Emily Ann Roberts
Emily Ann Roberts has been singing for as long as she can remember. Born and raised in Knoxville, Tennessee, she recalls driving around with her father listening to bluegrass records and picking out the harmonies while in a carseat. Inspired by greats such as Ricky Skaggs, Patty Loveless and Dolly Parton, among others, Roberts mixes definitive country elements with her warm spirit to create a sweet and classic sound all her own.
From flaming tracks such as “He Set Her Off” to tunes about the simple life and adoring love songs like her latest release “Infinity,” out today (June 2), she covers the story-telling spectrum with the velvety twang of her vocals. Roberts recently visited MusicRow, accompanied by fiddle player Ivy Phillips, to share her work as well as her journey thus far.
Emily Ann Roberts with MusicRow‘s Sherod Robertson. Photo: Courtesy of MusicRow
She had a gig at a local Mexican restaurant for three years before she began performing for people across the nation on season nine of NBC’s The Voice as a member of Blake Shelton‘s team in 2015. Still in high school, Roberts made it all the way to the finals and finished as the season’s runner-up. She notes how grateful she is for the experience and the knowledge she gained from it, as it was her first taste of the music business.
“I hadn’t had any vocal training before I went on The Voice, and there was a vocal coach [we worked with] on my season, so I learned a lot from her,” said Roberts. She continued, “All the songs I sang on the show were old country and Blake loved that.
“He [told] me ‘You’ve got to do what feels real to you, that’s the only thing people are going to believe.’ He was so encouraging and told me time and time again how much he believed in me. He’s so down-to-earth and that was good for me to see. If I ever have a bunch of hit songs on the radio, I hope I treat other people the way he treats them.”
During the season’s finale, Roberts got the chance to sing “Country Boy” with one of her musical influences Skaggs, who will make a special appearance on her forthcoming project along with country icon Vince Gill.
After the show wrapped, Roberts graduated and made her way to Music City in the summer of 2016. She signed with Starstruck Management and began writing. Roberts since has graced the Grand Ole Opry stage 16 times and recently expanded her team by signing with UTA. Working alongside co-writers and producer Trent Willmon, she is currently prepping to release her first full-length album.
The collection will feature previously released single “He Set Her Off,” a riotous tune about a scorned wife seeking revenge. Roberts is an honorary member of a volunteer fire department in Seymour, Tennessee and was able to actually burn a vacant house down as part of a training fire while filming the song’s music video.
Also included in the new project is “Whole Lotta Little,” which the artist co-wrote with Willmon and Jeremy Spillman. The catchy number centers around the joy of life’s little things, and talks about being happy with what you’ve got and where you are.
Following the October release of “Whole Lotta Little,” she shared an additional single set to appear on the record, “The Building”. As the music video takes place in the “Mother Church of Country Music,” the touching tune describes the personal impact Roberts’ hometown church has had on her and her family. She wrote the song with Michael Farren, who had similar relationship with his church growing up. Unbeknownst to Roberts at the time of writing, her church was set to celebrate its 100th anniversary the same year, and she was able to perform it for the congression during the celebration.
“If I had to pick a song that meant the most to me, [that] one would be up there [near the top],” she states.
Roberts has now unveiled another album track, “Infinity.” She wrote the soothing, devoted song with Stephanie Chapman about her high school sweetheart and husband Chris.
“This was the first time Stephanie and I were writing one on one. It was just us, and right away we started with girl talk. She asked me if I had a boyfriend. I said yes. She asked, ‘Well, is he the one?’ When I told her he was, she wanted to know how I knew. I said that forever doesn’t seem like long enough to love him. And from there, this song came to us. I sang it for my sister’s first dance at her wedding, then at mine, the string quartet played this for me to walk down the aisle. My husband is so humble, but he was definitely the inspiration. We met in Spanish class in high school and we’ve been together ever since. He is such a steady force in my life. He truly is my better half and my best friend. When you find your person, forever just doesn’t feel like long enough,” shares Roberts.
Additionally, the vibrant southern belle will kick off CMA Fest with a full-band performance at Station Inn on Wednesday, June 7 at 8 p.m. She’ll then take the Hard Rock Stage at the Hard Rock Cafe at 10:55 a.m. on Thursday, June 8 for a free outdoor show.
