Grammy-nominated songwriter Laura Veltz has launched a new podcast Songwriter Soup in partnership with American Songwriter, consisting of new hour-long episodes every Monday.
Joined by co-hosts Tracy Hackney and Kevin Sokolnicki, the podcast offers insights into sparing your sanity and saving money in the songwriting business. The first season will feature acclaimed songwriters Luke Dick, Luke Laird, Lori McKenna, Jimmy Robbins and Andy Albert.
“We all have thousands, if not millions, of songs living in our brains – they become familiar to sing and impactful enough to connect you back to key moments within your life’s story and yet, most people don’t know of the many great creators and poets behind their favorite lyrics,” shares Veltz.
Named Billboard’s 2022 Songwriter of the Year, Veltz has worked with some of music’s biggest stars including Demi Lovato, Maren Morris, Idina Menzel and more. In 2020, she took home the ACM and CMA Awards for Song of the Year, and BMI’s Award for Pop Song of the Year in 2021. Veltz became the first woman to claim the No. 1 spot on Billboard’s Top Country Songwriters chart for “The Bones.”
“Songwriters are such a secret that most of us remember the moment we realized songwriting is an actual job and we generally have no idea how to get started, let alone navigate the complexities of the business along the way,” she says. “With Songwriter Soup, my hope is that some of the things we’ve distilled into words help songwriters live a little bit better, a little easier and enjoy this incredible opportunity to be the world’s emotional interpreter.”
As an audio engineer, Sokolnicki has worked with artists such as Randy Travis, Kenny Rogers and Lynda Carter, among others, while Hackney serves as a financial advisor for artists, songwriters, producers and music business executives. Together, they bring more than three decades of experience to the podcast.
“I cannot count the number of times I’ve heard a songwriter say they have no idea how their recorded songs will pay them or if it will pay them at all,” says Hackney. “Songwriter Soup is designed to pull back the curtain on both the money and creative side of songwriting. Whether you’re a longtime songwriter with multiple hits who is dealing with complex business, creative and financial decisions or the avid music fan who wants to know more about how songs get to your ears, we’re digging in with some fun, fascinating people to understand this career that has vital impact on all of our lives.”
“A songwriter’s path is full of uncertainty and comes with highs and lows creatively, socially and especially financially,” adds Sokolnicki. “That kind of shaky ground can lead to all kinds of anxiety and decisions that leave you questioning everything. This podcast is made for anyone on a creative journey who might need a little encouragement and sound financial advice.”
Reservoir Signs Grammy-Nominated Writer-Producer Christian Stalnecker [Exclusive]
/by LB CantrellPictured (L-R): Greg Gallo (Reservoir), Beth St. Jean (Reservoir), T.D. Ruth (attorney with Serling Rooks Hunter McKoy Worob & Averill LLP), Christian Stalnecker, John Ozier (Reservoir)
Reservoir has announced the signing of with Grammy-nominated writer-producer Christian Stalnecker. The publishing deal includes Stalnecker’s future works, as well as several previous releases including the No. 1 hits “Thank God” by Kane Brown with Katelyn Brown, “Different Man” by Kane with Blake Shelton and “Rescue Me” by Chris Young, among others.
With Kane and Katelyn Brown’s “Thank God,” Stalnecker earned his first No. 1 as a songwriter. The tune held the top spot on Country Airplay for two weeks and also reached No. 13 on the Hot 100, No. 21 on Mediabase’s Top 40 radio chart and No. 26 on American Top 40 Hot AC chart, demonstrating its success across genres.
Stalnecker began his career in a Christian revival family band before beginning to pursue pop music in high school. He landed support slots on tours with Destiny’s Child, Christina Aguilera, the Backstreet Boys and more. After relocating to Los Angeles, he wrote for artists such as El DeBarge and Dreezy. Since moving to Nashville, Stalnecker has collaborated with artists such as T-Pain, Rick Ross, Wale, Kane Brown, Chris Young and many more. Stalnecker was nominated for a Grammy for Best R&B Album for Second Chance by El DeBarge.
