Kameron Marlowe Releases New ‘I Can Lie (The Truth Is)’ With Erin Kirby
Karmeron Marlowe‘s “I Can Lie (The Truth Is)” took off on TikTok last November, garnering fan responses and a duet video from aspiring singer-songwriter Erin Kirby. Though Marlowe released a solo version of the track earlier this month, he recently surprised Kirby by bringing in her to the studio to record harmonies for the new release.
“A while back I teased this song on TikTok and the next day I got an insane amount of notifications about this girl named Erin Kirby. I listened to her video and immediately said we had to throw her on ‘I Can Lie,’” says Marlowe. “This song wouldn’t be true without her, and she was definitely the missing link to making the story of this song come to life. I’m excited for my first duet to be something the fans made happen and I can’t wait to see how Erin’s career takes off from here. She’s the real deal and I’m very proud of this song.”
Kirby adds, “This has been such a thrill getting to be a part of this song! From the response to me covering the song, to then getting surprised by Kameron to sing with him on it, I’m just so excited to be a part of this and can’t wait for y’all to hear it.”
Additionally, Marlowe invited Kirby to join him for their first joint live performance Tuesday (June 27) at the Grand Ole Opry.
NSAI Hosts Bluebird Cafe Concert for House Judiciary Subcommittee Members
Pictured (L-R): Tim Nichols, Jamie Floyd, Claude Kelly, Chuck Harmony at Bluebird Cafe in Nahsville. Photo courtesy of NSAI.
NSAI hosted members of The House Judiciary Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property, and the Internet for lunch and a special performance at Nashville’s Bluebird Cafe this week. The members spent two days in Nashville, and attended a rare field hearing, “Five Years Later – The Music Modernization Act” to examine the law’s impact since its signing.
Performers at NSAI’s event included Claude Kelly and Chuck Harmony, Jamie Floyd, Lee Miller and Tim Nichols.
Mike Richards Signs With Billy Blue Publishing
Pictured (L-R): Ed Leonard, President of Daywind Music Group; Mike Richards; Joe Dan Cornett, Creative Director for Billy Blue Publishing; Rick Shelton, Vice President, Daywind Publishing
Billy Blue Publishing has signed multi-award-winning songwriter Mike Richards. With an impressive track record and extensive contributions to the bluegrass genre, Richards brings his exceptional talent to further elevate Billy Blue Publishing’s roster of songwriters.
As a founding member of The Chigger Hill Boys & Terri, Richards has garnered widespread recognition for his songwriting prowess. Richards brings an impressive list of accomplishments to Billy Blue that includes the 1999 GMA Dove Award Song of the Year “He Still Looks Over Me,” contributions to various projects by the legendary Lewis Family and Lee Greenwood. On the gospel side, Richards has had songs recorded by The Freemans, Amber Nelon Thompson, Morgan Easter, the Singing Cookes, Cumberland Quartet, Old Time Gospel Hour Quartet, Mark Trammell Trio and others.
Joe Dan Cornett, Creative Director for Billy Blue Publishing, says, “We are thrilled to have Mike join our Billy Blue Music Publishing family. His exceptional writing skills and profound knowledge of the bluegrass genre will undoubtedly prove to be a huge asset for us and the entire bluegrass community. I eagerly anticipate the impact of his songs on this genre for years to come.”
“I am so very excited to become a part of this elite family of songwriters and staff at Billy Blue Publishing,” comments Richards. “I hope to contribute to their success for a very long time. Thank you to the Billy Blue team for believing in me!”
PLA Media Welcomes Jess Kellie Adams
Pictured (L-R): Mark Logsdon (PLA Media), Ava Hundley (PLA Media), Pam Lewis (PLA Media), Jess Kellie Adams, Becky Parsons (PLA Media) and Dean Sams (Lonestar)
PLA Media has welcomed breakout country singer-songwriter Jess Kellie Adams to its roster.
“When speaking with aspiring musicians, I always say ‘you have to want this for yourself more than I want it for you.’ Talent is just a small portion of what it takes, you have to put in the hard work. Jess has all the components, from looks to personality, talent and verve. I see her dedication and I am betting on her success,” says PLA President, Pam Lewis.
“I’m excited to join PLA Media! I live by the song lyric, ‘I ain’t settlin’ for anything less than everything’ by Sugarland. It’s important to me to build a team that is passionate about what they do, thinks big and shoots for the stars. I was blown away in our first meeting with the creativity, energy and spontaneity that filled the room. Brainstorming ideas together felt natural and effortless – I immediately knew I had found my publicity home,” says Adams.
