Rissi Palmer and Miko Marks. Photo: Cedrick Jones
A little cultural history was made at City Winery Lounge last week when the venue hosted a stop on the first country-music tour headlined by two women of color.
The host of the “Color Me Country” radio show and CMT commentator Rissi Palmer and veteran Black country stylist Miko Marks were co-billed on the show. Both women have been at the forefront of the recent influx of Black performers into the genre. That their tour is happening at a time when country female performers are being discriminated against makes this event even more significant.
“This is the final night of this tour,” said Palmer in greeting the capacity crowd. “What you are about to see is two friends. It’s our last night… I’m just so glad it’s here in Nashville. Our friendship began at the Opry.”
Palmer’s Opry debut was in 2008. She invited Marks to join her on the Opry stage when she played it again in 2022. They sang a Judds song on the show, and then Palmer surprised Marks by inviting her to be a solo guest star on the Opry that fall. They have been buddies ever since.
“We’re stronger together,” said Marks. “I’m glad we made this happen.” The two women recreated their Judds song collaboration, a gorgeous rendition of “Flies on the Butter,” with Marks providing a stunning low-harmony vocal to Palmer’s lead.
They’d tossed a coin to determine who went first at the show. Miko Marks opened, doing the rousing “Ancestors,” the slow bluesy “Rhythm,“ Stephen Foster’s “Hard Times Come Again No More” (which she learned from Mavis Staples’ version), the folkie weeper “Travel Light,” her CD title tune “Feel Like Going Home,” her Civil Rights anthem “Trouble” (which she dedicated to the late Nashville icon John Lewis), an energetic “One More Night” and the superb, soulful, church-y ballad “Lay Your Burdens Down.” She received a standing ovation.
Rissi Palmer reprised her 2007 debut single “Country Girl” and offered a groove-saturated “Sweet, Sweet Lovin,’” the comforting “Summerville,” a gently romantic “Love On You,” her soulful lullaby “Goodnight” and the excellent social commentary “Seeds.”
Palmer provides her own rhythm guitar and was accompanied by the acoustic lead-guitar playing of Charles Newkirk. The sidemen for Marks were Steve Wyreman on acoustic lead guitar and Justin Phipps on harmonica and rhythm guitar. Both of them also guested on some of Palmer’s tunes. These men also co-produce Marks’s albums with her. The two women closed with their current duet single “I’m Still Here.”
“They have fearlessly navigated the music industry to become shining beacons of hope,” said BMI’s Shannon Sanders as he introduced the concert. “I want to hear the rousing support you’re giving them to show all night.” He needn’t have worried. This was a very demonstrative and vocal audience that shouted encouragement and applauded vociferously throughout the event.
The finale was another loud standing ovation, punctuated by cheers and yells.
“I love my job; I love it so much,” said a tearful Miko Marks. “You have no idea what this means for us,” said Rissi Palmer. “Thank y’all so much for coming.”
Assisted by Phipps, both women did a brisk business autographing at a merch table loaded with CDs, t-shirts, hoodies and posters.
Industry Ink: Chris Janson & Sandi Borchetta, Danielle Bradbery, SoNash Publishing
/by Caela GriffinSandi Borchetta & Chris Janson Celebrate Graduates In Colorado
Delta High School’s graduation commencement ceremony
Sandi Spika Borchetta, Big Machine Label Group’s EVP of Creative, gave the keynote address for Delta High School’s graduation commencement ceremony in Delta, Colorado on Sunday (May 21). The Delta High School alumna returned to share wisdom and encouragement with the 126 graduates.
Alongside Borchetta, Delta High School welcomed country hitmaker Chris Janson, who performed for the crowd. His set featured some of his Platinum hits as well as new tracks “Goat” and “21 Forever” from his forthcoming album, The Outlaw Side of Me, available June 16 via BMLG Records. Janson welcomed the graduates on stage to sing fan-favorite “Buy Me a Boat,” and gifted them BassProShops hats to throw up in celebration of their milestone.
“Even though I’ve been a Nashville resident for a while, I hold this small community close to my heart,” shares Borchetta. “I’m honored to provide a celebration to remember for these amazing graduates! Hard work and persistence pay off, never give up! Small towns produce great minds that are capable of big things. If you’re going to do something, be the best…be the GOAT! Chris Janson’s song “Goat” inspires greatness! He was the perfect artist to partner with for this event.”