Of the deal, Stalnecker says, “As a southern boy from Florida, who grew up on a bus in Christian music, who wound up being a pop artist, who wrote R&B and hip-hop songs, who ended up with country hits—I am thrilled to work with the Reservoir team to continue writing across genres from Nashville.” He adds, “I can’t think of a better crew to do it with. There’s a bright future ahead for all of us, and excited to be on this journey with this team.”
Reservoir EVP of Creative, John Ozier, shares, “Christian has an innate ability to write melodies that transcend genres. His recent Kane and Katelyn Brown hit is exactly the kind of song Christian is so adept at creating—music that has massive crossover appeal. We are so excited to be supporting him as he continues to write hits in multiple formats.”
Luke Combs Makes History With 15th Consecutive No. 1 ‘Going, Going, Gone’
/by Lorie HollabaughLuke Combs Photo: Jeremy Cowart
Luke Combs continues his record-breaking run at country radio this week as his single, “Going, Going, Gone,” reaches the top of the charts, marking his 15th consecutive No. 1. The tune was co-written by Combs with Ray Fulcher and James McNair, and hit the top of the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart on three different occasions.
The feat is the longest consecutive streak of No. 1 hits for an artist since their debut single, and makes Combs one of the fastest to accumulate 15 No. 1s, joining the ranks of Garth Brooks, Alan Jackson and Alabama.
Combs is having another monumental year, and will release his new album, Gettin’ Old, a companion to his acclaimed 2022 record, Growin’ Up, next Friday, March 24 via River House Artists/Columbia Nashville. Produced by Combs, Chip Matthews and Jonathan Singleton, Gettin’ Old is Combs’ fourth full-length album following Growin’ Up, 2019’s triple Platinum What You See is What You Get and his 4x Platinum debut, This One’s For You. Ahead of the release next Friday, Combs has unveiled three additional album tracks, including “Joe,” “Growin’ Up and Gettin’ Old” and “Love You Anyway.”
The superstar will kick off his massive world tour next weekend with sixteen North American stadium shows, which sold out immediately. With 39 shows across three continents and 16 countries, the record-breaking run is one of the largest tours ever for a country artist.
Top 10 Hold Steady On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart
/by LB CantrellMorgan Wallen. Photo: Ryan Smith
The hitmakers filling the top 10 on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart hold their positions this week.
Morgan Wallen notches his fourth week at No. 1. He is a co-writer of an impressive eight currently charting songs—six of which are his own with the other two being “Brown Eyes Baby” (Keith Urban) and “Wild As Her” (Corey Kent).
The top five also includes Ashley Gorley (No. 2), Zach Bryan (No. 3), Luke Combs (No. 4) and Michael Hardy (No. 5).
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.
Honorees Announced For 2023 Country Radio Hall Of Fame
/by LB CantrellAs Country Radio Seminar begins in downtown Nashville, the Country Radio Broadcasters announced the honorees for the 2023 Country Radio Hall of Fame. Kelsea Ballerini joined Country Radio Hall of Fame co-chairs Joel Raab and Tim Roberts during the CRS Honors to reveal the honorees.
The list includes six radio professionals in two categories: On-Air personality and Radio (Off-Air broadcasters). Pam Green, Charlie Morgan, Wade Jessen and John Willyard are among the distinguished radio category honorees, while Trish Biondo and Dollar Bill Lawson are recognized for their outstanding on-air contributions.
“We are thrilled to honor this year’s inductees, whose contributions to the country radio industry have been significant and impactful. Their contributions have helped shape the industry, and we look forward to recognizing their achievements at the induction ceremony later this year,” shares Raab.
The Country Radio Hall of Fame is dedicated to the recognition of those individuals who have made significant contributions to the country radio/music industry over a 20-year period, 15 of which must be in the country format. The honorees will be heralded at the Country Radio Hall of Fame Induction and Dinner on Monday, July 10, at the Virgin Hotel Nashville. More information on the event, including ticket information, will be released closer to the event.
Weekly Register: Morgan Wallen Dominates The Country Charts
/by Liza AndersonMorgan Wallen continues to dominate both the country streaming songs chart and the country albums chart this week according to Luminate data.
