THOMAS RHETT BRINGS “COUNTRY AGAIN” TO NBC’S THE VOICE FINALE

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MULTI-PLATINUM entertainer Thomas Rhett — “the most reliable maker of No. 1 songs in country music right now” (Variety) — took the stage as part of the star-studded two-night season finale of NBC’s The Voice last night, May 25. On the heels of performances on TODAY, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and ELLEN, Thomas Rhett brought a special full-band rendition of the fast-rising title track from his fifth studio double album COUNTRY AGAIN: SIDE A (The Valory Music Co.) to the competition show, available to watch here.

Additionally, the 17X chart-topper appeared on CBS This Morning for a conversion of a wide-range of topics with hosts Gayle King, Anthony Mason and guest co-host Jon Batiste including his new music, forthcoming tour and partnership with Claritin. Up next, Thomas Rhett is slated to perform at the CMT Music Awards on Wednesday, June 9.

With a centered focus and renewed clarity, award-winning singer/songwriter Thomas Rhett began teasing songs as they were written on social media over the past year, receiving a frenzy of positive feedback from fans. With that, his fifth studio double album COUNTRY AGAIN: SIDE A (The Valory Music Co.) began to take shape. GOLD-certified lead single “What’s Your Country Song” marks Thomas Rhett’s 17th career No. 1 single and 11th consecutive No. 1 – the longest active streak in the format. As “few singers have played a larger role in defining the sound of country music over the past half-dozen years” (Rolling Stone), Thomas Rhett’s four previous studio albums have spawned nearly 10 BILLION total career streams while he’s received two CMA Triple Play awards for penning three No. 1 songs within a 12-month period, adding to his collection of trophies from the Country Music Association, Academy of Country Music, Billboard Music Awards, CMT Music Awards and more. “At the top of his musical game” (Winnipeg Free Press), the in-demand superstar will mark his return to the road with his THE CENTER POINT ROAD TOUR, launching in August. For more information, visit www.thomasrhett.com.

CODY JOHNSON AND THE LEGENDARY WILLIE NELSON TEAM UP FOR THE ULTIMATE THROWBACK DUET ON “SAD SONGS AND WALTZES”

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Classic Country Song Featured on Johnson’s Highly Anticipated Double Album,
Due This Fall

Johnson to Headline at the Historic Ryman Auditorium on June 19

CoJo Music/Warner Music Nashville recording artist Cody Johnson released the first song from his forthcoming double album, which includes 18 tracks, due out this fall. The song is the ultimate throwback duet with musical icon Willie Nelson on a song Nelson penned entitled “Sad Songs and Waltzes” (LISTEN HERE).

Johnson wasn’t born when Nelson’s Shotgun Willie album was released in 1973, but that didn’t stop him from being inspired by one of the most heartfelt tracks on the album. He recalls how close to home it hit him when he first heard the song about a decade ago, after he’d played a show at Midnight Rodeo in San Angelo, Texas. Wide awake around 3:00 a.m., he was watching Nelson on PBS’ Austin City Limits. “You could tell that it was pretty early on in his leaving of Nashville, because his hair wasn’t very long,” Johnson explains. “Willie said, ‘Well, I went up to Nashville and I had a pile of songs, and I sang ’em all for the record man, and the record man told me, sad songs and waltzes aren’t selling this year, son.'”

The lesson Johnson learned that night — and still remembers all these years later — is that even Willie Nelson has been told no throughout his 60-year career as an artist. So, chasing down a trend in country music is one thing that both artists would never do. It’s a line that neither one will cross. “The way I am, the music I create, the way that I look, and the cowboy that I am hasn’t been a trend in Nashville for a long time,” Johnson says. Because he knows, as Nelson knows, that being true to yourself is what makes for the best music and the most loyal fans.

Knowing all that, Johnson made the decision to bring that song back, and record it with Nelson. The result is a moving ballad from the two distinctive voices, all about the creative process artists go through when they are unwilling to compromise their art.

