Turnpike Troubadours. Photo: David McClister
Turnpike Troubadours will release their new album, A Cat in the Rain, on Aug. 25 via Bossier City Records/Thirty Tigers.
On the tracks, “Mean Old Sun,” is available now, along with its music video directed by Sterlin Harjo and filmed at Tulsa’s Cain’s Ballroom.
Produced by Shooter Jennings, A Cat in the Rain marks a long-awaited return for the band following their self-imposed hiatus in 2019. With these ten new songs, the band renews with a fresh perspective on their authentic songwriting and signature foot-stomping sound fans have come to know and love.
Pioneers of the Red Dirt music scene, Turnpike Troubadours has amassed more than 1.5 billion global streams and over 1.28 million equivalent units sold to-date. Originally from Tahlequah, Oklahoma, members of group include Evan Felker (vocals, guitar), Kyle Nix (fiddle), Ryan Engleman (electric guitar), RC Edwards (bass), Gabe Pearson (drums) and Hank Early (accordion).
The band is slated to headline shows at New York’s Beacon Theater, Washington D.C.’s The Anthem, Los Angeles’ Greek Theater and more, including two nights Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium and three nights at Fort Worth’s Billy Bob’s this fall. They will also perform at the Newport Folk Festival, Born & Raised Music Festival, Memphis Mempho Music Festival and Darius Rucker’s Riverfront Revival Music Festival.
A Cat In The Rain Track Listing:
1. “Mean Old Sun”
2. “Brought Me”
3. “Lucille”
4. “Chipping Mill”
5. “The Rut”
6. “A Cat in the Rain”
7. “Black Sky”
8. “Easy Side Love Song (Bottoms Up)”
9. “Three More Days”
10. “Won’t You Give Me One More Chance”
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.
Dierks Bentley & Miranda Lambert Create Four Songs For CBS’ ‘Fire Country’
/by Lorie HollabaughDierks Bentley and Miranda Lambert have penned four new songs exclusively for the final two episodes of CBS’s popular new TV show Fire Country.
The new songs, which were inspired by the themes of the show, can be heard in the episodes on Friday May 12 and May 19 on CBS and available to stream live and on demand on Paramount+*.
The four songs include “Saved,” written by Jon Randall and Luke Dick; “Still Burning” written by Lambert, Randall and Dick; “Something in the Water” written by Lambert, Bentley, Randall and Dick; and “Barbed Wire Heart” written by Bentley and Randall.
“I’m a huge country music fan! Dierks and Miranda have written and performed some of my all-time favorite songs, so to get the chance to work with them on Fire Country was a dream come true,” says series creator and star, Max Thieriot. “Their songs provide the perfect backdrop for our dramatic conclusion to the season.”
“Dierks and I got together with our buddies Luke Dick and Jon Randall, and we started writing for Fire Country,” says Lambert. “It’s a different process to write to another storyline that’s already been written and sort of go along with the script. It’s been a cool project!”
“From the moment I saw the very first scenes of the pilot for Fire Country, I knew I wanted to try to write songs for it,” adds Bentley. “Writing for TV stretches different muscles than writing for my own albums. And getting to collaborate with my friends Miranda, Luke Dick and Jon Randall made the whole process explorative and, of course, a lot of fun.”
Bentley and Lambert aren’t the first country artists to join the world of Fire Country. Kane Brown guest-starred on an episode earlier this year.
Cody Hibbard Inks With Sony Music Publishing & Droptine Music
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): Rusty Gaston, Jenna Heideman, Cody Hibbard, Jim Catino, Molly Shehan and Cass Scripps. Photo: Courtesy of Droptine Records
Cody Hibbard has signed a co-venture publishing deal with Sony Music Publishing Nashville and Droptine Music.
The deal comes on the heels of Hibbard’s first release with Droptine, “Looking Back Now.” The Oklahoma native and former pipeline worker will unveil a follow-up single, “We Speak Country,” this Friday, May 12.
“Cody Hibbard’s future is so bright and I’m excited to be part of his creative team,” shares Jim Catino, Droptine Music Founder. “His music and touring are growing exponentially and that is a direct result of his songwriting abilities. I’m so happy to be part of his artist career and now [represent] him as a songwriter as well. I also want to thank Rusty Gaston and Sony Publishing for their continued support of Droptine. It has been an amazing partnership.”
