Jo Dee Messina Pops Up At Bobby Bones’ “Comedically Inspirational” Show In Nashville
Bobby Bones & Jo Dee Messina. Photo: Courtesy of 117 Entertainment
On the heels of announcing her new partnership with 117 Entertainment, Jo Dee Messina surprised the audience at Bobby Bones‘ “Comedically Inspirational” stand-up show on Saturday night (Oct. 22) at the CMA Theater in Nashville.
Messina did a live interview on stage where she shared thoughts and insights about her decades-long career. The country hitmaker also performed acoustic versions of her smash hits “Heads Carolina, Tails California” and “Lesson in Leavin’.”
Old Dominion’s “I Was On A Boat That Day” Goes Platinum
Old Dominion celebrates “I Was On A Boat That Day” going Platinum with their team. Photo: Mason Allen
Old Dominion‘s top 10 single “I Was On A Boat That Day” has achieved RIAA Platinum certification. The song is Old Dominion’s eighth Platinum-certified song.
“I Was On A Boat That Day,” written by the band’s Matthew Ramsey, Brad Tursi, Geoff Sprung, Trevor Rosen and Whit Sellers, alongside award-winning songwriters Shane McAnally and Josh Osborne, was the lead single from their fourth full-length project, Time, Tequila and Therapy, which recently earned a nomination for Album of the Year at the 2022 CMA Awards.
The plaque presentation was made ahead of the band’s Whiskey Jam performance on Oct. 17. Having spent this summer on the stadium portion of Kenny Chesney’s “Here and Now 2022 Tour,” they recently collaborated with Chesney on “Beer With My Friends,” which is currently climbing the country charts.
Craig Morgan Honored With Tennessee Music Pathways Marker
Craig Morgan. Photo: Courtesy of Tennessee Tourism
On Oct. 18, Tennessee Tourism and the Dickson County Chamber of Commerce honored celebrated country artist Craig Morgan with a Tennessee Music Pathways marker in downtown Dickson, Tennessee. The pathway serves to celebrate his contributions to the state’s rich musical legacy.
Morgan recently kicked off his “God, Family, Country Tour 2022” in Green Bay, Wisconsin. He will continue the trek through November with an upcoming stop at Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium on Veteran’s Day, coinciding with the release of his God, Family, Country (Deluxe Edition) album.
Danielle Bradbery’s “Worth It” Earns Gold Distinction
Pictured (L-R): Big Machine Label Group’s Darielle Schroeder, Why&How’s Halie Hampton Mosley, Why&How’s Allie Petko, Big Machine Label Group’s Allison Jones, Danielle Bradbery, Big Machine Label Group’s Carly Strickland, Big Machine Records’ Clay Hunnicutt
Danielle Bradbery‘s 2017 hit “Worth It” has officially been certified Gold by the RIAA. Included on her sophomore album I Don’t Believe We’ve Met, the track was written by Bradbery along with Molly Reed and Grammy-nominated and SESAC award-winning writer Jeff Pardo.
Bradbery received the news after her recent show at the Grand Ole Opry.
SESAC Honors Malibu Babie’s First No. 1 Hit With Special Celebration
Pictured (L-R): Katie Fagan (Nashville Head of A&R, Prescription Songs), ET Brown (Senior Director Creative Services, SESAC), and Malibu Babie
SESAC recently celebrated affiliate Malibu Babie, who co-wrote and co-produced Nicki Minaj’s hit song “Super Freaky Girl,” with a No. 1 celebration at Greenhouse Bar along with her publishing partner Prescription Songs.
The song debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 this August and garnered over three million streams upon release, breaking the Spotify record for the biggest debut for a solo female rap song. “Super Freaky Girl” marks Malibu Babie’s first No. 1 hit.
Seaforth Makes Plans To Bring Their ‘About Time Tour’ Stateside In 2023
/by Lydia FarthingSeaforth. Photo: Nolan Knight
Aussie duo Seaforth will bring their “About Time Tour” stateside beginning Feb. 2 in Athens, Georgia, following their six-date Australian trek, which kicks off Nov. 1.
The U.S. leg of the trek will bring their live show to 23 cities, including their first headlining sets in Boston, Chicago, New York, Washington, D.C., and more. Tickets for their U.S. dates go on sale Thursday (Oct. 27) at 10 a.m. local time.