“Willie was very gracious to do it, and I got to have a very candid conversation with him, and it was one that meant a lot to me,” Johnson says. Because he knows that while Nelson has a long history of memorable collaborations — with artists like Dolly Parton, Kenny Chesney, Kacey Musgraves, Sheryl Crow, Carrie Underwood, Merle Haggard, Loretta Lynn, Waylon Jennings and Lee Ann Womack — he doesn’t just partner with anyone who asks. It takes a special kind of artist who treasures the traditions of old school country music in order to measure up. It takes an artist like Cody Johnson.

SCOTTY McCREERY’S 2021 YOU TIME TOUR ANNOUNCED + NEW ALBUM EXPECTED THIS FALL

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North Carolina 27-Year-Old Notches Eighth Career Mediabase Top 25 with “You Time”
on Heels of Three Consecutive No. 1 Singles

Delivering more than 130 online performances for fans, Country radio, charitable events, and media outlets, Scotty McCreery had one thought in the back of his mind this last year: readying new music for fans when he could again return to the road. Between his livestream concert on Sept. 4, 2020, “Live from the Ryman,” with his full band being the first to welcome any audience back into the Ryman (limited capacity) and their Dec. 2, 2020 stripped-acoustic livestream from Raleigh’s Lincoln Theatre, McCreery has been thinking a lot about what his show will look and feel like when in-person again and especially what he wants to say. That time is upon him with the launch of his You Time Tour in June.

“This last year I was glad to get more ‘you time’ with my wife Gabi than ever before, as well as a lot of ‘you time’ with some of my favorite songwriters via zoom as we created new songs for the upcoming album,” reflects McCreery who has been in the studio this year with producers Aaron Eshuis, Frank Rogers and Derek Wells. “And now that we’re able to tour again, I cannot wait to get back on the road and have some ‘you time’ with fans this summer. This song’s message and timing really hit home for me and I hope we keep a few things like the intention of the time we spent with others this last year as we look ahead. I, for one, will never take going to a show or playing music live for fans for granted after this last year without it.”

The North Carolina native released “You Time” last September as the first single from his upcoming new album which he plans to put out in the Fall. Written by McCreery, Rogers and Eshuis, the song is rising steadily, currently sitting at No. 23 on the Mediabase/Country Aircheck Country Singles Chart.

Announced earlier today, McCreery will also join Old Dominion as direct support on select Live from the Ballpark Tour dates (denoted below).

“I’m excited to reunite with Old Dominion for their Live from the Ballpark Tour,” said McCreery, who last toured with the band in 2019. “These guys are not only amazing performers but great people, and this tour will be a blast. Plus, having been a pitcher on my high school baseball team, performing in these ball parks will be like coming home.”

Scotty McCreery You Time Tour dates are as follows (headlining unless otherwise noted):
6/18 Fresno, CA @ Boots in the Park Festival, Granite Park
^Direct Support to Chris Young (Opening Acts: Dylan Scott, Leaving Austin)
6/19 Norco, CA @ Boots in the Park Festival, The Backyard at Silver Lakes Park
^Direct Support to Chris Young (Opening Acts: Dylan Scott, Tenille Townes, Leaving Austin)
6/27 Anchorage, AK @ Backyard Country BBQ, Downtown Anchorage
7/09 St. Louis, MO @ 92.3 WIL Boots & Bourbon Series, The Pageant
7/10 Jacksonville, IL @ Morgan County Fair, Morgan Country Fairground
7/17 Jackson, TN x Old Dominion Live from the Ballpark Tour
^Direct support for Old Dominion
8/07 Laughlin, NV @ Edgewater Casino Resort
8/27 Wilmington, NC @ Greenfield Lake Amphitheatre
8/28 Doswell, VA @ After Hours at the Meadow Event Park
8/29 Glenmoore, PA @ Citadel Country Spirit USA Music Festival
^Support to Chris Young and Josh Turner; Opening Act: Lindsay Ell
9/09 Hampton Beach, NH @ Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom
9/10 Cohasset, MA @ South Shore Music Circus
9/11 Hyannis, MA @ Cape Cod Melody Tent
9/17 Rosemont, IL @ Joe’s Live
9/18 Milwaukee, WI @ Summerfest Briggs & Stratton Big Backyard Stage
9/24 Idaho Falls, ID x Old Dominion Live from the Ballpark Tour
^Direct support for Old Dominion
10/1 Wichita, KS x Old Dominion Live from the Ballpark Tour
^Direct support for Old Dominion
10/2 Omaha, NE x Old Dominion Live from the Ballpark Tour
^Direct support for Old Dominion

More 2021 tour dates to be added.

