Tigirlily Gold. Photo: Courtesy of MusicRow.
Tigirlily Gold, made up of sisters Kendra and Krista Slaubaugh, has been cultivating their craft for over a decade. Their latest EP Blonde is due out June 23.
Today (March 24), the duo unveiled the gilded title track and its music video. Ahead of the single’s official debut, they stopped by MusicRow after wrapping up their “Introducing Tigirlily Gold: The Tour Presented by Lee” to share a little bit about themselves and Blonde. Partially inspired by Dolly Parton, the project presents the idea that being blonde doesn’t just mean having a specific hair color, but having a fun, bright outlook on life as well as a kind presence. The EP will transform into a full record later this year.
Growing up, Kendra sang in church and participated in music competitions. Krista began playing guitar and writing songs at the age of 10, and accompanied her sister to various shows. The girls, who are two years apart, then started writing and singing together, and officially formed Tigirlily Gold (formerly known as Tigirlily) when they were 14 and 16. Influenced by Sugarland, Lady A, Taylor Swift, The Wreckers and more, the pair found themselves accumulating a collection of original music and began uploading videos to YouTube and playing county fairs in addition to local gigs around their home state of North Dakota.
Tigirlily Gold eventually began making trips to Music City, recording independently, until they moved full-time to attend Belmont University in 2017. They immersed themselves in the bustle of Broadway, playing at bars such as Nudies and booking a weekly residence at Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row, developing a loyal fanbase along the way. When referring to their forthcoming album, the sisters noted, “We didn’t cut anything we didn’t want to play out live, just because we’re so live-focused.”
In 2020, they graduated from Belmont and began posting their tunes to TikTok when the pandemic hit and live shows paused. They amassed a ton of attention and signed with Monument Records, helmed by established industry executives Shane McAnally and Jason Owen, and released their self-titled EP in 2021. Tigirlily Gold remained Broadway regulars for a year after their Monument signing, landing a publishing deal with McAnally’s SmackSongs and Kobalt. To this day, they still plan to keep making appearances downtown.
“That was what we depended on for so long. That was our life, so it’s really hard to give it up,” the two noted.
Their hit single “Shoot Tequila,” was the second-most-added single, tied with Morgan Wallen’s “Last Night,” when it impacted country radio this month.
“[‘Shoot Tequila’] is a song inspired by playing in the honky-tonks for a long time. You play down there for so long that you think ‘What is it about ‘Man! I Feel Like A Woman!’ and ‘Friends In Low Places’ or those kinds of songs that make people light up whether they’re a country music lover or not? How do we capture that?’ That’s how ‘Shoot Tequila’ came to be.”
Written by the girls alongside David Mescon and Kevin Griffin, the salt-rimmed track is featured on the four-track EP.
“As sisters who’ve been playing for so long, what we want to bring to country music is that girl group energy and fun vibe, but there’s also a time to be vulnerable,” shared the girls. Vulnerability will really come into play in the latter half of Blonde with the heartbreakingly captivating “I Tried A Ring On,” which they wrote with Josh Jenkins and Pete Good, who co-produced the record alongside McAnally and Alex Kline.
“The whole idea behind the music is to be empowering and bold, and know it’s okay to poke fun at yourself and that if you’re going through a hard time, you’ll make it through. We say blonde is a state of mind, you don’t actually have to be blonde.”
Blonde EP Track Listing:
1. “Blonde” (Kendra Jo Slaubaugh, Krista Jade Slaubaugh, Alex Kline, Scott Stepakoff)
2. “Hometown Song” (Kendra Jo Slaubaugh, Krista Jade Slaubaugh, Alex Kline, Scott Stepakoff)
3. “Move On” (Kendra Jo Slaubaugh, Krista Jade Slaubaugh, Alex Kline, Scott Stepakoff)
4. “Shoot Tequila” (Kendra Jo Slaubaugh, Krista Jade Slaubaugh, Kevin Griffin, David Mescon)
On The Row: Tigirlily Gold Embodies The ‘Blonde’ Mentality With New EP
/by Liza AndersonTigirlily Gold. Photo: Courtesy of MusicRow.
