BoomTown Saints Sign With The Kinkead Entertainment Agency

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Pictured (L-R, back row): Claire Cook-Taylor, VP, 8 Track Ent.; Noah Gordon, Pres., 8 Track Ent.; The Kinkead Entertainment Agency’s Ben Costello, Jr. Agent; Nathan Brewer, Jr. Agent; Art Benson, VP; Michelle Barnett, Exec. Asst.; Julie Devereux, Pres.; Greg Scott, Sr. VP; (L-R, front row): Bob Kinkead, CEO, The Kinkead Entertainment Agency; BoomTown Saints’ Ben Chism and Chris Ramos; Gary Kraen, 8 Track Ent. Photo: Alan Taylor

Rising 8 Track Entertainment country duo BoomTown Saints have signed with The Kinkead Entertainment Agency for booking representation.

BoomTown Saints’ debut single, “All Trucks Go To Heaven,” has been garnering airplay nationwide since its release over the summer, and is currently climbing the Billboard Country Indicator chart with more than 170,000 streams. While off the road, the duo has been writing and recording new music, and will release their next single in early 2023.

“My team and I are very excited to be the agents for BoomTown Saints,” says The Kinkead Entertainment Agency CEO, Bob Kinkead. “We have been watching this duo evolve with their sound, songs and team for a year or so. Once we saw them perform we all knew that BoomTown Saints was the perfect fit for our agency. I was blown away by their energy, harmonies and their hit songs. I feel they are the real deal and I can’t wait to see where 2023 takes all of us.”

Kinkead Co-RA Greg Scott adds, “I have worked with Noah [Gordon] at 8-Track in various capacities over the years and am excited along with TKEA to be part of the team he has built to catapult BoomTown Saints to the top.”

“We could not be more excited to join the roster at The Kinkead Entertainment Agency,” shares BoomTown Saints’ Chris Ramos and Ben Chism. “The team’s passion and excitement is contagious, and we can’t wait to see what the future holds.”

Hailey Whitters To Launch ‘Raised Tour’ In February

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Hailey Whitters. Photo: Harper Smith

Hailey Whitters will kick off the first leg of her new, headlining “Raised Tour” on Feb. 23 in Bloomington, Indiana. The trek will find the “College Town” singer hitting her favorite college towns across the country, with more dates to be announced soon.

The tour includes three dates in her home state of Iowa, and marks Whitters’ first headlining run in support of her third studio album Raised, released earlier this year via Pigasus/Songs & Daughters/Big Loud.

“The Raised record was largely influenced by not just the people and place that brought me up, but by the country music that influenced me,” Whitters explains. “My mom drove me five hours away from our hometown to see The Chicks on a school night and I bailed on my high school winter formal at the last minute because my dad came home that night with tickets to Brooks and Dunn.” She continues, “Country music is about people, place, and community. I’m super thankful for my fans, and I’m excited to create a live experience for this tour in some awesome venues where a whole new crop of country fans will create those same special kinds of memories.”

Whitters will support Shania Twain on her “Queen of Me” tour next May. Her breakthrough single, “Everything She Ain’t,” is currently climbing the charts, and she recently released covers of  Randy Travis’ “Meet Me Under the Mistletoe” and George Jones “New Baby For Christmas” in celebration of the holiday season.

“Raised Tour” Dates:
2/23: Bloomington, IN – Bluebird Nightclub
2/24: Lexington, KY – The Burl
3/3: Lincoln, NE – The Bourbon Theatre
3/4: Lawrence, KS – The Bottleneck
3/5: Columbia, MO – Rose Music Hall
3/17-19: Willowbank, Australia – CMC Rocks
3/24: Las Vegas, NV – Stoney’s Rockin Country
3/30: Iowa City, IA – Wildwood Smokehouse and Saloon
3/31: Peoria, IL – Crusens
4/1: Des Moines, IA – Wooly’s

Women Represent Nashville In 2023 Grammy Nominees

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Pictured (clockwise): Brandi Carlile, Laura Veltz, Miranda Lambert, Maren Morris

Though no country artists were represented in the big four categories—Song, Record, Album or New Artist of the Year—many Nashville creators were included on the nominee list for the 65th Annual Grammy Awards, which were revealed on Tuesday (Nov. 15).

