Kidd G Shows His Country Roots On ‘The Nashville Sessions’

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Kidd G. Photo: Ford Fairchild

Rising singer-songwriter Kidd G is sharing a special collection of stripped-down songs with the release of The Nashville Sessions through The Valory Music Co./Rebel Music/Geffen Records.

Recorded at Music City’s iconic Blackbird Studio, The Nashville Sessions features the young artist embracing his country side in collaboration with some of Nashville’s most talented sessions players. Through six reimagined takes on his recent singles, Kidd G sings about the joys, trials, and tribulations of young love.

In 2022, Kidd G made his way on the Billboard Country Charts while racking up over 1.5 million followers on TikTok and tens of millions of views on YouTube. Tracks such as “People Talk,” which is featured on The Nashville Sessions, has amassed over 10 million streams on Spotify.

Kidd G is expected to release a new crop of music in 2023.

The Nashville Sessions Track List:
People Talk (Nashville Session)
Dirt Road (Nashville Session)
I Don’t Wanna (Nashville Session)
If Heaven Had A Phone (Nashville Session)
Teenage Dream (Nashville Session)
Last Call (Nashville Session)

Country Dynasty Drama ‘Monarch’ Canceled After One Season

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Pictured (L-R:) Susan Sarandon and Trace Adkins in the series premiere of Monarch

Monarch has had its wings clipped, as the Fox country drama starring Trace Adkins and Susan Sarandon has not been renewed for a second season, according to Deadline.

The series, which also starred Anna Friel, Beth Ditto, and Joshua Sasse, wrapped after Tuesday night’s season closer following a lukewarm season of ratings. After opening strong in September and ranking as Fox’s most-watched fall scripted debut in three years, it faltered during the next 10 weeks.

The show faced some struggles as it was filmed during the pandemic and originally slated to air in January, but ended up being pushed to fall because of COVID. Monarch featured guest appearances from various country stars throughout the first season, including Shania Twain, Martina McBride, Little Big Town, Caitlyn Smith and Tanya Tucker.

Across the season, Monarch averaged a 0.3/3 L7, up 50% from L+SD, and 4.1 million multiplatform viewers, up +149% from L+SD.

Sydney Chance Promoted At CAA

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Sydney Chance. Photo: Courtesy of CAA

Sydney Chance has been promoted to Executive in Baseball at Creative Artists Agency (CAA), where she will advise the agency’s MLB clients on their digital media strategies and off-the-field brand architecture.

Based in Nashville, Chance began her career at CAA in 2019, serving as a graphic design intern in Baseball, prior to being hired as the department assistant later that year. She was accepted into CAA’s Elevate program in June 2021, and was promoted to Professional shortly thereafter. Chance graduated from North Carolina State University with a degree in Graphic Design.

CAA Elevate is the agency’s next-generation training and practical development curriculum with an emphasis on entrepreneurialism, inclusion, curiosity, collaboration, and a growth mindset. Building upon the heritage of the agency’s Training Program, CAA Elevate was designed to cultivate best practices, encourage innovation, foster global strategic-thinking, and nurture the talents of CAA’s agents and executives in training.

Shania Twain, Carrie Underwood Represent At 2022 People’s Choice Awards

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Carrie Underwood accepts The Country Artist of 2022 award on stage during the 2022 People’s Choice Awards. Photo: Rich Polk/E! Entertainment/NBC via Getty Images

The 2022 People’s Choice Awards took place Tuesday night (Dec. 6) at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, California. Hosted once again by comedian Kenan Thompson, the fan-voted awards celebrated this year’s favorite movies, TV, music and more.

Among the night’s major honors were country icon Shania Twain, who took home The Music Icon trophy. The 5x Grammy winner has solidified herself as a standard in country music since jumping onto the scene in the ’90s. With more than 100 million albums sold worldwide, Twain remains the top-selling female country pop artist of all time and was the first artist in history to release three consecutive Diamond certified albums.

During the night, Twain performed a medley of some of her most iconic hits, including “Any Man of Mine,” “That Don’t Impress Me Much,” “Man! I Feel Like a Woman!” and her latest single “Waking Up Dreaming.” She also gave a heartwarming speech as she accepted the award from actor Billy Porter.

Actor Ryan Reynolds was also honored with The People’s Icon Award for his contributions to the entertainment industry, and pop icon Lizzo accepted The People’s Champion Award for her impact on music and TV, as well as her commitment to championing diversity and inclusion.

