Willie Nelson Joins BIC’s New Advertising Campaign

Willie Nelson has joined the BIC EZ Reach advertising campaign. Now in its third year, the campaign also features Snoop Dogg and Martha Stewart. The partnership will continue throughout 2023.

A leader in stationery, lighters and shavers, BIC’s latest campaign iteration, “Most Borrowed Lighter,” reinforces the pocket-sized lighter’s extended wand that helps light hard-to-reach place. The “Most Borrowed Lighter” campaign debuts this month across streaming TV networks, social media and digital content hubs.

In the campaign spots, Nelson uses a BIC EZ Reach to light a candle just as he gets a surprise video call from Snoop who has misplaced his EZ Reach lighter. Stewart then joins the call to report that her scented candle is missing. While Nelson denies seeing their items, it becomes clear that he “borrowed” them and is seen chuckling mischievously as he lights up a candle with his “favorite herb scent” (-ed candle).

“Consumers love this cheeky campaign and how BIC EZ Reach lights candles and ‘more’ while helping to keep fingers away from flames,” notes Katty Pien, Vice President of Marketing for BIC North America. “Adding Willie into this playful dynamic with Snoop and Martha will expand the campaign’s appeal by welcoming Willie’s fans to join in the fun.”

Dolly Parton Expands Partnership With Duncan Hines With New Baking Mixes

Following the success of Dolly Parton‘s cake mixes and frostings last year, Duncan Hines is launching four more baking mixes with the beloved Grammy award-winning artist as part of the brand’s multi-year partnership. The new products include a cornbread mix, biscuit mix and two brownie mixes inspired by some of Dolly’s favorite family recipes.

“I knew Duncan Hines and I were bringing something special to the baking aisle when we launched our partnership last year, and I’ve been thrilled by the response,” Parton shares. “I’m really excited to launch more baking mixes steeped in my southern roots, like cornbread and biscuits. I think folks are really going to like them and hope they’ll bake up some special memories with family and friends.”

Beginning in early 2023, the new baking mixes can be found in the baking section of grocery stores and mass retailers, but early access to all new baking mixes will be made available as part of Duncan Hines’ limited-edition Dolly Parton’s Baking Collection beginning Feb. 8. The kit also includes a Dolly-inspired, collectible tea towel, spatula and recipe cards.

“With Dolly’s partnership and incredible star power behind us, Duncan Hines and IMG launched one of the most successful new innovations in baking in 2022,” shares Audrey Ingersoll, Vice President of Sweet Treats at Conagra Brands. “We could not be more excited to continue to evolve this important partnership with the launch of four more baking mixes.”

Kenny Chesney Adds Mocha Rum Cream To His Blue Chair Bay Beverage Lineup

Originally launched as a limited-time offering for National Rum Day in 2022, Kenny Chesney’s Blue Chair Bay Rum has brought back its Mocha Rum Cream.

Featuring a blend of slow-brewed coffee mingled with a rich chocolate flavor, the newest spirit also carries notes of coconut and spices. It can be enjoyed as a cocktail, like an espresso martini, with coffee or splashed on the rocks.

“With the response from No Shoes Nation, telling us they loved the taste on the rocks, but that it also took some of the work out of making those fancier drinks, like Espresso Martinis or Caribbean Irish coffee, it seemed like a must to add to our line-up. As simple or fancy as you like, Mocha Rum Cream is for No Shoes Nation,” says Chesney. “Nothing allows a nice meal with friends to linger a little longer than a nice cup of coffee or an after dinner cocktail. When we introduced Mocha Rum Cream, I’d hoped it might take the moment into even better conversations.”

Additionally, Blue Chair Bay and Tipsy Scoop have partnered to create Mocha Rum Cream ice cream. The limited edition flavor features Mocha Rum Cream churned into a creamy mocha ice cream base, packing a proof of up to 5% ABV per serving. The ice cream is now available by the scoop and pint at Tipsy Scoop’s NYC Ice Cream Barlours and online.

