Dalton Mauldin Signs Joint Publishing Deal With Big Machine Music, King Henry

Pictured (L-R): Big Machine Music’s Michelle Attardi and Alex Heddle, Dalton Mauldin, King Henry, Big Machine Music’s Mike Molinar

Dalton Mauldin signed an exclusive songwriting agreement in a joint publishing deal with Big Machine Music and Grammy-nominated songwriter/producer King Henry.

The Savannah Bananas baseball team member is on the road performing solo acoustic shows. His Nashville stops include Third and Home (June 1) before two nights at First Horizon Park (June 2 and 3) on the field with the team. Mauldin is already readying new music, including a new song “Miss You, Love You” co-written alongside BMM songwriter Daniel Ross and produced by King Henry, arriving May 19.

“When King Henry and Big Machine Music’s Senior Director of Publishing Timmy Haehl, first introduced us to Dalton, we immediately felt the star wattage,” says Mike Molinar, BMM’s General Manager. “I’m so grateful for Henry’s belief in us as partners and Dalton’s trust in taking the next step of his career.”

“Dalton is one of the most genuine, positive and good-hearted humans I’ve ever met,” adds King Henry. “From the moment he first messaged me on social media and sent songs that matched the caliber of his personality, I knew we were going to build something special together. I’m excited to watch him grow in his artistry and am thrilled to be partnering with Big Machine Music for the journey.”

“I couldn’t be happier to be part of the Big Machine Music family and to work with King Henry,” shares Mauldin. “Getting to know everyone on the team has really made me feel at home. I’m so excited to continue to progress as a songwriter surrounded by such a talented community.”

Weekly Register: Taylor Swift’s ‘Speak Now’ Climbs Country Albums Chart

Taylor Swift. Photo: Beth Garrabrant

Taylor Swift‘s 2010 album Speak Now has landed at No. 5 on the country albums chart this week with 25K in total consumption (755 album only/32 million song streams) according to Luminate data. During one of her Nashville stops of the “Eras Tour,”  Swift announced that Speak Now is next to be released in her series of re-recordings, with a release date of July 7.

Morgan Wallen‘s One Thing At A Time continues its reign at No. 1 with 141K (5K album only/171 million song streams), and Dangerous: The Double Album remains at No. 2 with 48K (1K album only/61 million song streams). Luke CombsGettin’ Old rests at No. 3 with 35K (2K album only/41 million song streams), followed by Zach Bryan‘s American Heartbreak at No. 4 with 28K (1K album only/34 million song streams).

On the country streaming songs chart, Wallen’s “Last Night” stays at No. 1 with 27 million new streams, adding to 413 million RTD. Combs’ “Fast Car” cover persists at No. 2 with 15 million streams, adding to 90 million RTD. Wallen’s “Thinkin’ Bout Me” reclaims No. 3 with 13 million new streams, adding to 142 million RTD. Bryan’s “Something In The Orange” moves to No. 4 with 12 million streams, adding to 644 million RTD, and Wallen’s “You Proof” continues at No. 5 with 12 million new streams, adding to 582 million RTD.

ACM Winners Fill MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart

Ashley Gorley at the ACM Songs & Stories event in Frisco, Texas. Photo: Michael Buckner

The newly-crowned ACM Songwriter of the Year Ashley Gorley marks another week at No. 1 on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart, with a whopping 14 songs on the country charts. Announced during the ACM Awards festivities last week, this was Gorley’s first-ever win for ACM Songwriter of the Year after 10 nominations.

In addition to his Songwriter of the Year win, Gorley joined the elite company of Merle Haggard and Kris Kristofferson with three Song of the Year nods in a single year, becoming the third person to achieve the feat in ACM’s history. With good odds, Gorley did take home a Song of the Year trophy during the livestreamed ACM Awards for “She Had Me at Heads Carolina,” recorded by Cole Swindell.

Another ACM winner, Male Artist of the Year Morgan Wallen, remains at No. 2 on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart this week. New Male Artist of the Year winner Zach Bryan remains at No. 4 and Artist-Songwriter of the Year Michael Hardy is at No. 23.

