I have been looking forward to this for years.
This is the first all-Black column in DISClaimer’s 40-year history. Never before have there been a full dozen current Black-music releases related to the Nashville music scene that are available in the same week.
Musically, it’s a mixed bag. You’ll find blues, folk, R&B, reggae, Americana and more in this roundup. What unites almost all of them is musical excellence.
Wendy Moten’s new single is the Disc of the Day. The DISCovery Award goes to the sister quartet The BoykinZ. Both acts are proud Nashvillians, and we’re just as proud of them.
JOY OLADOKUN / “Taking Things for Granted”
Writers: Joy Oladokun; Producers: Joy Oladokun, Elliot Skinner, Aaron Steele; Label: Verve Forecast/Republic
– I usually think of her as a folkie, but this track rocks with pop punch. Plus, she shreds on the electric guitar. It’s so hooky and radio friendly that she could ascend to Swiftian levels with it. This Nashvillian is celebrating a new album, Proof of Life, with a national tour and a basket full of rave reviews. Rousing applause from this corner.
WENDY MOTEN / “Don’t Give Up”
Writers: Wendy Moten/David Santos; Producers: Paul Worley/Wendy Moten; Label: Radio Eye Music
– After more than 20 years as a background vocalist for others, Moten shot to national fame via competing on The Voice last year. She was an inspiration to mature performers everywhere when she became a fan-favorite finalist. Her new single is similarly inspiring, a life philosophy about persevering through the storms. Not only that, it’s a groove-saturated sonic slab of soul. Everything about this is electrifying, from the sizzling organ to the rump-shaking rhythm section, from the tasty guitar licks to her shout-to-the-heavens vocal. All together now: “Hallelujah!”
LOUIS YORK & JESSIE J / “Heaven Bound”
Writers: Charles Harmon/Claude Kelly/Jessica Ellen Cornish/Margaret Rose Durante; Producer: Louis York; Label: Weirdo Workshop
– Contemporary R&B the way it is meant to be played. It’s also an ultra-romantic duet with scintillating harmonies, killer production and hooks a-plenty. Jessie sings great, but the stars of this show are the Louis York production team with Claude Kelly vocalizing up a storm and his partner Chuck Harmony laying down all the keyboard and guitar parts. It is part of a forthcoming album by these two Music City creators titled Songs With Friends.
THE WAR AND TREATY / “Up Yonder”
Writers: Michael Trotter, Jr., Tanya Trotter; Producer: Dave Cobb; Label: UMG Nashville
– These two thrilling voices wrecked the house during the PBS broadcast of the Memorial Day concert. Elaborating on the gospel chestnut “When the Roll Is Called Up Yonder,” they paid tribute to the fallen men and women of our armed services. By the time they finished, I was sobbing openly. If you didn’t catch this performance on TV, go to YouTube right now and be prepared to be shaken to the depths of your soul. Michael and Tanya make me feel so proud to live in a community that lifts them up.
THE SHINDELLAS / “Last Night Was Good For My Soul”
Writers: Claude Kelly/Chuck Harmony; Producers: Louis York; Label: Weirdo Workshop
– This Nashville female trio harkens back to the glory days of the “girl group” era. Over an addictive funk/disco groove, they harmonize and emote marvelously on this sunny thumper. It debuted on Billboard’s Adult R&B Airplay chart this week, and hooray for that. The Shindellas opened last fall’s Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame banquet, and I’d sure like to see them again. How about a local club date?
KEB’ MO’ / “Taking Me Higher”
Writers: Keb’ Mo’/John Lewis Parking; Producers: Keb’ Mo’/John Burk; Label: Candid
– “Taking Me Higher” is the first single from the soundtrack of the upcoming movie Sweetwater, which tells the story of Nat “Sweetwater” Clifton, the first African American to land an NBA contract. Nashville’s resident blues genius gives it a stately, deliberate reading, loaded with cool guitar licks, accompanying female choristers and his own brilliant, mellifluous, behind-the-beat phrasing. Totally uplifting. Love this. Love him.
