Rochelle Mills, Author at STAGING Maverick

W21 Records launches with five artist closed roster

w21Music Group partners with ZimagineD to launch w21Records ! A full service indie label that will offer a stepping stone to artists on their way to a major label deal. After working side-by-side as separate entities in the flourishing UK Country and Americana scene, they are joining forces to support their shared roster. w21Records is launching with a closed roster of five artists and has built the services it will offer around them. They are US based singer songwriter Brian Collins and UK Americana artist Paul Carella, both long-time collaborators with w21Music Group, and three artists managed by Donna Zanetti of ZimagineD: Singer-songwriter Kezia Gill; Americana artist Emilia Quinn Music (UK), and Nashville-based Country Artist Audra McLaughlin. Pete Woodhouse and Donna Zanetti said “This label has been built to service our existing artist roster to give them a truly bespoke in-house team. Nurturing and developing artists careers to the point where they are attracting the attention of major labels is what w21Records is all about. We want to be a stepping stone on the journey, an indie artist’s gateway to a major label deal.” The first single to be released on the label will be Brian Collins’ ‘When The Sun Gets In Your Eyes’ on 7th October. Closely followed by Kezia Gill with ‘Like I Did Before’ on 21st October.

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Jon Pardi concludes ‘Always The Cowboy’ tour

Leave a Comment / Live events, News / Rochelle Mills

Capitol Records Nashville multi-Platinum hitmaker Jon Pardi wrapped his headlining AIN’T ALWAYS THE COWBOY TOUR on Saturday (10/1) with a sold-out show at Nashville’s Ascend Amphitheater. The CMA and ACM award-winning singer/songwriter/producer took the stage to a capacity crowd in Music City to perform his fan-favorite hits plus new music from his red-hot new release, Mr. Saturday Night, after selling out over a dozen more dates on the nationwide run that included Los Angeles, New York, Boston, a bucket-list hometown show at Sacramento, CA’s Golden 1 Center and more. View photos from the final night of Pardi’s AIN’T ALWAYS THE COWBOY TOUR here. Moments before the wall-to-wall Nashville show kicked off, Pardi was surprised with the news of his third studio album, Heartache Medication, officially earning GOLD certification by the RIAA. Pardi was presented a GOLD plaque commemorating sales of 500,000 units by UMG Nashville Chairman & CEO, Mike Dungan. The critically acclaimed project was nominated for Album of the Year by both the CMA and ACM, and named one of the best albums (all-genre) of 2019 by the Los Angeles Times and Rolling Stone. Doubling down on his instantly identifiable brand of neo-traditional country, the second single from Pardi’s latest album Mr. Saturday Night, “Your Heart Or Mine” hits country radio airwaves today. Penned by Bart Butler, Justin Ebach, and John Pierce, the toe-tapping erotic slink of denial follows Pardi’s fifth #1 hit, “Last Night Lonely.” As Mr. Saturday Night continues to earn high praise from Billboard, Rolling Stone and The Tennessean and more, Pardi has recently delivered stellar performances on The Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon, CBS Mornings, The Talk, America’s Got Talent, and The Kelly Clarkson Show. Pardi is currently a double nominee at the upcoming 56th Annual CMA Awards, on the ballot for Musical Event of the Year and Music Video of the Year for his sweeping collaboration with Midland, “Longneck Way To Go,” featured on Mr. Saturday Night.

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Chloe Matharu releases ‘Small Voyages’

