David Berry and Mallory Opheim
David Berry Joins Arista Nashville As Mgr./Northeast Promotion, Mallory Opheim Succeeds Berry At RCA Nashville
As ALL ACCESS first reported last FRIDAY (6/1), ARISTA NASHVILLE has named DAVID "BUBBA" BERRY as Mgr./NORTHEAST Regional Promotion, succeeding ABI FISHBONE in that role. FISHBONE has departed the industry to join her husband in a family ...
Wheelhouse VP/Promotion Teddi Bonadies Resigns
As ALL ACCESS first reported late MONDAY afternoon (5/14), WHEELHOUSE RECORDS VP/Promotion TEDDI BONADIES has decided to step aside from her duties effective today (5/15). BROKEN BOW ...
"Somebody's gotta play that Country that ain't ever comin' back." Well, I've got some news for you -- it's back, and Garth is the one bringing it back. Many programmers have already stated to me and on social media that this is the Garth song they've been waiting for -- the rowdy, honky-tonk, boot-stompin', raucous jam of a song that made Garth a radio and stage icon. Tempo, tempo, tempo is the name of the game here, along with the flavor of the "90s Country sound" for which many have become nostalgic. Don't be mistaken, however; this is current Garth in his current glory, with a full-bodied vocal and a renewed energy that has come from sell-out crowd spanning his recent three-year-long sell-out tour. "All Day Long" is sticky in the best of ways with instant familiarity and a sing-along sensibility that make it a no-brainer, sure-fire win for your station. "Somebody's gotta feed that jukebox / Somebody's gotta drink that beer / Somebody's gotta get all rowdy and raise some hell in here / Somebody's gotta dance with the women / Spin 'em to a Country song / I can do this night life all day long." And, boy, can he.
The Eli Young Band had me at "Level," their 2005 album release, and I've been an advocate since. So, here I am again, imploring you to take a serious listen to "Love Ain't," the first single from a soon-to-be announced project. I thought radio whiffed on the band's 2016's "Saltwater Gospel," an infectious, up-tempo earworm. Don't let that happen again. I know there's a lot out there to consider, but consider this: though it didn't "officially" go for adds until this week, a few stations that are considered a very tough add are all over this like white on rice. KFDI/Wichita and KILT/Houston are two examples. Those programmers know this has tempo - which every PD/MD always craves - and a big hook. The song is an instant sing-a-long, and sounds terrific on the radio - I heard it while streaming KFDI this week, and though it sounds great if you sample it on the All Access Cool New Music page, it's the kind of tune that sounds better on the radio, popping up unexpected in the music mix. I'm mentioning this part last, lest you think this song relies on an emotional hook: The band has partnered with the Wounded Warrior Project, which provides support for injured veterans (all members of the EYB have a personal, family connection to the military). A powerful video accompanies the song, telling the true story of Taylor Morris, who became a quadruple amputee while serving the United States in Afghanistan. The video is an incredible, emotional companion piece to the song - but, the song also stands up on its own, too. You need to bring this into the music meeting, then, quickly get into the control room. It has the potential to be Country's song of the summer. 
If I put together a list of Brett Eldredge's top skills, "singing love songs" would without-a-doubt steal the first place spot. And, anyone who knows Eldredge at all knows that he has been searching to write a real-life love song of his own. Eldredge's newest single at Country radio, "Love Someone," is a clear depiction of what he dreams up when he thinks of his future love story. It's the first track found on his self-titled third studio album and sets the mood for the entire project. As he describes in the chorus, the key to love is simplicity: "'Cause when I wake up in the middle of the night / You're holding me so tight / I mean, my oh my / It sure feels good to love someone / When you laugh at the way I dance / When you smile when you're holding my hand / I look at you, and I understand / It sure feels good to love someone." Along with the song's straightforward lyrics and Eldredge's undeniably recognizable voice, this record has a right-down-the-middle tempo; it's not going to rush your station, but it's also not going to slow it down. In fact, it's only going to make your listeners crave to "Love Someone" -- just as Brett does -- or love the person they're with even more. Add it today, and spread the love.
