SIGNING NEWS:
I am so excited that my friend Billy Dawson has signed a joint venture dream deal with Boom Music Group, Rodney Clawson and Warner Chappell. I have known Billy close to twenty years and he has had a fan in me and my BFF Linda Wyatt for many years. So to see him signing the dream deal makes us very happy. Billy has already been in this wonderful writing circle for many years and to have it in ink is wonderful. Billy is very pro-military and is working and writing and producing his military themed album. Billy is a multi-talented singer, songwriter, entertainer, author and motivational speaker. In addition to his musical endeavors, Dawson is the author of (AMAZON best seller) You Never Know, the first book in a series of children’s books focusing bullying, racism and other societal issues involving children (which is now available at www.amazon.com). He brings his book to life when he speaks at schools about the importance of respect and love in everyday life. You can also catch him in the TV commercial for GMC’s SERRA “Truckville” for which he is the artist and co-writer.
SINGLE NEWS:
Country artist, singer-songwriter and rapper David Morris has released the bold, revealing single “Broken Heartland,” available everywhere at https://cmdshft.ffm.to/brokenheartland. Morris’ honest track is laid over a western beat that gives a twang to his unique blend of Country music with modern hip-hop. In a lane all his own, Morris follows the smashing success viral hits “Carrying Your Love” and “Dutton Ranch Freestyle.” He sings – This world is small when all you’ve seen is just this little town / Moving away and getting out is all you think about … He’s barely outta high school in the desert wearing fatigues holding a rifle / Just last spring he took his team to the state finals. Written solely by the West Virginia native with production by Brandon Manley, Morris draws upon his experiences growing up in the Appalachian region to continue his truth telling journey through this song. He’s currently on the Road supporting 10 stops on Kidd G’s The Kidd Next Door Tour. The day after he finishes up on the with Kidd G, Morris will be joining Jelly Roll for select dates. Tour/ticket info at https://www.davidmorrisofficial.com. (@David_Morris)
SONG NEWS:
The Season 17 Winner of The Voice and viral TikTok artist Jake Hoot has released his highly anticipated new single, “B4U.” Written by Hoot, Grant Vogel and Kylie Sackley, the driving ballad first gained steam on socials after Hoot teased a clip of the song. Featuring Hoot’s signature tenor twang and a hooky melody, “B4U” can be found on all digital platforms here https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/jakehoot/b4u. Hoot released his debut EP Love Out Of Time in 2021 which features an all-star lineup of musicians and songwriters. The project also features a duet with international superstar Kelly Clarkson titled “I Would’ve Loved You.” Upon its release, Love Out Of Time reached No. 2 on both the iTunes All-Genre Albums and Country Albums chart while “I Would’ve Loved You” reached No. 3 on the iTunes Country Singles Chart. Currently amassing over 15 million streams, nearly 90K downloads and gearing up for his 17th Grand Ole Opry performance, the future proves promising for this mega-talent with a heart of gold. To view upcoming tour dates and for more information on Jake Hoot, visit www.jakehoot.com.
SONGWRITER NEWS:
The Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) has announced a brand-new five-day Music Industry Career Camp, the first of its kind, offering an extensive look at many careers in the music industry. The camp is presented by Ronald Blue Trust and will be held June 19-23, 2023, at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. Throughout the week, each day of the camp will focus on a select group of career options within the industry and attendees can expect panels featuring expert speakers, Q&A sessions with industry professionals, onsite visits to live music facilities, recording studios, records labels and more. “We are excited to hold this camp covering so many potential careers available within the American music industry,” said NSAI Executive Director Bart Herbison. Participants will learn what industry careers truly entail, salary ranges and how individuals got those jobs. Some highlights include a Bluebird Cafe performance on the MTSU campus at the Chris Young Cafe and multiple music events in Nashville where participants will see set up, soundchecks, lighting, etcetera. Details at https://www.nashvillesongwriters.com/nsai-music-industry-career-camp-mtsu or email careercamp@Nashvillesongwriters.com.
TOUR NEWS:
Morgan Wallen wrapped his Dangerous Tour, setting a new attendance record at Globe Life Field (Arlington, Texas) after zigzagging across North America since his February tour launch at Madison Square Garden. “This is a special night for me, my band and crew,” Wallen shared as he paused for several minutes to collect himself and take in the at-capacity crowd. As he introduced his band, he added, “We started out rehearsing in one of my buddy’s mom’s basements…and this is not quite a basement.” Wallen’s Dangerous Tour broke records in 30 venues across the country during its eight-month-long run. Highlights include the historic Globe Life show, which became the fastest sellout in the venue’s history. The tour’s high demand also led Wallen to sell out 11 of the venues faster than any other act, while simultaneously breaking attendance records with stops at XFINITY Theatre, AmericanBank Center and Darien Lake Amphitheater, among others. Tour info and more at https://morganwallen.com. Additionally, this year, Wallen has donated over 500,000 meals to help combat food insecurity and aid in relief following natural disasters in the U.S. Info at https://www.greatergoodmusic.org.