Adams was born in Texas, raised in Ohio and now lives in Nashville. Her songwriting influences include Miranda Lambert, Bonnie Raitt, Martina McBride and Dolly Parton. She recently released her new single “Homemade,” which was produced and co-written by Lonestar‘s Dean Sams. A six-song EP is set to follow.
Beyoncé’s Former Musical Director, Bass Player Visits W.O. Smith Music School
Pictured (L-R): W.O. Smith Music Education Director Jordan Morrison, Divinity Roxx, Instrumental Horizons President Luke Putney, and Instrumental Horizons’ Jones Kolbinsky. Photo: Fred Pierson
Grammy-nominated bassist and Beyoncé‘s former Musical Director Divinity Roxx recently spoke and performed for students at W.O. Smith’s Camp Backbeat, a week-long summer camp in Nashville.
The visit was made possible by Instrumental Horizons, a nonprofit that shares the joy of music by donating musical instruments and volunteering services to economically and medically challenged communities around the world. Instrumental Horizons also presented W.O. Smith with a $10,000 donation.
MTSU Alum Medium Build Signed With Island Records
Middle Tennessee State University alum Nick Carpenter—also known as Medium Build—has signed with Island Records. To celebrate, he shared a photo of him singing the contract while holding an MTSU shirt.
Grammy-nominated Odie Blackmon, one of Carpenter’s professor at MTSU and the Commercial Songwriting Coordinator, shares in a social media post, “Nick has turned into everything I hoped for but also something that I couldn’t have envisioned. I can’t express how much I love his music and songwriting. I feel blessed to have played a very small part in his journey, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for him.”
Medium Build was most recently featured on the X Ambassadors‘ single “Friend For Life.”
Gorley, Chapman, Bryan Prevail On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart
/by LB CantrellAshley Gorley
Ashley Gorley sits atop the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart for the ninth consecutive week this week. He is a co-writer on Chris Janson’s “All I Need Is You,” Parmalee’s “Girl In Mine,” Russell Dickerson’s “God Gave Me A Girl,” Hardy’s “Truck Bed” and Morgan Wallen’s “Last Night,” “Cowgirls,” “Everything I Love,” “Thinkin’ Bout Me” and “You Proof.”
Tracy Chapman remains at No. 2 this week as Luke Combs’ cover of her solely-written “Fast Car” rises on the country charts. Zach Bryan keeps his position at No. 3 as his solely-written “Something In The Orange” continues to rack up streams.
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.
Tune In: ‘CMA Fest: 50 Years Of Fan Fair’ Documentary Airs On Hulu July 5
/by Caela GriffinThe anticipated CMA Fest: 50 Years of Fan Fair documentary airs on on Hulu Wednesday, July 5. The film tells the story of the world’s largest and longest-running country music festival, CMA Fest, which celebrated its milestone 50th anniversary June 8-11, 2023.
Debuting on Hulu Wednesday, July 5, CMA Fest: 50 Years of Fan Fair celebrates the festival’s humble beginnings as Fan Fair in 1972, its move to the Tennessee State Fairgrounds in 1982 and then ultimately to downtown Nashville in 2001. The festival now draws 90,000 fans a day, across four days, with attendees from all 50 states and 51 countries.
Told through exclusive one-on-one interviews, never-before-seen archival content and CMA Fest performances, the 75-minute documentary features many of country music’s most notable artists including Bill Anderson, Kelsea Ballerini, Dierks Bentley, Breland, Brooks & Dunn, Brothers Osborne, Luke Bryan, Shy Carter, Luke Combs, Valierie Ellis Hawkins, Vince Gill, Wynonna Judd, Miranda Lambert, Patty Loveless, Reba McEntire, Mark Miller, Craig Morgan, Lorrie Morgan, Dolly Parton, Carly Pearce, Jeannie Seely, Blake Shelton, Frankie Staton, Thomas Rhett, Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban, Lainey Wilson, Trisha Yearwood and Chris Young.
CMA Fest: 50 Years of Fan Fair marks CMA’s first feature-length film, with CMA Chief Executive Officer Sarah Trahern and CMA Senior Vice President, Marketing, Content & Communications Strategy Kelly Striewski serving as the film’s executive producers.
“CMA Fest has taken several shapes throughout its storied history,” says Trahern. “[After celebrating] our 50th year, our hope with this film is to underscore the one thing that has remained with the festival—its heart. We are thrilled to share the evolution and magic of this incredible event with the Hulu audience.”
