Inside Track on Music Row – Summer 2022 Edition

Media News:

Gibson has partnered with Authentic Brands Group (ABG) and Elvis Presley Enterprises to create two stunning acoustics: the Gibson Elvis™ Dove and Gibson Elvis™ SJ-200, both in Ebony. The Elvis Dove and SJ-200 are handmade by the expert luthiers and artisans of the Gibson Acoustic Custom Shop in Bozeman, Montana and are available worldwide at authorized Gibson dealers and on www.gibson.com.   Elvis played multiple Gibson acoustic and electric guitars throughout his career. The new Gibson Elvis Dove in Ebony is based on a customized 1969 Gibson Dove that was gifted to the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll by his father, Vernon Presley, which Elvis played in concert regularly from 1971 through 1975. Elvis often used Gibson SJ-200 acoustic guitars, aka “The King of Flat Tops.” Gibson has now created Elvis’ favorite SJ-200 in Ebony that is based on a guitar that was given to Elvis as a gift at a recording session at RCA Studio B in Nashville, TN in the mid-1960’s.  For 128 years, Gibson–the iconic American instrument brand–has shaped sound across generations and genres.


Brad Paisley is making it a double this spring with the launch of American Highway ReserveⓇ Route 2, the second release from his premium bourbon that tells the story of America’s open roads through artfully blended whiskey, sourced from locations throughout the U.S. Each Route is a new journey across the landscapes of America. American Highway Reserve Route 2 is made up of three mashbills and primarily including 12- and 4-year-old Kentucky straight bourbons complemented by 8-year-old bourbon sourced from Georgia, blended to create a distinct flavor profile following a final aging aboard the rolling rickhouse. Route 2 toured the country along with Brad Paisley during the summer of 2021. “Bourbon is like a song: the more life it has lived on its journey, the deeper the story, the richer it becomes,” said Paisley.  “This second batch has seen more miles. I think you will be surprised at the unique character a different journey created.”  Located in Bardstown, Kentucky the “Bourbon Capitol of the World,” this modern bourbon distiller creates custom whiskey, bourbon and rye for more than 30 different brand-owners worldwide. More at https://www.bradpaisley.com.

Mediabase News:

Multi-Platinum singer/songwriter Dierks Bentley took “Beers On Me” to the top of Mediabase/Country Aircheck Singles chart and Billboard‘s Country Airplay chart in mid-April, notching his 21st career No. One. Joining forces and voices with rising country hotshots BRELAND and HARDY, ahead of launching his Beers On Me Tour with special guests Ashley McBryde and Travis Denning, kicking off June 3rd in Wilmington, NC. Bentley’s Seven Peaks Music Festival will once again return this Labor Day Weekend, September 2-4, in a new scenic setting of San Luis Valley in Villa Grove, CO, with passes on sale to the general public at sevenpeaksfestival.com.  “From start to finish this song was a true collaboration, and to do it with BRELAND and HARDY really means a lot,” Bentley said. “They both bring something that’s so needed in Country music right now and can’t thank the fans and Country radio enough for embracing this one. I’m lucky to have gotten a chance to work with these two and it’s cool to be able to celebrate BRELAND’s first number one song – as an artist and songwriter – with him.” Tour updates and music at www.Dierks.com.

Music News:

With her honey-smoked whisper and lingering delivery, Mackenzie Carpenter arrives at all music streaming partners with “Can’t Nobody,” a languid midtempo that moves at its own pace. The 22-year-old who signed to The Valory Music Co. in May, sings on the strength of a song that’s a misdirected amble through all the most definitive pleasures in the world – and the boy who haunts like no other. Acoustically grounded, leaning into live musicians, she worked with producer Brandon Hood to dial in her sound. Laughing now, the young woman who co-wrote Lily Rose’s “Villain,” confesses, “I always wanted to be a country music singer. There are videos of me at age six, going, ‘I’m Mackenzie and I want to be a singer.’ And that was always the dream.”  Now “Can’t Nobody” introduces a fresh-faced take on being young, being wise and being alive. “I am always going to show up and show y’all my tacky truth,” said Carpenter. “I’m in between cut-offs and sparkles, girly girly and edgy… I guess that’s what you get growing up with two brothers.”  #mackenziecarpenter

