Mike Dungan. Photo: Eric Adkins / UMG
Universal Music Group Nashville Chairman and CEO Mike Dungan will retire in March. He has led the Nashville arm of the company since 2012.
Dungan will continue to serve as an advisor to UMG Chairman and CEO Lucian Grainge. The announcement indicated that Dungan’s successor will be revealed at a later date, though current UMG Nashville president Cindy Mabe is expected to assume the position.
Dungan began his career in Cincinnati working at a record store as a teenager. He moved to the label side of the business in 1979 at RCA/BMG, where he worked his way up to Sr. VP of Sales and Marketing.
A job with Arista Nashville moved Dungan to Music City. He worked alongside Tim DuBois and rose to Sr. VP/General Manager. In his 10 years leading Arista Nashville, the label had success with Brooks & Dunn and Alan Jackson.
Dungan became President of EMI Music’s Capitol Nashville in 2012. He led the label for 12 years, assuming his current position when UMG purchased EMI. During his tenure, he has overseen the careers of some of country music’s most iconic performers, alongside some of the biggest breakthrough artists of the last decade, including Luke Bryan, Keith Urban, Chris Stapleton, Lady Antebellum, Carrie Underwood, Little Big Town, George Strait, Eric Church, Darius Rucker, Alan Jackson, Shania Twain, Dierks Bentley, Maddie & Tae, Gary Allan, Vince Gill, Billy Currington, Sam Hunt, Kacey Musgraves, Brothers Osborne, Mickey Guyton, Parker McCollum, Priscilla Block, Jon Pardi and Reba.
“For 43 years the music business has been my home – smiling, dialing, selling, hustling, laughing, doing my part to help the art and magic realize its potential. And loving every minute of it,” Dungan shared in a statement. “I’ve lived a charmed life, and there are no words to describe how grateful I am, and how blessed I feel, for everyone that I have encountered along the way. I’m also proud to boast that through it all, with little exception, I have been ‘all-in’ as a competitor and as a friend.
“The solemn truth is that over time, that intensity takes its toll, and a lot of the dog has been knocked out of me. By the time I leave here I will be 69 years old. It is time to slow down – I look forward to devoting more time to my family and to my garden,” he continued. “I have an incredible wife who has put up with my nonsense for 45 years. We have two great kids who have two great wives of their own. And we have five wonderful grandkids who I intend to spoil to the fullest. I am forever grateful to Sir Lucian Grainge, who eleven years ago handed me the keys to the best job in the world. To him and to everyone at UMG, to all of those who have been my family-in-arms now and in the past, to all those creators whose art it has been my pleasure to represent… I am at a loss to express my love and gratitude. I am the luckiest man alive.”
“Mike is a unique force,” said Grainge, UMG’s Chairman and CEO. “He has had an incredible impact on the careers and well-being of so many in Nashville through the years – from artists to employees. After a brilliant four decades in Nashville, and with our team they are well-positioned for continued strength, Mike is making an admirable and well-deserved life change. And while he won’t be serving in his CEO capacity, I’ve asked him to continue to contribute to areas that we’re both passionate about—breaking genre barriers and delivering critical support to artists past and present. I am deeply grateful to Mike for all he has done for our company and our artists and congratulate him on his unprecedented career success. I’m so pleased we will continue to have the benefit of his experience, deep relationships and wisdom.”
Brett Kissel To Release Four-Part ‘The Compass Project’
/by Lorie HollabaughBrett Kissel is releasing a four-part album series, The Compass Project, beginning with the South Album, on Jan. 27.
Featuring 11 songs, the South Album includes Kissel’s new single, “Never Have I Ever,” along with fan-favorite track “Ain’t The Same,” featuring pop group 98°, and other recent releases such as “Watch It” and “Our Home.”
“The Compass Project is without question the most ambitious project I’ve ever undertaken,” Kissel explains. “It’s also the one I’m most excited about, being that the complete project includes four full-length albums. At this point in my life and career, I want to tap into all of the different quadrants that represent and guide me as a person, husband, father, artist, and entertainer. Those themes resonate in the distinct direction I take on each album!”
Each album part describes a different part of Kissel’s personality and sound. Before each album is released, feature tracks will drop to give listeners a taste of what to expect from each one.
East Album will offer a spotlight on Kissel’s acoustic, laidback side and is set to release in the early spring. The West Album, which brings in southern twang and classic country, will be released in mid-summer. Rounding out the project in a fall release will be the North Album, containing many of Kissel’s hits performed live.
