Morgan Wallen Returns To MusicRow Radio Chart Peak With ‘Thought You Should Know’

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Morgan Wallen. Photo: John Shearer

Morgan Wallen makes his way back to the No. 1 spot on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart this week with “Thought You Should Know.” The single first peaked on the MusicRow chart in January.

“Thought You Should Know,” co-written by Wallen, Miranda Lambert and Nicolle Galyon, appears on Wallen’s upcoming 36-track album, One Thing At A Time, which is set for release on March 3 via Big Loud/Mercury/Republic Records. The project follows his Dangerous: The Double Album, which remains Billboard’s longest running Top 10 album in history for a solo artist with more than 105 total weeks spent in the Top 10.

Wallen will bring his hits to the road in March when he embarks on his “One Night At A Time World Tour.”

Click here to view the latest edition of The MusicRow Weekly containing the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart.

Warner Music Nashville Introduces Artist Jordyn Shellhart With Showcase

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Jordyn Shellhart performing at The Electric Jane. Photo: Hayley Gjertsen

Warner Music Nashville introduced artist Jordyn Shellhart with a special industry showcase at The Electric Jane on Wednesday evening (Feb. 8).

Shellhart performed a collection of self-written songs that will be featured on her full-length Warner debut, set for release this spring. The project’s first track “Who Are you Mad At” is out now. Her musical influences range from Emmylou Harris and Kris Kristofferson to Taylor Swift and Kacey Musgraves.

Born in Wyoming, Shellhart came to Nashville at the age of 10. By the age of 16, she had signed both a record and publishing deal, made her Grand Ole Opry debut and planned a country-wide tour.  After taking a break from the stage, she found herself singing again and racking up credits as a songwriter, including Little Big Town’s Grammy-nominated “Sugar Coat” as well as songs recorded by Kelsea Ballerini, Cody Johnson, Don Williams and more.

Now, Shellhart is ready to share her music through her own voice with more original work coming this year.

Tyler Hubbard To Give Closing Interview At NSAI’s Tin Pan South Songwriting Seminar

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Tyler Hubbard

Tyler Hubbard has been announced as the closing guest interview at the Tin Pan South Songwriting Seminar on March 27 – 28 at Belmont in Nashville.

Presented by Belmont, this year’s event will feature more than 20 songwriters and music industry professionals. The closing interview with Hubbard on Tuesday will wrap up two days at Belmont’s Fisher Center For the Performing Arts filled with educational panels, Q&A Sessions, and interviews where top industry members will cover topics including publishing, sync, co-writing, demo sessions, streaming, and more.

Participating guests at this year’s event include Mike Molinar (Big Machine Music), Courtney Crist (Anthem Entertainment), Jamie Rodgers (Essential Music), Kate Shirley (Liz Rose Music), Milk & Honey Music and Teri Nelson Carpenter (Reel Muzik Werks). Hit songwriters Hillary Lindsey and Brett James will be the final interview segment for day one of the seminar, and throughout the event several other chart-topping songwriters will take the mic to share their experiences and advice.

Additional participating songwriters include Kelly Archer, Emily Shackelton, Steve Seskin, Josh Jenkins, Matt Jenkins, J.T. Harding, Laura Veltz, Lauren McLamb, Tracey and Vance Marino, Allison Veltz Cruz, and Taylor Cain.

Registration for the event is $449 for NSAI Members and $549 for general public. Anyone who registers prior to Feb. 22 can split the registration payment into a two-month payment plan with the convenient flex-pay option. More information can be found at nashvillesongwriters.com.

Tin Pan South Songwriter Seminar leads into the start of the Tin Pan South Songwriters Festival presented by Regions! March 28 – April 1, where over 400 songwriters will perform during five days at 10 venues throughout Nashville.

Matt Mulhare Signs With Sony Music Publishing & Red Creative Group

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Pictured (L-R, back row): SMP’s Josh Van Valkenburg, Synnovea Halsel, Anna Weisband, Aubrey Rupe and Dale Bobo. (L-R, front row): Red’s Jeremy Stover, Matt Mulhare, Red’s Taylor Lamb, SMP’s Rusty Gaston and Tom Luteran.