DEVON GILFILLIAN / “All I Really Wanna Do”
Writers: Devon Gilfillian/Henry Brill/Ran Jackson; Producer: Jeremy Lutito; Label: Fantasy
– This guy attracted attention a few years back by recreating Marvin Gaye’s 1971 masterpiece What’s Going On, song for song. That influence is still audible on his new Love You Anyway album and its trippy, dreamy current single. Gilfillian’s presence in Nashville seems to me like the future of the town’s Black-music scene. This is a sound to get lost in.
MORGAN HERITAGE / “Ready”
Writers: Charles Nii Armah Mensah Jr./Emmanuel Mkono, Jose Chameleone/Morgan Heritage/Romeo Bangula; Producers: Morgan Hertiage/Nahreel; Label: CTBC Music Group
– Among Nashville’s most distinctive musician residents is Gramps Morgan, the Grammy-winning reggae star. His Morgan Heritage recording ensemble has a new 21-track album titled The Homeland, and it has already spawned several simultaneously released stoner singles. This one features Jose Chameleone and Shatta Wade chanting the refrain with Gramps coming in with a baritone rap about midway through. It’s a rhythm-happy bouncer extolling booty beauty. Beats to brighten your day.
AMYTHYST KIAH / “Chained to the Rhythm”
Writers: Ali Payami/Katy Perry/Max Martin/Sia Furler/Skip Marley; Producers: Amythyst Kiah/Matty Alger/Ethan Ballinger; Label: Rounder
– This Johnson City, Tennessee resident recently hit TikTok with her cool cover of the Katy Perry 2016 hit “Chained to the Rhythm.” It is awash in electronic atmosphere and an alto vocal echoing from deep in a well. The track is on her EP titled Pensive Pop. Hypnotic listening.
THE BOYKINZ / “Girls Night”
Writers: Alona Boykin/Anale Boykin/Cory Moore/Craig King/Kylan Boykin/Nytere Boykin; Producers: none listed; Label: The BoykinZ
– These four Black Nashville vocalists harmonize as only blood sisters can. An encounter with Shania Twain on Kelly Clarkson’s TV show led to an invitation to appear with the superstar on her June 7 concert at GEODIS park. They are still working on their album, but already have more than half a million followers on social media. The BoykinZ current single has hip-hop rhythms, dancefloor style and a country vibe. For an even more ear-opening experience, check out the YouTube footage of them singing Dolly’s “Jolene” in a cappella harmony on that same Kelly Clarkson Show.
RHIANNON GIDDENS / “You’re the One”
Writers: Lalenja Harrington/Rhiannon Giddens; Producer: Jack Splash; Label: Nonesuch
– This is the title track of her first solo album in six years (due Aug. 18). Previously noted for her old-time country and quasi-classical explorations, the set also marks her first collection of all original songs. The sound here is attractive, romantic pop-country with her fluid vocal layered over a track rippling with mandolin, fiddle and banjo notes plus crashing chorus percussion.
VALERIE JUNE & BILL FRISELL / “Handsome Molly”
Writer: Don Watson; Producer: Matthew Stevens; Label: FLi Records/Budde Music
– This is drawn from the Doc Watson tribute album I Am a Pilgrim. Both artists are big Americana favorites. The track is a traditional Anglo-American folk song, and June’s lead vocal sounds exactly like an Appalachian mountaineer, backed by Frisell’s ethereal, loopy strumming. She is a delightfully genre-defying Black Tennessee artist who has always followed her own bliss.
DISClaimer Single Reviews: Wendy Moten Releases A ‘Groove-Saturated Sonic Slab Of Soul’
/by Robert K OermannI have been looking forward to this for years.
This is the first all-Black column in DISClaimer’s 40-year history. Never before have there been a full dozen current Black-music releases related to the Nashville music scene that are available in the same week.
Musically, it’s a mixed bag. You’ll find blues, folk, R&B, reggae, Americana and more in this roundup. What unites almost all of them is musical excellence.
Wendy Moten’s new single is the Disc of the Day. The DISCovery Award goes to the sister quartet The BoykinZ. Both acts are proud Nashvillians, and we’re just as proud of them.