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.

SOLID Sets Date For Music Row Madness Fundraiser Event

SOLID’s 2023 Music Row Madness fundraiser is going back to its roots for the first time since 2017 with a bowling tournament at Eastside Bowl on May 24 at 6 p.m. CT.

Registration for the 13th annual fundraising event, previously held at Topgolf, is now open to the public for teams of six. Teams are required to meet a $1,000 donation minimum to play. Spectators are also able to purchase tickets for $30 with full access to the diner, arcade, cash bar and lounge which will feature live music throughout the event.

“We cannot wait to bring Music Row Madness back to the bowling lanes,” says Erin Pettit, SOLID’s 2023 President. “This event started as a bowling tournament and we are thrilled to be able to continue hosting this fun event as an amazing way to raise money for some outstanding organizations who are doing important work in our community. We are eager to help out our SOLID Shares partners and hope you will join us. Sign up or grab tickets today!”

The team registration deadline is Wednesday, May 17. To register your team or purchase spectator tickets, click here.

Proceeds from Music Row Madness will go to benefit the 2023 nonprofit SOLID Shares Partners: WO Smith Music School, Porter’s Call, the Black Music Action Coalition, the National Museum of African American Music and Hope on the Row.

SOLID launched 26 years ago to develop a community for music industry professionals to network and brainstorm together, while also providing educational opportunities for entry to mid-level professionals. The organization hosts education panels, networking events and philanthropic opportunities throughout the year, and has implemented programs to mentor hundreds of college students to date, launched the philanthropic initiative SOLID Shares, created a diversity and inclusion task force, raised over $450,000 for local charities and provided over 500+ hours of volunteer time to the Nashville community.

Tape Room Music Signs Songwriter/Producer Andy Sheridan

Pictured (L-R, back row): Tape Room’s Kelly Bolton, Blain Rhodes and Caroline Hodson; (L-R, front row): Ashley Gorley and Andy Sheridan. Photo: Courtesy of Tape Room Music

Tape Room Music, the publishing and artist development company founded by Ashley Gorley, has signed songwriter and producer Andy Sheridan to a joint venture with Red Light Management. Sheridan will work with Tape Room’s creative staff to cultivate and expand his network of co-writers while continuing to work with long-time collaborators.

“We are excited to welcome Andy to the Tape Room family,” shares Blain Rhodes, Tape Room Music President. “We’ve been big fans for a long time and look forward to sharing many hits together.”

Sheridan has played with artists Phil Vassar, Hunter Hayes and Ben Rector. He recently earned his first No. 1 on SiriusXM with Avery Anna‘s viral hit “Narcissist” and has landed other cuts by Dustin Lynch, Sam Riggs and Tyler Farr. He has also produced “Warmer” by Rascal Flatts and the music for Skipstone Pictures’ God’s Country Song, a Pure Flix Original

“I am absolutely jazzed to be at Tape Room Music,” shares Sheridan. “Ashley, Blain, Kelly [Bolton] and Caroline [Hodson] are pros and veterans in this business and I’m honored to be a part of the family. Excited to get to work!”

Corey Kent Lands First Chart-Topper With ‘Wild As Her’

Corey Kent. Photo: Matthew Berinato

Corey Kent has scored his first No. 1 with his debut Platinum single “Wild As Her.” The song reaches the top spot at country radio this week, moving from No. 4 to No. 1 on the Mediabase chart.

“Wild As Her” has already racked up over 260 million streams to date and counting, while the song’s video garnered Kent a nomination for Breakthrough Male Video of the Year at the 2023 CMT Awards.

YouTube video

In celebration of the chart-topping achievement, Kent has released a special live version of the Kelly Archer, Brett Tyler and Morgan Wallen-penned tune from his show at Cain’s Ballroom in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

“It’s been a hell of a ride to wind up here,” Kent says. “You couldn’t write a crazier script: Getting dropped, moving to Texas, working in motorcycle shops and pavement companies to provide, playing a regular gig performing in a Mexican restaurant, praying for opportunity, touring relentlessly, & trying to defy all the odds…Today is bigger than my first No. 1. Today, I get to wave the pirate flag for all of us relentless dreamers from the mountain top, as an example that no matter how hard it gets, there is always hope. I’ll never forget this one.”

