the way, all legendary in their own right,” says Rhodes. “Jimmy Bowen, Nick Hunter, James Stroud, Shelia Shipley Biddy and Bob Frank just to name a few. These men and women have inspired, taught, and prepared me to take on a leadership role in this business of music and entertainment we all love.”

“Rhodes is the Clive Davis of the South whether it’s country, southern blues or soul and I’ve been involved in hip-hop, pop, R&B and dance,” explains Dr. Toby. “We don’t care about age, race or genre; we’re bringing everybody in. The fuel for this new venture is two music industry veterans that have written, arranged, produced, performed, advised and discovered talent in our more than 40 years of combined experience. We’ve been behind the curtains for so long that it’s time to come to the forefront.”

Academy Of Country Music Promotes & Adds Staffers Across Several Departments

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The Academy of Country Music has announced new hires and promotions across several departments.

Kris Reyes joins the Academy as Director, Finance & Operations. She has previous experience in Operations Accounting at TravelCenters of America, where she worked for the past two decades. Originally from El Paso, Texas, Reyes has an education in MicroComputer Applications and Business Management and received her bachelor’s degree in Accounting from the University of Phoenix.

Kortney Toney joins the Academy as Manager, Programming & Community Engagement. Toney has worked in the music industry in Nashville for more than a decade at Opry Entertainment Group, Schermerhorn Symphony Center, and Weller Media Agency, among others. She serves as a Governor of the Recording Academy’s Nashville Chapter, has been named to the Unmanageable Board of Directors, is the former President of the Women’s Music Business Association, is an alumna of the Grammy Next program, serves on the TedX Women’s Steering Committee, and is an alumna of the inaugural Women’s Leadership Academy. Prior to joining the ACM, Toney served as a member of the inaugural ACM LEVel Up cohort, where she was instrumental in the launch of the OnRamp Program. Toney is originally from Huntsville, Alabama, and graduated from Lambuth University.

Libby Gardner has been promoted to Senior Manager, Content & Editorial. She joined the Academy full-time in 2019 as Coordinator, Creative & Content and was promoted to Manager, Content & Editorial in 2021. Gardner attended Syracuse University’s S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communication, where she received a bachelor’s degree in Television, Radio, and Film. Gardner is currently a member of SOLID’s Education Committee, a Music For Seniors Board Member, and the Events Co-Chair of the Women’s Music Business Association.

Jesse Knutson, a Seattle native with a background in TV News where he won multiple Emmy Awards, has been promoted to Senior Manager, Publicity & Media Relations. Knutson joined the Academy in January 2022 as Manager, Publicity & Media Relations and led the Academy’s publicity efforts for major live event tentpoles, including the innovative 57th and 58th ACM Awards on Prime Video, and the 15th ACM Honors show, as well as Academy and ACM Lifting Lives organizational and programmatic initiatives. Knutson previously served as a TV reporter at Nashville’s NewsChannel 5 (WTVF), Seattle’s KING 5, and Harrisburg, PA’s WHP-TV, and served as a producer at Los Angeles’ KNBC.

Haley Montgomery has been promoted to Senior Manager, Awards & Membership. She joined the Academy in 2020 as Manager, Awards & Membership after holding a variety of roles across the industry including brand partnerships, merchandise, brand development, touring, and industry relations. She is one of the founders of the Family Alliance in Music, which provides community and support to members of the industry who currently have families, serve as caretakers, or plan on building a family in the future.

A Nashville native, Taylor Wolf has been promoted to her new role, Senior Manager, ACM Lifting Lives. Wolf attended Pepperdine University in California where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Psychology. She joined ACM Lifting Lives in February 2019 as Coordinator after working in the healthcare industry. Wolf was promoted to Manager of ACM Lifting Lives in 2020 and is currently serving her fourth term as Secretary of the ACM Lifting Lives Board.

Alexis Bingham has been promoted to Coordinator, Events after serving as Assistant, Events since 2021. Originally from Watkins Glen, New York, Bingham graduated from Ithaca College in December 2020, where she studied Communication, Management and Design. She was hired by the Academy as an Events intern and worked the 56th ACM Awards, 14th ACM Honors, and ACM Party for a Cause events before joining the staff full-time in October 2021.