JOY OLADOKUN / “Taking Things for Granted”
Writers: Joy Oladokun; Producers: Joy Oladokun, Elliot Skinner, Aaron Steele; Label: Verve Forecast/Republic
– I usually think of her as a folkie, but this track rocks with pop punch. Plus, she shreds on the electric guitar. It’s so hooky and radio friendly that she could ascend to Swiftian levels with it. This Nashvillian is celebrating a new album, Proof of Life, with a national tour and a basket full of rave reviews. Rousing applause from this corner.
WENDY MOTEN / “Don’t Give Up”
Writers: Wendy Moten/David Santos; Producers: Paul Worley/Wendy Moten; Label: Radio Eye Music
– After more than 20 years as a background vocalist for others, Moten shot to national fame via competing on The Voice last year. She was an inspiration to mature performers everywhere when she became a fan-favorite finalist. Her new single is similarly inspiring, a life philosophy about persevering through the storms. Not only that, it’s a groove-saturated sonic slab of soul. Everything about this is electrifying, from the sizzling organ to the rump-shaking rhythm section, from the tasty guitar licks to her shout-to-the-heavens vocal. All together now: “Hallelujah!”
LOUIS YORK & JESSIE J / “Heaven Bound”
Writers: Charles Harmon/Claude Kelly/Jessica Ellen Cornish/Margaret Rose Durante; Producer: Louis York; Label: Weirdo Workshop
– Contemporary R&B the way it is meant to be played. It’s also an ultra-romantic duet with scintillating harmonies, killer production and hooks a-plenty. Jessie sings great, but the stars of this show are the Louis York production team with Claude Kelly vocalizing up a storm and his partner Chuck Harmony laying down all the keyboard and guitar parts. It is part of a forthcoming album by these two Music City creators titled Songs With Friends.
THE WAR AND TREATY / “Up Yonder”
Writers: Michael Trotter, Jr., Tanya Trotter; Producer: Dave Cobb; Label: UMG Nashville
– These two thrilling voices wrecked the house during the PBS broadcast of the Memorial Day concert. Elaborating on the gospel chestnut “When the Roll Is Called Up Yonder,” they paid tribute to the fallen men and women of our armed services. By the time they finished, I was sobbing openly. If you didn’t catch this performance on TV, go to YouTube right now and be prepared to be shaken to the depths of your soul. Michael and Tanya make me feel so proud to live in a community that lifts them up.
THE SHINDELLAS / “Last Night Was Good For My Soul”
Writers: Claude Kelly/Chuck Harmony; Producers: Louis York; Label: Weirdo Workshop
– This Nashville female trio harkens back to the glory days of the “girl group” era. Over an addictive funk/disco groove, they harmonize and emote marvelously on this sunny thumper. It debuted on Billboard’s Adult R&B Airplay chart this week, and hooray for that. The Shindellas opened last fall’s Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame banquet, and I’d sure like to see them again. How about a local club date?
KEB’ MO’ / “Taking Me Higher”
Writers: Keb’ Mo’/John Lewis Parking; Producers: Keb’ Mo’/John Burk; Label: Candid
– “Taking Me Higher” is the first single from the soundtrack of the upcoming movie Sweetwater, which tells the story of Nat “Sweetwater” Clifton, the first African American to land an NBA contract. Nashville’s resident blues genius gives it a stately, deliberate reading, loaded with cool guitar licks, accompanying female choristers and his own brilliant, mellifluous, behind-the-beat phrasing. Totally uplifting. Love this. Love him.
DEVON GILFILLIAN / “All I Really Wanna Do”
Writers: Devon Gilfillian/Henry Brill/Ran Jackson; Producer: Jeremy Lutito; Label: Fantasy
– This guy attracted attention a few years back by recreating Marvin Gaye’s 1971 masterpiece What’s Going On, song for song. That influence is still audible on his new Love You Anyway album and its trippy, dreamy current single. Gilfillian’s presence in Nashville seems to me like the future of the town’s Black-music scene. This is a sound to get lost in.
