
Morgan Wallen has announced that he will release his third full studio album, One Thing At A Time, via Big Loud/Mercury/Republic Records on March 3.
Opening with track “Born With A Beer In My Hand” and closing with song “Dying Man,” the multi-Platinum artist plans to take listeners on a very personal journey throughout the expansive project.
“This record represents the last few years of my life, the highs and the lows,” Wallen states. “It also brings together the musical influences that have shaped me as an artist – country, alternative and hip-hop. There are 36 songs on this album because we just kept exploring with fresh lyrics, music and production ideas and these are the songs that felt right to me. It was a blast to create, and I was so grateful to be back in the studio to lay this out for my fans.”
He displays a wide range of influences in various songs on the new record—incorporating The Allman Brothers’ “Midnight Rider” into “Everything I Love,” a sample of Young Thug’s “Lifestyle” interpolated on “180 (Lifestyle)” as well as collaborations with Eric Church on “Man Made A Bar,” Hardy on “In The Bible,” and Ernest on “Cowgirls.” Wallen’s sister Ashlyne will be featured within the collection as well, singing the harmony on “Outlook.”
“I grew up in church singing three-part harmonies with my two sisters. That’s how I learned to sing, so this was a full-circle moment for Ashlyne and me,” he shares.
The cover art also holds family significance for Wallen as it was photographed at the home of his grandmother, Mamaw Boots, who passed away.
“My Mamaw Boots helped raise me. I had such a special bond with her, so I wanted to honor her with this new record,” Wallen adds.
Wallen previously dropped the One Thing At A Time’ (Sampler), which consisted of three tracks featured on the album. Tonight (Jan. 30), Wallen will release three more tracks to start the countdown to the full project’s unveiling.
One Thing At A Time Track Listing:
1. Born With A Beer In My Hand (Morgan Wallen, Zach Abend, Michael Hardy)
2. Last Night (John Byron, Ashley Gorley, Jacob Kasher Hindlin, Ryan Vojtesak)
3. Everything I Love (Morgan Wallen, Ashley Gorley, Ernest Keith Smith, Ryan Vojtesak) Contains interpolation from “Midnight Rider” written by Gregg Allman, Robert Kim Payne
4. Man Made A Bar (Feat. Eric Church) (Rocky Block, Jordan Dozzi, Larry Fleet, Brett Tyler)
5. Devil Don’t Know (Travis Denning, Jared Mullins, Ben Stennis)
6. One Thing At A Time (Ashley Gorley, Ernest Keith Smith, Ryan Vojtesak, Morgan Wallen)
7. ’98 Braves (John Byron, Josh Miller, Travis Wood)
8. Ain’t That Some (Chris LaCorte, Chase McGill, Josh Miller, Blake Pendergrass)
9. I Wrote The Book (Morgan Wallen, Michael Hardy, Cameron Montgomery)
10. Tennessee Numbers (Jordan Minton, Blake Pendergrass, Travis Wood)
11. Hope That’s True (Morgan Wallen, Ernest Keith Smith, Ryan Vojtesak)
12. Whiskey Friends (Morgan Wallen, Ashley Gorley, Jonathan Hoskins, Ernest Keith Smith, Josh Thompson, Ryan Vojtesak)
13. Sunrise (John Byron, Blake Pendergrass)
14. Keith Whitley (Thomas Archer, Brad Clawson, Jared Mullins)
15. In The Bible (Feat. HARDY) (John Byron, Jeff Garrison, Jon Hall, Ben Johnson, Geoffrey Warburton)
16. You Proof (Morgan Wallen, Ashley Gorley, Ernest Keith Smith, Ryan Vojtesak)
17. Thought You Should Know (Morgan Wallen, Nicolle Galyon, Miranda Lambert)
18. F150-50 (Jared Mullins, John Pierce, Ben Stennis)
19. Neon Star (Country Boy Lullaby) (Morgan Wallen, Ernest Keith Smith, Josh Thompson, Ryan Vojtesak)
20. I Deserve A Drink (John Byron, Devin Dawson, Jacob Durrett, Hillary Lindsey)
21. Wine Into Water (John Byron, Matt Jenkins, Blake Pendergrass)
22. Me + All Your Reasons (Morgan Wallen, Ashley Gorley, Ernest Keith Smith, Ryan Vojtesak)
23. Tennessee Fan (Morgan Wallen, Ashley Gorley, Michael Hardy, Mark Holman)
24. Money On Me (Michael Lotten, Blake Pendergrass, Matt Roy)
25. Thinkin’ Bout Me (John Byron, Ashley Gorley, Taylor Phillips, Ryan Vojtesak)
26. Single Than She Was (John Byron, Ben Johnson, Ryan Vojtesak)
27. Days That End In Why (John Byron, Blake Pendergrass, Driver Williams)
