Pictured (L-R, top row): Gus Chancy (Victory Ent.), Chris Perkins (Victory Ent.), Ben Vaughn (WCM), Benji Amaefule (WCM), Alexa Morris (WCM); (L-R, bottom): Matt Wallace (Matchless Pub.), Dan Pellarin, BJ Hill (WCM)
Singer-songwriter and producer Dan Pellarin has signed a global publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music and Matchless Publishing and Artist Development.
Hailing from Long Island, New York, Pellarin has written with artists including Teddy Swims, Kolby Cooper, Pecos & The Rooftops, Lydia Vaughan, David Ray Stevens, Michael Whitworth, Justin Ebach, YX, Brad Rempel, Sam Bergeson, Saliva, Attack Attack!, Roan Ash, Shane Stevens, Karley Scott Collins, Zack Dyer, Brandon Lancaster, Andrew Baylis, Filmore, Atlus and Savage Hands, among many others.
“The ability to play any roll that’s needed in the writing room, and be good at all of them, is very rare,” says BJ Hill, WCM Nashville, VP, A&R. “Dan is really impressive at all facets and does it with a warm yet intense passion for creating great music.”
Matt Wallace of Matchless Publishing and Artist Development, adds, “Danny Pellarin defines multi-faceted in a way no other songwriter or musician I’ve worked with could. No matter the genre, the instrument, or the emotion, he delivers music with a meaning every day he enters the room. Time and time again his ability to mix unapologetic tenacity and unfiltered authenticity with his words, melodies and higher-level knowledge of music theory makes him the next talent to lock your eyes on.”
Peter Strickland Joins BMG/BBR Music Group As General Manager
/by LB CantrellPeter Strickland. Photo: James Isaac Jones Photography
BMG/BBR Music Group has hired Peter Strickland as its new General Manager, effective immediately.
Strickland, who has been working with BMG/BBR Music Group in a consultancy role for almost two years, brings with him decades worth of music industry experience and knowledge. As GM, he will oversee the financial and daily operations of BMG/BBR Music Group, streamline distribution channels and physical-product sales as well as spearhead the label’s comedy initiatives. He reports to Jon Loba, President of BMG Nashville.
Strickland spent several years in upper management at Warner Music Nashville, including time as VP of Sales, VP of Sales & Marketing, SVP of Brand Management & Sales, Executive Vice President/General Manager and Chief Marketing Officer. Additionally, he created two successful comedy imprints and executive produced Jimmy Fallon’s 2013 Grammy Award-winning comedy album, Blow Your Pants Off, before opening his management company, Marathon Talent, in 2018.
“Peter and I worked together early in our career, where I had the chance to see his creativity, passion and energy up close,” says Loba. “Working with him again over the last year as a consultant, it is evident those same qualities burn hotter than ever. Beyond that, he is the consummate team player and was the obvious choice to step into the GM role upon Rick Shedd’s retirement. We couldn’t be more excited to officially bring him into the BMG family!”
“It’s an honor to be asked to join this incredible team,” says Strickland. “Jon Loba has built a great culture at BMG, and in reuniting with Jon, I look forward to contributing to the next chapter.”
Reach Strickland at peter.strickland@bmg.com.
Dan Pellarin Signs With Warner Chappell Music, Matchless Publishing & Artist Development
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R, top row): Gus Chancy (Victory Ent.), Chris Perkins (Victory Ent.), Ben Vaughn (WCM), Benji Amaefule (WCM), Alexa Morris (WCM); (L-R, bottom): Matt Wallace (Matchless Pub.), Dan Pellarin, BJ Hill (WCM)
Singer-songwriter and producer Dan Pellarin has signed a global publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music and Matchless Publishing and Artist Development.
Hailing from Long Island, New York, Pellarin has written with artists including Teddy Swims, Kolby Cooper, Pecos & The Rooftops, Lydia Vaughan, David Ray Stevens, Michael Whitworth, Justin Ebach, YX, Brad Rempel, Sam Bergeson, Saliva, Attack Attack!, Roan Ash, Shane Stevens, Karley Scott Collins, Zack Dyer, Brandon Lancaster, Andrew Baylis, Filmore, Atlus and Savage Hands, among many others.
“The ability to play any roll that’s needed in the writing room, and be good at all of them, is very rare,” says BJ Hill, WCM Nashville, VP, A&R. “Dan is really impressive at all facets and does it with a warm yet intense passion for creating great music.”