“The more time you spend with the next generation the better off the world will be,” shares Janson. “Congratulations to the Class of 2023, good vibes.”
Danielle Bradbery Strikes RIAA Gold With ‘Stop Draggin’ Your Boots’
Pictured (L-R): Big Machine Records’ Clay Hunnicutt, Big Machine Label Group’s Rachel Burleson and Darielle Schroeder, Why&How’s Halie Hampton Mosley, Danielle Bradbery, Why&How’s Allie Petko, Big Machine Label Group’s Carly Strickland and Bekah Digby. Photo: Kaiser Cunningham
Danielle Bradbery‘s “Stop Draggin’ Your Boots” has reached RIAA Gold certification with over 118 million streams to date. Bradbery and her team celebrated the golden single at her sold-out headlining show at The Basement East, as she wrapped up “A Special Place Tour.”
SoNash Publishing Welcomes Seth Michael To Roster
Seth Michael with SoNash Team
Nashville-based publishing company SoNash has announced the signing of artist-songwriter Seth Michael.
After relocating from Georgia to Nashville and collaborating with songwriters and performers, Michael caught the attention of SoNash Publishing. In December 2022, they offered him his first worldwide publishing deal. Michael’s ultimate goal is to make a significant impact in the country music industry.
“I am an aspiring country artist wanting to make an impact and be the next spark of light to emerge in country music history,” he says.
Michael joins Emma Zinck on the SoNash publishing roster. The new publishing venture is helmed by President Travis Chaney, Vice President Bridgette Tatum and Creative Director Abigail Wate Ayala.
14th Annual Porter’s Call ‘Evening Of Stories’ Set For August
/by Lorie HollabaughPorter’s Call, the nonprofit dedicated to providing counsel, support and encouragement to artists and their families, will hold their 14th annual “Evening of Stories” on Aug. 29 at 7:30 p.m. at Belmont University’s Fisher Center for the Performing Arts.
As in previous years, “Evening of Stories” will feature an eclectic group of storytellers and musical guests, all sharing their unique, moving and often humorous tales and talents throughout the night. This year’s featured storytellers are Porter’s Call Founder & Executive Director Al Andrews as well as Dr. Richard Antoine White, a professional tuba player. The musical guests include Paramore, Brandon Heath and Lucie Silvas. All proceeds from the event support the work of Porter’s Call.
“Evening of Stories” is the primary fundraiser for Porter’s Call, and seeks to raise at least one-third of the organization’s annual operating budget. Sponsorships are available for individuals, businesses, foundations, churches or any group that wants to support their mission, including priority seating for the show, a VIP reception and recognition within marketing materials. Sponsorships are tax-deductible, less the cost of goods and services received. Individual tickets for this year’s event will be available later this summer. For information about sponsor packages, contact Ashley Holland at Ashley@porterscall.com.
Porter’s Call has been bringing well-being and relief to artists and their loved ones for 22 years. To date, the team has spent over 70,000 hours working for and with clients, saving them millions on counseling fees.
“Every day, our team has the privilege of offering a safe and confidential space for artists to be off-stage and deal with the issues they face,” says Andrews. “With ‘Evening of Stories,’ we pride ourselves on creating a hope-filled event that is not just talent-packed but heart-changing, and you can become a part of the larger story with us.”
Warner Chappell Music Signs Josh Ross
/by LB CantrellPictured (L-R): The Core’s Kevin “Chief” Zaruk, Tracy Martin, Simon Tikhman, Josh Ross, Warner Chappell’s Bryce Sherlow, The Core’s Kenzie Woodson and Warner Chappell’s Ben Vaughn
Warner Chappell Music has signed singer-songwriter Josh Ross to a global publishing deal.
Managed by Simon Tikhman and Chief Zaruk at The Core Entertainment, Ross signed with Universal Music Canada/UMG Nashville earlier this year. He was named one of Spotify’s Hot Country Artists To Watch for 2023 and has recently been on tour supporting industry heavyweights such as Bailey Zimmerman, Nickelback, Lee Brice, Chase Rice and Brantley Gilbert.
Ross’s songs regularly land in Billboard’s Canadian Hot 100 chart, and in 2022 his debut single, “First Taste Of Gone,” climbed to No. 5 on Billboard’s Canada Country chart. Later that year he followed up with another chart-topping single, “On A Different Night,” which reached No. 4 on the Canada Country chart. Also in 2022, Ross was a top three finalist in SiriusXM’s Top of the Country contest, and was nominated for Rising Star at the Canadian Country Music Awards (CCMA).
