Tag Archive for: featured-2

Mechanical Licensing Collective Submits Proposal To Copyright Royalty Board

/by

The Mechanical Licensing Collective has submitted its proposal to the Copyright Royalty Board outlining the structure of the collective, as well as the funding required to carry out the statutory demands of the Music Modernization Act. The law mandates that the funding be wholly paid by the digital services.

According to a statement from the MLC, the proposed start-up assessment is $37.25 million, with an annual assessment starting at $29 million before its start date in 2021.

By Jan. 1, 2021, the MLC must be able to administer the new nationwide blanket license system for mechanical rights, operate an unprecedented, transparent database, match copyright ownership to usage on streaming platforms, and pay songwriters and publishers quickly and accurately.

The MLC’s submission to the CRB also outlines many of the MLC’s funding and staffing plans, including details of the MLC’s proposed organization and operations. The CRB rules provide for a written response by the digital services, a written reply by the MLC, and then a hearing with live testimony, which is currently scheduled for February 2020. The CRB ruling will be due by July 2020.

The commission-free collective will be funded by the digital services, who will be able to receive blanket licenses through the MLC. The funding will be made through an “administrative assessment” on the digital services, which the judges at the Copyright Royalty Board are tasked with setting in an amount sufficient to cover the MLC’s total costs.

The MLC released the following statement: “The CRB submission is the result of months of research on the most efficient and effective way to run this unprecedented new collective that will serve the needs of both the songwriters and their music publishers as well as the digital music services from Day One. The proposed start-up assessment is $37.25 million, with an annual assessment starting at $29 million in 2021, when the MLC commences its blanket licensing operations. The proposed assessment is the right one under the law, and the budget is very reasonable for digital companies to pay to receive the benefits the blanket license will provide them. The MLC’s operating budget and staff must be capable of comprehensively meeting and executing the extensive requirements and responsibilities of the Collective under the law in less than 15 months from now.”

MLC Board Chairman Alisa Coleman added, “We have a mandate to not just administer the mechanical licensing process, but to improve it, make it more transparent, and to better serve songwriters and publishers of all sizes and around the world. We have outlined for the Judges what is necessary to achieve these goals and significantly advance the industry, and to fulfill Congress’ mandate to end the status quo where undisclosed millions of dollars owed to music creators are not paid. We are going to continue to work tirelessly in these CRB proceedings to ensure the tech giants who joined with us to pass the MMA continue that partnership to fully fund the most important piece of the legislation, the entity that will actually implement the requirements of the legislation.”

BREAKING: Michael Martin Launches Endurance Music Group, Adds Scooter Carusoe, Clint Lagerberg To Roster [Exclusive]

/by

Pictured (L-R): Josh Saxe, Michael Martin, Mark Ahlberg. Photo: Ed Rode

Michael Martin has been tapped to lead the full-service publishing house Endurance Music Group. Martin will serve as President for the new Nashville-based venture, with Mark Ahlberg as Sr. VP and Josh Saxe as Sr. Creative Director.

The company debuts with a roster including Scooter Carusoe (Chris Janson’s “Drunk Girl,” Darius Rucker’s “For The First Time”), Clint Lagerberg (Keith Urban’s “Blue Ain’t Your Color,” Rascal Flatts’ “Here Comes Goodbye”), and emerging artist-writers Jake Rose and Ryan Plappert.

Endurance Music Group also represents the catalogs of songwriters including Kevin Kadish (Meghan Trainor’s “All About That Bass,” Morgan Wallen’s “Whiskey Glasses”), BMI Songwriter of the Year Ross Copperman (Kenny Chesney’s “Tip Of My Tongue,” Brett Eldredge’s “Love Someone”), Hillary Lindsey (Little Big Town’s “Girl Crush,” Keith Urban’s “Blue Ain’t Your Color”), Extreme Writers Group (George Strait’s “I Saw God Today,” Heartland’s “I Loved Her First”) and Matt Jenkins (Florida Georgia Line’s “Confession,” Keith Urban’s “Cop Car”).

Martin was previously Vice President at ASCAP, where he led the performance rights organization to major market share growth in country music and managed the company’s relationships with many high-profile songwriters. His career has also included stops at Fame Music, Moraine Music Group and Extreme Writers Group, which he co-founded. Extreme helped launch the career of two-time BMI Country Songwriter of the Year Rodney Clawson and held a catalog that included Strait’s “I Saw God Today,” as well as Rascal Flatts’ “Here Comes Goodbye” and Jason Aldean’s “Why.”

