December 4, 2020 The MusicRow Weekly

THIS WEEK’S HEADLINES

MusicRow Magazine Releases 2021 Touring Issue

Driver Williams Inks Co-Pub Deal With River House Artists, Jody Williams Songs

HARDY Claims His First Chart-Topper As An Artist

Lanie Gardner Inks Deals With Republic Records, Jonas Group Entertainment

MusicRow Reveals 2021 Next Big Thing Artists List; 2021 N.B.T. Industry Directory

Rakiyah Marshall Launches Music Publishing, Artist Development Company

Nathan Barlowe Signs With Spirit Music Nashville/Fluid Music Revolution

Radio Disney, Radio Disney Country To Close

DISClaimer Singles Reviews

And much more…

Friday, December 4, 2020

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MusicRow Magazine’s Touring Issue Features Russell Dickerson

MusicRow Magazine’s 2021 Touring Issue, with Triple Tigers Records artist Russell Dickerson gracing the cover, is available now.

Multi-Platinum Nashville-based singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Dickerson has established himself as a prolific songwriter and powerhouse showman. In 2017, his Gold-certified full-length debut album, Yours, bowed at No. 5 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart, while Dickerson rose to No. 1 on the Emerging Artists Chart. Yours yielded three consecutive No. 1 hits, including the double-Platinum “Yours,” the Platinum “Blue Tacoma,” and Platinum “Every Little Thing.” In 2020, he received a nomination in the category of Best New Male Artist of the Year at the ACMs. He has opened shows for Thomas Rhett, Florida Georgia Line, Darius Rucker, Lady A, and Kane Brown in addition to bringing the “RD Party” to sold out venues everywhere as a headliner. His second full-length album, Southern Symphony [Triple Tigers Records], will release Dec. 4. Led by No. 1 single, “Love You Like I Used To,” Dickerson has also released two additional tracks off the forthcoming album, “Home Sweet,” and “Never Get Old.”

MusicRow Magazine’s annual Touring Issue also features its 2021 Next Big Thing Artists list, as well as the N.B.T. Industry Directory, which spotlights many of Nashville’s rising music industry executives.

This issue also celebrates MusicRow Magazine Owner/Publisher Sherod Robertson’s 10-year anniversary of leading the publication. WME Nashville Co-Heads Becky Gardenhire and Jay Williams, UTA Nashville’s Curt Motley, and CAA Music Nashville Co-Head Marc Dennis discuss how touring could look in 2021, while concert lighting and design expert Chris Lisle examines how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted touring professionals. Touring specialists Trent and Joey Hemphill offer one example of how their touring company has pivoted during the pandemic. MusicRow also provides an update on the National Independent Venue Association (NIVA)’s work to aid independent music venues. Additionally, the 2021 Touring Directory is included in this issue, featuring contact information for touring transportation, production and insurance companies.

Single copies of MusicRow’s Touring Issue are available for purchase at musicrow.com for $45, and are included with yearly MusicRow memberships.

SIGN UP HERE (FREE!)

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https://strm.to/CUMyGift

December 4, 2020 The MusicRow Weekly

Pictured (L-R): Jody Williams (Founder, Jody Williams Songs); Nina Jenkins (Creative Director, Jody Williams Songs); Driver Williams, Zebb Luster (Director of Creative/A&R, River House Artists); Lynn Oliver-Cline (Founder, River House Artists); Kayla Adkins (Publishing Coordinator, River House Artists)

River House Artists (in partnership with Sony/ATV) and Jody Williams Songs (in partnership with Warner Chappell Music) have signed Driver Williams to a new co-publishing agreement, uniting Williams’ existing team at River House Artists with the publishing company launched recently by his father, former BMI VP and industry vet Jody Williams.

Driver Williams has spent the last three years as a River House Artists staff songwriter. With the launch of Jody Williams Songs earlier this year, plans developed between River House’s Lynn Oliver-Cline and Jody Williams to share publishing representation.

“It has long been a dream of mine to work with my father in this kind of creative capacity,” shares Driver. “I am very excited to be part of a new ‘song forward’ company whose aim is to move the needle in our genre, coupled with my unflagging partnership with Lynn and the powerhouse crew at River House Artists.”

As the long-time lead guitarist for 2020 CMA Entertainer of the Year Eric Church, Williams has co-written Church’s Double-Platinum certified “Smoke A Little Smoke” as well as songs recorded by artists including Jon Pardi, Jason Aldean, Drew Parker and more.

“We feel very fortunate to partner with Lynn’s team at River House for this next season of Driver’s songwriting career,” says Jody Williams. “Driver’s determination and skill, coupled with the synergy of our two companies, feels like a perfect storm. Zebb Luster and Kayla Adkins are in it to win it, just like me and Nina Jenkins. And on a personal level, I’m thrilled the time is finally right to get to work with my son. This is going to be fun!”