“We have a long and valued partnership with CMA and are excited to expand on that by adding this extraordinary film to the Hulu slate,” says Rob Mills, Executive Vice President, Unscripted and Alternative Entertainment, Walt Disney Television. “We can’t wait to share this with music lovers everywhere, who will be treated to a behind-the-scenes look at the heart of CMA Fest and its many contributions to the country music community.”
Entertainment Attorney Terri Nolan Passes
/by LB CantrellTerri Nolan
Entertainment attorney Terri Nolan passed away on June 20 after a long battle with cancer. She was 46.
Nolan most recently practiced law in Loeb & Loeb’s Nashville office.
Terri Lynn Nolan (McElrone) was born on Jan. 5, 1977, in Wilmington, Delaware. She was passionate about country music while growing up, often traveling to Nashville. After forming friendships with songwriters in Music City, Nolan eventually quit her job in banking to combine her passion for music with her dream of being a lawyer.
Nolan graduated from Wilmington University in 2007. She and her husband, Kevin, then moved to New Hampshire so that she could study intellectual property law at the University of New Hampshire School of Law. With a degree from UNH, Nolan moved to Nashville.
She became an in-house legal counsel for Capitol Christian Music Group. After eight years at CCMG, Nolan joined Loeb & Loeb in 2020.
Nolan was known for her love of ’80s hair bands and country music, particularly that of Garth Brooks, who became a friend through her work. She was also a lover of shoes and bourbon.
Terri Nolan is preceded in death by her father, Raymond Lyons. She is survived by her loving husband, Kevin Nolan; her mother Maryellen Lyons (McElrone); her brother, Ray Lyons and his wife, Shyla; her sister Shellie Lyons; her in-laws, Rob and Deb Furness and Richard and Ellen Nolan; her sister-in-law, Kristen Nolan; and her nieces and nephews.
A memorial service for Nolan took place at Smith Family Funeral Home on June 24.
Mark Your Calendar—July 2023
/by Caela GriffinSingle/Track Release Dates:
July 3
Andy Ross/I Stand For You/Buck Shot Records
Karly C/You Made Your Bed/Quirky Cowgirl
July 7
Matt Jordan/Always a Girl/ONErpm
Drew Baldridge/Honky Tonk Town
July 10
Corey Kent/Something’s Gonna Kill Me/RCA Nashville
Warren Zeiders/Pretty Little Poison/Warner Music Nashville
Dianña/Girl With No Last Name/Billiegee Productions
Andy Pursell/Right Amount Of Wrong/Southern Dreams Entertainment
Adam Warner/The Farmer/Duncan Music Group
July 14
Blanca/New Day (Wake Up Remix) [feat. Jekalyn Carr]/Curb Records
July 17
Kidd G/Daylight Savings/The Valory Music Co.
Jet Jurgensmeyer/Falling Too/Simba Entertainment
Kaitlyn Kohler/You’re Everywhere I Go/Kohler Music Group LLC
July 24
Ryne Brashear/Better With A Buzz/LIR Records
July 27
Corey Davis/Beer and the Bible
July 28
Andy Pursell/Me Myself & The Tide/Southern Dreams Entertainment
Album/EP Release Dates:
July 7
Randy Rogers & Wade Bowen/Hold My Beer Vol. 3
Frank Ray/Frank Ray/Stoney Creek Records
July 14
Lukas Nelson + POTR/Sticks and Stones/6ACE Records/Thirty Tigers
Tyler Farr/Rednecks Like Me/BBR Music Group/Night Train Records
Alana Springsteen/Twenty Something: Figuring It Out/Columbia Records NY/Sony Music Nashville
Colter Wall/Little Songs/La Honda Records/RCA Records
July 21
Lori McKenna/1988/CN Records/Thirty Tigers
Ashley Cooke/Shot in the Dark/Big Loud Records
Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway/City of Gold/Nonesuch Records
July 28
Lewis Brice/Product Of
Dennis Quaid/Fallen: A Gospel Record for Sinners/Gaither Music Group
Industry Events:
July 10
Country Radio Hall of Fame Induction and Dinner
Singer-Songwriter Nanci Griffith’s Legacy Celebrated With Two New Releases
/by Lorie HollabaughNanci Griffith
The legacy and 70th birthday of the late Texas singer-songwriter Nanci Griffith will be honored through two new special collections arriving in September.
