NSAI Announces Music Industry Career Camp At MTSU For Summer 2023

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Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) is offering a brand-new, five-day Music Industry Career Camp from June 19-23, 2023 at Middle Tennessee State University.

Presented by Ronald Blue Trust, the first-of-its-kind camp will offer a look at many careers in the music industry, and each day will focus on a select group of career options within the industry. Attendees can expect panels featuring expert speakers, Q&A sessions with industry professionals, on-site visits to live music facilities, recording studios, records labels and more.

Daily themes that will be explored during the camp include Audio/Video Production Careers, Live Music Touring Careers, Songwriting/Publishing Careers, Artist/Record Label Careers, and Media and Marketing Careers.

“We are excited to hold this camp covering so many potential careers available within the American music industry. Featuring experts in dozens of jobs, field trips to Nashville for on-site learning, and the ability to see how many of these roles operate in real life, this is going to be such a unique experience,” notes NSAI Executive Director Bart Herbison.

“The idea was initially born from conversations with parents whose children are planning college degrees in the industry, but we’ve expanded to include anyone sixteen years or older as we know entering the music industry can happen at any point in someone’s professional journey,” he continues. ” It only makes sense to help anyone interested explore the myriad of creative and non-creative jobs available in the industry before changing careers or potentially committing tens of thousands of dollars or more to education.”

Registration is now open. An on-campus housing option will be available to purchase for those that opt to stay on-site in an MTSU dormitory. The camp is open to ages sixteen and up. For more information or to register, click here.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Tanya Tucker’s Vocals Soar On ‘Ready As I’ll Never Be’

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Country music is in the midst of one of its periodic artist shakeups.

There’s a new generation of record makers vying for stardom, and they’re a very diverse lot. Just take a listen to Sam Williams, Pillbox Patti, Brandon Ratcliff, Ian Munsick, Elle King and Lily Rose.

But let’s not forget to dance with the ones who brung us. I refer to the enduringly great Tanya Tucker, who towers above all these would-be stars with “Ready As I’ll Never Be” as the Disc of the Day.

The DISCovery award goes to Michael Warren. He’s a Birmingham native who’s written pop tunes for the likes of Toni Braxton, Jennifer Lopez and Akon. But his southern roots shine through on “What’s Country to You.”

LILY ROSE / “Whatcha Know About That”
Writers: Dave Pittenger/Jonathan Hutcherson/Sydney Cubit/Miranda Glory; Producer: Joey Moi; Label: Big Loud/Back Blocks/Mercury/Republic
–A chiming, echoey production backs her husky come-on to a potential lover. It has a certain “rush” that’s very inviting.

IAN MUNSICK / “Horses & Weed”
Writers: Ian Munsick/Josh Thompson; Producers: Ian Munsick/Jared Conrad; Label: Warner
–The Colorado cowboy praises products of his home state. Tennesseans might have their pick-up trucks and beer, but he’s floating languidly on a ballad with wafting smoke in his hair and a palomino for propulsion.

ELLE KING / “Try Jesus”
Writers: Ashley Gorley/Ben Johnson/Casey Smith/Elle King/Geoffrey Warburton; Producers: Elle King/Ross Copperman; Label: Sony
–This manages to be hilarious, devout, wacky, uplifting, kookie and delightfully strange all at the same time. The song is out there. Her performance is charming. The video is a hoot.

SHABOOZEY / “Gas!”
Writers: Sam Martinez/Shaboozey; Producer: Sam Martinez/Junwaa/Ben Mironer/Shaboozey; Label: Empire
–The Virginia rapper thinks this is some new kinda country music. I don’t.

TANYA TUCKER / “Ready As I’ll Never Be”
Writers: Tanya Tucker/Brandi Carlile; Producers: Brandi Carlile/Shooter Jennings; Label: Fantasy
–This is the end title tune of the new Tanya Tucker documentary. It’s also a dynamite ballad that dips into the legendary entertainer’s deepest alto before soaring into a stirring, melodic chorus. An awesome performance by one of our most charismatic greats.