“I am thankful for the intro to Driver from Jody just a few short years ago,” adds Oliver-Cline, who first formed a close friendship with Jody Williams when the two were BMI writer reps in the late ’90s. “Driver has such depth and a unique perspective. I always look forward to hearing everything he

writes. His passion for music is contagious and RHA couldn’t be prouder to continue our relationship with him and his talents as a songwriter.”

“Driver has been a huge asset for the River House family from the beginning,” notes Zebb Luster, RHA Director of Creative/A&R. “His dedication to the team and his ability to help artists and writers really find what they are trying to say in a song is what I love most about him. Driver really gets behind the people he believes in and pushes them to be the best they can be. I couldn’t be more excited to have him around!”

“Driver is a master collaborator,” adds Nina Jenkins, JWS Creative Director. “His daily objective is the relentless pursuit of quality music, brought to fulfillment through thoughtful songwriting and an ever-present positive attitude. He is a team player who lifts up his co-writers and publishers alike.”

In addition to the new publishing deal signed with Driver Williams, Jody Williams Songs represents Ashley McBryde, Nathan Chapman, Jeremy Spillman, Greg Bates, Jason Nix and Pat McLaughlin. Jody Williams Songs is a co-publishing partnership with Warner Chappell Music.

Launched in 2016, River House Artists recently became a joint venture with Sony/ATV Music Publishing. Along with Driver Williams, their roster also includes artist writers Drew Parker, Jordan Rowe, Luke Combs’ longtime cowriter Ray Fulcher, as well as Nicolette Hayford, a frequent co-writer of McBryde. MR

Driver Williams Inks Co-Pub Deal With River House Artists, Jody

Williams Songs

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https://www.warnermusicnashville.com/

WHMA Anniston, ALWXFL Florence, ALKHBZ Harrison, ARKQUS Hot Springs, ARKDXY Jonesboro, ARKWCK Searcy, ARKRAZ Santa Barbara, CAWPAP Panama City, FLWUBB Savannah, GAKXIA Marshalltown, IAKIAI Mason City, IAKBOE Oskaloosa, IAKTHK Idaho Falls, IDWOOZ Carterville, IL

WAAG Galesburg, ILWMCI Mattoon, ILWYOT Rochelle, ILWRTB Rockford, ILWCCI Savanna, ILWIFE Connersville, INKAIR Atchison, KSWKDZ Cadiz, KYWBKR Owensboro, KYWDHR Pikeville, KYKRRV Alexandria, LAWUUU Covington, LAWKPE Hyannis, MAWVMD Cumberland, MD

WTCM Traverse City, MI KYSM Mankato, MNKZPK St. Cloud, MNKWWR Mexico, MOKFAV Warrenton, MOWQNZ Natchez, MSKZZY Devils Lake, NDKRVN Lexington, NEJersey Shore CountryKQBA Santa Fe, NMWDNB Monticello, NYWOLF Syracuse, NYWCJW Warsaw, NYWFRY Watertown, NY

KWHW Altus, OKKITX Hugo, OKKWEY Weatherford, OKKWOX Woodward, OKKRKT Albany, ORWNBT Mansfield, PAWCFT Selinsgrove, PAWFGE State College, PAWMIR Myrtle Beach, SCKIQK Rapid City, SDWUCZ Carthage, TNWDKN Dickson, TNWLLX Lawrenceburg, TNKAYD Beaumont, TX

KFTX Corpus Christi, TXKYKX Longview, TXKMRK Odessa, TXKYYK Palestine, TXKXOX Sweetwater, TXWAKG Danville, VAWAXX Altoona, WIWJVL Janesville, WIWGLR Platteville, WIWQPC Prairie du Chien, WIWCOW Sparta, WIWTNJ Beckley, WVWDGG Huntington ,WV

MusicRow CountryBreakout Chart Reporting Stations

New On The Chart —Debuting This Weeksong/artist/label—Chart PositionCold Beer Calling My Name/Jameson Rodgers feat. Luke Combs/River House Artists/Columbia Nashville — 71Radio Back/Danny Kensy/Rad Records — 74Just Like You/Paige King Johnson/PCG Artist Development — 79River Bent/Caleb Kelley/River Bend Entertainment — 80

Greatest Spin Increasesong/artist/label—Spin IncreaseWhat's Your Country Song/Thomas Rhett/Valory — 365Hell Of A View/Eric Church/EMI — 144Just The Way/Parmalee x Blanco Brown/Stoney Creek — 108Memory I Don't Mess With/Lee Brice/Curb — 100Down To One/Luke Bryan/Capitol — 94Chain Breaker/Zach Williams/Provident Label Group — 88Blame It On You/Jason Aldean/Broken Bow — 87

Most Addedsong/artist/label—No. of AddsChain Breaker/Zach Williams/Provident Label Group — 11What's Your Country Song/Thomas Rhett/Valory — 9Just The Way/Parmalee x Blanco Brown/Stoney Creek — 6Blame It On You/Jason Aldean/Broken Bow — 5Memory I Don't Mess With/Lee Brice/Curb — 5