28. Last Drive Down Main (Jerry Flowers, Ryan Hurd, Michael Lotten)
29. Me To Me (Morgan Wallen, Ashley Gorley, Ernest Keith Smith, Ryan Vojtesak)
30. Don’t Think Jesus (Jessi Alexander, Mark Holman, Chase McGill)
31. 180 (Lifestyle) (Rocky Block, Ashley Gorley, Mark Holman, Blake Pendergrass, Ernest Keith Smith, Ryan Vojtesak) Contains interpolation from “Lifestyle” written by Arsenio Archer, London Holmes, Dequantes Lamar, Bryan Williams, Jeffery Williams
32. Had It (Rocky Block, Alex Eskeerdo Izquierdo, Ryan Vojtesak)
33. Cowgirls (feat. ERNEST) (Rocky Block, Ashley Gorley, James Maddocks, Ernest Keith Smith, Ryan Vojtesak)
34. Good Girl Gone Missin’ (Morgan Wallen, Ashley Gorley, James Maddocks, Ernest Keith Smith, Ryan Vojtesak)
35. Outlook (Morgan Wallen, Rodney Clawson, Jeff Hyde)
36. Dying Man (Ben Johnson, Blake Pendergrass, Josh Thompson)
Megan Moroney Lights Up The Electric Jane With Special Showcase
/by Liza AndersonMegan Moroney
Rising country artist Megan Moroney lit up The Electric Jane last week with an exclusive showcase of both released and yet-to-be released music, marking her first show of 2023.
The atmosphere was festive yet relaxed as guests trickled into the venue. Some settled into booths and around tables while others were sprinkled about the bar as bartenders served up two cocktails and a shot named after Moroney’s popular single “Tennessee Orange” and her upcoming releases, “I’m Not Pretty” and “Lucky.” Towards the front of the room a big projector screen floated above the stage, flashing various clips and images of the Sony Music Nashville/Columbia Records artist.
Mingling voices began to fade and attendees gathered around the stage as the amped strums of an electric guitar accompanied by the glow of bright yellow-orange lights vibrated throughout the venue, injecting the energy of a sold-out stadium concert into the intimate gathering. The projector screen then lifted to reveal a glittering Moroney, decked out in shiny green mini dress with her golden curls swept into volume-packed, half-up half-down style, serenading the audience with “‘Til All Goes South,” a song from her debut EP Pistol Made of Roses.
The 2023 Spotify Country Artist to Watch asked us crowd members how we were doing and we cheered in response. She thanked everyone for coming and flowed into two other Pistol Made of Roses tracks, the self-empowering “I Love Me” and the rebellious “He Made Me Do It.”
After those first three songs, Moroney took a moment to express her gratitude before introducing some of her new music. She kicked off the round of fresh numbers by sharing the story behind her next release, “I’m Not Pretty.” Written by Moroney alongside Ben Williams, Mackenzie Carpenter and Micah Carpenter, the song was inspired by an Instagram like the artist received from her ex-boyfriend’s current girlfriend on a picture she posted in 2016. Bodies swayed and heads bopped as she sang the clever and catchy new single.
She followed with “Traitor Joe,” which will be featured on her forthcoming album, and gave an emotional debut performance of “Girl in the Mirror,” another track on the new record that talks about loving a significant other more than you love yourself. The CMT Next Women of Country 2023 class member confessed that was the first time she had ever sang the self-reflection song in front of anyone.
Next, Moroney performed “Why Johnny,” a song she wrote with Conor Matthews about the unspoken details of Johnny and June Carter Cash’s relationship. She moved on to a fan-favorite tune “Hair Salon,” which depicts the gut wrenching feeling that occurs when you receive news that secretly saddens you in a casual, unexpected environment.
“This is a very special song, and y’all will find out eventually,” she said as she introduced the shot’s namesake, “Lucky.” “I hope y’all are ready to go honky-tonking.”
Fully immersed in the country-packed party track, the crowd jammed out, some with their hands in the air, as Moroney sang. “Thank y’all for being here [at the] first show of 2023. Thank you guys for listening to old music and new music. Thank you Sony and Columbia for putting this on,” she expressed.