“Cody’s voice is full of grit and heart, and his songs were built for blue collar America. Jim Catino is one of Music Row’s best A&R executives and he’s keeping that streak alive with Cody Hibbard,” says Gaston, Sony Music Publishing Nashville CEO.
“I am thrilled to be joining the Droptine and Sony Music Publishing family, and for the opportunity to work alongside Jim, Rusty and the rest of the crew,” shares Hibbard. “It’s an honor to join such a tremendous team, and I can’t wait for what’s ahead!”
Weekly Register: Zach Bryan Climbs The Country Songs Chart
/by Liza AndersonZach Bryan‘s “Something In The Orange” has jumped to No. 3 on the country streaming songs chart this week with 12 million new streams, adding to 632 million RTD, according to Luminate data.
Morgan Wallen‘s “Last Night” remains at No. 1 with 26 million streams, adding to 386 million RTD, while Luke Combs‘ “Fast Car” cover stays at No. 2 with 14 million streams, adding to its 74 million RTD. Wallen’s “Thinkin’ Bout Me” moves to No. 4 with 12 million new streams, adding to 129 million RTD, and “You Proof” lands at No. 5 with 12 million streams, adding to its 569 million RTD.
Once again, the top five country albums remain the same this week.
Wallen’s One Thing At A Time rests at No. 1 with 138K in total consumption (5.4K album only/166 million song streams), and Dangerous: The Double Album stays at No. 2 with 47K (1.3K album only/59 million song streams). Combs’ Gettin’ Old holds No. 3 with 37K (3K album only/42 million song streams). Bryan’s American Heartbreak continues at No. 4 with 28K (1.5K album only/34 million song streams), and Taylor Swift‘s Red (Taylor’s Version) persists at No. 5 with 22K (3.8K album only/24 million song streams).
UTA Signs Graham Barham
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): UTA’s Jack Arnett, Haley Fairman, Kyle Levinsohn, Fngrprnt’s Dillon Goldberg, Graham Barham, UTA’s Lauren Holland, Lolo McClusky and Curt Motley. Photo: Navid Sharbatdar for UTA
Singer-songwriter Graham Barham has signed with UTA for worldwide representation in all areas. Barham also recently inked a global publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music and Cornman Music.
Born and raised in the rural Louisiana village of Oak Ridge, Barham grew up on his family’s farm and started singing in church at a young age. He taught himself to play guitar and was writing songs by the age of 10, mining inspiration from artists like George Strait as well as heavy hitters in the pop world.
Barham moved to Nashville at 18 to pursue a songwriting career. His debut project, produced primarily by Will Bundy, includes his breakout single, “Preachers Need People” and “Beer By My Bed,” a slow-burning, gritty portrait of post-blackout regret.
The rising 24-year-old artist will make his first CMA Fest appearance June 9 on the Hard Rock Stage.
Turnpike Troubadours To Return With New Album ‘A Cat In The Rain’
/by Lorie HollabaughTurnpike Troubadours. Photo: David McClister
Turnpike Troubadours will release their new album, A Cat in the Rain, on Aug. 25 via Bossier City Records/Thirty Tigers.
On the tracks, “Mean Old Sun,” is available now, along with its music video directed by Sterlin Harjo and filmed at Tulsa’s Cain’s Ballroom.
Produced by Shooter Jennings, A Cat in the Rain marks a long-awaited return for the band following their self-imposed hiatus in 2019. With these ten new songs, the band renews with a fresh perspective on their authentic songwriting and signature foot-stomping sound fans have come to know and love.
Pioneers of the Red Dirt music scene, Turnpike Troubadours has amassed more than 1.5 billion global streams and over 1.28 million equivalent units sold to-date. Originally from Tahlequah, Oklahoma, members of group include Evan Felker (vocals, guitar), Kyle Nix (fiddle), Ryan Engleman (electric guitar), RC Edwards (bass), Gabe Pearson (drums) and Hank Early (accordion).
The band is slated to headline shows at New York’s Beacon Theater, Washington D.C.’s The Anthem, Los Angeles’ Greek Theater and more, including two nights Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium and three nights at Fort Worth’s Billy Bob’s this fall. They will also perform at the Newport Folk Festival, Born & Raised Music Festival, Memphis Mempho Music Festival and Darius Rucker’s Riverfront Revival Music Festival.