“Never Have I Ever” – Brett Kissel, Thomas “Tawgs” Salter, Elizabeth Lowell-Boland, and Ron Lopata
“Watch It” – Matt Rogers and Blake Bollinger
“Ain’t The Same” (featuring 98°) – Brett Kissel, Karen Kosowski, and Tim Nichols
“Our Home” – Brett Kissel
“Starts And Ends With You” – Brett Kissel, Emma-Lee, and Karen Kosowski
“All I Ever Wanted” – Jacob Durrett, Justin Wilson, and Weston Davis
“First Place” – Brett Kissel, Jason Nix, and Jason Gantt
“That’s Just You” – Brett Kissel and Dave Thomson
“Standing In The Dark” – Steve Fox, Mark Smith, and Sean Smith
“Line In The Sand” – Brett Kissel
“Cadillac Ranch” – Bruce Springsteen
Easton Corbin Readies First Full-Length Project Since 2015 For Release On Jan. 20
/by Lydia FarthingStone Country Records singer-songwriter Easton Corbin will release his full length album, Let’s Do Country Right, on Jan. 20. This marks Corbin’s first full-length record since 2015.
The 14-track compilation features Corbin’s old school sound set to down home lyrics. From bearing his red dirt soul in “Somebody’s Gotta Be Country,” to paying homage to one of his musical heroes with “Hey Merle,” Corbin also serenades listeners and injects a heavy helping of tempo throughout the project. The Platinum-selling entertainer teamed up with an array of esteemed songwriters, including Rhett Akins, Ashley Gorley, Dallas Davidson, Adam Craig, Rodney Clawson, Shane Minor and more.
In 2022, the country chart-topper signed with Stone Country Records, a label venture led by industry veterans Benny Brown, Paul Brown and Jason Sellers.
“I’m so excited to have a full-length studio album coming out with Stone Country Records. After I signed with them last year, we immediately got to work on this project,” shares Corbin. “What I love most about this record is that I had a chance to get back to my roots and make the true traditional country music that made me want to do this for a living.”
Let’s Do Country Right Track List:
1. Hey Merle (Easton Corbin, Rodney Clawson, Wade Kirby)
2. I Can’t Decide (Easton Corbin, Ashley Gorley, Wade Kirby, Rhett Akins)
3. Marry That Girl (Easton Corbin, Adam Craig, Shane Minor, Wade Kirby)
4. Somebody’s Gotta Be Country (Ashley Gorley, Rhett Akins, Dallas Davidson)
5. Let’s Do Country Right (Easton Corbin, Carson Chamberlain, Wade Kirby, Wyatt McCubbin)
6. Between You and Me (Easton Corbin, Brad Clawson, Wade Kirby, Jim Beavers)
7. Where Do You Go (Easton Corbin, Josh Jenkins, Wade Kirby)
8. Lonesome Drinkers (Easton Corbin, Shane Minor, Wade Kirby, Brice Long)
9. Over A Girl (Easton Corbin, Ben Hayslip, Wade Kirby)
10. Real Good Country Song (Easton Corbin, Ashley Gorley, Wade Kirby, Rodney Clawson)
11. Whiskey Don’t Take Me Back (Easton Corbin, Brad Clawson, Wade Kirby, Shane Minor)
12. Honky Tonk Land (Easton Corbin, David Lee Murphy, Wade Kirby)
13. Wind You Up (Easton Corbin, Wade Kirby, Kelly Archer)
14. In It (Jimmy Robbins, Josh Thompson, Laura Veltz)
Kate Hudson Signs With Jason Owen’s Sandbox Entertainment
/by LB CantrellKate Hudson. Photo: Gregory Russell
Golden Globe Award winner and Academy Award-nominated actress Kate Hudson has signed with Jason Owen and Sandbox Entertainment Group for exclusive music management.
Hudson, who has been singing all her life and writing songs since she was a tween, started acting as a child. She demonstrated her vocal ability in the films Nine and Music, the latter of which earned her a Golden Globe nomination. She also had a multiple-episode arc on the TV show Glee in 2012.
During the pandemic, Hudson recorded an album of original, newly produced music, which she has been writing and recording for the past year and a half.
“Music has always been my touchstone,” says Hudson. “To finally feel ready to share mine is deeply personal to me, almost like a musical memoir. Writing this album over the past year and a half has been the most gratifying and immersive experience and I couldn’t be more excited to partner with Jason to bring it into the world. I can’t wait to hit the ground running with him on this and other creative ventures.”