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Chloe Matharu is a singer-songwriter and Celtic Harpist in Wemyss Bay, Inverclyde. Following her well received singles ‘Clyde Islands’ and ‘Catching A Free Ride’ released earlier in the year, Chloe is excited to announce her new single from the album out this Friday – September 9th; the third single from her forthcoming debut album of the same name, due for release on September 30th, 2022. Many of Chloe’s songs draw on her experience as a Navigational Officer in the Merchant Navy, sailing around the world on oil tankers and are inspired by the natural world experienced at sea. As a result, her thoughtful and sensitive songwriting offers an insight into the modern seafarer’s life. Chloe’s voice, coupled with her harp playing, form a haunting combination perfectly suited to the reflective nature of her material. Speaking of the creation of the new single, Chloe explains; “As a deck cadet I trained onboard Coastal Oil Tankers and spent much of the time sailing around Scotland and Ireland. At the time I was frustrated about being kept in Northern Europe and dreamed of bigger and better ships that would sail to far flung, exotic places. However, when I finally made it to these vessels I realised my cadetship was the best time of my life, sailing on tiny ships and feeling part of a small crew and close to the sea. This song is reminiscent of the short voyages on these tankers, around familiar places, and for this reason I returned to one of my first ports of call, Grangemouth, for the the artwork of this album.” In her recorded work Chloe blends field recordings of the natural world with that of the harp, creating an evocative backdrop for her emotive lyrics and melodies. Her music offers a new maritime narrative, the voice of the female seafarer and her talent affords a refreshing outlook on this new tradition of maritime Folk music. Of Scottish, Welsh and Punjabi heritage, Chloe sings both in English and Welsh. Whilst crossing boundaries in her career at sea, Chloe is keen to explore breaking down cultural and gender barriers through the language of music. Since starting to perform live in October 2021, Chloe has enjoyed playing an impressive line up including venues such as DKOS Celtic Connections, Glad Cafe Glasgow, Greenote in London, Beacon Arts Centre Inverclyde, Cwtch Café Pembrokeshire, Unearthed Festival, Fishguard Folk Festival, Fringe by the Sea and Hartlepool Folk Festival, to name a few. She has also recently been chosen as one of the sixteen artists selected globally for the Fatea Showcase, Canada. Chloe’s eagerly awaited debut album ‘Small Voyages’, which was recorded at Dramatic Studios in Ayr and produced by musician and producer Brian MacDonald of the MacDonald Brothers duo, is due for release on September 30th 2022. UK TOUR DATES SAT – 1ST OCTOBER – HARTLEPOOL FOLK FESTIVAL MON 17TH OCTOBER – GREEN NOTE – LONDON 23RD OCTOBER – THE GLAD CAFE – GLASGOW 30TH OCTOBER SHAMBELLIE HOUSE, DUMFRIES 26 NOVEMBER – WIGHTON LIBRARY, DUNDEE

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Matt Stell releases ‘One Of Us’

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In only the last three years, “versatile” (Billboard) artist Matt Stell has quickly made his mark on country music, amassing over half a Billion music streams across his catalogue, including back-to-back U.S. No. 1s ‘Prayed For You‘ and ‘Everywhere But On‘ along with fan favourites ‘Boyfriend Season‘ and ‘That Ain’t Me No More‘. Today (30/9), he shares a brand new track, ‘One Of Us‘, written by James Barker, Travis Wood, Gavin Slate, and Jim McCormick and produced by Ash Bowers and Stell and available to stream/download everywhere. The release coincides with the first night of his 17-city U.S. headlining Man Made Tour 2022, with Matt also due to return to the UK for the second time this year, on a co-headlining Country Music Week tour with Elvie Shane. For tickets and information, check out mattstell.com. Following his early success, he has since made his Grand Ole Opry debut and performed on “Good Morning America,” “The Kelly Clarkson Show,” “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert’s” #LateShowMeMusic digital series, “Bachelor In Paradise” and sung the national anthem for NASCAR and NFL events. He launched his Give A Damn Foundation, kicked-off his hugely successful 8-week Instagram-live series, Penned Up, and was the first-ever artist to receive a virtual plaque from the RIAA for “Prayed For You,” which is now approaching 2x Platinum status, and is an ASCAP Pop and Country most-performed song awards winner. In 2020 he released his EP, Better Than That, the follow up to 2019’s Everywhere But On, and is prepping a new project for 2022, led by his current U.S. country radio single ‘Man Made‘. The 6’7” Arkansas native has come a long way from playing college basketball for Drury University and making the choice to head to Nashville instead of Cambridge, MA where he was accepted into Harvard University’s Extension School Pre-Med program. Following his dream of writing and performing, the self-taught vocalist and guitar-player made the move to Music City in 2014, landing a management deal with Wide Open Music and a record deal with music industry powerhouse Barry Weiss’ RECORDS Nashville. Stell has received “Ones To Watch” shout-outs from multiple partners, including Vevo DSCVR, MusicRow’s Next Big Thing, CMT Discovery Artist, YouTube Music Artist on the Rise and more. Upcoming UK dates: Wed 19 Oct | Deaf Institute, Manchester* Thurs 20 Oct | Stereo, Glasgow* Sat 22 Oct | Bush Hall, London (Country Music Week Hub) Sun 23 Oct | Bush Hall, London* (* – w/ Elvie Shane)

