R.J. Curtis
All Access Nashville Editor R.J. Curtis Joins Country Radio Seminar As Exec. Dir.
ALL ACCESS NASHVILLE Editor RJ CURTIS has been named COUNTRY RADIO BROADCASTERS (CRB) Executive Director, effective MONDAY, NOVEMBER 12th. He succeeds BILL MAYNE, who announced his MAY 2019 retirement back in APRIL (NET NEWS 4/18). CURTIS will work ...
CMA Broadcast Award Winners Announced
The COUNTRY MUSIC ASSOCIATION (CMA) announced the 2018 "CMA BROADCAST AWARDS" winners in conjunction with the "52ND ANNUAL CMA AWARDS" today (10/15). BROKEN BOW ...
There's an ongoing and passionate conversation underway about female artist development/opportunities at Country radio. We don't have enough room, nor adequate time here, to take a deep dive into that topic, but I have two words that can help the situation immediately: Kelsea Ballerini. This talented young lady has four career #1 singles; major endorsements; an effervescent, positive personality; always represents herself and Country music well; and yet, still seems unfairly under-appreciated. If Colgate-Palmolive, a national brand company with an annual income in the billions of dollars thinks she's worthy enough to pitch Colgate toothpaste on national TV spots, and if Pop duo The Chainsmokers are seeking her out to collaborate, my question is: Country radio, what are you waiting for? For years, I've heard PDs say every song is a marketing opportunity, so now, in Ballerni's case, I say to PDs: use it or lose it. Her new single, "Miss Me More," is an up-tempo, contemporary song with an empowering theme that all ladies can probably relate to: "I thought I'd miss you (when it ended) / I thought it hurt me (but it didn't) / I thought I'd miss you / I thought I'd miss you / But, I miss me more." I don't know if the answer to the female debate at Country radio is to play all the female songs, but maybe we should play a helluva a lot more of the RIGHT ones. If we want another high-profile female star, we have to pitch in and apply some elbow grease here. Wait for it to simply happen at your own peril. Ballerini is young, talented, attractive on many levels, and in demand. We should play this early, often, and for a while. Otherwise, we'll be sitting on the sidelines, watching her grab more big endorsements while she becomes a Pop star, scratching our heads and pondering what could have been. Then, we'll be missing HER more. 
Wheelhouse Records duo Walker McGuire is taking us all back in time with their latest single, "Growin' Up." Bound to put you in your feels, it's a track everyone can easily relate to, as it brings childhood memories to the front of our minds. As many of you know from seeing Walker McGuire perform live -- whether that was in the station break room during their radio tour last year or at a recent show to support a station guitar pull -- the duo's harmonies and lyrics are pretty hard to forget. And, the infectious melody that continues throughout the entire tune pairs perfectly with Jordan Walker and Johnny McGuire's voices as the chorus rings out, "Man, I wish that I could go back now / Stop the clock and take another lap around / If I knew then what I know right now / Life'll get you down, break your heart, mess you up / Yeah man, but that's just part of growing up / Yeah, growing up." Already with more than 615,000 Spotify streams since its Friday, September 21st release, the tune is certainly one that will have listeners turning up the dial this Fall, ready to make plans with friends and family members they may have not seen in a while. This isn't a trick, it's a treat; add "Growin' Up" immediately.