 

SPENCER CRANDALL RELEASES “MY PERSON” – WEDDING VERSION IN RESPONSE TO ENORMOUS FAN DEMAND; AVAILABLE EVERYWHERE

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“My Person” – Wedding Version marks the first track from the five-song EP Lost In The Wild, available everywhere May 28

LISTEN HERE

Up-and-coming singer/songwriter and entertainer Spencer Crandall releases an all-new version of his fan-favorite hit, “My Person,” originally released as part of his No. 1 album, Wilderness. Today, Crandall drops “My Person” – Wedding Version in response to fans clamoring for a way to use the romantic song in their weddings. The original song has garnered over 30M global streams and over 50K TikTok’s since its Oct. 2019 release. “My Person” – Wedding Version is the first of three songs from Wilderness that have been reimagined on Crandall’s forthcoming EP, Lost In The Wild, available everywhere May 28. The five-song EP also includes two all-new tracks produced by Lalo Guzman.

Track listing:
1. “My Person” – Wedding Version (Lalo Guzman, Spencer Crandall, Kelly Archer)
2. “Things I Can’t Say” (feat. Julia Cole) – Stripped (Lalo Guzman, Josh Ronen, Spencer Crandall, Julia Cole)
3. “Apartments in LA” – Demo Version (Lalo Guzman, Spencer Crandall, Scott Stepakoff)
4. “Nothing To Do With You” (Lalo Guzman, Spencer Crandall, Lauren McLamb, Joe Tounge)
5. “Delete All” (Nate Dodge Remix) (Nate Dodge, Joe Tounge, Spencer Crandall, Olivia Faye, AJ Gatio)*
*Produced by Nate Dodge

“I’m so excited to finally release ‘My Person’ – Wedding Version,” shares Crandall. “I’ve had so many DMs, texts and emails asking for this version because this song has become the soundtrack for so many couples’ relationships. There have been thousands of videos to the original song with couples showing how much they love their person. I can’t wait to see all the videos of couples that will use this version at their wedding. It feels good to finally get this out to fans and I couldn’t be prouder of how it turned out.”

In addition to “My Person” – Wedding Version, the Lost In The Wild EP will feature a cut-back, organic version of “Things I Can’t Say” (feat. Julia Cole) and an energetic EDM remix of hit-song “Delete All,” as well as two all-new tracks.

ABOUT SPENCER CRANDALL:
Denver-native Spencer Crandall is an independent country music singer/songwriter and entertainer. His sound continues to push the envelope—a blend of country storytelling with non-traditional production elements—reflecting influences ranging from Ed Sheeran and Taylor Swift to Justin Timberlake and Drake.

Raised in a music-loving family, Crandall grew up attending summer country concerts with dreams of being an entertainer, idolizing touring sensations like Kenny Chesney and Keith Urban. For a senior project in high school, Crandall decided to pick up the guitar and learn to play. The next year he headed to Grand Junction to play college football, until facing a career-ending shoulder injury. With the spare time on his hands during recovery, Spencer began to sing and write music, ultimately growing a steady following on social media by posting videos of dorm room performances of his original music.

After frequent trips to Nashville throughout 2016, Crandall decided it was time to make the move to Music City and seriously pursue his music career. Since then, Crandall has gained over 1.6M followers and 15.5M likes on TikTok and has shared the stage with artists including Chris Lane, Dustin Lynch, Tyler Rich and Josh Turner.

In four short years, Crandall has amassed over 90M streams across platforms as an independent artist, with two album releases debuting at No.1 on the iTunes country charts. With plans to tour in 2021, three independent albums under his belt, and new music on the way, this year is set to be his biggest yet.