The Neal Agency Signs Aidan Canfield
/by LB CantrellAidan Canfield. Photo: Macy Ray
The Neal Agency has signed Aidan Canfield, a country singer-songwriter hailing from Pleasantville, New York.
Canfield’s artistry combines rock and country influences from the sounds that he grew up on. He is inspired by rock greats Bob Seger and Bruce Springsteen as well as country stars Kenny Chesney and Zach Bryan. Canfield released his debut album, We’re Young, Alright, earlier this year and has supported artists such as Riley Green and Cameron Sacky Band on the road.
“It’s extremely rare to find an artist like Aidan,” says Austin Neal, who initially introduced Canfield’s music to his team at The Neal Agency in an A&R meeting four months ago. “He has a distinctive sound, an entire album of one-way writes, and an honesty and dedication that comes across when you hear him. Our team immediately and unanimously agreed we had to pursue signing him. We’re honored to add him to our roster for representation at TNA.”
“The second I stepped into The Neal office, it felt like a family,” shares Canfield. “Everybody there sees it as more than a job and they are all truly passionate about each artist. I couldn’t be more excited to build my career with such great people around me at The Neal Agency!”
Canfield’s additional representation includes Justine Avila with The Moonshot Group for management, James Dail at Wiatr & Associates for business management and Elliot Groffman at Carroll, Guido, Groffman, Cohen, Bar & Karalian, LLP for legal.
He will play his first CMA Fest this week, performing on the Hard Rock Stage on Sunday, June 11.
Rachel Whitney Prepares For Spotify House At CMA Fest [Interview]
/by LB CantrellRachel Whitney, Head of Editorial, Nashville at Spotify
Spotify has revealed more details ahead of its highly anticipated Spotify House takeover at Blake Shelton and Opry Entertainment Group’s Ole Red for CMA Fest. The festivities will take place June 8-11.
“We are thrilled to be returning to CMA Fest for a fourth year with our marquee four-day country music showcase, Spotify House! We are once again taking over Ole Red in downtown Nashville,” Head of Editorial, Nashville at Spotify, Rachel Whitney, shares with MusicRow. “This year’s lineup is a stellar mix of emerging artists, country stars and surprise special performances throughout the weekend. We are so grateful to the incredible artists who grace our stages and for the enthusiasm of the country fans who make Spotify House one of the top destinations at CMA Fest each year. ”
Previously announced performers for Spotify House include Brad Paisley, Brothers Osborne, Dierks Bentley, Hailey Whitters, Ingrid Andress, Jordan Davis, Luke Grimes, Mickey Guyton, Old Dominion, Lady A, Ruston Kelly, Alana Springsteen, Ashley Cooke, Avery Anna, Brett Young, Brian Kelley, Chase Rice, Chayce Beckham, Chris Young, Colbie Caillat, Conner Smith, Dalton Dover, Danielle Bradbery, Dylan Marlowe, Dylan Schneider, Ella Langley, Ian Munsick, Jon Pardi, Josh Ross, Kameron Marlowe, Kylie Morgan, Lily Rose, Mackenzie Carpenter, Mitchell Tenpenny, Restless Road, Riley Green, Sam Hunt, Tanner Adell, Tenille Arts, Warren Zeiders and 49 Winchester.
Spotify House will also treat fans who want to show off their latest country dance moves to several exclusive late night DJ sets including Diplo Presents Thomas Wesley and Cheat Codes + Friends.
Additionally, Spotify is bringing back the Fresh Finds Stage to the rooftop of Ole Red, presenting a nightly lineup of new and emerging country music artists that fans can also find on the Fresh Finds Country playlist.
Whitney shares, “We are bringing back the Fresh Finds Country Stage for a second year at Spotify House rooftop. We are dedicated to supporting emerging independent artists year-round and this lineup will give fans the opportunity to discover some of the incredible young talent we have our eye on. Spotify House will also treat fans to exclusive late night DJ sets, inspired by our Country Club playlist, including Diplo Presents Thomas Wesley and Cheat Codes + Friends, so there is sure to be something for every type of country music fan.”