Owen, a leading force in the Nashville music business, has been instrumental in launching and transforming the careers of international artists whose music transcends genres, such as Shania Twain and Kacey Musgraves. At Sandbox, Hudson joins the company’s superstar roster of talent that includes Musgraves, Faith Hill, Kelsea Ballerini, Dan + Shay, Little Big Town and the Johnny Cash Estate.
“Kate Hudson is a superstar of our generation,” says Owen. “Much like other icons in film and stage—from Judy Garland to Lady Gaga—Kate is a multifaceted entertainer who clearly has a deep connection to music. I could not be more honored and excited to help bring her brilliant music to the world and to work with such an incredible talent but mostly a such wonderful person. Big things are coming.”
Old Dominion Takes A Trip Down ‘Memory Lane’ On New Sampler
/by Lorie HollabaughOld Dominion
Old Dominion have dropped a surprise, four-song collection, Memory Lane (Sampler), on Arista Nashville/Sony Music Nashville.
Shane McAnally and Old Dominion produced the new mini-project, which includes lead track “Memory Lane.” The tune was the most added song at country radio this week. Co-writers contributing to the new collection include Jessie Jo Dillon, Josh Osborne, Jordan Davis and Chase McGill.
The band shared the surprise release on Jan. 8 through their socials, where they’ve been previewing new tracks over the past few months. The new music comes just in time for the group’s upcoming 31-stop “No Bad Vibes Tour,” which kicks off later this month in Evansville, Indiana.
“We’ve been working on so much new music, and the response to ‘Memory Lane’ has been so energizing that we decided we’re tired of sitting on it all!” notes Old Dominion’s Matthew Ramsey. “We’re so excited to share three more songs heading into the ‘No Bad Vibes Tour’ and the next chapter in our musical journey.”
1. “Memory Lane” | Matthew Ramsey, Trevor Rosen, Brad Tursi, Jessie Jo Dillon
2. “Ain’t Got A Worry” | Matthew Ramsey, Trevor Rosen, Brad Tursi, Shane McAnally, Josh Osborn
3. “Freedom Like You” | Matthew Ramsey, Trevor Rosen, Brad Tursi, Jordan Davis
4. “Easier Said With Rum” | Matthew Ramsey, Brad Tursi, Matt Jenkins, Chase McGill
Jelly Roll Scores First Country No. 1 With Debut Single, ‘Son Of A Sinner’
/by Lorie HollabaughJelly Roll has achieved his first No. 1 on country radio with his debut single “Son Of A Sinner,” which reached the top of the Billboard and Country Aircheck/MediaBase charts this week.
Amassing more than four billion career streams, “Son Of A Sinner” has continued to dominate Billboard’s Emerging Artist chart for a staggering 20 consecutive weeks, marking the second-longest reign ever on the chart. The track was penned by Jelly Roll with fellow Nashville native Ernest and David Ray Stevens.
Jelly Roll has had a history-making year that included selling out Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena, making his Grand Ole Opry debut, and releasing his debut album Ballads Of The Broken on BMG/Stoney Creek Records.
With his two-week rock No. 1 “Dead Man Walking,” which was also his first No. 1 as an artist or songwriter, Jelly Roll became the first act this decade to top the rock charts while simultaneously having a top 30 song on country radio (“Son Of A Sinner”). He is also the first artist in Billboard history to do so with debut singles.
His next release from his forthcoming album, “Need A Favor,” goes to radio Feb. 13.
The Chicks Announce Six-Night Vegas Run In May
/by Lorie HollabaughThe Chicks, composed of Martie Maguire, Natalie Maines and Emily Strayer, will play their first-ever Las Vegas engagement at Zappos Theater at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino throughout the month of May.
The full dates for The Chicks engagement are May 3, 5, 6, 10, 12 and 13. Tickets go on sale to the public beginning Friday, Jan. 13, with pre-sale beginning tomorrow (Jan. 10). Citi cardmembers will have access to pre-sale tickets from Jan. 10-12 through the Citi Entertainment program.
“Finally getting to play live in 2022 left us hungry to continue our tour,” The Chicks share. “After so many years without new music, last year felt like a long time coming. We hope our fans are ready for more in 2023 because we are not done! There is a lot more to come this year and we are excited to get it all started in Las Vegas at the Zappos Theater this Spring.”