He will make his Grand Ole Opry debut in July.
‘Human’ Co-Writers Enter Top 10 On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart
/by LB CantrellThe co-writers of Cody Johnson‘s rising single “Human,” Travis Meadows and Tony Lane, have entered the top 10 on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart this week.
Ashley Gorley marks another week at No. 1 on the chart. He is a co-writer on 14 charting songs, including Chris Janson’s “All I Need Is You,” Russell Dickerson’s “God Gave Me A Girl,” Parmalee’s “Girl In Mine,” Dierks Bentley’s “Gold,” Hardy’s “Truck Bed,” Nate Smith’s “World On Fire” and Morgan Wallen’s “You Proof,” “Everything I Love,” “Thinkin’ Bout Me,” “Whiskey Friends,” “Cowgirls,” “Me + All Your Reasons,” “Last Night” and “One Thing At A Time.”
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.
Weekly Register: Bailey Zimmerman Scores Top Country Album Debut
/by Liza AndersonBailey Zimmerman‘s record-breaking project Religiously. The Album. has scored the top debut on the country albums chart this week, landing at No. 3 as well as No. 7 overall with 47K in total consumption (17.9K album only/48 million song streams) according to Luminate data.
Morgan Wallen‘s One Thing At A Time rests at No. 1 with 135K in total consumption (8.2K album only/161 million song streams), and his Dangerous: The Double Album stays at No. 2 with 48K (1.3K album only/61 million song streams). Luke Combs‘ Gettin’ Old moves to No. 4 with 35K (2.8K album only/40 million song streams), and Zach Bryan‘s American Heartbreak lands at No. 5 with 30K (1.6K album only/36 million song streams).
On the country streaming songs chart, Wallen’s “Last Night” remains at No. 1 with 27 million new streams, adding to 440 million RTD. Combs’ cover of “Fast Car” continues at No. 2 with 15 million streams, adding to 106 million RTD. Bryan’s “Something In The Orange” reclaims the No. 3 slot with 13 million new streams, adding to 658 million RTD. Wallen’s “Thinkin’ Bout Me” moves to No. 4 with 12 million streams, adding to 155 million RTD, and “You Proof” takes No. 5 again with 12 million new streams, adding to 594 million RTD.
Lainey Wilson, Turnpike Troubadours, More Set For Darius Rucker’s Riverfront Revival Music Festival
/by Lorie HollabaughDarius Rucker‘s Riverfront Revival Music Festival is back for its second year this fall after a successful inaugural event last year.
The festival, set to take place Saturday, Oct. 7-8 at North Charleston’s Riverfront Park, will showcase the best of country and rock along with the finest in food, arts and culture the lowcountry has to offer. Rucker will headline on Saturday along with Band of Horses, Niko Moon, Drew Holcomb and The Neighbors, Wilderado, Elvie Shane, Cha Wa, Carter Faith, Randall Fowler and Haley Mae Campbell.
Sunday’s lineup will feature headliners Turnpike Troubadours, as well as Lainey Wilson. Greensky Bluegrass, Drivin N Cryin, Megan Moroney, Yesterday’s Wine, Wayne Graham, Emily Curtis and Grayson Little.
In addition to limited remaining two-day weekend passes, single-day general admissions tickets are now on sale at RiverfrontRevival.com. A portion of the proceeds from each ticket sold will benefit the Pediatric Cancer Program at MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital. A passionate benefactor of the Charleston community, Rucker has raised millions of dollars throughout his career for the hospital where his late mother was a nurse. MUSC’s board-certified pediatric oncology and hematology specialists are leading innovation and care provided to pediatric cancer and blood disorder patients in the southeast and are achieving among the nation’s best outcomes.
Willie Nelson To Release The Stories Behind His Songs In October
/by Lorie HollabaughPenned by Nelson with David Ritz and Mickey Raphael, the new book provides the stories behind the lyrics of 160 of the legend’s favorite songs, along with a dynamic assortment of never-before-seen photos and ephemera.
From his earliest work in the 1950s to now, Nelson looks back at the songs that have defined his career, from his incredibly meaningful deep cuts to his concept albums. Along the way, he shares the stories of his guitar Trigger, his family and the artists he’s collaborated with, such as Patsy Cline, Waylon Jennings, Ray Charles, Merle Haggard, Ray Price, Dolly Parton and many others.