Tigirlily Gold, made up of sisters Kendra and Krista Slaubaugh, has been cultivating their craft for over a decade. Their latest EP Blonde is due out June 23.
Today (March 24), the duo unveiled the gilded title track and its music video. Ahead of the single’s official debut, they stopped by MusicRow after wrapping up their “Introducing Tigirlily Gold: The Tour Presented by Lee” to share a little bit about themselves and Blonde. Partially inspired by Dolly Parton, the project presents the idea that being blonde doesn’t just mean having a specific hair color, but having a fun, bright outlook on life as well as a kind presence. The EP will transform into a full record later this year.
Growing up, Kendra sang in church and participated in music competitions. Krista began playing guitar and writing songs at the age of 10, and accompanied her sister to various shows. The girls, who are two years apart, then started writing and singing together, and officially formed Tigirlily Gold (formerly known as Tigirlily) when they were 14 and 16. Influenced by Sugarland, Lady A, Taylor Swift, The Wreckers and more, the pair found themselves accumulating a collection of original music and began uploading videos to YouTube and playing county fairs in addition to local gigs around their home state of North Dakota.
Tigirlily Gold eventually began making trips to Music City, recording independently, until they moved full-time to attend Belmont University in 2017. They immersed themselves in the bustle of Broadway, playing at bars such as Nudies and booking a weekly residence at Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row, developing a loyal fanbase along the way. When referring to their forthcoming album, the sisters noted, “We didn’t cut anything we didn’t want to play out live, just because we’re so live-focused.”
In 2020, they graduated from Belmont and began posting their tunes to TikTok when the pandemic hit and live shows paused. They amassed a ton of attention and signed with Monument Records, helmed by established industry executives Shane McAnally and Jason Owen, and released their self-titled EP in 2021. Tigirlily Gold remained Broadway regulars for a year after their Monument signing, landing a publishing deal with McAnally’s SmackSongs and Kobalt. To this day, they still plan to keep making appearances downtown.
“That was what we depended on for so long. That was our life, so it’s really hard to give it up,” the two noted.
Their hit single “Shoot Tequila,” was the second-most-added single, tied with Morgan Wallen’s “Last Night,” when it impacted country radio this month.
“[‘Shoot Tequila’] is a song inspired by playing in the honky-tonks for a long time. You play down there for so long that you think ‘What is it about ‘Man! I Feel Like A Woman!’ and ‘Friends In Low Places’ or those kinds of songs that make people light up whether they’re a country music lover or not? How do we capture that?’ That’s how ‘Shoot Tequila’ came to be.”
Written by the girls alongside David Mescon and Kevin Griffin, the salt-rimmed track is featured on the four-track EP.
“As sisters who’ve been playing for so long, what we want to bring to country music is that girl group energy and fun vibe, but there’s also a time to be vulnerable,” shared the girls. Vulnerability will really come into play in the latter half of Blonde with the heartbreakingly captivating “I Tried A Ring On,” which they wrote with Josh Jenkins and Pete Good, who co-produced the record alongside McAnally and Alex Kline.
“The whole idea behind the music is to be empowering and bold, and know it’s okay to poke fun at yourself and that if you’re going through a hard time, you’ll make it through. We say blonde is a state of mind, you don’t actually have to be blonde.”
Blonde EP Track Listing:
1. “Blonde” (Kendra Jo Slaubaugh, Krista Jade Slaubaugh, Alex Kline, Scott Stepakoff)
2. “Hometown Song” (Kendra Jo Slaubaugh, Krista Jade Slaubaugh, Alex Kline, Scott Stepakoff)
3. “Move On” (Kendra Jo Slaubaugh, Krista Jade Slaubaugh, Alex Kline, Scott Stepakoff)
4. “Shoot Tequila” (Kendra Jo Slaubaugh, Krista Jade Slaubaugh, Kevin Griffin, David Mescon)
Robert Earl Keen Band Announces New LP, Honored By Texas House Of Representatives
/by Steven BoeroRobert Earl Keen may have retired from touring, but he plans on staying in the studio as he has announced his latest LP, Western Chill, is set to drop on April 14.