Moroney wrapped up the evening with her current chart-climbing single “Tennessee Orange,” with everyone singing along with her.
CMHOF Adds Bob Heinemann As Senior Director Of Marketing
/by Liza AndersonBob Heinemann
Bob Heinemann has joined the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum as Senior Director of Marketing. In this role, he will oversee the museum’s marketing and digital strategies, including owned and paid media initiatives with a continued focus on the digital space.
Heinemann brings with him over 20 years of music industry experience. For nearly a decade, he led social media and digital marketing strategies at the Disney Music Group in Los Angeles, overseeing a team that worked across Hollywood Records, Walt Disney Records and Disney Music entities. He was also responsible for marketing, promotion and content monetization across video and social media platforms and led digital development for the company across new business sectors, including voice-prompted technology, livestreaming, fitness partnerships and podcasting.
Prior to joining Disney, he managed digital marketing for Atlantic Records and served as Vice President of Digital Marketing for the EMI label group in New York City, which included Astralwerks, Blue Note, Capitol and Virgin Records.
Most recently, Heinemann was Head of Music Partnerships at Kiswe, a livestreaming technology company, where he helped to launch live concerts with Lauv, Queen and The Rolling Stones and forged new partnerships on behalf of the company with Capitol, Mercury Studios, Universal Music Group and Warner Records.
Nominees Announced For 2023 AIMP Nashville Country Awards
/by LB CantrellThe Association for Independent Music Publishers (AIMP) has revealed the final nominees for the 2023 AIMP Nashville Country Awards, celebrating the biggest hits of the past year penned and championed exclusively by Nashville’s independent publishing companies and their songwriters.
The event, sponsored by Spotify and open to all AIMP Nashville members, will take place at the Ryman Auditorium on April 5 at 6 p.m. Bob DiPiero and Craig Wiseman will serve as hosts.
“We are thrilled to bring the AIMP awards back to the Ryman to celebrate the Nashville community of independent artists, writers and publishers,” says Ree Guyer, President, AIMP Nashville Chapter. “The show promises to be an intimate and special experience, highlighting the best songwriting talent Nashville has to offer.”
Music Row veteran Jody Williams will be honored with the 2023 AIMP Nashville Spirit Award. Williams, who was previously recognized by the AIMP in 2016 as one of the inaugural co-recipients of the AIMP Nashville Song Champion Award, will be celebrated for his enduring and significant contributions to the independent publishing and songwriting community.
AIMP has introduced a new category for this years’ awards, recognizing the writers and publishers of the Most Streamed Song of the Year. The new category will supplement existing categories such as Rising Songwriter of the Year, Rising Artist-Writer of the Year, Artist-Writer of the Year, Song Champion of the Year, Publisher’s Pick of the Year, Song of the Year, Songwriter of the Year and Publisher of the Year.
AIMP Nashville members were emailed updated voter eligibility and category requirements for the 2023 AIMP Nashville Country Awards on Dec. 14, 2022. Email aimpnashville@gmail.com for a copy of the requirements if needed. The final voting period will open tomorrow (Feb. 1) and close at 5 p.m. CT on Wednesday, Feb. 8.