Pictured (L-R): Dave Pittenger (SESAC), GAYLE (BMI) and Sara Davis (BMI) celebrate their No. 1 hit, “abcdefu” in Nashville. Photo: Acacia Evans

The Nashville-crafted pop/rock hit “abcdefu”—written by Sara Davis, GAYLE and Dave Pittenger—was nominated in the Song Of The Year, as well as Taylor Swift and Liz Rose‘s “All Too Well (10 Minute Version).”

Laura Veltz was included in the inaugural Songwriter of the Year category. The celebrated songwriter co-wrote Maren Morris’ “Background Music” and “Humble Quest,” Ingrid Andress’ “Pain,” and Demi Lovato’s “Feed” and “29,” among other songs.

Americana stalwart Brandi Carlile tied for third-most-nominated at this year’s Grammys with Adele. The two were just behind Kendrick Lamar‘s eight nominations and Beyoncé‘s nine.

Carlile was nominated for her In These Silent Days album (Album of the Year, Best Americana Album), as well as songs “You And Me On The Rock” (Record of the Year, Best Americana Performance, Best American Roots Song) and “Broken Horses” (Best Rock Song, Best Rock Performance).

In the country categories, women dominated, with at least one female artist represented in 14 of the 22 total country nominations, including songwriters.

Miranda Lambert brought her total to 27 nominations this year with more Grammy nods, including for Best Country Song (“If I Was A Cowboy,” written by Lambert and Jesse Frasure), Best Country Album (Palomino), Best Country Solo Performance (“In His Arms”), and Best Country Duo/Group Performance for “Outrunnin’ Your Memory” with Luke Combs.

Luke Combs. Photo: Jeremy Cowart

Combs also secured a nomination for Best Country Album (Growin’ Up) and Best Country Song (“Doin’ This,” written by Combs, Drew Parker, and Robert Williford).

Maren Morris received three nominations, including Best Country Album for Humble Quest and Best Country Solo Performance and Best Country Song for “Circles Around This Town” (written by Morris, Ryan Hurd, Julia Michaels, and Jimmy Robbins).

Ashley McBryde secured two nominations. One was for her concept album Ashley McBryde Presents: Lindeville, which received a Best Country Album nod. The other was for her collaboration with first-time-Grammy-nominee Carly Pearce on “Never Wanted To Be That Girl,” which was nominated for Best Country Duo/Group Performance. The duet recently earned the CMA Award for Musical Event of the Year.

In addition to several nods in pop and general field categories, Taylor Swift appears in the Best Country Song category for “I Bet You Think About Me (Taylor’s Version) (From The Vault),” written by Swift and Lori McKenna.

Other Best Country Song nominees include Cody Johnson‘s “‘Til You Can’t” (written by Matt Rogers and Ben Stennis) and Willie Nelson‘s “I’ll Love You Till The Day I Die” (written by Rodney Crowell and Chris Stapleton).

Nelson also appears in the Best Country Album category for A Beautiful Time, the Best Country Solo Performance for “Live Forever,” and the Best Roots Gospel Album for The Willie Nelson Family.

Kelsea Ballerini earns her third-career nomination for Best Country Solo Performance (“Heartfirst”), and Zach Bryan earns his first-ever in the same category for “Something In The Orange.”

In the Best Country Duo/Group Performance, Ingrid Andress and Sam Hunt take home a nod for “Wishful Drinking,” as does Brothers Osborne for “Midnight Rider’s Prayer,” Reba McEntire and Dolly Parton for “Does He Love You – Revisited,” and Robert Plant and Alison Krauss for “Going Where The Lonely Go”—in addition to the aforementioned “Outrunnin’ Your Memory” and “Never Wanted To Be That Girl.”

Dolly Parton and Bill Anderson. Photo: JB Rowland/ CTK Entertainment

Country greats Parton and Bill Anderson secured a nomination in the Best American Roots Performance category for their “Someday It’ll All Make Sense (Bluegrass Version).” This marks Parton’s 53rd nomination—including this year’s nod with Reba McEntire. Astoundingly, it is Anderson’s first Grammy nomination as an artist, though the Hall of Famer has been nominated four times as a songwriter.

