Jenna Paulette. Photo: Wes Walker
Before Jenna Paulette was a rising country artist in Nashville, she was a cowgirl on her family’s ranch in Texas. Her debut album The Girl I Was—which released March 31—laces together tributes to her roots with bright hope for her future as she rediscovers her identity following a toxic relationship.
Paulette’s music has grown with her and followed her journey from listening to classic country cassettes with her grandad to writing her own records. In a recent visit at the MusicRow offices, Paulette shared a bit about her upbringing and what led her to Nashville.
Pictured (L-R): MusicRow‘s Steven Boero, Liza Anderson and LB Cantrell; Jenna Paulette; MusicRow‘s Caela Griffin, Sherod Robertson and Robert K. Oermann
“I sang [The Chicks] songs at the top of my lungs on the back of a four wheeler checking cows with my granddad,” she says. “I sang ‘Wide Open Spaces’ and ‘Cowboy Take Me Away.’ What I was living is what I got to sing about in the environment that made me feel the most like it was real. That’s what made me want to sing country music.”
When it comes to her dreams, Paulette had a key inspiration: fellow Texan George Strait.
“I always told people I wanted to pull a George Strait on this town and do what he does—do the cowboy thing for real but tour on a high level and produce the best country music I possibly can while living what I sing about.”
She adds, “I had just figured out in college that you could actually write songs for a living. I always knew I wanted to sing country music but I didn’t think that songwriting was an occupation. So I started looking at the songs I loved and seeing who wrote them, and what made me hear them in it. Ashley Gorley was one of the most consistent [songwriters I saw credited] because he is massive.”
After meeting Gorley while visiting Nashville, he became Paulette’s mentor, coaching her through the writing process with weekly phone calls and encouraging her to make the move to Nashville. Paulette is not one to shy away from criticism, and eagerly learned all Gorley offered to teach her. From him, she learned that it is identity and authenticity that makes people stick around—not just one good song.
When Gorley asked her to pick between being a songwriter and being an artist, Paulette chose being an artist.
“It’s awesome to experience a record from top to bottom. I made [The Girl I Was] because I want to be an artist that puts out records,” she says. “I wanted people to have a lens to experience everything through.”
She co-wrote her a tune from the album called “You Ain’t No Cowboy” with Rhett Akins. The song’s message is there’s more to being a cowboy than Hollywood’s hats and sunset chasing scenes.
“The cowboys that live up to living under the hat are full of good character,” Paulette says. “It’s this level of respect for people and things that deserve honor. I love that aspect of the cowboy. [“You Ain’t No Cowboy”] was this juxtaposition of what society says a cowboy is, but it turns out ‘you ain’t no cowboy at all.’ You look like him, you act like him, there’s a million miles you put on that saddle of yours but when it came down to it, you didn’t stick around like you said you would. That’s what matters more”
As her career grows, Paulette continues to write songs that feel genuine. She wrote “We Know How To Friday Night,” with Bobby Pinson and Casey Beathard at Sea Gayle, where she signed in 2021. This crowd favorite resonates with those who grew up like Paulette, while those who didn’t sing along anyway.
“This is one of those ones that whether people know my music or not, they’re [cheering] in the middle of the set,” she says.
With The Girl I Was, Paulette wants fans to share in her lifestyle, and she brings them along for the ride.
“It’s a really fun way to live your life and I’m just grateful for it. I’m grateful that people are even interested in hearing songs about it, and that it can relate to people outside of the world that I grew up in.”
In addition to songs from her The Girl I Was album, Paulette also shared some new tunes. “Darlin'” is an introspective look into leaving a bad relationship and rebuilding.
“I got out of a terrible relationship that did a lot of damage, but coming out of it made me a lot stronger,” she says. “This song is about the difference between being loved by somebody now and the situation I was in before.”
Between her authentic storytelling and unique style, Jenna Paulette is sure to take her career into the next level in 2023. Listen to The Girl I Was here.
Makayla Lynn Signs With Dreamlined Entertainment Group & Wrensong Entertainment
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): Maurna Donovan, Artist Development and Label Services, Wrensong; Jen Stegall, Co-Producer/Writer; Justin Roddick, Manager; Ree Guyer Co-Publisher, Wrensong; Keith Stegall, Co-Producer/Publisher, Dreamlined; Abbe Nameche, Co-Publisher, Harvey Dog Hits; Makayla Lynn
Canadian artist Makayla Lynn has signed with Keith Stegall‘s Dreamlined Entertainment Group and Wrensong Entertainment.
