Wednesday, March 6, 2024

ERIC CHURCH GIVES CHIEF’S BUILDING TO HIS FANS

Tens of Thousands of Deeds Issued to Church Choir Complete with Digital Collectibles

“The fans have helped me build my career brick by brick and I 
wanted the whole world to know.”
– Eric Church


Eric Church has always done things differently and the highly-anticipated opening of his downtown Nashville bar, restaurant and live music venue, Chief’s, is no exception. Its roll-out reminiscent of his 2015 Mr. Misunderstood surprise album release that prompted fans to run to mailboxes for the first word (and listen) of his fifth studio album, this week similarly saw tens of thousands of fans logging online to match their personal deeds to the physical framework of the revitalized six-story downtown Nashville establishment.

“This is top class cool,” one Choir member remarked, posting an image of their deed to which another replied, “This is so awesome to be a part of!”

“You’ve helped me build my career brick by brick, and I want the whole world to know that the building is yours,” Church shared directly with fans. “This is not just another club downtown. This is our house. I’ve been involved in every step of restoring this historic building into a place we can call our own and, because you’ve been with me every step of my career, I’m proud to dedicate a physical brick of the Chief’s building to each and every one of you.”


In addition to being given a deed to individual bricks that form the building, fans also received the first of an ongoing series of digital collectibles, including a digital version of their brick which gives access to exclusive content and other new fan club perks – like never before heard demos, unreleased video footage and priority entry at Chief’s. Other digital collectibles given to fans upon launch included ‘Vinyl for Life’ – which grants a fan first edition vinyl of Church’s entire catalog and a copy of every new piece of vinyl released going forward, including all color variants. The new technology is also being utilized to give away rare items, including a signed guitar that is paired with a digital collectible that grants access to content like a guitar lesson from Church’s guitarist Driver Williams and videos of performances of Church playing the guitar. Other giveaways include year-long subscriptions to SiriusXM and a chance to record a guest DJ set at the Chief’s studio as part of Outsiders Radio “Insiders Hour.”

“My songs are mine, until I release them, and then they're never mine again. And this building’s a lot that way,” reflects Church. “It’s been mine in the building of it, in the cultivating with the stories, the challenges, and the successes. But once Chief’s opens, it’s not mine anymore. It belongs to the Choir. It belongs to the fans. It belongs to the patrons. It belongs to the stories they create there. It belongs to the music they listen to there and share from there. So, my story ends where theirs begins and that’s the essence of what you do musically and what we’re trying to do at Chief’s.”

Church initially announced Chief’s in early 2022 with real estate developer and hospitality entrepreneur Ben Weprin of AJ Capital leading the renovation. As construction is well underway, the co-owners have also revealed more details of the space designed to celebrate Church’s ever-expanding musical legacy while creating a downtown Nashville gathering place for all.

Chief’s features a ticketed music venue plus additional live entertainment throughout the building and unique décor elements such as more than 4,000 concert posters from throughout the CMA Entertainer of the Year’s career papering the ground floor. Chief’s will also house a studio for broadcasting, inclusive of Eric Church Outsiders Radio on SiriusXM, with the capability of hosting broadcasts by various media partners. With street-level windows, the studio will provide fans from around the world with a thrilling behind-the-scenes experience with a front-row view of broadcasting in action.

The venue also taps into Church’s Carolina roots in partnership with Rodney Scott, whose Whole Hog BBQ – part of the Pihakis Restaurant Group – will overlook downtown with its ‘Hell of a Q’ rooftop location.

Situated at the intersection of 2nd Avenue North and Broadway at 200 Broadway in historic downtown Nashville, Chief’s is designed with Church’s direct input to pay homage to chapters in his life. Between the inspirational interiors and thoughtful focus on unique live performances – and now ownership of the building itself – Chief’s will offer fans an unparalleled entertainment experience in Music City.

For more information, visit EricChurch.com and ChiefsOnBroadway.com.







