Pictured (L-R): Robert Carlton (SMACK), Ben Vaughn (WCM), Carly Sater (SMACK), Jeremy Groves (SMACK), Emily Falvey, Lee Krabel (SMACK), Robin Palmer (SMACK), Phil May (WCM), Christina Wiltshire (WCM), Sam Sarno (SMACK)
Singer-songwriter Emily Falvey has signed a global publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music and SMACKSongs.
Starting her career at Belmont University, Falvey fought her way into the competitive songwriting major, which then led to her landing internships at Warner Chappell Music and SMACKSongs. Through the internships, Falvey introduced her demos to SMACK executives and landed her first publishing deal before she graduated.
With a catalog of over 70 songs recorded over the past five years, Falvey’s genre-bending style has led to recent cuts and collaborations with a cross section of artists, from country artists Walker Hayes and Callista Clark, to leading dance music acts Le Youth and Sick Individuals.
“I’m honored and excited to have the opportunity to continue to build on an extraordinary working relationship with SMACK & bring on a powerhouse partner in Warner Chappell Music,” says Falvey. “I interned with both of these companies in my Belmont years, so it’s special and full circle for me. Thank you to Christian Barker for your wise legal counsel, to Robert Carlton, Robin Palmer and Lee Krabel for your continued belief, to Ben Vaughn and Phil May for your leadership and vision, and to Jeremy Groves and Christina Wiltshire for being fierce day-to-day champions. Overwhelmed with gratitude for this next chapter!”
Falvey has also had sync placements in ABC’s Grey’s Anatomy, CBS’s Love Island USA, NBC’s The Voice and with Cracker Barrel. Throughout her career, she has collaborated with WCM hitmakers Shane McAnally and Nicolle Galyon, as well as Amy Wadge, Sasha Sloan, Tofer Brown, Jimmy Robbins, Emily Weisband, Mat Kearney, David Hodges, Paul DiGiovanni, and many more.
Falvey co-wrote MacKenzie Porter’s 2020 single “Seeing Other People,” which reached No. 1 on the Canadian Country Airplay Chart and earned her a Publisher’s Pick nomination at the 2020 AIMP Nashville Country Awards. She was also selected as a member of the AIMP Nashville Songwriter Series class of 2019, a YEP Favorite songwriter and a member of The Nashville Briefing’s 30 Under 30 List.
“Emily is the total package,” says Wiltshire, Senior Director of A&R at Warner Chappell Music Nashville. “She’s supremely talented, business-minded, positive, multi-faceted, and multi-genre. Not to mention, she’s a wonderful human and a joy to be around. I’m honored to be on her team.”
Palmer, Chief Creative Officer at SMACKSongs, says, “We’re excited to enter the next chapter with a special talent like Emily Falvey. Warner Chappell feels like a natural fit as a partner and we’re looking forward to working with Ben, Christina, and the entire Warner Chappell team!”
Brooke Eden Readies New EP, ‘Outlaw Love’
/by Lorie HollabaughBrooke Eden attends the 34th Annual GLAAD Media Awards. Photo: Ilya S. Savenok/Getty Images for GLAAD
Brooke Eden gets personal with the release of her upcoming new EP, Outlaw Love, due out on Friday, June 9.
Eden revealed the announcement over the weekend at the 2023 GLAAD Media Awards in New York City. She presented the closing remarks at the awards ceremony, where she was nominated for Outstanding Breakthrough Artist.
“This EP is the most personal group of songs I’ve ever released. It takes you from the beginning of my and Hilary’s relationship with ‘Whispering’ to our first dance song ‘All My Life,'” says Eden. “The Outlaw Love EP is a look into our unique relationship in country music and a new definition of what it means to be an outlaw.”
The four-song EP produced by Lindsay Rimes includes the title track “Outlaw Love,” which claps back at anyone who thinks they have the right to tell you who to love, “Chills,” which channels her R&B and pop influences, “Whispering,” with its twangy beat, and the harmonious “All My Life.”
Eden will share some of the new tunes when she performs at the Concert For Love & Acceptance at Nashville’s Wildhorse Saloon during CMA Fest on June 7.
Chase Rice Premieres New Docuseries On ‘I Hate Cowboys & All Dogs Go To Hell’
/by Lorie HollabaughChase Rice records for his forthcoming album in his den-turned-vocal booth. Photo: Kaiser Cunningham
Chase Rice is taking fans behind the scenes of the making of his latest album, I Hate Cowboys & All Dogs Go To Hell, with a new 10-part docuseries, out now.