Lynn spent time at No. 1 on CMT’s 12-Pack Countdown and is a two-time East Coast Music Award winner in Canada. Her latest release, “Oldest Daughter,” is an ode to family dynamics. Lynn is working on an album with Grammy-winner and Dreamlined Entertainment President Stegall, and his co-producer/daughter, Jen Stegall.
“When looking for an artist/writer that we want to work with, we want someone who has an outstanding voice, a skilled instrumentalist, a charismatic and authentic personality, a dynamic performer, a brilliant songwriter with a strong work ethic,” says Ree Guyer, Wrensong Entertainment. “It is hard to find all of the above in one artist/writer, yet Makayla Lynn has it all. We are so excited and privileged to work with her. She is an international superstar in the making.”
“Makayla is wise beyond her years and blessed with the gifts of writing and performing that is beyond explanation,” adds Keith Stegall.
Scotty McCreery To Be Inducted Into North Carolina Music Hall Of Fame
/by LB CantrellScotty McCreery. Photo: Jeff Ray
Scotty McCreery is among the 2023 class that will be inducted into the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame this fall. The country star is joined by fellow inductees Betty Davis, Loudon Wainwright III, George Beverly Shea, Fetchin Bones and Bill Curtis.
“Anyone that knows me knows how proud I am to be from North Carolina,” says McCreery. “It is an honor to be recognized by the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame and included with this great 2023 class of artists. It’s also a bit surreal knowing I will be joining some of my musical heroes who are already in the Hall, such as Randy Travis, Ronnie Milsap, Charlie Daniels and James Taylor as well as friends like Eric Church and Kellie Pickler. I am truly thankful.”
Hailing from Garner, North Carolina, McCreery first broke onto the scene when he won American Idol in 2011. Since then, the talented singer has garnered five consecutive No. 1 hits and multiple Gold and Platinum albums and singles. He has sold-out concerts across the world and won an array of ACM, BMI, CMT, NSAI and Carolina Beach Music Awards. Additionally, he has executive produced two Hallmark holiday movies based on his first No. 1 hit song, triple-Platinum “Five More Minutes.”
McCreery is currently rising up the charts with his single “It Matters to Her” from his Same Truck: The Deluxe Album, while also touring with Brooks & Dunn on their “Reboot 2023 Tour.”
He and his fellow inductees will be enshrined on Thursday, Oct. 19 at the Mooresville Performing Arts Center in Mooresville, North Carolina, with tickets on sale now.
Previous inductees in the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame include Tori Amos, The Avett Brothers, Shirley Caesar, George Clinton, Church, John Coltrane, Daniels, Fantasia, Donna Fargo, Robert Flack, Ben Folds, Don Gibson, Andy Griffith, Stonewall Jackson, Big Daddy Kane, Ben E. King, Little Eva, Milsap, Thelonious Monk, Pickler, Tony Rice, Max Roach, Earl Scruggs, Nina Simone, Kate Smith, Taylor, John Tesh, Travis, Doc Watson, Merle Watson and more.
Morgan Wallen & Ryl Tea Debut First Flavor, Ryl Sweet Tea
/by Lorie HollabaughMorgan Wallen
Morgan Wallen and Ryl Tea, the tea brand offering healthy, ready-to-drink teas, are debuting the first flavor from the duo, Ryl Sweet Tea.
Boasted as being antioxidant-rich, zero-sugar, low-calorie and made with no artificial ingredients, Ryl Sweet Tea is meant to be a healthy alternative to the southern classic. The ready-to-drink tea features tea polyphenols for an antioxidant boost and is sweetened with monk fruit, stevia leaf extract and allulose.
“Ryl Tea and I worked hard to capture the sweet tea taste I remember from my childhood. It took time, but it was well worth the wait. I love this sweet tea and the fact that it’s healthy makes it all the better,” shares Wallen. “This tea takes me right back to my Mamaw’s front porch on a hot summer’s day. It feels good to bring a clean and healthy product like this to my fans that love sweet tea, too,”
“Morgan was an invaluable resource in getting the Southern Sweet Tea just right through a taste verification step in the development process. It’s what makes this flavor so unique and authentic,” adds Blodin Ukella, Founder and CEO of The Ryl Company. “We’re proud to introduce a product that delivers a delicious and nostalgic taste yet aligns with our mission to provide clean and functional options to our loyal customers.”
To commemorate the new product line, Wallen and Ryl have launched a digital campaign where fans can enter for a chance to win a special Meet and Greet with the country star backstage at one of his “One Night At A Time” shows this year, along with three months worth of free Ryl Sweet Tea. Entry details can be found by following Ryl Tea on Instagram.