Thursday’s Fresh Finds Stage will include sets from Mae Estes, Logan Crosby, Lauren Watkins, Sam Barber, Nolan Taylor and Wyatt Flores. Friday night will feature music from Graham Barham, Abbey Cone, Grant Gilbert, Halle Kearns, Harper Grace and Payton Smith. Saturday night will include Haley Mae Campbell, David Unlayao, Rodell Duff, Meg McRee, Griffen Palmer and Dipper. Sunday night’s lineup includes Matt Schuster, Shelby Darrall, Wyatt McCubbin, Angel White, Kasey Tyndall and Shaylen.
Whitney says that other surprise performances are bound to happen.
“We always like to treat fans to surprise performances during CMA Fest weekend and are delighted to be partnering with CMA this year to present four special surprise sets throughout the weekend at Ole Red to mark the 50th anniversary. It’s still a secret who the artists are but fans will not be disappointed and should stay tuned for our announcements later this week!”
Luke Combs Extends ‘World Tour’ With Four New Stadium Shows
/by Lorie HollabaughLuke Combs has added second nights to his upcoming “World Tour” stadium shows in Tampa, Charlotte, Foxborough and Philadelphia due to overwhelming demand.
Tickets for the new dates at Tampa’s Raymond James Stadium (July 7), Charlotte’s Bank of America Stadium (July 14), Foxborough’s Gillette Stadium (July 21) and Philadelphia’s Lincoln Financial Field (July 28) will be available for pre-sale starting June 8 at 12 p.m. local time through Ticketmaster Verified Fan. General sales will follow June 9, and Combs’ official fan club, The Bootleggers, will have early access to tickets through Ticketmaster Verified Fan pre-sale starting June 8.
“After we got to play two shows in Nashville, I decided I wanted to play more shows for the fans, so I got with my team and the stadiums and luckily all of the July dates lined up for us, so we decide to just do it,” says Combs. “I’m really excited to be able to bring more music to more fans.”
The newly confirmed dates add to the huge success of Combs’ “World Tour,” which has sold over 570,500 tickets across just 11 stadium shows so far, with the majority of the tour still to come. With 44 shows across three continents and 16 countries, the tour is the largest ever for a country artist, earning Combs the No. 1 spot on Pollstar’s Live75 chart, where he has more than doubled all other charting artists.
‘CMA Fest’ Primetime Special Slated To Air July 19
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): Lainey Wilson, Dierks Bentley and Elle King. Photo: Robby Klein for CMA/ABC
CMA Fest, the three-hour primetime concert special set to be filmed during CMA Fest’s milestone 50th anniversary in Nashville later this week, will air on July 19 on ABC.
Hosted by Dierks Bentley, Elle King and Lainey Wilson and airing at 7 p.m. CT, the special will feature never-before-seen performances and surprise collaborations from some of country’s hottest acts.
“I could not be more excited to welcome Dierks, Elle and Lainey as our CMA Fest hosts this year,” says Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer. “As fans experienced last year, the energy Dierks and Elle bring to the stage is palpable and will only be amplified with the addition of Lainey this year. Each of these artists have a deep passion for CMA Fest and the country music fans from around the globe who travel to Nashville for the event. We are thrilled to have all three of them together to help us celebrate 50 years!”
Robert Deaton is the Executive Producer and Writer for CMA Fest, and Alan Carter is the Director. 2023 marks the 20th consecutive year CMA has produced a summer concert TV special.
UMG Nashville Taps Ami Brown As VP Of International Marketing
/by LB CantrellAmi Brown. Photo: Chris Hollo
Universal Music Group Nashville has hired Ami Brown as its Vice President of International Marketing.
Brown joins UMG Nashville following several years as Senior Director of Partner & Label Relations with UMG’s Global Marketing team. In her new role, Brown will spearhead international strategy, creative connection and outreach for all artists on the label group consisting of Capitol Records Nashville, EMI Records Nashville, MCA Nashville and Mercury Nashville.
“Ami has been an integral part of our International team for several years and we are thrilled to now have her expertise across our entire roster,” says UMGN EVP of Marketing, Lori Christian. “Never before have we had more artists impacting and touring internationally. With Ami’s leadership and her passion for the music and the storytelling, there are no boundaries for our artists.”
