Live In The Vineyard Goes Country (LITVGC) has announced the lineup for this year’s event, set to take place in Napa Valley, California on April 25-27. The 2023 lineup includes Jake Owen, Lauren Alaina, and Aaron Watson, among others.
LITVGC provides access to artists, premier wineries and world-renowned chefs. Other artists set to perform include Wade Bowen, Brandy Clark, Jackson Dean, Dalton Dover, Dillon Carmichael, Hannah Ellis, Levi Hummon, Kat & Alex, Kimberly Kelly, Lanco, Megan Moroney, Chase McDaniel, Neon Union, Meghan Patrick, Kimberly Perry, MaRynn Taylor, Jake Worthington, Warren Zeiders and many more.
The event brings together music supervisors, radio programmers, DSP curators, label executives, VIPs, corporate hospitality groups and others from around the country to celebrate and hear brand-new music in a unique arrangement. The intimacy, tailored curation, vineyard-filled hillsides and the wine and culinary features that Napa offers have made the event popular among attendees and artists alike.
The Opening Reception at the Nickel & Nickel Winery on Tuesday, April 25 will feature Ellis, Moroney, McDaniel, Watson and Zeiders. Wednesday, April 26 will kick off with the VIP Tailgate, where attendees can sip wine at the Robert Mondavi Winery while enjoying performances by Bowen, Dean, Lanco and Perry.
The Uptown Theatre concert event will finish out the day with Griffen Palmer, Owen, Alaina, Worthington, and more to be added. Wrapping up the three-day experience is the Send-Off Brunch at Regusci Winery on Thursday, April 27 featuring performances by William Beckmann, Clark and Kat & Alex.
In addition to the main events, private VIP performances will take place at wineries throughout Napa Valley featuring acoustic sets by Cody Belew, Carmichael, Dover, Catie Offerman, Hummon, James Barker Band, Kelly, Tyra Madison, Patrick, Steven Keene, Taylor and Neon Union, with more to be announced.
“Celebrating emerging and established artists and providing them with a platform to showcase their artistry is at the heart of LITVGC, and this year’s lineup is a testament to that,” says Founder of Live In the Vineyard Goes Country & President of FF Entertainment Bobbii Jacobs. “From electrifying performances to raw, authentic lyrics, these artists are poised to take the music industry by storm, and I can’t wait to see the impact they will have. Their passion, talent and drive are palpable, and we are thrilled to be a part of their journey toward success.”
Brantley Gilbert Slates Deluxe Edition Of ‘So Help Me God’ For April
/by Lorie HollabaughBrantley Gilbert. Photo: Alexa Campbell
Brantley Gilbert is releasing an expanded version of his album So Help Me God, featuring five new tracks, on April 21 via The Valory Music Co.
So Help Me God (Deluxe Edition) includes Gilbert’s current chart-climbing single “Heaven By Then” with Blake Shelton featuring Vince Gill, along with new song “Behind The Times,” (co-written with Jake Mitchell, Randy Montana and Taylor Phillips) that expands on the current single and details how parts of rural life can feel as though they’re disappearing in this fast-paced world.
Another added track is “Wrote The Book Around Here,” which broadens the view of Gilbert’s hometown in the previously released “Miles Of Memories,” recounting some of his antics as a young man and how some things in this world, or in a small town, never change.
“We’ve always been a little outside of the box when it comes to writing and recording,” shares Gilbert. “It’s not necessarily something we’ve done on purpose, but it tends to happen because we always try to serve the song as it takes shape rather than shaping the song to serve us. If a song is asking for a harder edge, let’s do that. If it feels a little more introspective, let’s lean into that. This album intersects across a lot of different genres, and we’re proud to say that it’s something that happened naturally.”
Along with the deluxe album drop, Gilbert is celebrating new RIAA certifications. “Bottoms Up” is now a six-time Platinum tune, while “One Hell Of An Amen,” “The Weekend,” “You Don’t Know Her Like I Do,” “Kick It In The Sticks” and “Country Must Be Country Wide,” have reached double Platinum status, and “What Happens In A Small Town” featuring Lindsay Ell has been Platinum-certified.