On Deck—Soon To Be Chartingsong/artist/label—No. of SpinsExtra/Kylie Trout/Kylie Trout Music — 161Freedom And Wings/Heather Smith — 152Whiskey And Rain/Michael Ray/Warner Music Nashville — 141Just Friends/Caylee Hammack/Capitol — 141Things A Man Oughta Know/Lainey Wilson/Broken Bow — 140

NO. 1 SONGCHART ACTION

Friday, December 4, 2020

Luke Combs earns his fourth MusicRow Challenge Coin of 2020 with “Better Together.” His previous single, “Lovin’ On You” stayed at No. 1 for two weeks in August, and “Does To Me” (feat. Eric Church) graced No. 1 in March. He also received songwriter credit for “I Hope You’re Happy Now” by Carly Pearce and Lee Brice which rose to No. 1 in January and remained for a second week in February.

“Better Together” was written by Combs, Dan Isbell, and Randy Montana. Montana ranks No. 2 on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart while Combs and Isbell rank No. 9 and No. 30 respectively.

In October, Combs made history with his current album release, as the only country artist in Apple Music history to reach No. 1 on Apple Music’s US Albums chart twice. Over the past 12 months, Combs has earned the most streams on Apple Music of any country artist, and his total stream count over the past 12 months is 62% higher than the next biggest country artist.

Each songwriter and artist earning No. 1 credit on the MusicRow Chart receives a MusicRow Challenge Coin. Click here to

view a full list of recipients.

https://smarturl.it/AHNeverSeenTheWorld

WeeksOn Chart

LastWeek

ThisWeek Song / Artist / Label Spins /

Reports% Spin Power Spins +/-

9 2 1 Better Together / Luke Combs / Columbia 1846/59 4 6327 5 2 Almost Maybes / Jordan Davis / MCA Nashville 1756/63 5 8514 4 3 Starting Over / Chris Stapleton / Mercury Nashville 1726/58 1 247 7 4 Down To One / Luke Bryan / Capitol 1709/65 6 9418 6 5 I Should Probably Go To Bed / Dan + Shay / Warner Music Nashville 1612/50 -3 -4814 9 6 7 Summers / Morgan Wallen / Big Loud Records 1490/62 6 8124 1 7 How They Remember You / Rascal Flatts / Big Machine 1455/50 -20 -36731 8 8 Lady / Brett Young / BMLG 1452/60 2 2542 11 9 Nobody / Dylan Scott / Curb 1415/55 2 2832 10 10 Made For You / Jake Owen / Big Loud Records 1406/58 1 1310 13 11 One Too Many / Keith Urban & P!nk / Capitol 1323/57 7 844 17 12 What’s Your Country Song / Thomas Rhett / Valory 1296/62 39 36513 12 13 Settling Down / Miranda Lambert / Vanner Records/RCA Records 1292/61 4 496 14 14 Gone / Dierks Bentley / Capitol 1218/61 5 6010 16 15 Next Girl / Carly Pearce / Big Machine 1004/52 5 465 21 16 Hell Of A View / Eric Church / EMI 994/57 17 14426 15 17 Hard Days / Brantley Gilbert / Valory 982/46 0 415 20 18 Good Time / Niko Moon / RCA Nashville 929/37 8 7244 18 19 Momma’s House / Dustin Lynch / Broken Bow 917/39 1 1248 19 20 Somebody Like That / Tenille Arts / 19th & Grand 885/39 0 325 22 21 Wine, Beer, Whiskey / Little Big Town / Capitol 860/40 2 198 23 22 Breaking Up Was Easy In The 90’s / Sam Hunt / MCA Nashville 838/43 4 2923 24 23 The Good Ones / Gabby Barrett / Warner Music Nashville 820/40 9 6515 26 24 Good Time Waitin’ To Happen / James Robert Webb / Bison Creek Records 814/47 8 6223 25 25 Grew Up On That / High Valley / Warner Music Nashville 788/42 5 3520 28 26 I Still Think About You / Jake Simon / Spaceshot Records 745/39 11 7520 27 27 Land Of Y’all / Smith & Wesley / Dream Walkin/Audium Nashville 729/36 6 3922 29 28 Mix ‘Em With Whiskey / Drake White / Reverend White 660/33 2 137 30 29 We Didn’t Have Much / Justin Moore / Valory 647/42 4 2414 31 30 Waitin’ On 5 / Chris Janson / Warner Music Nashville 623/33 0 234 32 31 To Hell & Back / Maren Morris / Columbia 605/37 -1 -515 34 32 Wash My Truck / Bobby Wills / MDM Recordings 590/33 3 159 35 33 Tiny Town / Laine Hardy / Buena Vista Records 586/42 2 135 40 34 Memory I Don’t Mess With / Lee Brice / Curb 585/44 21 10010 33 35 Waste Of A Whiskey Drink / Gary Allan / EMI 564/35 -3 -2019 36 36 Made For Mornings / Lockeland / Lockeland Entertainment LLC 535/35 3 188 38 37 If It Wasn’t For Trucks / Riley Green / BMLG 529/34 6 2819 37 38 Ain’t Bad For A Good Ol’ Boy / Mo Pitney / Curb 520/27 3 169 42 39 Everybody Dies But Not Everybody Lives / Shane Owens / Amerimonte Records 502/34 9 4319 39 40 Y’allsome / Pryor & Lee / Black River Entertainment 494/30 1 3

