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.
Discover Sooner Announces Publisher Writer Experience With Jacee Badeaux
/by Lorie HollabaughJacee Badeaux
Discover Sooner will host its Publisher Writer Experience interactive mentoring program with Jacee Badeaux, Creative Director at Big Yellow Dog Music.
Seeking to help the next generation of songwriters and artists expand their network of publishers and music professionals, the program is designed for songwriters and artists. Songwriters will meet one-on-one for three months with Badeaux, who advises commercially successful writers, including Meghan Trainor, Tenille Townes, Jessie James Decker and Logan Mize. He’s also secured cuts in country, dance/EDM and pop, including Gayle’s No. 1 song “abcdefu.”
In 2011, Badeaux appeared on season 10 of American Idol, where he made it to the top 40. He attended Belmont University and interned at Big Yellow Dog Music before serving on the administrative staff at APA. At Big Yellow Dog, he is responsible for writer management and song plugging, and assists in signing and developing artists for the company’s label.
“I am always looking for great songwriters and artist/writers in country, pop, dance and sync,” Badeaux shares. “We have many great sync writers, producer/writers and artist/writers. I’m looking forward to meeting all of the Discover Sooner writers as well!”
“We are so pleased to be working with Jacee!” notes Nancy Deckant, Founder and CEO of Discover Sooner. “He’s been an artist and understands the journey. His peers regard him up as one of the best songwriter mentors in Nashville and it’s easy to feel his enthusiasm. We are looking forward to a great program for all involved!”
The early bird discount for the program has been extended until Nov, 4 by entering “Press Release” on your application. The application deadline is Nov. 13. For more information, click here.
Eric Church To Launch His Own Sirius XM Music Channel, Outsiders Radio, On Nov. 4
/by Lydia FarthingEric Church
Eric Church will launch his own exclusive SiriusXM music channel, Eric Church Outsiders Radio, on Friday, Nov. 4 on the SXM App.
Outsiders Radio will showcase music from Church’s career, including his catalog of nearly two decades that has earned him seven ACM Awards, four CMA Awards and 10 Grammy nominations. Curated by Church himself, the channel will be a journey through his musical experiences, featuring collaborations and recordings with friends along with behind the scenes stories. Listeners will also hear genre-spanning songs that inspire Church from artists like George Strait, Bob Seger, Ashley McBryde, Ray Wylie Hubbard, Waylon Jennings, Merle Haggard, Aretha Franklin, Kenny Chesney, Bruce Springsteen, Brandi Carlile and more.
“We’re trying to be thoughtful about how we play the music and why the music matters,” Church explains. “This is about something that you actually go, ‘Oh, that’s cool. I haven’t heard that.’ Chasing that pathway is what gives me excitement about what we’re trying to do here with Outsiders Radio.”
The SXM App is available to subscribers on mobile devices and a wide variety of connected platforms, including smart speakers, smart TVs and streaming media players. The channel will also be available to subscribers on SiriusXM channel 61 from Nov. 4-6.
The exclusive channel is the latest in a longstanding relationship between SiriusXM and Church, who originally launched his monthly show, Outsiders Radio, on SiriusXM’s The Highway in February 2015. Outsiders Radio explored the singer-songwriter’s music influences with Church playing his current favorites, as well as exclusive music from his own archives.
Eric Church Outsiders Radio Original Programming includes:
Lyle Lovett, Yola, Amy Grant, More Among Lineup For 2023 30A Songwriters Festival
/by Lorie Hollabaugh30A Songwriters Festival will celebrate its 14th year from Jan. 13-16 at Grand Boulevard’s Town Center in Miramar Beach, Florida with headliners Lyle Lovett, Gin Blossoms, Rickie Lee Jones, Steve Earle, Yola and Morgan Wade.
Thirty venues presenting over 200 songwriters and more than 300 performances will take place throughout the weekend. Amy Grant, John Paul White (The Civil Wars), Shawn Mullins, Kathleen Edwards, Tinsley Ellis, Darrell Scott, Adia Victoria, Chuck Prophet, Livingston Taylor, Abe Partridge, Lilly Hiatt, John Fullbright, Sarah Lee Guthrie, Paul Thorn, James McMurtry, and many more are on tap for the entertainment-packed weekend.
“The 30A Songwriters Festival is not only the premier songwriters festival; it is the singular event that brings together thousands of music fans, hundreds of artists and nearly every South Walton neighborhood to support and celebrate the Arts; the energy it generates is unmatched,” notes CAA Executive Director and Festival Co-Producer Jennifer Steele.
“The festival is also an important part of the CAA’s vision to make Walton County a creative place,” she continues. “It thrills us to be able to welcome artists like Lyle Lovett, Yola, Morgan Wade, and the Black Opry Revue to our market for the first time, along with returning favorites like Rickie Lee Jones, Kathleen Edwards and Steve Earle. Year 14 is one you won’t want to miss!”
Festival Weekend Passes, as well as VIP packages, are currently available at 30asongwritersfestival.com
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