Matt Mulhare has signed a joint publishing deal with Sony Music Publishing Nashville and Red Creative Group.

A native of Florida, New York, Mulhare grew up on early 2000’s country, listening to Rascal Flatts, Kenny Chesney and Brad Paisley, along with rock staples from Pearl Jam to Oasis. He fell in love with songwriting at a young age and moved to Nashville after high school to attend Belmont University.

“The launch of a new career is always an exciting time for a songwriter. Matt has all the heart and the genuine talent that it takes to be a big success in this town. Grateful for our friends at Red and for our partnership in this deal,” says Sony Music Publishing Nashville CEO Rusty Gaston.

“We are thrilled to have Matt on board,” shares Red Creative Group Founder Jeremy Stover. “He has everything you hope to find in a young writer. I look forward to hearing him lead the way in shaping the sound of this town for years to come.”

“I’m excited to get to work with Red and Sony! I want to say thank you to Taylor, Jeremy and Rusty for giving me the opportunity to write songs for a living,” says Mulhare. “I can’t wait to see where this partnership leads. Let’s get to work!”

Rare Vintage Travis Tritt Album To Hit Streaming Services In April

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A rare album recorded over 30 years ago by Travis Tritt, Proud of the Country, will be available on streaming services worldwide for the first time on April 28 via its original label, Copperhill Records. The first track from the collection, “Get A Little Rowdy,” is out now.

Proud of the Country is the record that reportedly landed Tritt his first-ever record deal and marked an integral turning point in Tritt’s career. A two-side album, Proud of the Country was originally released in 1987 on Copperhill Records, a label used by the Demo Listen Studio in Marietta, Georgia. Only 1000 physical copies were ever made, and the record has never been digitally released.

The album will be distributed by Reservoir imprint Painted Desert Music and features 11 songs that deliver the quintessential sound that drove Tritt to the top of the mainstream charts. The release of the project follows Reservoir’s acquisition of Tritt’s publishing and recorded music catalogs in 2022, a deal that included shares of the multi-Platinum artist’s entire body of work, excluding his most recent original full-length album, Set In Stone.

Tritt is currently gearing up for his 2023 tour, which will kick off March 30 in Troy, Ohio and visit select markets around the country. He is also set to join Eric Church on “The Outsiders Revival Tour” for two shows this summer in July.

Proud of the Country Track Listing:
1. “Don’t Put Us Down” (Travis Tritt)
2. “Talkin’ ‘Bout Love” (Travis Tritt, Joey Davenport, Eddie Queen)
3. “Gambler’s Blues” (Travis Tritt)
4. “Sleepless Nights” (Travis Tritt, Danny Davenport)
5. “Proud Of The Country” (Travis Tritt)
6. “Staying Power” (Travis Tritt)
7. “Get A Little Rowdy” (Travis Tritt)
8. “Spend A Little Time” (Travis Tritt)
9. “Before You Said Goodbye” (Travis Tritt)
10. “Dreams” (Travis Tritt)
Bonus Track: “I’m Not Laughing Now” (Travis Tritt)

Jimmie Allen, Liz Rose Music & Warner Chappell Partner To Sign Cameron Bedell

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Pictured (L-R): Warner Chappell’s Spencer Nohe, BJ Hill, Liz Rose, Jimmie Allen, Cameron Bedell, LRM’s Kate Shirley, Scott Ponce, Dave Pacula and Chase Armstrong.

Jimmie Allen, Liz Rose Music and Warner Chappell Music have signed a new global publishing deal with Cameron Bedell, co-writer of Allen’s most recent multi-week No. 1 “Down Home.”

A native of Wichita, Kansas, Bedell moved to Nashville in 2010 to attend Belmont University. He first garnered attention in 2014 with his cover of The Weeknd’s “Earned It,” which has since earned over 20 million streams.

Bedell is currently producing Big Machine Label Group’s Tiera Kennedy and has co-written several songs for the project, including the debut single “Found It In You.” He also co-wrote Seaforth‘s popular tune “Breakups” as well as “Tough” for Dylan Scott’s latest album Livin’ My Best Life.