The tour comes after opening runs with Jordan Davis, Brett Young, Mitchell Tenpenny and more, as well as their full-set Ryman Auditorium debut, and a date at Los Angeles’ iconic Troubadour club.
The Arista Nashville duo most recently released What I Get For Loving You, an eight-song collection that includes their collaborations with Davis (“Good Beer”) and Sean Kingston (“Queen of Daytona Beach”), along with viral hit “Breakups” and fan favorite “Magic.”
Metro Government, Titans Unveil Renderings Of Proposed New, Enclosed Stadium
/by Steven BoeroRendering of new Titans stadium. Photo: Courtesy of the Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans have shared renderings of its potential new stadium, which would encompass 1.7 million square feet with a capacity of approximately 60,000.
The renderings follow last week’s announcement that the team and the city of Nashville had reached a proposed agreement for a new, enclosed stadium, which will be discussed by Metro Council and the Sports Authority in the coming weeks. The plan for the $2.1 billion stadium will be paid for by the Titans organization/NFL, bonds from the state of Tennessee as promised by Governor Bill Lee, and through a hotel occupancy tax as well as sales tax at Nissan Stadium and the surrounding area.
Rendering of new Titans stadium. Photo: Courtesy of the Tennessee Titans
“We envision a potential new stadium that makes our community proud and enhances the reputation of our great city and state,” says Titans President and CEO Burke Nihill. “We’re focused on designing a stadium capable of hosting a prestigious international event on a Sunday and a steady flow of impactful community programming later that same week. This is a building that would serve Nashville and Tennessee for generations.”
The stadium designs were created by MANICA, a Kansas City-based architecture firm that has worked on projects such as Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas (which hosted the 2022 ACM Awards) and Chase Center in San Francisco. The team commissioned MANICA to produce the concepts in order to inform site planning and cost estimates.
Hastings, a Nashville-based architecture firm, also participated in the design work, with a particular emphasis on reflecting Nashville’s spirit and character, and a focus on seamlessly integrating the building into the proposed neighborhood surrounding the stadium.
Rendering of new Titans stadium. Photo: Courtesy of the Tennessee Titans
The stadium architecture is inspired by the city of Nashville and is planned to be complementary to the broader East Bank development plan led by the city. The design gave specific attention to multi-purpose function, in order to maximize the number and types of events that could take place in the building.
Key features of the design include:
Christian Music Newcomer Blessing Offor Readies Debut Album For January
/by Lydia FarthingBlessing Offor
Fresh off of his multi-week No. 1 hit “The Goodness” with TobyMac and building on the success of his debut EP, Blessing Offor will release his full length debut album, My Tribe, on Jan. 13.
Through the album, Offor takes the themes introduced on his Brighter Days EP and dives in deeper with a sense of optimism and authenticity. The 16-track record also serves as a love letter to his Nigerian roots and his unique journey to Nashville.
“I’m immensely proud of this project,” Offor shares. “It’s been a winding road to get here, but it’s been worth every step. I’ve poured myself into these songs, and I hope that everyone who listens will be able to find something that they can hold onto. All my thanks to everyone who had a hand in it and who puts an ear to it–I would not be here without you!”
Offor has had quite the breakout year in 2022, garnering a Dove Award nomination for New Artist of the Year. Earlier this year, his self-titled track peaked at No. 2 on Billboard’s Christian Airplay chart, in addition to his aforementioned No. 1 hit and a top 5 charting single all before the release of an album.
Offor will hit the road with Brandon Lake and Lauren Daigle this November with stops in Florida, Indiana, Ohio, Illinois and South Carolina.
Flatland Cavalry Offer Some ‘Songs To Keep You Warm’ On New EP
/by Lorie HollabaughFlatland Cavalry. Photo: Fernando Garcia
Flatland Cavalry are set to release their new EP, Songs to Keep You Warm, this Friday (Oct. 28).
The new EP, produced by Bruce Robison, includes six new songs written by lead singer Cleto Cordero to help provide comfort for fans and keep them cozy as the winter months arrive. Songs to Keep You Warm also features special guests Ashley Monroe (“Parallel”) and Kaitlin Butts (“How Long”).