BRANDON RATCLIFF / “Grow Apart”
Writers: Brandon Ratcliff/Lori McKenna/Pete Good; Producers: Pete Good/AJ Babcock; Label: Monument
–This guy is batting a thousand with me: I believe I’ve loved everything he’s released so far. He comes by his extraordinary singing voice doubtless via his inheritance, since his mom is the great Suzanne Cox of The Cox Family. Here, he applies it to a meditation on youth and aging that echoes with truth. Brandon’s debut album is due in January, and I can’t wait.

PILLBOX PATTI / “Eat Pray Drugs”
Writers: Nicolette Hayford/Aaron Raitiere/Benjy Davis/Connie Harrington/Park Chilsolm; Producer: Park Chisolm; Label: Monument
–The sound of a steamy southern summer. She drawls in an atmospheric dream in this super-creative production. “There’s only three things to do around here,” the small-town gal whispers. They’re listed in the sez-it-all title.

TYLER HUBBARD / “I’m the Only One”
Writers: Tyler Hubbard/Chris Locke/Rhett Akins; Producers: Jordan Schmidt/Tyler Hubbard; Label: EMI
–Positively joyous. Being in love has seldom sounded so downright fun. Hubbard is currently going from strength to strength en route to a debut album in January.

KARLEY SCOTT COLLINS / “Better Strangers”
Writers: Liz Rose/Karley Scott Collins; Producer: Brock Berryhill; Label: Sony
–The relationship went bust, and she’s totally depressed about it. Promising, if somewhat overproduced.

REYNA ROBERTS / “Pretty Little Devils”
Writers: Reyna Roberts/Kendall Brower/David Mescon; Producer: David Mescon; Label: Empire
–Minor-key, moody and edgy. Hip-hop fused with country-rock, which is her usual jam.

SAM WILLIAMS / “Tilted Crown”
Writers: Luke Dick/Sam Williams/Scooter Carusoe; Producer: Luke Dick; Label: Mercury
–In a voice cracked with heartache, Williams muses about the legacy of his legendary lineage. The evocative ballad is produced with exquisite precision, and his performance glows with honesty.

MICHAEL WARREN / “What’s Country to You”
Writers: Dylan Schneider/Zac Kale/Jake Rose; Producer: none listed; Label: Workplay
–Jaunty and charming. He bops through the countryfied lyric with verve and smiles while the guitars ring and chime. Add this.

Primary Wave Music, Gibson Celebrate 70 Years Of Sun Records At Nashville’s Gibson Garage

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Pictured (L-R): Primary Wave’s Donna Grecco, Adam Lowenberg, Ramon Villa, Catie Monck, Jeff Straughn, Dominic Pandiscia, Robert Dippold, Wendell Moore, Marty Silverstone, Justin Shukat, Sam Sklovar. Photo: Kyler Clark.

Independent publishing house Primary Wave Music celebrated the 70th Anniversary of Sun Records at the Gibson Garage in Nashville on Tuesday night (Oct. 25) in partnership with Gibson.

The evening was filled with performances of hits from Sun Record artists throughout the label’s history. Tash Neal began the all-star event with a performance of “Iko Iko” and “Mystery Train,” Hannah Dasher performed “Hey Good Lookin’,” and Meghan Linsey took the stage for “That’s Alright (Mama).”

Chris Isaak and Emmylou Harris performing at the 70th Anniversary of Sun Records Event. Photo: Kyler Clark.

Kristian Bush followed with a performance of “King of the Road” and “Boppin’ the Blues” with Benji Shanks of Blackberry Smoke, and the legendary Emmylou Harris performed a duet of “Love Hurts” with Chris Isaak. Finally, Isaak sealed the evening with a performance of “Great Balls of Fire” and “I Forgot to Remember.”

“Sun Records will forever be the birthplace of rock and roll,” notes Dominic Pandiscia, Chief Strategy Officer Sun Label Group. “To celebrate its’ 70th birthday with so many who have contributed to its’ legacy, past and future, is truly an honor.”

“From Elvis to B.B. King, Roy Orbison and more, it’s an honor, and so fitting, for Gibson to host the Sun Records 70th anniversary,” adds Elizabeth Heidt, Vice President of Cultural Influence, Gibson Brands-Global. “Gibson and Sun Records have been partners in shaping sound with music icons for decades and are aligned in the preservation, restoration and celebration of this rich music history. It’s so exciting to see new fans discovering these incredible artists and their stories.”

RIAA presented a plaque to Primary Wave and Sun Records in honor of the impact the label has had on the music industry over the past 70 years.