Friday, March 1, 2024

Craig Campbell Sets Date for Passionate Class of ’89 Album

The Lost Files: Exhibit B Lands on First ACM Awards Ballot


Last year was an ambitious time of music for country hitmaker Craig Campbell, releasing the 16-song The Lost Files: Exhibit A and the 17-song Exhibit B, the second of which landed on the first ballot of the ACM Awards. Today, he announced one of the most passionate projects of his career, Class of ’89. The six songs represent the core influences who helped mold his desire to pursue a career as an artist and songwriter. The album will hit April 19 on Grindstone Recordings.

“I have been dreaming of recording this album for as long as I can remember,” said Craig. “These songs are some of the reasons I fell in love with country music in the first place. Every song on this album has a story, and each one of those stories shaped me into the country singer I am today. There will never be anyone that can do these songs as good as the originals, but at the very least I hope I made them proud.”

“Killin' Time” kicks off the collection. “Killin' Time was the first album (cassette) I ever bought with my own money. That album changed my life!”

“’Too Cold At Home’ is a song we played every show. That song became a staple for us, and the fans got to where they expected us to play it.”

“’Bluest Eyes In Texas’ is another song that the band loved to play. If there was a song that we looked forward to playing every night, it was this one. It allowed us all to shine in our own musical way but also as a great country band.”

“’On The Other Hand’ was the first song my wife ever heard me sing. She didn't even really know me at the time but she says that's the moment I landed on her radar!”

“’Be My Baby Tonight’ was the song I sang when I won my first singing contest. You could say that singing that song was the moment I knew I wanted to be on stage every chance I got.”

“’Anymore’ is simply my favorite song of all time, and Travis Tritt is also on the list of my favorite singers of all time. I wanted to showcase the song and it just felt right to do it stripped down, just me and the piano.”

In a move unique in the Nashville music scene, Craig enlisted his friends to hunker down in the studio to record all of the tracks. “These are guys I spent years with on the road. When it came time to go into the studio, I knew there was no other band that could play these songs the way I wanted better than my boys. Thank you David Black, Shawn, Aaron, David Karns, Jamie, Tyler and David Spires!”

The Class of ‘89 album cover was a photo taken by a local photographer in Craig’s home town of Lyons, Georgia after he won his first talent show singing “Be My Baby Tonight.” The photo is the perfect representation of where he was when all of this music came into his life.

Craig dug deep into his catalog of songs recorded during two label deals and gems he cut for his own label, when he released The Lost Files: Exhibit A in February and Exhibit B in August. “I was thrilled to see Exhibit B on the first ACM Awards ballot, but most of all I was just happy to get all of these songs out for everyone to hear.”

In 2022, Craig and his wife Mindy opened Grindstone Cowboy in their adopted home town of Eagleville, TN. The coffee shop, restaurant and music venue has become a popular gathering spot for locals and visitors alike and received Ruthies Awards for best “Local Coffee Shop” and “Live Music/Concert Venue.” They are currently building out their second location in Shelbyville, TN.

The 9th Annual Craig Campbell Celebrity Cornhole Challenge was held during CMA Fest week and raised over $27,000 the Kenny Campbell Foundation, a nonprofit organization founded by Craig to honor his father who lost his battle with Colorectal Cancer at age 36.



For updates on tour dates and other news about Craig, visit: https://www.craigcampbell.tv/

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https://twitter.com/craigcampbelltv

https://www.facebook.com/CraigCampbelltv/

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TUNE-IN: JO DEE MESSINA AND A STAR-STUDDED LINEUP HONOR TRISHA YEARWOOD FOR AUSTIN CITY LIMITS 9TH HALL OF FAME

 


Tune in this Saturday night for the ninth annual Austin City Limits Hall of Fame, honoring the remarkable career of country music icon Trisha Yearwood. Catch Jo Dee Messina singing Yearwood's 1991 chart-topping hit "She's in Love with the Boy," alongside tributes from Don Henley, Ronnie Dunn, Brothers Osborne and Brandy Clark. 

The broadcast premieres Saturday, March 2 at 8 pm ET/7 pm CT on PBS (check local listings). 