So Help Me God (Deluxe Edition) Track Listing:
1. “Heaven By Then” with Blake Shelton featuring Vince Gill | Brantley Gilbert, Brock Berryhill, Michael Hardy, Jake Mitchell, Randy Montana, Hunter Phelps, Taylor Phillips
2. “Rolex On A Redneck” featuring Jason Aldean | Brantley Gilbert, Brock Berryhill, Michael Hardy, Randy Montana, Taylor Phillips
3. “Miles of Memories” | Brantley Gilbert, Brock Berryhill, Josh Phillips
4. “She’s The One” | Brantley Gilbert, Brock Berryhill, Taylor Phillips
5. “The Worst Country Song Of All Time” featuring Toby Keith and HARDY | Brantley Gilbert, Michael Hardy, Hunter Phelps, Will Weatherly
6. “Son Of The Dirty South” featuring Jelly Roll | Brantley Gilbert, Andrew Baylis, Jason Bradley DeFord
7. “How To Talk To Girls” | Brantley Gilbert, Brock Berryhill, Brian Wayne Davis, Brandon Day, Chase McGill, Josh Phillips, Taylor Phillips, Michael Ray
8. “Little Piece of Heaven” | Brantley Gilbert, Brock Berryhill, Greylan James, Taylor Phillips, Cole Taylor
9. “Gone But Not Forgotten” | Brantley Gilbert, Brock Berryhill, Jason Blaine, Jay Brunswick
10. “So Help Me God” | Brantley Gilbert, Michael Hardy, Hunter Phelps, Will Weatherly
11. “Wrote The Book Around Here” | Brantley Gilbert, Hunter Phelps, Josh Phillips, Will Weatherly
12. “Tailgates Of Heaven” | Brantley Gilbert, Derek George, Josh Phillips
13. “Bury Me Upside Down” | Brantley Gilbert, Brock Berryhill, Brian Davis, Brandon Day, Chase McGill, Josh Phillips, Taylor Phillips, Michael Ray
14. “All Over The Map” | Brantley Gilbert, Randy Montana, Josh Phillips, Will Weatherly
15. “Behind The Times” | Brantley Gilbert, Jake Mitchell, Randy Montana, Taylor Phillips
Tune In To Learn MusicRow’s 2023 CountryBreakout Award Winners Tomorrow
/by LB CantrellMusicRow will announce the winners of the 21st annual CountryBreakout Awards virtually starting at 9:00 a.m. tomorrow (Feb. 28).
The MusicRow CountryBreakout Awards celebrate those who have dominated country radio’s secondary market. Winners in eight categories are determined by spins on the secondary market stations that report to the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart panel each week.
Winners will be revealed on all MusicRow online platforms, including Facebook, Instagram and Twitter on Feb. 28.
MusicRow CountryBreakout Awards Announcement Schedule:
9:00 a.m.: Reporter of the Year
9:30 a.m.: Songwriter of the Year
10:00 a.m.: Label of the Year
10:30 a.m.: Independent Artist of the Year
11:00 a.m.: Breakout Artist of the Year
11:30 a.m.: Group/Duo of the Year
12:00 p.m.: Female Artist of the Year
12:30 p.m.: Male Artist of the Year
Each winner will be featured in MusicRow‘s Country Radio & Streaming Issue, out tomorrow (Feb. 28).
Carly Pearce To Perform & Avery Anna To Sing National Anthem At CRS Honors
/by Lorie HollabaughAnna will kick off the event, performing her rendition of the national anthem. CRS Board President Kurt Johnson will officially gavel CRS 2023 to order and introduce the Rusty Walker and Lisa McKay Scholars to CRS attendees. Pearce will take the stage to perform, and the surprise guest artist will join Country Radio Hall of Fame Committee Co-Chairs Joel Rabb and Tim Roberts to reveal the 2023 Country Radio Hall of Fame Class of 2023 inductees. This year’s honorees will be recognized for their contributions at an induction ceremony later this year.
CRS Honors is open to registered attendees of CRS 2023, and will take place following the Digital Music Summit and Warner Music Nashville luncheon.
Sony Music Nashville Signs Ella Langley
/by LB CantrellPictured (L-R): Sony Music Nashville’s Jason McColl, Lexi Stringer, Ken Robold and Randy Goodman, Ella Langley, Sawgod’s Mya Hansen and Danny Kang, Workhorse Artists’ Bradley Jordan, Megan Hinde and Jim Prisco. Photo: Chris Hollo for Grand Ole Opry
Country singer-songwriter Ella Langley has signed with Columbia Records and Sony Music Nashville.
An Alabama native, Langley has shared the stage with Jamey Johnson, Lainey Wilson, Koe Wetzel, Cody Johnson, Elle King, Randy Houser and more. She made her Grand Ole Opry debut last week.