Asleep At The Wheel and Lyle Lovett were nominated in the Best Americana Performance category for “There You Go Again.” Sheryl Crow and Jeff Trott secured a nod for Best American Roots Song with “Forever.”

The nominees for Best Americana Album went to Carlile (In These Silent Days), Dr. John, (Things Happen That Way), Keb’ Mo’ (Good To Be…), Robert Plant and Alison Krauss (Raise The Roof), and Bonnie Raitt (Just Like That…).

Molly Tuttle, who was nominated in the all-genre Best New Artist category, also secured a nomination for Best Bluegrass Album with Crooked Tree, alongside Golden Highway.

In the Gospel/Contemporary Christian Music category, Maverick City Music, Kirk Franklin, DOE, and Chris Tomlin were top nominees. The Tennessee State University Marching Band was recognized in the Best Roots Gospel Album category for The Urban Hymnal.

Nasvhillians The Black Keys were nominated for Best Rock Performance (“Wild Child”) and Best Rock Album (Dropout Boogie).

Click here to see the full list of nominees.

The 65th Annual Grammy Awards will take place at Los Angeles’ Crypto.com Arena on Sunday, Feb. 5. The show will broadcast live on CBS and stream live and on-demand on Paramount+ at 7 p.m. CT. The final round of Grammy voting will run from Dec. 14, 2022 to Jan. 4, 2023.

Dalton Dover Inks With UTA

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Pictured (L-R): Jeffrey Hasson (Co-Head of UTA Nashville), Matthew Morgan (Partner & Co-Head of UTA Nashville), Scott Clayton (Partner & Co-Head of Global Music, UTA), Charly Salvatore (Founder & Manager, Underscore Works), Dalton Dover, Josh Garrett (Music Agent, UTA), Brett Saliba (Music Agent, UTA).

Dalton Dover has signed with UTA for worldwide booking representation in all areas.

The newly-signed Universal Music Group Nashville artist will release his new music via Mercury Nashville, including his latest song, “Damn Good Life.” His other tracks, such as “You Got A Small Town” and “Baby I Am,” helped the 23-year-old earn a place on Spotify’s Hot Country 2022 Artists to Watch, and a spotlight as Billboard’s February Country Rookie of the Month.

Dover first appeared on the scene as a contestant on season 16 of The Voice in 2019, where he earned a chair turn from Blake Shelton. He has continued to build his fan base on TikTok, racking up over 650,000 followers and garnering millions of views with his popular #CatchMeOffGuard series of cover song mashups. He also has nearly 615,000 monthly listeners on Spotify.

Dover is currently supporting Priscilla Block on her “Welcome to the Block Party Tour,” and is set to make his Grand Ole Opry debut on Dec. 3.

Earlier this year, Dover signed a global publishing deal with Sony Music Publishing Nashville and Droptine Music Publishing. He is represented by Charly Salvatore at Underscore Works.

Rissi Palmer, Miko Marks Team Up For Co-Headlining Acoustic Tour In May

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Rissi Palmer & Miko Marks

Rissi Palmer and Miko Marks are joining forces for a co-headlining acoustic tour beginning May 3 in Washington, D.C.

Each show on the nine-date tour will feature special performances from both artists, as well as performances as a duo, including their yet-to-be-released track, “I’m Still Here.” Tickets go on sale Nov. 18 on both artist’s websites.

Palmer and Marks have a long-standing history in the music industry, releasing their debut albums in 2007 and 2005, respectively. Their friendship has blossomed throughout the years as Black women in country music working to combat racism in the space.

Palmer launched her Apple Music radio show, Color Me Country with Rissi Palmer, in 2020, giving a voice for country artists of color and those who have been marginalized in mainstream country. She is also a special correspondent for CMT’s Hot 20 Countdown, and was recently highlighted in the Grammy Museum’s Power of Women In Country Music exhibit.

Marks returned from a hiatus of recording in 2021 with her first album in 13 years, Our Country. She released her new album, Feel Like Going Home, on Oct. 14, making her Grand Ole Opry debut that same night. In January, Marks was named to CMT’s Next Women of Country Class of 2022 and in April stood alongside five other artists and managers chosen to participate in the inaugural Equal Access Development Program, a program from mtheory and CMT to foster and support marginalized communities underrepresented in the country genre.