“The past year has been a truly historic one for the Academy, with extending the ACM Awards partnership with Amazon and moving the show to the Dallas Cowboys’ world headquarters in Texas for its second year on Prime Video, bringing ACM Honors back to TV, moving our headquarters to Nashville and opening a world-class hub in Wedgewood Houston, and achieving record membership numbers for the Academy. The promotions announced today reflect the hard work that so many individuals put in to make the Academy stronger than it’s ever been,” says Damon Whiteside, CEO of the Academy of Country Music. “Now that we’re firmly established in Nashville, we’re excited to continue to grow our team and support our staff to help fuel and further the momentum we built in 2022 and 2023 as we continue to work to further the genre, expand the audience and representation across the industry, and innovate as a leader in the country music space.”

Cannery Hall Scheduled To Re-Open Late 2023

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Brent Hyams, Zach Liff and Ray Waters review plans at the Mainstage in Cannery Hall

Nashville’s Cannery Hall is currently in the midst of construction, and the newly refurbished venue is set to open later this year.

New renderings and construction photos show highlights of the multi-million-dollar renovation which aims to create the best show experience possible for music lovers and artists. The venue will have new state-of-the-art lighting and sound systems, improved sight-lines, better overall flow, new bathrooms, ample parking, enhanced back-of-house facilities and new food and beverage options.

The venue will also offer easy tour bus parking and a new luxurious backstage with updated green room facilities. The major investments to modernize and upgrade Cannery Hall have all been done while trying to preserving the unique character of the 140-year-old building and highlighting Nashville’s musical history in mind.

Construction progress at the Mainstage in Cannery Hall

“Cannery Hall will bring music back to the Station District in just a few short months,” says Zach Liff, Owner and Developer of Cannery Hall, Cummins Station and the entirety of the Station District. “Independent venues like Cannery Hall are vital to the cultural fabric of Music City. We’ll be able to take chances on local and emerging artists and help them as they grow their fanbase and play across our multiple stages during different phases of the career.”

When Cannery Hall opens next year, it will be one of the largest independent music venue in Nashville. A proud member of the National Independent Venue Association (NIVA), Cannery Hall’s multiple stages will be able to host musicians and audiences of varying sizes. The Row 1 Stage will hold audiences of up to 325. The Mil can play host to audiences of 625. The Mainstage will comfortably allow for audiences of up to 1,200.

The top floor of Cannery Hall is home to Amaranth, a unique special events space for up to 380 people, which is now accepting booking inquiries for summer 2023 and beyond.

Rendering of new Cannery Hall entrance

Rendering of the Amaranth Event Space Bar at Cannery Hall

Rendering of The Mainstage at Cannery Hall

Bobby Karl Works The Room: Eric Church Exhibit Opens At Hall Of Fame

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Eric Church attends the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s new exhibit “Eric Church: Country Heart, Restless Soul.” Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

Chapter 674

You read it here first: Eric Church will be a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame.

The museum’s CEO Kyle Young said so last night (July 12): “He will be in here one day,” Kyle said while standing in the Hall of Fame Rotunda.

“I have immense respect for this room we’re in,” said Eric. “I’m honored to be here….The people I love and respect are here.”

Pictured (L-R): Gibson’s Cesar Gueikian, Museum’s Lisa Purcell, Brandon Schneeberger, Museum’s Michael Gray, Museum’s Kyle Young, Eric Church, Museum’s Angela Stefano Zimmer, John Peets and Marshall Alexander. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

The occasion was the opening reception for the museum’s new exhibit “Eric Church: Country Heart, Restless Soul.” It is a career retrospective for one of country music’s most gifted contemporary artists. Church is one of the few of his generation who matches immense popularity with universal critical acclaim.

“Whenever I make a new record, I envision all my favorite albums on a wall. And I ask myself if this one I’ve just made is worthy to be hung there with them. If you look abound this room, a lot of those artists are here,” Church added, referring to the Hall of Fame plaques displayed in the Rotunda.

“This is an unbelievable honor for me.”

“It’s a pleasure to welcome you to this hallowed place,” said Kyle. “It’s a pleasure to introduce you to our latest exhibit….Eric Church has shown himself to be an artist of vision and of staying power.” He described Eric as, “uncompromising, bound and determined to do things his own way….going against the grain.” Oh, that’s when he also predicted again that Eric would one day be a Country Music Hall of Fame member. Which is indisputably the truth. I have been in the Church Choir.