Carrie Underwood was on hand to accept the award for The Country Artist of 2022. Other nominees in the category included Kane Brown, Kelsea Ballerini, Luke Combs, Maren Morris, Miranda Lambert, Morgan Wallen, and Thomas Rhett. Combs was also nominated for The Male Artist of 2022, The Album of 2022 (Growin’ Up), and The Concert of 2022 for “The Middle of Somewhere Tour.”

Taylor Swift swept the night, winning three People’s Choice Awards for The Female Artist of 2022, The Album of 2022 (Midnights), and The Music Video of 2022 (“Anti-Hero”). Elsewhere, Nashville-based rock artist Gayle was nominated for The New Artist of 2022.

Partial List of 2022 People’s Choice Award Winners:
People’s Champion Award
Lizzo

Music Icon Award
Shania Twain

People’s Icon Award
Ryan Reynolds

The Male Artist of 2022
Bad Bunny
Charlie Puth
Drake
Harry Styles
Jack Harlow
Kendrick Lamar
Luke Combs
The Weeknd

The Female Artist of 2022
Beyoncé
Camila Cabello
Doja Cat
Lady Gaga
Lizzo
Megan Thee Stallion
Nicki Minaj
Taylor Swift

The Album of 2022
Dawn FM, The Weeknd
Growin’ Up, Luke Combs
Harry’s House, Harry Styles
Midnights, Taylor Swift
Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers, Kendrick Lamar
Renaissance, Beyoncé
Special, Lizzo
Un Verano Sin Ti, Bad Bunny

The Country Artist of 2022
Carrie Underwood
Kane Brown
Kelsea Ballerini
Luke Combs
Maren Morris
Miranda Lambert
Morgan Wallen
Thomas Rhett

The New Artist of 2022
Chlöe
Dove Cameron
GAYLE
Latto
Lauren Spencer-Smith
Muni Long
Saucy Santana
Steve Lacy

The Music Video of 2022
“Anti-Hero,” Taylor Swift
“As It Was,” Harry Styles
“Left And Right” (feat. Jung Kook of BTS), Charlie Puth
“Let Somebody Go,” Coldplay X Selena Gomez
“Oh My God,” Adele
“Pink Venom,” BLACKPINK
“PROVENZA,” KAROL G
“Yet To Come (The Most Beautiful Moment),” BTS

The Concert Tour of 2022
BTS PERMISSION TO DANCE ON STAGE
Bad Bunny: World’s Hottest Tour
Billie Eilish: Happier Than Ever, The World Tour
Dua Lipa Future Nostalgia Tour
Ed Sheeran Tour
Harry Styles Love On Tour
LADY GAGA: The Chromatica Ball
Luke Combs: The Middle of Somewhere Tour

Kane Brown Earns Third MusicRow No. 1 Of 2022

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Kane Brown tops the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart this week with “Thank God.” This is Brown’s third MusicRow No. 1 of 2022 following his two-week No. 1 “One Mississippi” and three-week No. 1 “Like I Love Country Music.”

“Thanks God” was written by Josh Hoge, Jaxson Free, Kyle Fishman, Christian Davis, and Jared Mullins and features Brown’s wife, Katelyn Brown. It appears on Brown’s third studio album Different Man.

In October, Brown was honored with the Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s 2022 Champion of Youth Award. The Champion of Youth Award is bestowed to individuals for exhibiting above and beyond service to Boys & Girls Clubs.

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

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Trace Adkins & Melissa Etheridge Deliver An ‘Awesome Audio Outing’

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It may be winter outside, but I’m warm and cozy with a excellent stack of new country sounds.

Leading the hit parade is the thrilling teaming of Trace Adkins and Melissa Etheridge. They are a bonfire in their first duet performance, an unchallenged Disc of the Day.

Also turning in quality work are Brett Young, Jenny Tolman, Jimmie Allen (with Cheat Codes), Helene Cronin and Benjy Davis (with Ashley McBryde). Speaking of Benjy Davis, the presence of the Louisiana stylist along with fellow column newcomers Mike Ryan and Emily Nenni gives us a healthy crop from which to choose a DISCovery Award. I’m giving Benjy the nod.