In 2019, The Chicks returned to the airwaves on Taylor Swift’s “Soon You’ll Get Better,” one of the leading tracks from Swift’s seventh studio album, Lover. After 14 nearly years, The Chicks released their fifth studio album Gaslighter, in July 2020.
Mike Dungan Stepping Down From Helm At UMG Nashville
/by LB CantrellMike Dungan. Photo: Eric Adkins / UMG
Universal Music Group Nashville Chairman and CEO Mike Dungan will retire in March. He has led the Nashville arm of the company since 2012.
Dungan will continue to serve as an advisor to UMG Chairman and CEO Lucian Grainge. The announcement indicated that Dungan’s successor will be revealed at a later date, though current UMG Nashville president Cindy Mabe is expected to assume the position.
Dungan began his career in Cincinnati working at a record store as a teenager. He moved to the label side of the business in 1979 at RCA/BMG, where he worked his way up to Sr. VP of Sales and Marketing.
A job with Arista Nashville moved Dungan to Music City. He worked alongside Tim DuBois and rose to Sr. VP/General Manager. In his 10 years leading Arista Nashville, the label had success with Brooks & Dunn and Alan Jackson.
Dungan became President of EMI Music’s Capitol Nashville in 2012. He led the label for 12 years, assuming his current position when UMG purchased EMI. During his tenure, he has overseen the careers of some of country music’s most iconic performers, alongside some of the biggest breakthrough artists of the last decade, including Luke Bryan, Keith Urban, Chris Stapleton, Lady Antebellum, Carrie Underwood, Little Big Town, George Strait, Eric Church, Darius Rucker, Alan Jackson, Shania Twain, Dierks Bentley, Maddie & Tae, Gary Allan, Vince Gill, Billy Currington, Sam Hunt, Kacey Musgraves, Brothers Osborne, Mickey Guyton, Parker McCollum, Priscilla Block, Jon Pardi and Reba.
“For 43 years the music business has been my home – smiling, dialing, selling, hustling, laughing, doing my part to help the art and magic realize its potential. And loving every minute of it,” Dungan shared in a statement. “I’ve lived a charmed life, and there are no words to describe how grateful I am, and how blessed I feel, for everyone that I have encountered along the way. I’m also proud to boast that through it all, with little exception, I have been ‘all-in’ as a competitor and as a friend.
“The solemn truth is that over time, that intensity takes its toll, and a lot of the dog has been knocked out of me. By the time I leave here I will be 69 years old. It is time to slow down – I look forward to devoting more time to my family and to my garden,” he continued. “I have an incredible wife who has put up with my nonsense for 45 years. We have two great kids who have two great wives of their own. And we have five wonderful grandkids who I intend to spoil to the fullest. I am forever grateful to Sir Lucian Grainge, who eleven years ago handed me the keys to the best job in the world. To him and to everyone at UMG, to all of those who have been my family-in-arms now and in the past, to all those creators whose art it has been my pleasure to represent… I am at a loss to express my love and gratitude. I am the luckiest man alive.”
“Mike is a unique force,” said Grainge, UMG’s Chairman and CEO. “He has had an incredible impact on the careers and well-being of so many in Nashville through the years – from artists to employees. After a brilliant four decades in Nashville, and with our team they are well-positioned for continued strength, Mike is making an admirable and well-deserved life change. And while he won’t be serving in his CEO capacity, I’ve asked him to continue to contribute to areas that we’re both passionate about—breaking genre barriers and delivering critical support to artists past and present. I am deeply grateful to Mike for all he has done for our company and our artists and congratulate him on his unprecedented career success. I’m so pleased we will continue to have the benefit of his experience, deep relationships and wisdom.”
Weekly Register: Zach Bryan Rolls Into 2023 Atop Country Streaming Songs Chart
/by Lydia FarthingThe same familiar faces fill the top country albums and streaming songs charts as we mark the first Weekly Register of 2023.
As he did for the last 12 weeks of 2022, Zach Bryan claims the No. 1 country streaming song with “Something In The Orange” adding 14 million streams. According to Luminate data, the track has racked up more than 421 million streams RTD. Bryan’s American Heartbreak record also keeps its spot at No. 2 on the country albums chart, gaining 33K in total consumption (3.9K album only/37 million song streams).
Following at No. 2 on the top country streaming songs chart is Bailey Zimmerman‘s “Rock And A Hard Place” with 10 million streams. Morgan Wallen‘s “You Proof” nabs No. 3 with 9.8 million streams, while Kane and Katelyn Brown‘s “Thank God” rises back to No. 4 with 8.4 million streams. Luke Combs‘ “Going, Going, Gone” fills out the top five with 7.8 million streams.