Thomas Rhett’s Dos Primos Tequila Adds Third Offering

Thomas Rhett and his cousin Jeff Worn have introduced the latest Dos Primos Tequila offering: Dos Primos Tequila Añejo. It will be available in a 750 ml bottle in select U.S. markets beginning in March.

Dos Primos Tequila Añejo is packaged in a clear embossed-glass, corked bottle and features a black-leather cord wrapped around the neck. The fabric label is hand-applied in Mexico and bears the signatures of Worn and Rhett.

“Bringing Dos Primos to life initially with our Blanco tequila, then with Reposado and now Añejo, has been an incredible journey,” Rhett says. “Our Añejo is a super-smooth and flavorful tequila that can be enjoyed year-round, and we can’t wait for everyone to enjoy it with their friends and family.”

“It seems like only yesterday when Thomas Rhett and I decided to create the kind of tequila we wanted to drink and share with our family and friends,” Worn adds. “Now, we have our third Dos Primos Tequila–a delicious Añejo–and I couldn’t be more proud of it and how far this brand has come in the past four years.”

Singer-songwriter Troy Cartwright has signed an exclusive, co-publishing agreement with independent music publisher and HYBE America subsidiary Big Machine Music (BMM).

The Texas native has built a passionate touring fanbase with his neotraditional style. Collecting more than 80 million career streams to date, Cartwright independently released his EP, Just Kids, last year. As a songwriter, his cuts have included placements with Ryan Hurd, Nickelback, Josh Abbott Band and more.

“Troy is a dual-threat talent whose time is upon us,” says BMM General Manager Mike Molinar. “His commercial phrasing and fresh ideas are ready made for radio. We are excited to champion him and his songs!”

“I couldn’t be more excited to be part of the Big Machine Music team,” shares Cartwright. “I’ve always been a fan of the way they advocate for their songwriters and navigate the complexities of being both a writer and artist. Mike Molinar, Tim Hunze, Michelle Attardi and the rest of the team have already exceeded my expectations. I know I’m right where I’m supposed to be!”

Cartwright joins BMM’s roster of artists and writers, including Brett Young, Hurd, Laura Veltz, Matt Dragstrem, Jessie Jo Dillon, Eric Paslay and more.

Craig Campbell is gearing up for the release of his latest album, The Lost Files: Exhibit A, on Feb. 17 through the entertainer’s own Grindstone Recordings. The first single from the project, “Tractor Songs,” was penned by singer-songwriter Walker Hayes and will be out Jan. 27.

The The Lost Files: Exhibit A is a compilation of recent recordings and “lost” songs Campbell recorded for previous labels but were never released. Cambell had a hand in writing 11 of the 16 tracks on the new project, and Travis Tritt, Trea Landon and Cambell’s wife Mindy are featured on three of the cuts.

“This album has been a long time coming,” Campbell explains. “This collection of music is very special to me, I have been chomping at the bit to get this to my fans. These are songs that I love and believe in with all that I am. My fans fell in love with me when there was steel and fiddle on my records. I truly hate that I got away from that for a bit trying to chase something that wasn’t real, but I humbly admit, I am a work in progress. Not everyone is going to love this album, and I am ok with that. However, THIS is the real me. Unfiltered, unapologetic, and from my heart.“

Campbell will be hitting the road next month on a nationwide tour to promote the single and album.