The first collection, titled Working in Corners, reissues Griffith’s earliest—and long out-of-print—albums, including her 1978 debut, There’s a Light Beyond These Woods, 1982’s Poet in My Window, 1984’s Once in a Very Blue Moon and 1986’s Grammy-nominated The Last of the True Believers (featuring “Love at the Five and Dime” and “Goin’ Gone”).
Set for release on Sept. 8 via Craft Recordings, the collection also features rare photos and ephemera and liner notes by Holly Gleason and producer Jim Rooney, who worked closely with Griffith during the period. Rooney, who co-produced the box set, also weaves in memories from a myriad of Griffith’s friends, peers, and collaborators. Working in Corners will be available as four-CD and four-LP vinyl box sets, while There’s a Light Beyond These Woods, Poet in My Window and Once in a Very Blue Moon will make their long-awaited return to digital platforms.
Griffith’s music will also be celebrated through an all-star tribute, More Than a Whisper: Celebrating The Music of Nanci Griffith. Arriving Sept. 22 via Rounder Records on vinyl, CD and digitally, the album features Emmylou Harris, Lyle Lovett, Kathy Mattea, Shawn Colvin, John Prine, Kelsey Waldon, Sarah Jarosz, Steve Earle and Mary Gauthier interpreting Griffith’s most-beloved songs.
Recorded over several years, More Than a Whisper also includes stirring contributions from Brandy Clark, Billy Strings, Molly Tuttle, Iris DeMent, Todd Snider and Aaron Lee Tasjan, while Ida Mae and The War and Treaty both appear exclusively on the expanded CD, digital and HD versions of the album. All proceeds from More Than a Whisper will benefit Nashville’s Cumberland Heights, a non-profit treatment facility offering hope and healing to those affected by drug and alcohol addiction.
Brandi Carlile’s ‘Girls Just Wanna Weekend’ Returns January 2024
/by Caela GriffinBrandi Carlile‘s “Girls Just Wanna Weekend” concert vacation is set to return next year on Jan. 18-21, 2024.
The fifth anniversary four-night event includes a new host resort, Barceló Resort in Mexico, to accommodate all attendees on one property. The closed “Brandi Land” campus there will provide additional opportunities for immersion as well as a bespoke concert venue, direct beach access, additional activations on-site and premium guest services.
The destination event curated by nine-time Grammy Award-winning Carlile featured all female-fronted acts in its inaugural year to promote a weekend of harmony and give female performers a stage festival experience not often granted to them. The artist line-up for this year as well as the full itinerary of performance times, activities, and local excursions will be announced soon.
Previous “Girls Just Wanna Weekend” performers include Sheryl Crow, Tanya Tucker, Maren Morris, Sara Bareilles, Wynonna, Natalie Hemby, Brandy Clark and Brittney Spencer.
All event packages include luxury resort accommodations, concert access, round-trip airport transportation, bottomless top-shelf drinks, all inclusive culinary offerings, daily pool parties featuring acts hand-picked by Carlile, artist-curated activities, off-site adventures and more.
For more information about “Girls Just Wanna Weekend,” including booking and payment details, visit girlsjustwannaweekend.com.
Chris Stapleton’s ‘Star Spangled Banner’ Super Bowl Performance Out Now
/by Lorie HollabaughChris Stapleton’s tear-wiping rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner (Live from Super Bowl LVII)” is out now via EQ, just in time for 4th of July celebrations around the country.
The rousing performance was recorded earlier this year at Super Bowl LVII at State Farm Stadium in Arizona and received praise from numerous media outlets and fans.
Stapleton is gearing up to hit the road again beginning this Thursday (July 6,) in Bethel, New York, with shows in Virginia Beach, Baltimore, Tampa, Memphis, Dallas, and more, along with two stadium dates with George Strait at Nashville’s Nissan Stadium July 28-29.
ACM Lifting Lives Summer Camps Celebrate Healing Power Of Music
/by Lorie HollabaughLauren Alaina with ACM Lifting Lives Music Camp participants on stage at the Grand Ole Opry. Photo: Courtesy of the Grand Ole Opry
ACM Lifting Lives hosted its 14th annual Music Camp with Vanderbilt Kennedy Center June 14-20 as well as the SENSE Theatre ACM Lifting Lives 2023 Summer Camp with SENSE Theatre, Vanderbilt Kennedy Center and Vanderbilt University Department of Theatre on June 12-24.
Both programs are designed to bring together individuals in Nashville for exclusive experiences, personal interactions with artists and unforgettable live performances, in addition to research opportunities in partnership with Vanderbilt University and other institutions.