Brown began her UMG career as a college rep and has held several positions over the past 15+ years with the company including Admin., Artist Development (Interscope Geffen A&M DreamWorks), Account Management (Apple and Starbucks), and International Label Relations for Disney Music Group and Roc Nation, among others. Brown also held positions at PlayStation in Brand Partnerships and Strategic Alliances. The Minneapolis native has degrees from Dean College and Ithaca College.
“Country music has been a foundational part of my lifelong love of music,” shares Brown. “I am very grateful to Cindy [Mabe] and Lori for giving me the opportunity to further connect our incredible artists and foster our initiatives to fans around the world. I’m excited to be a part of the future of UMGN and have always believed that great music knows no borders. I look forward to collaborating with our artists, the UMGN team and our wonderful international partners to expand our reach, forge new paths and amplify our culture globally.”
On The Row: Emily Ann Roberts Shares Her Story & Classic Country Style
/by Liza AndersonEmily Ann Roberts
Emily Ann Roberts has been singing for as long as she can remember. Born and raised in Knoxville, Tennessee, she recalls driving around with her father listening to bluegrass records and picking out the harmonies while in a carseat. Inspired by greats such as Ricky Skaggs, Patty Loveless and Dolly Parton, among others, Roberts mixes definitive country elements with her warm spirit to create a sweet and classic sound all her own.
From flaming tracks such as “He Set Her Off” to tunes about the simple life and adoring love songs like her latest release “Infinity,” out today (June 2), she covers the story-telling spectrum with the velvety twang of her vocals. Roberts recently visited MusicRow, accompanied by fiddle player Ivy Phillips, to share her work as well as her journey thus far.
Emily Ann Roberts with MusicRow‘s Sherod Robertson. Photo: Courtesy of MusicRow
She had a gig at a local Mexican restaurant for three years before she began performing for people across the nation on season nine of NBC’s The Voice as a member of Blake Shelton‘s team in 2015. Still in high school, Roberts made it all the way to the finals and finished as the season’s runner-up. She notes how grateful she is for the experience and the knowledge she gained from it, as it was her first taste of the music business.
“I hadn’t had any vocal training before I went on The Voice, and there was a vocal coach [we worked with] on my season, so I learned a lot from her,” said Roberts. She continued, “All the songs I sang on the show were old country and Blake loved that.
“He [told] me ‘You’ve got to do what feels real to you, that’s the only thing people are going to believe.’ He was so encouraging and told me time and time again how much he believed in me. He’s so down-to-earth and that was good for me to see. If I ever have a bunch of hit songs on the radio, I hope I treat other people the way he treats them.”
During the season’s finale, Roberts got the chance to sing “Country Boy” with one of her musical influences Skaggs, who will make a special appearance on her forthcoming project along with country icon Vince Gill.
After the show wrapped, Roberts graduated and made her way to Music City in the summer of 2016. She signed with Starstruck Management and began writing. Roberts since has graced the Grand Ole Opry stage 16 times and recently expanded her team by signing with UTA. Working alongside co-writers and producer Trent Willmon, she is currently prepping to release her first full-length album.
The collection will feature previously released single “He Set Her Off,” a riotous tune about a scorned wife seeking revenge. Roberts is an honorary member of a volunteer fire department in Seymour, Tennessee and was able to actually burn a vacant house down as part of a training fire while filming the song’s music video.
Also included in the new project is “Whole Lotta Little,” which the artist co-wrote with Willmon and Jeremy Spillman. The catchy number centers around the joy of life’s little things, and talks about being happy with what you’ve got and where you are.
Following the October release of “Whole Lotta Little,” she shared an additional single set to appear on the record, “The Building”. As the music video takes place in the “Mother Church of Country Music,” the touching tune describes the personal impact Roberts’ hometown church has had on her and her family. She wrote the song with Michael Farren, who had similar relationship with his church growing up. Unbeknownst to Roberts at the time of writing, her church was set to celebrate its 100th anniversary the same year, and she was able to perform it for the congression during the celebration.
“If I had to pick a song that meant the most to me, [that] one would be up there [near the top],” she states.
Roberts has now unveiled another album track, “Infinity.” She wrote the soothing, devoted song with Stephanie Chapman about her high school sweetheart and husband Chris.