Matt Wallace of Matchless Publishing and Artist Development, adds, “Danny Pellarin defines multi-faceted in a way no other songwriter or musician I’ve worked with could. No matter the genre, the instrument, or the emotion, he delivers music with a meaning every day he enters the room. Time and time again his ability to mix unapologetic tenacity and unfiltered authenticity with his words, melodies and higher-level knowledge of music theory makes him the next talent to lock your eyes on.”
Morgan Wallen Suffering Vocal Fold Trauma, Rescheduling Six Weeks Of Shows
/by LB CantrellMorgan Wallen. Photo: Ryan Smith
Morgan Wallen has re-injured his vocal cords following three shows this week and is now under mandatory vocal rest, which has forced him to cancel the next six weeks of shows as well as his appearance at the ACM Awards on Thursday (May 11) and the ACM Lifting Lives fundraiser event (May 10).
Wallen shared the message with his fans via social media on Tuesday (May 9).
“I got some bad news from my doctors at the Vanderbilt Voice Center yesterday. After taking ten days of vocal rest, I performed three shows last weekend in Florida and by the third one I felt terrible. So I went in and got scoped yesterday, and they told me that I re-injured my vocal cords and that I have vocal fold trauma. Their advice is that I go on vocal rest for six weeks, so that’s what I’m going to do,” Wallen shared, adding that he also healing after tearing his LAT (latissimus dorsi) in Australia.
“[The doctors] told me that if I do this the right way, I’ll get back to 100% and they also said that if I don’t listen and I keep singing, then I’ll permanently damage my voice,” he said. “So for the longevity of my career, this is just a choice I had to make. I hate it. But I love you guys, and I appreciate all the support that you always give me. I’ll see you soon and I’ll be back better than ever. God bless you.”
Tickets for Wallen’s original dates will be honored for all rescheduled performances. A 30-day refund window will open at point of purchase when new dates are announced imminently. His team is working to reschedule any missed festival appearances to 2024.
Wallen is nominated for four awards at Thursday’s ACM Awards, including Entertainer of the Year.
Dolly Parton Reveals Title, Release Date & Track List For First-Ever Rock Album
/by LB CantrellPhoto: Vijat Mohindra
Country Music and Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Dolly Parton has revealed details regarding her first-ever rock album.
Parton’s album will be called Rockstar and will release Nov. 17 via Butterfly Records with distribution by Big Machine Label Group. The 30-song collection includes 9 original tracks and 21 iconic rock anthems. Rockstar will be available as a 4 LP set and a 2 CD set, as well as via digital download and on all streaming services. It is available for pre-order now.
Parton will be joined by a slew of musical guests across genres on Rockstar, including Stevie Nicks, Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, Peter Frampton, Sting, John Fogerty, Steven Tyler, Joan Jett & The Blackhearts, Chris Stapleton, Miley Cyrus, Elton John, Lizzo, Linda Perry and many more.
“World On Fire” single artwork. Photo: Vijat Mohindra
Parton shares, “I’m so excited to finally present my first Rock and Roll album Rockstar! I am very honored and privileged to have worked with some of the greatest iconic singers and musicians of all time and to be able to sing all the iconic songs throughout the album was a joy beyond measure. I hope everybody enjoys the album as much as I’ve enjoyed putting it together!”
On Thursday (May 11), Parton will join Garth Brooks to host the 58th Academy of Country Music Awards. She will also close out the night by delivering the world premiere of the debut single from Rockstar, “World on Fire.” The track will be available on Thursday to coincide with the world premiere performance.
Of “World On Fire,” Parton shares, “This is a song I felt very inspired to write. I think it speaks about everything and to everyone this day and time. I hope it is something that will touch you and maybe touch enough people to want to make a change for the better.”