See the full list of nominees below:
AIMP Rising Songwriter of the Year
– Ben Williams (Major Bob Music)
– Cameron Bedell (Liz Rose Music)
– Jenn Schott (RED Creative Group and Anthem Entertainment)
– Joe Fox (Liz Rose Music)
– Lydia Vaughan (Cornman Music)
– Ryan Beaver (SMACKSongs)
– Will Bundy (Cornman Music)
AIMP Rising Artist-Writer of the Year
– Ashley Cooke (Back Blocks Music)
– Corey Kent (Combustion Music)
– Ernest (Big Loud Publishing)
– Jackson Dean (Little Louder Music)
– Meg McRee (Hang Your Hat Music and Concord Music Publishing)
– Pillbox Patti (Nicolette Hayford) (SMACKSongs and River House Artists)
AIMP Artist-Writer of the Year
– Ashley McBryde (Canned Biscuit Songs)
– Hardy (Relative Music Group)
– Jimmie Allen (Endurance Music Group)
– Jordan Davis (Anthem Entertainment)
– Morgan Wallen (Big Loud Publishing)
– Walker Hayes (SMACKSongs and RareSpark Media Group)
AIMP Songwriter of the Year
– Ben Johnson (Artist Publishing Group and Taperoom Music)
– Ernest Keith Smith (Big Loud Publishing)
– Jesse Frasure (Rhythm House Music)
– Michael Hardy (Relative Music Group)
– Morgan Wallen (Big Loud Publishing)
– Shane McAnally (SMACKSongs and Tempo Investments)
AIMP Song Champion of the Year
– Cris Lacy – Co-President, Warner Music Nashville
– Erika Wollam Nichols – President / General Manager, The Bluebird Cafe
– Lee Krabel – Vice President, Publishing, SMACKSongs
– Sara Knabe – Owner, Cake Maker Music
– Shannan Hatch – Vice President of Creative Services, SESAC
– Tim Hunze – Vice President of Publishing, Big Machine Music
AIMP Publisher Pick of the Year
– “Already Crazy” written by Lauren Hungate, Tofer Brown and Carter Faith; independently published by Concord Music Publishing, Chromatic Music; performed by Carter Faith
– “As Far As You Could” written by Jimmy Robbins, Charles Kelley and Dave Haywood; independently published by BOOM Music Group, Cinq Music Publishing; performed by Charles Kelley
– “Don’t Think Jesus” written by Mark Holman, Jessi Alexander and Chase McGill; independently published by Big Loud Publishing; performed by Morgan Wallen
– “Humble Quest” written by Jimmy Robbins, Laura Veltz and Maren Morris; independently published by Big Machine Music, Muse Magic, JRM Publishing, Round Hill Music; performed by Maren Morris
– “If He Wanted To He Would” written by Ben Johnson, Kylie Morgan and Zandi Holup; independently published by Artist Publishing Group, Bad Angel Entertainment, SMACKSongs, Tape Room Music; performed by Kylie Morgan
– “Man Made” written by Brett Sheroky and Ian Christian; independently published by Brett Sheroky Publishing, Still Working Music; performed by Matt Stell
– “Reverse Cowgirl” written by Jared Scott, Joe Fox and Zack Dyer; independently published by Plaid Flag Songs, Liz Rose Music; performed by Jon Pardi
AIMP Song of the Year
– “23” written by Chris La Corte, Shane McAnally, Josh Osborne and Sam Hunt; independently published by Concord Music Publishing, Hang Your Hat Music, SMACKSongs, Tempo Investments; performed by Sam Hunt
– “All Too Well (Taylor’s Version)” written by Liz Rose and Taylor Swift; independently published by Liz Rose Music; performed by Taylor Swift
– “Circles Around This Town” written by Jimmy Robbins, Ryan Hurd, Maren Morris and Julia Michaels; independently published by Big Machine Music, Muse Magic, JRM Publishing, Round Hill Music; performed by Maren Morris
– “Last Night Lonely” written by Dylan Marlowe, Joe Fox and Jimi Bell; independently published by Play It Again Entertainment, Liz Rose Music; performed by Jon Pardi
– “You Proof” written by Ashley Gorley, Ernest Keith Smith, Morgan Wallen and Ryan Vojtesak; independently published by Big Loud Publishing, Round Hill Music; performed by Morgan Wallen
– “You Should Probably Leave” written by Ashley Gorley, Chris DuBois and Chris Stapleton; independently published by Round Hill Music, Sea Gayle Music, Spirit Music Nashville; performed by Chris Stapleton
Top Independent Music Publishers of the Year
– Anthem Entertainment
– Big Loud Publishing
– Big Machine Music
– Round Hill Music
– SMACKSongs
– Tape Room Music
Nick Sainato Inks With Combustion Music
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): Combustion Music’s Falcon Van Belkom, Combustion Music’s Keithan Melton, Neon Coast’s Nikki Boon, Nick Sainato, Combustion Music’s Blake Duncan, Combustion Music’s Chris Farren, Neon Coast’s Martha Earls
Nick Sainato has signed an exclusive publishing deal with Combustion Music.
Hailing from Youngstown, Ohio, Sainato is a Nashville-based songwriter, producer, and musician with previous stints in Boston and L.A. He is one third of the alternative pop band, Nightly, who are currently working on their second album. Sainato has cuts with Savanna Leigh, NOTD and more, and his catalog has accumulated over 50 million streams thus far.
“So stoked for Nick joining the Combustion Family,” shares Combustion’s Blake Duncan. “We are huge fans of Nick as an individual and as a key member of the band Nightly! Being an artist, songwriter, and producer, we are excited to get to work and compliment him in chasing his goals!”