The Rotunda was packed. Spotted in the throng working the room were Sarah Trahern, Tim Wipperman, Joanna Carter, Jim Horn, Jim Horner (I know, I know, they were even seated at the same table), Paul Kingsbury, Michael P. Heeney, Seab Tuck, Mike Dungan, Lisa Purcell, Mike Molinar, Derek Kupisch, Scott Perry and Walter Campbell.

Pictured (L-R): Manager John Peets and Eric Church view the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s new exhibit. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

Former Nashville Public Library chief Kent Oliver reported that he’s now working with the American Library Association on intellectual freedom issues. Manager Scott Adkins is pushing The Return of Tanya Tucker, a documentary out now on all platforms. Her upcoming induction into the Hall of Fame is also bound to be a busy time for him. Another client, Bill Anderson, will celebrate on July 22 when he becomes the longest tenured Grand Ole Opry cast member in history.

Meanwhile, attendee Tony Gottlieb is launching Melody Place Records with business partner Sandy McGraw. The label will likely be the home of an all-star duets project using vocal tracks left by the late Dan Seals. Its roster also includes Sara Evans and Jackie Evancho, the young America’s Got Talent alumnus.

The cocktail supper featured shots of, naturally, Eric Church’s spirit, Whiskey JYPSI. Which was quite excellent. Very smooth. We also had roast beef medallions with horseradish, kettle chips with pimento cheese (and Mt. Olive Relish), roasted squash and eggplant slices, blackened chicken on sweet-potato rounds with salsa verde and raw veggies with sour cream. The bread pudding with Krispy Creme Donut holes was a particular crowd pleaser. The wait staff circulated with shrimp & cream cheese skewers, watermelon & mozzarella spoonfuls and BBQ & slaw on corn cakes, plus the whiskey shots.

The schmoozing had reached fever pitch by the time Kyle and Eric welcomed everyone.

“Enjoy the exhibit,” said Eric. “I’m gonna come and hang out with you.” True to his word, the star toured the exhibit with the rest of us, patiently posing for photos with attendees.

“Eric Church: Country Heart, Restless Soul” officially opens today at the Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum.

Garth Brooks To Headline Sugar Bowl Country Kickoff In New Orleans

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Garth Brooks. Photo: Blue Rose, Inc

Garth Brooks will celebrate the start of the 2023 college football season headlining the inaugural Sugar Bowl Country Kickoff on Sept. 2 at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans.

Opening acts for the event, which is expected to be an annual Labor Day weekend celebration, include Louisiana’s own Lainey Wilson and the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band.

Festivities for the Sugar Bowl Country Kickoff will begin at Champions Square with Tailgate Town, a football-themed interactive experience sponsored by New Orleans & Company. Tailgate Town will feature up-and-coming artists and set the stage for the main entertainment in the Superdome. It will also feature special college football and amateur sports spotlights, sponsor activations as well as other games and activities throughout the day.

“Being asked to be part of the first ever Sugar Bowl Country Kickoff is an honor,” says Brooks. “The fun will be in getting to perform with Legends Nitty Gritty and future legend Miss Wilson in front of arguably the greatest country music fans on the planet. Any trip to Louisiana is a guaranteed good time so PLEASE count me in!!”

“The Sugar Bowl Committee is always looking at ways to bring first-rate entertainment that will drive tourism in Louisiana,” says Sugar Bowl President Richard Briede. “While efforts have traditionally focused on sporting events, Russell Doussan and the Doussan Music Group have provided us the opportunity to add great music, another hallmark of the state, to the Sugar Bowl repertoire as we start a new football season.  The Sugar Bowl is particularly pleased that proceeds from the event will help support the work our organization is doing in the community.”

Proceeds from the event will go toward assisting the Allstate Sugar Bowl’s numerous community programs, including the New Orleans Teacher Collective. Funds will also go toward the aid of existing scholarship programs and youth events the Bowl supports annually.

“As the College Football Playoff looks to expand a year from now, we find ourselves in an increasingly competitive environment,” says Sugar Bowl CEO Jeff Hundley. “This has caused us to look at everything with a fresh set of eyes and to look at creative ways to drive revenue in order to remain competitive with larger cities in possession of much larger corporate bases.  The Sugar Bowl Country Kickoff provides us with just such an opportunity while allowing us to continue to do good things for our city and state.”