As many a Pop crooner has said before, "love is a many splendored thing." But, one of the greatest, most splendid things about love is that -- in its truest form -- it makes us a better person. But, how could Brothers Osborne really get any better? Your reigning ACM and CMA Vocal Duo Of The Year are bringing you another masterpiece with their newest single, "I Don't Remember Me (Before You)," and it just so happens to be one of my favorites from their brilliant "Port Saint Joe" album. This isn't a guitar-slinging monster like "Shoot Me Straight" or "Stay A Little Longer;" instead, "I Don't Remember Me" echoes the dreamy nostalgia of The BROS underrated (in my opinion) "21 Summer." TJ Osborne's vocals shine in this one, as he questions how in the world he lived a life before finding his true love. "Was I just another ghost in this town? / Who was I when no one was around? / Did I even know what I was living without? / Who were all of my favorite songs about?" If you've fallen in love -- and, who among us hasn't -- you can relate to the pondering of what life was like before that great love came along and forever changed your world. "I heard I was a wild one / Acted like a child some / But, I really don’t recall / Heard I was a fast one / Always was the last one / Waiting on the other shoe to fall / I’ve seen pictures and I’ve heard stories / About the boy I used to be / But, I don’t remember me / No, I don't remember me before you." This song is relatable, a great sing-along, and delivers in continuing The BROS steady stream of radio-friendly gems with instant familiarity. Frankly, I'm starting to think that I don't remember me before BROS...and, I'm betting some of your listeners agree.
Rascal Flatts: 20 years as a successful band, and they're still love struck. And, you will be, too, after just one spin of "Back To Life," the trio's brand new single that accentuates all the positive nuances in a relationship. "Likes coffee with her sugar in the morning / She likes to leave little red lipstick love notes on the mirror / Loves the rain on a tin roof when it's pouring / Doesn't matter what we're listening to / Spinning her around the living room / And, I fall apart every time." Rascal Flatts know who and what they are, and -- while I've said this before about Flatts -- it's still true: they continue to do what they do best on this track. In 2018, it's impossible to have a conversation about Flatts without mentioning Dan + Shay. We must do that again, because Shay Mooney is a co-writer here, and this is why I have nothing but respect for Rascal Flatts. Because, they have shown nothing but respect for Dan + Shay since the young, talented duo came on to the scene, inspired and influenced by ... wait for it ... Rascal Flatts. This isn't the first cut from Dan + Shay the Flatts have cut; it probably won't be the last, either, and this is why Flatts is so smart and will endure. They're not threatened by a new act sitting directly in their musical lane; they embrace it with a bear hug. "Back To Life" is a love song that two lovers can literally waltz to. It's a completely likeable cut with huge female appeal. It's a familiar voice - the voice of Gary LeVox, who can still deliver a tune like this. There's no downside here. 
Regardless of the fact that Chris Lane draws a stick figure girlfriend onto all of his photos on Instagram, this guy knows how to deliver a love song. We heard his daring side on "Fix" and his sweet side on "Take Back Home Girl" with Tori Kelly. Now, Lane is showing us his hopeless romantic side with his newest single, "I Don't Know About You." Already garnering well over 12 million Spotify streams, the tune tells the nerve-racking story of getting to know someone new, and Lane does a clever job at using the title as a double meaning throughout the song. The verses begin with "I don't know about you" and continually list off things Lane hopes the girl is mutually thinking. The chorus ends with the same "I don't know about you line," but with a completely different meaning: "What’s your name, what’s your sign, what’s your birthday? / What’s your wrist tattoo Bible verse say? / Tell me this do you kiss on the first date? / Don’t hold anything back / What’s your dream job? / Girl, where’s your hometown? / What makes your world spin round and around? / Are you down to get out of here, too? / Tell me everything till there’s nothing I don’t know about you." This mid-tempo track will add flavor to every playlist. "I Don't Know About You," but I'd add it ASAP.
With four consecutive #1 songs under his belt, all from his debut album, Brett Young has become an undeniable force on Country radio. His distinctive voice and female-friendly themes have made him a fan-favorite, and now he is preparing to release his sophomore album. Its lead single,"Here Tonight," features everything your listeners have come to love about Brett and his music, and it brings you a punch of tempo with a sing-along chorus. Co-written with Lady Antebellum's Charles Kelley along with Ben Caver and Justin Ebach, "Here Tonight" is somewhat autobiographical in nature, as it was written shortly after Brett proposed to fiancee Taylor Mills in February. "We can just stay here in this minute / Lose all track of time / Let the world spin on without us for a while / I'm telling you, we're just one kiss away from heaven / So, baby, hold on tight / Cause I want / To get wrapped up / In your love / So, baby, let's just / Stay here tonight." It won't take more than two listens for this hooky-number to get firmly planted in your head in the best way possible. Give it a listen, and give your listeners what they're looking for with new Brett Young music.