The special will be available to music fans everywhere to stream online beginning Sunday, March 3 at 10 am ET at pbs.org/austincitylimits.

ALLIE COLLEEN PREMIERES DEBUT OFFICIAL VIDEO FOR NEW SINGLE “WHILE WE’RE STILL FRIENDS” FEAT. LEE BRICE

The official support video for “While We’re Still Friends” feat. Lee Brice by Allie Colleen premiered yesterday on Stryk TV and Country Rebel social media platforms. The video is being added in rotation on Music Choice and CMT Music (CMT’s 24-hour channel) and should start spinning the week of March 3rd.

Produced by Logen Christopher at Stormlight Pictures in Nashville, TN, the video beautifully portrays the emotional journey of a relationship coming to an end and the delicate process of moving forward with grace.

“I cannot even begin to share the excitement of sharing this video with everyone. The support on this song has been amazing and I am honored and humbled by everyone’s kindness on the song's message,” expressed Allie Colleen.

"Allie Colleen brings an exciting sound and energy to music lovers as she comes from an iconic country music lineage with a strong tradition of bridging genres. As a host on SiriusXM Classic Rewind and StrykTV, I can attest that while her roots may be in country, her music resonates across genres and generations.” shared Dean Baldwin, SiriusXM, StrykTV, FM2.0.

With a reputation as a notable songwriter with an iconic-sounding, impeccably strong voice, Allie Colleen released “While We’re Still Friends” featuring Lee Brice as her first release of the new year on February 17, amassing more than 100K organic Spotify streams in the first 4 days. The raw emotion-filled song lyrics, brimming with honesty and sincerity, were collaboratively penned by Allie Colleen, Sara Brice, and Lee Brice.

“While We’re Still Friends” is available on all digital music platforms HERE.


Allie Colleen shared, “For me as a writer, this song was written looking at my marriage and the beautiful season about to end. I hope the listeners find comfort in knowing the absolute bravery required to make the best decisions for themselves and for the best of both partners. I hope this song creates a safe space to feel and reflect.”

“As a songwriter, sometimes I find it hard to understand when writing about myself or creating a narrative using other characters. This song was a ‘punch in the gut’ reality check for me. What started as a co-writer’s idea turned into years of unspoken anxiety and repressed honesty about the relationship I had found myself in. This song in its own way shattered my world and in another way saved my life.”

"Simply said…Allie was made for this. She is authentic to her core regardless of circumstance and in this world we live in right now, that is a tough thing to do and a refreshing quality to find. When Allie, Sara and I first sat down to write this song, I immediately saw that Allie takes on the good, the bad and the ugly in her songwriting. It’s never an easy thing to put your personal life into a song the world will hear and I applaud Allie for challenging herself to go there so honestly,” shared co-producer Lee Brice. “The way she plays, her effortless singing, her God-given ability to connect with people - this song has it all. It is an arrow through the heart and Allie delivers it exactly how it’s supposed to be and only how she could. I am truly honored to be a small part of such a big talent."

Jerrod Nieman added, “I love everything about Allie as a friend and just a great person. It all reflects in her music well beyond her years. She makes music straight from the soul. Working with her and Lee Brice in the studio was truly one of my most memorable moments in Nashville. We had such an amazing experience helping her bring her vision to life and to her fans. I am in her corner and cannot wait to hear all her great music to come.”

Production was a collaboration by Jerrod Niemann, Lee Brice and Allie Colleen with mixing by Cody LaBelle, Evan Hutchings (Drums), Mark Hill (Bass), Rob McNelley (Electric Guitar), Lee Brice (Acoustic Guitar), Mike Rojas (Keys) and Charlie Judge (Strings). George Town Masters provided mastering.