Thirty campers from all around the U.S. and one camper from Australia participated in a full-slate of personalized activities, starting with the writing of an original song with some of Nashville’s top songwriters, and culminating with a live performance of the song on the Grand Ole Opry stage in front of a packed audience. Stars who joined the campers throughout the week include Lauren Alaina, Ross Copperman, Charles Esten, J.T. Harding, Tiera Kennedy, Madeline Merlo, Frank Ray, Restless Road, Taryn Papa and Tigirlily Gold.
This year, campers started the week by co-writing a song called “Wrap Me Up” with Copperman, Harding, and Restless Road. Campers recorded “Wrap Me Up” with the help of Papa, Copperman and Harding at Ocean Way Nashville before performing the song on the Opry with Opry member Alaina – and earning a standing ovation from the crowd.
During the SENSE Theatre ACM Lifting Lives 2023 Summer Camp, Copperman, Girl Named Tom and Caleb Lee Hutchinson joined the campers during their rehearsals to learn a song and dance and offer encouragement as they prepared for their stage performances on Friday, June 23-24. The program provides a safe place to learn, explore and practice important life skills for individuals with and without autism.
“Hosting these camps is truly the highlight of the year for those involved, both for the campers and those volunteering and doing the research,” says Lyndsay Cruz, ACM Lifting Lives Executive Director and Taylor Wolf, ACM Lifting Lives Sr. Manager and Music Camp lead. “ACM Lifting Lives has placed an important emphasis on mental health awareness and research, and these camps allow our partners at Vanderbilt Kennedy Center to conduct important research on Williams syndrome and autism, all while providing campers with an experience they can’t find anywhere else. The artists and songwriters in Nashville who donate their time to these amazing summer camps are who make this research and fulfilling experience for campers possible, and we thank them for their positive energy and excitement.”
MaRynn Taylor Makes Grand Ole Opry Debut
/by Lorie HollabaughMaRynn Taylor makes Grand Ole Opry debut. Photo: Chris Hollo for Grand Ole Opry
Black River artist MaRynn Taylor made her Grand Ole Opry debut last weekend surrounded by family, friends and Opry member Jeannie Seely, who broke the news to Taylor that she would be making her Grand Ole Opry debut and welcomed her to the stage for the big moment.
Pictured (L-R): Opry Member Jeannie Seely, MaRynn Taylor, Opry VP/Executive Producer Dan Rogers. Photo: Chris Hollo for Grand Ole Opry
“Hi, y’all! I’m MaRynn. I am so overwhelmed and thrilled to be here,” she said to the crowd as she took the stage. “This has been such a dream of mine ever since I was little. I just love country music, as much as you probably do, and I’m so thankful that I get to be here.”
Taylor performed her songs “01” and “Make You Mine” for the crowd, and following the emotional Opry debut, was celebrated by her management team, Jonas Group Entertainment, in Studio A for an intimate reception.
She also recently released a new lyric video for “01,” featuring animated images that Taylor drew herself. Penned by Taylor, McCall Chapin and Alex Angelo and produced by Josh Kerr, “01” is both a heartfelt apology to her younger self and a reminder to tap into the fearlessness, knowingness, freedom and open heart of her youth.
Industry Ink: Kameron Marlowe, NSAI, Mike Richards, PLA Media, More
/by Caela GriffinKameron Marlowe Releases New ‘I Can Lie (The Truth Is)’ With Erin Kirby
Karmeron Marlowe‘s “I Can Lie (The Truth Is)” took off on TikTok last November, garnering fan responses and a duet video from aspiring singer-songwriter Erin Kirby. Though Marlowe released a solo version of the track earlier this month, he recently surprised Kirby by bringing in her to the studio to record harmonies for the new release.
“A while back I teased this song on TikTok and the next day I got an insane amount of notifications about this girl named Erin Kirby. I listened to her video and immediately said we had to throw her on ‘I Can Lie,’” says Marlowe. “This song wouldn’t be true without her, and she was definitely the missing link to making the story of this song come to life. I’m excited for my first duet to be something the fans made happen and I can’t wait to see how Erin’s career takes off from here. She’s the real deal and I’m very proud of this song.”
Kirby adds, “This has been such a thrill getting to be a part of this song! From the response to me covering the song, to then getting surprised by Kameron to sing with him on it, I’m just so excited to be a part of this and can’t wait for y’all to hear it.”