"Let's get a little day drunk / Party with our shades on / Play a bunch of old songs / Sing along, get the words wrong (who cares?) / When you're day drunk / Get down while the sun's up / Make a little good love like it's date night / In the daylight and it feels right when you're / Day drunk, day drunk, yeah when you're / Day drunk, day drunk." On the heels of his first American career #1 hit, Morgan Evans is keeping the good times alive with the release of his newest single, "Day Drunk." Evans' personality shines throughout this entire track; he's full of positivity and fun-packed ideas, and he is clearly a great drinking buddy. With the Fall and Winter seasons slowly but surely creeping up, the weather is ready to get colder, and you're more than likely bound to stay inside more. With that being said, why not take Morgan Evans' great advice and get a little "Day Drunk" with your significant other or a group of friends? As Evans suggests: "I'm thinking happy hour on the hour / Get a good buzz on an hour / Dancing tipsy, sing it with me, baby." Add "Day Drunk" today and give your listeners a reason to celebrate!
Leave it to Carrie Underwood to use her powers for good. By powers, I of course mean her ever-powerful vocals and her prominence as a Country star. And, the good we are speaking of in this instance is the uplifting message of hope Carrie delivers in her latest single, "Love Wins." In a time of divisiveness within our country, and even within our musical tastes, look no further than "Love Wins" for the reminders that unity breeds hope, and from hope springs love...and, naturally, "Love Wins." A straight-down-the-middle, classic Carrie song with instant familiarity is always something to love, as well. "I, I believe / You and me are sisters and brothers / And, I...I believe / We're made to be here for each other / We'll never fall / If we walk hand in hand / Put a world that feels broken together again / Yeah, I...I believe / In the end / Love wins." It's simple, really. Faith, hope, and love; and, the greatest of these is love. Carrie is bringing her message of faith and hope with "Love Wins." 
We're already well-aware of how talented Lindsay Ell is, with her easily recognizable voice, her power to slay an electric guitar, her great stage presence -- the list goes on. But, have you ever wondered what would come out of pairing Lindsay Ell with Walker Hayes inside a writing room? "Champagne" happens, that's what. Maybe you didn't even know that she co-wrote her latest single with Hayes, but it sure makes sense when you hear the song's chorus: "You make me feel like Jessica Biel / Stepping out of the stretch / Diamonds huggin' my neck for the paparazzi / Got me like I'm droppin' the mic / So natural, a diva, just call me Aretha for real / You make me feel like I'm the champagne." The song's groovy sound is just as spunky and sassy as its lyrics, and there's no doubt in my mind that it will have listeners swaying along to both, as they head to the store for a nice bottle of champagne. It's different than what Ell's impacted Country radio with in the past, but in a good, refreshing way. It flows even better than champagne itself does. So, pop the bubbly, throw a party, and add "Champagne" now!