Catch up with Allie Colleen on the road:

2024 Smokeshow Tour Dates

3-01- The Paramount Theatre - Rutland, VT – SOLO - Lee Brice Acoustic Tour
3-02 - American Music Theatre - Lancaster, PA – SOLO - Lee Brice Acoustic Tour
3-14 - City Winery - Nashville - Girls On The Rise - SOLO
4-03 - Private Event - Smithfield, RI - SOLO
4-05 - Old Friends Dog Sanctuary Benefit - Nashville, TN - SOLO
5-25 - Mt. Dora Corn Festival - Mt Dora, FL
7-19 - Christian County Fair -Taylorville, IL- Open For Rodney Atkins
8-10 - Chenango County Fairgrounds - Norwich NY

More dates announced soon…


Stay current with Allie Colleen on her website alliecolleenmusic.com and follow her on Facebook, TikTok, Twitter Instagram and subscribe to her YouTube Channel.

Music is available on all digital platforms Apple Music, iTunes, Spotify, Pandora, YouTube Music and Amazon Music.

SCOTTY McCREERY ANNOUNCES FIFTH STUDIO ALBUM: "RISE & FALL" ARRIVES MAY 10

Dropped Surprise Track “Slow Dance” Last Night Following Fan Demand

Grand Ole Opry Member Induction Set for April 20

Tickets for 2024 Cab in a Solo Tour on Sale Now at ScottyMcCreery.com


Triple Tigers recording artist Scotty McCreery announces his fifth studio album Rise and Fall, featuring 13 tracks that find him exploring themes of heartbreak, rowdy nights, nostalgia, faith, newfound joy, fatherhood, and enduring love, resulting in a project full of insightful storytelling that includes last night’s surprise release, “Slow Dance.” McCreery co-wrote 12 of the 13 songs on the album, which will be released digitally as well as on CD and vinyl. In addition, Amazon will release a limited edition, forest green vinyl version of the album.

Pre-order/pre-save Rise and Fall HERE

Pre-order autographed vinyl and CDs of Rise and Fall HERE

Listen to “Slow Dance” HERE

“I know every artist says it, but this is truly my favorite album I’ve made so far,” shares McCreery. “I wanted to create an album that reflected the music I grew up on and wasn’t chasing trends. So, I brought several of my songwriting buddies to the mountains of North Carolina to sit down and write a full-on country album that told a story, start to finish, and spoke to my soul. We’ve been performing most of the album live on the road and the response from the audiences has been overwhelming. I can’t wait for everyone to hear Rise and Fall when it comes out May 10th.”

The North Carolina native knows all too well there’s a rhythm to life and a cycle of ups and downs. And right now, he’s on the upswing.

Now 30 years old and a seasoned country music veteran selling out concerts across the globe with five consecutive No. 1 hits under his belt, McCreery is also a dedicated husband and father, welcoming a son named Avery in 2022 whose impact on the singer is highlighted in several songs on the album. Recently, he even celebrated the milestone of all milestones for a guy who grew up on Randy Travis, Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton, and Ronnie Milsap; he was invited by his musical hero Garth Brooks to become the newest member of the iconic Grand Ole Opry. McCreery’s induction will take place on April 20 with another of his heroes, Josh Turner, officially welcoming him into the Opry family.

But folks like McCreery know it means more when you’ve seen the other side. For him, each highlight has come in contrast to a challenge – things like the loss of his first record deal and the year of naysaying uncertainty that followed before he built himself up again, brick by brick. As a result, Rise and Fall, produced by longtime collaborators Frank Rogers, Aaron Eshuis and Derek Wells, comes from an artist who knows to appreciate the ride – no matter where it leads.

“I feel like we’re on the rise now, but I’ve fallen pretty low as well,” McCreery admits. “I learned from every little part of that, and it helped me to know who I was as a person – let alone an artist. The rises and the falls helped craft these songs. They made this album what it is.”

