May 2023

The North Carolina Music Hall of Fame announced that Triple Tigers recording artist Scotty McCreery is among the six inductees comprising the 2023 class scheduled to be enshrined during the annual induction ceremony this fall. In addition to McCreery, the other inductees are Betty Davis, Bill “Fatback” Curtis, Fetchin Bones, George Beverly Shea and Loudon Wainwright III. The induction ceremony will take place on Thursday, October 19, 2023 at the Mooresville Performing Arts Center in Mooresville, N.C. and will feature each artist’s induction into the Hall of Fame as well as live performances from McCreery, Fetchin Bones, Wainwright and more. Tickets are on sale now for the 2023 Induction Ceremony. VIP and General Reserved tickets are available HERE. “Anyone that knows me knows how proud I am to be from North Carolina,” said McCreery. “It is an honor to be recognized by the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame and included with this great 2023 class of artists.  It’s also a bit surreal knowing I will be joining some of my musical heroes who are already in the Hall, such as Randy Travis, Ronnie Milsap, Charlie Daniels, and James Taylor, as well as friends like Eric Church and Kellie Pickler. I am truly thankful.” McCreery made history in 2011 when his first album, Clear as Day, debuted at No.1 on the all-genre Billboard Top 200 Albums chart, making him the first country artist and youngest male artist of any musical format to achieve this feat. The Garner, N.C. native has since established himself as one of today’s top country music entertainers, earning five consecutive No.1 hits, multiple Gold and Platinum albums and singles, and sold-out concerts across the world. In addition to winning “American Idol” in 2011, McCreery has received an array of ACM, BMI, CMT, NSAI and Carolina Beach Music Awards and has executive produced two Hallmark holiday movies based on his first No.1 hit song, the RIAA Triple-Platinum certified “Five More Minutes.” He is currently rising up the charts with his single “It Matters to Her” from his Same Truck: The Deluxe Album, while also touring with Brooks and Dunn on their REBOOT 2023 Tour.  Previous inductees in the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame include Tori Amos, Avett Brothers, Shirley Caesar, George Clinton, Church, John Coltrane, Daniels, Fantasia, Donna Fargo, Robert Flack, Ben Folds, Don Gibson, Andy Griffith, Stonewall Jackson, Big Daddy Kane, Ben E. King, Little Eva, Milsap, Thelonious Monk, Pickler, Tony Rice, Max Roach, Earl Scruggs, Nina Simone, Kate Smith, Taylor, John Tesh, Travis, Doc Watson, Merle Watson and more.   Additional information on McCreery’s fellow Class of 2023 Inductees available HERE. The mission of the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame is to recognize, promote and commemorate the musical heritage of the State of North Carolina. For more information, visit www.northcarolinamusichalloffame.org.

Runaway June is back with new music, sharing the boot-stomping, fire-worthy “Make Me Wanna Smoke” everywhere today (5/19). The trio’s first release since signing with Quartz Hill Records, “Make Me Wanna Smoke” is instantly relatable to anyone who’s ever been in a relationship that’s not quite over, but probably should be. “Make Me Wanna Smoke” was written by Jason Sellers, Ella Langley and Bobby Hamrick and captures a conflicted heart struggling with love it can’t quit – even when it feels like a bad habit. Produced by Mickey Jack Cones, the percussive and rhythmic track keeps Runaway June’s three-part harmonies front and center as band members Jennifer Wayne, Natalie Stovall and Stevie Woodward can’t help but feel a pull toward someone they know they’re better off leaving behind. “‘Make Me Wanna Smoke’ has immediately become our favorite song to play live,” Runaway June shares. “It’s slinky and fun and such an empowering way to embrace the back-and-forth nature of a relationship that may not be the best for you. We’re so excited to share this one!” Runaway June exclusively debuted “Make Me Wanna Smoke” last week (5/10) on The Bobby Bones Show, where Wayne, Stovall and Woodward chatted with Bones and gave him all the details on the song, calling it “really exciting” and “very edgy.” The band’s most recent release was the heartbreak rocker “BROKEN HEARTS (DO BROKEN THINGS),” which scored mentions from Billboard, Entertainment Tonight, E! News, CMT and more. Runaway June will bring the confessional track and “Make Me Wanna Smoke” to fans this summer with concert dates in California, Colorado and more as well as a performance at CMA Fest in Nashville on the Chevy Riverfront Stage. Check out their full list of tour dates here.