There has been a huge buzz on CoJo Music/WMN artist Cody Johnson, weeks ahead of his official Monday, September 10th impact date for "On My Way To You." A ten-year vet of relentless touring and career development in the always-hard-to-crack Texas music scene, Johnson arrives fully vetted and fully developed as an artist and person. Part of that development, by the way, has been capably playing to 75,000 fans at the Houston Rodeo, and moving 350,000 hard tickets in 2017. During a recent impromptu "10 Questions" session with All Access Nashville, it was clear this is a mature-beyond-his years (only 30) artist, who is completely self-aware. Johnson has been sharpening his chops among the Nashville songwriting community for a while now, and that work is evident with "On My Way To You." Texas music purists may, on the surface, worry that Johnson will drink the Music Row Kool-Aide and become what they see as part of the assembly line process of making Nashville-ready music. Actually, the opposite is true, because it feels more like Johnson has had an influence on his collaborators, which include veteran Music Row tune smith Brett James. On this single, as with the rest of Johnson's project, you'll hear steel, fiddle, dobro, and banjo - in short, actual Country music. Johnson has crafted a true love story with "On My Way To You," sharing every mistake he's ever made in life, all of which have brought him to his love: "All the boats I’ve missed / All the hell I’ve caused / All the lips I’ve kissed / All the love I’ve lost / I got kicked around / I’ve been black and blue / On my way to you." This tune is catchy, honest, heartfelt, and vulnerable storytelling. Johnson has a nearly perfect voice for Country music and this type of message; it should be a total smash and is a potential game-changer. The pendulum has been slowly moving toward a more traditional feel at Country; maybe Johnson is one of the artists who can make that pendulum swing a lot faster. 
As the Summer season winds down and Kenny Chesney completes the final shows of his insanely successful "Trip Around The Sun Tour," the latest single from his "Songs For The Saints" album has been released to Country radio. Titled "Better Boat," the track delivers a message that resonates with everyone, especially with the changing seasons. The tune's lyrics and calming tempo create the type of song that is bound to brighten up an entire stadium with cell phone flashlights, as Chesney sings in the chorus: "I breathe in, I breathe out / Got friends to call who let me talk about / What ain't working, what's still hurtin' / All the things I feel like cussing out / Now and then I let it go / I ride the waves I can't control / I'm learning how to build a better boat." I feel as though this track best represents what his "Songs For Saints" album is really about: rebuilding life after last year's treacherous Hurricane Irma that destroyed the Virgin Islands, including Chesney's home there. And, regardless of if the storm personally affected you or not, we all have those times in life where we wish we could do better or be better, whether that's for ourselves or for somebody else. Chesney's "Better Boat" is here to remind you that even if the anchors are pulling you down, the sails are ripping, and you're caught in the middle of a storm, there is always a way to turn a negative into a positive and build yourself a better boat.
Keith Urban's latest album, "Graffiti U" is the third in a series of progressive, daring, and experimental projects that, over time, I believe will be considered a trilogy of terrific work that also includes 2013's "Fuse" and 2016's "Ripcord." Inside of those albums have been equally envelope-pushing singles. His recent #1, "Coming Home," had a busy intro that featured - among other things - a Merle Haggard riff, for God's sake. He's followed that by taking more chances, bringing us "Never Comin' Down," the intro of which is deceivingly funky, powered by Urban's bass-plying and a soaring, infectious chant. Soon enough, though, this tune erupts into an uptempo, exuberant, euphoric anthem featuring all the feels. "It was so high, we can paint the sky / Tear the top right off the ceiling / And, I swear we're never, ever, ever coming down / Never coming down." This is reminiscent of so many up tempo songs by Urban with a gigantic hook. He's been doing it for years, dating back to 2001's "Where The Blacktop Ends," 2004's "You're My Better Half," 2011's "Long Hot Summer," and, more recently, 2013's "We Were Us" and 2016's "Wasted Time." These are not music meeting tunes; they shine brightest and resonate most in the on-air mix, exploding out of the radio speakers unexpected. I have an unabashed bias for Urban's style and his musical daring-do. I've always appreciated artists who challenge me; who sometimes make me uncomfortable at first, only to win me over with songs I cannot get out of my head. Or, as Keith Urban sings here, "I wanna see you move and hear you sing it out loud." 