“We are so proud of Nick and excited that he will be working with Chris, Falcon, Keithan, Blake and the whole team at Combustion,” adds Neon Coast’s Nikki Boon. “Nick is an incredible songwriter and producer and, at a time when his band Nightly is poised for a career-defining 2023, the team at Combustion couldn’t be a more perfect fit.”
“I’m so excited to be part of the Combustion team,” shares Sainato. “They have been amazing supporters of what we’ve been doing before we even worked together, so this is really a dream come true! The whole team has been incredible so far, it really feels like a family.”
Robyn Dell’Unto Signs With Warner Chappell Music & King Pen Music
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): Harrison Sokoloff (King Pen), Christina Wilshire (WC), Kelly King (King Pen), Robyn Dell’Unto, Rachel Guttmann (Taylor Gutmann, PLLC), Ben Vaughn (WC)
Singer, songwriter, and producer Robyn Dell’Unto has signed a global publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music and King Pen Music.
Hailing from Toronto, Dell’Unto has a diverse collection of songs and production credits that include Phillip Phillips (Love Like That), Donovan Woods (Being Together), and many others. Dell’Unto has also had songs featured in a variety of TV and movie campaigns, including Almost Family (Fox), Good Trouble (Freeform), and Harriet The Spy (Disney), in campaigns for Zara and the PanAm Games, and in the feature films Time Freak and Intruders.
Dell’Unto’s recent credits include the indie-pop hit, “e-z,” for new artist Gayle, which also features Upsahl and Blu DeTiger, and Gayle’s 2020 hit “z,” which she co-wrote. Additionally, she contributed to Wild Rivers for their Canadian Gold record, “Thinking ‘Bout Love,” as well as the reimagined “Thinking ‘Bout Love” feat. Wrabel, which combined have amassed over 70 million streams on Spotify.
“Robyn’s versatility caught my ear from the first listen,” shares Kelly King, President, King Pen Music. “She brings a fresh intentionality to any and all writing opportunities. We are so excited about where she is and headed to in her career.”
Musicians On Call Honors Darius Rucker, Celebrates Millions Of Moments At Gala
/by Lorie HollabaughPhoto by Kat Villacorta
Musicians On Call celebrated several major milestones of its 24-year history at its recent Millions of Moments celebration Jan. 26 at the Wildhorse Saloon in Nashville.
The nonprofit brings live and recorded music to the bedsides of patients, families and caregivers in healthcare environments, and the sold-out event raised more than $250,000 for the organization to further its mission and deliver the healing power of music to more people nationwide.
The special evening featured performances by Sam Hunt, The War And Treaty, Jon Pardi and Charles Esten, and honored Darius Rucker and Universal Music Group Nashville’s Leigh Parr Malleus for more than a decade of support. The event was also shared via livestream with caregivers at MOC’s hospital partners across the country.
Rucker was recognized by actor, singer/songwriter and MOC Board member Charles Esten as he received the Music Heals Golden Ukulele for performing at the bedsides and virtually for adult and pediatric patients, veterans and hospital staff. He was treated to a special congratulatory video filled with messages of thanks from the many facilities where he has volunteered.
“Thank you for letting me be a part of this organization. I’ve been lucky enough to do it for a long time and I can’t tell you what it’s like to go into a hospital and play for someone who’s sick, and for their family. To see their faces and how you’ve given them a brief moment to not think about all that’s going on in their lives. To give them a moment to feel happy and feel love, that means a lot to me,” said Rucker. “Musicians On Call I will be there for you whenever you need me, and I am truly honored tonight.”
Malleus received the Leadership in Music Golden Ukulele from MOC Executive Vice President Katy Epley, and was honored for serving as a Volunteer Guide in Nashville-area hospitals and introducing some of the biggest names in country music to Musicians On Call’s mission.
“This was a monumental night for Musicians On Call as we celebrated the first million people we’ve served and look ahead to the next million. It was a thrill to spotlight some of the incredible stories of hope and healing that transpired with us during the pandemic, and to honor devoted volunteers like Darius Rucker and Leigh Parr Malleus who have helped us make those moments happen,” said Musicians On Call President & CEO Pete Griffin. “It wouldn’t have been a celebration without the artists who gave unforgettable performances, and the hundreds of guests who came out in support of our mission. Thanks to their generosity, we can continue expanding our programs and creating innovative ways to share the healing power of music in facilities nationwide.”