Langley is working on new music to build off the success she’s having with her latest track, “Country Boy’s Dream Girl.”
In an Instagram post announcing her record deal, Langley shared, “If you would’ve told that 13 year old girl, learning guitar in her bedroom, that the dreams she’s dreaming are coming true, I think it would’ve knocked her out of her chair. Grateful and excited for this next step in the journey.”
Justin Moore Embraces Outsider Status On New Album & Single, ‘Stray Dog’
/by Lorie HollabaughPhoto Credit: Cody Villalobos
Justin Moore will release his sixth studio album, Stray Dog, on May 5 via The Valory Music Co. The project’s title track is out today (Feb. 24).
The project is filled with stories of desire and commitment, heartbreak and regret, joy and celebration. Moore and the band captured the majority of Stray Dog live over the course of just a few days. Opener “Everybody Get Along” sets the stage, with a playful spirit of camaraderie between Moore and guest Riley Green, who spin a friendly rivalry into a declaration of unity in the face of tension and division.
“That Wasn’t Jack” turns a down-home southern saying into a vulnerable revelation, while the “Better Slow” meditates on pumping the brakes in a world obsessed with instant gratification. The blissful “Country On It” revels in the laidback joys of country living. Moore gets romantic with his latest No. 1 single, “With a Woman You Love,” taps into a sensual side on the simmering “You, Me, And Whiskey” with rising star Priscillia Block, and gets into party mode on the lighthearted “Get Rich Or Drunk Trying.”
“A long time ago I decided I wasn’t going to play games or pursue things that didn’t make me happy,” Moore reflects. “Perhaps that’s made me a bit of an outsider in this industry, but it’s also what allows me to go to bed each night feeling good about what I’m doing.”
Writers contributing to the project include David Lee Murphy, Jeremy Stover, Chase McGill, Paul DiGiovanni, Randy Montana, and more.
Stray Dog Track List:
1.“Everybody Get Along” (with Riley Green) Justin Moore, David Lee Murphy, Jeremy Stover
2.“That Wasn’t Jack” Justin Moore, David Lee Murphy, Chris Stevens, Jeremy Stover
3.“With A Woman You Love” Justin Moore, Paul DiGiovanni, Chase McGill, Jeremy Stover
4.“Better Slow” Justin Moore, Paul DiGiovanni, Randy Montana, Jeremy Stover
5.“Stray Dogs” Justin Moore, Paul DiGiovanni, Randy Montana, Jeremy Stover
6.“Country On It” Justin Moore, Casey Beathard, Paul DiGiovanni, Jeremy Stover
7.“You, Me, And Whiskey” (with Priscilla Block) Jessi Alexander, Brock Berryhill, Cole Taylor
8.“Get Rich Or Drunk Trying” Justin Moore, Casey Beathard, Paul DiGiovanni, Jeremy Stover
Brad Paisley Releases First Song From Forthcoming Album
/by Lorie HollabaughBrad Paisley. Photo: Jeff Lipsky
Brad Paisley has released “Same Here,” the first new song off of his first album with UMG Nashville, Son Of The Mountains, set to debut later this year. Written by Paisley, Lee Thomas Miller and Taylor Goldsmith, the track features a special appearance by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
“Son of the Mountains is a collection of songs that I’ve been writing and working on for a while now,” shares Paisley. “The music encompasses a lot of big themes and perspectives from a kid that came from a small town in West Virginia after having seen a bit of the world. The record doesn’t shy away from reflection, real life and situations that are going on and what I think country music is- which is truth.”
The release of “Same Here,” produced by Luke Wooten, marks the first anniversary since the war in Ukraine began. Proceeds from the song will go to UNITED24 for their Rebuild Ukraine program launch by President Zelenskyy to collect charitable donations to rebuild and restore homes damaged by the current war. The reconstruction plan is the largest rebuilding project in Ukraine since the second World War.
“‘Same Here’ with President Zelenskyy is one of the pieces of this album that represents so much a part of my journey from West Virginia to now,” says Paisley. “One of the prevailing themes on this album is freedom. That’s something I truly believe in, and think is our most precious gift as Americans. The song is grounded in observing life in the United States, then to people from other countries who speak different languages and to one across the ocean that’s at war. We start to realize how similar we all are.”
Paisley’s relationship with President Zelenskyy grew from his participation in the ‘Ukraine: Answering the Call’ charity telethon in 2022 which aired in America. Last month, Paisley was named an ambassador for UNITED24.