“This was the first time Stephanie and I were writing one on one. It was just us, and right away we started with girl talk. She asked me if I had a boyfriend. I said yes. She asked, ‘Well, is he the one?’ When I told her he was, she wanted to know how I knew. I said that forever doesn’t seem like long enough to love him. And from there, this song came to us. I sang it for my sister’s first dance at her wedding, then at mine, the string quartet played this for me to walk down the aisle. My husband is so humble, but he was definitely the inspiration. We met in Spanish class in high school and we’ve been together ever since. He is such a steady force in my life. He truly is my better half and my best friend. When you find your person, forever just doesn’t feel like long enough,” shares Roberts.
Additionally, the vibrant southern belle will kick off CMA Fest with a full-band performance at Station Inn on Wednesday, June 7 at 8 p.m. She’ll then take the Hard Rock Stage at the Hard Rock Cafe at 10:55 a.m. on Thursday, June 8 for a free outdoor show.
Warren Zeiders’ ‘Pretty Little Poison’ Due In August
/by Lorie HollabaughWarren Zeiders is putting his heart on his sleeve and pouring his life story into his new Warner Records debut album, Pretty Little Poison, out Aug. 25.
The 14-track album was produced by Bart Butler, Ryan Gore and Ross Copperman, and is peppered with a multitude of Zeider’s different influences. “Tell Me Like It Is” from the new project is available now.
Pretty Little Poison includes “God Only Knows”and “Comin’ Down High,” southern rock anthems perfect for summer, while “Painkiller” and “Love’s A Leaving” explore the darkness of outlaw country. “West Texas Weather” and “Some Whiskey” showcase his vocals with their bright choruses, while “Pretty Little Poison,” the album’s lead single, pairs dusty western textures with a radio-ready chorus. The track “Inside Your Head” was penned by Chris Stapleton, and other writers contributing to the project include Eric Paslay, Randy Montana, Ryan Beaver, Lee Thomas Miller, Benjy Davis and Austin Taylor Smith, among others.
“A lot of this album is about a girl, and a lot of it is about me,” says Zeiders. “I’m paying tribute to that classic country sound, but I’m keeping things modern, too. At the end of the day, I’m just putting my heart on my sleeve and putting myself onstage. Faith, family and athletics were the three pillars of my life, long before I started playing music. I haven’t forgotten that. I’m always learning new things — if you stop doing that, you stop growing — but I’m staying true to who I am, too. This album is my story. It’s who I am. It’s who I’ve always been. I may not be playing lacrosse anymore, but I haven’t lost the discipline or focus that I learned as an athlete. I still put in the work. I still push myself. I go onstage and treat it like it’s a game day.”
Next week, Zeiders will perform on the Chevy Riverfront Stage and at the Spotify House during CMA Fest, and will play in the Folds of Honor Rock ‘n Jock Celebrity Softball game.
Pretty Little Poison Track Listing:
*Produced by Bart Butler & Ryan Gore
1. “Pretty Little Poison” (Warren Zeiders, Jarred Keim, Ryan Beaver)
2. “Some Whiskey” (Warren Zeiders, Randy Montana, Mark Hollman)
3. “Love’s A Leavin'” (Warren Zeiders, Ross Copperman, Joy Beth Taylor)
4. “Tell Me Like It Is” (Warren Zeider, Rivers Rutherford, Warren Zeiders)
5. “Black and Blue” (Warren Zeiders, Bart Butler, Joe Clemmons, Ryan Beaver)*
6. “Weeping Willow” (Warren Zeiders, Randy Montana, Mark Hollman, Erik Dylan)*
7. “Painkiller” (Warren Zeiders, Erik Dylan, Josh Phillips)*
8. “Inside Your Head” (Chris Stapleton, Lee Thomas Miller)
9. “Coming Down High” (Warren Zeiders, Bart Butler, Ryan Beaver, Benjy Davis)*
10. “God Only Knows” (Warren Zeiders, Eric Paslay, Rob Crosby)
11. “Drive You Crazy” (Warren Zeiders, Stephen Wilson Jr., Randy Montana)
12. “West Texas Weather” (Warren Zeiders, Austin Taylor Smith)
13. “Pittsburgh Steel” (Warren Zeiders, Randy Montana, Joe Fox )
14. “Cowboys Ride Away” (Warren Zeiders, Ryan Beaver, Jared Keim)
Sony Music Nashville Partners With Ryan Tedder’s Runner Music To Sign David J
/by LB CantrellDavid J. Photo: Matthew Berinato
Sony Music Nashville has signed 19-year-old, multi-instrumentalist David J. Runner Music and its founder, multi-Platinum singer-songwriter-producer Ryan Tedder, are joining in partnership with the label, as Tedder is an avid supporter of the country-pop artist.