Wallen makes up the top 5 on country streaming songs chart as “Last Night” remains at No. 1 with 41 million new streams adding to 151 million rotations to date, which puts it at No. 2 on the all-genre chart. “Thinkin’ Bout Me” claims No. 2 on the country songs chart with 20 million streams, and “One Thing At A Time” notches No. 3 with 20 million new streams and 107 million rotations to date. “Ain’t That Some” lands at No. 4 with 19 million as “You Proof” moves to No. 5 with 18 million new streams and 465 million rotations to date.
Three of Wallen’s projects top the country albums chart with his latest release One Thing At A Time landing at No. 1 with 501K in total consumption (111K album only/483 million song streams), earning the biggest album debut since Taylor Swift’s Midnights in 2022 and the biggest country album debut since Swift’s Red.
His Dangerous: The Double Album moves to No. 2 with 46K (2.3K album only/57 million song streams), bumping Zach Bryan‘s American Heartbreak down to No. 3 with 31K (6.5K album only/31 million song streams). Bailey Zimmerman‘s Leave The Light On takes No. 4 with 18K (752 album only/22 million song streams), and Wallen’s If I Know Me stays at No. 5 with 17K (1.1K album only/21 million song streams).
Laura Veltz Launches ‘Songwriter Soup’ Podcast With ‘American Songwriter’
/by Caela GriffinGrammy-nominated songwriter Laura Veltz has launched a new podcast Songwriter Soup in partnership with American Songwriter, consisting of new hour-long episodes every Monday.
Joined by co-hosts Tracy Hackney and Kevin Sokolnicki, the podcast offers insights into sparing your sanity and saving money in the songwriting business. The first season will feature acclaimed songwriters Luke Dick, Luke Laird, Lori McKenna, Jimmy Robbins and Andy Albert.
“We all have thousands, if not millions, of songs living in our brains – they become familiar to sing and impactful enough to connect you back to key moments within your life’s story and yet, most people don’t know of the many great creators and poets behind their favorite lyrics,” shares Veltz.
Named Billboard’s 2022 Songwriter of the Year, Veltz has worked with some of music’s biggest stars including Demi Lovato, Maren Morris, Idina Menzel and more. In 2020, she took home the ACM and CMA Awards for Song of the Year, and BMI’s Award for Pop Song of the Year in 2021. Veltz became the first woman to claim the No. 1 spot on Billboard’s Top Country Songwriters chart for “The Bones.”
“Songwriters are such a secret that most of us remember the moment we realized songwriting is an actual job and we generally have no idea how to get started, let alone navigate the complexities of the business along the way,” she says. “With Songwriter Soup, my hope is that some of the things we’ve distilled into words help songwriters live a little bit better, a little easier and enjoy this incredible opportunity to be the world’s emotional interpreter.”
As an audio engineer, Sokolnicki has worked with artists such as Randy Travis, Kenny Rogers and Lynda Carter, among others, while Hackney serves as a financial advisor for artists, songwriters, producers and music business executives. Together, they bring more than three decades of experience to the podcast.
“I cannot count the number of times I’ve heard a songwriter say they have no idea how their recorded songs will pay them or if it will pay them at all,” says Hackney. “Songwriter Soup is designed to pull back the curtain on both the money and creative side of songwriting. Whether you’re a longtime songwriter with multiple hits who is dealing with complex business, creative and financial decisions or the avid music fan who wants to know more about how songs get to your ears, we’re digging in with some fun, fascinating people to understand this career that has vital impact on all of our lives.”
“A songwriter’s path is full of uncertainty and comes with highs and lows creatively, socially and especially financially,” adds Sokolnicki. “That kind of shaky ground can lead to all kinds of anxiety and decisions that leave you questioning everything. This podcast is made for anyone on a creative journey who might need a little encouragement and sound financial advice.”
Gary Mule Deer Joins The Grand Ole Opry Family
/by Lorie HollabaughGary Mule Deer with family and friends as he is welcomed into the Grand Ole Opry. Photo: Chris Hollo
Comedian Gary Mule Deer was officially inducted into the Grand Ole Opry on Friday, March 10 by his friend and Opry member Vince Gill.