With last night’s release of “Slow Dance,” written by McCreery with Brent Anderson, Derek George and Monty Criswell, McCreery looks for an exit to life in the fast lane, dropping everything to focus on what matters most. After teasing the song on social media a few months back, fans have consistently urged him to drop the track, as the romantic ballad can turn a kitchen floor into a ballroom with its ‘90s-country sway and deep, heart-melting vocal:

Baby, you’re my slow dance
To Whitley in the kitchen
Taking my hand, and all of my attention
Cheek to cheek across the floor
When I need to shut the door
On a world that’s always moving so fast
Baby, you’re my slow dance

“I am not the greatest at doing social media, but my team encourages me to do it,” explains McCreery. “A few months back, I was waiting on some hibachi takeout and listening to the new tracks in my truck. I filmed a quick video of me singing along with ‘Slow Dance’ and posted it on my socials, picked up my takeout food, and went home to eat dinner with Gabi. I looked at my phone that evening and the song had blown up; it’s now my most watched TikTok video to date. Over the last few weeks, anytime I post a photo on social media, the response I get back is ‘that’s great…so when are you putting ‘Slow Dance’ out?’ I’m excited to finally put it out!!”

“Slow Dance” is the fourth song released from the album, following lead single “Cab in a Solo” and tracks “Can’t Pass the Bar” and “Love Like This.” 

"Rise and Fall" Track Listing: 
(Songwriters in parentheses)

1.) "Little More Gone" - (Scotty McCreery, Brent Anderson, Derek George, Frank Rogers, Bobby Hamrick, Jeremy Bussey, Monty Criswell)

2.) "Cab in a Solo" - (Scotty McCreery, Brent Anderson, Frank Rogers)

3.) "Lonely" - (Scotty McCreery, Brent Anderson, Derek George, Frank Rogers, Bobby Hamrick, Jeremy Bussey, Monty Criswell)

4.) "Can’t Pass the Bar" - (Scotty McCreery, Brent Anderson, Cale Dodds, Frank Rogers)

5.) "Hey Rose" -  (Jay Brunswick, Jeremy Bussey, Bobby Hamrick)

6.) "Fall of Summer" - (Scotty McCreery, Brent Anderson, Derek George, Frank Rogers, Monty Criswell)

7.) "Love Like This" - (Scotty McCreery, Frank Rogers, Aaron Eshuis)

8.) "Slow Dance" - (Scotty McCreery, Brent Anderson, Derek George, Monty Criswell)

9.) "No Country for Old Men" - (Scotty McCreery, Brent Anderson, Derek George, Frank Rogers, Monty Criswell)

10.) "And Countin’" - (Scotty McCreery, Frank Rogers, Bobby Hamrick, Jeremy Bussey)

11.) "Stuck Behind a Tractor" - (Scotty McCreery, Chase McGill, Rhett Akins)

12.) "Red Letter Blueprint" - (Scotty McCreery, Derek George, Brent Anderson, Jeremy Bussey, Monty Criswell)

13.) "Porch" - (Scotty McCreery, Greylan James, Heather Morgan) 

As the album’s lead single “Cab in a Solo” steadily climbs the charts (currently Top 12 on both Mediabase and Billboard), McCreery’s 2024 Cab in a Solo Tour continues tonight in Boston, MA at MGM Music Hall at Fenway with an additional stop in Syracuse, NY at the Landmark Theatre tomorrow, March 2. He will be joined by Anne Wilson as direct support along with Noah Hicks. The tour, produced by Live Nation, kicked off with three consecutive sold out shows and will continue to trek across the U.S. through mid-March.

Tickets for the "Cab in a Solo" Tour are on sale now at ScottyMcCreery.com.

"Cab in a Solo" 2024 Tour Dates :

3/1 - Boston, MA - MGM Music Hall at Fenway
3/2 - Syracuse, NY- Landmark Theatre
3/14 - Johnstown, PA - 1st Summit Arena
3/15 - Wallingford, CT - Toyota Oakdale Theatre
3/16 - Schenectady, NY - Proctors Theatre


McCreery recently launched a campaign with Tunespeak where fans can earn points to gain chances to win a variety of prizes. The ultimate prize winner will receive two tickets and airfare to this year’s ACM Awards in May. Other winners will receive merch packs, signed vinyl, and more. No purchase is necessary. Interested fans can enter the campaign and learn more information at http://tnspk.co/nqwrra.