“Cam is one of the most talented hard-working guys I’ve ever met,” says Allen. “His view on life and his approach to songwriting are two of many reasons why I’m honored to call him a friend. He has a unique writing style and sound of his own. I’m honored to be working with him, Liz Rose Music and Warner Chappell. The future is bright for Cam and I’m excited to see all the artists he continues to write singles for. On the artist side, I guess I better get in line to snag me one of those Cam Bedell songs.”

Big Machine Records Adds Jay Cruze As Director, Southeast Promotion & Marketing

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Jay Cruze. Photo: Courtesy of Big Machine Records

Big Machine Label Group has added Jay Cruze as Director, Southeast Promotion & Marketing for their Big Machine Records imprint, effective immediately. Cruze succeeds Jeff Davis, following his retirement last year, and will promote the imprint’s roster consisting of Tim McGraw, Carly Pearce, Midland, Jackson Dean, Danielle Bradbery, The Cadillac Three and more.

“Jeff Davis left some big shoes to fill, but I’m beyond excited to get out and see old friends and make new ones in the Southeast,” shares Cruze. “I’m still pinching myself that I get to work with such a talented group of people and artists at the house Scott Borchetta built. This isn’t a joke, right? I can’t believe I actually get to work here.”

“The only way to replace a legend like Jeff Davis is to sign a superstar like Jay Cruze. Jay’s rich history in promotion and his extensive high-level experience in radio make him the perfect addition to our award-winning Big Machine Records promo squad,” states Big Machine Records’ Senior Vice President, Promotion & Digital Kris Lamb.

An industry veteran, Cruze most recently helped architect and execute the national programming of country platforms for iHeartMedia. He also brings radio and record promotions experience from his time with Average Joe’s Entertainment and Bigger Picture Group.

“Through all of our combined experiences and meeting executives across our industry, I always take note of those certain execs that just seem to have that extra spark and that extra degree of passion,” says BMLG’s Chairman & CEO Scott Borchetta. “Jay has always been one of those for me and I’m thrilled to have him join the Machine!”

Cruze can be reached at Jay.Cruze@bmlg.net.

Shenandoah Prepares For ‘Revival’ With New Tour, Single

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Shenandoah

Shenandoah has launched a new cross-country trek “The Revival Tour,” named for the group’s new single, “Revival,” which was just released via 8 Track Entertainment/Fame Records.

The first leg of the group’s 50+ date “Revival Tour” includes stops in Tulsa, Lubbock, Ft. Worth, Topeka, Birmingham, and more, with additional markets to be announced soon.

“It’s a wonderful feeling to hit the road with the boys as we again return to radio with new music,” shares Shenandoah lead singer Marty Raybon. “We are excited for what the year holds, now let’s have us a Revival!”

“Revival” is the first single to drop ahead of Shenandoah’s upcoming full-length album, which is set for release later this year. The song was co-written by Tyler Hubbard, Brian Kelley, Corey Crowder and Joshua Miller.

“As a songwriter at heart, I love when a song finds its perfect home,” notes Hubbard. “I’m thankful that ‘Revival’ found its place with such a great group as Shenandoah.”

Shenandoah formed in Muscle Shoals, Alabama in 1985 and has charted 26 singles on the Billboard Hot Country charts since, including No. 1 hits “The Church on Cumberland Road,” “Sunday in the South,” “Two Dozen Roses,” “Next to You, Next to Me,” and “If Bubba Can Dance (I Can Too).”

Shenandoah “Revival Tour” Dates:
02.10 Elizabethtown, KY
02.17 Bossier City, LA*
02.18 Lake Charles, LA*
02.24 Due West, SC
03.02 Dade City, FL
03.22 W. Siloam Springs, OK
03.23 Tulsa, OK
03.24 Roland, OK
03.25 Hinton, OK
04.01 Sylacauga, AL
04.15 Georgetown, TX
04.21 Lubbock, TX
04.22 Las Cruces, NM
04.29 Pasadena, TX
05.05 West Chester, OH
05.18 Shipshewana, IN
05.19 Council Bluffs, IA
05.20 Walford, IA
05.27 Denim Springs, LA
06.02 Chickasha, OK
06.03 Ft. Worth, TX
06.10 Albany, TX
06.15 Wise, VA
06.17 McMinnville, TN
06.24 Rainsville, AL
07.01 Alexandria, MN
07.04 Russelville, AL
07.07 Bandera, TX
07.08 Norman, OK
07.13 Tuscumbia, AL
07.14 Walcot, IA
07.15 Topeka, KS
07.18 West Union, IA
07.21 Mattoon, IA*
07.29 Mineral Wells, WV
08.04 Cambridge, OH
08.19 W. Branch, MI
09.02 West Liberty, OH
09.09 Dobson, NC
09.14 Albuquerque, NM*
09.23 Bonham, TX
09.28 Alma, AR
09.29 Caldwell, TX
09.30 Tomball, TX
10.07 Winnie, TX
10.13 Hiawassee, GA
12.03 Birmingham, AL