“Miko has been an inspiration and a friend for a long time,” says Palmer. “Her talent is second to none and it’s an honor to be sharing a stage with her. The audience can expect a lot of laughter, lots of good, new music, stories, and a great show!”

“Working with Rissi on tour is definitely one of the highlights of my journey in music,” Marks adds. “I have always loved her music and now I get to be on tour with her. We have grown to be close friends over the years and this moment has been a long time coming.”

U.S. Tour Dates:
May 3 / Washington, DC / Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage Series
May 4 / Old Saybrook, CT / The Katharine Hepburn Cultural Center
May 5 / Brownfield, ME / Stone Mountain Arts Center
May 6 / Boston, MA / City Winery Haymarket
May 7 / New York, NY / City Winery – The Loft
May 10 / Philadelphia, PA / World Cafe Live
May 11 / Durham, NC / The Pinhook
May 13 / Atlanta, GA / Eddie’s Attic

Recording Academy Announces Nominees For 65th Grammy Awards

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The nominees for The 65th Grammy Awards were revealed Tuesday (Nov. 15) across all 91 categories.

Live from the Grammy Museum, Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason jr. was joined by Jimmie Allen, Luis Fonsi, John Legend, Machine Gun Kelly, Smokey Robinson, Olivia Rodrigo, Recording Academy Los Angeles Chapter President Ledisi, and anchors Nate Burleson and Gayle King to annouce the nominees. Dan + Shay and Cyndi Lauper were also on hand to help present and give special performances.

This year’s nominees reflect several landmark changes that have been made to the nomination and voting processes. Among them, five new categories have been created, including Songwriter Of The Year, Non-Classical; Best Alternative Music Performance; Best Americana Performance; Best Score Soundtrack For Video Games And Other Interactive Media; and Best Spoken Word Poetry Album.

The final round of Grammy voting, which will determine winners, will run from Dec. 14, 2022 to Jan. 4, 2023.

The 65th Annual Grammy Awards will take place at Los Angeles’ Crypto.com Arena on Sunday, Feb. 5. The show will broadcast live on CBS and stream live and on-demand on Paramount+ at 7 p.m. CT.

SONG OF THE YEAR
“abcdefu” – Sara Davis, GAYLE & Dave Pittenger, songwriters (GAYLE)
“About Damn Time” – Melissa “Lizzo” Jefferson, Eric Frederic, Blake Slatkin & Theron Makiel Thomas, songwriters (Lizzo)
“All Too Well (10 Minute Version) (The Short Film)” – Liz Rose & Taylor Swift, songwriters (Taylor Swift)
“As It Was” – Tyler Johnson, Kid Harpoon & Harry Styles, songwriters (Harry Styles)
“Bad Habit” – Matthew Castellanos, Brittany Foushee, Diana Gordon, John Carroll Kirby & Steve Lacy, songwriters (Steve Lacy)
“Break My Soul” – Beyoncé, S. Carter, Terius “The-Dream” Gesteelde-Diamant & Christopher A. Stewart, songwriters (Beyoncé)
“Easy on Me” – Adele Adkins & Greg Kurstin, songwriters (Adele)
“God Did” – Tarik Azzouz, E.Blackmon, Khaled Khaled, F. LeBlanc, Shawn Carter, John Stephens, Dwayne Carter, William Roberts & Nicholas Warwar, songwriters (DJ Khaled Featuring Rick Ross, Lil Wayne, Jay-Z, John Legend & Fridayy)
“The Heart Part 5” – Jake Kosich, Johnny Kosich, Kendrick Lamar & Matt Schaeffer, songwriters (Kendrick Lamar)
“Just Like That” – Bonnie Raitt, songwriter (Bonnie Raitt)