Established in 1952 by Sam Phillips, Sun Records is the home of music legends Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, and Roy Orbison, and was instrumental in launching the careers of pioneers Linda Martell, Jeannie C Riley, The Dixie Cups, Howlin’ Wolf, Rosco Gordon and more.

‘Captain Jack’ Aponte Announces Retirement

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“Captain Jack” Aponte

“Captain Jack” Aponte has announced his retirement from radio after more than 50 years in the industry.

“The last few months have been very difficult due to various health issues that have included a cancer scare, two major surgeries, and weeks of recuperation,” Aponte shares with MusicRow. “I have had to put our important business on hold while working on getting well. Thank God no cancer was found. All that time, while I sat in the hospital bed and at home, I looked at my 50 years in this business. I realized I had accomplished a lot. In many cases I dared go where others had not.”

Aponte’s beginnings start in the New York metro area, which helped shape his major market mentality all while keeping his down home values front and center. His long-time love of country music is what drove him to make Music City his home over a decade ago.

In 2011, Aponte launched internet radio station, Renegade Radio Nashville, and within 6 months RRN became the first and only internet radio station in music history to be given legitimate “reporting” status on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart.

The veteran’s passion has always revolved around the Nashville scene and country music. Throughout his career, Aponte strongly believed in exposing new country songs and breaking new country artists to his audiences. As a contemporary country music programmer, he always went the extra mile to find a sound unique to his format.

In 2019, he moved back to his home state and settled in Seaside Heights, New Jersey where he set up a new online station covering the tristate areas of NJ, NY, and PA which also broadcasted live from the beach. Named Jersey Shore Country, this became the primary reporting station on the MusicRow Radio Chart.

Aponte states, “From moving to a new town, changing work hours to accommodate mine or just spending days, nights and weekends alone while I built up radio station listenership, my wife and family have cheered me on giving up so much of their lives to support me. After weeks of careful consideration, I have made the hard decision to retire.

“This wonderful experience that Music Row has afforded me and the opportunity to work with the best professionals in the music business will be something I will cherish forever,” he continues. “I don’t know what the future holds, as none of us do, however these are decisions I will make with my family in mind. I wish you all the best life has to offer and I will never forget our amazing relationships.”

He sums, “I hope growth and success is in all our futures.”

MusicRow wishes Aponte all the best in his retirement.

George Strait Adds Second Nissan Stadium Date Due To Overwhelming Demand

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George Strait has added a second Nissan Stadium date in Nashville due to overwhelming demand. Slated for July 28, the second show will also feature Chris Stapleton and Little Big Town as special guests. The second Nissan Stadium show joins the initial Music City date on July 29.

News of the show follows the announcement earlier this week of Strait’s six one-off stadium dates in Phoenix, Seattle, Denver, Milwaukee, Nashville and Tampa. Tickets to all shows go on sale next Friday, Nov. 4 at GeorgeStrait.com. American Express cardmembers can purchase tickets to the newly-added date through Thursday, Nov. 3.

Strait will also perform in his home state of Texas at Fort Worth’s Dickies Arena on Friday, Nov. 18-19. Additionally, he’ll once again return to Las Vegas for his “Strait to Vegas” series, gracing the stage at his T-Mobile Arena home away from home for the 35th and 36th time on Dec. 2 and Dec. 3.

George Strait 2023 Stadium Show Dates:
May 6 – Glendale, Ariz. || State Farm Stadium
June 3 – Milwaukee, Wisc. || American Family Field
June 17 – Seattle, Wash. || Lumen Field
June 24 – Denver, Colo. || Empower Field at Mile High Stadium
July 28 – Nashville, Tenn. || Nissan Stadium
July 29 – Nashville, Tenn. || Nissan Stadium
Aug. 5 – Tampa, Fla. || Raymond James Stadium

Billy Dawson Signs With Rodney Clawson, Boom Music Group, & Warner Chappell

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Pictured (L-R:) Joe Fisher, Ben Vaughn, Rodney Clawson, Billy Dawson, Shaina Botwin, Emma Kiefer, Will Overton

Billy Dawson has signed a joint venture publishing deal with Rodney Clawson, Boom Music Group, and Warner Chappell.