MORGAN HERITAGE / “Ready”
Writers: Charles Nii Armah Mensah Jr./Emmanuel Mkono, Jose Chameleone/Morgan Heritage/Romeo Bangula; Producers: Morgan Hertiage/Nahreel; Label: CTBC Music Group
– Among Nashville’s most distinctive musician residents is Gramps Morgan, the Grammy-winning reggae star. His Morgan Heritage recording ensemble has a new 21-track album titled The Homeland, and it has already spawned several simultaneously released stoner singles. This one features Jose Chameleone and Shatta Wade chanting the refrain with Gramps coming in with a baritone rap about midway through. It’s a rhythm-happy bouncer extolling booty beauty. Beats to brighten your day.
AMYTHYST KIAH / “Chained to the Rhythm”
Writers: Ali Payami/Katy Perry/Max Martin/Sia Furler/Skip Marley; Producers: Amythyst Kiah/Matty Alger/Ethan Ballinger; Label: Rounder
– This Johnson City, Tennessee resident recently hit TikTok with her cool cover of the Katy Perry 2016 hit “Chained to the Rhythm.” It is awash in electronic atmosphere and an alto vocal echoing from deep in a well. The track is on her EP titled Pensive Pop. Hypnotic listening.
THE BOYKINZ / “Girls Night”
Writers: Alona Boykin/Anale Boykin/Cory Moore/Craig King/Kylan Boykin/Nytere Boykin; Producers: none listed; Label: The BoykinZ
– These four Black Nashville vocalists harmonize as only blood sisters can. An encounter with Shania Twain on Kelly Clarkson’s TV show led to an invitation to appear with the superstar on her June 7 concert at GEODIS park. They are still working on their album, but already have more than half a million followers on social media. The BoykinZ current single has hip-hop rhythms, dancefloor style and a country vibe. For an even more ear-opening experience, check out the YouTube footage of them singing Dolly’s “Jolene” in a cappella harmony on that same Kelly Clarkson Show.
RHIANNON GIDDENS / “You’re the One”
Writers: Lalenja Harrington/Rhiannon Giddens; Producer: Jack Splash; Label: Nonesuch
– This is the title track of her first solo album in six years (due Aug. 18). Previously noted for her old-time country and quasi-classical explorations, the set also marks her first collection of all original songs. The sound here is attractive, romantic pop-country with her fluid vocal layered over a track rippling with mandolin, fiddle and banjo notes plus crashing chorus percussion.
VALERIE JUNE & BILL FRISELL / “Handsome Molly”
Writer: Don Watson; Producer: Matthew Stevens; Label: FLi Records/Budde Music
– This is drawn from the Doc Watson tribute album I Am a Pilgrim. Both artists are big Americana favorites. The track is a traditional Anglo-American folk song, and June’s lead vocal sounds exactly like an Appalachian mountaineer, backed by Frisell’s ethereal, loopy strumming. She is a delightfully genre-defying Black Tennessee artist who has always followed her own bliss.
23rd Annual Truist Hot Dog Day To Be Held On June 8
/by Sherod RobertsonThe 23rd Annual Truist Hot Dog Day will be held Thursday, June 8, from 11:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Truist Bank on Music Row.
The event will include live entertainment provided by songwriters from Combustion Music, Ern’s Cadillac Music and Big Yellow Dog Music.
Truist will provide hot dogs, chips, cold drinks and ice cream to all attendees.
2023 TSU Music Business Accelerator Program Concludes
/by Lorie HollabaughPhoto: Courtesy of 353 Media Group
The 2023 TSU Music Business Accelerator Program wrapped another successful event with a closing retreat and educational panel of music luminaries from Atlanta, L.A. and New York.
Black Music Action Coalition in partnership with Amazon Music, Nashville Music Equality, Recording Industry Association of America,and Wasserman Music presented the Maymester initiative at HBCU Tennessee State University, furthering a shared commitment to empower the next generation of Black music artists and professionals.
The finale panel at the National Museum of African American Music in Nashville featured SiriusXM Host Swaggy Sie, actress/artist Bre-Z, actress/artist Serayah, artist/activist YelloPain, producer Rodney Jerkins and Tennessee native artist/songwriter Daisha “The Rap Girl” McBride. Each shared stories of the struggles and triumphs from their own perspectives working in the entertainment industry. BMAC Co-Founder/Chair Willie “Prophet” Stiggers and Senior Vice-President Repertoire and Marketing Tim Reid dropped industry wisdom to students from both the 2023 and 2022 programs.