Mutt Nation News

As reigning ACM Entertainer of the Year and life-long animal advocate Miranda Lambert prepares to kick off The Bandwagon Tour with Little Big Town and The Cadillac Three, shelter pets across the country are just as excited as her fans. MuttNation’s Fill the Little Red Wagon presented by Tractor Supply Company will collect pet food, treats, supplies and cash donations for a pre-selected local animal shelter at the entrance of each performance venue on the 15-date tour. Check show sites online for Fill the Little Red Wagon collection times. “After the last two years, I look forward to touring more now than ever. Especially when MuttNation’s Fill the Little Red Wagon partners with a local shelter at every venue – well, I always say there’s nothing better than having music and mutts together,” said Lambert, a tireless and passionate champion of shelter pets. “Shelters always need help and over the years, with the great support of my fans, volunteers, Tractor Supply and Live Nation, we’ve collected literally tons of food, toys and supplies for mutts nationwide.” Check out tour dates and Lambert’s new album, Palomino, via Vanner Records/RCA Nashville at https://www.mirandalambert.com.   

Nashville Songwriters News:

Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) along with event sponsors, Truist Wealth and Ford, welcomed songwriters and guests to The Reserve at Fat Bottom Brewing Co. for their long-awaited World’s Largest #1 Party. The celebration was held to honor all songs with a Nashville-associated writer that reached #1 on the Billboard Airplay, Digital, Hot or Mediabase charts during the period of September 2019 through December 2021. The event began with a special presentation, announcing that Jody Williams, industry powerhouse and founder of Jody Williams Music, was the 2022 recipient of the ‘NSAI Champion’ award. The award is given in recognition of generous support for – and dedication to – songwriters, the music industry and NSAI, and is chosen by the NSAI Executive Director. “Jody Williams has spent his professional career in the music industry helping songwriters and others.  I am one such individual, in my twenty-five years as NSAI Executive Director enlisting Jody’s help dozens of times.  He’s always responded and his word is as good as gold.” – Bart Herbison, Executive Director, NSAI.  Following the presentation Herbison announced awards for a total of 99 songs who had songwriters present. NSAI Board President, Steve Bogard, and event sponsors Truist Wealth and Ford were also in attendance for the celebration, congratulating each of the songwriters.

Number One News:

Cole Swindell earned his 11th career No. 1 single with his current single, the duet with ACM Top New Female Artist of the Year Lainey Wilson, “Never Say Never.” The powerhouse duet, No. 1 on both Mediabase and Billboard country singles charts in late April, rose to the top in just 23 weeks, is the followup to his multi-week No. 1 “Single Saturday Night.” The two back-to-back No. 1 singles are on his just released fourth album, Stereotype. “Never Say Never” has been a hit with fans since its debut and was the most added song at country radio the week of release, giving both Swindell and Wilson their biggest radio add day of their careers. The single was written by Swindell, Jessi Alexander and Chase McGill. Stereotype, produced by Zach Crowell, Chris LaCorte, Jordan Schmidt and Michael Carter, highlights Swindell as a hit-making songwriter across the project, writing 7 of the album’s 13 tracks. Stereotype is available now all digital retailers. Purchase/download “Never Say Never” at https://coleswindell.lnk.to/neversaynever.   Watch the fiery video “Never Say Never,” directed by Michael Monaco at https://coleswindell.lnk.to/neversaynever-omv.


Elle King, Martin Johnson, Miranda Lambert celebrate NUMBER #1 “Drunk (And I Don’t Wanna Go Home)” … One thing is for sure: Nobody wanted to go home from the Number One party for “Drunk (And I Don’t Wanna Go Home)”.  The party was held May 25 in the lobby of BMI’s Nashville offices, having moved inside from the planned rooftop locale due to the approaching rainstorm. The chart-topping hit, performed by Elle King and Miranda Lambert, was written by King and Martin Johnson. The song had the distinction of being the first by a female duo to top the charts since Reba McEntire and Linda Davis hit No. 1 with “Does He Love You” way back in 1993. Yes, almost thirty years ago, or in a previous century, to put it another way.


Jimmie Allen — “Make Me Want To,” (2nd number one single) and his 3rd number one “Freedom Was A Highway” (3rd number single) and a duet w/ Brad Paisley. From Jimmie’s album “Bettie James.” This was BTW Brad’s 25th number one. Spotify’s stream count for Jimmie’s first number one song “Best Shot” is up to 142,558,759! Everybody on Music Row is pretty happy about things being almost normal. So Jimmie’s team celebrated with a double celebration.