Arista Nashville's newest signee, Carlton Anderson, is introducing himself to Country radio with his debut single, "Drop Everything." The flirtatious track encompasses the traditional sound that Country radio is craving right now. And, to add to its promising future, the tune is mid-tempo, serving as a great transition from uptempo tunes to ballads within any station's mix. Although he's a new act, Anderson's voice is so smooth, it's as if it's already familiar as he kicks the song off: "You say you made some plans / Already with your friends / You're gonna hit the town / They'll be here any minute now / Oh, and baby I don't know / Who keeps blowin' up your phone / But, you've hit decline / At least a hundred times / You say that it's your boyfriend, but y'all ain't been doin' too good / Well, that's good / And, if you're wonderin' if you oughtta break up with him / Baby, you should / Yeah, you should." The song's clever flirtation and Anderson's personality continue to shine even more within the chorus: "Drop everything, your plans, your man / I don't see a ring on your pretty little hand / Drop some plastic on the tab, my Chevy into gear / Drop your keys by my door, your coat on the floor / We'll go from there, drop everything." With this debut record, I think Anderson proves that he's worth saving a spot on your playlist for. It's impacting now; consider "dropping everything" for it.
Little Big Town is back on the scene with a perfectly-timed Summer pick-me-up tune. "Summer Fever" features an up-tempo, nearly disco-infused track with light-heartd lyrics and breezy harmonies. LBT's own Karen Fairchild had a hand in co-writing this one, along with heavy-hitters like Jesse Frasure, Cary Barlowe, and Sam Romans. "Summer Fever" is full of whimsy and nostalgia backed by a groove that will make you want to dance. "Over and over again on a blown out speaker / Dance in the sand while the sun sets deeper / Got that top back on that Jeep / Got that one hand on my knee and I want it / Over and over again / Catching Summer fever / Summer fever, Summer fever." If this one doesn't make you want to turn it to eleven and bust a move, I'm not sure what will.
As the title suggest, it's "Simple;" this is another hit from FGL. Serving as one of two early releases from the duo's forthcoming album, "Simple" showcases Florida Georgia Line's ability to make any type of music sound good. Their talent was first proven in 2012 with "Cruise," and it continues to carry on throughout their career as they constantly try out new sounds, as they did with their most recent #1 hit, "Meant To Be." As teased on their social media leading up to the song's release (who knew BK and T-Hubb would look so sharp dressed like they belong in "Gun Smoke?"), "Simple" offers a more "roots-y" sound with background whistles, a strong Western-inspired track, and Hubbard's distinctive, twangy vocal. As soon as the song starts, you're intrigued, but the chorus is the cherry on top that makes this a bonafide smash at Country radio: "It's like one, two, three / Just as easy as can be / Just the way you look at me / You make me smile / Ain't no need to complicate it, we both know that's overrated / We've been there, it's safe to say it ain't our style / It's just that simple, S-I-M-P-L-E / Simple as can be / It's just that simple, S-I-M-P-L-E / Simple as can be." Listen to FGL when as they spell it out for you, Country radio, this should be a S-I-M-P-L-E add.
Clare Dunn first hit our radar here at All Access before her signing with MCA Nashville. Her powerhouse vocals and guitar slinging abilities, coupled with her commanding stage presence, wowed us at first visit. Her debut EP with MCA Nashville was released a couple of years ago, and now Dunn is back on the scene with an earworm of a track, "More." This mid-tempo ode to true love hits right to the heart of the female demo with a catchy, hooky sensibility. "More than my words could ever say / More than you know / You were worth the waiting / I couldn't be more sure / That I couldn't love, couldn't love you / More than I do right in this moment / More that I live, all that I know is / Now and forever, no one's ever / Gonna love, gonna love, gonna love, gonna love you more (no one) / Gonna love, gonna love, gonna love, gonna love you more (no one) / Gonna love you more." If you've seen Clare Dunn live, you know the hold she puts on a crowd. "More" lends a softer, more delicate side to that vice-grip of a stage show and offers radio a fun, laid-back Summer song. Go ahead and spin it once "More."
There's a line in Joe Nichols' new single, "Billy Graham's Bible," that says "In the right hands, they come alive." Nichols is referring to "that old guitar Willie plays" and "Billy Graham's Bible," but he could just as easily be talking about a stone-cold, traditional Country song like this one. In Nichols' capable hands, this tune resonates. Many programmers will cry "too Country" upon hearing this song, which is unfortunate. For an ever-shrinking number of people, the idea that something could be considered "too Country" is inconceivable. This is a song that has every traditional go-to Country reference one could think of: Religion, Willie Nelson, a guitar, and a woman saving a once-wayward man. "Like Billy Graham's bible / And, that old guitar Willie plays / The good Lord had a plan for them / The moment they were made / In the right hands, they come alive / You understand the reason why / Some things wind up where they're meant to be / Like Billy Graham's bible / Willie's old guitar, and me." In the current Country music climate, Joe Nichols is one of only a few singers with the vocal chops, the sensitivity, and the dedication to real Country music that can effectively interpret this message. And, he's right: "Some things wind up where they're meant to be." 