ASHLEY McBRYDE & BENJY DAVIS / “Gospel Night at the Strip Club”
Writers: Ashley McBryde/Brandy Clark/Banjy Davis/Connie Harrington/Nicolette Hayford/Aaron Raitiere; Producer: John Osborne; Label: Warner
–Despite the billing, this is Benjy’s gritty performance all the way. The Louisiana jazzbo’s downbeat rasp and the stark acoustic production form the perfect audio frame for this extraordinary lyric of redemption for all. I don’t care who’s singing it, this is a brilliant song.

SHANE PROFITT / “Country Boys”
Writers: Shane Profitt/Blake Bollinger/Nate Kenyon; Producer: Julian Raymond; Label: Big Machine
–“How It Oughta Be” remains the single, but this rouser is bound to please redneck listeners. The lyric trots out every bro’ country cliche in the book–beer, bonfire, hunting, fishing, snuff, pickup truck, grain alcohol, blue jeans, guns, tractor, pasture/holler countryside, yadda, yadda, yadda.

JENNY TOLMAN / “It’s a Boy”
Writers: Jenny Tolman/Corey Wagar; Producer: Dave Brainard; Label: JT
–Longtime DISClaimer favorite Tolman is due to deliver her first child on Christmas Eve. This lilting, melodic and utterly lovely song celebrates the upcoming event with joy and sweet sentiment. Also, she sings her face off. Play this.

BRETT YOUNG / “You Ain’t Here to Kiss Me”
Writers: Brett Young/Matthew James Alderman/Tiffany Lane Goss; Producer: Dann Huff; Label: BMLG
–His lovelorn vocal is bolstered at every turn by a churning, chiming production. It’s New Year’s Eve and he’s drinking alone in a window seat on an airliner. This one’s definitely a keeper.

CHEAT CODES & JIMMIE ALLEN / “Lose You”
Writers: Nick Bailey/Levon Grey/Eric Aukstikalnis/Josh Hoge/Karolis Labanauskas/Kyle Fishman/Trevor Dahl; Producers: Nick Bailey/Trevor Dahl/Kyle Fishman/Leondis/Embody/Aukoustics; Label: CC
–The pop trio has an album of all-country collaborations due next month. Among Cheat Codes’ many guests on their One Night in Nashville album will be Russell Dickerson, Lee Brice, LBT, Dolly, Brett Young and Lady A. This advance track is quite promising. The electro boys wisely stay out of Jimmie’s way, letting his assured vocal lead the way.

TRACE ADKINS & MELISSA ETHERIDGE / “Love Walks Through the Rain”
Writers: Marla Cannon-Goodman/Kelly Archer/Mickey Jack Cones; Producer: Mickey Jack Cones/Derek George; Label: Verge
–This is electrifying. The stormy, dramatic power ballad is sung to the utmost by these two charisma factories. Trace’s background in gospel shines through in his vocal harmony work, and Melissa matches him lick for lick. When they take turns burning down the barn on their verses, shivers go through the body. An awesome audio outing.

HELENE CRONIN & MATT KING / “Landmarks”
Writers: Ava Paige Davis/Helene Cronin; Producer: Matt King; Label: HKC
–Her folkie alto is intimate and expressive on this ballad about finding your way home. King shadows her in phrase-perfect vocal harmony. An eloquent song, eloquently and exquisitely sung.

PARKER McCOLLUM / “Stoned”
Writers: Parker McCollum/Brett James/Mark Holman; Producer: Jon Randall; Label: MCA
–This new shooting star continues to go from strength to strength. On this crashing, bluesy ballad, he wails expressively about self medicating to stave off loneliness. He’s as terrific as ever, but the too-big production should have been turned down.

EMILY NENNI / “In the Mornin’”
Writers: Emily Nenni/Michael LoPinto; Producers: Emily Nenni/Miko Eli; Label: New West/
Normaltown
–Charming. She’s a free-spirited gal who’s warning her beau that she’ll be hitting the road once their one-night-stand is over. She’s a solidly country singer and the funky band twangs right along. I dig her moxie.

PARMALEE / “Girl in Mine”
Writers: Ashley Gorley/Casey Brown/David Fanning/Matt Thomas/Travis Wood; Producer: David Fanning; Label: Stoney Creek
–Jaunty and upbeat, if not particularly meaningful.

MIKE RYAN / “Die Runnin’”
Writers: Barrett Baber/Korey Hunt/Dan Martin Alley; Producers: Bart Butler/Ryan Gore; Label: MR
–Ryan delivers like a pro, swearing to get to her in times of trouble. The country-rock track kicks up some dust. But it’s the song and its oomphy vocal delivery that shine brightest. He’s an indie success story worth your attention. The Opry featured him on its stage last month.