*Country Comeback Tour w/ Billy Dean & Wade Hayes

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Kane & Katelyn Brown Get Us ‘Giddy’ With Love

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We have a lovely group of fresh faces today in DisClaimer.

Let me direct your attention to Kentucky singer-songwriter Brit Taylor. She’s the best neo-traditionalist to come along in ages. Then there’s Aliyah Good, whose songwriting prowess is way beyond her young years. Finally, take a listen to Kelsey Hart. He’s country to the core and our DisCovery Award winner.

The Disc of the Day belongs to the sweet singing of Kane & Katelyn Brown.

TYLER BOOTH / “Real, Real Country”
Writers: Tyler Booth; Producer: none listed; Label: Sony/Villa 40
– Redneck rock, especially if you crank it up.

JORDAN DAVIS / “Next Thing You Know”
Writers: Jordan Davis/Greylan James/Chase McGill/Josh Osborne; Producer: Paul DiGiovanni; Label: MCA Nashville
– Heart warming. Love sneaks up on you, life races by and bliss surrounds you. His vocal delivery is utterly inviting, and the lyric is a charmer.

BRIT TAYLOR / “Kentucky Blue”
Writers: Brit Taylor/Kimberly Kelly/Adam Wright; Producers: Sturgill Simpson/David Ferguson; Label: Cut a Shine/Thirty Tigers
– The title tune of Taylor’s sophomore album is mountain-music heaven. Mandolins ripple, fiddles sway and guitars strum along as her heartbroken soprano trills beautifully. This lady is the Real Deal.

DIERKS BENTLEY & ASHLEY McBRYDE / “Cowboy Boots”
Writers: Casey Brown/Jordan Minton/Hunter Phelps/Dierks Bentley; Producers: Dierks Bentley/F. Reid Shippen/Jon Randall/Ross Copperman; Label: Capitol
– An ode to country’s preferred footwear, set to a steady tempo and a plain-spoken melody with lots of steel, especially in the deliciously long finale fade. Both singers take a crack at verses, and McBryde sings harmony on the choruses.

KELSEY HART / “6-Pack Gone”
Writers: Kelsey Hart/Mason Thornley/Joe Clemmons; Producers: Tommy Cecil/Matt Alderman; Label: Curb
– He counts down his heartbreak, one beer at a time. The songwriting is super imaginative, and his performance is solid. This sure sounds like a hit to me. Formerly a successful indie act, this marks Hart’s debut as a Curb artist.

LUKE COMBS / “Love You Anyway”
Writers: Luke Combs/Ray Fulcher/Reid Isbell; Producer: none listed; Label: Sony
– The boy is so likeable when he’s topsy-turvy in love like this. The ballad fits him like a comfy glove.

CAYLEE HAMMACK / “All Or Nothing”
Writers: Caylee Hammack/Tofer Brown/Thomas Finch; Producers: Caylee Hammack/Dann Huff; Label: Capitol
– The fiery redhead storms through this banger with fierce vocal commitment. The double-time drumming and churning electronics stir up the frothing energy. It might rock just a little too hard for some country programmers.

MATT STELL / “Shut the Truck Up”
Writers: Matt Stell/Jessie Jo Dillon/Chase McGill; Producer: Matt Stell/Ash Bowers; Label: Records
– The pick-up has to go. It holds too many memories of a broken romance. Stell has always been a fine country communicator, and this well-constructed song gives him another worthy platform.