Wallen’s Ryl Sweet Tea is currently available at drinkryl.com. Products will be available in the Gopuff app beginning in early June, and Wallen and Ryl have also partnered up with strategic retail partners Harris Teeter, Brookshire’s Food Store and Reasor’s to launch the brand with in-store display activations this June. By mid-June, fans can find Sweet Tea in pre-existing Ryl Tea retailers Wegmans, Shoprite and Sprouts Farmers Market. In late July, Kroger will add Ryl Sweet Tea to its shelves in several Kroger divisions, including Dallas, Nashville, Michigan, Mid-Atlantic and Fred Meyer, with more divisions to follow by October.
Seaforth Parts Ways With Sony Music Nashville
/by LB CantrellSeaforth. Photo: Nolan Knight
In a recent social media post, Australian-born country duo Seaforth revealed that they have parted ways with Sony Music Nashville.
“As of today, we have amicably parted ways with Sony Nashville and are officially a full independent artist,” the post says. “Sony was great to us, supported us when times were tough, and we owe a lot to them for what we have achieved thus far.
“Over time, it honestly just became a very emotional challenge for us to persevere through certain things behind the scenes,” Seaforth writes. “Although it ultimately took us a while to get here, anyone who knows us knows that this is the best decision for all parties involved, Sony included.”
Seaforth’s Tom Jordan and Mitch Thompson were childhood friends in Australia, and moved to Nashville to pursue their careers in 2017. The country-pop duo signed their record deal with Sony Music Nashville in 2018, and had success with songs such as “Breakups,” “Good Beer” with Jordan Davis and “Anything She Says” with Mitchell Tenpenny.
Seaforth’s first independent release, a song called “Get The Girl,” is due out June 16. The duo says they will release a new song every six weeks from then.
Hannah Dasher Gets Real On New Album, ‘The Other Damn Half’
/by Lorie HollabaughHannah Dasher leans on her faith on a personal new single, “Ugly Houses,” out now. The track is the latest release from her upcoming new album, The Other Damn Half, due out Aug. 4.
“‘Ugly Houses’ is the most vulnerable song I’ve ever released,” admits Dasher. “God’s been humbling me the past two years, doing a major renovation. Felt like I needed to share it with the world — especially during times like now. Whether listeners are believers or not, I hope this song leaves ’em in a better place than it found ’em.”
The Other Damn Half was co-written entirely by Dasher and produced by Ilya Toshinskiy. The collection includes everything from honky tonk jams to faith-inspired ballads, and takes a deeper look into every facet of who Dasher is as an artist. Last month, Dasher shared the song and video for the album’s unapologetic payback anthem “Cryin’ All The Way To The Bank.”
“Maybe you’re a fan of old-school country music, maybe you’re into the new stuff, or maybe you’re not a fan of country at all,” adds Dasher. “Whichever it may be, there’s something on The Other Damn Half for you. I hope fans see a little of themselves on this new half record.”
Dasher is set to appear at the Grand Ole Opry this weekend on June 3.
The Other Damn Half Track Listing:
1. “Cryin’ All The Way To The Bank” – Hannah Dasher / Benjy Davis / Dave Turnball
2. “God’s a Good Ol Boy” – Dasher / Davis / Turnball
3. “(I’m The One That Taught Him) That Thing You Like” – Dasher / Brandon Hood / Wynn Varble
4. “Ugly Houses” – Dasher / Robert Arthur
5. “I’m Gonna Whoop Your Redneck Ass” – Dasher / Joel Shewmake
6. “Go to Bed Early” – Dasher / Brent Anderson / Chris DuBois
7. “Country Do” – Dasher / Ben Stennis / Stephen Wilson Jr.
Toby Keith Celebrates The Red, White & Blue With New UMG EP
/by Lorie HollabaughToby Keith has released a new six-song EP, America, via Universal Music Group around themes he holds dear.
With Memorial Day and July 4 approaching, the project is timely and features Keith fan favorites like “Should’ve Been A Cowboy,” “Courtesy Of The Red, White And Blue (The Angry American),” “American Soldier,” and more.
Concurrently, all six tracks from the EP are also included in a huge number of new Gold and Platinum single certifications from the Recording Industry Association of America, a list of 20 new certifications across 17 titles. Of the 17 songs certified, 15 were written by Keith with five of those as solo-writes. Three of the songs reached triple Platinum status, including Keith’s beloved “Red Solo Cup.” He wrote or co-wrote all six songs on the new America EP.