Elsewhere on the top country albums chart, Dangerous: The Double Album (Wallen) keeps its pace at No. 1, adding 42K in total consumption (1.5K album only/52 million song streams). Leave The Light On (Zimmerman) moves into the third spot with 20K, while Combs takes the final two spots: Growin’ Up at No. 4 with 18K and This One’s For You at No. 5 with 15K in total consumption.
Submissions For The 58th Annual ACM Awards Now Open
/by Liza AndersonThe Academy of Country Music (ACM) has opened submissions for the 58th ACM Awards. Submissions will be accepted through Friday, Jan. 27, with first-round voting set to begin on Feb. 27. All submission and voting windows will close at 7 p.m. CT.
The eligibility period for the 58th Academy of Country Music Awards’ submissions is Nov. 16, 2021 through Dec. 31, 2022.
Key dates for Academy professional members for the 2022 ACM Awards cycle are as follows:
Submissions Period: Jan. 9, 2023 – Jan. 27, 2023
First Round Voting Main Awards: Feb. 27, 2023 – March 6, 2023
First Round Voting Radio Awards: Feb. 27, 2023 – March 13, 2023
Second Round Voting Main Awards: March 27, 2023 – April 3, 2023
Final Round Voting Radio Awards: March 27, 2023 – April 10, 2023
Final Round Voting Main Awards: April 17, 2023 – April 24, 2023
Multiple award categories were modified in 2022 following the 57th ACM Awards. Those modifications will be reflected in this year’s submissions and voting for the 2023 Awards.
The ACM Board of Directors approved changes to the Entertainer of the Year category, expanding the final round nominees from five to seven. The Songwriter of the Year category will be split into two categories: Songwriter of the Year and Artist-Songwriter of the Year.
Criteria for the Album of the Year category have also been changed to increase the required amount of previously unreleased content from 51 percent to 75 percent, and the release window has been updated to better accommodate gradual release schedules. The Video of the Year category has expanded to Visual Media of the Year to include additional formats of content.
Additionally, the ACM’s Radio Award criteria for National Personality of the Year has been updated to require that submitted shows are distributed across all continental U.S. time zones. This impacts both National Weekly On-Air Personality of the Year as well as National Daily On-Air Personality of the Year.
The 58th ACM Awards will livestream exclusively on Prime Video on Thursday, May 11, live from Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas. Tickets are currently available on SeatGeek.
Ernest Launches New Publishing Company, Ern’s Cadillac Music, In Partnership With Big Loud
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): Chandler Walters, ERNEST, Cody Lohden and Rafe Tenpenny. Photo: Delaney Royer
Big Loud singer-songwriter Ernest has launched his own publishing venture, Ern’s Cadillac Music, in partnership with his record label.
Named with his prized 1975 Coupe DeVille in mind, Ernest’s inaugural signings include steel guitar player and songwriter Chandler Walters and Kentucky born, artist-writer Cody Lohden. Additionally, the company is partnering with Big Loud Mountain Music and Mitchell Tenpenny‘s High Dime to sign Nashville native Rafe Tenpenny.
“I met Ern a week before my first day of fifth grade at football practice. He came up to me and said ‘I bet I can pick you up’ then decided to show me. We have been best friends ever since,” Rafe recalls. “I respect him not only as a friend, but as one of the best writers in the game right now, so for him to show faith in signing me means the world. I’ve learned plenty from Ern, but the biggest thing is to be true to yourself. When you listen to Ern’s music, or see him on social media, podcasts, TV, etc., that’s what he’s like in real life.”
“Ern and I met on TikTok,” Walters shares. “He hit me up asking where I lived and if I could join his band. Over the past year we’ve traveled all over the country together and I have gotten to know him as a brother. Ern picking me to be in Cadillac Music is super humbling. He is one of the most accomplished songwriters in Nashville and him seeing something in me means more than anything.”
Lohden adds, “[This is] crazy. Not too long ago I was riding on a firetruck and an ambulance, and now I’m getting to write songs. Ern is the GOAT. He’s a good dude. And it’s cool to know that someone like him who’s been in the business believes in me. It’s very cool to have him on my side and I’m very grateful!”
Along with his new publishing venture, the new year looks to be Ernest’s biggest year yet with the release of Flower Shops (The Album): Two Dozen Roses on Feb. 10–the deluxe edition of his 2022 album Flower Shops (The Album).