In the book, Nelson muses in a disarmingly honest way on the themes he’s explored his whole life—relationships, infidelity, love, loss, friendship, life on the road, and particularly poignant at this juncture of his life: mortality.
Energy Follows Thought: The Stories Behind My Songs’ publication week will coincide with Nelson’s induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame on Nov. 3.
Rissi Palmer & Miko Marks Stage Historic Show
/by Robert K OermannRissi Palmer and Miko Marks. Photo: Cedrick Jones
A little cultural history was made at City Winery Lounge last week when the venue hosted a stop on the first country-music tour headlined by two women of color.
The host of the “Color Me Country” radio show and CMT commentator Rissi Palmer and veteran Black country stylist Miko Marks were co-billed on the show. Both women have been at the forefront of the recent influx of Black performers into the genre. That their tour is happening at a time when country female performers are being discriminated against makes this event even more significant.
“This is the final night of this tour,” said Palmer in greeting the capacity crowd. “What you are about to see is two friends. It’s our last night… I’m just so glad it’s here in Nashville. Our friendship began at the Opry.”
Palmer’s Opry debut was in 2008. She invited Marks to join her on the Opry stage when she played it again in 2022. They sang a Judds song on the show, and then Palmer surprised Marks by inviting her to be a solo guest star on the Opry that fall. They have been buddies ever since.
“We’re stronger together,” said Marks. “I’m glad we made this happen.” The two women recreated their Judds song collaboration, a gorgeous rendition of “Flies on the Butter,” with Marks providing a stunning low-harmony vocal to Palmer’s lead.
They’d tossed a coin to determine who went first at the show. Miko Marks opened, doing the rousing “Ancestors,” the slow bluesy “Rhythm,“ Stephen Foster’s “Hard Times Come Again No More” (which she learned from Mavis Staples’ version), the folkie weeper “Travel Light,” her CD title tune “Feel Like Going Home,” her Civil Rights anthem “Trouble” (which she dedicated to the late Nashville icon John Lewis), an energetic “One More Night” and the superb, soulful, church-y ballad “Lay Your Burdens Down.” She received a standing ovation.
Rissi Palmer reprised her 2007 debut single “Country Girl” and offered a groove-saturated “Sweet, Sweet Lovin,’” the comforting “Summerville,” a gently romantic “Love On You,” her soulful lullaby “Goodnight” and the excellent social commentary “Seeds.”
Palmer provides her own rhythm guitar and was accompanied by the acoustic lead-guitar playing of Charles Newkirk. The sidemen for Marks were Steve Wyreman on acoustic lead guitar and Justin Phipps on harmonica and rhythm guitar. Both of them also guested on some of Palmer’s tunes. These men also co-produce Marks’s albums with her. The two women closed with their current duet single “I’m Still Here.”
“They have fearlessly navigated the music industry to become shining beacons of hope,” said BMI’s Shannon Sanders as he introduced the concert. “I want to hear the rousing support you’re giving them to show all night.” He needn’t have worried. This was a very demonstrative and vocal audience that shouted encouragement and applauded vociferously throughout the event.
The finale was another loud standing ovation, punctuated by cheers and yells.
“I love my job; I love it so much,” said a tearful Miko Marks. “You have no idea what this means for us,” said Rissi Palmer. “Thank y’all so much for coming.”
Assisted by Phipps, both women did a brisk business autographing at a merch table loaded with CDs, t-shirts, hoodies and posters.
Music Biz Concludes Successful 2023 Conference
/by Lorie HollabaughMusic Biz President Portia Sabin delivering her annual President’s Address during the Music Biz 2023 brunch sponsored by TuneCore. Photo: Laura E. Partain
Music Biz 2023 is officially wrapped and in the books, following several days of informative panels, sessions and music programming at the JW Marriott Nashville.
Day One featured conversations with songwriter Jenna Andrews and executives from Primary Wave Music, Made in Memphis Entertainment (MIME), Universal Music, Billboard, and BMAC, who revealed their “Music Industry Action Report Card.” Day One also featured the tracks “#NEXTGEN_NOW;” “Today’s Rage, Tomorrow’s Challenges: Industry Trends & Their Impacts;” “Unlocking New Revenue Streams For Music Publishers;” “Backstage Pass: Analyzing Live Music’s Future” and “Competing For Eyeballs: The +/– Of Short-Form Videos.”