Luke Bryan always seems to know exactly what we're wanting to hear as the days get longer, weather gets hotter, and Summer flings are right around the corner. With his new single, "Sunrise, Sunburn, Sunset," -- most added at Country radio this week -- Bryan shares the story of an effortless Summer love: "Your daddy had a lake house / He had me paint in that Summer sophomore year / Said I could stay for free / A couple buddies, a couple weeks / You roll in in a little red Honda / And headed straight for the pier / Tank top and cutoff jeans / A little back sun underneath / Who knew it was 'bout to be." It's as if the song's co-writers -- which include RCA Nashville artist Ryan Hurd -- teamed up with Nicholas Sparks on the track, because this would make the perfect love story movie. And, just as you crave to watch Nicholas Sparks movies on repeat, the tune's chorus has the same affect: "Sunrise, sunburn, sunset, repeat / Moonlight, all night, crashing into me / Nothing will ever be easy as you and me / Tangled up with nowhere to be / Just sunrise, sunburn, sunset, repeat." We only have one suggestion when it comes to adding this record: please don't forget to wear sunscreen.
Looking for an easy, breezy listen that pairs perfectly with the easiness and breeziness of Summer days? Great, because that's exactly what Dustin Lynch is delivering with his new single, "Good Girl." The song's memorable hook is immediately introduced within the first two seconds of the tune: "I got it good girl 'cause I got myself a good girl / Yeah, you up and took my whole world and made it so good girl." The catchiness continues as the hook blends effortlessly into the song's first verse: "You're an angel, you're a keeper, the kinda thing that you gotta lock down / I'm lovin' just livin' every minute since you came around / I was lost in the neon lights 'til the day that you called me yours / Yeah, they say when you know you know, and I know one thing's for sure." As if the title isn't a dead giveaway, the song is ideal for the 18-34 female demo that Country radio programmers yearn to target; the only thing those listeners may dislike about "Good Girl" is that it wasn't written about them. 
Tyler Farr is bringing his distinctive gravely vocals back to radio with "Love By The Moon," just in time for the Summer season. This up-tempo, feel-good track is chock full of all the great things we love about longer days and shorter nights -- and making the most of both. "Love By The Moon" is Country at its lyrical core, telling of how folks work hard and play harder. "Round here we go our hands in the dirt all week / Round here it's a summertime dip in the creek / Round here we get high on the air we breathe / Raise 'em up if you know what I mean // Live by the sun, love by the moon / Pick up your girl when the work is through / Light up the night til the sky turns blue / Live by the sun, love by the moon." If that doesn't make you want to punch your time card, stop at the Quick Sack for a twelve pack, and gather up your girl and your guys for a night of summertime debauchery, I'm not sure what will.
Fresh off of his 20th career #1 hit, Jason Aldean has released his newest single, "Drown The Whiskey," from his current album, "Rearview Town." For this mid-tempo track about heartache, Aldean has recruited Miranda Lambert, who lends a feminine touch to the song about drowning your sorrows to the best of your ability. My personal favorite track from "Rearview Town," this song brings an element of story telling with a huge star-powered collaboration that is sure to garner attention from CMA and ACM voters this coming awards cycle year. While the melding of Aldean and Lambert's voices seems to make for a sure-fire hit, what isn't as certain is the outcome of the narrator's night of drinking. Will the whiskey drown the heartache, or will the memories just be too strong, even for Lynchburg's finest? "Whiskey's supposed to drown the memory / I've gone from one to one too many / And, the thing that really gets me / Is how your memory drowns the whiskey." This seems like an obvious add to me, and I predict a rise to the top that's sure to move quicker than the hangover caused by the whiskey.