Musicians On Call also unveiled a groundbreaking online platform that will transform MOC’s program delivery model to help the organization meet the growing demand for its programs from both hospitals and volunteers. It will allow hospitals, staff, patients and volunteers to connect more quickly and seamlessly, making live music in a healthcare facility truly “on call.” With the new platform, the organization will have the ability to reach ten times the number of people it currently serves.
Blessing Offor’s ‘My Tribe’ Is Capitol CMG’s Most Streamed Debut From Male Solo Artist
/by Lorie HollabaughBlessing Offor.
Blessing Offor‘s full-length debut My Tribe has officially become the biggest streaming debut from a solo male artist at Capitol CMG.
The debut has racked up nearly four million streams, propelling an appearance on the cover of Apple’s New Music Daily playlist, and currently appears in the Top 20 position on three Billboard charts – the Christian /Gospel Albums, Top 200 Christian/Gospel Albums, and Current Digital Albums charts.
Offor has also surpassed a million monthly listeners on Spotify, and since the release of his debut EP Brighter Days, has been named both an Amazon Breakthrough Artist of 2023 and Pandora Artist To Watch in 2023. The EP’s title track soared up the charts, hitting No. 2 on the Billboard Christian Airplay charts and remaining there for seven weeks, and also yielded his first radio No. 1 – “The Goodness” (TobyMac feat. Blessing Offor).
He is set to tour with Zach Williams this spring beginning March 3 in Knoxville, visiting Savannah, Spokane, Wichita, Atlanta, St. Louis and more through May 12.
Jake Basden Joins Sandbox Entertainment Group As President
/by LB CantrellJake Basden. Photo: Jason Myers
Music industry veteran Jake Basden is joining Jason Owen’s Sandbox Entertainment Group as President.
Basden brings with him over a decade’s worth of experience in Nashville. During his 12 years at Big Machine Label Group, he was named the 2019 PRWeek “40 under 40” designee and Young PR Professional of the Year winner. He spent a significant portion of his time at BMLG working music projects such as Taylor Swift’s record-breaking album releases, Steven Tyler’s solo country album, Sheryl Crow’s all-star Threads project, Thomas Rhett’s 20 No. 1 songs and Country Music Hall of Famer Glen’s Campbell’s final recordings.
At Sandbox, Basden will create well-established development strategies for the firm’s globally recognized artists, including Kacey Musgraves, Kate Hudson, Faith Hill, Dan + Shay, Kelsea Ballerini, Little Big Town and Midland. He will also be hands on with Sandbox’s various media and entertainment entities including the highly anticipated Broadway musical Shucked premiering this spring.
“There is so much more to a successful launch, whether it’s an artist’s project, a Broadway show or long-term development. Perception can define reality, but you have to back it up with solid strategy and execution,” Basden shares. “To be in the trenches, finding events, building layers of messaging to create a solid foundation—and making sure the key players can deliver when the moment matters, the opportunity Jason has provided allows me to both stretch and take topflight people, TV and motion picture platforms to new places. That thrills me because I believe that marketing done as a well-thought-out strategy yields exponential returns. The Sandbox team is comprised of the highest caliber executives whom I have long admired, and I am grateful for the opportunity to join them.”
“Jake is the sort of star executive who recognizes this is not a business of boxes and lanes. He is beloved by all and brings elevation to everything he touches,” says Owen, Sandbox Entertainment’s Founder and CEO. “From conceptualizing events to executing campaigns, there’s no one whose vision can see a project from conception through to not just success, but the highest awards recognition for whatever arena they’re in. Sandbox’s incredible team was formed as an entertainment firm whether it meant movies, television, touring or career direction. Jake excels in all of those spaces. And let’s face it, he survived my dear friend Scott Borchetta for 12 years, so there is nothing he can’t do.”
Prior to moving to Nashville, Basden spent time in the New York offices of Ogilvy and Edelman, the world’s largest public relations firm, where he served as a Director in their Sports and Entertainment Division. While at BMLG, he was also heavily involved with multimedia projects in conjunction with Lionsgate (The Hunger Games), Netflix (The Ice Road), ABC (Nashville) and the various teams at FOX (American Idol) and NBC (The Voice). Basden led corporate and crisis communications for Borchetta and BMLG throughout the indie label’s most historic and groundbreaking moments, landing the company on Fast Company’s prestigious Most Innovative Companies list.