The Music Business Accelerator Program offers Black college students in Tennessee career resources to help them break into the music industry. With an emphasis on mentorship, the program provides access to executives and artists as guest lectures. Announced at BMAC’s second Music In Action Awards Gala, this year’s program was sponsored by Primary Wave’s BMAC-James Brown Education Fund to cover the costs for 30 students to take this elective class for free.
Program highlights included Tri Star reception hosted by Lou Taylor, Heather Kinder and Tyler Hubbard on May 8; the Def Jam Record Label 101 on May 11 with EVP A&R Naim McNair, VP Marketing Charlene Thomas alongside moderator Prophet, plus actress and Def Jam recording artist Coco Jones; and the Rolling Loud takeover with Co-Founder / Co-CEO Tariq Cherif, Goldenvoice’s Marcus Johnson, Live Nation’s Gade Raferty and WME’s Kevin Shivers on May 15.
The TSU Artist Session featured Waka Flocka Flame, who gave TSU student Mille Manny an unforgettable experience opening his show at the Brooklyn Bowl on May 18. Amazon Music hosted Music 101 with representatives Gary Bushrod and Frankie Yaptinchay on May 22 ahead of the Closing Retreat on May 25 with a discussion focused on how to use your platform to impact change.
Jon Pardi Brings ‘Your Heart Or Mine’ To The Top Of The MusicRow Chart
/by LB CantrellJon Pardi
Jon Pardi tops the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart this week with “Your Heart Or Mine.”
The tune was written by Bart Butler, Justin Ebach and John Pierce, and appears on Pardi’s Mr. Saturday Night album. The project was nominated for the ACM Album of the Year this year.
In April, Pardi was surprised with an invitation to join the Grand Ole Opry while performing at Stagecoach. When he’s inducted, he will become the first native Californian to become a member of the Opry.
Click here to view the latest edition of The MusicRow Weekly containing the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart.
Rachel Fontenot Exits Position At Leo33
/by Sherod RobertsonRachel Fontenot
Industry veteran Rachel Fontenot has exited her post at the recently launched Leo33, an independent record label based in Nashville.
She exits the Marketing and Operations co-leading position to pursue new opportunities.
Fontenot began her career with BMG Nashville—later Sony Music Nashville— where she held several roles within the company including production, sales, artist development and international.
She later served as Director of Marketing & Artist Development at Sony. Fontenot launched her own artist consulting firm in 2017, with a focus on marketing strategy and artist development.
Prior to Leo33, she most recently served as VP of Marketing & Artist Development at UMG Nashville.
Throughout her career Fontenot has been involved in many artist projects including Carrie Underwood, Kenny Chesney, Sara Evans, Martina McBride, Maren Morris, Eric Church, Vince Gill, Reba McEntire, Jon Pardi and more.
Fontenot can be reached at rachel.fontenot@comcast.net.
Big Machine Music Extends Publishing Deals With Chart-Topping Songwriters
/by LB CantrellPictured (L-R): Maddie & Tae, Jessie Jo Dillon and Laura Veltz
Big Machine Music (BMM) has extended its long-term, exclusive co-publishing agreements with chart-topping songwriters Laura Veltz, Jessie Jo Dillon and Maddie & Tae. The company is also celebrating its 11th anniversary.
“We’re ecstatic to celebrate 11 years of Big Machine Music with the continuation of our partnerships with Laura Veltz, Jessie Jo Dillon and Maddie & Tae,” says BMM’s General Manager, Mike Molinar. “We feel privileged to enjoy commercially successful and personal relationships with all four of these uniquely gifted songwriting talents. Their trust in us is truly a validation of our long-term vision and approach.”
Veltz, Billboard‘s 2022 Songwriter of the Year, has been with BMM for a decade. Since signing her deal in 2013, she has penned songs for Demi Lovato, Maren Morris, Idina Menzel, Miranda Lambert, Thomas Rhett, Kelly Clarkson, Monsta X, Kane Brown and more. Veltz has garnered four Grammy nominations, and was included in the Recording Academy’s inaugural class of nominees for Songwriter of the Year earlier this year. She took home both the 2020 ACM and CMA Awards for Song of the Year as well as the 2021 BMI Pop Song of the Year, for Morris’ chart-topping smash “‘The Bones.”