Wednesday, December 4, 2020

https://orcd.co/southernsymphony

WeeksOn Chart

LastWeek

ThisWeek Song / Artist / Label Spins /

Reports% Spin Power Spins +/-

6 41 41 Heaven On Dirt / Teddy Robb / Monument 490/39 5 228 45 42 Where I Find God / Larry Fleet / Big Loud Records 489/30 15 6211 43 43 Sometimes Late At Night / Eric Burgett / Bow To Stern Records 477/35 5 239 44 44 Bad Guy / Casey Donahew / Almost Country Records 459/27 2 104 51 45 Blame It On You / Jason Aldean / Broken Bow 446/31 24 877 58 46 Just The Way / Parmalee x Blanco Brown / Stoney Creek 410/23 36 10818 47 47 We Were Rich / Runaway June / Wheelhouse Records 405/26 5 1816 48 48 Simple Things / Dylan Gerard / SSM Nashville 389/27 1 410 53 49 The Mountain / Calamity Jane / Mountain Records 384/28 10 356 52 50 Just About Over You / Priscilla Block / Mercury Nashville 378/31 7 2612 46 51 Dear Rodeo / Cody Johnson / CoJo Music/Warner Bros. 365/23 -6 -2317 50 52 Wishin’ I Was Fishin’ / Lucas Hoge / Forge Entertainment 364/22 -1 -512 49 53 Never Be Sorry / Old Dominion / RCA Nashville 360/18 -4 -1610 55 54 Sometimes Always Never / Brandon Ratcliff / Monument 355/28 5 178 57 55 Comin’ Home / The Desert City Ramblers / Crane Kick Records 351/23 11 3511 56 56 Population 2 / Tom Sexton / Lots To Do Music, LLC 325/25 0 -16 62 57 As Soon As You / Bri Bagwell / 10XMusic 283/20 6 159 61 58 I Can Tell By The Way You Dance / Josh Turner / MCA Nashville 271/18 0 03 65 59 Worship You / Kane Brown / RCA Nashville 262/15 13 319 64 60 Bad Decision / Emily Jean / SSM Evolution 259/19 1 317 59 61 betty / Taylor Swift / MCA Nashville/Republic Records 245/15 -12 -323 67 62 Anybody Else / Mira Goto / ArtistMax/Copperline 237/18 14 2916 60 63 Single Saturday Night / Cole Swindell / Warner Music Nashville 232/15 -16 -443 75 64 God Save The World / Jeff Carson / MC1 Nashville 221/14 22 405 68 65 Your Love Won’t Let Me Cheat / RT Johnson / CCB Nashville 219/16 7 155 71 66 Calling All The Angels / Brooke Lee / Brooke Lee Music 215/14 11 212 77 67 Ain’t Gonna Be Today / Ward Davis / Ward Davis Music/Thirty Tigers 213/19 20 365 69 68 Same Ole / Chris Kroeze / 212/17 5 115 66 69 You Time / Scotty McCreery / Triple Tigers Records 212/15 -1 -33 73 70 Meghan / Brecken Miles / Rhyme Partners 206/16 10 181 90 71 Cold Beer Calling My Name / Jameson Rodgers feat. Luke Combs / River House Artists/

Columbia Nashville202/17 52 69

4 70 72 Ghost Town Nation / Travis Tritt / Big Noise 202/12 0 16 72 73 Beers To Catch Up On / LOCASH / Wheelhouse Records 201/13 6 111 82 74 Radio Back / Danny Kensy / Rad Records 188/13 15 252 76 75 Heartland / Hailey Whitters / Big Loud Records/S&D 180/16 1 25 78 76 Martha Devine / Ashley McBryde / Atlantic Records/WMN/WAR 174/15 -2 -310 74 77 Saltwater Gospel (Fins Up Version) / Eli Young Band & Jimmy Buffett / Valory 174/12 -4 -82 80 78 Won’t Forget / Rusty Gear / Chickahominy Marsh Records 172/14 2 31 84 79 Just Like You / Paige King Johnson / PCG Artist Development 169/15 13 201 81 80 River Bent / Caleb Kelley / River Bend Entertainment 164/15 -1 -1

No. 1 Song Greatest Spin Increase Highest Debut

https://grangersmith.lnk.to/countrythings2

December 4, 2020 The MusicRow Weekly

HARDY. Photo: Tanner Gallagher

HARDY is no stranger to the country charts, having co-written seven No. 1 singles for other artists. Now, he’s celebrating a new pinnacle, with his own song “One Beer” featuring Lauren Alaina and Devin Dawson reaching the top of the charts and marking his very first No. 1 as an artist.