TYLER BRADEN / “Neon Grave”
Writers: Tyler Braden/Shane Minor/Justin Ebach; Producer: Randy Montana; Label: Warner
– I have made no secret of my admiration for this artist. The title tune of his EP seethes with vocal passion. It’s a minor-key, moody, slow-burn country rocker with a dark twang and, as usual, he sings his face off. Keep on playing the titanic “Try Losing One,” but sample this track, too.

KANE BROWN & KATELYN BROWN / “Thank God”
Writers: Christian Stainecker/Jared Mullis/Jaxson Free/Josh Hoge/Kyle Fishman; Producer: Dann Huff; Label: Sony
– Mr. and Mrs. Brown are all giddy in love on this sweet, lilting outing. I’m happy to report that she is a fine singer in her own right. My only disappointment was that Katelyn didn’t break into vocal harmony with Kane until the very last phrase of the song.

ALIYAH GOOD / “Ending of a First Love”
Writers: Aliyah Good; Producer: none listed; Label: AG
– Teenager Good is the daughter of country hit maker Jamie O’Neal (”There Is No Arizona”). The apple didn’t fall from the tree, because this is an outstanding debut. She sings in an assured, range-y soprano, but what I’m even more impressed with is her stunning maturity as a songwriter. This is potent, and the chiming, swirling track doesn’t hurt a bit.

THE WAR & TREATY / “Lover’s Game”
Writers: Dave Cobb/Michael Trotter Jr./Tanya Trotter; Producer: Dave Cobb; Label: Mercury
– Previously noted for scorching ballads, the sensational soul duo rocks out on this snappy tempo tune. Electric guitars scream along, and the rhythm track kicks up dust behind their wailing delivery.

Ben Gallaher’s New Album ‘Country In The House’ Set To Drop February 24

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Ben Gallaher. Photo: David Abbott

Ben Gallaher is gearing up for the release of his upcoming album, Country in the House, on Feb. 24 via Stone Country Records. The next single from the project, “Lovin’ You Gets in the Way,” was co-written by Jason Aldean, Neil Thrasher and Lee Miller.

The 15-track project features several previously released cuts as well as new songs “Damn This Truck,” “Have You Ever,” and “Lovin’ You Gets in the Way.” Country in the House was co-produced by Mickey Jack Cones, Derek George, Thrasher and his cousin, Patrick.

“I believe that, no matter who you are, there’s a song for you on this record,” says Gallaher. “My hope is that listeners latch onto a lyric, a melody, or a guitar solo and feel it. I’m pumped for it to be out in the world!”

In the fall of 2022, Gallaher released “Still A Few Cowboys Left,” from the album, which he co-wrote alongside Thrasher and Tony Martin. The tune spotlights the honorable characteristics of the traditional cowboy: faith, family and hard work.

Country in the House Track Listing:
1. Country in the House (Ben Gallaher, Tony Martin, Neil Thrasher)
2. Get On One (Ben Gallaher, Joey Hyde, Mike Walker)
3. Still a Few Cowboys Left (Ben Gallaher, Tony Martin, Neil Thrasher)
4. Every Small Town (Ben Gallaher, Ash Bowers, Jim Collins)
5. Til It’s Yours (Ben Gallaher, Billy Montana, Jared Mullins)
6. Roots Grow Down (Ben Gallaher, Josh Dunne, Curt Gibbs, Billy Montana)
7. Country, Boy (Ben Gallaher, Carlton Anderson, Jacob Powell)
8. Lovin’ You Gets in the Way (Jason Aldean, Lee Miller, Neil Thrasher)
9. Damn This Truck (Ben Gallaher, Neil Thrasher, Kelley Lovelace)
10. Anything But You (Ben Gallaher, Tim James, Anthony Smith)
11. Never Get Old (Ben Gallaher, Derrick Southerland, Andrew Jacob Pruis)
12. Have You Ever (Ben Gallaher, Kelley Lovelace, Neil Thrasher)
13. Town Ain’t Dry (Ben Gallaher, Mark Irwin, Shane Minor)
14. Love You Like America (Ross Copperman, Tom Douglas, Jaren Johnston, Josh Osborne)
15. Quote the Bible (Ben Gallaher, Carlton Anderson, Zarni De Vette)