“Wild As Her” will be featured on Kent’s upcoming major label debut album, Blacktop, set for release on June 2 via RCA Nashville/Sony Music Nashville. Kent is gearing up for his album release show on June 2 in Nashville at Brooklyn Bowl, and will end release week with a performance at CMA Fest. Later this summer Kent will hit the road on Jason Aldean’s “Highway Desperado Tour.”

Gibson Brands Elevates Elizabeth Heidt To Chief Marketing Officer

Elizabeth Heidt

Gibson Brands has promoted Elizabeth Heidt to Chief Marketing Officer. Heidt will also join Gibson’s worldwide leadership executive team.

A seven-year veteran of Gibson, Heidt spent her early years at Gibson in Entertainment Relations, and was promoted to Vice President of Cultural Influence in 2021. Prior to Gibson, she worked in brand strategy, production and experiential marketing with House of Blues, Red Bull and Fortune 500 brands including Samsung, Hyundai, Live Nation, Verizon and AT&T.

As Chief Marketing Officer, Heidt will be responsible for overseeing Gibson Brands’ global brand and marketing teams, entertainment and artist relations, social media, partnerships, public relations, multi-media divisions as well as the Gibson Gives Foundation.

She is a board member of the Gibson Gives Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Gibson whose mission is to support nonprofits in their efforts to advance musicians, youth-focused education, music and wellness initiatives. In the last three years, Gibson Gives has raised over $3.5 million worldwide through its mission. Heidt is also on the Music Advisory Board of the Save The Music Foundation.

“We are excited to elevate and promote Beth to Chief Marketing Officer and a member of the Gibson Leadership Team. Beth has been instrumental in the success that we’ve had over the last five years,” says Cesar Gueikian, President & Interim CEO, Gibson Brands. “She has been a thought partner, leader, and a key player in shaping and implementing our global strategy. She has led our cultural influence team of artist relations and multi-media divisions, and emerged as a critical voice in how we engage with fans around the world and deliver the Gibson experience. As the Chief Marketing Officer, Beth will now lead all our marketing initiatives globally, including all aspects of cultural influence. We all look forward to working with Beth to continue to shape the sound of music.”

“It is a privilege to work with the unparalleled talent of Gibson, from our team and craftspeople to our partners and artists, whose passion and dedication is absolutely awe inspiring,” says Heidt. “It is our mission to connect and better lives through music, to enable and empower all levels of creators with our instruments, products, programs and philanthropy. It is an honor to be a part of shaping the future of music culture for Gibson and for fans worldwide.”

Why&How Partners With Red Light Management

Why&How, the artist management home to Breland, Kaleo, Whiskey Myers, Danielle Bradbery, Chase Rice and more, has partnered with Red Light Management. Effective immediately, the new partnership aims to allow Why&How to collaborate across all areas of the music business and provide enhanced resources for its roster of clients.

Why&How was founded by industry veteran Bruce Kalmick in 2020. Now, the company boasts over 20 staff members across marketing, creative, brand endorsements and more, who will all join Red Light Management’s robust operations.

“With our new partnership, Why&How is gaining the opportunity to learn from one of the most influential executives in the music business, Coran Capshaw,” Kalmick shares. “We can’t wait to get started on this exciting new chapter.”

“We’re excited about our new partnership with Why&How,” Capshaw adds. “Bruce has put together a great group of artists as well as a very talented management team. We look forward to working alongside them to help enhance all aspects of their business.”

Russell Dickerson Announces ‘Big Wheels & Back Roads’ Fall Tour

Russell Dickerson will launch his “Big Wheels & Back Roads Tour” on Sept. 21 in Philadelphia. Restless Road will provide support on all dates, with Parmalee and Niko Moon performing on select dates.

Tickets will be available for purchase starting Friday, May 19 with RD Fan Club presale starting Tuesday, May 16 with code RDFAM23. For more information, click here.