Penned by HARDY with Jake Mitchell and Hillary Lindsey, and produced by Joey Moi and Derek Wells, the hit sits atop both the Billboard and Country Aircheck/Mediabase country charts this week.

“I am so thankful for the writers and my label for helping me take this song all the way to No. 1,” HARDY said. “My first No. 1 as an artist means so much to me and it’s a feeling I’ll never forget.”

“One Beer” marks milestones across the board for both HARDY and his label Big Loud Records. The newly minted No. 1 is his eighth chart-topper as a songwriter, recently cracking the Top 10 on Billboard’s all-genre Hot 100 Songwriters chart. For Big Loud Records, the single yields the first set of back-to-back No. 1 country radio hits with different songs taking the top spot for a record label in 2020, following Morgan Wallen’s “More Than My Hometown” last week, which was also written by HARDY.

HARDY’s debut album, A Rock, which released in September, has reached over 263 million on-demand streams to date, and was co-written entirely by HARDY. MR

HARDY Claims His First Chart-Topper As An Artist With “One Beer”

Lanie Gardner. Photo: Kirsten Balani

After releasing a rendition of Fleetwood Mac’s “Dreams” that has earned more than 44 million views across various social platforms, 21-year-old Nashville-based pop artist Lanie Gardner has signed a management deal with Jonas Group Entertainment and a label deal with Republic Records.

“It is still hard to process what exactly is happening. Beginning with Kevin and Joe Jonas sharing my video, to now signing with their dad, Kevin Jonas, Sr., it’s unreal,” says Gardner. “And Mick Fleetwood—are you kidding me? I never imagined legends like him would even know of my existence. Everything is happening so fast. It’s definitely intense, but I’m down for the ride. I’ve waited my whole life for it.”

“There are times when you find a new artist and it is more than an introduction, it is an arrival. Lanie is one of those rare artists who turns heads, lifts the spirit, and inspires people at the deepest level,” said

Jonas Group Entertainment Founder/CEO and talent manager Kevin Jonas, Sr. “Her cover of Fleetwood Mac’s ‘Dreams’ has ignited everyone listening and allowed the world to see a truly gifted new artist hit the scene. We are so thankful to add her to the talented roster of artists at Jonas Group Entertainment.” MR

Lanie Gardner Inks Deals With Republic Records, Jonas Group Entertainment

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https://www.sngmusic.net/

December 4, 2020 The MusicRow Weekly

MusicRow is proud to reveal its list of artists, who in 2021, are predicted to become the Next Big Thing (NBT). The annual NBT list features 11 artists, who are each profiled in MusicRow’s latest 2021 Touring Issue print magazine, which is out now.

MusicRow Magazine’s Next Big Thing Class of 2021 has set itself apart from today’s artists with talent and hard work. Some of these NBT artists have just released their first singles, while others are celebrating chart-topping hits. All have broken through by bringing unique styles and by surrounding themselves with team members who champion them.

They are diverse in sound, style and level of success, but what they have in common is extraordinary talent and a passion for today’s ever-evolving country music format. These future stars are sure to lure a broad spectrum of listeners to the genre’s growing umbrella. And with touring at a standstill during the COVID-19 pandemic, some of these up-and-comers are making the most of their social media savviness.

PRISCILLA BLOCK

Mercury Nashville/InDent Records / BMI

Buzzed-about singer-songwriter Priscilla Block jolted onto the scene with a significant fan base and fast-rising single “Just About Over You.” Block approaches life and music with an unapologetic, let-it-all-hang out attitude that resonates with her listeners.

BRELAND

Bad Realm/Atlantic Records / self-published / WME / Why & How Projects/SAL&CO / BMI

BRELAND roared into the burgeoning territory of country-trap with his smash “My Truck.” The track blew up, reaching Gold certification, and solidified BRELAND's place as a pioneer of the sub-genre that melds rural lyrical references and hip-hop beats.

JAMESON RODGERS

River House Artists/Columbia Nashville / Combustion / CAA / Red Light Management / ASCAP

Jameson Rodgers' music offers rock sensibilities which fit snugly into a country radio playlist—that’s part of the appeal of his No. 1 debut single, “Some Girls.” Rodgers was also recently named the MusicRow Awards Robert K. Oermann Discovery Artist of the Year.

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https://chaserice.lnk.to/drinkinbeerfgl

December 4, 2020 The MusicRow Weekly

SHY CARTER

Warner Music Nashville / BMG / WME / T.R.U.T.H. Management / BMI

Shy Carter is a go-to songwriter and producer behind some of the biggest songs of the last decade—now it's his turn. Carter merges gospel, R&B and soul influences, and the results have garnered critical acclaim and captivated millions of listeners.

TRAVIS DENNING

Mercury Nashville / RED Creative / WME / Red Light Management / BMI

Travis Denning scored his first No. 1 in 2020, with the enticing, driving rhythm of “After A Few,” but this Georgia boy is just getting started. Heading into 2021 he’s adding fuel to the fire with the clever new single “Where That Beer’s Been."