America Track List:
1. Courtesy Of The Red, White And Blue (The Angry American)
2. Should’ve Been A Cowboy
3. American Soldier
4. As Good As I Once Was
5. I Love This Bar
6. Beer For My Horses
New RIAA Certifications:
“American Soldier” (Toby Keith, Chuck Cannon) – Double Platinum
“As Good As I Once Was” (Keith, Scotty Emerick) – Triple Platinum
“Beer For My Horses” (Keith, Emerick) – Double Platinum
“Bullets In The Gun” (Keith, Rivers Rutherford) – Gold
“Courtesy Of The Red, White And Blue (The Angry American)” (Keith) – Triple Platinum
“Get Drunk And Be Somebody” (Keith, Emerick) – Gold
“How Do You Like Me Now?!” (Keith, Cannon) – Platinum & Double Platinum
“I Love This Bar” (Keith, Emerick) – Platinum & Double Platinum
“I Wanna Talk About Me” (Bobby Braddock) – Platinum
“Made In America” (Keith, Bobby Pinson, Scott Reeves) – Platinum
“Red Solo Cup” (Brett Beavers, Jim Beavers, Brad Warren, Brett Warren) – Triple Platinum
“She’s A Hottie” (Keith, Pinson) – Gold
“Should’ve Been A Cowboy” (Keith) – Platinum & Double Platinum
“Whiskey Girl” (Keith, Emerick) – Platinum
“Who’s Your Daddy” (Keith) – Gold
“Wish I Didn’t Know Now” (Keith) – Gold
“You Shouldn’t Kiss Me Like This” (Keith) – Gold
On The Row: Jenna Paulette Takes Us Back To Her Roots
/by Caela GriffinJenna Paulette. Photo: Wes Walker
Before Jenna Paulette was a rising country artist in Nashville, she was a cowgirl on her family’s ranch in Texas. Her debut album The Girl I Was—which released March 31—laces together tributes to her roots with bright hope for her future as she rediscovers her identity following a toxic relationship.
Paulette’s music has grown with her and followed her journey from listening to classic country cassettes with her grandad to writing her own records. In a recent visit at the MusicRow offices, Paulette shared a bit about her upbringing and what led her to Nashville.
Pictured (L-R): MusicRow‘s Steven Boero, Liza Anderson and LB Cantrell; Jenna Paulette; MusicRow‘s Caela Griffin, Sherod Robertson and Robert K. Oermann
“I sang [The Chicks] songs at the top of my lungs on the back of a four wheeler checking cows with my granddad,” she says. “I sang ‘Wide Open Spaces’ and ‘Cowboy Take Me Away.’ What I was living is what I got to sing about in the environment that made me feel the most like it was real. That’s what made me want to sing country music.”
When it comes to her dreams, Paulette had a key inspiration: fellow Texan George Strait.
“I always told people I wanted to pull a George Strait on this town and do what he does—do the cowboy thing for real but tour on a high level and produce the best country music I possibly can while living what I sing about.”
She adds, “I had just figured out in college that you could actually write songs for a living. I always knew I wanted to sing country music but I didn’t think that songwriting was an occupation. So I started looking at the songs I loved and seeing who wrote them, and what made me hear them in it. Ashley Gorley was one of the most consistent [songwriters I saw credited] because he is massive.”
After meeting Gorley while visiting Nashville, he became Paulette’s mentor, coaching her through the writing process with weekly phone calls and encouraging her to make the move to Nashville. Paulette is not one to shy away from criticism, and eagerly learned all Gorley offered to teach her. From him, she learned that it is identity and authenticity that makes people stick around—not just one good song.
When Gorley asked her to pick between being a songwriter and being an artist, Paulette chose being an artist.
“It’s awesome to experience a record from top to bottom. I made [The Girl I Was] because I want to be an artist that puts out records,” she says. “I wanted people to have a lens to experience everything through.”
She co-wrote her a tune from the album called “You Ain’t No Cowboy” with Rhett Akins. The song’s message is there’s more to being a cowboy than Hollywood’s hats and sunset chasing scenes.
