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)

Bob Pinson Recorded Sound Collection Honors 50 Years With Special CMHOF Panel

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The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum will celebrate 50 years of its Bob Pinson Recorded Sound Collection with a panel discussion and listening session on March 2 in the museum’s Ford Theater.

In 1972, the museum acquired the collection of over 14,000 rare phonograph records and radio transcription discs, which doubled the size of the museum’s recorded-sound holdings and set the institution on its path to becoming a premier archive and research center.

Today, the collection contains an estimated 98 percent of all pre-World War II commercial country recordings, in addition to tens of thousands of country recordings released afterwards, all the way up to the present day. With more than 250,000 phonograph cylinders, disc records, tapes, CDs and digital files, it ranks among the world’s largest collections of country music recordings.

The public program at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum will celebrate the museum’s 50-year custodianship of the sound collection, and the immeasurable ways the late Bob Pinson helped curate, preserve and expand the collection as a longtime member of the staff. Moderated by the museum’s Historian-Editor Patrick Huber, the panel discussion will include: University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Audio-Visual Preservation Archivist and folklorist Nathan D. Gibson; past Chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts and former CMHOF Director who negotiated the collection’s acquisition, folklorist Bill Ivey; and scholar and discographer Tony Russell, with whom Pinson worked to research and produce the museum’s definitive Country Music Records: A Discography, 1921-1942.

Following the panel, the museum’s longtime Curator of Recorded-Sound Collections, Alan Stoker, will lead a listening session and discuss records from the collection, including several of Pinson’s favorite recordings. The program is included with museum admission, and is free to museum members. Seating is limited, and a program ticket is required for admittance and can be purchased here.

Industry Ink: Sony Music Nashville, Sony Music Publishing, MTSU, More

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Sony Music Nashville Represents At 65th Annual Grammy Awards

Pictured (L-R): Ken Robold, Maren Morris, Randy Goodman, Ryan Hurd, Luke Combs and Taylor Lindsey Southerland

Sony Music Nashville posed a strong presence at the 65th annual Grammy Awards on Sunday, Feb. 5.

Nominees Luke Combs, Ryan Hurd, Miranda Lambert and Maren Morris were among those in attendance at the award show. Combs also performed his latest hit “Going, Going, Gone” during the ceremony.

Sony Music Nashville Chairman & CEO Randy Goodman, Executive Vice President & COO Ken Robold, Senior Vice President, A&R Taylor Lindsey Southerland and more celebrated with the nominees at the Sony Music Group after party.

 

Sony Music Publishing Nashville Attends Grammy Awards After Party

Pictured (L-R): Anna Weisband, Kelsea Ballerini and Rusty Gaston

Sony Music Publishing Nashville team members, including CEO Rusty Gaston, Vice President of A&R Anna Weisband and more, celebrated the 65th Annual Grammy Awards with artists at Sony Music Group’s post-award show party on Sunday, Feb. 5.

 

MTSU Honors Alumnus & 2023 Grammy Nominee Brandon Bell

Pictured (L-R): MTSU Associate Professor Odie Blackmon, President Sidney A. McPhee, Brandon Bell, Professor Cosette Collier, Dean Beverly Keel, Assistant Professor Denise Shackelford and Assistant Professor Michelle Conceison. Photo: Andrew Oppmann

Members of the MTSU community came together on the rooftop of the Mama Shelter hotel in Los Angeles, California on Saturday (Feb. 4) for their traditional pre-Grammy Awards gathering to celebrate five former students who were nominated, including sound engineer Brandon Bell, whom they honored with a special certificate.

Due to his work on Brandi Carlile’s In These Silent Days, the 2004 recording industry graduate earned nominations for Album of the Year and Record of the Year. The album took home Best Americana Album at this year’s awards.

Additionally, Bell has engineered projects for artists including Amythyst Kiah, Zac Brown Band and The Lonely Island as well as the Steep Canyon Rangers, whose bluegrass album won him a Grammy in 2013.