FILMORE

Curb Records / Sony/ATV Music Publishing Nashville / CAA / Victory Entertainment / BMI

Drawing from a broad palate of influences, from his Colombian mother’s salsa music to his father’s 1980s favorites, FILMORE's music is a pop-friendly and radio-ready sound, which shows itself on his debut album State I’m In.

NIKO MOON

RCA Nashville / Warner Chappell / CAA / Make Wake / River House Artists / SESAC

Niko Moon is bringing laid back vibes to country radio—just like he’s been doing for more than a decade. The rising star, known as co-writer of five No. 1's by Zac Brown Band, is riding high with his own Gold-certified single, “Good Time.”

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December 4, 2020 The MusicRow Weekly

LAINEY WILSON

Broken Bow Records / Sony/ATV / WME / Red Light Management / ASCAP

In her debut EP, Redneck Hollywood, Lainey Wilson wraps up a balance of spitfire and sensitivity into a radio-ready package, accented by her lilting twang and elevated songwriting. The winning combination is found on her debut single “Things A Man Oughta Know.”

ELVIE SHANE

BBR Music Group/Wheelhouse Records / Rome Phrey Publishing / UTA / Maverick / BMI

Elvie Shane’s soulful Southern rock sound first got attention on American Idol, and grew exponentially with the self-release of his song “My Boy.” The heartfelt song about his stepson became a viral hit, and an anthem for non-traditional family dynamics.

PAYTON SMITH

Big Machine Records / Eclipse Music Group / WME / The AMG / BMI

20-year-old Payton Smith is on the fast track to stardom. TheLouisiana native’s debut single “Like I Knew You Would” is risingquickly at radio. His self-titled EP shows off a mix of solid songs,youthful charm and his killer skills as a multi-instrumentalist.

HAILEY WHITTERS

Pigasus Records/Big Loud Records/Songs & Daughters / CAA / BRND MGMT/Make Wake Artists / ASCAP

The Dream has come to fruition. Hailey Whitters is on a hard-fought, well-deserved path toward lasting success. Long championed by the Nashville music industry, this singer-songwriter has come into her own as an artist, being recognized beyond Music City.

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December 4, 2020 The MusicRow Weekly

MusicRow Highlights Rising Leaders With 2021 N.B.T. Industry Directory

Rising Nashville music industry leaders have been selected as MusicRow Magazine’s 2021 N.B.T. Industry Directory.

Now in its second year, MusicRow’s N.B.T. Industry Directory is the first and only list of its kind, showcasing Nashville music business professionals who occupy important roles at their respective companies, and who are on a trajectory of excellence to successfully lead the Nashville music industry into the future.

All members of the N.B.T. Industry Directory are featured in MusicRow’s current 2021 Touring Issue, which is out now.

Learn the 90 members of MusicRow Magazine’s 2021 N.B.T. Industry Directory here.

Rakiyah Marshall Launches Music Publishing, Artist Development Company Back Blocks Music

Music publishing executive Rakiyah Marshall has launched the independent music publishing and artist development company, Back Blocks Music. The Nashville-based company will announce its roster in the coming weeks.

Marshall previously spent three years at BMG; her career also includes time at Republic Records in New York and Nashville’s Cornman Music. She was named a 2020 Billboard Power Player.

“Throughout my time in Nashville, I have been continuously inspired by independent entrepreneurs, especially in the independent music publishing and artist development space. Having the time that 2020 has afforded us all to be home has allowed me to realize that now is the time to chase my dream of owning my own business,” shares Marshall. “I am so thankful for my time at BMG and all of the relationships I have developed through the experience. I will miss my writers immensely and know they all have bright futures ahead.”

Marshall can be reached at rakiyah@backblocksmusic.com. MR

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December 4, 2020 The MusicRow Weekly

Nathan Barlowe Signs With Spirit Music Nashville/Fluid Music Revolution

Nathan Barlowe, former frontman of the pop rock band Luna Halo, has signed a worldwide publishing deal with Spirit Music Nashville/Fluid Music Revolution.

Barlowe has had songs recorded by Taylor Swift, Steven Tyler, Keith Urban, Newsboys and Jars of Clay, among others. He has had three top 10 Billboard dance singles, a Grammy nomination, and has written songs for movies and TV, including The Voice, American Idol, The Equalizer, Transporter and the theme song for the final season of the hit show King of Queens. In 2016 Barlowe became a member of Keith Urban’s band. In 2017 Barlowe won a CMA Award for Touring Musician Of The Year. He invented an instrument he dubbed “The Phantom,” an electronic sampling machine played like a keyboard.

During his time as frontman of Luna Halo, he was signed by Rick Rubin to his iconic American Recordings label. After Luna Halo disbanded, Barlowe started the band Five Knives, signed with Red Bull Records, and went on to tour with 21 Pilots, Smashing Pumpkins and Icona Pop. They appeared at major EDM festivals such as Electric Zoo and Ultra.