Dillon first signed to BMM in 2016. She co-wrote Dan + Shay and Justin Bieber’s global, crossover smash “10,000 Hours” as well as Cole Swindell’s Grammy-nominated No. 1 “Break Up in The End,” which earned her an ACM Awards Song of the Year nomination and NSAI Song of the Year. She is currently celebrating the rise of several tunes, including Old Dominion’s top 10-and-rising single “Memory Lane,” Catie Offerman’s debut single “I Just Killed A Man” and Megan Moroney’s critically-acclaimed “Girl in The Mirror.”
Maddie & Tae’s Maddie Font and Taylor Kerr have also been with BMM for a decade. The award-winning duo first topped the charts with their Platinum-certified debut “Girl In A Country Song.” They followed that up with top 10 Platinum “Fly” as well as Gold “Friends Don’t.” Maddie & Tae’s triple-Platinum No. 1 smash “Die From A Broken Heart” earned ASCAP Country and Pop Awards in 2022, and solidified them as the first and only female twosome to score multiple No. 1s on the Country Airplay chart.
Recording Academy Elects National Officers, Leaders To 2023-2024 Board
/by Lorie HollabaughThe Recording Academy has elected four National Officers and 19 leaders to its 2023-2024 Board of Trustees, effective today (June 1).
Tammy Hurt has been re-elected to serve as Chair of the Board of Trustees, Dr. Chelsey Green was elected Vice Chair, Gebre Waddell was elected Secretary/Treasurer and Christine Albert has been re-elected to serve as Chair Emeritus.
“I’m pleased to introduce and welcome the new National Officers and Trustees to our Academy family,” says Harvey Mason jr., CEO of the Recording Academy. “This great, new group reflects our eclectic music community and will carry forward our mission of serving all music people. I look forward to working alongside this esteemed group to continue the evolution of our Academy.”
In partnership with Mason, the National Officers lead the Trustees and Academy senior staff to strategically guide and shape the mission and policies of the Academy and its affiliates. The Board of Trustees works to uphold the Academy’s mission to serve and represent the music community at-large through its commitment to promote diversity, equity and inclusion, fight for creators’ rights, protect music people in need, preserve music’s history and invest in its future.
2023-2024 Recording Academy Board of Trustees:
Yolanda Adams
Alex E. Chávez
J. Ivy*
Donn Thompson Morelli “Donn T”*
Chuck Ainlay
Doug Emery
Terry Jones
PJ Morton
Christine Albert*
Anna Frick*
Andrew Joslyn
Natalia Ramirez
Marcella Araica*
EJ Gaines
Thom “TK” Kidd
Michael Romanowski
Nabil Ayers
Kennard Garrett*
Angélique Kidjo*
Falu Shah*
Julio Bagué*
Tracy Gershon*
Mike Knobloch
Von Vargas
Larry Batiste*
Dr. Chelsey Green*
Ledisi*
Gebre Waddell*
Marcus Baylor*
Jordan Hamlin
John Legend
Paul Wall*
Jennifer Blakeman
Jennifer Hanson*
Eric Lilavois*
Wayna*
Evan Bogart*
Tammy Hurt*
Susan Marshall*
Jonathan Yip*
*Elected or re-elected this year.
Bold identifies National Officers.
Dierks Bentley To Host 2023 NHL Awards At Bridgestone Arena
/by Steven BoeroCountry music superstar Dierks Bentley will host the 2023 National Hockey League (NHL) Awards at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville on Monday, June 26 at 7 p.m. CT.
“Hockey plays a big part [in] my daily life,” says Bentley. “I’ve been to rinks all over the country with my travel-hockey son. I coach his spring league games and spend hours in the local hockey store, telling him, ‘No, you do not need a new stick!’ We love watching YouTube highlight reels, the whole family loves going to Nashville Predators games and watching the Stanley Cup Final together. And, I am a proud member of a beer league team here in Nashville. To get to add NHL Awards host to this list is truly an honor.”
