QUOTE OF THE MONTH:
“If I am chasing your dream faster than you, then I am in the wrong dream.” – Preshias © (TM)
ALBUM NEWS:
No. 1 singer-songwriter Adam Sanders is offering a remedy for those missing the concert experience with his new album, Adam Sanders Live, available now. The captivating collection includes Sanders’ take on his songwriting credits “Ain’t Worth the Whiskey” and “Hell of a Night” as well as new versions of his popular releases “Thunder,” “Burnin’ Roses,” and “Nothin’ to Do but Drink.” To stream or download Adam Sanders Live, see https://smarturl.it/AdamSandersLive.
As an independent artist, Sanders has earned more than 100 million total streams, sold over 70,000 singles and charted in the Top 40 on Billboard’s Country Albums chart. The Lake City, Fla. native moved to Nashville in 2009 where he worked construction to pay the bills while developing his chops as a songwriter.
After learning how to craft a song that was right in the pocket for country radio, Sanders embarked on his artist career. In 2020, he signed a co-publishing deal with Round Hill Music Nashville and wrapped up the year with Shenandoah and Blake Shelton recording his song “Then A Girls Walks In” for the iconic country group’s new album. More at http://www.adamsandersmusic.com/
ANNIVERSARY NEWS:
Tim McGraw released his very first single to country radio, “What Room was the Holiday In,” in 1991. Coming in at the 20-year anniversary, a lot has changed about the music business and what is required or necessary to be a successful artist. Social media was definitely not part of the equation. Facebook and Twitter weren’t a thing until 2006. There were no live-stream concerts or interactive online chats, and streaming services like Spotify and Pandora didn’t launch until the mid-2000’s. 30 years into his career, which is as hot as ever, Tim says, “It’s been a learning art for me, and sometimes I enjoy it and sometimes I don’t. I think really, the through line for me, through all of the madness and the changes and all those things, is knowing yourself as an artist. Knowing who you are as an artist and knowing what you do well, and even more importantly, knowing what you don’t do well, that’s the consistency that you have.” Check out “Undivided,” Tim’s single with Tyler Hubbard, at https://www.timmcgraw.com/
ARTIST NEWS:
HARDY’s “Give Heaven Some Hell” (Big Loud Records) was the ‘most added’ song at Country radio for the last week in January, according to MusicRow reporting stations. The song was written by HARDY alongside Ashley Gorley, Ben Johnson and Hunter Phelps. It is the second single from A Rock, his debut album as an artist. “It’s an honor to be No. 1 most-added this week,” HARDY told MusicRow. “It’s an accomplishment that I had yet to achieve, so I am very proud of the songwriters and the radio team for making this happen. I really hope that taking this song to radio will help reach a wider audience than it already has, so that the song may help people get through losing a loved one. Thank y’all!” Check out MusicRow online at https://musicrow.com/
CD NEWS:
Hey World – the latest album from Curb Records recording artist Lee Brice – sets a very high bar even higher when it comes to music from this Country music superstar. The ACM and CMA Award winner, and GRAMMY nominee, is charting high at Country radio with his song of the summer, “One of Them Girls,” the follow-up to his #1 with Carly Pearce on “I Hope You’re Happy Now.” Hey World is a 15-track collection releasing in the middle of one of the most unique times in modern history, and who better to provide our soundtrack than Lee Brice. “We wrote the title-track from an introspective, truthful place, and probably what most people are actually feeling right now,” shares Brice. “With everything that is happening in the world currently, and how fast paced we are as a society, in general, sometimes you just want everything to stop – just to appreciate what we do have. People are suffering and it can’t be ignored.” Details at https://www.leebrice.com/#!/
CD RELEASES:
‘90s country stalwarts McBride & The Ride’s catalog is now available for the first time in its entirety on Spotify. Albums include Amarillo Sky, Hurry Sundown and Sacred Ground featuring the band’s hits, “Sacred Ground,” “Love on the Loose,” “Heart on the Run,” “Going Out of My Mind” and more.