“The cowboys that live up to living under the hat are full of good character,” Paulette says. “It’s this level of respect for people and things that deserve honor. I love that aspect of the cowboy. [“You Ain’t No Cowboy”] was this juxtaposition of what society says a cowboy is, but it turns out ‘you ain’t no cowboy at all.’ You look like him, you act like him, there’s a million miles you put on that saddle of yours but when it came down to it, you didn’t stick around like you said you would. That’s what matters more”
As her career grows, Paulette continues to write songs that feel genuine. She wrote “We Know How To Friday Night,” with Bobby Pinson and Casey Beathard at Sea Gayle, where she signed in 2021. This crowd favorite resonates with those who grew up like Paulette, while those who didn’t sing along anyway.
“This is one of those ones that whether people know my music or not, they’re [cheering] in the middle of the set,” she says.
With The Girl I Was, Paulette wants fans to share in her lifestyle, and she brings them along for the ride.
“It’s a really fun way to live your life and I’m just grateful for it. I’m grateful that people are even interested in hearing songs about it, and that it can relate to people outside of the world that I grew up in.”
In addition to songs from her The Girl I Was album, Paulette also shared some new tunes. “Darlin'” is an introspective look into leaving a bad relationship and rebuilding.
“I got out of a terrible relationship that did a lot of damage, but coming out of it made me a lot stronger,” she says. “This song is about the difference between being loved by somebody now and the situation I was in before.”
Between her authentic storytelling and unique style, Jenna Paulette is sure to take her career into the next level in 2023. Listen to The Girl I Was here.
John Anderson Makes Headlining Debut At The Ryman
/by Lorie HollabaughJohn Anderson during his headline debut at the Ryman Auditorium. Photo: Eric Ahlgrim
John Anderson headlined the Ryman Auditorium for the first time in his nearly 50-year career on Sunday (May 21).
Performing to a packed house, Anderson ran through hit after hit, performing classics such as “Swingin,” “Seminole Wind,” “Straight Tequila Night,” “Money in the Bank” and many more.
“I was part of Waylon [Jennings]‘ last album recorded there and have been a part of Marty Stuart‘s Late Night Jam a few times,” says Anderson. “But to have a whole evening with my fans felt very special.”
Over the course of his career, Anderson has charted more than 60 singles on the country charts, including 20 top 10 hits and six No. 1s, including “Swingin,'” “Seminole Wind,” “Black Sheep,” “Wild and Blue,” “Straight Tequila Night” and “Money in the Bank.” He has received the CMA Horizon Award (1983), CMA Single of the Year (“Swingin'” – 1983), CMA Album of the Year (Common Thread: The Songs of the Eagles – 1994) as well as the ACM Career Achievement Award (1993). Anderson was also inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2014.
Cooper Alan Announces Fall Canadian Tour
/by Lorie HollabaughCooper Alan has announced he’s heading back north this fall for his first Canadian tour.
The rising country star will perform in six cities on the country’s west coast, including Winnipeg, Edmonton and Vancouver, starting on Oct. 25. The new tour comes after Alan connected with thousands of Canadian fans this spring. In March, he played three sold-out shows during his debut performance in the Great White North, selling over 3,000 tickets.
“I loved going to Canada in the spring and it felt like a second home,” says Alan. “After receiving lots of messages about coming back, I’m excited to head to Western Canada this October!”
A viral TikTok sensation, the indie artist has built a fanbase of more than 10 million followers and earned over 200 million streams with his music. He’s enjoyed chart success with singles including “New Normal,” “Tough Ones,” “Colt 45 (Country Remix)” and “Can’t Dance.”
Avery King Opens New PR Firm, King Publicity
/by LB CantrellAvery King. Photo: Alex Sharp
Avery King has formed her own public relations firm: King Publicity.
Prior to starting her own firm, King served as Director of Publicity at Elicity PR. With the company for seven years, King worked with Elicity clients Easton Corbin, Ben Rector, Carter Faith, Austin Burke and more.
At her new firm, King will continue to represent clients Faith and Burke, as well as Aaron Watson and Anna Rose.
“Since I moved to Nashville seven years ago, I’ve been lucky enough to work with countless incredibly talented people. Along the way, I’ve made it my mission to encourage many artists to chase their dreams fearlessly, while providing them the best support I can,” shares King. “Now, it’s my turn to follow my own advice. I can’t even express how honored and grateful I am to have such an amazing group of people in my corner cheering me on every step of the way. I look forward to continuing this journey and finding new ways to better serve my clients and meet their needs.”
King has been included on multiple executives-to-watch lists. She spent many years leading the board of SOLID, a local non-profit, where she coordinated efforts to raise over $400,000 for the organization. King was a driving force behind the group’s launch of their Diversity, Equity and Inclusion task force, a coordinated effort to increase representation in the industry.
Reach King at avery@kingpublicity.com.