The short films chronicle the two weeks spent crafting the project at Rice’s home-turned-studio with producer Oscar Charles. Rice and Charles turned his rural home into their 24/7 workspace, bringing in a live band to capture an authentic sound over the course of an immersive two-week session—all of which was captured on camera for fans to witness.
The episodes feature cameos by songwriters John Byron and Blake Pendergrass, plus artists Lee Brice, Boy Named Banjo, Read Southall, Elvie Shane, Hannah Dasher and more. The 10 installments, directed by Kaiser Cunningham, will air each Tuesday beginning with episodes one through three this week.
Rice is currently on his “Way Down Yonder Tour” and recently released his new single, “Bad Day To Be A Cold Beer,” which he wrote alongside Pendergrass, Byron, and Justin Thomas.
Shania Twain, The Lumineers, Kendrick Lamar, More To Headline Austin City Limits Music Festival
/by Lorie HollabaughShania Twain
The Austin City Limits Music Festival has announced its day-by-day lineup at Zilker Park in Austin, Texas on Oct. 6-8 and Oct. 13-15.
Kendrick Lamar, The Lumineers, Kali Uchis, Maggie Rogers and more perform on Friday of both weekends, while Foo Fighters, Shania Twain (Weekend One only), Alanis Morissette and The 1975 (Weekend Two only) and more will light up the stages on Saturday. Sundays of both weekends will feature sets from Mumford & Sons, Odezsa, Hozier, Yeah Yeah Yeahs and many more.
Various ticket packages are on sale now at aclfestival.com. Three-day general admission tickets, and a limited number of three-day Platinum tickets and hotel packages are available.
Hulu returns as the official streaming destination of ACL Festival and will air three days of select live performances, interviews and much more during Weekend One. A full broadcast lineup and schedule will be announced later this summer.
BMG Nashville Signs Hunter Metts
/by LB CantrellPictured (L-R): Shelter Music Group’s James Robinson, Jackson Stubner, BMG’s Kelsey Niccoli, Hunter Metts and BMG’s Chris Oglesby
BMG Nashville has signed artist, songwriter and producer Hunter Metts to a global publishing agreement.
Metts grew up in a musical family and began to play piano at age 10, eventually picking up a guitar and starting to writing songs. He gained national attention as a contestant on American Idol in 2021. Since his time on the show, Metts has continued to write and perform his own music as well as write and produce music for other artists. He has released several songs independently, including “Nothing to Lose” and “Paper Moon.”
“Signing an artist like Hunter is a dream come true. His music is so unbelievably emotive—it makes you nostalgic while also sounding like nothing you’ve ever heard before. Hunter has an understanding of songwriting, production and artistry that is beyond his years, and BMG is so excited to be a part of his journey,” says Kelsey Niccoli, Sr. Creative Director, A&R, BMG Nashville.
“I feel like I found people who understand me and my sound, who are truly invested in the trajectory of my life and career,” adds Metts.
Metts’ frequent collaborators include Benjamin Francis Leftwich, Henry Brill, Tristan Bushman, Chandler Leighton, Dave Thomas Jr, Caleb Hearn, Cody Lovaas, Anna Hamilton, Luke Niccoli, Jonah Kagen and more.
Matt Schuster Aligns With WME & Extended Play
/by LB CantrellPictured (L-R): WME’s Nate Towne, WME’s Braeden Rountree, Matt Schuster, WME’s Morgan Kenney and Extended Play’s Eric Parker. Photo: Courtesy of WME
Rising country singer-songwriter Matt Schuster has added to his team, signing with WME for global booking representation and Extended Play for management.
Schuster, an Illinois native, moved to Nashville less than a year ago and has since grown an impressive fanbase. Averaging 10 million monthly streams, four of Schuster’s songs have landed on the Spotify Country Global Top 200 Chart and garnered over 75 million streams.
“When I first heard Matt’s music, I knew that I needed to work with him, and meeting him solidified that even more,” shares Morgan Kenney, WME Agent. “He’s an incredibly talented artist with a heart of gold. I consider it an honor to be able to book his tour so others can see what I see. Matt Schuster is a name for those to remember.”