“We are excited to have not just Garth Brooks in the Superdome, but also our very own Louisiana Music Ambassador and Louisiana native Lainey Wilson,” says Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser. “She rocked the world with us on our float in the Rose Parade and we know she will get the crowd rocking to welcome Garth to the stage in New Orleans. This lineup has all the makings of a great Louisiana Saturday night.”

WMBA Announces ‘Music Is My Business’ Panel Series & Fundraiser

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WMBA members. Photo: Jessica McIntosh Photography

The Women’s Music Business Association (WMBA) is hosting its inaugural panel of the “Music Is My Business” series on Tuesday, July 18 at 6 p.m. at Starstruck Entertainment in Nashville. The event will provide an exclusive insider’s look into the business of music, featuring panelists Kari Barnhart (Studio Bank), Lauren Spahn (Shackelford, Bowen, McKinley & Norton, LLP) and Kristin Lee (KLBM). The WMBA extends an open invitation to all industry professionals to attend the event, and WMBA members enjoy free admission, while non-members can attend for $10 at the door.

Ally Free. Photo: Virginia Brick

The WMBA is also kicking off its 2023 fundraising initiatives with an inclusive T-shirt campaign titled “Music Is My Business.” The campaign, which also begins July 18, pays homage to a line of shirts that WMBA members proudly wore for over two decades. These revitalized shirts embody the essence of inclusiveness while celebrating the diverse narratives and contributions of individuals within the music industry.

The funds raised from the campaign will directly support WMBA’s vision and mission. The organization aims to fuel future diverse programming, contribute to the Nashville community, expand recruitment efforts and empower more female leaders within the industry. The shirts will be available for purchase both in-person at the upcoming panel event and online through the official WMBA Nashville website.

“To be given a platform where I can give a voice to those like myself who aren’t able to speak any longer or won’t due to fear-the outcast or judged, music is the universal language in which I am able to give those said voices meaning- as well as my own,” says Ally Free, Musician/Songwriter & Member of Black Opry. “That’s why ‘Music Is My Business.’ Wearing this shirt makes me feel empowered, inspired and accepted.”

Play It Again Entertainment Promotes Cade Price To General Manager

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Cade Price. Photo: Courtesy of Play It Again Music Group

Play It Again Music Group’s (PIA) label and management entity, Play It Again Entertainment (PIAE), has elevated longtime employee Cade Price to General Manager.

Price has been with the company for over five years and has been an integral part of building PIAE along with the company’s Founder & CEO, hit songwriter Dallas Davidson.

In his elevated role, Price will oversee daily operations of Play It Again Entertainment and its roster of artists. Price also serves as manager for rising star Dylan Marlowe, who signed with Sony Music Nashville in conjunction with Play It Again Entertainment in January of this year. He will continue to report directly to Davidson.

“Cade Price thinks outside of the box. I love that about him. Just look at what he did with Dylan Marlowe. He took his talent and the music Dylan was making and made sure that millions of people got to hear it. I’m thrilled to have him running Play It Again Entertainment,” says Davidson.

Price is a native of Boonville, Missouri and a graduate of Missouri State University. He started his career booking and promoting bands as well as developing independent acts right out of college before landing a job at BMI. He joined Play It Again in a utility role on the publishing side before transitioning to full-time artist development and A&R. Cade’s previous roles at PIA include Marketing Manager and Director of Digital Marketing.

Peermusic Nashville Signs Songwriter & Producer Cooper Bascom

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Pictured (L-R): Bekiares Eliezer LLP’s Aaron Rice, Peermusic Nashville’s Michael Knox, Kendall Lettow, Matt Michiels and Cooper Bascom

Peermusic Nashville has signed songwriter and producer Cooper Bascom to an exclusive worldwide publishing deal.

Born in Rochester, New York and raised in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Bascom grew up playing jazz trumpet and fronting bands as a singer and guitarist. After studying music at the University of Mobile, he competed on NBC’s The Voice. Bascom then worked as a session-singer and performer for The Walt Disney Company. In June of 2018, he made his way to Music City to further his career as a songwriter.