BIG MACHINE LABEL GROUP + CREATIVETS RELEASE “HEROES” FEATURING MULTI-PLATINUM SELLING COUNTRY ARTIST JUSTIN MOORE

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Big Machine Label Group and CreatiVets announce today the release of “Heroes” featuring Country superstar Justin Moore. The track is the newest release in the campaign surrounding new music releases on the 20th of every month in tribute to the 20 veterans that commit suicide every day. Intending to shed additional light on that troubling statistic—shared in a study by the Department of Veterans Affairs—all partners are aligning to drive attention to the issue, while magnifying real-life stories told through music intended to help combat veterans.

CreatiVets empowers wounded veterans to heal through the arts and music. Through songwriting sessions, they are providing veterans struggling with post-traumatic stress and brain injury the opportunity to use art, music and creative writing to share their experiences and enabling them with tools they can use the rest of their lives. Each song is written to tell the veteran’s personal story and to provide a new strategy to help cope with anxiety and depression. Many veterans continue to write songs on their own, furthering the healing process.

Serving as a connector for opportunities that magnify CreatiVets within the entertainment space, Big Machine Label Group continues to contribute to CreatiVets’ operational initiatives through Scott and Sandi Borchetta’s Music Has Value Fund and through Big Machine Music, which serves as the co-publisher for CreatiVets.

About CreatiVets
CreatiVets’ is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to provide wounded veterans struggling with post-traumatic stress and traumatic brain injury with opportunities to use art, music, and creative writing to heal their unseen wounds of war. Their goal is to empower veterans with tools they can use for the rest of their lives and enable them to see their own capacity for success in an arena outside the battlefield. Learn more at www.creativets.org

About Justin Moore
Justin Moore has built a loyal following over the past decade with his traditional Country sound and captivating live shows. Those fans helped boost his fifth studio album, LATE NIGHTS AND LONGNECKS, to the top of the charts upon its release. Lead track “The Ones That Didn’t Make It Back Home,” and follow up “Why We Drink” both peaked at No. 1 on both Mediabase and Billboard bringing the Arkansas native’s tally to nine chart-toppers. Moore’s previous project, KINDA DON’T CARE, earned the singer his third consecutive No. 1 album debut and features his chart-topping singles “You Look Like I Need A Drink” and “Somebody Else Will.” It served as a follow up to his second No. 1 album release, the GOLD-certified OFF THE BEATEN PATH. Over his 10+ year career, Moore’s No. 1 hits have also included “Point at You,” “Lettin’ The Night Roll” “If Heaven Wasn’t So Far Away,” “Small Town USA” and “Till My Last Day” as well as seven Top 10 hits and PLATINUM-certified albums JUSTIN MOORE and OUTLAWS LIKE ME. From his sold-out show at the esteemed venue in May 2018, Moore released his LIVE AT THE RYMAN album (Sept. 2020) featuring duets with David Lee Murphy, Chris Janson and Ricky Skaggs. His latest offering “We Didn’t Have Much” reminisces on Moore’s simple upbringing and appreciation of life’s most precious moments. The Top 20-and-climbing track, penned alongside Jeremy Stover, Randy Montana and Paul DiGiovanni, is the first single off STRAIGHT OUTTA THE COUNTRY. The collection embraces his trend of Country traditionalism, vivid storytelling and signature Arkansas-bred twang across eight tracks. The Valory Music Co. recording artist has earned multiple ACM, ACA and ACC Awards nominations as well as an ACM Award win. He has shared the stage with Hank Williams Jr., Brad Paisley, Miranda Lambert and routinely traversing coast-to-coast on headline runs. Since quarantine, Moore has been busy hosting his new Justin Moore Podcast sponsored by Bobcat with tour manager JR and interviewing guests such as Oscar award-winning actor Matthew McConaughey; Country stars Tracy Lawrence, Jon Pardi, Brantley Gilbert; wrestling champion Diamond Dallas Page and ESPN’s Marty Smith. For more visit, JustinMooreMusic.com.