Pictured: BMAC’s Willie “Prophet” Stiggers and Naima Cochrane debut the second edition of their ‘Music Industry Action Report Card’ on systemic racism in the music industry along with Color of Change’s Kelle Rozell. Photo: Laura E. Partain
Day Two kicked off with a “Breathwork & Meditation” event with Brandon Holman of Guin Records, followed by a “Record Store Day Town Hall” where attendees got to hear the impact that Record Store Day has had on the industry over the years and celebrate the accomplishments of the most recent RSD events. Nashville Queen obSINity then hosted this year’s Music Biz 2023 brunch featuring Music Biz President Portia Sabin, Keychange’s Andréa DaSilva, TuneCore’s Andreea Gleeson and performances by Tanerélle and San Cha.
Following the brunch, Tuesday afternoon was packed with breakout sessions. JKBX’s Whitney-Gayle Benta and SoundRoyalties’ Alex Heiche headlined the “I Want My Money: Royalty Payments, Catalog Acquisitions & Other Revenue Opportunities” program. SACEM’S Stephane Emeret and Julien Dumon spoke with Thomas Maxwell of IDOL and Abby North of North Music Group for “What Roles Are There For Labels, Publishers & CMOs in the Metaverse?” GoodCopBadCop’s Robby Towns hosted a fireside chat with artist Dave Curry, Michelle Munson of Eluvio, and Nick Osborne of Capital Music Group.
Pictured: Margaret Hart of YouTube Music and Jackie Jones of the RIAA sit down for “Family Alliance in Music Presents: Finding Success in the Music Business & at Home,” where they share their thoughts and tips on sustaining a healthy work and home life balance. Photo: Laura E. Partain
MusicWatch’s Russ Crupnick sat down with Jen Agosta of Discogs and Karlyn King to dissect “Understanding The Modern Record Collector.” Bryn Boughton of Feed.media and Kevin Casini of RME hosted the two-part “Power Of The Indies” session covering the growing independent music market. Tuesday’s keynote session featured Sabin sitting down with Kobalt’s Willard Ahdritz, as well as “Music By The Numbers: A Quantitative Look at the Industry in 2023 So Far,” presented by Rob Jonas of Luminate.
Music Biz 2023 completed its third full day of programming on May 17. Highlights included the tracks “Syncs & Samples: The Ins & Outs of Music Clearances,” DEI programming, “Physical Music Industry,” “Spin Fraud,” DSP workshops, and the ever-popular “Metadata Summit.” Music Biz 2023 ended the day with their second annual Bizzy Awards. Highlighted panels included conversations with leading voices on licensing for Web3 and podcasts, a sampling panel with David Porter and Prince Paul, a conversation between the RIAA and YouTube, and other sessions on topics such as metadata integration and spin fraud.
The final day of Music Biz included a 60-minute session with TIDAL, called “Maximize Your Music Career: TIDAL’s Innovative Approach to Artist Growth and Development,” as well as several other informative panels. For the closing Music Biz 2023 keynote interview, indie singer-songwriter LU KALA, Prescription Songs/Amigo Records’ Jillian Rutstein and TikTok’s Tracy Gardner joined Sabin for “Music Biz LIVE: Leveling the Playing Field of Music Discovery on TikTok.”
Tyler Hubbard Earns Second Solo No. 1, Celebrates At Surprise Nashville Show
/by LB CantrellTyler Hubbard performs at a surprise pop-up show at Nashville’s The Stage. Photo: Evan Mattingly
Tyler Hubbard has topped the country charts for the second time as a solo artist, taking “Dancin’ In The Country” to No. 1 on the Mediabase/Country Aircheck chart. The tune was written by Hubbard, Keith Urban, Ross Copperman and Jon Nite for Hubbard’s debut, self-titled solo album.
To celebrate the feat, the EMI Records Nashville recording artist staged a special surprise concert Nashville’s famed honky tonk, The Stage, on Saturday night (May 20). The pop-up show also commemorated Hubbard’s first year as a solo artist. His debut hit single, “5 Foot 9,” released exactly one year prior, on May 20, 2022.
“Having a second No. 1, one year to the day after my debut solo single was released, is really incredible,” Hubbard shares. “It’s been an amazing year, and I’m thankful to country radio and the fans for embracing my music, and to Keith, Ross and Jon for sharing their creative genius with me.”