RECORD OF THE YEAR
“Don’t Shut Me Down” (ABBA) – Benny Andersson, producer; Benny Andersson & Bernard Löhr, engineers/mixers; Björn Engelmann, mastering engineer
“Easy on Me” (Adele) – Greg Kurstin, producer; Julian Burg, Tom Elmhirst & Greg Kurstin, engineers/mixers; Randy Merrill, mastering engineer
“Break My Soul” (Beyoncé) – Beyoncé, Terius “The-Dream” Gesteelde-Diamant, Jens Christian Isaksen & Christopher “Tricky” Stewart, producers; Brandon Harding, Chris McLaughlin & Stuart White, engineers/mixers; Colin Leonard, mastering engineer
“Good Morning Gorgeous” (Mary J. Blige) – D’Mile & H.E.R., producers; Bryce Bordone, Serban Ghenea & Pat Kelly, engineers/mixers
“You and Me on the Rock” (Brandi Carlile Featuring Lucius) – Dave Cobb & Shooter Jennings, producers; Brandon Bell, Tom Elmhirst & Michael Harris, engineers/mixers; Pete Lyman, mastering engineer
“Woman” (Doja Cat) – Crate Classics, Linden Jay, Aynzli Jones & Yeti Beats, producers; Jesse Ray Ernster & Rian Lewis, engineers/mixers; Mike Bozzi, mastering engineer
“Bad Habit” (Steve Lacy) – Steve Lacy, producer; Neal Pogue & Karl Wingate, engineers/mixers; Mike Bozzi, mastering engineer
“The Heart Part 5” (Kendrick Lamar) – Beach Noise, producer; Beach Noise, Rob Bisel, Ray Charles Brown Jr., James Hunt, Johnny Kosich, Matt Schaeffer & Johnathan Turner, engineers/mixers; Michelle Mancini, mastering engineer
“About Damn Time” (Lizzo) – Ricky Reed & Blake Slatkin, producers; Patrick Kehrier, Bill Malina & Manny Marroquin, engineers/mixers; Michelle Mancini, mastering engineer
“As It Was” (Harry Styles) – Tyler Johnson & Kid Harpoon, producers; Jeremy Hatcher & Spike Stent, engineers/mixers; Randy Merrill, mastering engineer

BEST NEW ARTIST
Anitta
Omar Apollo
DOMi & JD Beck
Muni Long
Samara Joy
Latto
Måneskin
Tobe Nwigwe
Molly Tuttle
Wet Leg

ALBUM OF THE YEAR
Voyage (ABBA)
30 (Adele)
Un Verano Sin Ti (Bad Bunny)
Renaissance (Beyoncé)
Good Morning Gorgeous (Deluxe) (Mary J. Blige)
In These Silent Days (Brandi Carlile)
Music Of The Spheres (Coldplay)
Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers (Kendrick Lamar)
Special (Lizzo)
Harry’s House (Harry Styles)

SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR, NON-CLASSICAL
Amy Allen
Nija Charles
Tobias Jesso Jr.
The-Dream
Laura Veltz

BEST COUNTRY SOLO PERFORMANCE
“Heartfirst” – Kelsea Ballerini
“Something in the Orange” – Zach Bryan
“In His Arms” – Miranda Lambert
“Circles Around This Town” – Maren Morris
“Live Forever” – Willie Nelson

BEST COUNTRY DUO/GROUP PERFORMANCE
“Wishful Drinking” – Ingrid Andress & Sam Hunt
“Midnight Rider’s Prayer” – Brothers Osborne
“Outrunnin’ Your Memory” – Luke Combs & Miranda Lambert
“Does He Love You – Revisited” – Reba McEntire & Dolly Parton
“Never Wanted To Be That Girl” – Carly Pearce & Ashley McBryde
“Going Where The Lonely Go” – Robert Plant & Alison Krauss

BEST COUNTRY ALBUM
Growin’ Up – Luke Combs
Palomino – Miranda Lambert
Ashley McBryde Presents: Lindeville – Ashley McBryde
Humble Quest – Maren Morris
A Beautiful Time – Willie Nelson

BEST COUNTRY SONG
“Circles Around This Town” (Maren Morris) – Ryan Hurd, Julia Michaels, Maren Morris & Jimmy Robbins, songwriters
“Doin’ This” (Luke Combs) – Luke Combs, Drew Parker & Robert Williford, songwriters
“I Bet You Think About Me (Taylor’s Version) (From The Vault)” (Taylor Swift) – Lori McKenna & Taylor Swift, songwriters
“If I Was a Cowboy” (Miranda Lambert) – Jesse Frasure & Miranda Lambert, songwriters
“I’ll Love You Till The Day I Die” (Willie Nelson) – Rodney Crowell & Chris Stapleton, songwriters
“‘Til You Can’t” (Cody Johnson) – Matt Rogers & Ben Stennis, songwriters