About Big Machine Label Group
Led by Founder, President and CEO Scott Borchetta, Big Machine Label Group encompasses Big Machine Records, The Valory Music Co., BMLG Records, Big Machine/John Varvatos Records and publishing company Big Machine Music as well as its own digital radio station, Big Machine Radio. BMLG artists include superstars Tim McGraw, Florida Georgia Line, Sheryl Crow, Thomas Rhett, Rascal Flatts, Brantley Gilbert, Lady A and Sugarland; chart-topping acts Justin Moore, Eli Young Band, Brett Young, Midland, Carly Pearce, Riley Green, Aaron Lewis, Badflower and “The Voice” winner Danielle Bradbery. BMLG artists have received multiple GRAMMY, CMA, ACM, AMA, CMT, Teen Choice, MTV, Billboard, People’s Choice and Brit Awards. Big Machine is the first-ever American label to align with terrestrial radio for performance royalty rights for its artists and is an industry leader in fighting for artist, songwriter, publisher and record company rights. Big Machine Label Group created the Music Has Value Fund to provide assistance to nonprofit organizations that make music, aspire to make music, and access and appreciate music. Visit BigMachineLabelGroup.com for more information.

GEORGE STRAIT ANNOUNCES RESCHEDULED DATES FOR UPCOMING “STRAIT TO VEGAS” SERIES

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(Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images for Essential Broadcast Media)

The King of Country Returns to T-Mobile Arena Friday, August 13 & Saturday, August 14 With Special Guest Caitlyn Smith

August 2020 Tickets Remain Valid

LAS VEGAS, Nev. – George Strait has announced his return to Las Vegas, gracing the T-Mobile Arena stage for back-to-back “Strait to Vegas” shows on Friday, August 13 and Saturday, August 14 with previously announced special guest Caitlyn Smith.

“The Ace in the Hole Band and I have been looking forward to this day for a year and a half,” shares Strait. “I cannot wait to see Vegas and all of my great fans once again. It’s been way too long. We will finally ride again. See you soon.”

Tickets to the original 2020 dates will be honored for the rescheduled shows: August 28, 2020 tickets will apply to the August 13, 2021 show, while August 29, 2020 tickets will apply to the August 14, 2021 show. Those unable to attend the rescheduled shows are eligible for a refund at the original point of purchase for the next 30 days. Additional tickets are on sale now at www.GeorgeStrait.com.

As previously announced, Strait will also take the stage at Minneapolis’ U.S. Bank Stadium on Saturday, November 13, 2021 with special guests Chris Stapleton and Little Big Town.

Since his record-breaking Cowboy Rides Away Tour in 2014, Strait has performed for limited engagements, including three sold-out performances at the top of 2020, first with “Visit Wichita Presents Strait to Oz” at INTRUST Bank Arena, then back-to-back nights of “Strait to the Heartland” at Kansas City’s Sprint Center.

With an unmatched 60 singles hitting the top of the charts—more than any other artist in any genre—during the span of his 30+ year career, Strait has collected 33 Platinum or multi-Platinum-selling albums, more than any other Country artist and ranking third across all genres behind The Beatles and Elvis Presley. The Texas troubadour is the only artist or act in history to have a Top 10 hit every year for over three decades and recently earned his 100th entry on the Billboard Country Airplay chart with his latest single, “The Weight of the Badge.” He has sold nearly 70 million albums and earned more than 60 major entertainment industry awards, including induction in the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2006.

Margo Price Honors Elvis, Martin Luther King Jr. & John Lennon on New Single, “Long Live The King”