“This is a dream come true for Gary,” said Gill. “Comedy, the people who make us laugh have been a huge part of the Grand Ole Opry for these 97 years plus. This place is special. You will be blessed by the family that you are going to inherit from this day forward. On behalf of all of us, congratulations on becoming the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry.”
“I think this is the first time a GOAT has inducted a Mule Deer,” joked the inductee as the crowd laughed. “Greatest of all time, right back there,” he continued in reference to Gill.
“There is not enough time to tell you what this means to me. I have been doing this over 60 years and there have been certain pinnacles of my life like my first Tonight Show, meeting my wife Nita, going on the road with Johnny Mathis for 30 something years in the orchestra. Then this … Thank you all. Thank you so much! This is the best. It doesn’t get any better than this,” concluded Mule Deer.
Mule Deer and Henry Cho, who was inducted last month, were surprised in January with invitations to join the Opry by Marty Stuart. The two have each played the Opry more than 100 times and are the first comedians to be inducted as members of the Opry since comedian Jerry Clower joined nearly 50 years ago.
C2C Festival Set To Return In 2024
/by Lorie HollabaughThomas Rhett, Lady A and Zac Brown Band headlined the 2023 festival. The event continues to bring country music to the United Kingdom and Ireland masses, with tens of thousands of fans attending every year. Once again, C2C will host three days of performances from the world’s best country stars as well as emerging talent from Nashville, UK and Europe.
Early bird tickets will be available this Friday, March 17, and can be purchased from gigsandtours.com, AXS.com and ticketmaster.co.uk. For Belfast, tickets will be available via ticketmaster.ie.
Jake Worthington Slates Self-Titled Debut Album For April
/by Lorie HollabaughJake Worthington. Photo: Jim Wright
Jake Worthington is set to release his self-titled debut album on April 7 via Big Loud Records.
This Friday (March 17), he will give fans a taste of what’s to come, releasing two of his two-stepping standouts from the new collection, “State You Left Me In” and “Next New Thing.” Worthington co-wrote all but one track on the 13-song debut, which was produced by Joey Moi and features a collaboration with labelmate Ernest on “Pop Goes The Whiskey.”
Raised in La Porte, Texas on a steady diet of classic country, from Ray Price to Merle Haggard and the Georges (Jones and Strait), Worthington began honing his craft in his mid-teens, bringing pure country devotion to writing rooms alongside Roger Springer, David Lee Murphy, Wyatt McCubbin, Jake Doucet, Jessi Alexander and more.
“I don’t mind being a dark horse,” Worthington says. “Blame it on my raising, but I think there ought to be room for country in country music.”
Worthington has also popped up on several projects for other artists in Music City, including guest spots on Hixtape: Vol. 2 with Ronnie Dunn and Jake Owen on the rowdy “Jonesin’,” Dunn’s 2022 album 100 Proof Neon on “Honky Tonk Town” and Ernest’s 2023 extension Flower Shops (The Album): Two Dozen Roses on “Heartache In My 100 Proof.”
Jake Worthington Track Listing:
Universal Music Publishing Nashville Signs Lydia Sutherland
/by Liza AndersonPictured (L-R): UMPG Nashville’s Troy Tomlinson, Lydia Sutherland, UMPG Nashville’s Cyndi Forman. Photo: Courtesy of Universal Music Publishing Nashville
Universal Music Publishing Nashville has signed an exclusive, global publishing agreement with Nashville-based artist Lydia Sutherland.
The Quebec native first emerged as a much sought-after songwriter in the Canadian music space, which led to her signing a recording contract with Universal Music Canada. She was recently named a semi-finalist of SiriusXM’s Top of the Country competition.
“Lydia walked into my office one day last year and absolutely blew my mind with her lyrics and ideas in every song she played me,” shares Cyndi Forman, Senior Vice President A&R, UMPG Nashville. “I couldn’t get the songs out of my head and knew I had to sign her. I am thrilled she’s joining the team!”
“From the first day I walked into UMPG and sat down with Cyndi I felt like I first and foremost met a friend and supporter for life but also found the perfect home for me and my songs,” adds Sutherland. “It’s still so hard to comprehend how this all happened and how I ended up with this dream team. All I can say is that I am incredibly grateful and beyond excited for this new journey to start!”