A West Texas native, Dawson is a singer, songwriter, and producer who has collaborated with many of Music City’s top writers including Clawson, Chris Tompkins, Lee Miller, Jessie Jo Dillon, Jon Nite, Matt McGinn, and many more. He is currently writing and producing a new military-inspired album co-written with veterans that will benefit Sierra Delta, which empowers veterans and provides purpose and community through the love of service dogs. Dawson also wrote and produced music for the newly-released Bollywood movie Rocketry with R. Madhavan, marking the first American country song to be featured in a Bollywood movie.

“Billy’s signature is his positive influence on everyone around him,” shares Warner Chappell’s Will Overton. “He knows how to get the best out of his cowriters and always puts others first. It’s an honor to be a part of his creative journey!”

“Billy is a great collaborator and a great guy,” adds Clawson. “We’ve been working together for years, and now we’re happy to make it official with Boom and Warner Chappell.”

“Billy Dawson is probably the nicest and most accommodating guy you’ll ever meet,” says Boom’s Shaina Botwin. “His positive attitude is infectious and he brings great energy to every co-write he’s in. We’re excited to represent him alongside Rodney and Warner Chappell!”

Alan Jackson To Be Honored With 2022 CMA Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award

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Alan Jackson. Photo: David McClister

The Country Music Association has revealed that country music superstar Alan Jackson will be awarded the 2022 CMA Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award.

Jackson will accept the honor during the 56th Annual CMA Awards, broadcasting live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on Nov. 9 on ABC. Dierks Bentley, Jon Pardi, Carrie Underwood and Lainey Wilson will take the CMA Awards stage for an all-star tribute to the Country Music Hall of Fame member.

The CMA Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award goes to an iconic artist who has achieved both national and international prominence and stature through concert performances, humanitarian efforts, philanthropy, streaming numbers, record sales and public representation at the highest level. The artist receiving this award has positively impacted and contributed to the growth of the genre throughout a course of years that have proven to have an unprecedented historical impact on fans and industry alike.

Throughout his impressive career, Jackson has released more than 20 albums and collections, nine of which went multi-Platinum with 2 million or more in sales. He has charted 35 No. 1 hits, sold nearly 60 million albums and is among the genre’s most decorated figures with more than 150 awards, including three CMA Entertainer of the Year Awards and two Grammy Awards.

Jackson has also gained membership in the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Grand Ole Opry, the Songwriters Hall of Fame, and the Georgia Music Hall of Fame. He was given the first ASCAP Heritage Award in 2014, recognizing him as the most performed country singer-songwriter of the last 100 years.

“We are thrilled to honor Alan Jackson this year with the CMA Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award,” says Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer. “A three-time CMA Entertainer of the Year, he is responsible for so many iconic moments in CMA Awards history. Just as Alan has been influenced by many country legends throughout his career, he too has inspired a generation of artists to stay true to the authenticity of country music. We are so excited to bring Dierks, Jon, Carrie and Lainey together on the CMA Awards stage for what will surely be an incredible and touching tribute to an artist they each deeply admire. Having had the great fortune of working with Alan over the years, I am delighted we are honoring him with this milestone award next month.”

Previous recipients of the 2022 CMA Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award include Nelson (2012), Kenny Rogers (2013), Johnny Cash (2015), Dolly Parton (2016), Kris Kristofferson (2019), Charley Pride (2020), and Loretta Lynn (2021).

Dalton Dover Signs With Universal Music Group Nashville

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Pictured (L-R, front row): Mike Harris, Mike Dungan, Dalton Dover, Cindy Mabe, Brian Wright; (L-R, back row): Charly Salvatore, Bruce Phillips, Matt McVaney. Photo: Chris Hollo

Dalton Dover has signed with Universal Music Group Nashville, and will release new music on the label’s Mercury Nashville imprint.

Dover first achieved prominence following his appearance on Season 16 of The Voice, where he earned a chair turn from judge Blake Shelton. Two years later, Dover has continued to build his fan base on TikTok, garnering millions of views with his #CatchMeOffGuard series of cover song mashups.

Dover’s songs “You Got A Small Town” and “Baby I Am,” which has earned nearly 500,000 streams, helped the 23-year-old Georgia native earn a place on Spotify’s Hot Country 2022 Artists to Watch, along with a spotlight as Billboard’s February Country Rookie of the Month and a nod as MusicRow’s 2022 Discovery Artist of the Year.