“It’s a great privilege for me to learn from and work alongside Morgan, Braeden [Rountree], Nate [Towne] and Aaron [Tannenbaum],” shares Eric Parker, Extended Play Founder & CEO. “With their guidance, I believe Matt is poised to take a big step forward in his career.”
Schuster, who also recently signed a publishing deal with UMPG, just celebrated his first major label cut with Bailey Zimmerman recording “Chase Her” for his Religiously. The Album.
“I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to work with such an amazing team,” says Schuster. “Their passion for music is contagious and I’m excited to see them play a pivotal role in bringing my live shows to life.”
Schuster will take CMA Fest‘s Maui Jim Reverb Stage on June 9 before appearing at various fairs and festivals throughout the summer.
CRB Announces 2023–2024 CRS Agenda Committee
/by Liza AndersonCountry Radio Broadcasters (CRB) has unveiled the 2023–2024 CRS Agenda Committee, who will work together to create the agenda for the annual three-day event.
Shelley Hargis (BMG/BBR Music Group) will serve as Agenda Chair, with Krista Hayes (Cumulus Media Nashville) and Jesse Tack (WUBE/Hubbard) serving as the committee’s Co-Vice Chairs.
“After attending CRS for 26 years, I am MORE passionate and excited about both CRS and the country industry than ever,” says Hargis. “I am honored to be a part of the Agenda Committee, and thrilled with the group we have coming together to build a fantastic CRS 2024!”
New committee members include Sally Allgeier (Red Street), Kevin Callahan (Pamal Broadcasting), Victoria Cappelli (AEG), Paisley Dunn (Seven Mountains Media), Nathan James (DBC Radio/WUBB), Brittani Koster (Big Loud), Charlie Maxx (Forever Media/WXCY), Gemma McInturff (Spotify), Caitlin Fisher (Cox Media Group), Jennifer Shaffer (BMG/BBR Music Group/Wheelhouse Records), Kathleen Shea (SiriusXM), Bryan Webb (Today’s Country Radio/The Kelleigh Bannen Show) and Adam Wilbur (Compass Media Networks).
Returning to the committee will be Emily Cohen (Amazon Music), Karina Farias-Dey (Edison Research), Tim Foisset (Warner Music Nashville), Alek Halverson (iHeartMedia/KAJA), Nicole Michalik (Beasley/WXTU), Ashley Morrison (iHeartMedia/WFUS) and Nick Steele (Audacy/KWJJ).
Additionally, Foisset will lead the agenda content for the Digital Music Summit, which will return on the first day of CRS 2024, taking place Feb. 28–March 1.
Texas Songwriters Hall Of Fame Announces 2024 Class Of Honorees
/by Lorie HollabaughThe 2024 Class of Honorees into the Texas Songwriters Hall of Fame have been announced and include Eric Johnson, Jack Ingram, Jon Randall, Ruthie Foster and Terry McBride.
The Hall of Fame induction event Feb. 24, 2024 includes a two-day celebration that brings together the latest class of songwriters who represent the spirit of Texas into the spotlight for a unique ceremony and inducts them into the TxHSA Hall of Fame. The show will also include special performances to be announced soon.
Past Hall of Fame inductees who have taken the stage for this special event in previous years include Kris Kristofferson, Aaron Barker, Red Steagall, Larry Gatlin, Bruce Robison, Rodney Crowell, Billy Joe Shaver, Willie Nelson, Guy Clark, Michael Martin Murphey, Clint Black, Mac Davis, Lee Roy Parnell, Delbert McClinton, Robert Earl Keen, Lyle Lovett, Ronnie Dunn, K.T. Oslin, Joe Ely, Mickey Newbury, Liz Rose, Ray Wylie Hubbard, Christopher Cross, Steve Earle, Billy F Gibbons, Jerry Jeff Walker, Lefty Frizzell, Radney Foster, and many more.
KBFM Hires Joe Davis & Merges With BootstrapTax
/by Liza AndersonJoe Davis. Photo: Vintage Tree Photography/Meredith Bustillo
Entertainment business and financial management firm KBFM has hired CPA Joe Davis and merged with his company, BootstrapTax, to continue his mission of simplifying CPA services and allow his clients to focus on their creative work.