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Trisha Yearwood on the Opry’s Signature Barn

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The Grand Ole Opry®, the show that made country music famous, once again joins together with Susan G. Komen® in the fight against breast cancer with Opry Goes Pink on Friday, October 14, presented by Humana. Grammy Award winning Opry member Trisha Yearwood will flip the switch on the Opry’s signature barn backdrop, turning it pink for the night.“We all have friends and family members who are battling, have won, and those who have lost their fights against breast cancer. Everyone who knows me knows how important this cause is to me, in particular prevention, yearly screenings, early detection, and research for effective treatments and cures. I’m honored to flip the switch and join the Grand Ole Opry in spreading information and love during Breast Cancer Awareness month.”Beginning today when fans order tickets, $5 from every ticket sold will be donated to Susan G. Komen® for the fight against breast cancer. Tickets are available at opry.com and at (800) SEE-OPRY.Additional artists scheduled to perform include Opry members The Oak Ridge Boys and Mandy Barnett as well as Easton Corbin, and making her Opry debut, Miko Marks.Next week, the Opry is set to celebrate its 97th birthday with six nights of shows October 4 – 9. The Opry will host its traditional Tuesday, Friday and Saturday night shows as well as Thursday night’s Opry Country Classics and for the special birthday week shows have just been added on Wednesday and Sunday. Additionally, a special “Opry Loves The 90s” Studio A live fan event featuring Deana Carter and celebrating OPRY AT 97 is scheduled for Saturday, October 8. Among those scheduled for appearances on various birthday week shows are special guests Opry NextStage artist Breland, Deana Carter, Chapel Hart and Jon Pardi plus Opry members Bill Anderson, Terri Clark, Vince Gill, The Isaacs, Jamey Johnson, Craig Morgan, Carly Pearce, Ricky Skaggs, Steve Wariner, Chris Young and more. Fans are also invited to the Opry Plaza for free music celebrating the Opry’s birthday on Friday evening, Oct. 7, and all day Saturday, Oct. 8. For more information on OPRY AT 97 click HERE.

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Jennifer Hart Releases Debut EP – 1992

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Nashville, TN – RECORDS Nashville singer/songwriter Jennifer Hart is excited to release her debut EP, 1992, today, September 30th. Fans can stream 1992 HERE and check out the exclusive premiere of the title track music video via Country Now today. Jennifer appeared live on The Chris & Sandy Show earlier this week, check out the interview HERE. Aptly named 1992, the year Jennifer was born, and releasing to coincide with her 30th birthday on October 2, the EP features five brand new songs along with a reimagined version and original cut of her viral hit, “Half The Man.” 1992 introduces Jennifer as a country songwriter whose music mixes the classic twang of her ’90s influences with modern moves. “My parents filled the house with ’90s country songs when I was young,” she remembers. “My dad would sing ‘The Dance’ by Garth Brooks to my sister and me every night before bed. We all loved that kind of music. It’s the way we bonded.” Stocked with honest, organic, autobiographical songs from the heart, the seven sides, all co-written by Jennifer, share her roots, struggles, and successes. She teamed up with producer Brandon Hood for 1992, creating music that leans toward the country side of the country-pop bridge, blending pedal steel, mandolin, and other traditional textures that compliment Hart’s contemporary writing. “This record is my life,” says Jennifer. “It’s me. It’s very honest. We are intentionally releasing 1992 right before my 30th birthday, because it marks a real milestone in my life. All of it just feels like it’s supposed to happen at this time.”

