Brett Young Knocks It Out Of The Park With Video For New Single “Catch”

Ahead of a stacked week of headlining performances and appearances, Multi-PLATINUM chart-topper Brett Young dropped the “heartwarming” (CMT.com) music video for his irresistible new single “Catch,” a song that “soars” (Taste of Country) with “emotional balladry” (UpRoxx). 

Directed by Seth Kupersmith and filmed at Young’s alma-mater the University of Mississippi, the video is infused with a semi-autobiographical storyline, transporting back to his pivotal chapter as a collegiate baseball player and chronicling snippets of an early love story, ultimately revealing the moment that changed everything for Young.

In related news, “Catch,” co-written by Young, Ross Copperman and Ashley Gorley and the follow-up to five consecutive No. 1 smash hits, was a most added song at Country radio this week, signaling the chart-topper’s reign as “one of country’s most consistent radio stars” (Rolling Stone) is steadfast.

Thomas Rhett and Kelsea Ballerini Return To Host CMA Fest Music Event of Summer with Special Guest Bobby Bones

The Country Music Association has announced Country Music superstars Thomas Rhett and Kelsea Ballerini will return to host “CMA Fest,” the Music Event of Summer, with multi-media personality Bobby Bones tapped as special guest host. “CMA Fest,” the three-hour primetime concert special, which brings Country Music’s Ultimate Fan Experience to a national television audience, airs Sunday, Aug. 4 at 8/7c on the ABC Television Network. 

“This year’s CMA Fest offers something for every music fan,” says Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer. “From surprise collaborations to some of Country Music’s most exciting emerging and legendary talent, we’re excited to bring the festival to millions of fans around the world later this summer.” 

“‘CMA Fest’ is always the summer’s must-see music event with the biggest names in Country Music,” says Rob Mills, ABC Entertainment Senior Vice President, Alternative Series, Specials & Late-Night Programming. “With Thomas Rhett and Kelsea Ballerini returning for their third year and Bobby Bones joining them as special guest host, we know this summer’s festival will knock it out of the park.”

Filmed during Nashville’s annual four-day CMA Fest Thursday through Sunday, June 6-9, the television special features more than 30 performances and surprise collaborations on stage at Nissan Stadium. 2019 marks the 16th consecutive year of the broadcast, a feat no other U.S. music festival has achieved. Last year’s broadcast generated ABC’s top summertime non-sports ratings, leading ABC to the most-watched network that night (source: Nielsen Media Research). 

Morgan Wallen Celebrates His 2nd No. 1 with “Whiskey Glasses”

Big Loud Records’ rising star Morgan Wallen is Country radio’s #1 this week, topping both the Billboard Country Airplay and Country Aircheck/Mediabase charts with barstool anthem “Whiskey Glasses.” Already his first-ever Billboard Hot Country Songs #1, the infectious tune also returns to the chart’s top spot today.

“Never had I dreamed I’d be celebrating a #1 song, so the fact that this is two in a row is mind-blowing to me,” Wallen shares with Billboard. “I’m thankful for everyone who has believed in me since day one: the Lord, my team, my family, my fans and my friends at Country radio. This song is a special one, and I’m just getting started.”

The follow up to PLATINUM-certified #1 “Up Down” featuring Florida Georgia Line, “Whiskey Glasses” continues to impress both on the charts and in venues nationwide, reigning as Spotify’s #1 Country song in the U.S. while tallying 219 MILLION streams globally across all DSPs. Written by Ben Burgess and Kevin Kadish, the track is featured on Wallen’s debut album IF I KNOW ME produced by Joey Moi.

Get a glimpse of the live-show reaction to Wallen’s second chart-topper in this recently released live video shot at his SOLD-OUT Nashville headlining show earlier this year. As seen in the clip, Wallen’s raved-about live show is “thrilling” (Rolling Stone Country) and “raises a whole lot more than cane” (MusicRow), adding to the anticipation of a jam-packed week ahead at Nashville’s CMA Fest.

Wallen kicked off the big week with a performance at CMT’s Ram Jam, and continues with must-see shows throughout the week – including a live performance of “Whiskey Glasses” at the CMT Awards airing June 5 at 8pm ET / 7pm CT where Wallen is nominated for Breakthrough Video of the Year. Fans can vote for “Whiskey Glasses” now.

CATCH MORGAN WALLEN IN NASHVILLE THIS WEEK:
JUNE 5
CMT Music Awards
Broadcast live at 8pm ET / 7pm CT
JUNE 6
Morgan Wallen Fan Club Party Sponsored by Shiner
1:30pm 
HGTV Lodge Performance
3pm
Spotify House at Ole Red
1am
JUNE 7
Chevy Riverfront Stage Performance
2:30pm
CMA Booth Signing
FanFairX
4pm

On tap, Wallen will take his electric live show across the country as featured support on FGL’s CAN’T SAY I AIN’T COUNTRY TOUR, kicking off June 13 in Rogers, AR. After the summer-long tour, he’ll serve as direct support for Luke Combs’ BEER NEVER BROKE MY HEART TOUR through the end of 2019.