The Lost Files: Exhibit A Track List:
1. “Lot To Live Up To” featuring Travis Tritt (Craig Campbell/Tim Nichols/Mark D. Sanders)
2. “Winnebago” (Craig Campbell/Brett Beavers/Steve Bogard)
3. “It’s About Time” (Michael White/Justin Wilson/Jamie Paulin)
4. “Things You Do In A Truck” featuring Trea Landon (Craig Campbell/Blake Bollinger/Trea Landon)
5. “Sounds Like A Small Town” (Craig Campbell/Jeremy Bussey/Cody Cozzolino)
6. “Church Clothes” with Mindy Ellis Campbell (Liz Rose/Nicolle Galyon)
7. “Johnny’s Cash” (Craig Campbell/Keifer Thompson)
8. “Hurtin’ On It” (Craig Campbell/Adam Yaron/Abram Dean)
9. “Night Like Last Night” (Craig Campbell/Rob Hatch/Jason Sellers)
10. “Royals” (Ella Yelich-O’Connor/Joel Little)
11. “Talk Country To Me” (Craig Campbell/Adam Sanders/Derek George)
12. “Tractor Songs” (Walker Hayes)
13. “God And The Ground” (Phillip Coleman/Jess Brown)
14. “That’s What A Song’ll Do” (Craig Campbell/Ben Hayslip/Dallas Davidson)
15. “That’s How We Get Down” (Craig Campbell/Jeremy Bussey/Styles Haury)
16. “All American Comeback Kid” (Craig Campbell/Terry McBride/Brice Long)

Creative Artists Agency (CAA) Music Agent and Co-Founder of the CAA Music Nashville office John Huie will be honored by the Country Music Association with its 2022 CMA Touring Lifetime Achievement Award. Huie will be presented the honor at the 2022 CMA Touring Awards on Jan. 30 at Nashville’s Marathon Music Works.

It was also announced that twelve-time CMA Awards winner and two-time CMA Entertainer of the Year Keith Urban will host the awards. The previously revealed nominees for the CMA Touring Awards include many professionals in different roles in the touring world.

The CMA Touring Lifetime Achievement Award is for an individual who has accomplished the highest level in the country music field of touring. The award was established to recognize an individual who has achieved both prominence and stature at the highest level. The individual receiving this award has positively impacted and contributed to the growth of touring throughout a course of years that have proven to have an unprecedented historical impact on country music fans and the industry alike, and whose presence will have a long-term positive impact on the genre and CMA for generations to come.

“It’s a humbling experience,” Huie shared of the honor. “It gave me a sense of pause and reflection. It’s an exclamation mark on a career. It’s nice to be honored and humbly accepted.”

He began his career at CAA in 1992, joining Ron Baird in opening the first satellite office for CAA. Since that time, the CAA Nashville office has grown to become a dominant industry force. He has helped guide the growth of the agency’s Music City operations from two employees to more than 80 specializing in booking, tour marketing, and brand partnerships.

In 1978, Huie began his career in Macon, Georgia, at The Paragon Agency, where he booked tours for acts like The Charlie Daniels Band and The Allman Brothers. After a year, he moved to New York City and opened Frontier Booking International (F.B.I.) with Ian Copeland. While at F.B.I., Huie was instrumental in breaking artists such as The Police, The Go-Go’s, and Joan Jett. In 1984, he left F.B.I. and created his own agency, H-1, where he led the contemporary Christian music industry in crossing over artists such as Amy Grant and Michael W. Smith into mainstream appeal. In 1987, H-1 was purchased by International Creative Management (ICM) and Huie moved to Los Angeles where he ran ICM’s Contemporary Music division for five years.

In 1999, Huie won a Grammy Award for Best Southern, Country, Or Bluegrass Gospel Album for The Apostle soundtrack, for which he served as a producer. He has been honored numerous times throughout his career, including being named Pollstar’s Third Coast Agent of the Year eight times. In 2015, he was inducted into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame. In 2022, he was awarded the GMA Leadership Award.

Huie served on the Country Music Association Board of Directors as well as the CMA Foundation Board, which focuses on equitable access to music education. He is President of the Southern Chapter of the T.J. Martell Foundation for Cancer Research and serves on the boards of The Onsite Foundation and The Jack & Jill Late Stage Cancer Foundation. Additionally, he is an Advisory Board member of Lipscomb University’s College of Entertainment & The Arts and Porter’s Call, a counseling service for artists.