BEST AMERICAN ROOTS SONG
“Bright Star” — Anaïs Mitchell, songwriter (Anaïs Mitchell)
“Forever” — Sheryl Crow & Jeff Trott, songwriters (Sheryl Crow)
“High And Lonesome” — T Bone Burnett & Robert Plant, songwriters (Robert Plant & Alison Krauss)
“Just Like That” — Bonnie Raitt, songwriter (Bonnie Raitt)
“Prodigal Daughter” — Tim O’Brien & Aoife O’Donovan, songwriters (Aoife O’Donovan & Allison Russell)
“You And Me On The Rock” — Brandi Carlile, Phil Hanseroth & Tim Hanseroth, songwriters (Brandi Carlile Featuring Lucius)

BEST AMERICANA ALBUM
In These Silent Days — Brandi Carlile
Things Happen That Way — Dr. John
Good To Be… — Keb’ Mo’
Raise The Roof — Robert Plant & Alison Krauss
Just Like That… — Bonnie Raitt

BEST ROOTS GOSPEL ALBUM
Let’s Just Praise The Lord – Gaither Vocal Band
Confessio – Irish American Roots – Keith & Kristyn Getty
The Willie Nelson Family – Willie Nelson
2:22 – Karen Peck & New River
The Urban Hymnal – Tennessee State University Marching Band

BEST CONTEMPORARY CHRISTIAN MUSIC ALBUM
Lion – Elevation Worship
Breathe – Maverick City Music
Life After Death – TobyMac
Always – Chris Tomlin
My Jesus – Anne Wilson

BEST GOSPEL ALBUM
Die To Live – Maranda Curtis
Breakthrough: The Exodus (Live) – Ricky Dillard
Clarity – DOE
Kingdom Book One Deluxe – Maverick City Music & Kirk Franklin
All Things New – Tye Tribbett

BEST CONTEMPORARY CHRISTIAN MUSIC PERFORMANCE/SONG
“God Really Loves Us (Radio Version)” (Crowder Featuring Dante Bowe and Maverick City Music) – Dante Bowe, David Crowder, Ben Glover & Jeff Sojka, songwriters
“So Good” (DOE) – Chuck Butler, Dominique Jones & Ethan Hulse, songwriters
“For God Is With Us” (for KING & COUNTRY & Hillary Scott) – Josh Kerr, Jordan Reynolds, Joel Smallbone & Luke Smallbone, songwriters
“Fear Is Not My Future” (Maverick City Music & Kirk Franklin) – Kirk Franklin, Nicole Hannel, Jonathan Jay, Brandon Lake & Hannah Shackelford, songwriters
“Holy Forever” (Chris Tomlin) – Jason Ingram, Brian Johnson, Jenn Johnson, Chris Tomlin & Phil Wickham, songwriters
“Hymn Of Heaven (Radio Version)” (Phil Wickham) – Chris Davenport, Bill Johnson, Brian Johnson & Phil Wickham, songwriters

BEST GOSPEL PERFORMANCE/SONG
“Positive” (Erica Campbell) – Erica Campbell, Warryn Campbell & Juan Winans, songwriters
“When I Pray” (DOE) – Dominique Jones & Dewitt Jones, songwriters
“Kingdom” (Maverick City Music & Kirk Franklin) – Kirk Franklin, Jonathan Jay, Chandler Moore & Jacob Poole, Songwriters
“The Better Benediction” (PJ Morton Featuring Zacardi Cortez, Gene Moore, Samoht, Tim Rogers & Darrel Walls) – PJ Morton, songwriter
“Get Up” (Tye Tribbett) – Brandon Jones, Christopher Michael Stevens, Thaddaeus Tribbett & Tye Tribbett, songwriters

For a full list of nominees, click here.

Tyler Hubbard’s Debut Solo Single Goes No. 1, Earns Gold Certification

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Pictured (L-R, back row): UMG Nashville’s (UMGN) David Friedman, UMGN’s Nick Kaper, EMI Nashville’s Briarman Whitfield, UMGN’s Donna Hughes, UMGN’s Royce Risser; (L-R, front row): EMI Nashville’s Jimmy Rector, EMI Nashville’s Heather Carpenter (holding a still of EMI’s John Trapane), Tyler Hubbard, EMI Nashville’s Jackie Stevens, UMGN’s Mike Dungan, EMI Nashville’s Mike Krinik (holding a still photo of EMI’s Trudie Daniell).