With his new single, "You're In It," Granger Smith has found a touch-'em-all tune for Country radio as we head into Summer. This song has tempo, which radio craves year-round; a terrific, memorable hook; and a first-love, nostalgic feeling, always a strong Summer theme. "There's a front porch swing at your momma's house / And, a little stream up in the mountains / A shotgun seat and an ocean breeze / There's a ferris wheel just spinnin' 'round / A midnight moonlight shining down." There's also a sense of the unknown, which Smith embraces here, as he makes a long term, unconditional commitment: "All I see is you and me / In my dreams and everything / I don't know what the future holds / All I know is, girl, you're in it." All of these components add up to a song tailor made for radio airplay, and especially for Summer, which is traditionally the strongest season for Country radio. 
If you're looking for a right-down-the-middle, mid-tempo Country love song..."This Is It." Seriously, though. Is there anything more perfectly romantic than a well-executed proposal? Maybe. But, only if it's the song that you personally wrote just two weeks before you perfectly executed the proposal that you detailed in your song. Did you follow that? Yeah. That's right. Scotty McCreery wrote "This Is It" before proposing to now-finace Gabi Dugal, and the song completely lays out his full proposal, detail-for-detail. Then, two weeks later, McCreery replicated the song in his-real proposal. Now, THAT is romance, gentlemen! McCreery is more than just a romantic at heart, though; he is a proven winner on Country radio, and "This Is It" is another sure-fire hit with a direct arrow to the heart of your core audience. "This is it, this is now / This is what I've been talking about / Look out, can't you see forever / You take my hand, just take it in / This is a moment we won't forget / On top of the world here together / If there ever was a time for a perfect kiss / This is it." With Spring love in the air and wedding season around the corner, we're all looking for this year's perfect love song. "This Is It."
After a huge success with his debut single, "Singles You Up," and the release of his debut "Home State" album, Jordan Davis is proving to us that he has no plans to slow down (both figuratively AND tempo-wise). If you don't believe it, just listen to his new single, "Take It From Me." And, if you're still on the fence, listen to the entire "Home State" album. Davis is one of those artists that sounds cool no matter what he's singing about; he has a unique and distinctive voice that pairs perfectly with his ability to say things in a new, fashionable way. "Take It From Me" has that upbeat tempo that will immediately make your head bob along with it, and the chorus will without-a-doubt have you singing along: "Take it from me if you want a t-shirt to sleep in / It's my favorite, but you can keep it / Looks good, baby, you should leave it / Hanging off your shoulders / Now give them bare feet dancing down the hallway / Smiling at me running your finger down the wall / You know what I want, I got what you need / Take it from me." With the Summer season at our fingertips and Davis about to hit the road with Jake Owen's "Life's Whatcha Make It Tour," this song has successfully been released at the right time. Add it today.
You may know him as the "yodeling kid" from the viral video of him performing Hank Williams, Sr.'s "Lovesick Blues" in Walmart, but Mason Ramsey is a legit act all on his own. The eleven-year-old pop culture sensation has inked a record deal with Big Loud and has already released his first single, "Famous." But, don't let his age fool you -- Ramsey is a throwback, old school, Classic Country loving lyricist putting his stamp on a modern-day love song. While Ramsey may be "famous" for his viral video, his debut single lets the world know he'd like to be known for much more. "If I'm gonna be famous for something / I'm gonna be famous for loving you / If I'm gonna be known around the world / I want it because of you, girl." The single was penned by some Music City heavy-hitters, including Sarah Buxton, Canaan Smith, Corey Crowder, and FGL's Tyler Hubbard. Our format is known for identifying talent early, having made stars of Billy Gilman, LeAnn Rimes, Jessica Andrews, Tanya Tucker, Brenda Lee, and others well before they had their driver's license. Check out Mason Ramsey, because you never know who might be the next to become "Famous."
Devin Dawson has already proven himself to be a likeable, clever wordsmith, thanks to his debut single, "All On Me," on Warner Bros./WEA. That tune was what I've referred to as a "burn it in" song; the kind that sounds better and resonates the more you hear it, without causing fatigue. Now, Dawson is back with "Asking For A Friend," where he's taken the phrase applied with sarcasm so often on social media and turned it into an earnest, innocent, and modest means of introduction. "Hey I was just wondering if anyone was sitting here / And, if not, would it be okay if someone bought you a beer? / Let's say that someone wanted to dance / Would he have any snowball in hell of a chance / To get you out on the floor before this slow song ends? / Oh hey, I'm just asking for a friend." Listening all the way through is important here, and that's all we'll reveal about this story. But, it's a good story that relies on solid lyrics, which is the cornerstone of great Country songs. This is a mainstream, mid-tempo song, and another one from Dawson that will wear well on your radio station. 
Dan + Shay