“Brandon has been doing important work for years, so I am delighted that he received multiple nominations for this year’s Grammy Awards,” shared MTSU College of Media & Entertainment Dean Beverly Keel. “He is building a body of work that is shaping popular music and will stand the test of time.”

Keel and MTSU College of Media & Entertainment President Sidney A. McPhee presented Bell with the honor during the event.

 

Billy Blue Publishing Signs John Meador

Pictured (L-R): Daywind Music Group’s Ed Leonard, John Meador and Billy Blue Publishing’s Joe Dan Cornett

Billy Blue Publishing has signed singer-songwriter and guitarist John Meador to an exclusive publishing deal.

Meador is a member of the bluegrass group Authentic Unlimited and penned one of their 2022 releases, “Hannah.” The signing follows his 2023 National Bluegrass Awards nomination for Bluegrass Songwriter of the Year.

“We are absolutely thrilled to welcome John to our Billy Blue Publishing family,” says Joe Dan Cornett, Billy Blue Publishing Creative Director. “His passion for bluegrass music and songwriting is fervent, and he will prove to be a huge asset to BBP as we continue to serve each and every artist in this genre through the songs our songwriters create. Welcome John! We could not be more excited!”

Billy Blue Publishing launched in 2019 and is home to songwriters Alan Bibey, Barry Abernathy, Bill Whyte, Darrell Webb, David Morris, Donna Ulisse, Jason Barie, Jerry Cole, Jim VanCleve, Kristy Cox and Laura Leigh Jones.

Dolly Record Of The Month Subscription Coming To Vinyl Me, Please

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Vinyl Me, Please and Dolly Parton are rolling out a first-of-its-kind monthly record club devoted to Dolly’s catalog, Vinyl Me, Parton.

Beginning in April, fans can obtain some of Dolly’s catalog on vinyl, with twelve Records of the Month spanning the entirety of the legend’s recording career. Ranging from her debut to some of her recent self-released albums, the twelve albums included in the Vinyl Me, Parton campaign will come on exclusive color vinyl, remastered from the highest quality audio sources.

Each quarter will feature a free and exclusive Vinyl Me, Parton merch item as well. Each release was remastered in Nashville by Ryan Smith at Sterling Sound in Nashville, and comes with a Vinyl Me, Parton obi-strip to make the albums stand out on Dolly fans’ shelves.

“I love listening to records, and to know that fans around the world are discovering music on vinyl is wonderful,” says Parton. “I am really happy to see some of my favorite albums that have been out of print on vinyl or were never pressed on vinyl be made available. What’s old is new again!”

Curated by Vinyl Me, Please and Dolly, many of the albums featured have not been reissued since their release dates, and some of them are appearing on vinyl for the first time. Dolly’s landmark ’70s albums Jolene, My Tennessee Mountain Home, and New Harvest…First Gathering, early classics like Hello, I’m Dolly and Just Because I’m a Woman, and recent favorites like Better Day and Blue Smoke, are all getting the vinyl treatment.

Fan favorite mega smash 9 to 5 and Odd Jobs is getting its first vinyl reissue in almost 40 years, and bluegrass albums Little Sparrow and Halos & Horns, the chart-topping Backwoods Barbie, and Those Were the Days all also make their vinyl debut as part of Vinyl Me, Parton.

“It’s a true honor for us to launch this Dolly-centric subscription,” shares Vinyl Me, Please Director of Music Andrew Winistorfer. “We’ve never focused a subscription on a single artist, and it made too much sense for us to do it with Dolly: So much of her catalog has been untouched and under-reissued on vinyl, and some of her biggest albums from the ‘00s never came out on vinyl at all thanks to the era. Dolly is one of America’s National Treasures, and we hope Vinyl Me, Parton can serve as something that reminds both Dolly fans, and those unfamiliar with her LPs, that she’s one of the best songwriters we’ve ever had, and one of the best performers. These albums deserve to be heard on vinyl, and deserve to be celebrated anew.”

Subscriptions will be available in exclusive limited term engagements of 3, 6 and 12 months, and space will be limited, with pre-orders available now.