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Darius Rucker’s “Ol’ Church Hymn”

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Multi-Platinum star and three-time GRAMMY Award winner Darius Rucker continues to reveal new music with today’s release of redemptive ballad “Ol’ Church Hymn” featuring rising trio Chapel Hart. The song comes on the heels of another collaboration from Rucker and the group, who joined forces for a performance of Bonnie Raitt’s “Something to Talk About” during the “America’s Got Talent” season finale earlier this month on NBC. Watch the electrifying performance HERE and listen to “Ol’ Church Hymn” HERE. Written by Rucker together with Ben Hayslip, Josh Miller and Greylan James, the gospel-inspired love song features Rucker’s rich baritone vocals, praised by Billboard as “one of the most distinctive voices of country’s modern era,” joined by the three-part harmony of Chapel Hart to profess a born-again love in the joyful chorus: You soothe my soul like an ol’ church hymn Found in a book in the back of a pew Born again love I’m a new person Hand in the air hallelujah Amen, Amen, Amen Amen, Amen, Amen You soothe my soul like an ol’ church hymn The new duet follows recent releases “My Masterpiece” and “Same Beer Different Problem” as Rucker crafts his forthcoming solo project. Fans can also see Rucker perform new music live as he brings the inaugural Riverfront Revival festival to his hometown of Charleston, S.C. on Oct. 8 and 9, with Jimmie Allen, Brothers Osborne, Charley Crockett, SUSTO and more joining him on the lineup. Limited tickets remain available for purchase at RiverfrontRevival.com. With the NFL season underway, Rucker also continues to blend his passion for music and sports, returning for a second year of the NFL x Darius Rucker Collection by Fanatics, expanding from 22 to 27 items due to popular demand. The 2022 collection includes something for every fan, including t-shirts and outerwear, shorts and pants and more. Fans can shop the new line today at Fanatics.com and NFLShop.com.

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Kristian Bush releases 52 – New Blue

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Kristian Bush has today released a new album ’52 – New Blue’. 52 – New Blue is where Bush’s history meets his present. When creating the third collection of his four-album series, Kristian set out to create an assembly of love songs but soon realized his quest led him to the re-discovery of another love—his love of the ‘90s. Bush, who found success as one half of Sugarland is also part of Folk-Rock duo Billy Pilgrim which was formed in the ‘90. The album name is derived from scientist Mas’ accidental discovery of a new shade of blue in 2009 while attempting to create something else. Inspired by Mas’ philosophy that “accidents are essential in discovery” and his reference to scientist Louis Pasteur’s belief that “luck favors the prepared mind.” “While looking for a way to group my songs for this next release, I stumbled on a truth. I found a New Blue. I found that the music and attitude, lyrics and chords, and the foundation of me walking out onto rock stages in the ‘90s, was woven into every Sugarland song, every solo song, every production and every co-write since. Many of the songs on this project feel like songs I would have put out in 1995.” Kristian was a writer on each of the 12 songs on 52 – New Blue, and many of his co-writers fit naturally into the vibe of the project, having written popular hits in or around the decade. He teamed with talents like Billy Steinberg (“Like a Virgin,” “True Colors”), Matraca Berg (“Strawberry Wine,” “You and Tequila”), Billy Montana (“Bring on the Rain” and “More Than a Memory”) and Chris Barron of the Spin Doctors. “It requires only a few things,” he said. “You need a great drummer, a big song idea, and honesty. From rollercoasters to confessions, motels to regrets, and road trips to broken promises, these songs live in my present but are direct descendants of every song, every show and every album I touched in my past.” Leaning into his rich experience as a true artist who has thrived in multiple formats, Kristian embraces his diverse musical legacy with 52 with the final volume set to be released in early 2023. The four-installment album series is named for not only his 52nd year on this planet, but the idea of a year—split into four seasons and 52 weeks—with all four albums released within a year’s time. Kristian also co-hosts “52 – The Podcast” weekly with acclaimed Country music journalist Cindy Watts. The pair discuss the connections between his most popular songs and the new tracks on 52. LISTEN HERE.