Additionally, Marlowe invited Kirby to join him for their first joint live performance Tuesday (June 27) at the Grand Ole Opry.
NSAI Hosts Bluebird Cafe Concert for House Judiciary Subcommittee Members
Pictured (L-R): Tim Nichols, Jamie Floyd, Claude Kelly, Chuck Harmony at Bluebird Cafe in Nahsville. Photo courtesy of NSAI.
NSAI hosted members of The House Judiciary Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property, and the Internet for lunch and a special performance at Nashville’s Bluebird Cafe this week. The members spent two days in Nashville, and attended a rare field hearing, “Five Years Later – The Music Modernization Act” to examine the law’s impact since its signing.
Performers at NSAI’s event included Claude Kelly and Chuck Harmony, Jamie Floyd, Lee Miller and Tim Nichols.
Mike Richards Signs With Billy Blue Publishing
Pictured (L-R): Ed Leonard, President of Daywind Music Group; Mike Richards; Joe Dan Cornett, Creative Director for Billy Blue Publishing; Rick Shelton, Vice President, Daywind Publishing
Billy Blue Publishing has signed multi-award-winning songwriter Mike Richards. With an impressive track record and extensive contributions to the bluegrass genre, Richards brings his exceptional talent to further elevate Billy Blue Publishing’s roster of songwriters.
As a founding member of The Chigger Hill Boys & Terri, Richards has garnered widespread recognition for his songwriting prowess. Richards brings an impressive list of accomplishments to Billy Blue that includes the 1999 GMA Dove Award Song of the Year “He Still Looks Over Me,” contributions to various projects by the legendary Lewis Family and Lee Greenwood. On the gospel side, Richards has had songs recorded by The Freemans, Amber Nelon Thompson, Morgan Easter, the Singing Cookes, Cumberland Quartet, Old Time Gospel Hour Quartet, Mark Trammell Trio and others.
Joe Dan Cornett, Creative Director for Billy Blue Publishing, says, “We are thrilled to have Mike join our Billy Blue Music Publishing family. His exceptional writing skills and profound knowledge of the bluegrass genre will undoubtedly prove to be a huge asset for us and the entire bluegrass community. I eagerly anticipate the impact of his songs on this genre for years to come.”
“I am so very excited to become a part of this elite family of songwriters and staff at Billy Blue Publishing,” comments Richards. “I hope to contribute to their success for a very long time. Thank you to the Billy Blue team for believing in me!”
PLA Media Welcomes Jess Kellie Adams
Pictured (L-R): Mark Logsdon (PLA Media), Ava Hundley (PLA Media), Pam Lewis (PLA Media), Jess Kellie Adams, Becky Parsons (PLA Media) and Dean Sams (Lonestar)
PLA Media has welcomed breakout country singer-songwriter Jess Kellie Adams to its roster.
“When speaking with aspiring musicians, I always say ‘you have to want this for yourself more than I want it for you.’ Talent is just a small portion of what it takes, you have to put in the hard work. Jess has all the components, from looks to personality, talent and verve. I see her dedication and I am betting on her success,” says PLA President, Pam Lewis.
Beyoncé’s Former Musical Director, Bass Player Visits W.O. Smith Music School
Pictured (L-R): W.O. Smith Music Education Director Jordan Morrison, Divinity Roxx, Instrumental Horizons President Luke Putney, and Instrumental Horizons’ Jones Kolbinsky. Photo: Fred Pierson
Grammy-nominated bassist and Beyoncé‘s former Musical Director Divinity Roxx recently spoke and performed for students at W.O. Smith’s Camp Backbeat, a week-long summer camp in Nashville.
The visit was made possible by Instrumental Horizons, a nonprofit that shares the joy of music by donating musical instruments and volunteering services to economically and medically challenged communities around the world. Instrumental Horizons also presented W.O. Smith with a $10,000 donation.
MTSU Alum Medium Build Signed With Island Records
Middle Tennessee State University alum Nick Carpenter—also known as Medium Build—has signed with Island Records. To celebrate, he shared a photo of him singing the contract while holding an MTSU shirt.
Grammy-nominated Odie Blackmon, one of Carpenter’s professor at MTSU and the Commercial Songwriting Coordinator, shares in a social media post, “Nick has turned into everything I hoped for but also something that I couldn’t have envisioned. I can’t express how much I love his music and songwriting. I feel blessed to have played a very small part in his journey, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for him.”
Medium Build was most recently featured on the X Ambassadors‘ single “Friend For Life.”