A native of upstate New York, David J has earned 75 million career on-demand streams on independent releases including “Lost My Heartbreak,” “Before You” and “Stay,” which appear on his 2022 EP Lost My Heartbreak. David J has supported Blake Shelton, Mitchell Tenpenny, Chase Rice, Drake White and more on the road and is gearing up for upcoming dates with Lauren Alaina as well as an appearance at CMA Fest on Saturday, June 10 on the Maui Jim Reverb Stage.
He is managed by Grey Area Music—operated by Joe Putnam, Sean Pace and Collin McMillan—and represented by Sabrina Butera at CAA for booking.
“I can’t wait to see what happens in this next chapter with Sony and Runner,” says David J. “When I was in my bedroom studio in New York and releasing my own music, I always dreamt of being on a major label and working with Ryan Tedder. I actually got his masterclass for Christmas 2 years ago during Covid. The day I walked into Sony it felt like home and I’m so excited for our future together!”
“David is a true unicorn talent and I’m thrilled that Runner can partner with Sony to help bring his music to the world,” says Tedder. “I’m also pleased to announce that Brandon Silverstein is working with Runner as a strategic and creative partner for this project.”
To celebrate his signing, David J has released his latest track “Last Time,” available everywhere now.
Industry Ink: Buddy Jewell, Lee Greenwood, T. Graham Brown, More
/by Lorie HollabaughBuddy Jewell Inducted Into Arkansas Walk Of Fame
Buddy Jewell. Photo: FOUR17 Entertainment
Buddy Jewell was inducted into the Arkansas Walk of Fame on May 26 along with five other recipients, joining roughly 100 influential names in the fields of civil rights, wrestling, aviation, kickboxing and country music on the Walk of Fame. The Lepanto, Arkansas native was honored at the walk at 629 Central Ave followed by a free concert in the Bridge Street Entertainment District featuring Jewell as the headlining act.
“Buddy Jewell is a prime example for all Arkansans and others that with grit and determination you can achieve your dreams and goals at any age. Buddy has never lost his Arkansas values and continues to give back with his work for St. Jude, the USO and many other worthy causes,” stated Visit Hot Springs CEO Steve Arrison. “Buddy Jewell makes Arkansas proud and we are very proud as well to have him in the Walk of Fame.”
Lee Greenwood Signs With Action Entertainment Collaborative
Pictured (L-R): Grand Ole Opry Manager Dan Rogers, Lee Greenwood, Dustin Lynch. Photo: Jeremy Westby / 2911 Media
Lee Greenwood has signed with Action Entertainment Collaborative, with Charles Ray and Nick Meinema serving as the his agents.
“Charles and I are thrilled to have the opportunity to work with this amazing singer, American treasure and patriot as he plots his final years of touring,” says Meinema.
2023 marks the 40th anniversary of Lee Greenwood’s patriotic song, “God Bless The USA.” Greenwood penned the song in 1983 and it was released by MCA Nashville in 1984, becoming a mainstay year after year at every patriotic holiday party, fireworks display celebration and military retirement. As part of the 40th-anniversary celebration, Greenwood will be touring throughout North America with several key event announcements coming soon.
T. Graham Brown Signs With Third Coast Talent
T. Graham Brown
T. Graham Brown has inked an exclusive booking deal with Third Coast Talent. Known for his soulful voice and stage presence, Brown has been performing hits “Darlene,” “Hell and High Water,” “I Tell It Like It Used To Be,” “Don’t Go To Strangers” and “Wine Into Water” for decades.