The brand new full-length album will include an accompanying performance video of the entire album, a detailed songbook for folks at home to sing and play along, and an accompanying 92-page, full-color graphic novel. It’s a treasure trove of material from Keen and his band; but he wants to be very clear about what Western Chill is not: a ‘swan song.’
At this point in his life and career, his goal is to savor every moment, catch his breath, and fully take in the long-awaited splendor and freedom to write and create to his heart’s content without having to fall lockstep into a grinding tour schedule.
Beginning today—and up until its April 14th release—the Western Chill box set is available for pre-order from Keen’s own label, Scriptorium Rex. Included in the boxed set is a gatefold vinyl of Western Chill, a DVD of the band’s full album performance, the Western Chill songbook, and the album’s accompanying graphic novel. It should also be clearly noted that the record is a collector’s edition available in physical form.
Picutred (L-R): Porter Garner, Clara Keen, Robert Earl Keen, Kathleen Keen, Dr. Tyler Cooper. Photo: Courtesy of IVPR
Keen was also recently honored on Texas House of Representatives floor for his outstanding contributions to Texas music on Tuesday, March 21.
The Texas House Resolution, HR102, honoring Keen begins as such, “WHEREAS, Renowned Texas musician Robert Earl Keen brought 41 years of touring to a triumphant close in 2022, bidding a fond and bittersweet farewell to cheering fans all across the country; and WHEREAS, A Houston native, Mr. Keen first picked up a guitar during his freshman year at Texas A&M University; he began playing around town, and after graduation, he took a day job in Austin, honed his chops, and won the prestigious Kerrville Folk Festival New Folk Songwriting Competition…”
His wife Kathleen; daughter Clara; Porter Garner, CEO and President of The Former Students Association of Texas A&M University; and Dr. Tyler Cooper, President and CEO of the Cooper Aerobics and Cooper Clinic in Dallas, Texas, were all escorted to the floor of the Texas House of Representatives and Resolution 102 was read in Keen’s honor by Rep. Andrew Murr (R-District 53).
Drew Erwin Signs Joint Deal With Warner Chappell Music & Southern Pacific
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): John Strohm (SPM Business & Legal Advisor), Rod Hare (SPM Co-founder), Erland Wanberg (SPM Co-founder & CEO), Christina Wiltshire (WCM Nashville Sr. Director, A&R), Ben Vaughn (WCM Nashville President & CEO), Jonny Insogna (WME Booking Agent)
Drew Erwin has signed a global publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music and Southern Pacific Music.
A Memphis native, Erwin ran front of house and managed production for The Band Camino from 150 cap clubs around the world all the way up to Bridgestone Arena with Dan + Shay in 2020, before the pandemic. During that time off the road he settled into a creative routine and got back in touch with his songwriting and artistry. He subsequently toured as bassist for Nashville-based indie rock band Goldpark and electric guitar/back ground vocalist for indie folk artist Hunter Metts in 2021, while continuing to freelance as an audio engineer between runs for acts such as Restless Road and Dylan Schneider.
In 2022, Erwin toured as bassist for American Idol season 19 winner Chayce Beckham, and opened for acts including Luke Bryan and Luke Combs. He is currently collaborating and recording with producer, artist, and guitarist Sadler Vaden, and plans to release new music soon.
“Drew has some kind of magic that’s hard to explain. I’m such a fan of him and can’t wait to watch him take flight,” says Christina Wiltshire, Senior Director of A&R, Warner Chappell Music Nashville.
“I watched a live performance of Drew on Instagram and invited him to be featured at The Pitch Meeting’s weekly songwriter night,” shares Erland Wanberg, Co-founder and CEO, Southern Pacific Music. “When I saw him perform in person, I knew I had to make something happen. Drew can silence a crowded bar with heart-felt storytelling and raw emotion. His artistry is honest and immensely captivating. I’m honored to partner with Warner Chappell Music and officially launch Southern Pacific Music with such an extraordinary artist.”
“My plan when I left Memphis was to keep my head down, and just try to learn as much as I could about the industry. The lessons and experiences I’ve learned from the road have been invaluable. The plan was to give myself five years to sharpen my skills and be a sponge within my environment. Those five years are up now, and I feel so grateful and ready to put all my efforts into my career as an artist and a songwriter,” says Erwin.