The University of Oklahoma graduate was also involved in the success of the Grammy-nominated trio Midland’s re-opening of the legendary Palomino, Jennifer Nettles’ acclaimed “I Can Do Hard Things” video, and Carly Pearce’s Country Music Association and Academy of Country Music Female Artist of the Year campaigns.
See Inside The Amazon Music Country Heat House On Music Row
/by LB CantrellCountry Heat Weekly Podcast Studio. Photo: Courtesy of Amazon Music
Amazon Music made a home for itself on Music Row in late 2021, moving in to an old publishing house and renovating it to become a functional content-capturing playground. This makes Amazon Music the only DSP with a dedicated space on Music Row.
When walking in to the Amazon Music Country Heat House, guests are first welcomed into the retro, homey kitchen reminiscent of the family gatherings of country music songs. Walking across the black and while floor tile, you find yourself in the Jukebox Room. Complete with a bar in the corner and a solid wood booth, the jukebox lounge is the perfect place for artists and industry guests to meet, greet and vibe out—according to Amazon Music executives Michelle Tigard Kammerer and Emily Cohen Belote.
Next up is the Rhinestone Living Room. “The Rhinestone Living Room has so many beautiful details that we love to share with guests. With fun tiara adorned taxidermy, jewel tones, fun lights, lassos and mirror balls, whether we’re hosting a large group for a Podcast taping or hosting a jam session, all are welcome to gather here,” the execs share with MusicRow.
Rhinestone Living Room. Photo: Lucas Jackson
The greenroom is appropriately called “the Pinkroom.” Amazon Music pays tribute to the ladies of country music in this space. On the way from the Pinkroom to the podcast studio, guests walk down the Gold Record Hallway. “It’s the perfect display of all the amazing artists and songs that we get to champion every day as artists make their way to get ready to rock on the Country Heat Weekly Podcast,” the execs share.
Amazon Music didn’t slouch on the bathrooms in the Country Heat House. The john in the Amazon Music house is plastered with camo wallpaper. “It’s Nashville. Who doesn’t want a camo bathroom?! We especially love the lava lamp that ties into the ’70s theme of the whole house.”
Last but certainly not least, the Amazon Music house includes a space for its Country Heat Weekly Podcast with hosts, Kelly Sutton and Amber Anderson.
Rhinestone Living Room. Photo: Lucas Jackson
The Pinkroom. Photo: Lucas Jackson
The Jukebox Room. Photo: Courtesy of Amazon Music
The Kitchen. Photo: Courtesy of Amazon Music
Camo Bathroom at the Amazon Country Heat House. Photo: Courtesy of Amazon Music
Morgan Wallen’s ‘One Thing At A Time’ Album To Be Unveiled In March
/by Liza AndersonMorgan Wallen has announced that he will release his third full studio album, One Thing At A Time, via Big Loud/Mercury/Republic Records on March 3.
Opening with track “Born With A Beer In My Hand” and closing with song “Dying Man,” the multi-Platinum artist plans to take listeners on a very personal journey throughout the expansive project.
“This record represents the last few years of my life, the highs and the lows,” Wallen states. “It also brings together the musical influences that have shaped me as an artist – country, alternative and hip-hop. There are 36 songs on this album because we just kept exploring with fresh lyrics, music and production ideas and these are the songs that felt right to me. It was a blast to create, and I was so grateful to be back in the studio to lay this out for my fans.”
He displays a wide range of influences in various songs on the new record—incorporating The Allman Brothers’ “Midnight Rider” into “Everything I Love,” a sample of Young Thug’s “Lifestyle” interpolated on “180 (Lifestyle)” as well as collaborations with Eric Church on “Man Made A Bar,” Hardy on “In The Bible,” and Ernest on “Cowgirls.” Wallen’s sister Ashlyne will be featured within the collection as well, singing the harmony on “Outlook.”
“I grew up in church singing three-part harmonies with my two sisters. That’s how I learned to sing, so this was a full-circle moment for Ashlyne and me,” he shares.
The cover art also holds family significance for Wallen as it was photographed at the home of his grandmother, Mamaw Boots, who passed away.
“My Mamaw Boots helped raise me. I had such a special bond with her, so I wanted to honor her with this new record,” Wallen adds.
Wallen previously dropped the One Thing At A Time’ (Sampler), which consisted of three tracks featured on the album. Tonight (Jan. 30), Wallen will release three more tracks to start the countdown to the full project’s unveiling.