TYLER BRADEN & SYDNEY SIEROTA / “Try Losing One”
Writers: Tyler Wayne Davis/Adam Newman Wood/Tyler Braden; Producers: Adam Wood/Randy Montana; Label: Warner
–Braden’s solo performance of this is already a masterpiece, so I see no reason to add Echosmith’s Sierota to the song. Especially since she is nowhere near his class as a vocalist. Anyhow, I’m supportive of anything that makes this man the star he deserves to be.

Broken Bow Records Named No. 1 Country Airplay Label By Mediabase

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Broken Bow Records team

Broken Bow Records was the No. 1 airplay label for country music in 2022, according to Country Aircheck/Mediabase.

The label’s success was powered by hit songs from Jason Aldean, Dustin Lynch, Lainey Wilson, Chase Rice, Craig Morgan, Everette and Tyler Farr. With Aldean’s “If I Didn’t Love You” and “Trouble With A Heartbreak,” and Lynch’s “Thinking ‘Bout You (feat. MacKenzie Porter),” Broken Bow Records ended the year with 3 of the Top 10 songs of 2022.

“I could not be more proud of this roster and this team. Lee Adams and Shelley Hargis, the entire Broken Bow promotion staff, Renee Leymon and syndicated radio team are the best at what they do, and this could not be more deserved,” shares SVP/Promotion BBR Music Group, Carson James. “Broken Bow had 3 of the Top 10 songs, and if you include Parmalee’s ‘Take My Name’ on Stoney Creek Records, BBR Music Group had 3 of the Top Four songs! Just an unbelievable year for our artists and team.”

Aldean celebrated his 27th No. 1 song this year, along with winning the ACM Single of the Year, iHeartRadio Country Song of the Year, CMT Collaborative Video of the Year and Billboard and Grammy nominations for his single “If I Didn’t Love You” with Carrie Underwood.

Lynch’s “Thinking ‘Bout You” garnered more listens than any other song on the country chart and aided in the securing of his first American Music Awards nomination.

Wilson was all over the map this year, with wins at the 2022 CMA Awards for Female Vocalist of the Year and New Artist of the Year. She also claimed ACM New Female Artist of the Year and ACM Song of the Year, as well as the iHeartRadio Award for Best New Country Artist and CMT’s 2022 Breakout Artist of the Year honor.

Rice, who has garnered more than 2.3 million albums sold and over 2.3 billion on-demand career streams to date, is set to release I Hate Cowboys & All Dogs Go To Hell on Feb. 10, 2023. Morgan released a deluxe edition of his God, Family, Country album this year, containing his country radio single, “How You Make A Man.”

Country Music Hall Of Fame To Spotlight Career Of Dick Curless

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The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is shining a light on the musical contributions of Dick […] in a new exhibit focused on his life and career. The new exhibit, “Dick Curless: Hard Traveling Man from Maine,” opens Jan. 13 and will run through Jan. 7, 2024.

Best known for his 1965 national hit, the truck-driving anthem “A Tombstone Every Mile,” Curless was also known for his expressive baritone voice and authenticity, and placed more than 20 hits on the Billboard charts.

Photo: Bob Delevante for the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

The exhibit will trace Curless’s life and legacy from his rural northeast upbringing and popular truck-driving songs of the 1960s and ‘70s, to his 1995 return to recording with his acclaimed final album, Traveling Through.

It will feature a selection of instruments, stage wear and personal artifacts donated by the Curless family and is guest co-curated by music historian and award-winning author Peter Guralnick, who wrote an extensive profile on Curless in his 2020 book Looking to Get Lost: Adventures in Music and Writing.

Some of the artifacts on display in the exhibit will include:

  • Regal Archtop Guitar – Curless’ first guitar, which was given to him when he was a boy by his father’s friend Emery Fields, who taught him how to play the instrument.
  • Martin Guitar – The 1964 Martin D-28 guitar with rosewood back and sides, was owned and used extensively by Curless.
  • Jacket – Curless wore the blue and black floral brocade jacket at his shows and on the cover of The Soul of Dick Curless, his 1966 album of bluesy material reflecting the influence of blues guitarist and singer Josh White.
  • Stage Wear – The three-piece, pinstriped western suit, with contrasting piping and decorative stitching, was designed for Curless by rodeo tailor Nathan Turk.
  • Leather Boots – Curless wore the custom-made patent leather boots, which are embellished with Curless’s nickname, “The Baron,” after the title of one of his songs.
  • Adamas Acoustic-Electric Guitar – Curless owned and played the Adamas 1687 acoustic-electric guitar often in the latter part of his career.
  • Suede Jacket & Hat – Curless wore the Pioneer-brand suede jacket with fringe and Stetson hat on the cover of his final album, Traveling Through (1995).