“All of us at UMG have been fans of Dalton for a long time,” says Mike Dungan, Chairman and CEO of Universal Music Group Nashville. “For months our staff has filled the rooms at almost every one of his live performances in Nashville. As we worked our way through the legal process, our four label promotion teams were fighting over which label he would go to and who got to work with him. We are thrilled that he chose to be a member of our family and anxious to release the first taste of music with the Mercury logo on it.”

“I’m so excited to join the Mercury and UMG Nashville family,” shares Dover. “I wouldn’t be here without the support from my wonderful wife and family, my team, and the fans who have listened to and shared the songs we’ve released so far. This is just the beginning, and we can’t wait to show you what we’ve been working on!”

Eclipse Music Groups Adds John Owen Bradley & Anna Thiel To Creative Department

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John Owen Bradley & Anna Thiel

Eclipse Music Group has expanded its creative team with the addition of John Owen Bradley as Creative Director and Anna Thiel as Creative Coordinator.

In this role, Bradley supports the publishing, management and label divisions and is responsible for content creation, A&R, creative collaborations, catalog exploitation, business development, and tour and event coordination. Prior to Eclipse, Bradley spearheaded the revitalization of the historic Bradley’s Barn where he worked with a wide range of creators, including Doc Holiday, Killa Musiq and 21 Savage. As a partner in CleanBoy Promotions, he has been at the forefront of creating and promoting concerts and events, including the recent Anything Fest at Further Farms in Nashville.

“John’s intuitive ability to pair creators, his understanding of the recording process and his content creation skills are a big asset to Eclipse’s roster and expanding publishing, management, and label divisions,” says Penny Gattis, Eclipse Publishing General Manager.

As Creative Coordinator, Thiel is responsible for social media, catalog management, scheduling, administration, accounting and tour advancing.

“Eclipse Music Group comprises a diversity of talent and genres and John and Anna’s passion for all genres of music is right in step with where Nashville is going right now,” adds Neal Dahlgren, head of Eclipse’s management group. “We are excited to have Eclipse growing in just this way.”

Founded in 2017, Eclipse Music Group is an independent music publishing and artist development company whose roster includes Ronnie Bowman, Nick Connors, Sarah Darling, Jeff Garrison, Early James, Jordan James, Eric Masse, Jim McCormick, Reyna Roberts and Payton Smith.

‘The Judds: Love Is Alive – The Final Concert’ Comes To MTSU’s Murphy Center, Airing On CMT In 2023

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Wynonna Judd will headline a history-making concert event, ”The Judds: Love Is Alive – the Final Concert,” on Nov. 3 at the Murphy Center at Middle Tennessee State University.

Presented by CMT and Sandbox Productions, the special show will recreate “The Judds 1991 Farewell Tour” for a televised event airing in March 2023 on CMT. Wynonna’s current tourmates Ashley McBryde, Brandi Carlile, Kelsea Ballerini, Little Big Town and Martina McBride are slated to join, with additional guests to be announced in the coming weeks.

“Stepping onstage at the Murphy Center for the first time since Dec. 4, 1991 will be so surreal for me. It was an emotional night over 30 years ago and will be an emotional night, for different reasons, now,” Wynonna explains. “I can’t wait to lean into the nostalgia with the artists who have made this tour so special, and recreate one of the most iconic nights in Judd ‘Herstory!’”

“It’s serendipitous magic on so many levels to be able to capture Wynonna’s return to the Murphy Center, almost exactly 31 years to the date. And it’s especially meaningful as an MTSU alum to produce such a landmark event, working hand in hand with the university’s faculty and staff to have their students actively participate in the production in its entirety,” notes Margaret Comeaux, Executive Producer & SVP of Production, Music & Events, CMT. “We are also extremely excited to collaborate once again with our amazing partners at Sandbox to present a true Judds event spectacular that has been decades in the making, and continue to tell the next chapter in Wynonna’s story.”

This homecoming to MTSU will mark the largest concert to take place at the iconic Murphy Center since Wynonna and her mother, Naomi Judd, had their final show together on “The Judds Farewell Tour” over three decades ago. 

Tickets for the show are on sale now, with a portion of proceeds benefiting NAMI Tennessee.