Ahlberg has handled administration for Big Loud Shirt, Sea Gayle Music, Big Tractor Music, Extreme Writers Group, Wide Open Music Group, Parallel Music Publishing and Centricity Music Publishing. As part of the launch, Ahlberg brings his company, Amplified Administration, under the Endurance umbrella. Amplified will continue to provide publisher and label administration services to outside clients, while also representing portions of the Endurance catalog.

Saxe joins from Round Hill Music, where he focused on back catalog exploitation and oversaw the signing of Jimmy Robbins, as well as the expansion of his co-venture, JRM Publishing. He also managed the company’s joint venture relationships with Ashley Gorley’s Tape Room Music and Big Loud Publishing. Saxe previously worked at BMG and held the co-chair position on the Leadership Council of Young Entertainment Professionals.

The company is backed by New York-based Raven Capital Management, a private equity fund manager that has contributed an existing music catalog and has committed to fund future acquisitions. Raven co-founder Jeremy Tucker will serve as Endurance’s chairman. The firm has more than $1 billion under management; other media assets in Raven’s investment portfolio include Open Road Films (acquired in 2018), Exclusive Media (acquired in 2015) and Crossroads Live, Inc. (owner of David Ian Productions, Limited, acquired in 2019).

Martin commented, “I am absolutely thrilled to make my return to music publishing by helping to launch Endurance Music Group. Jeremy is an incredible partner who truly understands the needs of a modern publishing house, and we have an amazing team in place to take care of our talented songwriters and the catalogs we represent. Here’s to the journey!”

Tucker added, “Michael’s passion, creativity and experience speak volumes. We are extremely excited to partner with Michael and the rest of the Endurance team, and believe their strategic vision will deliver results not just for Raven, but most importantly, for our songwriters.”

Endurance Music Group can be contacted at [email protected].

Weekly Radio Report (9/13/19)

/by

Click here or above to access MusicRow’s weekly CountryBreakout Report.

Bobby Karl Works The Room: Brandi Carlile, John Prine Lead Americana Awards Winners

/by

Brandi Carlile. Photo: Getty Images for Americana Awards

BOBBY KARL WORKS THE ROOM

Chapter 632

At the Americana Music Awards, it’s always all about the music.

At nearly four hours in length, the show seems to go on forever. There are too many speakers. It is over-scripted. The temperature is uncomfortably warm. The seats are murder on your butt.

But when you’re being treated to music by Bonnie Raitt, John Prine, Elvis Costello, Yola, The Milk Carton Kids, Lori McKenna, Our Native Daughters, Delbert McClinton, Maria Muldaur, Rhiannon Giddens, Mavis Staples and a band led by Buddy Miller, all is forgiven.

At the registration table for this year’s Americana convention, there were buttons to designate first timers, five-year veterans, 10-year veterans and for those of us who have been with the organization throughout its 20 years of existence. I proudly picked up one of those.

So, yes, I have been to all 18 of the AMA awards shows. And, no, I still don’t know why it has to take so long to give out six awards and six Lifetime Achievement accolades.

Staged at the Ryman Auditorium on Wednesday night (9/11), this year’s top AMA’s went to John Prine & Pat McLaughlin for their “Summer’s End” as Song of the Year, to The War and Treaty as Emerging Act of the Year, to I’m With Her as Group of the Year, to Chris Eldridge as Instrumentalist of the Year, to Prine’s The Tree of Forgiveness as Album of the Year and to Brandi Carlile for Artist of the Year.

The show kicked off with a stately and powerful rendition of “I Can’t Feel at Home in This World Anymore” by the spectacular McCrary Sisters, who went on to provide backup vocals for a number of the eve’s other performers.

Bonnie Raitt and John Prine. Photo: Getty Images for Americana Awards

Then Our Native Daughters turned in a barn-burner performance of “Black Myself,” proving why they were Emerging Act nominees.

After show hosts The Milk Carton Kids – Joey Ryan and Kenneth Pattengale – took the stage, their host forerunner Jim Lauderdale popped out to give them humorous “advice” and flashy Manuel jackets to wear.

Emerging Act nominee Jade Bird performed her “Lottery” in a folkie-with-a-kick mode. Best known for his work with The Punch Brothers, Instrumentalist winner Eldridge said, “I’m proud to accept this on behalf of everyone who loves music, but doesn’t want to be center stage.” Billy Strings and Molly Tuttle presented his award.