VIDEO DUET NEWS:
Thomas Rhett and Katy Perry have released the music video for their duet “Where We Started.” Directed by Patrick Tracy, the video for the title track off Thomas Rhett’s sixth studio album finds each artist contently reflecting on their own journeys. “Working with Katy has been a really collaborative process,” said Thomas Rhett. “From tracking the song in the studio, to performing on it American Idol, to this video – her input has made this whole experience really special for me.” Katy shared, “I loved being able to create a dreamy world for ‘Where We Started,’ going back to the Nashville singer-songwriter roots of where I started.” Rhett has 19 multi-Platinum and Gold-certified No. 1 hits, 12 billion streams and the longest current active streak of consecutive No. 1s in the format (Mediabase/Country Aircheck Chart). He has been honored with eight ACM Awards including Entertainer of the Year, two CMA Awards, five Grammy nominations, and more. Tour updates at www.ThomasRhett.com. More about Katy Perry’s Las Vegas residency at www.katyperry.com/tour.
VIDEO NEWS:
Army veteran, country music hit-maker, and author Craig Morgan has released the music video for his newest single, “How You Make A Man” making its world premiere on CMT, CMT Music, CMT.com, and Paramount’s Times Square billboards. Co-directed by Nate Griffin and Craig’s friend and film/TV star Angie Harmon, whom the singer worked alongside in the music video for “This Ole Boy” and during a guest appearance on Rizzoli & Isles, “How You Make A Man” depicts the ups and downs of a life well-lived. One of four new sides on Craig’s upcoming God, Family, Country (Deluxe Edition) album, releasing November 11, “How You Make A Man” delivers hard-hitting lyrics with Craig’s iconic voice, leaning on the wisdom gained through life’s triumphs and tribulations. Billboard declares: “A myriad of life’s risks, heartbreaks, victories and failures–and the lessons earned from each–are poured into his passionate vocal on ‘How You Make A Man.’” God, Family, Country (Deluxe Edition) is aptly releasing on Veterans Day and coinciding with his headlining show at Nashville’s iconic Ryman Auditorium. Pre-saved/pre-added now at https://craigmorgan.lnk.to/GodFamilyCountryDeluxe.
WESTERN MUSIC NEWS:
The recipients of the 26th annual Academy of Western Artists Will Rogers Awards were recognized on October 13 at Brown Lupton Ballroom at Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, Texas. The show presents music awards in three divisions: Pure Country, Western Swing and Western. Special categories include Radio Station of the Year, Disc Jockey of the Year, Young Artist of the Year and Instrumentalist of the Year. The Top five nominees and winners are selected by disc jockeys worldwide. Among the many award recipients: Chuck Cusimano (Pure Country Male), Kristi Kaylin (Pure Country Female), Cardboard Cowboy Cutouts (Pure Country Duo/Group), Richard Lynch – My Guitar Drips Country (Pure Country Album) and Daryn Wright – “The Jukebox Has a 45” (Pure Country Song). Info on the Academy of Western Artists at http://awaawards.org.
WWWEBSITES TO CHECK OUT:
www.cmaworld.com * www.nashvillesongwriters.com * www.gibson.com * www.tinpansouth.com *
YOUTUBE NEWS:
Leading up to the release of his third studio album, multi-platinum artist Russell Dickerson has released a music video for the new track, “Big Wheels.” An upbeat anthem and ode to the country life, “Big Wheels” was written by Dickerson, Ashley Gorley, Hunter Phelps and Ben Johnson. The new release is the third song to be revealed from the upcoming album joining “I Wonder” and “She Likes It,” featuring Jake Scott, clocking 200 million streams worldwide to date. Russell Dickerson, the 15-track self-titled album, will be available Nov. 4th. In addition to new music, Dickerson wrapped a sold-out tour in the UK and launches his headlining tour throughout the US starting in November. After graduating from college, Dickerson felt called to take his music on the road, cutting his teeth while playing shows across the US, frequently for small audiences and an even smaller paycheck. That same drive has made Dickerson the first artist to release four consecutive career-starting singles that reached No. One on the Biillboard Country Airplay chart since Luke Combs. More information and tour dates at www.russelldickerson.com.
Have a great day!!!!
Check out my music blog, Nashville Music Line. The music blog features news, information, helpful ideas and inspiration for singers and songwriters. If you are an aspiring artist or songwriter just starting out on your career path, or if you are already on your way, I hope you’ll find it both useful and enjoyable. I intend to start adding ‘Music bits and extras’ to it on a regular basis. Let me know if there are any topics you would like me to address there. Please bookmark the URL and visit frequently. I’d love to read your comments. You can find it at www.nashvillemusicline.com.
Be the first to comment