The band’s Terry McBride released his first-ever full-length solo effort last fall, Rebels & Angels. The project was produced by acclaimed producer and songwriter, Luke Laird and released by Creative Nation / TMc Records. Listen to Rebels & Angels https://ingroov.es/rebels-angels-z2. McBride & The Ride got their start with the help of Tony Brown who signed the group to MCA in 1989. Together they have five studio albums and countless singles that have been cherished throughout the ‘90s by country fans everywhere. Now, 18 years later, the original McBride & The Ride are back together and making plans to hit the road in 2021. Tour dates will be announced soon. Details at www.terrymcbridemusic.com.
CMA NEWS:
Furthering its support of music industry professionals affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Country Music Association has announced continued efforts through its Music Industry COVID Support (MICS) initiative. The Nashville-based trade organization outlined additional funding to five nonprofit partners—Music Health Alliance, Musically Fed, Notes for Notes, Porter’s Call and The Store—which, along with previous nonprofit investments, are funded through CMA’s $3 million long-term COVID-19 commitment that began in early 2020. Established as a portal for key resources in the categories of food supply, health and wellness, and career services, MICS helps to connect industry professionals with appropriate nonprofit partners offering critical support. Additional details on the MICS initiative can be found at https://www.cmaworld.com/cma-further-commits-to-music-industry-covid-support/.
In the state of Tennessee alone, more than 50,000 music jobs have been impacted by the health crisis, and that number is estimated to be hundreds of thousands more nationwide. Those in need are encouraged to visit https://www.cmaworld.com/covid19-resources/ and utilize the new chatbot feature to learn more about specific resources available. CMA will announce further nonprofit investments in the coming weeks and months.
CONCERT NEWS:
David Corlew and Associates have announced this year’s Volunteer Jam will be rescheduled due to COVID-19 concerns. The 2021 Volunteer Jam: A Musical Salute to Charlie Daniels, previously scheduled for February 22, will now take place Wednesday, August 18 at 7:00 p.m. C/T at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena. Six additional talents will join the Jam this August. Randy Travis, Chris Young, Michael W. Smith, Lorrie Morgan, Exile and rising Nashville star Anthony Castagna have been added to the previously announced lineup that will include The Marshall Tucker Band, ALABAMA, Ricky Skaggs, Trace Adkins, Larry, Steve & Rudy: The Gatlin Brothers, Cece Winans, Gretchen Wilson, Cowboy Troy, Delbert McClinton, Keb’ Mo’, The Outlaws, 38 Special, Junior Brown, The Allman Betts Band, Cedric Burnside, Jenny Tolman, the Atlanta Rhythm Section, Travis Denning, Mickey Gilley, Johnny Lee, Rhett Akins, Scooter Brown Band, The SteelDrivers, Pure Prairie League and comedian Dusty Slay. Daniels’ longtime band, The Charlie Daniels Band, will also perform to honor its legendary frontman. Tickets are on sale now via ticketmaster.com and the Bridgestone Arena box office.