One Thing At A Time Track Listing:
1. Born With A Beer In My Hand (Morgan Wallen, Zach Abend, Michael Hardy)
2. Last Night (John Byron, Ashley Gorley, Jacob Kasher Hindlin, Ryan Vojtesak)
3. Everything I Love (Morgan Wallen, Ashley Gorley, Ernest Keith Smith, Ryan Vojtesak) Contains interpolation from “Midnight Rider” written by Gregg Allman, Robert Kim Payne
4. Man Made A Bar (Feat. Eric Church) (Rocky Block, Jordan Dozzi, Larry Fleet, Brett Tyler)
5. Devil Don’t Know (Travis Denning, Jared Mullins, Ben Stennis)
6. One Thing At A Time (Ashley Gorley, Ernest Keith Smith, Ryan Vojtesak, Morgan Wallen)
7. ’98 Braves (John Byron, Josh Miller, Travis Wood)
8. Ain’t That Some (Chris LaCorte, Chase McGill, Josh Miller, Blake Pendergrass)
9. I Wrote The Book (Morgan Wallen, Michael Hardy, Cameron Montgomery)
10. Tennessee Numbers (Jordan Minton, Blake Pendergrass, Travis Wood)
11. Hope That’s True (Morgan Wallen, Ernest Keith Smith, Ryan Vojtesak)
12. Whiskey Friends (Morgan Wallen, Ashley Gorley, Jonathan Hoskins, Ernest Keith Smith, Josh Thompson, Ryan Vojtesak)
13. Sunrise (John Byron, Blake Pendergrass)
14. Keith Whitley (Thomas Archer, Brad Clawson, Jared Mullins)
15. In The Bible (Feat. HARDY) (John Byron, Jeff Garrison, Jon Hall, Ben Johnson, Geoffrey Warburton)
16. You Proof (Morgan Wallen, Ashley Gorley, Ernest Keith Smith, Ryan Vojtesak)
17. Thought You Should Know (Morgan Wallen, Nicolle Galyon, Miranda Lambert)
18. F150-50 (Jared Mullins, John Pierce, Ben Stennis)
19. Neon Star (Country Boy Lullaby) (Morgan Wallen, Ernest Keith Smith, Josh Thompson, Ryan Vojtesak)
20. I Deserve A Drink (John Byron, Devin Dawson, Jacob Durrett, Hillary Lindsey)
21. Wine Into Water (John Byron, Matt Jenkins, Blake Pendergrass)
22. Me + All Your Reasons (Morgan Wallen, Ashley Gorley, Ernest Keith Smith, Ryan Vojtesak)
23. Tennessee Fan (Morgan Wallen, Ashley Gorley, Michael Hardy, Mark Holman)
24. Money On Me (Michael Lotten, Blake Pendergrass, Matt Roy)
25. Thinkin’ Bout Me (John Byron, Ashley Gorley, Taylor Phillips, Ryan Vojtesak)
26. Single Than She Was (John Byron, Ben Johnson, Ryan Vojtesak)
27. Days That End In Why (John Byron, Blake Pendergrass, Driver Williams)
28. Last Drive Down Main (Jerry Flowers, Ryan Hurd, Michael Lotten)
29. Me To Me (Morgan Wallen, Ashley Gorley, Ernest Keith Smith, Ryan Vojtesak)
30. Don’t Think Jesus (Jessi Alexander, Mark Holman, Chase McGill)
31. 180 (Lifestyle) (Rocky Block, Ashley Gorley, Mark Holman, Blake Pendergrass, Ernest Keith Smith, Ryan Vojtesak) Contains interpolation from “Lifestyle” written by Arsenio Archer, London Holmes, Dequantes Lamar, Bryan Williams, Jeffery Williams
32. Had It (Rocky Block, Alex Eskeerdo Izquierdo, Ryan Vojtesak)
33. Cowgirls (feat. ERNEST) (Rocky Block, Ashley Gorley, James Maddocks, Ernest Keith Smith, Ryan Vojtesak)
34. Good Girl Gone Missin’ (Morgan Wallen, Ashley Gorley, James Maddocks, Ernest Keith Smith, Ryan Vojtesak)
35. Outlook (Morgan Wallen, Rodney Clawson, Jeff Hyde)
36. Dying Man (Ben Johnson, Blake Pendergrass, Josh Thompson)