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After spending several years performing it on tour, stunning crowds with the show-stopping staple of her live set, Margo Price has finally released her song “Long Live The King” as an official single. A favorite of both Price and her fans, the lyrics serve as a tribute to Elvis Presley, Martin Luther King Jr. and John Lennon. As Price ascends from tender eulogies to belting leads, the arrangement erupts into a wall of horns, organ and gospel choir. “‘Long Live The King’ is a song about three extraordinary men who changed the course of history for the better,” says Margo Price. “But no one is without flaw and they each had a duality in their personalities. This song is also about not idolizing celebrities or putting people up on a pedestal because we are all human and we all make mistakes.”
Listen to “Long Live The King” via Loma Vista:
Today, Margo Price has also announced her own mail-order record club, A Series of Rumors. Over three monthly shipments, A Series of Rumors members will receive a limited edition, autographed box of 7″ vinyl records featuring the music of Price’s 2020 album, That’s How Rumors Get Started, backed with exclusive B-sides, covers and unreleased collaborations. Some are lost songs from That’s How Rumors Get Started sessions at both Hollywood’s East West Studios and Nashville’s Butcher Shoppe; others are from pre-production sessions in Texas with Band of Heathens, or lockdown recordings with Price’s band The Pricetags.
For the initial installment, “Long Live The King” will appear as the B-side to Rumors highlight “Hey Child,” in addition to “Twinkle Twinkle” b/w Price’s take on Bobbie Gentry’s “He Made a Woman Out of Me,” and “Letting Me Down” b/w “I’d Die For You” (Synthphonic). The first set of records will ship now, and subscribers will receive their second/third deliveries in June/July.
All future B-sides will remain secret until they arrive to fans. Learn more about A Series of Rumors and join the club: https://found.ee/MP_ASeriesofRumors
At 9pm ET on May 21st, fans can also see Margo Price perform “Long Live The King” in a special livestream of the historic, sold-out run of shows she headlined at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium three years ago to date. The free streaming event, hosted by nugs.net, also falls on the one-year anniversary of Perfectly Imperfect at The Ryman, the live album that Price surprise-released to benefit COVID-19 relief throughout 2020.
Tune in here, and watch the trailer: https://www.instagram.com/p/COvkzlwp_Jg
On May 28th, Margo Price and her band will headline their first in-person concert of 2021, outdoors at Pelham, TN’s socially-distanced Caverns Above Ground Amphitheater. Price will also appear at Kentucky’s Railbird Festival in August, before joining Chris Stapleton for a number of dates this fall. She will have more shows and festival performances to announce soon, and has been hard at work as the newest addition and first-ever female artist elected to Farm Aid’s Board of Directors. Find tickets and tour updates here.

“Memorize You” Official Music Video Premieres Today via Faceboook

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Laine Will Return to ABC’s American Idol This Sunday

May 14, 2021 – Nashville, TN — Rising Country star and American Idol winner Laine Hardy has released a brand-new single, “Memorize You,” which fans can now stream and/or download on all platforms today!  The feel-good summertime groove is written by Michael Tyler, Eric Arjes and Steven Dale Jones, and produced by Michael Knox (Jason Aldean, Thomas Rhett).

“Let’s go!” Laine says of the new song.  “I’ve been so excited to get this out since the moment I heard the mix.  I’ve been asking and asking when we could put it out.  Well, it’s here and it’s time to hit the road to play it for the fans.”

The official music video for “Memorize You” is also out today, making its debut on Facebook.  Directed by Dustin Haney and shot in various locations throughout 30A in Florida, the video follows a young couple falling in love. Check out the beachy video HERE.

Laine will return to his American Idol roots by making an appearance on this Sunday’s episode. Tune in live coast-to-coast Sunday, MAY 16 8:00-10:00 p.m. EDT on ABC.

And be sure to catch Laine on the road this spring and summer as he heads out on tour – check https://www.lainehardymusic.com/tour for dates.  Next month in Lake Charles, LA he will hit the water and the stage, for Hook & Barrel’s Salty Catch Trout Shoutout, benefitting disaster relief in Louisiana.  Tickets and information for the June 5 event may be found at https://hookandbarrel.com/TICKETS/.

For more information about Laine Hardy, visit  LaineHardyMusic.com  and join his journey @TheLaineHardy.

ABOUT LAINE HARDY: A native of Livingston, Louisiana (pop. 2,000) Laine Hardy was six when he picked up his first guitar and later joined his brother playing in local clubs and bars for upwards of six hours a night, inspired by artists ranging from Luke Combs and Elvis Presley to Mark Broussard. After winning American Idol in 2019, Laine focused on songwriting and touring, headlining shows in Denver, Indianapolis, Sacramento, Minneapolis, Lexington and more.  Laine’s 2020 “Ground I Grew Up On” virtual tour, made 20-plus online stops to date, with views at 2 Million and counting. Catch Laine on the road this spring and summer as he heads out on tour – check LaineHardyMusic.com/tour for tickets and information.