For more on Morgan Wallen, visit his website and follow him on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

Runaway June Set To Release Debut Album “Blue Roses” June 28

Runaway June officially announced the release date, album cover and track listing for their long-awaited debut album on Wheelhouse Records. Titled Blue Roses the project will be released appropriately in the month of June on June 28th.

Produced by Dann Huff and Ross Copperman, the album reaches from the Top 25 anthemic sing along, “Buy My Own Drinks,” which Music Row Magazine praises as a “runaway hit,” to the soaring post-breakup heart-grabbing “I Am Too,” to the poignant and stirring title track “Blue Roses.”

Blue Roses is available now for pre-order digitally and fans will instantly receive four tracks (“Buy My Own Drinks,” “Got Me Where I Want You,” “Fast As You,” and “I Am Too”) with each purchase.

“June has always had a special meaning to our band,” stated Jennifer Wayne, of Runaway June. “The name Runaway June is symbolic of the many pivotal moments in our lives and career that happen in the month of June. It’s only fitting that our first album comes out in June!”

Since Naomi Cooke, Hannah Mulholland and Jennifer Wayne formed four years ago, Runaway June has become the first all-female trio in more than a decade to earn three Top 40 hits. They have also become an ACM and CMT nominated band, been named CMT’s “Next Women of Country,” scored major tours and opening slots with some of the biggest names and icons in music (including Garth Brooks and Carrie Underwood), performed on national TV including the CMA Awards, ACM Awards, CMT Awards and TODAY, and received high praise and raves from dozens of critical outlets, all while constantly digging deeper to fill out a sound that connects them to the tradition of Country music and its devoted fans.

“We’ve been together for four years now, but this is our debut album,” said Mulholland. “We really harmonized as a band through songwriting and being out on the road, so I feel like, through that journey we were able to learn more about ourselves as people – as women, as performers, as artists – and figure out what we wanted to say, all of that is reflected in these songs.”

Songs like “Good, Bad & Ugly” that dive into the acceptance of being in a relationship, juxtaposed with songs like “Trouble with This Town” and “I Am Too,” that address the universal post-relationship struggles that make up the human experience, round out this first full-length outing from the trio and further cements why they are “a band that’s well on its way to Country music superstardom” (People.com) and the ascending trio “is about to blow up…” (Whiskey Riff).

“The album has many different faces, and it really represents all the sides of who we are. Our songs are deeply Country,” added Cooke. “We aimed to make a compelling record that displays our character, personality and where our heart is. That’s why ‘Blue Roses’ is the title track. It’s a deeply personal song we wrote several years ago, but have kept for something special”

The title track “Blue Roses” is an emotional song that highlights the depth of the album. It was co-written by Wayne and Cooke along with Caroline Cutbirth and Marcus Hummon in the wake of Cooke’s loss of a family member. It took some time before the band was able to embrace the emotions of the song fully to perform it live, but once they did, it came to symbolize the openness of music, which they feel compelled to share with their fans.

The album’s first hit “Buy My Own Drinks,” co-written by all three Runaway June members along with Hillary Lindsey and Josh Kear is currently Top 25 and continues to climb the charts.

Runaway June is on the road through the fall, supporting seven-time Grammy winner and Pollstar’s three-time top female country touring artist Carrie Underwood on the Cry Pretty Tour 360. Sponsored by CALIA, the tour kicked off on May 1 in Greensboro, NC, and will play 55 arenas across the U.S. and Canada promoted by AEG Presents. Tickets for the concerts can be purchased here.

The trio who is nominated for their “Buy My Own Drinks” video is set to perform on the CMT Music Awards on Wednesday night. Vote for them here. Additionally, they will make several appearances across CMA Fest including the Chevy Riverfront Stage, the CMA Close Up Stage in Fan Fair X and Firestone Country Roads Stage at Ascend Amphitheater on Thursday, on Saturday they will perform on the Radio Disney Stage and at Nissan Stadium.

For the latest news, tour dates and information, please visit: www.RunawayJune.com

BLUE ROSES TRACK LISTING:
“Head Over Heels” — (Hannah Mulholland, Jennifer Wayne, Naomi Cooke, Tommy Cecil, Jared Mullins)
“Buy My Own Drinks” — (Hannah Mulholland, Jennifer Wayne, Naomi Cooke, Hillary Lindsey, Josh Kear)
“We Were Rich” — (Ross Copperman, Ashley Gorley, Nicolle Galyon)
“I Know the Way” — (Hannah Mulholland, Jennifer Wayne, Naomi Cooke, Emily Shackelton, Ben West)
“Trouble with This Town” — (Jennifer Wayne, Naomi Cooke, Chris DeStefano, Liz Rose)
“Got Me Where I Want You” — (James Slater, Kat Higgins, Justin Morgan)
“Fast as You” — (Dwight Yoakam)
“I Am Too” — (busbee, Corey Crowder, Liz Rose)
“Good, Bad & Ugly” — (Hannah Mulholland, Jennifer Wayne, Naomi Cooke, Jacob Attwooll, Samuel Roman)
“Blue Roses” — (Caroline Cutbirth, Jennifer Wayne, Naomi Cooke, Marcus Hummon)

Chris Lane Releases Music Video For Summer Jam “Fishin'”

PLATINUM-selling star Chris Lane adds a twist to his fan-favorite, refreshing summer jam “Fishin’” with a new music video releasing to all digital platforms.  The country to the core track – penned by Matt Dragstrem, Brian Kelley, and Josh Thompson – is featured on Lane’s Big Loud Records sophomore album LAPS AROUND THE SUN.