Album nominee Lori McKenna wowed us with her rolling and countrified “People Get Old,” one of the Song nominees. Emerging Act nominee J.S. Ondara, a native of Nigeria, was steamy and atmospheric on “American Dream.” Mumford & Sons teamed up with The Milk Carton Kids in a stunning, six-voice harmonized “Forever.”

Next, Jack Ingram presented the Lifetime Achievement Award for Performance to Delbert McClinton.

“I’m sure there are a lot of people who have no idea who I am. Because I’m from another time,” he began. ”Every record label that I was on between 1971 and 1984 went out of business. I was a mess.”

He thanked his wife, Wendy, crediting her because, “the last 35 years have been the best time of my life. I’m sittin’ on top of the world. And like the man said, I did it my way.” He and the band then powered through “Two More Bottles of Wine,” giving it a bluesy, funky vibe.

Dan Auerbach, who produced Album nominee Walk Through Fire, introduced its singer, Yola. She earned a standing ovation for her stormy, powerful, sophisticated, neo-soul performance of its “Faraway Look.” Yola’s fellow Emerging Act nominee Erin Rae was an ethereal, everyday troubadour on “Wild Blue Wind.”

Henry Hicks appeared to tout the 2020 completion of the National African American Music Museum, which will be across the street from the Ryman. He also presented the inaugural Legacy of Americana Award to Giddens and to the 19th-century black country fiddler Frank Johnson (1789-1871).

“Wow: This award is beautiful,” said Giddens. “It’s an honor to accept this for Frank Johnson and for thousands of unnamed African-American musicians.” She then sang a plaintive “Wayfaring Stranger” with her fretless banjo.

Pictured: Mavis Staples, Michael Trotter Jr. , Elvis Costello and Tanya Blount of The War and Treaty onstage for the grand finale during the 2019 Americana Honors & Awards at Ryman Auditorium on September 11, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for Americana Music Association)

The War and Treaty lifted the roof off the joint with their electrifying, a cappella rendition of “Love Like There’s No Tomorrow.” Almost immediately afterward, the duo was presented with the Emerging Act honor. Both Michael Trotter and Tanya Trotter seemed genuinely overwhelmed as they accepted.

The jangly, melodic folk-rocker “Mockingbird” was delivered by Ruston Kelly. It was a Song nominee, as was “By Degrees,” penned by Mark Erelli and performed by him with J.S. Ondada, Shawn Colvin, Lori McKenna and Josh Ritter. Next came Joe Henry & Rodney Crowell, teaming up on Bob Dylan’s “Girl From the North Country.”

Bonnie Raitt received a standing ovation before she spoke a word. “How very sweet,” she said. “It’s so nice to be back in this hallowed place.” She was there to present Maria Muldaur with the Trailblazer Award.

“I don’t think of myself as a trailblazer, but as a trail follower,” said Maria. “I owe my deepest gratitude to the artists who came before,” she added, citing Doc Watson, Victoria Spivey, Sippie Wallace, Ralph Stanley, Hank Williams and Kitty Wells. “Tomorrow is my [76th] birthday, and I can’t think of a better present.” Maria then treated us to a rump-shaking r&b romp through “I’m a Woman (W-O-M-A-N).”

Ketch Secor of Old Crow Medicine Show and Colvin presented the Song honor to Prine and McLaughlin. The wafting harmonies and minor-key loveliness of “Call My Name” came from the femme trio I’m With Her.

J.S. Ondara and Lori McKenna speak onstage during the 2019 Americana Honors & Awards at Ryman Auditorium on September 11, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for Americana Music Association)

“Absolutely beautiful,” exclaimed Brandi Carlile. “That was amazing,” She then introduced Amanda Shires as “my butterfly from outer space.” Which she was, on the cacophonous “Parking Lot Pirouette.”

Ritter and Andrew Bird presented the Group of the Year award to I’m With Her. The Milk Carton Kids saluted the late songwriters Felice & Boudleaux Bryant with a gorgeous rendition of “Sleepless Nights” in presenting them with the President’s Award.

John Seigenthaler Jr. introduced Freedom Rider Dr. Ernest “Rip” Patton, who spoke of the Civil Rights Movement and of The Staple Singers role in it. The group was honored with the Inspiration Award.