Rockstar Track List:
1. “Rockstar (with special guest Richie Sambora)”
2. “World on Fire”
3. “Every Breath You Take (feat. Sting)”
4. “Open Arms (feat. Steve Perry)”
5. “Magic Man (feat. Ann Wilson with special guest Howard Lee)”
6. “Long As I Can See The Light (feat. John Fogerty)”
7. “Either Or (feat. Kid Rock)”
8. “I Want You Back (feat. Steven Tyler & special guest Warren Haynes)”
9. “What Has Rock And Roll Ever Done For You (feat. Stevie Nicks & special guest Waddy Wachtel)”
10. “Purple Rain”
11. “Baby, I Love Your Way (feat. Peter Frampton)”
12. “I Hate Myself For Loving You (feat. Joan Jett & The Blackhearts)”
13. “Night Moves (feat. Chris Stapleton)”
14. “Wrecking Ball (feat. Miley Cyrus)”
15. “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction (feat. P!nk & Brandi Carlile)”
16. “Keep On Loving You (feat. Kevin Cronin)”
17. “Heart Of Glass (feat. Debbie Harry)”
18. “Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me (feat. Elton John)”
19. “Tried To Rock And Roll Me (feat. Melissa Etheridge)”
20. “Stairway To Heaven (feat. Lizzo & Sasha Flute)”
21. “We Are The Champions”
22. “Bygones (feat. Rob Halford with special guests Nikki Sixx & John 5)”
23. “My Blue Tears (feat. Simon Le Bon)”
24. “What’s Up? (feat. Linda Perry)”
25. “You’re No Good (feat. Emmylou Harris & Sheryl Crow)”
26. “Heartbreaker (feat. Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo)”
27. “Bittersweet (feat. Michael McDonald)”
28. “I Dreamed About Elvis (feat. Ronnie McDowell with special guest The Jordanaires)”
29. “Let It Be (feat. Paul McCartney & Ringo Starr with special guests Peter Frampton & Mick Fleetwood)”
30. “Free Bird (feat. Ronnie Van Zant with special guests Gary Rossington, Artimus Pyle and The Artimus Pyle Band)”
Dolly Parton Launches Partyware Line With Creative Converting
/by Lorie HollabaughPhoto: Courtesy of Creative Converting
Dolly Parton has teamed with paper and party goods supplier Creative Converting on a new line of eco-friendly disposable party supplies.
The Dolly inaugural collection includes a series of floral and musically-inspired paper plates and single-use wooden cutlery, What Would Dolly Do? plates and Be A Diamond in A Rhinestone World napkins, cake toppers, disposable tablecloths, special message banners, beverage kits featuring drink stirrers and coaster kits, wine bag options, treat bags and more.
With an initial rollout on Amazon, the Dolly-inspired collection will also hit retail locations across the U.S. and Canada over the coming weeks.
“I love to celebrate all the seasons of the year with my family and friends. Whether it’s birthdays or holidays, making memories with those you love is what matters most in life. I am excited to bring my new collection of party supplies to your homes and events, and even though I may not be there in person, I’ll be celebrating with you in spirit. Let’s party!” says Parton.
“Creative Converting is excited to partner with Dolly Parton on the launch of her first partyware collection,” says Andy Romjue, President of Hoffmaster. “From celebratory disposable plate and napkin ensembles to reusable party decorations, consumers can now bring the spirit of Dolly Parton to at-home celebrations.”
Ed Sheeran, Luke Combs, Miranda Lambert, More To Perform At ACM Awards
/by LB CantrellEd Sheeran. Photo: Annie Leibovitz
Performers for the 58th Academy of Country Music Awards have been revealed prior to Thursday’s (May 11) event.
Global pop superstar Ed Sheeran will make his debut on the ACM Awards stage in a highly anticipated performance. The star-studded lineup also includes country stars Jason Aldean, Kane Brown, Luke Combs, Cody Johnson, Miranda Lambert, Jelly Roll, Keith Urban, Morgan Wallen, The War And Treaty, Lainey Wilson, Bailey Zimmerman and co-host Dolly Parton, who will close out the night of massive performances by delivering the world premiere of the debut single from her new rock album.
Hosted by Parton and Garth Brooks, the ACM Awards will be free to stream live for a global audience across over 240 countries and territories exclusively on Prime Video and the Amazon Music channel on Twitch on Thursday, May 11 at 7 p.m. ET/6 p.m. CT/4 p.m. PT from Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas. A full rebroadcast of the two-hour show will be available to watch on Prime Video the next day (Friday, May 12), starting at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on the Amazon Music App and for free on Amazon Freevee.
A limited number of tickets are still available for purchase on SeatGeek.
Randy Rogers & Wade Bowen Brew Up ‘Hold My Beer Vol. 3’
/by Lorie HollabaughRogers and Bowen first decided to join forces in 2015 when they released Hold My Beer, Vol. 1. Their newest project, much like the first EP and 2020’s Vol. 2, is a collection made for drinking, dancing and reminiscing, with the artists trading off as they sing about heading to the bar after a broken heart in “I Moved Into A Bar,” or looking back on their youth in “Dumb Kids.” Rhett Akins joins Rogers and Bowen on the track “We Ain’t The Only Ones,” where the trio shout out fellow Texas artists like Miranda Lambert, Willie Nelson and Cody Johnson in their ode to putting in miles on the road.
“Hold my Beer Vol. 3 is finally here,” Rogers shares. “I absolutely love making these records with Wade and am so proud of these songs — we wrote every single one. Listen responsibly. Cheers!”