On May 14, 2021, Laine released feel-good summertime track and video, “Memorize You,” written by Michael Tyler, Eric Arjes and Steven Dale Jones, and produced by Michael Knox (Jason Aldean, Thomas Rhett).  Follow his socials to keep up to date on his new music plans for the rest of the year!

While Louisiana is home, Nashville is where he is destined to be.  There, he met his producer Michael Knox and the pair went to work on Laine’s 2020 music releases including his single “Tiny Town” (Michael Tyler), and tracks “Ground I Grew Up On” (Brandon Kinney, Josh Thompson, Brett Beavers), “Let There Be Country” (Jason Afable, Steve Moakler, Tim Nichols), “Other LA” (Laine Hardy, Andy Sheridan, Erik Dylan and Dan Isbell) on Buena Vista Records / Industrial Media’s 19 Recordings.   The songs, which earned Laine a Taste of Country RISER designation, tell the stories of Laine’s childhood on the bayou where on an average day you’ll find him fishing, riding his four-wheeler, spending time with his family, dogs, and feasting on jambalaya or his grandmother’s traditional Korean kimchi.

ACCLAIMED SINGER-SONGWRITER, MUSICIAN & ACTOR MARK COLLIE ANNOUNCES RELEASE OF NEW ALBUM, BOOK OF MY BLUES, AVAILABLE JUNE 4

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Collie’s Co-Writers Include Multi-Faceted Actor/Musician
Billy Bob Thornton, Film Director Jonathan Hensleigh & Producers
Kenny Greenberg and Chad Cromwell  

Nashville, Tenn. (May 11, 2021) — Country music icon and trailblazer Mark Collie announced today the release of his new album, Book of My Blues, set to release Friday, June 4 via BFD/Audium Nashville/Orchard in association with Harvest Entertainment, Creator Label Co., and Collie Kuhl Music.

The themes in Book of My Blues – love, lust, betrayal, addiction, recovery, damnation, redemption – are derived from the graphic novel Rockabilly Hitman, a long-gestating collaboration between Collie and renowned film director Jonathan Hensleigh (The Punisher, Die Hard with a Vengeance, Armageddon and the soon-to-be-released Ice Road starring Liam Neeson). The novel depicts the exploits of rockabilly singer Jesse Wayne Hardin, who by night is an avenger of evil, as he travels the hard backroads from Muscle Shoals to Memphis, from the Mississippi Delta to Music City.

“There are a lot of ways to describe the music, maybe Roadhouse Rock, Southern Gothic, Americana, Country, but at its core, it’s a reflection of me and many others who came before me,” explains Collie.

The album features twelve original songs written or co-written by Collie, plus three rockabilly classics – “Hey Boba Lou” by Ronnie Hawkins, Jacqueline Magill and Robbie Robertson of The Band fame, “Night Train to Memphis” written by Country Music Hall of Fame member Owen Bradley with Marvin Hughes and Beasley Smith, and “Matchbox” by Carl Perkins. The album was co-produced by Kenny Greenberg (Allison Moore, Josh Turner, Toby Keith and the Mavericks) and Chad Cromwell (Joe Walsh, Neil Young, Willie Nelson and Boz Scaggs).

Collie’s list of collaborators reads as a “who’s who” of songwriter elite, including Collie’s long-time friend, actor/musician Billy Bob Thornton as well as Tom Douglas, Gary Nicholson, John Scott Sherill, Jonathan Hensleigh and co-producers Kenny Greenberg and Chad Cromwell.

Instant grat tracks “Born Ready” and “The Son of a Gun” are available now. MusicRow Magazine’s Robert K. Oermann gave both tunes rave reviews.

The respected country music historian/journalist hailed “The Son of a Gun” as “dramatic and forceful.” While on “Born Ready,” Oermann writes, “That Waylon/outlaw beat gets me every time. And it fits this renegade/rebel song perfectly. Welcome back, buddy. We’ve missed ya.”

Collie is set to release the album’s third single, “Book of My Blues,” on May 14.

Pre-order Book of My Blues here.