Directed by Justin Clough and filmed in picturesque Pensacola Beach, FL, the clip captures the beachside buzz of young love. 

Meanwhile, Lane’s current single “I Don’t Know About You” continues to climb the Country radio airplay charts, breaking into the Top 30. The song has been streamed more than 169 MILLION times, and was Vevo’s MOST VIEWED Country music video for multiple weeks.

Lane will join Brad Paisley’s 2019 WORLD TOUR as direct support with this weekend’s shows set for Phoenix, AZ (5/31), and San Diego, CA (6/1).  He’ll continue on the road with Paisley for a jam-packed summer across the U.S., with international dates in 7 European countries on deck this fall. Later this year, he’ll hit the stage for 5 shows in the U.K. as part of CMA’s Introducing Nashville touring series alongside Danielle Bradbery, Travis Denning and Rachel Wammack.

CHRIS LANE UPCOMING TOUR DATES
May 30 – Isleta Amphitheater – Albuquerque, NM+
May 31 – Ak-Chin Pavilion – Phoenix, AZ+
June 1 – North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre – San Diego, CA+
June 6 – Toyota Amphitheatre – Sacramento, CA+
June 7 – Shoreline Amphitheatre – Mountain View, CA+
June 8 – Five Point Amphitheatre – Irvine, CA+
June 13 – USANA Amphitheatre – Salt Lake City, UT+
June 14 – Big Sky Brewing Co – Missoula, MT+
June 15 – Sunlight Supply Amphitheater – Ridgefield, WA+
June 21 – Union Park Point – New Bern, NC
June 22 – Innsbrook After Hours Concert Series – Glenn Allen, VA
June 27 – Walmart Amp – Rogers, AR+
June 28 – Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre – St. Louis, MO+
June 29 – Howard County Fair – Cresco, IA
June 30 – Captain’s Getaway – Arnolds Park, IA
July 5 – Dixon Petunia Festival – Dixon, IL
July 6 – Summerfest – Milwaukee, WI
July 11 – LaPorte County Fair – Laporte County, IN
July 12 – Country Concert – Fort Loramie, OH
July 13 – Prior Lake Rotary’s Lakefront Music Fest – Prior Lake, MN+
July 19 – Oak Mountain Amphitheatre – Birmingham, AL+
July 20 – Ruoff Home Mortgage Music Center – Indianapolis, IN+
July 21 – Riverbend Music Center – Cincinnati, OH+
July 25 – SPAC – Saratoga Springs, NY+
July 26 – St. Joseph’s Health Amphitheater at Lakeview – Syracuse, NY+
July 27 – Xfinity Center – Boston, MA+
Aug 1 – Bottle & Cork – Dewey Beach, DE
Aug 2 – Blossom Music Center – Cleveland, OH+
Aug 3 – Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre – Chicago, IL+
Aug 9 – Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena – Atlantic City, NJ+
Aug 10 – Jiffy Lube Live – Bristow, VA+
Aug 15 – Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek – Raleigh, NC+
Aug 16 – Daily’s Place – Jacksonville, FL+
Aug 17 – Coral Sky Amphitheatre – West Palm Beach, FL+
Aug 22 – The Wharf Amphitheater – Orange Beach, AL+
Aug 23 – Ameris Bank Amphitheatre – Alpharetta, GA+
Aug 24 – PNC Music Pavilion – Charlotte, NC+
Aug 25 – Country Spirit Music Festival – Glen Moore, PA
Aug 29 – XFINITY Theatre – Hartford, CT+
Aug 30 – Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater – Wantagh, NY+
Aug 31 – PNC Bank Arts Center – Holmdel, NJ+
Sept 19 – The Lyric Oxford – Oxford, MS
Oct 4 – Spektrum – Oslo, Norway+
Oct 5 – Royal Arena – Copenhagen, Denmark+
Oct 6 – Hovet – Stockholm, Sweden+
Oct 9 – Tempodrom – Berlin, Germany+
Oct 11 – Poppodium 013 – Tilburg, Netherlands+
Oct 12 – The O2 – London, United Kingdom+
Oct 13 – 3 Arena – Dublin, Ireland+
Oct 16 – RNCM – Manchester, U.K.
Oct 17 – Sage 2 – Gateshead, U.K.
Oct 18 – St. Luke’s – Glasgow, U.K.
Oct 20 – Old Market – Brighton, U.K.
Oct 21 – Cadogan Hall – London, U.K.
Nov 16 – 20 – Carolina Country Music Cruise – Charleston, SC
+ = with Brad Paisley