“If you don’t have fun listening to these songs, I feel sorry for ya,” Bowen adds. “No reason we should have this much fun ‘working!’ I hope you love these songs as much as we love making them. Grab some friends and drink a few for us! Cheers!”
Following the release, the two friends will hit the road on the “Hold My Beer Tour” beginning in July. The trek will run through Texas, kicking off in College Station on July 19 and stopping in Lubbock, Dallas and Corpus Christi as well as Billy Bob’s Texas for two shows in Fort Worth before wrapping in Helotes on Aug. 19.
Hold My Beer Vol. 3 Track Listing:
1. “Shooting Hand” (Randy Rogers, Wade Bowen, Drew Kennedy)
2. “We Ain’t The Only Ones” (Randy Rogers, Wade Bowen, Rhett Akins)
3. “Things That Never Change” (Randy Rogers, Wade Bowen, Brad Clawson)
4. “It’s A Beautiful Day” (Randy Rogers, Wade Bowen, Aaron Raitiere)
5. “I Moved Into A Bar” (Randy Rogers, Wade Bowen, Taylor Phillips)
6. “Dumb Kids” (Randy Rogers, Wade Bowen, Allen Shamblin)
Creative Nation Signs Oscar Charles
/by LB CantrellPictured (L-R): Luke Laird, Abby Holcomb, Alex Tamashunas, Emily Furman, Oscar Charles, Beth Laird, T.D. Ruth (Serling Rooks Hunter McKoy Worob & Averill LLP), Kelsey Granda. Photo: Spencer Combs
Creative Nation has signed songwriter/producer Oscar Charles to its publishing roster.
Charles has written and produced songs for Chase Rice, Elvie Shane, Boy Named Banjo, Madeline Edwards, Hannah Dasher, Carly Pearce, Charlie Worsham, Jacob Powell and more. Born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Charles grew up playing drums and played in various bands. He moved to Nashville in 2010 to attend Belmont University’s Audio Engineering program, and signed his first publishing deal in 2014.
“There’s a unique element to Oscar’s writing that makes his songs memorable and timeless. He is also producing some of the most interesting music coming out of Nashville. He’s a true songwriter and a true producer; we’re inspired by the creative impact he’s making on this community and are thrilled to be on board,” says Emily Furman, Creative Nation’s VP of Creative.
“I’m incredibly grateful to be working with Creative Nation. Finding new champions in both the staff and writers here has been humbling—from the songs that have had such a large impact to the giving back in our local community, this is a music business family I’m proud to call home,” Charles says.
Freeman Wizer Named Senior Creative Director At Sheltered Music
/by Caela GriffinFreeman Wizer
Freeman Wizer has joined Sheltered Music Publishing as Senior Creative Director. The music publishing veteran of more than 20 years brings a significant background of experience and success to the company.
“Freeman is joining us with a wealth of proven leadership working with songwriters and artists, and his extensive knowledge of working with catalog is remarkable,” shares Darrell Franklin, Senior Vice President of Sheltered Music Publishing. “He is passionate, driven and has the creative vision to help us support our growing roster of songwriters and artists.”
Holding both a BBA and MBA from Belmont University, Wizer’s experience includes 12 years at Universal Music Publishing, as well as high level creative roles at Sea Gayle, Spirit and Porchlight. Throughout his career in publishing, Wizer has worked closely with artists and songwriters such as Luke Laird, Brandy Clark, Ingrid Andress, Nathan Chapman, Clint Daniels, Ryan Hurd, Radney Foster, and many more.
“I’m honored to work with accomplished professionals Lance and Darrell,” says Wizer. “Darrell’s ability to recognize great music and passion for songs and songwriters is something I have always respected, while Lance Freed is widely regarded as one of the most respected music publishers. It’s no surprise they have assembled incredible talent at Sheltered and I’m excited to contribute to its continued success.”
Ashley Gorley Reclaims The Top Spot On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart
/by LB CantrellAshley Gorley
Ashley Gorley moves to the No. 1 position on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart this week.
The award-winning songwriter is a co-writer on 12 charting songs, including “All I Need Is You” by Chris Janson, “Girl In Mine” by Parmalee, “God Gave Me A Girl” by Russell Dickerson and “Gold” by Dierks Bentley, as well as eight Morgan Wallen tunes, including “Cowgirls,” “Everything I Love,” “Last Night,” “Me + All Your Reasons,” “One Thing At A Time,” “Thinkin’ Bout Me,” “Whiskey Friends” and “You Proof.”
Morgan Wallen shifts down one spot to No. 2 with 11 charting songs. Ryan Vojtesak (No. 3), Zach Bryan (No. 4) and John Byron (No. 5) complete the top five.
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.