Tyler Hubbard’s debut solo single as an EMI Records Nashville artist, “5 Foot 9,” has reached No. 1 at country radio. The feat makes Hubbard the first male country artist formerly in a country duo to hit No. 1 as a solo artist.

The song, which also has 224 million global streams, is the first single off Hubbard’s debut solo album, set for release on Jan. 27. Penned by Hubbard, Jaren Johnston and Chase McGill, “5 Foot 9” went No. 1 and was certified Gold within six months of its release, marking Hubbard as the first debut country artist to go No. 1 this year.

Pictured (L-R): Brian Wright (UMGN), Tyler Hubbard, Lindsey Terry (UMGN), Cindy Mabe (UMGN), Erik Peterson (Borman Entertainment). Photo: Devin Groody

Hubbard celebrated the Gold certification last Friday night (Nov. 11) backstage at the Grand Ole Opry, where he received a plaque before making his debut Opry performance as a solo artist. He performed the hit single, along with “Way Home,” and “Dancin’ In The Country,” which will be Hubbard’s next radio single.

“Reaching No. 1 with my first single as a solo artist is an incredible feeling,” says Hubbard. “I’m overwhelmed with gratitude when I think of everyone who has supported and stood behind me. I’m thankful to the fans, country radio, my team, and everyone at EMI Records and UMG Nashville for believing in me and working so hard to make this dream become a reality.

“Stepping into the circle to perform on stage at the Grand Ole Opry is such an incredible honor,” he continues “Being at the Opry with family and friends and getting to celebrate ‘5 Foot 9’ being certified Gold is a moment I’ll never forget.”

Nashville’s Historic Exit/In To Close On Thanksgiving

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Exit/In

After 51 years, Nashville’s historic Exit/In will officially close its doors on Thanksgiving, ahead of the venue’s lease ending at the end of 2022. The restaurant attached to the building, Hurry Back, will remain open into December, but will close before year’s end.

The venue ownership turned to social media to break the news, saying, “It appears that 51 years of local, independent ownership and operation have come to an end.” The post continues, “We’re humbled to host this last run of concerts with friends from many eras gracing our stage again. There have been too many incredible moments to count over the 18 years we’ve stewarded Exit/In. It’s an incredibly special place that we are so fortunate to have been a part of. Thank you to everyone who’s been part of the extended Exit/In family.”

First opening in 1971 at 2208 Elliston Place, the venue is one of Music City’s most beloved independently owned venues and played host to tens of thousands of notable acts, including Etta James, Rosanne Cash, Johnny Cash, Linda Rondstadt, Talking Heads, Billy Joel, Muddy Waters, Leonard Cohen, The Red Hot Chili Peppers, Willie Nelson, Chuck Berry, Sharon Jones, Kings Of Leon, Lucinda Williams, The Allman Brothers Band, Cage The Elephant, REM, and many more.

In February of 2021, it was announced that the Exit/In property was being listed for sale. Venue owner Chris Cobb, in partnership with Grubb Properties, created a GoFundMe campaign in an attempt to help purchase the property and, in turn, solidify the future of the club. However, none of their bids were accepted.

Photo: Courtesy of Zach Nieszczur

“Over 4,000 people donated to the Keep Exit/In Independent GoFundMe,” the post noted. “Revisiting the number of donations and outcry of support gives up hope for the future and has allowed us to continue fighting. As stated from the beginning, the funds raised will be donated to MVAN and NIVA once this process has finalized.”

In their statement, the owners explained that there is a historic overlay on the building, and that the exact effect of the zoning is dependent on the Historic Commission. While the zoning should prevent complete destruction of the historic building, it can change at any time.

“We love this city wholeheartedly but are not ok with many current trends here. We know Nashville needs Exit/In and independent venues like it to continue supporting our community of artists, musicians, and the entire ecosystem they center.” The post added, “Thank you again most humbly and sincerely for all your support, for all the shows, and all the memories.”