COUNTRY MUSIC HALL OF FAME NEWS:
Throughout a year of hardship and challenge for everyone, the Museum relied on the support of many artists, the broader music community, and fans around the world, to continue its important work. It is that support that has sustained us. Prine was to have been the Museum’s 2020 Artist-In-Residence, and that series, which honors those who have contributed so mightily to the music, is another point of emphasis here, reminding us all of the year that should have been, and of the profound expectation of brighter days ahead. The Museum, Hatch Show Print, and Historic RCA Studio B are open for visits and tours in February, continuing the updated schedule launched in January. Their doors are open 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM on Saturdays. All three properties remain closed to the public on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Info at https://countrymusichalloffame.org/
DUO NEWS:
Platinum-selling singer/songwriter Jimmie Allen is back with his latest single “Freedom Was A Highway” with his friend – and country music superstar – Brad Paisley. The breezy, windows-down tune impacts U.S. Country radio on February 1. Listen https://jimmieallen.lnk.to/freedom. On “Freedom Was A Highway,” Allen and Paisley’s vocals pair to reminisce about the nostalgia and simplicity of more carefree, youthful days; the track also features a distinctive Paisley signature guitar solo. The song was co-written by Allen, Ash Bowers and Matt Rogers. “When I was writing this song with my co-writers, I imagined myself driving down my favorite roads in Delaware. This song takes me back to simpler moments such as an innocent, childhood crush on the next-door neighbor or feeling freedom in the wind as you drive with the windows down. I’ve loved this song from the creation,” Allen says of the track. “Freedom Was A Highway” was first featured on Allen’s album Bettie James, which has garnered more than 118 million streams and widespread critical acclaim since its July 2020 release via Stoney Creek Records/BBR Music Group. More info at https://www.jimmieallenmusic.com/
FAN NEWS:
Multi-PLATINUM singer/ songwriter Kip Moore is kicking off 2021 by offering fans another song from his upcoming extended record Wild World Deluxe, releasing the thumping while trippy new track “How High” available to listen at https://strm.to/KMHowHighPR. Moore also shared a new video for the song produced and co-written by Moore (Bobby Terry, Luke Dick, Westin Davis). Directed by longtime collaborator PJ Brown, the eccentric focal character reels the viewer in and takes them on a spirited journey. “How High” is taken from Moore’s 17-track collection, Wild World Deluxe, available February 12 and is available to pre-order now. To celebrate the release Moore also announced a special concert event, Wild World Deluxe: Live at the Ryman set for the album’s release day. Taking place at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, TN at 8pm CT, fans can purchase a limited number of in-person tickets for the socially-distanced show, or tickets to the global livestream event, at www.ryman.com/event/kip-moore/. The show will also benefit ACM Lifting Lives, with $1 from every ticket sold being donated to the cause. Details music, tickets and more at http://www.kipmoore.net/
INDIE NEWS:
Pop-country artist Tyra Madison is kicking off 2021 in a big way. The cosmopolitan country songstress saw viral success on TikTok when a video clip for past release “Right Girl Wrong Time” prompted her female-dominated following to jump 115,000 followers, landing at over 129,000. The clip itself saw 3.3 million views in just six days. Tyra’s next single, “Hostage,” will be available February 5. The mid-tempo tune – which showcases the Kentucky native’s powerful pipes backed by an earworm, hard-to-shake melody – was co-written by Sam Ellis, Sarah Haze, and Ben Caver, and was produced by Brad Hill and Dave Thomson (Brothers Osborne, Maren Morris, Brett Young). “Hostage” follows a string of successful single releases dating back to 2018, including debut “Ain’t No Dime,” “Saturdays Are for the Girls,” “Right Girl Wrong Time,” “Ain’t That Lonely Tonight,” and the ballad “Lightning.” See https://www.tyramadison.com/ and social media. Listen to Tyra Madison on Amazon Music, Apple Music, Pandora, Spotify, and YouTube Music.
INDUSTRY NEWS:
The Music Business Association (Music Biz) has announced the formation of the Music Business Mental Health Fund, established in partnership with Music Health Alliance (MHA) and the Scars Foundation. The fund was created to help Association members impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic gain access to important mental health services, including screenings and therapy sessions. The Music Business Mental Health Fund is open to qualified employees of Music Biz member companies, individual professional members, and people who were furloughed or laid off from a Music Biz member company in 2020. Nashville-based non-profit Music Health Alliance, which provides free healthcare advocacy and support to the nationwide music community, will administer the fund with 100% confidentiality, overseeing applications for assistance and disbursement of funds. For more information on the fund, a full list of qualifications, and access to the application, visit https://www.musichealthalliance.com/.