The Recording Academy®‘s Black Music Collective (BMC) and Amazon Music selected Joseph Michael Abiakam (Norfolk State University), Langston Jackson (Hampton University), Kennedi Amari Johnson (Clark Atlanta University), Courtney Roberts (Texas Southern University), and Caleb Wilkerson (Florida A&M University), as the recipients of the “Your Future Is Now” scholarship, aimed for students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) with the opportunity to learn and explore all facets of the music industry. The returning scholarship, first launched in February 2021, offers students the chance to receive $10,000 for the 2023/2024 school year and the opportunity to be part of an immersive rotation program with Amazon Music and Recording Academy department leads, providing each student a detailed look at their particular field of work within the music industry. To coincide with these scholarships, the BMC and Amazon Music will also award two HBCUs a $10,000 grant each for equipment for their music programs to be announced later this summer. This diverse group of students represents five schools, across various stages and areas of focus in their higher education journey. Abiakam is a graduate student at Norfolk State University, interested in piano performance and music production; Jackson is a sophomore at Hampton University, interested in music marketing and audio production; Johnson is a sophomore at Clark Atlanta University, interested in A&R and marketing; Roberts is a freshman at Texas Southern University, interested in A&R and marketing; and Wilkerson is a junior at Florida A&M University, interested in music marketing. Headshots for the recipients are available here. “We are immensely proud to collaborate with Amazon Music in renewing this exceptional scholarship program for the third consecutive year,” emphasized Ryan Butler, Vice President of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at the Recording Academy. “The imperative of Black representation in the music industry cannot be overstated, and this scholarship is a tangible manifestation of our unwavering commitment to promoting the aspirations of future Black music leaders. We are delighted to provide Joseph, Langston, Kennedi, Courtney, and Caleb with this life-changing opportunity as they pursue their ambitions and contribute to the advancement of Black music.” “The ‘Your Future Is Now’ scholarship was created to foster an inclusive environment where Black creators can realize their career objectives. Since its launch in 2021, the program has grown to become a cornerstone of Amazon Music and the Black Music Collective’s work supporting students at HBCUs,” said Phylicia Fant, Head of Music Industry and Culture Collaborations at Amazon Music. “This year’s class of students represents the next generation of Black musicians and executives, and it’s an honor to play a part in their development as individuals and future leaders.” In addition, as part of “Your Future Is Now,” Amazon Music, The Same House and the Recording Academy are coming together to host the “Your Future is Now” Business Development Seminar for select members of the 2023 graduating class of Morris Brown College. Revealed this past weekend at Morris Brown’s commencement by the Recording Academy’s Chief DEI Officer, Zing Shaw, this new, half-day music business seminar taking place on June 17 will offer professional development expertise in music business, publishing and music production. Facilitators at the event will include Recording Academy Atlanta Chapter President Justin Henderson and Frankie Yaptinchay of Amazon Music.  Following the music business seminar, graduates will be treated to a suite experience at State Farm Arena for the annual ATL Birthday Bash Concert where they will have the opportunity to network with representatives from the Recording Academy and Amazon Music, as well as other key music industry executives. For more information on the Black Music Collective and the “Your Future Is Now” scholarship, visit here.

5-time GRAMMY winner, Country Music Hall of Famer and AMA Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Marty Stuart has released his new album Altitude via Snakefarm.  The critically-acclaimed collection is his first album release in more than 6 years and will be followed by Stuart’s 20th annual Late Night Jam at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, TN, on June 7 featuring performances by Stuart and his Fabulous Superlatives, Joe Walsh, John Oates, The Del McCoury Band, Sierra Ferrell, Chapel Hart, Connie Smith, Gary Mule Deer, Jake Worthington, The Grand Ole Opry Square Dancers and surprise guests.  Stuart and his band will then hit the road with Chris Stapleton for a US summer tour. Find a full list of tour dates here: www.martystuart.net.  Altitude is now available to stream and purchase.  Recorded in Nashville with his long-time band The Fabulous Superlatives – Kenny Vaughan, Harry Stinson and Chris Scruggs – the collection finds Stuart picking up where he left off on 2017’s Way Out West, exploring a cosmic country landscape populated by dreamers and drifters, misfits and angels, honky-tonk heroes and lonesome lovers.  Written primarily on the road, the collection was inspired in large part by Stuart’s 2018 tour supporting Byrds co-founders Roger McGuinn and Chris Hillman, who reunited for the 50th anniversary of their seminal Sweetheart Of The Rodeo album.