“Nathan and I go back to his early Luna Halo days. We’ve always tried to figure out a way to work together and this year lined up for us. Nathan is a great addition to what we are building at Spirit Fluid,” said AJ Burton, Vice President, Fluid Music Revolution.

“I have known AJ a long time, and everyone in Nashville knows of Frank Rogers. It’s exciting for me to be able to start a new chapter in my writing career with these guys and Spirit/Fluid,” said Barlowe. “I can already tell that we are going to do some great things together!” MR

Radio Disney, Radio Disney Country To Close

Disney will cease operations for Radio Disney and Radio Disney Country, beginning in the first quarter of 2021, according to an announcement made Thursday (Dec. 3) by Disney Branded Television President and Chief Creative Officer Gary Marsh. The closures will impact 36 full-time and part-time employees.

The announcement follows the recent structural changes that find Disney Branded Television increasing its focus on producing kids and family content for Disney+ and Disney Channels. Radio Disney in Latin America is a separate operation and is not impacted by the announcement today.

Radio Disney launched in November 1996 as a terrestrial broadcast network; by 2005, Radio Disney was available in 97% of the U.S. via more than 50 terrestrial radio stations and SiriusXM, and had offshoots in the UK, Japan and Latin America. Radio Disney Country launched in 2015 as a digital-only platform, before expanding in 2017 with the launch of two Los Angeles terrestrial stations and increased digital streaming. MR

Nathan Barlowe. Photo: Kenneth Cappello

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December 4, 2020 The MusicRow Weekly

DISClaimer Singles Reviews: The War and Treaty, Waylon Payne, Ray Wylie

Hubbard, And More

It’s high time we paid heed to the outstanding music that continues to be made by the Americana community.

There’s an embarrassment of riches here—Dianne Davidson, Ruthie Foster, Waylon Payne, Ray Wylie Hubbard, Suzzy Roche & Lucy Wainwright Roche and more.

Towering above them all is The War and Treaty, who has the unchallenged Disc of the Day.

The DisCovery Award goes to Cidny Bullens. Here’s to new beginnings.

The War and Treaty. Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame

Read Robert K. Oermann's reviews of The War and Treaty, Waylon Payne, Dianne Davidson, Thomm Jutz, Ray Wylie Hubbard, and more, here.

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Weekly Register: Morgan Wallen Dominates Top Country Streaming Songs Rankings

LOCASH To Host Virtual Christmas Bash Dec. 16

Monument Records Announces New Hires, Promotion In Marketing Department

Services To Be Held For Esteemed Publicist Susan Keel

Quartz Hill Records Adds Ray Vaughn, Greg Raneiri

Matt Stell’s “Everywhere But On” Earns Gold Status

Token Show Partners With WPLN To Air On Sundays

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1 1 Josh Osborne Happy AnywhereBeers And SunshineHow They Remember You7 SummersBreaking Up Was Easy In The 90’sNext GirlNever Be Sorry

Blake Shelton and Gwen StefaniDarius RuckerRascal FlattsMorgan WallenSam HuntCarly PearceOld Dominion

2 2 Randy Montana Pretty HeartBetter TogetherWe Didn't Have Much

Parker McCollumLuke CombsJustin Moore

3 4 Hillary Lindsey One Beer

Hole In The BottleAlmost Maybes

HARDY Feat. Lauren Alaina and Devin DawsonKelsea BalleriniJordan Davis

4 3 Ross Copperman Happy AnywhereBeers And SunshineLadyWe Were Rich

Blake Shelton and Gwen StefaniDarius RuckerBrett YoungRunaway June

5 8 Ashley Gorley You Should Probably LeaveOne Of Them GirlsHole In The BottleWhat's Your Country SongWe Were RichSingle Saturday Night

Chris StapletonLee BriceKelsea BalleriniThomas RhettRunaway JuneCole Swindell

6 5 Ernest Keith Smith More Than My HometownBig, Big PlansBreaking Up Was Easy In The 90’s

Morgan WallenChris LaneSam Hunt

7 7 Michael Hardy More Than My HometownOne Beer

Single Saturday Night

Morgan WallenHARDY Feat. Lauren Alaina and Devin DawsonCole Swindell

8 16 Chris Stapleton ColdYou Should Probably LeaveDevil Always Made Me Think TwiceMaggie’s SongStarting Over