MusicRow’s Rising Women On The Row Brings The Community Together
/by LB CantrellMusicRow‘s Sherod Robertson interviews Lynn-Oliver Cline at Rising Women on the Row. Photo: Steve Lowry
At MusicRow‘s annual Rising Women on the Row breakfast event on Thursday (March 23), more than 500 music business professionals came out to support the 2023 class of honorees. Now in its 10th year, MusicRow honored Big Loud’s Stacy Blythe, Neon Coast’s Martha Earls, WME’s Beth Hamilton, RIAA’s Jackie Jones, Spotify’s Brittany Schaffer and Sony Music Publishing’s Anna Weisband.
Before the program commenced, attendees visited, drank coffee and took photos at the photo booth. When MusicRow Owner/Publisher Sherod Robertson took the stage, he recognized the event’s presenting sponsors, City National Bank and Loeb & Loeb, before introducing featured speaker Lynn Oliver-Cline.
Each honoree was presented their Rising Women on the Row trophy and gave a brief speech. Click here to read Bobby Karl’s recap of the event.
Rising Women on the Row honorees Jackie Jones, Stacy Blythe, Martha Earls, Beth Hamilton, Brittany Schaffer, Anna Weisband with featured speaker Lynn Oliver-Cline. Photo: Steve Lowry
Honoree Stacy Blythe with her family at Rising Women on the Row. Photo: Steve Lowry
Honoree Brittany Schaffer with her family at Rising Women on the Row. Photo: Steve Lowry
Honoree Beth Hamilton with her WME team at Rising Women on the Row. Photo: Steve Lowry
Honoree Jackie Jones with her daughter at Rising Women on the Row. Photo: Steve Lowry
Honoree Martha Earls at Rising Women on the Row. Photo: Steve Lowry
Honoree Anna Weisband with colleagues at Rising Women on the Row. Photo: Steve Lowry
MusicRow‘s 10th annual Rising Women on the Row. Photo: Steve Lowry
MusicRow‘s 10th annual Rising Women on the Row. Photo: Steve Lowry
MusicRow‘s 10th annual Rising Women on the Row. Photo: Steve Lowry
MusicRow‘s 10th annual Rising Women on the Row. Photo: Steve Lowry
MusicRow‘s 10th annual Rising Women on the Row. Photo: Steve Lowry
MusicRow‘s 10th annual Rising Women on the Row. Photo: Steve Lowry
MusicRow‘s 10th annual Rising Women on the Row. Photo: Steve Lowry
Stephen Wilson Jr. Inks With Big Loud, Releases Debut EP ‘Bon Aqua’
/by Lorie HollabaughStephen Wilson Jr. Signs with Big Loud Records, ALJ Management and Range Media Partners. Photo: Brayln Kelly
Stephen Wilson Jr. has signed a label deal with Big Loud Records, and with Alicia Jones at ALJ Management and Jordy Dettmer at Range Media Partners for management representation.
Wilson Jr. has also released his debut EP Bon Aqua. The seven-song collection features six previously-released songs and one new track, “American Gothic,” and was named in-part for the Tennessee town where he penned most of the project.
“Bon Aqua: Good water. Everything starts with good water,” says Wilson Jr. “We are made of mostly water. The world is mostly water. As a microbiologist, I used to test water for pharmaceutical companies and everything from shampoo to aspirin to pet food to anything you can think of requires water. Not just any water… good water. I was in charge of making sure the water was good. In and around Bon Aqua, Tennessee is coincidentally where I wrote and conceived most of this EP and filmed most of the videos and visual aspects. Hence the name, it is known for its good water and it only made sense for it to all start there.”
Wilson Jr. co-wrote “American Gothic” on the new EP with Hailey Whitters, who appears on the song. “Fellow cornfield kid, Hailey Whitters and I met some years ago writing songs and she had this beautiful idea inspired by her favorite Grant Wood painting to showcase parts of the American cultural fabric using nostalgia and the same duality that the painting seems to represent. We ran with it and sang it from the top of our lungs,” he explains.