Lady A — “What If I Never Get Over You,” Album “Ocean.” It’s their 10th number one and certified gold by the RIAA https://www.riaa.com – Currently sits as over 164 million streams globally. First one with their label BMLG.


Matt Stell‘s – First number one “Prayed For You” was in 2019, pre pandemic. Matt’s 2nd number one “Everywhere But On” was celebrated last month on the song topping the charts. Of the three songwriters Matt Stell, Paul Sikes and Lance Miller (Lance used to sing demos for my songwriters when I worked for a publishing company) Lance also co-wrote “Have a Beer With Jesus.” Congrats to all of Matt’s team.

Online Music News:

Riser House/Columbia Nashville/Sony Music Nashville’s Mitchell Tenpenny is a star steadily on the rise as he continues to build his fan base by writing, recording, and releasing new music. Those fans have responded by soaring his on-demand streams to 1.2 Billion, increasing his spins at country radio, and flocking to his shows on tour. Mitchell has debuted a new song and music video with “Elephant in the Room” feat. Teddy Swims, and celebrates the ongoing success of current radio single “Truth About You,” and adds two Luke Combs tour dates to his schedule this fall. “So many exciting things are happening in my life this year,” shared Mitchell. “I continue to be blown away by the engagement of my fans with all the new music we release, requesting the single at radio and coming out to see us play live.” Get the song at https://m10.lnk.to/EITR and watch the video at https://www.mitchell10penny.com.   When Mitchell debuted his current radio single “Truth About You” for his fans on TikTok it instantly became the highest streaming debut of his career.

Opry News:

The Grand Ole Opry’s “Opry Loves The ‘90s” new interactive tour exhibition is now open as part of the Opry’s celebration of ‘90s Country Music. Now through the end of the of year, the “Opry Loves The 90s” experience will include the new tour exhibit as part of the backstage tour package and continue the celebration on the Opry stage with special in-show Opry programming, ‘90s-themed Opry Plaza Parties and surprise artist collaborations honoring one of the most celebrated decades in country music. The “Opry Loves The ‘90s” celebration runs through the end of 2022 and celebrates the artists, songs and songwriters that defined the music in the 1990s. Tickets for the “Opry Loves The ‘90s” exhibit, Grand Ole Opry and backstage tours are sale now at (615) 871-OPRY and opry.com. Beginning Memorial Day weekend, the Opry will host free and open to the public ‘90s Country Plaza Parties that will run each Friday and Saturday through Labor Day weekend and again on Fridays and Saturdays in October to celebrate the 97th Opry anniversary.

PR News:

Country hit maker Craig Campbell and his wife Mindy have opened their coffee shop, named Grindstone Cowboy, in their hometown of Eagleville, following the grand opening on April 30, 2022.  “Mindy and I share the love of coffee and music, and this has been a dream of ours for a long time,” said Craig, who alluded to the fact that there is no drive-thru coffee shop within 20 minutes of their house. “We love this community and want this to be a welcoming place for our friends, neighbors and visitors to have a great cup of coffee, good fellowship, wonderful music and maybe a drink or two.” Housed in a historic building at 115 North Main Street in the heart of Eagleville, Grindstone Cowboy will include a restaurant, bar and music venue and feature craft coffee drinks, coffee cocktails, beer on tap, and soups and sandwiches at lunch. Coffee for Grindstone Cowboy will be roasted by popular Nashville coffee house Frothy Monkey, and an in-house baker will create baked goods and desserts. More at https://thegrindstonecowboy.com.   Craig Campbell Tour, by God info and tickets at https://www.craigcampbell.tv.


PLA Media is welcoming back to the roster Michelle Wright, Canadian Country music icon & hitmaker since the 90’s. PLA Media Founder, Pam Lewis helped launch her career changing Now & Then album. Since their initial time working together, this Merlin, Ontario native’s career has soared earning her multiple awards and a coveted induction into the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame in 2011. Wright now has a new album – Milestone – on the way, via BFD / Audium Nashville.  Her first release in nine years, this gutsy collection will showcase her distinctive musical style which has been the hallmark of her career. Additionally, Wright’s Canadian fans will now have streaming access, for the first time, to many of her releases with Arista / BMG. Those titles include the following albums: Michelle Wright, Now & Then, For Me It’s You, The Reasons Why and Greatest Hits. More at https://www.michelle-wright.com and @michellewrightmusic.

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