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Young talent Olivia Lynn to release ‘Ain’t It A Shame’

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Throughout the course of her young musical career, OLIVIA LYNN has won over the hearts of music lovers from all walks of life. Her love for country started at a very young age when she was introduced to Dolly Parton’s music by her Nana. Yet, in teenage years Olivia found ‘POP Music’ and New Country. So, always wanting to become an influential singer, she threw the boundaries aside and merged her two music loves into one mix, with her unique Country Pop Sound. This has led to much recognition, including being awarded Luton’s Young Achiever, 2020. In recent months Olivia has been juggling recording new tracks in the studio and embarking in Musical Theatre, playing ‘Maddie Jackson’ in the critically acclaimed show, ROOM 46, which she is looking forward to touring next year. “Over the past year I have developed my music to a different level. Although my other tracks, that I am proud of, have given me a kick-start in my career, the new songs that I am releasing portray a new me. They are very strong, raw and definitely a New Country sound.” Being a passionate advocate of women’s rights, how women are perceived, and writing from personal experiences, ‘Ain’t It A Shame’ was written when an ex boyfriend criticised Olivia for what she was wearing. “Women should be able to feel confident, and not made to feel like they are doing something wrong, or giving out the wrong signals. We are strong and we’ve been fighting for a voice for hundreds of years”. [Olivia Lynn, speaking about ‘Ain’t It A Shame’] “‘Ain’t It A Shame’, will be almost a year to the day I release my debut track Moden Girl which went to #1 in the UK. Reaching the top spot with my first single was an amazing feeling, but having written this new song myself, I think I will literally burst if I get even close to the top spot!”

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Jordan Davis plays back-to-back sold out nights at The Ryman Auditorium

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Multi-Platinum MCA Nashville hitmaker Jordan Davis wrapped his headlining dates at Nashville’s famed Ryman Auditorium last night, playing to a packed house of fans and industry during two back-to-back sold-out shows on Tuesday and Wednesday evening. The shows marked the chart-topping singer/songwriter’s first headlining dates at the famed venue. The energy was palpable in the room as Davis shared his excitement over the evening, noting, “I moved to Nashville, Tennessee in 2012. I never dreamed this in a million years.” He added, “I moved to town to write songs because I love country music… next thing you know, I’m standing at a sold-out show at the Ryman Auditorium.” Each show featured special guests, with Danielle Bradberry surprising the crowd to perform their new duet, “Midnight Crisis,” at Tuesday night’s show and Seaforth joining Davis on stage for a song Wednesday evening. Photos from the shows are available HERE. Davis – who has garnered multiple CMA, ACM, CMT and iHeart nominations and has earned four #1’s on Country radio to date – is currently a multi-nominee at the upcoming 56th CMA Awards, with his chart-topping single, “Buy Dirt” (feat. Luke Bryan), up for both Single of the Year and Song of the Year. One of the top 5 most-streamed songs of 2021, “Buy Dirt” recently won the NSAI Award for Song of the Year on the Ryman stage. As noted by MusicRow, Davis shared with the crowd at this week’s headlining show, “The coolest moment that I’ve ever had in music happened on this stage about a week ago. In Nashville, we have the NSAI Awards and this next song that my brother [Jacob Davis], Matt Jenkins, Josh Jenkins and myself wrote won the NSAI Song of the Year,” he said as the band started to play “Buy Dirt.” “I can’t tell y’all how special the day was when we sat down and wrote this song just south of Nashville,” he continued. “We wanted to write a song about the three most important things in our lives: our faith in Jesus Christ, our family, and our friends.” In addition to playing hits from his debut album Home State and Buy Dirt EP, Davis also performed new music, including his current single, “What My World Spins Around.” Since its TV debut on NBC’s TODAY and performance on ACM Honors, “What My World Spins Around” has garnered 90 million global streams and is currently climbing at Country Radio. Having amassed more than 3.7 BILLION career streams to date, Davis has been hard at work on his forthcoming album, recently releasing his latest preview of new music from the project with the track “Midnight Crisis” feat. Danielle Bradberry. Produced by Paul DiGiovanni and penned by Davis, DiGiovanni and Derrick Southerland, “Midnight Crisis” follows Davis’ fan-favorite song “Next Thing You Know.” In addition to the sold-out Ryman shows and headlining dates across the country, Davis is currently on the road with Luke Combs for his Middle of Somewhere Tour and will join Thomas Rhett early next year for the international leg of his Bring the Bar To You Tour.

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