Book of My Blues Track Listing:
1. Book of My Blues (Mark Collie, Billy Bob Thornton)
2. Born Ready (Mark Collie, Kenny Greenberg, Gary Nicholson)
3. On the Wings of Your Love (Mark Collie)
4. Right This Wrong (Mark Collie, Kenny Greenberg)
5. Matchbox (Carl Perkins)
6. Holly Springs (Mark Collie, Kenny Greenberg, Chad Cromwell)
7. Unfinished Hurting (Mark Collie, Tom Douglas)
8. Queen of A Hungry Heart (Mark Collie, Kenny Greenberg, Chad Cromwell)
9. Sinking Sand (Mark Collie, Kenny Greenberg, Chad Cromwell)
10. Hey Boba Lou (Ronnie Hawkins, Jacqueline MaGill, Robbie Robertson)
11. Put the Gun Down (Mark Collie)
12. Walk the Floor, Kill the Lights, Slam the Door (Mark Collie, John Scott Sherill)
13. A Little Every Day (Mark Collie, Kenny Greenberg, Chad Cromwell)
14. The Son of a Gun (Mark Collie, Jonathan Hensleigh)
15. Night Train to Memphis (Owen Bradley, Marvin Hughes, Beasley Smith)

A PEACH STATE WEEKEND OF FIRSTS FOR VERE MUSIC ARTIST MATT ROGERS

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NASHVILLE – It was a homecoming weekend filled with firsts for Vere Music singer/songwriter Matt Rogers in Eatonton, GA. He was the first artist to perform three capacity shows on the recently refurbished stage at The Plaza Arts Center. He conducted the first songwriters master class for area music students since TPAC reopened. And he was the first artist to perform for residents of a local nursing home after months of isolation due to COVID-19.

“Honestly, it was a whirlwind, but I wanted to make the most of it,” Rogers said. “It felt great to be home and spend time with the people I care about. Like so many other musicians, I have missed performing for an audience – and there is nothing like a hometown crowd.”

“We could not have scripted a better opening event by hosting Matt’s homecoming,” said Vickie Spivey, Program and Production Director at TPAC. “He was so engaging and captured the hearts of seasoned and first-time patrons here at the Plaza. Matt spoke honestly about his inspiration and the value of being raised here in Eatonton and the impact the people in the audience had on his songwriting.”

Originally a schoolhouse built in 1916, TPAC is the cultural hub for live performance and music education in the region. In addition to performing three-nights at the 500-seat theater, Rogers instructed high school students on the basics of songwriting. Rogers has penned songs with some of the best tunesmiths in Music City and has won numerous songwriting awards.

“I think the master class with Matt is a huge thing. We have kids here who want to do big things and who are capable of it, but maybe need someone on their side,” said Taylor Hembree, Marketing Director of TPAC. “With Matt’s impact on the community and his talents, these kids will not only know someone is rooting for them, but they will get a chance to get some insight into the music scene. As someone who grew up being told to follow my dreams, I am very grateful that Matt is taking the time out to talk with area kids. I know it means a lot to The Plaza and to the community.”

In addition, Rogers also performed for residents and staff at the Harbor at Harmony Crossing. Residents of the nursing facility, many of them veterans, had been isolated during the pandemic.

The Durango Boot ambassador has reached a growing, global audience with his raw, country-at-heart/blues-in-his-soul style thanks to performing weekly since 2018 at Ole Red in Nashville and an extensive tour schedule across the U.S. Known for his energetic stage performance, the Georgia native Is headlining the Georgia Peach Festival on June 12.

Rogers has been releasing music since moving to Nashville in 2017 including his critically acclaimed sophomore EP, Richest Place On Earth. His single “Peaches and Pecans” from the project pays homage to the Peach State and was a popular anthem at University of Georgia home games at Stanford Stadium during their 2018 standout football season. In 2019, Rogers’ buzz-worthy single “Burn The Boat” made waves when it landed on Buzzfeed’s “Top 10 Hottest Country Summer Jams” alongside songs by Luke Combs and Carrie Underwood.

Fans and the industry are taking notice including country music legend TG Sheppard, who opined that Rogers is “the real deal…the total package. A great singer, a great picker, and a great songwriter.”