“An idea came to me in June, out of the blue, late one evening at bedtime after a very long and wearisome few weeks on the road,” Cordero offers. “I was in the kind of place where I was completely exhausted, both mentally and physically, and laying there in a state of surrender, the entire idea for this EP just flashed into my mind: The studio and producer, the songs and the theme, Songs To Keep You Warm.”
He continues, “Historically, we have never announced a fall project, so I am excited to release a curated batch of songs that, I believe, pair well with the season of chilly overcast days, falling leaves and all things pumpkin-spiced. I hope these songs are something fans will cling to during the colder months—something to keep them warm until spring arrives!”
Songs to Keep You Warm is the band’s first new music since the release of their acclaimed 2021 album, Welcome to Countryland. Since the release, the band has earned two No. 1s at Texas Country Radio (“Gettin’ By,” “A Cowboy Knows How”) and garnered over 290 million streams to date.
We The Kingdom & Jeremy Camp To Headline Winter Jam 2023
/by Lorie HollabaughWinter Jam, Christian music’s biggest tour, will return in 2023 with headliners We the Kingdom and Jeremy Camp. Kicking off Jan. 13 in Tampa, the 40-city tour will also feature Andy Mineo, Disciple, Austin French, NewSong, and Dove award-winning New Artist of the Year Anne Wilson.
The trek will visit Columbus, Nashville, Oklahoma City, St. Louis, Atlanta, Charlotte, and more before heading to the northwest for the first time in five years with stops in Boise, Tacoma, Portland, and Spokane. Admission for the shows is $15 at the door.
“I can’t wait for Winter Jam 2023,” notes Eddie Carswell, Co-Founder of NewSong Ministries &
Winter Jam. “I’m so excited about the lineup this year. I think it’s one of my all time favorites. I’m
excited to have some people we haven’t toured with as much like We The Kingdom, Anne Wilson, and Disciple. Also, it’s always great to be back with long time friends like Jeremy Camp, Austin French and my ping pong buddy Andy Mineo. Bring your youth group, your family, your friends; these will be nights you don’t want to miss!”
We The Kingdom will join Winter Jam following their fall 2022 tour and the release of their new,
self-titled album. The band received awards for Contemporary Christian Artist of the Year and Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year for Holy Water at the 2021 Dove Awards, and is known for No. 1 songs like “Holy Water” and “God So Loved.”
“We are so incredibly excited to announce that we are going to be a part of Winter Jam 2023,” notes We the Kingdom. “Several of us grew up going to Winter Jam–what a powerful time to unify together and let the love and hope of God be poured out in the room over every heart each night. We are so looking forward to getting to play some new songs off our new record as well as some familiar ones. Every single artist or band on this roster is incredible and we are so excited to get to partner together with them. Thank you, Winter Jam, for having us–we could not be more grateful. We’ll see you out there this winter! Let the party begin!”
A chart-topping, Grammy-nominated artist with 40 No. 1s, Camp is known for songs like “I Still Believe,” “Walk By Faith” and current hit “Keep Me In The Moment.” He is the subject of the 2020 inspirational biopic I Still Believe, and joins the tour following the release of his 2021 album When You Speak and his fall 2022 tour.
“I always look forward to touring with many of my favorite bands on Winter Jam,” Camp adds. “The community that Winter Jam provides and cultivates is always encouraging to my group and I love
that their heart for the Gospel and reaching people are always front and center of what they do!”
For a full list of stops on the 2023 Winter Jam tour, click here.
Industry Ink: Jo Dee Messina, Old Dominion, Craig Morgan, More
/by Lydia FarthingJo Dee Messina Pops Up At Bobby Bones’ “Comedically Inspirational” Show In Nashville
Bobby Bones & Jo Dee Messina. Photo: Courtesy of 117 Entertainment
On the heels of announcing her new partnership with 117 Entertainment, Jo Dee Messina surprised the audience at Bobby Bones‘ “Comedically Inspirational” stand-up show on Saturday night (Oct. 22) at the CMA Theater in Nashville.
Messina did a live interview on stage where she shared thoughts and insights about her decades-long career. The country hitmaker also performed acoustic versions of her smash hits “Heads Carolina, Tails California” and “Lesson in Leavin’.”