“Third Coast Talent is thrilled to be the exclusive booking agency for ‘His T-Ness’. We have known and worked with T. Graham Brown for years, but have not had the opportunity to work with him exclusively. We are huge fans and admirers of his incredible soulful vocal stylings, his chart-topping songs, and endearing stage presence. We look forward to a bright future together,” says Carrie Moore-Reed and Debbie Moore of Third Coast Talent.
Ava Hundley Joins PLA Media
Ava Hundley
Ava Hundley has joined PLA Media as a Publicity and Social Media Coordinator, assisting in the management of all social media and publicity initiatives for current and future clients. Since January 2023, Hundley shadowed PLA’s senior team part time as a PR assistant before ascending to her current role.
“Ava immediately impressed me with her maturity, outgoing personality, intelligence and quick ability to pick up and run with a project,” says PLA President, Pamela L. Lewis FRSA. “She has proven to be a good team player who is ready to learn and contribute. Welcome aboard young lady!”
Blackhawk and The Outlaws Donate $75,000 To MusiCares & Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center
Pictured (L-R): Dave Robbins, Dr. Doug Johnson, Henry Paul.
BlackHawk and The Outlaws have donated a collective $75,0000 to MusiCares and the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center. Henry Paul, a member of BlackHawk, as well as the sole original active member of The Outlaws, presented a $50,000 check to Vanderbilt on behalf of BlackHawk’s “Van Stephenson Memorial Cancer Research Fund.” Stephenson, a founding member of BlackHawk, passed away from melanoma in 2001. Additionally, The Outlaws donated $25,000 to MusiCares.
“BlackHawk’s commitment to the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center goes back to the mid-nineties and our involvement with the charity event, Country In The Rockies,” explains Paul. “Since establishing our own 501C in the early 2000’s, in the name of our diseased bandmate Van Stephenson, we have donated close to $500,000 to the research lab for cancer research.”
Ashley McBryde Turns It Up A Notch On Upcoming LP, ‘The Devil I Know’
/by Lorie HollabaughAshley McBryde has announced her latest Warner Music Nashville album, The Devil I Know, is set for release Sept. 8. She released “Learned To Lie” from the new project today (June 2).
The new project includes her current chart-climbing single “Light On In The Kitchen,” as well as “Single At The Same Time,” “Women Ain’t Whiskey,” “Cool Little Bars” and more.
“When it was time to put together The Devil I Know, my band and I did what we always do: got together in the purple building in East Nashville, played through a bunch of songs and discussed where we wanted it to go,” shares McBryde. “We decided to take all the things that people tend to give us a hard time for and turn it up. ‘Y’all are too country.’ We leaned into that – more country it is. ‘Y’all are awfully rock leaning for a country artist.’ Is that so? You ain’t seen nothin’ yet. ‘Last thing y’all need is another tender, finger pickin’ song.’ Oh? Tender makes you uneasy, cowboy? I hear you. Let’s see how much more tender we can be. We listened to all those opinions and said, ‘I hear you. I understand what you’re saying.’ But sadly, there’s no room on the record for your opinion. We’ll do what we want.”
McBryde will play CMA Fest’s 50th Anniversary at Nissan Stadium next week, and will be on the road throughout summer for a slew of headlining and festival shows, along with tour dates with Eric Church and Jelly Roll.
The Devil I Know Track List:
1. Made For This (Ashley McBryde and Travis Meadows)
2. Coldest Beer in Town (Ashley McBryde, Autumn McEntire and Nicolette Hayford)
3. Light On In The Kitchen (Ashley McBryde, Jessi Alexander and Connie Harrington)
4. Women Ain’t Whiskey (Ashley McBryde, Hillary Lindsey, Jon Nite and Chris LaCorte)
5. Learned To Lie (Ashley McBryde, Nicolette Hayford and Sean McConnell)
6. The Devil I Know (Ashley McBryde, Jeremy Stover and Bobby Pinson)
7. Single At The Same Time (Ashley McBryde, Benjy Davis and Andy Albert)
8. Cool Little Bars (Ashley McBryde, Trick Savage and Lainey Wilson)
9. Whiskey and Country Music (Ashley McBryde, John Osborne and Lee Thomas Miller)
10. Blackout Betty (Ashley McBryde, Aaron Raitiere and Nicolette Hayford)
11. 6th Of October (Ashley McBryde, Blue Foley and CJ Field)