Kip Moore’s Fifth Studio Album ‘Damn Love’ Out April 28
/by Caela GriffinMulti-Platinum singer-songwriter Kip Moore announced his fifth studio album, Damn Love, will release April 28. Moore explores the internal tug-of-war of love with his emotionally raw sound over the 13 tracks co-produced with Jaren Johnston (The Cadillac Three).
As a first look into the forthcoming project, the title track, “Damn Love,” is out today (Feb. 24).
“I’ve always had a nomadic spirit, at the core of me that’s what I am, and it’s a beautiful life I lead—I don’t take that for granted,” Moore says. “But I still crave that companionship down deep in my DNA, and that’s where ‘Damn Love’ comes from. There’s a reason love and relationships have been written about so much—and why they continue to get written about. Because at the core of us, that’s what we desire the most.”
Moore has been entertaining audiences around the world with sold-out headlining shows in Australia, South Africa, and Europe. He is slated to play during this year’s Bonnaroo festival coming up in June.
Damn Love Track List:
1. Damn Love (Jason Gantt, Jaren Johnston, James McNair)
2. Kinda Bar (Kip Moore, Dan Couch)
3. Neon Blue (Kip Moore, Dan Couch, Jaren Johnston)
4. The Guitar Slinger (Kip Moore, Dan Couch)
5. Heart on Fire (Kip Moore, Jaren Johnston)
6. Another Night In Knoxville ( Kip Moore, Dan Couch)
7. Silver and Gold (Kip Moore, Dan Couch, Chris DeStefano)
8. Peace & Love (Kip Moore, Jaren Johnston)
9. Sometimes She Stays (Kip Moore, Kenton Bryant)**
10. Some Things (Kip Moore, Dan Couch)
11. One Heartbeat – Featuring Ashley McBryde (Kip Moore)
12. Mr. Simple (Kip Moore, Jaren Johnston)
13. Micky’s Bar (Kip Moore, Dan Couch)*
Produced by Kip Moore and Jaren Johnston
*Produced by Kip Moore and Matt Bubel
**Produced by Kip Moore
Lee Willard & Mike Flanders Launch Enteract Entertainment
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L–R): Blake Propst, Lee Willard, Mike Flanders and Tyler Woods.
Lee Willard and Mike Flanders have launched Enteract Entertainment, a management, publishing and label services company.
Willard and Flanders will lead Enteract as Co-Presidents, while Blake Propst joins the company as Director of A&R for Enteract’s music and publishing division and Tyler Woods joins Enteract as Director of Digital Marketing & Creative Services. The company’s first client is Craig Wayne Boyd, who recently released “One Line Away,” on Feb. 14.
“I’ve had the idea to build Enteract for several years, and now is the time to launch this new company,” shares Willard. “I’m incredibly proud to partner with Mike Flanders, who’s had a long history of success as a producer and publisher. My vision was to create a company that can operate on multiple levels with a diverse roster of songwriters and artists. When there’s an artist with a project that we like, we’re in a position to move quickly, develop, cultivate and bring it to market. I’ve seen too many companies that move at a snail’s pace, and projects can become irrelevant while waiting for mountains to move. We’ve created a model that is lean, nimble and can react in real time and move quickly, all while maintaining quality and delivering results for our talent.”
Willard has more than 20 years of experience in the entertainment business, and is the longtime manager of country legend Bill Anderson and former Blue Collar comedian Reno Collier. Willard has worked as a tour manager, song plugger, publisher, music video producer, television and film producer and an artist manager. He began his career as a DJ and moved to Nashville in 2001 to work for Anderson as his tour manager, eventually becoming his manager. He worked alongside a young Taylor Swift early in her career, making introductions for her in Nashville and in L.A., and has toured with and worked alongside artists such as Keith Urban, Brad Paisley, Kid Rock, Drake White and more.
Flanders, an Australian producer, songwriter, and co-founder of Pacific International Music Publishing, will be running day-to-day for Enteract Publishing. In the 1980s and 1990s, Flanders achieved acclaim in Australia as a staff songwriter with Warner Chappell Music, then as a producer for alternative and pop acts. He received ARIA (Australian Record Industry Association) recognition for his work with Australian pop artist Chaise, producing a string of albums that spawned a No. 1 hit for her, “Only Be Me.” During that time, he also held a position at Arctic BMG Australia. Flanders moved to America in 2007 to head Pacific International Music. His production credits include Josh Arnold, Nik Phillips, Jill King, Garrison Starr, American Idol semi-finalist Siobhan Magnus and multi-Platinum artist Nikki Webster, among others.