Old Dominion’s “I Was On A Boat That Day” Goes Platinum
Old Dominion celebrates “I Was On A Boat That Day” going Platinum with their team. Photo: Mason Allen
Old Dominion‘s top 10 single “I Was On A Boat That Day” has achieved RIAA Platinum certification. The song is Old Dominion’s eighth Platinum-certified song.
“I Was On A Boat That Day,” written by the band’s Matthew Ramsey, Brad Tursi, Geoff Sprung, Trevor Rosen and Whit Sellers, alongside award-winning songwriters Shane McAnally and Josh Osborne, was the lead single from their fourth full-length project, Time, Tequila and Therapy, which recently earned a nomination for Album of the Year at the 2022 CMA Awards.
The plaque presentation was made ahead of the band’s Whiskey Jam performance on Oct. 17. Having spent this summer on the stadium portion of Kenny Chesney’s “Here and Now 2022 Tour,” they recently collaborated with Chesney on “Beer With My Friends,” which is currently climbing the country charts.
Craig Morgan Honored With Tennessee Music Pathways Marker
Craig Morgan. Photo: Courtesy of Tennessee Tourism
On Oct. 18, Tennessee Tourism and the Dickson County Chamber of Commerce honored celebrated country artist Craig Morgan with a Tennessee Music Pathways marker in downtown Dickson, Tennessee. The pathway serves to celebrate his contributions to the state’s rich musical legacy.
Morgan recently kicked off his “God, Family, Country Tour 2022” in Green Bay, Wisconsin. He will continue the trek through November with an upcoming stop at Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium on Veteran’s Day, coinciding with the release of his God, Family, Country (Deluxe Edition) album.
Danielle Bradbery’s “Worth It” Earns Gold Distinction
Pictured (L-R): Big Machine Label Group’s Darielle Schroeder, Why&How’s Halie Hampton Mosley, Why&How’s Allie Petko, Big Machine Label Group’s Allison Jones, Danielle Bradbery, Big Machine Label Group’s Carly Strickland, Big Machine Records’ Clay Hunnicutt
Danielle Bradbery‘s 2017 hit “Worth It” has officially been certified Gold by the RIAA. Included on her sophomore album I Don’t Believe We’ve Met, the track was written by Bradbery along with Molly Reed and Grammy-nominated and SESAC award-winning writer Jeff Pardo.
Bradbery received the news after her recent show at the Grand Ole Opry.
SESAC Honors Malibu Babie’s First No. 1 Hit With Special Celebration
Pictured (L-R): Katie Fagan (Nashville Head of A&R, Prescription Songs), ET Brown (Senior Director Creative Services, SESAC), and Malibu Babie
SESAC recently celebrated affiliate Malibu Babie, who co-wrote and co-produced Nicki Minaj’s hit song “Super Freaky Girl,” with a No. 1 celebration at Greenhouse Bar along with her publishing partner Prescription Songs.
The song debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 this August and garnered over three million streams upon release, breaking the Spotify record for the biggest debut for a solo female rap song. “Super Freaky Girl” marks Malibu Babie’s first No. 1 hit.
Jason Isbell And The 400 Unit Celebrate Eight-Night Stand At Ryman Auditorium
/by Lorie HollabaughJason Isbell. Photo: Catherine Powell
Jason Isbell and The 400 Unit wrapped their eight-night residency at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium on Sunday night (Oct. 23).
The run of shows on Oct. 14-16, 18-19 and 21-23 marked the group’s seventh residency at the Ryman, which has become an October tradition. Each night of the residency featured a variety of openers, and special guests included Ruby Amanfu, Cimafunk, Grace Group Gospel Choir, Hermanos Gutiérrez, Leyla McCalla, Peter One, Amanda Shires and Vagabon.
Isbell heads overseas in early November with shows in Sweden, Denmark, Belgium, Germany, Ireland and more through Nov. 19.
Pictured (L-R): Ryman Auditorium’s Director of Concerts Chrissy Hall, Jason Isbell, TT Management’s Traci Thomas, WME’s Andrew Colvin. Photo: Catherine Powell
Shania Twain To Headline Inaugural Concert At Nashville’s Geodis Park
/by Lorie HollabaughShania Twain is returning to Nashville for her first concert in five years on June 7, 2023. The one-night only show will feature an all-star lineup including Kelsea Ballerini and Breland, and will be the first concert to take place at GEODIS Park since the soccer stadium opened in May.