Bascom has served as a background vocalist on Chris Janson‘s “All I Need Is You,” Shane Profitt‘s “How It Oughta Be” and Riley Green‘s “Different Round Here ft. Luke Combs.” He has also produced projects for artists Craig Campbell, Trea Landon, Kaylin Roberson and Nate Kenyon. His music has been featured on Selling Sunset, Selling The OC, Bring It On, Teen Mom, Siesta Key and more.

“Cooper has everything we look for—originality, work ethic, talent. We’re excited to be a part of his career and to help him find the right opportunities to get him to the next level. The sky’s the limit for him. We’re proud to welcome Cooper to the Peermusic Nashville family,” says Michael Knox, President, Peermusic Nashville.

“After hearing what Cooper was writing with some of our crew, we knew we had to have him at Peermusic. His positive outlook combined with his outstanding musicianship are a great addition to the Peermusic roster, and we are excited to be a part of his bright future,” says Matt Michiels, Senior Creative Director, Peermusic Nashville, and Kendall Lettow, Creative Manager, Peermusic Nashville, in a joint statement.

“My dream has always been to make music in any capacity,” shares Bascom. “Whether it’s performance, songwriting, production or singing behind the scenes, I will do whatever I can to be where the music is. I’m so excited for the future with the team at Peermusic!”

Jon Pardi Celebrates Chart-Toppers ‘Heartache Medication’ & ‘Last Night Lonely’

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Pictured (L-R, back row): Studio Bank’s Kari Barnhart, Creative Nation’s Beth Laird, Captiol Records Nashville’s Chris Schuler, UMG Nashville’s Cindy Mabe, Red Light Management’s Melanie Wetherbee, CTM’s Thomas Deedler and BMI’s Josh Tomlinson; (L-R, front row): Studio Bank’s Ron Cox, Producer Bart Butler, BMI Songwriter Natalie Hemby, Jon Pardi, Producer Ryan Gore and Riser House’ Jennifer Johnson. Photo: Steve Lowry for BMI

Members of the Nashville music industry gathered Tuesday (July 11) to celebrate Jon Pardi’s most recent chart-toppers, “Heartache Medication” and “Last Night Lonely.”

Pictured (L-R, back row): UMG Nashville’s Cindy Mabe, BMI’s Josh Tomlinson, Liz Rose Music’s Scott Ponce, Play It Again Entertainment’s Lauren Lieu, Liz Rose Music’s Liz Rose, Capitol Record Nashville’s Chris Schuler, Liz Rose Music’s Dave Pacula, SESAC’s Lydia Cahill, Red Light Management’s Melanie Wetherbee and Warner Chappell Music’s Benji Amaefule; (L-R, front row): BMI Songwriter Dylan Marlowe, Producer Bart Butler, SESAC Songwriter Joe Fox, Jon Pardi, BMI Songwriter Jimi Bell, Producer Ryan Gore and Studio Bank’s Ron Cox. Photo: Steve Lowry for BMI

The double No. 1 party was hosted by BMI and SESAC and held at Winners Bar & Grill in midtown. Those in attendances toasted Pardi, his co-writers and his producers Bart Butler and Ryan Gore.

Pardi co-wrote “Heartache Medication” with Natalie Hemby and Barry Dean. The tune was the title track of Pardi’s 2019 album, which debuted among the top albums on Billboard’s Country Albums chart.

“Last Night Lonely” appears on Pardi’s most recent hit album Mr. Saturday Night. It was written by Dylan Marlowe, Jimi Bell and Joe Fox, who all celebrated their first No. 1.

Those in attendance to support their songwriters and artists included UMG Nashville’s Cindy Mabe, Play It Again Entertainment’s Lauren Lieu, Liz Rose Music’s Liz Rose, Capitol Record Nashville’s Chris Schuler, Red Light Management’s Melanie Wetherbee, Warner Chappell Music’s Benji Amaefule, Creative Nation’s Beth Laird, Riser House’ Jennifer Johnson and more.

Studio Bank sponsored the celebration and made a donation on behalf of Pardi and the songwriters to the Flutie Foundation, which helps people and families affected by autism live life to the fullest. Additionally, to commemorate their first No. 1 celebration, Taylor Guitars presented each BMI songwriter with their own custom-made guitar.