Chris StapletonChris StapletonChris StapletonChris StapletonChris Stapleton

9 6 Luke Combs Forever After AllLovin' On YouBetter Together

Luke CombsLuke CombsLuke Combs

10 9 Morgan Wallen More Than My Hometown7 Summers

Morgan WallenMorgan Wallen

11 11 Parker McCollum Pretty Heart Parker McCollum

12 10 Parker Welling Love You Like I Used ToWhat's Your Country Song

Russell DickersonThomas Rhett

13 12 Jesse Frasure Hole In The BottleWhat's Your Country SongAlmost Maybes

Kelsea BalleriniThomas RhettJordan Davis

14 13 Dallas Davidson One Of Them GirlsDown To One

Lee BriceLuke Bryan

15 14 Brandon Kinney Ain't Always The Cowboy Jon Pardi

16 15 Josh Thompson Ain't Always The Cowboy Jon Pardi

17 17 Mike Henderson Starting Over Chris Stapleton

18 18 Ben Johnson One Of Them GirlsGone

Lee BriceDierks Bentley

19 19 Shane McAnally Champagne Night7 SummersNext GirlNever Be Sorry

Lady AntebellumMorgan WallenCarly PearceOld Dominion

ThisWeek

LastWeek Songwriter’s Name Song(s) Artist

Sunday, November 29, 2020

20 20 Casey Brown Love You Like I Used To Russell Dickerson

21 21 Russell Dickerson Love You Like I Used To Russell Dickerson

22 22 Jake Mitchell One Beer HARDY Feat. Lauren Alaina and Devin Dawson

23 23 Jon Nite I HopeLady

Gabby BarrettBrett Young

24 24 Zachary Kale I HopeThe Good Ones

Gabby BarrettGabby Barrett

25 25 Gabby Barrett I HopeThe Good Ones

Gabby BarrettGabby Barrett

26 26 Matt Jenkins Happy Anywhere Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani

27 30 Ryan Vojtesak More Than My HometownWorship You

Morgan WallenKane Brown

28 28 Chris Lane Big, Big Plans Chris Lane

29 29 Jacob Durrett Big, Big Plans Chris Lane

30 27 Dan Isbell Better Together Luke Combs

31 32 Lee Brice One Of Them GirlsMemory I Don’t Mess With

Lee BriceLee Brice

32 33 Niko Moon Good TimeGone

Niko MoonDierks Bentley

33 34 Brock Berryhill Happy DoesHard Days

Kenny ChesneyBrantley Gilbert

34 35 Jason Evigan I Should Probably Go To Bed Dan + Shay

35 36 Sean Douglas I Should Probably Go To Bed Dan + Shay

36 37 Dan Smyers I Should Probably Go To Bed Dan + Shay

37 38 Shay Mooney I Should Probably Go To Bed Dan + Shay

38 39 Andrew DeRoberts Champagne NightAll Night

Lady AntebellumBrothers Osborne

39 40 Jamie Paulin Happy Does Kenny Chesney

40 41 Brad Clawson Happy Does Kenny Chesney

41 42 Greylan James Happy Does Kenny Chesney

42 43 Kyle Fishman Down To One Luke Bryan

43 44 Justin Ebach Down To One Luke Bryan

44 48 M. Beeson How They Remember You Rascal Flatts

45 49 Allen Shamblin How They Remember You Rascal Flatts

46 45 John Thomas Harding Beers And Sunshine Darius Rucker

47 46 Darius Rucker Beers And Sunshine Darius Rucker

48 47 Jordan Davis Almost Maybes Jordan Davis

49 52 Kevin Bard Just The Way Parmalee x Blanco Brown

50 53 N.W. Sipe Just The Way Parmalee x Blanco Brown

51 54 Matt Thomas Just The Way Parmalee x Blanco Brown

52 57 Michael Lotten Momma's House Dustin Lynch

53 58 Rodney Clawson Momma's House Dustin Lynch

54 59 Dylan Schneider Momma's House Dustin Lynch

55 60 Justin Wilson Momma's House Dustin Lynch

56 62 Kelsea Ballerini Hole In The Bottle Kelsea Ballerini

57 63 Steph Jones Hole In The Bottle Kelsea Ballerini

58 64 Josh Murty Good Time Niko Moon

59 65 Anna Moon Good Time Niko Moon

60 66 Jordan Minton Good Time Niko Moon

ThisWeek

LastWeek Songwriter’s Name Song(s) Artist

December 4, 2020 The MusicRow Weekly

Luke

Dan + Shay, Justin Bieber. Photo: Courtesy of CMA

CALENDAR

Singles

December 7Jameson Rodgers feat. Luke Combs/Cold Beer Calling My Name/River House Artists/ColumbiaChris Bandi/Would Have Loved Her/RECORDS NashvilleKylie Frey/I Do Thing/Deep Frey’dLindsey Lane/Timber/Purple Sage RecordsJustine Blazer/Just Sing/MC1 Nashville

December 18Jamie Trent/Throwbacks and Keepers/Restless Kardigan Music

Albums

December 4The White Stripes/The White Stripes Greatest Hits/Third Man/ColumbiaRussell Dickerson/Southern Symphony/Triple Tigers RecordsCody Weaver/Southern Noise/Independent

December 11Lauren Daigle/Look Up Child-Vinyl/Centricity Music/12ToneChevel Shepherd/A Good Ol’ Country Christmas/Independent

December 18Jordan Feliz/Say It/Centricity Music

Industry Events

January 31, 2021The 63rd Grammy Awards

February 17-19, 2021Country Radio Seminar

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