“The increased stresses caused by the COVID-19 pandemic have shed more light on something we’ve already come to know: access to mental health services is essential in sustaining our professional success and, more importantly, our individual well-being,” said Music Biz President Portia Sabin.
LABEL NEWS:
(Capitol/EMI Nashville)
After confirming plans for his highly anticipated three-part project, Heart & Soul, in a video message directly to fans in his Church Choir last week, reigning CMA Entertainer of the Year and current GRAMMY nominee Eric Church continues to reveal elements of the collection with the release of a new song off the Heart album. Listen to “Heart On Fire” at https://strm.to/ECHeartOnFirePR. Preorders for Heart (set for release Friday, April 16) and Soul (set for release Friday, April 23) are now open at https://strm.to/ECHeartAndSoulPR. The middle album, titled &, is set for release Tuesday, April 20 as a vinyl record available exclusively to Church Choir members. In addition to releasing new music, Church will also take to the field at Tampa Bay’s Raymond James Stadium Sunday, February 7 to perform the National Anthem with R&B star Jazmine Sullivan ahead of Super Bowl LV. For the latest information and to learn how to join the Church Choir, visit www.EricChurch.com and follow him on Facebook and Twitter @ericchurch and Instagram @ericchurchmusic.
LEGEND NEWS:
2021 marks the 50th anniversary of the release of Loretta Lynn’s “Coal Miner’s Daughter.” As part of the celebration, Loretta will release her new album, Still Woman Enough, on March 19. The album features collaborations with Reba McEntire, Margo Price, Tanya Tucker, and Carrie Underwood. Coincidentally, it will be her 50th studio album, including ten with duet partner Conway Twitty. PBS will premiere the documentary of Loretta’s rags-to-riches story titled Loretta Lynn: My Story in My Words on February 27. The documentary will trace Loretta’s rise to fame from her childhood in a one-room cabin in eastern Kentucky. It will include new and archived audio and ‘classic’ performances.
MEDIA NEWS:
It was January 2020 when country music legend and celebrated vocalist, Gene Watson, received the invitation of a lifetime: to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Vince Gill surprised Watson on stage at the Ryman Auditorium during the Opry’s Friday night show, and the rest is history. He celebrated that anniversary in 2021 as a guest on Jeannie Seely’s show on Willie’s Roadhouse, SiriusXM. “Being invited to be a member of the Grand Ole Opry is the highlight of my music career,” shared Watson. “When Vince Gill surprised me with the news, I was so shocked I don’t know how I was able to sing. As a kid, I used to sit by the radio with my family and listen to the Opry and now it’s my proud honor to be a member. Right after my induction, the world shut down from the pandemic so I haven’t been able to return but I can’t wait to sing on that hallowed stage again.” Watson was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry family February 7, 2020 by Opry member Steve Wariner. See https://www.genewatsonmusic.com/
MOVIE NEWS:
Set your DVR to watch ‘Mama’ Judd in March. Lifetime, the exclusive home of movies inspired by books from best-selling author V.C. Andrews, premieres the next movie series event, centered on the Landry Family, beginning March 20 at 8 p.m. ET/PT with Ruby starring Naomi Judd (The Killing Game). Ruby also stars Crystal Fox (Big Little Lies), Gil Bellows (Patriot), Deborah Cox (Influence), twins Raechelle Banno (Pandora), Karina Banno (The Letdown) and Lauralee Bell (The Young and the Restless). The four-movie V.C. event airs consecutively over two weekends starting at 8 p.m. ET/PT on Saturday, March 20 and Sunday, March 21 and then again at 8 p.m. ET/PT on Saturday, March 27 and Sunday, March 28. The V.C Andrews’ Landry Family book series – Ruby, Pearl in the Mist, All That Glitters and Hidden Jewel – is the second highest-selling series from the author and becomes Lifetime’s latest adaptation of the prolific writer’s work. More about Naomi Judd at https://www.naomijudd.com/
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