Dickerson will visit  Boston, Birmingham, New Orleans, Houston and more through November, hitting 13 states across the country.

“To me, there’s nothing better than performing live and getting the whole RD Fam together,” says Dickerson. “‘Big Wheels and Back Roads’ has been one of my favorite songs to sing live for a while now, so it was just the perfect fit for the name of the tour. Can’t wait to see y’all out there this fall!”

Dickerson recently guest starred on the season finale of Call Me Kat and also performed his heartfelt single, “God Gave Me A Girl,” on Today. He’s currently on the road, kicking off a packed summer of shows at fairs, festivals and more.

Phil Wickham Leads K-LOVE Fan Awards Nominations

Nominees for the upcoming 2023 K-LOVE Fan Awards have been announced, with Phil Wickham leading the pack with five nominations and Brandon Lake scoring four.

Cain, Rachael Lampa and TobyMac also garnered three nominations each. Nominees for Artist of the Year include Lake, Cain, For King & Country, Lauren Daigle, Matthew West, Phil Wickham, Steven Curtis Chapman and TobyMac. Fans can begin voting for their favorites tonight (May 15) at 6 p.m. CT at klovefanawards.com.

Cain will host the 10th annual K-LOVE Fan Awards on May 28 at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville. TBN will broadcast the show on June 2, preceded by the biggest weekend in Christian music, which includes annual events like the Friday night kick-off concert, Emerging Artist Showcase, Songwriter’s Showcase and Sunday Worship Service. A brand new event this year is the Saturday morning Worship In The Round.

2023 K-LOVE Fan Award Nominees:

Male Artist Of The Year:
Brandon Lake
Chris Tomlin
Jeremy Camp
Matthew West
Phil Wickham
Tobymac
Zach Williams

Female Artist Of The Year:
Anne Wilson
Brooke Ligertwood
Katy Nichole
Lauren Daigle
Natalie Grant
Rachael Lampa
Tasha Layton

Group Of The Year:
CAIN
Casting Crowns
Consumed By Fire
Elevation Worship
Maverick City Music
MercyMe
We The Kingdom

Song Of The Year:
“Build A Boat” Colton Dixon f/Gabby Barrett
“Don’t Lose Heart” Steven Curtis Chapman
“Fill My Cup” Andrew Ripp
“Gratitude” Brandon Lake
“Hymn of Heaven” Phil Wickham
“I’m So Blessed” CAIN
“Love Me Like I Am” for King & Country f/Jordin Sparks
”Perfectly Loved” Rachael Lampa f/Tobymac
“The Goodness” Tobymac f/Blessing Offor

Breakout Single:
“Ain’t Nobody” Cody Carnes
“Brighter Days” Blessing Offor
“First Things First” Consumed By Fire
“Good Lord” David Leonard
“Good Morning Mercy” Jason Crabb
“Perfectly Loved” Rachael Lampa f/Tobymac
“Who I Am” Ben Fuller

Worship Song Of The Year:
“Always” Chris Tomlin
“Gratitude” Brandon Lake
“Hymn of Heaven” Phil Wickham
“I Believe It” Jon Reddick
“Jireh” Maverick City Music
“Same God” Elevation Worship
“The Lord’s Prayer” Matt Maher
Film/TV Impact:
Family Camp
I Heard The Bells
Jesus Revolution
Lifemark
Moonrise
Running The Bases
The Chosen Season Three Finale
Book Impact:
All My Knotted Up LifeBeth Moore
Good Boundaries & GoodbyesLysa TerKeurst
On Our KneesPhil Wickham
The God of the Way Kathie Lee Gifford & Rabbi Jason
The Love Stories of the Bible SpeakShannon Bream
The Power to Change Craig Groeschel
Podcast Impact:
Dream Big Podcast with Bob Goff & Friends
Hey! It’s The Luskos
Lisa Harper’s Back Porch Theology
Made For This with Jennie Allen
Proverbs 31 Ministries Podcast – Lysa TerKeurst
The Alisa Childers Podcast
The Candace Cameron Bure Podcast
Unashamed with Phil & Jase Robertson