“All the trials and tribulations we went through, but we’re still here, still carrying on and still singing our Freedom Songs,” said Mavis Staples. “Because it’s more relevant today than ever….I still share everything with Pops. So he’s walking around [in Heaven], talking to the Elders and the Angels.”

Carlile was wry, piquant and loving on “The Mother,” on which she was backed by a string quartet. Raitt and Prine were bluesy, drawling and languid on “Angel From Montgomery.”

Tanya Tucker announced the AMA’s first all-female slate of contenders for Artist of the Year — Giddens, Staples, Carlile and Kacey Musgraves — and then presented the honor to her producer, Carlile. The winner praised her fellow nominees, dubbing Mavis, “the Artist of a Lifetime.”

Brandi Carlile is seen onstage during the 2019 Americana Honors & Awards at Ryman Auditorium on September 11, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for Americana Music Association)

T Bone Burnett suggested another title for Elvis Costello, “the true King of America.” Costello won the Lifetime Achievement Award for Songwriting and demonstrated his mastery with “Red Cotton” and the rocking “Blame It On Cain.”

Celebrated thespian John C. Reilly made a surprise appearance to present Album of the Year to Prine. Mavis wrecked the house with “Change.” And then came the big gang-bang finale of “I’ll Fly Away.”

Cheering the whole thing on were Del Bryant, Dane Bryant, Dave Cobb, David Macias, Dave Pomeroy, Pat McMaken, Patrick Clifford, Tom Osborn, Tom Roland, John Beiter, John Strohm, Jim Zumwalt, Geoff Himes, Gary Nicholson, Jewly Hight, AMA board prez Mark Moffatt, Bob Delevante, Bonna Delacruz Johnson, Holly George Warren, Karen Leipziger, Craig Havighurst, Sally Williams, Barry Mazor, Steve Lowery, Tracy Gershon, Regina Joskow, Rachel Whitney, Tony Brown, Ann Powers and AMA executive director Jed Hilly.

All hail Buddy Miller’s superb house band – Jim Hoke, Ian Fitchuk, Don Was, Brady Blade, The McCrary Sisters, Dirk Powell and Shannon McNally. The show was executive produced by Martin Fischer and directed by Michael McNamara. It streamed live visually, was broadcast live on radio and will be edited to become an episode of Austin City Limits on PBS on Nov. 23.

Bobby Karl Works The Room: BMI Honors John Hiatt

/by

BMI’s Jody Williams, 2019 BMI Troubadour John Hiatt and BMI’s Mike O’Neill (Photo: Erika Goldring for BMI)

BOBBY KARL WORKS THE ROOM

Chapter 631

The next time somebody asks you to name five things you love about living in Nashville, start with this: “John Hiatt lives here.”

I’m serious. This droll, humble, gifted man is a singular presence – in a town famous for hosting sublimely gifted tunesmiths, he is a “songwriter’s songwriter.”

At an intimate banquet at BMI on Monday evening (Sept. 9), Hiatt was honored with the Troubadour Award. The honor celebrates “writers who craft for the sake of the song and set the standard for generations of writers who will follow.”

That’s our man John Hiatt. How well loved and respected is this Nashvillian? Here’s who showed up to sing his tunes – Elvis Costello, Delbert McClinton, The War & Treaty, Lily Hiatt, Lyle Lovett, Marcus King and The World Famous Headliners (featuring individual recording stars Pat McLaughlin, Shawn Camp and Al Anderson),

Here’s who sat in the audience to applaud – Emmylou Harris, John Oates, Sam Bush, T Bone Burnett, Jeff Hanna of The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and previous Troubadour winners John Prine and Robert Earl Keen. Actually, they frequently stood to applaud.

Here’s who appeared on video – Steve Earle, Rodney Crowell, Georgia Hiatt, Buddy Miller, Bonnie Raitt, Keith Urban and Chuck Hull.

“You’re all about integrity,” said BMI’s Mason Hunter to the honoree, “and that’s what this award is all about.”

“It’s truly our privilege to honor you tonight,” added the organization’s CEO Michael O’Neill.

The event was hosted by BMI’s Jody Williams, who continued the plaudits with, “So many of the artists who have covered his songs are songwriters, themselves. And that is the ultimate compliment.”