Nashville-based country/Americana singer-songwriter Mike Thomas is set to release his album, Diamonds, on July 21, 2023, via Electric 3 Records. An emerging artist steeped in tradition and drawing from a wide array of influences and experiences, Thomas and his music have been best described as “eclectic country with a vintage vibe.” Recorded at Tresland Studios in Franklin, TN, the album was produced by Tres Sasser (Will Hoge, Foxtrot & The Get Down, Cardboard Kids), engineered and mixed by Joe Costa (Ben Folds, Brad Paisley, Hank Williams Jr.), and mastered by Brian Lucey (Buddy Guy, Lucinda Williams, Ryan Bingham, Shania Twain) at Magic Garden Mastering. “This collection of songs is deeply personal for me, but I also believe this record will be very relatable for our audience,” says Thomas. “This record covers a lot of ground musically, from straightforward country to rock to bluegrass, but I think it maintains a continuity throughout that I have not yet achieved with prior releases. The band and our guest musicians really did some excellent work on this record, and Tres, Joe, and I have really learned how to work well together in the studio. I can’t wait to get this one out there and play a bunch of shows in support of it!” Thomas grew up listening to a wide array of artists such as John Prine, Bob Dylan, Merle Haggard, Bruce Springsteen, Otis Redding, Delbert McClinton, and others, but he admits he is inspired and influenced by all types of music, as long as the songs feel heartfelt and honest. One listen to Thomas’ music demonstrates the importance of authenticity in his art. Thomas’ raw vocals coupled with his genuine writing style give his songs a nostalgic feel that listeners cannot help but connect with. Mix that carefully crafted lyricism with real-life stories, and fans both old and new are sure to find that the music resonates on a deep level. For Diamonds, Thomas was joined by many of the same musicians who contributed to his previous releases, including Donald Bright on electric guitar, Mark Huhta on pedal steel, Dave Colella on drums and percussion, Michael Sharp on keys, Weston Woodford provided harmony vocals, and Tres Sasser played bass in addition to producing the record. Other guest musicians included Tania Elizabeth on fiddle and harmony vocals, and Micah Hulscher on keys. The title track, which was also the first single, is a poignant tribute to his father; it was released in June 2022. Thomas explained, “I wrote this song several years ago after my father lost his job of nearly 35 years. He temporarily lost his identity and his sense of purpose. It was difficult watching him go through this, but it was inspiring how he refocused himself and recalibrated his life during that period.” Several of the album’s tracks focus on similar topics. “Over the last couple of years many people have had their lives turned upside down by forces beyond their control,” Thomas says. “Many have lost jobs, careers, homes, family members, and more.” The song premiered at Amplify Music Magazine, who called it “[a] stunner of a tune… if this song is any indication, the album will be a fantastic listen.” A total of five singles have been or will be released before the album street date. The second single, “Breaking the Distance,” was released in July 2022. A track premiere at Glide Magazine earlier that week dubbed the song a “soaring Americana rocker… sure to appeal to fans of Jason Isbell as well as the more country-leaning work of Bruce Springsteen and Tom Petty.” Following that, the third single, “Bricks, Boards and Stone,” was released in October 2022, and a premiere several days prior at Wide Open Country praised the song, writing, “Singer-songwriter Mike Thomas explores the true meaning of home – and the pain of leaving one you’ve built.” Single number four, “Room on the Dance Floor,” came out in April 2023, and Americana Highways found much to love about the track in its premiere earlier that week, calling the song “a fresh breath of country rock air.” The fifth single, “Tryin’ Ain’t Enough,” is set for release on June 23, 2023. Growing up in Knoxville, TN, Thomas’ musical journey has taken a unique path. He moved to Nashville in 2004 intent on pursuing a career as a songwriter but quickly grew discouraged and set music aside for an extended period. He remembers one meeting with an industry executive that was instrumental in his decision to ultimately “put his dreams on the shelf,” as he sings in the track, “Before We Say Goodnight,” from Diamonds. After floating an EP around town, he decided to take a hiatus from writing and performing after that pivotal meeting. Over the next several years, Thomas did not write or pursue music at all. He settled down, started a family, and had a full-time job before founding his own small business in 2013. His passion for music did not disappear, and he would frequently play guitar and sing for family and friends. Thomas’ chance to get back into music came in 2017, when he was contacted out of the blue by a production company/booking agency that handled bookings for several venues in the Nashville area. They had found some of his music online and thought he would be a great fit for some of their venues. “Aside from the occasional writer’s night or charity function, I had not played with a band or released any new music in over 10 years,” Thomas recalls. His longtime friend, Donald Bright, joined him for that first show, and, shortly thereafter, The Mike Thomas Band was formed. Since then, Thomas and the band have been building a following by playing clubs and festivals in and around the Nashville area and regionally. “That first gig reignited a fire in me,” Thomas says. “I’d forgotten how much I enjoyed playing live music in front of a crowd.” Around the same time, Thomas met Sasser, who convinced Thomas to

The Remedy Club, an americana and roots duo, comprising of KJ McEvoy and Aileen Mythen have announced an all-new studio album, Back to You, set for release this summer on May 26th. Hailing from Wexford, Ireland, the husband-and-wife duo have over the years moulded a unique sound, spanning from roots to R&B, with soul influenced vocals, whilst keeping rhythmical americana at the heart of it all. Their first two albums, ‘Lovers, Legends and Lost Causes’ and ‘True Hand True Heart’ were independently released by the pair and received notable critical acclaim in the UK, Ireland, Europe and the US. The duos second album ‘True Hand True Heart’ was recorded within the Room and Board studios in Nashville, all in conjunction with 5-time Grammy award winning producer Ray Kennedy, who has previously produced works for Steve Earle, Sheryl Crow and Lucinda Williams. Back To You, the band’s third album, which will be launched in The Workman’s Club, Dublin on the 28th May sees them broaden their sonic palette with strings and brass and features some notable Irish musicians including Aongus Ralston on bass (The Waterboys), Binzer Brennan on drums (The Frames) and Michael Buckley and Ronan Dooney on brass (Van Morrison). The album was co-produced by Gavin Glass in Orphan Studios, Wexford. While their second album was recorded in Nashville, musically this new chapter sees them heading towards Memphis and New Orleans with nods to Fleetwood Mac along the way, carving out their own authentic path in Irish music.