The 2023 NHL Awards will open a week of NHL activities in Nashville. The NHL, in conjunction with the City of Nashville and the Nashville Predators, will stage the 2023 Upper Deck NHL Draft, June 28-29 at Bridgestone Arena.
“We can’t wait to celebrate the NHL’s best and brightest with the best of country music in Nashville,” says Steve Mayer, NHL Chief Content Officer & Senior Executive Vice President. “Dierks has rocked our stage over the years as a headline performer, and we’re so happy to welcome him as host of this year’s NHL Awards.”
A list of NHL and Predators public activities and events, including red carpet arrivals for the NHL Awards show and the NHL Draft, will be held in the area outside Bridgestone Arena and announced in the coming weeks.
K-Love Awards Set To Air On TBN June 2
/by Lorie HollabaughCAIN hosts the K-Love Fan Awards from the Opry House in Nashville
The K-Love Awards are set to air on TBN on Friday, June 2 at 7 p.m. CT, with an encore performance on June 10.
The evening featured powerful collaborations from Colton Dixon and Gabby Barrett; Mac Powell and Jason Crabb; MercyMe with David Leonard; Katy Nichole and Big Daddy Weave; and Matthew West and a fan choir. It also included a moving tribute to late show producer Steve Strout with his daughter Pippa.
Additional performances and collabs included Tasha Layton with Jon Reddick, Jeremy Camp and his two daughters, Cody Carnes with Russell Dickerson, and We The Kingdom joined by Anne Wilson. An emotional highlight of the show featured Blessing Offor performing with students from Nashville’s Covenant School.
Steven Curtis Chapman also led a special ensemble performance of his 50th No.1 song with Bart Millard, Mac Powell and West. The show included many other unique moments with Rachael Lampa, Lauren Daigle, and many more.
Lauren Alaina Unlocks New Chapter On Big Loud Debut
/by Lorie HollabaughLauren Alaina is opening the door to the next chapter of her life on her revealing first project for Big Loud Records, Unlocked, out everywhere June 9. She’s giving fans a first taste of the new six-song EP today, releasing two tracks, “A Walk In The Bar” and “Hangovers.”
Standing firmly in who she’s always been, Unlocked features a set of new songs anchored in Alaina’s truth, digging deeper and stretching her further both musically and personally than ever before. She announced the new project on her socials this morning.
Alaina laid the foundation for the new EP with a new teaser, narrating over b-roll footage of her time in the studio creating the project with producer Joey Moi. Created by an assortment of Nashville talents, the six-track collection includes cuts by Cole Swindell, Ella Langley and Luke Bryan, as well as mainstay hit makers Josh Osborne, Parker Welling and Hunter Phelps, and many others. It also features a cheeky duet with collaborator/buddy Lainey Wilson.
“It’s been 13 years since we first met, and until a couple of years ago, I don’t know that I ever slowed down for more than a day or two at a time,” Alaina reflects. “I spent more time with the people that matter most to me—my family, my fiancé, my friends—during that period than I had in years. This music comes from my heart and my hometown. I am who I am because of where and who I come from, and I’m more me today than I’ve ever been. I can’t wait to unlock this next chapter with you.”
Alaina will be speaking at Billboard‘s Country Live in Conversation, and performing the new music at CMA Fest on the Chevy Riverfront Stage on June 8.
Unlocked Track List:
1. A Walk In The Bar (Lauren Alaina, Casey Brown, Lydia Vaughan, Parker Welling)
2. Hangovers (John Byron, Greylan James, Josh Osborne, Matt Roy)
3. Don’t Judge A Woman (Autumn McEntire, Joybeth Taylor, Sarah Allison Turner)
4. Smaller The Town (Zach Crowell, Joel Hutsell, Cole Swindell, Hunter Phelps)
5. Like Her (Trannie Anderson, Joe Fox, Emily Landis, Ella Langley)
6. Thicc As Thieves (feat. Lainey Wilson) (Lauren Alaina, Rocky Block, Luke Bryan, Dallas Davidson, Jacob Durrett, Parker Welling)