Propst is a Nashville native who was raised around the music business. His grandfather, John Propst, was a legendary piano player who played with Boots Randolph, Chet Atkins and Floyd Cramer, and cut records with Tammy Wynette and David Allen Coe. Blake will serve as A&R for both Enteract Entertainment’s music and publishing companies.
Woods, Director of Digital Marketing & Creative Services for Enteract, is from Birmingham, Alabama and moved to Nashville in 2018. He’s worked in digital marketing within the music industry as well as in photography and videography for 17 years. Woods has worked with Tim McGraw, Luke Bryan, Lee Brice, Pitbull and Kings of Leon and more. His portfolio has been published in People magazine and The Wall Street Journal and Red Bull advertising.
Live In The Vineyard Goes Country Reveals 2023 Lineup
/by Lorie HollabaughLITVGC provides access to artists, premier wineries and world-renowned chefs. Other artists set to perform include Wade Bowen, Brandy Clark, Jackson Dean, Dalton Dover, Dillon Carmichael, Hannah Ellis, Levi Hummon, Kat & Alex, Kimberly Kelly, Lanco, Megan Moroney, Chase McDaniel, Neon Union, Meghan Patrick, Kimberly Perry, MaRynn Taylor, Jake Worthington, Warren Zeiders and many more.
The event brings together music supervisors, radio programmers, DSP curators, label executives, VIPs, corporate hospitality groups and others from around the country to celebrate and hear brand-new music in a unique arrangement. The intimacy, tailored curation, vineyard-filled hillsides and the wine and culinary features that Napa offers have made the event popular among attendees and artists alike.
The Opening Reception at the Nickel & Nickel Winery on Tuesday, April 25 will feature Ellis, Moroney, McDaniel, Watson and Zeiders. Wednesday, April 26 will kick off with the VIP Tailgate, where attendees can sip wine at the Robert Mondavi Winery while enjoying performances by Bowen, Dean, Lanco and Perry.
The Uptown Theatre concert event will finish out the day with Griffen Palmer, Owen, Alaina, Worthington, and more to be added. Wrapping up the three-day experience is the Send-Off Brunch at Regusci Winery on Thursday, April 27 featuring performances by William Beckmann, Clark and Kat & Alex.
In addition to the main events, private VIP performances will take place at wineries throughout Napa Valley featuring acoustic sets by Cody Belew, Carmichael, Dover, Catie Offerman, Hummon, James Barker Band, Kelly, Tyra Madison, Patrick, Steven Keene, Taylor and Neon Union, with more to be announced.
“Celebrating emerging and established artists and providing them with a platform to showcase their artistry is at the heart of LITVGC, and this year’s lineup is a testament to that,” says Founder of Live In the Vineyard Goes Country & President of FF Entertainment Bobbii Jacobs. “From electrifying performances to raw, authentic lyrics, these artists are poised to take the music industry by storm, and I can’t wait to see the impact they will have. Their passion, talent and drive are palpable, and we are thrilled to be a part of their journey toward success.”
UTA Nashville Adds Brian Hill & Jaime Roberts
/by Caela GriffinUnited Talent Agency has added Brian Hill as Music Agent and Jaime Roberts as Tour Marketing Director to its Nashville office.
Hill has over 30 years of experience including time at Monterey Peninsula Artists/Paradigm and Creative Arts Agency. He is two-time winner of Pollstar’s Third Coast Agent of The Year Award. Through his career, Hill has worked with many of country music’s popular acts including Eli Young Band, Aaron Lewis, Frankie Ballard, and Home Free.
Roberts began her career with Feld Entertainment before a 12-year run with Live Nation and The Bowery Presents in New York. She previously worked for Messina Touring Group, handling marketing campaign efforts for Shawn Mendes, Tim McGraw and Faith Hill, Little Big Town, and Kelly Clarkson.
“We are excited to have Brian and Jaime join us at UTA as we continue to expand and elevate the music department,” says Scott Clayton, Co-Head of Global Music. “Their decades of experience and stellar track record of going above and beyond for their clients make them perfect additions to our world-class team in Nashville.”
UTA’s roster includes Tyler Hubbard, Chris Janson, Parmalee, Bobby Bones, Dalton Dover, and more.