The Exit/In will wrap up its slate of programming with upcoming shows from Spencer Crandall (Nov. 15), Carlene Carter & The Lucky Ones (Nov. 16), Emmylou Harris (Nov. 17), Lilly Hiatt and Adia Victoria (Nov. 19), Jeff the Brotherhood (Nov. 20-21) and Diarrhea Planet (Nov. 22-23).

Ashley McBryde Earns 2022 CMA International Artist Achievement Award

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Ashley McBryde. Photo: Hunter Berry/CMA.

During the festivities surrounding the 56th Annual CMA Awards, three-time CMA Award winner Ashley McBryde was honored with the 2022 CMA International Artist Achievement Award. She was surprised backstage at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena ahead of her CMA Awards rehearsal by CMA CEO Sarah Trahern and CMA VP, International Relations & Development Milly Olykan.

The CMA International Artist Achievement Award recognizes outstanding achievement by a United States-based artist who has demonstrated the most significant creative growth, development, and promotion of the country music industry outside of the United States during the eligibility period.

Pictured (L-R): Drew Bennett (Manager, Q Prime South), Caitlin Cadden (Warner Music Nashville Director, International Marketing), Cris Lacy (Warner Music Nashville Co-President), Ben Kline (Warner Music Nashville Co-President), Ashley McBryde, Sarah Trahern (CMA CEO), Milly Olykan (CMA VP, International Relations & Development), and Meredith Goucher (CMA Manager, International Relations & Development). Photo: Hunter Berry/CMA.

After performing at C2C in March 2022, McBryde embarked on an eight-date headlining run, selling out shows in Glasgow, Leeds, Manchester, and Brighton. She also performed at C2C festivals in 2018 and 2019 as well as 2019’s CMC Rocks in Australia, where she will return in 2023. McBryde also joined Luke Combs as support on his 2018 U.K. tour ahead of her first U.K. headlining tour in 2019.

“Since the first time I was lucky enough to play abroad when C2C took a chance on me in 2018, I have fallen in love with the international fans,” McBryde shares. “I’ve told them over and over that as long as they keep showing up, I’ll keep showing up. That is still true today. I am honored and so proud to be receiving this award and I promise to continue to be the best ambassador that I can be for country music all over the world.”

“Ashley has had an eye on developing her international presence since the beginning of her career,” notes Trahern. “She is a true example of an artist committed to building an international audience, and we are beyond thrilled to present her with this year’s award.”

Pictured (L-R): Milly Olykan (CMA VP, International Relations & Development), Sarah Trahern (CMA CEO), and Ashley McBryde. Photo: Hunter Berry/CMA.

“Throughout multiple international tours, Ashley has prioritized various promotional opportunities while traveling to many territories, from presenting on radio shows to guest appearances in film,” adds Olykan. “With international travel halted for an extended period due to the pandemic, Ashley made a point to get back across the pond as soon as borders reopened, performing earlier this year at the U.K.’s C2C: Country to Country festival and headlining her own tour there in May. We are so happy to see her recognized with this honor.”

The CMA International Awards honor industry executives and artists who have supported and made a difference towards the growth and promotion of country music in the international marketplace. Nominees are recognized in six categories acknowledging their dedication and efforts in growing opportunities for country music in their local territories. Winners for the remaining 2022 CMA International Awards categories will be presented with their awards in the coming months.

Koe Wetzel Heads Out On ‘Road to Hell Paso’ Tour This Spring

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Koe Wetzel. Photo: Jody Domingue

Koe Wetzel will embark on his “Road to Hell Paso” headlining tour this spring.

The newly-announced, 25-date run, in support of Wetzel’s latest album Hell Paso, kicks off March 2 in Tallahassee with stops in Tulsa, Savannah, Milwaukee, Detroit, St. Louis, and more through May 20. He will bring his show to Nashville’s Ascend Amphitheater on May 11. The Citi presale begins Nov. 15, with artist presale beginning tomorrow (Nov. 16). Tickets go on sale to the general public Nov. 18 at 10 a.m. local time.

Upon its September release, Hell Paso debuted at No. 12 on the Billboard 200. With over 350,000 tickets sold in 2022, the Texas-born singer, songwriter, and producer continues to dominate the touring world and was featured on Pollstar’s Top Worldwide Tours in 2020 and 2021.

Wetzel is currently on the road through early December, including three dates with Jelly Roll.