Photo: Bob Delevante for the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

“Dick Curless sang country music with conviction and commitment,” shares Kyle Young, CEO of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. “Though he was not a household name, he was admired by his musical peers from Nashville to Bakersfield, and of course by his many fans nationwide. He created memorable and distinctive music that reflected his working-class roots and life experiences.”

In support of the exhibit opening, Guralnick will lead a discussion exploring Curless’s life and music on Feb. 18 in the museum’s Ford Theater. Joining the conversation will be musician, producer and artist manager Jake Guralnick, Peter’s son, who produced Traveling Through for Rounder Records.

Chuck Mead, co-founder of country band BR549 and longtime Americana solo artist, will perform briefly in tribute to Curless. Tickets are available here.

Ninth Annual Combustion Music Hope Town Music Festival Raises More Than $250K

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Photo: Kenny Jackson with Anthem Pictures

Combustion Music recently wrapped its ninth annual Combustion Music Hope Town Music Festival, raising over $250,000 for local charity partners.

The three-day event kicked off Friday (Dec. 2) at Hope Town Inn & Marina with a performance by Darius Rucker and actor Charles Esten, who sang original song “Hope Town” with co-writers Austin Goodloe and Combustion President, producer and songwriter Chris Farren.

Saturday’s writers round featured hit writers Brett James, Ashley Gorley, Chris DeStefano, Kendall Marvel and Brett Tyler, who performed some of their over 150 collective No. 1s at Firefly Sunset Resort. Rising writers and artists Goodloe, Payton Smith, Joybeth Taylor, Tom Whall, Jessica Farren and Emily Earle also performed over the weekend.

An ongoing live auction raised money for partners Every Child Counts (ECC), Friends of the Environment (FRIENDS), and the Hope Town Volunteer Fire and Rescue (HFTR).

“Hope Town is an incredibly beautiful place, but it still has plenty of need,” notes Farren. “I realized early on the importance of giving back to this place that has given us so much. It’s been a very trying time for the people of these islands since hurricane Dorian, but I’m super grateful to all of my friends and countless supporters for helping us aid in that recovery in some way.”

Money raised will be directed specifically towards the rebuilding process from the devastating 2019 Hurricane Dorian, which ravaged the Hope Town community. Those interested in financially supporting the recovery can donate via Venmo @hopetownmusicfest.

Dolly Parton To Publish New Children’s Book Featuring Billy The Kid

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Dolly Parton and Billy The Kid. Photo: Sebastian Smith

After a stacked 2022, Dolly Parton is already tacking on new endeavors for 2023 as she plans to publish a new picture book about her goddog, Billy the Kid.

Dolly Parton’s Billy the Kid Makes it Big tells the story of Billy the Kid, a dog who barks to the beat of country music and has dreams of becoming a country music star in Nashville. However, when he encounters some bullies at the Battle of the Bow-wows, he calls on his favorite songs, and the help of some new friends, to regain his self-confidence and be the star he always knew he could be.

Set for release on April 25 through Penguin Workshop, the book, aimed at readers ages four to seven, will feature illustrations by MacKenzie Haley.

“I am so proud to bring this book and the message it conveys to life,” Parton shares. “Years back I wrote a song ‘Makin’ Fun Ain’t Funny’ for my children’s album I Believe In You. I wanted kids to understand how harmful bullying can be to someone. When I launched the Doggy Parton line of pet products earlier this year, my goddog Billy got to be the star of the show. Since he’s a big star now, I knew a story with him at the center could help drive home important messages in a unique way. I hope this is the first of many books with Billy.”

“Working with Dolly is a true delight, and we’re so happy to adopt her goddog, Billy the Kid, into the Penguin Workshop family!” adds Francesco Sedita, President, Penguin Workshop. “This story is going to bring joy (and a little bit of country) to so many.”

Parton’s previous children’s books include Coat Of Many Colors (1994) and I Am A Rainbow (2009).