Davis earned a Bachelor’s degree in business administration as well as a Master’s degree in accountancy from Belmont University. In addition to supporting the firm’s business management clients with all tax matters, he will continue to oversee accounting and tax planning for several small businesses and entrepreneurs, both in and outside the music industry.
“We’ve been looking for the right CPA to bring in-house for over a year now. The addition of Joe and his team elevates our services to a whole new level of tax planning for our clients,” share KBFM Partners Chris King and Mallory Pascal. “We’ll be able to be more strategic and aggressive on the ever-changing landscape of the tax complexities for entertainers.”
Davis can be reached at joe@kbfmgmt.com.
Luke Bryan & Peyton Manning To Host CMA Awards
/by LB CantrellLuke Bryan and Peyton Manning hosting the 56th annual CMA Awards. Photo: Courtesy of CMA
Two-time CMA Entertainer of the Year Luke Bryan and NFL star Peyton Manning will return as hosts for the 57th annual CMA Awards, which is set to air live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on Wednesday, Nov. 8 at 8 p.m. ET/7 p.m. CT on ABC.
This will mark the second year that Bryan and Manning take on hosting duties. Last year’s show totaled 9.7 million viewers and earned a 1.79 rating among adults 18-49, after seven days of viewing across linear and digital platforms.
The eligibility period for this year’s CMA Awards runs from July 1, 2022 to June 30, 2023. CMA members will receive the first nomination ballot and submission instructions on Wednesday, July 5. For more details regarding this year’s ballot timeline, click here.
Emily Falvey Inks With Warner Chappell Music & SMACKSongs
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): Robert Carlton (SMACK), Ben Vaughn (WCM), Carly Sater (SMACK), Jeremy Groves (SMACK), Emily Falvey, Lee Krabel (SMACK), Robin Palmer (SMACK), Phil May (WCM), Christina Wiltshire (WCM), Sam Sarno (SMACK)
Singer-songwriter Emily Falvey has signed a global publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music and SMACKSongs.
Starting her career at Belmont University, Falvey fought her way into the competitive songwriting major, which then led to her landing internships at Warner Chappell Music and SMACKSongs. Through the internships, Falvey introduced her demos to SMACK executives and landed her first publishing deal before she graduated.
With a catalog of over 70 songs recorded over the past five years, Falvey’s genre-bending style has led to recent cuts and collaborations with a cross section of artists, from country artists Walker Hayes and Callista Clark, to leading dance music acts Le Youth and Sick Individuals.
“I’m honored and excited to have the opportunity to continue to build on an extraordinary working relationship with SMACK & bring on a powerhouse partner in Warner Chappell Music,” says Falvey. “I interned with both of these companies in my Belmont years, so it’s special and full circle for me. Thank you to Christian Barker for your wise legal counsel, to Robert Carlton, Robin Palmer and Lee Krabel for your continued belief, to Ben Vaughn and Phil May for your leadership and vision, and to Jeremy Groves and Christina Wiltshire for being fierce day-to-day champions. Overwhelmed with gratitude for this next chapter!”
Falvey has also had sync placements in ABC’s Grey’s Anatomy, CBS’s Love Island USA, NBC’s The Voice and with Cracker Barrel. Throughout her career, she has collaborated with WCM hitmakers Shane McAnally and Nicolle Galyon, as well as Amy Wadge, Sasha Sloan, Tofer Brown, Jimmy Robbins, Emily Weisband, Mat Kearney, David Hodges, Paul DiGiovanni, and many more.
Falvey co-wrote MacKenzie Porter’s 2020 single “Seeing Other People,” which reached No. 1 on the Canadian Country Airplay Chart and earned her a Publisher’s Pick nomination at the 2020 AIMP Nashville Country Awards. She was also selected as a member of the AIMP Nashville Songwriter Series class of 2019, a YEP Favorite songwriter and a member of The Nashville Briefing’s 30 Under 30 List.
“Emily is the total package,” says Wiltshire, Senior Director of A&R at Warner Chappell Music Nashville. “She’s supremely talented, business-minded, positive, multi-faceted, and multi-genre. Not to mention, she’s a wonderful human and a joy to be around. I’m honored to be on her team.”
Palmer, Chief Creative Officer at SMACKSongs, says, “We’re excited to enter the next chapter with a special talent like Emily Falvey. Warner Chappell feels like a natural fit as a partner and we’re looking forward to working with Ben, Christina, and the entire Warner Chappell team!”