Among the artists who have recorded Hiatt’s works are Emmylou, Delbert, Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Eric Clapton, B.B. King, Linda Ronstadt, Iggy Pop, Rosanne Cash, Joe Cocker, Tom Petty, Suzy Bogguss, Bob Seger, Ry Cooder, Buddy Guy, Rick Nelson, Don Henley, Gregg Allman, Willie Nelson, The Everly Brothers, Jimmy Buffett, Three Dog Night, The Oak Ridge Boys, Johnny Cash, Bon Jovi, Kenny Rogers, Elvis Presley, Joan Baez, Ronnie Milsap, The Temptations and Asleep at the Wheel.

“Have a Little Faith,” alone, has been recorded by 44 artists. And among Hiatt’s 24 albums are many other gems that shine as brightly.

The World Famous Headliners kicked off the music with “The Thing Called Love.” Delbert followed with “Have a Little Faith.” Lily Hiatt came next, followed by Lyle Lovett’s version of “On the Train to Birmingham.”

“What a joy it is to listen to all these people sing your songs,” said Elvis Costello. He added to the celebratory mood with “Take Off Your Uniform.” The War & Treaty rocked the house with “Feels Like Rain,” then turned up the heat even higher with Marcus King on “Riding with the King.”

BMI’s Jody Williams and Mike O’Neill, 2019 BMI Troubadour John Hiatt, 2018 BMI Troubadour John Prine, 2015 BMI Troubadour Robert Earl Keen and BMI’s Mason Hunter (Photo: Erika Goldring for BMI)

“I don’t know what that was, but that was awesome,” said Jody following a standing ovation. “Can I get an ‘amen’ from the room?”

Prine was last year’s winner, so he presented the vintage, silver Troubadour-award cup.

“I’m speechless,” said John Hiatt. “You can’t do anything without other people’s help: This has always been ‘home’ to me.”

We dined on chicken cordon bleu with roasted potatoes and carrots, followed by pecan mini pie with whipped cream and raspberries.

John Strohm, John Ingrassia, John Allen, Mark Brown, Mark Wright, Adam Wright, Fats Kaplan & Kristi Rose, Jed Hilly, Randy Talmadge, Phil Graham, Paul Kennerley, Ken Levitan, Peter Cooper, Clay Bradley, Dana Strong, Karen Clark, Maurice Miner, Del Bryant, Dusty Miller, Earle Simmons, Carla Wallace, Tracy Gershon, Logan Rogers, Bart Herbison, Katherine Richardson, Juli Thanki, Steve Buchanan, Mickey Rafael and Garth Fundis worked the room.

Paradigm Signs LeAnn Rimes

/by

LeAnn Rimes. Photo: Sara Hertel

Paradigm Talent Agency has signed LeAnn Rimes to its roster, and will represent Rimes globally across the board in all fields.

“I am honored and excited to collaborate with such a forward-thinking, unique company in this next chapter of my career,” shares Rimes. “Marty, Jonathan, the worldwide team of Paradigm and I are going to create magic.”

“LeAnn is one of the most prolific voices of our time,” says Paradigm Worldwide Head of Music, Marty Diamond. “As a pioneer of making music that transcends across all platforms for the better part of two decades, she continues to be a genre-bending, trailblazing talent with a voice ahead of her time.”

Paradigm Nashville Co-Head, Jonathan Levine, added, “We’re honored to have LeAnn join our family of mavericks and are excited to support her as she continues to push the music industry forward.”

Rimes is also represented by manager Darrell Brown (Prodigy Management) and publicists Yvette Noel-Schure, Christina Garvin and Edwin Banacia (Schure Media Group).

Weekly Radio Report (9/6/19)

/by

Click here or above to access MusicRow’s weekly CountryBreakout Report.

John Paul White Inks New Publishing Deal

/by

Four-time Grammy Award winner John Paul White has signed a worldwide publishing agreement with Warner Chappell Music (WCM) Nashville. White, a former member of the popular duo The Civil Wars, has collaborated with and written songs for artists including Taylor Swift, Jason Aldean, Rodney Crowell, Eli Young Band, Ronan Keating, and more.

“JPW is in a league of his own. Aside from his world-class vocals and inventive melodies, he is a diverse and in-demand collaborator, a creative producer, and an astute businessman,” said Ben Vaughn, President and CEO of WCM Nashville, adding, “Really proud to welcome him to the global Warner Chappell family.”