Sassy. It's just downright sassy. That's how I feel when I listen to the new smash from Runaway June, "Buy My Own Drinks." It's female empowerment meets "Boss Babe" movement all in one. Tempo, with a catchy hook, and perfect for a sing-along, the song will get stuck in your head in the best possible way. The ladies of Runaway June aren't new to the scene -- most of you know them by now and are familiar with their killer harmonies and unique style. While they made a splash with their debut, "Lipstick," and follow-up single, "Wild West," their third offering is a straight-down-the-middle grand slam, in my opinion. These three independent women are proving that they are ready to take on the world, together, and the lyrics make me want to grab my ladies and turn it up to eleven before we all hit the club. "I can buy my own drinks / I can pay my own tab / And, at the end of the night when they cut off all the light / I can call my own cab / I can drop my own change in the jukebox / I can dance all by myself / So, I can stop thinkin' 'bout, drinkin' about him / I don't need nobody else / Yeah, I can buy my own drinks." This is familiar, relatable, and a surefire hit. Give it the spins it deserves, and watch crowds light up when this one comes on.
If you are a Country radio programmer looking for the perfect, mid-tempo love song to plug in to your playlist, look no further than Chase Rice's latest single, "Eyes On You." By now, we're all familiar with Rice's calming vocals, catchy hooks, and easygoing songwriting style, but "Eyes On You" sounds like a game-changer for his career, if you ask me. With more than 50 million streams worldwide before even being released to Country radio, the track is speaking for itself. As the song becomes more familiar with Country music lovers around the world, you can't help but notice for yourself that the more you hear it, the more you love it. And, it has a chorus that you can't help but sing along to, with an unforgettable melody: "No matter where we go / No matter what we do / If you're there, girl, I've got my eyes on you / Don't matter where we've been / No, there ain't no better view / Than you in my arms with my eyes on you." Chase even said so himself that this is a song that he's been waiting his entire career for; let's make it huge for him. 
If you're thinking that the pendulum is slowly swinging back toward center, you may just be right. Further proof is the debut single from Riley Green, "There Was This Girl." Green is a tall country boy from Alabama who leans on the more traditional side. Evoking a dash of Chris Cagle's "Chicks Dig It" theme and an up-tempo, straight-down-the-middle melody, "There Was This Girl" will have you both smiling in recognition and toe-tapping in no time. A good story-song in disguise, "There Was This Girl" follows the rowdy road-dog along his path to finding musical stardom while also impressing the ladies. "Some folks ask me why I still pick this guitar / They say livin' that life on the road won't get you very far/ I say, man, you should've been down in Tupelo / Seen what was in the front row // There was this girl / Beer in her hand / Shootin' me a 'play a little Skynyrd' grin / She's turnin' it up / She's turnin' me on / And, I'd play her anything she'd sing along / I was out of my mind / She was out of this world / There was this girl." Riley Green has already made quite a name for himself out on the road, playing to packed houses who are already singing along. Jump on the train, and add "There Was This Girl."
I think we can all agree by saying Dan + Shay are on fire, especially with their newly-released, self-titled album. The project debuted at #1 with more than 24,000 in pure album sales during its first week. And, if that doesn't impress you as much as it should, the project's lead single, "Tequila," topped the Mediabase Country singles chart for two consecutive weeks. Now, as the duo releases their new single, "Speechless," it's clear that they are nowhere near ready to throw the towel in when it comes to hit songs. "Speechless" not only sounds like a bonafide #1, but it will also have you grabbing the hand of your significant other, running to the nearest steeple to say "I do," and sing the song's chorus at the top of your lungs: "I'm speechless / Staring at you, standing there in that dress / What it's doing to me ain't a secret / 'Cause watching you is all that I can do / And, I'm speechless / You already know that you're my weakness / After all this time, I'm just as nervous / Every time you walk into the room / I'm speechless." As if the record wasn't good enough on its own, Dan + Shay also blessed our lives with a wedding video to go along with it -- one that features both of their own weddings. Fair warning: it will make you tear up. So, grab the tissues, watch the video, and add "Speechless" to your playlist immediately.
The Southern Ground Sessions [EP]