“I’m going out to Nashville! I’m feelin’ alright, gonna let it all hang out. Wanna make some noise, really raise my voice. Yeah, I wanna scream and shout. No inhibitions, make no conditions, get a little outta line. I ain’t gonna act politically correct, I only wanna have a good time!” Twain says.
“We are truly excited to bring our first concert to GEODIS Park,” shares Ian Ayre, CEO of Nashville Soccer Club. “Hosting top artists for concerts was one of the key focuses for our stadium design and it is fantastic to see this come to fruition. So many people have worked so hard to get to this point for soccer and for music and we could not be happier than to have Shania Twain be our first announced artist to perform at GEODIS Park.”
Tickets go on sale starting Friday, Oct. 28 at LiveNation.com, with $1 of every ticket purchased being donated to SKC. Established in 2010 by Twain, SKC provides services that promote positive change in children’s lives in times of crises and economic hardship, including one-on-one consultations, academic support and group activities, as well as nutritious snacks and meal programs in the Shania Kids Can Clubhouse.
Twain recently released her career-spanning documentary Not Just A Girl on Netflix, and joins the star-studded cast of Beauty and the Beast: A 30th Celebration in the role of Mrs. Potts, premiering on ABC Dec. 15 and streaming on Disney+ Dec. 16.
Carrie Underwood, Zac Brown Band, More Set To Perform On 56th Annual CMA Awards
/by Lorie HollabaughThe initial lineup of performers for the upcoming 56th Annual CMA Awards on Nov. 9 has been revealed and includes Luke Bryan, Kelly Clarkson, Jimmie Allen, Carrie Underwood, Morgan Wallen Zac Brown Band, Kelsea Ballerini, Hardy, Marcus King, Miranda Lambert, Carly Pearce, and Lainey Wilson.
Hosted by Bryan and Peyton Manning, the show will open with a star-studded tribute to Country Music Hall of Fame legend Loretta Lynn. Bryan will deliver a performance of his latest single “Country On,” and most nominated female artist of all time Lambert–with three nominations this year including Entertainer of the Year–will perform “Geraldene” from her Album of the Year-nominated project Palomino.
With three nominations this year, including Entertainer of the Year, Underwood will perform her newest single “Hate My Heart.” Receiving his first Entertainer of the Year nod, two-time nominee this year Wallen will offer up his latest single “You Proof.” Reigning Female Vocalist and five-time nominee Pearce will deliver a special song from her most recent album.
Additional performers and presenters for The 56th Annual CMA Awards, which will air live from Nashville on ABC, will be announced in the coming weeks.
Anne Wilson Joins Matthew West’s Story House Collective Management Roster
/by Lydia FarthingPictured (L-R): Story House Collective’s Jimmy Wheeler, Matthew West, Anne Wilson, Crowd Surf’s Jade Driver. Photo: Laney Oaks
Story House Collective, Christian artist Matthew West‘s multifaceted company, has signed Anne Wilson to a management deal. Additionally, the company has brought in Crowd Surf as a strategic management partner led by company co-founder, Jade Driver.
Wilson made the announcement Friday night (Oct. 21) during her GMA Dove Awards acceptance speech for New Artist of the Year. Her breakout hit “My Jesus” was also named Pop/Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year at this year’s awards.
West has served as a mentor and co-writer to Wilson over the last few years. In addition to writing “My Jesus” together, they also collaborated on West’s latest No. 1 song, “Me On Your Mind,” and released a duet version of the track this summer.
“Our Story House team is thrilled for the opportunity to partner with an artist as remarkable as Anne,” shares West. “I’ve been a believer in her since our very first writing session a few years ago. She’s the real deal. Her talent is undeniable, her story is powerful, and her mission is clear. We are honored to serve her artistic vision and beyond excited to help plot the course for even bigger and better things ahead for her.”
“I’m so excited to announce that I’ve signed with Story House Collective,” adds Wilson. “I’ve been blown away by their expertise but also their love for Jesus. So grateful for their hard work and all that’s to come! God is good!”
Story House Collective was born out of West’s desire to incubate and champion the next generation of creatives with the mission of bringing hope through music, books, film and other creative outlets.