“It was very important for me to find a partner that wholeheartedly believes in me and my work,” said White. “Ben and the entire team at Warner Chappell have a real expertise, dedication, and passion for the music. I’m grateful for their support and look forward to working together.”

The Civil Wars earned Grammy wins for Best Folk Album and Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group for Barton Hollow. In 2016, White released his solo album Beulah. Since 2013, he led his own label Single Lock Records, out of Florence, Alabama; the label’s roster has included Lera Lynn and the late Donnie Fritts. White co-produced Fritts’ 2015 Oh My Goodness album and Lynn’s 2018 duets collection Plays Well With Others.

In April, White released his LP, The Hurting Kind, co-produced by Alabama Shakes’ Ben Tanner with co-writing credits from Nashville songwriters Bobby Braddock and Whisperin’ Bill Anderson. White is currently touring throughout America, Europe, and Canada as he writes for his next record.

White is co-managed by Brad Oldham at Vector Management and Michael Goldstone at Mom & Pop.

Breaking: Jody Williams To Exit BMI

/by

Jody Williams, BMI’s Vice President of Creative in Nashville since 2006, announced today that he will leave the company at the end of this year. Williams will continue to serve as a consultant for BMI throughout 2020 and plans to also return to the world of music publishing, forming a new company. BMI will announce a successor to Williams at a later date.

Mike O’Neill, BMI’s President & CEO, stated, “When Jody and I first discussed this possibility over a year ago, I understood his desire to return to his other love of music publishing, but I also knew that BMI would miss his passion, creativity and unwavering support for songwriters and publishers. Jody has worked for BMI three different times in his career and his impact on BMI has been profound.  I am grateful for his support and friendship and know he will have tremendous success.”

Williams added, “The greatest honor of my career has been representing BMI’s Nashville family of songwriters and publishers.  I have always strived to carry forward the incredible example of BMI’s former CEOs Frances Preston and Del Bryant, who taught so many of us how to care for songwriters.  That inspiration, coupled with the support of Mike O’Neill and the BMI team, allowed us to thrive over the past decade.  I am forever grateful.”

Williams’ accomplishments throughout his tenure at BMI have been many.  He has been an important mentor to countless songwriters throughout his career including Liz Rose, Kix Brooks, Natalie Hemby, Josh Turner, Maren Morris, and Robert Earl Keen, among others.  Most recently, he was instrumental in growing BMI’s market share among country music songwriters, helped establish the creation of the company’s new creative office in Austin, TX, and oversaw the creation of BMI’s Nashville-based Partnerships and Events department.

Williams first began working at BMI in the late 1970s in the company’s mailroom.  He then began his journey in music publishing, becoming one of Nashville’s leading publishing figures, holding creative positions for several major publishing firms.  He returned to BMI in 1987 and rose to the position of Assistant Vice President, Writer/Publisher Relations. Later, Williams was lured into the publishing world again, this time as President of the Nashville division of MCA Music Publishing, which flourished under his leadership.  He ultimately founded his own publishing company, Jody Williams Music, which was sold to olé Media Management, now Anthem Entertainment, when he returned to BMI once again.

Williams is the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Country Music Association (CMA), and serves as a Trustee on the Board of Officers and Trustees of The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.

A Nashville native, Williams resides in Nashville with his wife Karen, who he met in 1977 when they both worked at BMI.

Hailey Whitters To Release Six-Song Collection ‘The Days’

/by

Hailey Whitters will release The Days, the first half of her upcoming full-length album The Dream, on Sept. 13. The six-song collection will include three previously-released tracks, including “The Days” and “Ten Year Town,” and three new songs. Her full-length album The Dream is set for 2020.

Earlier this year, Whitters signed a co-management deal with BRND MGMT’s Matt Graham and Make Wake Artists’ Chris Kappy. She also began releasing singles from The Days including “Ten Year Town” ( co-written by Brandy Clark), “Red Wine & Blue,” and the title track.

“We get so consumed with the next achievement and accomplishment that sometimes you forget that you’re living right now. And that’s what I want listeners to take away from this album and its two parts.” Whitters says. “Be happy where you are in the present moment — because your dreams have to be worth it.”

Starting tomorrow, Whitters will hit the road supporting Maren Morris on her GIRL: The World Tour which will make stops in New York, Los Angeles, Nashville and more.

The Days Tracklist:
1) Ten Year Town
2) The Days
3) Red Wine & Blue
4) Dream Girl
5) Loose Strings
6) Heartland