Photo: Courtesy of Big Loud Records
“The first time I heard Stephen Wilson Jr. was at The Basement a few years back and he absolutely blew me away…. his writing, his songs and his live show is next level,” adds Whitters. “He’s one of a kind and this genre is so much for the better with him in it.”
Self-described as “Death Cab For Country,” Wilson Jr. draws upon indie rock, grunge and country to create a unique sound influenced by artists as diverse as The National, Willie Nelson, and Nirvana. His songs have been recorded by Caitlyn Smith, Brothers Osborne, Old Dominion, Tim McGraw, MacKenzie Porter, Sixpence None the Richer and Leigh Nash.
He is currently on the road supporting Whitters and will hit the road with The Lone Bellow next month before performing at the Bourbon & Beyond Festival and CMA Fest later this year.
BMLG Records Signs Greylan James
/by Caela GriffinPictured (L-R, back row): BMLG’s Allison Jones, Morris Higham Management’s Brandon Morlock, Morris Higham Management’s Clint Higham, Greenberg Traurig’s Jess Rosen, BMLG’s Megan Joyce, Morris Higham Management’s Will Hitchcock; (L-R, front row): BMLG Records’ Jimmy Harnen, Greylan James, BMLG’s Scott Borchetta
BMLG Records, a subsidiary of HYBE America, has announced the signing of Greylan James, a 26-year-old from Knoxville, Tennessee. James joins the imprint’s roster which includes Lady A, Brett Young, Riley Green, Chris Janson and Shane Proffitt.
James was performing around East Tennessee by his early teenage years. Since moving to Music City eight years ago, he has earned cuts from Kenny Chesney (“Happy Does”), Chris Young (“If That Ain’t God), and Cole Swindell (“How Is She”) among others. Following his independently released EP, I Hope She Hears These, James shares his newest track “Undermine” via BMLG. He is represented by Morris Higham Management and WME in Nashville.
“When I was 14 years old, I wrote and mailed Scott Borchetta a letter that told him who I was and why he should sign me,” shares James. “For some reason, I just always had a feeling Scott was going to be part of my career. Now 12 years later, I can’t believe I get to work with him and the incredible BMLG team. “Thank you, Scott, Allison Jones, Julian Raymond, Jimmy Harnen, Ryan Dokke, Andrew Kautz and the rest of the crew for taking this chance on me. I can’t wait for the world to hear what we’re working up and hope folks enjoy ‘Undermine’ in the meantime. I know they’ve been asking for it for a while.”
“This is such an amazing signing! Talk about ‘manifesting’… that Greylan has had the vision and desire to be with Big Machine since he was a young boy is just incredible,” says Scott Borchetta, BMLG Chairman and CEO. “He’s become one of the best young writers in Nashville and his recording career is now lined up to follow his writing success in short order. Welcome to the Machine, Greylan!”
“We had the pleasure of having Greylan play us his huge collection of songs earlier this year and were blown away,” says Harnen, BMLG Records’ President/CEO. “He has an incredibly fresh approach to his writing, yet his body of work is so right at the core. Be sure to check out his killer live show and guitar virtuoso this spring while he’s tour with Old Dominion!”
James will appear at the Big Machine Distillery on March 24 before joining Old Dominion’s “No Bad Vibes Tour,” kicking off next Friday, March 31.
Ashley Eicher Unveils AE Entertainment
/by Caela GriffinPictured: Ashley Eicher Photo Credit: John Shearer
Award-winning on-air personality and producer Ashley Eicher is unveiling her media company, AE Entertainment.
AE Entertainment’s goal is to help clients discover their own voice and message, and to communicate it clearly and authentically through story consulting, media coaching, and content creation. Story consulting, the heart of the company, is where AE Entertainment crafts a compelling narrative with an approach specific to each client.
“For me, it’s all about the story,” Eicher explains. “Whether you are an artist, brand, business executive or influencer, your narrative is the heart of how you communicate and connect with your audience. No one else can tell your story the way you can. Over the last decade, I’ve been lucky enough to meet so many amazing people and help tell their stories both on-camera and as a producer. I get so excited to help my clients find their voice, develop their message and watch them grow their audience.”
As an entertainment correspondent, host, and live event moderator, Eicher has a wealth of experience in media. She has hosted the radio show Guest List Radio with Ashley Eicheron Apple Music. She developed, executive produced, and hosted the ACM Lifting Lives COVID-19 Response Fund video series, Country Music Lives. In addition, she co-hosted and co-founded All Our Favorite People podcast.
AE Entertainment has also worked with Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival, David Nail’s Fighter Series, and more. For more information on AE Entertainment, visit their website.
Corey Kent Earns First No. 1 On MusicRow Radio Chart
/by LB CantrellCorey Kent. Photo: Matthew Berinato
Corey Kent earns his first No. 1 song on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart this week with his explosive single “Wild As Her.”
The tune was written by Morgan Wallen, Kelly Archer and Brett Tyler and was recently certified Platinum by the RIAA. It has garnered over 190 million on-demand streams, landed Kent his first-ever entry onto the Billboard Hot 100, reached No. 15 on the Hot Country Songs Chart and is currently inside the Top 20 on other country radio charts.
Kent was named as a CMT Listen Up Artist for 2023, a Pandora Artist to Watch and was recently nominated for an AIMP Nashville Country Awards for AIMP Rising Artist-Writer of the Year.
Click here to view the latest edition of The MusicRow Weekly containing the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart.
Cody Hibbard Signs With Droptine Recordings
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R:) Droptine Founder Jim Catino; Hibbard’s manager, Jenna Heideman; Cody Hibbard; Hibbard’s attorney Molly Shehan, Milom Horsnell Crow Kelley Beckett Shehan PLC; and agent, UTA’s Cass Scripps. Photo: Courtesy of Droptine Recordings
Cody Hibbard has signed a development deal with Droptine Recordings. Hibbard’s latest release and first on Droptine, “Looking Back Now,” is out now.
The Oklahoma native grew up on his family’s ranch, working from the day he could help shovel until the day he left for the U.S. Naval Academy. After an injury prevented him from a career in the service, Hibbard began working in pipelining. His day job led to a lot of new cities where the only constant was his guitar and the guarantee of a campground or a bar where he would perform for the growing crowds.
“People would say ‘Man, you do not sound how you look,’” Hibbard remembers. “My buddies would respond for me: ‘If you can’t believe how country he sounds when he talks, you ought to hear him sing!’ It helps to have that shock factor that grabs people’s attention at first, but it makes this career worthwhile when it goes beyond that, and the ‘anomaly’ can inspire and relate through the music.”
Music veteran Jim Catino of Droptine Music first discovered Hibbard’s music while diving into streaming services on the lookout for new artists.
“I have never been more excited about artist development than I have since I started my new venture, and I’m particularly excited to sign Cody,” shares Catino. “His energy and passionate delivery of a song caught my ear on a first listen of his hit ‘Dying Breed.’ I knew right away he was a perfect fit for Droptine as well as an artist I could help take things to the next level. He’s a seasoned performer and knows a great song.”
Confirmed: Sony Music Nashville Imprint Arista Nashville Dissolves
/by LB CantrellMusicRow has confirmed that Arista Nashville, an imprint of Sony Music Nashville, has dissolved.
The Artista Nashville roster has included Nate Smith, Megan Moroney, Brooks & Dunn, Old Dominion, Adam Doleac, Ryan Hurd, Seaforth and Morgan Wade. According to a report from Billboard, Old Dominion and Moroney have moved to Columbia while Nate Smith has gone to RCA. Brooks & Dunn, Seaforth, Hurd, Wade and Doleac will be reassigned when they have projects headed to radio.
Sony Music Nashville CEO/Chairman Randy Goodman told Billboard, “RCA, Columbia and Arista are really imprint names that we use for three different promotion teams because that gives you multiple calendars. We’re now targeting our approach to radio to be more strategic.”
Along with the dissolution, Sr. Dir./Promotion & Artist Development Lyndsay Church has exited the company after seven years. Ali O’Connell, Director Of Promotion And Artist Development and Amy Menz, Specialist/Promotion & Artist Development are moving to RCA. Nicole Walden, former RCA Specialist/Promotion & Artist Development, is joining the national team. Lisa Owen, also an Arista Director Of Promotion And Artist Development, is moving to Columbia.